Salute to Service Show to Air Super Bowl Sunday

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

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2014 – An hour-long television salute to service members will be broadcast on Super Bowl Sunday on AFN and the Pentagon Channel.

The program will air at 1:30 p.m., 5 p.m., and 9 p.m. EST and can also be seen live on the web.

Sponsored by insurance provider USAA and the NFL, the show is “a culmination of a lot of efforts between USAA and the NFL, throughout the season, to honor and appreciate the service and the sacrifice of military members around the world,” Don Clark, USAA assistant vice president for media and sponsorship marketing, said during an interview with American Forces Press Service.

“We’re really excited about putting this on here in New York City and in the backdrop of the Super Bowl,” Clark said. “The excitement is really around having some NFL greats with military ties that’ll be a part of this event.”

Some 200 service members and their families representing all branches of the military from the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst area will attend the event.

“We’re excited to host some Gold Star families here as well,” he added.

“The focus of the event will be Roger Staubach, obviously an NFL Hall of Famer and Heisman Trophy winner,” he said.

Redskins Quarterback Robert Griffin III will also attend, Clark said, adding many don’t know the Heisman Trophy winner and 2012 NFL Rookie of the Year is a military brat.

“His parents served in the Army,” Clark said of Griffin. “His father retired from the Army, and his mother served 12 years in the Army. He spent a good portion of his time growing up near Fort Hood, Texas.”

Charles Tillman, a Pro Bowl cornerback for the Chicago Bears will also be on the panel.

It will be hosted by Trey Wingo, who is a second-generation military brat and sports personality.

“This is our third year as the official military sponsor of the National Football League,” Clark said. “We helped them build this Salute to Service campaign back in 2011 … and it’s really grown and grown.”

“But this will be the first time that we’ve been able to put it all together and broadcast this on AFN and the Pentagon Channel,” he said.

Clark, himself an Air Force veteran, noted how sports -- specifically football -- provide camaraderie among troops serving where ever the military asks them to go.

“There’s so much thankfulness poured out from NFL players -- those who do have their rich military connections and those who may not have as many military connections,” he said.

“I think there’s a lot of appreciation from the players to the military, but the military members really appreciate the time that these players take to spend with them and understand what they do,” Clark said.

435th AGOW Airmen lead Rwandan port operations

by Capt. Justin Rex
Contingency Response Element commander

1/31/2014 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany  -- In an effort to confront destabilizing forces and violence within the Central African Republic, France and the African Union have requested U.S. support to move Rwandan forces into the region.

Airmen from the 435th Air Ground Operations Wing's Contingency Response Group responded to the request. A joint Air Force and Army team of 35 aerial porters, along with maintainers and logistics planners, are on the ground at Rwanda's capital city of Kigali to assist in the African mission.

"I couldn't be prouder of what our Airmen are doing in Africa right now," said Col. Joseph McFall, 435th AGOW commander. "The support they are providing our international partners is key to enabling African-led solutions to stabilizing the region."

Kigali International Airport, Rwanda, is a key staging area for transport of the Rwandan troops, supplies and equipment into the Central African Republic. The mixture of civilian and military air transport created a unique and challenging environment to move more than 850 Rwandan troops and more than 1,000 tons of supplies and military equipment.

Fifteen members of the CRG's 435th Air Mobility Squadron are working with the Rwandan mechanized battalion to load personnel and equipment onto U.S. aircraft by building pallets containing security equipment, clearing weapons and creating load plans.

The CRG's 435th Security Forces Squadron is also on the ground. The defenders perform airport security surveys and are working with the embassy to conduct route surveillance. An independent duty medical technician is also assigned to the team and is responsible for providing limited medical care to the expeditionary team.

Rwandan military personnel are expected to remain in the Central African Republic for one year.

"What the Rwandans are doing in Central Africa is a key component of helping stabilize the region," said Tech. Sgt. Carnard Drayton, 435th AMS NCO in charge of aerial port operations.

