USS Dallas Welcomes New Commander

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Dallas (SSN 700) held a change of command ceremony at the Naval Submarine Base New London's chapel in Groton Feb. 23.

Cmdr. Jack Houdeshell relieved Cmdr. Rich Arnold during the time-honored ceremony.

"It's been a real honor to serve on Dallas for these last two and a half years," said Arnold. "It's a great ship with a talented and dedicated crew. This is the best crew I have ever worked with. Their dedication to the nation, the ship and each other is inspiring. They have far exceeded all of my expectations."

During Arnold's tour as commanding officer aboard Dallas from August 2009 to February 2012, he improved every aspect of his ship, instilled a warrior's mentality and improved the esprit de corps throughout his crew. During this time, Dallas conducted a six-month deployment to the Central Command area of responsibility returning to Groton in December 2011.

Arnold was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his leadership and achievements while in command.

"Commanding his ship with clear vision and enthusiastic leadership, Cmdr. Arnold completely transformed his officers and crew into a highly functional, mission-oriented team of warfighters whose performance culminated in a highly successful six-month deployment to the Central Command area of responsibility," said Rear Adm. Rick Breckenridge, commander, Submarine Group 2.

Arnold also received praise for the submarine's involvement with the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group during Exercise Bold Alligator 2012.

"Your support of the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group during Bold Alligator 2012 was exceptional," said Vice Adm. John Richardson, commander, Submarine Forces Atlantic in a naval message praising Arnold for his achievements. "A major step forward for SSN participation in strike group certifications."

Prior to reporting as commanding officer of Dallas, Houdeshell, a native of Iowa, served on the headquarters staff of U.S. Joint Forces Command in the Intelligence Directorate from June 2009 until May 2011.

Houdeshell discussed his excitement for the way ahead for the Los Angeles-attack submarine and its crew.

"Dallas is a great ship with a great crew. I look forward to continuing where Cmdr. Arnold has left off and taking her to sea in defense of our great country," said Houdeshell.

Houdeshell reflected on his opportunity to command USS Dallas and what it takes to reach this pinnacle in someone's naval career.

"It takes a long time to get to command. Getting the opportunity to lead a great ship like Dallas just makes the time well worth the effort," said Houdeshell. "Dallas is a great ship with a great crew."

Houdeshell also thanked the submarine's namesake city for their continued support of the submarine.

"I look forward to continuing the good relations that the Dallas has maintained with its namesake, city of Dallas, Texas," said Houdeshell.

Dallas is the first United States naval ship to bear the name of the city of Dallas, Texas. Dallas is a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine of the Los Angeles-class built by Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics Corporation.

CNO to Naples Sailors: Europe and Africa Remain Vital

By Lt. Timothy Hawkins, Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia Public Affairs

NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Jonathan Greenert reaffirmed the Navy's commitment in the European and African regions during an all-hands call at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples, Italy, Feb. 23.

Addressing more than 300 U.S. military and civilian personnel seated in the installation's Capodichino theater, Greenert said the growing numbers of ships operating forward in the Mediterranean is an indication of the region's continued significance.

"What you're doing out here is incredibly important. The only place we're moving any large surface combatants to, is Europe," said Greenert.

Four Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers will be forward deployed to Rota, Spain; USS Ross (DDG 71) and USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) in fiscal year 2014 and USS Porter (DDG 78) and USS Carney (DDG 64) in fiscal year 2015.

The multi-mission ships will perform a myriad of tasks, including the full spectrum of maritime security operations, bilateral and multilateral training exercises, NATO operations and deployments, and NATO missile defense.

"We are committed to NATO and its operations," said Greenert. "This area will be as important as it always has been in our future maritime strategy."

Yeoman 2nd Class Carloeric Calibo from Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest (EURAFSWA) appreciated Greenert's discussion on a number of topics ranging from the Enlisted Retention Board (ERB) process to education benefits and compensation issues.

"CNO gave me clearer perspective on where we're going to be in the near future as a Navy," said Calibo immediately following the all-hands call. "I had particular concerns about the ERB process that CNO addressed very clearly."

Greenert responded to a series of questions from both U.S. military and civilian employees in the audience before concluding the hour-long call.

"I appreciate the fact that CNO took into consideration answering questions and listening to the civilian personnel, not just military," said Jerica Fayall, an accountant for U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and U.S. 6th Fleet.

Before departing, Greenert thanked Naples-area Sailors and civilian employees for their service.

"Thanks for what you do. Take care of the families. They are the wind under the wings for those of us who serve," said Greenert.

NSA Naples is home to U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa; U.S. 6th Fleet; Navy Region EURAFSWA; Naval Facilities EURAFSWA; other tenant commands and U.S. personnel assigned to NATO.

Face of Defense: Veteran Ensures Safety for Marines

By Marine Corps Cpl. Garry J. Welch
31st Marine Expeditionary Unit

HAT YAO, Thailand, Feb. 23, 2012 – Deploying, embedding and ultimately ensuring the safety of the Marines with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit is just the start of what former Marine Corps Cpl. Edwin A. Ventura does here for the unit.

Working as the civilian tactical safety officer, “Ace,” as he is commonly called, works tirelessly to ensure the Marines are mindful of safety at all times.

Ventura has deployed with the 31st MEU five times to seven countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region, and he has spent more than 270 days of the last two and a half years away from his family.

