Purple Heart Society meeting teaches thankfulness for veterans organizations

Commentary by Lt. Col. Paul Birch
4th Operations Support Squadron

12/18/2012 - SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. (AFNS) -- The North Carolina chapters of the Military Order of the Purple Heart invited the 4th Fighter Wing to send a representative to their state-wide meeting in Goldsboro, N.C. the first weekend in December. As that representative, I was honored to address the assembled chapter representatives and state organizational leadership of this national organization that dedicates itself primarily to ensuring proper care for wounded warriors.

Our generation of service members injured in combat enjoys unparalleled care and support throughout our society. It is easy to lose sight of just how much an organization like the Military Order of the Purple Heart does for wounded veterans. My time with them made me reflect on how much support returning veterans over the past decade received not just from the government, but from volunteer organizations and citizens. Though wounded veterans face serious challenges upon their return to civilian life, from a recent historical viewpoint now is a good time to be a veteran. This is particularly true in communities like Goldsboro who are ardent supporters of their local bases and the men and women who serve.

Pondering the breadth of our support made me realize that this has been a cyclic phenomenon in the United States. Although we are a generation removed from the Vietnam conflict, the memory of veterans spurned and scorned upon homecoming still appears vividly in the press, at meetings of veterans' groups, and other forums. How did our country get there? How did we, in bridging the generation between World War II and Vietnam, go from welcoming veterans with open arms and thankful adulation to jeering them and worse? Most importantly, will the cycle continue, returning us to those dark days?

I hope the answer is an emphatic "no." A primary difference within our society since the Vietnam era is that most are able to separate those who voluntarily serve their country from their political viewpoints about the conflicts in which these people serve. This beginning of this sentiment is captured by the bumper sticker "I support the troops," completed by the unstated second half: "...no matter what I might think about the war." This healthy framework for public discourse avoids personal attacks against service members while allowing reasonable debate about national interests and political motivations. It is this collective emotional maturity more than anything else that allows veterans to enjoy the gratitude of their nation for their service independent from political polarization or interest group overtones.

The other way we can hope to keep alive the current favorable state of affairs is through organizations and events that keep alive the memories of what has happened in the past. The next time I see the MOPH float in the annual Veterans' Day parade, I'll have a better appreciation for what that organization stands for and why it is important. The same sentiment applies to visiting The Vietnam Wall Memorial and other reminders of those who provided national service whether the nation's business was popular or not when they served.

While proud of my service and my small contributions, I am somewhat self-conscious at events honoring veterans or military service members. Several other active duty Airmen have shared the same sentiment. Above all else, we would like the attention to go toward veterans who have finished their military careers and those who were wounded or killed in the line of duty. But I think seeing the MOPH meeting a few weeks ago helped me see a bigger part of the reason for these events and may temper some of my typical unease. Having veterans visible and honoring their service does a collective good for society in the way it makes us think about and deal with armed conflict. This is especially important as our nation fights and wins its conflicts with an all-volunteer force.

At the next Veterans' Day parade, I'll proudly honor the sacrifices of veterans with a renewed sense of purpose. And I'll have the example I witnessed at the Military Order of the Purple Heart meeting to thank for that.

Thank you to the ladies and gentlemen who have earned the Purple Heart for their selfless service to our great nation.

Neal assumes command of 188th Maintenance Group

by Senior Airman John Hillier
188th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office

12/13/2012 - FORT SMITH, Ark. -- With a hulking A-10C Thunderbolt II "Warthog" at his side, Lt. Col. Anderson Neal Jr. assumed command of the 188th Maintenance Group at a ceremony in at the 188th Fighter Wing Dec. 2.

"We're excited that Lt. Col. Neal is here," said Col. Mark Anderson, 188th Fighter Wing commander. "Lt. Col. Neal recounted several times growing up when others went out of their way to tell him what he couldn't do. Instead of lowering his expectations, he used these doubters as motivation to achieve. His leadership and devotion, in concert with the finest group of maintainers in the world, will carry him through any obstacles in his path."

Colonel Neal began his military career as an F-4 Phantom crew chief with the 188th Maintenance Group in May 1985. He said it was the roar of the F-4 Phantom that got his attention and led to his decision to join the 188th.

"Chief [Master Sgt.] Hershel White escorted a potential recruit out on the flight line, just outside the hangar doors," Colonel Neal said. "Then they fired up one of those F-4 Phantom jets, and I said, 'Where do I sign up?'"

As he thanked the many friends and family members in attendance, Colonel Neal called this event one of the most special and humbling days of his 27-year military career.

"I am the same person as crew chief A1C Neal that began his career 27 years ago," said Colonel Neal. "But now I am responsible for the successes and failures of maintenance. With your help and support, Col. Anderson and our operators can continue to count on us. You are an outstanding group of motivated Airmen. I hope to see that one of you is the 188th Maintenance Group commander one day."

Colonel Neal previously served as director of maintenance, Arkansas National Guard Joint Force Headquarters, Camp Joseph T. Robinson, North Little Rock, Ark.

Colonel Neal enlisted in May 1985 with the 188th Fighter Wing as an Airman 1st class. He completed Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and subsequently began technical training in aircraft maintenance (crew chief), Sheppard AFB, Texas, where he also served as senior student leader (red rope). He received his noncommissioned officer certification in April 1988.

Colonel Neal attended the Academy of Military Science, McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, Knoxville, Tenn., and was commissioned in 1989 as a transportation officer. In 1990, he completed the Reserve Officer Transportation Training Course at Sheppard AFB, Texas.

Colonel Neal completed Squadron Officer School by correspondence in 1994. In 1996 he was assigned officer-in-charge of the 188th Management and Systems Office in supply until January 2001, when he was assigned as chief of supply until April 2001.

Colonel Neal assumed command of the 188th Maintenance Squadron in April 2001 and served until 2005. He was activated with the 188th for one year in support of Operation Noble Eagle following the Sept. 11, 2001, attack on the World Trade Center in New York.
Colonel Neal served as Inspector General for the 188th Fighter Wing from December 2005 until being assigned as Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, 189th Airlift Wing, Little Rock AFB, Ark., in March 2007.

"This is my guard family," Colonel Neal said. "They are why I and others have answered our state and nation's call one weekend a month and numerous other days of the past 27 years. It's because we are the Air National Guard."

Panetta, Dempsey Mourn Hawaii Senator

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18, 2012 – The Defense Department’s top civilian and military officials issued statements paying tribute to U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, a World War II veteran and Medal of Honor recipient, who died at age 88 yesterday at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.
Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said the senator’s life “embodied the essence of the American Dream and the heroism of the greatest generation.”

"A World War II veteran of the legendary 442nd Regimental Combat Team, his display of leadership and valor in a gun battle that cost him his arm rightfully earned him the Medal of Honor,” Panetta said. “His determination to recover and his extraordinary career that followed continue to inspire wounded warriors today.

“In the U.S. Senate,” the secretary continued, “he was one of the most stalwart and effective advocates of the Department of Defense, and a relentless champion of our men and women in uniform and their families. I was honored to have the opportunity to work closely with him when I served as a member of Congress, and in the Clinton and Obama administrations.”

Inouye’s legacy will endure in the better quality of life he helped to bring to generations of service members and their families and the people of Hawaii, and for his contributions to a stronger national defense, Panetta said. “The thoughts and prayers of all of us at the Department of Defense are with the Inouye family in this time of grief and remembrance," he added.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Inouye “exemplified the role of servant-leader, both in and out of uniform, and served as a role model for so many Americans.”

“As a member of the greatest generation, he gave what many would consider the best years of his life to oppose tyranny in Europe, where he received the Medal of Honor while serving with the famed 442nd Infantry Regiment,” the chairman said. “After losing his arm, he could have finished his service to our nation, but that was just the beginning.”

While serving in the Senate since 1962, Dempsey said, Inouye was a friend to the military and to those who have served the nation in uniform. “His tireless efforts on support for our veterans, particularly in health care and education, will greatly benefit thousands of military service members and our families for years to come,” he said.

7th Contracting Squadron named Air Force small-business award winner

by 2nd Lt. Nicole Ferrara
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

12/17/2012 - DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 7th Contracting Squadron was named the Secretary of the Air Force small-business special achievement award winner Dec. 3.

SAF small-business awards are presented each year to individuals and organizations that exhibited exemplary accomplishments in support of the Air Force Small Business Program.

Between Oct. 1, 2011, and Sept. 30, 2012, the 7th CONS accomplished its mission with a maximum degree of war readiness while still achieving mandated small business goals. The squadron obligated more than 95 percent of contracts to small businesses, spending in excess of $64 million.

