Programs demonstrate holiday generosity

by Dave Smith
21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer

11/16/2015 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The arrival of the holiday season presents not only opportunities to receive, but to give as well. Two programs on Peterson Air Force Base stand out in providing ways to do both.

Angel trees, coordinated through the Peterson AFB Chapel, are sponsored by various groups and located in six spots around the base. The Santa Shop is operated through the Airman's Attic and located in their shop at building 1525 across from the R.P. Lee Youth Center.

Both programs aim to help fill in the gaps for families in need, whether it is due to a rough time financially, temporary duty assignment or some other reason. Chaplain (Capt.) Jessica Werner said many people are familiar with the Angel trees and have participated in various versions, so they already have some knowledge about what is taking place.

"It's to give the kiddos stuff and things they might need," she said.

The Santa Shop is similar in its focus. Shoppers at the Airman's Attic get to make an additional trip to the Santa Shop to select gifts for their children. This visit is above the once per week trip allowed to the Airman's Attic. Each shopper is allowed one trip and one gift per child.

During the year staff at the Airman's Attic watch for new and almost new items that can be used as a child's Christmas gift and they are set aside for the Santa Shop. Shoppers are told when they arrive at the store they can go into the Santa Shop, a back room at the store. Shoppers sign in and are assisted by a staff volunteer as they go around the room selecting gifts. Two shoppers at a time can visit the shop, and when they are finished staff will come and get the next person in line. That system helps get more people through the Santa Shop said Rackel Haskell, Airman's Attic volunteer manager.

Gifts include things like Wii and PlayStation game consoles and families can pick up extra items like stocking stuffers and wrapping paper as bonuses. Most items are for early teens and younger Haskell said. The Santa Shop is open to E-5 and below, with children, who are normally eligible to use the facility. Santa Shop will open Nov. 30 and run until there are no gifts left, usually about two weeks.

Angel trees are operated in near anonymity, said Master Sgt. Scott Devine, 21st Space Wing superintendent of chapel operations, and participation is open to anyone who is associated with Peterson AFB. Information about those submitted to receive gifts is given to either the chapel or to one's first sergeant. The name, gender, age, wants, needs and sizes are required. Names will be left off of the angels when placed on trees to preserve anonymity. Items area delivered to recipients by the first sergeants or by chapel staff.

"There is still a stigma," Devine said about receiving gifts from the Angel trees. "We are trying to get rid of the stigma. It's an opportunity to give back. The leadership at the command bases wants to give back to the Airmen on the base. It is their opportunity to show appreciation and give back during the holiday season."

Angels are removed from trees and the information on them is used as a guide to giving gifts. There is no limit as to how many angels can be taken. For example a family may each wish to take an angel or someone may wish to take more than one, which is acceptable. When gifts are purchased they should be brought unwrapped to the chapel.

Anyone can be submitted to receive Angel tree gifts regardless of rank or connection to the base. For children submitted to receive gifts there is an age limit of 17 years old.
Some Angel trees are already in place with angels on them and all six will be ready by Nov. 20. They're located at the chapel, building 350, the physical fitness center, Air Force Space Command headquarters, NORAD/ NORTHCOM headquarters and the Base Exchange. The program runs until Dec. 11.

About 30 angel submissions have been made already, but they would like to have more, Werner said.  Gifts should be dropped off at the chapel no later than Dec. 14. Donations of wrapping paper are needed as well.

"During this time of year people have a heart to give. For the most part a lot of people give out of generosity. It is a joy to give," Werner said.

"We do it as much for us as for them because we get such a kick out of it," said Sandra Trean, donation lead at the Airman's Attic.

A grasshopper's final hop

by Senior Airman Zachary Cacicia
436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

11/17/2015 - DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- From a storage facility in Ohio to a museum in Delaware, a piece of U.S. Air Force heritage has a new home.

A C-17A Globemaster III, operated by the 3d Airlift Squadron, 436th Airlift Wing, transported a Taylorcraft L-2M "Grasshopper" aircraft from storage at the National Museum of the United States Air Force on Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, to the Air Mobility Command Museum on Dover AFB, Delaware, Nov. 13, 2015.

"It was somewhat nostalgic," said Lt. Col. Brian Moritz, 3d AS director of operations. "To know that someday I'll be able to take my kids to the AMC Museum and show them a plane that I helped bring to Dover."

