TCM transits more than 17,000 servicemembers over holiday season

by Senior Airman Lynsie Nichols 376th Air Expeditionary Squadron 1/4/2012 - TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS, Kyrgyzstan -- During the two-week period of Dec. 10 to 25, 2011, approximately 17,108 service members travelling via the Transit Center at Manas made it home in time to see their families for the holiday season. "On average, Detachment 1 processes 800 passengers a day," said Capt. Jonathan Bowe, 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron (Detachment 1) assistant director of operations. "On Christmas day, we flew a total of 984 passengers." Bowe is deployed to TCM from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., and also works as an instructor aircraft commander in the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III. On Christmas Eve a C-17 Globemaster III arrived with 158 Marines from Camp Dwyer, Afghanistan. The average lay-over time for transients is two to three days; the Marines left the TCM by 11 a.m. the next day. Airman Brooke Breeden also works for 817th EAS and is a loadmaster also deployed from JB Lewis-McChord. On Christmas day, he flew 158 Marines into the area of responsibility and brought the 158 Marines back to the TCM. "It was really touching to bring 158 Marines out of the AOR [area of responsibility] after their year-long deployment," Breeden said. "They were so happy and that makes up for flying on Christmas." For Bowe, working on Christmas was like working on any other day, but he knew the impact he had on military members transiting through the TCM and on their families waiting for them at home. "It's always nice to know you are helping people get home to see their families no matter what day it is," Bowe said. Breeden agreed, adding, "On Christmas night, one of the passengers from my flight told me he and his whole unit were going to make it home for New Year's. He thanked me for giving up my holiday and making it feel like Christmas." He continued, "It's the little things like that, that make you feel like you are making a difference." As a first time deployer, Breeden has made some great memories. "This is my first holiday season away from home, but I've met so many interesting people and have a new appreciation for other branches of service and what they go through," Breeden said. "TCM brings everybody together, it doesn't matter your branch of service [or nationality], out here, we are all moving the same mission. This has been a great experience that I will never forget." Bowe has also made some great memories during his deployment. "Hearing our passengers cheer when we told them we were crossing the border out of Afghanistan on Christmas was the best moment," Bowe said. "One of the most satisfying things about this job is starting our troops on their way home to see their loved ones." Comments No comments yet. Add a comment

Static F-86 display dedicated to Korean War ace

by 1st Lt. Robert Howard
Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs

1/4/2012 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) -- Pacific Air Forces and 15th Wing leaders dedicated a newly repainted static F-86E Sabre fighter aircraft to a former PACAF vice commander during a ceremony here Dec. 29.

Gen. Gary North rededicated the aircraft here to retired Lt. Gen. Winton W. "Bones" Marshall, who was also a combat commander and Korean War ace.

"It is a tremendous pleasure for us to honor the courage, professionalism, airmanship and the achievements of Lieutenant General 'Bones' Marshall by dedicating this F-86E Sabre jet to him, renaming it 'Mr. Bones V,'" North said. "As we just marked the historic 70th anniversary of the Dec. 7, 1941, attacks on Oahu (Hawaii), this is the perfect moment to continue to honor our heritage and recognize the sacrifice and service of those who came before us. Lieutenant General Marshall exemplifies this proud tradition; it's Airmen like him who made our Air Force the best in the world."

While assigned as the 335th Fighter Squadron commander at Langley Air Force Base, Va., Marshall deployed to Korea and became the fifth U.S. jet ace of the Korean War. He is credited with 6 1/2 enemy aircraft destroyed, seven probable aircraft destroyed and six aircraft damaged.

Marshall's career spanned 35 years and included assignments as Allied Air Forces Southern Europe chief of staff, Seventh Air Force vice commander and U.S. Readiness Command deputy commander in chief. He permanently resides in Beverly Hills, Calif., with his wife, Millie, who served in World War II as one of the original women pilots in the Women Airforce Service Pilots.

New Law Eases Airport Screening for Troops, Families

By Elaine Sanchez
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 4, 2012 – President Barack Obama signed a bill into law yesterday to streamline airport screening procedures for service members and their families traveling on official orders.

The Risk-based Security Screening for Members of the Armed Forces Act gives the Transportation Security Administration six months to develop and implement a plan to expedite screening services for service members on orders and in uniform and, “to the extent possible, any accompanying family member.”

The act, in part, calls for the agency to establish standard guidelines for the screening of military uniform items, such as combat boots.

In a statement released today, agency officials said they’re in the process of reviewing options for these new procedures in consultation with the Defense Department.

Even before this law, the agency had several measures in place to aid troops through the screening process. For example, troops in uniform with a military identification card aren’t required to remove their boots or shoes unless they set off an alarm, according to the agency’s website.

The agency also seeks to accommodate family members. Families who would like to accompany a deploying service member to the boarding gate or greet them upon their return may receive passes to enter the secure area of the airport, the site said. Family members, agency officials advise, should contact their air carrier representative at the airport for local procedures.

The agency also expedites the screening process for Honor Flight veterans, and partners with the Defense Department to expedite screening for wounded warriors and their families. The Honor Flight Network organization transports veterans to Washington, D.C., to visit their war memorials.