The 435th AGOW is located at Ramstein Air Base, Germany and has about 1,500 Airmen, civilians, contractors and local nationals ready to deploy and support a wide variety of contingency operations while enabling U.S. Africa Command and U.S. European Command goals throughout the region.

AF news team preps for ‘28-days in AFGSC’

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas (AFNS) – Two photojournalists and a broadcaster from the Air Force Public Affairs Agency here are gearing up for a 28-day trek to provide and inside and in depth look at the Air Force Global Strike mission and the Airmen who make it happen.

AFPAA documentation team members Tech. Sgt. Steve Grever, Staff Sgt. David Clark and Staff Sgt. Jon Snyder will be traveling to Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., Malmstrom AFB, Mont., Minot AFB, N.D., F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., Whiteman AFB, Mo. and Barksdale AFB, La., from Feb. 1 to Mar. 1. The team will chronicle their journey on AFGSC’s official blog and produce news features, broadcast video products and capture mission imagery for the Air Force.

AFGSC public affairs director Lt. Col. John Sheets said the news team will show the dedication the command’s Airmen have in accomplishing their mission.

“Deterrence and assurance is a 24/7 mission and it takes a team of dedicated Airmen to make that happen,” Sheets said. “Whether they’re in the missile fields, on the flight line, in the back shops, or the in the skies above, the 25,000 Airmen of Global Strike Command are committed to providing safe, secure and effective combat-ready forces for nuclear deterrence and global strike operations.”

Grever, the news team's NCO in charge has experienced the nuclear enterprise's unique culture and environment when he was assigned to Minot AFB from 2001 to 2004.

"I was able to learn a lot about the Airmen who perform these critical missions when I was stationed at Minot," said Grever. "During our team's tour of AFGSC, we will meet with senior leaders and the Airmen who comprise the Air Force's nuclear enterprise. We’ll share their stories to provide some insight into the challenges they deal with being on alert 24 hours a day, seven days a week."

News team member Staff Sgt. David Clark, a 3rd Combat Camera Squadron broadcaster, said he's excited about getting to know the Airmen of AFGSC.

"I've worked with Airmen at several AFGSC bases during my three and a half years at 3rd Combat Camera Squadron, but I'm really looking forward to spending the next four weeks traveling around the command, getting the opportunity to learn much more about these dedicated Airmen and sharing their stories with everyone out there," Clark said.

Staff Sgt. Jon Snyder, a 3rd CTCS photojournalist, said he’s excited about the trip because it will give him the opportunity to tell the story of Airmen who have an extremely important and difficult job.

“I really want to give the viewer an understanding of who each Airman is as an individual and show how important this person is to the mission,” Snyder said. “It can be a tough job for a security forces Airman standing guard in the missile fields in -40 degree temperatures. But, it's an important job, and they know it.”

We remember: WWII POW receives honors

by Staff Sgt. Nick Wilson
509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

1/31/2014 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Air Force Global Strike Command and 509th Bomb Wing leadership surprised retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Charles Sibert with a shadow box presentation at Whiteman Air Force Base, Jan. 24.

A World War II veteran, Sibert was held as a prisoner of war in Germany and was missing in action for 548 days before being rescued by U.S. forces.

"Brig. Gen. Bussiere and I met Sibert during the 2013 POW/MIA 24-Hour Run this past September," said Chief Master Sgt. Lee Barr, 509th Bomb Wing command chief. "While speaking with Sibert, he talked about his experience as a POW. It was then he showed the general and me his DD Form 214 and said he never got any of his medals when he retired from the Air Force."

Upon finding out Sibert never received any medals from the Air Force, Barr and Bussiere assured the WWII veteran they would take care of it for him, Barr said.

"I got with Master Sgt. Dawn Couey from the Force Support Squadron and she validated all the chief's medals and ordered them for us," Barr said. "Giving Chief Sibert individual medals didn't seem to be enough, so the general and I decided a shadow box would be the right thing to do. [Tech. Sgt.] Cathy Lauseng, my command chief assistant, was vital to making that happen."

