74th FS supports 1AD during exercise IRON STRIKE

by Airman 1st Class Ryan Callaghan
23d Wing Public Affairs

12/11/2014 - FORT BLISS, Texas -- Fighter planes, helicopters, artillery and ground troops teamed up for a large-scale, integrated training scenario during Exercise IRON STRIKE, Dec. 1-13, 2014, at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Exercise IRON STRIKE is a joint-service, combined live-fire exercise hosted by the U.S. Army's 1st Armored Division and supported by the 74th Fighter Squadron supplying close air support via the A-10C Thunderbolt II. Joint terminal attack controllers from the 7th Air Support Operations Squadron ultimately control the airspace over the battlefield, serving as a liaison between the aircraft above and the artillery on the ground. Additional assets included U-28As, MQ-1B Predators, MQ-9 Reapers and F-16 Fighting Falcons.

"We want to work toward that seamless combined-fire mentality so we can get the most lethal firepower on the target simultaneously," said U.S. Air Force Capt. Kyle Spain, 7th ASOS executive officer and IRON STRIKE USAF lead planner. "The purpose is to train and certify the gun crews and to demonstrate joint-fire integration with the close air support (CAS) and the artillery on station at the same time."

Maj. Dan Edgar, 74th FS assistant director of operations, said that IRON STRIKE permits a realistic training experience never before available to Moody's A-10 pilots.

"Normally we work with just the JTAC portion," Edgar said. "But here, instead of simulating the artillery and Apaches, we have real artillery; we have a real armor division driving through the desert, real paladins lobbing artillery, and real Apaches coming in to clean up.

"Most of us (pilots) have done some integration with some Army movement on the ground, but never with dedicated armor and artillery battalions. We've never done this level of integration before."

Furthermore, Edgar says it's a big exercise with a lot of players, but the A-10 plays no small role.

"This exercise brings together a couple different parts of CAS and the armored division," Edgar said. "It's meant to integrate the Army scheme of maneuver via their armor on the ground and their rotary wing Apaches, [with] the JTACs and the A-10s.

"(In addition to CAS, we also) serve as the airborne forward air controller.
Whether we're talking to an Army guy or a JTAC, we can give them the longer range picture that we can see from above. If we happen to see an enemy convoy coming toward the friendly location, we're able to confirm with the JTAC that there are no friendlies in that area, and then call in the artillery or call in a set of A-10s to hit them."

Working cohesively with an artillery unit presents a slew of complications for an A-10 pilot, Edgar says, and explains that they must either fly above, next to or in-between friendly ordnance.

"[When we] integrate with the artillery," Edgar clarifies, "[we] can fly over it if [we] can find out the highest point that artillery piece will fly, or deconflict laterally, meaning avoid the gun-to-target line. [Additionally we] can do it with timing: they shoot, then stop, then [we] run in and execute [our] attack and egress, and then they shoot again during our egress."

926th Wing with 2 OGs activated at Nellis, Creech

by Tech. Sgt. Sanjay Allen
99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

12/10/2014 - NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev.  -- The 926th Group was redesignated as the 926th Wing during a ceremony Dec. 5at 9:26 a.m. in the 57th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Lightning Aircraft Maintenance Unit hangar, followed by the activation of the 926th Operations Group and later in the day, the 726th OG at Creech AFB, Nevada.

"The standup of the 926th Wing is really a celebration of what has been accomplished by those that have gone before us," said Col. Ross Anderson, 926th Wing commander. "It started out as a small cadre of individuals ... [and] has turned into a wing of over 1,300 members acknowledging the fact that we bring a very specific and skilled mission set to the organization.

Transitioning to a wing will ensure total force Airmen have the tools to strengthen America's warfighting capability.

"The citizen Airmen that we have in Reserve Command now have the proper oversight and leadership so that they can properly execute their mission," said Col. Dean Caldwell, 926th OG commander.

Consisting of 13 squadrons, the 926th WG includes more than 1,300 reservists integrated with active duty Air Force units at six geographically separated locations. This philosophy is known as Total Force Integration, or TFI.

"The 926th Wing at Nellis AFB is a Total Force Integration wing that's tied directly to Nellis Air Force Base and Creech Air Force Base missions, the warfare center here at Nellis and the [Air Combat Command] missions at Creech Air Force Base flying the remotely piloted aircraft," Anderson said.

The 926th WG, under 10th Air Force, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Fort Worth, Texas, is an associate unit to the United States Air Force Warfare Center, 432nd WG and the 49th WG, at Holloman AFB . Through TFI, reservists are integrated into regular Air Force units, accomplishing the USAFWC, 432nd WG and 49th WG missions side-by-side active duty Air Force personnel on a daily basis.

"Our members are reservists working directly with and for the active duty, and our job here is to support, supplement [and] provide continuity to the combat missions, the testing and the training," said Anderson. "We're integrated thoroughly in the squadrons and the groups and all the training and testing and operational and combat missions."

Brig. Gen. Donald Lindberg, 10th Air Force vice commander, presided over the redesignation ceremony, and when he concluded his speech, the 926th Group guidon was cased and the new 926th Wing guidon was unfurled before a crowd of total force Airmen who trace their roots back to 1963 when the 926th Troop Carrier Group was established at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, Louisiana, where they flew the C-119 Flying Box Car.

177th Fire Department responds to crash

by Airman 1st Class Amber Powell
177th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/9/2014 - ATLANTIC CITY AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.J. -- Airmen assigned to the 177th Fighter Wing's Fire Department, Station 24-2, responded with the South Jersey Transportation Authority Station 24-1 and the Egg Harbor Township Police Department to a two-car collision outside the main gate here Dec. 4.

Responding 177th FW personnel included Staff Sgt. Jason Adams, Airman 1st Class Patrick McColgan, and Assistant Chiefs Ron Wilkens and Ryan Brennan.

