Gortney Takes Command of Northcom, NORAD

By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jake Richmond

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2014 – Navy Adm. Bill Gortney today became the senior leader of U.S. Northern Command and the North American Aerospace Defense Command during a change of command ceremony at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.

Gortney, a naval aviator, is the former commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command. As the new chief of Northcom and NORAD, he succeeds Army Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr., who is retiring after a 35-year military career.

In ceremonial fashion, Gortney accepted the NORAD flag from Canada’s Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Tom Lawson and the Northcom flag from U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work.

“Chuck Jacoby has proved himself as one of our nation’s most seasoned and capable leaders,” said Work, citing the general’s combat leadership in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Jacoby was the first Army officer and first non-aviator to lead NORAD and Northcom, according to Work.

‘We Have the Watch’

Jacoby’s vision of vigilance and security he brought to this command is captured well in his motto: ‘We have the watch,’” Work said.

The deputy secretary said NORAD, the country’s only bilateral command, is truly one of a kind. Combined with Northcom, Work said the dual command is “a difficult balancing act, protecting the U.S. from external threats as well as dealing with natural disasters and other internal emergencies.”

Noting Jacoby’s leadership over the quick and effective responses to Hurricane Sandy and regional wildfires, Work praised Northern Command’s strong record of accomplishments.

For his service, Jacoby received the Defense Distinguished Service Medal from Work and the Canadian Meritorious Service Cross from Lawson.

A Sacred Mission

After officially assuming command, Gortney also praised Jacoby’s leadership. He said commanders should strive to turn over a better command than the one they took over.

“You have done so, Chuck. Our homelands have been in great hands for the past three and a half years,” Gortney said. “I hope I will be able to say the same in a few years.”

The people who serve NORAD and Northcom are the organizations’ lifeblood, the admiral said. And he had a message for them: “We are accountable to our nations and the execution of our duties, 24 by seven.”

Gortney added, “Rest assured, we will succeed. We have the watch.”

Vance senior leader accepts top-level defense awards at Pentagon

By 71st FTW Public Affairs

12/5/2014 - VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The 71st Operations Group commander recently accepted the Secretary of Defense Group Achievement Award and the Joint Meritorious Unit Award on behalf of his former unit's successful destruction of over 600 tons of Syrian chemical weapons material.

Chuck Hagel, Secretary of Defense, presented the awards to Col. John Cinnamon during a ceremony at the Pentagon Nov. 12.

Prior to joining Team Vance, Cinnamon served in triple hatted assignments as the lead planner on the Office of Secretary of Defense Acquisitions, Technology, and Logistics Syrian Integration Team and the chief of plans for both the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and the Strategic Command Center for Combatting Weapons of Mass Destruction.

"The threat of Syrian chemical weapons was extremely significant," said Cinnamon. "The Syrian regime had already used chemical weapons against enemy forces and innocent civilians, and the likelihood for terrorist elements gaining control of these weapons was high."

Cinnamon led DTRA's Regional Contingency Team that created a first-ever means to destroy chemical weapons aboard a ship. For years, the U.S. has disposed of chemical weapons material on land, but according to Cinnamon, the State Department was unable to gain agreement from any other nation to host destruction operations. That's when his team stepped in and recommended a ship-borne option--an international operation that took 16 months from beginning to end.

The team developed a Field Deployable Hydrolysis System uniquely capable of destroying massive quantities of Syrian chemical weapons. The FHDS used the same technology and chemical process used on land sites, but the addition of a field deployable system brought on many challenges.

"This historic mission was the result of a large number of DTRA professionals that refused to accept failure and worked round-the-clock to keep finding ways to say 'yes, we can make this happen' despite innumerable obstacles," said Cinnamon.

Cinnamon's RCT coordinated efforts between U.S. government agencies, foreign governments, international organizations and environmental groups.

The recognition the team received is really for all the individuals at DTRA who poured their hearts and souls into making the world safer by removing these chemical weapons from the world stage, said Cinnamon.

"I know the team saved the lives of countless innocent civilians with their efforts," he said.

Cinnamon was also the primary author on the Framework Agreement with the Russian government that detailed the cooperation necessary to receive the Syrian chemical weapons and transfer them to the Motor Vessel Cape Ray for destruction.

"Successfully negotiating with the Russian government to assist the international community in removing and destroying these weapons was the absolute highlight of my tour of duty in the D.C. area."

The final demolition of the chemical stockpiles ended in August, a neutralization process that took four months onboard the MV Cape Ray.

