Allen Meets With Pakistani Military Chief

From an International Security Assistance Force News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, Aug. 2, 2012 – Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, commander of the International Security Assistance Force, met in Islamabad, Pakistan, today with Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, Pakistan’s chief of army staff.

The meeting was another in a series of opportunities for the commanders to continue building upon the growing operational cooperation among the Afghan national security forces, the Pakistani military and ISAF, officials said.

In a written statement recapping the meeting, ISAF officials said all three parties share many interests, including a commitment to expanding opportunities for coordinated action against terrorists on both sides of the border who threaten Afghanistan, Pakistan and the region. They also are committed to support Afghanistan’s security, stability, and reconciliation efforts and share a responsibility for protecting Afghan and Pakistani soldiers working in the border region, officials said.

The talks also recognized the importance of future opportunities for key Afghan, Pakistani and ISAF senior military leaders to continue to explore ways to expand their vital partnership, the statement said.
Kayani said the U.S.-Pakistan relationship should be based on mutual trust, respect, and transparency, and that today’s meeting helped to improve strategic and operational understanding between the Pakistani military and ISAF.

“I look forward to these visits and am pleased with the upward spiral in our relationship they represent,” Allen said. “We are making significant progress toward building a partnership that is enduring, strategic, carefully defined, and that enhances the security and prosperity of the region.”

Honduran and U.S. Airmen achieve interoperability milestone by working together

by Staff Sgt. James Stewart
621st Contingency Response Wing Public Affairs

8/1/2012 - TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras -- Tech. Sgt. Mateo Escareno can hardly restrain the satisfied grin on his face.

"This is exactly what we are here to accomplish," he said as he nodded his head positively.

Escareno is an air advisor for the 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron; he's been in Honduras since the middle of July. Escareno is also a crew chief and he's been working with other Honduran crew chiefs sharing ideas about aircraft maintenance. He's beaming today because what he is watching on the flightline at Hernan Acosta Mejia Air Force Base is a milestone for his mission and his Honduran crew chief counter parts.

"We've all been working together to bring the aircraft maintenance and fuels specialties to the table," say Tech. Sgt. Filiberto Rodriguez, a fuels technician with the 571st MSAS. "I've been working together with the Honduran fuels guys and Escareno and his team have been sharing ideas with the maintenance guys."

At first the two groups were working independently of one another.

"That's the way we have always been," said Sub-oficial II Maestro Enrique Hernandez-Sanchez, a helicopter mechanic and section leader for the Honduran air force. "We've worked this way from generation to generation, the maintenance crews don't fuel the aircraft."

Fueling the aircraft was the sole responsibility of the fuels technician. One man used to handle the job of fueling the aircraft.

"That's what worked best for the Hondurans," Rodriguez said. "But they got the idea to work together by sharing experiences with us. They asked us how we fuel our aircraft. They came up with some ideas they wanted to implement based on what we shared. As an Air Advisor I'm really excited to see them work together."

Prior to now, the fuels technician would handle all of the fueling responsibilities: grounding the truck, pumping the fuel, monitoring the pressure, everything. According to both Escareno and Rodriguez, their Honduran associates were interested in the safety implications of one man handling refueling aircraft. As a team the Hondurans understood if something went wrong the entire group could rapidly respond to the incident rather than risk one man being hurt or loosing valuable assets.

In the United States Air Force the fuels technician stays with the fuel truck and monitors the refueling while the crew chief stays with the aircraft monitoring the fueling on the opposite end. It is every bit a team effort.

"Interoperability is important to us and it is great to see the Hondurans embrace the concepts and really run with it," said Escareno. "They are really promoting a system where they can work together and it's great to be part of that."

Hernandez and Auxiliary Jose Anibal Espinal are the first two Hondurans to run through the new fueling process. Hernandez stands ready at his helicopter and Espinal at the fuel truck. Both men clutch a checklist in their hand containing the steps for the new process. The Hondurans created the checklist while working with their U.S. counterparts.

"This new checklist increases our communication and makes safety a top priority," said Hernandez. "It's a benefit for future maintainers and I'm proud to be a part of creating this process."

Rodriguez lent his experiences to the Hondurans while they developed their new checklist for the fueling process.

"This is what success feels like," Rodriguez said. "My Honduran partners are implementing their ideas and developing new tools that they have come up with to amplify their capabilities."

Escareno and Rodriguez watch the Hondurans perform the fueling operation. Every once in a while the Hondurans paused to discuss the checklist with each other to iron out the details. In the end they performed three aircraft fueling dry runs.

"These guys have been working hard to promote a system where they can work together," says Escareno. "And that makes me smile."

Face of Defense: Army Couple Deploys Together

By Army Capt. Monika Comeaux
13th Sustainment Command

CAMP EGGERS, Afghanistan, Aug. 2, 2012 - Some families have a son, daughter, mother or father deployed, but for some, a deployment is a complete family affair
.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Latch and Army Staff Sgt. Carmelita Ann Latch at Camp Eggers, Afghanistan. They deployed from Fort Hood's 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command in December 2011 on their second deployment together. U.S. Army photo by Capt. Monika Comeaux (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Latch, the mobility noncommissioned officer in charge, and Army Staff Sgt. Carmelita A. Latch, an integrations noncommissioned officer, both work here in support operations for NATO Training Mission Afghanistan. They deployed from Fort Hood, Texas, with the 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command. 

Being a married Army couple has both its advantages and disadvantages, but the Latches focus on the positives to help them through their second deployment together.

"There is always somebody there to talk to, which is really helpful," Stephen said. "It is always nice to have that moral support with you, no matter what. We are permanent battle buddies."

