Hurricane Hunters, 446th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron team up for life-saving training

by Maj. Marnee A.C. Losurdo
403rd Wing Public Affairs

6/16/2014 - MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. -- The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron's Hurricane Hunters based in Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, and the 446th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron here have vastly different missions; however, the one thing they do have in common is saving lives.

The two Air Force Reserve Command units paired up aboard a WC-130J for three in-flight medical training missions June 13-15.

The Hurricane Hunters flew simulated storm missions gathering data for the National Center for Environmental Prediction, a National Weather Service agency, while the Aeromedical Evacuation team trained on various medical scenarios they might encounter while transporting sick or wounded patients to a medical treatment facility.

"The jobs are unrelated, but we are all training, which is an efficient use of time and resources," said Lt. Col. John Wagner, 53rd WRS pilot and aircraft commander.

Airborne Medical Care
In the cargo area of the aircraft, the 446th AES team treats a patient with an eye injury when smoke fills the aircraft.

Maj. Laura Ely, a flight nurse, and her AE team grab their oxygen masks, or MA-1 Walk Around Oxygen Bottle, and hastily put them on testing their equipment to ensure it's operational. It was one of many scenarios the team encountered during the weekend training, teaching them how to respond to a variety of medical and emergency situations ranging from treating a patient with cardiac arrest to preparing for a crash landing.

Ely is part of a five-person aeromedical evacuation team consisting of a medical crew director, flight nurse, and three aeromedical evacuation technicians. The 446th AES is a 150-person squadron and 16 personnel took part in the weekend training.

"Training while in flight is an important part of the mission," she said, who added patient care is vastly different once in the air. "When you are at a hospital all the equipment is there, such as oxygen and electricity, when you fly you have to take all that with you."

"When you are up in the air; that's it; you don't have anything to fall back on; so we need to ask all the questions we can possibly think of now with a simulated patients that way your situational awareness is that much more heightened when you are in the air," said Master Sgt. Charlene Taylor, AE technician and trainer and evaluator for the event, who added that most medical events occur during take off and landing due to the changes in altitude and pressure on a patients injuries.

In addition to training for various emergency and medical situations, AE crews must be familiar with transporting patients on the C-17, C-130 and KC-135.

"McChord only has C-17s so this is a rare opportunity for us," said Staff Sgt. Kyle Knox, medical technician. "Different airframes require specific types of medical equipment and litter configurations."

For example, a C-17 is equipped with therapeutic oxygen, but crews have to bring it when flying on a C-130.

Ely, who joined the Air Force Reserve in 2008 and is a nurse at a rural hospital in Washington, deployed to Bagram in 2010 and attests to the importance of training on the different airframes.

"We flew a lot of patients on the C-130," she said, who added that the aircraft could transport up to 80 patients.

When transporting patients from a deployed location, AE personnel frequently work with Critical Care Air Transport teams. CCATTs consist of a doctor, intensive care nurse and respiratory therapist. This specialized medical team operates a portable intensive care unit.

"If we have a patient who is severely ill or a critical patient that needs one-on-one care we will have a CCATT crew," said Taylor. "Our job is to ensure their equipment integrates with the aircraft, and they have everything they need to ensure they can do their job."

Patients are flown from the area of responsibility back to Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Depending on their condition, they will be treated there until stable and then transported back to a stateside military medical facility. Research has shown that patients recover better if they are near their families and loved ones, said Taylor.

"Once someone is injured and enters the AE system there is a 98 percent survival rate, said Knox, who added that the U.S. Air Force Reserve and Guard conduct 85 percent of AE missions.

When dealing with life or death, training is vital, and that's why the 446th AES trains on different systems of the body monthly, said Knox, who added this month's training focused on maxofacial. They are also required to fly on an AE training mission a minimum of every 90 days.

"We train for the worst-case scenarios," he said. "We are constantly training for anything that can happen."

For newcomer Senior Airman Tyler Soule, a medical technician on the flight who reported to McChord after two years of training, said he considered it a pretty normal training flight.

"They throw a lot of far-fetched scenarios, events that may rarely happen, but if it does happen you have to know how to respond," he said.

"That's why training is important," said Taylor. "You are not going to have patients that come home with the same symptoms. It may be a cardiac patient, burn patient or a psych patient; they are all going to be varied."

Into the virtual storm
While medical personnel were busy in the cargo compartment, the 53rd WRS was conducting its own training--winter storm missions. The squadron is known for its hurricane hunting mission, providing surveillance of tropical storms and hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and eastern Pacific Ocean for the National Hurricane Center in Miami. However, the unit also flies winter storm missions.

The data they provide improves the accuracy of forecasts by as much as 30 percent, which can save property and lives, said Lt. Col. John Gallagher, ARWO.

NCEP can task winter storm missions in the Pacific, Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico.

"The National Weather Service builds the route with specific points where they want dropsondes released," said Wagner who was responsible for a nine-person crew. "During a winter storm missions, we can drop about 15 to 20 sondes, but today (Friday) we are dropping three for this training mission."

A five-person crew conducts the mission aboard a WC-130J, which is equipped with meteorological data-gathering instruments. The pilot and co-pilot man the flight controls while the navigator keeps track of the aircraft's position and movement and monitors radar to avoid severe weather activity. In the back of the aircraft, the flight meteorologist observes and records meteorological data at flight level using a computer that encodes weather data every 30 seconds; and, the weather reconnaissance loadmaster collects and records meteorological data using a parachute-borne sensor known as a dropsonde. These devices collect temperature, wind speed, wind direction, humidity, and surface pressure data. This information is transmitted to the NWS to assist them with their forecast models.

"This is a prime opportunity to increase and enhance the skills of the weather loadmasters," said Master Sgt. Jeff Stack, standardization and evaluations loadmaster. "When flying with aeromeds the loadmaster is able to launch dropsondes as well as assist in the loading and offloading of personnel. This accomplishes two critical areas in the overall aspect of the weather mission for crewmembers."

There was also some real-world application as part of this mission.

