George Washington Celebrates Women's Appreciation Month

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Oscar Albert Moreno Jr.

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy's forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) celebrated Women's Appreciation month in the ship's mess decks, March 20.

The Women's Appreciation month celebration acknowledges the hard work and contributions that women throughout American history have done for their country.

"Our guest speaker is a great example of honor, courage and commitment," said Lt. Glen Kitzman, chaplain aboard George Washington. "I wish we could have had her on the ship in person. She is still has a very sharp mind, and it was an honor being able to interview her."

The guest speaker was retired Rear Adm. Alene Duerk, the Navy's first female flag officer who served from 1943 to 1975, via video interview

"My reasons for joining the Navy were patriotic," said Duerk. "I felt that there was something that I had to do for my country."

Duerk's words had a positive impact to all Sailors who listened to her experiences throughout her career in the U.S. Navy.

"She made me feel like any female can do whatever they set their mind to," said 19 year-old Quartermaster Seaman Alyssa Daniels, from St. Louis. "She's 93 years old and still active in her community. She definitely is the ideal role model for women, whether they are in the Navy or in the civilian world."

George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

USS O'Kane Conducts Burial at Sea Ceremony

By Ensign Calvin Sessions, USS O'Kane (DDG 77) Public Affairs

WESTERN PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS O'Kane (DDG 77) conducted a burial at sea ceremony while transiting through the Pacific Ocean, March 15.

An honor platoon of Sailors, a color guard and a rifle detail assembled on the flight deck in their dress white uniforms and performed the burial of 10 military veterans and one military spouse.

Cmdr. Gina McCaine, O'Kane's executive officer was the master of ceremonies, and Destroyer Squadron 31's Chaplain, Lt. Cmdr. Carl Muehler, offered prayers and the benediction.

Each veteran received a 21-gun salute as they were laid to rest in the Pacific.

"It is a privilege to be selected to conduct this ceremony and give back to the families of veterans who have honorably served our country," said Cmdr. James Juster, O'Kane's commanding officer.

The families of the veterans will receive a chart of where their loved ones were buried, a burial flag and photos of the ceremony.

O'Kane departed Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam March 7 for a deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean and 5th Fleet area of operation.

US, Poland promote interoperability through life-saving equipment

by Airman 1st Class Ryan Conroy
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

3/24/2014 - LASK AIR BASE, Poland  -- A team of Aviano Airmen assigned to the 31st Operations Support Squadron toured the facilities of their Polish counterparts here, March 20, to gain an understanding of the mission, field questions from NATO partners and promote interoperability throughout the ranks.

Through broken English and a series of hand motions, a consensus was made: Despite cultural differences, the mentality between the various aircrew flight equipment shops is the same -- no matter what uniform they wear.

"I think the more experience we get together, the better we both will be. It's good our nations are working together -- no one should work alone," said Polish air force Capt. Anna Sarnik, chief of life support operations here. "The more we work together on this level, the better America and Poland can work together."

Three 31st OSS AFE Airmen toured two facilities on base that encompass some of the same operations as their shop -- promoting teamwork with coalition partners.

"We're taking the opportunity to train with and learn from our Polish allies because they have a lot to offer and hopefully we can give something back to them," said Staff Sgt. James Haney, 31st OSS AFE. "We have to know that our job is not only important to us, but it's also important to everyone we deal with. These pilots rely on us to get back safely."

To achieve the greatest success to the mission at hand, Airmen from both teams began discussing solutions to common problems with some of the same equipment utilized by both countries.

"Cooperation between our shops is perfect for us," said Polish air force Tech. Sgt. Tomasz Kunicki, life support technician. "It's very helpful to have someone who has a lot of experience on the same equipment. We were able to bounce ideas and problems off each other to find solutions."

At the end of the day, the flight equipment these Airmen maintain could be the difference between life and death. Each piece of equipment has a specific function designed to ensure the safety and survivability of pilots in numerous environments.