"Our fire fighters performed the patient extrication using hydraulic rescue tools off of Rescue 26," said Senior Master Sgt. Brian Alexander, chief of the 177th FW Fire Emergency Services.

"We removed the driver's side B post, rear door and front seat", added Wilkens. "[The] patient was removed and transferred to [emergency medical services]. The guys did a great job."

Station 24-2 consists of enlisted members of 177th FW in addition to New Jersey state employees. The organization conducts specialized training exercises, such as vehicle extraction, airport familiarization and hazmat training to familiarize themselves with procedures and equipment.

During their time in basic military training and throughout their careers, Airmen are taught the importance of remaining calm in an emergency situation and focusing on the task at hand.

"Remember your training and keep calm," said Adams. "Then you will be able to go back to your basics to assess the scene and complete the task at hand safely. If someone you are trying to help sees you calm, maintaining your composure, they are more likely to be calm as well."

22 selected for AF Reserve Officer Training Corps detachment command

by Debbie Gildea
Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

12/11/2014 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas (AFNS)  -- Twenty-two lieutenant colonels and lieutenant colonel-selects have been tapped for Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) detachment command, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced Dec. 10.

The officers selected for AFROTC command were among 53 candidates identified by the selection board in September, according to Sundy Muniz, from the AFPC special duty assignments branch.

"Selection for command of an ROTC unit is very competitive," Muniz said. "The ROTC detachment commander is the first leader and commander most Air Force officers will follow, so criteria are stringent and standards are high. These men and women will be in the business of developing future warrior leaders and caring for Airmen."

To see the commander selection list, visit myPers. Select "Search All Components" from the drop down menu and enter "Summer 2015 AFROTC Detachment Commander (91C0) Selection Results" in the search window.

914th ASTS welcomes commander

by Staff Sgt. Matthew Burke
914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

12/11/2014 - NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. -- Col. Victor D. Brown assumed command of the 914th Aeromedical Staging Squadron here on Dec. 6.

Brown served as the chief of Dental Services for the 914th ASTS. He entered the Air Force Reserve by direct commission in 2001 and has participated in several international missions.

"I'm very excited to take command of a wonderful, supportive unit and honored to serve the 914th Airlift Wing," said Brown, who has a civilian dental practice in Coudersport, Pennsylvania.

Brown is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry which is dedicated to life-long learning for the dental profession. He has been married to Linda, his wife of 39 years, and he credits his father-in law's distinguished military career as a primary factor for his enlistment into the Air Force Reserve.

"There will be challenges for me as I move into an administrative role and away from direct patient care," said Brown. "However, I am most excited to watch the young Airmen, who I now command, progress in their careers while serving their country."

DC Soldiers, Airmen work alongside Jamaican partners

by Capt. Renee Lee
113th Wing Public Affairs

12/10/2014 - KINGSTON, Jamaica  -- District of Columbia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen kicked off a weeklong subject matter expert exchange with their Jamaican Defence Force counterparts Dec. 8.

The team of wheeled vehicle maintenance experts will spend one week working alongside their JDF colleagues, also vehicle maintenance experts, to share best practices and ultimately learn from each other.

"This mission is an opportunity for us to exchange knowledge," said Master Sgt. Linroy Davis, vehicle maintenance superintendent of the 113th Wing, D.C. Air National Guard. "While working together, we can offer suggestions and our JDF counterparts can also offer us suggestions on what we can do."

Since 1999, Jamaica and the D.C. National Guard have built on their partnership under the National Guard Bureau's State Partnership Program. The SPP, a security cooperation program, links U.S. states' and territories' National Guard units with the armed forces of more than 70 partner nations.

On the first day, the Jamaican hosts provided an overview of the JDF's vehicle maintenance operations' various shops, including used parts, textiles, welding, carpentry, machine, and telecommunications.

Sgt. Amelia Jones Ellis, the JDF technical store representative of the stores shop, spent the first afternoon showing CW2 Courtney Britton, D.C. National Guard team lead, explaining her shop's mission. They discussed different ways of processing inventory, while learning about similar shared processes.

For some D.C. National Guard soldiers and airmen, this visit to Jamaica is their first SPP mission. Others, like Davis, are veterans.

"After learning about the SPP last year, I volunteered to support this mission this year," said Senior Airman Renardo Butler, 113th Wing vehicle mechanic. "I wanted to see how our counterparts operate and see what we can learn from them."

For both SPP first-timers and veterans, the first day was an opportunity to create and continue building existing relationships with their Jamaican colleagues. Touring the JDF's various facilities, both the American and Jamaican wheeled vehicle maintenance experts shared common knowledge and offered insight and different perspectives.

The subject matter expert exchange is an opportunity to compare our systems and listen to each others' suggestions, said JDF WO2 Rattray D.

"I look forward to tomorrow, when we'll get our hands dirty and see how we do."

Yama Sakura 67 begins, strengthens bilateral readiness

by Airman 1st Class Soo C. Kim
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

12/11/2014 - YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- A myriad of service members spanning multiple branches of military service and nationalities gathered in areas around Tokyo, Japan with one common goal in mind: to defend Japan from simulated contingencies.

The event was Yama Sakura 67, the largest U.S. Army annual bilateral exercise in Asia-Pacific region.  The Bilateral Air Coordination Center portion of the exercise commenced at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Tuesday.

Yama Sakura's primary focus is to enhance combat readiness and interoperability between the U.S. Army and Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces, and to demonstrate the capability and strong bond between the two nations.

"(We had) the opportunity to enhance joint combined and bilateral mission command with emphasis on air and ground operation integration," said Sgt. 1st Class Leonard Johnson, an operations noncommissioned officer with the 5th battlefield coordination detachment, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.  "We work side-by-side with our Japanese counterparts and share our experiences, culture and tradition."

The exercise incorporated several simulated scenarios, allowing both forces to work together as a team to overcome virtual adversaries and replicate a multinational domain.

