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.

Team Fairchild joins 65 units, U.S. allies to kick off Red Flag 14-1

by Staff Sgt. Veronica Montes
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

1/30/2014 - NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev.  -- Team Fairchild joined 65 other units and U.S. allies to participate in Red Flag 14-1 here Jan. 27, 2014.

The three-week long exercise is a realistic combat training exercise conducted by the 414th Combat Training Squadron three times a year over the Nevada Test and Training Range.

"Fairchild's mission is to support air refueling for war fighters that are here executing Red Flag 14-1," said Maj. Bryan Starcher, 92nd Air Refueling Squadron Tanker Taskforce commander of Red Flag 14-1. "Our main role is to make it so our combat aircraft can execute our combat mission."

More than 30 Airmen from Fairchild AFB, while working with Airmen from McConnell AFB, Kan., will spend the duration of the exercise conducting or supporting about six refueling missions a day. These Airmen include pilots, boom operators, maintainers and support staff.

"It's important that while we are here we have all the support functions," said Capt. Ryan Jahnke, 93rd ARS pilot. "It's important all those functions come together to get everyone to be able to fly and get the most out of our training."

Jahnke said along with the teamwork aspect, this exercise is also great for the younger aircrews.

"It's especially important for the young aircrew members who haven't been deployed yet," Jahnke continued. "It's the only time the aircrew members will be able to fight an adversary with formidable air defenses without actually going to war."

This exercise involves approximately 125 aircraft and 3,250 deployed service members from all four U.S. branches, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force will participate.

Starcher said that is one of the main benefits of participating in the exercise here, "we are able to work with our coalition partners and integrate [with] our closest allies."
While every unit plays an important role, the tanker's mission is necessary.

"With the support of the KC-135s, the fighter aircraft are able to stay on station longer and in greater numbers," said Senior Michael Weidman, 93rd ARS boom operator. "We are able to keep the aircraft flying so everyone can get the training they need."

Red Flag provides aircrew members realistic, stressful situations to deal with in a controlled environment. The KC-135s play a crucial role, not only providing fuel, but allowing fighter aircraft to practice gathering fuel during these stressful situations.

"Red Flag is about preparing people for combat environment, and in a combat environment, even the simple things become hard," said Lt. Col. Jordan Grant, 414th CTS deputy commander. "One of the simple things for an aircraft is getting to the tanker to get fuel and be in time for the fight. That's why it's so important to have tanker support so the aircrew can learn to do those simple tasks in training before they have to put it all together in real combat."

Red Flag 14-1 will conclude Feb. 14, 2014.

Clapper Praises Rogers’ Nomination as Next Cyber Chief

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2014 – Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper has praised President Barack Obama’s nomination of Navy Vice Adm. Michael S. Rogers to be the next commander of U.S. Cyber Command, director of the National Security Agency and chief of the Central Security Service.

In his statement, Clapper also praised Richard Ledgett on his appointment to serve as the NSA deputy director.

The text of Clapper’s statement follows:

“Today, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel announced that Vice Adm. Michael S. Rogers is President Obama’s nominee to be the next commander of U.S. Cyber Command. In addition, Secretary Hagel announced that he has designated Vice Adm. Rogers to serve as director of the National Security Agency and chief of the Central Security Service.

“Mike’s Navy career spans more than 30 years of distinguished service to the nation, and he is highly respected throughout the Intelligence Community and Department of Defense. He served in numerous leadership and cryptological roles, including the director for intelligence for both the Joint Chiefs of Staff and U.S. Pacific Command.

“I worked with Mike when I was the undersecretary of defense for intelligence and he was the director of intelligence for the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is a dedicated career intelligence officer who deeply understands signals intelligence and cyber operations, which makes him uniquely qualified to lead the NSA and U.S. Cyber Command missions.

