by Senior Airman Robert Hicks
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
7/31/2012 - DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- More
than 400 Airmen returned from Southwest Asia July 25 and 26 to Dyess
Air Force Base, Texas, after being deployed six months in support of
Operation Enduring Freedom.
The deployment marked the largest B-1 Bomber deployment of aircraft and personnel in the last 10 years.
Families and friends waited holding signs and banners, while others waived and screamed as Airmen deboarded the aircraft.
"I'm very proud of my husband," said Allison Gutierrez the spouse of a
deployed Airman. "He's such a non-selfish person who fights for his
country and does what he believes is right."
Her husband, Senior Airman Demetrio Gutierrez, 7th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, worked on the deployed B-1 Bombers.
"It's a great and amazing feeling to be back with my family and
friends," Gutierrez said. "I was deployed with a great group of guys who
went out and grabbed the bull by the horns and accomplished the
mission."
The Airmen of the 9th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron and 9th Expeditionary
Aircraft Maintenance Unit provided more than 25 percent of the total
fixed-wing close-air support coverage for coalition ground forces in
Afghanistan every day by launching the most B-1 sorties executed on a
single deployment in more than 10 years of sustained conflict.
Over the course of the six-plus month deployment, the squadron flew more
than 770 combat sorties, encompassing over 9,500 hours, to provide 24
hours of coverage every day.
They also responded to more than 500 troops-in-contact situations, with
the enemy as close as 300 meters from friendly forces, and another 700
priority air requests, delivering more than 400 weapons on target.
"We were able to achieve these great stats through pure hard work," said
Lt. Col. Matthew Brooks, 9th Bomb Squadron commander. "Our squadron
flew 130 more sorties than any B-1 squadron had flown in any other six
month deployment. You don't accomplish this by luck. It's pure hard work
and dedication from the aircraft maintainers, weapon builders and load
crews, B-1 aviators, and the rest of the 7th Bomb Wing who deployed with
us."
The 9th EBS and 9th EAMU completed a complex B-1 sustainment block
upgrade in the midst of combat operations, while avoiding any
degradation in support to ongoing missions. The upgrade, completed to
all nine aircraft in only six days, fulfilled an Air Forces Central
Urgent Operational Needs request to fully integrate the sniper targeting
pod onto the B-1, thereby providing machine-to-machine interface
between the targeting pod and weapons, and reducing the targeting
timeline by 33 percent.
The modification also ensured full operational capability for the B-1 to
employ the GBU-54 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition, providing
Combined Forces Air Component Commander with the first-ever B-1
capability to engage and destroy moving targets.
"There wasn't a single moment during our deployment that we did not have
a B-1 in the air over Afghanistan," Brooks said. "It's really hard to
put it in words how proud I am of these Airmen. Despite extremely
difficult conditions both on the flightline and in the air, they gave
everything they had to support the mission. I'm honored to have served
with them."
The 400 plus Airmen will receive two weeks of well deserved rest and recuperation before assuming their duties again here.
Thursday, August 02, 2012
Flashbacks of war: Remembering Red Sand
Commentary by Master Sgt. Kevin Wallace
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
8/1/2012 - ROYAL AIR FORCE MILDENHALL, England (AFNS) -- (Editor's note: This is the first in a two-part commentary. Read "Help arrives in my darkest hour" on Aug. 2 and learn how Wallace sought and received help.)
Like many, I was prepared to lay down my life for my country each time I shipped off to war. There were a few times when I genuinely believed the cost would be my life, but, sadly it's turned out to be much more.
The sacrifices paid in combat can't be quantified in dollars or time, but are counted in tears shed by those who love and support us while we're downrange or healing back at home.
I'm an Air Force Wounded Warrior, a purple heart recipient, and not ashamed to admit it.
On the outside I look just like any other Airman and relish in that. However, something nearly always feels different. I'm typically withdrawn and emotionally numb.
I've adapted and am learning to live like that.
A respected colleague of mine and someone I consider a friend advised me to try to put my feelings down into words, to share this experience.
So taking the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs functional manager Chief Master Sgt. Tyler Foster's advice, I've done just that and will recount one particular mission, as I remember Operation Red Sand.
A group of scouts, their medic, a Navy combat cameraman and I set out by foot April 2, 2011, into areas far north in the Bala Murghab (BMG) Valley, Badghis Province, Afghanistan.
We ventured further than coalition forces had ever gone, and spent the night reconning villages, plotting locations and fighting positions for ourselves, and anticipating enemy locations and contact.
It was a rough night, but paled in comparison with what was soon to follow.
The next night, the same scouts from Red Platoon, Bulldog Troop, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, Navy dog handler Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryan Lee, his bomb dog 'Valdo,' a handful of Afghan National Army soldiers, Petty Officer 1st Class John Pearl and I returned.
This time we went to secure an area of ruins central to the location where we could operate patrols in known insurgent areas, and egress by riverbed if needed.
After securing the ruins in a field just outside Kamisari Village, we dug in fighting positions and fortified the eroded walls and doorways with sandbags, all under the cover of darkness. We also patrolled the nearby Kamisari and Joy Gange villages, looking for evidence of mines, improvised explosive devices or booby traps.
At day break and without rest, we launched a patrol into a known insurgent hotbed and tried to convince locals to not support the insurgency and start supporting their government, with promises of a better life and development being made possible.
Army 1st Lt. Joe Law, Red Platoon leader, assured the men that if they worked with the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, they would see bazaars and progress like that seen in central BMG.
Unaccepting to Law's offers, the village elders became argumentative and accused our team wrongdoing and trespassing. Tension grew in the air as the villagers became visually upset, spitting and behaving in a way you rarely see in people who typically put a lot of stock into saving face and respect.
Law ordered our team to move out.
As we headed out of the village, around a dozen fighting-age men began to line rooftops, and we knew a battle would soon ensue.
We headed back to our fortified ruins and dug our heels in for the inevitable battle that would find us.
The ruins we established as Observation Post Reaper was eroded and roofless, and was basically a dilapidated, old three-room mud hut.
I was in the western-most part of the ruins with scouts Sgt. Jeff Sheppard and Pfc. Ben Bradley. Pearl, Lee and Valdo were also in that room.
The center room housed an Afghan National Army soldier, his platoon sergeant, our interpreter, Law, scout Sgt. Peter Nalesnik and Maj. Jonathan Lauer, an advisor from the 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, who was along for the mission.
Three Afghan National Army soldiers, scout Spc. William Newland, medic Spc. Kellen West, and forward observer Spc. Dwayne Sims-Sparks were all in the eastern room.
Soon we began to take small-arms fire, and we started to locate where they were attacking from and returned fire. Pearl was documenting the fight with video and I with still photos.
From where I stood, I noticed Sheppard and Bradley immediately engage the Taliban and lay down suppressive fire. Most of the incoming fire was originating from a compound several hundred meters to our north. Insurgents were also using canals to our east and west to flank us.
They were able to maneuver up and down the canals, spraying rounds at us at will from a wide array of cover locations. Almost immediately the fighting reached a level of intensity that forced me to lay down my camera and volley rounds back at the insurgents.
A few minutes into the firefight, I watched in awe as, while my co-worker Pearl was shooting video, an insurgent hit three rounds near his head, walking each round closer than the next.
I could hear several whizzing bullets passing very near to my face and body, and their sound is unforgettable. At a distance, they sounded like pops; near my position, they sounded more like loud cracks; and when they passed within inches of my ears, they sounded like a high-speed bullet train roaring by.
The Taliban were bombarding us with AK-47 and a barrage of heavy machine gun (PKM) fire.
As we fought, I could literally see the mud walls of our ruins being cut down by the incoming PKM fire.
Sheppard called out to Pearl that he'd better move. At that point, Pearl grabbed his video camera and moved into the next room. Our room was the smallest of them all, not well fortified and we were taking one hell of a beating.
The firefight continued for a few hours and we were literally pinned down and under attack from the compound and both canals.
We needed a mortar mission or close-air support desperately as we were severely outgunned, had minimal cover in the ruins and field, and the insurgent force attacking us was growing very quickly.
Italian Army soldiers from Forward Operating Base Todd began laying mortar fire into the field west of where most the insurgents were attacking. The first mortar hit about 25 meters from my position.
Each falling mortar shook the ground like an enormous bass drum, rattling my bones and soul. The first mortar stunned me for a moment, then coming out of the haze I joined Sheppard and Bradley, calling out mortar positions to Law. Under Sims-Spark's directions, mortars moved closer and closer to the target.
The enemy assault grew in intensity and I recall wondering if we'd make it out alive. Our 15-man team seemed doomed.
Still, Law kept working the close air support mission and, despite the dangerously close proximity to which bullets were impacting, I could see Sheppard and Bradley keep fighting. It was inspiring!
Law was calling on someone to verify no insurgents were approaching from our south. I remember thinking that in order to see over the southern wall, I would have to run through a hail of enemy AK and PKM fire, jump up to grapple the top of the wall and peer over.
Shaking and petrified, I garnered the courage and ran through the barrage of bullets and verified, indeed we didn't have any surprises coming to attack us from the rear.
When I raced back to the front of the room and returned scanning the western canal, Sheppard shouted at me to stay down. I knew any dumb move would burden my team in that they'd have to carry my mangled body off that field. Still, keeping insurgents off our rear was worth the risk.
Through panic and impending doom, the scout team kept their focus and wits about them, and we all continued to fight our hardest.
Law called out to check the south again. This time, without giving it too much thought, I checked the rear.
With each dash to the southern wall, my heart skipped beats and rounds bounced near my body and face. I could taste their proximity as dirt peppered my face.
The fighting went on and continued to intensify. Sheppard was keeping the insurgents out of the river beds by launching grenades and one of our Afghan National Army soldiers hit the compound center mass with a precisely aimed RPG.
No matter how hard we fought, they were growing in mass and their attacks were intensifying. It was clear they did not want us to set up a fire base in their backyard.
Our room continued getting pounded and we soon found ourselves taking three RPGs back to back, nearly destroying our northern defenses. Sheppard knew it was time to move and planned to lay down squad-automatic weapon fire to cover movement to the next room and he'd soon follow.
Before he had the chance to do so, the insurgents shot an RPG straight through the makeshift doorway in the front of our ruins, and I watched, as if in slow motion, as the grenade went straight over Bradley's head, skimmed within inches of my face and impacted the ground a few feet behind me.
When the grenade exploded I was thrown into the front wall and saw nothing but sharp white light. I couldn't smell, feel, see, and couldn't comprehend what was going on for moments ... then I heard clear as day, Sheppard screaming, "Medic! Medic! Medic! We need a medic! Get down here, West!"
I stumbled and regained my footing and found that I had all extremities and knowing Lee was dead, shuttered to look back. When I did, I learned he was alive, but Valdo was in really bad shape.
The RPG struck right behind Valdo and the heroic dog took most of the blast. Lee seemed extremely concerned for his wounded shipmate Valdo, Sheppard had shrapnel to the front of his arm, Bradley had shrapnel in his leg, and I caught some in my upper back and also had a concussion.
But we were all alive and while Lee and the West tended to Valdo, the rest of us continued to fight.
Knowing the insurgents were dialed in on our position and that another direct RPG hit would kill the four of us, Law called for more mortar fire and close air support.
An F-16 Fighting Falcon soon shrieked low and overhead, popping flares to scare the insurgents. A remote piloted vehicle pounded the compound with 30 mm cannons, and we egressed towards the canal.
I didn't know it at the time, but soon learned that Nalesnik, Lauer and an Afghan National Army soldier were already in that canal, clearing our path forward.
During the fog of the battle, I really only saw what was before me and around me. I knew Sheppard and Bradley were in the fight, I knew Law was leading us forward and calling in fire missions, I knew Lee was struggling with Valdo and that West was tending to wounds, but I had little knowledge of the vital parts the rest of the team was playing in the fight.
I learned later that at one point, the Afghan National Army sergeant bravely tossed Newland down and covered him with his own body, to protect the young specialist from a barrage of PKM rounds. That's the type of heroism you see on movies but rarely witness first hand.
Meanwhile, we battled our way into the canal and for two kilometers, we fought our way through sporadic small-arms fire.
Pearl carried Valdo, our wounded shipmate, on his shoulders.
I was behind Pearl in the canal and could see Valdo had a hole about the size of a Pepsi can in his intestine. Pearl was soaked in vomit and feces, but kept pushing forward, determined to get Valdo to the medevac site.
Once we made it to a clearing, we found two Mine Resistant Ambush Protected all-Terrain Vehicles (Cougars) waiting for us, which Law had already coordinated.
Even coming out of the canal was intense as we had to climb up about 9 feet, while the roots we grabbed would break away. I had about 200 of the 550 rounds I left with still on me, plus an AT-4 (anti-tank weapon), 9mm handgun, four grenades, camera gear, back-up camera gear, food, water and supplies - it was hard as hell to climb out of that canal.
Once I got to the top, I quickly saw that the Cougars were under attack and were rocking their crew-serve automatic weapons at distant insurgents.
We quickly crammed as many as we could inside the Cougars, others jumped in back, and we moved our wounded to Combat Outpost Metro for a medical air evacuation.
Once we reached COP Metro, we found the COP was under attack and all our comrades who stayed behind during the mission were up on the walls engaging. West cared for Valdo and the rest of us, while more MRAPs arrived for a mounted re-assault toward Joy Gange Village.
We got Valdo, Lee and Sheppard airborne, and West then treated Bradley and I.
After being patched up, I was horrified to find that the mounted counter offensive left without me. I jumped in the back of an un-armored ANA Ranger about to ride back north but their movement was cancelled, so I hauled butt to the walls of COP Metro to man a sniper rifle, and provided over watch.
I was pleasantly surprised to find Pearl already up there on a machine gun. He and I had been through much together on that deployment and for all my life, I'll truly consider him my brother.
Bulldog Troop's first sergeant, 1st Sgt. David Dempsey, led a quick-reaction force and joined Red Platoon, and continued with mounted and foot patrols in the nearby villages, capturing and killing insurgents, destroying known compounds, capturing IED-making materials and destroying an IED-making facility.
No further coalition forces were wounded in the engagement.
An Air Force B-1 dropped four 38GBU bombs and Army close air support assisted with hellfire missiles and 30mm cannon support from the air.
Italian Army soldiers supported with eight mortars from FOB Todd, and provided observation support from COP Chroma, which overlooked the engagement, and allowed them to accurately advise Army scouts on insurgent locations.
In the end, we were all fine and ready for duty within days. Valdo was sent to a Role-2 hospital at Camp Arena, Herat, where he was stabilized by a team of doctors. Once stable, he was transferred to Kandahar Air Field, where a veterinarian could treat him.
Until then, it had been an Army field medic, doctors and nurses who strayed from their 'human expertise' and did their best to patch up the canine.
I'm not sure what became of Valdo and often wonder. As for the rest of the team, I keep in contact with nearly all of the Americans who fought at Operation Red Sand. I'm told the Army Combat Studies Institute will release part two of their Vanguard of Valor Book in the coming months, and that an entire chapter will be dedicated to Red Sand.
Have I suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder?
Perhaps.
Though I know I'll continue to keep in touch with my team, I direly wish I could meet some of the insurgents whom we fought against at Red Sand. If I could, I'd plainly tell them this:
You should have aimed your shots better, you should have fired your RPG with precision ... you should have pierced our hearts, but you didn't.
No, your attempt on our lives failed. Our hearts still beat and they beat for your people, the people of the Murghab Valley whom you carelessly toss aside and grow fat from, as they continue to go without food, water or a peaceful existence.
As you attacked us on that field, I watched Afghan women and children take cover behind trees on the western side. As your men attacked us from within those families, we never once returned fire in their direction.
Why do we care more about your families than you? Why can't you see that your cause is futile? Here's my sincere recommendation to you:
Lay down your arms and join the reintegration process. You should stop terrorizing your people and start assisting your government in rebuilding and development.
If you do this, someday you will see an Afghanistan you've never imagined possible. Perhaps someday your grandkids and mine could play in the park together, or tour some of Herat City's spectacular sites on the same tour bus.
If you don't, more will needlessly suffer at your hands. And rest assured, there are many scouts from Red Platoon whom remember your faces as we met in the village prior to your assault.
Just join reintegration.
But, above all, I forgive you.
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
8/1/2012 - ROYAL AIR FORCE MILDENHALL, England (AFNS) -- (Editor's note: This is the first in a two-part commentary. Read "Help arrives in my darkest hour" on Aug. 2 and learn how Wallace sought and received help.)
