Canada Joins Ukraine National Guard Training Program

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

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, April 14, 2015 – The Defense Department announced today that Canada will be joining the DoD-State Department initiative to help train members of the Ukrainian National Guard which was announced last month.

Speaking to reporters, Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren praised Canada for its contributions and for joining the National Guard training mission in Ukraine.

“We welcome our close friend and strong ally Canada’s contributions to the Ukrainian National Guard training program,” he said, adding that Canada has provided non-lethal military assistance to Ukraine throughout the ongoing crisis.

“Earlier this year,” Warren said, “Canada joined the United States-Ukraine joint commission. We look forward to continuing our long-standing defense relationship while undertaking this important endeavor.”

DoD officials announced March 20 about 290 U.S. service members from the Vicenza, Italy-based 173rd “Sky Soldiers” Airborne Brigade, would go to the International Peacekeeping and Security Center in Yavoriv, near the Polish border, and train six Ukraine National Guard companies with a focus on internal security and territorial defense in western Ukraine.

Russian Actions

The colonel also noted DoD is “certainly aware” of three Russian naval vessels that are sailing through the English Channel.

“We know our allies, the [British], are tracking them very closely as are we,” Warren said. “We’ve often said that nations have the ability to travel through international waters as long as they respect all international standards of conduct and territorial integrity, and laws.”

He said, “We call on the Russians to ensure they do that in this case.” He added that nothing suggests the Russians have violated these “norms.”

The colonel also noted there are no indications Russia is conducting any sort of exercise.

“I know that’s the Russians’ claim,” Warren said, “but we’ve seen no evidence of any type of exercise. And I believe the Brits have actually said as much as well.”

Minsk Agreement Violations

Warren said there’s “no question” Russian-backed separatists have “repeatedly” violated the terms of the Minsk cease-fire agreement.

“This is something that we keep a very close eye on,” he said. “[There’s] also no question that the Russians continue to operate inside of Ukrainian territory.”

In fact, Warren said, the Russians have actually set up some training centers inside of eastern Ukraine where they’re helping train separatists in tasks such as gunnery and artillery firing drills.

“We also know that they continue to maintain advanced surface-to-air missile systems near the front line which is in direct violation of the Minsk agreements,” he said.

And, Warren said, the Russians have command and control elements inside of Ukraine that are helping to coordinate military operations there.

“So [these are] all examples of the Russians continuing to provide support to the separatists,” he said.

Happy Birthday USAF Reserve

by 477th Fighter Group Public Affairs

4/14/2015 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska  -- April 14 will mark the 67th birthday of the U.S. Air Force Reserve which was formally established by President Harry S. Truman nearly seven decades ago.

Since that time, reservists have provided combat ready forces to fly, fight and win across the globe, and the 477th Fighter Group here is no exception. The 477th is the world's most experienced F-22 organization in the Air Force and is responsible for recruiting, training, developing and retaining a combat-ready force of approximately 350 reservists to support the active duty and Expeditionary Air Force.

Operating in various locations around the world, the Air Force Reserve has evolved from a "stand by" force for emergencies into a Major Command and currently performs about 20 percent of the work of the Air Force.

As the only Air Force Reserve unit in Alaska, the 477th serves as the backbone of the Total Force Enterprise here, volunteering for 5,000 hours of alert operations and contributing three pilots with more than 1,000 hours in the F-22. With reservists integrated in every part of the Raptor operations, from maintenance and ground equipment to pilots and support staff, the 477th sets the standard for total force integration.

In addition, Reserve members live work and serve in and around the communities locally. From parish priests to school superintendents, and Cub Scout leaders to community volunteers, group members contributed thousands of hours to the Alaskan economy and way of life.

Take time this month to recognize the men and women of the Air Force Reserve, honor their service and wish them a happy birthday.

Face of Defense: Air Force Officer’s Hard Work Reaps Rewards

By Air Force Senior Airman Vernon L. Fowler Jr.