“I would also like to congratulate Richard Ledgett on his appointment to serve as the NSA deputy director. Rick was the first ODNI national intelligence manager for cyber, and has had a remarkable career in signals intelligence. His keen insight of the entire intelligence enterprise will serve the NSA and the Intelligence Community well.

“I know Mike and Rick will make a great team, and I look forward to working with them. Their combined leadership will support and strengthen intelligence integration across the community and help keep our nation safe.”

Final words from the Chief: 'Thank you for the inspiration'

by Staff Sgt. Amber R. Kelly-Herard
Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

1/31/2014 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill.  -- A 19-year-old man, bagging groceries for $4 an hour and his new wife, expecting their first child, joined the Air Force, unknowing he'd become the Air Mobility Command command chief master sergeant.

Thirty years later, Chief Master Sgt. Richard "Andy" Kaiser, retired Jan. 17, here.

"A heartfelt thank you to each of our amazing Airmen, and I wish I could hug them all for what they have done and will continue to do. We are so proud of them!" said Kaiser to all Mobility Airmen. "Remember we are Airmen first and specialists second and always embody the core values. Celebrate with your teammates what we as Airmen do, because we enable America to be America."

The chief's bride, Debbie also had some words to pass on.

"To our Mobility spouses and families, thank you so much for your love and support you provided to your Airmen," she said. "The sacrifices they make daily working long hours and uncertainty about the future, these are all huge stressors, but our spouses and families cope with that amazingly well. You are some of the finest Americans alive today and I would also give you all a hug."

The command chief, who has advised the AMC commander on enlisted issues for more than 100,000 Mobility Air Forces Airmen, sums his 2-and-a-half-year tenure as "inspiring."

"The opportunity to rub elbows with MAF Airmen--hopefully encourage them and inspire them--and see them in action was incredibly inspiring," said the Columbus, Ohio, native.

Kaiser said an example of this happened every time he went to deployed locations. He recounted one trip where he departed Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, on a C-17 configured for an aeromedical evacuation flight. The aeromedical evacuation crews and aircrews synchronized perfectly to care for wounded warriors all the way to Germany.
Then, when he left Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on the same C-17, it was be reconfigured to transport military equipment.

Another inspiring mission for the chief was to observe the Joint Precision Air Drop System that brings mission critical supplies to ground troops who would otherwise starve or get overrun without airdrop.

"There are just so many moments of inspiration, it was incredible," said Kaiser.
"Most Airmen doing these amazing things will say they're just doing their job, with their characteristic humble spirit," the chief continued. "Those willing to work hard and live the core values will have amazing opportunities open for them."

Kaiser explained plain old hard work and strong support from his leaders and fellow Airmen is how he made chief.

"The Air Force provides additional opportunity for service and higher responsibility, often at a higher rank, for those Airmen who prove themselves by duty performance," said Kaiser. "Shortly after I was promoted to chief, a group commander, named Col. Fred Ryder, gave me the opportunity to serve as a group superintendent, and I was blessed with several command chiefs who mentored me early on. By God's grace, I was afforded additional opportunities to serve, and Debbie and I will always cherish these amazing experiences."

Now that his journey has ended, Kaiser describes the feeling as surreal.

"Is this really happening?" he said. "It's kind of like when you become a father and you realize, 'Holy Cow, I'm going to be a dad!' It is surreal."

After retirement, his "uniform" changed to civilian clothes, but he is still the same.

"I'm an Airman first and then a chief," said Kaiser. "My military status changed to 'retired", but my heart is the same."

"Debbie and I always wanted to retire near an Air Force base, so we bought a house in O'Fallon, Ill., to be able to serve Airmen in any way possible. We hope to host Airmen and families who are new to the Air Force and help them acclimate to their new environment. We also hope to help those transitioning from the Air Force, whether they be separating or retiring."

Finally, the chief said, "Thirty years goes by a lot faster than you would imagine, so make the most of every day professionally and personally. We have been so blessed by so many folks over these three decades, and we hope everyone serving will likewise experience amazing opportunities. It has been a true joy and honor for Debbie and I to serve."

