Strong roots sprout Outstanding Airman of the Year

by Senior Airman Cody H. Ramirez
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

4/16/2013 - YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- Each year, 12 outstanding enlisted people are chosen throughout the Air Force for their leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievements.

Senior Master Sgt. Emilio Hernandez, stationed at Yokota Air Base, Japan, is one of those Airmen. In 2012, he was named as one of the Air Force 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year.

Hernandez, the 374th Civil Engineer Squadron Operations Flight superintendent, leads a team of engineers responsible for maintaining the entire base.

"We do everything from toilets to airfield, so you could imagine everything in between that requires maintenance and repair -- we do it all," Hernandez said. "We maintain every facility on base, the airfield, the lighting systems, the power systems, the heating ventilation and air conditioning systems, to include the aircraft arresting barriers on the airfield in case of an emergency for fighter aircraft."

Eight career fields fall under the operations flight: water fuel maintenance, electricians, power production, HVAC, dirt boys, structures, pest management and controllers. Hernandez is used to leading such a large group of Airmen, since he also served as the operations flight superintendent at Mildenhall Royal Air Base, England, and Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.

Hernandez said his recognition isn't about what he did individually; it was the opportunities presented to him and the people he was privileged to lead and serve with.

"I don't think there has been a difference in what I did this year, because the teams I have always been involved with - engineers - have always been impressive," the Hialeah, Flo., native said. "I surround myself with good people and because of it, great things happen, not only to me, but my team. It has been that way throughout my career."

Hernandez, who won for his wing while stationed at Mildenhall and later won as the 2012 Senior NCO for United States Air Forces in Europe, said the thought of being one of the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year never crossed his mind.

"It was an honor to represent so many people -- USAFE being 49,000 strong, but to be one of the 12 chosen out of the entire Air Force, it is beyond words," he said. "There are a lot of people in the Air Force, the best Americans you can find, and that includes anyone in the service. It is just so humbling to be selected."

Hernandez added that any one of the more than 300,000 Airmen in the Air Force have what it takes to be one of the 12, he just happened to be chosen.

"I'm a CE guy, toilets to airfields, and I am one of the 12; everyone has an equal chance," he said. "You don't have to be doing miracle work, you need to be doing your job and taking the opportunities to deploy and to make a difference where and when you can."

He also said he is proud to be a representative of the Air Force and is excited to, "share what we do, what we bring to the fight and what caliber of people we have."

As an Outstanding Airmen of the Year, Hernandez, along with the other 11 Airmen, is on the Air Force Enlisted Council and met with the chief master sergeant of the Air Force to discuss issues and concerns of the whole enlisted force.

"The most important part of being an Airman of the Year is the ability to make a difference on the enlisted council," Hernandez said. "After sitting down and speaking with Chief Cody, I have a great feeling that our leadership is really aware of what is going on with our enlisted force. Chief Cody a great guy and a great leader and I believe he is going to tackle some of the issues brought up head-on."

Hernandez personally brought up the feedback system and how supervisors throughout the Air Force should work on accurately documenting and defining their subordinate's job performance.

"Near-and-dear to my heart is the enlisted feedback system. I feel like that is the most important part of our enlisted structure and also the most neglected," he said. "We just don't do a good enough job as supervisors to develop our folks and accurately put them on paper. Our feedback and our enlisted performance reports need to reflect the same idea, and our Airmen deserve that."

Showing similar passion during his most recent deployment led Hernandez to be chosen as one of the 12.


Hernandez Deployment

Hernandez, who has been on countless deployments throughout his career, recently traveled to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, for seven months as part of the 1st Expeditionary Civil Engineer Group, 777th Prime BEEF Squadron.

"A prime beef unit is a civil engineer unit that deploys and opens an airfield, sets up tent city and repairs and maintains the base from there-on," Hernandez said. "It comprises of all light construction."

Hernandez led 52 people in 53 civil engineer projects at 163 forward operating bases in support of 85,000 warfighters. He orchestrated $80,000 in repairs to nine Marine Corps aircraft hangars to safeguard $300 million in assets in support of a vital intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform. He also oversaw a project to upgrade an electrical grid on a dam, that preserved water and power flow to 450,000 Afghans, and managed the construction of two tactical operations centers worth $500,000, securing Afghanistan's key district of Panjwai.

Throughout every project safety came first for Hernandez, not only for himself, but for his teams. He said he ensured all recon was done and intelligence reports were read before he sent his people on a mission.

"I didn't want to send them somewhere they might get hurt," Hernandez said. "Obviously the risks are higher in Afghanistan, but seeing your whole team come back with a finished product was always so rewarding."

He worked in a joint environment, working side-by-side with Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen, while his unit was under the 30th Naval Construction Regiment. Hernandez said his team also partnered with a Canadian engineer team who flew to forward operating bases and worked with Afghan soldiers.

"We taught the Afghans how to maintain electrical systems, because it was a big issue throughout the country," Hernandez said. "We would train them on how to properly install electrical systems, because often times we would find wires running everywhere with no regard for safety. We helped rectify the situation."

Also while in Kandahar, Hernandez and his team trained the first Afghan Air Wing on how to operate and wire generators, and maintain electrical systems.

"It was a difficult task considering that many of the Afghans are illiterate," Hernandez added. "The electrical work requires a lot of reading and diagrams, so we would educate them as best as possible. We had a great training outline that was very picture and hands-on oriented."

Afghanistan is currently building a valid armed force for security to protect their country, according to Hernandez, and his team was assisting them in meeting their goal.

"We knew how important their task was to the overall goal," he said. "We knew that teaching these guys how to provide emergency power to facilities, especially those that might generate sorties or directly affect the mission, would make a huge difference in the big picture of building a solid force for Afghanistan."

Hernandez worked with local military while in Iraq and El Salvador, so this wasn't his first experience working alongside foreign military members. He said he also built a school once in the Philippines with the help of the Philippine Navy Seabees. The school children had to walk at least 10 miles to the nearest school until Hernandez's team built a new school 500 meters away from the village.

Throughout his two decades of service and multiple deployments, Hernandez said his most memorable moments are of watching junior Airmen tackle jobs -- how they handled them and grew from their experiences.

"Some of us older guys, we know what we are doing. We kind of know what the outcome will be," the senior master sergeant said. "But with young people, sometimes you sit back and let them do things and what they achieve is so much more than you expected of them. It kind of puts you in awe."

He said he was always amazed when traveling to forward operating bases and witnessing his teams' accomplishments.

"Under incredible conditions -- the worst you can imagine, I was always amazed at what my guys could do when they are motivated, have the people, equipment and resources and know the importance of their mission," Hernandez added. "That is really what fires me up. Seeing other guys excel at what they do and watching the young Airmen really get into it."

Hernandez said being deployed is a very challenging yet rewarding experience, because the work tempo is much faster, but service members see the impact of their work almost immediately.

"Your team stays motivated because they see the fruits of their labor," Hernandez said. "They can say 'wow' look at what we just built and now someone else is running missions out of it. It could be a medical facility and now lives are being saved in a facility you just built 30 days ago."

Hernandez said he had an incredible team throughout his deployment.

"Leading those guys was easy," he added. "They knew what they were doing."

No matter the caliber of team, deployments can be rough on the individual and their family back home, but Hernandez said he knew what he signed up for, and because of his roots, he found strength to prosper throughout his time in Afghanistan.


Air Force Career

Hernandez came from humble beginnings and was born into a communist regime in Cuba.

"I experienced communism a little myself, but mostly from my parents stories I learned what it does to its people, to their soul and to their livelihood," Hernandez said. "I was privileged to leave by the time I was 8 and grow up in the U.S."

After leaving Cuba, Hernandez's family moved to Miama, Fla., where he was raised until graduating high school. Upon graduation, he married his high school sweetheart and three days later joined the Air Force.

Since joining, Hernandez was stationed in Michigan, Colorado, Turkey, South Carolina, Misawa Air Base, Japan, Mildenhall Royal Air Base, United Kingdom, and finally Japan again at Yokota. He has also been on several deployments throughout the world.

"I have had wonderful assignments and met wonderful people," he said. "I've never picked anywhere I wanted to go, but I have always ended up with good assignments. It doesn't matter where I go as long as I know my family will be with me and I'll be working with engineers."

Being married since he joined the military, Hernandez has a 19-year old daughter and a 15-year old son.

"I am grateful for the opportunities the Air Force has given my family and still continues to give. I have two kids now and I serve for them also," he said.

Hernandez said he joined because something his father once said. It compelled him to find a way to represent his family and give back.

"My dad was the most patriotic guy I've ever known. He always told me that we have to value freedom," Hernandez said. "We serve, and in my mind that is the best way to give back to your nation. Service can mean a lot of things, whether community service, military service or somehow giving back."

Since taking the message with him through life and after 21 years of service in the Air Force, Hernandez has also been selected for promotion to the rank of chief master sergeant.

"It is a long time, but it seems so short to me because it has flown by so quickly. That's what happens when you are having fun, time goes by quickly," Hernandez said. "I am excited and pumped up to be a chief, and I'm looking forward to taking care of my people. The most important thing is taking care of the people here at my squadron."

Airmen make progress in bid for Everest

by USAF Seven Summits Challenge blog and U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs
USAF Seven Summits Challenge blog and U.S. Air Force Academy Public Affairs

4/17/2013 -  FT. GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) -- A team of Air Force mountaineers began their journey to ascend and summit Mount Everest recently as the final expedition of the independent U.S. Air Force Seven Summit Challenge.

