Face of Defense: Marine Helicopter Crew Chief Aims High

By Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Caitlin Bevel

I Marine Expeditionary Force

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif., Dec. 3, 2014 – The Marine Corps is known as the elite fighting force of the United States and it draws that strength from the experiences and contributions of each individual Marine.

Marine Corps Cpl. James Hibler, a UH-1Y Huey helicopter crew chief with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, Marine Aircraft Group 39, I Marine Expeditionary Force here, said he enlisted in the Marines to help secure his future.

Needing a Change

Hibler grew up in Arlington, Texas. His father and brother both served in the military, so he knew where to turn when he decided he needed a change.

“I went to the University of North Texas and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice,” Hibler said. “I didn’t want a normal job, so I decided to join the Marine Corps.”

When Hibler started looking into joining the military, he said, there were a number of things that drew him to the Marine Corps.

“If you’re going to join the military, you want to be one of the best, so you’re going to join the Marine Corps,” Hibler said. “Not only do we have the best reputation, our uniforms look better.”

Loss of Close Friend

Before enlisting, Hibler received a harsh reminder of what the price of service might be. On April 6, 2011, Hibler’s friend from elementary school, Staff Sgt. Jeremy Smith, was killed in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

“One of my buddies called me and told me it happened,” Hibler said. “I was just numb; you don’t think that it’s going to happen to you, especially when you think so highly of your buddy.”

Despite the potential danger, Hibler spent approximately five months in the Marine Corps Delayed Entry Program before leaving for Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego to start his training in January 2012.

Marines’ Iconic Image

While the Marine Corps offers a variety of potential jobs, Hibler’s career choice was inspired by imagery from the era in which his father served.

“If you look at iconic pictures and videos of Vietnam you see Hueys coming over the trees,” Hibler said. “What better job than to fly around in a Huey, shooting machine guns?”

As a UH-1Y Huey crew chief, Hibler helps ensure the aircraft is safe to fly and he also serves as a door-gunner in combat.

Hard, Sweaty Work

Hibler described one of the days on the job that gave him a sense of fulfillment as a Marine. It involved lots of hard work and a .50-caliber machine gun.

“We went to go shoot at Mount Home Air Force Base in Idaho and everywhere we flew there was snow on the ground,” Hibler said. “The .50 cal[iber] I was shooting broke, so we had to get the ammo to another helicopter.

“We landed in a field and had to carry about 800 rounds of ammo 200 yards uphill, but every step we took we would sink four or five inches into the soil,” he continued. “We only have a certain amount of time on station when we can deploy our weapons systems before we have to leave, so we had to hurry.”

Hibler and his comrades delivered the ammunition, he said, but not before they became soaked in sweat.

“Then we had to run back to our helicopter and keep flying around and it was about 40 degrees outside,” he added. “It was miserable, but it was kind of fun.”

Enjoying Camaraderie

Despite the excitement associated with his job, Hibler explained that the happiest moments of his career so far have involved in getting to know his fellow Marines.

“It’s when you’re sitting out on the flight line with a couple of your fellow crew chiefs waiting to go test some helicopters, or when you fly out to Twentynine Palms and you’re waiting for a fuel truck and you have down time just sitting in the back of a Huey talking to your buddies,” Hibler said. “That’s when you get personal with people. You get to know one another.”

Since joining HMLA-469 approximately a year and a half ago, Hibler has developed a reputation with his fellow noncommissioned officers.

Good Reputation

“His maturity shows on a day-to-day basis,” said Marine Corps Sgt. Robert Brown, a UH-1Y crew chief with HMLA-469, MAG-39, I MEF. “He comes in and does what he needs to do to get his job done. And now as a corporal, he keeps his Marines on track.”

Hibler accomplishes “whatever he sets his mind to” said Marine Corps Sgt. Eric Seaman, a UH-1Y crew chief with HMLA-469, MAG-39, I MEF.

“He’s already got a plan going, right now,” Seaman said of Hibler, “and as long as he continues on the outside world what he did here he will achieve whatever he needs to do.”

Aside from being part of an elite fighting force, Hibler explained that he was drawn to the Marine Corps by the opportunities that would be available when he completed his enlistment.

“When you’re in the Marine Corps, you meet so many people and open up avenues for yourself when you get out,” Hibler said. “Everybody likes to hire a veteran. Plus, you will always have that sense of pride of being a Marine.”