"The unit was completely committed to meeting the objective and vision of the Secretary of the Air Force Small Business Program by nurturing strong relationships with community leaders, counterparts and base employees to facilitate better networking," said Maj. Kenric Phillips, 7th Contracting Squadron commander.

"Working with small businesses to accrue assets for Dyess is a win-win for the base and the community, and we are incredibly grateful for the continued support provided by the business owners of Abilene," he said.

The 7th CONS conducted four outreach events to meet personally with small business owners, including an In-Reach Luncheon, which many leaders from the local Abilene community attended. In addition, the squadron continuously trained local buyers in the base contracting office, thereby increasing the proficiency of the CONS small-business program.

"We proactively sought to identify opportunities for small businesses early by working with the Small Business Development Center and Small Business Association," said Ron Miller, 7th Contracting Squadron director of business operations.

On Dec. 17, a ceremony to honor award winners was held in conjunction with the Fiscal Year 2012 Air Force Small Business Meeting at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.

Washington Nationals Pitcher Salutes Troops’ Service

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

BAGRAM, Afghanistan, Dec. 18, 2012 – For nearly 72 years, the USO has joined U.S. military leaders in bringing a small piece of home to troops deployed or stationed abroad.

Ross Detwiler, a starting left-handed pitcher with Major League Baseball's Washington Nationals franchise, talks to a young, aspiring baseball player and his coach during a visit to Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany, Dec. 17, 2012. DOD photo by U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

This year, Ross Detwiler, a left-handed starting pitcher with the Washington Nationals, joined the USO holiday tour, traveling with Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia, the chairman's senior enlisted advisor, and USO President Sloan D. Gibson.

“This is on a major level,” Detwiler said. “This is like the biggest thing you could possibly do. Just to see the reaction of the troops [because] of us being out here -- it's pretty incredible. It's really loud.”

Detwiler, a St. Louis native, who is touring with his teammate, Craig Stammen, and fellow professional athlete and National Hockey League player, Matt Hendricks, who plays center for the Washington Capitals, said he didn't assume anything before joining the tour.

“I had no expectations,” Detwiler said. “I've never been through anything like this. I really just didn't know what to expect at all. We've seen what the soldiers go through and it's just been great.”

“It's really kind of unspeakable unless you're over here,” he said. “All we have is media coverage, and they kind of tend to tell you whatever they want you to know.”

The southpaw pitcher, who at times last year touched 97 mph with his fastball, has shared his USO experiences with comedian Iliza Schlesinger, winner of NBC's Last Comic Standing; Country music singer Kellie Pickler, and her band, and Shane Hudella, of “Defending the Blue Line,” an organization that donates hockey equipment to military families.

Detwiler expressed how moved he was during a visit to some excited wounded warriors during this tour.
“We got to go to a hospital, one of the most powerful things we've actually seen,” he said.

“It was so awesome seeing” the wounded service members,” Detwiler said, noting the troops “were pretty pumped.”

Detwiler, who was married Dec. 1, interrupted his honeymoon to join the USO tour.

“Well, you know, when I got the phone call asking to come here, I knew it was going to cut my honeymoon off a little bit,” he said. “But when else am I'm going to get a chance to give back like I am now?

“My wife, my family -- they all understood,” Detwiler continued. “They all thought the same thing. So we made the decision we had to drop everything and get over here because this is my only chance.”

Detwiler expressed his gratitude to U.S. service members for the sacrifices they’re making.

“We couldn't be doing what we're doing without you guys,” he said. “This is really just incredible. We thank you for everything and you make our country the best country in the world.”

Air Force Cross recipients honored at Pope Field

by Maj. Lisa Ray
440th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

12/14/2012 - POPE FIELD, N.C. -- Four bronze busts in the likeness of Air Force Cross recipients were unveiled during a ceremony honoring the Airmen  at the Combat Control School at Pope Field, N.C., Dec. 6 The busts honor Tech. Sgt. John Chapman, Senior Airman Zach Rhyner, Staff Sgt. Robert Gutierrez, and Capt. Barry Crawford.

Crawford and Gutierrez were in attendance, as well as the widow and the mother of Chapman. He was awarded the Air Force Cross posthumously.

"Nowhere else in the Air Force will you find a memorial like this," said Col. Robert Armfield, 24th Special Operations Wing commander and guest speaker for the event.

The ceremony was as unique as the exhibit. When it was time to learn about the heroic actions that warranted the award of the Air Force Cross, Combat Conrol instructors appeared out of the shadows in full combat gear and recited from memory accounts of those fateful days.

"This display will serve as a permanent reminder to all the Airmen, families and public which pass through these halls of the sacrifices and heroism of those that have come before them," said Armfield.

The Air Force Cross was established by Congress in July 1960. It recognizes individuals for extraordinary heroism and is second only to the Medal of Honor.

"This is a great day for the Air Force the Airmen at Pope Field. It is important for people to remember that not only are there still Airmen at Fort Bragg, but that heroes are trained here and this school is something to be proud of," said Brig. Gen. Norman Ham, 440th Airlift Wing commander.

The busts were donated by the Combat Control School Heritage Foundation and were funded by the Combat Control Association, private donors and the CCS Heritage Foundation.

The Air Force Cross display is now a part of the school's museum maintained by the CCS Heritage Foundation and the Combat Control Association. The museum is an extension of the Air Force museum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Historian Ron Brown is the volunteer curator.

More information about the Combat Control School Heritage Foundation can be found at: www.ccshf.org. 

N.C. governor and governor-elect visit 4th FW

by 2nd Lt. Keavy Rake
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/17/2012 - SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- North Carolina Governor Bev Purdue and Governor-elect Pat McCrory visited the 4th Fighter Wing Dec. 14 on a tour of military installations across the state in a continuing effort to build and maintain strong community relations.

Purdue and McCrory met with base and community leaders to discuss the significant impact Seymour Johnson AFB has in North Carolina.

"The men and women here are part and parcel of Goldsboro, Wayne County and the state," Purdue said. " You are invaluable. There are no words and no dollar amounts that can reflect how important you are to our state."

U.S. Air Force Col. Jeannie Leavitt, 4th FW commander, briefed the 4th FW mission highlighting Total Force Integration as vital to mission success, and the constant support of the 4th FW in overseas contingency operations since 1990.

"Seymour Johnson AFB is absolutely critical to the economy and to the Nation's defense," Purdue agreed. "For the last 30 years I have seen this base be part of every major deployment around the world, when planes are put into action there is somebody from Seymour Johnson involved."

Military Affairs Committee president, Ben Seegars, recapped a recent visit to 9th Air Force headquarters for a Civic Leaders' Forum where North Carolina was recognized as "the most military friendly state in the nation" and how the local Goldsboro and Wayne County community are dedicated to continuous support of Team Seymour and their families.

"The fact is that we have tried to make this state continue to be known as the most military friendly state in America," Purdue said. "The relationship has really grown because of the community advisory committees that we've worked so hard with, and the work of the Military Affairs Committee."

Purdue spoke of partnership with schools, Pre-K programs and touched on the importance of healthcare programs; particularly the social services needs of families and service members who have been deployed off-and-on for the past 15 years.

"We have tried to be a good neighbor and a good partner and to make people understand that Seymour Johnson is not just behind the walls of the base," Purdue said. "These are the men and women we call 'neighbor' and 'friend'."

Purdue has strived to make North Carolina a great place to work and live for Airmen and families already stationed here and for those that may be stationed here in the future.

"We will do anything that's legal to change some laws to make sure the educational and economic workforce opportunities for spouses and retiring military personnel are fully engaged in our state," Purdue said. "We want you to live here and work here as you serve; and then we want you to stay here, to live here, and be a North Carolina citizen as well."

McCrory revealed three main goals for his upcoming tenure as governor to build and maintain the strong community ties between the state and military installations.

"I want their (military personnel) incredible leadership and technical experience to bring new businesses and industry to North Carolina," McCrory said. "My major emphasize is maintaining and growing the existing investments in the military, in North Carolina."

McCrory stated his second objective is to help the cities around military installations with their infrastructure needs to continue the presence, and increase growth of, existing bases. He stressed military-family support and educational needs as his final and most important objective.

"I want to support the families, especially as people come home from overseas, and help them integrate into the community." McCrory said. "We support the military families as a unit, and I want to help with their educational needs."

NORAD elves ready to track Santa’s flight

NORAD Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (12/17/12) – At the North American Aerospace Defense Command, they're gearing up to track Santa's yuletide journey.

 

The NORAD Tracks Santa website http://www.noradsanta.org/ features a holiday countdown, games and daily activities, video messages from students around the world and more. The website is available in eight languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Chinese.