The team of six Airmen is underway on a 50-day journey to the highest mountain on earth, completing a project that began eight years ago with the goal of reaching the highest mountains on each of the seven continents, to plant the American and Air Force flags.

Collectively, teams of the Summit Challenge have already scaled the more than 104,337 vertical feet on Mount Elbrus, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Aconcagua, Mount McKinley, Mount Vinson and Mount Kosciuszko.

The summit team is accompanied by four trekkers and three wounded warriors (two pararescuemen and a combat rescue officer) who will not make a summit attempt but support the team in their feat.

The team reached Nepal March 31, and began the final stages of the trip. After spending a few days in the region getting used to the increased elevation, the team pushed on to Everest.

By April 10, most of the team had moved up to base camp facilities at Lobuche, a mountain peak near Everest. The group then moved on to the Everest Base Camp to acclimatize at further increased elevation and practiced important procedures such as crevasse rescues and ladder handling.

At Everest Base Camp, Capt. Rob Marshall, one of the co-founders of the AF Seven Summits challenge and the leader of the team, was able to make a call home early April 15.

"We were having an awesome day today. We had our Puja, a big spiritual blessing (ceremony), where we ask Mount Everest and essential the spirit of the mountain to bless the team and give us good luck," Marshall said, shortly before his data connection was interrupted.

With a view of the Khumbu icefall, a precarious gateway on the ascent to Everest, Marshall said the team grew more excited -- looking at the mountain they've prepared so hard to climb.

Scaling Mount Everest is not a quick affair. Marshall said the group will move at a slow pace to improve their chances of getting as many people as possible to the summit.

"You can climb Everest at a faster pace, but from our research, we are giving ourselves the best chance to acclimatize and the optimal amount of time to reach the top," Marshall said.

Health is an especially difficult issue for expeditions in the Himalayas. Most of the team fell ill with intestinal "bugs," shortly after their arrival in Nepal, due to the foreign food and living conditions.

The team since returned to Lobuche, which with nearly 20,161 feet elevation is already higher than any point in the continental U.S. They plan to ascend the lower peak April 16 for a "shakedown climb," giving everyone the important chance to check out their gear on a lower elevation, lower risk climb before making their first trip through the Khumbu icefall and up to Camp 1 on Everest.

The mountaineers plan their final ascent to Everest for mid-May, however the teams anxiety is rising.

"The stakes of this climb are the highest (no pun intended) of my life," Marshall wrote online. "There is a lot of personal pride and no shortage of money on the line here."

They climb to promote camaraderie and team spirit among Airmen, raise money for charity and to honor and commemorate the fallen.

Though not on an official military mission, if successful in their endeavor to scale 29,029-foot Mount Everest, the crew will become the first team of active-duty American military members to have reached Everest's summit.

On the team are:

- Maj. Rob Marshall, a V-22 Osprey pilot from Mercer Island, Wash., stationed in Amarillo, Texas
- Capt. Kyle Martin, a T-38 Talon pilot, from Manhattan, Kan., stationed at Langley Air Force Base, Va.
- Capt. Marshall Klitzke, a KC-135 Stratotanker pilot from Lemmon, S.D., currently an instructor pilot at the Air Force Academy.
- Capt. Colin Merrin, a GPS satellite operations mission commander from Santee, Calif., stationed at Schriever AFB, Colo.
- Staff Sgt. Nick Gibson, a Reserve pararescueman and physician-assistant student from Gulf Breeze, Fla., stationed at Patrick AFB
- Capt. Andrew Ackles, a TH-1N instructor pilot, from Ashland, Ore., stationed at Fort Rucker, Ala.

Pacific military dependents train at basketball camp

by Senior Airman Cody H. Ramirez
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

4/16/2013 - YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- More than 114 military children between 13 and 20 from U.S. military bases across the Pacific region attended the Mainland Basketball Association's Basketball Camp at Yokota Air Base, Japan, April 9 to 12, 2013.

The four-day camp trained athletes on basketball skills such as shooting, passing, dribbling, rebounding and defense and also educated the attendees on team concepts and college information.

According to their official Web site, MBA is a non-profit organization that promotes sportsmanship among all athletes through educational opportunities. It strives to assist in the development of young children and stresses the importance of being part of a team.

MBA Vice-President Mark Burton said military children, especially those overseas, do not get exposure to many basketball camps like children in the States do.

"It costs thousands of dollars to send their (service member's) children back to the States to show off their talents," Burton said. "We want to afford these kids the same opportunities to not only train, but to also have a chance of receiving scholarships."

The camp had 10 coaches from universities throughout the U.S. -- Grambling State, Dillard, Winston-Salem State, Claftin, University of California, Los Angeles, Fort Valley State, Huston-Tillotson, Santa Monica and Johnson C. Smith.

Although at last year's camp, two female athletes receive full-ride scholarships to Division 2 colleges; this year no scholarships were handed out. According to Ron Woodard, Claftin University basketball coach and camp director, the freshman and sophomore classes displayed great foundational skills and said the probability for scholarships in the coming years is positive.

Woodard also said the camp not only built on fundamental skills and offered chances of college, but also expanded the attendees' life goals.

"This year we really pushed to motivate them (camp participants) to take their Scholastic Aptitude Tests and American College Tests," Woodard said.

Woodard said that seeing children grow and improve their skill sets and minds is great and keeps him coming back each year to teach at the camp.

Jermaine Neal Jr., a camp participant and sophomore at Yokota High School, said the camp was fun and would like to attend another in the future.

"I really liked the scrimmages, it was my favorite part," the 15-year-old added. "I learned that most of the game is mental. We would do the drills and then play scrimmages, and I could tell from how I played that I had improved from before."

Jermaine also said the camp gave him an opportunity to play in front of college coaches, and his father agreed.

"It was pretty exciting," Jermaine Neal, Sr. said regarding the camp. "It gave the kids a chance to play in front of college coaches and they also went over mentoring and understanding the importance of basketball and academics."

He added that it was good to reiterate the educational importance along with the importance of athletic practice.

"My favorite part was when they (the camp coaches) sat down and talked about how academics can be compounded with athletics and how using them together can make you a better person and make you more marketable for college," Neal added.

Through their support of the U.S. Forces Japan and the Pacific Region, MBA is taking a step in improving higher educational routes and athletic programs for military children.

Obama Welcomes Soldier Ride Participants at White House

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 17, 2013 – A group of wounded warriors received a presidential send-off at the White House today as they launched a four-day bicycle ride to show the world and themselves what they’re still capable of accomplishing.

President Barack Obama joined Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki on the South Lawn this afternoon to recognize a group of wounded warriors who are participating in the Soldier Ride for their service, sacrifice and inspiration.

That inspiration is particularly meaningful as the nation grapples with this week’s bomb attacks at the Boston Marathon, the president told the riders. Many of the survivors of the attacks are just beginning what for some will be a long road to recovery, he noted.

“It’s a road that the remarkable warriors and athletes here know all too well, and as a consequence, they are going to serve for all of the families as well as all Americans, a continued inspiration,” he said.

Obama praised the wounded warriors’ bravery and said he admires their courage and determination.

“Together, with your outstanding families, you represent what’s best in America,” he said. “When we needed patriots to defend our freedom, you have answered this call. You’ve risked everything for our country and for each other. And you’ve made sacrifices most of us can barely imagine.”

With military operations completed in Iraq and the drawdown underway in Afghanistan, the president acknowledged that “for our wounded warriors, coming home doesn’t mean the fight is over.”
“In some ways,” he said, “it’s just beginning.”

The president singled out riders, including Army Sgt. Sean Karpf and Army Sgt. Erick Millette, who are overcoming the odds and providing an example to their fellow wounded warriors and the nation. He also recognized Air Force Capt. Mary McGriff and Army 1st Lt. Jason Church, who are serving as peer mentors for first-time riders.

“That’s a big part of what the soldier rides are about -- not just what you can do for yourself, but what you can do as a team,” he said. “As one rider put it, ‘It’s just like in the military. You ride for the warrior next to you.’”

Chris Carney, from Long Island, N.Y., conducted the first soldier ride in 2004, when he pedaled across the country in support of the Wounded Warrior Project. Obama noted today that Carney told a reporter the most daunting part of that ride was being alone because he’d always participated in team sports.

Other combat-wounded veterans joined Carney the following year, and the program continued to grow. It ultimately gave rise to regional rides nationwide that provide more riders the opportunity to participate.
“What Chris and others discovered is that when it comes to supporting our returning heroes, there’s no such thing as going it alone,” Obama said. “We do this as a team. We get each other’s backs.”

That’s what happened this week in Boston, as National Guardsmen, service members and veterans in the area “all did what warriors do,” the president said. “They ran into harm’s way to protect their fellow Americans. They applied tourniquets. They went to hospitals. They donated blood.”

Doctors used experience acquired, in some cases, during overseas deployments, “to help save lives here at home,” he said.

“That’s the strong stuff that our warriors are made of, and that’s why we’re so proud and so grateful to the men and women and veterans of our armed forces,” Obama said.

He called on all Americans to cheer on the riders during their ride and to show support for the nation’s military veterans.

Obama vowed to veterans to “keep doing everything in my power to make sure we serve you as well as you’ve served us.” That, he said, means ensuring they get the care and benefits they need, that they don’t have to fight for jobs when they return home and that their families get the support they deserve.

Soldier Rides are sponsored by the Wounded Warrior Project as a rehabilitative cycling program that provides the first steps in combat-wounded veterans’ healing. The events are designed to “use cycling and the bonds of service to overcome physical, mental or emotional wounds,” according the Wounded Warrior Project website.