Dyess K-9 trainers receive Bronze Star and Purple Heart Medals

by Senior Airman Peter Thompson
7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

1/31/2014 - DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Two 7th Bomb Wing Security Forces Airmen received two of the highest military awards available during a ceremony Jan. 24, here.

"These two defenders are heroes and warriors," said Brig. Gen. Glen VanHerck, 7th BW commander. "They selflessly go down range to save lives without hesitation."

Staff Sgt. Erica McRell, 7th SFS, was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for her acts of heroism, merit and meritorious service exhibited while in a combat zone.

During her most recent deployment, McRell and her military working dog Jonny were attached to an Army Special Forces unit. She was the first female military working dog trainer from Dyess, embedded with an Army Special Forces unit.

During operations, McRell's position was lead. She was responsible for locating and isolating improvised explosive devices. McRell and Jonny saved lives by finding more than 50 IEDs throughout southern Afghanistan. Her actions directly resulted in a significant reduction in terrorist activity against local citizens and dramatically restricted the enemy's ability to operate.

McRell said she is grateful to the 7th Security Forces Squadron military working dog unit, who trained and prepared her for the deployment. She is most thankful for the training she received from her supervisor, Staff Sgt. Andre Hernandez, 7th SFS.

Tech. Sgt. Rafael Rhodes, 7th SFS, was awarded the Purple Heart and Air Force Combat Action Medals for being wounded in action against an enemy of the United States and for directly engaging an enemy while his life was at risk of grave danger.

Rhodes received the Purple Heart and Air Force Combat Action Medals after sustaining injuries while on a mission during his third deployment. Rhodes was returning to Bagram Airfield after a 12 hour outside-the-wire mission when an IED detonated adjacent to the lead vehicle he and his MWD Nero were riding in.

Only seconds after the initial detonation, the mine resistant ambush protected vehicle which was hit by the explosion began taking small arms fire. After an assessment of the team, Rhodes and Nero were instructed to dismount and sweep for additional explosives. Upon completion of the sweep, Rhodes returned to his MRAP and rendered first aid to the vehicle gunner who was unconscious.

Originally introduced as the Badge of Military Merit by Gen. George Washington in 1782, the Purple Heart Medal is the oldest military medal in the United States military.

Rhodes said his kennel section is his family, the support they have given him has been huge and that he couldn't thank them enough.

Gen. Glenn VanHerck, 7th Bomb Wing commander, noted that this award was not only reflected of McRell and Rhodes, but also the military working dogs that were there with them during every event they encountered.

"These are not just dogs, they are Airmen, out there getting the mission done every day alongside their trainers," VanHerck said. "They are a part of our team and have saved countless lives as well."

President to Nominate Several to Key DOD Positions

By Terri Moon Cronk

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2014 – President Barack Obama has announced his intent to nominate four people to key Defense Department positions, all of which require Senate confirmation.

They are:

-- Miranda A. A. Ballentine, to be assistant secretary of the Air Force for installations, environment, and logistics;

-- Michael McCord, to be undersecretary of Defense (comptroller);

-- Brian P. McKeon, to be principal deputy undersecretary of Defense for policy, and

-- Christine E. Wormuth, to be undersecretary of defense for policy.

Ballentine is the director of sustainability, renewable energy, sustainable facilities, and stakeholder engagement for Wal-Mart Stores Inc., a position she has held since 2008.

Since 2001, Ballentine has served as a guest lecturer at Duke University, George Washington University and Kenan-Flagler School of Business.

She has a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University and a master’s of business administration degree from George Washington University.

McCord is presently the principal deputy undersecretary of defense (comptroller), a position he has held since 2009. From 1987 to 2004, McCord served in a number of roles on the Senate Armed Service Committee.

He has a bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

McKeon is deputy assistant to the president, executive secretary of the National Security Council, and chief of staff for the National Security Staff at the White House, a position he has served in since 2012.

