Face of Defense: Airman Preserves Uniforms, Heritage

By Air Force Senior Airman Jensen Stidham

20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C., Jan. 21, 2015 – Mannequins wearing different shades of green and blue, each festooned with medals and ribbons, will greet you if you visit the deputy commander’s office in the 20th Maintenance Group building here.

A Longtime Hobby

For most of his life, Air Force Lt. Col. Kyle Clement has been preserving airman heritage by collecting vintage Army Air Corps and Air Force memorabilia, most notably, uniforms and their decorations dating back to 1914.

"Everybody collects little things when they are growing up," he said. "When I was a teenager, I just happened to collect bits and pieces of Air Force uniforms. It just always caught my eye."

Since enlisting in the Air Force in 1989 and earning his commission in 1994, Clement said, he has pieced his collection together from across the United States. "The majority of it came from thrift stores," he added. "As I travel, if I pass an antique store, I'll pull over and check it out. It's amazing what you can find. Most stores don't even know what it is."

Passion Goes Beyond the Fabric

Though his collection of complete uniforms has grown to more than 15, his passion for collecting is not all about the pieces of fabric, Clement said.

"Every one of these uniforms belonged to an airman, and I think that is key," he explained. "The history of why these uniforms were worn, who wore them, and how our uniform has changed over the years is incredible. The uniforms we wear today are just pieces of the uniforms that used to be worn."

Though he bought his first vintage uniform as a young captain, Clement said, his favorite uniform -- known as "pinks and greens," the Army Air Corps uniform from World War II -- connects him to an earlier time in his life. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1994 wearing a similar uniform, he said, and the uniform reminds him of his college years and the opportunity that led to his commission.

Since college, Clement said, he has spent time reading to ensure he displays all of his uniforms, ribbons, medals and hats accurately.

"Lieutenant Colonel Clement's collection is brilliant," said Air Force 2nd Lt. Cameron Schmitt, the group’s executive officer. "His love for history is incredible, and it is such a great opportunity to work with someone who is willing to give a quick history lesson at a moment's notice."

Looking Ahead

In addition to continuing to collect vintage uniforms, Clement said, he hopes to become an ROTC instructor after he retires from the Air Force and he plans to display them in his classroom.

"My intent is for these uniforms to never come home with me," he said. "I plan to have them in my classroom one day and then donate them to the school. That way, they can continue to be appreciated."

Clement’s passion for uniforms has been a lifelong journey rooted in Air Force history, Schmitt said.

"He is helping preserve our heritage through his collection, and that is crucial to the development of airmen and officers alike," he added.

One STEP ahead

by Senior Airman Peter Thompson
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

1/16/2015 - DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- "Do you believe in the Christmas spirit? Do you believe somebody could walk into this room as a staff sergeant and leave it as a tech sergeant?"

Staff Sgt. Raven Taylor, 7th Medical Operations Squadron medical technician, went to work at the 7th Medical Group building Dec. 22, as she had for the past seven months. This day was different than every other day, however. On this day, Col. Michael Bob Starr, 7th Bomb Wing commander, recognized her for outstanding service to the Air Force and promoted her to the rank of technical sergeant through the Stripes for Exceptional Performers program.

Taylor, the youngest of four children, was born in Blackshear, Georgia. From an early age, she showed leadership traits as an exemplary student and cheerleader through college.

In November 2007, after several years of college and earning an associate's degree, Taylor decided to join the Air Force to help guide her career and life in a more purposeful direction.

"I wasn't quite focusing the way I wanted to so I decided I needed to take a detour and get back on the right track," Taylor said.

"My plan was to join, do my four years, get my bachelor's degree and then I would be done," she said.

Taylor started her career at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, where she stood out amongst her peers. She was an active member of both the base and community. Her plans changed when she earned Senior Airman below the zone and made staff sergeant her first time testing. These accomplishments opened Taylor's eyes to her future in the Air Force.

"I wanted to see what else was out there," she remembered. "I was still education oriented, but that was when I started seeing the possibilities that come with making a career in the Air Force."

Taylor's next career milestone was the most significant up to that date. The Air Force selected Taylor as one of the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2011 while stationed at Yakota Air Base, Japan. In addition to her regular duties, Taylor would act as a conduit for Airmen across the Pacific Air Force and Chief Master Sgt. James Roy, retired chief master sergeant of the Air Force. Together with the other 11 OAY, Taylor worked to address and correct issues with enlisted policy and make a lasting impact on the Air Force as a whole.

"I was very thankful. I did not know about the program before I was selected to be a part of it," Taylor said. "When I got it, I just ran with it. It helped me to become a better Airman, leader and NCO."

On the morning of Dec. 22, Taylor accepted her testing date for technical sergeant. Thoughts of added pressure from testing for a third time ran through her mind as she dealt with her busy schedule. To add to her workload, her supervisor asked her to fill in for a squadron meeting.