Like many, I was prepared to lay down my life for my country each time I shipped off to war. There were a few times when I genuinely believed the cost would be my life, but, sadly it's turned out to be much more.
The sacrifices paid in combat can't be quantified in dollars or time, but are counted in tears shed by those who love and support us while we're downrange or healing back at home.
I'm an Air Force Wounded Warrior, a purple heart recipient, and not ashamed to admit it.
On the outside I look just like any other Airman and relish in that. However, something nearly always feels different. I'm typically withdrawn and emotionally numb.
I've adapted and am learning to live like that.
A respected colleague of mine and someone I consider a friend advised me to try to put my feelings down into words, to share this experience.
So taking the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Public Affairs functional manager Chief Master Sgt. Tyler Foster's advice, I've done just that and will recount one particular mission, as I remember Operation Red Sand.
A group of scouts, their medic, a Navy combat cameraman and I set out by foot April 2, 2011, into areas far north in the Bala Murghab (BMG) Valley, Badghis Province, Afghanistan.
We ventured further than coalition forces had ever gone, and spent the night reconning villages, plotting locations and fighting positions for ourselves, and anticipating enemy locations and contact.
It was a rough night, but paled in comparison with what was soon to follow.
The next night, the same scouts from Red Platoon, Bulldog Troop, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, Navy dog handler Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryan Lee, his bomb dog 'Valdo,' a handful of Afghan National Army soldiers, Petty Officer 1st Class John Pearl and I returned.
This time we went to secure an area of ruins central to the location where we could operate patrols in known insurgent areas, and egress by riverbed if needed.
After securing the ruins in a field just outside Kamisari Village, we dug in fighting positions and fortified the eroded walls and doorways with sandbags, all under the cover of darkness. We also patrolled the nearby Kamisari and Joy Gange villages, looking for evidence of mines, improvised explosive devices or booby traps.
At day break and without rest, we launched a patrol into a known insurgent hotbed and tried to convince locals to not support the insurgency and start supporting their government, with promises of a better life and development being made possible.
Army 1st Lt. Joe Law, Red Platoon leader, assured the men that if they worked with the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, they would see bazaars and progress like that seen in central BMG.
Unaccepting to Law's offers, the village elders became argumentative and accused our team wrongdoing and trespassing. Tension grew in the air as the villagers became visually upset, spitting and behaving in a way you rarely see in people who typically put a lot of stock into saving face and respect.
Law ordered our team to move out.
As we headed out of the village, around a dozen fighting-age men began to line rooftops, and we knew a battle would soon ensue.
We headed back to our fortified ruins and dug our heels in for the inevitable battle that would find us.
The ruins we established as Observation Post Reaper was eroded and roofless, and was basically a dilapidated, old three-room mud hut.
I was in the western-most part of the ruins with scouts Sgt. Jeff Sheppard and Pfc. Ben Bradley. Pearl, Lee and Valdo were also in that room.
The center room housed an Afghan National Army soldier, his platoon sergeant, our interpreter, Law, scout Sgt. Peter Nalesnik and Maj. Jonathan Lauer, an advisor from the 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, who was along for the mission.
Three Afghan National Army soldiers, scout Spc. William Newland, medic Spc. Kellen West, and forward observer Spc. Dwayne Sims-Sparks were all in the eastern room.
Soon we began to take small-arms fire, and we started to locate where they were attacking from and returned fire. Pearl was documenting the fight with video and I with still photos.
From where I stood, I noticed Sheppard and Bradley immediately engage the Taliban and lay down suppressive fire. Most of the incoming fire was originating from a compound several hundred meters to our north. Insurgents were also using canals to our east and west to flank us.
They were able to maneuver up and down the canals, spraying rounds at us at will from a wide array of cover locations. Almost immediately the fighting reached a level of intensity that forced me to lay down my camera and volley rounds back at the insurgents.
A few minutes into the firefight, I watched in awe as, while my co-worker Pearl was shooting video, an insurgent hit three rounds near his head, walking each round closer than the next.
I could hear several whizzing bullets passing very near to my face and body, and their sound is unforgettable. At a distance, they sounded like pops; near my position, they sounded more like loud cracks; and when they passed within inches of my ears, they sounded like a high-speed bullet train roaring by.
The Taliban were bombarding us with AK-47 and a barrage of heavy machine gun (PKM) fire.
As we fought, I could literally see the mud walls of our ruins being cut down by the incoming PKM fire.
Sheppard called out to Pearl that he'd better move. At that point, Pearl grabbed his video camera and moved into the next room. Our room was the smallest of them all, not well fortified and we were taking one hell of a beating.
The firefight continued for a few hours and we were literally pinned down and under attack from the compound and both canals.
We needed a mortar mission or close-air support desperately as we were severely outgunned, had minimal cover in the ruins and field, and the insurgent force attacking us was growing very quickly.
Italian Army soldiers from Forward Operating Base Todd began laying mortar fire into the field west of where most the insurgents were attacking. The first mortar hit about 25 meters from my position.
Each falling mortar shook the ground like an enormous bass drum, rattling my bones and soul. The first mortar stunned me for a moment, then coming out of the haze I joined Sheppard and Bradley, calling out mortar positions to Law. Under Sims-Spark's directions, mortars moved closer and closer to the target.
The enemy assault grew in intensity and I recall wondering if we'd make it out alive. Our 15-man team seemed doomed.
Still, Law kept working the close air support mission and, despite the dangerously close proximity to which bullets were impacting, I could see Sheppard and Bradley keep fighting. It was inspiring!
Law was calling on someone to verify no insurgents were approaching from our south. I remember thinking that in order to see over the southern wall, I would have to run through a hail of enemy AK and PKM fire, jump up to grapple the top of the wall and peer over.
Shaking and petrified, I garnered the courage and ran through the barrage of bullets and verified, indeed we didn't have any surprises coming to attack us from the rear.
When I raced back to the front of the room and returned scanning the western canal, Sheppard shouted at me to stay down. I knew any dumb move would burden my team in that they'd have to carry my mangled body off that field. Still, keeping insurgents off our rear was worth the risk.
Through panic and impending doom, the scout team kept their focus and wits about them, and we all continued to fight our hardest.
Law called out to check the south again. This time, without giving it too much thought, I checked the rear.
With each dash to the southern wall, my heart skipped beats and rounds bounced near my body and face. I could taste their proximity as dirt peppered my face.
The fighting went on and continued to intensify. Sheppard was keeping the insurgents out of the river beds by launching grenades and one of our Afghan National Army soldiers hit the compound center mass with a precisely aimed RPG.
No matter how hard we fought, they were growing in mass and their attacks were intensifying. It was clear they did not want us to set up a fire base in their backyard.
Our room continued getting pounded and we soon found ourselves taking three RPGs back to back, nearly destroying our northern defenses. Sheppard knew it was time to move and planned to lay down squad-automatic weapon fire to cover movement to the next room and he'd soon follow.
Before he had the chance to do so, the insurgents shot an RPG straight through the makeshift doorway in the front of our ruins, and I watched, as if in slow motion, as the grenade went straight over Bradley's head, skimmed within inches of my face and impacted the ground a few feet behind me.
When the grenade exploded I was thrown into the front wall and saw nothing but sharp white light. I couldn't smell, feel, see, and couldn't comprehend what was going on for moments ... then I heard clear as day, Sheppard screaming, "Medic! Medic! Medic! We need a medic! Get down here, West!"
I stumbled and regained my footing and found that I had all extremities and knowing Lee was dead, shuttered to look back. When I did, I learned he was alive, but Valdo was in really bad shape.
The RPG struck right behind Valdo and the heroic dog took most of the blast. Lee seemed extremely concerned for his wounded shipmate Valdo, Sheppard had shrapnel to the front of his arm, Bradley had shrapnel in his leg, and I caught some in my upper back and also had a concussion.
But we were all alive and while Lee and the West tended to Valdo, the rest of us continued to fight.
Knowing the insurgents were dialed in on our position and that another direct RPG hit would kill the four of us, Law called for more mortar fire and close air support.
An F-16 Fighting Falcon soon shrieked low and overhead, popping flares to scare the insurgents. A remote piloted vehicle pounded the compound with 30 mm cannons, and we egressed towards the canal.
I didn't know it at the time, but soon learned that Nalesnik, Lauer and an Afghan National Army soldier were already in that canal, clearing our path forward.
During the fog of the battle, I really only saw what was before me and around me. I knew Sheppard and Bradley were in the fight, I knew Law was leading us forward and calling in fire missions, I knew Lee was struggling with Valdo and that West was tending to wounds, but I had little knowledge of the vital parts the rest of the team was playing in the fight.
I learned later that at one point, the Afghan National Army sergeant bravely tossed Newland down and covered him with his own body, to protect the young specialist from a barrage of PKM rounds. That's the type of heroism you see on movies but rarely witness first hand.
Meanwhile, we battled our way into the canal and for two kilometers, we fought our way through sporadic small-arms fire.
Pearl carried Valdo, our wounded shipmate, on his shoulders.
I was behind Pearl in the canal and could see Valdo had a hole about the size of a Pepsi can in his intestine. Pearl was soaked in vomit and feces, but kept pushing forward, determined to get Valdo to the medevac site.
Once we made it to a clearing, we found two Mine Resistant Ambush Protected all-Terrain Vehicles (Cougars) waiting for us, which Law had already coordinated.
Even coming out of the canal was intense as we had to climb up about 9 feet, while the roots we grabbed would break away. I had about 200 of the 550 rounds I left with still on me, plus an AT-4 (anti-tank weapon), 9mm handgun, four grenades, camera gear, back-up camera gear, food, water and supplies - it was hard as hell to climb out of that canal.
Once I got to the top, I quickly saw that the Cougars were under attack and were rocking their crew-serve automatic weapons at distant insurgents.
We quickly crammed as many as we could inside the Cougars, others jumped in back, and we moved our wounded to Combat Outpost Metro for a medical air evacuation.
Once we reached COP Metro, we found the COP was under attack and all our comrades who stayed behind during the mission were up on the walls engaging. West cared for Valdo and the rest of us, while more MRAPs arrived for a mounted re-assault toward Joy Gange Village.
We got Valdo, Lee and Sheppard airborne, and West then treated Bradley and I.
After being patched up, I was horrified to find that the mounted counter offensive left without me. I jumped in the back of an un-armored ANA Ranger about to ride back north but their movement was cancelled, so I hauled butt to the walls of COP Metro to man a sniper rifle, and provided over watch.
I was pleasantly surprised to find Pearl already up there on a machine gun. He and I had been through much together on that deployment and for all my life, I'll truly consider him my brother.
Bulldog Troop's first sergeant, 1st Sgt. David Dempsey, led a quick-reaction force and joined Red Platoon, and continued with mounted and foot patrols in the nearby villages, capturing and killing insurgents, destroying known compounds, capturing IED-making materials and destroying an IED-making facility.
No further coalition forces were wounded in the engagement.
An Air Force B-1 dropped four 38GBU bombs and Army close air support assisted with hellfire missiles and 30mm cannon support from the air.
Italian Army soldiers supported with eight mortars from FOB Todd, and provided observation support from COP Chroma, which overlooked the engagement, and allowed them to accurately advise Army scouts on insurgent locations.
In the end, we were all fine and ready for duty within days. Valdo was sent to a Role-2 hospital at Camp Arena, Herat, where he was stabilized by a team of doctors. Once stable, he was transferred to Kandahar Air Field, where a veterinarian could treat him.
Until then, it had been an Army field medic, doctors and nurses who strayed from their 'human expertise' and did their best to patch up the canine.
I'm not sure what became of Valdo and often wonder. As for the rest of the team, I keep in contact with nearly all of the Americans who fought at Operation Red Sand. I'm told the Army Combat Studies Institute will release part two of their Vanguard of Valor Book in the coming months, and that an entire chapter will be dedicated to Red Sand.
Have I suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder?
Perhaps.
Though I know I'll continue to keep in touch with my team, I direly wish I could meet some of the insurgents whom we fought against at Red Sand. If I could, I'd plainly tell them this:
You should have aimed your shots better, you should have fired your RPG with precision ... you should have pierced our hearts, but you didn't.
No, your attempt on our lives failed. Our hearts still beat and they beat for your people, the people of the Murghab Valley whom you carelessly toss aside and grow fat from, as they continue to go without food, water or a peaceful existence.
As you attacked us on that field, I watched Afghan women and children take cover behind trees on the western side. As your men attacked us from within those families, we never once returned fire in their direction.
Why do we care more about your families than you? Why can't you see that your cause is futile? Here's my sincere recommendation to you:
Lay down your arms and join the reintegration process. You should stop terrorizing your people and start assisting your government in rebuilding and development.
If you do this, someday you will see an Afghanistan you've never imagined possible. Perhaps someday your grandkids and mine could play in the park together, or tour some of Herat City's spectacular sites on the same tour bus.
If you don't, more will needlessly suffer at your hands. And rest assured, there are many scouts from Red Platoon whom remember your faces as we met in the village prior to your assault.
Just join reintegration.
But, above all, I forgive you.
Special needs child gets pilot-for-a-day treatment at Whiteman Posted 7/27/2012 Updated 8/1/2012 Email story Print story Share by Staff Sgt. Danielle Johnston 442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs 7/27/2012 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Michael Gracey, a fourth-grade student at Sterling elementary, Warrensburg, Mo., toured the 303rd Fighter Squadron here, July 26. Gracey, who has attention deficit hyperactive disorder and Asperger's syndrome, a form of high-functioning autism, got up close with an A-10 Thunderbolt II and learned what it takes to be a pilot. He spent the afternoon operating his own Warthog from the virtual cockpit of the simulator and visited the aircrew flight equipment shop where he tried on flight equipment. Michael's mother, Senior Master Sgt. Mona Wendzillo, 509th Airman and Family Readiness Center noncommissioned officer in charge, said the family found out about his condition in 2007. She said it was a difficult transition - one that took nearly a year of research - to learn about the disorder. Her research eventually helped her understand and communicate better with her then-5-year-old son. While working in the 509th A&FR office, Wendzillo developed a friendship with Master Sgt. Vickie Chambers, former 442nd A&FR noncommissioned officer in charge. It is through Chambers that Wendzillo was able to coordinate the special day for her son. "I was blown away today," she said. "I thought we were just going to come in the hangar and stand back to look at a plane, and we were thrilled about that." Instead, Chambers worked with Maj. Todd Riddle, 303rd FS A-10 pilot, to set up an afternoon full of events. Michael tried on night-vision goggles, a pilot helmet, and other gear used during training and deployment missions. He practiced landing a parachute on a windy day in the hanging-harness simulator, and he even used his own house as target practice in the 360-degree A-10 virtual simulator. "This has really been a phenomenal day in the midst of what has so far been a really bad summer," Wendzillo said. "Change can be hard on Michael, and we've had a lot of change lately that we've been working on adapting to, so it was great to come out here and spend an afternoon having fun." Riddle showed Michael and his mom around the squadron and the A-10 and ended the tour by presenting Michael a squadron patch worn by the A-10 pilots here. "It was such a good feeling to see Michael so happy today," Riddle said. "But this wasn't just about him. Being a single mom is probably the hardest job I can imagine - and getting to see her excited because Michael was excited, was what the Air Force is all about - taking care of our wingmen." Wendzillo participates in a special-needs support group available to anyone with base access.
by Staff Sgt. Danielle Johnston
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
7/27/2012 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Michael Gracey, a fourth-grade student at Sterling elementary, Warrensburg, Mo., toured the 303rd Fighter Squadron here, July 26.
Gracey, who has attention deficit hyperactive disorder and Asperger's syndrome, a form of high-functioning autism, got up close with an A-10 Thunderbolt II and learned what it takes to be a pilot. He spent the afternoon operating his own Warthog from the virtual cockpit of the simulator and visited the aircrew flight equipment shop where he tried on flight equipment.
Michael's mother, Senior Master Sgt. Mona Wendzillo, 509th Airman and Family Readiness Center noncommissioned officer in charge, said the family found out about his condition in 2007. She said it was a difficult transition - one that took nearly a year of research - to learn about the disorder. Her research eventually helped her understand and communicate better with her then-5-year-old son.
While working in the 509th A&FR office, Wendzillo developed a friendship with Master Sgt. Vickie Chambers, former 442nd A&FR noncommissioned officer in charge. It is through Chambers that Wendzillo was able to coordinate the special day for her son.
"I was blown away today," she said. "I thought we were just going to come in the hangar and stand back to look at a plane, and we were thrilled about that."
