Obama Salutes ‘Greatest Generation’ on V-E Day Anniversary

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, May 8, 2015 – “The world rejoiced in the hope of peace” upon the Allies’ acceptance of the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany’s armed forces during World War II, President Barack Obama said today, marking the 70th anniversary of the victory in Europe during his weekly address.

“On V-E Day, after the Nazi surrender, people swarmed the streets of London and Paris and Moscow, and the cloud of fear that had hung for so many years finally lifted,” Obama said in his address. “Here at home, from small towns to Times Square, crowds gathered in celebration, singing and dancing with joy.

“There would still be three more months of deadly fighting in the Pacific,” he continued. “But for a few hours, the world rejoiced in the hope of peace.”

Army Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower announced Germany’s surrender with little fanfare, noting simply that the Allies’ mission in Europe was fulfilled, the president said.

But Eisenhower’s message “belied the extraordinary nature of the Allied victory -- and the staggering human loss,” Obama said. “For over five years, brutal fighting laid waste to an entire continent. Mothers, fathers, children were murdered in concentration camps. By the time the guns fell silent in Europe, some 40 million people on the continent had lost their lives.”

Paying Tribute ‘to All Who Served’

Today on V-E Day, “we pay tribute to all who served,” the president said.

“They were patriots, like my grandfather who served in Patton’s Army -- soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines -- and the women of the WACs and the WAVES and every branch,” Obama said. “They risked their lives, and gave their lives so that we, the people the world over, could live free.”

Those who served to secure Allied victory during World War II, the president said, also included the “women who stepped up in unprecedented numbers, manning the home front, and -- like my grandmother -- building bombers on assembly lines.”

The ‘Greatest Generation’

This was the generation, he said, “that literally saved the world -- that ended the war and laid a foundation for peace. This was the generation that traded in their uniforms for a college education so they could marry their sweethearts, buy homes, raise children and build the strongest middle class the world has ever known.

“This was the generation,” the president continued, “that included heroes like the Tuskegee Airmen, the Navajo Code Talkers and the Japanese-Americans of the 442nd Regiment -- and who continued the fight for freedom here at home, expanding equality and opportunity and justice for minorities and women.”

Rededicate to Freedoms

The nation and world “will be forever grateful for what these remarkable men and women did, for the selfless grace they showed in one of our darkest hours,” Obama said. “But as we mark this 70th anniversary, let’s not simply commemorate history. Let’s rededicate ourselves to the freedoms for which they fought.

It’s important for Americans to “make sure that we keep striving to fulfill our founding ideals -- that we’re a country where no matter who we are or where we’re from or what we look like or who we love, if we work hard and take responsibility, every American will have the opportunity to make of our lives what we will,” the president said.

He added, “Let’s stand united with our allies, in Europe and beyond, on behalf of our common values -- freedom, security, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law around the world -- and against bigotry and hatred in all their forms so that we give meaning to that pledge: “Never forget. Never again.”

(Editors note: Although May 8, 1945, marked Germany’s exit from the war, the Japanese Empire would continue to fight on until its surrender in mid-August and the formal signing of the surrender documents Sept. 2, 1945.)

Two-County Bicycle Ride in North Carolina to Benefit Soldiers, Veterans and Military Families

The Army’s Army and Cross Creek Cycling Club team up with Walgreens and Sonic to host fourth annual Ride to Honor

Fayetteville, NC - May 8, 2015 - The Army’s Army, a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) volunteer organization made up of citizens and businesses who have pledged their support to those in the military, will be partnering with Cross Creek Cycling Club (C4) to host the fourth annual Ride to Honor. Taking place on Saturday, May 16th, the 32 and 58-mile bicycle excursion(s) will help raise money for The Army’s Army and provide much needed support for programs, including the Children of the Fallen ProjectTM, a mentoring program for surviving military youth.

The ride, which coincides with Armed Forces Day, is part of the 31 Day Salute, a month-long celebration of performances, exhibits and activities throughout Cumberland County that show appreciation, respect and support for those who serve and have served in the military.

“We are proud to be hosting Ride to Honor as part of Cumberland County’s month-long effort to support our military,” said Janine West, Executive Director of The Army’s Army. “It’s fantastic to see so many diverse parts of the community come together to honor our brave soldiers and veterans, and we’d like to thank all of our partners and sponsors, as well as the many hardworking volunteers who help make this year’s Ride to Honor possible.”