For Capt. Shohei Watanabe, an intel officer with the 1st Infantry Regiment, Camp Asaka, Japan, the exercise is giving him both new and valuable experiences.

"We are right next to each other, truly working together bilaterally and learning from each other," Watanabe said.  "In the future, if something were to happen, we could come together and deal with any situation.  It is great to build mutual trust and shared understanding."

While the exercise was primarily focused on the ground forces, the U.S. Air Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force played a vital role by providing strategy development, combat plans and combat operations division support, as well as creating a more realistic training environment.

"Yama Sakura is a series of exercises between the U.S. Army and the JGSDF, but with the relationship between 5th Air Force and 613 Air Operation Center, we are able to integrate air operations into unified land operations," Johnson said.

For many, this was the first experience with a foreign military service.

"Yama Sakura 67 was a good opportunity for us because working with different services in this scale is rare," said Capt. Eiko Higashi, a pilot with the JASDF Air Defense Command Headquarters.  "Personally speaking, this is my first exercise with the U.S. Army and JGSDF.  So I am looking forward to learning many things from them."

The sentiment was shared by U.S. forces as well.

"For me and the rest of the soldiers, this is a new experience working with a foreign army," Johnson said.  "This experience is something that I'll take wherever I go."

MDW Sergeant Audie Murphy Club Honors Battaglia, Wife

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, Va., Dec. 11, 2014 – Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Bryan B. Battaglia, senior enlisted advisor to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and his wife, Lisa, were honored here today by the Military District of Washington’s Sergeant Audie Murphy Club.

While serving as a guest to help induct six new soldiers into the SAMC, Battaglia was surprised with an honorary induction as the first Marine to join the ranks of the club’s MDW chapter, and ostensibly, as the first in the larger organization’s history.

Audie Murphy was a Medal of Honor recipient and the most decorated U.S. soldier who fought in World War II, earning a total of 33 awards and medals. The original SAMC was started at Fort Hood, Texas, in early 1986, and by 1994 had spread Army-wide.

Battaglia’s wife, Lisa, was also surprised with the Dr. Mary E. Walker award, named for the only woman in U.S. history to be awarded the Medal of Honor, for her outstanding efforts to help improve the quality of life for soldiers and their families.

An Elite Organization

“The Sergeant Audie Murphy Club is an elite organization,” the sergeant major said, consisting of noncommissioned officers who have demonstrated exceptional performance and inherent leadership qualities and abilities.

“Not every soldier who even steps up to the challenge makes the cut,” Battaglia added. “It only goes to show the high standards that it takes to become a member of such an organization.”

Members of the club reflect its symbolism and prestige “for life,” the sergeant major said.

The sergeant major said it was a truly “pivotal” juncture in the careers of the six soldiers as they join a “historic club” that defines many qualities and attributes of soldiering and leadership in the profession of arms.

The NCOs inducted into the club are training experts in their organizations, he said.

The inductees set the tone for their organizations, the sergeant major said, by providing training and developing their soldiers.

Holding Soldiers to Highest Standards

“Their enduring objective?” Battaglia asked. “Hold all soldiers -- subordinates and superiors -- to the highest standards that the Army specifies as an ambassador and a true professional proud to serve in the armed forces [and] proud to serve our country.”

The sergeant major praised the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club for its “selflessness and volunteerism” ethos that impacts service members and communities.

Battaglia presented a “snapshot” of what SAMC volunteers have contributed to their communities -- participating in the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Memorial Day weekend wreath camp, joining “Wreaths Across America” to lay wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery, and participating in the Special Olympics Summer Games at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

The MDW SAMC chapter, he said, first stood up in 199. It includes soldiers assigned to the Pentagon, Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall, Fort McNair, Fort Belvoir, Fort Meade, and soldiers assigned to the White House Communications Agency at Bolling Air Force Base.

Club Membership Grows

“Over a decade later, the club continues to grow, in its membership, its charter, and of course, its contributions,” Battaglia said.

The induction ceremony was also on a symbolic day, he said, because on this day in military history, Adolf Hitler declared war on the U.S., ultimately, drawing Sgt. Audie Murphy to Europe where his, and other U.S. troops’ heroic actions, helped defend the nation.

“In closing,” Battaglia said, “while we carry all the professional warfighting legacy of Sgt. Audie Murphy, let’s not forget that even at this moment … we have troops [deployed] around the world.”

Battaglia encouraged the soldiers to “remain vigilant” as they perform their duties as noncommissioned officers.

“Understand that a noncommissioned officer is never off duty,” he said. “So congratulations to our newest club inductees and may God continue to bless our troops and families.”

Air Reserve Forces Policy Committee changes leadership

by Col. Nahaku A. McFadden
Air National Guard advisor to the Commander, Air University

12/10/2014 - JOINT BASED ANDREWS, Md. -- Maj. Gen. Jane Rohr ushered in new era of leadership when she took the reins of the Air Reserve Forces Policy Committee at a meeting here. Rohr, the Air Force Space Command's mobilization assistant to the commander, is succeeding Maj. Gen. Thad Martin, Connecticut adjutant general.

In addition, Maj. Gen. John Nichols, Texas adjutant general, replaced outgoing vice chairman, Maj. Gen. Robert Millmann, the 7th Air Force's mobilization assistant to the commander.

"As a member of this committee, I thought it was an interesting concept to have all components in a forum to discuss issues related to people," Rohr said. "I'm excited they asked me to be the chairman."

Specifically authorized by Congress, the ARFPC reviews major policy matters that directly affect the reserve components and the Air Force's mobilization preparedness. The core members of the committee consist of five general officers from the Air Force, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. Additionally, the committee has six permanent advisory members: the deputy assistant secretary for reserve affairs; the commander of Civil Air Patrol - U.S. Air Force; the CAP national commander; the chief master sergeant of the air force; and the command chiefs from the Air Force Reserve Command and the Air Guard.