“My job is important because it helps the commander in the decision-making process to ensure his Marines go into any given mission with the best information that will keep them safe out there,” he said.

The tactical safety officer’s main responsibilities are to oversee the commander’s safety program, assist the commander in incorporating training and risk management into planning, develop unit safety officers, and assist the commander with operational safety.

Although regimental and higher level units sometimes embed a tactical safety officer, Ventura’s work with the 31st MEU presents more challenges than other units, due to the nature of constant deployments.

“This MEU is so unique in the way it operates and the places it goes. I have to improvise a lot, and do a lot of last-minute things,” he said. “The biggest challenge is the mission of this MEU and the way it changes at a moment’s notice requires me to adapt quickly, and adapt my safety plan to those changes.”

One of those challenges is ensuring the Marines of the 31st MEU get their annual safety training. The training usually takes place before deployments, but because the unit deploys two to three times per year, Ventura sometimes conducts the training on a ship or in foreign countries between training exercises.

Ventura said he believes his job benefits all the Marines with the unit because it keeps them mindful of safety and encourages them to think something over carefully if they believe it might not be safe to do.

“What really helps prevent mishaps is just good common sense and good planning,” he said. “Knowing what we are going to be doing, what we are going to be involved with, and knowing the dangers associated with those things, we can be prepared for anything as we move forward.”

His efforts have been a key enabler in the continued success of the expeditionary unit while conducting regional security operations, the unit’s commander, Marine Corps Col. Andrew R. MacMannis, said.

“He is always where he needs to be making sure the MEU operates in a safe manner. His presence, work ethic, and knowledge make him invaluable,” MacMannis said. “The MEU is always looking to reduce the risk to very complex and inherently dangerous activities. Our safety record could not be matched without him. It would take years to replace him and find someone else who could operate at his level.”

The former corporal said the opportunity to still be around Marines is the best part of his job, and added that a big part of his continued success as a tactical safety officer is the support he receives from MacMinnis.

“The most important thing about safety with any unit in the Marine Corps is commander support,” Ventura said. “Without the commander’s support, nothing can be accomplished in terms of safety, so in my case, without Colonel MacMannis’s support, I couldn’t do everything that I do, and the MEU’s safety program wouldn’t be as successful as it is.”

The 31st MEU, which recently concluded Exercise Cobra Gold 2012 here, is the only continuously forward deployed Marine expeditionary unit.

Navy Supply Corps Celebrates 217th Anniversary

By Debbie Dortch, NAVSUP Corporate Communications

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (NNS) -- The Navy Supply Corps celebrated its 217th anniversary Feb. 23, commemorating a history that traces back to 1795.

At its inception, the Supply Corps supported the Navy's six frigates. Since that time, the duties and responsibilities of the Supply Corps have evolved to keep pace with the expanding scope of the Navy's global mission.

"Today's Supply Corps is a key enabler of the Navy's global force for good at the tactical, operational, and strategic levels," said Rear Adm. Mark Heinrich, chief of Supply Corps and commander, Naval Supply Systems Command. "By delivering logistics capabilities to the Navy and joint warfighter, the Supply Corps provides mission-essential supplies that keep ships, aircraft, submarines, and expeditionary forces ready for tasking."

There are more than 3,500 active and Reserve component naval officers serving on nearly every afloat platform and in a full range of expeditionary environments, as well as at hundreds of shore installations located worldwide. They are trained and employed in three principal lines of operation: supply chain management, acquisition management, and operational logistics. Complementing these lines of operations are skills in comptrollership, operations research, and business management.

All Supply Corps officers are graduates of the Navy Supply Corps School, now located in Newport, R.I. It is here where officers are educated in disciplines such as supply management, expeditionary logistics, inventory control, disbursement, financial management, contracting, information systems, operations analysis, material and operational logistics, fuels management, physical distribution, and food service.

"As we celebrate 217 years of proud service to the fleet, all of us who wear the oak leaf can take great pride in our history, in our traditions, and in a community that has always been an enabling part of the CNO's (chief of naval operations) tenets-warfighting first; operate forward; be ready," Heinrich said. "As we face challenges of a dynamic world environment, which will tax our capabilities to their limit, the logistics expertise and business acumen that Navy Supply Corps officers bring to the table is a skill set more coveted than ever. For 217 years we have been 'ready for sea,' and I am proud to be celebrating this birthday as the chief of the Navy's premiere staff corps."

Alaska Air Guard members help family 3,000 miles away

By Air National Guard 2nd Lt. Bernie Kale
Alaska National Guard

CAMP DENALI, Alaska (2/23/12) – In an instant, everything was gone. A lifetime of laughter, tears and memories lay smoldering in a heap of twisted metal and charred lumber. Annette Cook was now without a home.

On Aug. 23, 2011, a propane facility in Butler County, Kan., encountered a gas-release, subsequently causing an enormous fire with as many as 40 separate explosions at the propane-fill station. Harmless tanks of propane turned into 100-pound rockets, shooting in every direction, intent on destruction, according to eye-witnesses.

When the fire subsided and the dust settled, one person was killed, a building and three houses were destroyed, including Cook's home.

"It looked like a bomb went off, rubble and ash were everywhere," Cook said.

More than 3,000 miles away in interior Alaska, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ricky Ramos, a security forces fire-team leader for the Alaska Air National Guard's 213th Space Warning Squadron at Clear Air Force Station, checked Facebook and noticed some unsettling photos posted by his childhood classmate Annette.