Kicking off at 9:00am from Mendoza Park in Spring Lake, Ride to Honor will lead cyclists along a scenic route traversing Cumberland and Harnett counties. Opening ceremonies begin at 8:30am and will feature remarks by injured North Carolina State Trooper, Humberto Reyna, and his wife, Kay. The American Legion Auxiliary will also be on-hand to serve breakfast. After the race, participants and spectators can relax and enjoy a free lunch, courtesy of Army’s Army partner Sonic, and pick up their 2015 Ride to Honor SWAG bag, sponsored by Walgreens, which will include a cool commemorative t-shirt.

"Organizations like The Army’s Army provide crucial support for programs that benefit our brave servicemen and women, as well as their families," said Mike Thomas of C4. "Collaborating with The Army’s Army for a fourth year on Ride to Honor is our way of honoring troops both in our community and beyond by doing something we love.”

The Ride to Honor registration fee is $50 for all participants, except Wounded Warriors and children under the age of 14, both of whom are invited to ride for free. 




To register online, click here.

Additional information about Ride to Honor can also be found on the event’s Facebook page.

About The Army’s Army:

The Army’s Army is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit volunteer organization made up of citizens and businesses who have pledged their support to those in the military. Dedicated to “watching over those who watch over us©” The Army’s Army strives to make soldiers, veterans and their families feel welcome, appreciated and safe through ongoing community outreach and support initiatives, including the Children of the Fallen ProjectTM, a mentoring program for surviving military youth. For additional information, please visit www.armysarmy.com or www.brieffromthefront.com

About Cross Creek Cycling Club (C4) The goal of C4 is to provide people of all riding abilities the opportunity to ride with an organization that takes great pleasure in the sport of cycling. C4 promotes the continued development of riders young and old and supports the achievement of their personal goals through cycling. Many C4 members, which include both active duty and retired military, volunteer and participate in several other community and charitable events.


On Firebirds' wings: JBER sends humanitarian aid to Nepal

by Air Force Staff Sgt. Wes Wright
JBER Public Affairs

5/8/2015 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICAHRDSON, Alaska -- Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson sent the installation's first round of humanitarian support to the people of Nepal affected by a recent 7.8 magnitude earthquake in the form of a C-17 Globemaster III and support personnel May 1.

The aircraft, from the 517th Airlift Squadron, carried a K Loader and a tire-changing kit, and first stopped in Guam to pick up a contingency response group before continuing to Kathmandu, Nepal.

Additionally, a C-17 from the 517th AS participating in exercise Balikatan in the Philippines began transferring Marine Corps UH-1Y Venom helicopters to help provide airlift support. More support packages from JBER are on standby to be sent as directed by the Department of State.

"The biggest priority is to get some command and control elements into country," said Maj. Travis Kuenzi, 517th AS assistant director of operations. "Also important is getting helicopters there for vertical airlift due to the crowded airfields and rugged terrain."

Initially, the helicopters will be aiding in search and rescue, Kuenzi said. They will be particularly useful as highways have been hard hit by the earthquake and it is hard to get supplies to the smaller villages.

JBER's efforts will assist Joint Task Force 505, already in place in Nepal. According to Air Force officials, the task force brings a variety of capabilities that will help the government of Nepal recover from the disaster as quickly as possible. The focus of support includes search and rescue, airborne SAR, medium helicopter lift support, medium-heavy tilt-rotor support, fixed-wing lift support, as well as medical and logistics enablers.

"It's fairly typical from our perspective," Kuenzi said. "We're trained to go anywhere in the world moving pretty much any kind of cargo you would need. We do that every day. The difference here is the urgency of the situation."

JBER officials said JBER service members stand ready and willing to help when called upon as the needs of the people of Nepal become clear and relief efforts are coordinated.

JBER units (mission partners such as the 3rd Wing, 517th AS, U.S. Army Alaska and Alaska Air National Guard) have a long history of support in humanitarian and disaster relief operations, locally and in the far corners of the globe. JBER pilots, crews, maintainers, logistics and medical personnel train every day to be ready to support when called upon.

One of the units ready to assist is the 673d Medical Group.

"We're prepared to support Nepal and its people in any way we can," said Senior Master Sgt. Nicholas Hoff, 673d Medical Support Squadron medical logistics superintendent. "The medical logistics flight has a variety of medical capabilities that can be deployed along with personnel packages. We can take anything from a small deployable clinic that can treat a certain amount of people for 30 days or we can send a critical care team that allows for transport of critically injured personnel in the air."