Hagel added that accomplishments like this are not new to the Department of Defense, but this mission was truly exceptional and represents a perfect example of how the Department can respond rapidly to emerging threats.

Warfighters reap benefits as critical upgrades continue

by Patty Welsh
66th Air Base Group Public Affairs

12/2/2014 - HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The Airborne Warning and Control System 40/45 program office is delivering, and potentially accelerating, critical upgrades to the service's primary airborne early warning and control platform.

Replacing the mission computing system and software originally installed in the 1970s, the new capability will enhance tracking and combat identification capabilities in addition to providing operators with a better picture of the battlespace, said 1st Lt. Evan Porter, Block 40/45 production lead.

"The 40/45 capabilities put AWACS at the forefront, especially in theater," he said.

Following the delivery of six aircraft with the modifications to the 552nd Air Control Wing at Tinker AFB, Okla., the Air Combat Command commander declared initial operational capability in July. The program is now in full rate production with three additional aircraft in the modification process, one of which inducted early. The next aircraft is slated to begin modifications in December.

According to program officials, the team has worked aggressively to overcome multiple challenges to achieve these program successes and continues to look for ways to overcome additional challenges brought on by budget uncertainty.

"The Block 40/45 program office continues to execute the program successfully by continually assessing budget and aggressively pursuing innovative should-cost savings initiatives using appropriate contracts to save additional cost and schedule," said Lt. Col. Frank Gaillard, E-3 Net-centric Capabilities materiel leader and Block 40/45 program manager.

Another initiative implemented throughout the course of the program is kit installations during programmed depot maintenance.

Personnel from the 566th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Tinker said that installing the modification concurrently with PDM reduces up to eight months of aircraft downtime and allows for maximum aircraft availability.

The squadron was able to sequence their workload so all tasks could be performed on time.

"We started our first low-rate production concurrent PDM/mod at the depot in November 2010," said Jeff Base, E3/Services Weapons System Support Center Flight chief. "Through process improvements and reducing the learning curve, the modification has realized a 48 percent reduction in hours."

Base also emphasized that advanced planning and stakeholder involvement were critical.

The upgrade provides multi-sensor integration onboard the aircraft, improves data link infrastructure, increases machine-to-machine interaction and compresses the targeting chain timeline.

Users are already seeing advantages.

"The 40/45 upgrade's human-machine interface allows a greater ability for the AWACS to concentrate on bringing order and command decisions to the battlespace," said Capt. James Capra, 963rd Airborne Air Control Squadron director of operations. "With the upgraded ease of obtaining command and control data, the enhanced focus allows greater war management and will lead to ensuring the JFACC's (Joint Force Air Component Commander) risk level is assured during operations."

One user, a surveillance officer on the E-3, sees the advantage for her role.

"The software is more user-friendly than before and allows operators to focus on executing the mission," said Maj. Amy Chaplin, 552nd Training Squadron assistant director of operations.

Many players have worked to get this program to this point. According to program officials here, it's been a total team effort.

The overall team included personnel from the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center 's AWACS Division at Hanscom AFB and Tinker AFB, the Air Logistics Center and the 566th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, as part of the Air Force Sustainment Center, both part of Air Force Materiel Command, and the 552nd Air Control Wing from ACC.

"This is truly fantastic collaboration across multiple commands, stakeholders and organizations," said Gaillard. "We are absolutely committed to upgrading the fleet for the warfighter, en route to achieving full operational capability." 

FOC is anticipated by fiscal year 2020.

Team Vance earns AF Outstanding Unit Award

71st FTW Public Affairs

12/5/2014 - VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Air Education and Training Command announced Nov. 26 that the 71st Flying Training Wing earned an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for duties performed between July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2014.

The 71st FTW was one of 12 AETC non-headquarters units selected for the award.

"Though I did not arrive here until June of this year, it was apparent from day one that I was working with an exceptional group of people," said Col. Clark Quinn, the 71st FTW commander. "The nomination form for an outstanding unit award has 93 lines. Every work center in the wing contributed to at least one of those lines, so the award is a reflection of the entire team's effort...and it's clearly well deserved. Congratulations, and thank you for your hard work."

The work performed throughout the two-year time frame includes many AETC best practices and AETC firsts.

For example, the 71st FTW Legal Office earned best 2013 Article 6 Inspection in the Air Force with four strengths lauded and two inspector general professional performers earning the best-ever result in AETC.

Another example of top performances included the 71st Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog handlers who logged five presidential and vice presidential missions and had two TOP DOG graduates. The TOP DOG award is given to distinguished graduates from the SFS working dog technical school.

