Army Approves Purple Hearts for Fort Hood Shooting Victims

From a U.S. Army News Release

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2015 – Army Secretary John M. McHugh announced today that he has approved awarding the Purple Heart and its civilian counterpart, the Secretary of Defense Medal for the Defense of Freedom, to victims of a 2009 shooting at Fort Hood, Texas, following a change in the medals' eligibility criteria mandated by Congress.

Thirteen people were killed and more than 30 were wounded in the attack by Army Maj. Nidal Hasan, who was convicted in August 2013, of 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted murder.

"The Purple Heart's strict eligibility criteria had prevented us from awarding it to victims of the horrific attack at Fort Hood," McHugh explained. "Now that Congress has changed the criteria, we believe there is sufficient reason to allow these men and women to be awarded and recognized with either the Purple Heart or, in the case of civilians, the Defense of Freedom Medal. It's an appropriate recognition of their service and sacrifice."

Law Expanded Eligibility

Under a provision of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2015, Congress expanded the eligibility for the Purple Heart by redefining what should be considered an attack by a "foreign terrorist organization" for purposes of determining eligibility for the Purple Heart. The legislation states that an event should now be considered an attack by a foreign terrorist organization if the perpetrator of the attack "was in communication with the foreign terrorist organization before the attack" and "the attack was inspired or motivated by the foreign terrorist organization."

In a review of the Fort Hood incident and the new provisions of law, the Army determined that there was sufficient evidence to conclude Hasan "was in communication with the foreign terrorist organization before the attack," and that his radicalization and subsequent acts could reasonably be considered to have been "inspired or motivated by the foreign terrorist organization."

Previous criteria required a finding that Hasan had been acting at the direction of a foreign terrorist organization.

Identifying and Notifying Those Now Eligible

McHugh directed Army officials to identify soldiers and civilians now eligible for the awards as soon as possible, and to contact them about presentation of the awards. Soldiers receiving the Purple Heart automatically qualify for combat-related special compensation upon retirement. Recipients also are eligible for burial at Arlington National Cemetery.

Following his 2013 conviction, Hasan was sentenced to death by a general court-martial. He is incarcerated at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, while post-trial and appellate processes continue.

Air Force Takes Part in Off-station Training with Greece

By Terri Moon Cronk

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2015 – Air Force personnel are in off-station training in Elefsis, Greece, to promote and maintain joint readiness, Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren told reporters today.

Some 220 airmen and three C-130 aircraft from the 37th Airlift Squadron at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, in addition to a C-130 out of the 317th Airlift Group from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, are participating in the training, Warren said.

The training began Jan. 30 and runs through Feb. 14.

Building Capabilities, Partnership, Interoperability

“The training … will evaluate aircraft and personnel capabilities and train in NATO operations with the Hellenic air force to promote and maintain joint readiness, while also building interoperability capabilities with a NATO partner,” he said.

The mission will train participating units in formation, low-level and night-vision-goggles flying, and dropping heavy equipment and personnel loads with the Hellenic air force, Warren added.

The off-station training builds upon the nations’

Oklahoma ANG Airmen return home from deployment

by Senior Airman Justin M. Creech
137th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

2/4/2015 - OKLAHOMA CITY -- Thirteen Airmen from the Oklahoma Air National Guard's 137th Air Refueling Wing at Will Rogers Air National Guard Base reunited with family and friends Feb. 3 at Will Rogers World Airport here after a six-month deployment to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Airmen were welcomed as they walked through a procession line of American flags and applause to meet their families at the YMCA Military Welcome Center at Will Rogers World Airport soon after landing.

"I'm relieved to be home," said Staff Sgt. Chevon Thames, 137th Security Forces Squadron. "We had a good team and a lot of cohesion, but all of us were ready to see our families. That was great having all the people lined up holding the flags, I've never experienced that before."

Organizing an event to greet the Airmen is special for Master Sgt. Porctia Tinsley, 137th Security Forces Squadron first sergeant. Tinsley has participated in welcome home ceremonies both as a service member and a military spouse.

"I am excited for the families to welcome our member's home," said Tinsley. "These Airmen missed the holiday season and one of them missed his daughter's first birthday. So, it's good for them to be back."

Attached to the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, the Airmen were responsible for flight line and Air Force resource and personnel security while deployed. The squad worked 24-hour shifts and endured several mission changes.

"We secured all of the U.S assets and Joint Task Force assets that provided aid and relief for combat missions," said Master Sgt. Ryan Andresen, 137th Security Forces Squadron flight chief. "There were no incidents to record, so I think we did phenomenal."