"I was looking at the aftermath and the destruction, and there was just nothing left," Ramos said.

He scrolled one by one through photos of Annette's house decimated by one of the propane tanks. Looking at warped metal where appliances once were, he saw something that spurred him into action.

"I saw a partly-burnt flag that was her father's, who was a major in the Air Force," he said. "And I saw a Purple Heart Medal belonging to her grandfather, Fireman 1st Class Russell Shaw, that was melted and blackened from the explosion."

Annette's grandfather was on board the USS Drexler when it was sunk by a Japanese Kamikaze attack on May 28, 1945, and he was one of the 158 casualties on the destroyer.

Wanting to help out, Ramos decided to talk to his unit and figure out a way to comfort and take care of the Cook family, half-a-continent away.

"I called up their family as soon as I could, and the first questions they asked were: Who is this? You're calling from where?" Ramos recalled with a chuckle.

Once the confusion abated, Annette's sister, Angie Shaw, explained to him that they had no idea how to replace the tarnished military decorum.

"I looked at my guys, and they simply looked back at me," he said. "I got back on the phone and told her, don't worry about it. We'll take care of it."

From there, Ramos and his fellow Airmen dedicated hours of their free time, money from their pockets, and a sense of duty and honor for someone who they have never met.

The goal was to have the newly titled "Purple Heart Project" finished by the end of the holiday season.

"We just took it upon ourselves to fix it,'" Ramos said. "Granted, it's not going to replace the house or give all of their belongings back. But for us, it's a start."

After months of research and raising money, Ramos and his unit were able to replace the Purple Heart and burnt flag, and put it into a new shadow box to be displayed at the Cook family's new home.

"I was shocked they took the time to do this for me, I was blown away," Cook said.

While Ramos is happy to help an old friend in her time of need, he also says he did it out of honor and respect for a family that has a legacy of service to our nation.

"These guys opened the doors of freedom that we walk through every day," Ramos said. "They have given so much, and we were more than willing to do it for their family."

Family Matters Blog: Military Families Can Apply for New Home

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2012 – More than 100 wounded warriors and military and veteran families will be the recipients of a new home this year, thanks to the generosity of a nonprofit organization and one of the nation’s largest banks.

Operation Homefront, which provides emergency assistance to military families and wounded warriors, has teamed up with JPMorgan Chase and Co. to create the “Homes on the Homefront” program, which will offer deserving military families new homes.

The bank will provide the homes and other support to Operation Homefront, a news release explained, and the organization will provide ongoing transitional services to the families until the properties are deeded to the recipients.

“This is an incredible gift from Chase to our men and women in uniform,” said Jim Knotts, president and CEO of Operation Homefront. “Chase’s imaginative, nationwide approach to providing quality homes to deserving service members and their families will make a huge difference in how these heroes can make that difficult transition and adjustment into productive civilian lives.”

The program’s first priority will be to place families who currently live in an Operation Homefront Village, which provides transitional housing for wounded warrior families. Other wounded warriors, surviving single spouses of those killed in action, and post-9/11 disabled veterans also will receive priority consideration. Any veteran of any era, regardless of wounded or disability status, is eligible to apply, the release said.

Military families can apply for the Homes on the Homefront program at http://www.OperationHomefront.net/HomesOnTheHomefront.

“Every day we work to give military families financial security so that when service members are in harm’s way, they don’t have to worry about their families back home,” Knotts said. “The homes provided by Chase takes that one step further, and will provide these families with additional peace of mind concerning their futures.”

Operation Homefront also is seeking monetary and goods donations from other companies so they can provide families with a fully furnished home.

For more military family-related posts, visit AFPS' Family Matters blog.

Navy Corpsmen Support Marine Wounded Warriors

By Mass Communication 3rd Class Shawnte Bryan, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (NNS) -- Navy surgeons and corpsmen volunteered in the 2012 Marine Corps Trials hosted by the Wounded Warrior Regiment (WWR) aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Feb. 13-22.

The Marine Corps Trials are a part of the WWR's Warrior Athlete Reconditioning program, which provides opportunities for Marines to engage in both physical and cognitive activities outside the traditional therapy setting.

"I think it is pretty amazing to see double, triple amputees still being active and playing sports that I don't know how to play," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Angelique Banks, a volunteer assigned to 3rd Marine Airwing, Camp Pendleton, Marine Aircraft Group 39, Battalion Aid Station. "Throughout the week, I've seen great camaraderie and teamwork, and they are out there giving their all."

Many of the wounded warriors give thanks to Navy surgeons and corpsman for their continuous hard work and dedication with the program.

"When I first was injured back in 2004, I told the doctors that I want to be physical again," said former Marine Staff Sgt Nick Lerma, "Even if I wanted to quit they would not let me. Now, I am doing something that I thought I would never be able to do after my injury - especially not at this level - and that's competing."

"It is really exhilarating to work with Wounded Warriors because they are so inspiring in so many ways," said Navy Capt. Bruce Adams, a regiment surgeon for Marine Corps WWR. "And especially working with the Marine Corps, because they are so driven to accomplish their goals and not let anything get in their way."

More than 300 wounded Marines, Marine veterans and international service members participated in the event competing in individual and team competitions including sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, swimming, cycling, shooting, and archery.