The 71st Medical Group had the number one laboratory in AETC with a 100 percent readiness rate. These Airmen processed 45,000 lab tests for 4,200 beneficiaries.

The 71st Operations Group produced 505 joint pilots while flying 107,000 sorties and 150,000 flying hours in three aircraft.

The 71st FTW Operations Support Squadron ensured 100 percent safe operations for the Air Force's fourth busiest air traffic control facility, monitoring 20 training routes with four memorandums of agreement covering 12,000 square miles of special-use airspace.

"These are only some of the outstanding achievements for Vance Airmen since July of 2012," said Quinn. "Every Airmen, Civilian, Contractor, Family Member and Enid Community Partner made earning this award possible."

The Air Force Outstanding Unit Award can be worn by Airmen permanently assigned to the 71st FTW from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2014.

403rd Wing reservists depart for deployment training

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

12/5/2014 - KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Mississippi -- About 30 reservists with the 403rd Security Forces Squadron departed for Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, today for combat and expeditionary skills training in preparation for their deployment to Southwest Asia next month.

This group is the second wave of 403rd SFS Airmen to head to Nevada for the training.

Airmen who left today are attending the Base Security Operations Course and will receive advanced weapons training, learn how to defend an air base in a combat zone or in hostile areas, and how to operate convoys, said Master Sgt. Lucas Applewhite, 403rd SFS operations superintendent.

"It's a refresher course covering all the security forces duties that will be required of the Airmen in a deployed environment," said Applewhite. Some of these duties include monitoring security checkpoints and securing the base perimeter, airfields and assets.

Staff Sgt. Aubrey Morrow was one of the security forces members who left today. It is his third deployment. He said it's a challenge to be away from friends and family during the holidays but deploying and accomplishing the mission is what he raised his hand for when he volunteered to be a reservist.

"This is why we train. Our job is to make sure all the base's assets are secure and all personnel return home safely," he said. "This is an awesome unit. All our people are real tight and we are ready to go and do our job."

Unlike Morrow, it's Senior Airman Cherelle Capobiano's first deployment.

"I'm excited, and I'm glad that I get to deploy with my unit members," she said. "It's a challenge to be away this time of year but I come from a military family so they understand."

"This is an outstanding and professional group of Airmen who are ready to complete their mission," said Col. Frank L. Amodeo, 403rd Wing commander. "We are proud of them."

Vance signs agreement with Altus AFB to host ALS

71st FTW Public Affairs

12/5/2014 - VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- It took two commanders from two bases coming together Nov. 21 to sign a Memorandum of Understanding that will allow Team Vance to host two Airman Leadership School classes in 2015.

For many years, senior airmen selected for promotion to staff sergeant have been attending ALS, the professional military education course required to sew on staff sergeant stripes, at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

"Team Vance will now get to celebrate and take park in an ALS class here on their own soil," said Chief Master Sgt. Peter Speen, the 71st Flying Training Wing command chief. "They will perform Reveille and Retreat and will participate in wing physical training, and round table discussions with chiefs, shirts and NCOs from Vance."

Speen led the battle to host ALS here, copying an idea he was part of at Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi.

Assisting Speen was Senior Master Sgt. John Horton, the 71st FTW career assistance advisor.

The move to host ALS at Vance has benefits grounded not only in promoting the tradition and heritage of the 71st FTW, but also in supporting Air Education and Training Command efforts to embrace a cost-conscious culture, said Horton.

It's more fiscally sound to bring a few instructors to Vance twice a year than to send 30 plus Airmen on a temporary duty assignment to Altus, he said.

The classes will be held at the Professional Development Center. Speen believes it will eliminate some stresses that are placed on Airmen who had to go TDY to Altus.

"The stress of a TDY will be removed, and an Airman will be at home going through their first and most important part of PME," said Speen. "A supervisor is just a call and a couple of minutes away from getting answers or help during the class, vice having to drive 3.5 hours for the same type of assistance."

Reservists train special operators in AC-130U

by Tech. Sgt. Samuel King Jr.
919th Special Operations Wing

12/4/2014 - HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. -- Special operations reservists are now training active-duty Airmen in the AC-130U.

Majors Francis Poindexter and David McGourin, 5th Special Operations Squadron, fill instructor roles for the active duty formal training unit, the 19th Special Operations Squadron. The new training program began in September.