To get the "Grasshopper" to Dover AFB, Mike Leister, AMC Museum director, and Jon Andrews, AMC Museum volunteer, travelled with the C-17 and its aircrew to accomplish this mission. The aircrew was comprised of Moritz; Maj. Paul Schimpf, 3d AS pilot; Maj. Michael Arnold, 3d AS assistant director of operations; Master Sgt. David Grant, 3d AS instructor loadmaster/training and tactics flight chief; Airman 1st Class Taylor Trapp, 3d AS loadmaster; Tech. Sgt. Yajairo Calderon, 736th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron flying crew chief; and Staff Sgt. Nathaniel Mathis, 736th AMXS flying crew chief.

Andrews retired from the Air Force as a senior master sergeant with 24 years of experience as a loadmaster on the C-5 Galaxy, the C-130 Hercules and the C-141 Starlifter.

"This is actually a very easy load," said Andrews. "Its wings have been taken off and palletized, and the actual fuselage of the airplane is on its own landing gear."

An empty L-2M weighs 900 pounds. With the wings removed from the fuselage, the loadmasters were able to push the L-2M off of the K-Loader into the cargo bay of the C-17.

For Andrews, this was a meaningful experience.

"Well this is my first flight on a C-17, so just that part alone was amazing," he said. "Even more, this is with my old squadron (3d AS); I'm tickled."

The AMC Museums falls under the umbrella of the Air Force Field Museums system and is guided by the National Museum. The National Museum has an L-2M already on display in its World War II Gallery, so this L-2M was an extra placed in storage. According to Leister, he believes this L-2M has been in storage at the National Museum for more than 20 years.

"This museum system is set up that if they already have an airplane in storage or at a place where it is not being taken care of, they'd rather give us that airplane than us going out and getting another one," Leister explained. "This is how the AMC Museum received this L-2M."

The Taylorcraft L-2M "Grasshopper" was used during World War II as a trainer for U.S. Army Air Forces glider pilots.

"Amongst other things, it was used to train glider pilots who were being groomed to fly cargo gliders into combat," said Leister. "But you didn't want to start them out with the big cargo glider."

Leister explained that a glider pilot trainee and an instructor would take the L-2 up to a certain altitude on its own engine power. They would then cut the engine to practice deadstick maneuvering and landing.

The WACO CG-4A Glider is one of the gliders that these pilots would go on to fly during the war. An example of a restored one is currently on display at the AMC Museum.

"We stick very closely to our mission, which is 70 percent airlift and air refueling history, 20 percent Dover Air Force Base history and 10 percent general Air Force history," Leister said.

Because it was used to train glider pilots, it fits within the AMC Museum's mission of preserving airlift and air refueling history.

"One of the joys of getting a new airplane is discovering its history," Leister said.

As of now, the exact provenance of this L-2 is unknown.

"We have to get the ID plate off of it and then do a research check," explained Leister. "We didn't want to bother the Air Force Museum with trying to find it; but we know how to do that research. We've done it on every other airplane that we've gotten."

Furthermore, prior to seeing the L-2 for the first time at Wright-Patterson AFB, Leister had no real knowledge of the exact condition the aircraft was in. All he really knew is that it is missing its propeller. Knowing this, the AMC Museum has already found a replacement, with restoration work already being conducted on it.

"They (National Museum) told us the aircraft is in good condition," said Leister. "

Leister explained that complete examination and evaluation will be conducted by the AMC Museum's restoration team.

"Front to back; inside and out, anything that needs to be fixed, will be fixed," he said.

Once the restoration work is complete and proper suspension mounts are fabricated, the L-2M "Grasshopper" will be hung from the AMC Museum's hangar ceiling for permanent public display.

For additional information on the AMC Museum, please visit their website at www.amcmuseum.org or call (302) 677-5939.

Injured Army Captain Makes Transition to Civilian Life

By Cody Starken DoD News Features, Defense Media Activity

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas, November 18, 2015 — Before former Army Capt. Gregory David Estevez removed his uniform for the last time, the Army worked to ensure he was able to achieve a stable return to civilian life.

Estevez, who’d served as an operations officer for the Joint Base San Antonio Warrior Transition Battalion, sustained injuries during his service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

It can take time, sometimes months or even years, before wounded service member can make the transition from military to civilian life. Estevez credited the success of his transition on many things, including in-depth treatment, his family, physical therapy and an upbringing that emphasized the value of hard work.