6th Air Mobility Wing

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla., April 14, 2015 – The late NFL Hall of Fame football coach Vince Lombardi once said, “Leaders are made, they are not born.” That quote never rang more true than it has for Air Force 1st Lt. Kim Atkins, a sexual assault response coordinator here.

“Both my grandfather and dad served in the Army as infantrymen,” Atkins said. “My mother is currently a first sergeant at Dover Air Force Base, and my aunt is serving in the Army Reserve and used to be a drill sergeant. So, my work ethic was instilled into me.”

Groomed for Leadership

Atkins, who hails from Dover, Delaware, said she was groomed for leadership, starting with her time serving as the flight commander in the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps and then as captain on her cross country and track teams in high school. She said she was also a member of the National Honor Society and worked as a guidance counselor’s assistant and nurse’s assistant at her school.

After graduating, Atkins accepted an ROTC scholarship to the University of Delaware, where she would regularly lead the joint color guard and help train the field training preparation flights.

“I loved being a part of JROTC,” Atkins said. “I had an awesome instructor who pushed me to continue it into college.”

After graduating from college, Atkins left for officer training school. There, she would face various obstacles. One of the biggest, she said, was being underestimated by her peers and instructors. Consequently, she said she worked hard to become the ROTC Iron Woman for fitness excellence.

“I, along with a male, was named the top in fitness out of 350,” Atkins said. “I like to prove people wrong.”

After receiving her commission and completing technical school, Atkins was assigned to MacDill’s 6th Force Support Squadron sustainment services flight. She would later work in readiness and mortuary affairs before finding herself as the SARC.

Seeks to Excel

“Upon my arrival to MacDill, my goal was to be a professional first,” Atkins said. “I came here with the intent to not only improve my leadership, but also my followership and be my personal best for everyone’s benefit.”

Atkins was recently accepted to become an instructor at Officer Training School. She will depart MacDill and head to the course this summer, where she will be evaluated as she leads her first flight.

“I’m super excited, and I hope to keep growing as a leader and a follower,” Atkins said. “I’m going to make sure to put my best foot forward and be an example because, as a friend once told me, ‘Attitude determines altitude.’”

National Guard Helicopters Fight North Dakota Wildfire

By Bill Prokopyk

North Dakota National Guard

BISMARCK, N.D., April 14, 2015 – The North Dakota Army National Guard yesterday launched two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters in support of a request by emergency responders battling a wildfire south of Bismarck, near the residential area of Briardale.

Yesterday, North Dakota Gov. Jack Dalrymple extended an executive order that authorizes the adjutant general to activate North Dakota National Guard resources in support of local and tribal governments fighting wildfires.

The first Black Hawk launched at 3:57 p.m. CST from the Guard’s Army Aviation Support Facility south of the Bismarck airport. The second helicopter launched at 5 p.m.

The Black Hawks are assigned to the Bismarck-based Company C, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment and will use 600-gallon water buckets to help control the wildfire.

The helicopters will scoop water out of the Missouri River and will assist as fuel and flying conditions allow or until the mission is complete.

Malmstrom Airman takes first steps toward commission

by Airman 1st Class Dillon Johnston
341st Missile Wing Public Affairs

4/13/2015 - MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- A 341st Security Forces Squadron member was accepted to the Air Force Academy Preparatory School in Colorado Springs, Colorado, April 6, 2015.

Airman 1st Class Danallen Lee, 341st SFS member, first began his path toward being an officer in October 2014. He aimed to gain admission to the Air Force Academy prep school, an institution which takes enlisted Airmen and grooms them to thrive in the academy. His first hurdle was to gain a recommendation through his chain of command; however, this was not all too daunting.

"Lee's flight commander, 1st Lt. Chad Weaver, brought it to my attention and solicited my support," said Maj. Kelli Green, 341st SFS commander. "Weaver didn't have a hard time convincing me; it was quite clear that Lee was a perfect candidate."