Hagel Orders Unit to Jordan, Warns About Intervention in Syria

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 17, 2013 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel announced today the deployment of an Army headquarters element to help Jordanian forces defend their border with Syria, while warning Congress of potential consequences of direct U.S. military action in the Syrian conflict.

Hagel joined Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff, in reporting to the Senate Armed Services Committee that he ordered the Army deployment last week.

The contingent will enhance efforts of a small U.S. military team that has been working in Jordan since last year on planning related to chemical weapons and preventing a spillover of violence across Jordan’s borders, the secretary told the Senate panel.

“These personnel will continue to work alongside Jordanian Armed Forces to improve readiness and prepare for a number of scenarios,” he said.

Defense Department personnel and their interagency partners are helping Jordan, Turkey, Iraq and other Syrian neighbors counter the threat posed by Syria’s chemical weapons, Hagel said. He noted that DOD deployed Patriot missile batteries to southern Turkey in December as part of NATO’s mission to help Turkey protect its border with Syria.

These initiatives, being conducted through the Cooperative Threat Reduction program, include more than $70 million for activities in Jordan, he reported. This includes training and equipment to detect and stop chemical weapons transfers along Jordan’s border with Syria, and developing Jordan’s capacity to identify and secure chemical weapons assets.

Meanwhile, DOD has expanded security consultations regarding Syria with allies and partners, ensured that the U.S. military is strategically postured in the region and “engaged in robust military planning for a range of contingencies,” Hagel said.

Regional security efforts will be a key focus of his trip later this week to meet with defense leaders of Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, Hagel said. The situation in Syria also will be a topic when Secretary of State John F. Kerry visits Turkey this weekend and during Dempsey’s trip to China next week for talks with Chinese leaders.

The goal, Hagel said, is “to support broader U.S. diplomatic efforts while ensuring that the U.S. military is fully prepared to protect America’s interests and meet our security commitments in the region.”

Hagel spelled out U.S. government policy regarding the Syrian conflict:
-- To work with allies and partners, as well as the Syrian opposition;
-- To provide humanitarian assistance across Syria and the region;
-- To hasten an end to the violence; and
-- To bring about a political transition to a post-Assad authority that will restore stability, respect for the rights of all people, prevent Syria from becoming an extremist safe haven and to secure Syria’s chemical and biological weapons.

“The best outcome for Syria -- and the region -- is a negotiated, political transition,” Hagel told the senators.
Toward that end, the U.S. government is working to mobilize the international community, further isolate the Assad regime and support the Syrian Opposition Coalition, the moderate Syrian opposition, he said.

The U.S. has committed $117 million to the coalition in nonlethal assistance such as communications and medical equipment, Hagel said, and President Barack Obama has directed more for both the Syrian Opposition Coalition and the Supreme Military Council.

In addition, the State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development are providing technical assistance and training for Syrian leaders and activists.

“The goal is to strengthen those opposition groups that share the international community’s vision for Syria’s future and minimize the influence of extremists,” Hagel said.

Meanwhile, the United States has provided $385 million to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Syria and to help more than 1 million Syrian refugees who have fled to neighboring countries, he said.

The United States is rallying the international community, including Russia and China, to provide humanitarian support and resolve the crisis, Hagel said. He reported that international sanctions designed to pressure the Syrian government and help end the conflict are having an impact on the Assad regime’s finances.

In addition, DOD has engaged in robust military planning for a range of contingencies, he said.

“President Obama has made clear that if Assad and those under his command use chemical weapons, or fail to meet their obligations to secure them, there will be consequences, and they will be held accountable,” Hagel said. “The Department of Defense has plans in place to respond to the full range of chemical weapons scenarios.”

So even as it provides options and planning for a post-Assad Syria, Hagel said, DOD is providing Obama and Congress regular assessments of options for U.S. military intervention.

He warned, however, of possible consequences of direct U.S. military action in Syria. It could hinder humanitarian relief operations, embroil the United States in a significant, lengthy and uncertain military commitment, and, if conducted unilaterally, strain U.S. relationships around the world, the secretary told the senators.

“And finally, a military intervention could have the unintended consequence of bringing the United States into a broader regional conflict or proxy war,” he said.

Dempsey echoed Hagel, emphasizing that although the military stands ready to provide force, if directed, that such a decision is one no one takes lightly.

“In weighing options, we have a responsibility to align the use of force to the intended outcome,” Dempsey said. “We also have a responsibility to articulate risk” -- not just to U.S. forces, but to other security responsibilities that could be compromised.

“So before we take action, we have to be prepared for what comes next,” the chairman said. “The use of force, especially in circumstances where ethnic and religious factors dominate, is unlikely to produce predictable outcomes. … Unintended consequences are the rule with military interventions of this sort.”
“Military intervention is always an option, but an option of last resort,” Hagel summarized. “The best outcome for Syria -- and the region -- is a negotiated, political transition to a post-Assad Syria.”

Program Launches to Educate Communities on Family Needs

By Terri Moon Cronk
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 16, 2013 – A new publication series designed to educate civilians on the specialized needs of military and veteran families in their neighborhoods launched here yesterday.

Charles E. Milam, acting deputy assistant secretary of defense for military community and family policy, spoke at the launch event at the Army-Navy Club for the “How to Help Military and Veteran Families, Before, During and After Deployment” initiative.

“Today, more than two-thirds of our military families live in communities, and in many cases, 20 miles away, [from the installation],” Milam said.

In addition, he said, some military families settle into communities outside their installations for the schools, churches and activities available there.

“In over a decade of deploying service members to active war zones, we’ve paid careful attention to the changing demographics and impact of these deployments on the well-being of our service members and their families,” Milam said. “We have prioritized programs and services that support families and help with overall preparedness and resilience. Our family readiness system is the network of agencies, programs, services and individuals, and the collaboration among them that promotes the readiness and the quality of life service members and families deserve.”

The initiative comprises a series of pamphlets on topics such as military and veteran families’ needs for higher education, early childhood education, financial assistance and more, Defense Department officials said.
Milam said the series will allow the Defense Department and its partners to connect with a variety of third-party subject-matter experts to reach communities of support.

“The key is being able to approach specific groups with a common interest,” he said. “Whether you are a medical professional or a member of a faith-based organization, there is a specific publication that addresses how you can become engaged [with military and veteran families].

The launch event also celebrated the Month of the Military Child and the second anniversary of Joining Forces, an initiative to build public support for military members, veterans and their families, which is championed by First Lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Joe Biden’s wife, Dr. Jill Biden.
The publications -- produced in partnership by DOD, the Agriculture Department and a variety of organizations, including the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University and the National Military Family Association -- will be distributed throughout U.S. communities and are available on the Military OneSource website.

“The program really is definitive Joining Forces -- the idea of a public-private partnership,” Navy Capt. Todd Veazie, Joining Forces executive director, said at the program launch. “In 2014, we will no longer be a nation at war. We’ll see our families reintegrating. Now, more than ever, we need Joining Forces types of activities exactly like the one you’ve put together.”

Service members will be returning home following the conclusion of the war in Afghanistan, Veazie noted.
“They will need all of America’s sectors to support … to reintegrate,” he said. [Your program] is a phenomenal resource.”

Forming new partnerships and strengthening those that already exist in civilian communities will be key, Milam said.

System provides 24/7 perimeter security

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

4/16/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Motion detection, night-vision cameras and sensor zones may bring an action movie to mind, but they are also a few of the pieces that make up a Tactical Automated Security System.

TASS is an intrusion detection system used to protect the perimeter and resources at the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing.

"TASS uses different technologies and equipment to collectively secure the base," said Mike Tabbara, 380th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron resident field engineer and Dallas native. "The system is deployed all over the area of responsibility."

Tabbara explained that the system is used for contingencies because of its ease of use without any outside support.

"It's self-dependent - you can literally set up a sensor zone and have no power coming into it and no communication infrastructure for it because the system works on a radio frequency link and it gets power from the solar panel and battery," he said.

The system acts as an enemy deterrent by providing eyes on the base perimeter at all times.

"If someone breaks, bypasses or shakes a part of the system, a communication module will let an operator know that someone came through," said Staff Sgt. Gary Chitwood, 380 ESFS TASS administrator. "The cameras will automatically look to where the sensor was triggered; he'll see that on the screen and dispatch the patrols. Then the individual will be apprehended."

Not only does the system protect the perimeter, it also protects 380 AEW assets.

"TASS is able to secure locations that would require personnel 24/7," Tabbara said.

"We know through Air Force Instructions what needs to be secured and the security level we need to have on it," Chitwood added. "So we make sure we have every protection-level resource covered by what the Air Force requires."

The ability of TASS to monitor these resources and its ability to run on 50 percent solar power here saves the Air Force countless dollars and man-hours.

"It's mandated that if there wasn't TASS, security forces would have to walk and patrol the perimeter of the base," Tabbara explained. "TASS assists security forces patrols by allowing them to focus on the more vulnerable locations."

More than 40 cameras, more than 170 sensor zones and night vision cameras that can see up to 3.1 miles are just a few pieces that make up TASS. The system helps detect intruders before they can compromise the mission.

"TASS is a proactive system," Tabbara said. "As soon as someone intrudes the alarm, we are immediately aware of it and we dispatch, so we're no longer waiting for the guy to be inside the base and then for someone to notice him."