The couple is together practically 24/7, as they work together and are housed together. They said if they weren't on the same camp, they would worry about each other constantly.

"There are times when he gets on my nerves because he picks on me," Carmelita said. "But as far as us getting mad at each other and have to be away from each other, we have never been like that. ... We are one of those couples who function better together than apart."

The couple left three kids back home, who they miss dearly: Loni, 20, Rudy, 19, and Lexi, 11. Loni and Rudy are house-sitting family homes in two different states while Loni attends college full-time in Virginia. Rudy has a full-time job in Texas, and Lexi is staying with her grandparents. Being the youngest, Stephen said, it is hard for her to deal with her dad being away, but she copes well.

" [Lexi] is a trooper," he said. "This is the fourth deployment that I have been on since she has been alive. She is getting kind of in the zone now where she understands. ... When she does get to missing me a lot, normally I either try send her a necklace or something she can look at -- give her something that she can hold and touch -- and that helps her a lot."

The two older kids shared their views via email about not having either parent around.

"I love them and miss them more than anyone could know, and I can't wait to see them again," wrote Rudy-Allan Kaech Jr., Carmelita's son. "It gives me a sense of independence living on my own, with the sense of security that they will still be there for me... if I need them."

"Both of my parents being deployed is very hard," wrote Loni Marie Kaech, Carmelita's daughter. "When I need to talk or need anything, they are not here." She started her message with how having to talk about her parents being gone actually brings her to tears. She also misses the double dates she used to go on with her husband and parents, she said.

The Latch family set goals to make the deployment go by faster. They've paid off most of their bills and are saving up for their mid-tour leave. They have also been working on college courses.

"It has been a long deployment," Carmelita said. "We both started college out here. He has done 20 college credits since we have been out here. I will have finished 25 college credits, and I have also raised my General Technical score out here, so I am excited about that. We have accomplished a lot here, and it has been amazing," she said.

"I had no college at all, it is a really big step for me," Stephen said.

Loni is also working toward a degree using Stephen's Post 9/11 GI Bill. Her mom set an incentive to inspire her: "I promised my daughter I'd take her anywhere in the world when she graduated college," Carmelita said with a broad smile. "Now she wants to go to Greece, so I am trying to save up for that."

"A little bit of suffering on our part to get her ahead of life -- I think it is all worth it," Stephen added.
The couple will leave Afghanistan shortly and plans to enjoy the Texas hunting season. They will keep their eyes on their goals not only for the duration of the deployment, but also for their future.

"My goal is to retire as a sergeant major [and to be] the first female sergeant major of the Army," Carmelita said. But their biggest goal, they said, is always to safely return to their children.

They emphasized professionalism, trust, patience and communication as the keys to a successful deployment for a married couple.

Air Force officials release E-5 promotion list

Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

8/2/2012 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO - RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS) -- More than 13,400 senior airmen -- 40 percent of those eligible -- have been selected for promotion to staff sergeant.

To see the list, go to http://www.afpc.af.mil/promotions/ssgt.asp.

Staff sergeant is the first noncommissioned officer rank. Those selected will be promoted beginning in September, depending on their promotion sequence number. Selections are tentative until the data verification process is complete, which is no later than 10 days after the promotion release date.

The average score for those selected was 283.30, with an average time-in-grade of 1.93 years and time-in-service of 4.45 years. Weighted factor point averages were 131.59 for enlisted performance reports, .98 for decorations, 70.35 for the promotion fitness exam and 57.33 for the specialty knowledge test.

Help arrives in my darkest hour

Commentary by Master Sgt. Kevin Wallace
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

8/2/2012 - ROYAL AIR FORCE MILDENHALL, England (AFNS) -- I want the nightmares to stop!

That's one thing I told Dr. Jeffery Peterson, a 48th Medical Operations Squadron clinical psychologist, when I went to see him last year.

I admit the visit wasn't voluntary.

Just before leaving Afghanistan in May 2011, I had to accomplish an online post-deployment health assessment and was flagged by many of my responses. I had to see Peterson my third day home. I felt our encounter was routine, but optimistically routine.

While downrange I was involved in several close-range firefights, as well as living in constant threat of the near-daily attacks we repelled.

I was notified that I had to do yet another PDHA last August. What followed absolutely blew my mind!

After submitting the PDHA, I stopped by a coworker's office to talk briefly and returned to a ringing phone. A member of the 48th Medical Group staff was calling me merely 21 minutes after pressing the final mouse click and submitting the PDHA. I was amazed at how fast they reached out to me.

I was flagged again and scheduled to see Peterson that same afternoon. I honestly dreaded having to go 'talk about my problems,' again but was truly impressed at how the medical system was working like a well-oiled machine. The 48th MDG staff monitored my progress as if I were their only patient.

Once more, Peterson was very positive and he seemed exceedingly concerned about complications in my Purple Heart medal approval. Since then, he saw my Purple Heart come to fruition and has been in routine contact with me. I also received comprehensive treatment from another 48th MDG psychiatrist and Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.

Despite my care moving from the family practice clinic to the mental health clinic, Peterson has kept in repeated contact with me. It's more than obvious, he cares.

Top-care isn't limited to Peterson either.

Dr. Paul West, my psychiatrist, goes well above and beyond, whenever I need a listening ear or professional advice.

Furthermore, the Air Force assigned me to Tom Sansone, a Wounded Warrior counselor at the Air Force Personnel Center.

Sansone has been involved in all aspects of medical care, and has called me at home and at work dozens of times. He's an amazing counselor.