Official NORAD Tracks Santa apps are also available in the Windows Store, Apple Store, and Google Play, so parents and children can count down the days until Santa's launch on their smart phones and tablets! Tracking opportunities are also offered on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Google+. Santa followers just need to type @noradsanta into each search engine to get started.

Starting at 12 a.m. MST on Dec. 24, website visitors can watch Santa make the preparations for his flight. Then, at 4 a.m. MST (6 a.m. EST), trackers worldwide can speak with a live phone operator to inquire as to Santa's whereabouts by dialing the toll-free number 1-877-Hi-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) or by sending an email to noradtrackssanta@outlook.commailto:noradtrackssanta@outlook.com. NORAD's “Santa Cams” will also stream videos as Santa makes his way over various locations.

NORAD Tracks Santa is truly a global experience, delighting generations of families everywhere. This is due, in large part, to the efforts and services of numerous program contributors. New to this year's program are Bing, HP, iLink-Systems, Kids.gov, Microsoft's Windows Azure, BeMerry! Santa, and SiriusXM. Returning collaborators include the 21st Space Wing, Acuity Scheduling, Air Canada, American Forces Network, Analytical Graphics Inc., Avaya, Citadel Mall, Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Council, CradlePoint, Defense Video Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS), Federal Aviation Administration, First Choice Awards & Gifts, Globelink Foreign Language Center, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Meshbox, National Tree Lighting Ceremony, Naturally Santa's Inc., Newseum, OnStar, PCI Broadband, Pentagon Channel, RadiantBlue, Space Foundation, TurboSquid, twtelecom, UGroup Media, Verizon, and VisionBox. Santa's Countdown Calendar and the Santa Cam videos will feature music by military bands, including the Naden Band of the Maritime Forces Pacific, Air Force Academy Band, Air Force Band of Liberty, Air Force Band of the Golden West, Air Force Band of the West, Air Force Band, Air Force Heartland of America Band, U.S. Army Ground Forces Band, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy Band, Air Force Band of Mid-America, and the West Point Band. Santa trackers can also purchase official NORAD Tracks Santa licensed goods by visiting the “Official Licensed Products” link on the site.

It all started in 1955 when a local media advertisement directed children to call Santa direct – but the number was misprinted. Instead of reaching Santa, the phone rang through to the Crew Commander on duty at the Continental Air Defense Command Operations Center. Thus began the tradition which NORAD carried on since it was created in 1958.

Annual Toys for Tots kicks off holiday season around Yokota AB

by Osakabe Yasuo
374th Airlift Wing public affairs

12/17/2012 - AKIRUNO CITY, Japan  -- The holidays are a time of enjoying time with family and friends and most importantly spreading kindness and goodwill to all.

At Yokota Air Base, Japan, a group of Marines extended their goodwill by delivering toys to children at the Ajiro orphanage in Akiruno city, Tokyo on Dec. 14 for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.

Every year, October through December, Marines collect new, unwrapped toys to be given as gifts to underprivileged children through the Toys for Tots program. This year at Yokota, approximately 1500 toys have been collected to give to communities throughout Japan.

"It was a great feeling to see how excited the kids got when they received new toys. Giving back to the community makes me proud to be a Marine," said Sgt. Jeremiah Crane, U.S. Forces, Japan.

Toys for Tots began in 1947 when retired U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Maj. Bill Hendricks, and a group of Marine reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children.

For more than six decades, Toys for Tots has delivered a message of hope to less fortunate children through the gift of new toys, games, and sports equipment during the holiday season. Gifts offer children hope, recognition and a positive memory they can cherish for a lifetime.

"It was really great to see how happy the kids were when they got new toys," said Corp. Crystal Greene, American Forces Network. "Events like this remind me why I joined the Marines... I joined to help people."

AFSOC builds partnerships with sister services, foreign militaries

by Senior Airman Melanie Holochwost
Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs

12/14/2012 - HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. (AFNS) -- More than 30 servicemembers and civil servants from 10 different countries gathered here to attend the Building Partner Aviation Capacity Course Dec. 3 to 14.

BPACC was designed as an avenue for Air Force Special Operations Command to create, nurture or deepen partnerships with foreign militaries, sister services, and other Air Force major commands.

During the course, international students from Afghanistan, Angola, Cote D'Ivoire, Dominican Republic, Germany, Mauritius, Paraguay, Rwanda and Zambia are embedded with American students from across the joint aviation community, including Special Operations Forces and conventional Air Force, Army and Navy organizations.

One of the students, Lt. Col. Gabriel Medina, Dominican Republic Air Force Academy vice commander and fighter pilot, said the course opened his eyes to the strategic side of aviation.

"I learned that sometimes leaders use aviation to develop things that don't have anything to do with the military or even aviation," he said. "For example, aviation can be used as a tool to build tourism, which is the largest source of revenue in my country."

Prior to this course, Medina said he never understood why there were so many airports in the Dominican Republic.

"I thought it was happening by accident because we have a lot of airports for such a small country," he said. "But, now I understand there was probably a clear purpose and objective behind it - tourism.

"Basically, when you build an international airport, tourists will come," Medina added.

Maj. Frank Weise, German Air Forces Command plans and requirements officer, said he attended BPACC to prepare for future missions.

"Germany is geographically close to Africa so it makes sense that we will increase our involvement with them in the future," he said. "If there is an opportunity to go to Africa, I will apply for it. This way I can bring the information I learned in this course down to the tactical level on the field."

Weise said the course also gave him one thing that wasn't listed in the syllabus.

"I have seven new friends from Africa," he said. "That alone is a great tool to take with me."

Hardship withdrawal rules relaxed to help victims of Hurricane Sandy

12/17/2012 - WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board announced it has made temporary changes to the Thrift Savings Plan hardship withdrawal rules to help victims of Hurricane Sandy pursuant to the guidance issued by the Internal Revenue Service on November 16.

The TSP will treat any Financial Hardship In-Service Withdrawal Request (Form TSP-76) received until January 25, 2013 as qualifying for a hardship withdrawal if the participant writes "Hurricane Sandy" at the top of the form and checks the block on the form for personal casualty.

The distributions must occur before February 1, 2013 to qualify for this treatment.

The participant should write Hurricane Sandy at the top of the form and check the "personal casualty" box on the TSP-76. The TSP will then waive the rule that prohibits a participant from making employee contributions for 6 months after taking a hardship withdrawal.

Air Force leaders issue holiday message

12/17/2012 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy send the following holiday message to the Airmen of the U.S. Air Force:

The holiday season is a perfect time to celebrate the many blessings that we enjoy in our country and spend time with the people who are most important in our lives. As we gather around those we love, we encourage you to strengthen the relationships that enrich your life and sincerely thank those who steadfastly support your service to our Nation's Air Force.

To those who will spend this special time of year far from family and loved ones, our thoughts are with you. The sacrifices you make earn the deep and abiding respect of your fellow Airmen and Americans. For those Airmen and members of our sister Services engaged in combat operations around the globe, we look forward to your safe return.

To those of us with the opportunity to celebrate the holidays at home, remember our deployed Airmen and extend heartfelt thanks to the family members and loved ones who miss them. We ask that you reach out to the families and friends of our deployed Airmen, and in the spirit of giving and support that defines our Air Force family, welcome them into your holiday celebrations.

In the many joyous ways we celebrate this holiday season, we wish you and yours the very best during this special time and throughout the New Year.

Band reaches young musicians at North Cobb High School

by Chandra Lloyd
Air Force Reserve Command Public Affairs Office

12/17/2012 - ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga.  -- The Band of the U.S. Air Force Reserve hosted a music clinic for young musicians at North Cobb High School during their holiday tour throughout Georgia, Dec. 12.

North Cobb High School was the fourth stop during the band's holiday concert tour throughout Georgia. The tour began in Warner Robins, went through Norcross, Waleska, and ended in Newnan.

The clinic taught the students different performance and delivery techniques, ways to listen while rehearsing a piece in a small group, and the requirements for being an Air Force musician.

"The best thing we offer is inspiration. We want the students to know that hard work pays off if they continue pursuing music, said Tech. Sgt. Amy Moran, Reserve Brass Quintet NCOIC. "Music is about working hard, but also about enjoying it and provides the opportunity to speak to people in a different language."

The musicians were divided into three groups - woodwind, brass and percussion, so the Reserve band members could focus on the students specific questions pertaining to their instrument.

Valacia Gaynor, a senior and flutist in the North Cobb school band said the clinic was eye opening and helped to improve her technique. She praised Senior Airman Gant for her example.