"I got to the meeting, everything was normal," she said. "My supervisor and Airmen came into the meeting, but I thought nothing of it really."

While her squadron commander was speaking about the upcoming holidays, Starr and Chief Master Sgt. Eddie Webb, 7th Bomb Wing command chief, walked in.
Starr began asking people about their plans for the holiday.

"I was sitting there, thinking in my mind, please don't come to me, please don't come to me," Taylor said with a smile growing on her face. "I was at the end of the table so I thought I was safe, but he asked me."

"Do you believe in the Christmas spirit? Do you believe somebody could walk into this room as a staff sergeant and leave it as a tech sergeant?" Starr asked.

"It still gives me chills when I think about it. I did not see it coming," she said, tears filling eyes.

The STEP promotion system supplements existing Airmen promotion system by providing a tool available to commanders for promoting to staff sergeant, technical sergeant and master sergeant, those who they feel exhibit exceptional potential.

Taylor's leadership recognized her exemplary career and impact on the Air Force as a whole. She was one of only eight staff sergeants selected to be step promoted in the entire 12th Air Force.

Air Force Surgeon General visits Beale

by Senior Airman Bobby Cummings
9th Reconnaissance WIng Public Affairs

1/20/2015 - BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Lt. Gen. (Dr.) Thomas Travis, Air Force Surgeon General, visited Beale Air Force Base, Calif., Jan. 13-15, to get the latest updates on the  9th Medical Group's capabilities and accomplishments  along with the overall health of the community.

Travis oversees 75 military treatment facilities worldwide and a 42,000-person integrated health care delivery system serving 2.6 million beneficiaries.

His responsibilities include serving as the functional manager of the Air Force Medical Service. He advises the Secretary of the Air Force and Air Force Chief of Staff, as well as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs on matters pertaining to the medical aspects of the air expeditionary force and the health of Air Force communities.

Travis, along with Brig. Gen. Sean L. Murphy, command surgeon of Air Combat Command, and Chief Master Sgt. Jason Pace, Chief of the medical enlisted force, spoke with Airmen from the 9th MDG regarding the future of the AFMS.

"By concentrating on prevention and health, in addition to care, we can attain our vision that our supported population is the healthiest and highest performing segment of the US by 2025," Travis said.

In addition, the pair made numerous stops at various medical agencies to interact with Airmen.

"I am absolutely thrilled with what I see here at the 9th MDG in supporting all of the incredibly talented Airmen at Beale," Travis said. "I'm seeing bright, energetic and innovative Airmen that often times are ahead of my thinking.  The future of Air Force medicine is in great hands."

According to Travis, high operations tempo and unique intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions at Beale require specific operational medical support.  That support is in place and functioning well.

"Many people don't realize Beale Airmen are at war every day around the clock 365 days a year," he said. "There are specific career fields here with very specific stressors. The 9th MDG provides support to those Airmen."

Travis left Beale with an assured sense of Beale's medical capabilities.

"I am very proud of the Airmen and the leadership of the 9th MDG," Travis said. "Great leaders are people who delegate, trust and empower their Airmen to innovate and accomplish what they're fully capable of.  I see that here."

Modernization is a must for the nuclear enterprise

by Staff Sgt. Torri Ingalsbe
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs Command Information

1/21/2015 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Air Force's priorities for modernization and continuous improvement in the nuclear enterprise were the top of discussion during the Air Force Association's monthly breakfast Jan. 20 in Arlington, Virginia.

"This nuclear deterrent is as relevant and is as needed today as it was in January of 1965," said Maj. Gen. Garrett Harencak, the Air Force assistant chief of staff for strategic deterrence and nuclear integration. "And it will be, until that happy day comes when we rid the world of nuclear weapons. It will be just as relevant in 2025, ten years from now."

To remain relevant, Harencak explained the importance of investing in programs to modernize the two legs of the nuclear triad owned by the Air Force, including the long-range strike bomber and the ground-based strategic deterrent.

"It's not going to be inexpensive, but it's also not going to be unaffordable," he said. "It's something we have to do to protect our nation. In this world, there still is a nuclear threat and our United States Air Force is there to meet it so we can defend our great nation, and our allies."

The Air Force's goal is to develop and purchase 80 to 100 LRSB aircraft. This modernization of nuclear-capable bombers will provide safe, secure and effective forces for generations to come, he explained.

"In what world do we send our grandchildren into combat in 80-year-old airplanes?" Harencak asked. "There are a lot of hard decisions we've got to make out there, but this isn't one of them. We want them (our children and grandchildren) to win: 100 to nothing, not 51 to 49. We can afford this, and it's desperately needed so the United States Air Force continues to be what it always has been - the force that allows alternatives and options for our president to defend America."

