by Tech Sgt. Peter Dean
920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
8/2/2012 - MOUNT HOOD, Ore. -- Countless
people have experienced the peaceful serenity that can be found at the
Cloud Cap Inn here, but for most, the road that brought them to this
magical place didn't begin after being ejected from a Pave Hawk HH-60G
helicopter as it tumbled down a mountainside in Afghanistan .
Staff Sgt. Scott Bilyeu, a medically retired active duty pararescueman,
was one of seven wounded Guardian Angel Airmen who participated in a
weeklong healing retreat July 22. Guardian Angels are an U.S. Air Force
weapons system comprised of combat rescue officers, pararescuemen, and
survival, evasion, resistant, and escape specialists know as SERE.
"The goal was to help with the healing process," said Laura Lerdall,
That Others May Live Foundation, deputy executive director. "Every
detail of this event was designed to help with the healing; the
location, the activities, the speakers and the tours."
After hours of sitting on alert in Afghanistan, the nighttime call came
in, a life threatening injury requiring immediate medical evacuation
from the battlefield. Bilyeu and his fellow Rescue Airmen were airborne
within minutes, en route to a location that would put them in a
precarious situation. As the Pave Hawk attempted to land on a
mountainside ledge, the rotor wash created an arena of dust and debris,
eliminating all visibility, a condition know as a brown out. With the
loss of all visibility and the inability to detect any reference points,
the main rotor clipped the mountainside sending the Pave Hawk and the
six Rescue Airmen onboard into a violent roll down the mountainside.
Before the dust had a chance to settle, Bilyeu's fellow PJ, Master Sgt.
Paul Schultz was evaluating the situation, systematically searching for
all crewmembers and assessing all injured. One crewmember perished that
night.
Although all survivors sustaining some degree of injury. The most
severely injured was Bilyeu, who in preparation for the rescue had
removed his lifeline, a harness that tethered him to the Pave Hawk. As
the Pave Hawk plummeted down the mountain, Bilyeu was ejected and
sustained numerous broken bones and severe head injuries.
Bilyeu recounted the details of that ill-fated day as it was told to
him. As a result of the crash, Bilyeu was in a coma for a
month-and-a-half and sustained a traumatic brain injury. He does not
remember the details of that day.
"There are days that I feel better, but they are days I taste it on my
lips; I speak too slow, or too fast, I stutter, said Bilyeu."Pararescue
was my life; I knew when I saw that [PJ] pamphlet I knew what I wanted
to do. Now I feel like I'm back in high school. I can't figure out what I
want, or can do."
Other wounded Guardian Angels at the Cloud Cap Inn could relate.
Although their stories differ the end results were the same, changed
men.
"When you get injured, you come back and you're removed from your unit,
you sort of get isolated," said Staff Sgt. Jimmy Settle, 212th Rescue
Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. "You feel not so much
it's your fault that you can't play with your boys [rescue team], but
you feel that you're not worthy, you go to a dark place. This [retreat]
connects you with dudes who get it."
Settle can relate to Bilyeu, as he also struggles to cope with what most
would consider simple daily tasks. While on a rescue mission in
Afghanistan in 2010, the Pave Hawk Settle was on, came under fire.
Rounds from AK-47 assault rifles pelted the chopper from all directions.
Rounds penetrated the floorboards of the chopper; upon impact one round
fragmented, sending it on a trajectory that went between Settle's
helmet and forehead, finally lodging into his scalp. The injury
ultimately left Settle with traumatic brain injury and struggling with
daily responsibilities, such as remembering to shave, how to wear his
uniform, and even recognizing his wife.
"I'm walking around with my cool- man beret, that beret that I worked so
many years for, and now, if you run down the checklist, I am not
qualified," said Settle. "I feel like I am putting on a costume, a PJ
costume. I feel I am not worthy and I don't belong anymore. It's very
lonely and leads to dark places in the mind. Coming out here kinda
stokes the fire, these guys understand, they have walked the same path I
have."
The love that Chief Master Sgt. Richard Konopka, Air Force Reserve
Command Headquarters, Robins Air Force Base, Ga., has for the Mount
Hood, prompted him to call the That Other May Live Foundation and
present his idea to bring wounded Angels together on the mountain.
"I'm very familiar with the beauty of Mount Hood and its tranquility, so
this seemed the perfect place for our veterans to recharge themselves
after very horrific, life-changing events," said Konopka.
According to Konopka there are approximately 500 PJs in the Air Force,
with that few, many of the wounded Angels knew each other, either from
indoctrination school, training together or combat. To rekindle the
relationships and rehash old times, the retreat kicked-off with the
wounded Angels coming together with Angels from the 304th Rescue
Squadron, Portland Ore., who co-sponsored the retreat. All climb aboard a
Timberline Lodge snow cat track vehicle that took them thousands of
feet up the north side of Mount Hood where they bonded over lunch.