Fifty athletes from the event will compete as members of the All-Marine team for the Warrior Games. The Warrior Games, a competition between all branches of service for wounded service members, will take place in Colorado Springs, Colo., April 30- May 6.

Harvey Talks 'Trust' at NAS Jacksonville Town Hall Meeting

By Clark Pierce, Naval Air Station Jacksonville Public Affairs

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command (USFFC) Adm. John Harvey Jr. and USFFC Fleet Master Chief FLTCM(AW/NAC) Mike Stevens conducted a town hall meeting Feb. 15 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville with leaders from the station and tenant commands.

Topics of discussion included leadership, trust, standards and training.

"Today, my focus is on you, our deckplate leaders - which is where I always say, 'the rubber meets the road' - and the chain of command looks to you to carry out the orders, uphold the standards and make the training real," said Harvey to the standing-room-only crowd in the Patrol Squadron Thirty auditorium.

"I read the overnight reports concerning the 135,000 people who work for me - and like any large organization, we have some issues that detract from where we need to be. Whether you're a maintainer, pilot, aircrew or NFO (naval flight officer), the most important question at the end of the day is how well did you lead the people who were placed in your charge," he continued.

With more than 39 years of naval service, Harvey reminded the audience that the fundamental elements of leadership haven't changed much since the founding of America's Navy in 1775.

"Trust is the glue that holds everything together. It means, that at the moment of truth, you will do the right thing according to Navy standards, whether people are or are not watching you. There are three primary reasons why you must earn the trust of your people in uniform," Harvey said. "First, is your professional competence. Next is your practical wisdom - I call it common sense - on when to follow rules to the letter or write a new rulebook according to the situation. And third, is your respect for those you lead. Just like you, today's young Sailors raised their right hands to take the oath to 'protect and defend the constitution of the United States against all enemies' with no conditions. And, we reaffirm that oath at every promotion ceremony.

Harvey continued, "We talk a lot about the importance of standards and consistently enforcing them. Each is time tested and combat proven to drive how we operate, maintain, inspect and certify commands in every community. At the practical level, standards are about a Sailor knowing something is not right - and then doing something about it - because problems will not fix themselves. That's why deckplate leaders must develop smart, 'self-correcting' Sailors who solve problems before they become major issues. When you look at successful squadrons and ships like our Battle 'E' winners, you see that they not only meet standards, but more likely, they raise the bar for trust and training within their unit."

Harvey also addressed what he called the increasing levels of "uncertainty" surrounding today's Navy.

"We've seen it by going through the involuntary separation process known as ERB (Enlisted Retention Board). Naturally, retained Sailors are looking at each other and wondering, 'Who's next? And what's next?' There's additional uncertainty about pay scales, retirement benefits and our force structure," Harvey said. "So, I urge you to keep your Sailors focused on what they can control - work hard, get qualified, build trust and stay out of trouble."

Stevens relieved one point of uncertainty when he announced there would be no ERB in FY 13 or FY 14. He also spoke of chiefs' messes taking advantage of training to polish their leadership and communication skills.

"It's important for senior enlisted to reenergize their focus on CPO responsibilities, team building and leader development. Key elements include: teamwork within the mess; communication with the wardroom; how chiefs can mentor junior officers; and how chiefs are managing key personnel programs," explained Stevens.

After the town hall meeting, Harvey's group visited the Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 70 "Spartans," Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 11 Mobile Tactical Operations Center, the P-8A Integrated Training Center and the Patrol Squadron 10 "Red Lancers." Harvey and Stevens also dined with command master chiefs at the NAS Jacksonville Flight Line Café.

U.S. Fleet Forces Command supports both the chief of naval operations (CNO) and combatant commanders worldwide by providing responsive, relevant, sustainable Naval forces that are ready for tasking. Additionally, USFFC serves as the CNO's designated executive agent for Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection, Individual Augmentees and Sea Basing.

Odierno Fleshes Out Pacific Strategy, Afghan Advisory Mission

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON  – The Army will remain strong in the Pacific to reflect the increased emphasis on the region, the Army chief of staff said here today.

The Army already has a strong presence in the region, Gen. Raymond T. Odierno told a Defense Writers Group roundtable.

“If you added up the number of people, the Army has more people over there than the Navy and the Air Force,” he said.

These numbers will not drop despite overall reductions in the Army’s size, the general told the group. “We will sustain what we have and then review how we do our business,” he said. “This issue over the past eight years has been that many of the forces in the region were used in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

This means troops nominally assigned to the region actually fought in U.S. Central Command, the general explained. The 25th Infantry Division, for example, recently returned to Hawaii after completing its mission in the Centcom region, Odierno said.

This model will change, he added. Going forward, if the Army must use Pacific forces outside the region, commanders will replace that capability. “There will always be a baseline of capability in the Pacific,” he said.

But the numbers tell only one part of the story, Odierno said. The service will review pre-positioned stocks around the world to ensure these are positioned properly in case of a contingency. In the Pacific, the general said, the most important aspect is to accomplish multilateral training, noting that he is working with regional Army chiefs to find ways to increase this training.

These army-to-army contacts are important, Odierno said. Seven out of the 10 largest armies are in the Pacific, he noted, and 22 of the 27 nations in the region have an army officer as chief of defense. “Us engaging with them to build relationships will help us in the long run in the Pacific,” the general told the defense writers.