"We got new software used to gather meteorological data so this cross-country trip and AE trainer gave us the opportunity to identify any issues and resolve those before we get into the active part of the hurricane season," said Lt. Col. Ray Deatherage, ARWO.
Training or conducting real world operations, the Hurricane Hunters and 446th AES will be ready to save lives when their nation calls.

Standing ready to guard the future

by Senior Airman Jonathan Stefanko
86th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

6/17/2014 - Adaži Training Area, Latvia  -- The Air and Army National Guard came together with allied nations to participate in Saber Strike 2014 here recently.

With the responsibility of standing ready to respond to natural disasters, civil emergencies and military operations, it is critical for the citizen Soldiers and Airmen to participate in exercises like Saber Strike to maintain the skills needed to defend America and its allies.

Along with providing an opportunity for the U.S. Army and Air Force to operate together, Saber Strike attracted more than 4,700 military members from 10 nations.

"You really get to see the critical role you play across the world because of Saber Strike, especially as guardsmen," said Capt. Travis Hartzell, 116th Air Support Operations Squadron joint tactical air controller. "But I think it's the value of being a guardsman which helps sustain the continuing partnership with the same country. We built an enduring relationship which I think will help in reaching the ultimate goal of peace."

For more than 20 years, Michigan has worked hand in hand with Latvia through the State Partnership Program, building the proficiency needed to encourage growth not only as a military but as a country.

"The bond between Latvia and Michigan started in World War II," said Latvian Lt. Gen. Raimonds Graube, Chief of Defense, Republic of Latvia. "A lot of Latvians fled to Michigan [when attacked by enemy forces] because the environment there was very similar. Now, Michigan has one of the largest Latvian communities in the United States.

"Long after the war people here would want to go visit Michigan because they had families there" Graube continued. "Businessmen have been able to employ here, there were marriages, and children have been born because of the State Partnership Program. Latvian society has been greatly influenced. The program is not a corporation; we all know each other and we are all friends."

It is through building a long standing relationship through the State Partnership Program that Latvia now has the capabilities to assist air policing missions even without an Air Force, turning the Baltic State into a cherished asset for interoperable missions.

"The best way to prepare for future joint operations is to have a bond, an unbreakable trust for the person on the ground guiding the U.S. aircraft even if it's not an American giving the directions," said Lt. Col. Andrew Roberts, bilateral affairs officer, U.S. Embassy-Latvia. "The Latvians wanted to develop the Joint Tactical Air Control capability to defend their country and meet their strategic goals, and we needed to figure out a way to accomplish this.

"We taught a select few Latvian soldiers English and put them through a course that would nurture them into JTACs," Roberts continued. "After they learned the fundamentals, we brought them to Michigan for a week just so they can see jets, an asset they have never used or in some cases even seen. We also provided hands on training because this soldier is used to thinking like an infantryman where 30 minutes is plenty of time, but for us (JTACs and pilots) 30 minutes is hundreds of miles and multiple attacks. They needed to understand at what speed they should operate at."

Now, Latvia has a self-sustained JTAC force that is capable of creating future generations to support in interoperable missions all because of a friendship that started more than 20 years ago.

The State Partnership Program and exercises like Saber Strike work together to build upon a relationship of trust and camaraderie between the U.S. and its allied nations, preparing professional and dedicated service members who stand ready to secure the future.

40th HS members endure critical SERE training

by Senior Airman Katrina Heikkinen
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs

6/13/2014 - MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Every member of the U.S. Armed Forces must know how to survive in any environment - enemy or allied territory - should their aircraft go down.

Since 1973, the 40th Helicopter Squadron at Malmstrom Air Force Base has saved more than 400 lives and accumulated more than 135,000 accident-free flying hours. To maintain their 40-year safeguard status and to teach them everything they need to know how to survive in any environment, aircrew members from the 40th HS endured survival, evasion, resistance and escape training June 9 to 13.

"This is a refresher course that is done every three years as a requirement for their combat mission-ready status," said Corey Ask, Air Force Global Strike Command contracted SERE program analyst.

Airmen from the 40th HS started their SERE training at the base pool, where they honed water survival skills. There, they learned how to use a C-bottle, which provides 21 breaths of oxygen. After practicing breathing with their bottle underwater, they were then instructed to breathe into the bottle upside down. Lastly, they were strapped into a SWET chair, or shallow water egress trainer, and were flipped upside down, instructed to put their oxygen bottle on and egress to the side of the chair.

"They experienced water going through their nose so they would feel what it would be like in an inverted helicopter crash," Ask said.

According to Ask, water survival training is required for anyone flying a mission that goes over water - like the Missouri River.

"It's extremely important to know how to utilize these pieces of equipment, because bottom line, if they end up in a scenario that requires this training and they don't know how to use their equipment, they're not going to make it out alive," Ask said. "Any training we do is very effective. We always train for the 'what if' because we can never predict what will happen."

In addition to hands-on water survival training, Airmen also received in-class academics, combat survival training and a SERE field training exercise in Monarch, Montana.

"Basically what we do is train high-risk-of-isolation individuals - aircrew members, people who go outside of the wire for their job - and what to do in the event they are separated from their unit. Not only do they learn basic survival skills, they learn evasion [from the enemy] skills and resistance skills should they become a prisoner of war, or held captive. The last part of SERE is escape - how to escape from captivity. These skills may never be used, and we hope no one has to use these, but it's crucial."

As an Air Force SERE specialist since 1999, Ask's experience provided Airmen who are high-risk-of-isolation the skills they need to survival in any type of situation. From basic navigational skills to learning how to procure water and build shelters, the skills taught could be the difference in any crew members making it home safely.

'Never Quit' brings resiliency message to Barskdale

by Master Sgt. Greg Steele
93rd Bomb Squadron

6/6/2014 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- 

Members of the 307th Bomb Wing were able to meet a couple of America's top athletes here during the American300 Tour 'Never Quit Series. Three-time Olympic skier Emily Cook and U.S. Paralympic Curling Team captain Patrick McDonald came to the base June 5.