McKeon served as the deputy national security advisor to the vice president from 2009 to 2012. He was on the Presidential Transition’s State Department Agency Review Team, and served as the deputy staff director and chief counsel at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee from 1997 to 2009, serving under then-Sen. Joe Biden.

He previously was a law clerk to U.S. District Judge Robert Doumar.

McKeon has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center.

Wormuth is deputy undersecretary of defense (strategy, plans, and forces) a position she has held since 2012. Before coming to DOD, Wormuth was special assistant to the president for national security affairs and senior director for defense policy on the National Security Staff from 2010 to 2012.

Previously, she served as principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for homeland defense and Americas’ security affairs in the office of the secretary of defense from 2009 to 2010.

Before joining the administration, she was a senior fellow in the international security program at the center for strategic and international studies from 2004 to 2009.

Wormuth received her bachelor’s degree from Williams College and a master’s degree in public policy from the School of Public Affairs, University of Maryland.

Reserve Command seeks to recruit recruiters

by Tech. Sgt. Mark R. W. Orders-Woempner
434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

1/31/2014 - GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Tasked with filling the ranks, recruiters are at the start of all Airmen's careers, and now they're looking to pull from those ranks to fill their own.

The Air Force Reserve Command is now actively seeking Airmen who want to serve as full-time recruiters on active-guard and reserve tours, said Senior Master Sgt. Robert Mielke, 434th Air Refueling Wing recruiting flight chief.

"Recruit the Recruiter is a program within AFRC where we're looking for good Airmen from within the wings who want to fulfill this unique role," Mielke explained. "We're trying to get as many people as we can because we have training opportunities coming up."

The recruiters are looking to hire highly motivated staff sergeants, technical sergeants and master sergeants.

"As a master sergeant, you can keep your rank," said Mielke. "You used to have to take it off, but now you can come right onto an AGR tour as an E-7, providing you meet all the criteria."

Recruiters have the unique role of attracting and convincing prospective individuals to join the Air Force Reserve, and as such, are often the first impression many civilians have with the military.

And, with that higher level of responsibility comes a higher level of job satisfaction.

"The career definitely has its rewards," said Tech. Sgt. Craig Ridener, 434th ARW recruiter. "It's been really awesome having the opportunity to go out and meet new people, tell them about the experiences I've had and help point them in the right direction."

"I've had four Air Force specialty codes and this by far is the most rewarding job for me because you get that feel-good feeling when you have young men and women that go to basic training and come back from tech school and tell you 'thank you' for what you've done for them and their families," agreed Mielke. "You'd be hard-pressed to beat that."

"If you want something different, if you want a challenge with a higher standard, recruiting is the way to go," Ridener added. "Recruiters have to be motivated, dedicated and willing to do what needs to be done with integrity."

While the rewards may be many, so can be the challenges of a job that is often autonomous and requires a lot of flexibility.

"Recruiting is very demanding; you can put in between 8 hours to 14 hours a day and not even realize it, so you've got to make sure you make time for your family to have a good balance," explained Ridener. "If you're married, your spouse has to be onboard 100 percent because there are going to be nights where you will be home late."

"It's not a traditional 9 to 5 job," added Mielke. "A lot of recruiters work weekends because that's when a lot of people that we need to talk to are out of school or off work."

Because of the unique challenges faced by these gatekeepers to the Air Force, the recruitment process of future recruiters is multi-phased.

"You fill out an application here, it gets submitted to our headquarters, and they will select applicants for an evaluation selection course where the Airman will go to Robins Air Force Base, Ga., for a week to figure out if this is something they're really interested in," Mielke explained. "They'll get a lot of in-depth details about what recruiting is, and they'll find out if it's something they really want to do"

After completing an ESC, applicants can choose to continue on to recruiting technical training school at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. During the 6-week training, future recruiters are trained on public speaking, recruiting processes and selling techniques.

