Maintenance innovation has potential to save time, money

by Master Sgt. Daniel Butterfield
302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

6/6/2013 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Rocks kicked up when landing a C-130 on unimproved runways can damage the fuselage of the aircraft. To combat this problem, maintainers in the 302nd Maintenance Group here began putting tape on the plane's belly.

In January, they took another step by applying protective tape to the forward landing gear in an effort to extend the life cycle of the struts and in turn save the Air Force money in repair costs.

"The tape was originally approved to help prevent rock damage from unimproved landing strips. The landing gear takes as much or more impact from rocks. We want to prevent as much damage as possible to the main landing gear by applying the tape," said Senior Master Sgt. William Harris,  fabrication flight chief in the 302nd Maintenance Squadron.

According to Harris, the main landing gear struts cost about $100,000 each and are rated for a four-year lifespan. Getting that much service out of the landing gear struts is rare because of the aircraft frequently deploy to Southwest Asia.

Two years is a more realistic life expectancy of the parts. Harris believes the protective tape will extend the life of the parts to four years and save money by reducing the frequency of replacements.

"To replace a single strut, it takes a two-person team from the Repair and Reclamation section eight hours. That does not take into account all of the scheduling, hangar time and down time that pulls an aircraft off the flying schedule," Harris said.

The tape is an industrial product made of 36 mm thick abrasion resistant polyurethane elastomeric that resists punctures, tearing and erosion. It comes in a 24-inch by 36-yard roll which is enough to cover 108 struts. It is easy to apply and creates no hazardous air pollutants.

The estimated cost of materials and labor to install the tape on one strut is $100. Unless punctured by rocks, the tape remains in place until the complete serviceable life of the strut. If there is a hole in the tape, maintenance will remove it and then inspect the strut. The tape does not have a designated or set lifespan.

The 302nd MXG has approval from the C-130 Systems Engineering Program Office to apply the tape to the forward struts of aircraft tail No. 7319.

Maintainers will inspect the struts after the first and 10th unimproved runway landing to evaluate the success of the procedure. If successful, the program office will determine the feasibility of adding the tape to the aircraft's rear struts, as well as other aircraft.

"The only issue is that the tape can only be installed on new struts," Harris said. "If it was applied on struts with existing damage, we would only be covering up issues and could result in future mishaps."

Col. James Van Housen, 302nd MXG commander, said: "This operational test is the result of an idea that originated here in the 302nd from our own mechanics and took steadfast determination to bring it to fruition. The first-class care we give our aircraft is not just aimed at extending their life span, but at making ours the best fleet of C-130s in the Air Force."

27th SOG welcomes new commander

by Senior Airman Jette Carr
27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

6/3/2013 - CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M.  -- Col. Sean M. Farrell, former senior program analyst at the Pentagon, assumed command of the 27th Special Operations Group during a change of command ceremony at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., May 31.

Col. Buck Elton, 27th Special Operations Wing commander, presided over the ceremony in which Col. William West relinquished command of the 27th SOG to Farrell. West has been re-assigned to Hurlburt Field, Fla., where he will become the 1st Special Operations Wing commander.

"This operations group is the tip of the spear -- heavily-tasked, heavily-deployed and completely committed to taking the fight to the enemy, while providing precise and reliable specialized airpower to our joint and combined force," said Elton. "I have known Farrell for a long time and I am absolutely confident that he is the perfect choice to lead this diverse and challenging group."

Farrell isn't a stranger to Air Force Special Operations Command. He commanded the 16th Special Operations Squadron at Hurlburt Field from January 2008 through July 2009. While flying the AC-130H Spectre gunship, C-130E Hercules, AC-130W Stinger II and the EC130H Compass Call, he accumulated more than 3,400 flight hours.

Farrell has been awarded several accommodations such as the Distinguished Flying Cross with "V" Device, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters, and the Aerial Achievement Medal with three oak leaf clusters.

During the ceremony, Farrell addressed the Air Commandos under his command, informing them of his expectations.

"Leadership is never constant," Farrell said. "Faces change at the top, but what does not change is the obligation and duty to execute and to be prepared to undertake the full spectrum of specialized air operations to support our nation's objectives.

"The operations group combat experience and expertise is at an all-time high," he explained. "We will need to leverage that experience to field new weapon systems, modify and improve TTPs [tactics, techniques and procedures], and plan to meet the next threat over the horizon. This can only be accomplished with a disciplined, well-trained and highly-motivated team. That is our mark -- that is your charge."

Keeping service in perspective

Commentary by Chief Master Sgt. James Powell
97th Medical Group

6/10/2013 -  ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. (AFNS) -- If you were approached by a co-worker, civilian or family member and asked the question, "Why do you serve?" What would your answer be? How would you internalize what you do for the Air Force to the point where you could answer that seemingly simple question?

Over the past several years, I've heard the full array of reasons from the events of 9/11 to family traditions. It wasn't until the sequestration events during this past spring, specifically the suspension of tuition assistance, that I thought harder about the reasons why we serve.

Let me start by saying that I am not against tuition assistance or any other benefit that the Air Force has given us. I personally have benefited from the use of TA and believe that our Air Force reaps the rewards from members who have taken the initiative to further their education. I bring up this subject because the news about terminating TA seemed to have invoked an enormous response and I wanted to try and put some things into per spective.

As Air Force members, we sometimes have a tendency to take things for granted. We have no problem when the first and the 15th of the month come around and our paycheck is waiting for us in the bank. We have grown to expect that. When we take a look at our leave and earnings statement, we see different benefits such as housing allowance or subsistence allowance and maybe even some type of special-incentive pay that is unique to our particular job or career field. Most of those benefits remain largely intact during this fiscal crisis.

Many of us have gone over to the clinic and received treatment and medications that would've been very costly if we had to procure this treatment in the civilian sector on our own dime. I didn't see much effect on these benefits either.

While not every temporary duty or permanent change of station assignment was perfectly timed or to the perfect location, we found some type of benefit whether it was the opportunity to travel or the associated allowances we received from being relocated for a period of time. In regards to TDYs, this area definitely saw some adjustments and some heartburn but nowhere on the level I saw with the discontinuance of TA.

This revocation happened in the wake of post 9/11 education benefits, various scholarships offered through professional organizations and Pell Grants. Also, local colleges were working with members to make special arrangements to ease the financial burden.

I truly don't think members serve simply for the education benefits, despite the fact that there were many who made comments to the contrary. I can't tell you how many indicated that they were planning to separate just because this one benefit was on the verge of disappearing. I can happily report that I did not see one individual who made such a threat log onto the Virtual Military Personnel Flight and start the separation process.