Also aimed at expediting screening procedures, the agency is testing a new program at the airport in Monterey, Calif. In mid-November, troops traveling out of Monterey Peninsula Airport began presenting their DOD identification to a document checker for card-reader scanning.

The pilot program is designed to test the technology to verify service members’ status. If successful, it could pave the way for service members to be included in the agency’s expedited screening program, agency officials said, enabling them to use special lanes at participating airports to pass more quickly through airport security. These expedited procedures could involve not having to remove their shoes, belt and jackets or their laptops from bags.

Programs such as this one strengthen security, officials said, explaining that separating out low-risk people, such as members of the armed forces, allows the agency to focus its resources on travelers who present a higher risk.

President, Defense Secretary, Joint Chiefs Chairman to Brief Media on Defense Strategic Guidance

President Barack H. Obama, Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Martin E. Dempsey will brief the media at 10:50 a.m. EST, Jan. 5, in the Pentagon Briefing Room (2E973) on defense strategic guidance.
After a 15-minute filing break, Deputy Secretary of Defense Ashton B. Carter, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Michèle A. Flournoy, and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. James A. Winnefeld Jr. will provide additional comments and take questions.

The Pentagon Briefing Room will open for pre-set of broadcast equipment at 7 a.m. Pre-set must be complete no later than 8 a.m. All media should arrive at the briefing room at 9:30 a.m. to allow for security screening. Access to the briefing room will open at 9:30 a.m. and close at 10:35 a.m.

Journalists without a Pentagon building pass will be picked up at the Pentagon River Parking Entrance only. Those with equipment should arrive no later than 7 a.m., and others should arrive no later than 9:15 a.m.; have proof of affiliation and two forms of photo identification. Please call 703-697-5131 for escort into the building.

This Day in Naval History - Jan. 04

1863 - Blockading ship USS Quaker City captures sloop Mercury carrying despatches, emphasizing the desperate plight of the South.
1910 - Commissioning of USS Michigan (BB 27), the first U.S. dreadnought battleship.
1989 - F-14 Tomcats from Fighter Squadron 32 embarked aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) shoot down two hostile Libyan MiGs.

Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Announces 2011 Battle 'E' Award Winners

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ronald Gutridge, Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet (COMSUBPAC) announced the recipients of the 2011 Battle Efficiency (Battle "E") award in an official message to the submarine force Jan. 1.

The Battle "E" is an award of merit presented to the most proficient submarine crew in each squadron and recognizes sustained superior technical performance and continual combat readiness throughout the year. The awards are presented by the commodore of each squadron to the submarine under their command which has demonstrated the highest level of battle readiness during the evaluation year.

"The competition for Battle Efficiency awards was extremely tough. These awards recognize commands which were evaluated during the past year to have attained the highest overall or departmental readiness to carry out their wartime task," said Rear Adm. Frank Caldwell, commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, in the message to the force. "I am extremely proud of your outstanding performance. Well done and congratulations!"

The Pacific Force Battle "E" winners and their homeports are:

Commander, Submarine Squadron (SUBRON) 1 (Pearl Harbor, Hawaii) - USS Texas (SSN 775)
SUBRON 3 (Pearl Harbor) - USS Olympia (SSN 717)
SUBDEVRON 5 (Bangor) - USS Connecticut (SSN 22)
SUBRON 7 (Pearl Harbor) - USS Santa Fe (SSN 763)
SUBRON 11 (San Diego) - USS Hampton (SSN 767)
SUBRON 15 (Guam) - USS Buffalo (SSN 715)
SUBRON 17 (Bangor, Wash.) - USS Nebraska (SSBN 739) (Blue & Gold)
SUBRON 19 (Bangor) - USS Michigan (SSGN 727) (Gold)
Submarine Tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) and Floating Dry Dock Arco (ADRM-5).
Special Category was awarded to the Torpedo Weapons Retriever Devil Ray (TWR 6) out of Naval Base Point Loma.

Winners of each of the Battle "E" competitive categories were also announced. Those categories are the Engineering Red E, Tactical Operations White T, Navigation Red and Green N, Communications Green C, Damage Control Red DC, Supply Blue E, Deck Seamanship White D, Medical Yellow M, Deep Submergence White DS, Strategic Operations White S, Repair Red R, Dental Yellow D and Weapons Black W.

Pensacola Training Center Celebrates 35 Years of Accreditation

By Steve Vanderwerff, Naval Education and Training Command Public Affairs

PENSACOLA, Fla. (NNS) -- The Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT), onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola, announced Jan. 4 that it is celebrating 35 years of accredidation from the Council on Occupational Education (COE).

The council is a nonprofit, voluntary membership organization serving post-secondary education and training institutions to provide quality assurance reviews of their workforce training programs. A national accrediting agency, COE conducts in-depth reviews of occupational programs to validate career and workforce training standards and practices. The review evaluates how the training is developed, including how the training center works with fleet subject matter experts to review and validate that the training supports their needs. The council evaluates various public and private organizations using standards and criteria outlined in their charter.

In his letter of congratulation to Capt. Terry M. Burt, CNATT commanding officer, Naval Education and Training Command's Chief Operating Officer Rear Adm. Clifford Sharpe praised Burt for consistent application of motivation, perseverance and talent.