Lt. Gen. Stephen Wilson, Air Force Global Strike Command commander, and Maj. Gen. Scott Vander Hamm, 8th Air Force commander, were also in attendance for the presentation, which was quite timely, as Sibert was assigned to the 96th Bomb Group under 8th Air Force.

"It was fitting to have Air Force Global Strike Command commander Lt. Gen. Stephen Wilson (also the former 8th Air Force commander), Maj. Gen. Scott Vander Hamm (current 8th Air Force commander), and Brig. Gen. Bussiere do the presentation," Barr said.

In addition to attending the ceremony recognizing Sibert, Wilson and Vander Hamm visited to congratulate Team Whiteman on a job well done during a recent Nuclear Surety Inspection. A group of civic leaders also toured Whiteman the same day to learn about the installation, military culture and the 509th BW's unique mission.

"The other incredible opportunity was having all the AFGSC civic leaders there to witness the presentation," Barr said. "They were honored to be there for Chief Sibert."

It was truly important for Bussiere to tie the heritage of the past -- 8th Air Force Warrior-Airmen -- with that of the present, Barr said.

"Without the heroics of Chief Sibert and his generation, there would not be an 8th Air Force with such a distinguished, heralded past," Barr said.

For Barr, it was important to make the shadow box a reality after meeting Sibert at the POW/MIA run.

"I also wanted all the chief master sergeants on base to see an American hero up close and personal," Barr said. "It was an awesome experience having all the chiefs and chief-selects there with Chief Sibert and his family."

Whether supporting Airmen serving today, or honoring veterans of the world wars, it is important to pay respect to veterans of all ages.

"First, they have paid a price to secure all our freedoms," Barr said. "Second, without their selfless sacrifice, America would not be what she is today! Veterans from all our wars have made that possible; our children and generations to come owe them a huge debt that we will never be able to repay."

Sibert's family also attended the ceremony.

"Everything my grandpa said to me was significant," said Tech. Sgt. Kimberly Stone, 442nd Maintenance Group training manager and Sibert's granddaughter. "He laughed, he cried, and he was proud. He doesn't think of himself as a hero. Gen. Bussiere and Chief Barr made him feel like one and I truly believe he deserves that. The whole ceremony was truly a blessing for our family."

One unique aspect of Sibert's story was the fact that he was still a teenager when serving on the frontlines for his country, Barr said.

"He was just 19 years old when he went on his first mission, and was shot down and captured as a POW on his second mission," Barr said. "He had a girlfriend back home, who later became his wife. Suddenly, you realize it was a bona fide love story."

As a walking, breathing representation of Air Force history, Sibert leaves a footprint on the hearts and minds of those who hear his story.

"When he tells the story of bailing out of his B-17 and an enemy aircraft tips his wing and salutes him instead of shooting him down, then you get it," Barr said. "You get just how special it is that Chief Sibert is still among us--a true hero!"

Airman Ranger: JBER Airman completes grueling Army training school

by Chris McCann
JBER Public Affairs

1/31/2014 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- The average American male takes in just about 2,500 calories a day, sleeps about seven hours, and engages in sports or physical fitness activities much less than the recommended two hours and change per week.

In the U.S. Army's Ranger School, trainees are ruck-marching a great deal of the time, sleep in 45-minute increments when possible - which isn't often - and get two meals-ready-to-eat each day, for a grand total of about 2,400 calories. It's a 61-day marathon of punishing physical exertion - and sleep and food deprivation. The attrition rate has hovered around 50 percent since 1980.

Airmen sometimes go to Ranger School, but only 257 have completed it, making a Ranger tab a brass ring in the Air Force.