Chaplain builds bridges with smiles by children in need

by Gina Randall
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

2/6/2015 - RAF MILDENHALL, England  -- A chaplain has a rewarding but often difficult role on a military installation. The danger their flock has, or may have to face, is prevalent in the minds of his community most days, and a strong chaplain can be a lifeline to any service member, regardless of their religious beliefs.

"My role is to help provide spiritual care, encouragement and support for our Airmen and their families," said Maj. Randy Croft, 100th Air Refueling Wing deputy wing chaplain from Walla Walla, Washington. "This includes providing services so they can exercise their constitutional right of free exercise of religion. But it also includes building strong and healthy Airmen and families through family retreats, marriage events, single's events and counseling. We are chaplains for all, pastors to some. I'm a Protestant Christian, from a non-denominational flavor, but I can also help provide support and services to Airmen no matter what their dog tag says. In areas where we, as chaplains, can't provide support, we will refer to other resources to assist someone in need."

Croft enjoys helping all Airmen and their families where he can.

"I love getting to know Airmen, walking out in the units, visiting with Airmen and getting to know what they do. I also love helping them if they are struggling with issues such as parenting, or marriage issues," Croft added. "If they have spiritual interests, I enjoy helping them get stronger in those areas too."

Croft finds his job rewarding, but at times challenging when a military career means the worst can happen, the chaplains are there to serve their community in the darkest times.

"The most challenging thing I have dealt with since I have been in the military is dealing with death notifications and the ensuing grief," the Washington native reflected. "We will accompany a commander and a medical technician to notify a relative that their loved one has just died. That's hard to see and hard to experience. But we walk with them through the valley of the shadow of death. We try to comfort those who are hurting."

It's the hope of doing good in a hard situation that led him to use a childhood hobby to bring something as simple as a smile to replace a tear -- a smile that knows no bounds and no border.

As a child, Croft took up something he thought might be useful in helping the sick or suffering -- he became a ventriloquist. Initially, it was for entertainment but he had no idea the joy it could bring to others later in his life.

When asked about his hobby as a ventriloquist, Croft looked back fondly to his childhood.

"You mean playing with dolls?" the deputy chaplain laughed. "I've tinkered with ventriloquism since I was in third grade, so for over 30 years. I saw 'The Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy Show' on TV and I liked how this puppet was talking. So I asked my mother, 'Hey, I'd love to get one of these for my birthday.' However I got an electric blanket instead and threw a fit, so I spent the birthday in my room for it. But that Christmas I got one!"

Croft knew with hard work and practice, he could accomplish his goal and enjoy the rewards.

"I just went to the library and read a book, learned how to make the sounds without moving my lips and started doing puppet shows. And it grew from that," he said. "It's been a fun hobby."

This hobby enabled him to reach out to people he may otherwise not have been able to connect with due to language barriers. As a father, he is able to communicate with children who speak his language, but it was his puppet that enabled him to reach further.

"I like making kids laugh," Croft explained. "I'm a dad of three kids and I enjoy seeing them smile. Laughter can be a universal bridge builder. Years ago, my wife and I went to Russia on a month-long mission trip and were able to reach children from an orphanage and a local hospital. At the hospital, we went to an oncology wing, where kids were fighting against cancer."

He saw an opportunity to reach out using his talents.

"I didn't speak the language so I brought Dexter (the puppet) out to sing a song," Croft explained. "He raised his eyebrows, blinked and laughed, and it was fulfilling to see the children smile and laugh for a moment of time in their difficult daily experience. That was something that really impacted me that day. Even if we don't speak the same language, the smile, the laughter is something that builds bridges."

Croft uses his hobby that he learned all those years ago to help others by providing entertainment at some church events.

Leaders: Resources Key for National Security Strategy

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Feb. 6, 2015 – Praising President Barack Obama’s 2015 National Security Strategy for recognizing the challenges the nation faces, the Defense Department’s top civilian and military leaders today stressed the need for an end to scheduled sequestration spending cuts to allow the military to do its part in implementing the strategy.

White House officials released the strategy, known as the NSS, today.

Strategy Draws on All Sources of National Power

“President Obama's 2015 National Security Strategy provides a comprehensive blueprint for defending and advancing America's interests at home and around the world,” Hagel said in a statement. “It is clear-eyed about our nation's challenges as well as our strategic opportunities.