Instead, Chambers worked with Maj. Todd Riddle, 303rd FS A-10 pilot, to set up an afternoon full of events. Michael tried on night-vision goggles, a pilot helmet, and other gear used during training and deployment missions. He practiced landing a parachute on a windy day in the hanging-harness simulator, and he even used his own house as target practice in the 360-degree A-10 virtual simulator.
"This has really been a phenomenal day in the midst of what has so far been a really bad summer," Wendzillo said. "Change can be hard on Michael, and we've had a lot of change lately that we've been working on adapting to, so it was great to come out here and spend an afternoon having fun."
Riddle showed Michael and his mom around the squadron and the A-10 and ended the tour by presenting Michael a squadron patch worn by the A-10 pilots here.
"It was such a good feeling to see Michael so happy today," Riddle said. "But this wasn't just about him. Being a single mom is probably the hardest job I can imagine - and getting to see her excited because Michael was excited, was what the Air Force is all about - taking care of our wingmen."
Wendzillo participates in a special-needs support group available to anyone with base access.
Dobbins hosts Bring Your Kids to Work Day
by Senior Airman Elizabeth Van Patten
94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
7/31/2012 - DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- More than 75 children experienced first-hand a taste of what their parents see and do at work by participating in the second annual Dobbins Air Reserve Base Bring Your Kids to Work Day July 27.
"Some of you will be joining the military because of this day," said Col. Tim Tarchick, 94th Airlift Wing commander. "That's what happened to me when I was a little guy. My dad took me to something like this. Be safe and enjoy the day and thanks for being part of the team."
Exhibits included a UH-60 Blackhawk, courtesy of Clay National Guard Center, as well as static displays from the 94th Security Forces Squadron, Dobbins Fire Department and Explosive Ordinance Disposal all located at Hanger 5 on base. The children and their parents were also invited to "fly" in the Eastern Regional C-130 Simulator.
Following the displays, parents and children gathered for lunch at Verhulst Hall to relax and watch a movie while they reflected on the day.
"I wanted my two kids to experience a day in the Air Force, and they loved it," said Tech. Sgt. Camille Rubin, of the 94th Communications Squadron. "This is an awesome program, a great experience and I can't wait to participate in it again next year."
During the day, Airman Andy, the Air Force Reserve Command recruiting mascot, made a special guest appearance to greet participants. This was made possible by Mercedes Campilango and Ricky Bohannan, volunteers from the Dobbins ARB Development and Training Flight.
"Setting up Airman Andy and greeting the kids as they came through the door gave our trainees a little volunteer experience," said Tech Sgt. Gregory Meghoo, 94th AW Development and Training Flight noncommissioned officer in charge. "They are learning about volunteerism before they even go to Basic Military Training."
94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
7/31/2012 - DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- More than 75 children experienced first-hand a taste of what their parents see and do at work by participating in the second annual Dobbins Air Reserve Base Bring Your Kids to Work Day July 27.
"Some of you will be joining the military because of this day," said Col. Tim Tarchick, 94th Airlift Wing commander. "That's what happened to me when I was a little guy. My dad took me to something like this. Be safe and enjoy the day and thanks for being part of the team."
Exhibits included a UH-60 Blackhawk, courtesy of Clay National Guard Center, as well as static displays from the 94th Security Forces Squadron, Dobbins Fire Department and Explosive Ordinance Disposal all located at Hanger 5 on base. The children and their parents were also invited to "fly" in the Eastern Regional C-130 Simulator.
Following the displays, parents and children gathered for lunch at Verhulst Hall to relax and watch a movie while they reflected on the day.
"I wanted my two kids to experience a day in the Air Force, and they loved it," said Tech. Sgt. Camille Rubin, of the 94th Communications Squadron. "This is an awesome program, a great experience and I can't wait to participate in it again next year."
During the day, Airman Andy, the Air Force Reserve Command recruiting mascot, made a special guest appearance to greet participants. This was made possible by Mercedes Campilango and Ricky Bohannan, volunteers from the Dobbins ARB Development and Training Flight.
"Setting up Airman Andy and greeting the kids as they came through the door gave our trainees a little volunteer experience," said Tech Sgt. Gregory Meghoo, 94th AW Development and Training Flight noncommissioned officer in charge. "They are learning about volunteerism before they even go to Basic Military Training."
Healing Waters
by Margie Arnold and William Prichard
21st Force Support Squadron
7/31/2012 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- During a personal ice climbing trip in western Colorado, William Prichard fell off some "bad ice." That more than 40-foot fall shattered his vertebrae which sliced through his spinal cord causing permanent damage. "The pain was indescribable," he said.
An outdoor adventure guide for the military, he used his medical and survival skills to stay alive until help arrived. His climbing partner buried him in the snow with only a small hole to breathe and talk through. "I had to slow my heart rate in case I was bleeding internally and had to limit the swelling to my spinal cord; the snow did both."
After six hours of waiting, search and rescue transported him to an ambulance and straight into emergency surgery. After a month in ICU and for months after, Prichard was wheelchair bound, couldn't feel his legs and had lost more than 40 pounds.
After four months of inpatient rehab at Craig Hospital in Denver he was transferred to Brook Army Medical Center's Center for the Intrepid at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, enduring another seven months of rehabilitation with other severely injured active duty members. Part of that recovery involved kayaking with the local San Antonio chapter of Team River Runners.
PADDLE SPORTS OFFER UNIQUE HEALING
TRR is a national, non-profit organization founded in 2004 in Washington, D.C., by a group of kayakers who wanted to help military personnel wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan and recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Due to its success, this primarily volunteer organization expanded its program to other Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs facilities across the country. TRR helps injured active duty and veteran service members - and their families - regain a sense of self and experience independence again through paddling sports.
Why paddle sports? It's different from the normal therapy routine a recovering service member encounters; it offers unique challenges as well as many rewards; and water itself is a healing, soothing, refreshing, restorative environment symbolic of new beginnings. Including the service member's family in the therapy session enhances the healing. In fact, TRR encourages family participation with each member.
These physical therapy sessions for the individual also become emotional therapy sessions for the family. "A person highly sensitized to loud noises or crowds or certain smells will avoid those situations when they return home from war. That can create a challenge for the family that likes to get out and do things. So each pool session is an opportunity to create a brand new family experience and do something together in a safe and supportive environment that creates new bonds and new memories," said Prichard.
"The road to recovery is not fast; it's going to have many obstacles and many challenges. There's a process, an entire healing process," said Marc Dervaes, a participant with Colorado Springs TRR for almost three years. He is now the area program coordinator with Wounded Warrior Project and hopes to build a good partnership between WWP and the local TRR chapter to provide more programming, support and opportunities.
"I lost my arm in '09 and I'm still healing. I still have obstacles. I still have to manage meds. I have memory issues. But I use physical activity like this to put it away for a while. Team River Runners really helps that, not to mention it's something my wife and I can do together as a team. What was once a unified team in combat is now a different unified team. Sometimes, down the river, you're in combat. You know, it's you against the river. And knowing that your teammates are in front of you and behind you is a great feeling. So if I wet exit, I know that somebody's going to get my boat and most likely I'm going to be able to swim to the side. And it's a support thing that a lot of these guys feed off of and enjoy. They miss it. They really miss it," said Dervaes.
TRR COMES TO PETERSON AFB
TRR's Colorado Springs chapter had been working with wounded warriors from Fort Carson's Warrior Transition Battalion, helping their physical and emotional recovery after a traumatic injury. However, due to policy changes at the facility they were using, TRR needed to find a new location that would also allow retired military, veterans and the wounded service members' families to participate as one. In January of 2012, TRR was referred to the Aquatic Center at Peterson AFB as a potential solution.
When TRR came calling in January, an enthusiastic Prichard, himself an adaptive paddling instructor for the American Canoe Association and now the Aquatics Center director at PAFB, not only offered them use of the pool after hours, but also the use of kayaks and other equipment from the on-base Outdoor Recreation. Prichard was now able to extend a helping hand to TRR. Since that time, weekly groups of 10 to 15 participants have shown up to paddle. "For me, as an instructor, my injury is a common thread, a credibility factor for the process that each participant goes through," said Prichard.
THE LOCAL CHAPTER
The Colorado Springs chapter of TRR, or Butts in Boats, as they playfully refer to themselves, is staffed by three full-time volunteers. One is Kellie Matack, who has participated in the program during her previous fight with cancer. Now she coordinates participation in both local and national TRR events, is a level III kayak instructor for the ACA, and has been involved with TRR for more than three years at Fort Campbell, Ky., and the Colorado Springs chapters.
"We are grateful that Peterson Air force Base welcomed us with open arms. Will (Prichard) has been accommodating and generous, not only in the use of facilities and gear, but also in his wealth of knowledge in regards to adaptive paddling," said Matack. "It's a lifestyle change. Our goal is to see the participants heal, grow and eventually take on leadership roles in the chapter and go back into their communities to promote, mentor and teach others with disabilities."
"When my husband returned from deployment, he seemed lost, numb and frustrated with a lot of things. We moved to Fort Carson and he joined this TRR chapter as a participant; now he's an instructor. Being involved with TRR has not only brought new meaning to his life and given him goals for the future, but it was also therapeutic for our relationship and gave us new common ground, a deeper connection," Matack said.
A SHARED VISION
With Prichard's love of kayaking, his therapy program with TRR was a natural fit and allowed him to work through the traumatic events that put him in rehab.
Prichard's life now has new direction, shaped by his own injury and rehabilitation, his initial connection to TRR in San Antonio, and then opening the Aquatic Center to the local TRR. He is currently the only adaptive paddling instructor in the surrounding area and is undergoing intensive training in states from Alaska to New Hampshire. His passion is to become an adaptive paddling instructor-trainer and open the doors to understanding and accommodation for wounded military and veterans. That would involve visiting or hosting all wounded warrior transition battalions in order to educate physical therapists, command staff, Adventure Programs staff, Outdoor Recreation staff, local TRR chapters and even those who rent canoes and kayaks about adapting their programs and equipment to accommodate those with a disability. At Penn State's Military Inclusion Conference earlier this year, he had two opportunities to network with Department of Defense personnel around the world in hopes of doing just that.
The future of adaptive water sports depends on building awareness and creating events where all levels of ability are invited to join. "My dream is to create an event at each organization that goes through an adaptive paddling workshop and that draws large numbers of participants from all over the region and from many different organizations and groups."
TRR, other wounded military programs and Prichard are hoping to create international awareness of adaptive water sports. It has already begun in the Wounded Warrior Games and the Paralympics, and hopefully will be expanding into other arenas by 2016. The hope is that several wounded warriors will win medals and become spokespersons for adaptive paddling and the benefits to life and family. Not only will they achieve something heroic for themselves, but their success could also inspire future development and financial support for adaptive and inclusive programs in the military, as well as public programs.
HOW TO BE PART OF THE TEAM
The TRR works with active duty, retired military, veterans and their families - all are welcome. If you or someone you know might benefit from TRR, go online to www.TeamRiverRunners.org and look up your local chapter contacts. You can volunteer with TRR, too. If you are in the Colorado Springs area, email ColoradoSpringsTRR@gmail.com for more information.
21st Force Support Squadron
7/31/2012 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- During a personal ice climbing trip in western Colorado, William Prichard fell off some "bad ice." That more than 40-foot fall shattered his vertebrae which sliced through his spinal cord causing permanent damage. "The pain was indescribable," he said.
An outdoor adventure guide for the military, he used his medical and survival skills to stay alive until help arrived. His climbing partner buried him in the snow with only a small hole to breathe and talk through. "I had to slow my heart rate in case I was bleeding internally and had to limit the swelling to my spinal cord; the snow did both."
After six hours of waiting, search and rescue transported him to an ambulance and straight into emergency surgery. After a month in ICU and for months after, Prichard was wheelchair bound, couldn't feel his legs and had lost more than 40 pounds.
After four months of inpatient rehab at Craig Hospital in Denver he was transferred to Brook Army Medical Center's Center for the Intrepid at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, enduring another seven months of rehabilitation with other severely injured active duty members. Part of that recovery involved kayaking with the local San Antonio chapter of Team River Runners.
PADDLE SPORTS OFFER UNIQUE HEALING
TRR is a national, non-profit organization founded in 2004 in Washington, D.C., by a group of kayakers who wanted to help military personnel wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan and recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Due to its success, this primarily volunteer organization expanded its program to other Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs facilities across the country. TRR helps injured active duty and veteran service members - and their families - regain a sense of self and experience independence again through paddling sports.
Why paddle sports? It's different from the normal therapy routine a recovering service member encounters; it offers unique challenges as well as many rewards; and water itself is a healing, soothing, refreshing, restorative environment symbolic of new beginnings. Including the service member's family in the therapy session enhances the healing. In fact, TRR encourages family participation with each member.
These physical therapy sessions for the individual also become emotional therapy sessions for the family. "A person highly sensitized to loud noises or crowds or certain smells will avoid those situations when they return home from war. That can create a challenge for the family that likes to get out and do things. So each pool session is an opportunity to create a brand new family experience and do something together in a safe and supportive environment that creates new bonds and new memories," said Prichard.
"The road to recovery is not fast; it's going to have many obstacles and many challenges. There's a process, an entire healing process," said Marc Dervaes, a participant with Colorado Springs TRR for almost three years. He is now the area program coordinator with Wounded Warrior Project and hopes to build a good partnership between WWP and the local TRR chapter to provide more programming, support and opportunities.
"I lost my arm in '09 and I'm still healing. I still have obstacles. I still have to manage meds. I have memory issues. But I use physical activity like this to put it away for a while. Team River Runners really helps that, not to mention it's something my wife and I can do together as a team. What was once a unified team in combat is now a different unified team. Sometimes, down the river, you're in combat. You know, it's you against the river. And knowing that your teammates are in front of you and behind you is a great feeling. So if I wet exit, I know that somebody's going to get my boat and most likely I'm going to be able to swim to the side. And it's a support thing that a lot of these guys feed off of and enjoy. They miss it. They really miss it," said Dervaes.
TRR COMES TO PETERSON AFB
TRR's Colorado Springs chapter had been working with wounded warriors from Fort Carson's Warrior Transition Battalion, helping their physical and emotional recovery after a traumatic injury. However, due to policy changes at the facility they were using, TRR needed to find a new location that would also allow retired military, veterans and the wounded service members' families to participate as one. In January of 2012, TRR was referred to the Aquatic Center at Peterson AFB as a potential solution.
When TRR came calling in January, an enthusiastic Prichard, himself an adaptive paddling instructor for the American Canoe Association and now the Aquatics Center director at PAFB, not only offered them use of the pool after hours, but also the use of kayaks and other equipment from the on-base Outdoor Recreation. Prichard was now able to extend a helping hand to TRR. Since that time, weekly groups of 10 to 15 participants have shown up to paddle. "For me, as an instructor, my injury is a common thread, a credibility factor for the process that each participant goes through," said Prichard.
THE LOCAL CHAPTER
The Colorado Springs chapter of TRR, or Butts in Boats, as they playfully refer to themselves, is staffed by three full-time volunteers. One is Kellie Matack, who has participated in the program during her previous fight with cancer. Now she coordinates participation in both local and national TRR events, is a level III kayak instructor for the ACA, and has been involved with TRR for more than three years at Fort Campbell, Ky., and the Colorado Springs chapters.
"We are grateful that Peterson Air force Base welcomed us with open arms. Will (Prichard) has been accommodating and generous, not only in the use of facilities and gear, but also in his wealth of knowledge in regards to adaptive paddling," said Matack. "It's a lifestyle change. Our goal is to see the participants heal, grow and eventually take on leadership roles in the chapter and go back into their communities to promote, mentor and teach others with disabilities."
"When my husband returned from deployment, he seemed lost, numb and frustrated with a lot of things. We moved to Fort Carson and he joined this TRR chapter as a participant; now he's an instructor. Being involved with TRR has not only brought new meaning to his life and given him goals for the future, but it was also therapeutic for our relationship and gave us new common ground, a deeper connection," Matack said.
A SHARED VISION
With Prichard's love of kayaking, his therapy program with TRR was a natural fit and allowed him to work through the traumatic events that put him in rehab.
Prichard's life now has new direction, shaped by his own injury and rehabilitation, his initial connection to TRR in San Antonio, and then opening the Aquatic Center to the local TRR. He is currently the only adaptive paddling instructor in the surrounding area and is undergoing intensive training in states from Alaska to New Hampshire. His passion is to become an adaptive paddling instructor-trainer and open the doors to understanding and accommodation for wounded military and veterans. That would involve visiting or hosting all wounded warrior transition battalions in order to educate physical therapists, command staff, Adventure Programs staff, Outdoor Recreation staff, local TRR chapters and even those who rent canoes and kayaks about adapting their programs and equipment to accommodate those with a disability. At Penn State's Military Inclusion Conference earlier this year, he had two opportunities to network with Department of Defense personnel around the world in hopes of doing just that.