These operations include inspecting and maintaining certain pieces of equipment used in every flight -- such as the helmet, mask, harness and G-suit -- while other equipment items such as the parachute, survival kit, anti-exposure suit and life preservers are all items that would be used in an ejection scenario, designed to keep the pilot alive until rescue.

The lessons learned throughout the day brought new light to the commonalities between the two nations and a realization that everyone is working toward the same goal.

"Our job is to ensure our Airmen get home at the end of the day," said Haney. "The best part of our job is when one of our guys walks through the door after a day of flying and says, 'Thank you, everything worked the way it was supposed to.'"

Face of Defense: Airman Honors Medal of Honor Recipient’s Legacy

By Air Force Maj. Khalid Cannon

380th Air Expeditionary Wing

SOUTHWEST ASIA, March 24, 2014 – A Kansas Air National Guard officer deployed here said her service is a way to honor the memory of a relative who earned the Medal of Honor during the Korean War.

Air Force 1st Lt. Kristina Roberts, an air weapons officer deployed to the 727th Expeditionary Air Control Squadron, volunteered for this deployment, and described how the life of her great uncle, Army Chaplain (Capt.) Emil J. Kapaun, has shaped her own.

“He was a man who never gave up, and through it all, always maintained his integrity, faith, courage and his sense of humor,” she said. “Helping others is not just a calling for me, but is a way to continue his legacy.”

Facing a wave of communist forces in November 1950, and knowing that staying behind to tend to wounded soldiers would lead to his capture, Kapaun disregarded an evacuation order and willingly risked his life to help those in need. According to numerous battlefield accounts, he convinced a wounded Chinese officer to order a cease-fire and saved his men from certain death.

Kapaun and wounded members of the 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, were captured and led on a death march to a prisoner-of-war camp. Those who were too badly wounded to march were immediately executed.

When he saw an enemy soldier preparing to execute Army Sgt. 1st Class Herbert Miller, Kapaun pushed the soldier aside, saved Miller’s life and helped to carry him the rest of the way. During six months as a POW, the chaplain routinely risked his life to sneak food and hot water to his fellow POWs and continued to serve the men he considered his flock.

Ignoring hunger and his own comfort, Kapaun willingly gave his rations and extra clothing to other soldiers, and provided continuous spiritual care and guidance, even when threatened by his captors.

Kapaun died in captivity on May 23, 1951, after contracting numerous debilitating illnesses.

President Barack Obama presented a posthumous Medal of Honor to the chaplain’s family at an April 11, 2013, White House ceremony that Roberts attended.

Her grandfather told numerous stories when she was growing up, Roberts said, and the family attended annual events honoring Kapaun in his hometown of Pilsen, Kan.

“There hasn't been a day that I have not thought of my great uncle, especially when I was going through all my military training,” said the lieutenant, who is deployed from the 134th Air Control Squadron in Wichita, Kan.

Roberts said the men Kapaun cared for during their imprisonment worked for decades to get recognition for him.

An enlisted surveillance technician for nine years, Roberts received her commission in December 2010 and went through the nine-month air battle manager course and an additional two months of follow-on training. Throughout her 13-year Air Force career, she has held numerous civilian positions that have given her the opportunity to serve others.

“In 2006, I worked at a restaurant as a server and working my way up to a manager in less than a year,” she said. “In 2008, I received my bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism, and in less than a year I worked my way up to marketing director for a local television station in Wichita.”

Roberts obtained her master’s degree in exercise science in 2011, and after completing military training, began working as a personal trainer at a YMCA in Wichita.

“I chose to work at the ‘Y’ because I really believe in its mission of helping the community and making a difference,” she said. “Just like my great uncle, I've always had a calling to help those around me: from adults faced with certain challenges to children who need someone to look out for them.”

All-female crew celebrates women's history

by Senior Airman Nicole Leidholm
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

3/21/2014 - TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- On March 13, Travis was part of a women's heritage flight that consisted of an all-female C-17 Globemaster III crew, a first of its kind for Travis.