While some may think recruiters are natural extroverts, especially in dealing with the public, Mielke cautioned potential applicants not to let their preconceived notions about the career field or themselves prevent them from investigating a career in recruiting.

"We have all kind of needs in recruiting, and just because somebody is shy doesn't mean they won't be able to get the job done; that's part of what the evaluation and selection course is for," he said. "If somebody is willing to try and overcome some of those fears, we call those blind spots in recruiting, then, we'll help them with that."

While natural extroversion is not a requirement, the willingness to relocate is.

"If they come in here and tell me they only want to serve here at Grissom, chances are they're not going to be picked up," said Mielke. "They have to be willing to go anywhere the Air Force needs them."

And, where the Air Force needs recruiters may not be an Air Force base at all.

"If you're at a satellite office, which means the line recruiter is about an hour to three hours away from their actual boss, you have to make sure you have integrity and are doing the right things," said Ridener.

With that extra responsibility also comes flexibility.

"Out on your own, you can do what works best for you," added Ridener.

As AGRs, recruiters receive all regular Air Force pay and benefits and can retire with an active-duty retirement.

While the perks of the job, pay and benefits might be a bonus for some, Ridener reiterated the best part of the job is helping people.

"Sure, active-duty pay and retirement is awesome, but so is helping others," he added. "So, if you're that person who wants to help people and you're a good salesperson, recruiting may be for you."

Mielke also noted that Federal civil servants, including ARTs, could take a job in recruiting for a single tour and return to their previous jobs under current regulations.

"If you're a full-time civil servant who's also a traditional reservist, or if you're an ART, you can come into our program for three years and still go back to your civil service job because it's activation," he explained.

Airmen interested in an Air Force Reserve recruiting career should contact their local recruiting flight chief.

One of Offutt's own is going to Hollywood

by 2nd Lt. Carly A. Costello
55th Wing Public Affairs

1/31/2014 - OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- A vocalist in the U.S. Air Force Heartland of America Band received three yeses from the judges when she tried out for American Idol Oct. 14 at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, earning her a ticket to Hollywood Week.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Paula Hunt's advancement to Hollywood was kept secret until the Omaha Auditions aired Thursday night.

Hunt, 20, has been singing since before she could talk, according to her mother, Yolonda Kynard, who put her in the church choir at a young age.

"When Paula was about six or seven months old, she knew the ABC song," Kynard said. "She would get all excited when I would start singing it and she would try to sing along with me. This would just shock and amaze people."

"Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamt of standing on a grand stage and performing my music, even if I was just standing on the coffee table in our living room with my little karaoke microphone in hand," Hunt said. "My mom started me singing in church young, and I hit the ground running from there."

Hunt, a Bellevue native and graduate of Bellevue West High School, never stopped singing, and during her senior year in high school she was encouraged to try out for the Air Force Band.

"I learned about the auditions for the Air Force Band my senior year in high school from Master Sgt. Lara Murdzia who heard me sing at a program at my high school," Hunt said. "I wasn't sure if I should join the military. Then I thought about my grandfather who's an Air Force retiree, and I realized that nothing would make me happier than singing and serving my country the best way I know how."

Hunt has served as a member of the Air Force Heartland of America Band since August 2011. She is currently a journeyman vocalist for the band's rock ensemble, Raptor.

"I love performing with the band because I get to work with so many unique and talented people," Hunt said. "I get to perform with others who love music like I do, and I have learned so much about myself and my voice while playing with the Air Force Band. I have grown as a vocalist, something you can't just do anywhere."

And the talents Hunt brings to the band's mission are felt throughout.

"Senior Airman Hunt has brought a youthful exuberance to the band," said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Packard, Heartland of America Band first sergeant. "Her fresh perspective is an asset toward strengthening the message we deliver to our younger audience base. She is an amazingly talented vocalist with the potential to be an amazing leader as her rank and responsibilities increase."

Trying out for the Heartland of America Band was one thing, but trying out for American Idol was something Hunt never planned on doing. But with a little help and encouragement from her mother and sister, she decided to give it a try.