"The mission of the American300 Tours is to increase the resiliency of our troops, their families, and the communities that they live and operate in," said Rob Powers, U.S. Army veteran and founder of the American300 Tours. "It's a great opportunity for us to show our appreciation for the dedication and sacrifices made daily by our military members."

Resiliency is defined as the ability to recover, and whether physically or emotionally, we all experience times of hardship. The American300 Tours was formed in recognition of the challenges faced daily by the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces.

The American300 Tours is an all-volunteer organization working in partnership with the Department of Defense to bring new forms of master resiliency programming to service members.

"The tour offers me an opportunity to tell my story and connect with military members who are faced with their own personal struggles, whether they be physical, emotional, or both," said Patrick McDonald. "It's important for them to know we care and are very grateful for their service."

McDonald faced his own personal struggle in 1991, after being involved in an accident while serving with the U.S. Army in South Korea. The accident left him paralyzed from the waist down, and he credits the support of family and friends for his recovery. Sports also played a key part in his rehabilitation, as he excelled in wheelchair basketball, swimming, golf, and table tennis, which eventually led to him earning a spot on the U.S. Curling Team and competing in the 2010 Paralympics held in Vancouver, Canada.

The Olympians spent two-days on Barksdale, visiting the different commands to talk to Airmen about their experiences and get a hands-on feel for what they do.

"Emily and Patrick are awesome. I've never met an Olympian before," said Senior Airman Trimaine Clemons, 307th Operations Support Flight aircrew flight equipment technician. "For them to come out to our shop and show such an interest and appreciation for what we do really means a lot."

Emily Cook's interest and determination were put to the test when she participated in the repacking of a B-52H Stratofortress drag chute, which is deployed from the tail of the aircraft to help slow it down after landing. The final repack is performed by an Airman jumping up and down on the folded chute to force it down into its container.
"I'm pretty sure I had the technique down, but I just didn't have the weight," said Cook laughingly. "When I met Rob and was told about the American300 Tour, I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of."

Cook has been through her own personal struggles. From the death of her mother when she was two years old, to battling an injury after making the 2002 Olympic Ski Team, Cook persevered when she achieved her Olympic dream by competing in the 2006 Winter Olympics in Italy.

As the American300 Tour came to an end at Barksdale, there was one obstacle yet to be overcome. "I want to climb into the cockpit of a B-52," said McDonald. For him to get into the cockpit, the first step would be the hardest.

With assistance from Powers and aircraft crew chiefs from the 307th and 2nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadrons, McDonald made it up the hatch and after much determination, into the pilot's seat. "I climb in and out of this aircraft every day, so I know how hard it can be," said Tech. Sgt. David Bailey, 307th AMXS crew chief. "To see Patrick make it all the way into the pilot's seat is an inspiration and one of the coolest things I've been a part of."

The American300 Tour is relentless in its effort to include resiliency in their Themed Tours and then showcase the Troops through partnerships with corporate partners, media connections and great Americans who have connectivity to the same.

"I'm very proud to help connect servicemen and women with the people whose freedom they ensure," said Powers. "Americans honoring America's heroes...it's what we do!"

Whiteman teen leads care package drive

by Senior Airman Daniel Phelps
442nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

6/8/2014 - WARRENSBURG, Mo.  -- The military family extends beyond those who put on the uniform, it extends to the civilians working beside them and their parents, spouses and children.

The bond of the military family was exemplified through the daughter of two members of Team Whiteman, 14-year-old Warrensburg Middle School student Kennedi McGee, daughter of Staff Sgt. Larissa McGee, 442nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, and Master Sgt. Cory McGee, 509th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter.

"I had heard that there were some people deployed from the 442nd Fighter Wing who hadn't received any care packages yet," Kennedi said. "I knew it was hard for them being deployed, and I wanted to support them and let them know they were remembered."

The 442nd FW Key Spouses group wanted to build some packages to send to our deployers, Chief Master Sgt. Dennis Lyon, 39th Maintenance Group superintendent said. So they gave her a list from our deployers for some things they wanted.

Kennedi brought the list to her National Junior Honor Society group and got the word out to the community. She connected with the Warrensburg United Way and between them and a 200 dollar donation from the WMS NJHS, she was able to receive all the supplies needed for the care packages.

"We collected NERF and water guns, as well as toiletries and food," she described. "They really wanted beef jerky."

The Key Spouses processed about 50 flat rate boxes and about 100 care package bags, Lyon said.

This all came together over one weekend, Kennedi added.

"The support and volunteers were lifesaver," Kennedi exclaimed. "We were so busy."

Lyon had a personal stake in this as he has been deployed several times, he said.

"Taking care of the seemingly minor things for people who are deployed means more than you know," Lyon commented.

"Family takes care of its own; and the 442nd is a family," the chief added. "We take care of each other."

Gridiron girls: Reserve, guard servicewomen break barriers

by Tech. Sgt. Mark R. W. Orders-Woempner
434th ARW Public Affairs

6/13/2014 - GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Whether they're headed down field for a touchdown reception or down range on a deployment, three Indiana military women are creating a level-playing field in all aspects of their lives.

Leslie "Legs" Nance, Jenessa "Mighty" Anderson and Christa "Dirty" Martini are all members of the U.S. military's reserve component, and they all have one more thing in common - they're members of the Indy Crash, a women's professional football team in Indianapolis.

"We have girls from all walks of life - from working professionals to stay-at-home moms," said Nance, a Crash tight end, "We have players from ages 17 to 48 years old."

The team currently has three members active in the Air Force Reserve, Army Reserve and Indiana Army National Guard, and many of the players are military veterans, said Nance, who has two connections with the Air Force Reserve. She currently as both a 445th Aeromedical Staging Squadron first sergeant at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and as a civilian 434th Force Support Squadron human resources specialist at Grissom.

It was at Grissom that the first sergeant got connected with professional football, a sport she had never considered playing.

"One of my teammates, Rachel Smith, is a fitness instructor at the Grissom gym, and she said 'come check it out,'" Nance explained. "I was hooked instantly; I was hooked on the idea I could play a sport that's typically considered a men's sport, but I could play competitively against other women where the other players don't worry about coming full-force at you because they're worried about hurting you."

