Face of Defense: Band Member Entertains at Home, Defends Abroad

By Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jonathan Boynes

1st Marine Division

ESCONDIDO, Calif., Feb. 7, 2014 – The lights in the auditorium began to dim until the low mumbles of the audience ceased. The large red curtain on stage rose slowly, revealing dozens of Marines in their dress-blue uniforms, instruments in hand.

Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Tracy Martinez, the 1st Marine Division band conductor, stood in front of the band at the 73rd anniversary concert at Escondido, Calif., Jan. 31. He led the band through each song, ensuring that the sound flowed with swift precision.

Martinez, a native of Newbury Park, Calif., is responsible for much more than turning the spirit of the Marine Corps into music. He is a professional warrior first, always prepared to answer the call of his nation.

“I deployed to Iraq with the band in 2003 and was part of a heavy machine gun platoon,” Martinez said. “The band’s job is to entertain people, but the Marine Corps’ job is to protect the nation. The band shares that goal, too.”

Martinez emphasizes the band’s importance of contributing to the Marines not only through musical gifts, but also through physical training and discipline. The band members constantly train, whether it’s qualifying at the rifle range or running fitness tests. They are held to the same standards that make Marines the nation’s force in readiness.

“A lot of people separate the band from the rest of the Marine Corps and put us in a different category,” Martinez said. “The band is full of regular Marines and has some of the most qualified in the Marine Corps.”

Martinez, who earned a master’s degree in music education from Boston University, said he didn’t join the Marine Corps with intentions of joining the band. But after his recruiter discovered that he was a skilled saxophone player, Martinez auditioned for the spot and eventually changed his contract.

Almost two decades later, Martinez has held a variety of positions in the band, from saxophone instrumentalist to instrument repair technician and now as conductor.

“Gunnery Sergeant Martinez is a great conductor and a professional with an extensive history with music and the Marine Corps,” said Lance Cpl. Gregg Alvarez, a trumpet instrumentalist with 1st Marine Division Band. “He holds himself to a high standard and makes sure we all do the same.”

Martinez practices for hours each day, both individually and with the band. Being musically proficient and performing hundreds of times a year is only half his job, he said, but he knows he must be ready to deploy into a combat zone.

“Deploying as a band member is unique, because we put our instruments down and everything else we train to do comes into play,” Martinez said. “The band is full of fantastic musicians, but more importantly, it’s full of fantastic Marines.”

65 ABW events focus on spirituality, Comprehensive Airman Fitness

by Staff Sgt. Angelique N. Smythe
65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

2/7/2014 - LAJES FIELD, Azores -- Military life brings many challenges. Sometimes it gets really tough, and trials become overwhelming. How do you respond as an individual, a couple or a family when the wind knocks you off your feet, and life delivers an unseen blow?

The Lajes Field Chapel presented two seminars and a luncheon Feb. 4 through 6 to help Airmen strengthen their resiliency and spirituality, one pillar of Comprehensive Airman Fitness.

One seminar, Marriage Ready, a spiritual-based seminar for both singles and couples of all faiths, was Feb. 4, focusing on spirituality. The second seminar, Fireproof Your Marriage, was a Christian-based religious program held Feb. 6.

Guest speakers of the week's events were U.S. Army Col. (ret.) Keith Morgan and his wife, Sharon, who visit military bases in efforts to help build resiliency within military ready families.

On Feb. 5 two hundred Lajes members attended the National Prayer Luncheon to pray for the base, community and government, as well as listen to the guest speaker highlight the importance of spirituality.

"The Air Force recognizes we are spiritual beings and these events presented tools to increase spiritual awareness within ourselves," said Chaplain (Capt.) Sean Knox, 65th Air Base Wing Chapel. "To ignore any one pillar of the Comprehensive Airman Fitness would be to ignore part of who you are."

Comprehensive Airman Fitness is an Air Force-wide initiative based on improving Airman readiness by solidifying the mental, physical, social and spiritual pillars.

Many denominations were recognized during the National Prayer Luncheon, which is normally observed the second Thursday of each February. This tradition was initiated in 1953 when former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower joined members of the government together to pray for the country.