Senior Airman Stephen Becker, a native of Minerva, Ohio, graduated from the grueling course Jan. 24. His Ranger tab was pinned on by his father, Mike Becker, a former Green Beret who had told his son to join the Air Force instead of the Army. (Stephen's brother Jarrod is also in the Air Force.) Stephen Becker had been at the course since late August, since he'd repeated the first two phases of the school.

He was one of only three Airmen in the course at the time; all made it through.

"It took a while to be accepted by the Soldiers," he said, although he wasn't often spotlighted. Once the training began, though, they were all one team.

Becker said he originally wanted to be a pararescueman, but failed the water portion of the course; he could swim, but struggled with being underwater and unable to breathe. "That was a kick in the face, that failure," he said. Instead, he decided to try Ranger School. Initially, it was something he wanted to do to maintain the family tradition of his father. That mindset soon shifted.

"It completely changes you," Becker said. "Why I was there became about the men to my left and right. I stopped focusing on myself and focused on them - and how to meet the commander's intent [for a mission]. I learned to spot-check those guys, and how much it really takes to get things complete."

Becker has been a proactive Airman since he enlisted as a security forces specialist three years ago and was stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. He was a president of the Airman's Council, trounced the physical training challenge at the Air Mobility Command rodeo, and was a PT advisor in his unit.

That drive and motivation drove him to his chief's office on a regular basis to check up on his application to the school - to the point that when he showed up, his leadership knew what he was about to ask.

When he was accepted to the course, his father laughed at the news.

"'It's a whole new world of suck,'" his father told him. He wasn't wrong.

It rained constantly through his training, Becker said.

"We never wanted to take our rucks off," he explained. "It was raining, and even carrying 100 pounds, plus carrying ropes, and all the extra rainwater - after rucking 10 [kilometers], we'd keep them on, because it's like having a personal heater. I'd do a rucksack flop, just lie down with it still on my back, sleep for 45 minutes, and then we'd get up and do it all over again."

Once, he recalled, he laid on his rucksack, only bothering to pull his "woobie," or poncho liner blanket, over himself partially.

"I woke up with frost all over my boots, icicles hanging from my nose ... I'm never going to complain about the cold again," he said.

While the course is exhaustively physical, it's largely concerned with building small-unit leadership skills. Rank becomes immaterial as trainees leave the course or are "fired" from their positions and another trainee takes the reins. As a senior airman, Becker was often a platoon leader - a position which in the regular Army is filled by a second lieutenant.

"It was crazy to be in charge of people who outranked me," he said.

One of the men in his squad was a sergeant first class, a Green Beret from the 10th Special Warfare Group. His experience was invaluable, Becker said.

"He was really good about critiquing us E-4s," he said. "He'd talk with us about leadership, and kept his critiques within the squad of about 10 guys. He was one of the guys I got closest to; he was always telling us stories.

The course spans three phases; the first, at Fort Benning, Ga., where the basics are taught. Trainees then move to Camp Merrill, near Dahlonega, Ga., for the "Mountain Phase" where they learn mountaineering and how to maneuver a small unit through mountain combat. Opposing forces are never far away and thick fog made surveillance difficult, he said.

"We'd be rucking 10 klicks [kilometers] a day and we'd come up to the top of a hill and there's the OPFOR [opposing forces], and we'd be graded on how well we reacted to that contact."

Students then move to Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., where they learn to conduct the same types of missions - this time through swamps.

"I remember one mission, I saw the guy ahead of me sink down into the swamp," he said. "He was up to his chin, pushing his way through the water, with his weapon above his head. And I was carrying a [M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon - which weighs about 20 pounds] and just thought 'ohhh, maaan.' It was no fun."

The school had a small hiatus over the holidays; while he was home, the former high-school wrestler and mixed-martial-arts enthusiast weighed himself. He weighed only 110 pounds. His wife, Gina, was shocked.

Just after his acceptance to school, Becker received orders to F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo. He was scheduled to graduate in early November, so the couple made their plans and purchased a home near Cheyenne. Stephen was planning to do much of the work of moving. Instead, he was still at school. Rather than risking his orders for an extension, his wife handled everything.