Travis' "Tribute to Women's History" flight was organized to celebrate and educate others about women's contributions to not only history, but the Air Force.

"The women who participated in the event all exemplify this year's national theme: women of character, courage and commitment," said Tech. Sgt. Shevaun Reighter, 21st Airlift Squadron training NCO in charge and event organizer.

The flight consisted of normal training, some pattern work that included touch-and-goes and assault landings, said Capt. Sarah Forte, 21st AS C-17 pilot.

First Lt. Jocelyn Booker, 21st AS C-17 pilot, switched off with Forte during the training. While Maj. Kathryn Veseth, 60th Operations Support Squadron and aircraft commander, helped the women pilots on their training.

Forte explained how many female pilots have a harder time overcoming self doubt during pilot training due to internalizing their feelings.

"When I fly I have to remind myself that if I mess up, not to internalize it," she said. "It may have just been the air that day and not to become my own worst enemy."

Following the pattern work, the aircraft met up with a KC-10 Extender for aircraft refueling training over the Pacific Ocean.

"The women's heritage flight was a positive event that reinforced the contributions of past generations," said Veseth, who looks up to former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice as her role model. "I am extremely appreciative of such women and grateful for the opportunities these women made possible for future generations."

Once finished, the crew flew back to Travis, where it backed the C-17 to the distinguished visitors spot. There, women from the community gathered as they waited to board for a tour of the aircraft.

"It felt great to showcase the advancement of women over history," Reighter said. "I was honored to represent the women in my community who could not participate in the event. I really think we made a lasting impression on the spectators and our co-workers."

Forte echoed her thoughts on being proud to be part of the historical flight.

"When I was 7, we went to an air show where I met a female C-130 (Hercules) pilot who inspired me to also become a pilot," Forte said. "She told me, 'A lot of women join the military and try to be one of the guys. No one can be a better guy than a guy. Don't try to be like a guy. Be a girl. Be proud to be a woman and kick butt at it.'"

First-Ever ANG Defender: Guardsman certified as off-base convoy commander

by Airman 1st Class Lauren Pitts
Minot AFB Public Affairs

3/21/2014 - MINOT, N.D. - -- As the Air Force aims for more total force integration, for the first time, an Air National Guardsman was certified to perform the duties of a convoy commander within a missile complex.

Capt. Greg Goodman, 219th Security Forces Squadron operations officer, made Air Force history by becoming certified as a convoy commander in early March.

After serving three years in the U.S. Army, Goodman earned a degree in criminal justice from the University of North Dakota where he joined the Air National Guard. He later obtained the rank of Master Sgt. before commissioning. Working in conjunction with Minot Air Force Base's 91st Security Forces Group, Goodman served as a flight commander during his training.

"We have been building that respect and relationship with the Wing and its leadership, and we've always had good relations with the security forces group here," said Goodman, a Grand Forks, N.D., native. "This just seemed like the next logical step."

Once Goodman was nominated for the position by his squadron, he began the standard training program, which is the same for every convoy commander regardless of whether the candidate is National Guard or active-duty.

While in training, Goodman participated in a ride-along program for both exercises and operational missions involving convoys. It was this type of shadowing that gave him the hands on experience needed before taking charge.

"Capt. Goodman's training, certification, and standardization evaluation process to become a convoy commander was exactly identical to his active duty counterparts," said Col. Kevin Cullen, 91st SFG commander, who describes the event as a perfect example of total force integration.

"Every convoy that goes out, regardless of what day it is, that is the most important thing happening in the state of North Dakota at that time," explained Cullen. "Capt. Goodman is now one of only three individuals entrusted with the responsibilities of a convoy commander."

Although Goodman is now responsible for some of the key elements to his nation's security, he added, he is not letting the added responsibility deter him from completing each mission, stating that the extra expectations just come with the job.

"Any time you talk about first-evers or one-of-a-kinds, there's always a little more pressure," said Goodman. "There's always going be a certain amount of pressure and stress to make sure the mission runs as perfectly as possible, because it is just that important."