The rest of the week the wounded Angels were hosted by the Crag Rats, an
all-volunteer mountain rescue group that maintains the U.S. Forest
Service-owned Cloud Cap Inn.
"It's a real pleasure to host this event, it's a natural fit," said Bill
Pattison, Crag Rats spokesperson. "The Crag Rats and the 304th have a
long history of working together.".
All details throughout the week were taken care of, transportation,
shelter, daily menu and all activities. Angels spent their days, hiking
Mount Hood, swimming at a local swim hole, fly fishing, and visiting
local attractions, but most of all enjoying the serenity that Mount Hood
has to offer.
"A dude who is messed up in the brain, you guys made this so awesome for
me," said Settle. "You created an environment that I didn't have to
worry about the little stuff. I could focus on the social stuff and
working on me. Thank you guys, thank you."
By all accounts the inaugural That Others May Live Wounded Angel Retreat
was a success, and plans are in the works to make this an annual event.
"We are very pleased on how the retreat turned out," said Maj.
Christopher Bernard, 304th RQS, combat rescue officer and retreat
organizer. "We gained an understanding of what it is to be a wounded
Angel, we are all touched,"
"This week really exceeded my expectations," said Lerdall. The retreats,
which are open to all rescue personnel not just Angels and is a 501(c)3
non-profit charitable organization (Combined Federal Campaign number
61226). (No federal endorsement implied or intended.)
Saturday, August 04, 2012
Tuskegee Airmen unit emblem officially recognized
by Capt. Ashley Conner
477th Fighter Group Public Affairs
8/3/2012 - LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- During the 41st Annual Tuskegee Airmen Convention Col. Bryan Radliff, 477th Fighter Group commander announced that the Chief of Staff of the Air Force had officially recognized the insignia used by the 477th Bombardment Group, a Tuskegee Airmen unit, during World War II.
In a letter to the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. dated July 17, 2012, Gen. Norton Schwartz not only recognized the emblem but simultaneously retired the emblem to the Air Force Historical Research Agency for inclusion in the organizations official heraldry records.
"The presentation of this patch is a long overdue recognition of the service and sacrifice of these great men," said Radliff. "My thanks go out to General Schwartz and his staff for recognizing the importance of this unit and finding their rightful place in Air Power history."
The pilots assigned to the 477th BG flew the B-25. The unit relocated several times and were never declared mission ready before the end of World War II. As a result the patch was never recognized as a part Army Air Corps and later Air Force history until now.
During the presentation of the letter Radliff asked members of the 477th BG who attended the Tuskegee Airmen Convention Military Luncheon to stand to be recognized. Those members were later joined by current members of the 477th FG on stage for a photo.
"This was an amazing opportunity," said Senior Airmen Marren Clay, 477th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief. "I am so proud to be a part of a unit that can trace it roots back to real American heroes."
The 477th FG was reactivated at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Alaska in October 2007 when the group became the Air Force Reserve Command's first F-22 Raptor unit and the only Air Force Reserve unit in Alaska. The Group's 302nd Fighter Squadron historically was part of the 332nd Fighter Group, also known as "The Redtails" the famous all-black unit that fought both American prejudice and Nazi militarism.
477th Fighter Group Public Affairs
8/3/2012 - LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- During the 41st Annual Tuskegee Airmen Convention Col. Bryan Radliff, 477th Fighter Group commander announced that the Chief of Staff of the Air Force had officially recognized the insignia used by the 477th Bombardment Group, a Tuskegee Airmen unit, during World War II.
In a letter to the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. dated July 17, 2012, Gen. Norton Schwartz not only recognized the emblem but simultaneously retired the emblem to the Air Force Historical Research Agency for inclusion in the organizations official heraldry records.
"The presentation of this patch is a long overdue recognition of the service and sacrifice of these great men," said Radliff. "My thanks go out to General Schwartz and his staff for recognizing the importance of this unit and finding their rightful place in Air Power history."
The pilots assigned to the 477th BG flew the B-25. The unit relocated several times and were never declared mission ready before the end of World War II. As a result the patch was never recognized as a part Army Air Corps and later Air Force history until now.
During the presentation of the letter Radliff asked members of the 477th BG who attended the Tuskegee Airmen Convention Military Luncheon to stand to be recognized. Those members were later joined by current members of the 477th FG on stage for a photo.
"This was an amazing opportunity," said Senior Airmen Marren Clay, 477th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief. "I am so proud to be a part of a unit that can trace it roots back to real American heroes."
