by Staff Sgt. Stephenie Wade
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
7/24/2012 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- A group of four cyclists from Scott Air Force Base left July 20, to participate in the 40th Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, July 22 to 28. RAGBRAI is the oldest, largest and longest bicycle touring event in the world and has been a tradition for U.S. Air Force members for 13 years now.
The group from Scott consists of four cyclist and two support members who will carry equipment. The six members will meet up with the rest of the Air Force Cycling Team members before the race. Although the Air Force officially sponsors the AFCT, it only provides support transportation. The cyclists pay for most of the trip including registration fees, camping fees, jerseys, transportation to Iowa and food. Each year the route is different.
According to Capt. Rob Lounsbury, Scott AFB AFCT lead, the Air Force has more than 40 riders participating in this year's annual event.
Lounsbury is a licensed category 4 road cyclist who has participated in three RAGBRAI events since 2008, and this will be his fourth year. He has more than 20 years of service and has been riding since 1995, beginning exclusively as a mountain biker and picking up road riding in 2007.
"We [Air Force participants] act as ambassadors for the Air Force," he said. "While riding, we hope to serve as positive role models to the public by telling our stories and assisting riders in any way possible during the adventure across Iowa, for example, as first responders and assisting with mechanical issues."
As military participants they will be the face of the Air Force for more than 10,000 RAGBRAI riders and spectators.
"This is not a race, rather, an adventure," said Maj. Jamie Cornett, first time RAGBRAI participant. "We will ride our bicycles for seven days, averaging 67 miles per day and leaving as many people possible with a positive impression of the Air Force. We will also be passing out free Air Force swag."
Even though the Air Force members participating are fit, they still take time to indulge along the way.
"The best part is the new people you will meet and the pie," said Lounsbury. "If you lose weight during this ride you are doing something wrong. Everywhere you go people are usually eating pie and good food. Because the route is different each year many people look forward to watching us ride through their town in this once in a lifetime event,"
The AFCT is open to all active duty, Reserve and Air National Guard Airmen and their families, as well as Air Force civilians and retired Air Force members. Registration for next year's RAGBRAI will open at the end of the year at airforcecyclingteam.com. Follow the team at http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/67188808213
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
'Today's Air Force' looks at guns, planes and more guns
7/24/2012 - FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) -- Air Force Television News released a new edition of "Today's Air Force" on July 20.
First up, Staff Sgt. Chris Pyles takes look at how the Air Force is saving money through total force integration. Later, Pyles takes viewers to Baton Rouge, La., to the set of "Sons of Guns" to meet an Air Force veteran. Finally, "Today's Air Force" heads to Peru for New Horizons 2012.
To view the full video, click here.
This 30-minute, bi-weekly news show can be seen every day on the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Television Service stations around the world. The show also airs on more than 140 public cable-access stations within the United States.
To submit a story idea for "Today's Air Force," or for any Air Force News products, send an e-mail to storyideas@dma.mil.
This week's line-up includes:
Block 1- Straight from the Top: The chief master sergeant of the Air Force says to unplug and talk face-to-face.
- SECAF Visit: Secretary Donley travels to Papa AB, Hungary, and makes history.
- Korean Assistance: A look at how another nation is helping in Afghanistan.
- TFI: The Air Force saves money using all of its assets.
Block 2- Largest C-130J Formation: The 317th Airlift Wing out of Dyess AFB makes history.
- Sons of Guns: A look at how an Air Force veteran became a reality TV star.
- The Phase Process: Maintaining an aircraft that's older than most of the people working on it. - TWIP: This Week in Photos
Block 3- New Horizons: Helping the country of Peru with humanitarian assistance while training.
- Combat Controller PT: To be the best you have to work the hardest.
- Behind Boom: Ammo - "Giving the enemy the opportunity to die for his cause."
Former MTI found guilty on 28 charges
7/23/2012 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- A sentence was returned today in the general court-martial of Air Force Staff Sgt. Luis Walker.
Walker, a former basic military training instructor at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, was convicted of 28 charges Friday after a week-long court-martial. The charges included rape, adultery, obstruction, aggravated sexual contact, multiple counts of aggravated sexual assault and violating a lawful order regarding unprofessional relationships with trainees.
Walker was sentenced to be confined for 20 years, to be discharged with a dishonorable discharge, to be reduced to the lowest enlisted rank (E-1), and to forfeit all pay and allowances.
The conviction stemmed from incidents that took place between October 2010 and June 2011 involving 10 female basic military trainees while assigned to the 326th Training Squadron. Since then, the Air Force has launched comprehensive internal and external investigations at Air Force basic military and technical training centers.
Walker is the second MTI to be tried in conjunction with these sexual misconduct investigations. The first, former Staff Sgt. Vega-Maldonado, pleaded guilty to one charge of having an improper relationship with a trainee and violation of a no-contact order. He was sentenced to 90 days confinement, forfeiture of $500 pay per month for four months, 30 days hard labor, 30 days restriction to Lackland and reduction in rank to Airman.
Walker, a former basic military training instructor at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, was convicted of 28 charges Friday after a week-long court-martial. The charges included rape, adultery, obstruction, aggravated sexual contact, multiple counts of aggravated sexual assault and violating a lawful order regarding unprofessional relationships with trainees.
Walker was sentenced to be confined for 20 years, to be discharged with a dishonorable discharge, to be reduced to the lowest enlisted rank (E-1), and to forfeit all pay and allowances.
The conviction stemmed from incidents that took place between October 2010 and June 2011 involving 10 female basic military trainees while assigned to the 326th Training Squadron. Since then, the Air Force has launched comprehensive internal and external investigations at Air Force basic military and technical training centers.
Walker is the second MTI to be tried in conjunction with these sexual misconduct investigations. The first, former Staff Sgt. Vega-Maldonado, pleaded guilty to one charge of having an improper relationship with a trainee and violation of a no-contact order. He was sentenced to 90 days confinement, forfeiture of $500 pay per month for four months, 30 days hard labor, 30 days restriction to Lackland and reduction in rank to Airman.
Air Mobility tactics, electronic warfare experts analyze the adversary
by Master Sgt. Michael Smith
139th Airlift Wing
7/24/2012 - ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- At least 50 combat operations experts met at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base in St. Joseph, Mo., this week for a working group on air mobility tactics to analyze and report on current air and air defense operations across the globe.
The Air Force, Air Mobility Command's Air Mobility Tactics Analysis Team, July 16-20, at the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center studied field driven data collected on its adversaries.
It is one of many other high-level meetings of service members, intelligence personnel and allies who share adversarial information worldwide in defense of the nation.
Such information is highly valuable to those in overseas contingency operations, which rely greatly on up-to-date intelligence and tactics to survive and operate.
"The key here is that it's a report for operators, written by operators," said Maj. Tim Murphy, who served as the AMC Air Operations co-chair for the event.
Murphy - who is a also a command pilot and tactics instructor here - said the meeting provided the opportunity to share serious data, as well as some earnest accounts, on recent air mobility combat tactics and other information concerning new and developing trends by adversaries.
Their meeting is held at least annually.
Those assembled included National Guard, Reserve command and active duty officers and enlisted. Joining them were civilians, including intelligence personnel and international experts from Australia, Canada, Great Britain and New Zealand.
"The AMTAT is comprised of personnel from a wide variety of intelligence and operations organizations within the Air Force and joint community as well as from specific allied partners," said Lt. Col. Christopher Parker, commander of AMC's Headquarters, Air Operations Squadron Detachment 5. He also serves as the AATTC's director of operations for Development.
"Their objective is to provide a detailed analysis of operational tactics, training and employment of air and air defense forces of potential adversaries."
Parker said the AMTAT provides findings in a format and timeline that satisfies the specific needs of aircrew, weapons controllers, intelligence personnel and operational planners to support tactics development, operational planning and threat replication training.
The result is an air mobility that always holds the upper hand in training and tactics over the enemy, they agreed.
"Their report is the culmination of their analytical efforts," said Parker. "It's released to the major commands, Guard and Reserve units and other Air Force and intelligence community organizations, as well as to our allied partners who participated in its development or are involved in combat operations."
Both officers give credit for the meeting to AMC; the main organizer and supporter.
"The center could not host this without them," said Murphy.
Parker added that a lot of hard work also goes on behind the scenes at the AATTC.
"The AMTAT is a culmination of the center's exhaustive analytic efforts throughout the year," said Parker.
The AATTC is both schoolhouse and home for AMC tactics and electronic warfare as well for adversary studies.
Parker said the center provides a synergy of tactics and electronic warfare development, with focused training on mobility Air Force operations in combat environments using aircrew and signal intelligence experts. In addition, the center's specialists serve as an interface between operators and various U.S. and allied intelligence agencies, worldwide.
"The center is the ideal location to host this," said Parker.
139th Airlift Wing
7/24/2012 - ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- At least 50 combat operations experts met at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base in St. Joseph, Mo., this week for a working group on air mobility tactics to analyze and report on current air and air defense operations across the globe.
The Air Force, Air Mobility Command's Air Mobility Tactics Analysis Team, July 16-20, at the Advanced Airlift Tactics Training Center studied field driven data collected on its adversaries.
It is one of many other high-level meetings of service members, intelligence personnel and allies who share adversarial information worldwide in defense of the nation.
Such information is highly valuable to those in overseas contingency operations, which rely greatly on up-to-date intelligence and tactics to survive and operate.
"The key here is that it's a report for operators, written by operators," said Maj. Tim Murphy, who served as the AMC Air Operations co-chair for the event.
Murphy - who is a also a command pilot and tactics instructor here - said the meeting provided the opportunity to share serious data, as well as some earnest accounts, on recent air mobility combat tactics and other information concerning new and developing trends by adversaries.
Their meeting is held at least annually.
Those assembled included National Guard, Reserve command and active duty officers and enlisted. Joining them were civilians, including intelligence personnel and international experts from Australia, Canada, Great Britain and New Zealand.
"The AMTAT is comprised of personnel from a wide variety of intelligence and operations organizations within the Air Force and joint community as well as from specific allied partners," said Lt. Col. Christopher Parker, commander of AMC's Headquarters, Air Operations Squadron Detachment 5. He also serves as the AATTC's director of operations for Development.
"Their objective is to provide a detailed analysis of operational tactics, training and employment of air and air defense forces of potential adversaries."
Parker said the AMTAT provides findings in a format and timeline that satisfies the specific needs of aircrew, weapons controllers, intelligence personnel and operational planners to support tactics development, operational planning and threat replication training.
The result is an air mobility that always holds the upper hand in training and tactics over the enemy, they agreed.
"Their report is the culmination of their analytical efforts," said Parker. "It's released to the major commands, Guard and Reserve units and other Air Force and intelligence community organizations, as well as to our allied partners who participated in its development or are involved in combat operations."
Both officers give credit for the meeting to AMC; the main organizer and supporter.
"The center could not host this without them," said Murphy.
Parker added that a lot of hard work also goes on behind the scenes at the AATTC.
"The AMTAT is a culmination of the center's exhaustive analytic efforts throughout the year," said Parker.
The AATTC is both schoolhouse and home for AMC tactics and electronic warfare as well for adversary studies.
Parker said the center provides a synergy of tactics and electronic warfare development, with focused training on mobility Air Force operations in combat environments using aircrew and signal intelligence experts. In addition, the center's specialists serve as an interface between operators and various U.S. and allied intelligence agencies, worldwide.
"The center is the ideal location to host this," said Parker.
Korean War defining conflict for new Air Force
by Martha Lockwood
Air Force News Service
7/24/2012 - FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) -- While July 27th is one of the lesser-known days of remembrance for the U.S., for the Air Force, recognizing the signing of the Korean War armistice on this day in 1953 marked an era when the service came into its own.
The 1950s heralded a decade of innovation, with inventions such as power steering, the bar code and the transistor radio, but, for the Air Force, nowhere was innovation more on display than during the span of the Korean War, from June 25, 1950 until July 27, 1953.
This was the first war for the newly independent Air Force, and it was the first war in which the United States used jet aircraft. The Air Force's F-86 Sabre jets bested Soviet-built MiG-15s, the U.S.-trained pilots were better prepared for combat, and their tactical approach was better thought out.
Background
By the time of the mid-century Korean conflict, the 20th century had already seen two destructive and costly global wars. Towards the end of World War II, Allied summits decided the future of the Japanese empire, some say, by leveraging the future independence of the Korean peninsula. Although only intended as a short-term, pre-independence arrangement, Korea, a Japanese colony since 1910, was to be occupied north of the 38th parallel by Soviet Russia; to the south, the United States. A military administration under the direction of Gen. Douglas MacArthur would control the area from its headquarters in Tokyo.
War-impoverished Russia saw this as an opportunity to rebuild its economy, and the newly created and Soviet-equipped North Korean Peoples' Army, headed south to capture the important port of Pusan and natural resources of coal, lead, tungsten, and iron ore.
Even though the Air Force faced a conflict that was almost entirely tactical in nature, limiting how and where airpower could be applied, this newest armed service had learned its lessons well during World War II and knew the strategic role it played in attacking an enemy's homeland.
The Role of the Air Force
The Far East Air Forces Fifth Air Force was the command and control for Air Force-engaged in combat with units located in Korea and Japan. The command was fortified by fighter and troop carrier wings from Tactical Air Command and federalized Air National Guard units from the United States. These tactical units conducted interdiction strikes on supply lines, attacked dams that irrigated the fields and flew missions in close support of United Nations ground forces. AT-6 "Mosquitoes," the ubiquitous, single-engine prop plane of World War II, were used as airborne controllers, provided communication links between ground troops and supporting aircraft.
President Truman was unwilling to risk extensive use of the U.S. bomber force, which was being used as a deterrent for possible Soviet aggression in Europe. However, a few groups of Strategic Air Command B-29 Superfortress bombers that were not part of the nuclear strike force were released for combat over the Korean skies, effectively targeting North Korean government centers, military installations and transportation networks.
By mid-1951, the land battle was in a stalemate, and both sides agreed to armistice talks, which dragged on for two years. The main haggling point was the future of the tens of thousands of communist prisoners: Communist negotiators demanded their return to their country of origin. Yet, thousands of prisoners were not willing to be repatriated.
Finally, in July 1953, a formula granting repatriation and asylum for prisoners of war was worked out, a demilitarized zone (DMZ) was established extending two meters either side of the 38th parallel, and a United Nations Commission was set up to supervise the armistice.
The Legacy of the Air Force
The Air Force suffered 1,841 battle casualties, of which 1,180 were killed in action. Hostile action and other causes resulted in the loss of 1,466 aircraft. The Korean War was the last (and only) time large numbers of piston-engine and jet-engine aircraft engaged in war simultaneously. It was also the last major war of the U.S. without some space support.