For Martini, a former Crash player who started playing in 2005 and now serves as a line coach, it was always her desire to take to the field.

"My brother was a football superstar in high school, and growing up I always wanted to play," explained the coach, who joined the Army Reserve in 2010 for similar reasons and now serves with the 221st Ordnance Company in Fort Wayne, Indiana. "And, I always had this desire to be in the military because my brother was in Marine, and I always had that ache.

"When I decided to join the team, my mom was very reluctant and didn't like it at first, but she became very proud of me," she recalled. "It was the same way with the Army."

Martini has also found a unique way to combine both her patriotism and passion for the sport as she often sings the national anthem before games.

"I love doing it because it's such an awesome thing," said Martini. "I started singing it before games as a player, and I've continued as a coach because it's always been important to me."

While the uniforms they wear may be different from field to foxhole, all three players said the coach's singing is far from the only significant crossover between the military and football.

"They're both kind of extreme things," said Anderson, a Crash strong safety and running back who is also a cadet in an Indiana National Guard commissioning program. "Less than half a percent of the population serves in the military and even less play women's football."

Outside of their small membership, she also said both are built on a firm foundation of structure and camaraderie.

"The bond I share with my teammates is comparable with the bond I've developed with my fellow servicemembers on deployments," agreed Nance, who previously served with the 434th Security Forces. "Whether you're in close quarters, in the trenches or on the gridiron, you build bonds that last a lifetime."

"Aside from true family, there's no sense of family like what we have in the military because of the experiences you share, and it's the same as women's football because you grow together," added Martini. "For many of us, it's a brand new thing with people learning through a lot of blood, sweat and tears, and that builds a strong bond."

She added that bond is the key to a successful game-day strategy just as much as it is to a good battle plan.

"You're trying to win a war, and that takes teamwork," the coach explained. "You're only as strong as your weakest person, so you have to make sure never to leave anyone behind."

Another connection between the worlds of service and sports is found in the training and execution of missions.

"The first reception I ever had was against Chicago, which is the number one or two team in the league, and it felt like it was a 40 yard gain when in all actuality it was about seven yards," recalled Nance. "But, it was that thrill of connecting with the ball, even though I was tackled instantly, that told me the last several months of practice had paid off -- I had done my job in that moment, during that play, and it paid off.

"It's the same thing in the military," she continued. "You train and train and train to deploy and do your job, especially as a reservist, so when you're fulfilling your duties, you're getting that same level of satisfaction."

Outside of the benefit of knowing they've done their part, all three reserve component Crash players also said they've benefitted from their military and football experiences as both have broken down barriers.

"I've met people on this team that I probably would have never otherwise crossed paths with," said Nance. "There are different backgrounds and cultures, and just like in the military, to be successful you have to get to know them, where they're coming from, what they're about, what their values are and how it all fits into the team concept."

And, just as women were once excluded from military and combat service, Martini said they are breaking down barriers for females on the field as well.

"We've all heard, 'women don't play football,' but we're changing those perceptions," she continued. "When I step on the field, I'm not a woman -- I'm a football player."

For Anderson, the barriers she broke through the military and football were her own.

"Before I was in either program I was shy, but once I got into them and had to get to know these girls who are more intimidating as football players and Soldiers, it helped me branch out," she said.

"The best thing these do for women is build confidence because they are outside the norm for women to do, and it shows them they can do anything," continued the 5-foot-1-inch running back. "You can't be timid, especially being in the military because you can't be shy to stand up for what you're thinking or what's right, otherwise you'd get ran over."

Another benefit football has brought to the Citizen Airman and Soldiers turned professional players is fitness.

"Even though I had always wanted to join the military, I was really out of shape, but when I started playing football I wanted to get stronger and better and lost enough weight to join the military," recalled Martini. "I don't think I would have ever decided to lose the weight and get healthy had I not played."

Physical fitness is just another connection Nance said she sees between the military and football.

"A lot of our players are in the military or former military, which isn't surprising given that military members are generally physically fit and driven people who want something more from life," she explained.

It's for that exact reason Martini said she loves to coach current and former military members.

"Military and ex-military are so eager to learn, and they respond well to you pushing them," she said. "If you push them, they'll meet that limit every time - when you tell them to jump, they ask you how high."

Unfortunately, there's another similarity between the service and the sport, which is more personal.

"The hardest part of both is sacrificing time from my family," said Nance. "It's not the physical at all, as those bumps and bruises heal."

However, the first sergeant went on to say that her family is proud of all her accomplishments and the key to success has been a strong support system.

"My husband's my number one fan and supporter, even though he doesn't understand football," she said. "He's always told me, 'if there's something you want to do, do it.'"

And, taking those opportunities life provides while not being afraid to fulfill her's desires is a lesson Nance hopes her Airmen learn.

"I want them to seek out those things that open up their eyes," she said. "Whether it's being a part of the honor guard, Airman's council or football team, anytime you go outside your box, there's something you can always bring back to your unit, team or life."

Tops In Blue visits MHAFB

by Airman 1st Class Brittany A. Chase
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

6/16/2014 - MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Tops In Blue, an all active-duty U. S. Air Force special unit dedicated to enhance mission productivity for Air Force members and their families, performed here June 15.

Families gathered around the huge stage to enjoy the vocal performance of Tops In Blue which included a wide variety of music, ranging from Bruno Mars to Blake Shelton.

Out of the 21 vocalist's who performed, one had a special Mountain Home tie, as she was selected from the 366th Medical Group and came back performing for the Airmen she once worked alongside.

"It was amazing to come back and sing for the people who have supported me throughout this journey," said Senior Airman Mayra Hernandez, Tops In Blue female vocalist. "To see everyone and share this success was very emotional for me but also very rewarding."

This performance was important for Hernandez as well as to many of the Airmen who came out to watch the show.