"I have to work on my tonguing and articulation, and hers is (Gant) defined, and very strong. She had a more wholesome tone, and so hearing her makes me want to improve my sound.

Zach Wender, a junior and trumpeter said the clinic reiterated techniques and information that their band director, Greg Williams, taught the class.

"I think today's message was, play music for the enjoyment of music and help your listener enjoy your performance," said Williams. "This clinic was inspirational even for me as the director. I've been doing this for 27 years and it was still motivating for me to hear."

Band members involved in the music clinic include Tech. Sgt. Amy Moran, Tech. Sgt. Ryan Miles, Tech. Sgt. Heather Kirschner, Tech. Sgt. David Vittetoe, Senior Airman Will McCrary, Senior Airman Kelly Fussell, and Senior Airman Mary Gant.

AETC declares Eglin ready for F-35 training

by Maj. Karen Roganov
Team Eglin Public Affairs

12/17/2012 - EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla -- 12/17/2012 - EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla -- Following an independent evaluation of Eglin's capability to conduct F-35A Lightning II pilot training, Air Education and Training Command announced today the 33rd Fighter Wing can do so, starting in January.

"The preliminary results provided by the Joint Operational Test Team show the F-35A aircraft and its pilot training and sustainment systems, are robust enough to conduct the planned pilot transition and instructor upgrade courses," said Air Education and Training Command commander, Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr.

AETC will initiate syllabus training in order to meet Air Force-defined requirements. A deliberate process will be used that continues to validate the training system's effectiveness through advancing training blocks as they are made available by the military's F-35 Program Office and Lockheed Martin.

The Operational Utility Evaluation, which started Sept. 10 and was slated to last 65 days, encompassed intensive classroom and simulator training along with six flights, for four primary and two backup upgrading student pilots.

With favorable conditions to include "good weather, an accomplished maintenance team and talented instructors to train the pilots, the OUE process lasted only 46 training days," said Col. Andrew Toth, 33rd Fighter Wing commander, an F-35A instructor pilot who spearheads the joint and international F-35 efforts at Eglin.

"You are here making a lasting impression on how the team will execute F-35 both flying and maintenance training over the next 50 years," he said during conversations to wing members following the successful OUE.

During the OUE, experienced pilots transitioned from the F-16 and A-10 aircraft, to the world's first multi-role stealth fighter. Two pilots, Maj. John Wilson and Maj. Matthew Johnston were from Eglin's 58th Fighter Squadron and two, Lt. Col. Brian O'Neill and Maj. Joseph Scholtz and were from operational test units at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., and Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

"Their performances were superb... that smile each student had after landing his first flight showed they were well prepared and the jet was easy to fly just as I had experienced with my first flight," said Lt. Col. Lee Kloos, 58th Fighter Squadron commander, who is charged with overseeing the squadron's daily flying operations. He is also the first non-developmental test pilot to fly the F-35.

The OUE was initiated by the Joint Strike Fighter Program Executive Officer based in Wash. D.C. and was intended to best arm the AETC commander with comprehensive data from an independent source so Rice could decide how to proceed with future F-35A pilot training at Eglin.

"The OUE showed the men and women at Eglin are ready," said Rice. "I'm very proud of both those in uniform and the contracted support who put in years of hard work. The culmination of those labors was successfully demonstrating the Integrated Training Center can conduct safe and effective flying operations in addition to academic training."

Training is slated to begin Jan. 7 with four 58th Fighter Squadron pilots and two operational test pilots.

The focus of the OUE evaluation team was on the ability to conduct pilot training but leadership agree they couldn't do it without their maintainers.

"The maintainers are the backbone of the flight operations. Had they not performed the way they did, we could not have finished the OUE about two weeks ahead of schedule," said Toth pointing to his skilled team in the 58th Aircraft Maintenance Unit and Lockheed Martin contracted logistics support.

With RFT declared, the wing's integrated training center gets closer to running at full capacity of 100 military pilot students a year along with the 2,100 maintenance students.

"We look forward to 2013 as we integrate the Navy's 'Grim Reapers' and F-35C into our flying operations along with our international partners, the Dutch and UK. The pace of operations will not slow as we continue to grow and we are ready for the new challenges next year will bring to wing personnel and it's F-35 Integrated Training Center."

Approximately 36 Air Force pilots are expected to go through the training program next year.

"The team at Eglin went through a rigorous process to lead the way for F-35A training. We look forward to starting off the new year with more history in the making as they put the JSF Integrated Training Center to task to provide a world class training program," said Rice.

Air Force NCO training takes on international flavor

by Mike Joseph
Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Public Affairs

12/17/2012 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO -- LACKLAND, Texas (AFNS) -- Eight Latin American students from Chile, Paraguay and Panama, and two U.S. Air Force students graduated from the Inter-American Air Forces Academy NCO course here Nov. 12, 2012.

The INCOA NCO course supports the Inter-American Air Forces Academy's mission to foster enduring Inter-American partnerships through education and training.

"In the future, if we have the opportunity of working together, it's going to be easier," said Tech. Sgt. Janeth Cubeddu, who is assigned to the U.S. Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine at Brooks City-Base, Texas.

Chilean army SG2 Claudio Lopez-Ramirez, an NCO school instructor in his homeland, said having U.S. Air Force NCOs in the course reassures the Latin American students of their equal status with the U.S. students.

"We've been talking about this in and out of class," said Cubeddu, originally from Venezuela. "We're building relationships with students from more than one country."

"By having U.S. and Latin Americans NCOs in the same room, I can see there are no hidden agendas," Lopez-Ramirez said through Cubeddu, who served as his translator. "We're both getting the same type of professional development.

"The course has given me the tools to become a better leader," he added. "By having this experience, I'm able to go back to my country and share the concepts and implement the tools I've used here."

The course prepares NCOs for advanced leadership and management responsibilities through instruction on improved leadership skills. It is the next level of professional military education designed for those who will assume senior NCO leadership positions.

The Barnes Center for Enlisted PME at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., developed the curriculum under Air University guidelines. U.S. Air Force students, who must be fluent in speaking, reading, and writing Spanish, receive full NCO Academy credit upon completion.

Current course students said the mixture of U.S. Air Force and Latin American NCOs in the classroom creates an atmosphere conducive to forming professional relationships.

"Our mission at IAAFA is to build partnerships within the Americas, and we use training and education as a means to that end," said Col. Marc Stratton, IAAFA commandant.

"There is no better experience for a U.S. Air Force NCO than to attend class with their counterparts from Latin American countries, said Stratton, explaining that integrating U.S. Air Force students into the class is beneficial now and pays dividends in the future.

"These relationships become personal and clearly outlast graduation day," Stratton said. "With the Internet, email and social media, these military members can maintain communication with each other - we see it happen every day. When these leaders of tomorrow come out of this classroom, they have a bond."

Master Sgt. Christian Castillo, IAAFA International Professional Military Education flight chief, agreed with the IAAFA commander about the bonds that are built.

"The course brings together complete strangers, from both Latin American countries and the U.S., in one room," said Castillo. "They come in as strangers and equals, and when they finish the course, they leave almost as family members.

"Through their daily interaction in the course, they realize that although we may represent different countries and have different ways of doing and thinking about things, we as NCOs have the same concerns, stressors and challenges," he said. "We're able to identify with each other even more and realize that maybe perceptions or ideas we had about each other were not accurate. It breaks down barriers."

Stratton said it was largely through the efforts of Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James Roy that the INCOA course is available to U.S. Air Force NCOs.

"Chief Roy was instrumental in getting our NCOs into the course here," Stratton said. "Our partner nations see U.S. personnel attending this course and there's no question about its credibility."

The IAAFA course is one of several initiatives Air Force officials are pursuing to increase NCO interaction and training on an international scale.

At the Pentagon, Senior Master Sgt. Manny Pineiro is charged with facilitating enlisted relationships between U.S. and partner nation airmen. He is assigned to the Air Force International Affairs Directorate's International Airmen Division. The division monitors the selection, training and support of the international enlisted PME program.

"International relations is one of the most exciting components of our Air Force," said Pineiro. "Establishing a familiar dialogue, especially through regional and global efforts that concentrate on cultures and ethnicities, is relevant to everyone involved."

Joint and international enlisted PME opportunities are set up to develop leaders from a cultural and regional perspective.

International enlisted PME opportunities for U.S. Airmen currently exist with Canada, Singapore, New Zealand, Germany, and added most recently, South Africa. Officials are also seeking other nations to partner with, in this capacity, in the future.

"These professional opportunities are increasing for our enlisted corps," said Pineiro. "If we have a better understanding of our cultural differences, then it will assist the common goal of working together to be effective leaders."