The truth is I never wanted to see Peterson, West, Sansone or the other medical staff. I didn't volunteer, the Air Force redeployment system forced these people into my life, but I'm sure glad it did.

Luckily many Airmen won't see lives taken first hand, much less take human lives or lose close friends to the enemy. Yet, others will. For those people, there's help.

For service members thrown right into the mix of the darkest aspects of war and inhumanity, I hope you fight well and stand your ground, my brothers. I hope you keep our enemies at bay and keep the fight on foreign soil. Rest assured, as I now know, there are people here at home who care.

For me that was my wife, the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program and the 48th MDG.

Through my rants and despair, my anger and sadness, my wife has always been there. Still, there are some things I could never talk to her about; who'd want to put the worst on the ones they love?

In those times and for those subjects, I have professionals at nearby RAF Lakenheath. I'd be lying to say I always had complete confidence in our medical system -- I used to have my doubts. But no longer; now I have full faith that the system works and the professionals care.

I'll permanently change station to a stateside base next month, and the professionals who cared for me at RAF Lakenheath will become people of my past. I admit that fact is troubling. Yet, I've seen first-hand success of the Air Force medical system and the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program. I'll be in good hands wherever I PCS to -- I'm a believer!

U.S., Israeli Leaders United Against Iranian Nuke Efforts By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service ASHKELON, Israel, Aug. 1, 2012 – If diplomatic efforts and economic sanctions fail, the United States has military options to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said here today. Panetta and Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak visited an Iron Dome anti-missile battery defending this city from missile attacks from Gaza, less than 10 miles away. With a rocket launcher in the background, Panetta and Barak spoke during a news conference of the threat Iran’s nuclear program poses. Panetta said the United States will not allow Iran to gain a nuclear capability. But although all options are available to stop this, he added, this does not mean that using the military option is imminent. “We have to exhaust every option, every effort, before we resort to military action,” Panetta said. “The international community has applied very strong sanctions against [the Iranians]. We have ratcheted up those sanctions. It’s having an impact.” The sanctions are biting, and the Iranians agreed to return to the so-called “P-5-plus-1” talks with the United States, Great Britain, China, Russia and Germany. Iran is a state sponsor of terrorism, and the international community wants the nation that sponsors Hamas and Hezbollah to stop its nuclear program and abide by international rules and requirements, Panetta said. “That is something we would work with them to continue,” he added. But if Iranian leaders make the choice to continue the nuclear program, the secretary said, “we have options that we are prepared to implement to ensure that this does not happen.” The Israeli defense minister was even more blunt. “When we say all the options are on the table, and when the Americans say all the options are on the table, we mean it, and I believe the Americans mean it,” Barak said. The Israelis believe time is running out for an Iranian decision and that there is little or no chance that Tehran will step away from the nuclear program, Barak said. “It’s important to notice that while sanctions are taking place and diplomacy is taking place, it takes time,” he said. “And in the meantime, the Iranians are daily enriching uranium. We clearly have something to lose by this stretched time.”

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

ASHKELON, Israel, Aug. 1, 2012 – If diplomatic efforts and economic sanctions fail, the United States has military options to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said here today.

Panetta and Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak visited an Iron Dome anti-missile battery defending this city from missile attacks from Gaza, less than 10 miles away.

With a rocket launcher in the background, Panetta and Barak spoke during a news conference of the threat Iran’s nuclear program poses.

Panetta said the United States will not allow Iran to gain a nuclear capability. But although all options are available to stop this, he added, this does not mean that using the military option is imminent.

“We have to exhaust every option, every effort, before we resort to military action,” Panetta said. “The international community has applied very strong sanctions against [the Iranians]. We have ratcheted up those sanctions. It’s having an impact.”

The sanctions are biting, and the Iranians agreed to return to the so-called “P-5-plus-1” talks with the United States, Great Britain, China, Russia and Germany.

Iran is a state sponsor of terrorism, and the international community wants the nation that sponsors Hamas and Hezbollah to stop its nuclear program and abide by international rules and requirements, Panetta said. “That is something we would work with them to continue,” he added.

But if Iranian leaders make the choice to continue the nuclear program, the secretary said, “we have options that we are prepared to implement to ensure that this does not happen.”

The Israeli defense minister was even more blunt. “When we say all the options are on the table, and when the Americans say all the options are on the table, we mean it, and I believe the Americans mean it,” Barak said.

The Israelis believe time is running out for an Iranian decision and that there is little or no chance that Tehran will step away from the nuclear program, Barak said.

“It’s important to notice that while sanctions are taking place and diplomacy is taking place, it takes time,” he said. “And in the meantime, the Iranians are daily enriching uranium. We clearly have something to lose by this stretched time.”