"She told me 'Don't come back without that tab,'" he said. "'I've worked too hard now.'"

In the first phase, Becker was too trusting of the people he was leading, he said.

"I had guys screwing up, people writing letters or sleeping," he explained. "I learned you've got to check on people, see where they're at."

Operations orders were his downfall in the second phase. While trainees who are officers generally have done countless "oporders" before going to Ranger School, Becker had no idea.

"I should've gone to the officers and asked for help," he said. He didn't make that mistake again.

A foundational take-away from the course was something familiar to Soldiers - harping on "task, condition, standard," which lays out the mission to accomplish, the conditions under which it must be done, and a standard for time or amount.
"For example, you tell a troop 'I need you to do this, this is how I want it done; I need it done in five minutes, so I'll see you in five minutes."

In school, due to food and sleep deprivation, spot-checking subordinates was even more critical, because people forget in such conditions. Keeping everyone working as a team made graduation possible.

Becker hopes to go to Officer Training School and be commissioned, he said.

While Ranger School may not be something that appeals to most Airmen, Becker wholeheartedly recommends it.

"Yes, it's setting a whole new bar for suck," he said. "But when someone's been through it, there's no question whether they know what to do or how to do it. You know they can accomplish whatever mission you give them. It changes your whole mindset, your whole leadership style. You focus solely on the mission."

For Airmen who are interested in the course, Becker recommended the information available at www.benning.army.mil/infantry/rtb/.

"They have everything," he said. "Training videos about tying the different knots, workout plans - all of it.

"If you focus on those videos, you'll know those tasks and you'll be able to focus on other things."

Being in top physical condition, before starting pre-Ranger school at Creech Air Force Base, Nev., is critical, he said, but other than that, those hoping to go can only learn some of the necessary tasks.

"It's just one of those things you have to experience."

AFGSC commander visits Team Whiteman

by Staff Sgt. Nick Wilson
509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

1/31/2014 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Lt. Gen. Stephen Wilson, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, and Maj. Gen. Scott Vander Hamm, 8th Air Force commander, visited Airmen at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., Jan. 24, 2014, to congratulate them on a job well done during a recent Nuclear Surety Inspection and address current issues affecting the Air Force.

Wilson's tour began with a visit to the Professional Development Center, where he met with staff sergeants in the NCO Professional Enhancement Course and senior airmen attending Airman Leadership School.

During both visits, Wilson spoke about the importance of core values, the significance of the nuclear mission, force management and enlisted performance reports.

Wilson also visited the 509th Medical Group, where he was briefed by Airmen from clinics that played a major role in the recent Nuclear Surety Inspection.

The 509th Security Forces Squadron's combat arms section provided Wilson a tour and familiarization with the M4, M9 and M240B, while the 509th Civil Engineer Squadron's snow removal and heavy equipment section demonstrated their scope of operations.

Wilson concluded his visit with a base-wide all-call, where he congratulated Airmen on a job well done during the NSI, provided Team Whiteman with his four priorities for the command and encouraged Airmen to grow as leaders.

During the all-call, Wilson also discussed having a safe, secure and effective nuclear force, how Airmen play a key role in winning the fight and how supervisors can build and empower the team.

"When we say 'safe, secure and effective,' the American public really demands that," Wilson said.

Wilson called upon Airmen at all levels, especially supervisors, to "build the bench;" that is, focus on training those under their command to be proficient not only as technical experts in their field, but also as leaders.

"Congratulations on a world-class inspection," Wilson said.

AMC commander: 'I'm suggesting we change the rules'

by Tyler Grimes
Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

1/31/2014 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill.  -- If it doesn't make sense, stop doing it.

Gen. Paul Selva, Air Mobility Command commander, shared this sentiment with 1,500 members of his headquarters staff during a virtual "all-call," Jan. 10.