With the end of fighting in Korea, the newly inaugurated President Eisenhower called for a greater reliance on nuclear weapons and air power to deter war. This resulted in a strategic investment in the Air Force. The nuclear arms race had shifted into high gear, and the Air Force retired nearly all of its propeller-driven B-29s and B-50s. They were replaced by the B-47 Stratojet. By 1955, the B-52 Stratofortress was being ordered in huge supply, and the prop-driven B-36s were being rapidly phased out of heavy bombardment units.
War tactics were forever changed by the Korean War, and the strategic initiative and innovation of the Air Force was leading the way.
Air Force News Service
7/24/2012 - FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) -- While July 27th is one of the lesser-known days of remembrance for the U.S., for the Air Force, recognizing the signing of the Korean War armistice on this day in 1953 marked an era when the service came into its own.
The 1950s heralded a decade of innovation, with inventions such as power steering, the bar code and the transistor radio, but, for the Air Force, nowhere was innovation more on display than during the span of the Korean War, from June 25, 1950 until July 27, 1953.
This was the first war for the newly independent Air Force, and it was the first war in which the United States used jet aircraft. The Air Force's F-86 Sabre jets bested Soviet-built MiG-15s, the U.S.-trained pilots were better prepared for combat, and their tactical approach was better thought out.
Background
By the time of the mid-century Korean conflict, the 20th century had already seen two destructive and costly global wars. Towards the end of World War II, Allied summits decided the future of the Japanese empire, some say, by leveraging the future independence of the Korean peninsula. Although only intended as a short-term, pre-independence arrangement, Korea, a Japanese colony since 1910, was to be occupied north of the 38th parallel by Soviet Russia; to the south, the United States. A military administration under the direction of Gen. Douglas MacArthur would control the area from its headquarters in Tokyo.
War-impoverished Russia saw this as an opportunity to rebuild its economy, and the newly created and Soviet-equipped North Korean Peoples' Army, headed south to capture the important port of Pusan and natural resources of coal, lead, tungsten, and iron ore.
Even though the Air Force faced a conflict that was almost entirely tactical in nature, limiting how and where airpower could be applied, this newest armed service had learned its lessons well during World War II and knew the strategic role it played in attacking an enemy's homeland.
The Role of the Air Force
The Far East Air Forces Fifth Air Force was the command and control for Air Force-engaged in combat with units located in Korea and Japan. The command was fortified by fighter and troop carrier wings from Tactical Air Command and federalized Air National Guard units from the United States. These tactical units conducted interdiction strikes on supply lines, attacked dams that irrigated the fields and flew missions in close support of United Nations ground forces. AT-6 "Mosquitoes," the ubiquitous, single-engine prop plane of World War II, were used as airborne controllers, provided communication links between ground troops and supporting aircraft.
President Truman was unwilling to risk extensive use of the U.S. bomber force, which was being used as a deterrent for possible Soviet aggression in Europe. However, a few groups of Strategic Air Command B-29 Superfortress bombers that were not part of the nuclear strike force were released for combat over the Korean skies, effectively targeting North Korean government centers, military installations and transportation networks.
By mid-1951, the land battle was in a stalemate, and both sides agreed to armistice talks, which dragged on for two years. The main haggling point was the future of the tens of thousands of communist prisoners: Communist negotiators demanded their return to their country of origin. Yet, thousands of prisoners were not willing to be repatriated.
Finally, in July 1953, a formula granting repatriation and asylum for prisoners of war was worked out, a demilitarized zone (DMZ) was established extending two meters either side of the 38th parallel, and a United Nations Commission was set up to supervise the armistice.
The Legacy of the Air Force
The Air Force suffered 1,841 battle casualties, of which 1,180 were killed in action. Hostile action and other causes resulted in the loss of 1,466 aircraft. The Korean War was the last (and only) time large numbers of piston-engine and jet-engine aircraft engaged in war simultaneously. It was also the last major war of the U.S. without some space support.
With the end of fighting in Korea, the newly inaugurated President Eisenhower called for a greater reliance on nuclear weapons and air power to deter war. This resulted in a strategic investment in the Air Force. The nuclear arms race had shifted into high gear, and the Air Force retired nearly all of its propeller-driven B-29s and B-50s. They were replaced by the B-47 Stratojet. By 1955, the B-52 Stratofortress was being ordered in huge supply, and the prop-driven B-36s were being rapidly phased out of heavy bombardment units.
War tactics were forever changed by the Korean War, and the strategic initiative and innovation of the Air Force was leading the way.
Korean War Vet's Memories Vivid of Time Spent as POW
By Terri Moon Cronk
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 24, 2012 - When infantryman David Mills joined the Army on his 17th birthday and was sent to fight in the Korean War, his mission was to hold Outpost Harry "at all costs."
Mills,
now 76, says those orders came from 8th Army on April 2, 1953, to stave off
enemy Chinese troops from the strategically placed outpost in the Iron
Triangle, about 50 miles from Seoul at the 38th parallel, which divided North
and South Korea. The outpost was close to Chinese lines.
The Chinese had "an affinity" for Outpost Harry, said Mills, a member of Company F, 15th Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Infantry Division.
"They came to 'visit' us often and fought ferociously," he said. "They tried [several times] to take it. Had it fallen, with its high elevation, it would've made it difficult for the main line of resistance to remain where it was. [We] perhaps would've had to withdraw as far back as Seoul, which no doubt would have extended the war for quite some time."
It was unlikely the United States would have accepted a cease fire with the capital of South Korea under Chinese control at that time, he added, so it was important for American troops to hold the outpost's position.
But on April 24, Chinese troops nearly took Outpost Harry.
"We had 88 men holding the outpost," he said. "The attack was ferocious. We were overrun. Hand-to-hand fighting occurred in all of the trenches, and very heavy losses were suffered on both sides."
The forward observer from the 39th Field Artillery called for backup artillery to stop the attack, which was successful, he said.
But things didn't turn out as well that day for Mills, who received nine wounds -- two in the head, six in the leg and one in the left arm.
During what Mills described as very close fighting with hand grenades and bayonets, his weapon overheated and became inoperable. While searching for another, he crawled on his stomach to the entrance of a bunker about 30 yards away.
"Nobody was in there," he said. "I reached in to grab a rifle, and I felt something poke me in my back. I backed out very slowly and turned over, and was looking at the muzzle of a Russian-made submachine gun."
Three Chinese soldiers stood over him, Mills said. One held the gun, and the other two carried six grenades each, three on each side of their chests, he said.
"I thought I was going to die," Mills recalled reciting a short prayer as he looked up at the barrel of the weapon.
"I was ready to die," he said. "Then I had an immediate second thought. I was 17 years old, and I thought, 'How are my parents going to take this?' And I thought, maybe, I could get the weapon away from that soldier, and kill all three of them. Then I had a rational thought: He had his finger on the trigger and the likelihood of me being successful was rather slim. I lay there until they picked me up."
As the captors walked him to a Chinese camp, Mills saw the dead everywhere. "There were many Americans, but many more Chinese," he said.
As the soldiers roughed him up and forced him down hilly terrain, Mills said he felt no pain and wasn't aware he was wounded.
"Each time we got to the top of a rise, they'd hit me between the shoulder blades with the butt of the weapon, and I'd go tumbling down the hill. After the third time, my leg felt funny and I had difficulty maintaining balance," Mills recalled. It was when he felt blood running down his neck that he knew he'd been hit.
"Eventually, I half-crawled and was half-dragged to a cave, in which I spent the first night of my captivity," he said.
Mills found himself next to a Chinese soldier who had three bullet holes in his stomach.
"I could hear bubbles as the air escaped [from his wounds]," he said. "He died during the night."
The next morning, the Chinese soldiers took Mills from the cave and repeatedly prodded him with a rifle to make him walk up a road, but by then he was in such pain from his injuries, he couldn't walk.
"They pointed to a rock for me to sit down on, went around the corner," Mills said. "I thought I was going to be executed."
Instead, he said, four Chinese soldiers came around the corner with a stretcher, put him on it and carried him for seven days to a place Mills estimated to be 30 to 50 miles behind the lines.
"I was placed in a dungeon not high enough for me to stand, or long enough for me to stretch out straight," he said. He couldn't eat for two weeks. Knowing he would die of starvation otherwise, Mills said he forced himself to eat.
Rain poured into the dungeon. "I spent a lot of my time snapping the backs off lice," Mills said of his confinement. "My leg hurt so bad, I asked them to cut it off. They sent someone to look at it. I don't know if he was a doctor ... he just looked at it, and [now] I'm glad they didn't acquiesce to my request."
After enough prisoners of war to fill an army truck were brought in, they were taken to a prisoner camp, Mills said. Still not treated for his wounds, with bullets and shrapnel intact, Mills said he was not made to do hard labor like the other prisoners.
During his four-month captivity "the 15th Infantry Regiment with its company-sized outpost decimated the entire 74th Chinese Infantry Division, killing more than 5,000 of them," Mills said. "There were very heavy American losses, but we held that hill."
Four months to the day after he was taken prisoner, the Chinese repatriated Mills and the other POWs on Aug. 24, 1953. His family didn't know he was alive, Mills said, and initially were told he was killed in action. Mills said he has copies of his two published obituaries.
Reflecting on that April day in 1953 when the outpost was attacked, Mills said he was the last soldier, U.S. or Chinese, on the hill firing a weapon.
"I've often wondered if I was captured with an empty gun," he said.
He also thought he was likely the only survivor of the attack, until decades later when he found the Outpost Harry Survivors Association and similar groups.
For being wounded during combat Mills received the Purple Heart, but it took 57 years, because of omissions in his paperwork, he said. Mills said his initial discharge papers indicated he'd served overseas, but they didn't say where, and didn't note that he'd been wounded, had served in combat, or been taken as a POW.
Knowing he was eligible for the Purple Heart, Mills' daughter set out to find and correct her father's records.
After hearing his records likely had burned in a fire in a St. Louis military repository, Mills' papers were found archived in Philadelphia.
The paperwork was corrected, and the award was approved in nine short days, Mills said. Then-Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli presented Mills with his Purple Heart in 2010.
"To receive [the Purple Heart] from General Chiarelli was worth the wait," Mills said.
Although the Korean War is sometimes called "The Forgotten War," Mills said that was not his experience. Upon his enlistment in the Army, Mills recalled that he "wanted to see the world."
"And I did. A small part of it," he said.
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 24, 2012 - When infantryman David Mills joined the Army on his 17th birthday and was sent to fight in the Korean War, his mission was to hold Outpost Harry "at all costs."
|
The Chinese had "an affinity" for Outpost Harry, said Mills, a member of Company F, 15th Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Infantry Division.
"They came to 'visit' us often and fought ferociously," he said. "They tried [several times] to take it. Had it fallen, with its high elevation, it would've made it difficult for the main line of resistance to remain where it was. [We] perhaps would've had to withdraw as far back as Seoul, which no doubt would have extended the war for quite some time."
It was unlikely the United States would have accepted a cease fire with the capital of South Korea under Chinese control at that time, he added, so it was important for American troops to hold the outpost's position.
But on April 24, Chinese troops nearly took Outpost Harry.
"We had 88 men holding the outpost," he said. "The attack was ferocious. We were overrun. Hand-to-hand fighting occurred in all of the trenches, and very heavy losses were suffered on both sides."
The forward observer from the 39th Field Artillery called for backup artillery to stop the attack, which was successful, he said.
But things didn't turn out as well that day for Mills, who received nine wounds -- two in the head, six in the leg and one in the left arm.
During what Mills described as very close fighting with hand grenades and bayonets, his weapon overheated and became inoperable. While searching for another, he crawled on his stomach to the entrance of a bunker about 30 yards away.
"Nobody was in there," he said. "I reached in to grab a rifle, and I felt something poke me in my back. I backed out very slowly and turned over, and was looking at the muzzle of a Russian-made submachine gun."
Three Chinese soldiers stood over him, Mills said. One held the gun, and the other two carried six grenades each, three on each side of their chests, he said.
"I thought I was going to die," Mills recalled reciting a short prayer as he looked up at the barrel of the weapon.
"I was ready to die," he said. "Then I had an immediate second thought. I was 17 years old, and I thought, 'How are my parents going to take this?' And I thought, maybe, I could get the weapon away from that soldier, and kill all three of them. Then I had a rational thought: He had his finger on the trigger and the likelihood of me being successful was rather slim. I lay there until they picked me up."
As the captors walked him to a Chinese camp, Mills saw the dead everywhere. "There were many Americans, but many more Chinese," he said.
As the soldiers roughed him up and forced him down hilly terrain, Mills said he felt no pain and wasn't aware he was wounded.
"Each time we got to the top of a rise, they'd hit me between the shoulder blades with the butt of the weapon, and I'd go tumbling down the hill. After the third time, my leg felt funny and I had difficulty maintaining balance," Mills recalled. It was when he felt blood running down his neck that he knew he'd been hit.
"Eventually, I half-crawled and was half-dragged to a cave, in which I spent the first night of my captivity," he said.
Mills found himself next to a Chinese soldier who had three bullet holes in his stomach.
"I could hear bubbles as the air escaped [from his wounds]," he said. "He died during the night."
The next morning, the Chinese soldiers took Mills from the cave and repeatedly prodded him with a rifle to make him walk up a road, but by then he was in such pain from his injuries, he couldn't walk.
"They pointed to a rock for me to sit down on, went around the corner," Mills said. "I thought I was going to be executed."
Instead, he said, four Chinese soldiers came around the corner with a stretcher, put him on it and carried him for seven days to a place Mills estimated to be 30 to 50 miles behind the lines.
"I was placed in a dungeon not high enough for me to stand, or long enough for me to stretch out straight," he said. He couldn't eat for two weeks. Knowing he would die of starvation otherwise, Mills said he forced himself to eat.
Rain poured into the dungeon. "I spent a lot of my time snapping the backs off lice," Mills said of his confinement. "My leg hurt so bad, I asked them to cut it off. They sent someone to look at it. I don't know if he was a doctor ... he just looked at it, and [now] I'm glad they didn't acquiesce to my request."
After enough prisoners of war to fill an army truck were brought in, they were taken to a prisoner camp, Mills said. Still not treated for his wounds, with bullets and shrapnel intact, Mills said he was not made to do hard labor like the other prisoners.
During his four-month captivity "the 15th Infantry Regiment with its company-sized outpost decimated the entire 74th Chinese Infantry Division, killing more than 5,000 of them," Mills said. "There were very heavy American losses, but we held that hill."
Four months to the day after he was taken prisoner, the Chinese repatriated Mills and the other POWs on Aug. 24, 1953. His family didn't know he was alive, Mills said, and initially were told he was killed in action. Mills said he has copies of his two published obituaries.