Air Force Assures F-22 Readiness Following Extensive Testing

By Amaani Lyle American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Aug. 1, 2012 – Following months of life support systems components testing in the F-22 Raptor fighter jet, officials have “determined with confidence” the source of previously unexplained physiological incidents, the director of operations for the Air Force’s Air Combat Command said yesterday at a Pentagon news conference. An F-22 Raptor from the Hawaii Air National Guard’s 199th Fighter Squadron returns to a training mission after refueling March 27, 2012, over the Pacific Ocean. Air Force officials have determined the source of previously unexplained physiological incidents involving the fifth-generation fighter jet. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Michael Holzworth   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta last week approved a gradual lifting of restrictions he placed on F-22 flights in May.   The combined medical disciplines of flight medicine, toxicology, physiology, human factors and occupational health have enabled the service to assemble “pieces of the mosaic” that reside in the cockpit, Maj. Gen. Charles W. Lyon, designated by Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley in January to lead an investigative task force, said at yesterday’s news conference. The general pinpointed the upper pressure garment, oxygen delivery hoses, quick connection points and on occasion, the air filter canister, as root causes of previously unexplained physiological incidents in which some pilots complained of hypoxia-like symptoms. “As we completed end-to-end testing in the life support systems components, we are able to piece together the contributing factors for our previously unexplained incidents,” Lyon said, crediting an “integrated, collaborative approach by government and industry” in helping the Air Force develop its findings. The task force, Lyon said, leveraged the investigative efforts of numerous safety investigation boards and the Air Force’s Scientific Advisory Board to eliminate contamination as the root cause of the incidents. Air Force officials used intensive altitude chamber and centrifuge protocols to isolate variables in the flight gear and cockpit connections, the general said. They also analyzed thousands of samples of gases, volatile and semi-volatile compounds, solids and liquids, and compared that data to occupational hazard standard levels. “Managing risks to our F-22 force has always been pre-eminent as we work through this complex set of factors,” Lyon said. “In the end, there is no ‘smoking gun.’” The fleet, grounded for five months last year, has flown nearly 8,000 sorties totaling more than 10,000 flight hours since its last reported unexplained incident in March, Lyon said. In a recent update to Panetta that led to the decision to roll back the restrictions, Air Force officials said the service employed thorough, in-depth analysis to eliminate contamination as a contributing factor to its most recent incident and charted a path to eliminate all significant contributing factors today and in the future. “We left no stone unturned in the investigative process,” Lyon said, adding that the service will continue to move forward with enhancements and fixes as NASA primes to conduct an independent investigation. The Air Force’s investigative process also involved canvassing the F-22 communities to gauge pilot, maintainer and family member confidence in the aircraft’s safety, Lyon said. “I recently visited our F-22 bases, and I can tell you, their confidence is high,” he said, noting that no hybrid high-altitude flight operations and high-maneuverability aircraft could be completely immune to such incidents. “There’s no other aircraft our pilots would rather fly in the service of our nation,” he added. Panetta has authorized the deployment of a squadron of F-22 aircraft to Kadena Air Base, Japan, under altitude restrictions using the northern Pacific transit route. Upon completion of that mission, the Air Force likely will approve most long-duration flights, service officials said.

Strait of Malacca Stands as Model of Multilateral Cooperation

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

ABOARD A MILITARY AIRCRAFT, Aug. 1, 2012 – U.S. Pacific Command is holding up a multinational partnership in the Asia-Pacific region as a model for the type of cooperation the command is working to promote to deal with transnational threats.

U.S. sailors handle lines in preparation to get the littoral combat ship USS Freedom under way from her homeport in Mayport, Fla., Feb. 16, 2010. Freedom, the Navy's first littoral combat ship, is scheduled for a 10-month rotational deployment to Singapore beginning in the spring of 2013. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Leah Stiles   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

A decade ago, the Strait of Malacca was a dangerous place, where pirates launched almost 50 attacks a year in the narrow, 550-mile-long sea lane linking the Indian and Pacific oceans. That had serious international implications, because about 50,000 vessels transit the passageway each year, carrying an estimated 40 percent of the world’s trade.

Today, incidents have dropped to fewer than five a year, without a single successful hijacking in almost four years, reported Air Force Maj. Gen. Michael A. Keltz, Pacom's director of strategic planning and policy.

Keltz attributed that success to a partnership among nations bordering the strait, with help from U.S.-funded technology that has boosted maritime security dramatically.

Meanwhile, countries that once resisted engaging in multilateral, multinational operations now are doing so, Keltz said. Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and, increasingly, Thailand, have joined forces to increase patrols and improve their collective maritime domain awareness and law-enforcement capabilities.

A command and control information center that opened at Singapore’s Changi Naval Base in 2009 supports this effort, drawing together information shared by 11 nations. This includes data from shore-based radars positioned throughout the region and an electronic tracking system that automatically identifies vessels transiting the strait.

The neighbors share this information, establishing a common operational picture that enables all to better detect and identify potential threats, Keltz said.

The Strait of Malacca stands as an example, he said, as nations come together to address regional challenges collectively.

“That is the model we are building for our [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] partner nations,” he said. “We help them achieve the basic [defense] capabilities so that they can do that [mission] themselves.”
As it implements the new strategic guidance focused heavily on the Asia-Pacific, Pacom is working actively to promote more multilateral cooperation, Keltz noted. It’s a major thrust behind the Pacific rebalancing effort, including new force rotational arrangements.

“We want to be better situated around the entire Pacific to build those partnership capacities on a trilateral, multilateral and regional basis,” he said.

As regional partners exercise their own enhanced capabilities, Singapore has agreed to host U.S. Navy littoral combat ships on a rotational basis. The Navy’s new LCS, USS Freedom, is scheduled for its first 10-month rotational deployment to Singapore beginning next spring.

Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III, Pacom commander, welcomed the planned rotations, along with Marine rotational deployments in Australia, as a way to expand U.S. presence in the Asia-Pacific without the need for more permanently based forces.

The littoral combat ships, he said, will be positioned alongside a strong, reliable partner near the strategic Strait of Malacca that links the Indian and Pacific oceans. “It will give us a unique, credible combat credibility for our maritime security, particularly in one of the largest choke points in the world,” he said.

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Defense Minister Ng En Hen of Singapore announced during security talks in Singapore that the two countries had agreed to lay plans for expanding this arrangement to include additional littoral ships.

