27 SOW welcomes new commander

27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

7/25/2013 - CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M.  -- Col. Tony D. Bauernfeind, former 1st Special Operations Group commander at Hurlburt Field, Fla., took command of the 27th Special Operations Wing in a change of command ceremony here, July 23.

Lt. Gen. Eric Fiel, Air Force Special Operations Command commander, presided over the ceremony, during which Brig. Gen. Buck Elton relinquished command of the 27 SOW to Bauernfeind.

"Command is perhaps the most significant achievement in an officer's career," said Fiel. "Just as command is integral to our military organization, so is change; whether it is a change in mission, a change within the ranks, or a change of command."

"I have enormous confidence in your abilities," said Fiel while addressing Bauernfeind. "You're a leader who produces results and you have my trust and support. It is an honor to welcome you...to the 27 SOW."

As the guidon of leadership passed hands, Bauernfeind accepted the responsibility of preparing more than 4,500 Air Commandos with a variety of eight specialized aircraft on their charge to execute specialized air mobility, agile combat support, precision strike, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance missions in support of special operations forces.

"I am humbled to be standing before you today," said Bauernfeind. "Your accomplishments under General Elton's command, both in garrison and on the battlefield, are well known and something you should be proud of."

"You are the professionals that shoulder the burden of making our mission happen," he continued. "You are the Airmen that support our elite joint partners and you are the commandos that deliver incredible combat results across multiple battlefields as you take the fight to the enemy each and every night."

During his 22-year Air Force career, Bauernfeind has logged more than 3,400 hours as a command pilot on three different aircraft. He has earned awards and decorations including the Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star with two oak leaf clusters, Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters. Bauernfeind has previously commanded special operations forces at the squadron, group and wing level.

"I am honored to be on your team as we execute our two-fold mission," said Bauernfeind. "First, we will continue to deliver precise, reliable, flexible and responsive specialized-airpower to our joint partners. Next, we will sustain and continue growing this premier Air Force installation."

As Elton relinquished command, he addressed the many Air Commandos who under his leadership had successfully completed their mission and expanded the capabilities of Cannon and the U.S. Air Force in support of the nation.

"I am deeply humbled and honored by the opportunity to have served with you during these past two years," said Elton. "Cannon is a special place. Unique in its location, mission, culture and community support. We will truly miss it."

Elton has been re-assigned to Hurlburt Field, Fla., where he will become the new director of plans, programs, requirements, and assessments at headquarters, Air Force Special Operations Command.

818th MSAS, Burundi Air Force continue partnership engagements

by Tech. Sgt. William Davis
818th Mobility Support Advisory Squadron

8/7/2013 - BUJUMBURA, Burundi  -- The 818th Mobility Support Advisory Squadron accomplished the second of at least four building partnership and partner capacity engagements in Bujumbura, Burundi, July 15 to July 26, 2013.

Four MSAS Airmen assigned to the 621st Contingency Response Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., were deployed as part of an African deployment assistance partnership team, requested by the Burundi Air Force and Office of Security Cooperation at the U.S. Embassy in Burundi.

The ADAPT program is broken into four phases. Phase one is an assessment of the partner nation's current capabilities, facilities and equipment to support a cargo preparation and load planning course. Air advisors accomplished this objective in Dec. 2012.

During phase two, MSAS Advisors engage the partner nation on cargo preparation and load planning operations while advising how to tailor air mobility operations to best suit their needs.

"The Burundi Air Force did a great job during the ADAPT phase two course," said Staff Sgt. Arthur Wilborn, MSAS air advisor. "They showed great enthusiasm learning the information presented to them, and I had the privilege of watching them successfully apply that knowledge to their country's peacekeeping operations."

When the MSAS team returns for phase three, they conduct a 'train the trainer' program where top performers from the phase two return and are taught lesson planning, interpersonal skills, and advanced proficiency in the cargo preparation and load planning course material. Finally, in phase four, the partner nation teaches side-by-side with MSAS air advisors, culminating in their certification as instructors.

"It is an honor to be requested by a partner nation and to provide a successful engagement," said Capt. Louis Crooms, 818th MSAS air advisor and team leader. "It was great working alongside the Burundi Air Force through the ADAPT program and we look forward to building our close partnership to help the Burundians help themselves."

The MSAS is a tailorable, expeditionary organization established to conduct building partnerships and building partner capacity engagements at partner nation locations where air mobility operational support is non-existent or insufficient. The core capabilities that define the MSAS is command and control, air operations, aerial port and aircraft maintenance.

Alaskan Command to change commanders Friday

8/7/2013 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- Lt. Gen. Russell J. Handy becomes commander of Alaskan Command, Eleventh Air Force, Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region and Joint Task Force-Alaska during a 9 a.m. change of command ceremony at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska Friday.

The ceremony will be officiated by General Charles H. Jacoby, Jr., Commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command, headquartered at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.

General Handy's previous assignment was as Director of Operations, Plans, Requirements and Programs, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. He replaces Lt. Gen. Stephen L. Hoog, who departs to become Assistant Vice Chief of Staff and Director, Air Staff, United States Air Force, Pentagon, Washington D.C.

Alaskan Command integrates activities of more than 22,000 active duty, Guard and Reserve members from all military services in Alaska as a sub-unified command of U.S. Pacific Command. Eleventh Air Force oversees the training and readiness of five Air Force wings and Air Force installations located in Alaska, Hawaii, and Guam.
The Alaskan North American Aerospace Defense Command Region directs bilateral air operations with Canada within Alaska to ensure defense against all hostile airborne threats. Joint Task Force Alaska is a joint command under U.S. Northern Command responsible for the planning and execution of all homeland defense and defense support to civil authorities operations within the state.

5 members of Joint Task Force-Bravo receive award for heroism

by Staff Sgt. Jarrod Chavana
Joint Task Force-Bravo Public Affairs Office

8/7/2013 - SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras  -- Five U.S. military personnel from Joint Task Force-Bravo were honored at the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa July 30 for the heroism they displayed in saving the lives of nine civilians on July 2.

On July 2, a U.S. Army Utility Helicopter-60 from the 1-228 Aviation Battalion, at Soto Cano Air Base, was dispatched to the Caribbean Sea to help locate two Americans, one Canadian and six Hondurans, which had last been seen June 30.

Chief Warrant Officer-3 Jay Hanshaw, pilot; Warrant Officer Zachary Lungu, pilot, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Logan Davis, JTF-Bravo Personnel Recovery Coordination Cell Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape specialist; Army Sgt. Travis Mayo, flight medic; and Army Spc. Robert Clement, crew chief, received the award from the Honorable Lisa Kubiske, U.S. ambassador to Honduras.

"We don't have these ceremonies very often and there is a reason," said Kubiske. "They are for very special occasions and the one today is for that category. You saved nine lives and you can't do anything that is more important or more rewarding."

"What makes this even more extraordinary is the way in which you did the work, the amount of care and commitment you put into it without giving up," she added. "This is what we always hope for, but it's above and beyond what any one agency does or above and beyond what we do as a government."

In order to locate the missing civilians, JTF-Bravo coordinated with Southern Command's Personnel Recovery Branch, the U.S. Department of State, Military Group, the regional security officer and the American citizen services chief located at the U.S. Embassy, which synchronized the aerial search efforts between the 7th District's Coast Guard and JTF-Bravo's aircraft.

"It was motivational in the sense that the ambassador did not have to recognize the efforts of the Department of Defense, but she took the time to extend her appreciation of all who worked together to save the stranded boaters," said Davis.

During the search and rescue Davis acted as the SERE and joint personnel recovery subject matter expert by analyzing and validating the intelligence information and providing critical input to tactical level personnel rescue mission planning, which aided in the rescue.

"You are noble service members performing noble deeds," said JTF-Bravo Commander Col. Thomas D. Boccardi. "The tasks you performed in order to save those people were extraordinary and we are all very proud of you."

Dyess SNCO named Outstanding Airman of the Year

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

8/7/2013 - DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Master Sgt. Celeste Okokon, 7th Aerospace Medicine Squadron flight chief, was selected as Outstanding Airman of the Year. She was cited for performance, leadership, self-improvement and community involvement, demonstrating epitomize the Air Force's core values; integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do.

"Master Sgt. Okokon is a huge asset to our team," said Senior Master Sgt. Lee Lannen. "Her drive and ambition is an example for future leaders in our Air Force; she is someone we all can follow."

Okokon was born into a military family in Colorado Springs, Colo. At a young age she says she decided to dedicate herself to a career in the military.