Lee continued to move forward, clearing the different tests and prerequisites the academy laid in front of him.

"There was a pre-questionnaire, I had to do the SAT, and there was a whole application process as well," Lee said. "I had to get my commander's approval, my first sergeant's approval and a letter of recommendation from my commander."

Once the final pieces had been set in place, Lee just had to wait. When he finally got the news, both Lee and his leadership were ecstatic.

"I'm very proud of Lee and his accomplishments to date," Green said. "I know he has the ambition, character, fitness level and know-how to be an incredible officer in the world's most powerful Air Force."

The prep school is a pathway to one of the most prestigious schools on the United States, and although Lee has already made it this far, the 10-month school still has some challenges laid out for him.

"If you mess up, you won't get into the academy," he said. "But as long as you're doing well in the prep school, you should get a spot."

To Lee, the academy is a way to a new start for him, both education and career wise.

"(I hope to get) a good education and a good starting point for the rest of my life.

"I'd like to go into finance, I like money," he joked.

This interest in the financial side of the Air Force spawns from one of his more business-oriented life goals.

"I have this dream of mine," Lee said. "It's to be the CEO of a Fortune 500 company. I hear the academy has one of the best management degrees in the country."

Beyond the educational benefits, Lee believes it will improve him as a supervisor or eventual commander.

"I just want to be a better leader and a better person," Lee said.

With a big challenge and dreams of a grandiose life ahead of him, Lee continues to maintain a humble outlook on life.

"I don't want to be famous," Lee said. "I just want to be a better man."

Weather Airmen help ensure flight safety

by Senior Airman Areca T. Wilson
31st Fighter wing Public Affairs

4/10/2015 - AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- For many, knowing weather conditions before leaving home can make a difference between deciding to wear a jacket or shorts. These concerns pale in comparison to Airmen of the 31st Operations Support Squadron weather flight, who provide information on atmospheric conditions that may impact the pilots operating in the skies.

Aviano's weather forecasters also deliver staff support to the 31st Fighter Wing and act as a liaison to the 21st Operational Weather Squadron for 24/7 base resource protection, during installation closures.

"Weather impacts everything, and we [can't] control it," said U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Aaron Antwine, 31st OSS weather forecaster. "The best we can do is forecast conditions that have the potential to impact operations and provide the information to pilots, planners and leadership to help mitigate Mother Nature's effects."

Weather Airmen help foresee conditions by analyzing high-resolution satellite imagery, using next-generation radar, monitoring upstream observations and gathering information to produce high-quality airspace forecasts. This information is then relayed to pilots for flying missions and is used to issue warnings, watches and advisories for adverse weather conditions affecting Aviano.

Though each period of the year comes with its own challenges, Antwine said the summer months are the busiest.

"Due to Aviano's close proximity to the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, thunderstorms can develop almost every afternoon and last into the evening," he said. "The heavy rain from thunderstorms can prevent pilots from landing on the runway causing them to divert to another airfield. Hail and strong winds can damage aircraft and cause injuries. Our job is to mitigate the effects of these hazards with updates to our pilots and weather warnings for the base."

In addition to unique challenges during each season, Antwine said the main obstacle faced daily is the constantly changing weather.

"Weather is never the same day-to-day. It is similar, but never the same," he said. "Today is a sunny day and tomorrow too, but temperatures, dew points, cloud cover, wind direction or speed or any other number of variables will change."

To provide the best report, Antwine said he and his fellow Airmen maintain situational awareness, remain vigilant in their watch and continue to train, to accomplish the mission.

"We have to be able to tell a pilot when thunderstorms are going to develop over the airfield and how long they will last," he said. "The mission, operations and even lives are dependent on how accurate our forecasts can be."