Headquarters Company

Estevez began his transition at the transition battalion’s headquarters company, where he was greeted and registered. Registration is a significant step in the transition process because it marks the point where the healing journey begins.

“Soldiers in-process with our unit and there’re a lot of appointments that are scheduled to develop their plan for treatment based on their injury,” said Army Capt. Randal W. Maurer, commander of the Warrior Transition Battalion. “Once that plan of care is developed, they will go to the line company based on their injuries. They will continue their treatment, eventually allowing them to return to the Army or transition into the civilian world.”

Estevez worked with Army, civilian and contractor staff during his transition, and Opal J. Charles, the warrior transition liaison, served as the link between Estevez and his family when they needed the support. Charles works with different organizations to provide support services to the families of the wounded and helps families who work and cannot take time off.

“My position is between the government and the community and non-profits,” Charles said. “I provide all the things the family [needs] that is not a traditional benefit to these families through the government.”

Case Managers

Georgeann Jackson is an assigned nurse case manager whose responsibilities include receiving and analyzing each case to ensure that every service member obtains the proper care. This can be a challenge, because military personnel are sometimes not forthright about everything that may be affecting their recovery, she said.

“We have to listen to the service member, and try to find out what they are not talking about to determine their true problems. We want to bring that to the forefront of the conversation so that we can treat their ailment,” Jackson said.

Estevez met throughout his transition with Jackson to talk. She conducted an interview with him every time they sat down to discuss recurring or new ailments that might have emerged since their last meeting.

“She is great, and very well-respected among the soldiers, to include the staff,” Estevez said. “Sometimes patients are stubborn, but I will admit it -- I am too. She is the checks and balances in the system and says, ‘Hey you need to see this doctor or take this physical therapy.’”

“We have to know as much as possible about the patient. We include the family, and the spouse. Everything is included,” Jackson said.

Sports Therapy

The Warrior Transition Battalion provides different types of physical therapy treatments and practices, including track and field exercises, archery and swimming. The activities provide transitioning soldiers with outlets to cope with some of their physical and mental challenges. Through the interviews and counseling, Estevez chose horseback riding as one of his physical therapy treatments at the WTB.

“We have to groom the horses before we put the tack and saddle on them. We take them out for a ride, but we then have to take the equipment off the horses and bathe them before returning them back to the stable, “Estevez said. During the ride, however, he focuses on the muscle areas he needs to strengthen.

“It is better than going to the gym [and] doing the same routine,” Estevez said.

These programs are available to all soldiers who come through the WTB. The organization provides these activities at no cost and provides all the necessary supplies.

BOS-I makes 74th EFS mission possible

by Andrea Jenkins
23d Wing Public Affairs

11/16/2015 - Amari Air Base, Estonia  -- From the combat-communications technicians who keep the communication lines open to the Security Forces Airmen who stand guard at the edge of the flight line --much of the work they do is behind the scenes.

Known to everyone as BOS-I -- fifty-three Airmen from 18 different Air Force specialty codes make up the Base Operations Support-integrating and their functions are essential to the 74th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron's mission.

"Every detail of the mission accomplished every day is made possible by our BOS-I team," said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Bryan France, 74th EFS commander. "From infrastructure to logistics to force protection, our mission moves forward daily because of them. It's difficult not to over-simplify the intricate detail in which they are involved."

The BOS-I team is made up of Airmen whose functions would normally fall under the umbrella of a mission support group at their home station.

"BOS-I is essentially a deployed version of the mission support group," said U.S. Air Force Capt. David Martin, BOS-I officer-in-charge. "It includes Airmen from squadrons like security forces, combat communications, force support, logistics readiness, contracting and civil engineering. Every element is needed to make the base operate, keep the mission functioning and make the expeditionary mission happen."

"We're responsible for everything from refueling the jets, to guarding them, to securing lodging for the pilots and Airmen who fly and maintain those aircraft," added Martin, a logistics readiness officer deployed from RAF Lakenheath, UK. "I would say we are the lifeblood that supports the ability for maintainers and operators to function out here. Everything that is not directly fixing the aircraft or flying the aircraft--it's us. And I think that's pretty cool."