"I thought it was a great idea," Kynard said. "Her voice has matured quite a bit, and she is at the point where I would love for her to share her voice with the world."

Even though Hunt had been through auditions before and is use to singing in front of others, she still found herself uneasy before and during her American Idol audition.

"I was nervous, and then I just went for it," Hunt said. "Once I made it to Hollywood Week, I realized that this could be the gateway to me getting to live out those dreams I've had since I was a little girl. I am really excited."

Hunt's advancement to Hollywood came as no surprise to those who knew her.

"I was not surprised because I know what an amazing vocalist she is," Packard said. "We were all very excited for her and wished her the best. We're a small unit and when a member of our 'band family' has an opportunity like American Idol, we strongly support them in their endeavor."

Singing and chasing her dream of preforming for others is not just Hunt's dream, it was also a dream of her mother's, something Hunt thought about while auditioning for American Idol.

"I thought about my mom and her singing, and how her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis took her chance to do all of this away," Hunt said. "I'm doing this for me but also for my family."

And her family is very proud of her, not only for her success with her American Idol audition, but also as an Airman.

"I am very proud of my daughter," Kynard said. "She's matured and become so much more than I could have hoped for. I knew I wanted the best for her, but I didn't know how amazing things could be or get for her until now."

Air Force Completes Airlift of Rwandan Peacekeepers

By Jim Garamone

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2014 – The Air Force has finished airlifting Rwandan peacekeeping troops into the Central African Republic, Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren said today.

The Air Force began transporting the Rwandans Jan. 14 along with vehicles and supplies of a Rwandan mechanized infantry battalion.

The last two C-17s landed at the capital city of Bangui carrying about 42 short tons of equipment, Warren said. "With that all passengers, rolling stock and palettes have been moved," he said.

"We have transported a total of 868 personnel, 177 palettes of supplies and equipment, 68 vehicles and one forklift," Warren said.

Overall, since the U.S. airlift mission in support of the peacekeeping effort began, there have been 42 C-17 flights and three C-130 flights.

"We moved a total of 1,727 personnel, 250 palettes of supplies and equipment, 91 vehicles including armored personnel carriers, 5-ton trucks, land cruisers, ambulances mobile kitchen, weapons systems and a forklift," Warren said.

MP company marks Guam deployment, MP award

by Air Force Staff Sgt. Sheila deVera
JBER Public Affairs

1/31/2014 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARSON, Alaska -- The 164th Military Police Company received the prestigious Command Sgt. Maj. Mark L. Farley Award during its deployment ceremony at the Alaska National Guard Armory on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Jan. 23.

The 164th MP Company, 793rd Military Battalion, was also the first recipient of the award when it was established in 2009. The unit headed out for a five-month deployment to Guam to provide site security.

The award recognizes the "Best Military Police Company in the U.S. Army Pacific," and is awarded annually to the military police company that best excels in the execution of their MP duties. There are 23 MP companies in the USARPAC area of responsibility.

Retired Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Farley was the first enlisted military police Soldier to lead as the senior enlisted adviser for the 2, 3, and 4-star level commands, eventually retiring as the command sergeant major of U.S. Army Europe. Farley personally presented the award.

"This award means a lot to us because we are about to deactivate," said Army Lt. Col. Kirt Boston, 793rd MP Battalion commander. "The 793rd MP and the 164th MP will not be here in six months. They will be taken out of the Army force structure. So it is a nice way for the Soldiers to get recognition of all the hard work they are doing."

"The award means a lot to a Soldier, because it consists of all their accomplishments that they have done the last fiscal year," said Army 1st Sgt. Timothy Gipson, 164th MP first sergeant. "The Soldiers have done great things to get the award; all their accomplishments were packaged together, including their internal and external training evaluation; military and civilian education; volunteerism with the community on and off the installation; and physical training."