“Secretary Panetta reaffirmed that the LCS deployment would strengthen U.S. engagement in the region, through the port calls at regional ports, and engagement of regional navies through activities such as exercises and exchanges,” according to a joint statement released after that meeting.

Locklear said he’d like to build on these models as he implements the new strategic guidance that emphasizes the importance of Asia and the Pacific. Rotational forces provide “an uptick in presence” that he said complements that provided by the 330,000 service members permanently based within Pacom’s area of responsibility.

“What they provide is an ability to work with our allies and to leverage the capabilities of the allies across all aspects of peace to conflict,” the admiral said. Meanwhile, he added, the additional presence rotational forces provide creates regional footholds that could pay off if the United States had to flow more forces to protect U.S. or allies interests there.

That presence, and the experience base it helps to build, would be particularly valuable in a disaster requiring humanitarian assistance, such as the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, or any other crisis, he said.

“It gives training to the forces that rotate in and out,” he explained, so they are familiar with the region and the regional militaries if they need to work together. He cited last year’s Operation Tomodachi in Japan as an example. “So there is a lot of value to it,” he said.
 

Maxwell medics return from Peru

by Staff Sgt. Sarah Loicano
Air University Public Affairs

7/27/2012 - MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala.,  -- Nine members of the 42nd Medical Group recently returned from New Horizons, an ongoing joint humanitarian training exercise in Peru.

An annual series of free medical clinics and infrastructure development projects, New Horizons is a U.S. Southern Command-led exercise conducted with Latin American and Caribbean nations to enhance international disaster response capabilities and cooperation. Maxwell's medical team of 17, including eight from other Air Force bases, joined 500 other U.S. and Peruvian military doctors, engineers and support staff in New Horizons 2012, which runs through Aug. 31.

"There were six services we were tasked to provide - general medicine, pediatrics, dermatology, obstetrics and gynecology, optometry and dental and of course, all of those needed pharmacy support," explained John Henry, 42nd Medical Group Readiness Flight chief and Maxwell New Horizons team chief.

A trip of this magnitude, Henry said, required extensive arrangements; he'd been planning this trip since October 2011.

"This area was hit hard by the earthquake in 2007. We did some site visits and we'd mostly end up working out of the schools. It's like putting a puzzle together, trying to make things work, but when the team showed up, we hit the ground running," Henry said.

Working at two locations, San Clemente and Tupac Amaru, Maxwell's team treated more than 7,000 people over a 10 day period. When the team opened the clinic for the first day of medical services, 1,000 people were already lined up.

"I've done a lot of these and I've never seen a demand that great at one time. The line just never seemed to end," Henry said. "Some of them will show up at 2 a.m. to try to be near the front of the line and we try to manage the crowd and do our best to see everyone, but there comes a point in time when you have to stop. It's kind of humbling ... you wish you could take your kids so they can see how good they have it."

Given $85,000 for supplies and equipment, the team purchased bandages, gauze, needles, eyeglasses, eye drops and various medical supplies, which Henry said were all the supplies the team would have access to during their exercise.

"They try to teach better medical practices and try to do your job to the standards you're used to with bare bones, basic medicine," he said. "They have to learn to work with the limitations of supplies and medicine."

With the large number of patients waiting to be seen and a fixed amount of supplies, the medical team focused on treating as many people as possible by working from two clinic locations. The group also referred serious cases to local hospitals, which were better equipped to handle life-threatening situations and chronic diseases.

"Without having to tear down and put back up every day, we were able to keep doors open longer and treat more patients," said Capt. Mike Calhoun, a 42nd MDG Optometry flight commander. "We aren't documenting each case like we do here for medical records, so we can treat more people each day. What we were trying to do is do the most good for the most people you can. These people would wait all night to get seen; we never left anyone empty handed."

Overall, the team saw a huge demand for optometry services, including treatment for cataracts and glaucoma, skin disorders, and respiration problems especially amongst the children.

"It's really neat when I see a kid who needs glasses to see more than a few inches, and suddenly he can see. That increases his world. It may not be perfect but it still changes his life," Calhoun said. "I bet that kid goes to sleep with those glasses on."

Immediate results are gratifying, Calhoun said, but one of the most important things they can do with their time there is help teach patients how to prevent future medical issues.
"A lot of what we do there is education on how to take care of their eyes and explain why they are having the problems with their eyes," he said.

Maxwell has been participating in New Horizons missions since 2005, and teams have been to Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Ecuador, Granada, Panama and Bolivia.

Luke AFB selected for F-35A pilot training

by Capt. Tristan Hinderliter
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

8/2/2012 - LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- It's official, the F-35 is coming to Luke.

Air Force Secretary Michael Donley announced today that Luke AFB has been chosen as the location of the Air Force's F-35A Lightning II pilot training center. The base will receive 72 aircraft for a total of three fighter squadrons.

"This is a great day for Luke," said Brig. Gen. JD Harris, 56th Fighter Wing commander. "Our selection for F-35 training ensures the long-term viability of our mission of training the world's greatest fighter pilots, which we've been doing at Luke for seven decades."

The F-35, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is a fifth-generation fighter aircraft intended to be the Air Force's premier strike aircraft through the first half of the 21st Century. It is a multirole fighter that is expected to eventually phase out the service's F-16s and A-10s.

Aircraft will begin to arrive at Luke between late 2013 to mid-2014, although exact timing will depend on production schedules. Construction on base to prepare for the aircraft, however, is expected to start almost immediately.

The Record of Decision cited several reasons why Luke was the service's top choice, including facility and ramp capacity, range access, weather, as well as capacity for future growth.