Chapel offers all of 'RUfit?' domains

by Staff Sgt. Zachary Wolf
65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

4/10/2015 - LAJES FIELD, Azores, Portugal  -- Labored breathing echoes throughout the woods as an Airman takes cover behind a tree while yelling can be heard about the position of friendlies and the enemies. The sun streaks through the trees giving light to the battlefield. One Airman is hit and yells while his teammates flank the opposing team. The first Airman keeps his head down as paintballs whiz by with the objective merely 10 yards away. His task is to get the flag and return to his base with it. He calls for covering fire as he runs up a small tower to grab the flag. He unties it and makes a break for it while calling to his teammates to fire as he dashes towards his base. He makes it back and a whistle is blown ending the game. This was the scene for one of the many games played when the Protestant Men of the Chapel offered a free men's paintball outing in April. With USAFE's continued focus of RUFit?, Airmen may be surprised that the chapel hosted a paintball trip in order to increase physical, social and spiritual resiliency.

"The chapel offers programs that give Airmen the opportunity to socially have fun in a friendly, alcohol-free environment," said Chaplain (Maj.) Kenneth Johnson, 65th Air Base Wing, Wing Chaplain. "We offer game nights, Airmen's lunches and retreats which all fit in the RUFit? model, socially and spiritually. Our men's group recently took over 20 young people on a paintball outing which included lunch, all at no cost to the Airmen. They had clean fun and good fellowship."

Through games, activities and discussions, the chapel is able to reach into the physical and mental domains.

"We support the physical side through retreats and workshops," Johnson said. "The retreats and workshops have a spiritual component, but also often have physical activities and discussions incorporated throughout that will challenge the Airmen in the other domains."

These domains not only benefit the Airmen and their families, but also help chaplains and their staff get their foot in the door and become more approachable.

"We know that we have to meet Airmen where they are and offering the other domains may put them at ease, if the time arises to seek counsel from a chaplain," Johnson said. "It also builds camaraderie, esprit de corps and morale, which all impact the Lajes mission."

The chapel and its programs are often branded with a stigma as only offering the spiritual domain of the RUFit? model. Chaplain Johnson says that it can be a challenge to find creative ways to "de-construct this stigma."

"The fact is, when you look the Chaplain Corp's current strategic priorities from Air Staff, none of them focus on 'chapel base ministry' or spiritual programs," Johnson said. "The strategic priorities have evolved into five areas."

Three primary areas of the five that are focused on here at Lajes are "Warrior care," "Advise leadership" and "Care for the caregivers."

Warrior care is defined as caring for Airmen and their families in operational and training organizations, counseling and support during deployment cycles, and providing religious services and programs as needed.

Advising leadership is a role where the chaplains advise leaders, on all levels, in managing religious affairs within the leader's scope of responsibility. They also give advice on the morale and spiritual welfare of their Airmen and families.

Care for the caregivers is the idea where provision comes in opportunities for self-care and team care for the chapel staff, especially after supporting a traumatic event and reintegration.

The chapel staff has found some innovative ways to offer this resiliency-based program to the Airmen at Lajes.

"We are in a unique position here because we have an authorized industrial kitchen, which opens the door to many activities," Johnson said. "We also can be creative about the activities we provide. We have had retreats on two of the other islands and also have visited the Seven Churches in Turkey."

The chapel continues to look for these innovative ideas and asks for help on what Airmen want to see them offer so they can meet the needs of the Airmen.

"We would like to see future activities designed with the Airmen's input," Johnson said. "On our last trip to San Miguel, many of the Airmen expressed interests in nature walks and hiking as a form of spiritual resiliency. This information is useful in planning for future chapel sponsored activities."

While the chapel offers these programs, chaplains are always there to talk to about anything an Airman may face.

"The chaplains provide privileged communication and is one of the primary ways we provide warrior care and serve our Airmen," Johnson said. "The military member or his or her family member can share privileged communication and it is 100 percent confidential and protected. The member owns the privileged communication and the chaplain cannot share the communication without written consent from the member. I always encourage Airmen to take advantage of the programs the chapel offers, even if he or she does not have a faith background. Most importantly, if by chance there is a life-changing event or you need to speak with someone in confidence, seek your military chaplains, we are here for you."