"Since then, there has been a National Prayer Breakfast or a National Prayer Lunch in military chapels all around the world," said Knox, a Catholic chaplain and the 65th ABW National Prayer Luncheon organizer. "These programs are important for all Airmen as people come to pray together in a non-denominational way and bring their petitions to whatever god they believe in."

Air National Guard Readiness Center recognizes top performers

by Senior Master Sgt. Jerry R. Bynum
Air National Guard Readiness Center Public Affairs

2/7/2014 - JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. -- The Air National Guard Readiness Center recognized the outstanding work and accomplishments of the ANGRC's top performers during the ANGRC 4th Quarter Awards Ceremony and Commander's Call Thursday at the ANGRC here.

The ceremony was hosted by Air Force Brig. Gen. R. Scott Williams, the commander of the ANGRC, and focused on the accomplishments of the ANGRC staff.

"This [ANGRC] team continues to prove their dedication to our county by leaning forward and getting the mission done," said Williams.

The top performers for the 4th quarter were:

• Civilian of the Quarter Category 1, Sharnea Craig-Woods, Logistics
• Civilian of the Quarter Category 2, Judy G. Rodgers, Operational Support and Compliance
• Civilian of the Quarter Category 3, Cathy S. Rico, Air, Space and Information Operations
• Airman of the Quarter, Senior Airman Hailey C. Breen, Air Surgeon
• Non-Commissioned Officer of the Quarter, Tech. Sgt. Daniela W. Ricci, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance
• Senior NCO of the Quarter, Master Sgt. Jamel L. Forte, Logistics
• Company Grade Officer of the Quarter, Capt. Thomas B. Billingsley, Commander's Action Team
• Field Grade Officer of the Quarter, Maj. James W. Hudson, Air, Space and Information Operations

Three other members also received recognition. The Command Chief for the ANGRC, Chief Master Sgt. Tony L. Whitehead, Maj. Dianna M. Lebedev, and Master Sgt. Karen A. Marshall received the Meritorious Service Medal.
Whitehead received the MSM, first Oak Leaf Cluster, for his work as the Air National Guard Security Forces Division Career Field Manager from May 16, 2010, to May 5, 2013. Some of his accomplishments included oversight and deployment of more than 4,800 Security Forces members in support various combat operations around the world.

Lebedev received the MSM, first Oak Leaf Cluster, because of her work as the Information Operations Area Functional Manager in the Air, Space and Information Operations Directorate from Oct. 1, 2011, to Aug. 4, 2014, developing the first ever ANG standardized cyber red team to perform a unique operational mission covered by no other source.

Marshall worked as the ANG Recruiting and Retention Creative Advisor from Oct. 1, 2009 to July 31, 2012. She received the MSM for her work creating the first complete return on investment for the military marketing program. This enabled investments to be compared with industry standards, creating a transparent $18 million program.

"My hat is off to each and every one of you," Williams said. "Thank you for all your great work."

Williams took time during the ceremony to discuss the successes of the ANG during 2013 and how those successes were made possible by the groundwork laid at the ANGRC.

"We laid the groundwork in 2013 by improving combat readiness and meeting our end strength in an environment of government shutdown, furloughs and groundings," said Williams. "Amazing ... we saw the benefits of staying focused on our goals. Let's look forward to impact we can have for 2014."

NSA Bahrain hosts 21st Century Sailor All-Hands Call

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Mike Wright, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command Public Affairs

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY, Bahrain (NNS) -- The director of 21st Century Sailor Office held all-hands calls with Sailors and Marines aboard Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Feb. 6.

Rear Adm. Sean Buck spoke about topics ranging from suicide prevention to fitness during four separate sessions held for E-6 and below, E-7 and above, one for the Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain Coalition of Sailors Against Destructive Decisions (CSADD), and one for Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARCs) and Victim Advocates (VAs).

Buck said two of his main objectives are to provide Sailors with an update on how the Navy is doing in reducing destructive behaviors that his office oversees and to solicit feedback from Sailors.

"It's one thing for me to perceive how the Navy is doing; it's another thing to listen to you all and see what you are thinking out in the fleet," he said. "The most important thing I can do is to come here and listen to you."

Buck led his discussions by talking about resiliency.

"Resiliency is our total health," he said. "It's all aspects of our well-being; our mental health, our physical health, our spiritual health and our social health."