"It means a lot for them to come out and perform for us," said Senior Airman Diana Buena, 366th Force Support Squadron readiness unit deployment manager. "The people who are performing are Airmen just like us, who've taken time out of their career to do something for us."

The Tops In Blue team provides quality entertainment from within Air Force resources for the Air Force family.

"I came out last night with the goal to boost morale and show support," said Hernandez. "I know there can be hard times but I want to be able to influence people here, like Tops In Blue once did for me."

Tops In Blue continues to bring a touch of home, a touch of America and above all, the pride of the Air Force to all their audiences.

"I instantly got goosebumps when Tops In Blues started to sing Proud to be an American," said Leah Gilbertson, audience member. "The patriotism everyone showed during that song was amazing, it was a moment where everyone came together to stand and be proud of being a part of this great nation."

Citizen Airmen provide free medical services during Tropic Care

by Tech Sgt. Elizabeth Moody
440th Airlift Wing, Public Affairs

6/16/2014 - POPE ARMY AIRFIELD, N.C. -- Reservists from the 440th Medical Squadron here, are heading to Kauai, Hawaii in support of Tropic Care 2014. The federal program, which began in 2012, allows medical professionals from the armed forces to provide free health care services for the island's residents, between June 16 and June 26.

Like other humanitarian missions, Tropic Care prepares medical professionals for rapid deployment to remote locations, while providing under served communities with the medical services they need, said Chief Master Sgt. Candace Chesley, 440th MDS superintendent, here.

"It's an excellent opportunity for real-world field training," said Chesley.

Chesley said this mission also provides Pope's airmen the opportunity to gain experience working with people with different cultural backgrounds.

"You walk away with so much more than extra training," said the chief. "The team will gain a lot of human experience with another culture and you can't give anybody anything better than that."

The team of reservists from Pope Army Airfield includes a physical therapist, several dentists, and optometry and dental technicians, who will join other specialists from the armed forces to provide basic medical care for Kauai's locals.

One such medical volunteer, Maj. Eric James, 440th MDS physical therapist here, said this deployment will be his second humanitarian mission supporting Tropic Care.

"People in Kauai are especially interested in homeopathic treatments and once the word got out that physical therapy care was available, they lined up," said James, who hails from Oneonta, New York. "During the 2012 Tropic Care mission, I saw more than 230 patients over an eight-day period. On my busiest single day, I saw 37 patients - that's one patient every 12 minutes."

Tropic Care participants are seen on a first come, first serve basis and all services are free of charge, including dental care, basic health screening, eye care, and basic lab tests.

According to recent Hawaiian press, Kauai officials said they are hoping residents receive up to $10 million in free medical services through the Tropic Care 2014 mission. 

Face of Defense: Student Follows Brothers Into Marine Corps

By Marine Corps Cpl. Joseph Scanlan

Marine Expeditionary Brigade Afghanistan

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan, June 17, 2014 – Many young adults in the United States pursue college directly after graduating high school. While some continue to pursue a degree, others decide along the way to pursue a different path.

Marine Corps Cpl. Jonathan Hollis attended college immediately after high school, but after a few short years of enduring the monotonous routine, he said, he was fed up and sought an adventure. He’s now deployed here as an antitank missileman with Weapons Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment.

Hollis and his eight siblings were raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was home-schooled until he was a teenager, and then he attended Caledonia High School.

“Because I was home-schooled, it was pretty strict at home, so when I got to public school, I never missed a homework assignment,” he said.

His high school grades earned him an engineering scholarship, and when he graduated, he went on to Grand Rapids Community College. He continued to earn good grades and made the dean’s list during his first year, he said, but he wasn’t content.

“I hated college,” Hollis said. “I didn’t like sitting in a room for hours upon hours every day, just repeating the same schedule. I would show up in the morning, do my classes and leave at night while having a job on the side. It was just the same thing every day, and I was sick of it.”

While Hollis was a student, two of his brothers who were infantrymen in the Marine Corps told him about their experiences, and that’s when he decided to become a Marine himself. He enlisted as an infantryman and departed for recruit training Dec. 10, 2012.

Three grueling months later, he underwent training at the School of Infantry, where he would become an infantryman. Hollis earned a significant position of leadership shortly into the training cycle. Midway into the training evolution, he was given the opportunity to choose which kind of infantryman he wanted to become.

“One of the things I liked to do while growing up was to build rockets,” he said. “So I was one of the few that really wanted to become an 0352 [antitank missileman].”

Hollis continued to lead Marines during the course through various events, and ultimately earned a meritorious promotion to lance corporal upon graduating from School of Infantry. He then reported to 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California.

He began predeployment training immediately upon arrival with the battalion. His training included aiding the 30-day Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, a 10-day mission rehearsal exercise and a 30-day integrated training exercise to prepare him for his March 2 deployment to Afghanistan’s Helmand province. His hard work has not gone unnoticed.

“Hollis has exemplified what we like to see as a leader,” said Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Gerald Furnari, a platoon sergeant with Weapons Company, and a native of Franklin Square, New York. “He has separated himself from his peers since his arrival in the company. He did an outstanding job all throughout the workup. We sometimes put him in positions that he normally wouldn’t have occupied as somebody with his experience and time in service, but he showed us a lot of versatility, and he showed us through his good work ethic that he is somebody we can count on.”

Hollis has operated with Weapons Company during several missions here, participating in numerous patrols in Taliban-occupied areas and receiving enemy fire on multiple occasions. Weapons Company is slated to continue a high operational tempo throughout the summer in Helmand province before returning to the United States. His work ethic, intelligence, initiative and leadership ability earned Hollis a meritorious promotion to corporal June 2.

“Hollis is one of the best assets we have in our platoon, if not the company,” Furnari said. “When we return from this deployment, he is going to be one of the noncommissioned officers we lean on, because of his prior work experience and his performance. He’s going to be one of the individuals that we’re going to look at to lead the company during our next predeployment workup and into the next deployment.”

Arizona pararescue units conduct mass casualty drill

by Master Sgt. Luke Johnson
943rd Rescue Group Public Affairs

6/11/2014 - DAVIS MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz.  -- Airmen from the 305th and 306th Rescue Squadron's trained to respond to a mass casualty medical emergency scenario here during the June Unit Training Assembly weekend.

The training provided pararescemen (PJ's) and HH-60G Pave Hawk aircrews an opportunity to enhance their abilities to work together in a mass causality medical emergency scenario involving numerous critically injured patients. The training showcased both unit's capabilities to provide the best, quickest emergency medical care and transportation to a medical facility.

The 305th RQS is a flying unit consisting of pilots, special mission aviators and support personnel in maintenance, operations and administration.

The 305th RQS is a pararescue unit with pararescuemen, and support personnel in equipment maintenance, intelligence and administration.

Both units are assigned to the 943rd Rescue Group, whose mission is to organize and train combat mission ready Citizen Airmen to perform personnel recovery operations worldwide anytime, anywhere. 

Texas mobility Airmen impress AFRC logistics director

by Tech Sgt. Carlos J. Trevino
433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

6/9/2014 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND -- Brig. Gen. Gary Blaszkiewicz, director of Logistics, Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command, visited the 433rd Logistics Readiness, 26th and 74th Aerial Port Squadrons, June 7-8.

His tour began with a mission briefing at the 433rd LRS. Afterwards, he addressed the Airmen and presented Senior Master Sgt. Elizabeth N. Lopez, 433rd LRS Quality Assurance superintendent, with one of his coins.
Lopez rebuilt a program that had failed a recent inspection. When the program was re-inspected it became a candidate for benchmarking across Air Force Reserve.

"I was very impressed that he made a conscientious effort ensure that Airmen are recognized," Lopez said.

In addition, members of the 26th and 74th APS demonstrated their skills for Blaszkiewicz on using and loading vehicles to place palletized cargo on aircraft.

"You seem to managing it pretty well," Blaszkiewicz said after watching the port dogs, as they are known, demonstrate their talent.

"I am glad he took the time to come see us. Out of all the units, he picked ours," said Senior Airman Orlando Garcia, 74th APS. Garcia, who flawlessly placed a loaded pallet on a K Loader, was under the watchful of the general during the demonstration.

"I was nervous because I had so many people watching me, but it was good to practice our skills and show that we know safety and procedures," he said.

"It was good to see effective training for what they do on a day to day basis, I enjoyed it a lot," Blaszkiewicz said.

"I am very proud of the port dogs and the LRS, they continue to be battle ready," he said.

African Partnership Flight takes off in Senegal

by Staff Sgt. Ryan Crane
USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs

6/16/2014 - DAKAR, Senegal -- More than 40 U.S. Air Force Airmen arrived here this week to participate in African Partnership Flight, co-hosted by Senegal and the U.S.

The opening ceremony, held June 16, marked the first day of instruction and partnership with the attending African partners.

This event will feature Airmen from eight African countries including, Senegal, Togo, Ghana, Benin, Mauritania, Niger and Nigeria and Burkina Faso.

"African Partnership Flight is used to develop interoperability and regional cooperation between African countries," said. Maj. James Renfro, APF mission commander. "We want to develop communication between the separate countries so that if something does happen they are already familiar with each other and can assist their partners in a time of need."

African Partnership Flight is a collaborative learning environment, which helps air forces from the U.S. and partner nations in Africa work better together. The first APF was hosted in March 2012 and the program has since become a premier program for U.S. Africa Command to help foster security and stability throughout Africa.

This APF includes classroom discussions as well as hands-on experience with topics including mission planning, aeromedical evacuation, cargo loading, base defense and ground and flight safety.

Throughout the week of APF, the USAFE Band will be performing outreach events for the community and local schools.

The overall goal of APF is to strengthen the partnerships between the United States and air forces in Africa to continue building regional air force cooperation capabilities.

An 'Honored' Flight

by Staff Sgt. Abigail Klein
931st Air Refueling Group Public Affairs

6/16/2014 - MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Nineteen Korean and two World War II Veterans returned home to Wichita, Kansas, to a hero's welcome, including a display of gratitude from family and community members as well as more than 40 McConnell Airmen, June 13, 2014. 

The veterans had traveled together to Washington, D.C., as part of the Honor Flight Network. The Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization created to honor World War II, Korean and Vietnam Veterans for their service. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, an estimated 640 WWII veterans die each day. The Honor Flight Network provides opportunities for these veterans to travel to the nation's capital to visit their war memorials, as well as other sites. 

The trips are funded through donations from each state's Honor Flight Network, with top priority is given to the senior veterans - World War II survivors, along with other veterans who may be terminally ill.
The 931st Air Refueling Group community saw this flight as a chance to give back.
"In the past several weeks we have had the opportunity to participate in several events designed to honor veterans," said Col. Mark S. Larson, 931st Air Refueling Group commander. "In all cases a grateful community demonstrated their overwhelming support and gratitude for us as military members. This Honor Flight homecoming provided us a unique opportunity to thank those who have so nobly passed the baton of defending our nation's freedom to us."

Larson and several members of the 931 ARG greeted the veterans immediately after their return to Kansas at welcoming ceremony held at a local Wichita hotel. The event provided McConnell Airmen a chance to personally thank and honor those who served before them.

"Both of my grandfathers served in the Korean War and I felt this was the best way I could honor them," said Tech. Sgt. James Lucas, 931st Ground Safety Technician. "I don't think they have ever seen this many people welcome them back, so I really think it means a lot to them that we were here."

The greeting was an emotional one for U.S. Army Korean War Veteran Jim Stoecklein, who, in addition to the military members on hand, was greeted by 10 members of his family. This was Stocklein's first experience with the Honor Flight Network.

"I just really wanted to go and the opportunity finally came up, so I grabbed it," he said. "It was really special seeing the various memorials. I will never forget this experience."

For more information about the Honor Flight Network, visit the official website at http://www.honorflight.org.

McConnell NCO wins Father of the Year

by Airman 1st Class Colby L. Hardin
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

6/16/2014 - MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Not only is Tech. Sgt. Terrance Williams the NCO in-charge of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing base honor guard, but he's also the American Diabetes Association "Father of The Year."

The ADA recognizes men who excel at balancing fatherhood with a demanding career. The honorees also help sell tickets and tables for the awards dinners, in which the funds raised are used to help cure diabetes.

Managing a family and military career can be difficult. There are long days at work that can keep a parent away from their family.

"Making time is the biggest challenge," said Williams. "It seems like there's just not enough time in the day to be able to balance each child that you may have."

The council receives nominations from the honoree's family members and peers. The award is focused on what the nominees do as fathers, rather than their accomplishments at work.

"One of the unique things about me is, I like to be on the child's level, probably more than I need to be," added Williams. "I think I can relate a lot with the kids, especially my kids. I think you need to have that childish persona, you just need to know how to turn it on and off."

It's not just an award to Williams. It's a chance to fight back against a disease that burdens many people.

"Unfortunately, my wife's side of the family has been stricken with diabetes," said Williams. "It means a lot because I'm able to bring awareness and possibly raise funds to help. The biggest thing to me is knowing that I contributed to the cause in a major way."

Westover airlifts 26 tons of aid to Nicaragua

by Staff Sgt. Kelly Goonan
439th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

6/16/2014 - MANAGUA, NICARAGUA -- A training mission this month doubled as a humanitarian relief effort for Reserve Airmen from the 439th Airlift Wing, Westover Air Reserve Base, Massachusetts Thirteen Airmen delivered 26-tons of cargo to Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport in Nicaragua, June 10.

This Denton Amendment mission delivered one Ford Horton Ambulance, a Ford 8000 Pierce Pumper and a Ford C-8000 Pirsch Pumper on behalf of the Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners (W/NP) of the Americas, Incorporated. The W/NP is a humanitarian services organization implementing programs in both Wisconsin and Nicaragua.

With 15 established fire stations throughout Nicaragua, the W/NP recognized, nearly 50 ago, the importance of assisting a country which doesn't manufacture fire trucks or ambulances. On average, three emergency vehicles are shipped each year, as well as other necessary firefighter equipment such as boots, helmets and air packs. These newly delivered vehicles will be placed under the control of Nicaraguan governmental agencies, such as the Bomberos, and will service more than 250,000 men, women and children. The Bomberos maintains an emergency center for the country and also provides fire service for the capital city of Managua. Twenty-nine fire trucks and 13 ambulances, with a collective value of over $1,000,000, have already been delivered using the Denton Amendment Program.

The 1985 Denton Amendment makes possible the delivery of donated humanitarian relief on military aircraft with available space, according to the Defense Department. This program saves humanitarian aid agencies untold dollars in transportation costs, which could be debilitating for small, nonprofit groups.

Airmen regularly take part in humanitarian missions like this. The Air Force has hauled millions of pounds of relief around the world free of charge to the donors, according to the Defense Department, which administers the Denton program with the State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development.

"I can't remember how many of these I've done," said Master Sgt. Michael Pasternak, 337th loadmaster. "We fly them so regularly that it's hard to keep track."

Saber Strike 2014 confirms U.S. commitment to Baltic States

by Maj. Edward Shank
Joint Force Headquarters, Pennsylvania National Guard

6/16/2014 - FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa.  -- On the wall of the town hall building in the Lithuanian capital city of Vilnius there is mounted a bronze plaque with a quote from President George W. Bush circa 2002. The statement reads: "Anyone who would choose Lithuania as an enemy has also made an enemy of the United States of America."

Now, more than 20 years after the last Russian troop was pulled from the Baltic States, Lithuania and it's neighboring countries, Latvia and Estonia, Mr. Bush's statement is being put to the test.

While the youth the Baltic countries were raised knowing only freedom, recent hostilities between Russia and Crimea are a vivid reminder to older generations of a time when the extent of their freedom was dictated by others.

According to Maj. Dennis Philapavage, a C-5 pilot of Lithuanian descent who serves in the West Virginia National Guard, the importance of freedom has been imparted on the nation's younger generations.

"I remember my grandmother was very conscious and very proud of the fact that [Lithuania was] an independent country and instilled that in her sons -- my father and uncle -- which is still something they talk about," Philapavage says.

On June 11, the 39-year-old flight instructor visited his ancestral homeland on a mission to help protect the independence his grandmother felt was so important.

In a joint mission Pennsylvania and West Virginia, Maj. Philapavage's C-5 Galaxy landed in Lithuania filled with American Soldiers and Stryker Combat Vehicles participating in Exercise Saber Strike 2014. Though this was Philapavage's first trip to the Baltic, it was familiar territory to the members of the PA Guard's 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team.

Following the Cold War, Lithuania and other former Soviet-occupied countries were paired with National Guard units from various states and territories in an effort to strengthen bonds between the United States and its new allies. Due, in part, to the large number of Lithuanian immigrants residing in the state, a partnership between the Pennsylvania National Guard and Lithuania was established.

In the 21 years that have followed, the Pennsylvania National Guard and Lithuania military have forged a relationship unrivaled by the average state partnership, conducting more than 500 exchanges that have led to huge advancements for both countries in such diverse areas as professional military development, strategic planning, and cyber defense.

Since the Global War on Terror began, Pennsylvania and Lithuanian Soldiers and Airmen have deployed to Afghanistan as members of a joint Police Operational Mentor and Liaison Team, training Afghan soldiers the tactics, techniques, and procedures necessary to defend their nation. Pennsylvania also provided Soldiers for nine rotations to the Lithuanian-led Provincial Reconstruction Team in Gohr Province, Afghanistan, fighting side by side and defending one another with their lives.

After years of such cooperation, to Pennsylvania Soldiers and Airmen, returning to Lithuania is a chance to reunite with old friends and train together using techniques developed over years of practice. This is the fifth "Saber Strike" -- an international military exercise that rotates from one Baltic state to another -- in which elements of the 28th Infantry Division's 56th Stryker Brigade has participated, but, as 2nd Squadron, 104th Cavalry element's troop commander, Capt. David Fittipoldi, points out, this year's exercise in significant in many ways.

"The scope of Saber Strike has increased," says Fittipoldi. "With recent events in Crimea, the need and desire to increase our training focus with our NATO allies in the Baltics has increased as well."

Elements of the Pennsylvania National Guard have traveled to Latvia and Lithuania to join forces with Danish, British, Australian and a number of other allied countries for Saber Strike 2014, which is expected to last about two weeks.

"Our relationship with Lithuania is extremely strong," says Capt. Fittipoldi. "It's been forged over the last 21 years ... and it's specific training instances and training exercises like this that has made our relationship so strong."

727th AMS ensures D-Day success

by Staff Sgt. Rachel Waller
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

6/16/2014 - RAF MILDENHALL, England  -- Military units from across the U.S. participated heavily in events held throughout France June 6 to 8, 2014, to remember and honor the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

As the only Air Mobility Command presence in the U.K., the 727th Air Mobility Squadron played a vital role for service members and aircraft transiting through England for the events. The unit is comprised of American and British nationals working together to support the defense of both nations.

"The 727th AMS is the administrative control for all Tanker Airlift Control Center (TACC) controlled en route crews and missions in the U.K.," said Maj. Frank Livingston, 727th AMS commander, from Oceanside, California. "We support local U.S. Air Forces in Europe aircraft, visiting foreign national airlift and refueling aircraft."

During D-Day commemorative events, the 727th AMS supported 20 C-130 sorties from the Air National Guard and the U.S. Air Force Reserves. Additionally, the 727th AMS Passenger Terminal processed more than 600 passengers.

"I am proud of the service and commitment the men and women of the 727th AMS exhibited not only during this period but every day," Livingston said. "Without these professionals, our mission can't happen."

U.S. Air Force C-130’s to land at Lielvarde Air Base for the first time

by Kristal Gault
U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa

6/16/2014 - RIGA, Latvia -  -- On June 17, 2014, three U.S. Air Force C-130J's from the 37th Airlift Squadron, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, will land at Lielvarde Air Base, Latvia, making them the first U.S. Air Force aircraft to land at the newly renovated installation.

The aircraft will bring equipment and approximately 92 Airmen from the 435th Contingency Response Group to participate in Air Force-specific training as part of Saber Strike 2014, as well as support the ground forces of the exercise with cargo drops at the Ādaži Training Area.

The 435th CRG is comprised of 42 career fields and is U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa's only "open the air base" force, capable of establishing contingency airfield operations and initial command and control to enable global reach and power. Additionally, the 435th CRG provides theater-wide design, construction and technical assistance, as well as delivers multi-functional expeditionary force protection forces.

During this final week of Saber Strike 2014 the 435th CRG, in conjunction with the 37th AS, will train on the full capabilities to open the air base at Lielvarde. They will provide airfield operations, command and control of air and space forces, weather support, protection of operational forces, aircraft maintenance and aerial port services.

In preparation for the main body arrival, the 37th AS performed an aerial drop of 28 435th CRG Airmen and equipment at Lielvarde Air Base on June 16. This team of paratroopers along with a select few CRG members already in country performed airfield surveys to ensure safe arrival of the main body of aircraft and personnel.

Exercising these unique capabilities at Lielvarde Air Base provides the opportunity to develop the skills required to open the base and receive aircraft. Conducting this exercise with Latvian partners also represents a step toward further development of the air base's infrastructure and operations.

Members of the media are invited to watch the C-130J aircraft arrive at Lielvarde Air Base on June 17 followed by an opportunity to interview the pilots landing the first U.S. aircraft at the installation and representatives from the 435th CRG. Transportation to the air base will depart the Ministry of Defense, Riga, Latvia, at 10 a.m. for an 11:30 a.m. arrival at Lielvarde Air Base.

Interested media should contact Daina Ozolina, Latvian Military Public Affairs, at +371 67335224 or +371 26174707, or daina.ozolina@mod.gov.lv. Please send Ms. Ozolina the following credentialing information by 8 p.m. Eastern European Time on June 16: name, surname, personal identification number, affiliation, email, and press card number (if applicable), as well as vehicle information if arriving by private transport. All attendees must have valid identification to access the installation.

Media organizations interested in additional U.S. Air Force participation in Saber Strike 2014 should contact USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs at +49 162-425-5428 or kristal.gault@us.af.mil.

Nations Join Forces to Conduct VBSS During BALTOPS 2014

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) DJ Revell, Navy Public Affairs Support Element - East

BALTIC SEA (NNS) -- Danish, Georgian and U.S. visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) teams conducted Maritime Interception Operations (MIO) training during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2014 June 13.

The teams boarded FGS Spessart (A1442), a Rhn-class tanker of the German Navy. During the boarding, VBSS teams executed tactical team movements, climbing and rappelling techniques, self-defense tactics, and weapons handling. After completion of the exercise, the teams analyzed and accessed tactics, techniques and skills. The crux of training focused on partnership.

"With this training we hope to become better and build a sturdy working relationship with each other," said Royal Danish Navy Military Police Chief of Operations, Lt. Claus Rasmussen. "You will never know if we will have to conduct an operation like this in the future."

BALTOPS provides a unique opportunity for dispersed nations to collaborate together, in close proximity, on strategy and processes to enhance safety and effectiveness. VBSS operations are designed to support MIO through non-compliant and compliant boardings in order to combat piracy and smuggling, conduct counterterrorism missions, and perform customs and safety inspections.

"Each country has their own communication and standards," said Danish VBSS squad leader Petty Officer Mike Joergensen, embarked onboard Danish ship, HNLMS Friesland (P842). "This is why we perform these exercises; to improve and learn from one another."

BALTOPS is an annual, multinational exercise to enhance maritime capabilities and interoperability with partner nations to promote maritime safety and security in the Baltic Sea. This year's iteration of the exercise hosts 30 ships, 50 aircraft and approximately 3,000 people from 14 nations, including NATO.

Participants exercise, create and sustain partnerships, knowledge and skill sets across a broad range of mission areas to strengthen capabilities of both individual services and the international force.