The future of adaptive water sports depends on building awareness and creating events where all levels of ability are invited to join. "My dream is to create an event at each organization that goes through an adaptive paddling workshop and that draws large numbers of participants from all over the region and from many different organizations and groups."
TRR, other wounded military programs and Prichard are hoping to create international awareness of adaptive water sports. It has already begun in the Wounded Warrior Games and the Paralympics, and hopefully will be expanding into other arenas by 2016. The hope is that several wounded warriors will win medals and become spokespersons for adaptive paddling and the benefits to life and family. Not only will they achieve something heroic for themselves, but their success could also inspire future development and financial support for adaptive and inclusive programs in the military, as well as public programs.
HOW TO BE PART OF THE TEAM
The TRR works with active duty, retired military, veterans and their families - all are welcome. If you or someone you know might benefit from TRR, go online to www.TeamRiverRunners.org and look up your local chapter contacts. You can volunteer with TRR, too. If you are in the Colorado Springs area, email ColoradoSpringsTRR@gmail.com for more information.
Wednesday, August 01, 2012
Donation helps connect deployed service members to home
July 31, 2012
In honor of the Year of the Veteran, Gov. Scott
Walker announced AT&T will be donating 600 pre-paid calling cards to
Wisconsin National Guard units and Reserve units in Wisconsin to help
service members stay in touch with their families.
"These AT&T calling cards will be important
lifelines home for our brave men and women in uniform serving our
country overseas," Walker said. "This program is a great way to connect
our heroes with home, and show them how much we appreciate all they've
done for us."
AT&T donates hundreds of thousands of phone
cards every year to help connect service members serving overseas with
loved ones back home. Each card provides service members with 100
pre-paid minutes. To date, AT&T has donated more than $9 million of
pre-paid calling cards to military personnel nationwide.
"Every day of the year, brave men and women
protect and serve our country, and we want to thank them," said Scott T.
VanderSanden, president of AT&T Wisconsin. "We are proud to partner
with Gov. Walker to donate these calling cards to our National Guard
and Reserve troops to honor their service and help them stay connected
with home."
"Having visited our Soldiers and Airmen overseas
and at mobilization stations across the nation, I know that the ability
to reach back and stay connected with loved ones is a powerful morale
boost," said Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin. "I am
grateful for AT&T's generosity."
"We owe a debt of gratitude to the members of
our Wisconsin National Guard who dedicate their lives in service and
sacrifice to our nation," said Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch. "Being
separated from their loved ones at home is especially challenging and we
are so thankful to AT&T for their support of our military members
and their families. We truly hope this gift will be a way for our brave
men and women to stay connected to their family and friends back home."
The governor also joined with "Cell Phones for
Soldiers" Co-Founder Robbie Bergquist to encourage all Wisconsin
residents to donate their old cell phones to support the charity. "Cell
Phones for Soldiers" uses recycling proceeds to buy and send free phone
cards to military members stationed away from home.
"Recycling our old cell phones is the really the
very least we can do to support America's heroes," Walker said. "I
encourage all Wisconsin residents to join me and our state employees in
donating old cell phones and honoring our troops."
Wisconsin residents can donate old cell phones in a number of ways:
- Donate old cell phones at any AT&T store located in Wisconsin
- Visit the "Cell Phones for Soldiers" website to locate a drop-off location near you; or
- Print off a free shipping label by visiting the "Cell Phones for Soldiers" website and mail in your old phones.
- Drop boxes at the Wisconsin State Capitol visitor's desk in the rotunda
In April, Governor Walker launched a "Cell
Phones for Soldiers" collection drive among all Wisconsin state
government agencies. State employees teamed up to collect nearly 1,500
gently-used cell phones. Due to the success of the drive, AT&T and
the Department of Administration (DOA) have partnered up to continue
accepting donated cell phones from state employees throughout the Year
of the Veteran. AT&T collection boxes are located in the Governor's
Office, the Capitol Rotunda, and the DOA lobby.
Robbie and Brittany Bergquist co-founded "Cell
Phones for Soldiers" in 2004, at the ages of 12 and 13. The charity has
since provided more than 150 million minutes of free talk time to
service men and women stationed around the world. AT&T has also
strongly supported "Cell Phones for Soldiers" since July 2007, donating
more than $4 million, and helping to collect hundreds of thousands of
old cell phones for the cause.
"Each year, we have been humbled by the amount
of people like Gov. Scott Walker and organizations like AT&T that
take the initiative to support our troops and veterans," Robbie said.
"We would be honored to have the residents of Wisconsin collect unwanted
cell phones on our behalf."
"Cell Phones for Soldiers" also just announced a
new initiative designed to support veterans. Called "Helping Heroes
Home," the program provides
emergency funds for veterans returning home.
AT&T is supporting the program by donating more than $450,000 to
address the communication needs
facing today's veterans. AT&T will also
donate $2 when an individual watches the Helping Heroes Home video and $1 when that person shares it with friends for an additional donation of up to $50,000.
All old cell phones collected will support both
the calling card program and the Helping Heroes Home program.
"With partners like AT&T and Cell Phones for
Soldiers, we are supporting veterans and their families," Wisconsin
Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary John Scocos said. "Above all
else, we are here to serve a unique and remarkable customer base -
Wisconsin's veterans and their families. It is our honor and privilege
to join with the governor, AT&T and 'Cell Phones for Soldiers' to
give these men and women the best service possible."
Exercise Screaming Eagle IV continues, improves Poland, US, partnership
by Senior Airman Aaron-Forrest Wainwright
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
8/1/2012 - POWIDZ, Poland -- Ramstein Airmen from the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing and 86th Airlift Wing continue to train together along with Polish military members in exercise Screaming Eagle IV, here July 24th through August 3rd.
"Poland is one of our strongest and closest allies in the world and is a leader in Europe," said President Barack Obama. "What we want to do is to create an environment in this region in which peace and security are a given. That's not just good for this region. It is good for the United States of America."
Screaming Eagle is an annual exercise at the 33rd Air Base here, that allows pilots from the 37th Airlift Squadron to conduct training with the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, while facilitating training for several other units.
"Poland provides an excellent place for our aircrews to increase proficiency on several different flying scenarios, as well as training opportunities for maintainers, aerial porters, and the airborne personnel we have here with us," said Capt. Dean Brown, exercise mission commander and 37th AS pilot. "In addition, we get to learn from and share information and tactics with the Polish while integrating partnerships."
The 435th Contingency Response Group used this opportunity to work together with the 37th Airlift Squadron at this location to complete night vision goggle qualifications that are otherwise difficult to maintain at home station.
"Here we are able to train CRG aerial porters to operate in complete darkness using NVG," said Master Sgt. Jeffery Platz, NVG instructor, 435th Air Mobility Squadron. "At Ramstein, we cannot get the flightline completely dark, so the training we conduct here is more realistic."
This training gives the pilots and the ground crew critical experience on possible future contingencies where landing on an airfield under the cover of darkness is essential to mission success.
Also benefiting from the training opportunities in Poland are two Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape specialists from Ramstein who are jumping side-by-side with ten members of the Polish special forces during the second week of the exercise. The U.S. jumpers and Polish special forces conducted high altitude, low opening jumps multiple times during the days and nights.
"Anytime we have a chance to build partnerships and enhance the interoperability between our respective forces is an opportunity that should be taken advantage of to the utmost," said Staff Sgt. C. Brandon Fountain, 435th CRG SERE specialist and air advisor.
The partnerships built between Poland and the U.S. during this exercise and others have paved the way for a new aviation detachment to be established in Poland to support quarterly joint training exercises with F-16's and C-130's.
With the advent of the new 33rd A detachment Dec 8, the two countries plan to continue to strengthen bonds as allies while preparing their armed forces for joint contingencies.
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
8/1/2012 - POWIDZ, Poland -- Ramstein Airmen from the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing and 86th Airlift Wing continue to train together along with Polish military members in exercise Screaming Eagle IV, here July 24th through August 3rd.
"Poland is one of our strongest and closest allies in the world and is a leader in Europe," said President Barack Obama. "What we want to do is to create an environment in this region in which peace and security are a given. That's not just good for this region. It is good for the United States of America."
Screaming Eagle is an annual exercise at the 33rd Air Base here, that allows pilots from the 37th Airlift Squadron to conduct training with the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, while facilitating training for several other units.
"Poland provides an excellent place for our aircrews to increase proficiency on several different flying scenarios, as well as training opportunities for maintainers, aerial porters, and the airborne personnel we have here with us," said Capt. Dean Brown, exercise mission commander and 37th AS pilot. "In addition, we get to learn from and share information and tactics with the Polish while integrating partnerships."
The 435th Contingency Response Group used this opportunity to work together with the 37th Airlift Squadron at this location to complete night vision goggle qualifications that are otherwise difficult to maintain at home station.
"Here we are able to train CRG aerial porters to operate in complete darkness using NVG," said Master Sgt. Jeffery Platz, NVG instructor, 435th Air Mobility Squadron. "At Ramstein, we cannot get the flightline completely dark, so the training we conduct here is more realistic."
This training gives the pilots and the ground crew critical experience on possible future contingencies where landing on an airfield under the cover of darkness is essential to mission success.
Also benefiting from the training opportunities in Poland are two Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape specialists from Ramstein who are jumping side-by-side with ten members of the Polish special forces during the second week of the exercise. The U.S. jumpers and Polish special forces conducted high altitude, low opening jumps multiple times during the days and nights.
"Anytime we have a chance to build partnerships and enhance the interoperability between our respective forces is an opportunity that should be taken advantage of to the utmost," said Staff Sgt. C. Brandon Fountain, 435th CRG SERE specialist and air advisor.
The partnerships built between Poland and the U.S. during this exercise and others have paved the way for a new aviation detachment to be established in Poland to support quarterly joint training exercises with F-16's and C-130's.
With the advent of the new 33rd A detachment Dec 8, the two countries plan to continue to strengthen bonds as allies while preparing their armed forces for joint contingencies.
Acting Under Secretary of the Air Force visits basic military training
8/1/2012 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO -- LACKLAND, Texas (AFNS) -- Acting
Under Secretary of the Air Force Dr. Jamie Morin visited with Air Force
basic military training officials and trainees here July 30.
During a trip to San Antonio, Morin met with the 37th Training Wing leadership and toured the BMT campus.
In June, Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr., Air Education and Training Command commander, appointed Maj. Gen. Margaret H. Woodward to lead a command-directed investigation into BMT and technical training throughout the command following reports of misconduct by some military training instructors at BMT.
"Sexual assault is a serious crime and is deeply corrosive to military readiness," Morin said. "It is all the more so at Basic Military Training, which is foundational to everything our Air Force does. The men and women entrusted with molding civilians into Airmen must maintain the highest standards of professionalism in discharging their duties--both in how they treat trainees and how they handle reports of mistreatment.
"While the vast majority serve with honor, those who have betrayed the sacred trust we place in them will be held to the most stringent levels of accountability," he continued. "I know that Gen. Ed Rice and Maj. Gen. Margaret Woodward will continue aggressively investigating these crimes and will work with senior Air Force leadership to take all necessary steps."
During a trip to San Antonio, Morin met with the 37th Training Wing leadership and toured the BMT campus.
In June, Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr., Air Education and Training Command commander, appointed Maj. Gen. Margaret H. Woodward to lead a command-directed investigation into BMT and technical training throughout the command following reports of misconduct by some military training instructors at BMT.
"Sexual assault is a serious crime and is deeply corrosive to military readiness," Morin said. "It is all the more so at Basic Military Training, which is foundational to everything our Air Force does. The men and women entrusted with molding civilians into Airmen must maintain the highest standards of professionalism in discharging their duties--both in how they treat trainees and how they handle reports of mistreatment.
"While the vast majority serve with honor, those who have betrayed the sacred trust we place in them will be held to the most stringent levels of accountability," he continued. "I know that Gen. Ed Rice and Maj. Gen. Margaret Woodward will continue aggressively investigating these crimes and will work with senior Air Force leadership to take all necessary steps."
AF medical team integral part of mass casualty exercise
by Army Sgt. 1st Class Raymond J. Piper
Defense Media Activity
8/1/2012 - CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. (AFNS) -- The "walking wounded," arrived first to the field hospital set up by the 779th Medical Wing. The warbling siren from an ambulance heralded the arrival of patients on litters. The doctors, nurses and medical technicians greeted them with the initial care that could save their lives or at a minimum alleviate some of their suffering.
The Joint Base Andrews unit is part of the nearly 9,000 service members and Department of Defense civilians taking part in Vibrant Response 13, which is designed to test the ability of the DoD to respond to a nuclear disaster on U.S. soil.
The unit is part of a joint homeland support mission designed to step in when there is a disaster that goes beyond the scope of local authorities and local medical facilities to handle the injured.
"We are available at their request to come in and setup our EMEDS unit and provide attitudinal hospital and surgical support to the local authorities," said Maj. (Dr.) Patrick Huck, a general surgeon with the 779th.
The 779th arrived July 28 and began to set up their field hospital made up of several interlinked tents to provide an emergency room, a surgery, an intensive care ward and a pharmacy.
"These patients are complicated by having radiological exposure, so that does put it in a little bit of a different light from what we traditionally deal with," Huck said .
As the patients arrived, their clothes were replaced with hospital gowns due to the risk of contamination from radioactive particles. They used wet wipes and water to remove any particles from exposed skin.
"If there are radiation particles on the patients, 90 to 95 percent of them could be removed when they take off their clothing," said Maj. Elisa Hammer, bio-environmental engineer.
Hammer and her team are one part OSHA and one part EPA. They ensure that the environment that the staff works in remains safe from hazards.
"We advise on decontamination and detect contamination, so based on that, just like OSHA, we can protect our providers," she said. "At the same time we want to get outside to get an environmental health assessment and a good feel for what's around our area."
Medical technicians and nurses began the screening process to take stock of the injuries and begin treatment for the wounded. Common questions that the roleplayers might have heard in a regular doctor's visit, but now cots replaced the usual sterile environment of a normal examination room. The usual banks of equipment to test for blood pressure are all portable and ready to be moved to another patient if needed.
"You have to rapidly assess them, get them stable and if they were able to go home, send them home or to the FEMA tent. If they weren't we would move them to another part of the hospital for further care," said Maj. (Doctor) Michael Maine, a family practice doctor.
The injuries from the blast were varied, and the airmen saw both the effects of radiation exposure, leading to abdominal pains, nausea and itching all over the patients' skin, and the direct effects from the blast where victims were thrown or slammed against something, creating injuries from the impact. Additionally people further from the initial blast could still suffer burn injuries.
Given the chaotic nature of the aftermath as first responders arrive and as people try to escape, the hospital would still see normal trauma from car crashes and falls.
"We have learned a lot as far as how much radiation a human is suppose to have and the different injuries that they can have when they get exposed to a significant amount of radiation," said Staff Sgt Rewa Price, an ER tech. "The kind of injuries you're going to see might be similar, like nausea, vomiting; however, it's related to radiation."
As the patients filtered through emergency room, being screened and treated, an ambulance brought in a training mannequin, simulating someone who was close to the area of the detonation of the nuclear device. From the blast, he received an abdominal wound caused by blunt trauma that resulted in a ruptured spleen. Doctors, nurses and medical technicians worked to keep him stabilized as the observer/controller told them the results of their examination.
"I saw the patient in our emergency room, evaluated him per our advanced trauma life support protocol, and we recognized that he had a condition that required surgical support. We stabilized him ... and brought him to the operating room and performed surgery on the patient to repair the hemorrhage," Huck said.
All of the wounds are simulated and in some ways that makes everything more difficult, according to Maj. Maj. Matthew Uber, a nurse anesthetist.
"Although they do their best to make the victims look traumatically injured, anyone who has been deployed in a war-time situation knows the stakes are lot different when you know there is a life on the line," he said. "The adrenaline doesn't surge when you get a mannequin patient, so the cohesiveness of the team develops more in a real-world scenario."
He explained though the wounds aren't real, setting up the mobile hospital and working through the different scenarios shows the potential shortfalls that may exist.
"It's great that we are doing that now for a potential homeland response because that (mission) brings a lot of unique problems," Uber said.