"I always wanted to join the family business and that is the military," Okokon said. "I wanted to serve my country, while getting a good education and seeing the world."

Okokon's belief is to always make herself available to other people no matter who they are and to treat everyone with the utmost respect regardless of their rank or position.

"I love to help people and be that go to person," she said. "I have to be a part of everything, so I'm constantly running around the medical building checking up on projects and asking where I can help out."

As a flight chief, Okokon supervises more than 34 enlisted and civilian personnel during daily operations in Dyess' dental clinic. She is also responsible for support and clinical functions, which provide care for nearly 5,000 patients at Dyess.

Okokon is one of only 46 certified national dental hygienists in the Air Force. As Dyess' single-certified hygienist, she served as a key leader in achieving the base's 97 percent dental readiness, the highest in Air Combat Command. Her attention to detail aided in improving her units production by 30 percent and reducing the base population's dental disease by 50 percent, according to her citation.

Aside from her duties in the dental clinic, Okokon plays a critical role in several organizations across Dyess. She is the vice-president of the medical group's Top-4, treasurer for the base's Top-3, member of the Air Force Sergeant's Association and the American Dental Education Association.

"Never say no to an opportunity, no matter how hard it may seem," Okokon said. "You want people to know who you are and go to you for your help."

This outstanding Airman looks forward to the opportunities and challenges that await her after being distinguished for her devotion to the mission and her Airmen.

"This motivates me to do more, I'm really excited to progress from where I am now," she exclaimed. "I want to keep climbing the ladder and see how far I can go."

Okokon says she will continue to aim high by setting her sights on a position that is considered by many to be the pinnacle of enlisted Air Force careers.

"My ultimate goal is to be the chief master sergeant of the Air Force," Okokon said with a smile running from ear to ear. "I want to be the first woman to do it, and I won't stop working until I make it."

For missileers, perfection is the standard

by Staff Sgt. David Salanitri
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

8/8/2013 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- One of the three core values in the Air Force is "excellence in all we do." Missileers take this core value to heart, and for good reason.

"When perfection is the standard, we find excellence along the way," said Capt. Mary Yelnicker, an instructor at the Air Force Weapons School at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

Since the 1960s, a small career field of missileers has been out of public sight, working deep underground, manning the nation's nuclear launch control centers. These missileers, responsible for 450 nuclear missiles, are ready to carry out the orders of the president of the United States, 24 hours a day, seven days week.

In journalism, a misplaced comma may be considered to be a minor mistake with little to no consequences. For an Air Force missileer however, a small mistake can have the potential for major consequences. Missileers must be proficient, focused and on high readiness alert at all times while on operational alert.

The mental and physical demands of alert duty are achieved by missileers through rigorous initial and recurring training.

All missileers attend six months of intense initial qualification training before proceeding to an operational unit. Once missileers arrive at their unit, they will attend mission qualification training and certify on their readiness before unit leaders. This will be just the beginning of operational training, as continuous monthly training is required for missileers to maintain proficiency and readiness.

Monthly training consists of approximately two days of classroom training on emergency war orders, weapons systems operations and codes control. Classroom training concludes with three 30-question tests. The minimum passing score is 90 percent, but 100 percent is the expectation. A third day of training includes a four-hour simulator ride in the missile procedures trainer. Any test score lower than a 90 percent or a substandard performance score in the missile procedures trainer will automatically restrict the missileer from performing missile alert duties and cause him or her to be enrolled in re-certification training.

"This recurring training is critical to our continued proficiency," Yelnicker said. "The span of responsibility is so huge, I needed the recurring training to maintain proficiency."

The demanding education and evaluation process requirement adds up during a traditional four-year assignment to a missile crew.

"By the time you finish your crew time, you'll be exposed to at least 5,000 questions in these four years," said Col. Zannis Pappas, the Nuclear and Missile Operations career field manager.

In addition to the required monthly recurring certification tests, missileers receive numerous tests and evaluations during Numbered Air Force, major command and local inspections as well as nuclear surety inspections. Units are subjected to two major inspections per year on average.

Pappas stressed the importance of evaluations and inspections, as tools to help commanders evaluate mission effectiveness.

"If commanders see a lack of proficiency, they need to take action, which is what you saw in Minot (AFB)," he said, referring to a recent decertification of 17 missileers from the 91st Operations Group at Minot AFB, N.D.

A key component to the Air Force's mission is rapid response. Pappas pointed out that this is no different in the nuclear enterprise.

When it comes down to making the decision of restricting a missileer for potentially subpar performance, Pappas said one question is important: "Do I trust this guy to be in charge of 10 nuclear warheads?"

"If a missileer does not perform according to established standards, it's the responsibility of the commander to take action until the missileer demonstrates that he can perform as expected" said Pappas, who's been around the nuclear missile mission for most of his 28 years in the Air Force.

"Our mission is nuclear deterrence and the nation depends on us to maintain safe, secure and effective nuclear weapons," he said. "In this mission, there is no room for incomplete knowledge or substandard performance. Period. That's part of the missileers' creed," Pappas said, grabbing a framed copy of the creed from the wall in his office.

"This business is based on readiness and high standards of performance," he said. "Thank God all these years we did not have to execute our warfighting mission, because nuclear deterrence works. But if deterrence fails, we're ready to carry out the orders of the president of the United States. That's why inspections and evaluations are very critical in our business."

Colorado team bikes across Iowa

by Staff Sgt. Julius Delos Reyes
50th Space Wing Public Affairs

8/7/2013 - SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- A group of nine Schriever and Buckley Air Force Base Airmen traversed more than 400 miles July 21-27 as part of Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa.

The seven-day bicycle ride across the state began in Council Bluffs and concluded in Fort Madison. The Airmen represented the Air Force Cycling Team-Colorado, which was also part of the 92-member Air Force team.

"The main reason we participated was to support the Air Force recruiting program," said Master Sgt. Patrick Hampton, 11th Space Warning Squadron Detachment 1 additional duty first sergeant and flight chief of standardization and evaluation.

During the weeklong event, the Airmen were on a temporary duty status representing the Air Force.

"You get to talk about the Air Force, promote the service," said Hampton, the Colorado team captain. "It's a big recruitment event."

Capt. Michael Hall, 11th Space Warning Squadron, said it is a great chance to represent the Air Force.

"I met some amazing people," Hall said. "I saw some beautiful country and changed a lot of flat tires for my fellow bikers. I have never been thanked so much for my military service than during the ride. It was very humbling."

Lee Anne Backes, 50th Space Wing Program Management Directorate acquisition project manager, participated in the event because she was interested in joining the Air Force cycling team.

"It sounded a like lot of fun and it was a great opportunity to meet other people on the Air Force team," Backes said.

Throughout the week, cyclists passed through 30-40 towns, country sides and cities as well as some historic places every day. At the end of the day, designated Iowa communities served as hosts for overnight stays.

"Teamwork was very important during this ride because one of the things the cycling team does is help other riders with flat tires and more," Hampton said. "One of the requirements for us is if we see anybody broke down on the side of the road, we stop, assist them and help them get back on the road. This included changing tires, fixing gears and any other issues."

Hampton said there have been times when people crash and the Air Force members would provide self aid buddy care, help them out, direct traffic around them and make sure they were safe.

To prepare for the ride, the team members rode more than a thousand miles locally on weekends and before work.

"The group would meet in the mornings and the weekends and ride the back road, about a 20-mile loop," Hampton said.

Backes had already been preparing for a triathlon event since January so she didn't have a specific training.

"My training already benefitted me for the ride across Iowa," she said. "I also did a lot of biking before the event."

Though the ride wasn't a race, it still had some difficulties.

"The hard part of the ride was just toward the middle of the weekend when you're a little sore because you're putting in so many miles," Hampton said.

For Hall, the difficult part was the change in the environment.

"It was the 94-degree heat with humidity," he said. "All our training rides were in the cool Colorado mornings, and sleeping in tents at night with no air conditioning after a long day of riding."

However, the participants still enjoyed their time.

"It was amazing," Backes said. "The riding was fantastic."

Hampton echoed the same sentiment and appreciated the Iowans for their hospitality.

"The people would give us help, fix our bikes and more," he said. "That's what made the ride special to represent and talk about the Air Force, ride across Iowa, and know and enjoy the people along the way."

The Colorado team is scheduled to participate in Tour de Cure Aug. 17 in Boulder, Colo., as well as in other future local charity events. For more information or to join the team, call Hampton at 567-4038.

