352nd Special Operations Group
6/7/2013 - RAF MILDENHALL, England -- The 352nd Special Operations Group at RAF Mildenhall, England, will begin an expansion this summer.
Beginning in June, the 352nd SOG plans to start receiving the first two
of 10 CV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft and the first of 12 MC-130J
Commando II fixed-wing aircraft.
The remaining eight Osprey aircraft are scheduled to arrive by the end
of 2014, while the additional MC-130J inventory is scheduled to take up
to five years for the final aircraft to arrive.
In addition to the aircraft, the 352nd SOG will have an increase in
additional U.S. Air Force personnel assigned to the group. Including
family members, an increase of about 900 people is expected.
The decision to expand the 352nd SOG is a result of close coordination
between the U.K. Ministry of Defence and the U.S. Department of Defense.
"We are welcoming back vertical airlift to SOF in Europe," said Col.
Christopher Ireland, 352nd SOG commander. "It's been almost six years
since we've had it here, and this modernization of the force improves
our efficiency and effectiveness.
"We're increasing in aircraft, operators, maintainers and support
personnel," continued Ireland. "With the growth, we'll be able to
more-fully support operations requirements and partner nation training
opportunities."
The addition of the CV-22s and MC-130Js will enhance the capabilities of the operators.
The Osprey combines the vertical takeoff, hover and vertical landing
qualities of a helicopter with the long-range fuel efficiency and speed
characteristics of a turboprop aircraft. This versatile, self-deployable
aircraft offers increased speed and range over rotary-wing aircraft,
enabling the execution of long-range missions. The CV-22 can perform
missions that normally would require both fixed-wing and rotary-wing
aircraft.
The MC-130J flies low visibility, single or multi-ship low-level air
refueling missions for helicopters and tilt-rotor aircraft. It can also
provide infiltration/exfiltration and resupply of forces by airdrop or
airland accessing sensitive or hostile territories.
Both the CV-22 and MC-130J primarily fly missions at night to reduce probability of acquisition and engagement by enemy threats.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Training while killing biters
910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
6/11/2013 - GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Roaring overhead at more than 200 mph, 100 feet above watery areas of Williston, N.D. and Grand Forks Air Force Base, N.D., Air Force Reserve C-130H Hercules aircraft from Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, provided much needed relief during aerial spray missions May 28 to June 7, 2013.
Citizen Airmen from the Air Force Reserve's 757th Airlift Squadron at YARS, home to the Department of Defense's only fixed-wing aerial spray capability, deployed on the mission to train aircrew, pest management personnel and maintenance members in control of nuisance and disease-carrying mosquitoes.
The crews applied larvicide, designed to kill mosquitoes before they're able to fly, in order to improve working conditions and lower risk of vector-borne illness to individuals working and living in and around Williston Army Corps of Engineers property, Williston, N.D., and here.
The Williston region of North Dakota has long had mosquito problems because the Missouri River often floods low-lying areas in the Spring, while Grand Forks AFB is prone to standing water that multiplies mosquito populations. The aerial spray missions' purpose was to lower the number of mosquito bite-related irritations and infections and minimize the threat of West Nile Virus while offering real-world training to the Airmen and other parties conducting the mission.
The highly technical missions required coordination between aircrew flying the C-130s and pest management personnel on the ground and with civilian air traffic to de-conflict airspace. Air Force Reserve Maj. Kirk Mundal, 757th Airlift Squadron entomologist, helped provide coordination by providing ground support and conducted pest population monitoring prior to and after the mission to measure effectiveness.
Maj. Joe George, 757th Airlift Squadron pilot, served as mission commander.
"We had a very successful mission," said George. "The people were very happy to see us and there was a great response. North Dakota had a very wet season, and that creates perfect conditions for a lot of mosquitoes."
The aerial spray team flew 56.3 hours during the operational portion of the missions, covering 8,024 acres.
Airman wins Volunteer Parent of the Year
436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
6/10/2013 - DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Military personnel have always made community involvement and volunteering a priority and a Dover NCO was recently recognized for his efforts.
Staff Sgt. Jon Meyers, 9th Airlift Squadron flight engineer, received the Capital School District Parent Volunteer of the Year award in a ceremony May 29, 2013, at Dover High School in Dover, Del.
Meyers, who volunteered and coached cross country and track at Central Middle School, is married with two children. His wife Tricia is a certified dental assistant in the 436th Dental Squadron.
The Volunteer Parent of the Year award is an award given by the office of the Delaware governor and lieutenant governor to the parent in the Capital School District community that excels in volunteering and has great achievements.
Dianne Bogle, Capital School District parent engagement and mentoring coordinator, said they give out the parent volunteer awards because the parents put in a lot of time and are not paid for what they do. Research shows when parents are involved the children do better in school.
"It is just our way of saying thank you and showing that we appreciate the hard work that parents put in," said Bogle.
Meyers won the award for coaching the CMS cross country and track teams the past two years and leading them to second and third place finishes at the state-wide invitational tournaments. In the last two years he has contributed more than 500 volunteer hours.
Meyers said coaching is like mentoring because you have to set a positive example for the young athletes.
"A lot of parents I know, I guess like my coaching style because I was very up front and in their face," said Meyers, the native from Hershey, Pa. "I didn't lie to the kids. I told them exactly what they needed to hear whether it was what they wanted to hear or not."
Bogle said Meyers was chosen because he was always there. He attended every practice and every meet.
"A lot of times you have someone who volunteers and they may not be consistent, but he is always there," said Bogle. "If someone were looking from the outside they wouldn't be able to notice a difference between Jon Meyers and the hired coaches that the school has."
Meyers said there are always volunteer opportunities for Airmen on base, but it is important for people to be directly involved in the community because he feels they don't get enough support. He said it may be because the community doesn't have the same email communication support as the base.
"I feel it is important that we Dover Air Force members get out in the community and do great things out there just to give something back to them, because they give so much to us and I think sometimes we forget about that," said Meyers. "I think it is important to show the community that we are here and will help them."
376th EAMXS keep air refuelers flying
376th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
6/11/2013 - TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, Kyrgyzstan -- Troops on the ground in Afghanistan are supported by pilots flying A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, F-16 Fighting Falcons, B-1 Lancers and more in the region, until the aircraft inevitably uses its fuel supply.
KC-135 Stratotankers, flying out of Transit Center at Manas, Kyrgyzstan, are used to provide air refueling to aircraft so they can continue their mission. But who ensures KC-135s are able to continue their refueling mission?
That's where the 376th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at the transit center comes in.
"The mission in our unit is to support air refueling," said Master Sgt. Chris Wietecha, 376th EAMXS hydraulic technician. "We get gas down to the combat pilots downrange."