Odierno also talked about the “advise and assist” brigades that will deploy to Afghanistan shortly, and said they will become more important for Afghan units in the future. The Army is putting together two of these brigades now, the general said, and they will deploy with the numbers of officers and noncommissioned officers needed to advise and assist Afghan national security forces.

Most soldiers in the brigades will be combat veterans and will understand what these Afghan forces need, Odierno said. With the end of the U.S. military mission in Iraq, he added, more forces are available for the advise-and-assist mission in Afghanistan. The general told the writers he expects the number of advise-and-assist units to grow as the deadline for turning over security responsibility to the Afghan forces approaches at the end of 2014.

Special operations and conventional forces will work even more closely together to accomplish this training mission, Odierno said, and the Army forces will work with Marine advise-and-assist teams as well. The general added that he sees no duplication of effort with special ops, the Marines and the Army pitching in to train Afghan soldiers and police. “There’s room for all of us to do this in order to sustain it for a longer period of time,” he said.

This shows the Army is flexible, Odierno said, as Army brigades can “own ground,” conduct counterinsurgency operations, send a brigade to conduct high-end operations in Korea, all while being able to conduct the training and advising mission.

“That shows the flexibility of our organization and the kind of organization we will need in the future,” he added. “We are going to have a lot of diverse operations to do.”

Face of Defense: Airman Controls Air Force’s Busiest Airfield

By Air Force Senior Airman Scott Saldukas
47th Flying Training Wing

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas, Feb. 22, 2012 – Like most other boys, Air Force Staff Sgt. John Hammer dreamed of growing up and being a professional football star. Instead, the 30-year-old husband and father of three is a senior watch supervisor at the Air Force’s busiest airfield.

Before joining the Air Force in 2005, Hammer lived and grew up in Knob Noster, Mo., where he held a full-time job and was enrolled as a full-time student.

"Before coming in, I was working concrete construction full time while going to school at a community college full time," he said. "It was tough. It was hard to make ends meet and concentrate on education."

Hammer thought about joining the Air Force for nearly two years, he said, before finally deciding to cross into the blue.

"Initially, I just wanted a stable career and the possibilities to further my education," he said. "I was looking to get into computer security, [heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems] or something I could think of at that point which would benefit me outside the Air Force."

That all changed when someone in the Delayed Enlistment Program got cold feet and dropped out, which opened an air traffic controller slot, causing Hammer to leave for basic training sooner than he had anticipated.

"My recruiter said, 'John, if you take air traffic control, you can be out of here in a few weeks,'" Hammer said. "At that point, I was outside pouring concrete in hundred-plus-degree weather. That's when I told him I would love to leave."

Freed from the monotony of laying concrete, Hammer was determined to give his all to the new-found opportunity the Air Force would provide. At the time, he had no idea what lay ahead.

"It wasn't until tech school before I actually realized what being a controller would really entail,” he said. “To be honest, it was quite overwhelming."

After arriving at tech school, Hammer went through a strenuous, six-month training period for learning the basics of his new job in a course that had a high washout rate. When he arrived here after tech school, the training only got more intense.

"It's day-in and day-out studying," he said. "You'll take 12 to 14 written exams after arriving here within your first year. Then you have to get watched while you're in position and get mentored by your trainer. I would have to say that is the most stressful part of the job."

With the high intensity and responsibility levels of the job, Hammer said, one person always was in his corner: his older brother, Joel.

"I would constantly go to and tell him, ‘I can't do this, I'm not cut out for this,’" Hammer said. "He would always tell me ‘Don't quit, don't give up’ and would always provide me with words of encouragement. I would second-guess myself and think maybe I do deserve to be out there on a construction site, and he would always say that I don't. If anybody inspired me to get to where I am, it would be my older brother."

After working his way through training and earning his spot to control, Hammer now runs a shift in the radar approach control section as the senior watch supervisor, where at any given time he could oversee up to 23 people.

Hammer and his team control 62 airfields with 10,000 square miles of airspace within 100 miles of Laughlin.

On Jan. 10, Hammer and the rest of the air traffic control team were announced to be in control of the busiest tower in the Air Force, controlling a combined 337,436 operations.

"It's my responsibility as a senior watch supervisor to make sure all of the controllers are doing their job up to par or better," he said. "It's a huge responsibility. We have to fly missions and sorties to get pilots qualified to complete Laughlin's mission. In doing so, graduating pilots ensures we maintain the world's strongest air power."

The best part of the job is how there is always something new to discover, he said -- a far cry from the life he left behind.

"Essentially, it's always a new puzzle to figure out, constantly arranging these moving parts so that everything flows smoothly," he said. "You know when there is nothing to show for your work at the end of the day, it's a good thing."

Five years in, Hammer still can't believe how far he has come.

"I never thought when I was pouring concrete I would be doing what I do now," he said. "I remember being outside with guys from the construction team, and I would see an aircraft and hope I would be talking to them one day. I really couldn't even fathom what I would be getting into, let alone dealing with the busiest combined air traffic control tower in the Air Force."

Knowing he has excelled in one of the most stressful jobs in the Air Force is rewarding, he said, but he’s quick to add that he couldn't have done it without the inspiration his brother provided during his journey.

In 2008, John's brother and biggest supporter, Joel, was killed by a drunk driver.

"It has definitely given me more motivation to improve and get better," he said of Joel’s death. "Any time I'm faced with any type of adversity in life, I automatically resort to his words of inspiration and wisdom. The motivation factor is always there to do better because of his influence on my life."