The 673d MDSS support elements are structured modularly, allowing them to take equipment packages from one installation and pair it with personnel packages from another installation.

"It gives flexibility and a large scope of expandability to whatever the mission dictates," Hoff said. "There's an almost endless amount of support we can give and my people are very proud and excited to help out the people of Nepal."

The spirit of caring and support was a common theme for personnel involved in the initial support provided to Nepal.

"Even though Alaska is a large community, it's close-knit so it provides some perspective when helping others out all the way across the world," said Staff Sgt. Alyse Denittis, 517th AS C-17 loadmaster. "Someone doesn't have to be physically close to you for you to feel a desire to reach out. It's very rewarding for me. Giving our help when needed, that's what the U.S. Air Force does."

24 hour support for Operation Baltimore Rally

by Tech. Sgt. David Speicher
175th Wing Public Affairs

5/3/2015 - BALTIMORE --
With Operation Baltimore Rally in full swing, many units at Warfield Air National Guard Base are operating on a 24 hour a day basis to accommodate Maryland Air National Guardsmen during the state of emergency in Baltimore.

Master Sgt. Elizabeth A. Hicks, NCOIC Personnel Support for Contingency Operations, has her team from the 175th Force Support Squadron at work. They stood up an in processing station May 1 in the multi-purpose room of the wing headquarters building. It is the focal point for members in processing and going down range.

Hicks said they have checked that members have valid ID cards and dog tags. "We have them fill out a locator card and give them a billeting card. We place them in an arrival status, to use for accountability. Accountability is our number one priority," said Hicks.

To accomplish 24 hour a day operations she is using 16 members working 12 hours on shift and then 12 hours off shift said Hicks.

They processed an initial group of approximately 400 people on Friday in four and a half hours. "We have a good team and we did it," said Hicks. "The whole purpose is to get them in and out as soon as possible."

As of Sunday morning, 416 Airman have been processed.

On the other side of the base, Chief Master Sgt. Richard P. Petrush, 175th Emergency Operations Center manager, started 24 hour a day operations on April 28 at 1 p.m. when they received a warning order of the pending operation.

The EOC supports whatever contingency operation the base supports. They are there to support all Air National Guard assets that support the mission. "We make it happen," said Petrush. The EOC is working with up to 17 people per shift.

Feeding and a place to rest is the responsibility of Senior Master Sgt. Dawn Porter's team. She is the 175th Services superintendent.

"We have fed them through contract feeding. We have bedded them down. We are responsible for the portable showers. We do checks on the generators and the hot water on the showers. We issued MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) to the members that are going to Baltimore City. We have had the dining hall open so troops can play games with the assistance of family support," said Porter.

In addition to the 375 cots on base, services requested another 150 so they would have 525. They set up the cots in the two of the aircraft hangers.

The services group had about 17 Airmen working to keep operations going 24 hours a day.

"These folks train for this, this what they go to school for. It is just a different environment that we have to implement it in. This is the first time a lot of my Airmen have practiced what they were taught." said Porter.

AFMC’s Wingman Intervention program going strong

AFMC's Wingman Intervention program going strong

5/8/2015 - WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- More than a year after it was introduced, Air Force Materiel Command's Wingman Intervention program is still going strong.

"During the spring 2013 Wingman Day, AFMC made a concerted effort to provide its Airmen with the skills and confidence they need to safely intervene when they see fellow Airmen entering into potentially harmful situations, both on and off duty," said Jennifer Treat, AFMC Community Support Coordinator.

To build on that theme, AFMC launched an initiative in the fall of 2013 to capture, acknowledge and highlight real-life instances where Airmen took action to keep themselves and their wingmen safe. The goal of the Wingman Intervention program is to turn those situations -- where personnel recognized at-risk behavior and proactively intervened -- into teachable moments and to encourage similar behavior in others. So far, more than 30 interventions have been highlighted.

"A good wingman stays alert for signs of danger from whatever source -- whether suicide, safety mishaps, alcohol abuse, sexual assault, bullying, medical issues or other difficulties -- and gets involved by knowing their fellow Airmen and assisting when necessary," Treat continued. "We're proud to have so many true wingmen in our command who look out for the welfare of their colleagues and community."