“The strategy wisely calls for drawing on all the sources of our national power -- including the unrivaled strength and resilience of America's economy, diplomacy, and military, as well as our values -- to strengthen and sustain America's global leadership,” he said.

Bedrock of National Security

The strategy makes clear that a strong military is the bedrock of U.S. national security, Hagel said, adding that the Defense Department stands ready to help in its execution. DoD leaders actively participated in its development, he added, noting that the NSS complements the defense strategy articulated by the 2014 Quadrennial Defense Review.

“Every day, across the globe, the men and women of DoD defend our nation, our fellow citizens and our allies and partners,” the secretary said. “They assure our prosperity, represent our values, and help uphold a rules-based international order.”

The Defense Department needs the resources to continue doing so, Hagel said.

“That is why President Obama and I are urging Congress to end sequestration and approve the defense budget we have submitted for fiscal year 2016 -- so that we preserve our ability to execute our national security and defense strategies, and maintain the military superiority necessary to underwrite America's global leadership for decades to come,” the secretary said.

Complex Threats in a Turbulent World

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also issued a statement.

"The United States retains the world's pre-eminent military, but we cannot take it for granted, given the complex threats we face in today's turbulent world,” he said.

The NSS recognizes this reality with its charge to maintain the U.S. military edge and readiness, Dempsey added, by continuing to insist on reforms and necessary investment in military forces and their families.

“In particular, I welcome the NSS's call to working with Congress to end sequestration so that we can maintain the military the American people deserve and expect," the chairman said.

Retired brigadier general nears second retirement after 46 years

by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Robert Barnett
JBER Public Affairs

2/5/2015 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- In 1969, Richard Nixon became president of the United States. Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin became the first humans to set foot on the moon.
And the U.S. continued a draft lottery during the Vietnam War when men of draft age had to register with the Selective Service System in case they were needed.

David Glines, today a retired Army National Guard brigadier general about to retire from another civilian career, chose to follow in his father's military footsteps and enlisted in the Army.

It was a slightly different path than his father, Air Force Col. Carroll Glines, had taken who had recently retired as Alaskan Command's Chief of Public Affairs.

"At the time, and after attending two years of college, I was not enrolled in (school) and I just decided to enlist rather than get drafted," said David Glines, today an administrative analyst for the 673d Comptroller Squadron at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. "I wanted to see where it would take me."

He chose a career as a helicopter mechanic and graduated from Army Initial Entry Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, and Army Aviation School at Fort Rucker, Alabama.

After completing the enlisted schools, another opportunity arose for him.

"At the time, they needed infantry officers, so I applied and went there," he said.

In February of 1970, David graduated from Infantry Officers Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia.

"I'd gotten myself engaged to be married," he said. "I just looked at life and it was an opportunity. They were in need of platoon leaders for Vietnam. I wanted to do something more than I was doing at the time."

After commissioning and graduating from the Basic Airborne Course, Glines was able to choose his first assignment. He chose to return to Alaska.

"They were just things I felt I wanted to do," he said. "They were conscious decisions. I loved Alaska and wanted to stay in Alaska. It just made sense. I came back here with the intent to get out eventually."

Glines spent the next few years his assignments were as a cavalry platoon leader and assistant personnel offficer at Fort Richardson, and as a custodian of non-appropriated funds.

He also was stationed at Camp Casey, Korea, as an armor platoon leader for the 1st Battalion, 72nd Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division.

"I was very young in my career then," he said. "It was a good learning process and an excellent foundation to build any career path. Leading, being responsible and accountable are life-long lessons.

"Much of what I've learned today started in those four-plus years of active duty. In a lot of ways, I wish I could relive it - but life goes on."
After returning home to Alaska in 1973, he separated from active duty.

"I was able to get a career with the General Electric Company," he said. "And I also joined the Army National Guard as well.

"The National Guard is a diverse organization with a state, as well as a federal mission. It's a complex service, funded through different sources with a variety of missions.

"It was professional but a little more laid-back," he said. "The Vietnam War was winding down and many former active duty Soldiers joined the Guard. I met a wide variety of people."

Over the next 25 years, Glines continued to conduct both careers.

From 1974 to 1984, he served in various officer positions before taking command of the 5th Battalion, 297th Infantry.

His next command position came in 1993 with the 2nd Battalion (Scout), 297th Infantry, that included serving in Bethel, Alaska and later as the commander of the 207th Infantry Group (Scout).

"There were a lot of hard days, but no bad days," he said. "I enjoyed working with the troops. I had positions of leadership I hope benefited them as it did me.