"Your command embodies the ideals of a Navy Total Force that values the strength and contribution of a diverse organization. Through the laborious and time-intensive accreditation self-study process, CNATT harnessed the collective energy of personnel towards a common goal and produced a highly successful outcome," said Sharpe. "The recognition you earned reflects true commitment to the spirit of persistence, teamwork, and service, and exemplifies the Navy's resolve to be a world-class training organization and employer of choice for the best and brightest of this generation."

"It's a privilege to have been recognized for continually providing world-class training," said Burt. "Our students benefit through COE accreditation. The training they receive is equal to a public school and COE endorsement provides greater acceptance of transferable credits for service related education and experience to support earning college degrees."

The Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training provides operational and maintenance training that supports shore and afloat operations. This includes specialized skills training for enlisted ratings and officer designators supporting all facets of aviation maintenance and support. Selected courses cover: maintenance and repair of avionics and electronics; rotary and fixed wing aircraft engines and structures; ordnance maintenance and support; flight deck operations and, firefighting, crash and salvage training; shore and shipboard air traffic control; and radar operations and repair. Courses are taught through blended learning including standard classrooms, hands-on labs, simulations, as well as computer-based and interactive courseware training.

Navy Safe Harbor Surveys Measure Wounded Warrior, Family Satisfaction

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Beginning the week of Jan. 3, Navy Safe Harbor is administering its annual Enrollee Survey and Caregiver Survey to evaluate those groups' satisfaction with the program and determine ways to improve wounded warrior support services.

"As we kick off 2012, I can't think of a more appropriate time to check the pulse of our seriously wounded, ill, and injured Sailors and Coast Guardsmen, as well as their families," said Capt. Bernie Carter, director of Navy Safe Harbor. "We always are eager to enhance our program, and their responses to the survey will inform our approach to caring for wounded warriors in the New Year and beyond."

Navy Safe Harbor is the Navy and Coast Guard's wounded warrior support program. It provides a lifetime of individually tailored assistance to promote the recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration of seriously wounded, ill, and injured service members.

The Enrollee Survey captures the experiences and perceptions of enrolled Sailors and Coast Guardsmen during the past calendar year, while the Caregiver Survey assesses the opinions and needs of the caregivers who support them. The surveys are distributed to more than 750 service members and their families.

The surveys include a variety of questions, including how frequently respondents communicate with Navy Safe Harbor Non-medical Care Managers and whether those staff members were responsive and reliable. The survey also asks respondents what they like best about Navy Safe Harbor, what they'd like to change about the program, and whether they would recommend it to others.

In the past, survey results have made significant impacts on the program and the services it provides. For example, feedback received from the 2010 surveys led to the creation of the 2011 Wounded Warrior Family Symposium, which took place last September. The event convened wounded warriors and caregivers with varied backgrounds, who shared their stories and recommendations with Navy Safe Harbor personnel.

Symposium panelist - and the wife of a wounded warrior -Stephnie Rose said about the event: "It is comforting to see Navy Safe Harbor hosting this event. It's great to know the program cares so much about the families and making progress on behalf of wounded warriors."

The surveys are being conducted by the Navy Personnel Research, Studies, and Technology division of the Bureau of Naval Personnel. They are being administered during the course of eight weeks, and results will be publicly released in approximately six months.

Sailors Will See Improved Opportunities As Force Balance Improves

WASHINGTON (NNS) -- Top-performing Sailors will see more opportunities to convert, reenlist, and advance as a result of the Navy's use of force management tools such as the Enlisted Retention Board and Perform-to-Serve, Navy leaders said Jan. 3.

"We have the highest quality Sailors and the most capable force in our Navy's history," said Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. Scott Van Buskirk. "Sailors are increasingly looking at our Navy as a great long-term career choice. While high retention is positive and has resulted in the best trained, most capable, and most highly motivated force in our history, we must continue to ensure we retain the right mix of people so that our workforce matches our warfighting requirements, now and into the future. Programs such as Perform-to-Serve and the Enlisted Retention Board have enabled those mutual goals."

"Because of the strides made by PTS and ERB in balancing the force, barring significant changes to our force structure, the Navy will not need to conduct an ERB in 2013 or 2014," continued Van Buskirk.

High retention and low attrition within the Navy led to some ratings being overmanned, which resulted in hardworking, experienced Sailors not being able to advance or reenlist in their ratings. At the same time, the Navy still lacked Sailors in ratings critical to meeting its mission. Increasing the challenge, the Navy has recently shifted nearly 6,800 billets back to sea, changing the mix of skills and experience required of Sailors.

In addition to voluntary separation programs, the Navy uses programs such as PTS to help balance the force by matching the workforce to the fleet's job requirements. PTS is the Navy's primary system for managing personnel to ensure the Navy maintains a balanced, experienced force. PTS manages balance between ratings so that each rating has their authorized share of personnel. PTS also manages balance within a rating by keeping the right number of top performers in each year group to match experience with mission requirements without gaps. PTS also ensures the highest-performing Sailors have the opportunity to convert, reenlist and advance.