"The AC-130U has a very dynamic mission and a proud tradition," said McGourin.  "Being part of the team that provides combat ready aircrew to the operational squadron is incredibly rewarding.  The students are very motivated to become part of the mission, which makes instructing them exciting."

Poindexter instructs the fire control officer course while McGourin teaches qualification and mission training to pilots and co-pilots.

Reserve instructors are a common practice within the special operations training community and the Air Force Special Operations Air Warfare Center.  The 5th SOS Airmen provide instructor manning for the Combat Aviation Advisor Fixed Wing (C-145) FTU, the U-28 FTU, and are posturing to support MC-130H and C-146 FTU operations in the future, according to Lt. Col. Michael Lee, the 5th SOS commander.

The integration into the "Spooky" training expanded this summer with a goal to supply three full crews for training.  The 5th SOS would then make up approximately 40 percent of the instructor force for the AC-130U.

"The reservists bring continuity and depth of experience to the training environment," said McGourin.  "The reserve instructors will stay in place through changes in the active duty cadre due to the PCS/PCA cycles.  They also have a large amount of operational, combat, and instructional experience that allow them to adapt to the needs of the student and be flexible in their approach with the students."

The course is accomplished mostly in the aircraft with academic and simulator training mixed in.  The first four phases cover basic flight operations.  The last four phases prepare Airmen to employ the aircraft in a combat environment.

"The AC-130U has such a unique and rewarding mission," said Poindexter, who has more than 2,000 combat hours flown in the AC-130U.  "I enjoy passing on what I've learned to the students.  It's a great feeling when you see a student struggling in the beginning and then they have that moment of clarity.  That moment when everything you've been trying to explain finally makes sense and you see the proverbial light bulb come on in their head."

The 5th SOS is constantly looking for qualified instructors to join the squadron and incorporate into the Air Force Special Operations Command total force initiative efforts including more AC-130U instructors.

"(This mission,) it's literally taking and saving lives.  The stakes don't get much higher than that.  I want to do everything I can to make sure the next generation of Ghostriders is ready to do the job," said Poindexter.

Memorial service held for Tinker Airman

by Kimberly Woodruff
Tinker Public Affairs

12/5/2014 - TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- A memorial service was held at the Tinker Chapel Nov. 25 for Senior Airman Donovan White from the 963rd Airborne Air Control Squadron.

Airman White, 22, was killed in a motorcycle accident on Veterans Day.

The chapel was filled with family and friends, there to say their final goodbyes and to comfort one another.

The eulogy was given by his friends Senior Airmen Walter Minton and Maegan Phillips and his commander, Lt. Col. Tony Alvarado.

Senior Airman Minton was Airman White's best friend. They met at Beale AFB, California, before being deployed together to Kandahar, Afghanistan, where they were roommates for six months.

"I really miss him," said Airman Minton. "He lit up the room. He was the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back. He was no fair weather friend."

Airman Phillips remembered Airman White as a great friend. "I was having a hard time, was angry and frustrated and he came and listened," she said. "I'll always treasure his friendship."

Colonel Alvarado said Airman White was a happy guy, so it would be a disservice to him to be sad. He talked about three lessons everyone could all learn: the fragility of life, rethinking your legacy and the privilege of serving.

"Living is a gift," said Colonel Alvarado. "To the 20 year olds: You're not bulletproof. You're serving your nation, so take care of each other."

He reminded everyone to rethink their legacy and how they wanted to be remembered.

"Donovan lit up a room. He was awesome in uniform and out," the colonel said. "He touched so many lives and left his spiritual name tag on everyone's hearts."

Colonel Alvarado also talked about meeting Airman White's family and how proud they are of him. "Everyone wants freedom, but few people will pay the price defending the nation," he said.

Chaplain (Capt.) Stephen Hicks said everyone has struggles.

"Good and bad things happen to all -- death does not discriminate," he said. "Life is not perfect, not a game, but life is to be shared. It is an opportunity to make an impact when others share themselves with you.

"Make the most of little moments that make life worth living," said the chaplain. "His story is now imprinted in our stories. Be grateful for the gift of his life on ours."

F-35 arrival ignites memories for retired fighter pilot

by Staff Sgt. Luther Mitchell Jr.
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/5/2014 - LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- F-15 pilot training began at Luke Air Force Base 40 years ago. With the arrival of the F-35, one retired fighter pilot reflects on his time as an F-15 Strike Eagle test pilot at Luke and his vision for the future of the Air Force.