JBER forces test, sharpen skills in base-wide exercise

by Airman Ty-Rico Lea
JBER Public Affairs

8/7/2013 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska  -- Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson personnel practiced securing buildings, communicating in crisis situations, protecting operational security, and engaging an active shooter - - all part of Exercise Polar Force 13-5, July 22-24.

This exercise involved Airman and civilian employees of the 673d Air Base Wing and 3rd Wing. The purpose was to test, strengthen and develop the necessary skills all Airmen need when faced with adverse situations. Some scenarios included securing buildings for safety, practicing operational security procedures, communicating in strenuous circumstances and engaging an active shooter.

"Our outstanding security forces responded instantaneously to diffuse the simulated threat and save as many lives possible during the exercise," said Air Force Col. Frank Battistelli, 673d Mission Support Group commander, in reference to the active shooter portion. "They contained the area occupied by the gunman, evacuated innocent victims and ultimately neutralized the gunman."

Battistelli said there is a very real purpose for this type of training.

"An active shooter situation is probably one of the most likely scenarios our base could encounter," Battistelli said. "If you consider active shooter incidents our country has been faced with over the last several years, there were very few warning signs. Exercises like this situation do several things. First, it better prepares our defenders to respond to these situations in a variety of settings. Next, it allows us to test the interagency response between our installation, state and national agencies. Finally, it better prepares the JBER community on how they should respond during an active shooter crisis."

A JBER Polar Force exercise typically includes two phases, but for the Polar Force 13-5 exercise only phase one was conducted. The phase one was designed to test JBER's ability to deploy and redeploy people as well as mobilize equipment.

"We conduct exercises on a regular basis to ensure readiness," said Donald Weckhorst, 673d ABW executive director. "This prepares us to to respond to a variety of contingency or crisis situations" Weckhorst said. "In our case, the commanders of the 673d ABW, 3rd WG, 176 WG and 477 Fighter Group came together and built an overall plan that enhances teamwork and readiness in our Airmen. This is truly one of the unique aspects of JBER."

"The exercise provided an outstanding venue to hone contingency response skills and processes," Weckhorst said. "In this case, the 673d ABW and 3rd WG Airmen worked together to generate and deploy assets under realistic conditions and timelines. These types of exercises ensure our Airmen are prepared to execute their initial response actions and are an invaluable part of the commander's overall training programs."

51st OSS Airmen help 25th FS pilots 'suit up'

by Staff Sgt. Sara Csurilla
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

8/6/2013 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea  -- Airmen from the 51st Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment helped pilots from the 25th and 36th Fighter Squadrons don Aircrew Eye and Respiratory Protection equipment as part of Operational Readiness Exercise Beverly Midnight 13-03 at Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea, Aug. 5.

The pilots practice using the protective equipment to ensure they know how to wear it properly in the event of real world contingencies.

"These pilot's systems that protect them from chemical, biological or radiological hazards are unique because it is able to be integrated into the cockpit allowing them to breathe at altitude, communicate and use existing equipment such as night vision goggles and helmet mounted targeting systems," said Senior Master Sgt. Jonathan Redfern, 51st OSS AFE superintendent. "Their AERP gear must also integrate with their ejection seat and parachute harness."

Although the pilots can usually use the buddy system and help their wingman put the gear on, it takes a whole team to properly remove the entire system.

"The AERP is the aircrew's equivalent of MOPP 4," Redfern explained. "(The AERP equipment) is used to protect the pilot in a potential chemical, biological or radiological environment. When worn, the pilot must be systematically "undressed" by AFE technicians."

Once the pilot is fully geared up, plastic bag and all, to face a potentially contaminated environment, they are then carefully processed through a decontamination line. Each pilot is processed one-by-one by being sprayed with water and a bleach solution, coated with charcoal, and systematically undressed by AFE members to reduce decontamination in any way.

"Scenarios like these give our Airmen the opportunity to work with the pilots and ensure that they have confidence in their abilities and in the equipment we provide to them," Redfern said.

This is the fourth ORE this year where Airmen will undergo several different scenarios that will test their ability to defend the base and conduct daily operations during a heightened state of readiness.

"Our AFE Airmen have continually shown a top level of aircrew contamination control area, or ACCA aptitude and commitment," Redfern concluded. "I'm excited for this exercise to continue to show off their skills and expertise."

Walk softly, carry a big stick

by Airman 1st Class Lauren Pitts
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

8/7/2013 - MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Gen. C. Robert Kehler, commander, United States Strategic Command, toured the base and hosted an All-Call with 91st Missile Wing Airmen here, Aug. 1.

During the All-Call, Kehler said he was pleased to visit Minot, but more so for the chance to spend time with the Roughriders, who perform the mission every day. On his quest to spend time with the Airmen, he reminded them just how incredibly important their mission is to everyone in the country.

The general spoke about the importance of deterrence, and assured the members of the missile wing that what they do continues to be a crucial part of the nation's security.

"It was easy to see the need for deterrence during the Cold War," Kehler said. "And now it may seem harder to see the need for it, even though it's more important than ever."

He went on to explain how the wing's primary mission is to make sure their weapons are never used, by making sure they can use them. As the U.S. walks softly through the world, it carries the missile wing as the big stick, he said.

"As long as other nations have the capability," explained Kehler, "we need deterrence."

The general went on to speak to the Airmen about other military-wide issues, including sequestration

"There are parts in life we can control, and parts in life we cannot," Kehler said. "Sequestration is something we cannot."

Kehler continued by explaining that sequestration is something the nation is pushing uphill, but he is confident the country will overcome.

Another topic he spoke to Airmen about was the issue of sexual assault prevention and the effect sexual assault and sexual harassment has on the mission. He said it is nearly impossible for a mission to be completed successfully in an environment where sexual assault and sexual harassment threaten the trust and discipline required for combat effectiveness.

"All Airmen are like a family," he said. "Airmen take care of each other."

He concluded by issuing a challenge for Team Minot Airmen to continue to uphold the highest of standards in every regard and prove to anyone who asks, that if they want to see it done right, they should come to Minot.

Mustangs charge into Beverly Midnight 13-03

by Senior Airman Kristina Overton
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

8/5/2013 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea  -- The base transitioned into a heightened state of defense and readiness as Beverly Midnight 13-03, the fourth simulated wartime contingency exercise of 2013, kicked off at Osan Aug. 5.

The week-long exercise tests Airmen's ability to position, employ and sustain forces as well as to utilize their chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear training.

"Osan plays an integral role in the defense of South Korea in the event of North Korean aggression so we develop realistic exercise scenarios to test our response capabilities," said Lt. Col. Oliver Rick, 51st Fighter Wing plans and exercises director. "Our rigorous exercise tempo is critical to keep our focus on the mission, hone our war fighting skills and understand how teamwork enables us to defend the base, receive follow-on forces and take the fight to the enemy."

Rotating 12-hour shifts, members of Team Osan provide combat ready forces for close air support, air strike control, counter air, interdiction, theater airlift, and communications in the defense of the ROK. These operational readiness exercises also include day-to-day tasks essential to mission readiness, and scenarios that include administering self-aid and buddy-care during a contingency, and executing essential tasks using operational risk management.

With temperatures getting up past 90 degrees throughout the week, safety is also a necessity during BM 13-03. The 51st Fighter Wing safety office makes it a priority to monitor Airmen as they perform, reminding members to utilize the wingman concept in making sure they are hydrating, wearing proper gear and mitigating hazards and risks.

"It's going to be hot out there," said Master Sgt. Tanisha Williams, 51st FW ground safety manager. "One of our biggest concerns is making sure that Airmen are watching out for their buddies, and making sure that they are hydrating. Each person is important in order to complete the mission. If something happens to someone, that person has to be replaced to fulfill those responsibilities, so we have to make sure that we are taking extra precautions and being safe. We have to be ready. From a natural disaster to a real world enemy attack, we have to prepared at all times."

Along with safety, the Exercise Evaluation Team observes Airmen during the exercise to ensure they are completing their objectives by the book.

"We challenge base personnel to react to a given scenario and evaluate their response against established standards," said Master Sgt. Thomas Longworth 51st Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management section chief. "Deviations from training or policy is recorded, researched and reported according to the level of mission impact. These deviations, or "findings," provide us the opportunity to hone an otherwise fine-tuned machine."

374 AW, JASDF team up in support of Red Flag-Alaska

by Staff Sgt. Chad Strohmeyer
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

8/7/2013 - YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan  -- More than 30 people filled the hangar checking and rechecking paperwork, ensuring each pallet was prepared for the weekend departure.