The 477th FG was reactivated at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson, Alaska in October 2007 when the group became the Air Force Reserve Command's first F-22 Raptor unit and the only Air Force Reserve unit in Alaska. The Group's 302nd Fighter Squadron historically was part of the 332nd Fighter Group, also known as "The Redtails" the famous all-black unit that fought both American prejudice and Nazi militarism.
AF Reservist finishes 4th in 2012 Summer Olympics
8/3/2012 - LONDON (AFNS) -- An
Air Force Reserve captain from Colorado finished fourth during the
fencing competition at the 2012 London Olympics August 1.
Air Force Reserve Capt. Seth Kelsey earned the best finish since 1956 for a U.S. men's individual epee fencer at the Olympic Games. Kelsey is a logistics officer with the 310th Force Support Squadron at Buckley Air Force Base, Colo.
"I've always been disappointed in my previous Olympic performances," said Kelsey, about his fourth place result. "But today I beat three great guys. I had one of the best performances for U.S. men's epee in as long as I can remember. I felt like I put in a ton of hard work and won some tough bouts. I would have loved to have brought home a medal, but I felt like I gave myself the best possible shot I was going to have."
Kelsey added about his two overtime bouts in the medals rounds, "You've gotta take your chances. You win some, you lose some."
He said that when the bronze medal bout went into sudden death overtime, "I asked the guy if he wanted to go one touch and he said yes. He had got that touch earlier and I thought I was far enough away, but I wasn't."
Kelsey said about the next summer Olympics in Rio, "My plans right now are to stay, go for Rio, try and qualify for the team and then go for a medal in individual and take a team medal as well."
As for the Kelsey family, he said, "They were cheering their heads off. I couldn't have asked for a more exuberant excited family to be here. They were super loud and super excited for me and I'm proud to do so well for them."
Air Force Reserve Capt. Seth Kelsey earned the best finish since 1956 for a U.S. men's individual epee fencer at the Olympic Games. Kelsey is a logistics officer with the 310th Force Support Squadron at Buckley Air Force Base, Colo.
"I've always been disappointed in my previous Olympic performances," said Kelsey, about his fourth place result. "But today I beat three great guys. I had one of the best performances for U.S. men's epee in as long as I can remember. I felt like I put in a ton of hard work and won some tough bouts. I would have loved to have brought home a medal, but I felt like I gave myself the best possible shot I was going to have."
Kelsey added about his two overtime bouts in the medals rounds, "You've gotta take your chances. You win some, you lose some."
He said that when the bronze medal bout went into sudden death overtime, "I asked the guy if he wanted to go one touch and he said yes. He had got that touch earlier and I thought I was far enough away, but I wasn't."
Kelsey said about the next summer Olympics in Rio, "My plans right now are to stay, go for Rio, try and qualify for the team and then go for a medal in individual and take a team medal as well."
As for the Kelsey family, he said, "They were cheering their heads off. I couldn't have asked for a more exuberant excited family to be here. They were super loud and super excited for me and I'm proud to do so well for them."
437th OSS Weather Flight provides critical forecasts for JB Charleston
by Senior Airman Anthony Hyatt
Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs
8/3/2012 - Joint Base Charleston, S.C -- In a location where weather can turn severe at a moment's notice, one team remains prepared to keep Team Charleston alert and ready for the always changing conditions around the base.
The 437th Operations Support Squadron Weather Flight provides critical, timely and accurate weather intelligence in support of both the Joint Base Charleston - Air Base and Weapons Station. They also provide mission-execution briefings, seasonal climatology briefings and local weather familiarization briefings upon request.
The four-man shop consists of three staff sergeants, who are weather forecasters or Air Force Specialty Code 1W0X1s, and the flight chief.
Duties and Responsibilities
These 1W0X1s observe, record and disseminate weather data and information.
"Essentially, resource protection is what we do on a day-to-day basis," said Staff Sgt. Marlyn Daust, 437th OSS Weather Flight weather forecaster. "The 'lightning within five' or any kind of weather warning you receive is what we provide the base and aircraft. We're able to brief pilots, both on the ground and in the sky, from Georgia through North Carolina. We have a radio-communication system or Pilot-to-Metro Service we use to talk with pilots as they are flying their aircraft. This way we can give them up-to-the-minute weather, if they request it."
By using satellite and radar imagery, computer-generated graphics and weather-communication equipment and instruments, these weather forecasters can analyze atmospheric and space data and information.
"For the most part, we work cooperatively with the National Weather Service, the Federal Aviation Administration observer, and tower personnel," said Daust. "We use their real-time radar imagery nearly every day."
Also, the Weather Flight issues warnings and advisories to alert users to mission critical weather.