Airman is Best-of-the-Best five years in a row

by Master Sgt. Beth Holliker
Public Affairs

4/14/2013 - SWANTON, Ohio -- 180th Fighter Wing Command Post Controller, Tech. Sgt. Levi Shadle has been recognized as the best of the best for the fifth time in four years.

Shadle was recently named as the 2012 Continental United States North American Aerospace Defense Command Region, First Air Force and Air Force Northern Command's Aerospace Control Alert Command Post Controller of the Year.

True to the 180th FW's mission statement, to be The Best Fighter Wing in the World, the wing has a long history of top performing Airmen at the Air National Guard and Air Force levels. Again, this year, Shadle brought the wing another step closer to helping the wing accomplish that mission.

Driven to serve after the horrific attacks on our country Sept. 11, 2001, Shadle enlisted in the active duty Air Force in April, 2003, as a Command Post Controller, he spent the first year of his career at Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, followed by technical training at Keesler AFB, Miss. After completing his initial training, Shadle spent two years in the command post section of the 305th Air Mobility Wing at McGuire AFB, N.J., before transferring to the Ohio Air National Guard's 180th FW in 2006.

When Shadle first transferred to the 180th FW, the command post office was typically manned only during normal flying operations before moving to 24-hour operations as the wing stood up the Aerospace Control Alert mission in 2008. Shadle was a key player to the command post and the alert mission from the beginning, as noted when he and the command post team earned Best-Seen-To-Date marks during the wing's very first NORAD Alert Force Evaluation in 2009, just one year after bringing the alert mission to a fully operational status.

Continuing to be one of the wing's top performers, Shadle was instrumental in the command post team earning the title of Air National Guard Command Post of the Year in 2010 and a Superior Performer Team Award during the Air Combat Command Operational Readiness Inspection in 2010.

Following his own motto, "Always be learning," Shadle has made it his goal to learn something from every situation, positive or negative. "The mistakes I've made in the past have helped to shape the noncommissioned officer I am today," Shadle said. "I am a firm believer in learning and moving forward."

His drive to learn his mission critical job inside and out helped to earn him two individual national-level awards, back-to-back. In 2011 he was named as the Air National Guard Command Post Noncommissioned Officer of the year, followed by his 2012 NORAD title of Aerospace Control Alert Command Post Controller of the Year.

One of the things Shadle enjoys most about the 180th FW is being a part of a winning team. "I have been afforded the opportunity to be a pivotal member of a team and a mission that makes a difference," Shadle said. "And I will do my best to continue that trend to the day I retire."

Though he has been recognized as the best-of-the-best several times, Shadle plans to continue doing his part as a superior performer to ensure that the 180th FW is the best fighter wing in the world. His next project is to perfect the wing's command post controller training program in efforts to make it a model for other ANG and AF command post sections to follow.

As he builds his long-term career plan, shooting for the rank of Chief Master Sgt., Shadle's immediate goals are to keep learning to prepare himself for any challenges that come his way and for promotion to Master Sgt.

"I plan to continue to help keep the 180th FW command post as the best in the entire country," Shadle said. "I want to help prepare the people I train and supervise so that they can be better than I am."

Ambitious Exercise Program Keeps Stratcom Mission-ready

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb., April 16, 2013 – U.S. Strategic Command’s exercise program, once focused solely on nuclear readiness and command and control, has gone global, now encompassing all its mission areas and crossing into every combatant command.

Stratcom exercises as it would fight, Patrick McVay, the command’s director of joint training exercises, told American Forces Press Service. That means integrating all the capabilities it could be called on to provide regional combatant commanders: space, cyber and ballistic missile defense capabilities, among them.

“We’d never do nuclear operations in a vacuum,” McVay said. “It is never going to be just nuclear. … It is going to be in space and in cyber, and we are going to have to use all our capabilities.”

Except in the event of the most devastating of conflicts -- engaging nuclear forces -- Stratcom would serve in a supporting role to a regional combatant command, McVay explained. But even those lines would quickly blur, he said, causing a ripple effect across the homeland and ultimately, the entire U.S. military and interagency.

“It is an interdependent world, and no combatant command is going to be fighting the fight on its own,” he said. “We are going to be interdependent, supporting and supported by one another.”

That recognition has transformed the command’s exercise program, now closely linked with those of U.S. Northern Command, U.S. Pacific Command, U.S. Southern Command, U.S. European Command, U.S. Africa Command, as well as U.S. Special Operations Command and U.S. Transportation Command.
All, McVay explained, understand the capabilities Stratcom would provide them in a conflict, and the need to establish the necessary relationships and procedures now.

“If something happens in an area of responsibility and the first time our commander talks to their commander about what their requirements are in a crisis, that is not an optimum situation,” he said.

“That’s why we do our exercise program with them: to establish those relationships and those linkages, so they can understand what our capabilities are and what Strategic Command brings to the fight in terms of space and cyber capabilities, [intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance] and other support.”

Stratcom participates in nearly every major combatant command exercise, injecting intelligence-based scenarios to add realism, said Chris Real, chief of the command’s joint exercise division.

“All our exercises are based on real-life events, real-life actors, real-life capabilities and threats,” he said.
With increasing frequency, Stratcom also includes interagency operations into its exercises. “In the past, we focused only on the military part because we are a military organization,” Real said. “But in the real world, there is never a time when the military does anything on its own. It is always working with the State Department and other agencies and organizations and the whole-of-government, so we are working to replicate that in all our exercises.”

The goal is to ensure the exercise program provides “a dress rehearsal of everything we think we would do in a real crisis,” Real said. “That way, if something bad happens next week, we are more ready to do it, because we practiced everything as realistically as possible.”

While integrating these elements into its own exercises and the exercise support it provides other combatant commands, Stratcom maintains a stringent training schedule for its nuclear deterrence mission.

“That’s critical, because for this mission, every day is game day,” McVay said. “You can’t afford to mess that up, because the standard is perfection.”

Air Force Gen. C. Robert Kehler, Stratcom’s commander, and his headquarters staff and component leaders rehearse nuclear operations scenarios daily, with McVay’s team working in unexpected twists to ensure they’re familiar with the latest procedures. The global operations center exercises its procedures several times a day as well.

“This is something that you practice and practice and practice all the time to make sure the command stays on top of the procedures,” McVay said. “The philosophy of the training is to maintain that edge every day.”
Two major annual exercises, Global Thunder and Global Lightning, test out capabilities across the nuclear enterprise, with bombers, submarines and land-based missiles participating.

Effective deterrence requires “having the capability to do what we say we will do” if attacked, McVay said, as well as the national will to use it.

“So if we let our nuclear capability atrophy or become unreliable, we lose that capability,” he said.

With its ambitious exercise program ensuring the command remains mission-ready, McVay said, Stratcom’s most important goal is to provide the deterrence that helps prevent conflict from breaking out.

“The optimum situation is that [Air Force Gen. C. Robert Kehler, Stratcom commander] never has to fight this fight, [and] we don’t have to defend our space assets -- we don’t have to fight off a cyberattack, we don’t have to do a global strike against an adversary, we don’t have to conduct nuclear operations -- [and] instead, we deter an adversary from taking the steps that would result in that,” McVay said.

“That’s what strategic deterrence is all about, and the goal of everything we do here at U.S. Strategic Command,” he added.

Statement of Attorney General Eric Holder on the Ongoing Investigation into Explosions in Boston

The Attorney General released the following statement today on the ongoing investigation into the explosions in Boston: 

 

“I want to express my deepest sympathies to the victims of yesterday’s heinous attack in Boston, to those who suffered injuries, and to those who lost friends and loved ones.   All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

 

“As our nation struggles to make sense of this attack, I want to assure the citizens of Boston – and all Americans – that the U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI, and all of our federal, state, and local partners are working tirelessly to determine who was responsible for these unspeakable acts, and to make certain they are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law and by any means available to us.   To this end, I have directed that the full resources of the Department be deployed to ensure that this matter is fully investigated.   We will continue working closely with the Boston Police Department and the Massachusetts State Police – who have performed superbly – to respond to this tragedy, to maintain a heightened state of security, and to prevent any future attacks from occurring.

 

“As President Obama stated earlier today, we are treating this event as an act of terror. This morning, I met with the President and my fellow members of his national security team to discuss our continuing response.   Although it is not yet clear who executed this attack, whether it was an individual or group, or whether it was carried out with support or involvement from a terrorist organization – either foreign or domestic – we will not rest until the perpetrators are brought to justice.   The FBI is spearheading a multi-agency investigation through the Boston Joint Terrorism Task Force.   They are devoting extensive personnel and assets to this effort – and have already begun conducting exhaustive interviews, analyzing evidence recovered from the scene, and examining video footage for possible leads.   In addition, the ATF is providing bomb technicians, explosives assets, and other substantial investigative support.   The DEA and U.S. Marshals Service are providing further assistance.   And the Office of Justice Programs will coordinate victim support that the City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts may request under the Anti-terrorism Emergency Assistance Program.

 

“As our active and comprehensive investigation unfolds, these federal assets are coordinating with prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, the Justice Department’s National Security Division, and federal agencies across the government – including members of the Intelligence Community.   This matter is still in the early stages, and it’s important that we let the investigation run its full course.   I urge members of the public to remain calm, cooperate with law enforcement, and be vigilant.   The FBI has set up a tip line – at 1-800-CALL-FBI – for anyone who has information, images, or details relating to yesterday’s explosions along the Boston Marathon route.   We are particularly interested in reviewing video footage captured by bystanders with cell phones or personal cameras near either of the blasts.   In an investigation of this nature, no detail is too small.

 

“Finally, I want to recognize and thank all of the brave law enforcement officials, firefighters, National Guardsmen, medical staff, bystanders, and other first responders in Boston yesterday afternoon who heard the explosions, or received reports of casualties, or saw the shattered glass and rising smoke, and rushed to provide assistance to those in need.

 

“Each of these remarkable women and men placed the safety of others above their own.   Their heroic actions undoubtedly saved lives.   And their stories of courage and selflessness remind us that – even in our darkest moments – the American people have always displayed an extraordinary capacity for resilience.   We will always be strongest when we stand united.   And although today our hearts are broken, my colleagues and I are resolved to bring those responsible for this cowardly act to justice.   We will be relentless in our pursuit of the individual or group that carried out this attack, while staying true to our most sacred values.   And – as our investigation continues, I am confident that our nation will recover, and that we will emerge from this terrible tragedy not only safer, but stronger, than ever before.”

U.S. Air Force F-22s, F-15s pair with JASDF Eagle partners

by Senior Airman Maeson L. Elleman
18th Wing Public Affairs

4/15/2013 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- A squadron of U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors from Langley Air Force Base, Va., partnered with F-15 Eagle pilots from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force from Naha Air Base, Japan, for bilateral training April 5.

The training, the fourth of its kind since 2007, gave both U.S. and Japanese pilots the opportunities to integrate fourth and fifth generation aircraft in support of the common defense of Japan and the Asia-Pacific theater, as part of the Mutual Security Treaty between the two nations.

"Training with such a high-technology aircraft improves our ability to fight and defend Japan," said Lt. Col. Hiroaki Murakami, JASDF 204th Tactical Fighter Squadron commander. "By training with the fifth generation aircraft and understanding their capabilities, we are able to improve our tactical skills. (Hosting the) bilateral training promotes mutual understanding and communication and leads to improved interoperability and a stronger U.S.-Japan alliance."

Lt. Col. Jason Hinds, 94th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron commander, said training with the JASDF is an integral piece of the U.S. Air Force mission and to the strength of allied forces defending the Asia-Pacific region.

"Our training that we did with the JASDF yesterday and today absolutely helps the bilateral agreement that the U.S. and the Japanese have," Hinds said. "It's a unique opportunity."

Hinds said hosting the training has opened doors to the alliance for the mutual security of the Pacific and has further prepared both forces for any contingency in the region.

"The 94th Fighter Squadron and the U.S. Air Force are absolutely more prepared for any kind of contingency operation in the Pacific theater now that we've flown with the JASDF and due to our theater security package deployment to Kadena," Hinds said. "When we have that opportunity to go to Kadena, we get to see the locations that we would operate from, and we get to meet the people we would fly with in any kind of future contingency operation."

Though the squadron frequently works with other aircraft in day-to-day operations, the deployment to Okinawa to work with the 18th Wing's multiple airframes in addition to JASDF assets has provided an exclusive training experience for those involved.

"Usually when you fly with other fighters that are from a different base, you typically just meet up in the airspace, do the mission, and then debrief over the telephone," he said. "In this case we had the opportunity to meet with them the day before, talk about the tactics we would use, execute the tactics the day of, and then have a face-to-face debrief, and that (gave us the chance) to meet them on a personal level as well. That, to me, was the best part."

Murakami said he also enjoys the interaction with U.S. forces and hopes for the opportunity in the future.

"I think we should do more bilateral training, especially with the fifth generation aircraft, using every opportunity available," he said. "We were able to better understand bilateral operation procedures and learn about the force's employment that maximizes the characteristics of the fifth generation aircraft as the JASDF begins to integrate the F-35 into our fleet of fighter aircraft."

The Japanese Ministry of Defense announced in December 2011 that the Japan Self-Defense Forces will begin purchasing F-35 Lightning IIs in the near future.

The F-22s arrived at the beginning of this year and are slated to leave in the spring.

62nd APS Airman named AMC SNCO of the Year

by Airman 1st Class Jacob Jimenez
62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

4/16/2013 - JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- An Airman from the 62nd Aerial Port Squadron here was recently named Air Mobility Command's Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year.

Senior Master Sgt. Ernesto Rendon, 62nd APS air freight superintendent, was named the command's top senior NCO in an announcement made by AMC late last month. The announcement means he will now go on to compete for that title at the Air Force level.

"Rendon was selected for this award, because of his outstanding performance, attitude, humility, passion and leadership as a senior NCO," said 1st Lt. Jason Loucks, 62nd APS air freight flight commander, and Rendon's supervisor. "He is the most well-rounded senior NCO I know."

One such example of Rendon's leadership was demonstrated when he assisted in averting a family crisis in which the wife of a deployed Airman required immediate medical care. As the Airmen's wife was unconscious and unable to provide consent for doctors to operate, Rendon took immediate action to get the deployed Airman in contact with the hospital in order to approve his wife's procedures. Rendon then helped to coordinate and secure travel arrangements for the Airman to return home to his wife in less than 48 hours.

Another of Rendon's accomplishments was managing the operation to load more than 20 civilian power trucks and support equipment onto C-17 Globemaster III aircraft during Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. Since they were not designed for transport on military aircraft, the vehicles and equipment had to be carefully weighed and measured before being loaded onto the C-17s. Rendon and his crew worked from the early morning to the late evening to ensure the vehicles were ready to get where they were needed.

"Since this was the first time these civilian teams were flying on military airplanes, all of their hazardous materials had to be certified by Sgt. Rendon's team," said Lt. Col. Robert Farkas, 62nd APS commander. "This was a true cradle to grave operation and he made it look easy."

Rendon said he enjoys knowing that he has an opportunity to make an impact on Airmen's lives and that he tries his hardest to ensure the impact he makes is a positive one.

"I want to be known as a person who cares about my Airmen," said Rendon.

Loucks said he believes it is Rendon's selfless leadership that made him stand out for the award.

"Sgt. Rendon deserves this award because of the countless hours he's invested in taking care of Airmen and their families," Loucks said. "His leadership both motivates and inspires everyone he comes in contact with."

Rendon said he also recognizes the role that his coworkers played in receiving this award.

"I'm flattered, humbled, and thankful to be selected for this award," he said. "As a senior NCO, I know that I can only succeed if my team succeeds, and I am blessed to have had the opportunity to work with a fantastic group of Airmen."

Dyess readiness tested, proven

by Airman 1st Class Damon Kasberg
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

4/15/2013 - DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Through rain, hail, heat and high winds, Airmen from throughout the 7th Bomb Wing tirelessly engaged in an Operational Readiness Exercise at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, April 8-11.

An ORE is one of many realistic exercises designed to test a base's ability to deploy at a moment's notice.

"It's a wing-wide inspection that involves almost every unit on base," said Master Sgt. Corey Riley, 7th Bomb Wing Plans and Programs. "This is a way to see if the wing is ready for contingency operations."

The first two days of the exercise were conducted as a Phase I exercise and the last two as a Phase II exercise.

"Phase one is all about getting the personnel and cargo to the deployed location," Riley said. "In Phase two, the scenario is that we've been at the deployed location for 'X' amount of days or months. The main difference is during phase one we see if we can get to base 'X' and during phase two we test our ability to survive and operate in a contested environment."

Once the exercise kicked into Phase II, Airmen traveled to Ray Rangel Air Base, Dyess' mock deployment location, where Airmen were tested on their ability to function in a deployed environment.

"For us, the purpose of this training was to act as a deployed medical facility," said Maj. Andrew Allen, 7th Aerospace Medicine Squadron. "We're practicing for a deployment where we have to go to an austere location and set up a few small tents to take care of an expeditionary force. When the base is attacked, we perform our alarm black or alarm red procedures, then we prepare for our casualties to come in. Once they've come in, we train on how to treat battle casualties."

While at Ray Rangel, Airmen faced many challenges in the form of injects, which are scenarios that can vary from unexploded ordinances to opposition forces attacking the base.

"There've been a variety of injects," said Senior Airman Tory Lyde, 7th Medical Operations Squadron. "We saw shrapnel in a sucking chest wound, allergic reaction to food, shrapnel to the lower legs, heat exhaustion, labor and delivery. We also had a mass casualty exercise, which was designed to overwhelm our facility and teach us how to prioritize and treat the most critical wounds first."

This kind of training gives new Airmen the opportunity to learn from seasoned servicemembers. It also sharpens skills that are implemented in a deployed environment and helps train Airmen to support and accomplish the Dyess mission which is to "provide dominant air power and combat support to combatant and joint force commanders... anytime, and anywhere!"

"I've learned quite a bit from my NCOs," said Airman 1st Class Zachary Shives, 7th Security Forces Squadron. "Even though I've had training, those guys have been in real-world situations. A lot of the things we're doing here now, they're doing overseas. It's good to see it firsthand, because we'll be able to take it overseas with us."

Exercises such as these not only prepare Airmen for deployments, but also prepares them for the Operational Readiness Inspection next year.

"A successful inspection and culture of compliance was one of my top priorities when I took command," said Col. Glen VanHerck, 7th Bomb Wing commander. "This exercise was a successful step forward in preparation for next year's ORI as well as providing our Airmen valuable training and experience for any contingency operation."

AFNORTH commander chooses new command chief

by Mary McHale
AFNORTH Public Affairs

4/11/2013 - TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Continental U.S. North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and 1st Air Force (Air Forces Northern) commander has chosen the command chief master sergeant from the 113th Wing, District of Columbia Air National Guard to be the next CONR-1 AF (AFNORTH) command chief.