The 74th EFS is deployed as part of a theater security package in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve and since arriving in Estonia, the BOS-I team have organized and arranged movement of over 112 tons of cargo and 240 pilots and maintenance Airmen to three separate locations throughout Europe.

The support personnel needed to execute the BOS-I mission were sourced from a pool of USAFE Airmen stationed at five different bases around Europe.

"We put a lot of responsibility on each individual in BOS-I," said Martin. "Some of these career fields are one deep so they are responsible for everything that has to do with that function. For example, the CE individual who was here by himself for the first few weeks built a wall while he worked on surveys and figuring out the fire department and EOD needs. So each individual within our team has a lot of pressure on them to be the experts in their field."

The players of the BOS-I team cannot take all the credit for their success as the team chief recognizes some of the work wouldn't be possible without their Estonian counterparts.

"We work very closely with the Estonians and they are an absolutely fundamental part of what we do here," said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Denise Beirman, BOS-I team chief. "Each one of our BOS-I offices has an Estonian contact that we meet with almost daily. They are an integral part to our mission and we have not run into one issue that they haven't worked hand-in-hand with us to make a success. They have been phenomenal in helping us make this mission happen."

Everyone on the team agrees that teamwork is essential to the mission and working with the Estonians is only adding to the legacy of the Flying Tigers.

"Being a part of a unit that has such a rich history like the 74th EFS and knowing that we are enabling that unit to continue being an important assurance for our NATO allies is rewarding," said Martin. "It's just great to be here working alongside the Estonians making sure we support them the best way we can while continuing the legacy of the world famous Flying Tigers."

Although the BOS-I Airmen make up less than 15 percent of the 74th EFS team, the commander welcomes them to the team and recognizes they are vital to mission success.

"We couldn't have this deployed theater security package operation without the experts of our BOS-I team," said France. "These Airmen are the nervous system of our expeditionary fighter squadron and I am honored to have them on the Flying Tiger team."

Face of Defense: Boxer Fights for Country, Friends

By Army Staff Sgt. Dee Jackson, 108th Training Command DoD News Features, Defense Media Activity

CHARLOTTE, N.C., November 17, 2015 — In 2015, Army Capt. Boyd “The Rainmaker” Melson became the World Boxing Council’s U.S. junior middleweight champion.

Melson, an Army reservist assigned to the 1st Mobilization Support Group in Fort Totten, New York, also is a U.S. Military Academy graduate, a four-time U.S. Army champion and a three-time National Collegiate Boxing Association all-American boxer who strives to live the Army values every day.

The captain said he started his boxing career at West Point, and that in 2002, he became friends with someone who went on to inspire him to help raise awareness about chronic spinal cord injuries.

“We formed an extraordinary bond, and her dream to walk again became my ultimate dream in this world,” Melson said. “Although it started with her, and she remains the bedrock for my inspiration, ending [her] suffering is a large part of my inspiration.” Melson’s efforts are focused on fundraising for research and trial experiments.

‘This is True Service’

Determined to make a difference, Melson elevated his boxing hobby to a more competitive level, earning more money for his fights, and he donates 100 percent of his winnings to spinal cord injury research and awareness.

“Boyd has given of himself, in a way no one else has,” said Dr. Wise Young, director of the W.M. Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience in New Jersey. “This is true service, service to human kind and he’s doing it because he really cares.”

Melson gives to a charity called Justadollarplease.org, a nonprofit organization that raises money for the first U.S. spinal cord injury umbilical cord stem cell trials. Headed by Young, this trial aims to help people with spinal cord injuries regain some movement in their extremities.

Melson said he will continue boxing in hopes of one day helping his longtime friend to walk again. “I need my friend to walk,” he said. “She still can’t, and when she does, that’s when I’ll have my moment. That’s all that matters.”

Team Fight to Walk

Melson and his longtime friend have also started Team Fight to Walk, in hopes of increasing awareness of the need for clinical trials in the United States with the purpose of curing spinal cord injuries.

“The impact that he’s having on lives, to have the vision to say I’m going to donate 100 percent of my purses to charity is unbelievable” said Army Col. Chris Hart, the U.S. Military Academy’s boxing coach. “What a leader of character for our nation, and he’s a young captain in the U.S. Army Reserve.”

With each step in the ring, each punch he receives and each round he goes, Melson said, he knows that he is one step closer to getting a treatment for spinal injuries.