"Airmen in our wings tell me the most frustrating thing is to hear us say, 'there are things that we are doing that we shouldn't be doing, and [then] our headquarters tells us we have to keep doing them,' " the general said.

He suggested Airmen at all levels look for ways to improve operations even if their ideas do not fit within current regulations.

"I'm not suggesting we break the rules, I'm suggesting we change the rules," he said.

The general noted there are 193 Air Mobility Command supplements to countless Air Force Instructions that dictate Air Force policy. Within Air Mobility Command alone, there are 513 forms in use for daily operations.

Those pages of regulations can sometimes be an impediment to both efficiency and effectiveness.

For changes to happen, senior leaders need to be open to Airmen offering new ways to get the mission done, the general told the staff on the virtual meeting.

"We don't know everything-we've haven't learned everything, we ought to be listening to their ideas," Selva said.

"My take is we need to get the AFIs right," he said, emphasizing that Airmen have a responsibility to ask for changes to Air Force Instructions that are needed to meet the ever-evolving mission demands.

National Guard among military units helping secure Super Bowl

By Amaani Lyle
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON (1/31/14) - The Defense Department will provide security and entertainment for the Super Bowl at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Feb. 2, Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren said today.

The Armed Forces Color Guard featuring two percussionists, a local military chorus accompanying National Anthem singer Renée Fleming, a U.S. Army rotary-wing aircraft flyover, and deployed service member greetings, will appear during the game, which is expected to be watched by more than 100 million people around the world.

"We're ... providing military assets to the Super Bowl as part of the department's community relations efforts," Warren said. "It has potential recruiting benefits and it helps connect our military to America."
Security for the open-air, 82,566-seat stadium will be robust, Warren noted.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command and National Guard personnel have been on duty since earlier this week providing security and logistical assistance, Warren said.

Warren also reported that NORAD, at the request of the Department of Homeland Security, will conduct Operation Noble Eagle air patrols in the airspace around MetLife stadium to enforce the Federal Aviation Administration's temporary flight restrictions there.

And, approximately 400 National Guard personnel will be on state active duty or on standby to assist state and federal officials with security augmentation and civil support teams, Warren said.
Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. EST and the game will be broadcast on FOX.

Hagel Ends Poland Trip With U.S., Polish Airmen

By Cheryl Pellerin

American Forces Press Service

POWIDZ AIR BASE, Poland, Jan. 31, 2014 – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel spent the last afternoon of his first official visit to Poland by stopping at an air base where U.S. and Polish airmen work side by side, and later at a historic church where his great grandparents were married in 1882.

At Powidz Air Base in central Poland, Hagel and Polish Defense Minister Tomasz Siemoniak walked together into a hangar, a row of U.S. and Polish airmen fanning out on each side of the microphone, with the American and Polish flags in the background.

Rising up behind the flags was a hulking gray C-130 turboprop military transport plane with a sleek F-16 positioned at each end of its 133-foot wingspan.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to be here today to wish you all well and to thank you, all of you, Polish and American airmen working jointly in … common cause,” Hagel said in English, stopping every few sentences so his words could be translated into Polish.

“What you’re doing here is important … for our two countries, it’s important for NATO, it’s important for freedom, and it is a significant symbol to the world,” he said.

President Barack Obama and President Bronisław Komorowski agreed in 2010 to strengthen the U.S.-Polish security partnership through increased cooperation between both nations’ air forces. The first full-time stationing of U.S. troops was established in Poland in 2012 with an aviation detachment at Lask Air Base, about 90 minutes from Powidz.

In addition to strengthening cooperation, the aviation detachment allows Poland to host other allied air force elements and serve as a regional hub for air training and multinational exercises.

Hagel called it significant that the two countries are working together, adding that the collaboration will lead to “expanding opportunities for more jointness, more exercises and more opportunities.”

As Hagel and Siemoniak completed their remarks, the secretary wished the airmen continued success and a productive 2014.

“On a more personal note,” he told them, “my mother’s family is from this part of Poland and when I leave here in a few minutes I’m going to a little village, Kiszków, where my great grandparents were married. So I feel very familiar here and very comfortable.”

The Dabrowka Catholic church, nearly an hour by car from Powidza Air Base, sits on the same site in Kiszków where Hagel’s maternal grandmother’s parents were married. Their Polish names were Tomasz and Katarzyna Kąkolewski, a senior defense official said.

Tomasz Kąkolewski, born in Wierzonka, lived in Turostów near Kiszków and worked as a farmhand. Katarzyna Budnikowska, also recorded as Budzińska, was born in 1861 in Lednogóra. She lived in Gniewkowo near Kiszków and worked as maid.

In 1882 the couple married in the parish church in Dąbrówka Kościelna, which burned down in the 1920s and was later rebuilt. They left for the United States in 1888 and Katie, one of their daughters, was born in Nebraska in 1894. Katie Konkolewski, Hagel’s grandmother, eventually married Joseph Dunn, an American of Irish descent.

During his visit to the church today Hagel signed the guest book.

"Thank you for this very memorable opportunity to visit my family's history,” Hagel wrote. “It is very meaningful to my family and me. God bless you."

Face of Defense: Top Marine Spouse Serves Others

By Marine Corps Cpl. Laura Gauna

1st Marine Logistics Group

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif., Jan. 30, 2014 – The men and women in uniform are not the only ones making a difference in the 1st Marine Logistics Group here.

Dannielle Maxwell, a family readiness assistant with 1st MLG, dedicates her time to ensure the Marines and their families within Combat Logistics Regiment 17 transition smoothly into military life.

Dannielle, wife of Gunnery Sgt. Dustin Maxwell, Landing Support Co. Gunnery Sergeant, CLR-17, 1st MLG, distinguished herself throughout 2013 for her hard work and dedication to her family, community, and her husband’s unit. She was honored as the 1st MLG Spouse of the Year.

“It feels wonderful to be named the Spouse of the Year,” Dannielle said. “I am really grateful. My advice for other military spouses is just to get out there, meet people and volunteer.”

Throughout this year, she not only found time for her family life, but also used her experience as a Marine spouse to help 1st MLG families prepare for upcoming deployments.

She logged more than 600 volunteer hours supporting the Family Readiness Officer, volunteered as an aide at her son’s school, coached her children’s sports teams, assisted with Marine Corps Ball fundraisers and became the curriculum team leader for the Leadership Education Seminar, which educates spouses on taking leadership roles.

“I’m really proud of what she does,” said Dustin, her husband of almost 10 years. “She volunteers, works hard and sincerely likes helping Marines.”

For the last three years Dannielle received letters of appreciation from 1st MLG’s commanding generals.

“Dannielle took [her position as a volunteer] a step further,” said Curtis Winfree, a 46-year-old Family Readiness Officer with Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st MLG, of Houston. “She not only did what was required but she went above and beyond. She has been to almost every homecoming we have had and provided valuable input. She has taken almost every class available to help her keep the unit up to date on valuable information. I would not hesitate to put her up for a FRO position. She is ready and understands the responsibility she would have on her shoulders.”

Dannielle certainly knows the ropes when it comes to the unit, as well as the military life in general.

She grew up in a military household. Her father, a National Guardsman, served in Operation Desert Storm when she was young. Her experience then impacts her life now.

“When my father deployed to Desert Storm it was just [my mother, sister and me] for the longest time,” said Dannielle, a 28-year-old native of Rapid City, S.D. “I remember having awesome community support. I learned to have an open mind about people. I learned there is always somebody somewhere going through something a lot worse than you are, and it’s important to lend a helping hand.”

Her ability to adapt stems from more than 28 years of combined experience being a military child and wife. She knows firsthand what it feels like to be in a new place with nobody to turn to.