Buck said there are a lot of things that impact resiliency and eventually break down Sailors to the point where they are not operating at their full potential. He said 10 to 11 straight years of combat, fighting two wars and family separation have had the biggest impact on resiliency for the Navy.

"All of that begins to break us and our families down," he said. "Then we are not as safe as we can be, and we are not as mission effective as we need to be to always fight the fight that wins the fight. That's what our Navy and our nation needs us to do."

He also addressed destructive behaviors and their impact on mission readiness. He spoke about suicide, sexual assault and alcohol and substance abuse in the Navy. He said alcohol related incidents (ARI) are the underlying cause of most destructive behavior.

"I'm convinced that if we reduce ARIs, we will have a significant impact on reducing all the other destructive behavior," said Buck. "As I look at all the statistics, 70 percent of all sexual assaults are associated with alcohol use. Alcohol related incidents are probably one of the easiest things we can tackle."

Buck focused his question and answer sessions on hearing feedback directly from the Sailors he serves. Topics ranged from input on ways to better communicate with Sailors through social media venues, to ways to improve training that Sailors find to be redundant.

NSA Bahrain CSADD President, Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Harold Howard, said he enjoyed the open discussion with the admiral.

"The fact that Rear Adm. Buck came out here and asked us what we think, is a really good thing," said Howard. "It says a lot for someone of his rank to come out and speak to us. You never really know what Sailors are thinking until you ask them directly. Having open discussions with groups turns out even better because everyone will be willing to join the conversation."

The 21st Century Sailor office is responsible for total Sailor fitness, resilience and readiness. The office is also the Navy lead on suicide prevention, sexual assault prevention and response, hazing prevention, fitness and nutrition, personal and family readiness, and the "Keep What

You've Earned" campaign.

NAVCENT is responsible for approximately 2.5 million square miles of area including the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, North Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden, and the Red Sea. NAVCENT's mission is to conduct maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts, and strengthen partner nations' maritime capabilities in order to promote security and stability in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

For more information on 21st Century Sailor and Marine, visit www.21stcentury.navy.mil.

Training key to missileer readiness

by Tech. Sgt. Steve Grever
Air Force Public Affairs Agency

2/7/2014 - MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Pulling 24-hour alerts across the 341st Missile Wing's 13,800-square mile missile complex is an around-the-clock responsibility for the missileers here who support the Air Force's nuclear deterrence and assurance mission at the wing's 15 launch control centers and missile alert facilities.

If the missileers are not in the missile field, they're back at home station training.

Lt. Col. Kyle Cone, 12th Missile Squadron director of operations, said the training requirements are extensive, but necessary to ensure each missileer can perform their required tasks while on alert.

"The training helps ensure they know how to do their procedures," Cone said. "Additionally, it provides them some scenarios that they might not see day to day."

1st Lt. Tracie Davis, a 10th Missile Squadron missile combat crew commander, said training helps her perform her missile operator duties in the field because it keeps the information fresh in her mind so she can respond quickly to new scenarios.

"You're more prepared because you've seen it regularly in training, which definitely helps," Davis said.

Col. Robert Stanley, 341st MW commander, said he is proud of the work his missileers do on a daily basis to accomplish the wing's deterrence and assurance mission.

"Our organization prides itself on Airmen who are selfless," Stanley said. "These Airmen are out in temperatures that are often times below zero for days on end with blizzard-like conditions. We need people of the highest caliber who can be motivated internally, who don't need applause and don't need the light on them. They just need the satisfaction in knowing that what they do gives the President leverage in every world arena."

NRD Jacksonville Sailor Named Recruiter of the Year

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brianna K. Dandridge

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- A Navy Recruiting District Jacksonville (NRD) recruiter received national recognition as the Navy Recruiting Command Diversity Officer Recruiter of the Year for 2013.

Logistics Specialist 1st Class Cesar Serna, was recognized from among his peers by performing exemplary service in recruiting the next generation of Sailors.

Born in South America and raised in Summit, NJ, Serna has been in the Navy for more than 12 years. According to Serna the key to being a successful recruiter is to stay focused, motivated and flexible.

As the diversity officer coordinator for NOSC Orlando, Serna recruits the best of the nation's young men and women and ensures the proper screening and processing of all applicants.

"Using my life story as an example of what you can do in the Navy has also helped me succeed in recruiting," Serna said.