Members from the 374th Logistics Readiness and 730th Air Mobility Squadrons worked hand-in-hand with their Japan Air Self-Defense Force counterparts Aug. 1, 2013, to properly inspect and load JASDF cargo heading to Red Flag-Alaska.

"Anytime we have JASDF cargo we assist them with anything they need," said Master Sgt. Froilan Halili, 730 AMS special planning section chief. "Having extra hands around always gets the job done more efficiently."

In addition to increased efficiency, each nation's cargo professionals worked to improve their interoperability while providing valuable training for participating units.

"It's always great to work with the JASDF," said Tech Sgt. Rhommel Gabrintina, 730 AMS noncommissioned officer in charge of special planning. "Every time we work together, something new is always learned."

Gabrintina said the inspection had added importance as the cargo was headed for Alaska to be used in Red Flag, a multilateral aerial combat exercise designed to provide realistic combat training environments.

"We all take our job very seriously on any inspection we do," said Gabrintina. "Knowing we had to get this right the first time for the exercise, definitely added a little extra pressure and satisfaction."

U.S., U.K. forces partner for expeditionary training

by Capt. Sybil Taunton
U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center Public Affairs

8/7/2013 - JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J.  -- Reflecting real-world contingency operating environments, the U.S. Air Force and Army partnered with the U.K. Royal Air Force for a Joint Task Force Port Opening during Exercise EAGLE FLAG held here, July 15-19.

With a partnership that began between the USAF Expeditionary Center's 421st Combat Training Squadron and the RAF in 2011, involving several visits to observe training and share lessons learned, the RAF Marham-Coningsby Expeditionary Air Wing sent personnel to participate in the first Exercise EF to include an international coalition.

"The partnership we have forged with the Expeditionary Center is vital to our continued success on coalition operations," said Wing Cdr. Rob Connor, Chief of Staff Operations for the RAF Marham-Coningsby EAW. "Our integration with the EC has not only enhanced our mutual understanding of capabilities and doctrine, but has ultimately fostered efficiency of force when tasked to operate in difficult and challenging environments on contingency operations."

The five-day exercise consisted of JTF-PO operations conducted by the 818th Contingency Response Group, from JB MDL, and the 688th Rapid Port Opening Element, from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, in which cargo and personnel were flown in to set up an air field in an austere location.

In the exercise scenario the Joint Task Force was sent to the fictional country of Dakaar under the direction of U.S. Transportation Command, responsible for the surface movement of all cargo and equipment within the JTF-PO mission set. After just three days, the airfield was established and control was handed off to the RAF to continue operations.

Flight Lt. Jon Smith, a logistics officer for the RAF Marhman-Coningsby EAW, discussed the purpose of their visit and the importance of the training partnership.

"This has been great, and it has been two fold," said Smith. "There have been formal training elements going on, but the core reason we are here is to look at your tactics, techniques and procedures; look at your organization; look at how you configure yourselves to do expeditionary operations, so that we can take those lessons from the way you operate and apply them to our approach, our methods and our TTPs."

Smith continued by discussing specific takeaways that he found important throughout the exercise.

"Understanding the capabilities you bring that we wouldn't necessarily expect to have is very important. For example, we wouldn't typically have a contracting officer, but it is really valuable to know that you would have that asset available," said Smith. "You have different people for different functions and this training is invaluable. Learning who we need to talk to in an American organization in order to get the information we need can save us so much time in the future."

To further coalition collaboration, the RAF has expressed interest in including Expeditionary Center Airmen in their own upcoming exercises as well, explained Lt. Col. Brandon Casey, 421st CTS commander.

"It has been a great opportunity working alongside the RAF," Casey said. "The 421st is committed to providing Exercise EAGLE FLAG participants with challenging and realistic expeditionary skills training through dynamic scenarios tailored to their operational requirements. Working with our coalition partners is one of the best ways to develop these allied tailored scenarios and build upon our valuable partnership."

Colorado Reserve C-130s rejoin aerial fire fighting efforts

by Ann Skarban
302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

8/7/2013 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- An Air Force Reserve Command Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130, aircrew and support personnel will rejoin aerial fire fighting efforts in the Northwestern U.S. today.

Approximately 10 Air Force reservists from the 302nd Airlift Wing here will partner with a Wyoming Air National Guard C-130 crew in support of the U.S. Forest Service fire containment operations in Boise, Idaho. A second 302nd AW MAFFS-equipped C-130 and crew is also expected to deploy to Boise next week.

The Department of Defense's MAFFS C-130s and crews initially activated June 11 to assist in fighting fires in Southern Colorado after the U.S. Forest Service sent a request for assistance to the DOD though U.S. Northern Command. Since activating, MAFFS aircraft have made 179 drops on fires in Colorado, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Oregon and Idaho using 437,631 gallons of fire retardant.

The 302nd AW ended its initial activation July 7 after providing support to wildland fires in Colorado and Arizona. The July inactivation and this reactivation are part of the normal duty rotation shared by the three Air National Guard wings and one Air Force Reserve wing that fly the MAFFS mission.

"The four MAFFS wings typically follow a monthly rotation schedule. In August, the 302nd is at the top of the list for MAFFS support. We can and will adapt the proposed schedule as needs arise," said Lt. Col. Luke Thompson, chief of aerial fire fighting for the 302nd Airlift Wing.

The MAFFS-equipped C-130s are operated by four military units: The 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard; 146th Airlift Wing, California Air National Guard; 145th Airlift Wing, North Carolina Air National Guard; and the 302nd Airlift Wing, U.S. Air Force Reserve Command.

MAFFS is a self-contained aerial firefighting system, owned by the U.S. Forest Service, that can discharge 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant in less than five seconds, covering an area one-quarter of a mile long by 100 feet wide. Once the load is discharged, it can be refilled in less than 12 minutes.

The DOD, through U.S. Northern Command at Peterson AFB, provides unique military support to fire fighting efforts when requested by the National Interagency Fire Center and approved by the Secretary of Defense. These diverse mission assets are prepared to respond quickly and effectively to protect lives, property, critical infrastructure and natural resources, and can include, but are not limited to, MAFFS, military helicopters and ground forces capable of supporting the firefighting efforts.

ARPC hosts honorary commander

by Maj. Lennea Montandon
Air Reserve Personnel Center Public Affairs

8/7/2013 - BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- A Team Buckley honorary commander recently visited the Air Reserve Personnel Center here.

Cindy Kreutz, chief executive officer and president of the Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital in Aurora, Colo., along with ARPC's commander, vice commander, and command chief, welcomed new senior leadership from the 460th Space Wing.

Col. Dan Wright III, 460th SW commander, Col. Mitch Stratton, 460th SW vice commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Craig Hall, 460th SW command chief, recently moved to Buckley AFB. As part of their orientation, they received a mission brief and preview of ARPC's responsibilities in support of Air National Guard and Reserve members.

The honorary commanders program emphasizes one-on-one relationships between community and Buckley leaders in order to build public trust and strong community relationships. They act as civilian counterparts to command leadership and attend events such as picnics and other unit functions.

"This program allows me as a civilian to gain exposure about how the military works. I have an appreciation for the military and can see the end result--our freedom, but it can be easy to forget how complex the process is. The honorary commanders program makes it very real and personal to me," said Kreutz.

Twenty civilian leaders are part of Team Buckley's honorary commanders program; two work closely with ARPC. They are able to gain a clear understanding of what Buckley AFB brings to the community, and military leaders have insight into the opportunities offered in Aurora and how the base impacts the area.

"I am able to get an insider's view and have a greater understanding of the challenges military members and their families face," said Kreutz. "I can take that information into the community so others gain perspective on what goes on at Buckley, its forward progress and its strategic importance."

Brig. Gen. Jay Flournoy, ARPC commander, stressed the benefits of the relationships formed.

"Having Ms. Kreutz and other community and business partners in attendance shows our commitment to our partnerships and provides open lines of communication in the community as a whole," he said.

Kreutz's employer, Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital, works closely with Buckley AFB as part of the Aurora Chamber's Defense Council, and the hospital is the premier sponsor for this year's Aurora Veterans Salute, an annual event recognizing veterans in the metropolitan area. The rehabilitation hospital has also served individual service members and veterans through their inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs.

Laughlin airman takes STEP forward

by Senior Airman John D. Partlow
47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

8/5/2013 - LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Newly promoted Tech. Sgt. Joel Eschenbacher, was rewarded through the Air Force's Stripes for Exceptional Performers program here July 31, 2013.