"The F-15 was a great advancement in technology and performance in every respect," said retired Col. Richard Toliver, author and motivational speaker. "We made a quantum-jump with the F-15 in 1973. Today, young pilots are flying the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter. As a retired fighter pilot, I'm delighted to see our country continue to advance in technology to ensure our young men and women are provided the best equipment and capabilities to do the mission of the Air Force and the country."

Toliver began his career during the Civil Rights Movement, a turbulent time in American history. He received his commission from Tuskegee University, Alabama, and trained with the original Tuskegee Airmen.

He served two combat tours piloting the F-4 Phantom II during the Vietnam War and returned home to begin fighter weapons school, eventually becoming one of very few African American instructor pilots for the F-4.

During his time in Vietnam, Toliver learned that America was lacking in air power and yearned for a way to improve America's warfighting capabilities.

"It didn't take long flying combat missions to realize we were woefully short of aircraft performance and weapons against the Russians," Toliver said. "So when I came home from Vietnam in 1973, I got involved in testing and development to improve our capabilities."

Toliver's reputation as a fighter pilot and instructor while stationed at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, earned him a spot on a six-man team that was sent to Luke AFB to begin testing the Air Force's newest fighter jet of its time -- the F-15.

"My combat record, experience and qualifications made me competitive, and I was one of six pilots selected to test the F-15 out of 5,700 pilots," Toliver said. "Being an African American was significant to being part of the F-15 training program at Luke."

Toliver is glad that Luke continues to be a home for ensuring America's freedom by training the world's greatest fighters.

"The requirement for the precise, effective application of power hasn't changed and this is what the F-35 will enable the young men and women of tomorrow to do," Toliver said. "We need to be able to meet the threat, whatever it is, and the key is having second-to-none capabilities in aircraft, equipment and people."

Toliver's career has been about serving his country and making sure Americans are ready to win future wars, he said. Knowing your past is also part of knowing where you are going, and this has been part of his career and his vision for Luke's future.

"We have done this at Luke for many generations, going back to World War II," he said. "There is a great history here at Luke. There is so much to gain in knowing the experience of those who paved the way before you. It motivates you, encourages you and helps you along."

Toliver is still part of the Luke family and has been invited on base as a motivational speaker. He is the author of two books and was at the presentation of the Red Tail aircraft by the 944th Fighter Wing during the Tuskegee Airmen convention. He recently spoke as a guest speaker for a graduating class of pilots at the 309th Fighter Squadron.

Toliver's formula for success is simple.

"When these young men and women leave here they have to be cocky in their minds, confident and believe that they can take on the world," he said. "They should think 'I have the best aircraft in the world, the best training and experience, and I am ready to go' because that is what ultimately wins when it's time to fight."

Luke changes refueling truck color, mitigates F-35 shutdowns

by Staff Sgt. Luther Mitchell Jr.
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/5/2014 - LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The 56th Logistics Readiness Squadron recently added a new fuel truck to its fleet designed to improve mission effectiveness and safety on the flightline.

It's not really a new fuel truck, but an old fuel truck with its tank painted white. Affectionately called "Big Green" by LRS Airmen, the new white tank requires a little getting used to. The reason for the white paint job? It will keep fuel in the tankers cooler.

"We painted the refuelers white to reduce the temperature of fuel being delivered to the F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter," said Senior Airman Jacob Hartman, 56th LRS fuels distribution operator. "The F-35 has a fuel temperature threshold and may not function properly if the fuel temperature is too high, so after collaborating with other bases and receiving waiver approval from AETC, we painted the tanks white."

The positive benefits the 56th LRS hopes for is no delay in aircraft take-offs, maintaining mission sorties and ensuring pilots meet training requirements.

"It ensures the F-35 is able to meet its sortie requirements," said Chief Master Sgt. Ralph Resch, 56th LRS fuels manager. "We are taking proactive measures to mitigate any possible aircraft shutdowns due to high fuel temperatures in the future."

The squadron adopted the idea after it was first implemented at Edwards Air Force Base, California.

In the summer months here at Luke, temperatures can reach beyond 110 degrees. Painting the tanks white now will help prevent fuel stored in the tanks from over-heating, but LRS Airmen have a long-term goal for the future.

"This is the short-term goal to cool the fuel for the F-35, however, the long-term fix is to have parking shades for the refuelers," Resch said.

What makes the white paint so special? It is solar polyurethane enamel that reflects the heat of the sun's rays. Interestingly, after dropping off the first truck to be painted, the 56th LRS learned it is not the color that reflects the heat, but the second reflective coating.

With this new information, the 56th LRS is working to see if they can paint the trucks green and still see a reduction in fuel temperatures.

"The painting process is a two-part process, and the second part is the reflective process," said Master Sgt. Joseph Maurin, 56th LRS fuels distribution NCO in charge. "The painter said it did not have to be a white color, so we are going to send one of the four vehicles to get painted green, if possible. We will then compare temperatures between the green and white trucks."

Luke's refuelers are also deployable. A white fuel truck would stick out like a sore thumb down range, so the 56th LRS is hopeful the tanks can be painted green and still keep fuel temperatures down.

"These trucks are deployable and the F-35 is too, so having an olive drab truck in a forward location is a lot better than having a white truck," Resch said.

The 56th LRS has been approved to paint four trucks at a cost of $3,900 per truck. It takes about a week to complete a truck.

Even though the trucks might stand out in the yard amongst the Airmen, it hasn't affected the way the 56th LRS does business.

"We still do business the same here," Maurin said. "However, because we are used to calling our refueler Big Green, the white tank has been difficult to get used to."

Chief serves beyond active-duty

by Staff Sgt. Staci Miller
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/5/2014 - LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- John Burden retired as a chief master sergeant more than 18 years ago, but he never stopped serving his country and community.

"As I was parking at the Veteran's Association clinic, I saw a gentleman across the street get out of an old rickety van," Burden said. "He was an amputee on crutches and struggling to get his old beat-up wheelchair out of the back."

Burden parked and immediately walked over to help a fellow veteran.

"To be honest, his wheelchair belonged inside of a garbage can," Burden said. "I said to him, 'Wouldn't you like to have a better wheelchair?' He looked at me and told me there was no way he could afford a new one. So, I told him I knew I guy who could help him out."

Burden is the Disabled American Veteran's northern district commander for the state of Arizona, overseeing eight chapters and serving more than 12,000 veterans.

At the time, he had eight wheel chairs in his garage, donated to the DAV to give to needy veterans. A few days later, Burden and a fellow DAV chapter member drove to the veteran's house.

"We knocked on his door and presented him with his new wheelchair," Burden said. "He really caught me off guard when he started crying. As tough as I think I am, I might have shed a tear with him."

The DAV is an all-volunteer organization which receives no government funding.

"I got compensated that day, right here," Burden said as he pointed to his heart. "That's why I do the things I do. I get passionate about taking care of folks."

A 30-year veteran, he began his military career September of 1966. During the height of the Cold War, he spent three years at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, before being stationed at Luke Air Force Base as an aircraft fuel systems specialist. He spent less than a year here before moving on to his next duty station.

Thereafter, he served in Ohio, Arkansas, Taiwan, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Maine, Nebraska, Germany and California.

He finished his career at the Air Force Space Command Headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Burden retired in 1996 as a command chief master sergeant with 16 years of first sergeant experience.

"Being a first sergeant was a great thing," Burden said. "Being able to help people makes my day."

He moved back to Arizona 12 years later.

"I fell in love with the Valley back in the 60s," he said. "I always knew I would eventually move back."

His community involvement to his adopted state is vast. At Luke, he is a legislative trustee for the Air Force Sergeants Association, Chapter 1260, and a member of the Western Maricopa County Association of Realtors, which helps keep veterans aware of housing issues. He also works as a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker in Surprise where he specializes in active retirement living communities.

"Working in real estate gives me another way to help the military," Burden said. "It gives me insight into the housing industry and allows me to help as members move in and out of the community."

All of Burden's efforts haven't gone unnoticed.

He was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame in recognition of his service to his fellow veterans and community members Oct. 24.

"I always say it comes down to these three words -- service before self," he said.

Nellis Airman powered by innovation

by Airman 1st Class Mikaley Towle
99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

12/5/2014 - NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Last December, certain variants of the F-16 Fighting Falcon had their ejection seat's oxygen system modified, which created a new requirement for oxygen bottle testing.

This new change improved overall pilot safety, but also brought with it a hefty price tag -- which inspired one Nellis AFB Airman to submit an idea to the Airmen Powered by Innovation program.

While on the job, Master Sgt. Shane Sneary, 57th Maintenance Group Air Force Repair Enhancement Program manager, noticed the ejection seat's oxygen bottles were being replaced when they were due for testing because the base did not have the capability to conduct the test -- which occurs approximately every five years -- at a price tag of $1,400 to $1,800 each, so he sought out a Las Vegas-based company to help keep the bottles serviceable much longer.