Yet, with so many Sailors desiring to stay Navy, PTS was becoming over-burdened. Many overmanned ratings had limited PTS opportunity, which meant even the strongest performing Sailors faced tough competition and reduced chances to re-enlist and advance. Because PTS only affects those Sailors approaching a re-enlistment decision or requiring additional obligated service, timing had become a critical factor, adding pressure to the PTS system.

To relieve the pressure on Sailors in a PTS reenlistment window, the Navy created the ERB as an additional force management tool. The ERB became necessary to ensure the Navy could reduce the overmanned ratings while converting many Sailors to under manned ratings to fill gaps. The ERB reviewed the records of roughly 16,000 Sailors in the 31 most overmanned ratings to fill a limited number of retention quotas. Unlike PTS, the ERB considered all eligible Sailors in these ratings, not just the ones in a PTS window.

According to Van Buskirk, Sailors will see significant changes in advancement opportunity due to the ERB.

"Before we conducted the ERB, opportunities for Sailors to advance to E5 and E6 in the 31 eligible ratings were extremely limited," said Van Buskirk. "Because the ERB will reduce overmanning in these ratings, more Sailors will advance to E4, E5, and E6 in the coming advancement cycles. In fact, advancements in the ERB ratings are projected to be slightly above the Navy-wide average for the next two to three cycles."

ERB and PTS have also placed many talented Sailors in undermanned ratings, a step that was critical in meeting the mission, said Van Buskirk.

"Because we have reduced our overmanned ratings, the Navy is making strides in improving undermanning in other ratings," said Van Buskirk. "Through PTS and the ERB, nearly 1,200 Sailors have converted from overmanned to undermanned ratings in the past year. Putting talented Sailors into these undermanned ratings enables us to meet our mission requirements while easing the unusually high operational demands on Sailors currently in these ratings."

Sailors are also seeing increased opportunities in PTS. PTS was significantly changed in October to refocus on performance and reduce the impact of a Sailor's timing on re-enlistment approval. Top performers in every rating and year group will now have the opportunity for reenlistment approval, even when a rating is overmanned.

"While PTS and ERB have been difficult pills to swallow for our Sailors, they are necessary tools to balance the effects of excessively high retention," said Van Buskirk. "We are beginning to see increased reenlistment opportunity and better advancement opportunity as a result of improved force balance, but we know that these benefits are of little comfort to Sailors and their families who are separating. That is why we're committed to providing Sailors who must separate the best transition support tools and assistance possible so they can succeed in their civilian careers."

Our Early History – The Soldiers Memorial Hospital

Following World War I, many states chose to give Veterans a bonus for their service in World War I.  Instead of a bonus, the state of Oklahoma preferred to give its Veterans a more lasting gift – free medical care.

In 1922, Oklahoma began construction of a 25-bed hospital for Veterans in the city of Muskogee.  View a photo of The Soldiers Memorial Hospital from the 1920s.  

Officials appointed Dr. Hugh Scott as the first director of the $500,000 hospital and chose Flag Day, June 14, 1923, to officially open the new facility.

At 2:30 p.m. on June 14, hospital staff, Oklahoma political representatives, dignitaries and an estimated crowd of 2,000 people gathered at the crest of Honor Heights Park in Muskogee to witness the opening ceremony of The Soldiers Memorial Hospital, which today is the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center.

However, severe lightning and a looming thunderstorm threatened to spoil the grand occasion.  A reporter from the Muskogee Weekly Phoenix compared the lightning and thunder to the cannons on the Western Front during World War I and wrote that it was a “warlike scene.”

Shortly after the opening invocation by Reverend A. E. Moody, officials moved the ceremony inside the hospital and Frank Lee, U.S. District Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma and Muskogee resident, delivered the welcome address.

“As a proud host, Muskogee extends her welcome to all,” said Lee in a speech to the crowd.  “Honor Heights now forms the pedestal of the Soldiers Memorial Hospital whose doors stand open and remain for all time to welcome sick and disabled Veterans.  It stands the fulfillment of a promise long ago made to bind up the heroes’ wounds and care for those who won the struggle.”

Following Lee’s address, officials resumed the ceremony outdoors after the weather improved.  The crowd listened to remarks from several speakers including Dudley Monk, state commander of the American Legion; R. B. Butts, state commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; Jennie Stewart, president of the Women’s Auxiliary to the American Legion; and U.S. Senator John W. Harreld.

During his speech to the crowd, Senator Harreld declared that the federal government would attempt to purchase the hospital from Oklahoma.  Several months later on September 28, it was announced that Oklahoma had agreed to sell the hospital to the federal government and the sale became official on March 6, 1925.

In 1930, Congress established the Veterans Administration, the predecessor of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the hospital was formally known as the Veterans Administration Hospital, Muskogee, Okla.

Other Facts from Our Early History

• Eugene R. Lewis of Oklahoma City was the first patient admitted to the hospital.

 • During the first year in operation, the hospital treated 1,500 patients.

 • In 1923, Dr. W. P. Fite, Sr. performed the hospital’s first surgery.

 • Earl P. Porter was the hospital’s first pharmacist and he claimed that when the facility opened he could carry all the hospital’s drugs in a single basket.

 • On June 14, 1924, the hospital’s 165 employees celebrated the one-year anniversary of the hospital with a picnic, swimming party and a dance.