"We're the envy of the Air Force when it comes to community support," said Rusty Mitchell, director of Luke's Community Initiatives Team. "While there has been development that's grown out toward Luke, the community has made every effort to ensure that the growth has been compatible with our mission. We cannot thank our West Valley neighbors enough for letting us be part of the community, not just in the community."

In addition to training U.S. pilots, Luke will also serve as an F-35A International Partner Training site.

"The Air Force is committed to training our U.S. and partner nation pilots on this fifth-generation fighter aircraft," said Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff. "Collaborative training on aircraft designed with stealth, maneuverability and integrated avionics will better prepare our combined forces to assume multi-role missions for the future of tactical aviation."

The decision culminates a nearly three-year process that included an extensive Environmental Impact Statement that examined impacts on air quality, noise, land use and socioeconomic issues. The analysis was required in order to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act and to help decision makers understand items of interest to the public and other federal and state agencies.

"The Air Force was very diligent in this process," Mitchell said. "It was a very open, transparent and repeatable process that was done the same at all the candidate bases."
Even as Team Luke prepares to open a new chapter, Harris said, the 56th Fighter Wing remains focused on its current mission: Training the world's greatest F-16 fighter pilots and maintainers while deploying mission-ready warfighters.

Iron Dome System Demonstrates U.S-Israeli Partnership By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service ASHKELON, Israel, Aug. 1, 2012 - After passing through an orchard of fruit-laden apple trees and passing fields of corn and vegetables, it's jarring to come across a rocket launcher. But that's the scene near this southern Israeli city. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak visited with Israeli air force personnel protecting Ashkelon from terrorist attacks. The city is less than 10 miles away from Gaza, and terrorists there have launched hundreds of missiles and mortar rounds into Israel. The rocket launcher, radar and battle management and control module in this pasture are part of the Iron Dome network designed to track and shoot down missiles fired at Israeli cities. This is a country constantly on its guard, even as regular workaday life continues. About 200 meters from the battery are apartment buildings with wash hanging off the balconies and a beautifully appointed playground. Farmers work in the fields, and cars whiz by on the Israeli version of an interstate. These are targets for the terrorists who use Gaza as a launching point. The system has shot down scores of missiles that would have killed Israeli citizens since it was fielded in April 2011. During a joint news conference with Barak at the battery, Panetta said Iron Dome "has been a game changer for Israel's security. It has saved Israeli lives." Barak said it has a more than 80 percent success rate. The battery also is a concrete example of how the U.S.-Israeli defense partnership works. The Israelis developed Iron Dome, and the United States has committed more than $205 million to fielding the system. Last week, President Barack Obama signed a law providing another $70 million to field more batteries this fiscal year. Panetta said his goal is to ensure Israel has the funding it needs in coming fiscal years to complete fielding the system. But the defense relationship is more than just one system. Panetta said the defense relationship -- based on shared values and goals -- "is stronger than it has ever been before." The partnership between the two nations is more important today because of the security challenges arising from the region, the secretary said. Syria, Iran and the threats of terrorism and nuclear and missile proliferation are just some of the challenges facing the region and the world. "Our ties with the United States have expanded in a range of areas including intelligence, high-tech and securing the qualitative military edge of Israel," the Israeli defense minister said. "The defense relationship underpins greater and wider cooperation between the two countries." Another example of the U.S. commitment to Israel is Israel's involvement in the joint strike fighter program, the secretary said. "Israel is the only country in the Middle East participating in this program," Panetta said. "This will ensure Israel's air superiority for years to come."

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
ASHKELON, Israel, Aug. 1, 2012 - After passing through an orchard of fruit-laden apple trees and passing fields of corn and vegetables, it's jarring to come across a rocket launcher.

But that's the scene near this southern Israeli city.

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta and Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak visited with Israeli air force personnel protecting Ashkelon from terrorist attacks. The city is less than 10 miles away from Gaza, and terrorists there have launched hundreds of missiles and mortar rounds into Israel.

The rocket launcher, radar and battle management and control module in this pasture are part of the Iron Dome network designed to track and shoot down missiles fired at Israeli cities.

This is a country constantly on its guard, even as regular workaday life continues. About 200 meters from the battery are apartment buildings with wash hanging off the balconies and a beautifully appointed playground. Farmers work in the fields, and cars whiz by on the Israeli version of an interstate. These are targets for the terrorists who use Gaza as a launching point.
The system has shot down scores of missiles that would have killed Israeli citizens since it was fielded in April 2011. During a joint news conference with Barak at the battery, Panetta said Iron Dome "has been a game changer for Israel's security. It has saved Israeli lives." Barak said it has a more than 80 percent success rate.

The battery also is a concrete example of how the U.S.-Israeli defense partnership works. The Israelis developed Iron Dome, and the United States has committed more than $205 million to fielding the system. Last week, President Barack Obama signed a law providing another $70 million to field more batteries this fiscal year. Panetta said his goal is to ensure Israel has the funding it needs in coming fiscal years to complete fielding the system.

But the defense relationship is more than just one system. Panetta said the defense relationship -- based on shared values and goals -- "is stronger than it has ever been before."

The partnership between the two nations is more important today because of the security challenges arising from the region, the secretary said. Syria, Iran and the threats of terrorism and nuclear and missile proliferation are just some of the challenges facing the region and the world.

"Our ties with the United States have expanded in a range of areas including intelligence, high-tech and securing the qualitative military edge of Israel," the Israeli defense minister said. "The defense relationship underpins greater and wider cooperation between the two countries."

Another example of the U.S. commitment to Israel is Israel's involvement in the joint strike fighter program, the secretary said.