As a recent example of successful wingman intervention, an Airman was volunteering at an off-duty event when he noticed a teenager collapsed, unconscious, and with a blocked airway. The Airman directed a bystander to contact emergency services while he cleared the teenager's airway. The teenager regained consciousness and began breathing, and the wingman monitored his vitals and kept him engaged until an ambulance arrived. At the emergency room, it was discovered that the teenager, a diabetic, had not taken his insulin and was just above a diabetic coma state. The quick thinking of the wingman kept a bad situation from becoming potentially fatal.

In another situation, a supervisor received an email from an employee stating she wouldn't be at work. The supervisor was disturbed by the tone of the message and worried that something was wrong. The supervisor and the commander attempted to reach both the employee and her family members by phone, and when the attempts failed they contacted the Employee Assistance Program. EAP recommended a welfare visit by the county sheriff's department. When the sheriff's department arrived, the employee agreed to check herself into the hospital for help. By staying engaged and being concerned, the supervisor and commander ensured their employee got the help she needed.

In yet another example, a wingman noticed a neighbor's outdoor trash bin on fire. He called the fire department, used buckets of water to extinguish the flames and moved the bin away from the house. The wingman continued to soak the bin -- filled with embers -- with water until the fire department arrived and took over the scene. Thanks to the vigilance of the wingman, no damage was done to the house or yard.

Finally, when an Airman was in shock after the death of her boyfriend in an automobile accident, her supervisor had a co-worker stay with the Airman so she wasn't alone. The compassion of the wingmen in this situation ensured the Airman had a comfortable presence and assistance during a difficult time.

If you become aware of situations in which personnel have recognized at-risk behaviors and proactively intervened, please contact your local Community Support Coordinator.

JBER personnel at Exercise Balikatan help construct schools

b

y Air Force Staff Sgt. Chris Hubenthal
Defense Media Activity

5/8/2015 - PALAWAN, Philippines -- Philippine, U.S., and Australian forces joined barangay, meaning village in Filipino, communities including San Rafael, Santa Lourdes, and Sabang to turn over brand new school buildings to elementary and high schools during exercise Balikatan 2015 April 28 and 29.

This year marks the 31st iteration of the exercise, an annual Philippine-U.S. bilateral military training exercise and humanitarian civic assistance engagement.

Construction of these BK15 humanitarian civic assistance projects started this past March with Santa Lourdes National High School, Sabang Elementary School, San Rafael High School and San Rafael Elementary School each receiving a two-classroom building.

In addition, each site was able to use excess engineering materials to build things such as a basketball court and a perimeter fence to further improve the school grounds.

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Corey Gates of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson's 773rd Civil Engineer Squadron, a heating, ventilation, air conditioning craftsman, helped construct the classroom facility at San Rafael Elementary School and feels a sense of pride after completing the project.

"When we first got here it was a lot of beams and wood with pieces everywhere," Gates said. "To come this far and see a finished product through sweat, blood and everything like that with my brothers from the Philippines is amazing. What this building means to the community is beyond any type of expression that we can explain. This idea of these kids being able to have a better future that we and my Filipino brothers provided them is ... there are no words."

A building marker was unveiled at the end of each ceremony and each classroom was blessed by Armed Forces of the Philippines Father Lt. Col. Bernie E. Lingcong, Western Command command chaplain.

U.S. Marine Maj. Gen. Paul Brier, 4th Marine Division commander, joined AFP leadership and community leaders in San Rafael to cut the ceremony ribbons at their elementary and high school.

Brier also gave his thanks to the barangay of San Rafael for the chance to work shoulder-to-shoulder with the AFP as well as their community.

"We greatly appreciate the opportunity to do this," Brier said. "We look forward to these opportunities in the future."

Rex Restar, Barangay San Rafael Parent Teacher Association president, also shared his appreciation and made a commitment to the AFP, Australian Defence Force, and U.S. forces who enhanced schools in Palawan.

"Let us make a pledge," Restar said. "We will protect and we will maintain these facilities so that it will serve its purpose and that our children will benefit from these facilities."

U.S. Navy Capt. James Meyer, commodore of the 30th Naval Construction Regiment and the exercise's Combined-Joint Civil- Military Operations Task Force commander, said the work the U.S., Philippine, and Australian team accomplished during BK15 will have a long-lasting impact.

"The lives that have been touched will extend well beyond just the people here today or the first group of students to attend class in the new school house here," Meyer said. "It will last for generations to come as we continue to celebrate and leave the legacy behind of what these schools and our friendships represent."