The committee's recommendations, Rohr noted, provide direct and unfiltered feedback to the Secretary of the Air Force and Chief of Staff of the Air Force regarding the reserve component.

"We want to do our best to try and resolve issues from unintended consequences of policies that affect our people, their benefits and their ability to do their jobs," Rohr explained. "It is critical to what we are trying to do."

Focusing on such topics as Force Support Squadron Integration, Total Force Continuum and National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force, and the Enlisted Evaluation System, the committee was briefed on the most relevant issues affecting the force. More than 100 senior leaders attended the meeting, one of the largest turn-outs to date.

"I'm glad to take on this opportunity," remarked Nichols, the incoming vice chairman. "This process has matured and improved over time. We vet an issue, we figure out how it will affect Airmen and we work together to come up with a solution.

"Just as I do in my position as Adjutant General for the state of Texas," Nichols added, "this committee is trying to provide our Airmen the best equipment and best training ... anything that allows them to serve easier."

As the new chairman, Rohr said "it is amazing" to talk to the Secretary of the Air Force directly.

"We have some smart people on this committee," she observed. "The fact they are here to work in an integrated fashion is terrific."

Previous AFRPC sessions have addressed the topics of Total Force Integration / Total Force Enterprise, medical continuation policy, Personnel Reliability Program, per diem waivers, military personnel appropriation program management and the ARC pregnancy policy.

Retired Reserve general holds true to West Point roots

by Harrison Antognioni

12/9/2014 - WEST POINT, N.Y. --
As he sits among the tributes to past heroes in the Kenna Hall of Army Sports, the Honorable Samuel Lessey Jr., reflects on a multitude of events in his life, ranging from being an Air Force pilot to serving various roles in the Reagan Administration. A period in his life that keeps coming back to the forefront is the cherished time he spent at West Point, a place he learned to appreciate and respect even before becoming a cadet.

Growing up in Chappaqua, N.Y., some 30 miles southeast of West Point, Lessey made frequent trips with his family to witness cadet parades and football games. It was during these trips to the Academy that Lessey began to develop a sense of the importance and value of the traditions West Point had to offer. "Seeing it as a youngster, it was a very impressive place," Lessey remembers. "There was substance. It stood for something, and it represented order and discipline."

Lessey entered West Point in July 1942. He relied on the camaraderie he shared with fellow classmates to survive the difficult adjustments for first-year students attending a service academy. Lessey credits his peers as a vital resource during his time as a cadet, as well as throughout life after graduation.

"I thought, if the guy on my left can make it, and the guy on my right can make it, I sure as heck can make it," Lessey recalls. "From an institution like this, there's a great loyalty and companionship in sharing everything with your classmates, which carries right on through your life."

Along with participating in a number of activities as a cadet, Lessey was a member of the ski team and became the goalkeeper on Army's varsity soccer squad for his last two years.

Upon graduation in June 1945, Lessey was commissioned in the United States Army Air Corps, which would become the United States Air Force on September 18, 1947.

"We received our Pilot's Wings at Stewart Field three days before graduation," Lessey says. He took B-25 training in Douglas, Ariz., and B-24 training in Smyrna, Tenn., before heading overseas to serve in the Army of Occupation in Germany.

Soccer continued to be a part of Lessey's life during his military service. He and some classmates played on the U.S. Army team in Europe. "Our international record was horrible as essentially a pick-up team, but it gave me some visibility," Lessey says. "A Belgian team wanted to hire me, which led to my being assigned to the U.S. Olympic squad for five months in 1948. Unfortunately, a broken bone in my left hand, which happened during a game, precluded my making the team for the trip to London."

Lessey later played on the Harvard graduate school team, and in Alumni games at West Point. In 1971, he established the Col. Edward H. White II Award, which, since that time, has been awarded annually to the outstanding graduating member of the men's soccer team.

After his European duty, Lessey graduated from Harvard Law School in 1951, just prior to being assigned to the U.S. Naval Academy to author and teach a new course in Military Law because of the passage of the new Uniform Code of Military Justice.

"It was an exciting and sensitive assignment and additionally, I was able to qualify in the various aircraft at the Naval Air Station as well as their sailboat fleet," Lessey says. "I convinced a lot of top midshipmen to select the Air Force for their service careers."

Following his tour at the U.S. Naval Academy, Lessey headed to Japan to the 1503rd Air Transport Wing, where he replaced former Army quarterback Arnold Tucker as a pilot in the 99th Air Transport Squadron.

After his time in Japan and Korea, Lessey accepted a commission in the Air Force Reserve and returned to Harvard, this time to earn a MBA degree from Harvard Business School. After graduating in 1956 with his business degree, Lessey pursued a 17-year career on Wall Street, which made it geographically easy to attend events or visit friends and classmates at West Point.

He held a director position with the National Aviation Corporation trust and was an officer of the investment banking firm Shearson, Hammill & Co.

In his Reserve career, after graduating from the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama as a Distinguished Graduate, the Chief of Air Force Reserve called him to active duty to conduct a review of the entire management structure of the Air Force Reserve.

"We changed from a geographical to a functional organization, bringing the Reserves closer to the Active Force," Lessey says. "We implemented the gaining command concept and improved readiness and mission responsiveness.

All this left the Air Force Reserve in good shape for the vastly increased role it played in the coming Gulf War.

"A most stimulating part of my life was serving in the Reagan Administration, being part of the `Reagan Revolution,'" Lessey says.

The President first appointed Lessey as Inspector General of the U.S. Synthetic Fuels Corporation from 1982 to 1986, and later as Director of the Selective Service System, where he served from 1987 to 1991.

"Each appointment required Senate confirmation, an experience in its own right, and each brought its own set of challenges and goals," Lessey remembers.

After leaving Washington, Lessey was appointed Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army for New Hampshire. He later was elected New Hampshire State President for the Association of the United States Army. Among his roles following his time in public service or government, Lessey has served on the Board of Directors of the National Stroke Association since 1990, working as Chairman from 1994 to 2000. He now serves as Chairman Emeritus.

"My father suffered from right-side paralysis and speech loss for the last five years of his life as a result of a stroke," Lessey says. "The mission of the National Stroke Association is to `reduce the incidence and impact of stroke.'"

Lessey had continued to stay active in the West Point community when, in 2003, he was appointed to the Board of Visitors by President George W. Bush. He served on the Board for six years.

"That really brought me back to West Point and enabled me to observe firsthand how much the leadership development process has improved over the years," Lessey says. "It confirmed my belief that West Point is clearly the best leadership development institution in the world."

Along with his other endeavors, Lessey continues to be active at West Point, often making the trip down from his New Hampshire farm. Five times he was the senior graduate marching in the alumni portion of the August `Plebe March-Back' from summer camp. He is a member of the Athletic Director's Circle, was presented the Army "A" Club Award in 2012, and participates annually in the Awards Convocation ceremony. Lessey also serves on the selection committee for the Army Sports Hall of Fame.

"The pattern of my life has been beneficial because I've been in a variety of fields and each one was new and different," Lessey says. "Therefore, there was always a mental challenge. That has made life interesting. Some of it has been military, some of it has been business and some has been charity, and I think that has been healthy for me."

Even after all he has accomplished, whether as a general in the Air Force, a business executive, or as a Presidential appointee, Lessey will always consider West Point a welcome place full of some of his best memories.

"Everyone needs a home plate and West Point is my home plate," Lessey says. "It has great significance in my life. It plays a huge role for me, both in the fundamentals of life and in its spirit. Coming here is a special experience. I love the place."

His devotion to West Point is probably best expressed by the closing remarks from his speech at the 2013 Association of Graduates Donor Day Banquet:

"To know West Point is to love it."

(Editor's note: Story republished with permission, United States Military Academy Athletic Department)

Airman saves lives, receives recognition

by Tech. Sgt. Lou Burton
178th Wing

12/9/2014 - BLUE ASH, Ohio -- An Airman and his unit were recognized for being outstanding during a duel presentation Dec. 6 at the Blue Ash Air National Guard Station.

Master Sgt. Jeffery Scott, 123rd Air Control Squadron, received the Airman's Medal for his heroic actions that saved the lives of three people.

While on a January 2013 camping trip in North Carolina, Scott responded to the call of three fishermen whose boat capsized during the middle of the night. He entering the fast moving, frigid water and aiding the men to shore.

"His actions prevented a true tragedy," said Lt. Col Steven Breitfelder, 123rd Air Control Squadron commander. "People like Jeff make our military the best in the world."

The entire ordeal lasted more than an hour and a half. Scott risked his own personal safety by entering the rapidly moving and elevated waters that were below 20 degrees. He attributed his actions in part to the core values he learned as an Airman.

"I think that the core values played a critical role because of service before self," said Scott. "I didn't think about it, I just jumped in to help them."

An ideology that Maj.Gen. Mark Bartman, Ohio Air National Guard Assistant Adjutant General, marked as a quality of true Airmen.

"Most people run from danger, but we as Airmen run towards it," said Bartman.

Getting hands dirty: U.S., Jamaican mechanics collaborate on ground vehicles

by Capt. Renee Lee
113th Wing Public Affairs

12/10/2014 - KINGSTON, Jamaica  -- "Are you a pilot?" This is a common question asked of many Airmen across the Air Force.

What many people unfamiliar with the Air Force may not realize is that while the percentage of Airmen who are pilots is low, the rest of the service supports the Air Force's mission to fly, fight and win. In fact, the daily lives and responsibilities of Airmen in the Total Force are mission-critical to the overarching mission.

Imagine an Air Force where crew chiefs lacked vehicles to reach their aircraft, or alert missions without trucks. In the Army, imagine a scenario where soldiers in combat need supplies but airdrops are not viable options so they turn to Army vehicles.

Enter the critical role of vehicle maintenance and mechanics.

"[Vehicle maintenance is] very important for the movement of any unit that is operational, whether for a wartime or civilian mission," said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Courtney Britton, maintenance manager of the 542nd maintenance company, D.C. National Guard. "Our vehicles must be wartime mission-capable at all times, even during peacetime."

This was the theme of the second day of the weeklong subject matter expert exchange between the D.C. National Guard and the Jamaica Defence Force. On the first day of the exchange, the JDF oriented the D.C. National Guard airmen and soldiers with their mission and vehicles. Today, the U.S. team members rolled up their sleeves and joined their JDF counterparts to fix vehicles.

Soon after the joint team began collaborating, it quickly became clear to the D.C. National Guard team what they would take away from this exchange - the JDF's creative approach to problems and solutions despite their limited resources.

While working together, the U.S. and Jamaican troops discovered an issue with one of the JDF's Landrovers upon a thorough inspection of the vehicle. Although the JDF placed an order to replace a part to fix the problem, the JDF vehicle mechanics quickly overcame the obstacle and using their existing tools and resources, innovatively constructed a solution.

The D.C. Capital Guardians were impressed.

"They consistently perform quality work and still get the job done despite limited resources," said Master Sgt. Linroy Davis, vehicle maintenance superintendent, 113th Wing of the D.C. Air National Guard, who also participated in this exchange last year. "What we take away is learning how they analyze problems and still fix them. We may not always have our equipment such as when we're downrange or if it's broken."

"[In the U.S. military] many things are readily available and we can be dependent on technology," said Britton. "Our JDF counterparts are more limited with the equipment they have, so they rely on their technical expertise and personal experience."