 • During Fiscal Year 1925, the operating budget of the hospital was $484, 732.32 and the average per day cost to treat an inpatient was $3.72.

New weapons training sets Airmen on target

by Senior Airman Alyssa C. Wallace
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

1/3/2012 - MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Bases Air Force-wide were required to implement a new Air Force Rifle Qualification course by Dec. 1 in order to better prepare deploying Airmen on how to engage in combat with the enemy downrange.

More than 400 Gunfighters have received this training since it was implemented at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Nov. 1. The course was developed by Air Force leadership in response to criticisms that the previous course was not sufficiently advanced.

"For a lot of years the Air Force has kind of figured short-range combat-type marksmanship training wasn't necessary for bulk of the personnel," said Master Sgt. Stephen Vermilya, 366th Security Forces Squadron combat arms noncommissioned officer in-charge. "We have come 180 degrees to where we realize our troops are seeing themselves outside the wire more than ever before, so we do need to give them these skills. It's going to make our troops much more capable in combat."

During the new course, Airmen will fire almost twice as many rounds at multiple targets, shoot from a standing, unsupported position on both "semi" and "burst" settings, and conduct quick-reaction drills.

"In the old course, we expended 100 rounds per shooter," Vermilya said. "The new course has the students firing more than 180 rounds of ammunition. The course of fire is substantially changed -- it is far more advanced. It introduces new weapon employment techniques not seen or used by the non-security forces personnel."

The techniques have proven to be tougher, as the base's pass rate has dropped from 94 percent to about 61 percent, according to Vermilya. However, students should not be worried.

"Don't be discouraged, because it's a substantially more difficult course," he said. "You're not alone, there are a lot of people in the Air Force who may not make it the first time around. Just like anything out there, additional practice is what's going to get you to meet the qual."

For those who find themselves off target, Vermilya's Combat Arms Training and Maintenance staff holds special training for those who need help hitting the mark.

"Remedial training is more one-on-one," said Senior Airman William Rhodes, 366th SFS combat arms instructor. "I take the time to point out things they can do better and show them different techniques. More often than not, the shooter qualifies at the end of the day. It's very important; the training is more realistic to what's going on in the world today."

While the course may be more challenging, Vermilya says he has received constructive feedback.

"A lot of folks have been positive and really liked it -- they thought it was fun, significantly more advanced and more interesting," Vermilya said. "They like the fact they're getting additional rounds and more time to fire. There are still a few people who think it's a little too difficult, but we're optimistic their skills will improve as we continue this course."

JTF-Bravo delivers health to 1,400 Guatemalan residents

by Capt. Candice Allen
Joint Task Force-Bravo Public Affairs Office

12/28/2011 - CHAMPERICO, Guatemala -- Twenty-two members from Joint Task Force-Bravo provided medical care to more than 1,400 residents Dec. 8-13 in an isolated region of southwest Guatemala.

JTF-Bravo members teamed up with their Guatemalan medical partners, including the Guatemalan Ministry of Health and the Military Group in El Codo and Champerico.

During the medical readiness and training exercise, medical professionals treated illnesses including respiratory infections, skin infections, pneumonia, tuberculosis, diabetes and high blood pressure in the region.

"This was a great opportunity to enhance our partnership with the Guatemalan government and its' Ministry of Health," said Col. Matthew Rettke, commander of Medical Element, Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras.

The service members set up clinics, screened patients, checked prescriptions, taught prevention health classes and provided dental care.

"These types of missions provide the opportunity to work as a team with partner nations, allowing us to provide health care to underserved populations," said Dr. Guillermo Saenz, a Honduran medical officer from MEDEL.

By the end of the four-day mission, U.S. and Guatemalan medical staff assisted nearly 150 dental patients and screened more than 1,000 people.

More than 650 Guatemalans received items from the pharmacy who otherwise may not have received prescriptions.

"I'm very thankful and happy that they're here," said Juan Reyes, a Champerico resident who attended the medical readiness training exercise. "The medicine is hard to get (here) or they don't have enough supplies."

In addition to the medical care, JTF-Bravo service members established a command and control function at the MEDRETE. Six JTF-Bravo members established and maintained communication with Soto Cano Air Base via satellite during the exercise.

JTF-Bravo's medical professionals are slated to conduct another MEDRETE in Honduras next month. In fiscal year 2011, JTF-Bravo medical members conducted 15 MEDRETES treating more than 41,000 patients throughout Central America.

Florida Woman Loses 84 Pounds to Join Army

Cynthia Rivers-Womack

U.S. Army Recruiting Command

GAINESVILLE, Fla., Jan. 3, 2012 – Allison Scarbrough officially changes jobs today, from retail cashier to health care specialist in the U.S. Army. But the change has not been easy.

Scarbrough, then 20, walked into the recruiting station here in May 2010 ready to become a soldier. But because she carried 240 pounds on her 5-foot, 5-inch frame, she had to lose 84 pounds and keep the weight off before she would be eligible to enlist.

In 2010, Scarbrough belonged to the country's growing demographic of 18-to-24-year-olds considered overweight and obese. In 1998 -- when the National Institutes of Health released the first federal guidelines to identify, evaluate and treat overweight and obese adults -- 97 million Americans, or 55 percent, were identified as overweight or obese.