During the ceremonies held in barangay San Rafael, a girl from the elementary school shared her gratitude to everyone who participated in BK15.

"On behalf of the students of the San Rafael Elementary School we give our warmest thanks to BK15 for doing a good job," she said. "It's one of our inspirations to help other people."
Classrooms were also built at Don Joaquin Artuz Memorial Elementary School in Tapaz, Philippines.

Command Sergeant Major targets education

by Airman 1st Class Kyle Johnson
JBER Public Affairs

5/7/2015 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- The Soldier takes aim and aligns his iron sights with his target. All distractions are blurred as he examines his goal with the intensity of an individual determined to succeed. The crack of gunfire penetrates the empty firing range. He's rewarded with the thump of another hit. The next target is 50 meters out, just as its predecessor.

The range spans his entire life, pocked with goals 50 meters apart. Each goal is a step in a journey toward a bigger prize; success.

"I always advise Soldiers to set their goals in 50 meter increments," said Command Sergeant Major Eugene J. Moses, Command Sgt. Maj. of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. "Each target is the goal you want to achieve. After you achieve it, [aim] farther down."

Setting short-term goals allows individuals to make consistent progress toward a larger goal without losing motivation due to slow progress.

Deployments, field training, and changes of station are just some of the unique responsibilities a military service member needs to juggle with their personal life while pursuing an education.

"The most difficult obstacle I've overcome would be achieving personal goals that compete with professional goals [for my time]," Moses said. "Trying to get a degree, go to in-residence classes and online classes, being a father, a husband, a Soldier; it's been challenging."

After 30 years as a combat engineer in the Army, Moses walked across the stage with approximately 40 other college graduates from a variety of different schools and accepted his diploma for a Bachelor's of Science degree in business administration -- four years after actually graduating.

The road to a better education may not be easy or short, but Moses persevered. He said it was definitely worth it, and strongly encourages other service members to do the same.

"Stay on track," Moses said. "Don't lose your focus, don't lose your drive."

Moses actually graduated from college in 2011, but his graduation ceremony was delayed due to his responsibilities as a Soldier and NCO. Shortly after graduating, Moses deployed to Afghanistan and then received orders to a new installation.

Life crept in and for four years, Moses did not have the opportunity to formally be acknowledged for his years of work.

After accepting his ceremonial diploma, Moses took his place with the professors, congratulating each new graduate as they walked across the stage. When the last graduate finished their moment of glory, he resumed his position amongst the graduates in front of the stage.

"When I came in as a private, I said these are the goals I want to accomplish by the time I get out," Moses said. "When you aspire to do something personally, you set the bar at a certain level.

"When you start to see progress, you think, 'This is manageable. I can do this.'"

The military has a diverse toolkit of options for service members to pursue education, both while they are in the service and after separation.

The education centers have counselors dedicated to making sure service members can take full advantage of those options.

That education is not limited to degree programs either; there are several programs that offer financial assistance to pursue skill-related certifications as well.

"You don't want to do 20 years and not have an education to show for it," Moses said. "The military gives you the ability to do that, jump on it."

Moses said the discipline and structure Soldiers are taught can be valuable tools in pursuing a degree. They can utilize Army values to succeed in their personal development and, eventually, civilian employment.

"Soldiers are taught discipline and structure," Moses said. "If you apply that to your education, it'll take you further than you may think."

Moses uses the 50-meter target analogy to stress setting goals. He said the satisfaction each target brings is the driving motivation needed to move on.

Now, with 30 years of service to his country, Moses aligns his sights on a new target.

"I would like to do something in the non-profit area," Moses said.

Crack.

Thump.

Taking a breath after more than 50 years of service

by Airman 1st Class Tammie Ramsouer
JBER Public Affairs

5/7/2015 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHRADSON, Alaska -- An alarm buzzes early in the morning, and a retired Air Force noncommissioned officer reaches over and turns it off; it is the beginning of one of his last days as an instructor for AFJROTC.

After retiring from the Air Force in early 1990, retired Chief Master Sgt. Morris Pickel accepted a job to become the Aerospace Science instructor at the oldest Junior ROTC program in the state of Alaska in July of that same year, but he would not have gotten the job without his military background and education.

"After 30 years' experience in the military and with my extensive military career background, the program organizers decided I was the best candidate to hire," Pickel said.