Selection rules for these opportunities are similar to those for sister-service schools. Selections will be competitive and confirmed by the chief master sergeant of the Air Force.

Iraqi Air Force receives three C130J aircraft

12/17/2012 - MARIETTA, Ga. (AFNS) -- The Iraqi Air Force celebrated an important milestone when they received a third C-130J aircraft at a rollout ceremony held at Lockheed Martin's factory here Dec. 12, 2012.

The ceremony is a culmination of many activities to reinforce a long-term partnership between the United States and Iraq and highlights Iraq's commitment to enhance its military transportation capabilities.

The ceremony was attended by Ms. Heidi Grant, Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force for International Affairs and representatives from Lockheed-Martin, the U.S. Air Force and the IqAF commander, Staff Lt. Gen. Anwar Hamad Amen Ahmed.

Sixteen recently graduated U.S. trained C-130J Iraqi maintainers, seven pilots, and one loadmaster will support the three planes, explained Grant in a speech.

"These crewmembers will form the backbone of this new capability, serve as leaders in training new personnel and will positively shape the future of the Iraqi Air Force," said Grant.

The program's goal is for Iraq to train 18 pilots, 18 loadmasters, and a minimum of 50 maintainers over a period of three years, according to Grant. She anticipates these numbers will grow as the U.S. - Iraqi partnership matures.

The C-130J uses state-of-the-art technology, allowing it to fly farther, climb faster, and take off and land in a shorter distances than earlier versions of the aircraft. It also includes an improved fuel system, making it environmentally friendly as well.

Acquisition of new transport aircraft will provide Iraq with the ability to operate seamlessly with U.S., NATO and coalition forces engaged in a range of operations and missions.

The C-130J purchase agreement with the IqAF provides a total of six C-130J aircraft, support equipment and training. Three were delivered by Dec. 12 and three more will be delivered in 2013.

PACAF Commanders and Command Chiefs Warfighter Conference honors modern day heroes

12/17/2012 - Left to right, Chief Master Sgt. Jerry Moore, 354th Fighter Wing command chief; Chief Master Sgt. James. E. Slisik, 36th Wing command chief; and Chief Master Sgt. Scott Delveau, 7th Air Force command chief, discuss Pacific Air Force’s strategy during the 2012 PACAF Commanders and Command Chiefs Warfighter Conference at the Aloha Conference Center, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, Dec. 11, 2012. The event is an annual conference focused on addressing issues and challenges facing the command. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Jerome S. Tayborn/Released)

‘Wreaths Across America’ Honors Fallen Service Members

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, Va., Dec. 17, 2012 – As thousands of volunteers fanned out here this weekend, placing holiday wreaths at the white headstones as part of the “Wreaths Across America” tribute, Sheila Patton kept vigil at one particular gravesite.

Sheila Patton, mother of Army Staff Sgt. James R. Patton, who was killed in Iraq in 2010, traveled with her daughter from Fort Campbell, Ky., to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia to participate in the “Wreaths Across America” tribute to fallen U.S. service members, Dec. 15, 2012. DOD photo by William Miles   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Patton and her daughter stationed themselves at the grave of their son and brother, Army Staff Sgt. James R. Patton. Twenty-three-year-old “Jimmy” was serving his seventh overseas deployment since 9/11 with the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, when he was killed in a helicopter crash in Tikrit, Iraq, on April 18, 2010.

Patton said she travels here from Fort Campbell, Ky., as often as possible. Patton felt a special calling, she said, to participate in the largest single venue of the nationwide “Wreaths Across America” tribute.

“This was something very important to me,” she said. “I really wanted to be here, to be a part of all this, and to be able to honor Jimmy and all the others who are buried here.”

Arriving at the cemetery early Saturday, Dec. 15, Patton and her daughter were in good company. They were among more than 25,000 volunteers who converged here in the early hours to lay an estimated 110,000 balsam fir wreaths, each adorned with a festive red bow.

“It’s amazing to see all this,” Patton said. “It’s really inspiring to see all these volunteers come out and [to] realize how much they care.”

This year’s turnout was the largest since the annual “Wreaths Across America” tradition started in 1992. Morrill Worcester, president of the Worcester Wreath Company from Harrington, Maine, began donating holiday wreaths to decorate veterans’ graves. The gesture caught on like wildfire, expanding every year to more military cemeteries nationwide.

This year, thousands of volunteers laid an estimated 400,000 evergreen wreaths at almost 800 cemeteries in all 50 states and 24 overseas sites.

At Arlington, the largest venue, a convoy of 34 trucks traveled from Maine to transport the donated wreaths.
Worcester and his wife, Karen, recognized a milestone in the “Wreaths Across America” effort as he presented the 1 millionth wreath since the program’s inception to a Gold Star family and wounded warrior.
Mary Byers and her husband, Lloyd, who lost their son, Army Capt. Joshua Byers, in Iraq in 2003, and Army Sgt. Justin Lansford, wounded in Afghanistan this past spring, placed the wreath at the grave of Wilbur Trevant, a Vietnam veteran who died in April.

Looking out over the sea of volunteers as they gathered for opening ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery’s Amphitheater, Karen Worcester challenged them to live up to the spirit reflected in Byers’ last words as he told his fellow soldiers to “keep moving forward.”

Worcester spoke about the deadly shooting in Connecticut the previous day and called on the group to take inspiration from Byers and the others buried at Arlington as they deal with life’s challenges.

“We need to take some advice from Josh and ‘keep moving forward’ with what they’ve taught us,” she said. “And we need to teach our kids about the character of America, which is to take care of each other. By taking care of each other we take care of our country and share the lesson that our heroes have taught us.”
Among the hundreds of school, church, community and veterans groups participating in this year’s “Wreaths Across America” were men and women in uniform, many of whom placed wreaths at the graves of friends killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Marine Gunnery Sgt. Brian Evans, assigned to the Combat Service Support Company at The Basic School at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va., said he felt moved to see so many people take time out of their busy holiday schedules to honor the fallen.

“This is a chance to recognize and show others we remember those that went before,” he said. “And it really does show that the majority of the public still remembers and appreciates what we do.”

“You know the public appreciates what you do and when you see all this, it proves that they really do care,” echoed Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Andrew Boehmer from the Wounded Warrior Regiment at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Va.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Dominique Purvis, among about 50 members of the 579th Medical Group based at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C., who journeyed to Arlington to participate in the tribute, struggled for words to describe her emotions.

“It’s a beautiful, beautiful thing,” she said. “You just can’t really understand this kind of outpouring until you see it for yourself. It’s overwhelming.”

Deployed McConnell Reservists coined by SecDef Panetta

by 1st Lt. Zach Anderson
931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs

12/17/2012 - MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Several deployed members of the 931st Air Refueling Group had the unique opportunity to experience a visit from Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta during his visit to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, Dec. 14.

Panetta addressed approximately 300 Airmen, five of whom were members of the 90th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron.  The 90 EARS is a total-force team consisting of active duty, Reserve and Air National Guard Airmen.  Several members of the 931st are currently assigned to the 90 EARS.

The Secretary shared information with the audience about current events and thanked the Airmen of Incirlik Air Base for their efforts in continuously meeting U.S. Air Forces in Europe/Air Forces Africa and NATO Objectives.

Panetta also spoke about recent events affecting the U.S. military and shared his vision for the future.  The Secretary then took questions from the audience, which ranged from the defense budget to the conflict in Syria.

Following his presentation, Panetta administered the Oath of Enlistment to four Incirlik Airmen.  He then individually presented a coin all Airmen in attendance.  Four members of the 931st Air Refueling Group were coined by the Secretary. 

Northcom Strives to Promote Safe, Secure Arctic

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo., Dec. 17, 2012 – The Arctic, the northernmost part of the Earth, is one of the last frontiers -- a region so isolated and impenetrable that few humans have ever experienced its unforgiving conditions and austere beauty.

The melting Arctic icecap is expected to bring new opportunities but also safety and security challenges. Here, U.S. Coast Guard Seaman Leon Chingcuangco, foreground, removes tiedowns as part of landing operations in the Bering Sea with an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter air crew as part of Operation Arctic Shield 2012, Aug. 24, 2012. The Coast Guard conducted the exercise in conjunction with federal, state and tribal officials to test their capabilities to respond to an oil spill or conduct search-and-rescue missions in the Arctic regions of Alaska. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Timothy Tamargo   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

But with increased melting of the Arctic ice cap, officials at U.S. Northern Command recognize new opportunities opening up for the international community, but also the related safety and security challenges.