Wietecha mainly works in hydraulics, replacing parts, performing routine service checks and maintaining hydraulic systems. He helps out the crew chiefs that marshal aircraft to get them ready for the next flight. If an aircraft has any malfunction, his unit specializes in working the individual systems of the aircraft. They work everything from the air refueling boom in the KC-135, to the multi-point refueling systems.
"It's a real team concept how we blend it all together," he said. "We break out of our specialties and help each other out. It's working really well."
The maintenance squadron services aircraft that give close air support for the military branches and special operations in Afghanistan. Wietecha's role with the squadron carries a twist--he spends about every other month working in Afghanistan.
"It's really neat," the native of Riverside, Calif., said. "It puts the mindset in you that this stuff is happening. You're working 12 hours every day until the day you go home. It's high tempo based on the amount of flights and how fast we're turning jets. They land and within a few hours we've got them back in the air."
"Sometimes it's more stressful," said Staff Sgt. Kayla Reeh, 376th EAMXS instrument and flight control specialist from Suisun, Calif., who also serves every other month in Afghanistan. "But it's really a good feeling that there are people on the ground getting air support, and we're the reason the air support is even able to be there. Right now, turning wrenches and fixing airplanes is what I love to do. I love my job."
Wietecha and Reeh work directly with the special operations units. They get to see the pilots that fly the aircraft they help maintain.
"When I'm in Afghanistan I really feel like I'm part of the mission," Wietecha said. "I get to be out there turning wrenches with the younger guys, which is pretty neat. I actually put in a request to extend up to another 120 days.
"I love doing the hands-on stuff," he said. "It gets me back to the grass roots of it all. Being in Afghanistan is an eye-opener on how much of an impact we really have. Being at the Transit Center, we're seeing the troops that are going to their missions. Knowing that the aircraft we're sending up are supporting the aircraft that are keeping them safe on the ground; it touches your heart."
Maintenance innovation has potential to save time, money
302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
6/11/2013 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Rocks kicked up when landing a C-130 on unimproved runways can damage the fuselage of the aircraft.
To combat this problem, maintainers in the 302nd Maintenance Group here began putting tape on the plane's belly.
In January, they took another step by applying protective tape to the forward landing gear in an effort to extend the life cycle of the struts and in turn save the Air Force money in repair costs.
"The tape was originally approved to help prevent rock damage from unimproved landing strips," said Senior Master Sgt. William Harris, 302nd Maintenance Squadron fabrication flight chief. "The landing gear takes as much or more impact from rocks. We want to prevent as much damage as possible to the main landing gear by applying the tape."
According to Harris, the main landing gear struts cost about $100,000 each and are rated for a four-year lifespan. Getting that much service out of the landing gear struts is rare because of the aircraft frequently deploy to Southwest Asia.
Two years is a more realistic life expectancy of the parts. Harris believes the protective tape will extend the life of the parts to four years and save money by reducing the frequency of replacements.
"To replace a single strut, it takes a two-person team from the Repair and Reclamation section eight hours," Harris said. "That does not take into account all of the scheduling, hangar time and down time that pulls an aircraft off the flying schedule."
The tape is an industrial product made of 36 mm thick abrasion resistant polyurethane elastomeric that resists punctures, tearing and erosion. It comes in a 24-inch by 36-yard roll which is enough to cover 108 struts. It is easy to apply and creates no hazardous air pollutants.
The estimated cost of materials and labor to install the tape on one strut is $100. Unless punctured by rocks, the tape remains in place until the complete serviceable life of the strut. If there is a hole in the tape, maintenance will remove it and then inspect the strut. The tape does not have a designated or set lifespan.
The 302nd MXG has approval from the C-130 Systems Engineering Program Office to apply the tape to the forward struts of aircraft tail No. 7319.
Maintainers will inspect the struts after the first and 10th unimproved runway landing to evaluate the success of the procedure. If successful, the program office will determine the feasibility of adding the tape to the aircraft's rear struts, as well as other aircraft.
"The only issue is that the tape can only be installed on new struts," Harris said. "If it was applied on struts with existing damage, we would only be covering up issues and could result in future mishaps."
Col. James Van Housen, 302nd MXG commander, said, "This operational test is the result of an idea that originated here in the 302nd from our own mechanics and took steadfast determination to bring it to fruition. The first-class care we give our aircraft is not just aimed at extending their life span, but at making ours the best fleet of C-130s in the Air Force."
The end of an era
436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
6/10/2013 - DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- A security specialist is set to retire after 42 years.
Jay Darcey is a retired chief master sergeant who had 30 years of experience in the Air Force as a law enforcement specialist. He is now retiring from his current job as the base security liaison at Welch Elementary and Dover Air Force Base Middle School after 12 years.
He has been the base security liaison for both schools since Sept. 19, 2001.
During Darcey's time as a security liaison he has had many jobs. He checks people entering the school building to make sure they have access and are authorized. He does walk around inspections, helps with safety patrols and helps the children raise the flag in the morning. He also helps out at the housing gate helping to expedite the school teachers and the school choice children.
"I have been told by security forces that I am a walking entry authorization list because I know 97 percent of the people that come through the gate," said Darcey, a native of Baltimore, Md.
David Santore, Dover Air Force Base Middle School principal, said Darcey is a great liaison between the school and the base. Darcey makes himself an integral part of the school because he works a lot with the children.
"He is fantastic at knowing people's names whether they are a kindergarten student, an 8th-grader or a parent," said Santore. "He does a fantastic job of being the face of the school. He is the first person you see when you walk in. He is very personable and welcoming and will do anything you ask him to do."
Darcey came into the Air Force in 1966 and retired in 1997.
During his time in the Air Force he walked around B-52 Stratofortes and tanker aircraft, worked information security and reported analysis.
"I enjoy working the gate because I get to interact with the young security forces members," said Darcey. "I talk to them and get their story. It is almost like being back on active duty."
Outside of work, Darcey officiates all the intramural sports. He said he loves it because he is still getting to interact with young Airmen and they keep him young and active.
Darcey and his wife Marian, a native of Puerto Rico, are retiring at about the same time. She is a Spanish teacher at Caesar Rodney High School. After they retire they plan to travel to Puerto Rico, Orlando and Europe.
Darcey still plans on volunteering after he retires. He said he wants to volunteer at the retiree office, the base chapel and an organization downtown.
Kathy DeLong, Dover Air Force Base Middle School instructional support teacher, said when Darcey first came to the school she knew he was the man for the safety patrol job. She said she knows the children are safe and protected.
"He makes the kids feel like they have an important job with the flag," said DeLong. "I couldn't ask for someone who is more reliable and dependable."