I am convinced there are different attitudes toward serving, such as education benefits or sense of family, patriotism or job security. I use the word "attitudes" because they are subject to change. We can all attest that we have taken a certain position or attitude toward something one minute and in the next, it can be swayed to change. Hence why I didn't see one person who said they joined the Air Force merely for the education benefits try to separate when TA was not available.

This led me to believe that in actuality we all serve for the same purpose, which can be summarized by one word: commitment. We all took an oath of service upon enlistment and during reenlistment. Did that oath say anything about serving for the promise of getting medical or educational benefits? Does it even say anything about pay and allowances or patriotism? The obvious answer is no.

Our oath uses words such as "support and defend" and "obey," all of which require commitment. Commitment requires a deep inner conviction and an obligation that is not limited to any one individual. Our commitment encompasses our Air Force, our families and our nation. When we can acknowledge that the reason we serve is because of our commitment, we set aside our individual attitudes towards a particular benefit or belief and take up a cause that is much bigger than any one of us combined.

Hopefully we can all take a step back when asked the question why we serve and say that it wasn't because of a particular benefit or promise. As we have seen, as fiscal environments change, so too can benefits. So let us keep our perspective of our commitment to "serve and defend" and sustain our Air Force as the most commanding power on the face of the earth.

Who will be AETC King of the Hill?

by Tech. Sgt. Beth Anschutz
Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs

6/10/2013 - JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas -- A new game focused on the Air Education and Training Command's Cost Conscious Culture initiative is adding a fourth "C" to C3 - competition.

King of the Hill, an online game in which AETC members can vote for their favorite AETC C3 ideas, will debut June 10 and run for 42 days. Each day two cost-saving ideas will compete against each other for votes. At the end of the game, the voter who chooses the winning idea the most will be named King of the Hill.

"The Airmen and civilians of AETC have submitted so many great ideas since the inception of the C3 initiative and this is a great way to showcase those ideas and receive feedback," said Lt. Col. Michael Clark, AETC Command Action Group Director. "We can only get better with more participation; the more input we receive to improve the way we train, recruit and educate, the better AETC will be."

Here's how it works. Airmen and AETC civilians log into the King of the Hill site with their Common Access Card and pick their respective base from a drop down menu. The CAC login allows AETC to track individual votes and base participation. Two ideas will appear in boxes and after a quick read of the descriptions, voters can choose which idea they like the most.
The ideas will compete for 24 hours and each voter gets one vote during that time. Ideas will face double elimination, allowing them to compete at least twice. The game will track per voter, the accuracy of selecting the same ideas that end up winning each day, throughout the game. At the end of the game, the voter with the most winning votes will be named King of the Hill. Additionally, the AETC base or organization with the highest participation by percentage of its population will win the Organizational King of the Hill title.

The site also contains links to other C3 resources where Airmen can submit cost-saving ideas and read more about the initiative.

"This game is designed to spread the C3 message, share ideas and solicit feedback on those ideas. The site will also serve as an avenue for new idea submissions and a feeder to other C3 resources," Clark said. "Our main goal is awareness for the C3 initiative."

The King of the Hill game is accessible through the AETC Financial Management C3 portal or by visiting: https://www-r.aetc.af.mil/sc/c3/wp/main.asp. Voting opens June 10.

Obama, Xi Agree North Korea Must Denuclearize

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 9, 2013 – During their two-days of informal talks in Rancho Mirage, Calif., that concluded yesterday, President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jingpin agreed that North Korea must denuclearize, and that the United States and China will work together to resolve cybersecurity and other issues, National Security Advisor Tom Donilon told reporters in Palm Springs, Calif., yesterday.

“I’d say at the outset that the President had very good discussions in an informal atmosphere, uniquely informal atmosphere, with President Xi over the last two days,” Donilon told reporters. “The discussions were positive and constructive, wide-ranging and quite successful in achieving the goals that we set forth for this meeting.”

A specific goal of the talks, Donilon said, was “to build a personal relationship between the President and President Xi, and have an opportunity not under the pressure of being on the margins of another multilateral meeting to really sit down and explore the contours of the U.S.-China relationship.”

During dinner on June 7, Obama and Xi “had a lengthy discussion about North Korea,” Donilon said. China, he added, has taken a number of steps in recent months to send a clear message to North Korea, including through enhanced enforcement of sanctions and through public statements by the senior leadership in China.
Obama and Xi “agreed that North Korea has to denuclearize; that neither country will accept North Korea as a nuclear-armed state; and that we would work together to deepen U.S.-China cooperation and dialogue to achieve denuclearization,” Donilon said.

Obama also emphasized to President Xi “that the United States will take any steps that we need to take to defend ourselves and our allies from the threat that North Korea presents,” he added.

“The two sides stressed the importance of continuing to apply pressure both to halt North Korea's ability to proliferate and to make clear that its continued pursuit of nuclear weapons is incompatible with its economic development goals,” Donilon said. “The discussions on this issue, I believe, will allow us to continue to move ahead and work in a careful way in terms of our cooperation to work together to achieve our ends.”

The bottom line, Donilon said, “is I think we had quite a bit of alignment on the Korean issue -- North Korean issue, and absolute agreement that we would continue to work together on concrete steps in order to achieve the joint goals that the United States and China have with respect to the North Korean nuclear program.”

Yesterday morning, Obama and Xi discussed economic issues, during which cybersecurity and other cyber issues were an important topic, Donilon said. The United States and China, he said, have a half-a-trillion-dollar-a-year trade relationship.

“Obviously, given the importance of our economic ties, the President made clear the threat posed to our economic and national security by cyber-enabled economic espionage,” Donilon said. “And I want to be clear on exactly what we're talking about here. What we're talking about here are efforts by entities in China to, through cyber attacks, engage in the theft of public and private property -- intellectual property and other property in the United States. And that is the focus here, which is why it was in the economic discussion this morning.

“And again, we had a detailed discussion on this,” he continued. “The President underscored that resolving this issue is really key to the future of U.S.-China economic relations. He asked President Xi to continue to look seriously at the problem that we've raised here.”

The Chinese have agreed to look at this, Donilon said, noting that Obama and Xi have provided guidance to the new cyber working group that’s been established as part of the U.S.-China strategic economic dialogue.
The cyber working group “will engage in a dialogue on the rules and norms of behavior in cyberspace that will explore confidence-building measures,” Donilon said. “And we instructed the teams to report back on their discussions to the leaders.”

Obama and Xi also discussed military-to-military relationships between the United States and China, Donilon said.

“It's the military-to-military relationship that lags behind our political and our economic relationship,” Donilon said. “This was acknowledged on the Chinese side, and we actually have some momentum behind increasing and deepening these relationships as we go forward here, as we try to build a comprehensive and positive relationship with China.”

Returning to the two presidents’ discussion about North Korea, Donilon said, “The important point here is full agreement on the goals -- that is denuclearization; full agreement that in fact the Security Council resolutions which put pressure on North Korea need to be enforced, and full agreement that we will work together to look at steps that need to be taken in order to achieve the goal.”

If North Korea continues to pursue a nuclear weapons program, that would allow it to become a proliferator, which would present a threat to the United States … “and which would allow them to really up-end, if you will, security in Northeast Asia,” Donilon said.

“A recognized nuclear weapon state in Pyongyang, weapons program in Pyongyang would of course have profound implications in the rest of Northeast Asia, and these are obviously results that the Chinese don’t want to see,” Donilon added. “They’re results the United States doesn’t want to see. So I think what you have essentially underway here is a shared threat analysis and a shared analysis as to what the implications and impact would be of North Korea pursuing a nuclear weapons program.”

JB MDL commemorates triumph at Midway

by Tom Worsdale
NAVAIR Public Affairs

6/6/2013 - JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Joint base community members came together to commemorate the 71st anniversary of the Battle of Midway June 4, 2013, at Hangar One here.

Gerry Little, Ocean County New Jersey Freeholder, addressed more than 100 attendees which included active-duty Navy, Marine, Air Force and Army personnel, civilian Navy employees, World War II and other veterans, as well as community dignitaries.

Considered the combat turning point in the Pacific theater during World War II, the Battle of Midway took place June 4-7, 1942. A vastly outnumbered U.S. Navy soundly defeated the Japanese Navy, resulting in the sinking of four carriers, one heavy cruiser and 291 aircraft. The losses greatly diminished Japan's ability to project it's naval and air power and enabled America to remain on the initiative for the remainder of the war.

Little, a Marine veteran, whose father was a World War II pilot and whose son is preparing to graduate from the Navy's Officer Candidate School, remarked how honored he was to be in historic Hangar One, the hub of early naval aviation and to represent Ocean County, a county with over 60,000 veterans.

"The men who went to sea in June of 1942 helped to directly change the course of history in WWII," said Little. "They were the pioneers of the greatest Navy to ever sail the oceans of the world."

"The Navy, Marine and Army pilots who flew the missions, the Sailors on the ships, the code breakers who intercepted the Japanese message traffic and the civilian dock workers who repaired the USS Yorktown in record time to enable her to participate in the battle, all contributed immeasurably in enabling America to overcome tremendous odds and defeat the powerful Japanese Navy at Midway," said Little. "And like our brave veterans of WWII, the men and women who wear the uniforms of the United States military today remain the most skilled, trained and dedicated of any military on the face of the earth."

Little mentioned the recent passing of New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg, who at 89 was the last World War II veteran actively serving in the senate, and he acknowledged the presence at the ceremony of Seaman William Askew from Brick, N.J., a surviving veteran of the Battle of Midway.

Following his comments, Little, along with Air Force Brig. Gen. Martha Meeker, U.S. Air Force Expeditionary Center vice commander and Navy Capt. Bill Bulis, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst deputy commander, presented a plaque from Ocean County to Carl Jablonski, Navy Lakehurst Historical Society president, for their organization of the ceremony and their continued support of the Navy community at Lakehurst.

Taps was played and a wreath was dedicated to the memory of all those who served and those who died during this historic naval battle at the conclusion of the commemoration ceremony.

Former Warrior of the North 'pays it forward'

By Staff Sgt. Susan L. Davis
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

6/6/2013 - GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Senior Airman Taylor Lilley has a heart for service to others.

The 24-year-old native of Lynchburg, Va., grew up in a household where volunteering for a variety of projects and organizations, as well as church mission trips, was a way of life.

That's why when her mother, Millie McDowell, was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2010, just one week after Lilley's arrival at Grand Forks AFB, she determined she still wanted to do something to help others around her in their fight against cancer, even if it couldn't directly benefit her mom.

"I personally struggled with being so far away and not being able to help her as much as I wanted to while being in Grand Forks," Lilley said. "It occurred to me that just because I couldn't help her as she underwent treatment, there would surely be other cancer patients in the local area that I could assist."

That is what led Lilley to volunteer at the Altru Cancer Center in the city of Grand Forks once a week.

There, she noticed a concerning trend: a few patients were unable to pay for their own meals at the hospital. When she brought it to the attention of the nurses, they offered to pay for the meals out of their own pockets.

After seeing this, Lilley came up with an idea for a fundraiser that would help support the patients.

"Senior Airman Alan Phair (319th Security Forces Squadron) and I ordered wristbands and sold them for $5 each, resulting in a profit of more than $500," she said. "We chose wristbands because it was cost effective and could yield a higher profit margin. We also hoped the idea would catch on quicker when people witnessed others wearing them in support of cancer awareness."

For her efforts, Lilley was presented the Diamond Sharp Award and an Air Force Achievement Medal shortly before her humanitarian reassignment to the 633rd Security Forces Squadron at Langley AFB, Va., to be near her mother, whose condition has taken a turn for the worse.

After numerous bouts of chemotherapy and radiation treatments and back-and-forth assessments of remission and re-diagnosis, the cancer turned malignant and began spreading to other organs in her body. Her diagnosis is now terminal.

Lilley said her family is managing the situation the best way they know how; her brother has returned home after completing his service to the Navy, and her father takes time off work to help her get to and from her medical appointments. Lilley is also doing her best to help support her mother, with the help of her new unit.

"My squadron here has been very supportive by allowing me time off to help my family," she said. "It is immeasurable how much it means to me to just be able to spend time with her."

Lilley said her passion for helping people continues to live on.

"I hope that I will be able to raise awareness at Langley AFB for cancer awareness to support the local patients here," she said. "Because of my schedule and frequent trips to Lynchburg, I'm struggling to find the time to get it started, but it will happen one day. My mom's strength and struggle motivate me further, and have shown

Military and Police Books of the Year

Between the three websites, more than 2,500 American Heroes and their books are listed.

June 9, 2013, (San Dimas, CA) American Heroes Press, the publishers of www.military-writers.com, www.police-writers.com and www.firefighter-writers.com, announced the results of their annual recognition.

2013 Military Book of the Year:

Pass Me the Rice by Robert G. Kay

2013 Police Book of the Year:

Fatal Destiny: The Carjacking Murder of Dr. Pam Basu by James H. Lilley

The Military-Writers.com 2013 Book of the Year

Robert G. Kay is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and currently resides in Pensacola, Fla. with his Vietnamese wife. He retired from the US Navy as a lieutenant in 1969 after being wounded and losing his leg in Vietnam. He returned to Vietnam as a civilian advisor to the Vietnamese Navy at the request of the commander of US Naval Forces in Vietnam. He held this post until the military left the country in March 1973. He then worked for the Defense Attaché Office in Saigon until the fall of South Vietnam in April 1975. He retired from Civil Service in 1997, where he worked as a supervisory repair engineer for PERA (Surface) in the former Philadelphia Naval Shipyard.  Robert G. Kay is the author of Pass Me The Rice.

   

According to the book description of Pass Me the Rice, “Vietnam. It’s perhaps one of least known yet most controversial wars in American history. What’s even more obscure are the tales of Americans serving in the country and interacting with the culture of war-torn Vietnamese civilians. Pass Me the Rice shares these experiences with readers.

In Pass Me the Rice, author Robert G. Kay reveals the everyday life of an American advisor during the Vietnam War in a true, historical and often humorous account of his experiences while serving the first two of his eventual eight years in country. The book provides a unique perspective on the early Vietnam War by offering a glimpse of Americans’ encounters with Vietnamese armed forces and civilians.

As an expert in Vietnamese culture, Kay’s novel also sheds light on the value of casting off ethnocentric worldviews. It offers an inside look at a country in a prolonged war for survival and a period of history frequently cast aside. “The book shows how to deal with another culture in the most dire of circumstances and why we shouldn’t judge other cultures by our own standards,” Kay says. “It is necessary to be aware of culture and avoid making mistakes that are viewed as insulting.”

More Information: http://www.military-writers.com/navy/robert_kay.html

The Police-Writers.com 2013 Book of the Year

James H. Lilley is a former Marine and Police Sergeant with the Howard County Police Department (Maryland). He worked in the Uniformed Patrol Division, Criminal Investigations Division, Forensic Services (CSI) and Drug Enforcement Division. His Street Drug Unit was featured in the book "Undercover" by Hans Halberstadt and published by Simon and Schuster. Some of his awards include The Medal of Valor, Four Bronze Stars, Four Unit Citations and the Governor's Citation. He is also an 8th Degree Black Belt in Shorin Ryu Karate and the first American to be promoted to the rank of Black Belt by Mr. Takeshi Miyagi. James Lilley is the author of seven books: The Eyes of the Hunter; A Miracle for Tony Clements; The Far Side of the Bridge; A Question of Honor; Just Retribution; Death Knocks Twice; FATAL DESTINY - The Carjacking Murder of Doctor Pam Basu; and, Mr. Miyagi and Me.

According to the book description of FATAL DESTINY - The Carjacking Murder of Doctor Pam Basu, “The brutal death of Doctor Pam Basu and forcible taking of her car on September 8, 1992 is the singular incident, which defined carjacking. Her senseless killing was truly the murder reported around the world. From CBS, NBC and ABC to CNN and FOX News, People and Time Magazines, her death created a media frenzy.

The outcry over Pam Basu's murder brought thunderous applause from members of her community when they were told the suspects could face the death penalty. But, the cries for justice continued, and her death became the catalyst for House Bill H.R. 4542, The Anti-Car Theft Act of 1992. President George H. W. Bush signed that bill into law in the presence of members of the International Association of Chiefs of Police on October 25, 1992.

The case continues to make national news, as suspects pursue appeals and challenge legislation and court rulings. The crime has been cited in the Baltimore Sun, Washington Post, New York Times, London Times, The Associated Press, Los Angeles Times, USA Today and others. The media has referred to the Basu carjacking as "the crime that won't go away." The crime stands as a lead case cited in legal documents, court cases and dictionaries. It has been cited as a primary case in West's Encyclopedia of American Law and Webster's Online Dictionary.

Yet, this hideous killing held a double twist that seemed better suited to a Hollywood Thriller. Pam's husband, Steve, while videotaping her departure from their home with their daughter, Sarina, captured the images of the two men who would moments later brutally beat and drag to death his loving wife. And, she lived and died in a town called Savage, Maryland.  Howard County Police Officer, Jody Ann Tookey (the first officer on the scene of the crime), said, "Two days after the murder I sat down to dinner and suddenly became sick.  I couldn't touch my food, because I could see her body lying there in the road. And, sometimes, my stomach still turns. I had nightmares for days. I saw the victim standing in the roadway asking me for help. She would yell at me to do something and her child would cry. In the days before the first trial I had the nightmares again. I still have the horrible dreams, but not as often. People tell me I'll always have them."

More Information: http://www.police-writers.com/james_lilley.html

About the Websites

Military-Writers.com is a website that lists servicemembers from all branches of the United States Armed Forces who have authored books.  Currently, the site lists 1360 servicemembers and their more than 4000 books. Servicemembers are listed by name, branch, rank and type of book.

Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local law enforcement officials who have written books.  Currently, the website lists 1180 state or local police officers and their more than 2,500 books.  Law enforcement officials are listed by name, department and type of book.  Additionally, the website has separate sections which list federal law enforcement officials, international police officers and civilian police personnel.

American Heroes Press Contact Information

Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA

editor@police-writers.com

909.599.7530

Museum renovations update old exhibits

by Staff Sgt. Jason McCasland
2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs

6/7/2013 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La.  -- Visitors to the Barksdale Global Power Museum will soon enjoy updated exhibits thanks to the efforts of the museum staff and volunteers.

New initiatives include rebuilding and renovating rooms to highlight historic events, aircraft, places and people from Barksdale.

"Our goal is for our visitors to learn something new every time they walk into the museum," said Amy Russell, museum director. "My staff and I have been working to keep the rooms and display items up to date and ever changing."

The museum director estimates by October all seven room renovations and new displays will be finished and ready.

"One of the rooms that we are excited about is the early aviation room," said Russell. "The room is going to have 'hands-on' exhibits where children can do experiments and other activities."

Along with the planned early aviation room, the museum has completed renovations on two art-gallery rooms and a Barksdale the man room, which highlights Barksdale Air Force Base's namesake: Lt. Hoy Barksdale.

"In the Barksdale the man room we have a replica of Lt. Barksdale's house where he grew up," said Russell. "From furniture, a fireplace mantle to other artifacts from Lt. Barksdale's home and life, the room showcases the man who Barksdale is named after."

History and technology could also soon be merging with exhibits. With virtual tours and smart phone technology, the museum will take a step into interactive participation with visitors.

"I am looking into getting an audio tour set up so visitors can listen to Barksdale history while walking through either the museum or air park," Russell said. "With the addition of smart phone technology, we will be able to set-up QR codes that visitors can scan and get more information on specific exhibits."

According to museum records, the majority of visitors to the museum and air park are retired military, but renovations and reworked displays will give base history a new look and possible new and younger visitors.

"I am incredibly pleased with what Amy has done with the museum since being here," said Bruce Stewart, Air Force Global Strike Command historian. "She has brought new ideas and enthusiasm to the museum, and far exceeded our expectations; I never would have imagined that the museum would have progressed this far so fast."

The museum staff and volunteers are the constant driving force, behind the renovations that have been, and are currently, in work.

"Without my staff and the volunteers, the renovations or many of the other jobs out here couldn't be done," Russell said. "We can always use volunteers to help with taking care of the aircraft in the air park or helping us to work on projects for the museum."

To volunteer or more information on the museum or upcoming exhibit openings contact the museum at 456-2840.

Members of German NATO school pay visit to Travis

by Nick DeCicco
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

6/7/2013 - TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif, -- Approximately 50 students from a German NATO officer school visited Travis Monday as part of a four-site tour of America.

During the two-hour stop, the group sat for a briefing on the base's history, structure, deployments and mission before touring a C-5 Galaxy and KC-10 Extender.

The purpose of the visit was for them to see the capabilities and mission of Air Mobility Command as well as Travis' role as the gateway to the Pacific.

For many of the students, such as Maj. Martin Wrzos, seeing the massive mobility aircraft was the highlight of the trip.

"From my point of view, we don't have these kind of aircraft," Wrzos said. "Many of the people in our service don't see this in their whole life."

Wrzos was one of several officers who stood on the flightline near the C-5 taking photographs of himself with the plane as well as Travis' surroundings. The students explored the flight deck and boom operator seat on the KC-10 and the upper deck seating area in the back of the C-5.

Brig. Gen. Dirk Bachen, German Armed Forces Command and Staff College NATO defense attache, echoed Wrzos' comments about the planes.

"We are really keen to see your aircraft," Bachen said. "We are proud to have a chance to see America's first choice."

The primarily German students represent the top 10 percent of their class, said Capt. Roland LaFrance, 60th Logistics Readiness Squadron installation deployment officer, although officers are accepted from all participating NATO countries.

From Travis' perspective, LaFrance said it was an opportunity for Travis to demonstrate its location and versatility on a global scale.

"It's always good to be able to showcase your base," he said. "The U.S. military does not always act alone and it's interesting to work together with our allied nations."

Capt. Gereon Buchholz, who presented 60th Maintenance Group Commander Col. Mark Weber with a coin, emphasized that cooperation between the countries is an "integral part of the alliance."

The German Armed Forces Command and Staff College, located in Hamburg, Germany, is comparable to the Air Force's Air Command and Staff College. Both target mid-grade officers to improve and develop their skills in leadership and command.

NATO is a 28-nation pact to safeguard the freedom and security of its members through political and military means. These nations are primarily located in North America and Europe.

The other stops on the group's trip include San Diego, New York City and Washington D.C.

A second group of students is scheduled to visit Travis June 23.

Medics provide support

by 1st Lt. Angela Martin
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

6/7/2013 - TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The 60th Aerial Port Squadron here loaded 2.5 tons of medical support equipment onto a C-130 Hercules May 31 for transportation to various locations in Hawaii in support of Tropic Care 2013.

Tropic Care is a Department of Defense Innovative Readiness Training operation scheduled for early June to conduct deployment and readiness training for military personnel. The operation also provides free medical, dental and optometric care to residents of remote locations in Hawaii.

Individuals from active duty, Reserve and National Guard units from across the country come together in support of Tropic Care. Travis is represented in the operation by 15 members of the 349th Medical Squadron who deployed to Maui, Lanai and Hawai'i island.

According to Master Sgt. Danny Nottis, 349th MDS commander support staff NCO in charge, these members will be serving the community as a dietician, clinical nurses, a pharmacy technician, a clinical social worker, medical technicians, a public health technician, a unit training manager and medical materials.

"We are proud to have had the opportunity to ship critical medical supplies for fellow Americans in need, certainly one of the most rewarding things we do as aerial porters," said Capt. Kelly Smith, 60th APS operations officer.

The 60th APS is no stranger to assisting with humanitarian operations. Last November, the squadron moved more than 850,000 pounds of life saving equipment and supplies to the East Coast following Hurricane Sandy.

As part of the Denton Amendment Act, the 60th APS shipped about 36,000 pounds of donated winter clothing, shoes, computers, household items and rice to Afghanistan last January. They also shipped a half dozen pallets of medical equipment to the Kandahar region of Afghanistan last May.

Charleston pilot competes in 2013 Armed Forces Triathlon Championships

by Tech. Sgt. Shane Ellis
315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

6/7/2013 - POINT MUGU, Calif.  -- Capt. Jamie Turner, a pilot with the 317th Airlift Squadron, competed in the Armed Forces Triathlon Championship June 1 at Naval Base Ventura County, Calif.

Thanks to Turner's vast experience and numerous accomplishments as a triathlete, she was selected as one of six Airmen to complete at the championship race as a member of the U.S. Air Force women's triathlon team.

During the race, teams from the Air Force, Navy, Army and Marine Corps competed for points. The Navy finished out the day with the most points and took home the gold. The Air Force was a close second with only two points separating the two teams.

"Getting ready for this race was just like any other," said Turner. "My daily lifestyle of fitness allows me to be ready to compete at any time. I'm constantly in training and looking forward to the next race, wherever it may be. My job is to simply stay as fit and injury free as possible. As long as I can do that, the racing part is easy. It's also a lot of fun, too."

The Armed Forces Triathlon Championship is an Olympic distance race, where competitors compete in a 1500-meter swim, 40-kilometer bike, and 10-kilometer run.

A team from Canada's armed forces participated in the event but did not compete for points with the U.S. teams.

Turner represented the Air Force in high fashion and ended the day eighth overall in the women's division. Not bad for an Airmen who just returned from deployment one week prior to the race.

Kirksey discusses philosophies, time at Homestead ARB

by Ross Tweten
482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

6/7/2013 - HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. -- As the previous command chief master sergeant of the 482nd Fighter Wing here, Cameron Kirksey is preparing to assume his new role as the command chief of Air Force Reserve Command.

Kirksey said he's very humbled, honored and excited to be selected by Lt. Gen. James Jackson, chief of Air Force Reserve and AFRC commander.

"Homestead has a bright future and I hope to bring that excitement to AFRC to help the entire command grow and improve," said Kirksey.

Kirksey said one of the first items at the top of his list to improve quality of life is sexual assault.

"Sexual assault is a high priority for the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force," said Kirksey. "As such, it's a high priority General Jackson and myself.

"Zero tolerance; there are no exceptions," he added. "We will prosecute to the full extent of the law. Hopefully, victims will feel vindicated and rest assured their Air Force is behind them and they can come forward and defend their rights without hesitation."

Kirksey also noted the encouraging markers of force development.

"I've noticed a renewed 'blue-ing' throughout the command," he said. "I know within 10th Air Force, Homestead ARB is definitely leading the charge with Total Force Integration. Great teamwork models and esprit-de-corps are immediate products of TFI. Homestead is definitely setting the standard for future TFI implementations."

As Kirksey settles into his new role, he said communicating well and continuing to reach out to Airmen are vital to his leadership style.

"You can't do this job sitting behind a desk," he said. "You have to be out front. You have to listen and have an attentive ear.

"They don't care how much you know until they know how much you care," he added. "You have to make sure that when you look your Airmen in the eye, they can see that you're a genuine leader. I'm all about being a servant leader."

Kirksey is saying goodbye to Homestead ARB after two years as its command chief. He emphasized the fond memories he's taking away with him.

"The best part about my time at Homestead was unequivocally the people," he said. "In terms of its people, Homestead has great stock. I'm leaving behind a fantastic team, and I know the folks of Homestead will continue to help the base grow and succeed in its mission."

Along with praising members of Homestead ARB, the chief also praised the city of Homestead and local community for the exceptional relationship they have helped develop with the base.

"Homestead's Military Affairs Committee and Chamber of Commerce have done a simply amazing job," he said. "They opened up the doors and really developed ways we can best support each other. Every military installation or unit is a subset of the community. It's vital for bases and units to partner up with their community. We're here to support each other."

According to Col. Donald Lindberg, 482nd Fighter Wing commander, Chief Kirksey leaves Homestead with a legacy of superlative enlisted development; a legacy that continues to benefit Airmen aspiring to demonstrate the very best the Air Force has to offer in the enlisted ranks.

"Chief Kirksey leaves Homestead as a true partner and friend," said Lindberg. "His dedication and loyalty is uncommon. When Airmen were in need, he was there, ensuring the full force of Air Force support was energized. He will be sorely missed, but leaves us all better than when he arrived on station in the summer of 2011."

Kirksey said he's excited about the future of Homestead and has full confidence the wing will continue to develop its vital role in AFRC.

"Homestead is not your typical Air Force Reserve base," he said. "With the mixture of servicemembers we have, the multiple tenant units, the influx of active duty counterparts, the importance of our mission, Homestead finds itself in a unique situation that requires a lot from its Airmen. With all the new facilities and construction at Homestead, with its growing population of servicemembers, the future of Homestead is very bright."

A native of Silas, Ala., Kirksey enlisted in the Air Force Reserve in March 1988 at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ga. He's spent the last four years as a command chief at Maxwell AFB and Homestead ARB.

According to Kirksey, camaraderie and unity are key aspects to mission success as well as his own success.

"Camaraderie is one of the best parts about being in the military and I dare say it's right up there with core value number one: integrity," he said. "If you don't have camaraderie, if your fellow Airmen feel you don't have their back, then you're part of the wrong organization.

"We're all a part of a unit," he added. "Individually, we know how good we are. But in order for the team to succeed, individuals must work together. The best leaders foster unity and, personally, I plan to do the same. Homestead is a place that continues to foster a great deal of unity and camaraderie and I cherish my time there."

Intelligence Airman wins volunteer award

by Capt. Neil Samson
Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

6/7/2013 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill.  -- Contrary to her quiet and unassuming demeanor, an Air Mobility Command Intelligence Directorate's knowledge operator is defined more by her volunteerism than by her modest personality.

Senior Airman Natasha Thomas, Air Mobility Command Air Intelligence Squadron knowledge operator, spearheaded volunteer efforts and garnered the 2012 Air Intelligence Squadron Volunteer of the Year Award.

"Airman Thomas is a quiet professional, fantastic Airman and peer leader who really exemplifies the Air Force's whole person concept," said Maj. John Groth, AMC Air Intelligence Squadron director of operations. "Things run so smoothly when she is involved with the Booster Club, the front office and squadron physical training sessions -- we're so fortunate to have her on our team."

In her two years at Scott AFB, she has volunteered for numerous events sponsored by the Booster Club, Air Force Sergeants Association, Humane Society of Belleville, First United Methodist Church, Salvation Army of St. Louis, Missouri Veterans Home and Meals on Wheels. Thomas also coordinated her organization's fundraising event at the 2012 Scott AFB Airshow and organized many unit fundraising potlucks.

"Airman Thomas has been a tremendous asset to the Air Force Sergeants Association devoting freely of her time to Meals on Wheels to deliver meals to the elderly and those in need in the local community," said Senior Master Sgt. Rebeca Gabel, Air Force Sergeants Association president.

Master Sgt. Marty Pallone, the unit's Knowledge Operations superintendent, said Thomas is methodical, organized and thinks outside-the-box during the duty day and applies it to the advancement of her education and community involvement.

"Thomas is humble and downplays her work, but she is the 'brain' of the Intelligence directorate," said Pallone. "With Airman Thomas, I can effectively reach out to other members of the squadron in my superintendent role because I know our directorate is handled with Thomas."

While on the final path to finishing her Community College of the Air Force degree, Thomas plans to exercise her "brain" power by immediately pursuing her bachelor's degree afterward.

"I am three courses away from completing my CCAF degree and I plan to eventually earn my bachelor's degree in either graphic communications or psychology," said Thomas.

Thomas attributes her motivation on and off the job to her fellow Airmen and to the mentorship and understanding of her leadership.

"The people I work with motivate me and if I am having a bad day, they offer encouragement and take off the workload when I'm having a bad day," said Thomas. "Sergeant Pallone monitors the workload and she knows what I can and cannot handle so it is her guidance that keeps me motivated."

"They say not to judge your career by your first base, but I already enjoy the people I work with and my leadership," said Thomas.

Thunderbolt named 2012 AETC Honor Guard Member

by Staff Sgt. Nestor Cruz
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

5/31/2013 - LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Honor guard members are seen at various events on and off base. Their work may seem commonplace but one particular Thunderbolt has set himself above the rest as the Air Education and Training Command's 2012 Honor Guard Member of the Year.

Senior Airman Kyle Wisecarver, 756th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons load crew member, recently earned AETC's award for his work during his year-long tenure with the base honor guard.

Luke's honor guard is comprised of 42 Airmen from every squadron across the wing. Members serve on the honor guard one month on and one month off through the course of a year.

During his time as an honor guard member, Wisecarver performed in more than 170 ceremonies and led a six-member team during 23 events including retirement ceremonies, flag ceremonies and change-of-command ceremonies.

"I had a great supervisor, Staff Sgt. Eddie Isom from the 756th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, who pushed me to excel in all I do including honor guard," Wisecarver said.

Mentoring was also an important aspect in Wisecarver's daily routine. He trained 28 junior members, helping to sharpen their honor guard skills and appearance, and briefed honor guard customs and courtesies to First Term Airman Center students and Civil Air Patrol members on separate occasions. Wisecarver also trained 16 local firefighters and police members on flag folding, helping to foster military precision in the local community's civil servants. Eight chief master sergeants also benefitted from Wisecarver's expertise when they learned how to perform a sword cordon to honor other chiefs.

Although Wisecarver volunteered to join Luke's honor guard, he continued to find other volunteer opportunities. He organized a Habitat for Humanity project and led a 17-member team in providing homes to those in need. Wisecarver rallied 10 of his fellow honor guard members in preparing food pallets for St. Mary's Food Bank, contributing to local Thanksgiving meals.

Wisecarver said he's honored to be selected as AETC's top honor guard member but will continue to strive for excellence.

"I really enjoyed my time with the base honor guard but I'm not resting on my laurels," he said. "I'm still learning."

Wisecarver advises other Airmen to consider joining Luke's honor guard.

"I really encourage all Airmen to join and be part of something that stretches across the entire wing," Wisecarver said.

Recently discovered MIA Airmen honored by USAF Weapons School

by Staff Sgt. Michael Charles
99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

6/4/2013 - NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev.  -- Two Airmen missing in action for more than 40 years were honored by the U.S. Air Force Weapons School May 23, 2013 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

Airmen from the 433rd Weapons Squadron held a heritage hallway dedication in honor of Col. Wendell R. Keller and Capt. Virgil K. Meroney, who were shot down March 1 1969, and not recovered until 2012.

"It is important to take time to reflect and honor our fallen comrades that have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country," said Lt. Col. John Kent, 433rd WPS commander.

Keller, the F-4D Phantom pilot and Meroney, his weapons systems officer, assigned to 433rd Tactical Fighter Squadron at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, were tasked with a night interdiction mission against a heavily defended supply route and storage area complex near the Ban Karai Pass, Thailand, March 1, 1969.

During this mission Keller, Meroney and their wingman from the 433rd TFS came under fire. Keller and Meroney attacked and destroyed the threatening enemy gun positions. Their aircraft was hit by hostile fire and crashed during the attack. There were no parachutes seen or emergency beacons sent. Keller and Meroney were declared missing in action.

"It [March 1, 1969] was not a good day," said retired Air Force Col. Gail Peck, former Tonopah commander and 433rd Tactical Fighter Squadron member. "These weren't just my wingmen, they were my brothers."

The Department of Defense announced that it had found the remains of Keller and Meroney Oct. 16, 2012 and would be returning them home. However due to the time and the effects of the elements, their remains had fused to each other requiring the remains to be transferred to Dover Air Force Base, Del., in one coffin and covered by a single American flag. Once the remains were separated, a flag was presented to each family to honor their loss.

The single flag that covered the coffin of Keller and Meroney during transfer was donated to the 433rd WPS for its newly dedicated heritage hall and a shadow box was constructed by the 99th Force Support Squadron Arts and Craft Center filled with pictures and personal items from the men.

"When asked by Dover Mortuary Affairs if our squadron would like to display the flag that covered our two comrades on their trip home, I responded with four words, 'We would be honored,'" Kent said. "With their help, and that of the arts and craft center, we were able to create a memorial which depicts the importance of honoring those who have lost their lives in the line of duty."

The families also took an opportunity to meet squadron members and share a few words.

"For years I wished my father would come home; now he has," said Michael Keller, son of Col. Keller. "Now he will never be forgotten."

"My brother was proud to serve in the military," said Doug Meroney, who was noticeably fighting back tears. "A veteran is somebody who writes a check to the nation for the amount of up to that individual's life. Both Col. Keller and my brother are heroes, and I couldn't be more proud of both of them."

The two were interned into Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., October 2012, in a group burial. According to Doug Meroney, the families came to the conclusion that it was only fitting that the two enter Arlington the same way they have spent the last 50 plus years; together.

As of May 29, 2013, following the repatriation of Keller and Meroney, there are still five 433rd TFS listed under the Department of Defense classification of missing in action from the Vietnam War.

Eglin maintenance super receives Bronze Star

by Chrissy Cuttita
96th Test Wing Public Affairs

6/5/2013 - EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- A day in the life of an Air Force jet maintainer reached Mach speed while deployed overseas, earning him the Bronze Star Medal.

Senior Master Sgt. Jamie Jordan, 33rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron assistant superintendent, was awarded the honor during an official ceremony at his unit June 4, 2013.

"A lot of people sacrificed more than I did," said Jordan who was a part of a team of military members from a variety of backgrounds that became "family" during the deployment.

From March 2012 to February 2013, Jordan generated more than 8,000 combat missions and the collection of 250,000 intelligence images supporting U.S. Central Command combat operations in the Horn of Africa. Missions he played a major supporting role in varied; offload 344 million pounds of fuel to 30,000 coalition aircraft, support 2,100 troops in contact events, execute 500 strike missions against Al Qaeda insurgents and beddown of 1 million net explosive weight pounds of combat-ready munitions.

"This is not something that is awarded to everyone," said Lt. Col. Maurice Lee, 33 AMXS commander, who explained how medal packages from deployed theatre operations are scrutinized highly. "Jamie's recognition transcends time. Not every commander gets the privilege to award the Bronze Star."

According to the history of the military tradition, the decoration was designed as an equivalent to an Air Medal for ground units that are the backbone of the flying operations, he said.

Jordan was also recognized by his unit for being there to set up its shop at the 33rd Fighter Wing.

"He was one of the very first in the squadron, hand-picked to stand up F-35 maintenance," said Lee.

This included preparing hangar space, scheduling tasks and training Airmen which he will continue to do a few more years.

"We learned as we went and now we are helping other bases learn so they can be ready for this jet as well," said Jordan who has an extensive background in F-16 avionics, something that makes one "seasoned" in a platform.

The newness of the F-35 means there are no "seasoned" maintainers for the fifth generation aircraft, so his crew is it for the Air Force.

Similarly, while deployed, Jordan watched his overseas unit grow to 1,400 personnel from more than eight platforms. It supported a "composite wing" of approximately 100 aircraft charged with a variety of missions like refueling, reconnaissance, fighter plus supporting command and control.

"As with other weapons' platforms, we have setbacks but we stay with it and learn every day," said Jordan.

Managing the second largest munitions storage capability in the area of responsibility overseas added to his deployed responsibilities of supporting a variety of daily air tasking.

"Our biggest challenge was resource management," said Jordan. "The wing grew nearly 250 percent in the first three months of my deployment. The growth of resources lagged compared to personnel and aircraft growth. To meet mission requirements, units had to think outside standard ops -- we shared everything from personnel, to support equipment, to aircraft parking spaces."

Throughout his career he credits his parents for the foundation of strength and perseverance. While deployed, he leaned on encouraging leadership for support.

Jordan's parents were present for the ceremony along with his brother and other guests. In honor of their support, the squadron gave them appreciation gifts as well.

"For him to serve as a group superintendent there was at a level higher than he was here," said Lee. "It is an awesome accomplishment for him to be chosen -- a tremendous opportunity for someone like Jamie."

Marine Corps Sergeant Seeks Commission

By Marine Corps Cpl. Lisa Tourtelot
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif., June 7, 2013 – When shots rang out and flames burst through the Afghan sky over Camp Bastion last September, many things changed for many people.

Marine Corps Sgt. Efrain Melecio, an aviation logistics information management support specialist with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11, prepares to leave his shop aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., May 21, 2013. Melecio, who hails from Chicago, is scheduled to attend Officer Candidates School this summer before beginning classes at the University of Arizona in the fall. U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Lisa Tourtelot   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Marines who thought they might never see combat from their flight line roles as fuel specialists, mechanics, information technology specialists, engineers and myriad support jobs suddenly found themselves under attack and engaging the enemy.

Sgt. Efrain Melecio, an aviation logistics information management support specialist, then with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 16 [Forward], was walking out of the showers after a long day at work when he and his fellow Marines saw the attack.

"It was the biggest flame I've ever seen in my life," Melecio said. "We had a lot of Marines who were involved in combat. Seeing the effect it had on them, I wanted to one day be able to help somebody who is going through something like that."

Although he had regularly taken college courses throughout his six years in the Marine Corps, Melecio found a new commitment to higher education following the attack.

"I want to help people who suffer from [post-traumatic stress disorder]," the Chicago native said.

This summer, Melecio will be involved in a different kind of battle as he attends Officer Candidates School before starting college full-time at the University of Arizona, where he plans to major in psychology.

Maj. Gen. Steven Busby and Sgt. Maj. Anthony Spadaro, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing commanding general and sergeant major, respectively, stopped by Melecio's shop with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11 aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., May 21, 2013, to congratulate the sergeant on his selection to the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Program and wish him luck before he leaves.

Luck, however, may be a little unnecessary for the crisp, professional young Marine.

"I strive to accomplish as much as possible all the time," Melecio said, as he organized study materials from yet another college course. "I don't like sitting still and feeling like I'm not working toward something. I constantly feel the need to set new goals and obtain those goals."

Melecio's goals now focus on helping as many Marines as possible, embodying the leadership ideal of service before self.

"One of the biggest reasons I decided to do [the Marine Enlisted Commissioning Program] was because I want to lead and serve Marines," he said. "I love my job and I love working with Marines and I love getting hands on, but what draws my interest in earning a commission in the Marine Corps is being able to still work with Marines and having an increased level of responsibility."

The next four years will present new challenges for Melecio as he adapts to student life, but his experiences may give him added wisdom both as a student and, hopefully, a second lieutenant.

"I'm hoping to bring with me everything I've learned being a noncommissioned officer,” Melecio said. "I've learned a lot the past six years and I want to be able to share that with others and apply that as I move forward."

Missile officer recertification program makes great strides

by Kate Blais
Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs

6/7/2013 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. (AFNS) -- Ten of the 19 missile crew members from the 91st Operations Group at Minot AFB, N.D., have been recertified and are able to fully perform their alert duties.

The remaining officers continue to progress through the retraining program with the remaining decertified crew members expected to return to alert duty in early June, according to Maj. Gen. Michael Carey, 20th Air Force commander.

The officers had been decertified following an Air Force Global Strike Command Consolidated Unit Inspection of the 91st Missile Wing, March 4. Twenty-two areas were looked at during the CUI, with the missile wing earning an "Outstanding" rating in one area, "Excellent" ratings in 14 areas, and "Satisfactory" ratings in six areas. One area was rated "Marginal."

The recertification process includes requalification training, a qualification evaluation and Emergency War Order and Weapon System certification briefings to their certifying official. Each crew member successfully completed requalification training. Upon completion of the training, each crew member also completed a procedural evaluation in the simulator and Emergency War Order and Weapon System certification briefings to their certifying official as a means of validating the retraining and crew member proficiency.

As a result of the inspection and further review, unit leaders identified proficiency shortfalls compounded by an attitude of complacency among a small number of officers.

"Leaders are taking a holistic approach to a get-well program within the unit, focusing on proficiency, as well as individual preparation," Carey said.

Prior to the CUI, Air Force leaders had already been focused on addressing concerns about the workplace stressors and quality of life of those Airmen responsible for running the nuclear mission.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III visited the missile wings at Minot AFB, F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., and Malmstrom AFB, Mont., in November 2012. During those visits, Airmen voiced concerns about stressors associated with the remote Northern Tier locations, insufficient manning, long transit times from the base to remote missile alert facilities, and pressures of the nuclear, no-fail mission.

"Leaders at all levels -- from the wings, to Numbered Air Force, to Major Command, to Headquarters Air Force and United States Strategic Command -- are paying attention to the nuclear deterrence mission. We must take care of the Airmen and families responsible for this critical strategic mission," said Global Strike commander Lt. Gen. James M. Kowalski.

To get a quick assessment and identify those things that could be easily fixed to improve morale and job satisfaction, Welsh asked RAND to conduct a 90-day look at those workplace stressors, which took place from December 2012 to February 2013.

RAND's study is not finalized; however, initial findings validate that the alert mission compounded with workplace stressors impact the quality of life for those Airmen responsible for the nuclear deterrence mission. Commanders are already actively engaged to address areas based on this 'quick-look' review.

"Twentieth Air Force is acting on some of those recommendations now and has also begun an effort called 'ProAct -- Professional Actions: Mitigating Stressors on America's ICBM Team,'" Carey said.

Initial feedback has allowed Carey to act on several items, including improving communication within the force, empowering leaders to address issues within their team and taking care of Airmen. Specifically, one of Carey's first initiatives has been to help ensure more predictability in the missile field personnel schedules and enforcing what he referred to as "protected time off."

"I asked the wing commanders to ensure that people's time off is protected and duty schedules managed closely to ensure they'll have predictable time for their personal lives," Carey described. "Knowing when you'll be home is very important and relieves stress on Airmen and their families."

"As the 20th Air Force commander it's my responsibility to ensure that the Airmen who provide our nation's nuclear deterrent have the resources they need and a safe and healthy work environment," Carey said.

Further study is ongoing at multiple levels and this review helped the 20th AF and unit leaders take a definite step forward on a path toward addressing ICBM force stressors. The Air Force chief of staff is scheduled to be briefed on the results this month.