Eschenbacher, a manpower and organizational analysis technician in the 47th Force Support Squadron, received the STEP promotion to technical sergeant due to various money- and time-saving, Air Force-wide ideas and hard work.

"He is consistently increasing his expertise and continues to grow as an airman," said Master Sgt. Jason Concepcion, 47th FSS manpower and organization NCO in charge and Eschenbacher's supervisor. "He'll make a great tech. sergeant, and he's been on the right path to become one since the beginning."

While a staff sergeant, Eschenbacher resolved an Air Force Personnel Center database error by identifying a flaw and correcting the formula while informing the agency, preventing an omission of more than 150K deployment records. He also developed an innovative manpower database that synchronized three distinct personnel reports, slashing 600 man-hours. The new database was named an AF Best Practice.

"I absolutely love my job," said Eschenbacher. "I'm able to change or affect careers in the Air Force with my current position, and I love having that responsibility. Whether it's base-level or Air Force-level decisions, it's still a big role to fill."

Eschenbacher's large role included validating wing deployments and scrutinizing and processing more than 200 taskings while verifying their accuracy. These meticulous efforts allowed for five combatant commands to be armed with mission-ready airmen.

"I treat every report, email, project or anything I create like it's going to the desk of a 4-star general," said Eschenbacher. "A big lesson I've learned is that people tend to respond more often when you present ideas in the most respectful manner possible."

Now that he has acquired his new rank, Eschenbacher is looking to take the next step forward.

"As a staff sergeant, I tried performing at a technical sergeant level to better prepare myself for a promotion," he said. "Now that I have the rank I've been preparing for, it's time to look forward to the future."

True wingmen: Minot Airmen earn Humanitarian Service Medal

by Airman 1st Class Joseph Raatz
Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs

8/6/2013 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La.  -- Airmen at Minot Air Force Base, N.D. are eligible to receive recognition for their role in the relief and recovery efforts related to the historic flooding that devastated the area two years ago.

On June 3, the Secretary of the Air Force approved the Humanitarian Service Medal for more than 5,600 members of the 5th Bomb Wing and the 91st Missile Wing for humanitarian relief efforts to the civilian community in the wake of the severe flooding in the area of Minot, Burlington and Velva, N.D.

The Souris River broke records in June 2011, cresting at more than 1,560 feet above sea level. This massive surge damaged more than 4,000 homes and displaced approximately 11,000 people including more than 1,100 Airmen and their families.

Airmen at Minot immediately responded to the disaster, building sandbag levees and helping to evacuate those affected. Many personnel quartered on the base opened their homes to Airmen and their families who were displaced by the flooding.

The Humanitarian Service Medal is authorized to U.S. military personnel providing humanitarian and disaster relief assistance during the period of May 10 to Nov. 21, 2011. Personnel must have been assigned to the immediate area of operation, which is determined to be in the areas of Minot, Burlington, and Velva, N.D. To qualify, personnel must have provided at least one day of direct support in the above designated area.

Personnel records will be automatically updated. If any eligible Airmen doesn't see the update in their records, they may take documentation proving their eligibility to their local military personnel flight.

The Humanitarian Service Medal was created by Executive Order 11965, Jan. 19, 1977. It was established to honor personnel of the Armed Forces of the United States who distinguished themselves by meritorious direct participation in a significant military act or operation of a humanitarian nature, or have rendered a service to mankind.

DOD Aids Reduction of Emergency Personnel in Yemen

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2013 – In response to a State Department request, the Air Force transported personnel out of Sanaa, Yemen, early this morning as part of a reduction in emergency personnel, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said.

"The U.S. Department of Defense continues to have personnel on the ground in Yemen to support the U.S. State Department and monitor the security situation," Little said in a statement.

The State Department today ordered a reduction in the number of emergency U.S. government personnel in Yemen.

“As we have said, we are concerned about a threat stream indicating the potential for terrorist attacks against U.S. persons or facilities overseas, especially emanating from the Arabian Peninsula,” State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki said in a statement. “As such, the department is taking appropriate steps to protect our employees, including local employees and visitors to our facilities.”

CCATTs continue life saving missions

by Staff Sgt. Corey Hook
59th MDW/PA

8/5/2013 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas  -- A 20 year old United States Army soldier has sustained serious injuries from a roadside bomb in Afghanistan - 70 percent of his body is badly burned, and he has lost one of his legs.

An Air Force pararescue team flew him from the point of injury to the nearest forward operating base in Afghanistan for immediate medical care. His journey back to the states relies on Critical Care Air Transport Teams, and so does his life.

In critical condition, he will be flown by CCATT to the Afghanistan theater hospital at Bagram Air Base, and roughly 19 hours later he'll be in a hospital bed at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany - the nearest treatment center for wounded warriors coming from Afghanistan. Sixty-one hours later he is done with the transatlantic flight and at the San Antonio Military Medical Center, with all flight care conducted by CCATTs while en route.

During the Vietnam War, it took an average of 45 days to return patients to the states and only 75 percent of wounded warriors survived. The Air Force's CCATT capability allows service
members to be transported from the point of injury to a stateside hospital in less than 3 days and 98 percent survive their injuries.

The concept of CCATT was developed in the early 1990s at the 59th Medical Wing by retired Maj. Gen. P.K. Carlton and retired Col. Chris Farmer in an effort to expand the Air Force's aeromedical critical care transport capabilities. Carlton and Farmer created the first written concept of operations, a table of allowances and a plan of action for formalizing the CCATT program.

Two Combat Controllers hike with USAF Seven Summits Team

by Staff Sgt. Jason Truskowski
62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

7/25/2013 - JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- For some, hiking and climbing for days, and sometimes months, through some of the harshest environments known to man, would seem like an arduous task not enjoyed by many.

Two Airmen from Team McChord experienced just that as they summited Mount Rainier, Wash., July 19 through 22.

Staff Sgt. Brian Wadtke and Master Sgt. Doug Neville, who are both combat controllers assigned to the 22nd Special Tactics Squadron, participated in the first trip of the U.S. Air Force Seven Summits Challenge, "Climbing for Warriors" project.

Maj. Rob Marshall, a CV-22 Osprey acceptance pilot, and Maj. Mark Uberuaga, an Air Command and Staff College student, are the co-founders of the team and are part-masterminds behind "Climbing for Warriors."

"This new program is aimed at helping Airmen overcome physical and mental challenges and to introduce them to the healing powers of the mountains," said Marshall. "Whether they have been wounded in combat, sustained a work-related injury or are just battling seasonal depression and tough times, we want to teach them the coping skills that come from time in the high mountains."

Wadtke went through numerous surgeries to repair his shoulder and nose after a combat incident and a routine training mission accident.

"This is a test to show myself I can still perform despite being injured," he said.

Neville sustained numerous injuries while deployed to Southwest Asia and is unable to return to duty. He has served for 19 years in the military and is only four months away from retirement.

"Getting back into a camaraderie-style atmosphere and being a part of the Seven Summits Team is awesome," he said. "This team accomplished a lot and promotes everything the Air Force stands for."

Both Wadtke and Neville have undergone months of physical therapy and strength building exercises in an effort to regain their ability to serve in the military at peak performance.

"I speak for Doug and me, but we want to thank the 22nd STS medical staff, strength coach, and physical therapist," said Wadtke. "They are the reason we could both do this hike."

Wadtke and Neville met up with the Seven Summits Team in Ashford, Wash. July 19. The evening began with a relaxed dinner and shared personal stories about a troubling time in all of their lives and how they overcame or are currently overcoming those boundaries.

After collecting gear from a local Ashford, Wash. mountain-guide outfitter the team leader for the Mount Rainier summit, Uberuaga, and other team members instructed Wadtke and Neville how to do gear functional checks and properly stuff their packs for proper weight distribution and comfort.

The next day began early with breakfast and one final pack check before carpooling 20 miles to Paradise, Mount Rainier. Arriving at Paradise, the team registered for their summit and overnight accommodations at Camp Muir and marched with their packs, single-file, toward the visitor's center.

Marshall, with his Seven Summits Challenge T-shirt, rallied the 12-man-team and took a knee as he read one of his favorite inspirational quotes from an old tattered tan-colored book. Marshall carries the book with him on his trips to help inspire him and others as they face challenges on the mountains.

The U.S. flag and Air Force flag were held up for group shots and everyone on the team smiled bright as a volunteer took the group's photo. Those passing by stopped and tried to figure out what was going on.