Hammer said carries the lessons he has learned from a brother who meant so much to him onto the job every day. That positive influence is paramount in the air traffic controller field that emphasizes the need to help each other, he added.

"People think that we are snobbish, but we are like a big family, because what we deal with on a day-to-day basis may seem like a different language to other people," the senior watch supervisor said. "So the way we interact with each other is a lot different than the way we would interact with somebody who is unfamiliar with what we do. We train, we teach and police each other constantly so we are always on our toes and getting better."

Local recruiters seek to maximize partnership with WWE

By 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson
Wisconsin National Guard

Just as a Soldier needs training and experience to get the most out of his or her equipment, Wisconsin Army National Guard recruiters contemplated if they could do more with the National Guard's partnership with World Wresting Entertainment.

"If you don't have an understanding of what WWE is, then you really don't understand the talent or how to utilize it," said 1st Lt. Johnny Simmons, marketing officer with the Wisconsin Army National Guard's recruiting and retention battalion.

For example, WWE Superstars such as Eve Torres and Big Show have recently made public appearances at Wisconsin Army National Guard recruiting offices - also referred to as "storefronts" - prior to live events in Milwaukee and Green Bay to draw WWE fans. Previously, WWE Superstars had met privately with National Guard members as a gesture of the corporation's support for the military.

"It will hopefully give some understanding that we're here," said Master Sgt. Gregory Backes of the Wisconsin Army National Guard's recruiting and retention battalion. "It kind of puts us on the map."

To make those public appearances pay off, recruiters are turning to technology and social media. For example, Backes used Twitter to promote Eve's Milwaukee recruiting office appearance, uploading photos of Eve signing autographs from his smart phone with the Tweet message: "She's here!"

Backes is also developing QR - quick-read - codes to link Soldiers and recruits with recruiters' Facebook pages, informational pages on the National Guard website, and promotional events.

"The idea behind it is, not just the QR code, not just Facebook, not just Twitter, but combining everything in social media that's out there right now," Backes said. "I've recruited for seven years, and when you put up a poster you'd put it up in the arcade where your target audience was. Well, now your target audience is using QR codes, using Twitter, using Facebook. If they’re going to the WWE event, our target market now is going to be on Twitter doing a search for WWE to find out what's going on with WWE. If we're on there and tweeting about it, they're going to see Eve is at our storefront, and maybe they'll head out. It's a common thing now. If we're not taking advantage of that, we're completely missing out on free and global marketing."

"For us in recruiting and marketing, it's more of a holistic approach, an all-encompassing approach," Simmons added. "That's why it's powerful."

The potential, Backes continued, is to have a WWE Superstar visit a National Guard unit. Photos of that visit would be uploaded to the local recruiter's Facebook page, tagging the Guard members shown in the photos. That makes the photos available to the Soldier's Facebook friends, generating interest and increasing the exposure of the Wisconsin National Guard - and perhaps resulting in some of those Facebook friends contacting their local National Guard recruiter.

"It's multi-level marketing," Backes said.

Another initiative is to create QR codes for videos of WWE Superstars talking about their support of the military and of the National Guard. Backes said that a WWE Superstar visit to a recruiting office means little to a Guard member or potential recruit living on the opposite side of the state.

"We can't bring everybody to a WWE event -it's very limited," Simmons said. "So we reached out to WWE - we know the talent supports the Guard, but not everybody has the chance to hear that. [The videos will] bring that WWE experience to them."

Simmons said he hopes the videos are ready to promote when the WWE returns to Milwaukee for a live television event in August.

But the new initiatives are intended to enhance, not replace, the traditional recruiting efforts. Eve's visit to the Wisconsin National Guard's Milwaukee recruiting office included static displays of uparmored Humvees and an inflatable canopy to draw attention to the location. Cards bearing Eve's picture along with information about her visit were distributed in the area, and WWE fans received various promotional items for Eve to sign.

"I absolutely love working with the National Guard, and all of the military," Eve said Feb. 19. "They are always some of my favorite appearances to do because everyone is just so appreciative and grateful and fun."

Eve added that the WWE prides itself on its support for the troops, noting that she has seen firsthand during three overseas shows what U.S. service members do on deployments.

"I realize that it's a choice that every service member makes to be there," she said. "They don't have to be there - they made a choice. For that reason I really want to support and help out all the service men and women in any way I can."

Wisconsin Army National Guard recruiters also manned a booth at the Bradley Center that night, giving away the same promotional items to WWE fans in exchange for a few push-ups.

"We've drawn a lot of attention with the [recruiting publicity items] that we brought out, co-branded National Guard and WWE," said Staff Sgt. Andrew Whelan. "Obviously WWE has a giant fan base, and it's a great place for us to interact with a big group of people in a huge venue, so it gives us a chance to mingle with a group that we don't get to see every day.

"I've handed out 20 business cards," Whelan continued, saying that he anticipates hearing back from as many as five genuinely interested people. "Anytime I can get in front of this many people and put my name out there, it's awesome. WWE allows us to bring to the table what we have to offer to an audience that doesn't know that much about the Wisconsin National Guard and what we offer."

Blue Ridge on Patrol in 7th Fleet

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mel Orr, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs

USS BLUE RIDGE, At Sea (NNS) -- U.S. 7th Fleet command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) departed from Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka for patrol Feb. 21.

Commanded by Capt. Daniel Grieco, Blue Ridge is manned by more than 700 Sailors, including embarked 7th Fleet staff and Marines from Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Pacific.

Blue Ridge will visit foreign ports to engage allies and strengthen partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region. Sailors and Marines will also participate in several community service projects with partner navies and local aid groups.

"USS Blue Ridge is departing for a deployment throughout the 7th Fleet area of operations and will conduct port calls to strengthen regional ties while training to maintain the crew's sea qualifications," said Blue Ridge Operations Officer Lt. Cmdr. Zachary McCarty.

The Blue Ridge Morale, Welfare and Recreation department offers service members opportunities to visit local markets, theme parks, memorials and other cultural sites during their time off.

"I can't wait to go shopping," said Culinary Specialist Seaman Lorena Cardoza. "Also, I'm looking forward to taking cultural tours and relaxing on the beach."

While Sailors will get the chance to enjoy rest and relaxation opportunities, Blue Ridge will be fully operational during the patrol. Blue Ridge will provide advanced communications capabilities throughout the 7th Fleet, supporting theater security cooperation, fleet coordination and engagement goals during the patrol.

The leader in bold, forward-presence at sea, Blue Ridge has been forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan for nearly 33 years. As the flagship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, Vice Adm. Scott H. Swift, Blue Ridge is instrumental in forging partnerships in the region while leading the fleet with its advanced shipboard communications systems.

Chairman’s Corner: The Military Health System

By Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

WASHINGTON, Feb. 21, 2012 – I spent last week on Capitol Hill with our Secretary of Defense. The questions about our defense budget were tough — as they ought to be. The stakes are high.

There are no easy answers in cutting $487B from the budget, but we’re not the first generation to face difficult budget challenges. We’ll figure it out. The nation’s counting on us.

Health care costs generated a lot of attention. I welcomed the opportunity to speak about this important part of the budget, to express my concerns about further cuts that could come due to sequestration, and to explain how we intend to keep faith with our armed forces — not just through pay and benefits but by ensuring we remain the best trained, best equipped, and best led military in the world.

In forming this budget, we looked at all cost variables. Many of you will know that pay and benefits account for more than 1/3 of the budget and that health care costs in particular have increased from $19B in 2001 to $48B today. We had to act to slow this growth.

I want those of you who serve and who have served to know that we’ve heard your concerns, in particular your concern about the tiered enrollment fee structure for TRICARE in retirement. You have our commitment that we will continue to review our health care system to make it as responsive, as affordable, and as equitable as possible.

Face of Defense: Soldier, 51, Completes Basic Combat Training

By Melissa K. Buckley
Fort Leonard Wood

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo., Feb. 21, 2012 – Army Sgt. Sandra Coast graduated from Basic Combat Training here Feb. 17, officially beginning her Army career at 51 years old.

The average age for an Army Reserve recruit is about 23, making Coast one of the oldest people to go through basic combat training, U.S. Army Recruiting Command officials said.

"Everybody in the world thinks I am a total nutcase," Coast said. "I just want to support our troops. I love all of them."

From 1982 to 1993, Coast devoted her life to the Navy. She gave up her lifestyle as a sailor to raise her son, Jeff, who ironically led her back to the military she left behind years ago.

"When Jeff graduated high school, he joined the Marine Corps. When I was at the recruiter's office with my son, I walked into the Army recruiting office and said 'I want to join,'" Coast said. Her previous years of military service allowed her to join the Army Reserve well past the age someone without prior service could join, she explained.

For as long as she can remember, Coast said, she has had a special place in her heart for troops and a hunger to serve.

"I have a friend in the Navy that was emailing me from Afghanistan,” she said. “It's his third combat tour in seven years. I don't know, I can't explain it. I just had this overwhelming desire to give back to the military somehow. I was doing the same job day after day after day. I can't live my life that way. There is more to life than this, so I ended up in basic training."

She was stunned to learn that as a paralegal specialist she would have to go back to basic training -- this time, Army style.

"I wasn't quite expecting to be running around with an M16 and all of this gear," Coast said as her training neared its end. "This is nothing even remotely similar to being a sailor. I was blown away by the total difference of it. We carried M16s during Navy boot camp, but we never shot them. Here we are shooting several times a week. Shooting this weapon with all of the gear on takes a toll on me."

Coast started preparing for basic combat training months prior to stepping foot on Fort Leonard Wood.

"Before the recruiters would even talk to me, I had to lose 30 pounds,” she said. “I went from sitting at home every night eating ice cream to exercising and watching what I ate. I also started getting up at 4 o'clock in the morning to exercise and tried to go to bed early at night. I knew I needed every advantage I could have to get through this."

Coast’s 10-week journey from civilian to soldier was spent in Company B, 2nd Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Chemical Brigade. Army 1st Sgt. John Byars, her first sergeant, said his first reaction when he heard he had a 51-year-old headed his way was "Wow, that's strange." Now, Byars has a new perception.

"I was impressed, because she can do everything the younger soldiers do," he said. "She never expected us to feel sorry for her. She even got one of the highest Army physical fitness test scores in the company. She is a prime example that age is just a number. She ran faster than soldiers young enough to be her kids."

Coast even amazed herself when she came in second place during the test.

"I am still kind of blown away by that,” she said. “I even ran faster than all but one female."

The fitness test may have been a breeze for Coast, but she said one of the hardest things for her to adjust to was the divide in life stages between her and her roommates.