Darcey said security is a priority and the protection of the children has been his mission.
"I am very fortunate and blessed to have had two great careers in the Air Force and working at the base school," said Darcey. "My advice to the young Airmen would be work hard, have a positive attitude, study and you can go all the way to the top in the Air Force. If you give to the Air Force, the Air Force will take good care of you and your family."
Siblings Reunite for Brother’s Retirement
By Lois Walsh
Eglin Air Force Base
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla., June 11, 2013 – Being part of a large family is not that unusual, but the Maldonado siblings take being part of a larger family -- the Air Force family -- to new heights.
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"This means the world to me," David said. "I am so proud of each and every one of my brothers and sisters. Their presence here to celebrate my retirement is just icing on the cake. I couldn't ask for a more joyous way to culminate my 25-year career."
The seven Maldonado children joined the Air Force for the opportunities it afforded them. It gave them a chance to serve their country while earning an education. The eldest, Air Force Chief Master Sgt. John Maldonado, remembers how it all began.
"Dave and I were two of three siblings born to our parents, Juan Maldonado and Judith Ortiz in New York City. Our sister, Denise, never joined the military," said the chief, who is stationed at Aviano Air Base, Italy. "We moved to Puerto Rico in 1981, and after our mom passed away in 1989, our father remarried Sandra Rosario."
Juan, an Army paratrooper, and Sandra had six children together, bringing the total number of Maldonado siblings to nine.
"Dave and I originally joined the Puerto Rico Air National Guard in the mid-1980s," John said. "Dave convinced me we should do this full-time, since we liked it so much. We joined the active duty Air Force together in January 1989, both in the communications-electronics career field," John said. "As our brothers and sisters grew up, they not only looked up to us as role models, but they were also touched emotionally by the events of 9/11," he continued. "Since our roots go back to New York City, they decided they also wanted to join the Air Force."
Besides the chief and David, the Air Force family includes Staff Sgt. Emmanuel Maldonado, Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.; Senior Airman Karla Lucas, Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.; Senior Airman Juan Maldonado, Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.; Airman 1st Class Marcos Maldonado, Camp Darby, Italy; and Airman 1st Class Ernesto Maldonado, Barksdale Air Force Base, La. The youngest sister and Ernesto's twin, Sophy, is in the process of enlisting.
"We always had the company of each other to entertain us and simply pass the time," said Marcos, a munitions system technician.
Karla, an air traffic controller, said the six youngest siblings were homeschooled for about eight years.
"God bless our mother. I don't know how she did it," she said, laughing. "We've been rivals, best friends, worst nightmares and tricksters to each other, but our mother always taught us the importance of our unity and to honor and love, and we are still as close as we were in those days."
Their father dies several years Karla added, but she remembers how he said her older brothers were an inspiration to all of them.
"My father had always shown great pride in what John and David did. He kept us updated on everything they were doing and the impact it had in the world,” she said. “We always had them in our minds as great examples of the Air Force life."
Ernesto, a food service specialist, said his family was the inspiration that led him to an Air Force career when he enlisted in October 2009. He, too, is thinking of making the Air Force a career, because "it's been an amazing experience so far."
"I wanted to be able to share the same joy, passion and interest they have for their jobs and the Air Force, as well as the many opportunities and benefits it had to offer," he said.
Emmanuel, a dental technician, had a similar experience when contemplating the military service as a career.
"My siblings were very supportive of my going to college instead of joining [the Air Force], but I joined because I admired how successful and professional they were, so I was definitely influenced and inspired by them," he said.
John and David's careers crossed paths early on when the brothers were stationed here and at nearby Hurlburt Field from 1989 to 1992. They were reunited again in 1998 when that were stationed together in the 603rd Air Control Squadron at Aviano. The younger airmen haven't had the chance to serve together yet, so gathering as a family for David's retirement, while in uniform, is a special event not just for them, but also for their mother.
"It's such a happy day to have all my children together again," Sandra said with a smile.
While the family patriarch wasn't there physically, the family knows he was there in spirit.
"Dad would be extremely proud," David said. "After John and I entered the Air Force, our dad saw how well we were doing. He dreamed of all of his children entering the Air Force and would have loved to have seen us all in uniform today."
PACAF unveils new strategic plan
6/11/2013 - Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii -- The commander of Pacific Air Forces, Gen. Hawk Carlisle, has released his strategy for promoting stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region.
PACAF Strategic Plan 2013 aligns PACAF's priorities with the national rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region, and serves as a guide to prioritize operations within current fiscal realities. It is the result of a collaboration with U.S. Pacific Command, Headquarters Air Force and regional partners and allies.
"As the nation's focus shifts to the Pacific, we needed a comprehensive strategy to guide us in this dynamic and challenging environment," Carlisle said. "This strategic plan centers on three core tenets and five lines of operation to provide unambiguous direction to PACAF members so they understand their role in accomplishing the mission."
The strategy is centered on three core tenets, which are: expand engagement, increase combat capability and improve warfighter integration.
"Engagement is something we are doing every day across the Asia-Pacific region," said Carlisle. "I cannot overstate the importance of working with our allies, partners and the international community to deter aggression and to maintain peace and stability in the region. What I see in the future is increased engagement by rotational forces, focusing across the spectrum from combat capability to humanitarian assistance."
The second tenet, increase combat capability, focuses on investing in U.S. Air Force modernization. Despite current budget challenges, the strategy emphasizes that modernization needs to remain a priority, particularly regarding the F-35, next generation bomber, command and control networks, cyber security, and integrated air and missile defense.
PACAF's third tenet, improve warfighter integration, involves refining the way the U.S. Air Force works together with joint and coalition partners to improve and advance humanitarian assistance capability, meet emerging threats and ensure freedom of movement. According to Carlisle, air, space, and cyberspace superiority are shared responsibilities with allies and partners in the Asia-Pacific region.
The PACAF strategy focuses these three core tenets across five critical lines of operation, or broad focus areas for the command. The lines of operation are: theater security cooperation; integrated air and missile defense; power projection; agile, flexible command and control; and resilient airmen.
"Each line of operation will have a roadmap specifically tailored to achieve our desired endstate," said Carlisle. "I want PACAF Airmen to consider these roadmaps my personal, written instructions."
Of all the lines of operation, Carlisle considers resilient Airmen to be the bedrock of PACAF's success.
"Our Airmen, which includes our civilians, are the critical enabler for all of the command's operations," Carlisle said. "We must continue to develop and care for them and their families so they can accomplish the mission."
According to the strategic plan, a resilient Airman is combat ready, comprehensively fit and aware, and cross-culturally competent--committed to making responsible choices.