Reflecting on that April day in 1953 when the outpost was attacked, Mills said he was the last soldier, U.S. or Chinese, on the hill firing a weapon.
"I've often wondered if I was captured with an empty gun," he said.
He also thought he was likely the only survivor of the attack, until decades later when he found the Outpost Harry Survivors Association and similar groups.
For being wounded during combat Mills received the Purple Heart, but it took 57 years, because of omissions in his paperwork, he said. Mills said his initial discharge papers indicated he'd served overseas, but they didn't say where, and didn't note that he'd been wounded, had served in combat, or been taken as a POW.
Knowing he was eligible for the Purple Heart, Mills' daughter set out to find and correct her father's records.
After hearing his records likely had burned in a fire in a St. Louis military repository, Mills' papers were found archived in Philadelphia.
The paperwork was corrected, and the award was approved in nine short days, Mills said. Then-Vice Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli presented Mills with his Purple Heart in 2010.
"To receive [the Purple Heart] from General Chiarelli was worth the wait," Mills said.
Although the Korean War is sometimes called "The Forgotten War," Mills said that was not his experience. Upon his enlistment in the Army, Mills recalled that he "wanted to see the world."
"And I did. A small part of it," he said.
Panetta Lifts F-22 Raptor Flight Restrictions
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 24, 2012 - Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta is satisfied the Air Force has identified the cause of hypoxia-like symptoms 12 F-22 pilots suffered, and restrictions he placed on use of the fifth-generation fighter will be lifted gradually.
Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz and other Air Force leaders told Panetta on July 20 that they are confident the root cause of the symptoms is the supply of oxygen to pilots and not the quality of oxygen, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said today at a news conference.
Reporters asked why these shortcomings weren't picked up earlier. "I can't go back in time and conduct technical archeology on this type of aircraft," Little said. "I would say the Air Force has taken very prudent measures ... over the past year and a half or so with respect to the F-22. And they have come to the conclusion as to what is causing these hypoxia events.
"With any aircraft -- be it the F-22 or the F-16, [or] with a helicopter or a ground vehicle -- we can never take the risk to zero," he said. "But we have an obligation to our troops and our airmen to make whatever equipment they are using as safe as possible, and that's what we think we're doing here."
In May, Panetta directed the Air Force to limit all F-22 flights to remain near potential landing locations to enable quick recovery and landing should a pilot encounter oxygen deprivation. The secretary also directed the Air Force to expedite the installation of an automatic backup oxygen system in all of the planes, and he asked for monthly progress reports as the service continued the search for the root cause of the problem.
These actions were in addition to steps the Air Force already was taking to determine the root causes of the hypoxia-like symptoms pilots have experienced. Panetta made this decision, in part, due to the reluctance of some pilots to fly the aircraft, Little said at the time.
The Air Force has made two changes that appear to have solved the hypoxia problem. The first was to order pilots not to wear the pressure garment vest during high-altitude missions. Pilots use the vest to combat G-forces generated flying a high-performance aircraft. The vest inflates to stop blood from pooling, which would cause pilots to black out during high-speed turns.
The Air Force found that a faulty valve "caused the vest to inflate and remain inflated under conditions where it was not designed to inflate, thereby causing breathing problems for some pilots," Little said. "The garment has been suspended from flight since June."
This problem was not identified during initial F-22 testing.
Second, the Air Force removed a canister filter from the oxygen delivery system, and that has increased the volume of air flowing to pilots. The service also is looking at improving the oxygen delivery hose and its connections.
Following the Air Force briefing last week, Panetta decided to lift restrictions on the aircraft gradually. Beginning today, F-22s may resume long-duration flights for deployments, aircraft deliveries and repositioning of aircraft.
"Secretary Panetta has authorized deployment of a squadron of F-22 aircraft to Kadena Air Base, Japan," Little said. "The aircraft will fly to Japan under altitude restrictions using the northern Pacific transit route." Following completion of the flight to Japan, the Air Force likely will approve most long-duration flights, officials said.
Still, initial long-duration flight routes will be designed to pass near airfields. The Air Force also has imposed an altitude restriction on the aircraft so pilots will not need to wear the pressure vest.
Training sorties will remain near runways until completion of the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board-recommended corrective actions. This is expected by the end of the summer.
The Air Force will notify Panetta when fixes are finished with the pressure vest and related cockpit life support components. Pending successful completion of associated testing and NASA's independent analysis, Panetta can decide to return the F-22 fleet status to normal operations.
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 24, 2012 - Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta is satisfied the Air Force has identified the cause of hypoxia-like symptoms 12 F-22 pilots suffered, and restrictions he placed on use of the fifth-generation fighter will be lifted gradually.
Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz and other Air Force leaders told Panetta on July 20 that they are confident the root cause of the symptoms is the supply of oxygen to pilots and not the quality of oxygen, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said today at a news conference.
Reporters asked why these shortcomings weren't picked up earlier. "I can't go back in time and conduct technical archeology on this type of aircraft," Little said. "I would say the Air Force has taken very prudent measures ... over the past year and a half or so with respect to the F-22. And they have come to the conclusion as to what is causing these hypoxia events.
"With any aircraft -- be it the F-22 or the F-16, [or] with a helicopter or a ground vehicle -- we can never take the risk to zero," he said. "But we have an obligation to our troops and our airmen to make whatever equipment they are using as safe as possible, and that's what we think we're doing here."
In May, Panetta directed the Air Force to limit all F-22 flights to remain near potential landing locations to enable quick recovery and landing should a pilot encounter oxygen deprivation. The secretary also directed the Air Force to expedite the installation of an automatic backup oxygen system in all of the planes, and he asked for monthly progress reports as the service continued the search for the root cause of the problem.
These actions were in addition to steps the Air Force already was taking to determine the root causes of the hypoxia-like symptoms pilots have experienced. Panetta made this decision, in part, due to the reluctance of some pilots to fly the aircraft, Little said at the time.
The Air Force has made two changes that appear to have solved the hypoxia problem. The first was to order pilots not to wear the pressure garment vest during high-altitude missions. Pilots use the vest to combat G-forces generated flying a high-performance aircraft. The vest inflates to stop blood from pooling, which would cause pilots to black out during high-speed turns.
The Air Force found that a faulty valve "caused the vest to inflate and remain inflated under conditions where it was not designed to inflate, thereby causing breathing problems for some pilots," Little said. "The garment has been suspended from flight since June."
This problem was not identified during initial F-22 testing.
Second, the Air Force removed a canister filter from the oxygen delivery system, and that has increased the volume of air flowing to pilots. The service also is looking at improving the oxygen delivery hose and its connections.
Following the Air Force briefing last week, Panetta decided to lift restrictions on the aircraft gradually. Beginning today, F-22s may resume long-duration flights for deployments, aircraft deliveries and repositioning of aircraft.
"Secretary Panetta has authorized deployment of a squadron of F-22 aircraft to Kadena Air Base, Japan," Little said. "The aircraft will fly to Japan under altitude restrictions using the northern Pacific transit route." Following completion of the flight to Japan, the Air Force likely will approve most long-duration flights, officials said.
Still, initial long-duration flight routes will be designed to pass near airfields. The Air Force also has imposed an altitude restriction on the aircraft so pilots will not need to wear the pressure vest.
Training sorties will remain near runways until completion of the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board-recommended corrective actions. This is expected by the end of the summer.
The Air Force will notify Panetta when fixes are finished with the pressure vest and related cockpit life support components. Pending successful completion of associated testing and NASA's independent analysis, Panetta can decide to return the F-22 fleet status to normal operations.
Face of Defense: Medic Inspires Comrades to Run for Health
1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division
FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska, July 24, 2012 - Army Spc. Deme Ergie wasn't always a runner. And as a medic assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, he found little opportunity to keep in good cardiovascular shape while deployed to Afghanistan.
But when the "Bobcat" soldiers of the 1-5th started returning here in April, Ergie saw a chance to get back in shape and seized it. Several officers and soldiers with the 1-5th had formed Team Bobcat Rush -- a group of motivated running enthusiasts who planned to represent their battalion at various events throughout Alaska during the summer running season.
At the top of Team Bobcat Rush's list of activities were the Army 10-mile tryouts in May and the Anchorage-based mayor's marathon in June.
Ergie was born in Ethiopia, and before he joined the Army, he lived in Alexandria, Va., where he said he hopes someday to return and go to school. Away from home and fairly new to the Army, Ergie said, he decided he would join the Team Bobcat Rush, purely to improve his running.
"I wanted to get better," he said.
Team Bobcat Rush's captain, Army 1st Lt. Ivaylo Benov, recalled how difficult it was for Ergie at first. "He had difficulty just completing a basic two-mile run [in Manas, Kyrgyzstan] while we were waiting to come home," he said. "We were aiming to do a really easy self-paced workout, and it was pretty tough for him."
But Ergie kept at it, showing up almost every day after Team Bobcat Rush returned home for 5:30 a.m. practices at the Chena Bend Golf Course here.
"We ran that early in the morning because we wanted to be used to running long distances during the same time of day as the race," Benov explained. The team's workouts usually were at least eight miles, and at least once a week team members could expect to run more than 10 miles.
The practice and Ergie's personal dedication paid off; he ran the 10-miler trial in 69 minutes, 37 seconds, averaging less than seven minutes a mile. That time qualified him for an alternate position on the U.S. Army Alaska 10-miler team and made him the second-fastest member of Team Bobcat Rush.
Ergie's performance in the Freedom Fest 5K, held a little over a month later, was even more impressive: he clocked in at 19:43, or about six and a half minutes per mile. That performance won him second place overall for the race.
"This is just outstanding," said Army 1st Sgt. Larry Addy, Ergie's company first sergeant. "Ergie is a role model for the rest of the soldiers in this company and this battalion. He really is proof that anybody can get in shape if they're just willing to put in the time and dedication."
Army Capt. Mike Gorman, company commander, agreed.
"The really great thing about Ergie's success is that he is a guy who picked himself up by the bootstraps and got better without us, the chain of command, having to tell him to get better," Gorman said. "I'd feel so much better if more soldiers in this company followed his example."
Army Staff Sgt. Jeremy Conn, the 1-5th medic platoon sergeant, has started running with Ergie regularly. "He pushes me and is getting me in great shape," Conn said.
Team Bobcat Rush has continued to grow, with more junior soldiers starting to attend practices. Benov speculated that the increased numbers have something to do with soldiers having seen one of their peers go so far in so short a time.
But Ergie is humble when talking about his own success.
"I'm not special," Ergie said he emphasizes to anyone who asks him about his running. "I think that anyone can do what I've done -- absolutely. It just takes dedication."
FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska, July 24, 2012 - Army Spc. Deme Ergie wasn't always a runner. And as a medic assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, he found little opportunity to keep in good cardiovascular shape while deployed to Afghanistan.
|
"It
was hard to find the time to really get a good workout downrange," Ergie
said. "The ground back on [Forward Operating Base] Shoja wasn't really
good for running."
But when the "Bobcat" soldiers of the 1-5th started returning here in April, Ergie saw a chance to get back in shape and seized it. Several officers and soldiers with the 1-5th had formed Team Bobcat Rush -- a group of motivated running enthusiasts who planned to represent their battalion at various events throughout Alaska during the summer running season.
At the top of Team Bobcat Rush's list of activities were the Army 10-mile tryouts in May and the Anchorage-based mayor's marathon in June.
Ergie was born in Ethiopia, and before he joined the Army, he lived in Alexandria, Va., where he said he hopes someday to return and go to school. Away from home and fairly new to the Army, Ergie said, he decided he would join the Team Bobcat Rush, purely to improve his running.
"I wanted to get better," he said.
Team Bobcat Rush's captain, Army 1st Lt. Ivaylo Benov, recalled how difficult it was for Ergie at first. "He had difficulty just completing a basic two-mile run [in Manas, Kyrgyzstan] while we were waiting to come home," he said. "We were aiming to do a really easy self-paced workout, and it was pretty tough for him."
But Ergie kept at it, showing up almost every day after Team Bobcat Rush returned home for 5:30 a.m. practices at the Chena Bend Golf Course here.
"We ran that early in the morning because we wanted to be used to running long distances during the same time of day as the race," Benov explained. The team's workouts usually were at least eight miles, and at least once a week team members could expect to run more than 10 miles.
The practice and Ergie's personal dedication paid off; he ran the 10-miler trial in 69 minutes, 37 seconds, averaging less than seven minutes a mile. That time qualified him for an alternate position on the U.S. Army Alaska 10-miler team and made him the second-fastest member of Team Bobcat Rush.
Ergie's performance in the Freedom Fest 5K, held a little over a month later, was even more impressive: he clocked in at 19:43, or about six and a half minutes per mile. That performance won him second place overall for the race.
"This is just outstanding," said Army 1st Sgt. Larry Addy, Ergie's company first sergeant. "Ergie is a role model for the rest of the soldiers in this company and this battalion. He really is proof that anybody can get in shape if they're just willing to put in the time and dedication."
Army Capt. Mike Gorman, company commander, agreed.
"The really great thing about Ergie's success is that he is a guy who picked himself up by the bootstraps and got better without us, the chain of command, having to tell him to get better," Gorman said. "I'd feel so much better if more soldiers in this company followed his example."
Army Staff Sgt. Jeremy Conn, the 1-5th medic platoon sergeant, has started running with Ergie regularly. "He pushes me and is getting me in great shape," Conn said.
Team Bobcat Rush has continued to grow, with more junior soldiers starting to attend practices. Benov speculated that the increased numbers have something to do with soldiers having seen one of their peers go so far in so short a time.
But Ergie is humble when talking about his own success.
"I'm not special," Ergie said he emphasizes to anyone who asks him about his running. "I think that anyone can do what I've done -- absolutely. It just takes dedication."
Total Force engages in Alaska Turkey Shoot
by Tech. Sgt. Dana Rosso
477th Fighter Group Public Affairs
7/23/2012 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Pilots and maintainers assigned to the 477th Fighter Group competed alongside their active duty and Air National Guard counterparts in the 3rd Wing's Turkey Shoot competition here July 17-19.
A Turkey Shoot is an Air Force tradition that goes back to the early days of tactical aviation.
"Throughout the three-day competition, operators and maintenance personnel were graded on their ability to produce aircraft and accomplish a tactical mission that represents something the 3rd Wing assets would do in actual combat," said Maj. Christopher Miller, a member of the 302nd Fighter Squadron and Turkey Shoot coordinator.
There was a vast array of squadrons from active duty Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve participating in the training exercise, including the 302nd, 159th, 90th and 525th Fighter Squadrons, the 3rd Operations Support Squadron, the 517th and 176th Airlift Squadrons, the 477th, 703rd, 176th and 3rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadrons as well as the 18th Aggressor Squadron.