Lt. Gen. William Etter chose Chief Master Sgt. Ronald Anderson Jr. who entered the Air Force in 1987. The chief has a background in vehicle and aircraft maintenance, recruiting and several assignments throughout the National Guard Bureau.

"The opportunity to serve the men and women of CONR-1st Air Force is incredibly humbling," Anderson said. "I am honored and looking forward to not only the opportunity to work at the numbered Air Force level, but more importantly to remain engaged in the defense of the homeland. Like my fellow 113th Wing Capital Guardians who have scrambled over 4000 times since 9-11, I understand the incredible responsibility of our no-fail mission. I will bring that steadfast mission focus to my new position."

As the command chief, Anderson's responsibilities will include advising the CONR-1 AF (AFNORTH) commander on matters regarding the health, morale and welfare of assigned enlisted personnel and their families. First Air Force is one of three numbered air forces assigned to Air Combat Command and has the responsibility of ensuring the air sovereignty and air defense of the continental United States (CONUS). As the CONUS geographical component of NORAD, it provides airspace surveillance and control and directs all air sovereignty activities for the continental United States.

"Given the outstanding caliber of applicants, this selection proved to be a challenging decision," said Etter. "But in the end, Chief Anderson is the right person and I very much look forward to working with this exemplary chief."

131st Bomb Wing Chaplain receives Samuel Stone Award

by Staff Sgt. Traci-lyn Payne
131st Bomb Wing Public Affairs

4/11/2013 - WHITEMAN AFB, Mo -- Chaplain Lt. Col. Michael T. Butler, 131st Bomb Wing, was recently awarded the 2012 Samuel Stone Award, recognizing him as the Chaplain of the Year for the Air National Guard.

"The Missouri National Guard is proud of Lt. Col. Butler and his service as chaplain with the 131st Bomb Wing," said Maj. Gen. Steve Danner, adjutant general of Missouri. "Chaplains have a key role in our warrior support and resiliency programs, which ensure our Soldiers and Airmen are able to complete their missions. To have Lt. Col. Butler recognized on the national level is a testament not only to his hard work, but to the dedication and professionalism of all of our chaplains."

The Samuel Stone Award is named for the late Chaplain Samuel Stone, the first recorded chaplain to serve in the militia of colonial America. The annual winner is chosen based on training accomplishments or contributions to mission support, exhibition of and enrollment in off-duty programs dedicated to professional self-improvement.

"This award is an impressive accomplishment that is so richly deserved," said Col. Michael J. Francis, 131st Bomb Wing commander. "Chaplain Butler's consistent passion and dedication to not only the mission, but the men and women he serves with, truly epitomizes the ideal Citizen-Airman."

Currently, Butler is deployed to the Transit Center at Manas AFB, Kyrgyzstan, serving as the wing chaplain. He volunteered for the 6-month deployment, which is a follow-on to his 13-month volunteer deployment to Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, as the wing chaplain and Catholic priest.

"I believe in the end, this award recognizes the 131st Bomb Wing's outstanding leadership and chapel team, not just myself as an individual," said Butler.

Ordained into the priesthood in 1989, Butler received his commission as a Catholic chaplain with the 131st Bomb Wing in 1991. In 2008, he joined the active-duty Air Force as the deputy wing chaplain, and later wing chaplain, at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. In 2010, he rejoined the 131st Bomb Wing where he serves on extended active duty.
"I love being a priest and I certainly am honored and privileged to be member of the Missouri Air National Guard," said Butler. "That is truly the best award I have received."

After his deployment, Chaplain Butler plans to return to the Archdiocese of St. Louis, where he is a priest, and to continue as a chaplain for the 131st at Whiteman.

180th FW serves Toledo's homeless

by Senior Airman William Winston
Public Affairs

4/14/2013 - Toledo, Ohio -- Volunteers from the 180th Logistics Readiness Squadron served dinner to more than 200 of Toledo's homeless on Feb. 25 at the Cherry Street Mission.

The 180th LRS increased the visibility of the Ohio Air National Guard in the Toledo area by working with the Cherry Street Mission Ministries to provide coats and meals for the homeless.

Established in 1947, the Cherry Street Mission Ministries provides services to help the less fortunate in Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan, 24-hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. This organization also supports two local homeless shelters: the Cherry Street Mission, a men's shelter, and the Sparrow's Nest, a females' shelter.

In November, the 180th LRS kicked off their volunteer efforts at Cherry Street Mission with a coat drive that replaced their annual holiday gift exchange. "At the end of the year we always do a gift exchange and people don't know what to get," said Senior
Master Sgt. Joy Chittum, 180th Fight Wing distribution flight supervisor.

Also, "everyone in LRS was receptive to the idea of the coat drive because it was for a good cause," said Senior Master Sgt. Annie Menchaca-Bratton, a Toledo native, and member of 180th HazMat Pharmacy. "Not to mention, it was the Christmas season."

"I had expected people to donate only a few coats, but every time I turned around the bin was full," said Chittum. "It was pretty amazing delivering the coats because the Cherry Street staff was so overwhelmed and amazed by the number of coats we gave. Seeing that made us feel good about what we were doing."

"LRS donated approximately 75 coats to Cherry Street Mission," said Lt. Col. Frank Dailey, 180th FW LRS commander.

Having walked away with good feelings, the members of the 180th LRS decided to donate their time again at Cherry Street Mission in February, during a week of annual training.

"We went to Cherry Street Monday, Tuesday and Thursday," said Chittum. "We fed the homeless two of the nights, and we did a non-perishable food drive on the last day."

When told they could be feeding up to 300 people, Menchaca-Bratton said, she felt overwhelmed initially. However, things went smoothly once they got to Cherry Street because of the good planning and coordination by leadership at LRS.

Furthermore, Menchaca-Bratton said, it was remarkable to witness the volunteers bringing food out to the women at the Sparrow's Nest, almost restaurant style. This moment was all about putting service before self, one of the Air Force core values. Those women were so appreciative of how our service made them feel special.

"When Rosilyn Goodwin, director of Stewardship Services at Cherry Street, first came out to give the 180th FW was in the area," said Chittum. "I think it is important to get out in the community to let them know we are here."

"The 180 FW has a proud history of supporting our local community through numerous events, volunteerism and donations," said Col. Steve Nordhaus, 180th FW commander. "We are committed to protecting and serving our nation at home and abroad."

LRS's community service work has inspired other squadrons at the 180th FW to get involved at Cherry Street Mission.

"The 180th must have had a huge impact on Cherry Street and Sparrow's Nest because they want us to come back," said Menchaca- Bratton. "Volunteering at Cherry Street Mission was something I had always wanted to do, and now it is something that I will continue to do."

Face of Defense: Army Trumpeter ‘Swings’ With Salvadorans

By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Mark Wyatt
U.S. Army South

SONSONATE, El Salvador, April 15, 2013 – Music provides many things to many cultures. It is important everywhere. But here in El Salvador, music is big. Really big.

New Hampshire Army National Guard Warrant Officer Sean Pinsonneault, the Joint Task Force Jaguar base operations officer in charge, performs during an evening concert with the Salvadoran Military District Six Band in Sonsonate, El Salvador, April 11, 2013. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Wyatt   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

So, for a soldier from the New Hampshire Army National Guard, an opportunity to perform with the Salvadoran army band while here on a training mission was a big deal.

 

“I was invited to rehearse and perform with the Military District Six Band here on base,” said Army Warrant Officer Sean Pinsonneault, the Joint Task Force Jaguar Base operations officer in charge. “They are putting on a concert here for soldiers participating in Beyond the Horizon-El Salvador, and invited me to perform alongside their talented musicians.”

According to his Salvadoran counterpart, Pinsonneault was given an opportunity that has never happened before.

“It was a pleasure because it's the first time someone has joined us, to carry forward the art of music,” said Salvadoran army 1st Lt. Fabricio Hernandez.

Being able to read music is a universal language, Pinsonneault said.

“I speak very little Spanish, and they speak very little English. The beauty of music is that we speak a universal language,” said Pinsonneault. “I didn’t need to understand what the conductor was saying in Spanish, I knew what he meant just by his actions and by what the musicians next to me were playing, so I didn’t actually need to understand Spanish, I could understand his music.”

The Salvadoran conductor was grateful for the opportunity.

“We enjoyed it. We've never had such an experience,” Hernandez said. “We enjoyed the experience we've had with each other.”

Pinsonneault said he appreciated the opportunity to play with the Salvadoran military musicians.

“I was honored,” Pinsonneault said. “I was concerned about not playing my instrument for three months while assigned here, but having a band that I can actually practice with is amazing. So when they asked me to join them, I was honored to sit in with them.”

Pinsonneault and other U.S. service members are here as part of Beyond the Horizon-El Salvador 2013, an annual humanitarian and civil-assistance exercise. The exercise provides construction and medical assistance to partner nations throughout Central and South America and the Caribbean.

While in El Salvador, active duty, National Guard and Reserve service members will conduct civil-military operations, including humanitarian civic assistance and medical, dental and engineering support, and participate in cultural exchanges.

A trumpeter himself, Pinsonneault said he was impressed by the Salvadoran trumpet players.

“Their trumpet players are amazing,” he said. “They are really good. It was a little intimidating sitting next to them because of how good they play.”

A tradition with concert bands, the feature performance is a way to recognize talented musicians.

“The conductor of the band wanted me to play a solo on a song I didn’t know very well,” Pinsonneault said. “I tried to practice it, but I didn’t really know the song and didn’t have much time to practice it, so the conductor graciously chose a song I knew well, ‘In the Mood.’”