"Israel is the only country in the Middle East participating in this program," Panetta said. "This will ensure Israel's air superiority for years to come."

Air National Guard, Reserve MAFFS-equipped C-130s integral part of wildfire suppression

by Army National Guard Sgt. Darron Salzer
National Guard Bureau

8/1/2012 - 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 U.S. history.

Flying C-130 Hercules equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, Air National Guard members - as of today - have flown more than 340 flights.

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 at this time.

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.

Professional cowboys go 'behind the chute' at Warren

90th Missile Wing Public Affairs

8/1/2012 - F.E. WARREN AFB, Wyo. -- F.E. WARREN AFB, Wyo. -- Look around Cheyenne during the last couple weeks of July each year and the city appears transformed, with bull riding and bronc-busting cowboys working the rodeo circuit.

There was a special twist during the 116th annual Cheyenne Frontier Days as four cowboys from the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association joined guests such as three-time Purple Heart recipient, Marine Col. John Bates, from American 300 Warrior Tours.

"We wanted to put our Justin Boots where our mouths are, not just talk about supporting troops but go out and really show them how much we appreciate them," said Tilden Hooper, PRCA bareback rider.

Bareback riders, Kaycee Feild, Jesse Davis and Joe Gunderson joined Hooper and echoed his sentiment.

"Everyone knows we travel with Kaycee Feild, who has put his boots in Middle East combat zones over the past three memorial days," said Hooper. "It was our turn to join him."

The visit, coined "Behind the Chute" was a part of American300's "Never Quit" tour series, which has provided Air Force Global Strike Airmen the opportunity to connect with veterans and athletes who've endured hardship and overcome challenges.

Retired Marine Col. John Bates' career included tours of duty in Vietnam and Iraq. Bates now donates his time a volunteer professional skydiver, representing the Marines Wounded Warrior Regiment at everything from rodeos to NASCAR events.

Bates, the cowboys and American300 "Never Quit" series founder Robi Powers enjoyed visiting a Missile Alert Facility here July 26.

Field said he had been looking forward to meeting the Airmen.

"It felt like the night before the first performance of the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo," said Fields.

After the tour, the cowboys headed back to the rodeo grounds at Frontier Park with a new appreciation for the Airmen.

"These Airmen are the true champions," said Davis. "They deserve champions' belt buckles."

American300 is an all volunteer nonprofit organization with a mission of increasing strength and resiliency of military members and their families at home and at work. No federal endorsement of sponsors or nonprofit organizations is intended.

NCO retraining program application window opens

by Debbie Gildea

Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO - RANDOLPH, Texas – More than 1,300 noncommissioned officers may apply for retraining under the fiscal year 2013 NCO Retraining Program, Air Force Personnel Center officials said.

The two-phase program is used to balance and sustain the enlisted force by moving second-term and career Airmen from overage career fields to shortage career fields, said Master Sgt. Angela Harris, AFPC Skills Management Branch Superintendent. Phase I is voluntary and Phase II is involuntary.

During Phase I, Airmen in unrestricted career fields may apply for retraining into any shortage career field listed on the retraining advisory, if they meet requirements. Voluntary applications will be accepted through Oct. 5.

Airmen in restricted career fields will be able to apply only for specific career fields, and will also have a shorter Phase I application window: July 30-Sept. 3. For example, last year 4N0X1 medical career field Airmen were allowed to retrain only into the 4N0X1C medical career field shred, Harris explained.

During Phase II, the AFPC Total Force Service Center will immediately begin selecting the most qualified and vulnerable Airmen involuntarily, in order to meet the retraining out objectives from overage career fields.

The master vulnerability list is available on the virtual Military Personnel Flight website (accessible via the Air Force Portal or the myPers website) and affected Airmen must check it weekly, Harris said.

Theater Operations a show of force around the world

by Senior Airman Brittany Dowdle
12th Air Force (Air Forces Southern) Public Affairs

8/1/2012 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz.  -- U. S. Southern Command is a joint and interagency organization supporting the United States national security interests, and with our partners, fostering security, stability, and prosperity in the Americas. The 612th Theater Operations Group plays a vital role in supporting the Air Forces Southern mission in numerous areas of responsibility.

Col. Jonathan VanNoord, 612th TOG commander, has the unique challenge of playing a dual-hat role. He is not only the commander for the TOG, but he is also, the 474th Air Expeditionary Group commander. Both groups support AFSOUTH missions in SOUTHCOM AORs.

The 612th Theater Operations Group has permanent party members stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras, Curacao, Colombia, and Puerto Rico. The 474th AEG has an entire expeditionary squadron in Guantanamo Bay and members also assigned in Puerto Rico, Colombia, and Curacao. Currently an expeditionary RED HORSE squadron is also assigned to the 474th AEG supporting Operation New Horizons 2012 in Peru. Each squadron is different but they all support AFSOUTH by supporting units in the AOR in counter drug operations, military commissions, C-130 flying missions and airfield operations.

"We are in a supporting role," VanNoord said. "We support many different missions. The most known mission is the counter drug operations. It's very important to support these operations because this is a war that is being fought in our back yard. We don't want those drugs coming into our country and destroying our country, which is a battle we fight every single day."

There are currently 740 individuals, across nine squadrons, assigned to the 612th TOG and the 474th AEG downrange in the USSOUTHCOM AOR. The individuals that are assigned to the 612th TOG but live in the AOR are D-M entities so they are supported operationally by 12th AF (AFSOUTH) and personally by base agencies.