Huck agrees that the realism does not lie in the patient care, but rather in t he coordination of the care patients receive, transporting them through the hospital and making sure they have the supplies they need to take care of the wounded if it should happen for real.
The joint nature of the exercise provides the participants with a unique opportunity even if members of the unit have worked with other services in the past.
"It's great when the forces work together," Uber said. "Initially I think there is always that thought 'we do things differently,' but we find, especially in the medical field, that we have a lot more in common than differences and it breaks down those barriers quickly."
He continued, "The training in trauma is pretty much universally prescribed by civilian authorities. Advanced trauma life support is the same whether you're Army, Air Force or Navy, so I think we speak the same language as far as trauma, physiology, air way breathing, circulation. Universally I believe trauma is the same language to every branch. The challenges and differences probably come in equipment, capability, expectation of what we have whether it be supplies or equipment."
Price has been working with contingency air medical staging facilities throughout her 10-year career and said that this was an extremely different mission than what she was use to.
"I'm trying to apply that prior knowledge that I have working with our wounded warriors overseas and at home," she said. "It's a lot of blast injuries, which is quite similar (to a war zone), but then the radiation injuries and things like that are new where it's a learning experience."
They have learned a lot so far, such as how much radiation a person is suppose to have and the different type of injuries that they can have when they are exposed to significant amounts of radiation, Price said.
"The kind of injuries you're going to see might be similar, like nausea and vomiting; however, it's related to radiation," she added.
Although Uber doesn't expect there will be mortar fire coming into the hospital, he said, that doesn't mean it'll necessarily be easier.
If an event such as nuclear attack was to happen in downtown Chicago, they would be facing an entirely different patient population than they do with military members.
One discussion Uber and his team had was about the weight standards of their operating tables.
"Typically in a deployed environment, we deal with active duty military or Afghan forces where there is a potentially a healthier population," he said. "If this did happen in downtown Chicago, we might see a much different patient population that might exceed some of the standards we have here."
In addition the hospital would face many medical issues beyond the surgical trauma. He explained they might see heart failure, diabetes and other ailments that would keep a civilian out of the military because their focus would be on treating the local population.
A challenge that Maine sees is that many of their assets from the larger staff at a normal hospital will be unavailable.
"What you have here is what you're sent out with ..., so you make the decision right there with the capabilities you have. That can be a challenge not having multiple access to specialists," Maine said.
Although the mission poses many challenges and be it a natural or man-made disasters the airmen are ready to help people on American soil, when called.
Uber said, "I'm not excited about the possibility of what would trigger the mission, whether it be a nuclear or chemical or even a natural disaster type of an event, but I look forward to the fact that we would be able to help the civilian population and work with local authorities."
Defense Media Activity
8/1/2012 - CAMP ATTERBURY, Ind. (AFNS) -- The "walking wounded," arrived first to the field hospital set up by the 779th Medical Wing. The warbling siren from an ambulance heralded the arrival of patients on litters. The doctors, nurses and medical technicians greeted them with the initial care that could save their lives or at a minimum alleviate some of their suffering.
The Joint Base Andrews unit is part of the nearly 9,000 service members and Department of Defense civilians taking part in Vibrant Response 13, which is designed to test the ability of the DoD to respond to a nuclear disaster on U.S. soil.
The unit is part of a joint homeland support mission designed to step in when there is a disaster that goes beyond the scope of local authorities and local medical facilities to handle the injured.
"We are available at their request to come in and setup our EMEDS unit and provide attitudinal hospital and surgical support to the local authorities," said Maj. (Dr.) Patrick Huck, a general surgeon with the 779th.
The 779th arrived July 28 and began to set up their field hospital made up of several interlinked tents to provide an emergency room, a surgery, an intensive care ward and a pharmacy.
"These patients are complicated by having radiological exposure, so that does put it in a little bit of a different light from what we traditionally deal with," Huck said .
As the patients arrived, their clothes were replaced with hospital gowns due to the risk of contamination from radioactive particles. They used wet wipes and water to remove any particles from exposed skin.
"If there are radiation particles on the patients, 90 to 95 percent of them could be removed when they take off their clothing," said Maj. Elisa Hammer, bio-environmental engineer.
Hammer and her team are one part OSHA and one part EPA. They ensure that the environment that the staff works in remains safe from hazards.
"We advise on decontamination and detect contamination, so based on that, just like OSHA, we can protect our providers," she said. "At the same time we want to get outside to get an environmental health assessment and a good feel for what's around our area."
Medical technicians and nurses began the screening process to take stock of the injuries and begin treatment for the wounded. Common questions that the roleplayers might have heard in a regular doctor's visit, but now cots replaced the usual sterile environment of a normal examination room. The usual banks of equipment to test for blood pressure are all portable and ready to be moved to another patient if needed.
"You have to rapidly assess them, get them stable and if they were able to go home, send them home or to the FEMA tent. If they weren't we would move them to another part of the hospital for further care," said Maj. (Doctor) Michael Maine, a family practice doctor.
The injuries from the blast were varied, and the airmen saw both the effects of radiation exposure, leading to abdominal pains, nausea and itching all over the patients' skin, and the direct effects from the blast where victims were thrown or slammed against something, creating injuries from the impact. Additionally people further from the initial blast could still suffer burn injuries.
Given the chaotic nature of the aftermath as first responders arrive and as people try to escape, the hospital would still see normal trauma from car crashes and falls.
"We have learned a lot as far as how much radiation a human is suppose to have and the different injuries that they can have when they get exposed to a significant amount of radiation," said Staff Sgt Rewa Price, an ER tech. "The kind of injuries you're going to see might be similar, like nausea, vomiting; however, it's related to radiation."
As the patients filtered through emergency room, being screened and treated, an ambulance brought in a training mannequin, simulating someone who was close to the area of the detonation of the nuclear device. From the blast, he received an abdominal wound caused by blunt trauma that resulted in a ruptured spleen. Doctors, nurses and medical technicians worked to keep him stabilized as the observer/controller told them the results of their examination.
"I saw the patient in our emergency room, evaluated him per our advanced trauma life support protocol, and we recognized that he had a condition that required surgical support. We stabilized him ... and brought him to the operating room and performed surgery on the patient to repair the hemorrhage," Huck said.
All of the wounds are simulated and in some ways that makes everything more difficult, according to Maj. Maj. Matthew Uber, a nurse anesthetist.
"Although they do their best to make the victims look traumatically injured, anyone who has been deployed in a war-time situation knows the stakes are lot different when you know there is a life on the line," he said. "The adrenaline doesn't surge when you get a mannequin patient, so the cohesiveness of the team develops more in a real-world scenario."
He explained though the wounds aren't real, setting up the mobile hospital and working through the different scenarios shows the potential shortfalls that may exist.
"It's great that we are doing that now for a potential homeland response because that (mission) brings a lot of unique problems," Uber said.
Huck agrees that the realism does not lie in the patient care, but rather in t he coordination of the care patients receive, transporting them through the hospital and making sure they have the supplies they need to take care of the wounded if it should happen for real.
The joint nature of the exercise provides the participants with a unique opportunity even if members of the unit have worked with other services in the past.
"It's great when the forces work together," Uber said. "Initially I think there is always that thought 'we do things differently,' but we find, especially in the medical field, that we have a lot more in common than differences and it breaks down those barriers quickly."
He continued, "The training in trauma is pretty much universally prescribed by civilian authorities. Advanced trauma life support is the same whether you're Army, Air Force or Navy, so I think we speak the same language as far as trauma, physiology, air way breathing, circulation. Universally I believe trauma is the same language to every branch. The challenges and differences probably come in equipment, capability, expectation of what we have whether it be supplies or equipment."
Price has been working with contingency air medical staging facilities throughout her 10-year career and said that this was an extremely different mission than what she was use to.
"I'm trying to apply that prior knowledge that I have working with our wounded warriors overseas and at home," she said. "It's a lot of blast injuries, which is quite similar (to a war zone), but then the radiation injuries and things like that are new where it's a learning experience."
They have learned a lot so far, such as how much radiation a person is suppose to have and the different type of injuries that they can have when they are exposed to significant amounts of radiation, Price said.
"The kind of injuries you're going to see might be similar, like nausea and vomiting; however, it's related to radiation," she added.
Although Uber doesn't expect there will be mortar fire coming into the hospital, he said, that doesn't mean it'll necessarily be easier.
If an event such as nuclear attack was to happen in downtown Chicago, they would be facing an entirely different patient population than they do with military members.
One discussion Uber and his team had was about the weight standards of their operating tables.
"Typically in a deployed environment, we deal with active duty military or Afghan forces where there is a potentially a healthier population," he said. "If this did happen in downtown Chicago, we might see a much different patient population that might exceed some of the standards we have here."
In addition the hospital would face many medical issues beyond the surgical trauma. He explained they might see heart failure, diabetes and other ailments that would keep a civilian out of the military because their focus would be on treating the local population.
A challenge that Maine sees is that many of their assets from the larger staff at a normal hospital will be unavailable.
"What you have here is what you're sent out with ..., so you make the decision right there with the capabilities you have. That can be a challenge not having multiple access to specialists," Maine said.
Although the mission poses many challenges and be it a natural or man-made disasters the airmen are ready to help people on American soil, when called.
Uber said, "I'm not excited about the possibility of what would trigger the mission, whether it be a nuclear or chemical or even a natural disaster type of an event, but I look forward to the fact that we would be able to help the civilian population and work with local authorities."
2013 Verne Orr award nominees sought
by Gloria Kwizera
Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas – Air Force officials are seeking nominations for the 2013 Verne Orr Award.
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas – Air Force officials are seeking nominations for the 2013 Verne Orr Award.
The Air Force Association established this award in honor of former
Secretary of the Air Force Verne Orr to recognize mission-oriented unit
accomplishments and achievements that used personnel to their full potential in
order to accomplish the mission.
The Verne Orr Award recognizes an Air Force unit’s effective use of human
resources. The award is open to all Air Force units and organizations
regardless of size.
Organizations and base-level personnel must contact their major command,
field operating agency or direct reporting unit for applicable suspense dates
and additional information regarding nomination procedures.
Each MAJCOM, FOA and DRU may submit one nomination. Completed nomination
packages are due to the Air Force Personnel Center by Jan. 7, 2013.
Air National Guard, Reserve MAFFS-equipped C-130s integral part of wildfire suppression
By Army National Guard Sgt. Darron Salzer
National Guard Bureau
ARLINGTON, Va. (8/1/12) - The Air National Guard has been
increasingly working alongside the U.S. Forest Service and other
emergency responders this summer, in what officials call one of the
worst wildfire seasons in the U.S.Those flights have culminated in 368 fire retardant drops in which more than eight million pounds - or 888,981 gallons - of fire retardant was dropped on wildfires over the span of 329 flight hours. This year alone, MAFFS units have assisted with more than 35 wildfires.
Wildfires across the U.S. have destroyed more than 1.2 million acres and on June 28, President Barack Obama approved a disaster declaration request for Colorado providing additional support to state and local officials responding to the fires there, as well as federal assistance for individuals affected by both the High Park and the Waldo Canyon Fire.
There are currently seven Air National Guard C-130 aircraft equipped with the U.S. Forest Service’s MAFFS. Those C-130s are available for the command and control of U.S. Northern Command to continue support efforts to control fires in the Rocky Mountain region and western United States at the request of the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho.
As of July 26, there were more than 8,400 personnel, 600 fire engines, 19 large air tankers, including the seven MAFFS-equipped C-130s, as well as 71 Single Engine Air Tankers available nationally to combat fires burning across the United States.
According to an Air Force report, MAFFS units provide emergency capability to supplement existing commercial tanker support on wild-land fires. MAFFS aid the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service when all other air tankers are activated but further assistance is needed.
The Forest Service can request help from the Air Guard, Reserve and active Air Force MAFFS units, highlighting interagency cooperation.
In the 1970s, Congress established the MAFFS system after a major fire burned into Long Beach, Calif., destroying hundreds of homes, and overwhelming the civilian tanker fleet's ability to respond at the time.
Today, the 302nd Airlift Wing in Colorado Springs, Colo., an Air Force Reserve unit, and three Air Guard units – the145th AW in Charlotte, N.C.; the 146th AW in Channel Islands, Calif. and the 153rd AW in Cheyenne, Wyo. – each have two MAFFS-equipped C-130s able to respond to wildfires throughout the U.S. The 146th is currently the only Air Guard Wing still performing MAFFS related missions.
The 145th - of the North Carolina Air National Guard - held a private memorial service July 11 for the four Airmen killed in the crash of an Air National Guard MAFFS equipped C-130. The men died Sunday, July 1, when their plane went down while fighting the White Draw fire near Edgemont, S.D. The service was held at the 145th AW base.
Ohio Guard members, Marines work jointly to clear rubble, evacuate survivors during Vibrant Response 13
By Army Staff Sgt. Keith Anderson
U.S. Army North
MUSCATATUCK URBAN TRAINING CENTER, Ind. (8/1/12) - Search and Extraction team members cleared away rubble, pulled survivors to safety and stabilized a building to breach and extract those trapped inside July 27 as part of a major incident exercise.
The search and extraction team, part of the Ohio National Guard’s Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Enhanced Response Force Package, performed the critical lifesaving and life-sustaining mission a day after a simulated 10-kiloton nuclear device detonated in a major Midwestern city as part of Vibrant Response 13 - an exercise conducted by U.S. Northern Command and led by U.S. Army North.
The Marine Corps’ Chemical, Biological Incident Response Force, II Marine Expeditionary Unit, headquartered in Indian Head, Md., also assisted in the mission, searching for survivors in the rubble and in a nearby trailer park.
Army Staff Sgt. Kevin Craig led search and extraction team members to the partially collapsed building and adjacent rubble pile.
“As a hot-zone noncommissioned officer, I took two squads in to conduct a recon of the rubble pile and extract the injured,” Craig said. “My job is to make sure team members are conducting safe operations, coordinating objectives and extracting victims.”
Search and extraction missions can be dangerous.
“You’re going into confined spaces and unstable buildings,” said Army 2nd Lt. Chris Brandt, search and extraction officer-in-charge. “Our mission is to save lives without endangering additional lives. When you’re moving 1,000-pound slabs of concrete, people can get hurt.”
Unlike normal engineer units, search and extraction teams don’t have heavy equipment like bull-dozers to help in the process.
“You don’t use heavy equipment around victims,” Brandt said. “We use pry bars and shoring equipment. We’re light, but we’re capable of doing pretty much everything.”
The search and extraction team uses many types of specialized and routine equipment, including jackhammers, electric saws, concrete band saws, SnakeEye flexible cameras, electric hot sticks to detect electricity, air and gas monitors to detect broken gas lines, thermal imagers and Delsar Life Detectors.
The mission is rewarding, said Army Sgt. Jezrael Holt.
“The reason I do this is to help out people caught in horrible situations,” Holt said.
For members of the Marine Corps CBIRF, many of whom served in recovery operations in Japan after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, the training at Vibrant Response is important.
“This is one of the only places we can rehearse extracting and providing care for large numbers of civilians with live role-players, and because of the unique domestic scenario, rehearse coordination with multiple civilian and federal agencies,” said Marine Corps Sgt. Jonathan Betschart, recon team leader, Incident Response Force B, CBIRF.
“After the tsunami, we were staged in Yakota Air Base; and before we began assisting the people of Japan, there were a lot of bilateral coordination’s with the government to see what we could do in their environment, and what we could provide.”
For one role-player “rescued” by the Marine team, the experience led to a new purpose.
“We were out there in the trailer hollering for help, and the team came out quickly and helped us out,” said Cody Kissick. “I want to join the Marines now.”
The joint Army National Guard/Marine Corps mission was unique.
“It was the first time the CBIRF and the CERFP had combined operations,” said Duane Bowen, Exercise Control Forward chief of operations, U.S. Army North. “We’ve identified some coordination issues and had the chance to improve so definitely a very beneficial operation.”
Navy to Host Memorial Service for Former Chief of Naval Operations Admiral James D. Watkin
A memorial service for the 22nd Chief of Naval Operations
(CNO), Adm. James D. Watkins, will be on Friday, Aug. 3, 2012, at 11
a.m. EDT at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate
Conception Church in Washington, D.C.
Watkins passed away on July 26 at the age of 85, and is survived by his wife Janet and six children.
Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and current Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert, will both participate in the service.
"Adm. Watkins served the nation leading Sailors during some of our nation's most trying and challenging times from 1949 to 1986," said Greenert. "His strategic approach to safeguarding our national security and interests at sea set a precedent for generations to come. Adm. Watkins was an innovative thinker who pushed our Navy forward. He was known for developing a Maritime Strategy for dealing with the U.S.S.R. and improving the quality of life for Sailors and their families. We will always remember the life and honorable service of a great shipmate."