Alaska was a state Pickel had never lived in before he accepted the job. After telling his wife 'Let's have one last big adventure,' he traveled with his family to the Last Frontier on a 5 year plan that has turned into 25 years and a permanent home.

"Being an instructor and the opportunity to mold teenagers' minds as well as passing on some of my experiences is rewarding," Pickel said.

In his late teens, Chief Pickel made the decision to voluntarily join the military in 1960.

"I joined because I wanted to travel around the world," Pickel said. "When I decided I wanted to join the military, I looked at the Army, [but] they do too much camping out for me, the Marines were too gung-ho and the Navy were around too much water for me to handle. The Air Force looked like it would be a decent job, so I joined."

At the beginning of his career, Pickel was a Morse-intercept operator.

"At the time I had that job, it was all code," Pickel said. "My unit and I would sit and listen to airwaves for any information, just as the National Security Agency does today. We would transcribe it onto a typewriter, but I wasn't fast enough to fully become a human computer, so to say."

Pickel took an opportunity to retrain and become an airborne weapons mechanic.

"I happened to be a weapons specialist, at the time President [John] Kennedy was in office, and started the Air Force Commandos," he said.

In 1961, Kennedy ordered the military to start training airborne warfare specialists, a career field Pickel decided to be a part of.

"I raised my hand and said it sounded like fun," Chief Pickel said. "I was young and dumb, and willing to do anything at that time. It provided me with the opportunity to go through Air Force survival schools and special trainings to prepare for what I would be doing later in my career."

A weapons mechanic checks and tests weapons release and gun systems on various military aircraft.

Pickel spent the next 10 years as an aerial weapons mechanic and helicopter gunner with the 1st, 605th, 24th, 20th and 415th Special Operations Squadrons.

His career led him to multiple deployments throughout the world during times of peace and war. His most memorable time was in Southeast Asia.

"I had missions to Vietnam, which lasted about three years," Pickel said. "I had 350 combat missions there as a crew member on UH-1P helicopters, in which I was extremely lucky."

During Pickel's time as a helicopter crew member, his team was shot down three times but only a few survived.

"At that time, we lost about 75 percent of our crews and helicopters within our organization," Pickel said. "We had 20 helicopters and lost 15. Someone was riding on my shoulder at that time."

After his time in Vietnam, he became a part of the 405th Air Expeditionary Wing at what is known today as Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Ohio, as a crew member on C-130 Hercules and C-118K gunship aircraft.

"I came back from a routine evaluation mission one day, and I decided it wasn't for me anymore," he said. "I was on my 12th time of trying to get my annual certification on a Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar; we landed but it was horrendous. We didn't know if we were going to land or crash. As soon as we landed, I kissed the ground and I cross-trained as soon as I possibly could."

His next 20 years were spent as a professional military education instructor and boom operator on KC-135 Stratotanker and KC-10 Extender aircraft. After his retirement, he joined the AFJROTC program in Alaska, hoping to change his students' outlook on life.

"As an instructor for JROTC, I teach discipline, leadership and followership to the students," Pickel said. "I see a big change; from these kids disrespecting others to making their beds at home and becoming good citizens when they graduate. Once these kids move on from school, I see them from time to time and I get to see as an instructor what I did to help them in the real world."

A previous student of Chief Pickel's, Marine Sgt. Jacobus Blignaut, U.S. Marine Corps Military Entrance Processing Station liaison, had the idea of going to college just like any other high school student.

"I was born and raised in South Africa," Blignaut said. "When I moved here I didn't know much about the U.S. military. I joined AFJROTC because a friend of mine wanted me to do it with him."

Blignaut said he didn't know what to expect going through the course.

"My mentality going into AFJROTC, it was just another class to go through in high school," he said. "After meeting Chief Pickel for the first time, I wanted to be just like him."

Once Blignaut was opened to a world of opportunity, he intended to make a life-changing decision.

"Chief opened my eyes to a whole other world," Blignaut said. "I joined the Marine Corps because it fit my personality better. I believe going through the AFJROTC course with chief as my instructor, it prepared me and helped me become the Marine I am today. The life lessons and leadership skills he gave me have helped me become very successful in my current military career."

Blignaut is one of the many graduating AFJROTC students who have joined the military after graduating from the course.

"These kids are looking for a family, something to join and be a part of," Pickel said. "I tell the parents of my cadets, if you are not engaging your student, someone or something else will and you may not like what it may result into being."