 

The Arctic ice shelf shrank to its lowest size in recorded history on Sept. 19, 2012,  when it measured about 1.5 million square kilometers below the previous all-time low reported in the summer of 2007, Canadian Air Force Brig. Gen. A.D. “Al” Meinzinger told American Forces Press Service. Meinzinger is deputy director of North American Aerospace Defense Command’s and Northcom’s strategy, policy and plans directorate.

Although analysts’ time estimates range from about five to 25 years, almost all envision a day when the Arctic has no discernible ice mass for at least part of the summer season.
“We recognize some fundamental changes occurring,” Meinzinger said. “And from a security perspective, we recognize that with that change coming, human activity in the Arctic will be increasing.”

Much of that activity will be a quest for the region’s vast resources, from fish populations to oil and natural gas reserves to rare minerals within the Arctic seabed, Meinzinger said. He cited estimates that as much as one-quarter of the world’s oil and gas reserves lie beneath Arctic waters, and commercial ventures are already under way to tap them.

And, just as Antarctica, the earth’s southernmost continent, has become an eco-tourist destination, Meinzinger anticipates a similar development in the Arctic.

But the opening of the Arctic will have an economic impact that extends well beyond the region, Meinzinger said. For the first time in history, shipping companies will have new, shorter and commercially viable sea routes between Europe and Asia, at least for one or two months each summer. Some shippers already have begun transiting through the Bering Strait using two main Arctic routes: the northern sea route along the Russian coast and the northwest passage that runs along the Canadian coast.

Army Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr., who commands Northcom and NORAD, noted in congressional testimony earlier this year that sea traffic in the Arctic has increased more than 60 percent since 2008, and drilling started in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas this past spring.

As these activities unfold, they raise safety and security concerns for the United States, Canada and other Arctic nations, Jacoby said. “Security interests follow closely behind economic interests, and we will be participating in a number of venues to help lead that for the Department of Defense,” he told the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Jacoby recognized that Northcom could be called on to support civil authorities in an environmental-disaster response in the Arctic or to support search-and-rescue operations there.
DOD’s unified defense plan identified Northcom as the department’s advocate for Arctic capabilities in April 2011, reflecting the command’s dual roles in defending the homeland and providing military support to civilian first responders, when requested. In Northcom’s Arctic role, it is responsible for working with stakeholders across the U.S. military, the interagency, and the international community to promote safety and security in the region.

Jacoby and Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Robert J. Papp Jr. signed a report in March that identifies gaps in communication, domain awareness, infrastructure and presence. This analysis will help guide investments to prepare for the eventual opening of the Arctic, including infrastructure that Meinzinger said often takes four times longer and costs four times as much as similar projects in less isolated and demanding environments.

Northcom also is collaborating with the Navy, other DOD entities, the Department of Homeland Security and the Canadian government to enhance collective capabilities in the Arctic.

Last week, Jacoby joined Canadian Army Lt. Gen. Stuart Beare, commander of Canadian Joint Operations Command, to sign the Tri-Command Framework for Arctic Cooperation that promotes enhanced military cooperation to support safety, security and defense operations in the region.
“We have an opportunity, while we watch the Arctic begin to open up, to get ahead of potential security requirements,” Jacoby told the Senate Armed Services Committee.

The foundations of this effort already are taking shape. Before Shell Oil Company launched its well-drilling operation this past summer, company officials traveled here to discuss potential issues that could arise in the Arctic with Northcom, Coast Guard and other interagency officials.

They war-gamed scenarios and procedures Shell would take in the event of an oil spill or vessel collision, and ensured a common understanding of how the company would interact with government agencies should a contingency occur, Meinzinger said. He ran through the line diagram, beginning with local and state authorities, who, if overwhelmed, would ask for federal support. Northcom would have a role only if the lead federal agency requested specific help.

During this year’s drilling season, the Coast Guard conducted an exercise in the region to ensure it was ready to respond, if needed. “This was great because we were able to monitor the activities and be in place in case an issue arose that needed to be managed,” Meinzinger said. “That’s important to us, because we expect this level of activity to continue,” with other U.S. and Canadian oil companies planning similar operations.

Despite press coverage about the “militarization” of the Arctic and the rush for resources there, Meinzinger said he’s encouraged by the cooperative spirit among the eight countries that ring the North Pole.

Most of the region’s resources fall within specific countries’ economic exclusion zones, reducing the likelihood of conflict, he noted. Meinzinger pointed to the peaceful settlement between Russia and Norway over a border dispute and nations’ efforts to ensure the Arctic opens in a stable, secure manner.

“We have common interests,” Meinzinger said. “The eight [Arctic] nations understand that this is a fragile environment, and we have a mutual interest in ensuring the Arctic opens in a peaceful manner and that conflict is not on anybody’s priority list.”

The Arctic Council, an intergovernmental forum that promotes cooperation, coordination and interaction among Arctic states, established treaty agreements that lay a framework for collaborative search-and-rescue support and oil-spill prevention.

That cooperation has extended to the security sector as well. This past May, Jacoby traveled to Canada to represent the Defense Department at the first-ever Northern Chiefs of Defense conference in Goose Bay in Labrador. Senior representatives of all eight Arctic nations came together to discuss the safety and security challenges associated with the region, and ways they can work together to address them.

“As we look to the opening of the Arctic, General Jacoby’s prime focus is on ensuring a peaceful opening of the region,” and ensuring that Northcom is prepared to respond, if necessary, to a crisis or contingency, Meinzinger said.

“We need to anticipate the Arctic operations today so we are prepared for the Arctic operations of tomorrow,” he said.

'Tis the season to give

by 2nd Lt. Alicia Wallace
45th Space Wing Public Affairs

12/12/2012 - PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla.  -- The Patrick Air Force Base First Sergeant's Council supported the Brevard Family Partnership holiday toy drive by collecting toys from all the units at the 45th Space Wing and its mission partners for 250 children in the local community that are in foster care or abuse prevention programs Monday, Dec. 10.

The Brevard Family Partnership collects toys every year for approximately 5,000 children, and the First Sergeants sponsor 250 of these children. Over 2,000 toys were collected this year valued at over $12,000.

"The folks here at Patrick Air Force Base are dedicated and compassionate in all they do, but this time of the year really makes me proud as I witness the tremendous support they provide to the community and our Airmen," said Chief Master Sgt. Herman Moyer, wing command chief, 45th Space Wing.

"In the holiday season where we accept so many gifts, we should really focus on how much more we can give to better our community!" he said.

Face of Defense: Sailor Goes From Beat Cop to ‘Doc’

By Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III
24th Marine Expeditionary Unit

USS NEW YORK, Atlantic Ocean, Dec. 17, 2012 – From a police officer in Kingston, Jamaica, to a barber in New York City, Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Steve A. Barnes, 35, has held many jobs throughout his life.

Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Steve A. Barnes, a corpsman with Company A, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, stands in the hospital bay of the USS New York, Dec. 10, 2012. Barnes has served the last nine months deployed with the 24th MEU, which is currently returning home after completing a successful deployment as an expeditionary crisis response force in the Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Robert L. Fisher III   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

But his time as a corpsman with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, he said, has tested him much differently than any of his previous experiences.

Barnes is a corpsman with Company A, Battalion Landing Team 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th MEU, and has been deployed since March. Since completing field medicine school and jumping into the Fleet Marine Corps, Barnes said he has had rare opportunities to practice. That changed quickly April 11, 2012, when an MV-22B Osprey crashed in Morocco, killing two Marines and seriously injuring two others.

“My guys were 200 yards away from the crash,” Barnes recalled. “We have two bags for field medicine; I remember I grabbed my big bag and just started running. After I got there, it was chaos. We set up a receiving area and they pulled the first guy out, he was in pain. That’s when this deployment became real for me.”

Barnes said he went straight to work cordoning the area so the other corpsman could aid the Marines being pulled out of the downed aircraft. He then kept the unit’s leadership informed, relaying the injured Marines’ information and medical condition.

“After the adrenaline wore off, it was surreal, like a dream,” he said. “I’ve never lost a Marine, but I felt like I lost mine that day.”

The experience, Barnes said, led him to reflect on much of his life and the events that have led him to where he is today. Before Morocco and the 24th MEU, Barnes said he spent much of life bouncing between occupations.

He began his multiple-career journey as a police officer in Jamaica. Barnes worked the beat for a year, he said, then moved to a quick-response team, working gun-related crimes until he became part of a crime investigation division, where he learned crime scene photography.

“As a police officer, you’re dealing with people from every walk of life,” he said. “Fighting crime, you help a lot of people so there’s a lot of mentoring and you learn about other people’s problems and how you can help them.”