A 1949 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Watkins became CNO June 30, 1982 and served until June 30, 1986 during the height of the Cold War. A career submariner, he also commanded the Navy’s Sixth Fleet in Naples, Italy, and later the U.S. Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor. He also served as Chief of Naval Personnel and Vice Chief of Naval Operations.
"Few have lived as full or accomplished a life as Adm. Watkins," said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus. "Although we mourn his passing, we celebrate his accomplishments not only as a consummate naval officer and public servant, but also as a man who understood the importance of taking care of the entire Navy family."
As CNO, Watkins led a Navy that operated in support of national objectives in Grenada, Lebanon, and the Persian Gulf. Appreciating that changes that were occurring in the Soviet Union at the end of the Cold War, he initiated a review of American naval strategy. He precipitated a renaissance in naval operational thought that encouraged a new generation of officers to become more deeply involved.
After retiring from the Navy, he led a very active life. In 1987, he chaired President Reagan's Commission on the HIV epidemic. Known as "The Watkins Commission," it investigated the AIDS epidemic and eventually recommended support for increased AIDS research, laws protecting HIV-positive people, and treatment of drug addiction.
On March 9, 1989, Watkins was sworn in as Secretary of Energy by President George Bush. As energy secretary, he developed a 10-point plan to strengthen environmental protection and waste management activities, established the Office of Environmental Restoration and Waste Management, and recognizing America’s dependence on foreign oil, instituted policy designed to increase oil production and decrease consumption to counter Iraqi-Kuwaiti oil losses caused by the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. He remained in his position as energy secretary until 1993.
The U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy became the second presidential commission chaired by Watkins. Established by The Oceans Act of 2000 on Jan. 20, 2001, the commission was charged with developing a comprehensive national ocean policy including governance, research, education, marine operations, stewardship, and investment. It conducted hearings and research before producing its final report, "An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century" on Sept. 20, 2004.
Media interested in attending the funeral mass should contact Jacquelyn Hayes, Director of Communications for the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, at 202-281-0615. The Basilica is located at 400 Michigan Ave., Northeast, Washington, D.C., and is easily accessible by car and by Metro on the red line at Brookland/CUA.
Additional news media queries may be addressed by calling the Navy Office of Information at 703-697-5342.
Watkins passed away on July 26 at the age of 85, and is survived by his wife Janet and six children.
Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta and current Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert, will both participate in the service.
"Adm. Watkins served the nation leading Sailors during some of our nation's most trying and challenging times from 1949 to 1986," said Greenert. "His strategic approach to safeguarding our national security and interests at sea set a precedent for generations to come. Adm. Watkins was an innovative thinker who pushed our Navy forward. He was known for developing a Maritime Strategy for dealing with the U.S.S.R. and improving the quality of life for Sailors and their families. We will always remember the life and honorable service of a great shipmate."
A 1949 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Watkins became CNO June 30, 1982 and served until June 30, 1986 during the height of the Cold War. A career submariner, he also commanded the Navy’s Sixth Fleet in Naples, Italy, and later the U.S. Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor. He also served as Chief of Naval Personnel and Vice Chief of Naval Operations.
"Few have lived as full or accomplished a life as Adm. Watkins," said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus. "Although we mourn his passing, we celebrate his accomplishments not only as a consummate naval officer and public servant, but also as a man who understood the importance of taking care of the entire Navy family."
As CNO, Watkins led a Navy that operated in support of national objectives in Grenada, Lebanon, and the Persian Gulf. Appreciating that changes that were occurring in the Soviet Union at the end of the Cold War, he initiated a review of American naval strategy. He precipitated a renaissance in naval operational thought that encouraged a new generation of officers to become more deeply involved.
After retiring from the Navy, he led a very active life. In 1987, he chaired President Reagan's Commission on the HIV epidemic. Known as "The Watkins Commission," it investigated the AIDS epidemic and eventually recommended support for increased AIDS research, laws protecting HIV-positive people, and treatment of drug addiction.
On March 9, 1989, Watkins was sworn in as Secretary of Energy by President George Bush. As energy secretary, he developed a 10-point plan to strengthen environmental protection and waste management activities, established the Office of Environmental Restoration and Waste Management, and recognizing America’s dependence on foreign oil, instituted policy designed to increase oil production and decrease consumption to counter Iraqi-Kuwaiti oil losses caused by the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. He remained in his position as energy secretary until 1993.
The U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy became the second presidential commission chaired by Watkins. Established by The Oceans Act of 2000 on Jan. 20, 2001, the commission was charged with developing a comprehensive national ocean policy including governance, research, education, marine operations, stewardship, and investment. It conducted hearings and research before producing its final report, "An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century" on Sept. 20, 2004.
Media interested in attending the funeral mass should contact Jacquelyn Hayes, Director of Communications for the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, at 202-281-0615. The Basilica is located at 400 Michigan Ave., Northeast, Washington, D.C., and is easily accessible by car and by Metro on the red line at Brookland/CUA.
Additional news media queries may be addressed by calling the Navy Office of Information at 703-697-5342.
Family Matters Blog: Job Fairs Join Spouses, Employers
By Lisa Daniel
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2012 – Tomorrow marks the start of an open season of sorts for job fairs for military spouses in what one Pentagon official calls the “high-touch” part of a “high-tech, high-touch” process.
Meg O’Grady was a military spouse herself, having moved 13 times in 17 years, when she began working at the Pentagon just before the June 29, 2011, launch of the Defense Department’s Military Spouse Employment Partnership. . Today, she is its acting program manager.
The partnership hosts an online job portalwhere military spouses can search for jobs, post resumes and receive education and training, and where employers can post openings and search for new talent. The site has posted 500 million job ads in the past year, and has 220,000 ads on any given day, O’Grady said. That’s the high-tech part.
The high-touch part gets under way tomorrow as MSEP’s partner, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes program, ramps up its “touch” tactics by sponsoring numerous job fairs in the coming weeks in military-populated cities such as Hampton, Va.; Minneapolis; Utica, N.Y.; Sugar Grove, Ill.; Lake Charles, La.; and Quantico, Va., to name a few. The DOD and Chamber programs compliment that of Joining Forces, a program started by First Lady Michelle Obama and Second Lady Jill Biden that also works to improve military spouses employment.
The job fairs not only bring employers to job seekers, but also offer forums for helping spouses with resume writing, networking and the like, Laura Dempsey, director of Hiring Our Heroes, told me. Dempsey, too, is a military spouse, and so knew the potential of those who mostly have been an untapped resource in hiring.
When Dempsey was building the Hiring Our Heroes staff, she turned to Noreen O’Neil, a military spouse she knew socially who had volunteered for the program’s launch, to be its events director. Like many military spouses, O’Neil had an employment gap of more than 10 years, but “had either been the president or chief fundraiser of every spouse club she was in,” Dempsey said. “That certainly qualifies her to do the job.”
The hiring fair forums will address how military spouses, especially those with employment gaps, can market their volunteer experiences to civilian employers, she said.
“You have to help spouses sell it, is the problem,” said Dempsey, a lawyer who has maintained her skills through nine moves with the Army. “Employers are open to it, if they understand it.”
Telling a private-sector manager you were a family readiness group leader may not resonate – until you say you were in charge of the well-being of 750 families, Dempsey said. And, “saying you were a spouse club president may sound like a boutique social position,” she added. “But if they say they were in charge of a budget of tens of thousands of dollars and hosted 10 major events with hundreds of attendees, that’s an event planner.
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2012 – Tomorrow marks the start of an open season of sorts for job fairs for military spouses in what one Pentagon official calls the “high-touch” part of a “high-tech, high-touch” process.
Meg O’Grady was a military spouse herself, having moved 13 times in 17 years, when she began working at the Pentagon just before the June 29, 2011, launch of the Defense Department’s Military Spouse Employment Partnership. . Today, she is its acting program manager.
The partnership hosts an online job portalwhere military spouses can search for jobs, post resumes and receive education and training, and where employers can post openings and search for new talent. The site has posted 500 million job ads in the past year, and has 220,000 ads on any given day, O’Grady said. That’s the high-tech part.
The high-touch part gets under way tomorrow as MSEP’s partner, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Hiring Our Heroes program, ramps up its “touch” tactics by sponsoring numerous job fairs in the coming weeks in military-populated cities such as Hampton, Va.; Minneapolis; Utica, N.Y.; Sugar Grove, Ill.; Lake Charles, La.; and Quantico, Va., to name a few. The DOD and Chamber programs compliment that of Joining Forces, a program started by First Lady Michelle Obama and Second Lady Jill Biden that also works to improve military spouses employment.
The job fairs not only bring employers to job seekers, but also offer forums for helping spouses with resume writing, networking and the like, Laura Dempsey, director of Hiring Our Heroes, told me. Dempsey, too, is a military spouse, and so knew the potential of those who mostly have been an untapped resource in hiring.
When Dempsey was building the Hiring Our Heroes staff, she turned to Noreen O’Neil, a military spouse she knew socially who had volunteered for the program’s launch, to be its events director. Like many military spouses, O’Neil had an employment gap of more than 10 years, but “had either been the president or chief fundraiser of every spouse club she was in,” Dempsey said. “That certainly qualifies her to do the job.”
The hiring fair forums will address how military spouses, especially those with employment gaps, can market their volunteer experiences to civilian employers, she said.
“You have to help spouses sell it, is the problem,” said Dempsey, a lawyer who has maintained her skills through nine moves with the Army. “Employers are open to it, if they understand it.”
Telling a private-sector manager you were a family readiness group leader may not resonate – until you say you were in charge of the well-being of 750 families, Dempsey said. And, “saying you were a spouse club president may sound like a boutique social position,” she added. “But if they say they were in charge of a budget of tens of thousands of dollars and hosted 10 major events with hundreds of attendees, that’s an event planner.
18th Wing History Office gives Airmen glimpse into WWII history
by Airman 1st Class Maeson L. Elleman
18th Wing Public Affairs
8/1/2012 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- The Americans sank their combat boots deeply into the black volcanic sand that lined the coast of Iwo Jima.
For three days prior to the Feb. 19, 1945, invasion, U.S. naval ships in the surrounding waters shelled the tiny island from end to end in an attempt to eliminate most of their adversaries' defensive positions. Judging by the eerie silence and stillness hanging over the grounds, the attack had been a great success.
But as the first of 30,000 Marines advanced toward Mount Suribachi, machine gun nests and other cleverly concealed enemy weapons roared back to life from their presumed graves, breaking the unnerving, fraudulent peace in a rain of molten lead and mortar attacks.
When they first arrived, American forces expected small resistance and at most, a quick, week-long struggle with their enemies based on their intelligence reports.
Instead, the U.S. service members were confronted with one of the most heavily fortified Japanese defenses encountered thus far, and a 36-day assault with little to no cover for defensive positions or field hospitals. Despite frequent cover fire from Army Air Forces, the interconnected caves and tunnels used by the Japanese yielded no quick victory for the Americans.
After more than a month of non-stop fighting through day and night, the American flag was finally lifted into place and perched upon the mountain that stood like a sentry overlooking the entire island. Soon after, the first American flag was brought down as a battle trophy to the Marines and replaced with a second flag, which was captured in the iconic photo "Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima."
In the end, American casualties had reached more than 26,000 - including approximately 6,800 deaths. Japanese fatalities reached more than 22,000 during the gruesome battle.
"We will never understand what they went through," said James D'Angina, 18th Wing historian. "You would have to have been there."
This is why the 18th Wing History Office, led by D'Angina and Casey Connell, gave Airmen from the 18th Maintenance Group an opportunity July 26 to tour the battle site known by its veterans as "Pork Chop Island" for its unique shape.
Though the trip was D'Angina's fourth trip to the island, it was his second time guiding Airmen from the 18th Wing to the top of Suribachi in an effort to further their military education.
"Primary military education is important so that people don't forget the past," said D'Angina. "Knowing where we're at today on Okinawa and Iwo Jima, we should have background in what took place here during World War II."
Though the infamous battle site has changed its name to Iwo To since the war ended, the island has shown little to no change since the invasion more than 67 years ago. To this day the scars of war have been preserved in untouched destroyed pill boxes and rusted weapons still lying around - some still dangerous - as well as monuments dedicated to the fallen heroes of both countries.
Some could argue which part of the journey was most memorable, whether it was visiting the memorial atop Suribachi or climbing through the caves used by the Japanese during the war. However, Senior Airman Tiffany Hughes, 44th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, said it's easy to pick out the experience she'll never forget.
"The most memorable for me was the beaches," said the Pittsburgh, Pa. native. "I was trying to imagine how many lives were lost there within minutes after they arrived, especially after seeing how tough it was to walk through the black sand. I just tried to put myself in their shoes and imagine what they saw when they came up on the beach."
The main objective of securing the island during the war was to provide Army Air Forces a midway point for bombers and eventually fighter escorts for raids on Honshu, Japan. It wasn't long after fighting began that the objective seemed more and more essential.
A total of 2,251 B-29 emergency landings on the island were recorded during the war. Similarly, 1,191 fighter escorts and 3,081 strike sorties were flown from Iwo Jima against Japan.
Because the strategically placed island had been such an invaluable asset to the Airmen during the war, Hughes said it means much more for today's Airmen to give their respects to those who gave their lives in battle for it.
"It shows our kinship to each of the other branches, and how we work together to accomplish the same mission," said Hughes. "It shows how we really are brothers and sisters in arms."
Because the island remains off-limits to most civilian personnel due to dangers still hidden on the battle site, the trip truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
However, the history office has implemented plans to return as frequently as possible with a different group from the wing each time. Hughes said she encourages the trip to anyone who gets the chance to collect sand from the shores.
"I would recommend it to anybody who has a passion for history and anybody who is willing to make the trip up Mount Suribachi to see what we were up against," said Hughes. "When you walk down on the beach, you can look up and see what they saw back then."
Despite the grueling eight-mile hike to and from the top of the mountain, Hughes said the trip was well worth the effort.
"You can go to a museum or different places like Pearl Harbor or anywhere where there were a lot of lives lost from battle, walk right up to any monument and look at it and take pictures," Hughes said. "Whenever you go to Iwo Jima, you actually have to work for it. It's a reward to see."
18th Wing Public Affairs
8/1/2012 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- The Americans sank their combat boots deeply into the black volcanic sand that lined the coast of Iwo Jima.
For three days prior to the Feb. 19, 1945, invasion, U.S. naval ships in the surrounding waters shelled the tiny island from end to end in an attempt to eliminate most of their adversaries' defensive positions. Judging by the eerie silence and stillness hanging over the grounds, the attack had been a great success.
But as the first of 30,000 Marines advanced toward Mount Suribachi, machine gun nests and other cleverly concealed enemy weapons roared back to life from their presumed graves, breaking the unnerving, fraudulent peace in a rain of molten lead and mortar attacks.
When they first arrived, American forces expected small resistance and at most, a quick, week-long struggle with their enemies based on their intelligence reports.
Instead, the U.S. service members were confronted with one of the most heavily fortified Japanese defenses encountered thus far, and a 36-day assault with little to no cover for defensive positions or field hospitals. Despite frequent cover fire from Army Air Forces, the interconnected caves and tunnels used by the Japanese yielded no quick victory for the Americans.
After more than a month of non-stop fighting through day and night, the American flag was finally lifted into place and perched upon the mountain that stood like a sentry overlooking the entire island. Soon after, the first American flag was brought down as a battle trophy to the Marines and replaced with a second flag, which was captured in the iconic photo "Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima."
In the end, American casualties had reached more than 26,000 - including approximately 6,800 deaths. Japanese fatalities reached more than 22,000 during the gruesome battle.
"We will never understand what they went through," said James D'Angina, 18th Wing historian. "You would have to have been there."
This is why the 18th Wing History Office, led by D'Angina and Casey Connell, gave Airmen from the 18th Maintenance Group an opportunity July 26 to tour the battle site known by its veterans as "Pork Chop Island" for its unique shape.
Though the trip was D'Angina's fourth trip to the island, it was his second time guiding Airmen from the 18th Wing to the top of Suribachi in an effort to further their military education.
"Primary military education is important so that people don't forget the past," said D'Angina. "Knowing where we're at today on Okinawa and Iwo Jima, we should have background in what took place here during World War II."
Though the infamous battle site has changed its name to Iwo To since the war ended, the island has shown little to no change since the invasion more than 67 years ago. To this day the scars of war have been preserved in untouched destroyed pill boxes and rusted weapons still lying around - some still dangerous - as well as monuments dedicated to the fallen heroes of both countries.