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study revealed that in 1998, only one state had 40 to 49 percent of its 18-to-24-year-old population classified as overweight or obese. By 2008, that number had grown to 39 states. The CDC uses a height-weight calculation known as body-mass index, or BMI, to determine whether someone is overweight or obese. The Army also uses BMI measurements to determine weight, with different calculations for men and women.

Keenly aware of weight-management issues among its active-duty and reserve soldiers, Army officials began offering the service’s “Weigh to Stay” program online in 2006. The initial program was designed for in-person sessions, but the online platform made the program more accessible and self-directed, according to a 2006 interview with Army Lt. Col. Danny Jaghab, site creator and past nutrition staff officer at the U.S. Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. In addition, the Army now provides a platform at http://www.hooah4health to help soldiers in their goals to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

When Scarborough realized she could not join the Army until she lost 84 pounds and kept it off, she said, she changed her behavior toward food and modified her lifestyle and eating habits. She began eating more vegetables and doing away with high-caloric drinks, fast-foods and unnecessary snacks.

Encouraged by her recruiter, Army Staff Sgt. Terrance Retsch, Scarborough started physical training in September 2011 with the future soldiers of the Gainesville recruiting station.

"I knew when Scarbrough came into our office she would take the challenge to lose weight and would be successful,” Retsch said. “She's determined and strong-willed, plus the Army gave her a bigger purpose that had immediate and long-term benefits: improving her health and becoming a soldier."

Scarbrough said the transition has been good for her body and her mind.

"Weight shouldn't be something that stops you from doing what you really want,” she said. “Losing weight is a lot of work, but even when you hit a plateau you have to keep at it. My mother didn't think I would follow through with losing the weight or joining the Army, but I did it, and now I'm ready to go."

Veterans Music Camp Reveals War Stories in New Light

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. – Former military servicemen and women will be encouraged to tell their stories like never before at the second Songwriting Camp for Veterans. The camp, a component of transition programs designed for military members and their families, will be held in Colorado Springs, Colo., January 19-23, 2012, at the Garden of the Gods Club.

Hosted by LifeQuest Military Transitions, a nonprofit organization based in Colorado Springs, all costs for veterans are covered, including travel, accommodations and music camp activities. The mission of LifeQuest is to empower military service members with life skills that enable personal growth, promote leadership development and facilitate positive change during transition into, through and beyond military life.

“There is no program out there quite like ours because we’re built on the direct needs from active duty military units,” says LifeQuest Founder CW Conner. “Many nonprofits are reactive, but we are proactive – before they fall into harm’s way.”

The songwriting retreat, directed by Austin-based musician Darden Smith, is a follow up to the first camp held in July 2011 in Edwards, Colo. Smith gathered a team of professional singer songwriters to work with LifeQuest and nine servicemen and women who participated in the retreat. Songs written during the camp were eventually performed at the Faces of Freedom concert on September 11 at the World Arena in Colorado Springs. The songs are now available for purchase on iTunes, and those written during the January 2012 camp will complete a full album that is now in the planning stages. Proceeds from the recordings benefit the veterans and help fund LifeQuest’s programs.

“The retreat is like a revival of the soul,” says 2011 camp participant and former Army Combat Engineer John Wall. “We’ve been in such dark places, seen so much evil, that this weekend is an awakening. This is what soldiers need.”

For more information about the music camp, visit www.mylq.org.

About LifeQuest Military Transitions

LifeQuest Military Transitions (LQMT) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization based in Colorado Springs, Colo. that provides a unique variety of transition programs for military members and their families. Participants come from all over the United States.  LifeQuest’s programs center on physical rehabilitation & training, adventure activities, and life skills development for wounded, ill and injured veterans. The program emphasis is always to empower participants through choice, challenge and change.



MEDIA CONTACT:

Andy Wilson                                Jessica Kiefer                          

Bohlsen Group                            Bohlsen Group                         

317.602.7137                              317.602.7137 ext. 2045           

Boot camp teaches lifetime fitness habits

by Lea Johnson
21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer

1/3/2012 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Smarter not harder. Airmen are familiar with the phrase encouraging better physical training practices to ensue passing fitness assessments. The first pillar of the Comprehensive Airman Fitness Program focuses on lifelong physical health, not just passing the physical fitness test.

To help Airmen set up a lifelong fitness program, the Health and Wellness Center is offering Domination Boot Camp weekdays at 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Many people know boot camp classes as intense workouts that leave muscles sore for days. Domination Boot Camp is a little different. "Our goal with this boot camp is not to pound them into the ground," said Jennifer Crowley, HAWC exercise physiologist. "What we want to do is give them the habits in a program that they can sustain forever."

No two days of boot camp class are the same, Crowley said. Mondays consist of running intervals, Tuesdays and Thursdays are total conditioning circuits, Wednesdays are low intensity training, and Fridays are foundation training. "We used an endurance athlete-type training program," she said.

Even though classes have anywhere between six and 36 people in them, Crowley and Charles Hurlbut, HAWC exercise physiologist, can help individuals customize the program to fit their unique needs.