Barnes said he moved to the U.S. in 2005 and settled in New York City. He worked an assortment of jobs there -- including a stint as a barber -- over the next few years, he said, until he enlisted in the Navy in 2010.
“It’s said Jamaicans have a lot of jobs. This is true, you learn a lot of skills so you can make money here and there. Versatility comes with travel. You’ll find Jamaicans all over the world. In order to survive, you learn to do a lot of stuff,” he said.

Barnes said his decision to join the Navy came during a lull in his life.

“I was bored. I wanted to do something but I didn’t want to be a cop again,” he said. “The Navy offered going all over the world, so why not?”

Going “green” was the next step in his future travels as a corpsman, Barnes explained. Green-side corpsmen are those who work directly with Marines and undergo rigorous field training, which differentiates them from blue-side corpsmen that practice primarily in hospitals and clinics. The green-side corpsmen, known among Marines as “docs,” attend field medical training where they conduct several long-distance hikes while also learning urban warfare and land navigation.

“When I was going to join, I was going to be a green-side corpsman,” Barnes said. “I’m an adrenaline junkie and all the guys at my course were like, ‘Let’s go to field medicine.’ I felt like it was the right thing to do … I get be called doc, a title of endearment.”

Barnes said joining the Navy offered fresh challenges.

“After being a police officer, I wondered if I could handle the physical training again because I’m in my 30s but I roughed it out and here I am,” he said.

The 24th MEU will return home in the coming weeks to its home bases in and around Camp Lejeune, N.C. The 24th has been deployed for nine months as an expeditionary crisis response force in the U.S. Navy’s 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.

Self-sustaining unit builds improvements

by Staff Sgt. Timothy Boyer
380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

12/16/2012 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) -- Throughout the Air Force, units depend on each other to successfully complete the mission. For example, without supply, maintainers wouldn't have the parts needed to make repairs.

Very few units can function independent of other support elements. Here at the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing, there is one unit that can - the 577th Expeditionary RED HORSE Squadron.

"We are an all-encompassing, fully self-supported unit," said Tech. Sgt. Zachary Peters, 577th ERHS structural journeyman. "RED HORSE is comprised of 21 different trades capable of going into a combat environment and constructing buildings, runways and just about anything you need built."

RED HORSE is a unit specifically designed for building capabilities in contingency environments as their name - Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operations Repair Squadron Engineers - suggests.

"Typical civil engineer (squadrons) maintain existing base facilities, whereas RED HORSE goes forward and deploys to remote areas, or even existing bases, and builds new facilities," said Senior Airman Dominick Thompson, 577th ERHS structural apprentice.

Like any other unit, support is needed to maintain it. For this reason, the RED HORSE squadron has specialized Airmen assigned to it.

RED HORSE has what it needs - security, finance, structural and heat and air - to go where there is nothing and build just about anything, Peters said.

The squadron is currently working on a pair of two-story, concrete-block buildings that will provide much-needed room for those who run the nearby hangars.
It is not without a lot of work and coordination that a project of this type can be accomplished.

"You've got (an engineer) who does the planning and drawings, without which we wouldn't know what the building should look like or which materials to use," Thompson said. "We need supply and logistics to be able to get the materials and equipment necessary for the job. You've got to have the storage, manpower and experienced people."

The best part of being in RED HORSE is the sense of accomplishment upon completion of the jobs, Peters said.

"We get to build everything from the ground up," he said. "It's something different every time."

Dempsey: USO Tour Salutes Troops’ Service, Sacrifices

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service

ABOARD A MILITARY AIRCRAFT, Dec. 15, 2012 – The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff took a moment today to reflect on the two stops he's made on his annual USO holiday tour.
Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey praised troops for their service and sacrifices, and said the first two stops on the tour served to thank troops on behalf of himself and Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia, his senior enlisted advisor.

“We've got a great group of entertainers, and the first [of] two stops we were able to see the sailors of the [USS] John C. Stennis, the carrier out of Washington state, who we asked to redeploy after only five months home,” he said.

“I wanted to make sure they knew how much we appreciate their flexibility and resilience,” Dempsey said. “And not only [them], but their families.”

“And so that stop was to say thanks to them, on behalf of all the many, many mariners we've got sailing around the globe, promoting our interests,” he added.

The chairman also wanted to recognize the servicemen and women who serve at an austere outpost in Kyrgyzstan. They receive little recognition, he said, but their work has a great impact on the war effort in Afghanistan.

“We just left … Manas Transit Center in Kyrgyzstan, outside of the capital of Bishkek,” Dempsey said. “It's one of those places in our military that does an incredible amount of work, with not much fanfare.

“Here's about 1,600 [people], mostly airmen, but all services, who are there helping us move, mostly our personnel, but also some cargo, in and out of Afghanistan,” he continued. “And also, they provide about 33 percent of our aerial refuel capability for Afghanistan, so I wanted to stop there.”

The chairman said he has visited the transit center before. And at this time of year, he said, he experienced the extreme cold temperatures in which the troops assigned there must work in as they carry out their missions.

“I found out Kyrgyzstan is … particularly beautiful this time of year but really cold,” Dempsey said. “And those airmen, soldiers, sailors and Marines who work up there, work in some pretty harsh conditions, but get the job done.”

This year's USO tour includes the talents of Washington Nationals Major League Baseball players Ross Detwiler and Craig Stammen; Matt Hendricks, a Washington Capitals' National Hockey League player; comedian Iliza Schlesinger, winner of NBC's Last Comic Standing and country music singer Kellie Pickler and her band.

Also, USO President Sloan D. Gibson is accompanying the tour, along with Shane Hudella, who is part of “Defending the Blue Line,” an organization that donates hockey equipment to military families.

“We've got a great group of entertainers,” Dempsey emphasized. “Sergeant Major [Bryan B.] Battaglia and I are privileged to be able to make this trip, introduce these entertainers to the young men and women who serve, and thank them during the holiday season.”

Dempsey Discusses North Korea, U.S. Strategic Rebalance

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15, 2012 – The decision by North Korea to conduct another missile launch is unfortunate and counterproductive to stability in the region, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said today.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey took a moment during his travel on his annual USO holiday tour for a one-on-one interview with American Forces Press Service to discuss North Korea's recent actions and the U.S. strategic rebalance to the Asia-Pacific.

“My thoughts are that the North Koreans continue to be a force of instability in a region while we're working diligently to increase stability,” Dempsey said.

“So their decision to do that [missile launch] was very unwise, very unfortunate and I think the international community increasingly sees them for what they are -- which is a force of instability during a time when they ought to be looking for opportunities to contribute to regional stability,” he said.

The chairman also discussed the progress made in the U.S. strategic rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region.
“Last year, we talked about our strategic interests, globally, and how they would change over time,” Dempsey said. “But that's an important point -- over time. This wasn't a light switch.”

“And so, as we thought about that rebalancing of our interests, kind of horizontally, this year we're looking at the impact of that vertically,” he said.

The chairman explained the three-part, vertical aspect of the rebalancing, “which is to say how much of our force structure is forward, how much is rotational and how much is retained in the homeland to provide surge capability for security issues that we may not anticipate.”

Asked of the “gains” seen in this strategic pivot, Dempsey described what he perceives as a gain, although he said he doesn't necessarily view the rebalancing in terms of “losses and gains.”

“When you use the term 'gains,' I would say the single biggest gain is we've got this, I think, pretty coherent vision of how our security will be shaped between now and [the year] 2020,” he said. “[This is] the first step and that's a significant step.”

Over the course of the next three or four years, “we've got to put into place a system, processes, resources [and the] intellectual energy to deliver,” Dempsey said.

New program prepares recruits for air force basic military training

by Senior Airman Mark Hybers
507th Air Refueling Wing, Public Affairs

12/13/2012 - TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Twenty two Air Force Reserve enlistees took part in the new Development and Training Flight program here designed to ease civilians into Air Force life.

New recruits awaiting basic military training have the opportunity to take part in this program, the first of its kind for the 507th. It's designed to give newly enlisted reservists the framework for success.

The program started as a conversation a few months ago. The Air Force Reserve Command initiative, has seen some success at other reserve wings, said the DTL facilitators.

Master Sgt. Tom Lord, 507th Medical Squadron, was selected to facilitate the new program. He, along with Chief Master Sgt. Stephen Brown, 507th Command Chief, visited Travis Air Force Base to look at their program. Once Lord saw how it works and how it's designed, he was fully committed to getting it off the ground.

Work began on the DTF Oct. 1 with the December unit training assembly in mind as the start date.

"There was a lot of coordination and planning that went into this," Lord said. "There were so many people involved in the process. I could not have possibly done this without them."