Later that night, the band performed for more than 150 Salvadoran and U.S. personnel at a local bazaar. The bazaar was an opportunity for the first rotation of BTH soldiers to experience some Salvadoran culture mixed in with American music.

“While U.S. soldiers were buying souvenirs at the bazaar, the Salvadorans chose American music to make us feel more at home while here building schools and providing medical and dental care to local communities alongside our Salvadoran partners,” Pinsonneault said.

The American military trumpet player said he would like to play with the Salvadorans again.

“I hope I get the opportunity to come back and perform again with their talented musicians,” Pinsonneault said. “I would really like to bring my [Army] band down here and have a cultural exchange with the bands. I think that it would be beneficial to my band and beneficial to the Salvadorans as well.”

Cyber Tops Intel Community’s 2013 Global Threat Assessment

By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 15, 2013 – National security threats are more diverse, interconnected and viral than at any time in history, the director of national intelligence said last week in a statement for the record delivered to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

“This year, in content and organization, this statement illustrates how quickly and radically the world and our threat environments are changing,” James R. Clapper said in the statement’s introduction.

At the top of the U.S. intelligence community’s 2013 assessment of global threats is cyber, followed by terrorism and transnational organized crime, weapons of mass destruction proliferation, counterintelligence and space activities, insecurity and competition for natural resources, health and pandemic threats, and mass atrocities.

“This environment is demanding reevaluations of the way we do business, expanding our analytic envelope and altering the vocabulary of intelligence,” Clapper said in his statement.

The 30-page statement, based on information complete as of March 7, also lists threats in terms of regions such as the Middle East and North Africa, sub-Saharan Africa, East and South Asia, Russia and Eurasia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Europe.

As the top-listed global threat, cyber is discussed in terms of increasing risk to U.S. critical infrastructure, the erosion of U.S. economic and national security, information control and Internet governance, and other areas.

“We judge that there is a remote chance of a major cyberattack against U.S. critical infrastructure systems during the next two years that would result in long-term, wide-scale disruption of services such as a regional power outage,” Clapper stated.

The technical expertise and operational sophistication needed for such an attack is out of reach for most actors, he added, and “advanced cyber actors like Russia and China are unlikely to launch such a devastating attack against the United States outside of a military conflict or crisis that they believe threatens their vital interests.”

But, he stated, isolated state or nonstate actors might deploy less sophisticated cyberattacks as a form of retaliation or provocation.

In terms of eroding U.S. economic and national security, the director said in his statement: “We assess that highly networked business practices and information technology are providing opportunities for foreign intelligence and security services, trusted insiders, hackers and others to target and collect sensitive U.S. national security and economic data.”

Such activities are allowing adversaries to close the technological gap between the U.S. military and their own, he added, slowly neutralizing a key U.S. advantage internationally.

In the area of online information control, he said, some countries, including Russia, China and Iran, focus on cyber influence and the risk that Internet content might contribute to political instability. The U.S. focus is on cyber security and the risks to network and system reliability and integrity.

This fundamental difference in defining cyber threats was a core part of discussions as countries negotiated a global telecommunications treaty in Dubai in December, Clapper said.

“The contentious new text that resulted led many countries, including the United States, not to sign the treaty because of its language on network security, spam control and expansion of the U.N.’s role in Internet governance,” the director added.

Negotiations showed that such disagreements will be long-running challenges in bilateral and multilateral engagements, he said.

“We track cyber developments among nonstate actors, including terrorist groups, hacktivists and cyber criminals,” Clapper noted, adding, “We have seen indications that some terrorist organizations have heightened interest in developing offensive cyber capabilities, but they will probably be constrained by inherent resource and organizational limitations and competing priorities.”

In Clapper’s statement to Congress, he said terrorism is divided into subcategories that include the evolving homeland threat landscape, the global jihadist threat overseas and its affiliates, allies and sympathizers in Iran and Lebanese Hezbollah.

Terrorist threats, the director observed, are in transition as the global jihadist movement becomes increasingly decentralized.

“The Arab Spring has generated a spike in threats to U.S. interests in the region that likely will endure until political upheaval stabilizes and security forces regain their capabilities,” Clapper said.

The nation also faces uncertainty about potential threats from Iran and Lebanese Hezbollah, which see the United States and Israel as their principal enemies.

For al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula, attacks on U.S. soil will remain part of its transnational strategy and the group continues to adjust its tactics, techniques and procedures for targeting the West, Clapper said.
The intelligence community assesses that al-Qaida-inspired homegrown violent extremists will continue to be involved in fewer than 10 domestic plots per year and will be motivated by global jihadist propaganda to engage in violent action, he added.

For core al-Qaida, the director said, “senior personnel losses in 2012, amplifying losses and setbacks since 2008, have degraded that organization to a point that the group is probably unable to carry out complex, large-scale attacks in the West … [but] its leaders will not abandon the aspiration to attack inside the United States.”

Iran, North Korea and Syria figure prominently in the statement’s discussion of weapons of mass destruction.
“We assess Iran is developing nuclear capabilities to enhance its security, prestige and regional influence and give it the ability to develop nuclear weapons, should a decision be made to do so,” Clapper said.

“We do not know if Iran will eventually decide to build nuclear weapons,” he added.

North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile programs pose a serious threat to the United States and to the security environment in East Asia, a region with some of the world’s largest populations, militaries and economies, the director said.

“North Korea’s export of ballistic missiles and associated materials to several countries, including Iran and Syria, and its assistance to Syria’s construction of a nuclear reactor, destroyed in 2007, illustrate the reach of its proliferation activities,” Clapper said.

“… Although we assess with low confidence that the North would only attempt to use nuclear weapons against U.S. forces or allies to preserve the Kim [Jong Un] regime,” he added, “we do not know what would constitute, from the North’s perspective, crossing that threshold.”

Syria has an active chemical warfare program and maintains a stockpile of sulfur mustard, sarin and the nerve agent VX. The intelligence community assesses that Syria has a stockpile of missiles, aerial bombs and possibly artillery rockets that can be used to deliver these agents, the director said.

“Syria’s overall CW program is large, complex and geographically dispersed, with sites for storage, production and preparation,” Clapper said.

“This advanced CW program has the potential to inflict mass casualties,” he added, “and we assess that an increasingly beleaguered regime, having found its escalation of violence through conventional means inadequate, might be prepared to use CW against the Syrian people.”

Some elements of Syria’s longstanding biological warfare program may have advanced beyond the research and development stage and may be capable of limited agent production, the director said.

Syria is not known to have successfully weaponized biological agents in an effective delivery system, he added, but it has conventional and chemical weapon systems that could be modified for biological agent delivery.

In this threat environment, Clapper said, “… The intelligence community must continue to promote collaboration among experts in every field, from the political and social sciences to natural sciences, medicine, military issues and space.”

He added: “Collectors and analysts need vision across disciplines to understand how and why developments -- and both state and unaffiliated actors -- can spark sudden changes with international implications.”

192nd Fighter Wing Fights the 'Aggressors' at Red Flag

by Master Sgt. Carlos J. Claudio
192FW Public Affairs

4/12/2013 - Langley Air Force Base, Va. -- The 192nd Fighter Wing pilots and maintainers recently put their skill and capabilities to the test. 42 members of the 192nd traveled with the 27th Fighter Squadron to Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada to participate in a three-week, large-force exercise known as Red Flag.

"Red Flag is a unique training opportunity that is intended to prepare our pilots to survive the first few days of combat in a major theater war," said Lt. Col. McAtee, pilot participant and 192nd Maintenance Squadron Commander. "Red Flag brings together a myriad of assets from the blue air side (or coalition forces) and the red air side (also known as "aggressors") to create giant, real life war games that involve many different aircraft types performing many different missions, all of which are choreographed to achieve specifics affects that emulate large-scale combat."

Red Flag missions were conducted during daylight hours and at night, and contained up to 100 aircraft, fighting to win control of the air space and accomplish their missions. The U.S. Navy, Marines and Britain's Royal Air Force also participated. Each mission was fought against approximately 40 to 50 enemy aircraft. These "Aggressors" are Nellis AFB permanent staff pilots who fly in camouflage-painted F-16s and F-15Cs to look like a threat-type aircraft. The mission of the Virginia Air National Guard team was to protect the blue forces from these aggressors and establish "air dominance" with their F-22 Raptors.

"We were responsible for protecting all of the airplanes out there so they were able to do their mission," explained McAtee. "Whether the airplanes were finding high-value targets, bombing pre-planned targets, finding mobile SCUD launchers, or conducting intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, we were responsible to make sure the aggressors didn't shoot any of them." McAtee said the F-22s successfully established dominance over the aggressors enabled the blue air to conduct their missions.

This is McAtee's fifth Red Flag exercise and although they don't use real bombs, he says a lot has evolved. Today's' modern aircraft and technology make aerial combat training extremely realistic with the use of training emitters and sensors.

"With the advent of data links and advance sensors on our airplanes, we have the ability to keep global situational awareness of what is going on around us and it's a huge advantage," McAtee said, "because the enemy aircraft don't have nearly this much awareness."

McAtee flew nighttime missions and put in some long days while he was there. The missions were complicated and usually involved an entire day of planning preceding each sortie. "Everyone gave it their all to launch and fly these missions. From the flight line and back shop maintainers, to the ammo, weapons and support personnel- it was a total team effort."

Aircraft maintainers in the low observables paint section made sure the aircraft were ready to fly.