Some could argue which part of the journey was most memorable, whether it was visiting the memorial atop Suribachi or climbing through the caves used by the Japanese during the war. However, Senior Airman Tiffany Hughes, 44th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief, said it's easy to pick out the experience she'll never forget.
"The most memorable for me was the beaches," said the Pittsburgh, Pa. native. "I was trying to imagine how many lives were lost there within minutes after they arrived, especially after seeing how tough it was to walk through the black sand. I just tried to put myself in their shoes and imagine what they saw when they came up on the beach."
The main objective of securing the island during the war was to provide Army Air Forces a midway point for bombers and eventually fighter escorts for raids on Honshu, Japan. It wasn't long after fighting began that the objective seemed more and more essential.
A total of 2,251 B-29 emergency landings on the island were recorded during the war. Similarly, 1,191 fighter escorts and 3,081 strike sorties were flown from Iwo Jima against Japan.
Because the strategically placed island had been such an invaluable asset to the Airmen during the war, Hughes said it means much more for today's Airmen to give their respects to those who gave their lives in battle for it.
"It shows our kinship to each of the other branches, and how we work together to accomplish the same mission," said Hughes. "It shows how we really are brothers and sisters in arms."
Because the island remains off-limits to most civilian personnel due to dangers still hidden on the battle site, the trip truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
However, the history office has implemented plans to return as frequently as possible with a different group from the wing each time. Hughes said she encourages the trip to anyone who gets the chance to collect sand from the shores.
"I would recommend it to anybody who has a passion for history and anybody who is willing to make the trip up Mount Suribachi to see what we were up against," said Hughes. "When you walk down on the beach, you can look up and see what they saw back then."
Despite the grueling eight-mile hike to and from the top of the mountain, Hughes said the trip was well worth the effort.
"You can go to a museum or different places like Pearl Harbor or anywhere where there were a lot of lives lost from battle, walk right up to any monument and look at it and take pictures," Hughes said. "Whenever you go to Iwo Jima, you actually have to work for it. It's a reward to see."
Navy Medicine Deployers Begin Role-3 Kandahar Course
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Bruce Cummins, Navy Medicine Support Command Public Affairs
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. (NNS) -- Nearly 200 active-duty and Reserve Sailors scheduled to deploy to the world's busiest military trauma hospital began the second iteration of a training program July 30 at the Naval Expeditionary Medical Training Institute (NEMTI) in Camp Pendleton, Calif.
The training evolution, designed to integrate and develop them as a medical team, marks only the second time the entire staff of enlisted and commissioned medical professionals and support personnel assigned to a forward-deployed medical facility began pre-deployment training together.
This is an effort NEMTI Officer-In-Charge Capt. Thomas Sawyer, said supports the current role of U.S. Navy healthcare professionals in contingency operations around the world.
"Navy Medicine has historically been capable of operating in any environment," he said. "A pillar of our training - team training with service members with whom they'll rely on heavily during the deployment - is exercised using high-fidelity simulation, which provides enhanced current skills to be able to do what they do best - save lives."
The NEMTI-sponsored Kandahar Role-3 Hospital course is a two-week program designed to foster teamwork, and build and hone medical skills specific to what U.S. military medical professionals might expect while on deployment to the Role 3 Hospital at Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan. The course was initially offered in January 2012 and met with resounding success. Service members previously deploying in support of operations in Africa, Afghanistan and Iraq were either sent individually or in small groups, replacing other personnel with similar specialties or Navy Enlisted Classifications (NECs) on a "one-for-one" basis.
U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Navy Medicine Support Command and the operational training leadership, however, recognized the need for additional requirements in the training pipeline, suggesting a course that would allow deploying personnel the opportunity to train together from the inception, fostering a sense of teamwork and unity imperative for the continued success medical personnel have affected in some of the most dangerous areas in the world.
"It is gratifying to watch personnel from all skill levels come together as a team," Sawyer said. "We are training both Role 2 and Role 3 deployers during this course. They arrived as individuals and will depart as medical teams ready to perform their specific mission."
The term "role" describes the tiers in which medical support is organized, with Role 3 describing the capabilities of a theater-level hospital.
The course, designed by NEMTI, was approved by the US Fleet Forces Command, CENTCOM and the former Navy Medicine Support Command in response to deployment requirements and feedback received from previously deployed personnel including past and current commanding officers of the North American Treaty Organization-run Role 3 Kandahar Medical Facility. The course includes a variety of medical training courses.
The curriculum for this course includes JTTS Clinical Practice Guidelines and incorporates concepts of pre-deployment trauma requirements such as tactical combat casualty care. Additional subjects include ethics, psychiatric disorders, Army working dogs and unexploded ordinance.
Kandahar Role 3 students participate in a lecture/question and answer forum with members from the NMCSD Wounded Warrior Battalion, and the course culminates with a mass casualty drill.
"It is a privilege to serve the Marines," Sawyer said. "The Wounded Warriors provide a final crescendo that brings the trauma instruction and team building all together."
Service members completing the Kandahar Role-3 Hospital course will next complete U.S. Central Command military requirements aboard training sites such as Fort Dix, N.J., and Fort Jackson, S.C.
NEMTI, the premier U.S. Navy training facility for expeditionary medicine, reports to the Navy Medicine Operational Training Center (NMOTC) in Pensacola, Fla., and the Medical Education and Training Command in San Antonio, Texas.
NEMTI and NMOTC and are part of the Navy Medicine team, a global health care network of 63,000 Navy medical personnel around the world who provide high-quality health care to the operational forces and more than one million eligible beneficiaries. Navy Medicine personnel deploy with Sailors and Marines worldwide, providing critical mission support aboard ship, in the air, under the sea and on the battlefield.
The training evolution, designed to integrate and develop them as a medical team, marks only the second time the entire staff of enlisted and commissioned medical professionals and support personnel assigned to a forward-deployed medical facility began pre-deployment training together.
This is an effort NEMTI Officer-In-Charge Capt. Thomas Sawyer, said supports the current role of U.S. Navy healthcare professionals in contingency operations around the world.
"Navy Medicine has historically been capable of operating in any environment," he said. "A pillar of our training - team training with service members with whom they'll rely on heavily during the deployment - is exercised using high-fidelity simulation, which provides enhanced current skills to be able to do what they do best - save lives."
The NEMTI-sponsored Kandahar Role-3 Hospital course is a two-week program designed to foster teamwork, and build and hone medical skills specific to what U.S. military medical professionals might expect while on deployment to the Role 3 Hospital at Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan. The course was initially offered in January 2012 and met with resounding success. Service members previously deploying in support of operations in Africa, Afghanistan and Iraq were either sent individually or in small groups, replacing other personnel with similar specialties or Navy Enlisted Classifications (NECs) on a "one-for-one" basis.
U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Navy Medicine Support Command and the operational training leadership, however, recognized the need for additional requirements in the training pipeline, suggesting a course that would allow deploying personnel the opportunity to train together from the inception, fostering a sense of teamwork and unity imperative for the continued success medical personnel have affected in some of the most dangerous areas in the world.
"It is gratifying to watch personnel from all skill levels come together as a team," Sawyer said. "We are training both Role 2 and Role 3 deployers during this course. They arrived as individuals and will depart as medical teams ready to perform their specific mission."
The term "role" describes the tiers in which medical support is organized, with Role 3 describing the capabilities of a theater-level hospital.
The course, designed by NEMTI, was approved by the US Fleet Forces Command, CENTCOM and the former Navy Medicine Support Command in response to deployment requirements and feedback received from previously deployed personnel including past and current commanding officers of the North American Treaty Organization-run Role 3 Kandahar Medical Facility. The course includes a variety of medical training courses.
The curriculum for this course includes JTTS Clinical Practice Guidelines and incorporates concepts of pre-deployment trauma requirements such as tactical combat casualty care. Additional subjects include ethics, psychiatric disorders, Army working dogs and unexploded ordinance.
Kandahar Role 3 students participate in a lecture/question and answer forum with members from the NMCSD Wounded Warrior Battalion, and the course culminates with a mass casualty drill.
"It is a privilege to serve the Marines," Sawyer said. "The Wounded Warriors provide a final crescendo that brings the trauma instruction and team building all together."
Service members completing the Kandahar Role-3 Hospital course will next complete U.S. Central Command military requirements aboard training sites such as Fort Dix, N.J., and Fort Jackson, S.C.
NEMTI, the premier U.S. Navy training facility for expeditionary medicine, reports to the Navy Medicine Operational Training Center (NMOTC) in Pensacola, Fla., and the Medical Education and Training Command in San Antonio, Texas.
NEMTI and NMOTC and are part of the Navy Medicine team, a global health care network of 63,000 Navy medical personnel around the world who provide high-quality health care to the operational forces and more than one million eligible beneficiaries. Navy Medicine personnel deploy with Sailors and Marines worldwide, providing critical mission support aboard ship, in the air, under the sea and on the battlefield.
Carter Describes Possible Unintended Effects of Sequestration Law
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2012 – While the Defense Department can foresee the harmful effects of sequestration, the nature of the legislative mechanism makes it impossible to devise a plan that eliminates or substantially mitigates those effects, Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter said here today.
Testifying before the House Armed Services Committee, Carter explained the law’s effect on the defense budget and overall strategy.
Sequestration refers to a mechanism built into the Budget Control Act that would trigger an additional $500 billion across-the-board cut in defense spending over the next decade if Congress doesn’t identify alternative spending cuts by January.
“We’re working with [the Office of Management and Budget] to understand this complex legislation, and we are, as I described, assessing impacts,” Carter said. “But we’re still five months from January. I’m hoping, to quote [Defense] Secretary [Leon E.] Panetta, that Congress -- both Republicans and Democrats -- will exercise the necessary leadership to make sure that sequestration is de-triggered. In the unfortunate event that sequestration is actually triggered, we will work with OMB, and like all the federal agencies affected by this law, we will be ready to implement it.”
Carter also discussed the unintentional effects of the mechanism if it isn’t “de-triggered” in a reasonable amount of time.
“While we’ll not fail to prepare for sequestration, we’re equally worried about a different type of error,” he said. “This would occur if sequestration does not happen, but we end up triggering some of its bad effects anyway.
“For example, we do not want to unnecessarily alarm employees by announcing adverse personnel actions or by suggesting that such actions are likely,” he continued. “For efficiency reasons, we do not want to hold back on the obligation of funds, either for weapons projects or operating programs, that would have been obligated in the absence of a possible sequestration.”
The deputy defense secretary also noted the department doesn’t want to cut back on training, which would harm military readiness as the nation faces a complex array of national security challenges. Also, Carter said, private companies that serve DOD and constitute “important members of our national security team” also need to make decisions on issues related to sequestration.
Carter said a number of these private companies have expressed alarm at “such a wasteful and disruptive way” of managing taxpayers’ money and their employees’ talent.
“We will continue to consult closely with them, along with the OMB, and other government departments,” Carter said. “The best thing that can happen to our industry partners, as well as the department, is for the Congress to enact a balanced deficit reduction plan that halts implementation of this inflexible law.”
After outlining his thoughts on sequestration’s potentially “devastating” impacts, Carter re-emphasized the Defense Department’s position.
“Secretary Panetta and I strongly believe that we need to deal with the debt and deficit problems in a balanced way and avoid sequestration,” he said. “This will require legislation that both houses of Congress can approve and that the president can sign.”
Carter said Americans, the nation’s allies, and even its enemies, need to know the U.S. government has the political will to implement the defense strategy that has been put forth.
“The men and women of our department, and their families, need to know with certainty that we’ll meet our commitments to them,” he said. “Our partners in defense industry, and their employees, need to know that we’re going to have the resources to procure the world-class capabilities they can provide, and that we can do so efficiently.”
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2012 – While the Defense Department can foresee the harmful effects of sequestration, the nature of the legislative mechanism makes it impossible to devise a plan that eliminates or substantially mitigates those effects, Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter said here today.
Testifying before the House Armed Services Committee, Carter explained the law’s effect on the defense budget and overall strategy.
Sequestration refers to a mechanism built into the Budget Control Act that would trigger an additional $500 billion across-the-board cut in defense spending over the next decade if Congress doesn’t identify alternative spending cuts by January.
“We’re working with [the Office of Management and Budget] to understand this complex legislation, and we are, as I described, assessing impacts,” Carter said. “But we’re still five months from January. I’m hoping, to quote [Defense] Secretary [Leon E.] Panetta, that Congress -- both Republicans and Democrats -- will exercise the necessary leadership to make sure that sequestration is de-triggered. In the unfortunate event that sequestration is actually triggered, we will work with OMB, and like all the federal agencies affected by this law, we will be ready to implement it.”
Carter also discussed the unintentional effects of the mechanism if it isn’t “de-triggered” in a reasonable amount of time.
“While we’ll not fail to prepare for sequestration, we’re equally worried about a different type of error,” he said. “This would occur if sequestration does not happen, but we end up triggering some of its bad effects anyway.
“For example, we do not want to unnecessarily alarm employees by announcing adverse personnel actions or by suggesting that such actions are likely,” he continued. “For efficiency reasons, we do not want to hold back on the obligation of funds, either for weapons projects or operating programs, that would have been obligated in the absence of a possible sequestration.”
The deputy defense secretary also noted the department doesn’t want to cut back on training, which would harm military readiness as the nation faces a complex array of national security challenges. Also, Carter said, private companies that serve DOD and constitute “important members of our national security team” also need to make decisions on issues related to sequestration.
Carter said a number of these private companies have expressed alarm at “such a wasteful and disruptive way” of managing taxpayers’ money and their employees’ talent.
“We will continue to consult closely with them, along with the OMB, and other government departments,” Carter said. “The best thing that can happen to our industry partners, as well as the department, is for the Congress to enact a balanced deficit reduction plan that halts implementation of this inflexible law.”
After outlining his thoughts on sequestration’s potentially “devastating” impacts, Carter re-emphasized the Defense Department’s position.
“Secretary Panetta and I strongly believe that we need to deal with the debt and deficit problems in a balanced way and avoid sequestration,” he said. “This will require legislation that both houses of Congress can approve and that the president can sign.”
Carter said Americans, the nation’s allies, and even its enemies, need to know the U.S. government has the political will to implement the defense strategy that has been put forth.
“The men and women of our department, and their families, need to know with certainty that we’ll meet our commitments to them,” he said. “Our partners in defense industry, and their employees, need to know that we’re going to have the resources to procure the world-class capabilities they can provide, and that we can do so efficiently.”
Mobility 'ballet' key to rescue of F-16 pilot
from 18th Air Force Public Affairs
8/1/2012 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Shortly after an Air Force pilot ejected from his F-16 Fighting Falcon into the North Pacific July 22, he found himself under the watchful eyes of Mobility Airmen, who worked as part of a coordinated behind-the-scenes "ballet" to ensure his dramatic recovery less than six hours later.
A KC-135 Stratotanker belonging to the 22nd Air Refueling Wing at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., and two others belonging to the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base, Japan, were among the first on scene in the wake of the late morning incident, relaying news to the 618th Air and Space Operations Center (Tanker Airlift Control Center), Air Mobility Command's operational nerve center here.
"When the call first came in from one of the KC-135 commanders we found out that we had an F-16 pilot who had just ejected. The pilot wasn't injured but he was busy bailing out his raft," said Col. David Smith, TACC Director of Operations during the incident. "We told the aircraft to stay in radio contact and let the pilot know that help was on the way and that we were immediately commencing rescue operations. Our commitment was not to let him down."
That call put into motion the race to quickly recover the pilot. TACC immediately provided air traffic controllers at Fukuoka, Japan, and Anchorage, Alaska, with the incident's location. That information was quickly passed to the Japanese Rescue Coordination Center to begin search and rescue operations. Those efforts were bolstered
by the rapid passing of information to the U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Center in Alameda, Calif., which shared it with ships closest to the area.
"We were convinced that the quicker the rescue, the higher the probability of survival," said Benjamin Nevin, TACC Flight Manager. He noted that although the situation was unexpected, the team was prepared. "I flew refueling missions for F-4s as a second lieutenant in 1979," Nevin recalled "The crews did the same things in this case that we did then: they quickly reviewed procedures for changing their refueling mission to a rescue mission and got to work."
Capt. Gabe Arrington, the commander of the McConnell KC-135, agreed.
"In pilot training they prepare you to act under pressure and keep a level head so you can think through situations and act correctly during an emergency," he said. "Overall, I think the air crews were just glad that we were able to be at the right place, at the right time, with the right training to help a fellow Airman."