This is Chief Pickel's last school year as an instructor for the West High School JROTC program.

"It was supposed to be a five-year plan, but now it's been 25 years, and I wouldn't change it for anything," Pickel said.

Air Force announces retirement of AFSC commander

Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs

5/7/2015 - WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Air Force officials announced May 7, 2015, the retirement of Lt. Gen. Bruce A. Litchfield, commander of Air Force Sustainment Center, Air Force Materiel Command, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

The general will retire effective June 5, 2015, after 34 years of service.

Litchfield entered the Air Force in 1981 as a distinguished graduate from the ROTC program at Norwich University, Vermont. His career spans diverse logistics and acquisition assignments supporting weapon systems at wing, major command, Air Staff and the Joint Staff levels. He has commanded squadron and group levels in addition to commanding two wings and was the Director of Logistics, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, Hickam AFB, Hawaii. Prior to his current assignment, he was the Commander of the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center at Tinker.

As AFSC commander, Litchfield ensures the Center provides operational planning and execution of Air Force Supply Chain Management and Depot Maintenance for a wide range of aircraft, engines, missiles, and component items in support of AFMC missions. He is responsible for operations which span three air logistics complexes, three air base wings, two supply chain management wings, and multiple remote operating locations, incorporating more than 32,000 military and civilian personnel. In addition, he oversees installation support to more than 75,000 personnel working in 140 associate units at the three AFSC bases.

On Feb. 13, 2015, Air Force officials announced the President's nomination of Maj. Gen. Lee K. Levy II to the rank of lieutenant general with assignment as AFSC commander.

Air Force officials have also announced the assignment of Col. Steven J. Bleymaier -- currently director of staff at AFMC headquarters -- as commander of the Ogden Air Logistics Complex, Hill AFB, Utah.

RAF Mildenhall CDC best in Air Force

by Airman 1st Class Kyla Gifford
100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

5/6/2015 - RAF MILDENHALL, England  -- The RAF Mildenhall Child Development Center was awarded Air Force's best Child Development Program of the Year 2014. Competing against 84 other CDCs across the Air Force was no small challenge, and it took an above and beyond effort of the whole team.

"It's a lot of hard work, a full team effort. What we get rated against is all about the team and having great base support," said Janet Evans, CDC director from Manchester, N.H. "Many of the things we were recognized for involved our leadership backing us. It's the program, yes, but it's also the support of people from the top, down."

The RAF Mildenhall CDC serves over 250 families and about 400 children throughout the year. Staying on top of this evolving environment takes constant work and dedication.

"It's learning how to get creative real quick, and that's what we do," said Evans. "No job is beneath anybody."

Everyone is motivated to be part of the team. The CDC staff is more like a family than co-workers; all of the decisions are made together.

"We come together and we try to think outside the box. What can we do differently? What can we do better? What can we offer up? Getting information from all of our staff and our parents," Evans said.

The family style atmosphere and innovative mindset, coupled with the dedicated and passionate leadership allows the staff to focus on its top priority on the needs of the families and children.

"It's just basically doing the job, but then doing more than the job as well" said Nick Batey, CDC assistant director from Brandon, U.K.

One program that goes above and beyond is the CDCs newest project, the Inclusion Action Program. This program focuses on children with special needs, and working on what care each child needs from the very beginning. It is based on positive communication between the CDC staff, parents and pediatrician to determine how to provide a more comfortable environment for their child.

"It's been a really impressive success," said Batey. "It's just nice to know that when the family leaves we've done something for both the child and the parent. Watching them grow and develop in the program is amazing."

Other programs offered by the CDC are: the Pre-Kindy program, Month of the Military Child events, job shadow days and quarterly parent workshops. All of these programs are dedicated to making the best environment possible for the children.

The RAF Mildenhall CDC will also host a U.K. conference in September. This gives families and staff from around the U.K. and Europe the opportunity to interact with helping agencies and attend classes. Classes that will be offered include toddler potty training, working with children with challenging behaviors and professional development classes for entry level teachers. The conference will also allow the opportunity for the CDC staff to grow in their leadership skills and education within childcare.

"We have to have the space to meet the needs of the community, make it affordable for everybody and make sure we are licensed and accredited," explains Evans. "But most importantly we ask ourselves every day: what did you do to go above and beyond for the families and the base? These are the reasons our program is successful; the families always come first."