The competition started as aircraft maintenance units produced fully mission capable aircraft. Weapons load crews were evaluated on their ability to load as quickly and safely as possible, with no technical order violations. While those maintenance personnel were generating combat ready aircraft, the C-17, F-15C and F-22 pilots along with their intel personnel were mission planning and briefing in preparation for the training scenario.
Once the jets were determined to be "combat" ready, four Reserve F-22 pilots from the 302nd FS and four Air Guard F-15C pilots from 159th FS from Jacksonville, Fla., took off from JBER and escorted a C-17 from the 517th Airlift Squadron to a drop zone located within the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex to deliver the simulated load.
Throughout the mission, the pilots faced simulated surface to air missiles and engaged with F-16s from the 18th Aggressor Squadron from Eielson Air Force Base, located 250 miles north of JBER.
This was the first time that a four-ship of Reserve pilots from the 302nd FS competed in the 3rd Wing's Turkey Shoot. According to Miller, the Reserve and Air Guard's participation in this training is an example of JBER's commitment to Total Force Integration.
"The Turkey Shoot fosters a competitive spirit and improves camaraderie between participating units," said Maj. Miller. "It gives an increased knowledge about 3rd Wing assets and a fighting "team" spirit with all operations and maintenance participants."
477th Fighter Group Public Affairs
7/23/2012 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Pilots and maintainers assigned to the 477th Fighter Group competed alongside their active duty and Air National Guard counterparts in the 3rd Wing's Turkey Shoot competition here July 17-19.
A Turkey Shoot is an Air Force tradition that goes back to the early days of tactical aviation.
"Throughout the three-day competition, operators and maintenance personnel were graded on their ability to produce aircraft and accomplish a tactical mission that represents something the 3rd Wing assets would do in actual combat," said Maj. Christopher Miller, a member of the 302nd Fighter Squadron and Turkey Shoot coordinator.
There was a vast array of squadrons from active duty Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve participating in the training exercise, including the 302nd, 159th, 90th and 525th Fighter Squadrons, the 3rd Operations Support Squadron, the 517th and 176th Airlift Squadrons, the 477th, 703rd, 176th and 3rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadrons as well as the 18th Aggressor Squadron.
The competition started as aircraft maintenance units produced fully mission capable aircraft. Weapons load crews were evaluated on their ability to load as quickly and safely as possible, with no technical order violations. While those maintenance personnel were generating combat ready aircraft, the C-17, F-15C and F-22 pilots along with their intel personnel were mission planning and briefing in preparation for the training scenario.
Once the jets were determined to be "combat" ready, four Reserve F-22 pilots from the 302nd FS and four Air Guard F-15C pilots from 159th FS from Jacksonville, Fla., took off from JBER and escorted a C-17 from the 517th Airlift Squadron to a drop zone located within the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex to deliver the simulated load.
Throughout the mission, the pilots faced simulated surface to air missiles and engaged with F-16s from the 18th Aggressor Squadron from Eielson Air Force Base, located 250 miles north of JBER.
This was the first time that a four-ship of Reserve pilots from the 302nd FS competed in the 3rd Wing's Turkey Shoot. According to Miller, the Reserve and Air Guard's participation in this training is an example of JBER's commitment to Total Force Integration.
"The Turkey Shoot fosters a competitive spirit and improves camaraderie between participating units," said Maj. Miller. "It gives an increased knowledge about 3rd Wing assets and a fighting "team" spirit with all operations and maintenance participants."
Bataan CSADD - Sailors Helping Sailors
From USS Bataan Public Affairs
USS BATAAN, Norfolk, Va. (NNS) -- Junior Sailors aboard multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) formed a new local chapter of the Navy's Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD) July 24.
CSADD is a Navy-wide program geared at young Sailors (ages 18 to 25) aimed at reinforcing a culture of shipmates helping shipmates, while preventing destructive behavior and building leadership skills.
The program gives young Sailors the opportunity to help each other through peer-to-peer interaction. CSADD helps Sailors with everything from making responsible drinking decisions to suicide prevention.
While there is an instruction governing CSADD's purpose and general duties, each command has a great deal of latitude in forming local chapters. Aboard Bataan, senior leadership is confident the ship's new CSADD chapter will have a positive impact on the command's Sailors.
"CSADD is already in the process of organizing events," said Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) (AW/SW) Byron Coleman, the Bataan Chapter's senior enlisted sponsor. "Most of our Sailors want to do the right thing when nobody's looking. CSADD provides peer pressure to do something right."
The first step in forming the local chapter was to form a core group of junior Sailors interested in participating, and motivated to help other Sailors. After gathering the founding members, they decided who would be the first advocate to the Navy's regional chapter, and then worked with Command Master Chief (SW/AW) Kevin Goodrich, Bataan's CMC, to identify a senior enlisted member to sponsor them. Coleman, who has previously held billets as an equal opportunity advisor, was an ideal selection.
"I look forward to the creative ideas our CSADD chapter will develop to help take care of our Sailors," said Goodrich. "I'm confidant this will be another way to reach those with problems or concerns, and help keep Sailors safe both on and off duty."
Bataan is currently in homeport in Norfolk, Va., undergoing planned maintenance availability.
CSADD is a Navy-wide program geared at young Sailors (ages 18 to 25) aimed at reinforcing a culture of shipmates helping shipmates, while preventing destructive behavior and building leadership skills.
The program gives young Sailors the opportunity to help each other through peer-to-peer interaction. CSADD helps Sailors with everything from making responsible drinking decisions to suicide prevention.
While there is an instruction governing CSADD's purpose and general duties, each command has a great deal of latitude in forming local chapters. Aboard Bataan, senior leadership is confident the ship's new CSADD chapter will have a positive impact on the command's Sailors.
"CSADD is already in the process of organizing events," said Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) (AW/SW) Byron Coleman, the Bataan Chapter's senior enlisted sponsor. "Most of our Sailors want to do the right thing when nobody's looking. CSADD provides peer pressure to do something right."
The first step in forming the local chapter was to form a core group of junior Sailors interested in participating, and motivated to help other Sailors. After gathering the founding members, they decided who would be the first advocate to the Navy's regional chapter, and then worked with Command Master Chief (SW/AW) Kevin Goodrich, Bataan's CMC, to identify a senior enlisted member to sponsor them. Coleman, who has previously held billets as an equal opportunity advisor, was an ideal selection.
"I look forward to the creative ideas our CSADD chapter will develop to help take care of our Sailors," said Goodrich. "I'm confidant this will be another way to reach those with problems or concerns, and help keep Sailors safe both on and off duty."
Bataan is currently in homeport in Norfolk, Va., undergoing planned maintenance availability.
Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions Urges 'Wait 2 Txt,' 'Txting Kills,' and 'Dnt Txt'
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Charlemagne Obana, Naval Hospital Bremerton Public Affairs
BREMERTON, Wash. (NNS) -- Navy Hospital Bremerton (NHB) Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD) members raised awareness for NHB Sailors, staff, and visitors about the dangers of driving while texting as part of a monthlong July driver safety campaign, July 17.
NHB CSADD members collected more than 50 signatures during lunchtime from people pledging to keep from texting while driving.
Their table featured a static display with facts and statistics of fatalities resulting from texting and driving. Those who made pledges signed a banner and were given a choice of different rings and bracelets with slogans such as "TXTING KILLS" and "DNT TXT."
"We wanted to focus on what we call, 'Wait 2 Text,' which involved putting down the phone and not texting while driving," said Hospitalman Elizabeth George, of NHB's Pediatric department and CSADD July motor vehicle safety campaign coordinator.
"There are different organizations that have similar campaigns going on that are focused on teenagers. CSADD is for everyone but [geared toward] Sailors 25 and younger. Our campaign is for those who might be the people most often guilty of texting and driving," George said.
"You've got a group of young Sailors in plain sight encouraging their peers to sign this document that they promise not to text and drive. I think it's a great idea," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (FMF) Jason Corless, NHB command career counselor, who signed the banner and received a ring emblazoned with "WAIT 2 TXT."
"It's pretty awesome that they're taking ownership and accountability for everything themselves and their counterparts are doing in the hospital and in the region," said Corless.
The July CSADD motor vehicle safety campaign is based around the acronym SAFETY to highlight the many dangers to Sailors.
"SAFETY stands for speeding, alcohol, fatigue, ejection (seatbelts), texting and you, and what you can do to prevent that," George said.
After collecting signatures, CSADD members posted the banner below the CSADD display located at the hospital quarterdeck. The trifold display explains the CSADD program, the CSADD Creed, and topics covered by CSADD.
Along with raising awareness, the NHB CSADD chapter is tentatively planning events such as paintball and safe and fun activities sponsored by Morale, Welfare and Recreation.
"Our CSADD is doing a phenomenal job. They've helped stand up other programs at the Naval Base Kitsap Bangor base, and I hope they can be a good contender for chapter of the year," said Corless.
NHB CSADD members collected more than 50 signatures during lunchtime from people pledging to keep from texting while driving.
Their table featured a static display with facts and statistics of fatalities resulting from texting and driving. Those who made pledges signed a banner and were given a choice of different rings and bracelets with slogans such as "TXTING KILLS" and "DNT TXT."
"We wanted to focus on what we call, 'Wait 2 Text,' which involved putting down the phone and not texting while driving," said Hospitalman Elizabeth George, of NHB's Pediatric department and CSADD July motor vehicle safety campaign coordinator.
"There are different organizations that have similar campaigns going on that are focused on teenagers. CSADD is for everyone but [geared toward] Sailors 25 and younger. Our campaign is for those who might be the people most often guilty of texting and driving," George said.
"You've got a group of young Sailors in plain sight encouraging their peers to sign this document that they promise not to text and drive. I think it's a great idea," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (FMF) Jason Corless, NHB command career counselor, who signed the banner and received a ring emblazoned with "WAIT 2 TXT."
"It's pretty awesome that they're taking ownership and accountability for everything themselves and their counterparts are doing in the hospital and in the region," said Corless.
The July CSADD motor vehicle safety campaign is based around the acronym SAFETY to highlight the many dangers to Sailors.
"SAFETY stands for speeding, alcohol, fatigue, ejection (seatbelts), texting and you, and what you can do to prevent that," George said.
After collecting signatures, CSADD members posted the banner below the CSADD display located at the hospital quarterdeck. The trifold display explains the CSADD program, the CSADD Creed, and topics covered by CSADD.
Along with raising awareness, the NHB CSADD chapter is tentatively planning events such as paintball and safe and fun activities sponsored by Morale, Welfare and Recreation.
"Our CSADD is doing a phenomenal job. They've helped stand up other programs at the Naval Base Kitsap Bangor base, and I hope they can be a good contender for chapter of the year," said Corless.
Monday, July 23, 2012
DOD Approves NATO Medals for Operations in Africa and Libya
The Department of Defense announced today
the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Medal for NATO Operations and
Activities in Africa and the NATO Medal for Operations and Activities in Libya
have been approved for acceptance and wear by eligible U.S. service members and
DoD civilian personnel.
NATO awards the NATO Medal for NATO Operations and Activities in Africa for service in direct support of one of the following operations or activities:
For a list of the NATO medals that have been authorized for acceptance and wear by U.S. service members, see DoD Manual 1348.33, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards, Volume 3.
NATO awards the NATO Medal for NATO Operations and Activities in Africa for service in direct support of one of the following operations or activities:
- North
Atlantic Council-approved NATO support activities in relation to the
African Union
- Operation
ALLIED PROVIDER
- Operation
ALLIED PROTECTOR
- Operation
OCEAN SHIELD
- Operation
UNIFIED PROTECTOR
For a list of the NATO medals that have been authorized for acceptance and wear by U.S. service members, see DoD Manual 1348.33, Manual of Military Decorations and Awards, Volume 3.
Redesigned Transition Assistance Program Announced
Today President Obama announced the launch of the redesigned
Transition Assistance Program developed by an interagency team from the
Departments of Defense, Veterans Affairs, Labor, Education, and Homeland
Security as well as the Office of Personnel and Management and the Small
Business Administration.
The revamped program, called Transition GPS, is the first major overhaul of the transition assistance program for military members in nearly 20 years. The effort began in response to a call from President Obama in August 2011 to ensure all service members are “career ready” when they leave the military.
“I applaud the leadership of President Obama to bring together government agencies around the goal of enhancing career opportunities for service members,” said Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta. “Our personnel have developed extraordinary technical expertise and world-class leadership skills that are in high demand. Transition GPS will help military members apply their experience to additional training, formal education, and develop successful civilian careers.”
“One of our fundamental responsibilities as a government is to properly prepare and support those serving in our military so they are career ready as they transition back into civilian life. With this new initiative, we can better ensure veterans receive the care, benefits and employment services they have earned,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “This collaborative effort will have an impact well beyond this current generation of individuals returning from combat.”
The revamped program, called Transition GPS, is the first major overhaul of the transition assistance program for military members in nearly 20 years. The effort began in response to a call from President Obama in August 2011 to ensure all service members are “career ready” when they leave the military.
“I applaud the leadership of President Obama to bring together government agencies around the goal of enhancing career opportunities for service members,” said Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta. “Our personnel have developed extraordinary technical expertise and world-class leadership skills that are in high demand. Transition GPS will help military members apply their experience to additional training, formal education, and develop successful civilian careers.”
“One of our fundamental responsibilities as a government is to properly prepare and support those serving in our military so they are career ready as they transition back into civilian life. With this new initiative, we can better ensure veterans receive the care, benefits and employment services they have earned,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “This collaborative effort will have an impact well beyond this current generation of individuals returning from combat.”
Creech Airman saves Canadian lives, awarded medal at Vandenberg
by Staff Sgt. Erica Picariello
30th Space Wing Public Affairs
7/19/2012 - VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A former Air Force staff sergeant was ceremoniously awarded a Canadian medal by the deputy commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command in the Pacific Coast Club here July 18.
Lt. Gen. Tom Lawson, North American Aerospace Defense Command deputy commander, awarded Scott Knight, a former senior mission intelligence coordinator at the 42nd Attack Squadron at Creech AFB, Nev., the Chief of Defense Staff Commendation medal on behalf of Gen. Walter Natynczyk, Chief of Defense Staff of the Canadian forces, for actions that resulted in saving Canadian lives during a deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan in 2008.
According to the award citation, during several incidents involving troops in contact during his deployment, Knight provided fire support that saved Canadian lives. However, there is much more to the story that may never be heard.
"Even as I read the medal's very carefully developed script, it is going to leave out a lot of information that can't be shared with us today," Lawson said. "So, the Chief of Defense Staff said on an unclassified phone to just, 'let Scott know that for everything he did that was not included in this citation, we thank him."'
Airmen are commonly deployed to work side by side with military personnel from other nations. Some believe the relationships fostered because of this inter-operational capability directly result in saved lives.
"We have, as nations, been battle buddies in wars that date back 100 years," Lawson said. "Through many conflicts we have been each other's strongest ally and, most recently in the past 10 years, we have been engaged very directly in inter-operational campaigns in Afghanistan. In doing that, we have now created a generation of young Canadian and American officers and non-commissioned officers who are going to serve us very well for their entire careers, remembering how closely we were integrated with our American and Canadian buddies. There are American lives and Canadian lives that were saved as a result of those inter-operational capabilities."
According to the Canadian Chief of Defense Staff, that joint functional war-fighting synergy is what allowed mission success during Knight's deployment to Afghanistan.
"What is not included in the script is that lives were saved, operations became successful and the awareness of where we could go after these operations were all heavily supported by the direct actions of the staff sergeant I have beside me here," Lawson said.
As Knight accepted the medal, he thanked his Canadian counterparts.
"I'm honored to have been nominated for this award and even more honored to receive it."
30th Space Wing Public Affairs
7/19/2012 - VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- A former Air Force staff sergeant was ceremoniously awarded a Canadian medal by the deputy commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command in the Pacific Coast Club here July 18.
Lt. Gen. Tom Lawson, North American Aerospace Defense Command deputy commander, awarded Scott Knight, a former senior mission intelligence coordinator at the 42nd Attack Squadron at Creech AFB, Nev., the Chief of Defense Staff Commendation medal on behalf of Gen. Walter Natynczyk, Chief of Defense Staff of the Canadian forces, for actions that resulted in saving Canadian lives during a deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan in 2008.
According to the award citation, during several incidents involving troops in contact during his deployment, Knight provided fire support that saved Canadian lives. However, there is much more to the story that may never be heard.
"Even as I read the medal's very carefully developed script, it is going to leave out a lot of information that can't be shared with us today," Lawson said. "So, the Chief of Defense Staff said on an unclassified phone to just, 'let Scott know that for everything he did that was not included in this citation, we thank him."'
Airmen are commonly deployed to work side by side with military personnel from other nations. Some believe the relationships fostered because of this inter-operational capability directly result in saved lives.
"We have, as nations, been battle buddies in wars that date back 100 years," Lawson said. "Through many conflicts we have been each other's strongest ally and, most recently in the past 10 years, we have been engaged very directly in inter-operational campaigns in Afghanistan. In doing that, we have now created a generation of young Canadian and American officers and non-commissioned officers who are going to serve us very well for their entire careers, remembering how closely we were integrated with our American and Canadian buddies. There are American lives and Canadian lives that were saved as a result of those inter-operational capabilities."
According to the Canadian Chief of Defense Staff, that joint functional war-fighting synergy is what allowed mission success during Knight's deployment to Afghanistan.
"What is not included in the script is that lives were saved, operations became successful and the awareness of where we could go after these operations were all heavily supported by the direct actions of the staff sergeant I have beside me here," Lawson said.
As Knight accepted the medal, he thanked his Canadian counterparts.
"I'm honored to have been nominated for this award and even more honored to receive it."
Military leaders reflect on fallen warriors
460th Space Wing Public Affairs
7/23/2012 - BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Buckley leadership expressed their sympathy for everyone affected by the July 20 Aurora, Colo. movie theater shooting.
Among the victims were two Buckley members, Air Force Staff Sgt. Jesse Childress and Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class John Thomas Larimer.
"This tragic event has affected everyone here at Buckley Air Force Base and our local community friends and neighbors. We are deeply saddened by the loss of each and every loved one," said Col. Daniel Dant, 460th Space Wing commander.
Childress, 29, was a cyber systems operation technician with the Air Force Reserves assigned to the 310th Force Support Squadron on active duty orders. Childress entered the enlisted in 2002 with the Army, where he trained as a satellite systems operator. He then joined the Reserves in 2010.
According to friends and family he was an avid sports fan, often participating in multiple intramural sports offered on the installation. He rooted for his Denver Broncos, L.A. Clippers and L.A. Kings and was a big fan of comics and superheroes.
Larimer, 27, was a cryptologic technician assigned to the Naval Information Operations Command. He joined the Navy in 2011.
"I am incredibly saddened by the loss of Petty Officer John Larimer," Cmdr. Jeffrey Jakuboski, Larimer's commanding officer, said in a statement. "He was an outstanding shipmate. A valued member of our Navy team, he will be missed by all who knew him. My heart goes out to John's family, friends and loved ones, as well as to all victims of this horrible tragedy."
A memorial service is expected to be held for both service members, more information on dates and times will be posted on Buckley's website when available.
7/23/2012 - BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Buckley leadership expressed their sympathy for everyone affected by the July 20 Aurora, Colo. movie theater shooting.
Among the victims were two Buckley members, Air Force Staff Sgt. Jesse Childress and Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class John Thomas Larimer.
"This tragic event has affected everyone here at Buckley Air Force Base and our local community friends and neighbors. We are deeply saddened by the loss of each and every loved one," said Col. Daniel Dant, 460th Space Wing commander.
Childress, 29, was a cyber systems operation technician with the Air Force Reserves assigned to the 310th Force Support Squadron on active duty orders. Childress entered the enlisted in 2002 with the Army, where he trained as a satellite systems operator. He then joined the Reserves in 2010.
According to friends and family he was an avid sports fan, often participating in multiple intramural sports offered on the installation. He rooted for his Denver Broncos, L.A. Clippers and L.A. Kings and was a big fan of comics and superheroes.
Larimer, 27, was a cryptologic technician assigned to the Naval Information Operations Command. He joined the Navy in 2011.
"I am incredibly saddened by the loss of Petty Officer John Larimer," Cmdr. Jeffrey Jakuboski, Larimer's commanding officer, said in a statement. "He was an outstanding shipmate. A valued member of our Navy team, he will be missed by all who knew him. My heart goes out to John's family, friends and loved ones, as well as to all victims of this horrible tragedy."
A memorial service is expected to be held for both service members, more information on dates and times will be posted on Buckley's website when available.
Message on the Shootings in Colorado
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Message on the Shootings in Colorado
As Delivered by Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta, The
Pentagon, Washington, DC, Monday, July 23, 2012
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To all Department of Defense personnel:
Flags at Department of Defense installations across
the world are being flown at half-staff to honor the victims of last week’s
tragedy in Aurora, Colorado. All of us in the Department of Defense community
are deeply saddened by this senseless act of violence, which has hit our
military family especially hard.
Four of the victims served in the military –
including Air Force Staff Sergeant Jesse Childress, Navy Petty Officer
3rd Class John Larimer, Jonathan Blunk, a former Sailor, and Rebecca
Wingo, a former Airman. Other DoD personnel and family members were also
injured in this cruel attack.
I know that many are struggling to understand why
these innocent lives were taken from us, and how such a tragedy could occur in
this country. Even as we try to make sense of this evil act, we are also moved
to learn more about the actions of men and women like SSgt. Childress, who threw
himself in front of his friend in the movie theater to shield her from the
gunman. His selflessness saved her life, at the cost of his own.
These acts of heroism and sacrifice are the essence
of what military service is about – putting your life on the line to defend
those who are part of the American family.
Let us all honor the victims of this tragedy by
committing ourselves to the hard work and sacrifice of protecting this country.
Bravery, courage, and dedication are the hallmarks of our men and women in
uniform – our heroes.
May God bless each and every one of you, and the
United States of America.
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Farris praises wing for MAFFS support, sees mission firsthand
by Staff Sgt. Stephen J. Collier
302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
7/17/2012 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- With the Waldo Canyon Fire finally out, the 302nd Airlift Wing received praise and support for their involvement in aerial fire fighting from Maj. Gen. Wallace W. "Wade" Farris, Jr., during his visit to the wing July 14 here.
Farris, 22nd Air Force commander, parent organization to the 302nd AW, traveled to Colorado to see the wing's mission firsthand, especially after the high operations tempo during the Waldo Canyon Fire call up. The general had an opportunity to see and meet Airmen from several of the wing's squadrons, including the 302nd Logistics Readiness, Maintenance, Aeromedical Staging, Aerial Port and Force Support Squadrons as well as the 302nd Communications Flight.
Commenting on the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, or "MAFFS" mission, Farris said the aerial firefighting mission is "always important to many communities around the country, especially out west where fires are simply a fact of life."
"Obviously, that (MAFFS) mission became extremely important in Colorado Springs as fires were burning right in your backyard and many of our folks in the 302nd (AW) had to evacuate and saw their neighbor's homes go up in flames," Farris said. "And the response from our folks for that fire was outstanding. Every time I turn around I hear another story of some outstanding performance of folks working in the 100-plus degree temperatures on the ramp or our fuels folks servicing the MAFFS aircraft in as little as 15 minutes. That's just an outstanding response. The fact they that helped contain the fire and kept it from burning down more houses and doing more damage than it did was huge."
Farris continued by pointing out it was much more than just the C-130 aerial firefighting mission that defined the volunteerism of the 302nd AW.
"Something else that struck me about the 302nd (AW) during this emergency was how folks took in evacuees in the spirit of cooperation so folks didn't have to go to the shelters. It must have meant a lot to those who evacuated and I'm sure it did. So the whole response from the 302nd (AW) made me proud to be a Reservist and proud to be its (numbered air force) commander. This wing should definitely hold its head high after these last couple of weeks."
The general also presented his commander's coin to a number of Airmen who had gone above and beyond in their respective organizations. Staff Sgt. Timothy Parker, a logistics plans specialist with the 302nd LRS, and one of those Airmen who received a coin, said it meant a lot to him because he's "never met someone that high ranking before."
"It was an honor [to meet the general] and you never really think about that until it happens," he said. "I could never have gotten this recognition without my squadron and my commander giving me the support I needed."
Farris, who has served in the Air Force since 1974, also pointed out that despite ongoing budget cuts and other adversities in the Air Force, he could still see the "sense of pride in doing the job" of an Air Force Reservist.
"With all our units in 22nd Air Force, the motivation and enthusiasm is everywhere. Stepping in when need be to deploy, taking care of a fire in your backyard or even when you need to go somewhere else to fight a fire, our Airmen are still willing and eager to step up to the job and that always impresses and energizes me when I visit the units and listen to our Airmen talk. Their concerns are 'how can I train better,' 'when can I deploy' and 'what can I do more to be a better Airman.' That always makes me feel good and gives me a lot of confidence."
302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
7/17/2012 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- With the Waldo Canyon Fire finally out, the 302nd Airlift Wing received praise and support for their involvement in aerial fire fighting from Maj. Gen. Wallace W. "Wade" Farris, Jr., during his visit to the wing July 14 here.
Farris, 22nd Air Force commander, parent organization to the 302nd AW, traveled to Colorado to see the wing's mission firsthand, especially after the high operations tempo during the Waldo Canyon Fire call up. The general had an opportunity to see and meet Airmen from several of the wing's squadrons, including the 302nd Logistics Readiness, Maintenance, Aeromedical Staging, Aerial Port and Force Support Squadrons as well as the 302nd Communications Flight.
Commenting on the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, or "MAFFS" mission, Farris said the aerial firefighting mission is "always important to many communities around the country, especially out west where fires are simply a fact of life."
"Obviously, that (MAFFS) mission became extremely important in Colorado Springs as fires were burning right in your backyard and many of our folks in the 302nd (AW) had to evacuate and saw their neighbor's homes go up in flames," Farris said. "And the response from our folks for that fire was outstanding. Every time I turn around I hear another story of some outstanding performance of folks working in the 100-plus degree temperatures on the ramp or our fuels folks servicing the MAFFS aircraft in as little as 15 minutes. That's just an outstanding response. The fact they that helped contain the fire and kept it from burning down more houses and doing more damage than it did was huge."
Farris continued by pointing out it was much more than just the C-130 aerial firefighting mission that defined the volunteerism of the 302nd AW.
"Something else that struck me about the 302nd (AW) during this emergency was how folks took in evacuees in the spirit of cooperation so folks didn't have to go to the shelters. It must have meant a lot to those who evacuated and I'm sure it did. So the whole response from the 302nd (AW) made me proud to be a Reservist and proud to be its (numbered air force) commander. This wing should definitely hold its head high after these last couple of weeks."
The general also presented his commander's coin to a number of Airmen who had gone above and beyond in their respective organizations. Staff Sgt. Timothy Parker, a logistics plans specialist with the 302nd LRS, and one of those Airmen who received a coin, said it meant a lot to him because he's "never met someone that high ranking before."
"It was an honor [to meet the general] and you never really think about that until it happens," he said. "I could never have gotten this recognition without my squadron and my commander giving me the support I needed."
Farris, who has served in the Air Force since 1974, also pointed out that despite ongoing budget cuts and other adversities in the Air Force, he could still see the "sense of pride in doing the job" of an Air Force Reservist.
"With all our units in 22nd Air Force, the motivation and enthusiasm is everywhere. Stepping in when need be to deploy, taking care of a fire in your backyard or even when you need to go somewhere else to fight a fire, our Airmen are still willing and eager to step up to the job and that always impresses and energizes me when I visit the units and listen to our Airmen talk. Their concerns are 'how can I train better,' 'when can I deploy' and 'what can I do more to be a better Airman.' That always makes me feel good and gives me a lot of confidence."
Total Force C-130 operations building opens at Peterson
by Staff Sgt. Stephen J. Collier
302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
7/17/2012 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- With a snip of the ceremonial scissors, Air Force Reserve and Active Duty Airmen ushered in the opening of a new Total Force C-130 operations facility July 17 here.
The new $5.6 million facility is the next milestone in the 302nd Airlift Wing's integration with the Active Duty 52nd Airlift Squadron. The 12,500-square foot building will house both the 52nd AS and the AF Reserve's 731st Airlift Squadron under one roof. The two squadrons, as well as C-130 Hercules aircraft maintenance, merged under the Air Force's Total Force Integration program.
Known as 'TFI,' the integration allows Active Duty, Air National Guard and AF Reserve organizations to make more efficient use of facilities, personnel and aircraft. For the 52nd AS and 302nd AW, that means performing both training and real-world airlift and airdrop missions together, as well as matching maintenance personnel to maintain the wing's 12 tactical airlift aircraft.
Officiating the historic moment, leadership from both the AF Reserve and Air Mobility Command took center stage to cut the bright, red ribbon. Grasping the scissors, AF Reserve Col. Jay Pittman, 302nd AW commander, and Col. Brian Robinson, 19th AW commander from Little Rock AFB, Ark., sliced through the ribbon, marking the official opening of the facility.
Just before the ribbon cutting, Pittman stood in front of the audience, highlighting the significance of the day's event.
"We've been waiting over a year for this building to be finished. It's been worth the wait and this is a fabulous facility," Pittman said. "I love talking about this TFI; I believe in it and I'm passionate about it. From day one, the 52nd AS pulled together, and since then we've been through combat together and we've been inspected together. This building is really going to be the icing on the cake. It's the last piece we need to look like a long-term, professional organization. We used to call this [area] the Reserve campus; this is now the TFI campus."
Pittman pointed out some of the highlights of the new facility, including a 200-seat auditorium, which he said was necessary for the many organizations looking for adequate space on Peterson. The colonel said he was also excited to see continued improvements in the area, with a newly-landscaped courtyard, lighting and a partially-covered area.
The colonel also proudly proclaimed his vision for the new facility.
"This campus is going to be the showcase of the Air Force Reserve Command and the TFI community at large."
Mirroring the Active Duty relationship with their AF Reserve counterparts here, Robinson also spoke highly of the TFI partnership.
"I can tell you that Colonel Pittman has the same amount of enthusiasm about this project that he had over our very first phone call," Robinson said. "I just want to say thanks to all the organizations out here that have taken care of the 52nd AS. You know, I don't worry about this unit at all. Everyone here is committed to success and they're doing it right."
The 52nd AS, which first activated in October 2009, has seen their share of combat deployments. The squadron has deployed several times, supporting tactical airlift and airdrop operations throughout Southwest Asia. The squadron achieved full operational capability in late 2011 as its end strength reach approximately 200 Airmen.
302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
7/17/2012 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- With a snip of the ceremonial scissors, Air Force Reserve and Active Duty Airmen ushered in the opening of a new Total Force C-130 operations facility July 17 here.
The new $5.6 million facility is the next milestone in the 302nd Airlift Wing's integration with the Active Duty 52nd Airlift Squadron. The 12,500-square foot building will house both the 52nd AS and the AF Reserve's 731st Airlift Squadron under one roof. The two squadrons, as well as C-130 Hercules aircraft maintenance, merged under the Air Force's Total Force Integration program.
Known as 'TFI,' the integration allows Active Duty, Air National Guard and AF Reserve organizations to make more efficient use of facilities, personnel and aircraft. For the 52nd AS and 302nd AW, that means performing both training and real-world airlift and airdrop missions together, as well as matching maintenance personnel to maintain the wing's 12 tactical airlift aircraft.
Officiating the historic moment, leadership from both the AF Reserve and Air Mobility Command took center stage to cut the bright, red ribbon. Grasping the scissors, AF Reserve Col. Jay Pittman, 302nd AW commander, and Col. Brian Robinson, 19th AW commander from Little Rock AFB, Ark., sliced through the ribbon, marking the official opening of the facility.
Just before the ribbon cutting, Pittman stood in front of the audience, highlighting the significance of the day's event.
"We've been waiting over a year for this building to be finished. It's been worth the wait and this is a fabulous facility," Pittman said. "I love talking about this TFI; I believe in it and I'm passionate about it. From day one, the 52nd AS pulled together, and since then we've been through combat together and we've been inspected together. This building is really going to be the icing on the cake. It's the last piece we need to look like a long-term, professional organization. We used to call this [area] the Reserve campus; this is now the TFI campus."
Pittman pointed out some of the highlights of the new facility, including a 200-seat auditorium, which he said was necessary for the many organizations looking for adequate space on Peterson. The colonel said he was also excited to see continued improvements in the area, with a newly-landscaped courtyard, lighting and a partially-covered area.
The colonel also proudly proclaimed his vision for the new facility.
"This campus is going to be the showcase of the Air Force Reserve Command and the TFI community at large."
Mirroring the Active Duty relationship with their AF Reserve counterparts here, Robinson also spoke highly of the TFI partnership.
"I can tell you that Colonel Pittman has the same amount of enthusiasm about this project that he had over our very first phone call," Robinson said. "I just want to say thanks to all the organizations out here that have taken care of the 52nd AS. You know, I don't worry about this unit at all. Everyone here is committed to success and they're doing it right."
The 52nd AS, which first activated in October 2009, has seen their share of combat deployments. The squadron has deployed several times, supporting tactical airlift and airdrop operations throughout Southwest Asia. The squadron achieved full operational capability in late 2011 as its end strength reach approximately 200 Airmen.
Dreams take flight for 728th Airlift Squadron pilot
by Tech. Sgt. Tanya King
446th Airlift WIng Public Affairs
7/18/2012 - MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. -- Lt. Col. Kimberly Scott, a 728th Airlift Squadron pilot here, is being recognized for her military and civilian aviation accomplishments at the Eleanor Williams Dreams Take Flight Celebration during the International Black Aerospace Coalition Conference in Las Vegas on Aug. 1.
The award honors two pioneers in aviation history: Bessie Coleman, who in 1921 became the first American to obtain an international pilot's license; and Eleanor Williams, who in 1971 became the first African-American female air traffic controller. This year's conference focus is on military personnel.
"Both Eleanor Williams and Bessie Coleman were trailblazers in aviation; they had to be very persistent to achieve their dreams," said Scott, who is one of five recipients of the annual award. "It is very humbling to be considered in their company. I am honored if young people can be inspired by learning about my contributions to military and civilian aviation."
Inspired by her family and seeing aerial demonstrations at various air shows, Scott became the first African-American female pilot for both the Air Force's C-17 Globemaster III and Alaska Airlines.
Scott said her success is a function of the support she's received throughout her life and career.
"I loved hearing how my parents described their proud service with the U.S. Army and about the wonderful experiences they had while stationed in Europe," Scott said. "We would drop my father off at the airport and take him to the gate. I always wanted to get on the airplane and to see what was at the end of the jetway! I knew then that I also wanted to serve in some capacity."
After graduating from the Air Force Academy in 1990, Scott served on active duty as a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot until 2001 and flew combat support missions for operations in Kosovo and Bosnia, as well as post Desert Storm operations and Operation Southern Watch.
In 2001, she left active duty and became a Citizen Airman in the 446th Airlift Wing assigned to the 728th AS. Since then, she has flown combat support missions including Operations New Dawn and Enduring Freedom.
Scott encourages young women and underrepresented youth to pursue aerospace careers.
"Unfortunately there are very few African-American female pilots in the Air Force," Scott said. "We make up less than one percent of pilots. I am very encouraged by taking part in recruiting events including Women Fly at the Seattle Museum of Flight, Women in Aviation, the Lt. Col. Michael P. Anderson Aerospace Program and those with the Tuskegee Airmen."
The veteran pilot said she loves volunteering for aerospace education organizations because it allows her be that mentor to someone else who needs the encouragement and advice she got when she was pursuing her aerospace career. The advice Scott has for others who want to follow in her footsteps is similar to the advice her family and mentors gave her and are consistent with the qualities award honorees Bessie Coleman and Eleanor Williams embodied.
"Work hard, be prepared, be persistent, work towards excellence, keep a positive attitude and don't give up," is Scott's advice to those she mentors. "If you face challenges, learn from your mistakes and then keep going."
446th Airlift WIng Public Affairs
7/18/2012 - MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. -- Lt. Col. Kimberly Scott, a 728th Airlift Squadron pilot here, is being recognized for her military and civilian aviation accomplishments at the Eleanor Williams Dreams Take Flight Celebration during the International Black Aerospace Coalition Conference in Las Vegas on Aug. 1.
The award honors two pioneers in aviation history: Bessie Coleman, who in 1921 became the first American to obtain an international pilot's license; and Eleanor Williams, who in 1971 became the first African-American female air traffic controller. This year's conference focus is on military personnel.
"Both Eleanor Williams and Bessie Coleman were trailblazers in aviation; they had to be very persistent to achieve their dreams," said Scott, who is one of five recipients of the annual award. "It is very humbling to be considered in their company. I am honored if young people can be inspired by learning about my contributions to military and civilian aviation."
Inspired by her family and seeing aerial demonstrations at various air shows, Scott became the first African-American female pilot for both the Air Force's C-17 Globemaster III and Alaska Airlines.
Scott said her success is a function of the support she's received throughout her life and career.
"I loved hearing how my parents described their proud service with the U.S. Army and about the wonderful experiences they had while stationed in Europe," Scott said. "We would drop my father off at the airport and take him to the gate. I always wanted to get on the airplane and to see what was at the end of the jetway! I knew then that I also wanted to serve in some capacity."
After graduating from the Air Force Academy in 1990, Scott served on active duty as a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot until 2001 and flew combat support missions for operations in Kosovo and Bosnia, as well as post Desert Storm operations and Operation Southern Watch.
In 2001, she left active duty and became a Citizen Airman in the 446th Airlift Wing assigned to the 728th AS. Since then, she has flown combat support missions including Operations New Dawn and Enduring Freedom.
Scott encourages young women and underrepresented youth to pursue aerospace careers.
"Unfortunately there are very few African-American female pilots in the Air Force," Scott said. "We make up less than one percent of pilots. I am very encouraged by taking part in recruiting events including Women Fly at the Seattle Museum of Flight, Women in Aviation, the Lt. Col. Michael P. Anderson Aerospace Program and those with the Tuskegee Airmen."
The veteran pilot said she loves volunteering for aerospace education organizations because it allows her be that mentor to someone else who needs the encouragement and advice she got when she was pursuing her aerospace career. The advice Scott has for others who want to follow in her footsteps is similar to the advice her family and mentors gave her and are consistent with the qualities award honorees Bessie Coleman and Eleanor Williams embodied.
"Work hard, be prepared, be persistent, work towards excellence, keep a positive attitude and don't give up," is Scott's advice to those she mentors. "If you face challenges, learn from your mistakes and then keep going."
Barksdale A-10 unit demonstrates maritime capabilities
by Staff Sgt. Ted Daigle
307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
7/20/2012 - Barksdale AFB, La. -- Pilots of the 47th Fighter Squadron demonstrated the maritime capability of the A-10 Thunderbolt II by sinking an abandoned naval vessel July 14 during the Rim of the Pacific exercise at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii
The exercise was unique in that it required A-10 pilots to take on a maritime target instead of the more traditional land-based target, according to Lt. Col. Jim Travis, 47th Fighter Squadron commander.
Maj. Grant McCall, 47th FS pilot, coordinated the event and said the quick sinking of the naval vessel surprised some of the RIMPAC planners.
"I think they underestimated the ability of the A-10," he said. "Other groups were supposed to shoot at the target after we took our turn, but never got the chance because we sank it."
Travis said a four-ship formation of A-10s dropped four inert, 2,000-pound laser-guided bombs on the vessel. The bombs inflicted heavy damage on the ship, with the first bomb completely penetrating the hull.
After dropping the bombs, the pilots continued the attack, inflicting heavy damage on the ship with 30-millimeter rounds until it plunged beneath the surface of the ocean, according to Travis.
"The 30 millimeters were pounding the ship and sending monster geysers of water up in the air. It was a spectacular sight, like something out of old World War II footage." he said.
In addition to sinking the ship, pilots from the 47th FS were also able to participate in a unique exercise in which they helped F-22 Raptor pilots from the Hawaiian Air National Guard by generating coordinates for their bombing practice, said McCall.
Travis said the point of the exercise was to introduce coordinates to the F-22s and have them launch an attack on those points.
"It was a big success because we were able to send them coordinates and they were able to launch their attack in less than five minutes," he said. "It was the first time this type of coordination has ever been attempted with these F-22s, so their timely response and perfect hits on the coordinates was impressive."
Travis added the ability to provide direct and indirect maritime support adds another dimension to the capability of the A-10.
"RIMPAC has provided us an opportunity to expand our maritime air support capabilities. Where else could you drop a ship in a SINKEX, defend allied ships from a small boat attach and practice close air support with some of the special operations teams?" said Travis.
The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans.
307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
7/20/2012 - Barksdale AFB, La. -- Pilots of the 47th Fighter Squadron demonstrated the maritime capability of the A-10 Thunderbolt II by sinking an abandoned naval vessel July 14 during the Rim of the Pacific exercise at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii
The exercise was unique in that it required A-10 pilots to take on a maritime target instead of the more traditional land-based target, according to Lt. Col. Jim Travis, 47th Fighter Squadron commander.
Maj. Grant McCall, 47th FS pilot, coordinated the event and said the quick sinking of the naval vessel surprised some of the RIMPAC planners.
"I think they underestimated the ability of the A-10," he said. "Other groups were supposed to shoot at the target after we took our turn, but never got the chance because we sank it."
Travis said a four-ship formation of A-10s dropped four inert, 2,000-pound laser-guided bombs on the vessel. The bombs inflicted heavy damage on the ship, with the first bomb completely penetrating the hull.
After dropping the bombs, the pilots continued the attack, inflicting heavy damage on the ship with 30-millimeter rounds until it plunged beneath the surface of the ocean, according to Travis.
"The 30 millimeters were pounding the ship and sending monster geysers of water up in the air. It was a spectacular sight, like something out of old World War II footage." he said.
In addition to sinking the ship, pilots from the 47th FS were also able to participate in a unique exercise in which they helped F-22 Raptor pilots from the Hawaiian Air National Guard by generating coordinates for their bombing practice, said McCall.
Travis said the point of the exercise was to introduce coordinates to the F-22s and have them launch an attack on those points.
"It was a big success because we were able to send them coordinates and they were able to launch their attack in less than five minutes," he said. "It was the first time this type of coordination has ever been attempted with these F-22s, so their timely response and perfect hits on the coordinates was impressive."
Travis added the ability to provide direct and indirect maritime support adds another dimension to the capability of the A-10.
"RIMPAC has provided us an opportunity to expand our maritime air support capabilities. Where else could you drop a ship in a SINKEX, defend allied ships from a small boat attach and practice close air support with some of the special operations teams?" said Travis.
The world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans.
NBA supports Nellis
by Airman 1st Class Daniel Hughes
99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
7/23/2012 - NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The Nellis Warrior Fitness Center basketball court was packed to capacity with more than 100 if the base's youth awaiting the mentorship of six USA Basketball Legends during the Hoops for Troops event July 10, 2012.
Legends Lenny Wilkens, Gary Payton, Chris Mullin, Spencer Haywood, Jerome Williams and Teresa Edwards, engaged the youth and taught basketball techniques during a one-hour basketball clinic.
For Lenny Wilkens, the coach with the most wins in NBA history, the event provided an opportunity to make a positive impact on today's youth.
"These are legends who their parents might have talked about or saw on TV, but now they're actually out on the court with them -- it can only be positive," Wilkens said. "The Legends show the [children] that they care, that they do matter and that if they aspire, they can achieve anything they set their minds to."
Chris Mullin, a member of the 1992 USA Olympic Basketball team known as the "Dream Team," said for him, the experience has just as much of an impact on him as it does the military family members.
"I think it's nice to spend some time with the kids, share some ideas, see the kids smile, and spend some time with their families," said Mullin. "We just appreciate everything the military does for us. That's what it's really all about."