He is humbled and thankful for receiving the award. As recruiters continue to fill positions in the fleet, it is important to reach diverse communities and resources to find qualified men and women to join the US Navy.

"I love the fact that the Navy offers unique opportunities to people that would never have had them available," said Serna. "As a recruiter, you can see the immediate impact you can make in your community."

Serna passes both mentorship and leadership down to the young men and women he puts into the Navy. Newly accepted candidates have a great many questions about the career path ahead of them.

"I use different resources available, like prior collegiates already in the fleet and recruiting officers to help them get a better sense of what they should expect," said Serna.

According to him, the most challenging aspect of recruiting is to ensure quality men and women are entering the military.

"The Navy benefits from getting the best applicants and therefore more competitive Sailors."

According to Chief of Naval Operations Jonathan Greenert, diversity within our force will be viewed as an integral part of the Navy's effectiveness in warfighting, operating forward and being ready.

"Being able to speak Spanish has allowed me to relate to minority groups and associations at the schools," said Serna. "I find pride in our new generation looking to serve our nation for patriotic reasons vice monetary incentives."

The dedication of recruiters provides both a fit and diverse force to military service.

NRC consists of a command headquarters, two Navy Recruiting Regions and 26 Navy Recruiting Districts which serve more than 1,500 recruiting stations across the country.

With 70 percent of the world covered in water, 80 percent of the world's population living near coasts and 90 percent of the world's commerce traveling by water, America's Navy is very much a global force for good. NRC's mission is to recruit the best men and women for America's Navy to accomplish today's missions and meet tomorrow's challenges.

JBLM crews perform HI-RAIN live fire

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

2/6/2014 - JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- Following months of planning, Airmen and Soldiers completed JBLM's first joint live-fire M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems Rapid Infiltration (HI-RAIN) exercise, Jan. 31 to Feb. 6, in Schoonover, Calif.

During the weeklong exercise, six McChord C-17 Globemaster III aircraft transported 12 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and more than 100 personnel from the 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment to Schoonover. Once on the ground, crews immediately went into action to unload the HIMARS vehicles and drive them to their designated firing point.

"These exercises expand our capabilities and prepare us to deploy in real world scenarios," said Army Staff Sgt. Gilbert Wood, Alpha Battery, 5-3 FA Bn., 17th Fires Brigade section chief.

Planning, which began months prior to the exercise, consisted of joint concept briefings to coordinate and plan the timeline for the exercise.

"The prep work, static load training and dry runs that take place before each mission are essential to the success of the exercise," Said Army Capt. Earl Dean, 62nd Operations Group ground liaison officer.

Prior to the exercise, HIMARS crews worked alongside 62nd Aerial Port Squadron Airmen, practicing and planning the loading of the HIMARS onto C-17s. Loadmasters and pilots calculated figures for each flight's payload to ensure necessary safety requirements were met, and plotted flight plans within the exercise's set timelines.

During the planning period, aircrews also took into consideration the environmental factors of Schoonover's dirt runway, which required taking into effect semi-prepared runway operations (SPRO).

"Everything has to be taken into consideration on an exercise like this," Staff Sgt. Liam McPhail, 10th Airlift Squadron loadmaster. "The time constraints to do everything within the set timeline and to assist the pilots on SPRO are challenging and crucial tasks. It's kind of a big deal to be able to land on a dirt strip and fire live rockets from HIMARS immediately after landing,"

Following each HIMARS launch, crews quickly reloaded the vehicles back onto the aircraft for immediate departure for the return trip to McChord Field.

To more effectively utilize Army and Air Force assets while providing quality training, it is important to continue to integrate joint training, said Capt. Evan McLaughlin, air mobility liaison officer. As a result of exercises like HI-RAIN, JBLM units are developing tactics and techniques and procedures for future missions.

"This is a simple and sustainable program that provides real world combat training to Airmen and soldiers of JBLM, while building stronger relationships," said McLaughlin.

Bataan Amphibious Ready Group Deploys

By Lieutenant Patricia Kreuzberger, USS Bataan (LHD 5) Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- More than 4,000 Sailors and Marines from the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group (BAT ARG) and 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) departed from Naval Station Norfolk for an eight-month deployment, Feb. 8.