Participants in the class fill out a brief pre-assessment before their first day. This allows the HAWC to evaluate their current fitness routine and possibly recommend a nutrition class to further promote a healthy lifestyle.

"If we know people are really struggling with their run, Mondays and Fridays are days that we would recommend they come in. If it's strength, we recommend Tuesdays and Thursdays. We can kind of tailor it to what they want," Crowley said.

Crowley set up the same boot camp program at Kadena Air Base, Japan, in 2010. After six months of classes, Airmen who attended four to five times a week increased their PFT scores by an average of 16.9 points. Those who attended three days a week increased scores by an average of nine points.

Crowley is collecting the same information at Pete. "We really won't see that data for another couple months until we get 90 days out and actually start retesting," she said. "I expect that this will be good data."

So far, two squadrons have made the class mandatory for Airmen who have failed the PFT. If more squadrons follow suit, the HAWC will try to add more classes to accommodate the interest. Space has not yet been an issue and the classes are open to anyone, Crowley said.

"It's important that we're mission ready all the time," Crowley said. "The class contains components of a lifetime fitness program so their heart is healthy and their lungs are healthy and they also are seeing performance at the same time."

7th AS competes for David C. Schilling award

by Airman 1st Class Leah Young
62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

1/3/2012 - JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- The 7th Airlift Squadron has been chosen for nomination for the Air Force Association David C. Schilling award.

The David C. Schilling award is given for the most outstanding contribution to national defense in the field of manned flight in the atmosphere or space by an Air Force military member, Department of the Air Force civilian, unit or group of individuals.

The members of the 7th AS executed missions totaling 7,600 hours flown and 921 million pounds of material delivered to support military operations worldwide. While deployed to Southwest Asia, they set the record for fuel delivery to a single drop zone by airdropping 190,000 pounds of fuel to forward deployed personnel.

The squadron promoted readiness with international partners through participation in numerous joint exercises. Additionally, they moved key equipment and personnel during Hurricane Irene and enabled the evacuation of more than 70 passengers.

"This nomination directly reflects the consistent high quality work our Airmen deliver every single day," said Col. Wyn Elder, 62nd Airlift Wing commander. "With nearly 100 flying squadrons in Air Mobility Command, we're honored that Gen. (Raymond) Johns (AMC commander) chose the 7th Airlift Squadron. We couldn't be more proud."

DOD Seeks Safe Hormuz Passage for All, Official Says

DOD Seeks Safe Hormuz Passage for All, Official Says
By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 3, 2012 – Closure of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has been holding military exercises since Dec. 23, will not be tolerated, Pentagon Press Secretary George Little said today.

According to international news reports, Iran has warned the United States not to replace the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis, which last week left the strait -- the only sea passage to the open ocean for petroleum-producing nations in the Persian Gulf region.

“Such regularly scheduled movements are in accordance with longstanding U.S. commitments to the region’s security and stability, and in support of ongoing operations,” Little told reporters.

Such carrier strike group deployments are needed to maintain continuity and operational support to ongoing missions in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, he added.

“Our interest is in safe and secure maritime passage for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz,” Little said.

“No one in this government seeks confrontation over the Strait of Hormuz,” he added. “It’s important to lower the temperature.”

The deployment of U.S. military assets in the Persian Gulf region will continue as it has for decades, the Pentagon press secretary said.

The U.S. Navy operates under international maritime conventions to maintain “a constant state of high vigilance to ensure the continued safe flow of maritime traffic in waterways critical to global commerce,” Little added.

“Our transits of the Strait of Hormuz continue to be in compliance with international law,” he said, “which guarantees our vessels the right of transit passage.”

Little said the department is committed to protecting maritime freedoms that are the basis for global prosperity -- one of the reasons U.S. military forces operate in the region.

“We are obviously aware of reports of missile tests that are apparently tied to Iranian naval exercises that began in late December,” he said, adding that Iran has the right to conduct exercises and that it has taken no hostile or aggressive action against U.S. Navy vessels in the region.

“The United States believes that the Iranian regime should devote its energy and resources to establishing friendly relations with countries in the Gulf region,” Little said.

Air Force offering second round of VERA/VSIP

1/3/2012 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Air Force is offering a second round of voluntary early retirement authority and voluntary separation incentive pay beginning Jan. 9.

The move is part of the Air Force's continuing effort to meet the Department of Defense requirement to maintain civilian funding at fiscal 2010 levels

"The Air Force recognizes the invaluable contributions of our civilian workforce, but also recognizes the fiscal constraints under which the Department of Defense and the government as a whole are operating," said Maj. Gen. Sharon Dunbar, the director of force management policy. "We are working to balance mission needs while taking care to minimize the effect on our current permanent civilian workforce and their families."

The first round of VERA/VSIP was used as a voluntary means to reduce civilian workforce levels, enabling strategic rebalancing efforts. As the Air Force continues its fiscal 2012 civilian workforce restructure, round two of VERA/VSIP will be used to further realign and rebalance the civilian force.

Civilian employees will receive VERA/VSIP eligibility surveys from their personnel managers in January and applications are due Feb. 3 or an earlier date established by local authorities. Applicants approved for this round of VERA/VSIP will need to separate on or before April 30.

"We are pursuing all available force management measures, to include civilian hiring controls, where required, with the goal of avoiding involuntary measures for our current permanent workforce," Dunbar said.

In August, the Air Force instituted a 90-day hiring freeze that was lifted as an Air Force-wide control Dec. 16. Hiring controls remain in effect in some areas and vary by major command, depending on current MAJCOM strength relative to approved funding levels. Of the positions already identified for elimination, many were vacant, and the freeze created additional vacancies. By lifting the Air Force-wide freeze, MAJCOM managers and hiring officials will be able to hire personnel into vacant positions that remain to support the future Air Force mission.

For any information about civilian employment, voluntary separation programs and other personnel issues, visit the secure Air Force Personnel Service website at https://gum-crm.csd.disa.mil.

Defense bill limits retiree health care increases

By Karen Parrish

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama signed the 2012 National Defense Authorization Act on Dec. 31 which contains a critical initiative to help control spiraling health-care costs within the Defense Department.  

Section 701 limits annual TRICARE enrollment fee increases for retirees and their family members to an amount equal to the percentage by which retired pay increases that year.

The act also contains critical initiatives to develop counterterrorism initiatives abroad, build the security capacity of key partners, modernize the force and boost the efficiency and effectiveness of military operations worldwide.

The NDAA also includes: 

Section 347 requires DOD to finance an independent assessment of overseas troop basing, advising retention, closure, realignment or establishment of U.S. military facilities outside the United States “in light of potential fiscal constraints on [DOD] and emerging national security requirements in coming years.”

Section 402 reduces authorized Army minimum end strength from 562,000 to 547,000. The other services’ authorized minimum strengths are unchanged, with 325,700 for the Navy, 202,100 for the Marine Corps and 332,800 for the Air Force.

Section 512 of the act creates a new member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, which currently includes the Army and Air Force chiefs of staff, the chief of naval operations and the Marine Corps commandant. The new member will be the chief of the National Guard Bureau, who will have responsibility for “addressing matters involving non-federalized National Guard forces in support of homeland defense and civil support missions.”

Section 526 extends voluntary separation pay and benefits authority, formerly set to expire Dec. 31, to the end of 2018. Section 530 converts the high-deployment allowance from mandatory to authorized. The allowance currently pays $100 a day, in addition to all other pay and allowances, to a deployed service member who has been deployed 401 days or more out of the preceding 730 days. 

Section 702 sets mental health assessment requirements for service members deployed for contingency operations. The act calls for a series of assessments: one within 120 days before deployment; another during the period between 90 days after a deployment begins and 180 days after it ends; a third within a year after the deployment ends; and a fourth between 18 months and 30 months of redeployment. 

The act states assessments are intended to “identify post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal tendencies, and other behavioral health conditions … in order to determine which such members are in need of additional care and treatment for such health conditions.”

Assessments are not required for service members “not subjected or exposed to operational risk factors during deployment in the contingency operation concerned,” the act states. 

Section 954 affirms that DOD “has the capability, and upon direction by the president may conduct offensive operations in cyberspace to defend our nation, allies and interests,” subject to the law of armed conflict and the War Powers Resolution.

 President Barack Obama acknowledges “serious reservations” about parts of the act, particularly provisions that regulate the detention, interrogation, and prosecution of suspected terrorists.

“I have signed the act chiefly because it authorizes funding for the defense of the United States and its interests abroad, crucial services for service members and their families and vital national security programs that must be renewed,” Obama said in a statement released Dec. 31.

Airmen recognized for gallant efforts during bus crash

by Tech. Sgt. Chad Thompson
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

1/3/2012 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Five Airmen from the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron were recognized for their gallant efforts in response to a vehicle accident that occurred on base Nov. 22, 2011.

Col. Patrick McKenzie, 51st Fighter Wing commander, presented certificates to three of the five Airmen in a commander's call held Jan. 13, 2012.

"It's nice to recognize someone for doing an amazing job," McKenzie said. "These Airmen went above and beyond the call of duty and performed extremely well."

Tech. Sgt. Justin Pederson, Senior Airman Robert Farmer, Senior Airman Richard Turner, Airman 1st Class Mark Penn and Airman 1st Class Tylor King are the Airmen who were recognized.

Farmer, Turner and Penn were traveling Perimeter Road at about 10 a.m. the day of the accident when they noticed the bus.

Using skills honed during an Operational Readiness Exercise the week prior, the Airmen immediately assessed the scene and radioed for help. They provided self-aid-and-buddy care to the passenger in the vehicle. The other was trapped under the steering column.

They tried helping the trapped individual but knew they would have to wait for the fire department to arrive. Pederson and King were two of the firefighters who were called to the scene.

"We just got back from an in-flight emergency when we got the call for this crash," King said. "There is a moment of excitement when we respond to something and not knowing what to expect."

He said when they arrived on the scene, saw the damaged bus and realized they would need to cut the bus driver out using the Jaws of Life.

There was no door on the driver's side, so they made one, King said.

From there they continued to cut around the dashboard until they could get the driver out.

Not only was this a rare incident to have on base, King said this was his first extraction he has performed.

The Airmen were also recognized and coined by the director of the 51st FW Safety office, Lt. Col. Jason Cockrum, for their quick action.