The weekend for the recruits starts Friday night with a stay at the base. Saturday morning everyone meets at the Airman Leadership School for roll call and then it's off to breakfast. Once the recruits are back at the classroom, the rest of the day is carried out very much like a day of boot camp.

Many guest speakers and facilitators were in and out throughout the day teaching on a variety of topics and lending their own personal perspective to better help the new recruits understand what lies ahead.

"It was nice to see different recruits getting different things out of this first weekend," said Lord.

The 507th Vice Commander, Col. Kevin Trayer spoke in the morning and explained to the new recruits just how important this program is for them and how great the opportunities coming their way.

The recruits were then taken to the track for a morning of physical fitness.

Nathalie Hamilton, one of the recruits really enjoyed the fit to fight portion of the first weekend.

"I really like pushing myself physically," said Hamilton, a future KC-135 Stratotanker crew chief. "The physical fitness was definitely the most fun."

The recruits were able to get a good taste of drill and ceremonies led by 1st Sgt. Deborah Kidd of the 507th Medical Squadron. Kidd was assisted by Staff Sgt. Christina Black and Staff Sgt. Jason Overstreet both of the 507th Security Forces Squadron.

Recruits were taken through a variety of facing movements and taught how to gather information.
"That was a lot harder than I thought it would be," said Hamilton.

Sergeant Lord was very complimentary of Kidd, Black and Overstreet, stating that this portion of the weekend was one of the most informative and productive for the new recruits. He said they were able to see real life exercises that will be performed the first day they arrive at boot camp.

"I'm really glad I was able to see the mental side of this," said Tanner Daugherty, who leaves for BMT in early January.
"You understand the physical part of this, but no one can really tell you about the mental part of this. "

With these recruits leaving for BMT at random times, new recruits will join the older ones every month. Some of the expectation on the older recruits is they have the leadership to help out new arrivals, Lord said.

"It's important that each month when the new recruits show up, there is already a handful of their peers taking the leadership role to help them through that first weekend," Lord said.

With AFRC easing the transition of civilians into the military life, the facilitators hope this program will continue to gain momentum.

Panetta Signs Order to Deploy 400 U.S. Personnel to Turkey

By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service

INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey, Dec. 14, 2012 – Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta has signed an order that will deploy 400 U.S. personnel to Turkey to support the deployment that NATO agreed to recently of Patriot missile capability there, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said today.

Panetta signed the agreement en route to Turkey as he wrapped up a trip this week that included time in Kuwait and Afghanistan with civilian and military leaders.

He visited the troops to thank them for their dedication and sacrifice, and for spending another holiday season away from family and friends.

While in Kabul the secretary also met with Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, commander of the International Security Assistance Force, ISAF regional commanders and Afghan President Hamid Karzai.
“The United States has been supporting Turkey in its efforts to defend itself,” Little said. “NATO has recently offered up Patriot missile battery capability to Turkey, [which] is a very strong ally of the United States.”
Little said he expects the troops to be deployed in the coming weeks.

“I’m not going to go into precise locations at this time, he added, “but I wanted to let you … know that we signed that order and that we are prepared in the context of NATO to support the defense of Turkey for an unspecified period of time.”

The personnel will deploy to Turkey to operate two U.S. Patriot missile batteries once they are in place, he said.

“The purpose of this deployment is to signal very strongly that the United States, working closely with our NATO allies, is going to support the defense of Turkey, especially with potential threats emanating from Syria,” Little said.

Incirlik Air Base is an installation of U.S. Air Forces in Europe, a major command of the U.S. Air Force and the air component of the U.S. European Command, a DOD unified command.

“Turkey also is a key NATO ally and we have a lot of U.S. forces stationed there to enhance our strong defense cooperation,” Panetta told reporters traveling with him as the trip began.

“Both the United States and Turkey share common concerns now about the violence in Syria and the threat that it poses to regional stability, he added.

Panetta said DOD has been working closely with Turkey on humanitarian issues, chemical and biological weapons issues, and missile defense.

“I’m pleased that last week NATO pledged to deploy missile defense systems to protect Turkey, and we will participate in that effort as well,” the secretary said.

Panetta said the United States and Turkey are committed to work together to strengthen defense systems and to put pressure on the Assad regime in neighboring Syria to end the violence in that country and help develop the political transition that must take place there.

Dyess JA garners ACC award

by Airman 1st Class Peter Thompson
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

12/14/2012 - Dyess Air Force Base, Texas -- The 7th Bomb Wing Judge Advocate at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, was recently named the best legal office in Air Combat Command for 2012.

"It's a validation that our team and our people are doing the best work in our MAJCOM," said Maj. Lance Aiumopas, 7th Bomb Wing deputy staff judge advocate. "It's also a message to the wing and its commanders, showing how well the base understands and works with the JA office."

The Judge Advocate's military justice department supports good order and discipline on base. They were noted for having 94 percent of Airman discharges completed within the 15-day goal and 93 percent of Articles 15 completed within a 30-day standard.

The general law department makes sure Airmen, dependents and retirees' legal affairs are in order through legal assistance. In total, they completed 464 wills, 2,235 medical directives and more than 2,000 powers of attorney.

"It makes me feel good to know that we help our Airmen be fit to fight," said Staff Sgt. Stacey Ousley, 7th Bomb Wing judge advocate. "Doing our job relieves our customers and helps everyone accomplish the mission."

During the last fiscal year, the legal office has been recognized 11 times on the ACC legal assistance honor roll, which rates legal offices on efficiency and customer feedback.

"We are able to work so efficiently because of our teamwork," Aiumopas said. "We've overcome difficulties with manning by using people's skills in one department to help when another part of our office is overburdened."

"I'm so proud of everyone in our office," said Lt. Col Patrick Dolan, 7th Bomb Wing staff judge advocate. "It's a privilege to be able to work with such world-class Airmen and legal professionals."

552nd ACW Airman awarded Army medal for heroic actions

by Tech. Sgt. Mike Andriacco
U.S. Air Forces Central Command

12/14/2012 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- A deployed Airman was awarded the U.S. Army Commendation Medal in a ceremony here, Dec. 7, with a citation that reads in part "For heroic and selfless action in response to a life or death situation."

U.S. Air Force Capt. Joshua Allen, a Combined Air and Space Operations Center senior air defense officer, was presented the medal by Army Brig. Gen. James Dickinson, the 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command commanding general, for saving the life of an Army Soldier on Oct. 7.

Allen and Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 John Fallin, a 32nd AAMDC missile defense planner, were forward deployed to participate in a joint training exercise in Hawaii in early October. During some off time, they decided to go snorkeling near one of the local beaches and teamed up to keep an eye on each other. They were glad they did.

"We partnered up to keep safe and this is a situation where the 'Wingman' and 'Battle Buddy' system worked as prescribed," Allen said.

The duo swam approximately 100 yards off shore and explored the area a bit before deciding to return to shore. It was during this return trip that Fallin started having problems.

"As we turned back to shore I began to experience shortness of breath and muscle weakness," Fallin said. "I attempted to make it back to shore until my vision began to narrow, signaling that I might lose consciousness."

Around the same time, Allen said he noticed Fallin was falling behind and was signaling that he needed help.

"I went back to him and he explained he was having trouble breathing," Allen said. "I told him to grab onto my back and that I would swim us both in. After a few minutes I realized he wasn't improving and focused on getting to shore as fast as I could. It wasn't until we got to the beach that I noticed how blue his face was."

When the pair made it to shore, two bystanders helped an exhausted Allen move Fallin from the water to await emergency medical technicians. The EMTs transported Fallin to Tripler Army Medical Center, where he was diagnosed with reverse pressure pulmonary edema.

"It means the pressure in my lunges reversed and I began to absorb fluid from my body into my lungs," Fallin said. "It's caused by a restricted airway."

In this case, doctors believe that a combination of a faulty snorkel and a fast shift from warm water to colder, deeper water, contributed to the condition. Though critical for a time, Fallin expects to suffer no long-term effects from his injury.

As for Allen, he credits his fitness regimen with ensuring he was prepared to act and save his friend's life.

"My habits don't have me in the gym seven days a week," he said. "But the three to four times were enough to allow me to help my wingman when I wasn't expecting it."

Allen, a member of the 966th Airborne Air Control Squadron, is deployed from Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., and said that regardless of physical condition, he thinks anyone put in the same position would have done the same to help a friend.

"I don't feel like a hero," he said. "But I'm sure Chief Fallin was thankful to have me there to help him."

Fallin agrees wholeheartedly.

"He can be my wingman anytime!" he said.