In addition to investment in aircraft, the Air Force is continuously working on increasing morale and mission focus within the intercontinental ballistic missile community, with help and guidance from the Force Improvement Program.

"Our ICBMs have been referred to as America's 'ace in the hole,' for more than 50 years," Harencak said. "They still are. They are still the ante into this game that is so high that no one out there would ever be perversely incentivized to attempt to become a nuclear competitor with us. They make sure no one out there has any illusions that they could accomplish anything through the threat or use of nuclear weapons."

To reinvigorate the ICBM community, the Air Force is on track to modernize the Minuteman III weapon system until the ground-based strategic deterrent is underway. Last year marked many changes in the community, and Harencak said the Air Force will continue to make improvements.

"What we're doing is making sure this is a process of continuous improvement," he said. "I am 100 percent positive we don't have it 100 percent right - but that's okay. We do have the processes and organizations in place to make sure we continually improve and never take our eye off the ball of the needs of Airmen in the nuclear enterprise."

The bottom line is we must move forward to ensure America's nuclear triad is still the best in the world, and the general said modernization and recapitalization is the way to go.

"The triad has been proven and tried and true for decades - because it works," Harencak said. "We need to continue to make the modest investments necessary to make sure we have the absolute best nuclear deterrent going forward."

Homestead teams-up with local fire rescue for life saving training

by Senior Airman Jaimi L. Upthegrove
482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

1/20/2015 - HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. -- Homestead's Fire Flight teamed-up Jan. 8 with Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue instructors for challenging training focused on survival techniques.

The training included navigating through a building blind, locating a safe exit using a fire hose, the Denver Drill, which is a technique taught to firefighters because of a firefighter who lost his life in Denver, and working through confined spaces.

The Fire Flight is a specialty team within the 482nd Civil Engineering Squadron Prime BEEF (base engineer emergency force). The unit is composed of civil engineer forces organized for direct combat support or emergency recovery from natural disasters.

Upon arrival, the reservists were divided into two teams and given a safety briefing. Each team went to a separate area of training and rotated through the different stations.

One of the stations was a mock apartment building. The instructor walked the team through the drill verbally before everyone suited up and broke into pairs.

Each pair put on full proximity gear with a face-covering mask, blinding them so they couldn't see in the darkened building. The blindness simulated heavy smoke obscuring their vision, and the pairs had work together using their tools, hands and each other to safely navigate through the apartment without becoming disoriented. The drill ended when the instructors yelled, "You're out of air ... you have 20 seconds to get out!" In 20 seconds, the pair scrambled to locate the window and jump out.

"This drill is to help them learn the importance of staying oriented in any environment," said Capt. Elvin Gonzalez, Miami-Dade County fire instructor. "It's hard to imagine how disorienting it is to be crawling around in full gear in a structure you've never been in without being able to see. If you get disoriented, you don't know how to get out if things get hot or you run out of air."

The next training station was similar, but for a different purpose. Each team was taught how to locate the hose and use it to determine which direction would lead them safely back to the fire truck.

After the team regrouped from the fire hose challenge, they transitioned to a large room full of obstacles. The instructors demonstrated various ways to get through different obstacles, describing  when they might encounter them in a real world scenario.

"This training helped build my confidence and taught me to not be claustrophobic," said Staff Sgt. Alvaro Casado, Fire Flight fire protection technician. "Now I know when I get into that kind of situation to relax and think it through, not to panic."

Among the obstacles was a large box full of wires and string that each person had to successfully crawl through, not getting themselves or equipment tangled. Each obstacle presented a unique problem. For instance, one obstacle was small and triangle-shaped forcing the individual to contort their body and plan where to place their tank. Another was a small, smooth cylinder tube.

"The tube was probably the hardest because it was tight and there was nothing to grip," said Senior Airman Angelo Viniegra, Fire Flight fire protection technician.

After a challenging morning filled with instruction and drills, both teams took a much-needed lunch break and prepared for learning the Denver Drill and going through the maze.

Lt. Kory Kiper, Miami-Dade County fire instructor, explained that a firefighter from Denver lost his life because the area he went down in was too small for his team members to maneuver his body into a life-saving carrying position to get him out.

Kiper said after that event, this technique was created to save lives in the future.
At the instructor's direction, team two went straight to the maze.

The maze was a room full of obstacles the Airman crawled through in full gear, wearing oxygen tanks, but without a light source to guide them.

They worked in pairs to get out safely before running out of air.

"Most of our Airmen have never dealt with confined spaces, so this is critical survival training because if a building collapses, and you haven't trained, you won't know how to react, you may panic and die," said Chief Master Sgt. Lorenzo Gardner, Fire Flight chief. "We want to put them through this type of intense training so they'll know how to handle the situation if it happens to them."

Prime BEEF personnel are a rapid response expeditionary force. The training they received prepares them for future deployments or to assist locally in emergency situations.