U.S. Army Alaska commander Maj. Gen. Michael Shields also extended his congratulations to the 164th MP in a written statement Boston read.

"Receiving this award is a phenomenal accomplishment by a truly exceptional formation of Soldiers," the statement read. "You are unquestionably the best MP Company in all the United States Army Pacific. This is a stellar accomplishment. When you strive for discipline and accomplishment, Soldiers like you - the Arctic Warriors - are respected and admired by our friends and feared by our enemies."

After the award presentation, the 164th MP continued the deployment ceremony.
"We are deploying to Guam for a critical site-security mission to support the strategic initiative in the Pacific," said Army Capt. Matthew Porter, 164th MP commander. "Before leaving, we conducted weapons training to be proficient with our Army weapons."

Porter added the culminating training event was to secure the perimeter of their battalion operations and run 72-hour operations, simulating steady-state combat.

First-time deployer Army Pfc. Nicholas Dentremont said that in preparation for the deployment, they had to do a field exercise to get mentally and physically ready.

In addition to getting Soldiers ready, the unit's family readiness group worked hand-in-hand with the 164th MP Company to prepare families for the upcoming deployment.
"With the family readiness group, we had consistent meetings where we set the family up with the appropriate agencies that can support them while everyone is deployed," Gipson said.

With the families secured and weapons training complete, the 164th MP Company will take off for Guam, displaying the professional warrior skills and overall excellence indicated by its recent honors as Command Sgt. Maj. Mark L. Farley Award winners.

PHS officer pitches in at JBER

by David Bedard
JBER Public Affairs

1/31/2014 - JOINT BASE ELMENODRF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- A man emerged from his car on a hot July day wearing a smart dress-white uniform. He strode across the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson hospital parking lot, plotting a course to his office in the hospital's Lynx Wing.

An Airman, wearing his mottled green utility uniform, ambled on an intercept course with the bedecked doctor en route to his car.

The two locked eyes for a brief moment, before the Airman scanned the unfamiliar uniform for shiny brass. Nothing. All he could spot were two dark shoulder boards with four yellow stripes each. Biting his lip, the Airman decided he had better cover his bases, and rendered a crisp salute. The doctor returned the courtesy.

The Navy-like uniform belongs to Public Health Service Capt. Kelton Oliver, medical director of the Traumatic Brain Injury Clinic at the JBER hospital. As one of six uniformed services, the PHS Commissioned Corps uses a combination of Navy and Coast Guard uniforms with PHS insignia.

Oliver said his assignment to the JBER Hospital's TBI Clinic is part of an agreement between the Department of Defense and the PHS designed to address behavioral-health issues associated with combat deployments. According to the PHS website, the 2008 initiative ensures service members, their families and veterans receive the behavioral health care they need by increasing services such as psychiatric counseling, family and group therapy, and preventive services.

Years before becoming a part of this partnership, Oliver said he began his service in uniform as a Security Forces Airman, guarding missiles at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., before he volunteered for a special operations assignment. After six years of service, he left the Air Force and worked as a police officer at the University of Oklahoma for four years, where he earned a degree in chemistry.

During his studies, he decided to become a medical doctor. Oliver's vocational calling led him into medicine, but his time with the Air Force led him back to the uniform.

"A lot of it had to do with the fact that I could continue to work toward a [uniformed service] retirement, and I enjoyed being in the military," he said. "I liked the military lifestyle, and I liked wearing the uniform."

Oliver said he helped establish the TBI Clinic in 2009, when then 673d Medical Group commander, Air Force Col. Paul Friedrichs, asked him to institute the clinic with a holistic approach. This methodology contrasted with other TBI clinics, which are run by neurologists.

Oliver was the right doctor for the job.

He said he had a predominately primary care background, working in Indian Health Service hospitals in Oklahoma before transferring to the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage.

It wasn't long before Oliver put his stamp on the fledgling TBI clinic.
"The first day I was here, I wrote on the white board, 'The patient is the mission.'" he said. "Of course, to the military, mission means something specific. It's your assignment, and you never quit on a mission. You go until the mission is completed."