As the minutes passed, TACC officials ensured regular communication with the pilot, with the KC-135 crews closely monitoring his condition and continuing to provide him
reassurance that help was enroute. At the same time, TACC flight managers began planning for the possible launch of additional KC-135s out of Kadena to relieve the ones on scene, while weather experts provided continuous updates on conditions.
"After we were notified of the search and rescue operation, we had to quickly evaluate surface and enroute weather conditions and hazards for a data sparse region. Fortunately conditions favored recovery, with the greatest concern from lower ceilings across the area," said Tech. Sgt. Timothy Launius, the initial shift lead for weather operations.
While all these actions went on behind the scenes, Japanese and U.S. military, coast guard, commercial and research vessels worked together to ultimately rescue the pilot and return him to his home station of Misawa Air Force Base, Japan.
"It was an outstanding team effort, everyone was participating and making a positive impact, asking if there was anything they could do to help," said Maj. Mark Ladwig, TACC's Assistant Tanker Deputy Director of Operations. "It was a great feeling when I heard the pilot had been picked up and was safe and healthy."
"This is what our team does...and nobody does it better," said Maj. Gen. David Allvin, TACC Commander. "It happens again and again all over the world, whether it be Haiti, Japan, or Libya. In this case, working as part of a multinational effort with many
agencies, including Japanese air traffic control, naval and air assets, the Japanese and U.S. Coast Guards, the Joint Personnel Recovery Center, 5th Air Force, Pacific Air Forces, and U.S. Forces, Japan, we once again answered the call to save a life. They made the extraordinary look mundane, a hallmark of our tremendous Mobility Airmen."
8/1/2012 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Shortly after an Air Force pilot ejected from his F-16 Fighting Falcon into the North Pacific July 22, he found himself under the watchful eyes of Mobility Airmen, who worked as part of a coordinated behind-the-scenes "ballet" to ensure his dramatic recovery less than six hours later.
A KC-135 Stratotanker belonging to the 22nd Air Refueling Wing at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., and two others belonging to the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base, Japan, were among the first on scene in the wake of the late morning incident, relaying news to the 618th Air and Space Operations Center (Tanker Airlift Control Center), Air Mobility Command's operational nerve center here.
"When the call first came in from one of the KC-135 commanders we found out that we had an F-16 pilot who had just ejected. The pilot wasn't injured but he was busy bailing out his raft," said Col. David Smith, TACC Director of Operations during the incident. "We told the aircraft to stay in radio contact and let the pilot know that help was on the way and that we were immediately commencing rescue operations. Our commitment was not to let him down."
That call put into motion the race to quickly recover the pilot. TACC immediately provided air traffic controllers at Fukuoka, Japan, and Anchorage, Alaska, with the incident's location. That information was quickly passed to the Japanese Rescue Coordination Center to begin search and rescue operations. Those efforts were bolstered
by the rapid passing of information to the U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Center in Alameda, Calif., which shared it with ships closest to the area.
"We were convinced that the quicker the rescue, the higher the probability of survival," said Benjamin Nevin, TACC Flight Manager. He noted that although the situation was unexpected, the team was prepared. "I flew refueling missions for F-4s as a second lieutenant in 1979," Nevin recalled "The crews did the same things in this case that we did then: they quickly reviewed procedures for changing their refueling mission to a rescue mission and got to work."
Capt. Gabe Arrington, the commander of the McConnell KC-135, agreed.
"In pilot training they prepare you to act under pressure and keep a level head so you can think through situations and act correctly during an emergency," he said. "Overall, I think the air crews were just glad that we were able to be at the right place, at the right time, with the right training to help a fellow Airman."
As the minutes passed, TACC officials ensured regular communication with the pilot, with the KC-135 crews closely monitoring his condition and continuing to provide him
reassurance that help was enroute. At the same time, TACC flight managers began planning for the possible launch of additional KC-135s out of Kadena to relieve the ones on scene, while weather experts provided continuous updates on conditions.
"After we were notified of the search and rescue operation, we had to quickly evaluate surface and enroute weather conditions and hazards for a data sparse region. Fortunately conditions favored recovery, with the greatest concern from lower ceilings across the area," said Tech. Sgt. Timothy Launius, the initial shift lead for weather operations.
While all these actions went on behind the scenes, Japanese and U.S. military, coast guard, commercial and research vessels worked together to ultimately rescue the pilot and return him to his home station of Misawa Air Force Base, Japan.
"It was an outstanding team effort, everyone was participating and making a positive impact, asking if there was anything they could do to help," said Maj. Mark Ladwig, TACC's Assistant Tanker Deputy Director of Operations. "It was a great feeling when I heard the pilot had been picked up and was safe and healthy."
"This is what our team does...and nobody does it better," said Maj. Gen. David Allvin, TACC Commander. "It happens again and again all over the world, whether it be Haiti, Japan, or Libya. In this case, working as part of a multinational effort with many
agencies, including Japanese air traffic control, naval and air assets, the Japanese and U.S. Coast Guards, the Joint Personnel Recovery Center, 5th Air Force, Pacific Air Forces, and U.S. Forces, Japan, we once again answered the call to save a life. They made the extraordinary look mundane, a hallmark of our tremendous Mobility Airmen."
Air Advisors inspired to find training opportunities in deployed mission
by Staff Sgt. James Stewart
621st Contingency Response Wing Public Affairs
8/1/2012 - TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras -- "It's hot-wash time!" A voice echoes down a shallow wood-paneled hallway. Commotion erupts; Airmen pour into the cramped passage heading into a small meeting room. Metal chairs clang open and shriek across the white polished tile floor as bodies squeeze into the tiny space. It is a tight fit but the Airmen settle in. The commotion fades just as suddenly as it began. Quiet grips the room; Lt. Col. Joseph Sanchez has everyone's attention. He addresses his team.
"Let's go around the room and discuss how the day went and what you learned. Maintenance, you guys start us off."
Sanchez and his Airmen deployed to Honduras in the middle of July. Since they have been in country, the group sets aside time everyday to conduct a hot wash. It has become a ritual. As part of the custom each Airmen contributes their experiences and an overall image of the day's activities comes together. Communications follows maintenance.
"We worked together with the Honduran network folks and exchanged ideas about setting up network servers and workstations." Tech. Sgt. Richard Rubalcava explains.
"I had some trouble translating some of the technical terms," Tech. Sgt. Brian De Luca chimes in.
Sanchez nods his head. This feedback is exactly what he looks for in the daily hot wash. He grabs hold of the moment to drive home one very vital part of his team's mission.
"I'm pleased to hear you've used this as a learning experience. Our mission here has two equally important halves."
He gestures with his hand and holds up two fingers.
"First we must continue working together with our Honduran friends and build a lasting relationship. Second, we have to train and hone our skills improve ourselves as air advisors."
The Airmen gathered inside the undersized room are air advisors from the 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron from Travis Air Force Base, Calif. The MSAS recently celebrated its first year of initial operations. During the past year the unit has deployed to Central and South America, working with foreign air forces establishing lasting relationships.
The squadron is just more than a year old and the date marking full operational capability for the MSAS is fast approaching.
Sanchez is intensely aware of this fact and reminds his team, "Not long from now we reach F-O-C and our focus turns to our partner nations. This is the time to identify where we can further develop our skills. This deployment is just as much about training as it is working with the Hondurans."
De Luca looks on intently as his commander speaks.
De Luca agrees, "Yes sir, it's great to learn where the holes in my Spanish are. I have the Hondurans to thank for their patience and working with me to improve my Spanish."
"This is the place where we build upon our air advisor fundamentals." Sanchez's comments follow.
His eyes move across the room; it is a sea of nodding heads.
"Take advantage of the fact we are here. We cannot simulate the challenges of this mission anywhere else. Right here each of you discovers what to expect in our AOR."
Each MSAS Airman must build skills relevant to the unit's area of responsibility. The MSAS' AOR requires them to know how to connect with Airmen from other countries. MSAS members must competently communicate with their partners to exchange ideas effectively. Necessity demands each air advisor be aware of a multitude of matters in the countries they are building partnerships with, such as: force protection; cultural awareness; customs and courtesies; local opinions of the military and Americans; increasing interoperability with partner nations; and the list literally goes on and on.
Sanchez believes his Airmen train to deploy and deploy to train. Every interaction with a member from a partner nation is a valuable training opportunity for MSAS Airmen. His goal is to inspire a training mindset.
"The best place to train is our AOR. Here the training is right in front of us. There is no lesson plan. We are building it right now; each day that goes by every one of you is adding to your toolbox." Sanchez motions around the room, pointing an approving figure at each Airman. "Every day all of you are figuring it out, answering the questions we didn't even know we had."
In his remarks Sanchez describes to his Airmen how being an air advisor should become second nature for them. As the MSAS mission continues to emerge, he adds working with partner nations will become the primary focus. Deployments will continue to offer opportunities for each air advisor to grow.
"But this is where we lay the foundation of what we are about and at the end of the day, every exchange is an opportunity to focus on becoming better air advisors." The conversation proceeds around the room.
Under Sanchez's guidance, each Airman recounts the unique outcomes from their day. Their commander guides them, urging them to see the countless training prospects they encounter every day.
In time the hot wash draws to a close, this one ran a little longer than the previous meetings; for Sanchez it is time well spent. The overall goal is bare in his mind; prepare his Airmen to recognize the importance of training for the distinctive mission they are executing. The best method of preparing them to safely accomplish the mission and build lasting relationships with the United States' partner nations is through training, training they can only obtain with boots on the ground and in the thick of the action.
621st Contingency Response Wing Public Affairs
8/1/2012 - TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras -- "It's hot-wash time!" A voice echoes down a shallow wood-paneled hallway. Commotion erupts; Airmen pour into the cramped passage heading into a small meeting room. Metal chairs clang open and shriek across the white polished tile floor as bodies squeeze into the tiny space. It is a tight fit but the Airmen settle in. The commotion fades just as suddenly as it began. Quiet grips the room; Lt. Col. Joseph Sanchez has everyone's attention. He addresses his team.
"Let's go around the room and discuss how the day went and what you learned. Maintenance, you guys start us off."
Sanchez and his Airmen deployed to Honduras in the middle of July. Since they have been in country, the group sets aside time everyday to conduct a hot wash. It has become a ritual. As part of the custom each Airmen contributes their experiences and an overall image of the day's activities comes together. Communications follows maintenance.
"We worked together with the Honduran network folks and exchanged ideas about setting up network servers and workstations." Tech. Sgt. Richard Rubalcava explains.
"I had some trouble translating some of the technical terms," Tech. Sgt. Brian De Luca chimes in.
Sanchez nods his head. This feedback is exactly what he looks for in the daily hot wash. He grabs hold of the moment to drive home one very vital part of his team's mission.
"I'm pleased to hear you've used this as a learning experience. Our mission here has two equally important halves."
He gestures with his hand and holds up two fingers.
"First we must continue working together with our Honduran friends and build a lasting relationship. Second, we have to train and hone our skills improve ourselves as air advisors."
The Airmen gathered inside the undersized room are air advisors from the 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron from Travis Air Force Base, Calif. The MSAS recently celebrated its first year of initial operations. During the past year the unit has deployed to Central and South America, working with foreign air forces establishing lasting relationships.
The squadron is just more than a year old and the date marking full operational capability for the MSAS is fast approaching.
Sanchez is intensely aware of this fact and reminds his team, "Not long from now we reach F-O-C and our focus turns to our partner nations. This is the time to identify where we can further develop our skills. This deployment is just as much about training as it is working with the Hondurans."
De Luca looks on intently as his commander speaks.
De Luca agrees, "Yes sir, it's great to learn where the holes in my Spanish are. I have the Hondurans to thank for their patience and working with me to improve my Spanish."
"This is the place where we build upon our air advisor fundamentals." Sanchez's comments follow.
His eyes move across the room; it is a sea of nodding heads.
"Take advantage of the fact we are here. We cannot simulate the challenges of this mission anywhere else. Right here each of you discovers what to expect in our AOR."
Each MSAS Airman must build skills relevant to the unit's area of responsibility. The MSAS' AOR requires them to know how to connect with Airmen from other countries. MSAS members must competently communicate with their partners to exchange ideas effectively. Necessity demands each air advisor be aware of a multitude of matters in the countries they are building partnerships with, such as: force protection; cultural awareness; customs and courtesies; local opinions of the military and Americans; increasing interoperability with partner nations; and the list literally goes on and on.
Sanchez believes his Airmen train to deploy and deploy to train. Every interaction with a member from a partner nation is a valuable training opportunity for MSAS Airmen. His goal is to inspire a training mindset.
"The best place to train is our AOR. Here the training is right in front of us. There is no lesson plan. We are building it right now; each day that goes by every one of you is adding to your toolbox." Sanchez motions around the room, pointing an approving figure at each Airman. "Every day all of you are figuring it out, answering the questions we didn't even know we had."
In his remarks Sanchez describes to his Airmen how being an air advisor should become second nature for them. As the MSAS mission continues to emerge, he adds working with partner nations will become the primary focus. Deployments will continue to offer opportunities for each air advisor to grow.
"But this is where we lay the foundation of what we are about and at the end of the day, every exchange is an opportunity to focus on becoming better air advisors." The conversation proceeds around the room.
Under Sanchez's guidance, each Airman recounts the unique outcomes from their day. Their commander guides them, urging them to see the countless training prospects they encounter every day.
In time the hot wash draws to a close, this one ran a little longer than the previous meetings; for Sanchez it is time well spent. The overall goal is bare in his mind; prepare his Airmen to recognize the importance of training for the distinctive mission they are executing. The best method of preparing them to safely accomplish the mission and build lasting relationships with the United States' partner nations is through training, training they can only obtain with boots on the ground and in the thick of the action.
Team McConnell helps Haiti
by Airman 1st Class Victor J. Caputo
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
8/1/2012 - MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Members of the 22nd Logistics Readiness Squadron gathered and prepared cargo to help orphanages in Haiti July 26, 2012.
The team constructed several pallets of cargo for airlift from McConnell Air Force Base, Kan.
The experience of helping with the relief mission was gratifying for those involved in the effort.
"Instead of the everyday military mission, taking part in a humanitarian mission is very rewarding and fulfilling," said Staff Sergeant Kris Aguila, 22nd LRS Air Terminal operations NCO in charge. "We're very proud to be able to help personally."
Airmen made several pallets which included rice, beans, shoes and other basic supplies. Shipments are usually made once a year to Haiti since the devastating 2010 earthquake, but this is second load in 2012 thanks to a greater amount of donated materials.
"We're part of the bridge they use to get the supplies out," said Aguila. "A lot of the stuff we send is used to build up their homes and their lives."
The knowledge that the supplies sent to Haiti will be used to benefit children was especially gratifying to members of the 22nd LRS.
"Knowing children will have bikes, shoes and other things that people here take for granted is great," said Staff Sgt. Victoria Mastey, 22nd LRS Passenger Terminal NCO in charge. "As members of Team McConnell we're glad to have helped improve peoples' lives."
Once all of the supplies are loaded onto the pallets, all 13 pallets of cargo will be airlifted by a C-5 Galaxy to Haiti.
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
8/1/2012 - MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Members of the 22nd Logistics Readiness Squadron gathered and prepared cargo to help orphanages in Haiti July 26, 2012.
The team constructed several pallets of cargo for airlift from McConnell Air Force Base, Kan.
The experience of helping with the relief mission was gratifying for those involved in the effort.
"Instead of the everyday military mission, taking part in a humanitarian mission is very rewarding and fulfilling," said Staff Sergeant Kris Aguila, 22nd LRS Air Terminal operations NCO in charge. "We're very proud to be able to help personally."
Airmen made several pallets which included rice, beans, shoes and other basic supplies. Shipments are usually made once a year to Haiti since the devastating 2010 earthquake, but this is second load in 2012 thanks to a greater amount of donated materials.
"We're part of the bridge they use to get the supplies out," said Aguila. "A lot of the stuff we send is used to build up their homes and their lives."
The knowledge that the supplies sent to Haiti will be used to benefit children was especially gratifying to members of the 22nd LRS.
"Knowing children will have bikes, shoes and other things that people here take for granted is great," said Staff Sgt. Victoria Mastey, 22nd LRS Passenger Terminal NCO in charge. "As members of Team McConnell we're glad to have helped improve peoples' lives."
Once all of the supplies are loaded onto the pallets, all 13 pallets of cargo will be airlifted by a C-5 Galaxy to Haiti.
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