"This class was very professional, second to none," added Gardner. "The instructors obviously loved their job and were very knowledgeable."

Wyoming MAFFS crew receives aircrew distinction award

by Capt. Cody Hawkins
153rd Airlift Wing

1/15/2015 - CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- An Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and active-duty Air Force aircrew aboard an Air Force C-130H3 Hercules aircraft recently received the Air Mobility Command Chief of Safety Aircrew of Distinction Award for their efforts following a landing gear malfunction while fighting fires in southern Utah.

The Modular Airborne Firefighting System crew finished two successful fire retardant drops when they were instructed to reload for a third drop at Hill Air Force Base in northern Utah.

As the crew prepared to land, Maj. Jack Berquist, aircraft commander, and his co-pilot, Maj. Derik George, noticed the nose gear wasn't functioning properly. At that point, the crew, including the navigator Capt. Brett Goebel, flight engineer Tech. Sgt. Damian Hoffmann, and load masters, Master Sgts. Brandon York and Christian Reese, began troubleshooting the problem. Berquist also began communicating with Hill Air Force Base's air traffic control about the issue.

After two hours of circling and with only about 30 minutes of fuel remaining, the crew realized they had exhausted all of their options. That's when Berquist directed his crew to prepare for an emergency crash landing. Preparations included having Hill officials spray foam on the runway and having crash fire rescue personnel in place.

After configuring the disabled aircraft, Berquist landed the plane and held the nose up off the ground as long as possible, before gently bringing it in contact with the runway. Berquist was able to bring the aircraft to a smooth stop on the center of the runway and the crew exited the plane without injuries.

The efforts by the MAFFS 3 crew resulted in the safe return of six Airmen and only minor damage to a $37 million aircraft.

"In-flight emergencies and emergency landings do happen," said Goebel. "We train extensively year-round in the aircraft and simulator for unlikely events such as these. Without a doubt, we provide some of the best training and preparation of any professional flying organization from not only an individual, but also a crew standpoint. This was definitely a crew effort!"

109th members selected as NYANG Airmen of the Year

by Tech. Sgt. Catharine Schmidt
109th AW Public Affairs

1/16/2015 - STRATTON AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.Y. -- Two Airmen from the 109th Airlift Wing here were among six recently selected 2014 New York Air National Guard Outstanding Airmen of the Year.

Senior Airman James Comstock, who is the NYANG Airman of the Year, and Master Sgt. Michael Lazzari, the NYANG First Sergeant of the Year, were selected for the state-level award based on superior leadership, job performance, community involvement and personal achievements.

"Congratulations to our two state-level winners," said Col. Shawn Clouthier, 109th AW commander. "They were among 14 extremely strong candidates from our wing. All of whom embody superior performance and the strong leadership qualities to excel in the future. Also, congratulations to all of the selections from across the state and good luck as they compete at the national level."

Lazzari, a Schenectady native who has nearly 19 years of total military service including a five-year active duty tour, joined the 109th AW Fire Department in 2007. In 2012, he became the first sergeant for the 109th Mission Support Group. In the last year, Lazzari has supported both Operation Raven Dew in Greenland and Operation Deep Freeze in Antarctica as the unit's deployed first sergeant.

Lazzari said the continued teamwork at the 109th AW has been one of the contributing factors to his success as first sergeant. He also said the sacrifices and support his family has made during his time way have been true motivators for him.

"Without them I wouldn't be able to do this at all," he said. "I can't thank them enough for all the support they offer. I love being at home with my wife, daughter and family and don't take my time away from them for granted. If I am not giving my best, their sacrifices and support are for nothing. I solely accept this award as a reflection of all the help and support I receive from my wife, family and friends."

Comstock, a Guilderland native, joined the wing in 2008. He is currently a customer support representative with the 109th Logistics Readiness Squadron. Comstock received the John L. Levitow award while attending Airman Leadership School this past year and is also the current president of the 109th First Six Council. The council represents the junior enlisted of the wing. With the council, he has participated in many community events throughout the year, and also coordinated the wing's first Adopt-A-Highway project.

"I attribute this award to the great opportunities the unit offers," Comstock said. "An award like this couldn't be accomplished without a unit that supports their people to strive past their potential."

Along with the unit, Comstock said his he couldn't have accomplished what he's achieved without the support of his wife and children.

"I was very excited to hear the news at each step of the process ... going from squadron, to wing to state," he said. "We have a lot of excellent Airmen in the New York Air National Guard, and to be thought of as one of them is a great thing."

"These two individuals embody the Air Force core values of integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do," said Chief Master Sgt. Amy Giaquinto, 109th AW command chief. "They are team players and always motivated to do what they can to lead and make a difference at this Wing and within their community. Their can-do attitudes are infectious! I am so proud of them, and I am glad that the state recognized who they are and what they represent."

Comstock and Lazzari will compete for the 2014 Air National Guard Outstanding Airmen of the Year.