“We all share this planet, so hold on to a vision in your head that you want for yourself with a grip that a mother would hold on to her baby if someone were trying to take [it],” he said. “Hold on to it until you die, because although a storm is gigantic, there was that first raindrop that began that storm of change.”

Maj. Gen. Cotton takes command of 20th Air Force

by Lan Kim
90th Missile Wing Public Affairs

11/17/2015 - F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. -- Maj. Gen. Anthony J. Cotton took command of 20th Air Force and Task Force 214 during a ceremony here, Nov. 16, 2015.

Continuing the legacy and leadership put forth by his predecessor, Cotton will lead the men and women of the 20th AF and U.S. Strategic Command's TF 214. Twentieth Air Force is responsible for maintaining and operating the Air Force's three intercontinental ballistic missile wings and nuclear operations support wing at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico.

As a task force, these units provide the President of the United States with a quick-reacting and highly reliable strategic missile force. These forces are dispersed in hardened silos across the nation's central tier and are based at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming; Malmstrom AFB, Montana; and Minot AFB, North Dakota.

Prior to his current assignment, Cotton served as the National Reconnaissance Office deputy director. He began his military career as a missileer at Minot AFB's 91st Missile Wing, and later went on to serve in joint assignments and leadership positions within space operations. He also served as vice commander and commander of the 341st Missile Wing at Malmstrom AFB.

A formation of more than 150 Airmen witnessed the symbolic gesture of passing the command flag that recognizes the age-old military tradition signifying the continuity of command and authority to all those present -- the flag further represents the loyalty and trust of the Airmen in their commander.

"I am truly humbled by the opportunity to lead the Airmen charged with providing one-third of our nation's nuclear deterrent capability to U.S. Strategic Command," Cotton said.

Gen. Robin Rand, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command and presiding officer of the 20th Air Force change of command, praised the Airmen who comprise America's ICBM force.

"Twentieth Air Force has an amazing legacy and has enjoyed the leadership of renowned historical figures, now joined by Maj. Gen. Anthony Cotton," Rand said. "As part of the Global Strike family, General Cotton is taking the lead of an amazing group of Airmen charged with the tremendous responsibility of maintaining a vital leg of our nation's nuclear triad. These Airmen are innovative; they are hard-charging; and they are devoted to bringing our nuclear deterrence capabilities into the future as an unmatched, long-range strategic force. I know he will continue to uphold this amazing legacy and lead the Airmen of the 20th into an even greater future."

U.S. Navy Adm. Cecil Haney, U.S. Strategic Command commander and presiding officer for the TF 214 change of command, focused on the capability Cotton will provide to USSTRATCOM and the nation.

"Our nation is blessed to have Anthony Cotton take the helm of 20th Air Force and Task Force 214. He comes with an impressive resume, packed with extensive leadership and operational experience. Tony is known for being clear in expectations, fair in decisions and always giving accurate and calm feedback," Haney said.

"There should be no doubt as to the credibility and reliability of our nuclear triad, with our ICBMs being the most responsive leg," said Haney. "I am pleased to have Lt. Gen. Cotton leading the world's best ICBM force and I am positive that you will continue the momentum Jack Weinstein has set in motion."

Cotton thanked Haney and Rand with entrusting him with the confidence and leadership to take command of TF-214 and 20th AF.  As he viewed the formation he spoke to how proud and humbled he was to be part of the AFGSC family.

"Global strike and deterrence represents the core of America's defense posture since the end of World War II," said Cotton. "Our responsibilities to that continuing mission represent the greatest trust our nation can place in any of its citizens. I am humbled for the opportunity to help support that mission."

Cotton reiterated his priorities and galvanized his newly appointed command to stay true to the dedication necessary to keep a safe, secure, and effective nuclear force.

"I am very proud of my ICBM heritage and look forward to working with our Nation's finest" stated Cotton. "I'm glad to be home! Marsha and I also look forward to working with the incredible communities in Cheyenne, Albuquerque, Minot and Great Falls."

Weinstein took time to thank the Airmen of 20th AF and TF 214 for the commitment to excellence he had seen from them during his tenure, "The positive changes across the ICBM force over the past two years are proof-positive of our Airmen's dedication to the mission and their steadfast commitment to improve our combat capability."

Weinstein will be promoted to lieutenant general and serve as the Air Force's Assistant Chief of Staff for Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration.