by Air Force Staff Sgt. Blake Mize
JBER Public Affairs
3/11/2014 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- "You're punching above your weight class." "You're too low on the totem pole." "That's higher than your pay grade."
Junior enlisted military personnel often hear these phrases in some form
or fashion throughout the early part of their careers. The extent of
their responsibilities is limited by a lack of stripes or chevrons, time
and experience.
But sometimes our young Airmen, Soldiers, Marines and Sailors must step
outside their ranks and perform duties usually reserved for the more
seasoned. One Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson civil engineer did just
that while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
And when he got back, he was recognized with a decoration to match his higher-level performance.
During a recent ceremony on JBER, Air Force Col. Anthony Ramage, 673d
Civil Engineer Group commander, presented the Defense Meritorious
Service Medal to Senior Airman Andres Fossi, 673d Civil Engineer
Squadron engineer technician, for his service in Afghanistan from
November 2012 until June 2013.
According to the Air Force Personnel Center, the DMSM is awarded for
non-combat meritorious achievement or service that is incontestably
exceptional and of a magnitude that clearly places the individual above
his peers while serving in one of the assignments for which the medal
has been designated.
While deployed, Fossi acted as chief of operations and linguist manager
for NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan and Combined Security Transition
Command-Afghanistan.
Among his many accomplishments, Fossi, who was an airman first class at
the time of his deployment, managed the framework for the execution of
$2.1 billion in infrastructure and sustainment projects. He also managed
12 Afghan interpreters who translated mission-critical documents from
English to Dari and vice versa. He was responsible for the translation
of more than 500 documents, including military-related technical
manuals, laws, government relations, engineering policies, technical
specifications and legal documents.
"I wasn't doing those things to get something out of it," said Fossi, a
Hackensack, N.J., native. "The way I see it, I was just doing my job. So
it feels good to get the recognition and know the things I did actually
mattered."
Although Fossi's goal was not to garner recognition, his leadership
thought enough of his efforts to award him the third-highest Department
of Defense-level honor. Other than federal-level awards, such as the
Medal of Honor and Silver Star, only the Defense Distinguished Service
Medal and the Defense Superior Service Medal are higher in precedence
than the DMSM.
"At first, I thought it was just another medal," Fossi said. "You always
see people deploy and come back with a medal - I thought that was the
case. Once I did the research and I realized what gets you that type of
medal, it was touching."
Fossi said he appreciated the recognition because it validated his role
in the fight, but also because it showed those around him the spoils of
hard work.
"It motivates not only the person getting recognized, but also [his
peers]," Fossi said. "They say, 'I've seen this guy and the types of
things that he does and it pays off, so maybe I should step up and do
things the same way.'"
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Mentorship Makes a Difference
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Karl Anderson,
USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Public Affairs
GULF OF OMAN (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier
USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) are helping one another using a mentorship program
that pairs veteran Sailors with less experienced Sailors to help foster career
development and professional growth.
Senior Chief Logistics Specialist (SW/AW/EXW) Randy Caras is
a mentorship program coordinator. He said it is important to find the right
mentor to guide you personally and professionally.
"It's always good to have someone else provide insight
from their experiences," he said. "Regardless of where you are in
your career, you can always benefit from a mentor."
Caras said mentoring is part of Harry S. Truman's command
culture and is an integral aspect of naval leadership.
"Senior Sailors have a responsibility to pass down
their experience, wisdom and expertise to junior Sailors," he said.
When Hospitalman Herbert Navarro reported to Harry S.
Truman, he knew exactly what he wanted in a mentor.
"I looked for someone to inspire me to push harder and
try to do better in all aspects of my life and career," he said.
"Someone with experience more than anything else."
He found such a mentor in Chief Mass Communication
Specialist (SW/AW) Harold Nance.
"Chief Nance is like a big brother mixed with a career
counselor," said Navarro. "He doesn't let me slide and he doesn't
shoot from the hip. If he doesn't have the facts he'll find them."
Navarro said he and Nance help each other accomplish their
goals.
"Chief Nance makes sure I'm on track to accomplish my
goals, but this is not a one-sided relationship," said Navarro. "I
help him accomplish his goals as well. Even though he's had a successful
career, he still has his own goals and ambitions. I admire that. It keeps me
motivated."
Navarro said everyone can benefit from a mentor, regardless
of rank or age.
"It's always nice to know that you have at least one
person in your corner," said Navarro. "If for no other reason, at
least you know you're not by yourself."
Nance said mentorship is not only about professional
guidance, but helping Sailors in all aspects of their life.
"When a Sailor is dealing with problems at home, you
offer a different perspective to make the situation better," said Nance.
"Not necessarily how they can fix the problem, but you give them the tools
to make it better."
He said a mentor is pertinent to success-they are the glue
that binds everything together. The whole goal of the mentorship program is to
set the precedent that you are not alone.
"Nobody can live and operate in the world alone,"
said Nance. "No matter how successful you are, nobody knows everything.
Even as a chief petty officer, I can learn something from the junior Sailors.
You have to be open for the opportunity to learn. That is what is rewarding.
The return is much more than the give."
AMC names Grand Forks AFB Chaplain Office best small chapel organization for 2013
319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
3/10/2014 - GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The members of the 319th Air Base Wing Chaplain Office have an extra reason to count their blessings after recently being named the recipient of a major command-level award.
The chapel team won the 2013 Air Mobility Command Outstanding Small Chapel Organization Award.
"I was happy for my entire team--they've worked extremely hard the past year serving the Airmen and family members of Grand Forks Air Force Base," said. Chaplain (Maj.) Steven T. Dabbs, 319th ABW head chaplain. "We celebrated for twenty-four hours, then returned our attentions to serving Airmen and their families. As a team, we embraced the teaching of Jesus that directs, '...when you have done everything you were told to do, you should say, 'We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'" (Luke 17:10).
The AMC Outstanding Small Chapel Organization Award recognizes wing/installation chapel staffs serving an active-duty military population of fewer than 3,000. The annual award winner is selected based on the strategic priorities of warrior care, advisement to leadership, and care for Chaplain Corps caregivers.
In addition to coordinating 294 worship services and increasing chapel attendance by 24 percent, the team also had other notable activities and accomplishments in 2013 that led to their recent unit recognition.
One notable example took place in November 2013 when the base hosted the first ever Wingman Day that focused on the Spiritual Pillar of the Comprehensive Airman Fitness Program, the service-wide initiative designed to build and sustain a thriving and resilient Air Force community that fosters positive development of a person's mental, physical, social and spiritual fitness.
The chapel team led 11 seminars throughout the base and more than 630 participants rated the event as outstanding.
Tech. Sgt. Jaime Cleveland from the 319th Medical Operation Squadron participated in one of the yoga seminars offered during Wingman Day and was one of the participants who rated the event as outstanding.
"I enjoyed the physical aspect of it and the relaxation that comes from going through motions. In fact it was so relaxing I almost fell asleep... I think this Wingman Day was a complete success, and I hope the base will continue to use the Airmen's feedback to plan future events."
Dabbs was quick to give credit as well to the selfless efforts and dedication of the 95 volunteers they recruited in 2013, who donated more than 12,000 hours saving the Air Force and federal government an estimated $109,000. Five of the volunteers were even recognized with five military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medals.
Although the chapel team saw significant positive results for their actions and events in 2013, Dabbs admitted that some events were more challenging and complicated than others.
"The toughest are those that involve the loss of life or those victimized by criminal activity," said Dabbs.
He said military communities are sometimes like families where tragedy and loss can affect everyone despite the size; and although death and sorrow are a part of human condition, he and the rest of the chapel team are thankful to have the opportunity to serve their fellow Warriors of the North and their families in their time of need.
"We are humbly honored to receive this recognition but also realize it is even more incumbent upon us to continue to live up to the Chaplain Corps' vision to glorify God, serve Airmen, and pursue excellence."
Cold, snowy winter: no match for Dover's Snow Removal Team
436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
3/11/2014 - DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Old Man Winter sure has punished Dover Air Force Base this winter with snow and bitter cold temperatures, and he may not be finished.
Whether it is the roads or on the runways, the Dover AFB Snow Removal Team has been working hard to keep up with the above average snowfalls and guaranteeing that Team Dover's mission to deliver continues without a hitch throughout this winter season.
Tech. Sgt. Scott Capodice, 436th Operations Support Squadron Weather Flight NCO in charge, said as of March 6th, the total snowfall for Dover AFB during the 2013-14 winter season currently stands at 35.4 inches. This is more than double the average annual snowfall of 16.2 inches.
"I've been stationed here for three years, and this winter has been by far the coldest we've had," said Capodice. "It's also the most snow, I've seen, since I've been here."
This winter has also been notorious for its bitterly cold temperatures. Daily low temperatures from November to March have been recorded to be on average 6.2 degrees colder than the historic weather patterns.
This abnormally difficult winter season has kept a team of Team Dover professionals busy.
The Dover AFB Snow Removal Team is broken up into two sections: the flight line crew and the street crew. The flight line crew is responsible for clearing snow and ice from the 2.2 million square yards of the airfield. The street crew is responsible for clearing 52 miles of roads and streets on base, including dozens of parking lots. Each of these crews is itself split up into day and night shifts.
Staff Sgt. Cesar Salas, 436th Civil Engineer Squadron heavy equipment operator, is the daytime flight line "snowman." Salas stated that he oversees twelve personnel, who are responsible removing snow and ice from the runways, the taxiways, and ramps. He also has, at his disposal, four plow trucks, three broom trucks and three blower trucks. Salas coordinates between his crew and the Air Traffic Control Tower to determine which areas of the airfield need to be cleared. The runways have first priority over the taxiways during snow and ice events.
The phrase "great wall of Dover" refers to Atlantic Street, the main thoroughfare upon which most of Dover's traffic flows. Depending on which side of this street you are on, determines the type of deicing substance used on the roads. IceSlicer is used on all roads and parking lots west of Atlantic Street. It's the reddish colored material that many Team Dover members may be familiar with all over the roads and parking lots. A deicer known as NAAC is used on all roads and parking lots east of Atlantic Street, including the air field. The reason why NAAC is used is because it is significantly less corrosive than IceSlicer. It meets Federal Aviation Administration regulations, allowing it to be safely used on the runways and taxiways. This prevents corrosion and damage to the multimillion dollar C-5M Super Galaxies and C-17A Globemaster IIIs that call Dover, "home." It is also more expensive and that is why it is only used near the flightline.
Staff Sgt. Mitchell Scott, 436th CES water and fuels maintenance, holds the title of the snow removal team's "street boss." He is in charge of a crew of 15 personnel, six plow trucks, two backhoes, and a loader truck. Their mission is to guarantee that Team Dover's roads, streets, and parking lots are clear of snow and ice, to allow the clear flow of traffic across base.
"It's a pretty cool job; not many people appreciate it," said Scott. "If it wasn't for us, many people couldn't go to work."
The members of the Snow Removal Team are comprised of augmentees from throughout the CES Operations Flight. This is a secondary job that they perform throughout the winter season.
Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Ferguson, III, 436th CES Horizontal Shop NCOIC, oversees both the street bosses and the snowmen. According to Ferguson, the main difference between this season and seasons in the past is the extreme cold this year. This resulted in an above average amount of issues with snow removal equipment.
"This couldn't be possible without the help of the different shops," said Ferguson. "If it wasn't for them, it would be almost impossible to carry out the mission."
Face of Defense: Deployed Airman Handcrafts Hockey Rink
By Air Force Senior Airman Desiree W. Moye
386th Air Expeditionary Wing
SOUTHWEST ASIA, Mar. 11, 2014 – A resourceful airman’s idea
has resulted in the first outdoor hockey rink in this theater of operations.
Air Force Airman 1st Class Joshua Hanson, 386th
Expeditionary Communications Squadron, developed a proposal to build a nearly
arena-size hockey rink at his deployed location here.
A new gym floor recently installed in the base fitness center
cannot support long-term hockey games, so a plan was put into play to build it
at a pavilion near the fitness center.
"We needed a new place, and we had a very ingenious
airman who developed a great plan that protected the wing's investment,"
said Air Force Col. David Sanford, 386th Mission Support Group commander.
"I brought the idea up to my leadership," Hanson
said, "then presented my plan of execution to all group commanders of the
386th Air Expeditionary Wing." He assured them he had carpentry experience
and had helped build public skate parks, he added, so he was confident about
the process.
Construction preparation started Jan. 24 in an old bunker
near Hanson’s work center. The bunker became his workshop and a gathering point
for all donated materials and equipment.
With the support of fellow U.S. airmen and Canadian Master
Cpl. Francois Chabot, a Camp Canada carpenter, Hanson was able to bring his
rink structure to fruition within four weeks. The 386th Expeditionary Civil
Engineer Squadron and Camp Canada donated wood and structure fasteners, while a
nonprofit charity, "Defending the Blue Line," donated a large amount
of hockey equipment.
"This will finally give the hockey community, or people
wanting to try hockey, a place to play on a daily basis," Hanson said.
"Before, we were restricted to the Flex Fitness Center on Friday nights
only, and had to borrow the Canadians’ equipment."
The pavilion is centrally located and allows for more
spectators than the gym. Passers-by can stop, observe and participate.
"Additionally, the rink is larger than the basketball court and more in
line with [hockey regulations]," Sanford noted.
A few volunteer artists from the communications squadron
created an assortment of paintings along the hockey rink’s perimeter.
Air Force Maj. Roberts Sides, 386th ECS commander, said he
was taken aback when he saw the woodworking skills of his airman and all the drawing
concepts by civilian contractor Micheal May, 386th ECS client systems
technician.
"[Airman Hanson’s] carpentry skill, along with Mr.
May's artistry abilities, has made the hockey rink something that folks will be
talking about for quite a long time," he said.
After a March 8 ribbon-cutting ceremony, a game between the
United States and Canada brought the new facility to life.
"Josh's devotion to this project spilled over to all
the volunteers," Chabot said. "I believe that this boost in morale
and welfare is essential to our ongoing joint success here."
USS Kidd supports MH370 Search Mission
By Ensign Brooke Schaffer, USS Kidd Public Affairs
GULF OF THAILAND (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class
guided-missile destroyer USS Kidd (DDG 100) was one of the first responders in
the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 that was lost sometime March 8, 2014.
Kidd is among several other Pacific-Nation naval air and
surface platforms conducting the search mission that is being coordinated by
the Malaysian government.
The Kidd's crew is utilizing all capabilities and assets to
assist in the search of MH370. The ambiguity of the potential crash site makes
the area to be searched expansive but the two MH-60R helicopters deployed on
Kidd provide a much improved search capability than ships alone.
"Kidd's ability to respond so quickly is a testament to
the importance of the U.S. Navy's presence in this vital region," said Lt.
Cmdr. Eli Marshall, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 78's air
detachment officer in charge. "Our combination of rescue swimmer training,
sensor capabilities, and search and rescue mission expertise allows us to be
one of the most capable and flexible platforms to respond."
Kidd continues to work alongside other navies present in the
region in sharing search tactics, exchanging information, and assisting in the
collective effort to locate MH370 and respond to this tragedy.
"The entire USS KIDD crew is dedicated to this
operation," said Cmdr. Gabe Varela, Kidd's commanding officer. "If
our families were on that flight, we would hope others would do the same. It is
just fortunate we were already operating in the South China Sea, allowing us to
get on station in a timely manner."
Air Force officials announce FY15 force structure changes
WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Air Force officials released force
structure changes today resulting from the fiscal year 2015 President’s Budget
announced March 4.
To ensure the service successfully transitions to a leaner
force that remains ready, the Air Force plans to remove almost 500 aircraft
across the inventories of all three components over the next five years.
“The FY15PB request favors a smaller and more capable force
– putting a premium on rapidly deployable, self-sustaining platforms that can
defeat more technologically advanced adversaries,” said Defense Secretary Chuck
Hagel, at a fiscal 15 budget preview on Feb. 24.
“As we built the force structure plan associated with the
FY15 President’s Budget request, we attempted to strike the delicate balance of
a ready force today and a modern force tomorrow, while working to ensure the
world’s best Air Force is the most capable at the lowest possible cost to the
taxpayer,” said Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James. “This force
structure plan balances capability, readiness and capacity and prioritizes
global, long-range capabilities and multi-role platforms required to operate in
a highly-contested environment.”
Air Force officials also said they plan to divest entire
fleets, such as the A-10 Thunderbolt II and U-2 and focus on the multi-role
aircraft that can deliver a variety of capabilities combatant commanders
require. Divesting entire fleets will
save the Air Force billions versus millions of dollars, because divesting
fleets also saves the costs associated with infrastructure, logistics,
personnel and base operating support.
“In addition to fleet divestment, we made the tough choice
to reduce a number of tactical fighters, command and control, electronic attack
and intra-theater airlift assets so we could rebalance the Air Force at a size
that can be supported by expected funding levels. Without those cuts, we will not be able to
start recovering to required readiness levels,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen.
Mark A. Welsh III.
The service also developed an analytical process to help
determine the proper mix of people and capabilities across the three components
to meet current and future requirements. Leaders from the active duty, Air
National Guard and Air Force Reserve, and two state adjutants general
contributed to the process with the intent of preserving capability and
stability across the total force.
“Wherever possible the Air Force leveraged opportunities to
rebalance personnel and force structure into the Reserve component,” James
said. “For that reason, at most Air
Reserve component locations where we divested aircraft, we replaced the
existing flying missions with a new mission and preserved the majority of the
manpower to ease the transition.”
Officials said this effort will help the Air Force maintain
combat capability within mandated budgetary constraints by using the strengths
and unique capabilities of the Guard and Reserve components to make up for
capabilities lost as active duty end strength declines.
Reserve pararescueman earns Bronze Star with Valor Medal
920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
3/10/2014 - PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Tech. Sgt. Dan Warren received the Bronze Star with Valor Medal in front of a standing room only crowd of fellow 920th Rescue Wing Airman at the base theater here March 2.
Warren was recognized for his heroic actions during the night of Sept. 14, 2012, at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan. In what was the most damaging attack on a NATO installation in Afghanistan, 15 insurgents dressed in U.S. military gear attacked Camp Bastion, killing two Americans, wounding nine and destroying six aircraft.
It all began on what was to be a restful night off for the pararescuemen (PJs). At about 10 p.m., a distress call squawked over the radio, "HC-130 crews receiving small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades, bunkering down."
Aware of resulting casualties, conflicting intelligence reports and an intense battle underway, team members Maj. Matthew Komatsu, the group's combat rescue officer, Chief Master Sgt. Paul Barendregt, Master Sgt. Kyle Minshew and Warren set out to treat the wounded. Jumping into the closest vehicle, they headed straight into the throat of the firefight.
Attacking in groups of five, the insurgents caused havoc on the camp, turning a fuel pit into a raging inferno and firing on all that moved. Once on site the team treated the wounded, and then went on the hunt for insurgents.
Equipped with night vision, the PJs tracked an element of the enemy to a bunker, where they secured the perimeter as a British unit went in for the kill. Five insurgents down. The team continued to track the remaining insurgents.
Locating four more, the team established command and control and radio contact with attack helicopters, guiding them in for the kill. Result: four more insurgents down.
The team then moved to clear several close quarter areas considered hazardous. During the search, Warren encountered an insurgent clutching a grenade. Warren instinctively engaged and neutralized the threat.
Lt. Col. Christopher Raible, the Marine Attack Squadron commander, was killed while attempting to fend off the deadly, six-hour attack, armed with only an M9 pistol. All members of the team attended Raible's dignified transfer ceremony, paying their final respects.
For their actions, each team member received the Bronze Star with Valor Medal.
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