"Learning the JDF's different approaches to solving problems is teaching me a lot about thinking outside the box," said Sgt. Girard King, vehicle mechanic, 273rd Military Police Co. "This is very important for logistics. Because a unit may need supplies and airlift may not be an option, it's important for our vehicles to be ready at all times."

In addition to maintaining a mission-capable status, the JDF vehicle mechanics emphasized the safety of vehicle maintenance.

"If our vehicles aren't mission-capable, we may cause injuries and accidents," said JDF Sgt. Beadle C., vehicle mechanic. "We inspect all parts of our vehicles to ensure they are ready to bring our troops for whatever mission. We prioritize mission capability and the safety of our troops."

The U.S. and Jamaican teams of vehicle maintenance experts will spend the rest of the week exchanging best practices under the National Guard Bureau's State Partnership Program. Since 1999, the D.C. National Guard and JDF have built on their partnership on a range of expert areas such as vehicle maintenance and medicine.

"Without partnership, we not as effective," said Beadle C., who attended the Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course in Maryland in 2004. "It's important to have partnerships to learn from other cultures. When I was in Haiti, I worked alongside British, Canadian and American troops, and it's important that we all support the same goal."

"We know that everyone comes from different environments," said Sgt. Rodgers G., a JDF vehicle mechanic who also has experience studying alongside U.S. and foreign military colleagues. "Partnership is a two-way street...we learn from you, you learn from us. If we work together, we can share knowledge and experience, and potentially solve many problems."

Citizen-Airmen recognized during demobilization ceremony

by Tech. Sgt. John Hughel and Staff Sgt. Brandon Boyd
142nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/9/2014 - PORTLAND AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ore. -- Airmen from the 142nd Civil Engineer Squadron, along with members of the 142nd Security Forces Squadron, who recently returned in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, were formally recognized Dec. 7 during a demobilization ceremony held on base.

Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber and Secretary of State Kate Brown were in attendance, along with other distinguished guests including Maj. Gen. Daniel R. Hokanson, the Adjutant General, Oregon, and Brig. Gen. Michael Stencel, commander of the Oregon Air National Guard.

Although the ceremony celebrated the recent homecoming of two units, members actually deployed to various destinations in Afghanistan and Bahrain, contingent on their profession and filling critical duty positions.

"Our nation needed each and every one of their personal and collective skills; whether as fire fighters, emergency managers, engineers and security professionals, they all volunteered for these assignments," said Hokanson.

Twenty-four engineer technicians were assigned to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, focusing on installation infrastructure repairs, airfield upgrades, and maintenance support to current base facilities. Additionally, three CES firefighter were assigned to Bahrain, performing fire and emergency services for both flight line and base personnel.

"These efforts laid a solid foundation for the ongoing Air Force mission and the transition to the next phase of U.S. military operations," said 142nd Fighter Wing Civil Engineer Commander Jason Lay, who led the Oregon team at Bagram.

During their six-month deployment the CES accomplished numerous high-visibility projects. They managed more than $33 million of construction contracts, critical to the ongoing OEF mission at the busiest combat logistical center operated by the Department of Defense. Collectively they completed more than 970 individual work orders, including 13 major projects related to the base infrastructure, ramps, and taxi and runway capacities.

Completing her first deployment, Staff Sgt. Alicia Tishmack, an emergency management specialist here, hopes to take some of the challenges of the deployment experience, and enhance her knowledge and job proficiency after this deployment.

"Deploying allowed me to utilize the skills that I have developed during my seven years in the National Guard while learning more about this career field," she said.

Tishmack and other 142nd CES members assigned at Bagram Air Base endured the heat, dust, long hours of work and the difficulties of being separation from loved ones. "It was hard at times [being away] but the mission kept me focused and busy," she said.

Lay believes his Airmen made a positive contribution to the nation's sustained overseas contingency operation. "They stood as shining examples as Citizen-Airmen of the Air National Guard, making an impact toward the military war effort," he said.

While deployed to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, the six Airmen from the 142nd FW Security Forces Squadron defended their area of responsibility with an equally impressive assignment. During their six-months on station, they resisted 5 indirect fire attacks, secured their post during multiple base-wide lockdowns and provided post-attack reconnaissance, and assuring a 100 percent record of accountability.

"We formed a good bond and were trained in advanced for this task," said Staff Sgt. Joseph Cubias, assigned to the 142nd SFS.

As one of just two Noncommissioned Officers with the group, Cubias has multiple deployments to his credit with the unit prior to this mission. He and the rest of the team of Oregon guardsmen, volunteered for critical additional duties at the base hospital, firing range, and United States Organization (USO).

Upon returning home, Cubias, like many of the 142nd FW Airmen who undertook the OEF mission, expressed a renewed sense of meaning from this particular deployment. "I feel like I belong to something greater, something bigger. I'm representing my country," he said.

In his concluding remarks at the demobilization ceremony, Maj. Gen. Hokanson reiterated the conduct and accomplishments of the 33 local Airmen returning home to the Pacific Northwest from overseas duty.

"I hope each and every one of you takes pride in knowing that you, as individuals and together as a team, made a difference and always made us proud. Your skills are not only critical on a global scale but also here at home, and we're really glad to have you back," he said.

Col. Richard Wedan, 142nd Fighter Wing Commander shared Hokanson's sentiments as well, shaking hands with each Airman following the ceremony and spending time with many family members and supporters who reinforced the mission from the home front.

"We need to remember the sacrifices made by the families, friends and employers of these Airmen as well. Their enduring assistance and care is critical to the National Guard's success," said Wedan.

AMC Command Chief visits Team Dover

by Airman 1st Class Zachary Cacicia
436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

12/11/2014 - DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del.  -- Team Dover hosted Chief Master Sgt. Victoria Gamble, command chief of Air Mobility Command, Dec. 3 - 4, 2014, to visit the Airmen and the facilities that support AMC's mission to provide global air mobility... right effects, right place, right time.