Plans for the Future

Hibler added that he has a plan to use his education in conjunction with the skills he gains during his military service.

“What I want to do is utilize my bachelor's in criminal justice and pursue one of the federal careers like the [Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives] or the [Drug Enforcement Agency],” Hibler said. “They all have helicopters so I want to try to pursue a career related to flying and stay working for a federal agency.”

Cleveland area community sends stacks of stockings to Youngstown

by Master Sgt. Bob Barko Jr.
910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office

12/2/2014 - YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- Three van loads of yuletide cheer, courtesy of the USO of Northern Ohio and the citizenry of Willoughby Hills, Ohio, arrived here Nov. 26.

For the past eight years, civic organizations in the Youngstown area have rallied to collect donations to fill stockings for U.S. military members serving in combat zones overseas

"This is awesome," said Bruce Billie, Trumbull and Mahoning Counties coordinator for the USO of Northern Ohio. "It's another example of people getting together to help our serving military members."

Billie said the service organization's effort shifted focus a little closer to home as the numbers of U.S. Servicemembers deployed to combat locations has dropped within the past year.

"The USO is working to connect communities with our military serving here locally by providing services and morale building activities," he said.

More than 950 stockings brimming with goodies, holiday greeting cards, food stuffs and more were unpacked at the air reserve station fitness center to be passed out later to the Air Force, Marine and Navy reservists at upcoming holiday festivities. Billie said some of the donated gifts would be given to other military units currently serving in Northeast Ohio during the holiday season.

In short order, a group of Citizen Airmen and Department of Defense civilians did their best impressions of a team of the North Pole's finest and placed the special provisions into storage to await delivery.

Col. Kevin Riley, 910th Mission Group commander, accepted a meticulously-prepared package, symbolic of the entire holiday treasure trove, from Billie.

"We are so grateful for this," the colonel said, smiling. "You can look at each one of these stockings and see the time, care and gratitude poured into every one."

Riley said this outpouring represents the backing today's military receives from countless numbers of people living in this part of the country. He also said it means something special those who choose to serve in America's Armed Forces.

"It's an honor to serve," Riley said. "But, we love and appreciate the support."

145th CES supports community as renovations begin on 2nd Tarheel ChalleNGe site

by Master Sgt. Patricia F. Moran
145th Public Affairs

11/30/2014 - NEW LONDON, N.C. -- Airmen from the North Carolina Air National Guard continue to fortify an already strong relationship with their state and community, while taking the opportunity to hone in and refine their skills recently.

Celebrations occurred after the long awaited groundbreaking ceremony Nov. 1 when acknowledgements were made for the support given by the airmen of the 145th Civil Engineer Squadron as they continued their partnership with Tarheel ChalleNGe, a quasi-military style program that helps teens, ages 16 to 18, get their general education diploma and develop life coping skills to prepare them for future employment or further education endeavors.

This partnership began in the spring of 2000 when the original site of Tarheel ChalleNGe was preparing to relocate to Salemburg. 145th CES stepped up and constructed a K-span building when they learned that the program was in need of dormitory space.

"Without this building the program would not be able to relocate and would have suffered and not been able to grow." said Dale Autry, director of Tarheel ChalleNGe.

From April through July, this partnership continued as 145th CES took the opportunity to participate in joint Deployment for Training programs with airmen from 156th CES, Puerto Rico and 149th CES, Texas ANG at the Regional Training Site in New London. These DFT missions gave the airmen a chance to work together, clearing terrain and preparing a 60,000 square foot abandoned school for transformation into a new Tarheel ChalleNGe Academy in New London.

"This is real world training." stated Lt. Col. Tim Moran, deputy commander, 145th CES, "You can read about it, but until you actually use the heavy equipment to clear the property or install a door or plumb a sink or remove walls to prepare a building for renovation, you don't get the full value of the training."

"At the end of the day," Moran continued, "You see the results and what you've accomplished; you're not just filling out a square in your training record.  Knowing you're helping out a community is the icing on the cake and the real beauty of the Deployment for Training program."

Airmen cleared terrain and removed old landscaping while others detached pre-engineered metal roof frames, removed ceilings, interior walls, plumbing and electrical fixtures.  Using jackhammers, sledge hammers and crow bars, concrete slabs, walls and floors were also removed from the school house. They renovated logistic buildings, installed new siding, new roofs, underpinning and electrical outlets in mobile classrooms that will be used as computer labs for future students. Buildings on the school grounds were not up to code so plumbing and hot water had to be installed. Additional doorways were also installed to meet egress codes.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, New London Mayor Tate Daniels said, "When this school closed over four years ago, a part of the town died with it. When this academy opens, our town will have new life and more excitement for its future."

"The selection of Stanly County for the location of Tarheel ChalleNGe's second site was primarily due to the partnership with the 145th CES." Autry stated, "The 145th CES has adopted the ChalleNGe program, 'to change North Carolina one student at a time,' as part of their community mission. The second site would not be underway without the support of the great people of the 145th CES. Their long range planning, attention to detail, organizational skills and hard work has gotten the new site well underway. As we move forward with the renovation project for the New London site we look forward to working with the fine folks of the [North Carolina Air National Guard] especially the 145th Civil Engineer Squadron."

The 20-acre property will undergo a $1.9 million renovation including 300 bed dormitories with 19 classrooms, administrative offices and athletic fields before its inaugural class begins in August 2015.

188th Wing engineers train 567th RED HORSE Reservists

by Airman 1st Class Cody Martin
188th Wing Public Affairs

11/20/2014 - FORT SMITH, Ark. -- Cooperation between active Air Force, the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve creates a Total Force Concept that helps make the U.S. Air Force dominant. The ability to deploy and train together enhances versatility and efficiency within the Air Force. This concept was put into action when the 188th Civil Engineering Squadron hosted Air Force Reservists from the 567th Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineer Squadron. The 188th CES afforded the 567th RED HORSE with a number of sundry training opportunities.

"This is a very diverse group of people," said Major Christopher Stanmire, 567th RED HORSE Squadron operations officer. "We have six members of the 4th Civil Engineering Squadron as well as personnel from the 560th and 583rd RHS, and with the 188th this is definitely a Total Force operation."

The 567th RED HORSE Squadron is a 209-person mobile squadron capable of rapid response and independent operations in remote, high-threat environments worldwide. It was established on Nov. 1, 2008, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina.

On Oct. 29, the advanced party, or ADVON, arrived at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The ADVON was the first team involved in a three-part process that provided initial planning and set up for the exercise.

"The ADVON team goes in first," Stanmire said. "They ensure everything is ready for the reception of the main body. Then you have your first echelon called the hub which sets up the main operating base. We also can deploy a second echelon called the spoke."

Every 15 months, members of RED HORSE squadrons have to train on a number of field training requirements, including expedient airfield crater repair operations, tent erection, defensive fighting positions and field messing. With these requirements in mind, leadership from the 567th RHS selected Ebbing Air National Guard Base as the place to receive their training.

"We chose this place because we don't have heavy equipment at home station and we have the opportunity to do airfield damage repair," Stanmire said. "They have outstanding venues to use heavy equipment and to train on airfield damage repair. Everything else we can get in other places, but we are hoping to get hands-on training on equipment and resources we don't have at home station."

The 188th Wing not only provided the locale, but also provided support in a number of additional ways.

"We're proud of the hard work our Airmen are doing to ensure visiting units complete all their training objectives," said Col. Mark Anderson, 188th Wing commander. "That's a testament to the outstanding men and women we have in this wing. They go above and beyond to complete the mission and I'm honored to serve as their commander."

The 188th CES provided opportunities on field training requirements and the 188th Security Forces Squadron provided contingency skills training. The 188th Force Support Squadron and the 188th Logistics Readiness Squadron provided additional assistance during the field training exercise, as well as providing physical training testing and career development course testing.

"We are very impressed with the hospitality and the availability of the equipment," said Chief Master Sgt. John Meadows, 576th RHS airfield chief superintendent. "They've just opened the doors and welcomed us as one of theirs. We really appreciate that."

The 567th RHS successfully completed all of their training objectives as well as completed a few small troop training projects. In the future, the 567th will look to return to Ebbing ANGB when they need further training.

"Fort Smith will definitely be among the top choices when we start looking for a training site for our next FTX," Stanmire said. "We are extremely thankful for the 188th's assistance, professionalism and hospitality."

Lake effect snow storm buries parts of Western New York; Airmen respond

by Senior Master Sgt. Raymond Lloyd
107th Airlift Wing

11/26/2014 - Buffalo, N.Y. -- More than 30 members from 107th Airlift Wing's Security Forces, Civil Engineer and Logistics Squadrons helped citizens in Western New York dig out of the record-breaking snowfall recently.

A localized band from South Buffalo to communities south and east of the city received more than six feet of snow that began falling in the early morning Nov. 18.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo activated approximately 375 members of the New York Air and Army National Guard to assist in the relief efforts. The group worked with multiple local law enforcement agencies, state and county Department of Corrections, and the New York State Department of Transportation to mediate the damage caused by the storm.

"We are motivated and ready to lend a hand in the community. I joined a guard unit so I could help my fellow New Yorkers in times of emergencies," said Chief Master Sgt. Richard Baker of the 107th Civil Engineering Squadron. "We did some snow removal in the beginning of the week and filled sandbags to prepare for possible flooding. It amazes me to see so many people pitching in to help the community."

The weather conditions caused relief efforts to be difficult with roads being impassable. Security Forces Airmen used Humvees to travel to Eden Heights Assisted Living Facility in West Seneca. The building needed snow removed from its roof to prevent it from collapsing. The home could not evacuate its residents due to the road conditions.

The 107th worked on this snow removal task for three days. The snow was about four feet deep covering the 55,000 square roof. The snow removal was such a major task that Army National Guard Soldiers were also deployed to help. The state purchased and transported snow blowers on an Army CH-47 helicopter for the job.

The staff and residents of the facility were happy to receive the help.

"Lots of citizens came to our break area and shook our hand and thanked us for our service," said Master Sgt. Thomas Rodgers, 107th Security Forces, who served as the team leader for the mission.

107th Security Forces were later tasked to assist local law enforcement agencies. The group was sent out in the community and helped aid Buffalo and New York State Police in traffic control measures. Many roads and streets had to be blocked off so the Army could use high lift equipment to remove the snow. The snow was so high in areas that a normal snow plow would not be able to move it. The snow was then loaded on to dump trucks and hauled away.

Meanwhile, Civil Engineers were tasked with filling sandbags. The weather called for possible flooding with significant rain and warm temperatures in the coming days.  Sandbags were readied in staging areas setup north and south of the affected areas where flooding was anticipated.

The storm response is now winding down as the area did not receive as much rain and flooding as was initially predicted. 107th AW staff is currently augmenting the Joint Task Force out of the Connecticut Street Armory in Buffalo.

Asking for help is sign of strength not weakness

By Maj. Gen. Mark Brown and Master Sgt. Derik New, 2nd Air Force / Published December 02,

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. (AFNS) -- Growing up I was a big fan of Muhammad Ali. He was the world heavyweight boxing champion and unashamedly referred to himself as "The Greatest." I vividly remember a reporter asking Ali, "When did you know that you were 'The Greatest?’" Before Ali could answer, the reporter offered, "Perhaps it was when you knocked out George Foreman in 1974?"

Ali shook his head in disagreement, so the reporter continued.

"Maybe it was when you destroyed Sonny Liston in the world heavyweight championship in 1964?" Again, Ali shook his head.

Then Ali told the story of when he knew he was the greatest. It happened in 1973 when he faced Ken Norton at the San Diego Sports Arena. As Ali entered the arena, the crowed was in a frenzy, cheering "Ali, Ali, Ali!"

The world champion stepped in the ring and quickly found himself overmatched against the bigger Norton, suffering a broken jaw in the second round. Ali found the strength to finish the 12-round bout, but suffered only his second defeat in 43 professional fights. Through this trial, after having his jaw broken and being knocked senseless but somehow remaining on his feet, is when Ali truly came to believe he was the greatest.

To prove that point, Ali went on to beat Ken Norton in their next two matches.

Being knocked out and having to bounce back is all but inevitable for most of us. This is especially true for those of us in the business of delivering air power for America. Our mission can be stressful and those stresses can be further complicated by the everyday challenges of life. The good news is that, regardless of our situation, there is always a helping hand. The act of reaching out to these individuals may be difficult, but should never be thought of as a sign of weakness. In fact, recognizing you need help, and seeking that help, only builds resilience and strengthens your character. Knowledge of this indirect benefit is well documented throughout history.

Per John Heywood, an English author and playwright in the early 16th century; "If you will call troubles experiences, and remember that every experience develops some latent force within you, you will grow vigorous and happy, however adverse your circumstances may seem to be."

We all need help every now and then. Some individuals feel very comfortable asking for financial, spiritual, physical, or emotional help during difficult times; however, many others are unable to recognize when help is needed, or are just reluctant to ask. For those who prefer to do things themselves, so as not to burden others, the situation or experience can eventually become such a weight that the individual is unable to go at it alone or is already in over their head.

Air Force physicians, mental health providers, chaplains, first sergeants, commanders, and wingmen are all there to help. There are also many programs that allow you to talk or research your situations, such as our family readiness centers, our Military Crisis Line, the Air Force Suicide Prevention web site, the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Program, and The Airman's Guide for Assisting Personnel in Distress. But the fact remains, if you don't reach out, it's difficult to offer assistance.

As military members, your country relies on your service and we understand the burden that can be levied upon you and your families. Always remember, you are not alone with this and someone is there to help.

My wish to you this holiday season is that you will ask for help if you need it. Just remember that even "The Greatest" had to bounce back to truly realize his greatness.

COMACC visits Team Al Udeid

by Senior Airman Kia Atkins
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

12/2/2014 - AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar  -- Wingmanship, budget concerns, and force management were a few of the topics Gen. Hawk Carlisle, commander of Air Combat Command, discussed with Airmen during his visit here, Nov. 25.

"I know force management caused a lot of turbulence for folks, and for that, I sincerely and truly apologize," Carlisle said. "The good news is that most of the force shaping is done and we expect little in the future. It will still happen inside the margins, but it will be handled mostly through normal attrition and voluntary programs."

Carlisle also offered his perspective on another important issue impacting the force, namely the budget.

"The budget will continue to go down," he said. "All of us, collectively, and certainly the leadership of the Air Force, have to make sure that whatever our budget is, we owe it to the American people to give them the best Air Force we can with the amount of money and resources we have. Today, we have more mission requirements than we do money, manpower, or time; which means, we are going to have to prioritize."

Carlisle briefly spoke about the changes affecting enlisted and officer professional development as well as more difficult subjects such as safety, suicide, and sexual assault.

"We need to have this conversation even though it's difficult," he said. "The fix, the answer to our challenges, are all of us. When you see someone having a problem, you need to reach out to them."

Carlisle wrapped up his all call by thanking Grand Slam Airmen.

"Thank you for the incredible work you do and thank you for stepping up and doing every single thing the Air Force asks you to do and doing it better than anyone else in the world. Take care of yourselves, take care of each other, and we will continue to be the best Air Force in the world."

It was a message he and Chief Master Sgt. Steve McDonald, ACC command chief, also brought to individual Airmen as they visited facilities and met with Airmen.

The general and ACC command chief also each attended luncheons for enlisted personnel and officers where they answered questions ranging from the changing culture of the Air Force and its strategic focus, to budget concerns.

During the visit Carlisle and McDonald also recognized 379th Air Expeditionary Wing's outstanding performers, including Master Sgt. Daryl Bagley, 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron, Staff Sgt. Lakeva Parrott, 379th AEW, Tech. Sgt. Thomas Fitzpatrick, 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron, Tech. Sgt. Matthew Otteman, 763rd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron and Capt. Sean Finney, 379th Expeditionary Medical Support Squadron.

"Thank you all for what you do," Carlisle said. "Thank you for being great Airmen and for stepping up and making things happen."

Report details causes of July accident at Pope Army Airfield

Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

12/2/2014 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill -- Air Mobility Command released the results of a ground accident investigation board regarding the July 17 accident at Pope Army Airfield, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Staff Sgt. Timothy Wright, assigned to the 43rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, was struck by a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (Humvee) during the course of an Air Force squadron-level training exercise. Although several unit members were medical personnel and immediately performed advanced life support measures, Staff Sgt. Wright died as a result of the injuries sustained in the mishap.

The board president identified several relevant human factors in the mishap: the driver may have focused his conscious attention on certain cues to the exclusion of others, leading to an unsafe situation; a lack of understanding of changes to the exercise scenario; insufficient time to adequately plan those changes; and an inadequate risk management assessment.

The GAIB report is the result of a four-week investigation that included site visits; witness testimony; input from technical experts; review of security footage; review of planning, maintenance, and training records; and review for compliance with Air Force directives and guidance.