"We are an unofficial Air Force climbing team and are embarking on our first trip in a new program for wounded warriors," said Marshall with a proud smile on his face.

With trekking poles in hand, Wadtke and Neville joined the hiking line headed toward Camp Muir. Early morning, many small groups headed for Muir, usually consisting of roughly four hikers, hit the trail trying to get a jump start on the looming warmer temperatures. The sun was bright and visibility was limitless at 5,400 feet in elevation at the visitor's center. One of the team members was heard saying, "I can only imagine what the view will be from Muir!"

The trek to Camp Muir took roughly six hours with the team taking 10-minute comfort breaks each hour to eat snacks, hydrate and make clothing adjustments.

Maj. Grayden Muller, a helicopter pilot from the 6th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field, Fla., taught pressure breathing, the proper way to walk on snow, and trail etiquette at each of the pre-determined stops.

Arriving at the Muir Snow Field the pace turned almost into a crawl as the elevation steepened drastically. Team members were carrying 40 to 50 pound packs depending on what they were required to carry. Every step forward was planned and executed carefully. Overall, the trek up was slow but steady as the team traveled the 4.5 miles with a total elevation gain of 4,680 feet.

Staff Sgt. Savanna Wadtke, a member of the 627th Force Support Squadron commander's support staff, joined her husband on the hike up to Camp Muir.

"This is something that my husband has had on his 'bucket list' and he wanted me to join him for moral and inspirational support," she said. "I felt proud of him because he had that huge pack and even with his injury he kept on going. It was great to see him overcome those obstacles."

The entire team made it to Camp Muir just before dinner time and began setting up tents at the snow covered camp. July 21, the team recovered from their previous day's arduous hike and various team members taught Wadtke and Neville self-arrest techniques (stopping yourself if you fall on snow/ice), crampon skills and crevasse travel/rescue.

July 22, at midnight, the team hit the moon lit snow with headlamps and required gear as they made the final push to the 14,411-foot summit. They returned from Camp Muir to Ashford, Washington July 23.

To follow the journey of this team of Airmen, visit http://www.usaf7summits.com/index.php, http://www.climbingforwarriors.com or on Facebook "USAF 7 Summits Challenge."

Face of Defense: Airman Spends Leave Upgrading Children’s Home

By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jocelyn L. Rich-Pendracki
18th Wing

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan, Aug. 6, 2013 – When service members take leave, it’s often to reinvigorate or re-energize themselves. One airman here spent his time away from the day-to-day grind reinvigorating a children's home in Thailand.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Eric Gargus is surrounded by the tools of his trade while holding a cross that he crafted in his free time. Gargus recently returned from Thailand, where he helped to build a playground for children who live in homes supported by an organization that fights human trafficking. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jocelyn L. Rich-Pendracki   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Eric Gargus, a 18th Civil Engineer Squadron structural craftsman, attended a service at the Kadena chapel in January and he learned of an upcoming trip to Thailand to make a difference in the lives of children who have been taken off the streets and out of lives that could lead to tragedy, living in homes supported by the organization Remember Nhu.

"Remember Nhu deals with the prevention of human trafficking, and they have scores of kids to care for," said Air Force Chaplain (Capt.) Daniel Call.

Intrigued, Gargus did more research and found out more about Remember Nhu.

"When I heard about this trip, something inside spoke to me," he said. "[It was] a calling. I had to go."

Remember Nhu is a nonprofit organization that supports homes for children in Thailand, Burma and Cambodia with the intent of getting them off the streets and sparing them from human trafficking. The organization's namesake, Nhu, was such a child, before being rescued and adopted by Carl and Laurie Ralston from Portland, Ore.

Remember Nhu's approach at combating human trafficking is to help one child at a time by creating a loving, educational, peaceful and happy environment with spiritual guidance.

After learning all that he could about Nhu and the organization, Gargus reached out to a member of the Kadena chapel’s youth ministry. They began discussing ideas for a new playground to be built on the grounds of homes in northern Thailand. Talk became action, and before long, the plans were drawn and the trip was underway.

"We came up with plans for the playground that we wanted to build for these kids something for them to enjoy," Gargus said.

The playground went from the drawing board to reality.

"We used [about] 10,000 feet of rope and webbing to make the cargo nets that made up the playground,” Call said. “All the nets were hand tied by the teams. The playground also included a 60-foot zip line. Nothing is more satisfying than seeing 30 to 40 children delighted in the gift of the playground through the squeals and laughter that we saw the last day we were in Thailand."

Remember Nhu supports four homes with about 45 children in each home, and organization officials hope to open more.

Gargus worked at the houses in northern Thailand for a month.

"These kids were incredible," he said. "We got to eat with them every day. I sat on the floor with one little boy that I saw eating by himself. The next thing I knew, there were kids surrounding me. The experience was life-changing."

Since his initial involvement seven months ago, Gargus said, he has decided to increase his participation.

"I want to go back someday, and am looking forward to returning soon and fulfilling my calling," Gargus said.

He also plans on continuing his support by raising money and volunteering as much time as he can.
"God has blessed me with a certain skill set needed for my job, as well as the love to help people," Gargus said. "Doing the job I love and helping people while serving God is a dream come true."

Military Spouses Choir to Perform on ‘America’s Got Talent’

By Tim Hipps
U.S. Army Installation Management Command

SAN ANTONIO, Aug. 6, 2013 – A group that got its start in Army Entertainment is the driving force behind the American Military Spouses Choir, an "America's Got Talent" quarterfinalist scheduled to perform tonight at Radio City Music Hall in New York.

The show will be televised live on NBC at 9 p.m. EDT.

The competing choir consists of 37 spouses of active-duty military personnel, including 10 Army wives whose husbands range in rank from sergeant to major general. All told, there are 50 military spouses in the choir, ranging in age from 19 to 54, whose husbands range in rank from corporal to two-star general.

The group is the brainchild of Victor Hurtado, an Army Entertainment veteran who has performed in and directed programs such as the U.S. Army Soldier Show, Operation Rising Star, Military Idol and Stars of Tomorrow, among others, for nearly three decades. Hurtado also founded CAMMO, a nonprofit Center for American Military Music Opportunities, which supports the military wives choir.
The group was assembled for a May 6 performance at the 2012 Kennedy Center Spring Gala in Washington, D.C., where they sang "The Promise That We Make," an original song co-written by Charlie Midnight, who penned "Living in America" for James Brown, and Bernie Herms, who arranged the Natalie Grant version of "Joy to the World."

"They were supposed to do a one-night performance at the Kennedy Center," Hurtado deadpanned. "And, oh, by the way, I put them together over the Internet while directing the last two weeks of Soldier Show last year."

Several clips of Foster introducing the American Military Spouses Choir are available on YouTube, as is footage of them singing "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" on "America's Got Talent."

The lead vocalist for that number, Melissa Gomez, won Army Entertainment's 2010 Operation Rising Star, a military singing contest about to embark on its ninth season.

"Melissa has risen to the top from the very beginning," Hurtado said. "Her training that she got over the years with Army Entertainment was extremely evident."

The military wives climbed their first mountain, which obviously was not high enough, May 10 in Chicago, and advanced to the second round in Las Vegas, where they were told July 16 to pack their bags for a trip to New York.

"Their performance was strong enough to put them through," said Hurtado, who explained that 60 acts advanced to the "America's Got Talent" quarterfinals in New York, where 12 will perform each week for five weeks.

"There were a few that were put through without having to perform again [in Las Vegas],” Hurtado said. “It's going to keep going, because these ladies ain't playin."

Vicki Golding, Army Entertainment's 2006 Military Idol champion, is the choirmaster for the American Military Spouses Choir.

"She is the reason why we're able to do what we do," Hurtado said. "I send her the arrangements, she writes out the parts, and then Joey [Beebe] checks our work. She has become a real viable music director/choirmaster."

Beebe, another former Soldier Show performer, currently serves as music director of Army Entertainment's marquee program. He also works with soldiers and military family members competing in Operation Rising Star.

"Joey Beebe is the music director for CAMMO, so that makes him the music director for all the artists that fall under CAMMO," Hurtado said. "When the ladies first met, they actually met the night before the gig at the Kennedy Center. They had never met before. And Joey has had that choir since that night. He taught them the song. He made it sound amazing. And they performed the next day at the Kennedy Center.

"David Foster said it was some of the best vocal choral work, dynamically, musically, pitch-wise, everything, that he had ever experienced in his life," Hurtado continued. "And he told Joey that himself. Joey just stood there and listened. I've never seen Joey at a loss for words like that before."