Hurricane Hunters investigate training options in New Mexico

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

1/20/2015 - KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Being the only weather reconnaissance squadron in the Department of Defense providing surveillance of tropical storms and hurricanes for the National Hurricane Center can present some unique challenges--like aircrew training.

A quest for improved WC-130J Combat Systems Operator training led the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, part of the 403rd Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, to visit the 58th Special Operation Wing's 58th Training Squadron's C-130J Center of Excellence at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico, Jan. 12-14.

The 58th SOW, which received MC-130J and HC-130Js in 2011, is the only school house in the Air Force that offers C-130J CSO, or navigator, training. The wing trains Air Force special operations and combat search and rescue aircrews offering more than 100 courses in 18 different crew positions to include pilots, loadmasters and CSOs. It was the unit's CSO course that prompted the 53rd WRS to investigate future training opportunities at Kirtland, said Lt. Col. Matthew Muha, 53rd WRS commander and navigator.

All special mission C-130s have navigators because of the workload the specials systems require. While a typical C-130J crew consists of two pilots and a loadmaster, a WC-130J Hurricane Hunter aircrew consists of five positions: pilot, co-pilot, aerial weather reconnaissance officer, loadmaster, and combat systems operator, or navigator. For the weather mission, CSOs prepare weather recon mission plans, use navigational equipment to locate and penetrate tropical cyclones, and use radar to avoid areas of extreme weather in a storm.

"Sometimes it takes two pilots just to fly the plane in very severe weather so the navigator is guiding us through the least severe of the severe weather," said Lt. Col. Keith Gibson, 53rd WRS director of operations and pilot.

Currently, 53d WRS pilots and loadmasters go through their initial C-130J training at 314th Airlift Wing's tactical airlift "Center of Excellence" at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas. CSOs from the 53d WRS have no external formal school, so they train in-house at Keesler.

"When our pilots and loadmasters go to Little Rock for initial and mission qualification, the CSO is not part of the crew. This is a disadvantage for not only the CSO, but also the pilots and loadmasters since they don't have a CSO on the crew for their initial training in the C-130J," said Muha, adding that the squadron has an Air Education and Training Command approved syllabus for specialized mission training for CSOs and ARWOs. "An advantage of training our CSOs at the 58th is they would get to train with pilots and loadmasters as a crew. This will make all crew positions more accustomed to working together as a team, which greatly improves crew resource management."

Another advantage of training at Kirtland would be the availability for simulator training, said Gibson. CSOs currently conduct all training in the actual WC-130J aircraft during flight.

"It's a lot cheaper to train personnel on a simulator versus during an actual mission," said Gibson. "With a simulator trainers can create different environments such as day, night, high-level, low-level, and bad weather to force the crews to work together in those situations. We can't create bad weather so when our CSOs train for the weather mission it is real-world."

The 53rd WRS originally visited Kirtland in November 2014 to investigate training options for their CSOs, but while there they discovered the school also has courses that may benefit their other crewmembers as well, which prompted the visit to the 58th TRS this week, said Muha.

The group of nine Hurricane Hunters received an overview of the school, a tour of training devices, to include simulators, and had in-depth discussion with wing, group and squadron leadership about the potential for WC-130J training at Kirtland.

"The training they offer here is also excellent for pilots and loadmasters but it is undetermined if it's more appropriate than what is already provided at Little Rock," said Col. David J. Condit, 403rd Operations Group commander and navigator. "There may also be some potential for aircraft systems training for ARWOs who also have to do all of their training in-house at the squadron."

MacDill hosts first of numerous '15 cross-service exercises

by Tech. Sgt. Brandon Shapiro
6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

1/20/2015 - MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla., --
The 6th Air Mobility Wing kicked off its first of numerous cross-service exercises, as they hosted a massive 300 sortie Navy F-18 pilot training exercise from Jan. 4-17, 2015.

The F-18 Hornet and Super Hornet jet aircraft belong to the Strike-Fighter Squadron ONE ZERO SIX (VFA-106), a Navy training squadron that prepares the finest Strike Fighter aircrew and maintenance professionals for the fleet and the fleet marine force in support of combat operations around the world.

The 106th chose MacDill Air Force Base because of its top-notch accommodations, geographical location, and proximity to training specific complexes.

"The Deployed Unit Complex located at MacDill has great facilities that are able to accommodate our training, operations, and maintenance efforts," said Navy Lt. Nathan Miller, VFA-106 instructor pilot.  "MacDill is also an ideal location because of it nearness to the Avon Park Range Complex, where all of our training takes place."

The large scale exercise focused the nearly 300 flights around the air-to-ground training phase, where new pilots tested their skills at a bombing range.   During their immersion, the VFA-106 was able to successfully introduce future F/A-18 pilots to the critical training that will be demanded of them once they go to their operational squadrons.

"MacDill AFB supported our operations and personnel with extreme professionalism and dedication," said Miller.  "We were able to create a great working relationship that allowed us to maximize our training efforts and pave the way for future operations with the 6th [Air Mobility Wing]."

On top of the success of the training exercise was an overwhelming positive outcry from the local community.

Leading the charge in community involvement was 2nd Lt. Patrick Gargan, 6th AMW media operation Officer, who organized multiple media days and the release of up-to-the-minute information on the exercise's status. Within the short duration of the exercise, Gargan's efforts lead to over 100,000 FaceBook views, 11 local media stories, and 22 photos for the Department of Defense.

"With such a fantastic community support system, we want to do all we can to give back. For some all it takes is a couple of weeks of the world's finest pilots showcasing their second-to-none skills," said Gargan. "The 6th Air Mobility Wing is proud to host such events that serve so many valuable purposes. We are extremely excited at this year's upcoming schedule of exercises."

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force visits Scott

by Senior Airman Tristin English
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

1/15/2015 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --
The Air Force has moved forward with new programs that have affected the enlisted corps and Airmen need to learn how to deal and adapt with the changes - those were just two messages shared by Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody during his visit here Jan. 11-13. Cody and his wife, Athena, spent several days meeting with Airmen to discuss changes that involved the Enlisted Evaluation System and force management programs affecting the troops.

A hot topic during the Airman's Calls was the changes to the Enlisted Performance Reports and how they promote teamwork. Cody explained that the Air Force understands how important it is to be a team and not just look out for you.

"We understand that strength is in the team," said Cody. "Given everything that we have taught you this far, starting in basic training, the effect we know a team has and how you have to come together as a team  to do what you have to do as an Air Force. What would make anyone think that the Air Force values an individual who is willing to step over everyone else to make themselves look better?"

Cody expressed that suicide, domestic violence, financial hardships, sexual harassment, and sexual assault in the Air Force are great concerns to him.

"Those are the emails I dread to see coming to my box. That's what keeps me up, and those are the ones that come in at two in the morning. So that's the kind of stuff we try to figure out how to support you and your families. What we do is hard. It's hard on you, and it's hard on your families so we have to somehow get after this in a different way," said Cody.

Other interests talked about were the sequestration budget and how it's affecting that Air Force, educational benefits, tuition assistance training, promotions and retirements.

Cody said, "Last year was tough for us because we had to go through a lot of stuff - tough stuff. [The] mission is always hard, but with great airmen like everyone in this room, we got it done. For the first time since 1947, we are going to be the smallest Air Force ever. We are trying to create as much stability as we can as we move forward, and it's going to be a challenge. We just have to keep moving forward."

Staff Sgt. Amber Kelly-Herard, 18th Air Force command chief executive assistant, said "I thought Chief Cody was very honest in giving us the answers, even if he felt we weren't going to like it. He gave a little insight on what we could expect from the new retirement system, which from the sound of it seems like a pretty good deal. I also was impressed by him staying afterward inviting anyone to come speak to him and his wife."

"Keep it simple. Do your best every day. Be the best airman, and be the best person," said Cody. "You won't be the best every day, you won't always be number one, and you won't always be in that mode but that's ok. Nobody really is. Just do your best for as long as you can and then you may be the next chief master sergeant of the Air Force, or maybe you won't, but that doesn't mean it's going to define how successful you are and how important you are

290th JCSS honors fallen with brick dedication

by Senior Airman Vernon L. Fowler Jr.
6th Air Mobility Wing public affairs

1/16/2015 - MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla.  -- "We are here, 33 years after Air Florida Flight 90 crashed, to honor those fallen JCSE leaders by dedicating the first brick in our unit brick garden to their legacy," said Master Sgt. Sean Abene, 290th Joint Communications Support Squadron Element NCO in charge, during the squadron's brick dedication ceremony at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, Jan. 14, 2015.

Personnel in attendance observed as Abene held up the brick engraved with the names of Sgt. Maj. James Dixon, JCSE operations sergeant major, Maj. Ralph Herman, JCSE operations officer, and Lt. Col. George Mattar, JCSE commander before his death, for all to see.

The three Joint Communications Support Element members being honored died in an aircraft accident Jan. 13, 1982, while departing Washington D.C. The plane, Air Florida Flight 90, had accumulated too much snow on its wings preventing it from reaching the proper speed and altitude to avoid striking the 14th Street Bridge and plunging into the Potomac River.

The ceremony was held to dedicate the first of many bricks that will be placed to create the 290th JCSS' brick garden.

Prior to the ceremony's conclusion, the honor of placing the first brick into the soil was given to Brig. Gen. James Eifert, the Assistant Adjutant General-Air and Deputy Commander of the Florida Air National Guard, and Col. Kirby Watson, JCSE commander.

As the brick was placed, Abene added some final words.