While deployed, the BATARG/22MEU will serve in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR).

The deployment is part of a regular rotation of forces to support maritime security operations, provide crisis response capability, and increase theater security cooperation and forward naval presence in the U.S Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet AOR.

BATARG is commanded by Capt. Neil A. Karnes, commodore, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 6, and is comprised of multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) and amphibious transport dock USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), both homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, and amphibious dock landing ship USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) homeported at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Va.

"BATARG Sailors and Marines stand ready to accomplish our nation's calling," Karnes said. "After months of extensive training, our Navy and Marine Corps have proven themselves to work together seamlessly."

The 22nd MEU is commanded by Col. William R. Dunn and is comprised of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, which includes a Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment; Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263; Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22; and its command element.

The BATARG/22 MEU team will provide combatant commanders a versatile sea-based force that can be tailored to a variety of missions, including quick reaction crisis response options in maritime, littoral and inland environments in support of the nation's maritime strategy.

USAFE-AFAFRICA commander visits Airmen in Turkey

by By Staff Sgt. Veronica Pierce
39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

2/7/2014 - INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey  -- The U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa commander Gen. Frank Gorenc, visited the 39th Air Base Wing at Incirlik Air Base, Izmir Air Station and Ankara support facility Feb. 4 through 6.

He traveled to Incirlik and other U.S. military units across Turkey to visit service members and to see firsthand their role in current NATO and USAFE-AFAFRICA operations. He also spoke to Airmen and their spouses about overall morale and welfare topics and shared the significance of the USAFE-AFAFRICA motto: "Forward, Ready, Now" as well as the "Step Up, Step In" personal responsibility campaign.

During the general's visit to Incirlik AB he recognized several model Airmen who embodied the ethos of these messages. Gorenc also presented Air Force Achievement Medals to five Airmen for exceptional duty performance.

During his visit, Airmen from various units throughout the 39th ABW had the opportunity to sit with the general and Chief Master Sgt. James Davis, USAFE-AFAFRICA command chief, in a candid roundtable discussion.

Throughout the discussion the general spoke about the importance of stepping up and stepping in as it relates to sexual assault. This message was also echoed during a commander's call held Feb. 4, at Incirlik's base theater. Gorenc challenged the Airmen in attendance to be a part of the solution to preventing the crime of sexual assault.

"I want you to pledge that you will not condone it, tolerate it, and certainly not ignore it," he said.

Airmen were also given an opportunity to hear the general's perspective on current fiscal challenges and mission changes facing our Air Force.

"Accept change and don't be afraid of it. I choose to concentrate on the basics of mission, leadership versus management, safety 'on' and 'off' base, loyalty at a tactical level and discipline 'on' and 'off' base," said Gorenc. "This is what I accept as my north star that will guide me through change."

"My message to you is to hang on, we are going to get this right," said Gorenc. "We take technology and entrust our Airmen to find innovative ways to operate and take equipment we have to make it better, faster and more efficient."

The general also discussed concerns regarding force management programs.

"Many of you will be confronting force management directives," said Gorenc. "While we accommodate these changes, I want you to trust in your leadership, respect your peers and continue to mentor your subordinates."

Before ending the briefing the general gave his audience one last piece of advice.

"Finally, I want to leave you with this: Be the best Airmen you can be every single day. Because if you are the best Airmen every day, I guarantee there's a seat for you in this Air Force," said Gorenc. "Grab ahold of your career and take every opportunity you can to enroll in training and education and you'll be fine."

DOD shows increase in activated AF reservists this week

by Department of Defense

2/7/2014 - WASHINGTON -- The Army National Guard Navy Reserve and Marine Corps Reserve announced this week a decrease in activated National Guard members and reservists, while the Army Reserve, Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve announced an increase of activated reservists.

The net collective result is 23 more activated National Guard members and reservists in comparison to last week.

At any given time, services may activate some units and individuals while deactivating others, making it possible for these figures to either increase or decrease.

The total number currently on active duty from the Army National Guard and Army Reserve is 28,889; Navy Reserve, 3,881; Marine Corps Reserve, 1,850; Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve, 7,359; and the Coast Guard Reserve, 393.

This brings the total National Guard and reserve personnel who have been activated to 42,372, including both units and individual augmentees.