"Everything about basic training is pretty tough, but living with more than 30 teenage females is one of the hardest things," she said. But despite the age gap, she added, she was treated like every other soldier in training.

"We don't treat her any different, and we don't see the privates treat her any different," Byars said.

Coast agreed.

"They treat me as an equal,” she said. “The males, especially, have the utmost respect. They will do little things that they probably aren't supposed to do, like give me their seat on the bus and hold the doors for me. It's the little things that mean so much."

Coast recalled an incident during hand-to-hand combat training that was particularly tough for one of her battle buddies.

"We had to slap each other in the face. The poor guy that was up against me said, 'I cannot do this. I cannot slap her,'” she said. “I told him I would pay for his counseling when we were done. I was slapping him -- he finally slapped me."

As her graduation approached, she said the thing she was looking forward to the most was wrapping her arms around her son.

"I am thrilled to wear the title of sergeant in the U.S. Army, but the title that is also very near and dear to my heart is Marine mom. You can't beat that. I feel totally blessed," Coast said.

Marine Corps Pfc. Jeff Coast didn't think his mother was serious when she expressed interest in joining the Army, but recently he started seeing a side of her that was new to him.

"She is doing what most people her age would consider crazy," he said. "I think she is hardcore. I hope when I get older I am still active and do all kinds of cool stuff."

The Marine’s mother said she made it through basic training because of the support she received from family, friends and even outsiders.

"It blows my mind that I am able to accomplish this," she said. "I couldn't have done it without the support of my Marine mom friends. I get more mail from them than anybody. That support keeps me going. They are constantly cheering me on. Even random people around here will tell me they are cheering for me.

"At the dining facility the workers walk up and tell me they are cheering for me," she continued. "I cry pretty much every day. Not a lot, because it's not an Army thing to do I know, but it's mind-boggling to me how supportive strangers can be."

Coast said she is delighted to have reached the end of her basic training adventure, and that she’s thankful for all of the new experiences it provided.

"This has been very challenging,” she said before her graduation. “It makes me realize that I can do all of this. I got to do some really fun things. After the rappelling tower, I decided to start rock climbing when I get out of basic training."

Coast added that she also is looking forward to her life in the Army Reserve. She said she enlisted hoping to work directly with active-duty troops, but instead was attached to a reserve unit. But on the plus side, she said, she will be able to work near her son's reserve unit.

"I wanted to go active duty, but they are not taking people as old as me for active duty,” Coast said. “So I got attached to a virtual unit. Everything I do will be by the Internet and phone.”

Basic combat training left her with a new respect for combat soldiers and a new respect for herself, Coast said.

"Their gear is heavy, and they are doing this constantly,” she noted. “We have some really awesome troops out there. I am 51 years old, and I can do this."

Family Matters Blog: NBC Show Seeks Military ‘Unsung Heroes’

By Elaine Sanchez
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 21, 2012 – A new NBC show that rewards selfless people for their good deeds is seeking service members, veterans and their families to spotlight in some upcoming episodes.

The show gives people an opportunity to pay a deserving hometown hero back “for always paying it forward,” an NBC news release said.

“The network and producers really want some military stories as no one is more deserving than those who serve our country,” Jackie Topacio, the show’s casting producer, said.

The show will involve someone -- whether a friend, spouse, family member or even an acquaintance -- surprising a deserving person with “the ultimate gift.” The recipient can be someone who always puts others first, deserves a lucky break, is underappreciated, saved someone’s life, or has made a difference in other people’s lives.

“If you know someone special who deserves more than life has delivered, we want to help you surprise him or her with a moment they’ll never forget,” the release said.

You can apply to be on this show by sending an email to submit4castingjt@gmail.com. You should include your name, contact information, occupation, current photos of yourself and the person you want to surprise, and an explanation of why your friend or loved one deserves a special moment. And, apply soon. Producers are hoping to cast people in the next couple of weeks.

Also, since this show involves a surprise, producers are asking people to keep their participation a secret.

Build Wealth, Not Debt

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist (SW/SCW) Terrina Weatherspoon, MCPON Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- "Set a Goal, make a plan, save automatically" is the theme of the 2012 Military Saves Week, which began Feb. 19, as part of the larger nationwide America Saves Campaign, conducted in cooperation with the Consumer Federation of America.

Although the Military Saves Campaign is a yearlong effort, Military Saves Week brings in community and financial resources to help service members focus on financial readiness.

"It's important for everyone to manage their resources," said Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Rick D. West. "You really have to take care of your needs and balance your wants. As we all know, life is unpredictable. You need to be prepared. Every Sailor should be looking to a future financial plan. If you have not sat down with a financial counselor, you could be impeding your future security."

Start small, think big is the idea behind Military Saves Week. Personal finance managers (PFM) at each military installation are the key planners and organizers of all base Military Saves Week programs and activities.

"I encourage everyone to engage in the activities going on at their commands," said West. "Your personal health and well-being start by reducing stress. And financial stress is hard to manage if you become too far in debt. I challenge you to take a month and cut out the stops for coffee, make your lunch, don't visit the vending machines, and see how much you save."

Over the past five years, more than 100,000 military members and their families have taken the pledge to save money, reduce debt and build wealth over time. In addition, many military banks and defense credit unions promote Military Saves Week and offer financial seminars and special savings programs.

Visit www.militarysaves.org and take the "Saver Pledge." Build wealth, not debt.