To have a successful mission, the commander must act much like a conductor of an orchestra, coordinating a collective effort, said Cullen.

"There are a lot of different organizations involved, lots of parts and pieces," Cullen explained. "They all have to become synchronized to have a perfect, successful mission."

Goodman's certification is an example of guardsmen and reservists performing more critical roles in Air Force missions, said Cullen. In this position, Goodman is bridging the gap between active duty and National Guard missions, and has begun paving the way towards the Air Force's goal of more total force integration.

"This has a tremendous effect on total force integration," Cullen said. "This is just another example of that, but probably the most prominent position as well as the one with the most responsibility."

As the 91st SFG and the 219th SFS continue to strengthen their teamwork, Goodman continues to train and gain the experience and knowledge, ensuring every mission is a success, added Cullen.

"Certification is a beginning, not an end." Goodman said. "It is constant improvement, constant learning, and constant gaining experience."

Airman wears two uniforms

by Senior Airman Jared Trimarchi

379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

3/23/2014 - AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar  -- Being in the Air Force Reserve gives Airmen the opportunity to serve their country while following their dreams to become just about anything in life. For some, the dream might be to be an actor or a musician, but for one 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron Fuels Flight Airman, who is deployed to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, his dream was to become a police officer.

Tech. Sgt. Michael Kuehler, who is deployed from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. and is a Morton, Texas native is not your average sized Airman. He stands at 6 feet 7 inches tall, looks like a football player and has a powerful handshake which can probably crush a coconut.

Some days going to work requires him to don a military uniform while he serves the nation as a fuels operations supervisor providing fuel to military aircraft, and other days he wears a police officer uniform and serves his local community by protecting the people who live there. He is also a full time single father of his two sons.

"I thoroughly enjoy both of my jobs, and I feel like a lucky person to be able to do two things that I have a deep passion for; serving my country and helping people," Kuehler said. "Although it is hard at times to manage my schedule between the two jobs, it is worth it."

Kuehler joined the Air Force in 1993 to serve his nation and joined the reserve after eight years of active duty service.

"I come from a long line of military service and pretty much everyone in my family has served," Kuehler said. "I knew as soon as I got out of high school I wanted to join the Air Force and I did."

Kuehler worked as a fuels Airman, but wanted to cross train into security forces because he always had a passion for law enforcement he said.

"During my time serving in Active Duty, there were no positions open to cross train into security forces so I came up with a plan to still serve my country and follow my passion for protecting the public," Kuehler said. "I joined the Phoenix Police Department and have had a great experience working there for the past 13 years."

On the police force, Kuehler works as a patrol officer in one of the most dangerous parts of Phoenix, he said. He receives all types of calls, from domestic disputes to armed robberies. No day is the same, he added.

During his deployment he supervises 21 Airmen who fuel all the aircraft deployed here. He said his job here and his police job at home share some similarities.

"The Air Force set me up for success to become the best police officer I can be," Kuehler said. "And my job as a police officer has helped me be more patient with people which helps me supervise. Both jobs focus on being fit and I enjoy being physically fit to be an Airman and a police officer."

Staff Sgt. Michael Poitevien, a 379th ELRS fuels Airman who is deployed from Yokota Air Base, Japan and is a Long Island, N.Y. native said, "Tech. Sgt. Kuehler is one of the best supervisors I have ever worked with. He is very well-mannered and dedicated to professionalism. He is a great mentor which I have learned much from. I am sure he takes his duties as a police officer as seriously as he does being an Airman."

Kuehler said, neither job is more rewarding and he is grateful to be able to follow his two passions while providing mentorship to his two sons and his fellow Airmen.

"My police job is phenomenal because I get to help people and put bad guys behind bars," Kuehler said. "Being an Airman is an honor and I love that fact that I help to provide fuel which keeps aircraft in the air and in the fight. I love both of my jobs and I am just grateful to have the opportunity to serve in two different uniforms."