Ron Henry, another former Army Entertainment performer and original member of the 4TROOPS recording group, also helps the American Military Spouses Choir.

"He's in line to work with the ladies when one of us is not there," Hurtado said. "Vicki, Joey, Ron and I have all groomed so well that we can all sing, fill in for 4TROOPS, or conduct a choir. To have that sort of stable, that we are all interchangeable like that, is pretty satisfying for someone who had Sergeant Henry coming to Alaska with me, and Specialist Beebe coming to be the first assistant director, or Vicki Golding, who won Military Idol and sings so beautifully and is such a skilled music director. Who knew, right?"

And then there are the ladies getting it done on stage for their troops.

"I have been a military spouse for 34 years, and this choir experience validates what I have learned about all military spouses," said Karen Gravlin Bartell of Fort Eustis, Va. "They are strong, loyal, resourceful, supportive, kind-hearted, honest and, of course, talented. 'America's Got Talent' and Radio City Music Hall are giving us the chance to show that to America."

"I love being part of a choir that sings in tribute to our military," said Michelle Gable, of Fort Meade, Md. "I sing to say 'thank you.' I sing to say 'I love you.' I sing so that those who are silent will be remembered."

"Being in the choir is a dream come true for me," said Gomez, an Army veteran and spouse with the 7th Special Forces Group at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. "I feel I am part of something so special that is afforded to me because I am a military spouse. Being in New York is still surreal. Performing at Radio City Music Hall solidifies our status as true artists in the music industry, and our cause is one worthy of recognition."

"First and foremost, I am in total awe, total shock of where we are now: New York City!" said Yari Dominguez, of Fort Rucker, Ala. "And we'll be performing at Radio City Music Hall, where the big dogs perform -- where legends have paved that path for others' dreams. It's a true honor to be singing with such an amazing group of ladies, knowing we all represent and stand for the same reason. It's a blessing -- a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

The experience is more than just a competition, said Crystal Wood, of Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C.

"This choir has given me a sisterhood and a support system that I have never had,” she added. “The love and support we have received from not only military families, but also from the public, is incredible. So many times as a military family, we are isolated and struggle alone.

“Since being on the show,” she continued, “so many families have said that we have inspired them, when in fact their support has inspired us. We are representing not only military families but also anyone who has been separated from their loved ones or experienced difficult situations. We are a beacon of hope for so many, that no matter how difficult the journey may be, you can always find a glimmer of light and the end of even the darkest tunnel. Performing at Radio City Music Hall is affirmation that as a society we all should support each other and we can overcome even our darkest moments."

Stephanie Holberg of Fort Leavenworth, Kan., said being in the choir means she is not alone.
"It's a blast being in New York City, beyond a dream to perform at Radio City Music Hall, and a huge honor to give military spouses a voice,” she said. “In a world where you hear so much negative news, this is such an amazing forum to share our stories and share something positive and patriotic like military spouses singing for their husbands and choir."

The remaining Army wives in the choir are Brandy Albert and Rachael Smith, both of Fort Belvoir, Va.; Deidra Lee Stubbs of Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md.; and Sonjia Perry of Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, dropped by to visit during one of the American Military Spouses Choir rehearsals and his wife, Deanie, personally thanked the ladies.
More than 35,000 acts auditioned last autumn for this season of "America's Got Talent," which will culminate in September.

Airman's 6-year journey leads to citizenship

by Senior Airman Charles Hutchinson IV
439th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

8/2/2013 - WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. -- Senior Airman Jean Marc Tchazou knows being a U.S. citizen is a privilege. Some people are born with it; others have to work hard to obtain it.

"I am originally from Cameroon, but I'm from the United States now," said Tchazou.

Born in Douala, Cameroon,  Tchazou is a finance specialist with the 439th Airlift Wing. He fled Cameroon in 2007 due to political instability.

He became a United States citizen July 4.

"It was in Sturbridge, Mass., and it was a change in my life," said Tchazou while talking about his swearing in as a U.S. citizen. "It's a blessing and also a big privilege to be a United States citizen. I think that maybe some people born here don't know how lucky and blessed they are."

"After you are sworn in and they call your name and give you that certificate, the feeling is something that words cannot describe," said Tchazou.

With countless possibilities in America, SrA. Tchazou isn't letting any go.

"So far what I have accomplished in this country I'm sure if I was in Cameroon I would never do," he said. Tchazou came to America with a bachelor's degree in finance from Douala University and recently graduated from Fitchburg State with a master's degree in accounting.

He also owns a brand-new car from working hard.

"These are things that are tough to obtain in Cameroon," he said. "The system doesn't allow you to really show your potential."

Cameroon is in West Central Africa, between Nigeria and Chad on the Gulf of Guinea. The capital of Cameroon is Yaoundé, and the country is home to more than 20 million people.

While co-workers find his work ethic absolutely astounding, Tchazou does allow himself time to relax.

"After I got my citizenship I threw myself a really big party" he said, in his soft-spoken French accent. "You have to really celebrate it. I came here just six years ago and I already have my citizenship."

Tchazou said to gain citizenship "you have to work hard and put trust in the system. You have to stay out of trouble and do what is right. That's what makes America special."

This ambitious United States citizen ended the interview by saying, "It's not who you are, it's not how you look, or how you talk, but you are judged on what you can do. I have been given that chance. I'll continue to try."

Beale reservists learn, excel at Talisman Saber 2013

by Dana Lineback
940th Wing

8/6/2013 - BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Reservists from the 940th Wing here returned last week from Talisman Saber 2013, bringing home invaluable training experience and an outstanding performer award from the multiservice, bilateral exercise.

Six members of the 713th Combat Operations Squadron were among the nearly 21,000 U.S. and 7,000 Australian military personnel who participated in this year's training exercise, the largest since the biennial series began in 2005.

Talisman Saber is a joint exercise between U.S. Pacific Command units and Australian Defense Forces designed to enhance multilateral collaboration in planning and conducting command task force operations. The training, which took place in the region of Australia and adjacent maritime areas, also involved several government agencies from the two countries and non-government agencies, such as the Red Cross and the Asia-Pacific Civil-Military Centre of Excellence.

Fictional scenarios involved more than 70 different major training events that included combined Special Forces operations, parachute drops, amphibious landings, land force maneuvers, urban and air operations, and the coordinated firing of live ammunition from a range of weapons systems.

The exercise is an opportunity to focus on bilateral collaboration in support of future combined operations, humanitarian emergencies and natural disaster response to demonstrate mutual dedication to maintaining regional security, peace and stability.

"A goal of Talisman Saber is to improve interoperability between the armed services of both countries," said Lt. Col. Brett Gennarelli, 713 COS deputy commander.

"Our squadron's mission is to provide steady state, contingency and wartime augmentation to PACAF's Air Force Forces staff through reachback capability and the ability to deploy throughout the Pacific Theater," Gennarelli said. "This exercise was excellent training for our members and a great opportunity to foster important relationships with our PACAF and ADF counterparts."

Although the unit has participated in Talisman Saber in the past, this was Senior Master Sgt. Ian Troxell and Master Sgt. Eric Nehls' first time at the exercise. Both reservists were assigned as Noncommissioned Officers in Charge of their work sections at PACAF Headquarters, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.

"It was an exceptionally rewarding experience to work together as a team with people you hadn't even met before. Mission effectiveness requires this kind of cooperation and dedication," said Nehls. "I was particularly struck by the motivated young airmen doing very difficult analytical tasks. If we want to be able to operate seamlessly in a real world scenario, this type of training is vital."

Troxell was also impressed by the Total Force Integration of active duty and reserve forces, as well as the interoperability with their Australian counterparts.

"There was no lag time in the exercise, and situations had to be dealt with quickly and efficiently," Troxell said. "Regardless of what you're facing, the key is communication across organizations and cultures. I was exceptionally pleased with how well we were able to work together.'

Another benefit of the exercise, according to Troxell, was the opportunity to see an operational plan go into action.

"At the PACAF level, we have all kinds of contingency plans on the shelf for every imaginable scenario, but the plans are abstract. We don't get to see how all the aspects of a plan actually work until we put that plan into action."

Tech. Sgt. Doyle Cook was also a first-time participant in Talisman Saber. A personnel specialist with the 713 COS, Cook was assigned as the Combined Forces Air Component's Chief of Personnel Support for Contingency Operations, during the exercise. He also headed up the Joint Reception Center, handling the arrival and departure of exercise participants. Cook was responsible for accountability and strength reporting, tracking more than 500 active duty, civilian, contractor and reserve participants.