During the visit, USA Basketball Legends also taught the youth fundamentals of dribbling, rebounding, shooting and passing. Throughout the event, the Legends took the time to converse and interact with youth participants.
To show their appreciation, the NBA donated 30 basketballs to the Warrior Fitness Center, and the NBA Legends presented an autographed basketball to Maj. Gen. Bill Hyatt, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander.
99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
7/23/2012 - NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The Nellis Warrior Fitness Center basketball court was packed to capacity with more than 100 if the base's youth awaiting the mentorship of six USA Basketball Legends during the Hoops for Troops event July 10, 2012.
Legends Lenny Wilkens, Gary Payton, Chris Mullin, Spencer Haywood, Jerome Williams and Teresa Edwards, engaged the youth and taught basketball techniques during a one-hour basketball clinic.
For Lenny Wilkens, the coach with the most wins in NBA history, the event provided an opportunity to make a positive impact on today's youth.
"These are legends who their parents might have talked about or saw on TV, but now they're actually out on the court with them -- it can only be positive," Wilkens said. "The Legends show the [children] that they care, that they do matter and that if they aspire, they can achieve anything they set their minds to."
Chris Mullin, a member of the 1992 USA Olympic Basketball team known as the "Dream Team," said for him, the experience has just as much of an impact on him as it does the military family members.
"I think it's nice to spend some time with the kids, share some ideas, see the kids smile, and spend some time with their families," said Mullin. "We just appreciate everything the military does for us. That's what it's really all about."
During the visit, USA Basketball Legends also taught the youth fundamentals of dribbling, rebounding, shooting and passing. Throughout the event, the Legends took the time to converse and interact with youth participants.
To show their appreciation, the NBA donated 30 basketballs to the Warrior Fitness Center, and the NBA Legends presented an autographed basketball to Maj. Gen. Bill Hyatt, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander.
Senior Enlisted Advisor to CJCS visits Nellis
by Senior Airman Jack Sanders
99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
7/23/2012 - NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev -- U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan Battaglia, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited Nellis, Creech and the Nevada Test and Training Range to see and better understand Airmen and their capabilities.
"It's been a very, very good trip," Battaglia said. "[My wife,] Lisa and I have learned a whole lot in a short amount of time."
During his time at Nellis, Battaglia toured the base visiting Airmen on the job. He said his visit was insightful, and mentioned how impressed he was to see how much Airmen, at all tiers, are accomplishing.
While touring, the SEAC took time out to speak to Airman and their families. During his time speaking, he discussed the CJCS' top four priorities, the importance of resiliency and development, and took part in a question and answering session.
The CJCS' top four priorities are to achieve our national objectives in the current conflicts, develop Joint Force 2020, renew our commitment to the profession of arms and keep faith with our military family.
"We're changing the culture and lifestyle of how we as service members and families live," Battaglia said. "So, if you're familiar with Comprehensive Airman Fitness for example - those four domains, we want those domains to serve as ingredients to every Airman to be built into your daily menu or lifestyle for both you and your family. You're practicing those domains each and every day to build resiliency so that you and your family and your unit maintain a degree or a level of optimum performance."
The SEAC spoke several times during his trip about resiliency, development and pride.
"Resiliency is one of many things, from a leader's standpoint, that needs to start from the top as well as it starts at the bottom," he said. "The video [N.O.W.] has resonated very nicely among the force. Resiliency programs play a huge part in the individual, the family, the unit and the organization, and that happens in a garrison-style environment, as well as it does for combat. You'll see as time goes on, resiliency will continue to grow and grow amongst our force."
As the force grows and develops, the role development plays doesn't change, Battaglia said.
"Development is going to take place, whether it be in garrison or in combat - any operational theater for that matter," Battaglia said. "Development never stops. As a matter fact, even at my level I feel that I'm still being developed. Development may come in various forms of OJT - on-the-job training - to formal school. I see development maintaining its current course. "
Battaglia is the second person to serve in the role of Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. His predecessor, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. William Gainey, was the first person to hold the position from 2005 until 2008, when he retired. Battaglia said that while his position may be sort of new and growing, there are some challenging pieces to it.
Battaglia said a major concern of military leadership, and to him personally, is the issue of suicide.
"It's a problem or a challenge that we have yet to crack the code [on]," he said. "One of my priorities as this SEAC is to at least develop some effective courses of action to implement or institutionalize into the service member or the service branch in and of itself to help reduce suicides throughout our force. It's been very challenging, and that makes it very important in my mind."
Battaglia also said he is proud of the new generation of service members.
"Over the past 10 years, while our nation's been in conflict, young men and women have been joining our military - and it tells you they have been joining knowing the possibility or risk to be deployed to harm's way," he said. "That's taking place, and some, sadly enough, have given their life to protect our nation and our freedoms, and I don't think there's anything more proud than you can be to see young men and women of our country, our society, joining our ranks and files and wearing the cloth of our nation."
99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
7/23/2012 - NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev -- U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan Battaglia, Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited Nellis, Creech and the Nevada Test and Training Range to see and better understand Airmen and their capabilities.
"It's been a very, very good trip," Battaglia said. "[My wife,] Lisa and I have learned a whole lot in a short amount of time."
During his time at Nellis, Battaglia toured the base visiting Airmen on the job. He said his visit was insightful, and mentioned how impressed he was to see how much Airmen, at all tiers, are accomplishing.
While touring, the SEAC took time out to speak to Airman and their families. During his time speaking, he discussed the CJCS' top four priorities, the importance of resiliency and development, and took part in a question and answering session.
The CJCS' top four priorities are to achieve our national objectives in the current conflicts, develop Joint Force 2020, renew our commitment to the profession of arms and keep faith with our military family.
"We're changing the culture and lifestyle of how we as service members and families live," Battaglia said. "So, if you're familiar with Comprehensive Airman Fitness for example - those four domains, we want those domains to serve as ingredients to every Airman to be built into your daily menu or lifestyle for both you and your family. You're practicing those domains each and every day to build resiliency so that you and your family and your unit maintain a degree or a level of optimum performance."
The SEAC spoke several times during his trip about resiliency, development and pride.
"Resiliency is one of many things, from a leader's standpoint, that needs to start from the top as well as it starts at the bottom," he said. "The video [N.O.W.] has resonated very nicely among the force. Resiliency programs play a huge part in the individual, the family, the unit and the organization, and that happens in a garrison-style environment, as well as it does for combat. You'll see as time goes on, resiliency will continue to grow and grow amongst our force."
As the force grows and develops, the role development plays doesn't change, Battaglia said.
"Development is going to take place, whether it be in garrison or in combat - any operational theater for that matter," Battaglia said. "Development never stops. As a matter fact, even at my level I feel that I'm still being developed. Development may come in various forms of OJT - on-the-job training - to formal school. I see development maintaining its current course. "
Battaglia is the second person to serve in the role of Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. His predecessor, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. William Gainey, was the first person to hold the position from 2005 until 2008, when he retired. Battaglia said that while his position may be sort of new and growing, there are some challenging pieces to it.
Battaglia said a major concern of military leadership, and to him personally, is the issue of suicide.
"It's a problem or a challenge that we have yet to crack the code [on]," he said. "One of my priorities as this SEAC is to at least develop some effective courses of action to implement or institutionalize into the service member or the service branch in and of itself to help reduce suicides throughout our force. It's been very challenging, and that makes it very important in my mind."
Battaglia also said he is proud of the new generation of service members.
"Over the past 10 years, while our nation's been in conflict, young men and women have been joining our military - and it tells you they have been joining knowing the possibility or risk to be deployed to harm's way," he said. "That's taking place, and some, sadly enough, have given their life to protect our nation and our freedoms, and I don't think there's anything more proud than you can be to see young men and women of our country, our society, joining our ranks and files and wearing the cloth of our nation."
Carter Describes Asia-Pacific Strategy in New Delhi
By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service
NEW DEHLI, July 23, 2012 – Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter today described the U.S. Asia-Pacific strategy during a speech to Indian defense industry representatives, journalists and others here.
Setting the context for the U.S. desire to improve its military cooperation with India, Carter explained that two central tenets for the new U.S. defense strategy are an increased focus on the Asia-Pacific region and a new approach to security cooperation through enhanced partnerships with other nations.
“The last 10 years have had a profound impact on world affairs, affecting the United States but also countries across the Asia-Pacific and around the world,” he noted.
Carter said that after a decade of conflict, the United States has ended the Iraq War and, with coalition partners, is transitioning security responsibility in Afghanistan to that nation’s own forces over the next two years.
“But while we’ve been fighting insurgency and terrorism there, the world has not stood still, our friends and enemies have not stood still, and technology has not stood still,” he noted. “The successes we’ve had in Afghanistan, and in counterterrorism, mean that we can now focus our attention on other opportunities and challenges.”
A second strategic force shaping future U.S. strategy, Carter said, is the need to keep the nation’s fiscal house in order, as outlined under the Budget Control Act that Congress passed last year.
“While the U.S. base defense budget will not go down under this plan, neither will it continue to rise as we had earlier planned,” the deputy secretary noted. “But the wind-down of Iraq and Afghanistan gives us capacity to turn the strategic corner without an ever-rising budget.”
Strategic history and fiscal responsibility led U.S. leaders to design a new 21st century defense strategy, he said.
President Barack Obama and Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta steered that effort, and the resulting strategy will build a force for the future that will be what Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey calls the Joint Force of 2020, Carter said.
“As Secretary Panetta has said, it’s going to be agile, lean, ready, technologically advanced, and able to conduct full-spectrum operations and defeat any adversary, anywhere, any time,” said he added.
The shift of focus to the Asia-Pacific region as outlined in the strategy involves several factors, Carter explained.
“[It] is reflected in force structure decisions we make -- that is, what we keep and what we cut; in our posture and presence -- that is, where we put things; in new investments we’re making in technology and weapons systems; in innovative operational plans and tactics; and in alliances and partnerships in the region,” he said. “Importantly, here in India, our rebalance extends to Southeast Asia and South Asia.”
Increased focus on the Asia-Pacific will maintain an environment of peace and security the region has enjoyed for more than 60 years, Carter said. That stability has allowed Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, China and India to rise and prosper, the deputy secretary said.
“The wellsprings of that security have not been found within the region itself -- there’s no NATO here,” he noted. “In the absence of an overarching security structure, the United States military presence has played a pivotal role in ensuring regional stability. We intend to continue to play that role. It’s good for us, and good for everyone in the region.”
The rebalance is not about China, the United States, India, or any other country or group of countries, Carter said. “It’s about a peaceful Asia-Pacific, where sovereign states can enjoy the benefits of security and continue to prosper,” he explained.
To carry out the strategy, the United States military posture in the Asia-Pacific will increase relative to other theaters, he said.
“We intend to have 60 percent of our naval assets in the Pacific by 2020,” Carter said. “We are developing new concepts of rotational presence as opposed to traditional basing, with Marines in Australia, littoral combat ships in Singapore, and forward stationing in Guam.”
The Defense Department also is investing in new platforms and technologies relevant to the region, including a new bomber, new submarine-launched conventional weapons, cyber capabilities, and “a host of upgrades in radars, electronic protection, space and electronic warfare,” the deputy secretary said.
“These and other future-focused investments are another central tenet of our new strategy,” he added.
To those who doubt the United States has the needed resources to realize those investments, Carter said, “I would, to the contrary, point out two factors that make it eminently possible.” With the Iraq War ended and Afghanistan slated to wind down, capacity will be released that can be allocated to the Asia-Pacific region, he said.
“Second, within our budget, we can and are prioritizing investments relative to the Asia-Pacific theater rather than, for example, counterinsurgency, where we have put so much effort over the last decade,” he added. “So the rebalancing is entirely practical.”
The deputy secretary said the central point in the new strategy, as in the decades-long historical U.S. commitment to the region, is to build partnerships that leverage the unique strengths of the nation’s allies and partners. Strong partnerships can help in confronting critical challenges and meeting emerging opportunities, he added.
“So we are taking a strategic and comprehensive approach to security cooperation, as well as to our posture,” he told the Indian audience. “We are streamlining our internal processes and security cooperation programs to share and cooperate with our partners better.”
American Forces Press Service
NEW DEHLI, July 23, 2012 – Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter today described the U.S. Asia-Pacific strategy during a speech to Indian defense industry representatives, journalists and others here.
Setting the context for the U.S. desire to improve its military cooperation with India, Carter explained that two central tenets for the new U.S. defense strategy are an increased focus on the Asia-Pacific region and a new approach to security cooperation through enhanced partnerships with other nations.
“The last 10 years have had a profound impact on world affairs, affecting the United States but also countries across the Asia-Pacific and around the world,” he noted.
Carter said that after a decade of conflict, the United States has ended the Iraq War and, with coalition partners, is transitioning security responsibility in Afghanistan to that nation’s own forces over the next two years.
“But while we’ve been fighting insurgency and terrorism there, the world has not stood still, our friends and enemies have not stood still, and technology has not stood still,” he noted. “The successes we’ve had in Afghanistan, and in counterterrorism, mean that we can now focus our attention on other opportunities and challenges.”
A second strategic force shaping future U.S. strategy, Carter said, is the need to keep the nation’s fiscal house in order, as outlined under the Budget Control Act that Congress passed last year.
“While the U.S. base defense budget will not go down under this plan, neither will it continue to rise as we had earlier planned,” the deputy secretary noted. “But the wind-down of Iraq and Afghanistan gives us capacity to turn the strategic corner without an ever-rising budget.”
Strategic history and fiscal responsibility led U.S. leaders to design a new 21st century defense strategy, he said.
President Barack Obama and Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta steered that effort, and the resulting strategy will build a force for the future that will be what Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey calls the Joint Force of 2020, Carter said.
“As Secretary Panetta has said, it’s going to be agile, lean, ready, technologically advanced, and able to conduct full-spectrum operations and defeat any adversary, anywhere, any time,” said he added.
The shift of focus to the Asia-Pacific region as outlined in the strategy involves several factors, Carter explained.
“[It] is reflected in force structure decisions we make -- that is, what we keep and what we cut; in our posture and presence -- that is, where we put things; in new investments we’re making in technology and weapons systems; in innovative operational plans and tactics; and in alliances and partnerships in the region,” he said. “Importantly, here in India, our rebalance extends to Southeast Asia and South Asia.”
Increased focus on the Asia-Pacific will maintain an environment of peace and security the region has enjoyed for more than 60 years, Carter said. That stability has allowed Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, China and India to rise and prosper, the deputy secretary said.
“The wellsprings of that security have not been found within the region itself -- there’s no NATO here,” he noted. “In the absence of an overarching security structure, the United States military presence has played a pivotal role in ensuring regional stability. We intend to continue to play that role. It’s good for us, and good for everyone in the region.”