"Most Air Force bases don't have the capability to afford this test, but this is considerably cheaper than the alternative of buying a new bottle," Sneary said. "My idea has the potential to save a few hundred thousand dollars every five years. This affects us locally because we were waiting on the manufacturer to supply us with the bottles, but it took a while due to the long wait time.

"I've implemented a second process at Nellis AFB," he continued, "that allows us to stockpile freshly tested bottles so that when they're due, the unit can just come and get a freshly tested bottle and not have to wait that extra time."

As Nellis AFB's AFREP manager, Sneary's job is to help maintenance units on the flightline fulfill their mission needs by repairing inoperable aircraft parts, so he's no stranger to saving the Air Force money.

"Sneary's Regulated Emergency Oxygen System, or REOS, bottle idea submission will provide substantial savings in the F-16 Fighting Falcon, Block 50 model maintenance costs," said Sean McCully, 99th Force Support Squadron Airmen Powered by Innovation program manager.

"His proactive approach, thorough research and coordination with the Air Combat Command and F-16 Fighting Falcon engineers led to the approval of testing the REOS bottles," said McCully. "Individuals like Sneary conceiving money-saving ideas continue to support the Air Force's Airmen Powered by Innovation program."

Sneary is one of many Airmen who have submitted ideas they think will help save the Air Force money.

"I think the API is a great program that provides the opportunity for Airmen at every level to submit their ideas," said Sneary. "I think it's important because my idea was very small, though now it has an effect on the entire Air Force. That just goes to show that any Airman can submit a small idea and it can turn into something very big. Every little change matters and it has a great effect on the mission."

The API program came online in April this year and has received and reviewed more than 2,400 ideas. The program's aim is to turn Airmen's ideas into real cost savings for the Air Force.

According to Air Force News Services, "Airmen Powered by Innovation, or API, will replace three existing Air Force 'good idea' programs - the Innovative Development through Employee Awareness, Productivity Enhancing Capital Investment, and Best Practices programs - and expand the role of Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century."

Face of Defense: ‘Trees for Troops’ Spreads Holiday Cheer

By Army Sgt. Daniel Schroeder

5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash., Dec. 5, 2014 – Every year around the holidays, some families experience added stress. Maybe because of visiting relatives, finding the last gift, or cooking for dozens. But for some on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, one stress that is avoided is the buying of a Christmas tree.

Service members and their families arrived at the Northwest Adventure Center on North Fort here to claim a free Christmas tree during this year’s “Trees for Troops” event Dec. 3.

Trees Bring Holiday Cheer

The program is designed to bring holiday cheer to military families by providing a free tree, symbolizing a touch of home, to deployed soldiers and help their families share memories of Christmas, said Laura Lad, director of Outdoor Recreation at the Northwest Adventure Center.

“It felt good to get a Christmas tree,” said Air Force Airman 1st Class Taylor Walker, 627th Airbase Group. “The pressure of paying for a tree is gone so now I can get more into the holiday spirit by decorating it.”

For the families who did not receive a tree on Dec. 3, they received a voucher to come back on Dec. 10 when the next shipment of trees is scheduled to arrive. After the families redeem their vouchers and receive their tree, the remaining trees will be available to any family in the pay grades of E-1 to E-5.

National Program

“Trees for Troops” became a national program in 2005 when the Christmas SPIRIT Foundation, a charitable organization of the National Christmas Tree Association, unified the individual programs of tree growers and state Christmas Tree Associations. The Christmas SPIRIT Foundation partnered with the FedEx Corporation to ship the Christmas trees from the tree growers and have them delivered to military bases.

Walker was one of hundreds of service members who experienced the joy of a free Christmas tree. If the service member was not available to claim a tree for his or her family, military spouses could pick up the tree with their own ID card.

“This program is awesome,” said Haley Rodriguez, a military spouse who arrived with her daughter to pick up their tree. “They made it convenient for the spouse to come and pick up the tree when the soldier couldn’t. It also helped take of some stress off of trying to buy a tree.”

Troop Morale Booster

Through the cool, brisk air, Rodriguez, Walker and hundreds others left with a free tree and smiling faces.

“It felt great to give trees to the troops,” Lad said. “The program has been going strong for 11 years at the Northwest Adventure Center and longer with the [Morale, Welfare and Recreation office]. Not only is this a great morale booster, but [it’s] a great way to show appreciation for what the soldiers do every day.”

Last year, the base received approximately 800 trees from the program, which were all gone in two and a half days. This year, the base will have more than 1,000 trees to provide to service members.