More broadly, PACAF's resilient airmen line of operation is a holistic approach to readiness. It means achieving a higher state of fitness, maintaining training readiness and having personal affairs in order because Airmen must be ready to deploy at a moment's notice. A PACAF resilient Airman is also aware of personal limitations and recognizes at-risk behaviors, and is supportive of fellow Airmen and their families.
Additionally, they understand that they are the face and voice of the United States at all times, and they are cognizant of the unique capabilities of the joint and Total Force team.
"I challenge our Airmen to exemplify the traits of a resilient Airman," Carlisle said. "At the end of the day, you are our asymmetric advantage over any adversary."
Operation PACANGEL 2013 soars in Vietnam
Pacific Angel 2013-3 Public Affairs
6/11/2013 - DONG HOI, Vietnam -- The United States and Vietnam began humanitarian assistance operations in Dong Hoi, Quang Binh Province, Vietnam, June 10 as part of Operation Pacific Angel.
Operation PACANGEL, which is in its sixth year, is a joint and combined humanitarian assistance exercise led by Pacific Air Forces.
"We are here to provide medical care and engineering services, as well as build better relationships between the U.S. and Vietnam," said Lt. Col. Tom Laitinen, Operation PACANGEL 2013 mission commander. "The more we can build these relationships, both military to military and military to the civilian level, the more it will help us in the event of a regional natural disaster or security crisis, or basically anything that requires cooperation between the U.S and Vietnam."
More than 50 U.S. military members deployed to Vietnam for PACANGEL 2013 to partner with local non-governmental organizations and host-nation military forces to provide various functions, including health-services outreach, engineering civil action programs, as well as various subject matter expert exchanges.
Medical professionals from around the Air Force set up a temporary clinic to provide optometry, dental, women's health, physical therapy and primary health services for at least 2,500 patients, according to Lt. Col. Vanhseng Phanthavong, international health specialist with Pacific Air Forces Headquarters.
PACANGEL 2013 participants are also set to renovate two schools and one district medical clinic by providing structural, roofing, plumbing, electrical and painting repairs.
Although U.S. military members have been working with host-nation military personnel to improve the lives of thousands of people throughout the region since 2007, this is the first multilateral operation to take place in Vietnam, with a member of the Lao People's Army partnering with the Health Services Outreach team.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
JBER teen nominated for national Air Force honors
JBER Public Affairs
6/5/2013 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Here on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, there are many military youths who are recognized for volunteer efforts that help the community.
One of those youths shone brightest and was honored for his work.
Meet Gage Dabin. Dabin, 17, has been named the Military Youth of the Year for Alaska and Pacific Air Forces.
He has also been nominated for the Air Force Military Youth of the Year award and will head to Washington, D.C., to compete with other military youths from across the United States in September.
"My wife and I have always instilled the principle of "not what you can do for me, but what I can do for you" into our children and have helped them realize that it's a much bigger world outside of their bubble," said Dabin's father, Senior Master Sgt. Tobias Adam, 673d Civil Engineer Squadron. "So I believe Gage has personified this the most."
"Gage is known by many to be a well-versed individual who has done a lot of public speaking at the school he attends and public functions on base," said Seante Banks, 673d Force Support Squadron, teen program coordinator at the Kennecott Youth Center.
"I would spend hours upon hours practicing speeches," Dabin said. "As I'm aware, children in the Lower 48 are provided camps and facilities where they can practice public speaking. I have to rely on my will and those around me to get things done."
Dabin went onto explain why he devotes so much to his craft as a leader.
"I see myself as an individual who just wants to get out there and make a difference in the JBER community," Dabin said. "Most of my extracurricular activities involve school, volunteering and sports."
Like his father, Dabin is an ardent sports player and has been involved in such activities as varsity wrestling, track and field, soccer and Cross Fit physical training.
He said he uses the fundamentals of sports to accomplish his community goals.
"Gage has been volunteering all his life in such places as Texas, Missouri, Illinois and Alaska on various Air Force installations," Adam said.
While in Texas, Dabin contributed to numerous volunteer opportunities. One in particular was Relay For Life, which is dedicated to raising cancer awareness.
Dabin said he feels his involvement with the event made a huge difference in people's perspective of the disease.
Since realizing his mother was diagnosed with cancer, the cause has become more important to him.
Dabin has coordinated base events involving school education and child development, as well as off-base events across the Anchorage area using the organizations he is a part of as a medium to get his message across.
"I've always been the type of person to just do my own thing, to conceive my own ideas and those around me have always called me a thinker," Dabin said. "I'm always careful before I do something and always backtrack before declaring I'm done."
One of the many groups Dabin is a part of is known as Keystone, which is handled through the JBER-Elmendorf Teen Center and promotes local events like an Easter egg hunt at Easter.
He is also associated with the Anchorage Youth Advisory Board. He assists the board by orchestrating Anchorage and JBER events, such as setting up a themed booth for the Teen Expo at the Egan Center for Anchorage's annual Kids Day.
This year, Dabin and his peers decided to tackle the issue of bullying.
"We would have individuals come into the booth, wear a giant pair of headphones connected to a speaker and have an individual speak into the microphone and pay that person compliments," Dabin said. "We used this method of approach to raise the self-esteem of kids and teens to fight bullying."
To further their message, Dabin and his peers are also collecting information from the experiment and assembling a video expressing that it is good to present someone with a compliment because one simple phrase can brighten a person's day.
Thanks to his work around the community, Dabin has also been nominated to be a part of the State Council involving educational opportunity for military children.
Dabin aspires to become a military service member like his father. He would seem to fit right in because, already, he personifies the Air Force core value of "Service Before Self."
Five pilots visit with children at Providence
JBER Public Affairs
6/6/2013 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARSON, Alaska -- Every child has a hero or idol. At Providence Children's Hospital, there are a handful of children who are fond of Air Force pilots in particular. During a recent visit to the hospital, the children were given the opportunity to meet a group of pilots from the 302nd Fighter Squadron, the 517th Airlift Squadron, and the 537th Airlift Squadron.
The pilots and children made paper airplanes, talked about different aircraft the pilots have flown, spoke of different goals the children had in mind, and discussed what it's like to fly planes.
"Having the pilots come to the children's hospital really helps normalize the children's day by allowing them to come down to the art room and engage in activities like paper airplane racing," said Jennifer Booher, child life specialist at the children's hospital. "The smiles on the patients' faces showed how excited they were to have special visitors; one of the patients even jokingly asked, 'Where did they land their plane?'"
Patients and other children who had the opportunity to visit ranged in age from 3 to 7 years old.
According to http://alaska.providence.org, Providence serves Alaskans in eight communities: Anchorage, Cordova, Eagle River, Kodiak Island, Matanuska-Susitna, Seward, Soldotna and Valdez.
Not only did children from various schools around the Anchorage area come out to attend the visit, but children from other parts of Alaska as well.
"We are the only children's hospital in Alaska. All special visitors are arranged through the Child Life Department," Booher said.
Seeing as Providence is known to have the only extensive pediatric clinic in Alaska, children from all across Alaska go there to receive medical treatment. Children from villages such as Napakiak and Napaskiak in the Bethel area are prominent in the clinic.
"The main goal of having special visitors is to provide something unique for our patients, such as allowing them to play various games with those who they admire or just have someone special to hang out with from time to time," Booher said.
Some of the pilots were asked how they felt about the experience of coming out and hanging out with the children.
"I think this has been a very rewarding experience," said Air Force 1st Lt. Isaac Landecker, C-17 Globemaster III pilot. "I can just tell from the look on the kids' faces and spending time with them."
Booher said some of the children at the hospital have been there for an extended period of time.
"Some of these patients are in the hospital for weeks, and just having someone new come in and spend one-on-one time with them helps provide normalcy," Booher said. "These special visits not only benefit our patients but also their parents and siblings."
Booher further expressed how she feels about the significance of having service members come and meet the children.
"I think having our patients see men and women in uniform is always something special," Booher said. "When I first brought up the visit to the children, there were many smiles when I mentioned that pilots were coming in to visit and play, watching these young boys run the hospital halls flying airplanes with pilots provided many smiles, not only to our patients' faces but parents and staff as well."
Although this is one of the first times the hospital has facilitated a visit like this, Booher alluded to the possibility there may be future events such as this one.
"The Children's Hospital is always open to arrange special-group visits," Booher said. "I really feel that if JBER is able to provide the Pilot For a Day Program, that would be a huge success with our patients and families."
Booher said she was eager to have the pilots come to the hospital again.
"It was really an honor coming out and getting the opportunity and spending some time with the kids," said Air Force Capt. Zachary Dorman, 517th AS C-17 pilot. "Just to see their strength and observe what they have to go through was eye-opening and is something I'd like to see continued."
Colombians Partner During Beyond the Horizon
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
SONSONATE, El Salvador, June 11, 2013 – Capt. Ernesto Santamaria of the Colombian army remembers a scary childhood. The FARC -- Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia -- ran rampant in Colombia, terrorizing citizens with a spate of murders, kidnappings and other activities associated with narcotics trafficking.
Twenty-five years ago, the Colombian police force was corrupt and the military forces were in disarray.
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And as Marine Corps Gen. John F. Kelly, commander of U.S. Southern Command, told Congress earlier this year, the nation once on the brink of falling to a powerful insurgency now stands as a regional model, exporting security to its neighbors and beyond.
The Colombians have become leaders in counterinsurgency tactics, and they share this training with their Central American and West African counterparts, Kelly reported. As one example, Colombian air force pilots, operating out of a state-of-the-art training center that includes simulators found nowhere else in Latin America, now train helicopter pilots from the Mexican and other neighboring militaries.
“They have become exporters of [force integration training],” Army Brig. Gen. Sean P. Mulholland, commander of Special Operations Command South, said of Colombia’s regional outreach.
“This is Latins training Latins, and that is a beautiful story,” Mulholland said.
Santamaria, who grew up as the Colombian army was transitioning into a strong, professional force, said he’s proud to be part of that story. He’s among a contingent of Colombian soldiers who deployed here and to Panama for three months to share their engineering experience during the Beyond the Horizon 2013.
U.S. Southern Command’s largest annual humanitarian civic assistance mission in Latin America, Beyond the Horizon includes medical, dental, veterinary services and engineering projects.
At one of the construction sites, in the remote Salvadoran village of Las Marias, the Colombians are working alongside military engineers from the United States, El Salvador, Chile and Canada to build a new schoolhouse.
Army Lt. Col Raymond Valas, commander of Joint Task Force Jaguar, is overseeing the Beyond the Horizon 2013 mission in El Salvador. He called the multinational collaboration one of the most important aspects of the mission, noting that all of the participants are all working together in demanding conditions to accomplish a common goal.
Valas recalled walking the Las Marias construction site and marveling at how easily a U.S. soldier, a Colombian soldier, two Chilean soldiers and a Salvadoran soldier pulled together to pour concrete in sweltering 120-degree temperatures.
“No one put them together in that way. It was just a group of engineers from different countries, getting together to get the mission done,” he said. “And all the differences between us kind of melt away as we focus on the task at hand. You take your motivation from one another, and it has an overall impact on our soldiers that just can’t be measured.”
Only the crème de la crème of Colombia’s engineers got a chance to participate in the mission, Santamaria said. Twenty Colombian engineer units nominated their top candidate, who then underwent rigorous screening, including a written test in construction skills and a psychological battery. The high scorers then went through personal interviews. Officials then selected five engineers for the coveted slots.
For Tomas Vargas, who has served 11 years in the Colombian army, the opportunity to deploy to El Salvador was a career highlight. Despite long hours, hot, sticky conditions and a pressing construction schedule, Vargas said he’s delighted to be able to support a humanitarian project.
“The people here appreciate what we are doing,” he said. “And we are doing it with all of our hearts, which means a lot.”
Vargas, who never before had been outside Colombia, said he has learned more during the deployment than he ever imagined -- about other cultures, about construction techniques and about partner militaries.
“There is always something new to learn here,” he said, emphasizing how much he has gained through the new friendships he has forged. Vargas said he was particularly surprised to see how independently U.S. soldiers operate, carrying out their assigned tasks without someone constantly looking over their shoulder.
Santamaria said he, too, is picking up new insights about everything from construction techniques, planning processes and logistics support to military discipline.
“All of us from different countries have come together, and we all have brought something to support this mission, and that is how the very best work happens,” he said.
Santamaria said he plans to take those lessons back to Colombia to share with his fellow soldiers and senior officers.
“What we are gaining here is experience that we can apply in our own country,” he said. “We are getting to learn about different countries and different cultures and to see other militaries that are very organized and professional.”
When he and his soldiers return to Colombia, Santamaria said, they hope to leave behind a positive impression of their country.
“I want everyone to see that we are good, hard-working, disciplined soldiers,” he added.
But even more important, he said, are the tangible projects they will leave behind for the people of El Salvador.
“The schools we are building will benefit the children who are the future of the country,” he said. “So of all the missions we have ever done, that makes this one the best of all.”
Furl Not Thy Talons.
John
Morgan served in the US military for 32 years, first with the Strategic Air
Command and then with the US Army and Kentucky National Guard. During his service,
he travelled across the world. John Morgan is the author of Furl
Not Thy Talons.
According
to the book description of Furl Not Thy Talons, “Major Franklin
Williamson was the commander of an ultra secret team of soldiers attached to
the CIA so deep it was unknown except for a select few in the highest echelons
of the government. Faced with the annihilation of his team on a rescue mission
he must sacrifice himself in order for them to escape. The terrorists thought
they had a bargaining chip they could bend to do their bidding. What they did
not count on was the resourcefulness and determination of the major nor the
fierce loyalty of the ghost team members.”
More about John G. Morgan
D-M OSI Agent saves drowning child
by Airman 1st Class Christine Griffiths
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
6/6/2013 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz., -- One eight-year-old boy owes his life to an Office of Special Investigations Airman who saved him after four minutes underwater.
Special Agent Christopher Martin was at a pool in Marana, Ariz., talking with his wife and daughter, scanning the pool for his other children, when he noticed something was motionless under the water.
"I didn't really know what it was," Martin said. "I got up and started walking towards the edge of the pool. I walked probably 35-40 meters when I realized that it was a child, a brother of one of my son's friends. I thought to myself, 'This kid is just holding his breath, playing with his friends,' because there were a couple of kids about 10-15 feet from him."
This was not the case; the child wasn't moving, and Martin came to the realization that he needed to jump in to save him.
"When I got him to the top, the lifeguard had arrived and we both checked his pulse," said Martin. "He had a pulse, but wasn't breathing. During that time, another mother came over and asked how she could help."
They found the child had no open airway. The mother assisting literally took matters into her own hands.
"She opened up his mouth with her fingers," Martin said. "It was just enough for him to get his airway open, because about 45 seconds later he began breathing again."
The child had been underwater for approximately four minutes before he was spotted, but is currently released from the hospital and recovering, according to Martin.
"The mother was with a three and four-year-old, while the father was talking to another father," Martin said. "The father must've taken his eyes off his children for five minutes or so just walking around the pool. I guess that was just enough time."
355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
6/6/2013 - DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz., -- One eight-year-old boy owes his life to an Office of Special Investigations Airman who saved him after four minutes underwater.
Special Agent Christopher Martin was at a pool in Marana, Ariz., talking with his wife and daughter, scanning the pool for his other children, when he noticed something was motionless under the water.
"I didn't really know what it was," Martin said. "I got up and started walking towards the edge of the pool. I walked probably 35-40 meters when I realized that it was a child, a brother of one of my son's friends. I thought to myself, 'This kid is just holding his breath, playing with his friends,' because there were a couple of kids about 10-15 feet from him."
This was not the case; the child wasn't moving, and Martin came to the realization that he needed to jump in to save him.
"When I got him to the top, the lifeguard had arrived and we both checked his pulse," said Martin. "He had a pulse, but wasn't breathing. During that time, another mother came over and asked how she could help."
They found the child had no open airway. The mother assisting literally took matters into her own hands.
"She opened up his mouth with her fingers," Martin said. "It was just enough for him to get his airway open, because about 45 seconds later he began breathing again."
The child had been underwater for approximately four minutes before he was spotted, but is currently released from the hospital and recovering, according to Martin.
"The mother was with a three and four-year-old, while the father was talking to another father," Martin said. "The father must've taken his eyes off his children for five minutes or so just walking around the pool. I guess that was just enough time."
Guard Soldier Takes On ‘Golden Coyote’
By Army Sgt. Coltin Heller
109th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
CAMP RAPID, S.D., June 10, 2013 – Any training exercise presents challenges to soldiers participating in them. Among those challenges, communication is a vital requirement for all soldiers, regardless of their specialty.
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The exercise provides service members from 11 states and four foreign nations with training opportunities in logistical and tactical environments, in addition to real-world missions such as bridge construction and humanitarian aid.
“We’re charged with providing voice and data communication assets to the Regional Support Group,” said Brown, who calls Harrisburg, Pa., home. “We’re also pulling voice and data from the signal support elements from the 443rd Signal, providing [classified and unclassified] voice and data through those services.”
Brown accepted the position of brigade signal officer after being approached by Army Lt. Col. Robby Robinson, the 213th RSG’s executive officer.
“I’ve only been in the position for two to three months, so I’m still assessing my soldiers and their capabilities,” Brown said, “and we’re trying to find common ground -- who’s good at what -- and task them accordingly and share that knowledge amongst the soldiers so that we all learn from each other.”
Brown and his soldiers established a working network within their exercise headquarters building before heading out to the field, where they faced several obstacles.
“We have several [forward operating bases] displaced by hundreds of miles, so the communication challenges are going to be unique,” Brown said. “The learning curve of some of the communication assets we’ve had to deploy, due to the displaced locations, is something that some of us haven’t touched in several years.”
Brown helped his soldiers set up equipment such as a radio antenna, a deployed digital training campus and a mobile satellite dish enabling Internet connectivity for units in the field.
Spending time in the field is nothing new to Brown, who enlisted in the Marine Corps after he graduated from high school in 1993.
“I joined the active duty Marine Corps as a parachute rigger, … then I joined the Marine security force in Washington state, served out there for a couple years, and I transferred up to Maine to a cold-weather infantry unit up there,” he said. During his time in Maine, he added, he went to college, majoring in criminology. After spending some years in Maine, he transferred to Pennsylvania to attend Indiana University of Pennsylvania, which he said had one of the better criminology degree programs.
Brown transferred to the Pennsylvania National Guard, and joined the officer corps with a direct commission.
Despite the challenges he and his soldiers faced, such as weather and technical issues, Brown looked forward to the training during Golden Coyote and had confidence in his soldiers.
“I’m looking forward to the challenges out here,” he said. “I’m looking forward to getting to collaborate with my soldiers and build a cohesive team there so we can overcome the challenges that the signal community is going to bring us in the future.”
Selfridge Fighter Ops Building Honors Fallen Airmen
127th Wing Public Affairs
6/10/2013 - SELFRIDGE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mich. -- Two former Michigan Air National Guardsmen who gave their life while in service to the nation were remembered during a dedication ceremony at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., June 9, 2013.
The 127th Operations Group building on the base was re-dedicated during the ceremony to the memory of Capt. Robert J. Soderberg and Technical Sgt. Andrew R. Shenton who were both killed in separate incidents while serving with the Michigan Air National Guard. The "Ops" Building on the base was given a $6.6 million overhaul over the last year. The original building was built in the early 1980s and was dedicated to Soderberg and Shenton at that time.
Soderberg was an F-100 Super Sabre pilot with the 107th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Selfridge and was flying in a two-ship formation from Selfridge to Colorado on a mission on Feb. 9, 1979. The two aircraft collided in mid-air and Soderberg was killed in the resulting crash. The pilot of the other aircraft was able to eject and parachute to safety.
Shenton was an F-4 Phantom jet engine mechanic with the 127th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and was deployed with the unit to Gioja Del Colle, Italy, Sept. 25, 1981. During flight operations, the building Shenton and two other Airmen were working in was destroyed in an explosion. The two other Airmen suffered substantial injuries and Shenton was killed in the blast.
"These two men died while performing their military duty in direct service to their nation," said Major Gen. (ret.) Paul A. Pachmara, who, among other duties in his career with the Michigan Air National Guard, is a former commander of the 107tth Fighter Squadron. "It is good that today's young warriors remember and honor those who served before them."
The re-dedicated ceremony came several months after the official ribbon cutting and beginning of operations in the building. The re-dedication of the building was scheduled to coincide with the final completion of all construction and related activities at the building. A final brick was symbolically mortared into place in the building's façade to signify the building's final completion.
The dedication was attended by Shenton's two sons, Greg and Terry, who were just entering their teenage years when their father was killed, as well as other family members and former members of the 107th Fighter Squadrons. In addition to Pachmara, Brig. Gen. Harold W. Rudolph, who was squadron commander at the time of the Soderberg crash, also attended the ceremony.
The 107th Fighter Squadron is the oldest flying unit assigned to the Michigan Air National Guard, in continuous operation since 1925. Assigned to various types of aircraft and missions over the years, the squadron has been assigned the A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft since 2009. The squadron most recently deployed as a group in 2011-12.
Comprised of approximately 1,600 personnel and flying both the A-10 Thunderbolt II and the KC-135 Stratotanker, the 127th Wing supports Air Mobility Command, Air Combat Command and Air Force Special Operations Command by providing highly-skilled Airmen to missions domestically and overseas. The 127th Wing is the host unit at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, which is also home to units of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection.
Air National Guard unit fuels the body and keeps the jets flying
South Carolina Air National Guard
6/7/2013 - McINTYRE JOINT NATIONAL GUARD BASE, S.C. -- Everyone knows that food fuels the body. This is especially true when the body is worked through a few extra Readiness Exercise hours during those hot South Caroina spring and summer days.
The 169th Force Support Squadron's Services Flight is able to supply flight line and maintenance personnel with easier access to some of that much-needed fuel. The Single Palletized Expeditionary Kitchen (SPEK) is an asset provided by 169th personnel.
It is intended to deliver a hot meal to those who cannot afford the usual amount of time taken for lunch in the base dining facility, during exercise and inspection drill weekends.
"The SPEK is convenient for the flight line personnel and that's who it's mainly for," said Tech. Sgt. Denise Bhola, a food services shift leader.
During the June Unit Training Assembly Readiness Exercise, the 169th Services Flight had a nine-person team set up and operated the SPEK next to the flight line entry control point. Because of the SPEK, aircraft maintainers were able to refuel themselves with a hot meal and minimal disruption from their duties.
"It helps keep them mission oriented and focused on the task at hand," said Bhola. "Everyone's mission on base is to keep the jets flying, so we're doing our part by feeding them over here."
Bhola commented that flight line workers seemed appreciative when they went through the SPEK food line in past exercises.
"If they didn't have the SPEK, who knows when or what they'd have time to eat. It's convenient to them, which is important to keep the jets flying," said Bhola.
"It was definitely convenient," said Airman 1st Class Jessica Burgess, a crew chief with the 169th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. "We can't leave our jet for long periods to go to the dining facility, so it was nice to have hot food and cold drinks available to us right here, and not from an MRE package."
The SPEK is a unit that, once set up, is ready with its own power sources available. This provides services personnel with the tools they need to keep pre-cooked food rations warm and ready to serve. The 169th SVF has had this SPEK for less than a year and they realize how essential its mission is to the 169th Fighter Wing's mission.
During the June United Training Assembly exercise, 169th Services Flight personnel at the SPEK anticipated approximately 50 flight line personnel to go through their chow line in one day but came prepared for more than 100. They were proud to have served a hot meal to 102 hard-working individuals.
Pool memorialization ceremony honors SOF hero
27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
6/3/2013 - CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Air Commandos with the 27th Special Operations Wing gathered during the Memorial Holiday weekend for a ceremony to honor a fallen service member at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., May 27.
The DZ Pool was named in remembrance of Daniel L. Zerbe, a pararescueman who formally served under Air Force Special Operations Command and perished in the line of duty.
"We are thankful to have Tech. Sgt. Daniel Zerbe's mother and sister with us here today," said Col. Buck Elton, 27th SOW commander. "We are grateful to the entire Zerbe family for allowing us permission to memorialize this pool in honor of a true hero, an Air Commando and a pararescueman."
Zerbe was born June 27, 1983 in Chambersburg, Pa. After graduating from high school in June 2001, he enlisted in the Air Force and arrived at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in August 2001.
After completing Basic Military Training, he immediately entered the pararescue training course. Over the next 24 months, Zerbe completed numerous Air Force and joint service training schools such as Army Airborne School, Air Force Survival School, Special Forces Combat Dive Course, Special Forces Military Freefall School, Paramedic School, and Air Force Pararescue School.
In June 2004, Zerbe officially completed pararescue training and was assigned to the 38th Rescue Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, Ga. Shortly after his arrival at the squadron, he completed the first of two deployments in support of the Global War on Terror. The pararescueman also served as an astronaut recovery team member in support of NASA's transoceanic abort landing sites and became a static-line jumpmaster and dive supervisor.
"His friends say he was a complete joy to be around because he loved his job and his life," Elton said. "He was smart, funny, caring and courageous. He absolutely loved being a PJ and selflessly serving his nation so that others may live."
On Aug. 6, 2011, Zerbe was assigned to an elite joint special operations team executing a helicopter assault into the Tangi Valley, Wardak Province of Afghanistan. While approaching an objective, the team's CH-47 helicopter was shot down.
Tech. Sgt. Daniel L. Zerbe was killed in action that night, along with fellow military members. He is survived by his parents Terry and Susan Zerbe, his brother Christopher, and his sister Megan.
The NCO's official decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, the Bronze Star with two oak leaf clusters, the Purple Heart, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal with seven oak leaf clusters, the Aerial Achievement Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Air Force Achievement Medal, and the Air Force Combat Action Medal.
Zerbe was a static-line jumpmaster and dive supervisor; he was named the Air Force Pararescue Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for 2010.
"Today, all around our great nation, we remember the sacrifices of the fallen heroes; including the more than 2,200 service members killed in Afghanistan and the more than 1.2 million American military members who have fallen," Elton said. "Today we honor our PJ hero with this pool memorialization; our nation owes the Zerbe family a debt of gratitude that we will never fully be able to repay. His name on this pool will help all of Cannon's Air Commandos remember those who gave the last full measure of devotion to protect what we cherish the most."
Beyond the Horizon Medics Deliver Care, Smiles in Panama
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
MEDETE, Panama, June 10, 2013 – Army Maj. William Baker and his fellow service members knew they had a successful mission on their hands when hundreds of excited people arrived for the opening of each Beyond the Horizon medical readiness training exercise here. Some had awakened at 2 a.m. and walked six hours in their finest clothing to reach them.
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Throughout the four-month mission, U.S. soldiers and airmen trained in a broad range of specialties worked hand in hand with medical professionals from Panama’s Health Ministry, delivering care to about 13,000 people.
“It was like being Santa Claus for Christmas,” Baker said of the opportunity to provide the care to people in poor regions with little access to specialized medical care.
The medical exercises, which included general medicine, dentistry, optometry, pediatrics, dermatology, obstetrics and gynecological, and pharmacy services, were part of U.S. Southern Command’s largest annual humanitarian civic assistance mission in Latin America.
Beyond the Horizon Panama also includes veterinary services and construction projects, and a similar four-month mission also is underway in El Salvador.
From its earliest planning stages, Beyond the Horizon 2013 Panama’s medical missions were seen as a win-win for everyone involved, explained Lt. Col. Malcolm Walker, an Army reservist from the Denver-based 244th Engineer Battalion serving as commander of Joint Task Force Panama.
The medical professionals, initially active-duty airmen from Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., followed by Army reservists predominantly from Ohio and Texas for the subsequent rotations, tested out their ability to deploy and set up operations in austere overseas environments, he said. Typically working in schools, clinics and even tents converted into makeshift medical facilities, they treated patients with conditions not commonly seen in the United States: tropical diseases, leishmaniasis and worms, among them.
For the Panamanian government, the exercises dovetailed with a national campaign to extend the reach of medical services provided to citizens in some of the country’s most remote regions, said Dr. Alex Gonzalez Hidalgo, a special advisor to the health minister.
After a successful Beyond the Horizon 2010, also conducted in Panama, the ministry jumped at the opportunity to participate in this year’s mission to provide care in underserved areas. The staff selected eight exercise sites -- most in difficult-to-reach rural locations in the easternmost part of the country -- where populations tend to be poor and health care providers, particularly specialists, are few and far between, Gonzalez said.
Typically operating in schools temporarily converted into medical clinics, the Panamanian medical staff and military members worked side by side to deliver patient care. The Health Ministry workers gave immunizations to everyone who arrived for treatment, and also conducted preventive medicine classes that highlighted hygiene and healthy lifestyle choices.
From there, patients moved into a triage area, where the military specialists identified their medical needs and directed them to the appropriate treatment areas.
For many of the military members providing that care, including those with combat deployments under their belts, it was their first chance to practice medicine during a humanitarian assistance mission. Among them was Army Spc. Matthew Parker, an Army Reserve pharmacy technician from the 256th Combat Support Hospital in Ohio, who said he relished putting his skills to work in such a gratifying way.
Rather than setting up a mock hospital at a training post, issuing candy in lieu of real medications to role-playing patients suffering simulated traumas, Parker said, he’s getting to help real people with real medical needs.
“This is close to the heart,” Parker said. “It makes me extremely proud seeing how much help we can give in such a short amount of time.”
“I love it,” agreed Army Spc. Souheil Sarrouh, a combat medic from the 256th CSH on his first deployment since joining the Army in 2009. “I love this place, and I love what the Army is doing here. We are making a difference in people’s lives.”
Sarrouh said he joined the Army wanting to make that difference -- not just keeping the United States secure, but also demonstrating its heart to the rest of the world.
Their appreciation came in the fruit the local people carried to the sites to present their caregivers, and on the faces of the people they treated, particularly the children.
“They might not have had shoes on, but they were still smiling,” Sarrouh said.
Army Sgt. Geoffrey Erwin, an optometry technician from the Michigan-based 148th Medical Detachment, watched his patients’ faces light up as they tried on their new glasses for the first time.
“You’d see big smiles” as their worlds suddenly come into focus, he said. “It’s amazing what a pair of glasses can do in improving someone’s quality of life.”
For Army Lt. Col. (Dr.) Jim Hirsch, a dentist from the Army Reserve’s 965th Dental Company in Texas, the defining moments of the missions came each time he extracted a tooth. One patient came to the clinic with his teeth so rotted that he gladly had 13 pulled in one sitting.
“These people have lives with toothache and chronic pain for years and years,” Hirsch said. “We are relieving them of all that, and they are so appreciative of what we are doing here.”
Army Capt. Sarah Lewis, a critical care nurse from the 256th CSH, said she realized just how much of an impact she was having when a grateful patient informed her that she had named her newborn in her honor.
“Being a part of all this has been amazing,” Lewis said. “With what we have done here, we all gave them a little hope.”
While most of the medical staff treated human patients, Capt. (Dr.) John Turco, an Army Reserve veterinarian from Rhode Island serving in the 719th Medical Detachment Veterinary Services, was part of a four-person team that conducted veterinary services for pets and livestock.
It’s a mission that took them to some of the most remote areas of Panama, requiring them to travel up mountainsides, through cornfields and often far from the nearest roads. They fanned out across the region, providing vaccinations, deworming and parasite control for cattle, horses and other large animals.
“This was a great experience to put what I learned in school to use,” said Army Pfc. Brittany Walton, on her first deployment as a member of the veterinary team. “Being able to help other people is a great feeling.”
Panamanian Health Ministry officials said they, too, are excited about the outreach made during Beyond the Horizon 2013. Their goal, explained Dr. Iritzel Santamaria, a ministry planner and analyst, is to build on the foundation laid to extend more consistent medical services into the regions. By 2015, the government aims to reduce the ratio of medical providers to citizens in these areas from the current 1-to-3,000 to 1-to-500, she said.
In the meantime, she praised the infusion of services the troops provided during Beyond the Horizon -- and the long-term impact it will have. Local communities will benefit, not just from immediate care provided during the exercise, but also because it attracted people so they could get immunizations and preventive health education, she said.
“This mission has had a high positive impact on the population,” she added. “Both teams came together and developed a great working relationship that has been a tremendous benefit to the communities served.”
Participants in Beyond the Horizon said they’re gratified to make a lasting contribution to the Panamanians.
“It’s all about helping people, no matter where we are in the world,” said Turco. “That’s what it is all about.”
“We are here to help,” echoed Baker. “And when you are helping someone, providing something that they need, providing it for free and providing the best care we possibly can, it’s a great feeling.”
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