"At the group level we provide the life line to all of our geographically separated units that are located throughout the AOR," said Chief Master Sgt. April Spiczka, 612th TOG group superintendent. "A lot of them are stand-alone units with no base support. They need the support from the 355th Fighter Wing for things that we take for granted everyday by being on a standard air force base. They are the ones on the front lines fighting illegal trafficking, we are here to support them and provide them with what they require to do their job."

A unique challenge that leadership of the 612th TOG and the 474th AEG faces is that they only have one support squadron stationed at D-M, all of their other personnel are in other geographical locations.

"We are unique because we can't just walk down the street to see our squadrons," VanNoord said. "We have to travel to go see them, to identify their living conditions, what resources they have to get their mission done, and so they can know who their leadership is. It's a challenge because each unit is separated from another unit, and it's sometimes hard to educate each squadron on what the rest of the group is involved in."

Members of leadership are able to travel every few months to visit their personnel in the Caribbean and Central and South America. They are able to maintain visibility of the individual squadrons in their group and how they are supporting the mission.

"The most memorable experience I've had is when we built the expeditionary law complex in Guantanamo Bay," said Mr. Kenneth Popelas, 612th TOG deputy commander. "We were able to get a tour of the camps with the detainees. We could see the difference of what is perceived in the United States and what really goes on down there. It's a misconception of how they are treated by U.S. personnel and what the facilities are like down there."

Units assigned to the TOG also help in construction of schools, clinics and playgrounds in support of AFSOUTH operations.

"Last year during New Horizons 2011 in Suriname, we visited a ribbon cutting ceremony for a playground, just a standard playground that you would see in any neighborhood in the United States, but it was like Disney Land for the local youth," Spiczka said. "When they cut the ribbon, the kids cheered and ran to the playground. It was amazing to be able to push the excited kids on the swings and help them across the monkey bars. It really brought home why we're doing what we're doing down there."

VanNoord wanted to personally thank the units on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base for the support they provide the units downrange.

"I want to thank all the different units for their support to our Airmen that are downrange," VanNoord said. "We've all been downrange and we know that sometimes it's tough to get that support, but the support we get from D-M is very important to all of our Airmen."

Air Force assures F-22 readiness following extensive testing

by Amaani Lyle
American Forces Press Service

8/1/2012 - WASHINGTON (AFPS) -- Following months of life support systems components testing in the F-22 Raptor, officials have "determined with confidence" the source of previously unexplained physiological incidents, the director of operations for the Air Force's Air Combat Command said July 31 at a Pentagon news conference.

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta last week approved a gradual lifting of restrictions he placed on F-22 flights in May.

The combined medical disciplines of flight medicine, toxicology, physiology, human factors and occupational health have enabled the service to assemble "pieces of the mosaic" that reside in the cockpit, Maj. Gen. Charles W. Lyon, designated by Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley in January to lead an investigative task force, said at the news conference. The general pinpointed the upper pressure garment, oxygen delivery hoses, quick connection points and on occasion, the air filter canister, as root causes of previously unexplained physiological incidents in which some pilots complained of hypoxia-like symptoms.

"As we completed end-to-end testing in the life support systems components, we are able to piece together the contributing factors for our previously unexplained incidents," Lyon said, crediting an "integrated, collaborative approach by government and industry" in helping the Air Force develop its findings. The task force, Lyon said, leveraged the investigative efforts of numerous safety investigation boards and the Air Force's Scientific Advisory Board to eliminate contamination as the root cause of the incidents.

Air Force officials used intensive altitude chamber and centrifuge protocols to isolate variables in the flight gear and cockpit connections, the general said. They also analyzed thousands of samples of gases, volatile and semi-volatile compounds, solids and liquids, and compared that data to occupational hazard standard levels.

"Managing risks to our F-22 force has always been pre-eminent as we work through this complex set of factors," Lyon said. "In the end, there is no 'smoking gun.'"

The fleet, grounded for five months last year, has flown nearly 8,000 sorties totaling more than 10,000 flight hours since its last reported unexplained incident in March, Lyon said.

In a recent update to Panetta that led to the decision to roll back the restrictions, Air Force officials said the service employed thorough, in-depth analysis to eliminate contamination as a contributing factor to its most recent incident and charted a path to eliminate all significant contributing factors today and in the future.

"We left no stone unturned in the investigative process," Lyon said, adding that the service will continue to move forward with enhancements and fixes as NASA primes to conduct an independent investigation.

The Air Force's investigative process also involved canvassing the F-22 communities to gauge pilot, maintainer and family member confidence in the aircraft's safety, Lyon said.

"I recently visited our F-22 bases, and I can tell you, their confidence is high," he said, noting that no hybrid high-altitude flight operations and high-maneuverability aircraft could be completely immune to such incidents. "There's no other aircraft our pilots would rather fly in the service of our nation," he added.

Panetta has authorized the deployment of a squadron of F-22 aircraft to Kadena Air Base, Japan, under altitude restrictions using the northern Pacific transit route. Upon completion of that mission, the Air Force likely will approve most long-duration flights, service officials said.

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force visits AFNIC

7/31/2012 - Scott AFB, Ill -- Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, James A. Roy talks with Airmen from the Air Force Network Integration Center, Air Force Space Command Cyber Support Squadron, 38th Cyber Readiness Squadron and 92nd Information Operations Squadron, Detachment 1, at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., during an enlisted call on July 30. During the call, Chief Roy discussed a number of serious topics including suicide prevention and stressed the importance of what he calls analog leadership - that is, not relying solely on technology to communicate. "We need to embrace technology but we can't let it overcome us. Get in front of [people] and if they need help, guide them. Every life matters," he said.

7th BW returns from largest B-1 deployment in last decade

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.

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.

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."

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.