"This brick, bearing the names of our three fallen comrades, will eventually be surrounded by bricks bearing the names and messages of past, present, and future 290th JCSS members," said Abene. "Also the individuals, groups, and organizations that positively affected our squadron, enabling it to fulfill its mission in an outstanding fashion and make Greater JCSE, including 290th JCSS of the Florida Air National Guard, the best and most sought after communications unit in the world."

Grand Forks AFB recognizes Airmen becoming U.S. citizens

by Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

1/15/2015 - GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Today the Warriors of the North  recognized six of their fellow Airmen in a special way.

During the wing quarterly awards ceremony held Jan. 15 more than 250 civilians and service members witnessed six Airmen from various units on base being recognized for becoming U.S. citizens in 2014.

"Over the past year these individuals have worked diligently to become American citizens," said Tech. Sgt. Brooke Scott, who served as one of the ceremony's emcees.   "Through hard work and perseverance they were each deemed naturalized citizens. They have dedicated their lives not only to the United States Air Force, but the United States of America.  On behalf of Colonel Paul Bauman please join us in congratulating them on their important achievement."

The six Airmen were:
Airmen 1st Class Danny Pham from the 319th Logistics Readiness Squadron ; Irinieta Tabuyaqona from the 319th Contracting Flight and Hugo Degan from the 319th Force Support Squadron,  who were naturalized Aug. 22 2014.

Also recognized were Airman 1st Class Herman Longsworth from the 319th FSS, naturalized May 16, 2014, and Airman 1st Class Marco Guerrero-Nacif from the 319th Civil Engineering Squadron, who was naturalized Oct. 17, 2014.

Guerrero-Nacif's fellow 319th CES co-worker Airman 1st Class Julio Duran Sangabriel was naturalized Nov. 20, but was not able to attend the ceremony, but the crowd still applauded the achievement after his name and date of citizenship was announced.

"Cut Training" solving problems for McChord Airmen

by Staff Sgt. Tim Chacon
62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

1/16/2015 - JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- The saying doing more with less is not an option for members of the 62nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. They are simply trying to do the same with less. Due to recent large cuts in their manning numbers the Airmen of the 62nd AMXS have been undermanned, especially in the aircraft hydraulics section.

With some creative thinking and flexibility, they have found and implemented a solution that is working for them.

In December four Airmen, who are crew chiefs assigned to the 62nd AMXS, graduated a month long course to make them certified in all hydraulic 5-level core tasks.  The course was thought by Air Education and Training Command through a field training detachment at McChord Field.  These crew chiefs will be utilized when necessary in both Air Force Specialty Codes to help with manning shortages.

"The process is called cross utilization training. AFSCs are identified with surplus manning and Airmen are trained into similar specialties, "said Chief Master Sgt. Timothy Kellner, 62nd  Aircraft  Maintenance Squadron superintendent. "We are increasing our capabilities as our man power decreases."

The hydraulics section of the 62nd AMXS was the most undermanned section in the squadron and was the first to receive the help.

"We have lost 10 people in the past year. Not just with C-17 experience, but flightline experience in general," said Tech Sgt. Daniel Rosenberg 62nd AMXS element lead. "We had to get creative and think outside the box to increase our capacity."

Each of the cross trainees were hand selected by their leadership based not only on availability, but pre-existing knowledge and reliability.

Tech. Sgt. Patrick Starskey, 62nd AMXS crew chief, is one of the first four Airmen to complete the training.

"I'm happy to help. Where I come from if there is work to be done, you do it. It doesn't matter whose job it is," said Starskey.  "Not only can I help them with tasks, but If I discover a hydraulics issues during my normal [crew chiefs] checks I can trouble shoot it on my own and determine if it is a problem or not."

As with any new process it takes time to truly see the results and understand how it's going to work.

"A lot of the tasks crew chiefs and hydraulics do are similar, so it's not a hard transition," said Staff Sgt. Dustin Michel, 62nd AMXS hydraulics specialist. "The process is going well, if we keep it going it will get even better as we go."

The 62nd AMXS plans to train four more Airmen in the next year and will start to look at what other AFSCs can benefit from the cross utilization.

CMSAF visits Hickam, shares knowledge with Airmen

by Staff Sgt. Alexander Martinez
15th Wing Public Affairs

1/20/2015 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody visited with Airmen and hosted separate all-calls with junior and senior enlisted Airmen during his visit here Jan. 15-16. 

Cody's discussion-style all-calls allowed for Airmen to openly express their career concerns or opinions.

"I liked how he made it a priority to come and talk to the bottom tier of the enlisted force," said Airman 1st Class Sarai Crook, 15th Comptroller Squadron.  "It made him approachable for Airmen like me to communicate with him. It wasn't just a 'Q and A', it was a discussion."

A major topic Cody addressed during his discussions was the implementation of the new enlisted performance report process, which he said will take time and effort to get right.