"It was a great assignment with great people. I enjoyed being out there with them.  It was an outstanding assignment and experience teaching the Soldiers, and in turn they taught me their lifestyle and the local culture. They even made me an honorary Eskimo scout."

In 2001, Glines retired from the military as an ARNG brigadier general.

In 2002, he took a job with Federal Express in Anchorage, where he would work in customer service and hazardous goods management for the next five years.

Finally, in 2007, the retired general started working for the Department of the Army again - in resource management at Fort Richardson.

Several years ago, he attended a U.S. Army Alaska ceremony when he ran into an old friend - Marc Coulombe, today  his civilian supervisor, who had once served under Glines in the ARNG.

Coulombe offered Glines the resource management position, he said "He's been a tremendous asset, as you can imagine," said Coulombe, 673d CPTS support agreement manager.

In 2010, under the Joint Basing Initiative, Glines made the move to the Department of the Air Force.

"I came here because the opportunity happened to present itself," he said. "It was an opportunity to serve again. I love being around Soldiers and Airmen. It's an opportunity to work directly with and serve the command again."

Glines said there are some advantages to not holding a leadership position.

"In fact, it's quite a liberating experience. I don't have to carry a Blackberry; I'm not on a tether in that regard."
Now he has his eye on another retirement.

"I'm happy; there comes a point in time when it's time to go," he said. "I just need to go off and do what retirees should be doing.

"My wife of 45 years and I want to do a little more traveling; I'm just about ready. We'll see."

Comaraderie, faith and football

by Air Force Staff Sgt. William Banton
JBER Public Affairs

2/5/2015 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Twenty seconds...

Twenty seconds of exhilaration. There is a clear shift in atmosphere around the Airmen and Soldiers.Twenty seconds of anticipation.

A chaplain in the group leans forward, anticipating the hike of the football. With twenty seconds left on the clock, the New England Patriots hold a 28-24 lead over the Seattle Seahawks and the Seahawks have the ball.

The conclusion of Super Bowl XLIX was at hand. The ball was on the one-yard-line and Seattle's star running back, Marshawn Lynch, was in the game.

A group of service members and chaplains were listening to sports announcers come to the logical conclusion, after a year of watching these teams play - Lynch will run it in.

Based on the passion on the faces of the Soldiers and Airmen watching the game at the Wired Café on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, they definitely knew it. And then, for Seahawks fans at least, all hell broke loose.

In a matter of seconds, a run became a pass, a pass became an interception, the Wired Café filled with groans from Seahawk fans and cheers from Patriot fans and all hope of the Seahawks winning the Super Bowl went up in smoke.

However, for the people in the room, could the experience have meant more than just watching the game?

The event held at the Wired Café, located near the Air Force dorms, was sponsored by the JBER chapel and provided a safe, alcohol-free alternative, and encouraged young Airmen to get out of their dorm rooms, said Spc. Francisco Arias III, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division intelligence analyst.

"I think the biggest thing is that it lets them know we are here," said Air Force Chaplain (Capt.) James Hendrick, a JBER chaplain. "It lets them know that the chapel staff is here.

"Our primary intent is to build relational trust with them so if they have issues in their life and they want to talk about if they can be like 'I know that dude'."

"It's a more relaxed environment, so it's not as much pressure for someone who may be interested in going to church or going into the chapel," said Airman 1st Class Ashley Sass, 962nd Airborne Air Control Squadron airborne surveillance technician.

"You get a chance to talk to the people who go, and see if you're interested."

Airman 1st Class Ryan Harper, 673rd Communication Squadron cyber system operations specialist, said the spiritual context of the event was a draw for him.

"My spiritual health is much better after attending events like this and I also just like to be around like-minded people," Harper said. "These events give us a chance to get out of the dorms, to actually do something with people."

Across the installation, the 907 Sports Bar & Grill held an alternative for service members looking for choices to celebrating the game.

"I knew the Super Bowl was on and I knew I was on duty, so I thought I would take a little break and come over and watch a little bit of the game," said Army Capt. Jason Underwood, a support transportation officer with the 532nd Engineer Battalion (Provisional), 2nd Engineer Brigade.

"I think it is great for the Soldiers to have a place to get away on post so they don't have to risk getting a DUI or anything like that."

Underwood said he sees these events as good opportunities for generations to bond and come together over common experiences, like football.
"The biggest reason to have a place like this on base is the camaraderie," said Dan Gallagher, interim club manager.

"We do have the Better Opportunities for Single Service Members program so there is always a safe ride home [with Joint Base Against Drunk Driving]."