"We tailored our swing shift around the flying schedule, so when the aircraft landed during my shift, it was my job along with two other active duty air force airmen to go out and perform OMLS (outer mold line) inspections of all the jets," said Master Sgt. David Buckley, 192nd FW maintenance squadron. "You're looking for any outward damage to the outside of the aircraft and to the coatings."

Master Sgt. David Dehart was the maintenance squadron non-commissioned officer in charge. This was his fourth time at Red Flag.

"As the maintenance squadron NCOIC (non-commissioned officer in charge), I coordinated with fabrication, accessories, fuels, NDI (non-destructive inspection), low observables, egress and other shops, to keep the jets flying."

The Virginia Air National Guard has flown the F-22 aircraft in Red Flag exercises since 2007.

Hagel Eliminates Distinguished Warfare Medal

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, April 15, 2013 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has eliminated the Distinguished Warfare Medal, DOD officials announced today.

Instead, the military will recognize service members who directly affect combat operations without being present through distinguishing devices that will be affixed to already existing awards.

Soon after being sworn in as defense secretary Feb. 27, 2013, Hagel asked Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to lead a review of the medal.

“The Joint Chiefs of Staff, with the concurrence of the service secretaries, have recommended the creation of a new distinguishing device that can be affixed to existing medals to recognize the extraordinary actions of this small number of men and women,” Hagel said in a written release.

“I agree with the Joint Chiefs’ findings, and have directed the creation of a distinguishing device instead of a separate medal,” Hagel said in the release.

Hagel added: “The servicemen and women who operate and support our remotely piloted aircraft, operate in cyber, and others are critical to our military’s mission of safeguarding the nation.”

The distinguishing devices will serve to recognize these service members’ achievements, he said.

The undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness will develop the award criteria in close coordination with the services and the Joint Staff, officials said.

DOD announced the creation of the Distinguished Warfare Medal Feb. 13, 2013.

“I’ve always felt -- having seen the great work that they do, day-in and day-out -- that those who performed in an outstanding manner should be recognized,” then-Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said during a news conference announcing the medal.

“Unfortunately,” Panetta added, “medals that they otherwise might be eligible for simply did not recognize that kind of contribution.”

Members of veterans’ service organizations and others objected to the Distinguished Warfare Medal, officials said. The medal’s order of precedence was to be just below the Distinguished Flying Cross and just above the Bronze Star. Some commentators objected that it would rank higher than the Purple Heart -- awarded to those wounded or killed in action.

“When I came into office, concerns were raised to me about the Distinguished Warfare Medal’s order of precedence by veterans’ organizations, members of Congress and other stakeholders whose views are valued by this department’s leadership,” Hagel said.

The distinguishing devices can be affixed to awards at different levels, so, once written, the criteria for the awards must reflect that, officials said. For example, the criteria for affixing a device to an Army Commendation Medal would be different than those for a Meritorious Service Medal -- a higher award.

Laughlin XLer earns NCO of the Year award

by Airman 1st Class John D. Partlow
47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

4/12/2013 - LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Tech. Sgt. Mitchell Valentine, 47th Operations Support Squadron NCO in charge of weather operations, earned the NCO of the Year award out of all weather operators in the Air Force.

The purpose of the award is to acknowledge Air Force military and civilian individuals and units for exceptional performance in the line of duty.

"I'm really excited I won the award," said Valentine. "I think this reflects well on the shop and the base as a whole."

Valentine, a native of Atlanta, Mich., has served in the Air Force for 12 years and has spent the last eight years in weather operations.

Valentine says the best part of his job as a weather operator is working with student pilots.

"Interacting with the student pilots lets you know how important your job can be," said Valentine. "These pilots usually have very little experience, so predicting the right weather for their flight is very important."

Tech. Sgt. Brian Aragon, 47th OSS NCOIC of weather systems and one of Valentine's coworkers, said the award could not have gone to a more deserving person.

"He's a hard charger," said Aragon. "Many things that were done here couldn't have been accomplished without him. In the short time he's been here, I've learned a lot from him."

One of Valentine's accomplishments was his creation of the weather page on Laughlin's official website to deliver accurate and up-to-date weather information to Team XL and the Del Rio community.

Valentine originally joined the Air Force for its educational benefits, but now plans to make the Air Force a life-long career.

As far as winning the award, Valentine credits the work to his coworkers and fellow Airmen.

"The shop has done all of the work behind this award," said Valentine. "I've had a lot of hard-workers around me and some great mentors."

Two Laughlin controllers named "Best in Command"

by 2nd Lt. Evan M. Ross
47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

4/12/2013 - LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Two air traffic controllers from Laughlin's 47th Operations Support Squadron earned Best in Command accolades from Air Education and Training Command for 2012.

Tech. Sgt. Donald Dalrymple, 47th OSS NCO in charge of air traffic control training, was named the best ATC trainer in AETC, and Staff Sgt. Benjamin Murphy, 47th OSS ATC watch supervisor, was named the best ATC of the year in AETC.

Both were lauded by their supervisors who submitted the paperwork for these men to be awarded.

According to his supervisors, Murphy, a former John Levitow Award recipient from Airman Leadership School, excels in more ways than just his job duties. He finished his associate's degree from the Community College of the Air Force recently with a grade point average of 3.9 and says that he plans to begin his bachelor's degree soon.

Murphy also, along with several other controllers, consistently embodies the Air Force's second core value by volunteering in the community and helping the needy.

The command singled Murphy out for his excellence in his job duties. Over the last year, Murphy coordinated and helped bring a safe conclusion to three emergencies requiring cooperation with local law enforcement agencies and aircraft in Laughlin's airspace.

Much like Murphy, Dalrymple has also been recognized by his supervisors and AETC for his excellence.

In his duties as NCOIC of ATC training, he has ushered in the lowest withdrawal rate from ATC training in AETC. The quality of training that Laughlin controllers receive allows more student controllers to get to Air Force standards than any other AETC base, which saves the Air Force money in additional training and reclassification of airmen.

During Laughlin's most recent Consolidated Unit Inspection, Dalrymple earned the title of "AETC benchmark" for ATC trainers due to his tireless efforts and adherence to standards.

His excellence in training also extends beyond ATC duties, however, as he also created his squadron's self-aid and buddy care medical training and tracking programs while supervising the training and qualifications for more than 90 airmen.

Dalrymple and Murphy were both quick to give the credit for these achievements to their coworkers instead of taking it for themselves.

"The team as a whole is responsible for everything we've been able to accomplish to this point," said Dalrymple. "The people I work with are great at their jobs, which makes my job a lot easier."

Chief Master Sgt. Howard Teesdale, chief of ATC, was quicker to give credit where credit was due.

"Both of these men are exactly what you want as a supervisor," said Teesdale. "They're excellent at their jobs, excellent role models for our younger men and women and truly embody all of our core values."

Performance program strengthens battlefield Airmen

by Tech. Sgt. Kristine Dreyer
353rd Special Operations Group Public Affairs

4/14/2013 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan (AFNS) -- "Humans are more important than hardware" is a saying heard continuously throughout the special operations community. One special tactics squadron has a facility that turns these words into action.

The 320th Special Tactics Squadron's Human Performance Training Center here offers battlefield Airmen an opportunity to ensure they remain mission-ready.

"Much like our aircraft have dedicated crew chiefs and our aircrews have flight medicine, our battlefield Airmen here in the Pacific now have their own dedicated team working to ensure they are in peak physical and mental condition," said Chief Master Sgt. Mark Smith, the senior enlisted manager at the 320th STS the senior.

The HPTC houses the Human Performance Program, which is part of Preservation of the Force and Family, a U.S. Special Operations Command initiative. The HPP focuses not only on physically strengthening a battlefield Airman, but also rehabilitating them to ensure they are performing to their maximum potential for as long as possible.

"While deployed, we are doing direct and close combat on a daily basis and that is the nature of our mission. We are extending ourselves, both body and mind, to the limit," said Maj. William White, the 320th STS commander. "We have got to do more to preserve the force, so we can continue to provide the same caliber of combat skills for years to come."

In an effort to preserve the force, the HPP includes a seven-person team of medical personnel who provide each STS Airman with an individual plan making this facility more than just a gym. The staff includes a physical therapist, social worker, operational psychologist, strength and conditioning coach, athletic trainer, physicians assistant, and a flight doctor. Each of these specialists ensure Airmen are constantly challenged or correctly rehabilitated.

"If I have one Airman who is running 12 miles an hour at a 15 percent incline, I need to be able to challenge him. If I have another who is coming back from an injury, I need to rehabilitate him," said Maj. Mark McElroy a physical therapist 320th STS. "With the equipment here like the force treadmill and the antigravity treadmill, I can individualize each workout, making each workout count."

As a combat controller who has deployed nine times, White knows how important this specialized approach is to the STS community. After his last deployment, his back issues finally caught up with him, he said. Even after surgery, his pain persisted. He also didn't see the improvement needed to continue meeting the demands of his mission.

"Structurally they fixed me," White said. "But without the proper rehabilitative workouts, it was just a band-aid that was covering up the problem."

Finally, White visited the athletic institute, which was used as a benchmark to create the program in the HPP.

"In just three-and-a-half weeks, I went from running assisted to completely healed," White said.

While this facility is a huge step in the right direction for the special tactics community, the program is just getting started.

"This facility is a bridge to the future," Smith said. "The long-term vision is to increase the size of the facility, so we can continue to preserve of force and enable the Air Force to ensure a continuum on its investment."