"These are big changes that require some real work by leadership and by you all in order for us to get our heads around why we're going in the direction we're going," Cody said. "We'll learn along the way ... and we'll make adjustments on execution. I think we're getting after everything that our Airmen are telling us, so I ask you to look at [the process] in its entirety; look at the end state, and work with us to get where we need to be."

Other topics addressed included concerns with joint basing, retention challenges in critical career fields, and the Air Force's ongoing plan to combat sexual assaults.

"[Sexual assault] is a big problem and it's a problem we will have to work at forever," Cody said. "We have to look out for each other and treat each other with dignity and respect."

Joining Cody on his visit was his wife, Chief Master Sgt. (ret) Athena Cody, Chief Master Sgt. Sandra Pfeffer, the first sergeant special duty career field manager, and Senior Airman Ariful Haque, one of the 12 Outstanding Airmen of 2014.

Cody thanked JBPHH Airmen for what they do, and reminded them of the important role they play in the Air Force.

"We are significantly engaged globally, more today than in the history of our country," Cody said. "We're in the longest sustained combat operations and we are the smallest Air Force since 1947. That's your legacy. You serve in a time in our Air Force and our country that is unprecedented because it's being done with an all-volunteer force. You should be proud of that, and you should be proud that you are shaping our future. It's important to know how much we appreciate you and your families so thanks for what you do."

Face of Defense: Shooting Victim Seeks to Inspire Others

By Elaine Sanchez

Brooke Army Medical Center

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas, Jan. 20, 2015 – An Army officer who was severely wounded in a shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, last year is using his near-death experience to give others a new lease on life.

“I believe I was given a second chance,” said 1st Lt. John Arroyo, who is recovering at Brooke Army Medical Center here. “I hope my story inspires others to realize that it’s never too late to make a change or to make a difference.”

Arroyo had three deployments under his belt when he arrived at Fort Hood in November 2013. The California native had enlisted in 1998 as a truck driver, but jumped at the opportunity to earn a Green Beret just a few years later. After a dozen years in Special Forces, Arroyo was commissioned and selected for the Medical Service Corps.

Shots Fired at Fort Hood

He was assigned to the 1st Medical Brigade at Fort Hood as a platoon leader. On April 2, 2014, Arroyo was pulling into ther brigade headquarters parking lot when he heard shots fired. He had just stepped out of his car as another car parked close by. He had no idea the driver was Army Spc. Ivan Lopez, who was just minutes into a shooting spree across post.

Lopez already had shot and killed two soldiers and wounded more than a dozen others in another building by the time he pulled into the brigade parking lot.

The next shot Arroyo heard was the one that ripped through his throat. Gasping for breath, Arroyo stumbled back to his car and fell to the ground. He lay there, bleeding profusely, and struggling to breathe.

“I thought, ‘Is this it? Am I going to die?’ he recalled. “But then I heard a voice telling me to get up -- to hurry and get up.”

Close Encounter With Shooter

With his wife and three children in mind, Arroyo drew on his last reserves of strength to stand up and find help. He held his throat to stanch the bleeding and stumbled toward a man. He suddenly realized he was about to seek aid from the shooter. “I was within 10 feet of him, but he never saw me,” he said. “He walked right past me into the building and started shooting again.”

A few soldiers spotted Arroyo from across the parking lot. They called out: “Soldier, are you OK?” He was somehow able to answer: “I’ve been shot.” With no time to spare, they raced Arroyo to Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center. Meanwhile, the shooter was confronted seconds later by a military police officer. She fired a shot at him, and he responded by committing suicide. Four soldiers, including Lopez, were killed and 16 others were wounded that day.

Critically injured, Arroyo was rushed to surgery and transferred to Scott and White Memorial Hospital for further care. He was told his voice box and right arm were damaged beyond repair. Yet, two months later, he was talking again and, after months of intense rehabilitation at the Center for the Intrepid here, has regained the use of his right hand.

His swift recovery wasn’t surprising, he said.

“I was given a second chance by God,” he added. “I should have died in the parking lot that day. I believe I am here for a purpose and will continue to heal.”

Sharing His Story to Help Others

Hoping to inspire others, Arroyo said, he began sharing his story with everyone from inmates to students to fellow patients and service members. “I want everyone to realize that if they’re breathing, they have the opportunity for a second chance,” he explained.

Arroyo returned to Fort Hood last month to speak at the hospital’s Holiday Ball and to thank the staff for saving his life. One of the nurses was in tears after Arroyo told her another soldier who had been shot in the spinal cord was walking again, thanks in part to her care.

“I went back to the spot where I was shot,” he said. “And I wasn’t upset at what had happened. I felt grateful that I was given a second chance to make a difference.

“I don’t focus on tomorrow -- I finish today,” he added. “And I plan to make each day count for something.”