"I'm certainly glad to be here at Team Dover," said Gamble. "This place has such a great family atmosphere, lots of teamwork going on and I appreciate that, and so does my boss [Gen. Darren McDew, AMC commander]."

As the AMC command chief, Gamble is the principle advisor to the AMC commander and his senior staff on matters of health, welfare and morale, professional development and the effective utilization of more than 38,000 active duty and 71,000 Air Force Reserve/Air National Guard enlisted personnel assigned to the major command.

During Gamble's visit, she toured facilities throughout the base that highlight Team Dover's mission, its capabilities and its Airmen. These facilities included the isochronal maintenance dock, the 9th Airlift Squadron, the 373d Training Squadron Detachment 3 technical school facility, the Medical Group, the Health Promotions Flight at the Fitness Center and the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs.

Gamble also took time to have breakfast with a group of Airmen and NCOs, and lunch with a group of Team Dover Senior NCOs to have one-on-one discussions with them.

She concluded her visit with an all-call at the base theater. During this all-call, Gamble explained to attendees what she does as the AMC command chief.

In addition, the Chief Master Sgt. highlighted that as the AMC command chief, her primary concern is the Airmen.

She also discussed her origins and her early experiences with the Air Force, telling several personal anecdotes, from her enlistment to going to the education office for the first time as a young Airman.

"I've had an exciting time in the Air Force, it has provided me a lot of opportunities," said Gamble. "The Air Force has provided you opportunities you never would have had, so congratulations on making good decisions."

Airman saves lives, receives recognition

by Tech. Sgt. Lou Burton
178th Wing

12/9/2014 - BLUE ASH, Ohio -- An Airman and his unit were recognized for being outstanding during a duel presentation Dec. 6 at the Blue Ash Air National Guard Station.

Master Sgt. Jeffery Scott, 123rd Air Control Squadron, received the Airman's Medal for his heroic actions that saved the lives of three people.

While on a January 2013 camping trip in North Carolina, Scott responded to the call of three fishermen whose boat capsized during the middle of the night. He entering the fast moving, frigid water and aiding the men to shore.

"His actions prevented a true tragedy," said Lt. Col Steven Breitfelder, 123rd Air Control Squadron commander. "People like Jeff make our military the best in the world."

The entire ordeal lasted more than an hour and a half. Scott risked his own personal safety by entering the rapidly moving and elevated waters that were below 20 degrees. He attributed his actions in part to the core values he learned as an Airman.

"I think that the core values played a critical role because of service before self," said Scott. "I didn't think about it, I just jumped in to help them."

An ideology that Maj.Gen. Mark Bartman, Ohio Air National Guard Assistant Adjutant General, marked as a quality of true Airmen.

"Most people run from danger, but we as Airmen run towards it," said Bartman.

McChord aircrews put air power on display during JFE

by Staff Sgt. Russ Jackson
62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

12/10/2014 - JOINT BASE LEWIS-McCHORD, Wash. -- Aircrews from Joint Bases Lewis-McChord, Pearl Harbor-Hickam, and Elmendorf-Richardson departed from McChord Field, Wash., in five C-17 Globemaster III aircraft Dec. 6, to participate in realistic and complex training the Air Force has to offer during a joint forcible entry exercise over the Keno drop zone, Nev.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord augmented this Air Force level exercise, however two additional "wars" were developed by students from the 62nd Wing Tactics and Intel weapons course.

Together, all three of these events provided training for future weapons school students, integrated training for lead air drop upgrade candidates, and provided a unique opportunity for senior leader participation and observation.

"This is as complex as it gets. We don't do this on a normal basis," said Col. David Kumashiro, 62nd Airlift Wing commander, talking to the 40 aircrew members. "Realize that it's a dynamic environment that we live in and so your preparation is the foundation for being able to respond."

The Joint Concept for Entry Operations doctrine defines forcible entry as the seizing and holding of a lodgment in the face of armed opposition. The exercise tested the Air Force's ability to tactically deliver and recover combat assets via air drops in a contested environment.

Entry operations enable broader strategic goals, such as removing threats to the free flow of commerce, interdicting weapons of mass destruction threats, demonstrating United States' resolve in response to a crisis which includes showing support for international mandates, deterring aggression, or when necessary, defeating enemy forces on foreign territory.

During this day, McChord crews teamed up with aircrews from Joint Bases Pearl Harbor-Hickam and Elmendorf-Richardson as they engaged in the fabricated Rainier War. The mission was to depart McChord Field in a five-ship formation, perform low level flying, heavy container delivery system air drops, and conduct two elements of two-on-two air refueling with a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft from Fairchild Air Force Base's 92nd Air Refueling Wing before participating in the JFE.

The five aircrews met at a flying squadron early in the morning to receive their final briefing.

"This is day one and night one of the war," said Capt. Cliff Caldwell, 62nd Operations Support Squadron wing weapons and tactics director. "This is us going in and taking all the training that we do and putting it all together and focus on application of combat skills."

The crews departed the airfield together in quick succession in order to fly in a five-ship formation as they made their way to engage in the Rainier War.

The Rainier War concluded after heavy CDS air drops and aerial refueling. Then, the McChord crews joined a larger formation of C-17's amounting to 14 total jets. In the skies with them were 27 of the U.S. Air Force's C-130 Hercules cargo planes along with 59 other aircraft from bases across the country.

Overall, JFE included more than $8 billion in assets, more than 1,000 total personnel to include six general officers. The cargo ships dropped a simulated 2,381 paratroopers, 32 pieces of heavy equipment and 80 CDS bundles.

The entire exercise was conducted without any issues and showed, once again, why the U.S. Air Force is the leader in air power world-wide.

Flying Training Wing gains new squadron

by Sonic Johnson
14th Flying Training Wing Chief of Public Affairs

12/11/2014 - COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The 81st Fighter Squadron will reactivate Jan. 15, 2015, under the 14th Operations Group, Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi, with the mission of training up to 30 international pilots and 90 maintainers on the A-29 aircraft.

Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James announced Aug. 22 that Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, was the selected location for the light air support A-29 Super Tucano coalition partner training mission.

Members from the 81 FS are slowly arriving at Moody AFB to assist with the bed down of the new unit, mission and aircraft.

"The cooperation and assistance from Team Blaze and the host wing at Moody has been instrumental in the very quick stand up of our new mission," said Lt. Col Jeff Hogan, 81st FS Commander. "We currently have three aircraft which allows us to train the initial cadre of pilot and maintenance Air Advisors."

The squadron will eventually grow to 65 personnel and 20 aircraft with training slated to begin in February 2015. This is a temporary training mission programmed to be complete by 2018.

The A-29 aircraft maintenance and initial air advisor training is a contract operation conducted by Sierra Nevada Corporation. SNC will also help U.S. Air Force personnel conduct the aircraft maintenance training program planned to begin in April 2015.

"This is a great opportunity for the 14th Flying Training Wing to continue to support international training," said Col. John Nichols, 14th Flying Training Wing Commander. "It is a good fit with our international Undergraduate Pilot Training programs and the Introduction to Fighter Fundamentals training we currently conduct with our allied air forces here at Columbus AFB."

The A-29 Super Tucano, built by Embraer and SNC, is a multi-role, fixed-wing, turboprop aircraft designed for advanced flight training, light attack, counter insurgency, close air support and aerial reconnaissance missions in low-threat environments. The A-29 has retractable landing gear, a pressurized cockpit with ejection seats, is capable of operating from semi-prepared airfields, and employs various munitions from NATO-compatible hard points. The A-29 is designed to operate in high temperature and humidity conditions in extremely rugged terrain; it is a highly maneuverable aircraft currently in service with the air forces of Angola, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Burkina Faso, Mauritania and Indonesia, and has been ordered by Senegal and Honduras.

The 81st Fighter Squadron -- the Panthers -- boasts a proud record of more than 70 years of distinguished flying with significant combat action. The 81st was activated January 15, 1942, at Key Field, Mississippi, flying the P-40 Warhawk. The squadron participated in the D-Day invasions, and was one of the first USAAF fighter squadrons to land on the continent. Since then, the 81st has participated in Desert Storm, Deny Flight/Allied Force in Kosovo & Serbia, Southern & Northern Watch and Enduring Freedom. Most recently the squadron participated in combat operations over Libya.  The squadron was assigned to 21 different locations in its 72-year history and included the P-47, F-51, F-86, F-100 F-4, F-16 and A-10 aircraft. On June 18, 2013, the 81st FS was inactivated at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.

Key facility to get upgrades, along with new name and mission

by Chuck Paone
66th Air Base Group Public Affairs

12/11/2014 - HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The U.S. Air Force, in concert with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, this week marked the official re-branding of a facility both parties hope will enable leading-edge advances in defense applications, cyber defense and public safety.

The on-base facility, formerly known in acronym form as the CEIF (pronounced Seef), has been renamed the Hanscom Collaboration and Innovation Center.

"We picked the new name because that's exactly what we hope to achieve going forward," said Dr. Tim Rudolph, chief technology officer for the Air Force's Life Cycle Management Center, key elements of which are headquartered at Hanscom. "We intend to use this facility to advance our connectivity with the vast array of local and regional intellectual capital inherent in Massachusetts. This will allow us to better meet critical Air Force mission objectives and, hopefully, in turn allow other parties to better achieve their own vital objectives."

In its previous incarnation, the facility often served to integrate the efforts of various parties, though most were military. It was a key "node" for massive joint and multi-nation coalition warfighting experiments and demonstrations.

Now its role would expand to possibly include industry, technical consortia, federally funded research and development centers and academia, as well as federal, state and even municipal public safety officials.

"The Hanscom Collaboration and Innovation Center once again shows that Massachusetts is leading the way in being prepared for the 21st century innovation economy," said Mass. Governor Deval Patrick.  "This Center has a tremendous amount of potential to strengthen Hanscom's critical military infrastructure as well as the Massachusetts economy."

The Commonwealth was excited enough about fostering this sort of collaboration to invest in upgrading the facility. Using bonding authority provided by a military bond bill passed by the state legislature and signed into law by Gov. Deval Patrick earlier this year, Massachusetts has provided $2.9 million for essential upgrades.

The CEIF is currently operating at maximum power and heating, ventilation and air conditioning levels while attempting to accommodate a large number of users. Upgrading the CEIF's power would allow many new participants to use the facility. Doing that would, in turn, lower test and evaluation costs for everyone. It would also reduce test cycle times, test failure rates and functional and operational risks for systems being tested.

"The Commonwealth's investment will allow us to double the network storage and capacity," said Maj. Chris Dupin, who oversees the facility and its operations. "Additionally, the installation of a tower will give us radio line-of-site all the way down to Cape Cod."

The collaborative value of the new facility has been underscored by several potential non-Air Force partners.

"The HCIC represents a significant, new opportunity for collaboration between industry, government, academic and consortia members who are tackling cutting-edge cyber challenges," said Charlie Benway, executive director of the Advanced Cyber Security Center, a non-profit consortium that brings together industry, university and government organizations to address the most advanced cyber threats. "Those challenges include the advancement of public-private cyber threat information sharing that is absolutely vital to securing our nation's critical infrastructure, which is under constant attack."

The Mass. National Guard will be among the many additional users of the HCIC. In fact the Army National Guard will be using the facility for weekend drills starting in January, including hosting a cyber-exercise.

"The Hanscom Collaboration and Innovation Center will allow for continued growth within the Cyber Security field," said Major General L. Scott Rice, the adjutant general of the Massachusetts National Guard.  "This effort ties into Massachusetts's role as a national leader in innovation leading to quality jobs and educational investment."