As part of the holistic approach, Oliver said he and his staff see patients as complex people with varying backgrounds and challenges.

"From the very beginning, everyone who has been a part of this clinic has had the mindset of 'Let's find out what this patient needs and help them get it, even if it's really not in our court,'" he said.

Oliver offered the example of a TBI patient suffering from severe back pain. Such a patient won't get much out of cognitive rehabilitation until the back pain is cured or managed. Likewise, if a patient has debilitating post-traumatic stress disorder, treatment for TBI-related headaches may not be as effective. These considerations have prompted TBI clinic caregivers to work closely with their behavioral health and primary care colleagues to ensure treatment is administered in an effective, holistic manner.

"We look at the patient as a whole," the doctor said. "We don't treat traumatic brain injury, we treat people who have traumatic brain injuries."

Oliver said he was specially suited to help stand up and run the TBI clinic because of his status as a PHS officer, which made possible the continuity the clinic needed.

"When we are assigned to the Department of Defense, we are in essence functioning just like a military officer," he said. "But there are a couple of differences that make us desirable for certain types of positions - one of those is that we're not going to be transferred out from under them."

Oliver said that - while assigned to the JBER hospital - he can perform any function an Air Force doctor can, and he has worked in family medicine when the TBI caseload was slow.
The doctor said he is encouraged when patients benefit from the services provided at the TBI clinic.

"Because the patient is the mission, I feel that I have accomplished the mission when the patient recovers," he said. "That's the part that's really rewarding.

"These men and women, they've been through things," Oliver continued. "They put everything on the line because they were asked to, and they deserve nothing less than the very best we have. They deserve our very best effort. And because they deserve our very best effort, it feels so good when they get better."

Travis Airman named Air Force's best

by Senior Airman Charles V. Rivezzo
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

1/31/2014 - TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Growing up on a farm in Jacksonville, Fla., Airman 1st Class David Holliman didn't deal with many electronic devices as a kid.

However, nowadays, he operates and maintains some of the military's most advanced ground radar and radio equipment . Moreover, he was recently named one of the Air Force's best for 2013.

As part of the 2013 Air Force Information Dominance Awards, Holliman was named the Outstanding Airfield Systems Airman of the Year Jan. 16.

Serving as an airfield systems technician with the 60th Communications Squadron, Holliman specializes in maintaining fixed mobile meteorological, navigational and air traffic control ground-to-air radio systems.

His mission is to ensure every single Travis aircraft can take off and land safely, provide guidance to the runway and clear communication between air traffic controllers and pilots.

"Coming into this career field was a complete culture shock for me," he said. "A lot of the guys I work with have advanced degrees and knowledge of electronics. I didn't grow up messing around with any of that stuff, so there was definitely a steep learning curve I had to overcome."

Although this Air Force-level award reflects the accomplishments of one individual, Holliman was quick to point out that this award was more about his team than one Airman's success.

"Earning this award was a true team effort," Holliman said. "There are very few things I do by myself and this recognition is honestly the accumulation of everyone's hard work and dedication. I firmly believe any one of our guys could have won this award."

Holliman is part of a small shop of fewer than 10 Airmen who are responsible for one of the Air Force's largest air mobility organizations, a task they are more than capable to handle.

One of the unit's shining achievements was an outstanding rating during its airfield operations and certification inspections, an accomplishment only one other Air Mobility Command unit can stake claim to throughout the last two years.

"Holliman knows how to implement the definition of TEAM -- Together Everyone Achieves More -- in his workplace," said Senior Airman Richard Rodriguez, 60th CS and Holliman's supervisor. "He's proactive with his co-workers at all times with a positive and can-do attitude which has led him down the path of success."

As an individual award winner, Holliman may wear the Air Force Recognition Ribbon or the Air Force Recognition Pin, as authorized by Air Force Instruction 2805.