"I hadn't had much PERSCO training in this type of support capacity. We were forced to learn quickly by working through the issues that arose throughout the exercise. The PACAF staff I work with on a regular basis in our squadron's day-to-day mission were extremely helpful," Cook said. "With this experience, I feel like I can deploy anywhere and do that particular job now."

Cook was named a Talisman Saber 2013 Outstanding Performer, recognizing the technical sergeant as a top five percent performer.

"Sergeant Cook is carrying on a long tradition of excellence in this squadron. On a routine basis, ten to twenty percent of our members return from major exercises with these awards. I attribute this success to the very extensive training program in this squadron and the caliber of people it takes to do this mission," Gennarelli said.

Reservists assigned to the 713 COS are required to train in at least one major exercise each year, according to Gennarelli.

"The cultural knowledge and operational expertise that result from working a joint coalition exercise like Talisman Saber ensure our members are trained to perform their duties in providing regional and global security alongside other military services and our allies.

McChord members return from U.S.-Australian exercise

by Master Sgt. Todd Wivell
62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

8/3/2013 - JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash.  -- Sixteen Airmen from the 62nd Airlift Wing recently returned from their participation in a coalition exercise between the U.S. military and the Australian Defense Force. That exercise is known as Talisman Saber 2013 and was executed in eastern Australia from July 15th through July 29th.

Joining more than 28,000 of their fellow Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Australian counterparts, the Airmen from McChord were part of an exercise that trained forces from both nations to operate as a combined joint task force.

"Talisman Saber is a critical show of coalition interoperability and Theater Security Cooperation between the United States and Australian militaries," said Col. Andrew Hird, 62nd Operation Group commander and Talisman Saber Air Force mission commander. "The strategic airborne insertion was part of a much larger exercise including the certification of the U.S. 7th Fleet in a high end war fight."

Exercises are meant to prepare, train, evaluate, identify issues and further the understanding of how and why things work, this exercise was no different.

"The most obvious difference between this exercise and our local training missions is the amount of interest garnered at the highest levels of military and civilian leadership," said Capt. Dan Edelstein, 10th Airlift Squadron instructor pilot and Talisman Saber aircraft commander for the lead C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. "It was also a great opportunity for us to plan and train with C-17s from Hickam and Charleston.

"We even had a chance to fly a local training mission with the Australian C-17s a few days later. Even though we were dropping in a foreign country, our procedures didn't change. In the end, the way we train at home station is not so different from the way we executed at Talisman Saber."

Five C-17A aircraft, loaded with more than 400 members of the 4th Brigade, 25th Infantry Division departed Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 19th, enroute to drop zone Kapyong on the east coast of Australia.

In what is likely a first ever event, a 5-ship of KC-10's refueled a 5-ship of C-17s in a single formation alleviating the need to split the formations into smaller groups requiring multiple airspace reservations and formation rejoins. The KC-10 aircrews affected a perfect rendezvous and excellent air refueling formation passing possibly a record amount of fuel to the C-17's. This massive formation passed nearly 750,000 pounds of fuel is also a potential first in a single C-17 formation.

"The air refueling likely set records," said Hird. "For a C-17 formation passing 750,000 pounds of fuel in one element is amazing.

"Conducting the large formation air refueling was an objective that was proved feasible by the exercise and provides additional flexibility when time and airspace limits factor into a strategic employment mission such as this one. I'm confident that this is the first 5-v-5 accomplished by the C-17."

McChord played a significant role in the execution of this exercise and ensured the mission was successful.

"McChord teammates planned multiple layers of contingencies and aided with Army, Australian Air Forces and joint base support in Alaska and Hawaii," said Hird. "McChord fielded two of the five C-17's as well as provided aircrew in partnership with Joint Base Charleston and Hickam AFB aircrews.

"The phenomenal support and leadership and motivation of the Army and Air Forces units enabled a last minute successful tail swap and an on time departure. The planning by all players ensured this mission success."

"Maj. Wes Skenfield was the key performer for this event," stated Edelstein. "As the lead planner he did most of the leg work for this exercise for several months before any of the other crew members became involved. His experience and continuity were the keys to success for the mission."

Not only is it important to conduct local and national exercises but international exercises with our allies are just as equally important.

"This exercise of partnership with our regional ally demonstrated our ability to successfully operate as a coalition," said Hird. "For the C-17 community, working together with a foreign military practicing tactical airdrop employment demonstrated to aircrews from all commands that we can learn from each other and work together to successfully execute tactical objectives.

"The positive second order effect is that the captains and staff sergeants executing the mission last week will be the commanders and senior noncommissioned officers who are charged to build future relationships with partner nations. This very successful exercise will give each of them a positive experience to build from."

McChord members return from U.S.-Australian exercise

by Master Sgt. Todd Wivell
62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

8/3/2013 - JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash.  -- Sixteen Airmen from the 62nd Airlift Wing recently returned from their participation in a coalition exercise between the U.S. military and the Australian Defense Force. That exercise is known as Talisman Saber 2013 and was executed in eastern Australia from July 15th through July 29th.

Joining more than 28,000 of their fellow Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Australian counterparts, the Airmen from McChord were part of an exercise that trained forces from both nations to operate as a combined joint task force.

"Talisman Saber is a critical show of coalition interoperability and Theater Security Cooperation between the United States and Australian militaries," said Col. Andrew Hird, 62nd Operation Group commander and Talisman Saber Air Force mission commander. "The strategic airborne insertion was part of a much larger exercise including the certification of the U.S. 7th Fleet in a high end war fight."

Exercises are meant to prepare, train, evaluate, identify issues and further the understanding of how and why things work, this exercise was no different.

"The most obvious difference between this exercise and our local training missions is the amount of interest garnered at the highest levels of military and civilian leadership," said Capt. Dan Edelstein, 10th Airlift Squadron instructor pilot and Talisman Saber aircraft commander for the lead C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. "It was also a great opportunity for us to plan and train with C-17s from Hickam and Charleston.

"We even had a chance to fly a local training mission with the Australian C-17s a few days later. Even though we were dropping in a foreign country, our procedures didn't change. In the end, the way we train at home station is not so different from the way we executed at Talisman Saber."

Five C-17A aircraft, loaded with more than 400 members of the 4th Brigade, 25th Infantry Division departed Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 19th, enroute to drop zone Kapyong on the east coast of Australia.

In what is likely a first ever event, a 5-ship of KC-10's refueled a 5-ship of C-17s in a single formation alleviating the need to split the formations into smaller groups requiring multiple airspace reservations and formation rejoins. The KC-10 aircrews affected a perfect rendezvous and excellent air refueling formation passing possibly a record amount of fuel to the C-17's. This massive formation passed nearly 750,000 pounds of fuel is also a potential first in a single C-17 formation.

"The air refueling likely set records," said Hird. "For a C-17 formation passing 750,000 pounds of fuel in one element is amazing.

"Conducting the large formation air refueling was an objective that was proved feasible by the exercise and provides additional flexibility when time and airspace limits factor into a strategic employment mission such as this one. I'm confident that this is the first 5-v-5 accomplished by the C-17."

McChord played a significant role in the execution of this exercise and ensured the mission was successful.

"McChord teammates planned multiple layers of contingencies and aided with Army, Australian Air Forces and joint base support in Alaska and Hawaii," said Hird. "McChord fielded two of the five C-17's as well as provided aircrew in partnership with Joint Base Charleston and Hickam AFB aircrews.

"The phenomenal support and leadership and motivation of the Army and Air Forces units enabled a last minute successful tail swap and an on time departure. The planning by all players ensured this mission success."

"Maj. Wes Skenfield was the key performer for this event," stated Edelstein. "As the lead planner he did most of the leg work for this exercise for several months before any of the other crew members became involved. His experience and continuity were the keys to success for the mission."

Not only is it important to conduct local and national exercises but international exercises with our allies are just as equally important.

"This exercise of partnership with our regional ally demonstrated our ability to successfully operate as a coalition," said Hird. "For the C-17 community, working together with a foreign military practicing tactical airdrop employment demonstrated to aircrews from all commands that we can learn from each other and work together to successfully execute tactical objectives.

"The positive second order effect is that the captains and staff sergeants executing the mission last week will be the commanders and senior noncommissioned officers who are charged to build future relationships with partner nations. This very successful exercise will give each of them a positive experience to build from."