“When I was a new spouse it was nice knowing [other spouses] took the time to help me [transition into the new life style],” she said. “That's why I do what I do. Those spouses really helped me then, and I want to do that for others as well.”

While giving so much of her time back to the Marine Corps community might seem overwhelming to some, Dannielle explains that it has always been what she has wanted to do.

“We used to joke that during [my husband’s] Marine Corps career, he is off saving the world, and I’d always say, ‘When you’re done being GI Joe, I get to save the world on my terms,’” she said. “I just couldn’t wait around anymore.”

Dannielle and her husband will soon move to Iwakuni, Japan, where she will have yet another opportunity to impact the community.

How Clarence got his wings - and a forever home

by Jamie Topliff
71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

1/29/2014 - VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- His name is Clarence because just like the angel in "It's a Wonderful Life," he was waiting outside the gates to get his "wings."

Clarence is the infamous Vance Air Force base "gate dog" who, until recently, made his home in the field outside the Baker Gate back in November and December.

The dog now lives with Col. James and Julie Abatti, who reside on base. Colonel Abatti is the commander of the 71st Operations Group.

The 18-month old German shepherd-Husky mix received significant attention from Team Vance members entering and leaving the base. The gate dog was being fed by people from all over base and several even tried catching him. Both Enid Animal Control and Furever Friends volunteers visited in hopes of leashing him - to no avail.

"He would just sit there and howl," said Julie.

Thought she had been leaving him food for quite some time, she decided on Christmas Day that she needed to save him from the bitterly cold temperatures that were forecasted for the weekend.

"There are three ways to a man's heart--food, love and toys," said Julie, and with those three things, she set out to save Clarence.

On Thursday, Dec. 26, she went to the field and worked with Clarence for two and a half hours. The next day, she repeated the routine, but this time, Clarence started following her around and playing.

By Saturday morning, after just an hour and a half of food, love and toys, Clarence started following Julie as she headed off toward her home.

When she walked home from feeding him Saturday night, Clarence followed her right into her back yard.

"I never leashed him," said Julie, which is what everyone else was trying to do.

The Abattis' first night with Clarence proved to be a bit challenging. To make him feel a little more comfortable, Julie slept on an air mattress in the laundry room so Clarence could see her through the glass door to the back yard. She had to wear ear plugs to drown out the noise from the refrigerator motor and was awaked by Colonel Abatti at 3:30 a.m., Sunday, letting her know that Clarence was howling.

Julie got up and let Clarence out the back yard to go back to his field, and then returned to bed. Later that morning, she went out to the field, fed and played with Clarence, and then left.

In the afternoon, cold weather moved in so Julie dressed from head to toe, and once again, headed out to play with Clarence. But this time, the dog barked and would not go near Julie. When she removed her hat, Clarence ran across the field into her arms and the two set off for home.

That Sunday night, Julie slept in the laundry room again, but this time, Clarence was with her.
Monday morning came and Clarence headed back out to his field. Julie went out to visit him in the afternoon. On their walk home, a friend stopped to talk to Julie. Clarence got spooked and ran away.

Concerned she had lost him, Julie grabbed Clarence's toys and set out to the field to look for him. As soon as she squeaked the toys, Clarence showed up right behind her.

"That's it. We're going home," said Julie. And that's where he has been ever since.

While his name is Clarence, the Abattis fondly call him Squirt, Pee Wee and the Baby, which fits, since their other two dogs are large 10 and 11-year old Border Collie-Austrian shepherd mixes. While the Abattis' male dog, Ringo, is still the alpha, Clarence brings a whirlwind of puppy energy into the home.

He enjoys play dates with Col. Darren and Melissa James' dog, Chloe, and particularly loves the snow. Colonel James, the 71st Flying Training Wing commander, lives on the same street as the Abattis.

While Clarence and Colonel Abatti enjoy their afternoon routine of playing in the backyard, Julie is still Clarence's favorite.

She is, after all, the one who helped him earn his wings.