“The Christmas tree is a symbol to gather around during Christmas,” Rodriguez said. “It wouldn’t feel like home without a Christmas tree; it brings it all together.”

PMEL vital to AF mission

by Senior Airman Grace Lee
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/5/2014 - LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- To begin training the world's greatest F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighter pilots here at Luke, working jets are necessary. To have jets that work, Airmen who are maintenance and repair experts are needed to take care of the jets. Airmen who fix the jets need tools that are in working order, and that's where precision measurement equipment laboratory Airmen step in.

"We calibrate equipment for just about everyone on base, not just for maintenance," said Tech. Sgt. Javario Mathis, 56th Component Maintenance Squadron PMEL section chief. "Basically, if the job takes any type of quantitative measurement or reading, they usually have equipment that's calibrated by us. For example, when you go stand on the scale for your physical fitness test, you know that number is accurate because we calibrated that scale."

The types of tools PMEL calibrates include those that work in the areas of fuel flow, air flow, pressure, torque, force and voltage, Mathis said.

PMEL Airmen also calibrate torque wrenches, pressure gauges, weights, as well as the scales Office of Special Investigations uses to weigh evidence.

To ensure all equipment is calibrated efficiently, PMEL has three primary sections.

"The first section is the physical dimensional section, which does measurements including linear, pressure, torque, force and optics measurements," Mathis said.

"The second is the direct current and low frequency section, which deals with voltage, current or electricity. The last is the wave-form analysis and signal generation section, which handles anything that creates or measures a signal."

PMEL Airmen have many tools or "standards" they use to ensure everything is accurately calibrated.

"The standards we use are four times more accurate than our customer's equipment," Mathis said. "Our standards are also traceable back to the Air Force Primary Standards Laboratory and to the National Institute of Standards and Technology."

Without PMEL the Air Force mission could not go on.

"Say maintainers are pressurizing the tires on an F-35 to make sure they're inflated properly, if the pressure gauge they're using isn't calibrated correctly, it can cause the tire to be overinflated which can cause blowouts," said Senior Airman Jacob Gagnon, 56th CMS PMEL journeyman. "We are vital to the Air Force mission because we impact almost every type of equipment that is used to get the mission done."

Airborne brigade welcomes new commander

by Army Staff Sgt. Daniel Love
4/25th IBCT Public Affairs

12/5/2014 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Army Col. Scott Green assumed command of the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division from the outgoing commander, Col. Matthew McFarlane, during a change-of-command ceremony Nov. 26 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

Army Maj. General Michael Shields, U.S. Army Alaska commanding general, described the conditions in which McFarlane took control of the brigade.

"This was a brigade built for war," Shields said. "The Spartans had just returned from their third deployment in only seven years of existence. His mission was to reset, rebuild and refocus a team freshly returned from combat in Afghanistan. He's done that and more. It is now the most operational, versatile, and active unit in the Army."

Shields listed 14 places among four continents in which the brigade operated in the last year.

"The Spartans are truly ambassadors for our nation, building trust and reassurance across the Pacific," Shields said. "Under [McFarlane's] leadership, the 4th of the 25th was continuously marked by excellence. Your energetic style of leadership allowed this brigade to exceed all expectations over the past two years."

McFarlane thanked all the leaders in the 4/25, from top to bottom.

"I loved serving in the Spartan Brigade because of the people," McFarlane said. "The very special people of all ranks, of all types, of various backgrounds with a sense of service to their country. You are the reason I love to serve. Not only do you make our military better every day, you have made me a better person. For that, I am grateful."

Lastly, McFarlane thanked his wife, Kelly, for her lifelong commitment and continued support.

McFarlane gave the incoming commander and his wife, Karla, his best wishes as he stepped away and relinquished command of the brigade.
McFarlane will take the position of executive officer of U.S. Army Forces Command in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Green took a moment to address the 4/25 IBCT's paratroopers and their families and friends.

"As I look across this formation I'm reminded what the Spartan king, Agesilaus, said when he was asked why Sparta had no walls in a time when cities used walls for defense," Green said. "He pointed to his men in full armor and replied, 'These are the walls of Sparta.' Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and among the many things I'm thankful for, I'm immensely thankful to have the opportunity to serve as your commander and I'm honored to stand in your ranks."

The ceremony concluded a series of change-of-command ceremonies hosted within the brigade during the last several days, which saw four of its battalion's receive new commanders.

The brigade will continue to focus its attention on fulfilling its mission as the only airborne brigade in the Pacific Theater.