The rebalance is not about China, the United States, India, or any other country or group of countries, Carter said. “It’s about a peaceful Asia-Pacific, where sovereign states can enjoy the benefits of security and continue to prosper,” he explained.
To carry out the strategy, the United States military posture in the Asia-Pacific will increase relative to other theaters, he said.
“We intend to have 60 percent of our naval assets in the Pacific by 2020,” Carter said. “We are developing new concepts of rotational presence as opposed to traditional basing, with Marines in Australia, littoral combat ships in Singapore, and forward stationing in Guam.”
The Defense Department also is investing in new platforms and technologies relevant to the region, including a new bomber, new submarine-launched conventional weapons, cyber capabilities, and “a host of upgrades in radars, electronic protection, space and electronic warfare,” the deputy secretary said.
“These and other future-focused investments are another central tenet of our new strategy,” he added.
To those who doubt the United States has the needed resources to realize those investments, Carter said, “I would, to the contrary, point out two factors that make it eminently possible.” With the Iraq War ended and Afghanistan slated to wind down, capacity will be released that can be allocated to the Asia-Pacific region, he said.
“Second, within our budget, we can and are prioritizing investments relative to the Asia-Pacific theater rather than, for example, counterinsurgency, where we have put so much effort over the last decade,” he added. “So the rebalancing is entirely practical.”
The deputy secretary said the central point in the new strategy, as in the decades-long historical U.S. commitment to the region, is to build partnerships that leverage the unique strengths of the nation’s allies and partners. Strong partnerships can help in confronting critical challenges and meeting emerging opportunities, he added.
“So we are taking a strategic and comprehensive approach to security cooperation, as well as to our posture,” he told the Indian audience. “We are streamlining our internal processes and security cooperation programs to share and cooperate with our partners better.”
My job is prosecuting sexual assault
by Commentary by Col. Don M. Christensen
Chief, government trial and appellate counsel
7/23/2012 - 7/19/2012 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Here's a simple truth...sexual offenders reject our core values of integrity, service and excellence, in favor of following their own base, undisciplined, criminal desires. Most sexual assaults committed by Airmen are "blue on blue," or Airmen victimizing other Airmen. So in addition to rejecting our core values, these undisciplined Airmen reject the Wingman concept that we prize in the Air Force. They represent a direct threat to unit morale, good order, and discipline. They degrade combat readiness but with the combined efforts of command, law enforcement, and our team of prosecutors, they will be held accountable. Together, as a team, we will protect other Airmen and protect our strength and combat readiness as the world's greatest Air Force.
Detecting and prosecuting sexual assault is our priority. Recently, we posted on the internet significant Air Force sexual assault prosecutions. The posting may be found here: http://www.afjag.af.mil/sexualassaultprosecution/index.asp. As you can tell from a quick review of this information, we will prosecute sexual offenders anywhere they are found. From reviewing these cases, you can see sexual assault in the Air Force carries substantial penalties.
Our partners in AFOSI thoroughly investigate each allegation to provide commanders with timely, accurate, and prosecutable evidence. They pass the ball to commanders, who call upon my team to prosecute the offender to the maximum extent allowed under law.
Our team of prosecutors is better than any you will see in the civilian community or on TV. I have 17 highly skilled senior trial prosecutors, who are selected from among hundreds of judge advocates for their top notch trial skills. They have the very best trial skills in the Air Force JAG Corps. They prosecute the Air Force's most serious courts-martial. Seven of my senior trial prosecutors have been identified as "Special Victim Unit (SVU)" prosecutors, due to their training and experience in combating sexual assault. They are dedicated to bringing justice to victims of sexual assault and ensuring commanders are able to appropriately hold offenders accountable.
In the typical case we prosecute, the accused Airman exploits his victim's intoxicated state to commit the sexual assault. We are very effective in prosecuting these offenders, and the law encourages us to prosecute Airmen who use alcohol to facilitate sexual assault of substantially incapacitated victims. Prosecuting this kind of case is one of our core specialties.
The Air Force has done a great job training Airmen about respecting other Airmen and not sexually abusing their fellow Airmen. Training can reach many Airmen who might be tempted to commit this crime. For others, who cannot be persuaded by training, my team, the Senior Trial Prosecutors - Special Victims Unit, stands at the ready to vindicate the victims.
Chief, government trial and appellate counsel
7/23/2012 - 7/19/2012 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Here's a simple truth...sexual offenders reject our core values of integrity, service and excellence, in favor of following their own base, undisciplined, criminal desires. Most sexual assaults committed by Airmen are "blue on blue," or Airmen victimizing other Airmen. So in addition to rejecting our core values, these undisciplined Airmen reject the Wingman concept that we prize in the Air Force. They represent a direct threat to unit morale, good order, and discipline. They degrade combat readiness but with the combined efforts of command, law enforcement, and our team of prosecutors, they will be held accountable. Together, as a team, we will protect other Airmen and protect our strength and combat readiness as the world's greatest Air Force.
Detecting and prosecuting sexual assault is our priority. Recently, we posted on the internet significant Air Force sexual assault prosecutions. The posting may be found here: http://www.afjag.af.mil/sexualassaultprosecution/index.asp. As you can tell from a quick review of this information, we will prosecute sexual offenders anywhere they are found. From reviewing these cases, you can see sexual assault in the Air Force carries substantial penalties.
Our partners in AFOSI thoroughly investigate each allegation to provide commanders with timely, accurate, and prosecutable evidence. They pass the ball to commanders, who call upon my team to prosecute the offender to the maximum extent allowed under law.
Our team of prosecutors is better than any you will see in the civilian community or on TV. I have 17 highly skilled senior trial prosecutors, who are selected from among hundreds of judge advocates for their top notch trial skills. They have the very best trial skills in the Air Force JAG Corps. They prosecute the Air Force's most serious courts-martial. Seven of my senior trial prosecutors have been identified as "Special Victim Unit (SVU)" prosecutors, due to their training and experience in combating sexual assault. They are dedicated to bringing justice to victims of sexual assault and ensuring commanders are able to appropriately hold offenders accountable.
In the typical case we prosecute, the accused Airman exploits his victim's intoxicated state to commit the sexual assault. We are very effective in prosecuting these offenders, and the law encourages us to prosecute Airmen who use alcohol to facilitate sexual assault of substantially incapacitated victims. Prosecuting this kind of case is one of our core specialties.
The Air Force has done a great job training Airmen about respecting other Airmen and not sexually abusing their fellow Airmen. Training can reach many Airmen who might be tempted to commit this crime. For others, who cannot be persuaded by training, my team, the Senior Trial Prosecutors - Special Victims Unit, stands at the ready to vindicate the victims.
Officials Announce 2012’s Top Guard, Reserve Employers
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 23, 2012 – Fifteen public and private-sector employers have been chosen to receive the 2012 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.
The award represents the highest recognition the U.S. government provides to employers for their support of employees who serve in the National Guard and reserves.
The recipients are:
-- Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Bismark, N.D.;
-- Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, Ill.;
-- Citi, New York;
-- Crystal Springs United Methodist Church, Crystal Springs, Miss.;
-- Delta Airlines, Atlanta;
-- Gary Jet Center, Gary, Ind.
-- iostudio, Nashville, Tenn.;
-- Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, Kalamazoo, Mich.;
-- L-3 Communications, New York;
-- Nyemaster Goode, Des Moines, Iowa;
-- Port of Seattle;
-- Siemens Corp., Washington, D.C.
-- Tennessee Valley Authority, Knoxville, Tenn.;
-- Uniform Color Co., Holland, Mich.; and
-- Verizon Wireless, Basking Ridge, N.J.
The Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 under the auspices of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Defense Department agency, to recognize exceptional support from the employer community.
Guard and reserve service members, or family members acting on their behalf, submitted 3,236 nominations for this year’s awards. The winners will be honored at a banquet in the nation’s capital in September.
WASHINGTON, July 23, 2012 – Fifteen public and private-sector employers have been chosen to receive the 2012 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.
The award represents the highest recognition the U.S. government provides to employers for their support of employees who serve in the National Guard and reserves.
The recipients are:
-- Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Bismark, N.D.;
-- Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, Ill.;
-- Citi, New York;
-- Crystal Springs United Methodist Church, Crystal Springs, Miss.;
-- Delta Airlines, Atlanta;
-- Gary Jet Center, Gary, Ind.
-- iostudio, Nashville, Tenn.;
-- Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, Kalamazoo, Mich.;
-- L-3 Communications, New York;
-- Nyemaster Goode, Des Moines, Iowa;
-- Port of Seattle;
-- Siemens Corp., Washington, D.C.
-- Tennessee Valley Authority, Knoxville, Tenn.;
-- Uniform Color Co., Holland, Mich.; and
-- Verizon Wireless, Basking Ridge, N.J.
The Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 under the auspices of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Defense Department agency, to recognize exceptional support from the employer community.
Guard and reserve service members, or family members acting on their behalf, submitted 3,236 nominations for this year’s awards. The winners will be honored at a banquet in the nation’s capital in September.
Face of Defense: Airman Returns to Afghanistan as Mentor
By Jason Nelson
Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul
FORWARD OPERATING BASE SMART, Afghanistan, July 23, 2012 - Air Force Maj. John Matthews was assigned to the Pentagon after a successful tour in Afghanistan, and soon volunteered to return.
So when the opportunity came up to return to Afghanistan as a mentor, the Pittsburgh native left the comfortable confines of the Pentagon in hopes of making another lasting impact on the Afghan people.
"It was different this time around, in that we received extensive language training," Matthews said. "That, coupled with my knowledge of the local culture, would hopefully help as we continued to mentor the Afghans through the development of government infrastructure."
Matthews was selected to be the mentor for the Peace and Reintegration Program in Zabul province. A key facet of the security stabilization plan in Afghanistan, reintegration is a way for former and active insurgents to rejoin their communities. The Afghan-led program has had an immediate impact, and its success has directly decreased the number of enemy combatants in the region. The major said he has worked hard in Zabul to ensure the program would achieve its goals of reducing insurgents and helping to mend fractures in communities.
"The program is effective, because it allows Afghans to reach out directly to other Afghans," he explained. "By conducting small [meetings], talking directly to village elders and showing the local population the benefits of reintegration, we are able to achieve greater success."
Earning the trust of the local population was one of the first hurdles that Matthews had to overcome as he worked with the local peace and reintegration team. By building on mutual goals, he said, they were able to see past glaring cultural differences and come up with creative and effective solutions.
"Every time that I visited with them in their office, every day that I was willing to come to them to make the project work, I could sense that there was a level of trust being built," he said. "I dressed as they did, ate with them and respected their needs and wishes. I didn't want to force my ideas when it was they who were most likely to understand the best way to proceed."
Now, with his deployment concluded, Matthews said, he hopes to bring the lessons he learned home with him for future deployments. A meeting with community leaders early in his tour made a lasting impression, he said.
"We were outside waiting for [the meeting] to conclude when I noticed a young boy holding his even younger brother," he said. "They were obviously waiting for their father to come out, and I wanted to take a picture. It wasn't until after I had taken the picture that I noticed the look of despondence in their eyes. They lacked hope. A year later, I feel like their government, and this program, is giving them the hope they both need and deserve."
Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul
FORWARD OPERATING BASE SMART, Afghanistan, July 23, 2012 - Air Force Maj. John Matthews was assigned to the Pentagon after a successful tour in Afghanistan, and soon volunteered to return.
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"My
first tour involved mentoring the Afghan National Army as they developed their
own internal infrastructure," he said. "We were able to establish a
bank, administration shops for the army and other programs that helped them to
function better as a professional organization. I left after that deployment
feeling that I had made a real and lasting difference."
So when the opportunity came up to return to Afghanistan as a mentor, the Pittsburgh native left the comfortable confines of the Pentagon in hopes of making another lasting impact on the Afghan people.
"It was different this time around, in that we received extensive language training," Matthews said. "That, coupled with my knowledge of the local culture, would hopefully help as we continued to mentor the Afghans through the development of government infrastructure."
Matthews was selected to be the mentor for the Peace and Reintegration Program in Zabul province. A key facet of the security stabilization plan in Afghanistan, reintegration is a way for former and active insurgents to rejoin their communities. The Afghan-led program has had an immediate impact, and its success has directly decreased the number of enemy combatants in the region. The major said he has worked hard in Zabul to ensure the program would achieve its goals of reducing insurgents and helping to mend fractures in communities.
"The program is effective, because it allows Afghans to reach out directly to other Afghans," he explained. "By conducting small [meetings], talking directly to village elders and showing the local population the benefits of reintegration, we are able to achieve greater success."
Earning the trust of the local population was one of the first hurdles that Matthews had to overcome as he worked with the local peace and reintegration team. By building on mutual goals, he said, they were able to see past glaring cultural differences and come up with creative and effective solutions.
"Every time that I visited with them in their office, every day that I was willing to come to them to make the project work, I could sense that there was a level of trust being built," he said. "I dressed as they did, ate with them and respected their needs and wishes. I didn't want to force my ideas when it was they who were most likely to understand the best way to proceed."
Now, with his deployment concluded, Matthews said, he hopes to bring the lessons he learned home with him for future deployments. A meeting with community leaders early in his tour made a lasting impression, he said.
"We were outside waiting for [the meeting] to conclude when I noticed a young boy holding his even younger brother," he said. "They were obviously waiting for their father to come out, and I wanted to take a picture. It wasn't until after I had taken the picture that I noticed the look of despondence in their eyes. They lacked hope. A year later, I feel like their government, and this program, is giving them the hope they both need and deserve."
Active, Reserve Forces Meet Recruiting Goals Through June
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WASHINGTON, July 23, 2012 - The military's active and reserve components
met or exceeded their recruiting goals for fiscal 2012 through June, Pentagon
officials reported today.
Here are the numbers for the active services:-- Army: 42,538 accessions, 101 percent of its goal of 42,250; –- Navy: 24,854 accessions, 100 percent of its goal of 24,848; -- Marine Corps: 18,391 accessions, 100 percent of its goal of 18,346; and -- Air Force: 21,332 accessions, 100 percent of its goal of 21,332. All four services exhibited strong retention through the ninth month of fiscal 2012, officials said. Here are the reserve component numbers: -- Army National Guard: 36,508 accessions, 102 percent of its goal of 35,876; -- Army Reserve: – 19,918 accessions, 101 percent of its goal of 19,736; -- Navy Reserve: 5,841 accessions100 percent of its goal of 5,841; -- Marine Corps Reserve: 6,927 accessions, 104 percent of its goal of 6,649; -- Air National Guard: 6,453 accessions, 100 percent of its goal of 6,439; and -- Air Force Reserve: 6,458 accessions, 100 percent of its goal of 6,458. All reserve components are on target to achieve their fiscal year attrition goals, officials said. |
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