The Weather Flight works cooperatively with the regional forecasting office at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. They interact with at least one forecaster to form a better forecast, said Daust.
McPherson added, the back-up system allows for coverage 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week.
"Someone at Barksdale is always keeping an eye on JB Charleston and stands ready to issue any warning or make calls," said McPherson.
"We get plenty of calls about the flag condition reminders on your computers ... Weather Flight does not handle that," Daust said. "We send out the warnings for tornadoes, severe winds, severe hail, freezing precipitation, measurable snowfall and, of course, lightning and thunderstorms. If you're looking for more information regarding flag conditions, you can contact the 628th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight."
"The interaction between the pilots and me is what I like most about my job," said Daust. "Providing that one-on-one time to ensure the safety of the pilots and their crews give me a big sense of self-fulfillment and pride."
The Weather Flight has a typical 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. work day, but this can change as quickly as lightning.
"If at any time we receive any severe criteria weather, we can transition to 24-hour support," Daust added. "Severe thunderstorms can mean 50 knot winds, large hail greater than one-half inch or tornadoes."
"JB Charleston's weather is so unpredictable," said Daust. "It's really humid and hot here, so anything can trigger a thunderstorm. There's so much energy around this place that it can turn severe at any moment."
Technical Training
All Air Force weather forecasters must complete the eight-month technical training at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.
But, unlike most jobs in the Air Force, assignments for new weather troops are handled a little differently than other careers.
"After graduation from technical school, weather troops are assigned to one of the eight major Air Force Weather 'hubs' to undergo intensive on-the-job training for a period of 15 to 24 months," said Daust. "These hubs are major regional weather forecasting stations."
The Air Force Weather hub bases are: Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Shaw AFB, S.C., Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., Scott AFB, Ill., Sembach Air Base, Germany and Hickam AFB, Hawaii.
"It takes a lot of experience to deal with the weather," said Daust. "These hubs offer Airmen the way to learn so many different types of weather patterns. So, when you get to a weather flight, you have that depth of experience."
So, the next time you see or hear, "lightning within five," you'll know where the phrase comes from and how important it is for not only personnel, but also for JB Charleston's aircraft.
Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs
8/3/2012 - Joint Base Charleston, S.C -- In a location where weather can turn severe at a moment's notice, one team remains prepared to keep Team Charleston alert and ready for the always changing conditions around the base.
The 437th Operations Support Squadron Weather Flight provides critical, timely and accurate weather intelligence in support of both the Joint Base Charleston - Air Base and Weapons Station. They also provide mission-execution briefings, seasonal climatology briefings and local weather familiarization briefings upon request.
The four-man shop consists of three staff sergeants, who are weather forecasters or Air Force Specialty Code 1W0X1s, and the flight chief.
Duties and Responsibilities
These 1W0X1s observe, record and disseminate weather data and information.
"Essentially, resource protection is what we do on a day-to-day basis," said Staff Sgt. Marlyn Daust, 437th OSS Weather Flight weather forecaster. "The 'lightning within five' or any kind of weather warning you receive is what we provide the base and aircraft. We're able to brief pilots, both on the ground and in the sky, from Georgia through North Carolina. We have a radio-communication system or Pilot-to-Metro Service we use to talk with pilots as they are flying their aircraft. This way we can give them up-to-the-minute weather, if they request it."
By using satellite and radar imagery, computer-generated graphics and weather-communication equipment and instruments, these weather forecasters can analyze atmospheric and space data and information.
"For the most part, we work cooperatively with the National Weather Service, the Federal Aviation Administration observer, and tower personnel," said Daust. "We use their real-time radar imagery nearly every day."
Also, the Weather Flight issues warnings and advisories to alert users to mission critical weather.
The Weather Flight works cooperatively with the regional forecasting office at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. They interact with at least one forecaster to form a better forecast, said Daust.
McPherson added, the back-up system allows for coverage 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week.
"Someone at Barksdale is always keeping an eye on JB Charleston and stands ready to issue any warning or make calls," said McPherson.
"We get plenty of calls about the flag condition reminders on your computers ... Weather Flight does not handle that," Daust said. "We send out the warnings for tornadoes, severe winds, severe hail, freezing precipitation, measurable snowfall and, of course, lightning and thunderstorms. If you're looking for more information regarding flag conditions, you can contact the 628th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight."
"The interaction between the pilots and me is what I like most about my job," said Daust. "Providing that one-on-one time to ensure the safety of the pilots and their crews give me a big sense of self-fulfillment and pride."
The Weather Flight has a typical 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. work day, but this can change as quickly as lightning.
"If at any time we receive any severe criteria weather, we can transition to 24-hour support," Daust added. "Severe thunderstorms can mean 50 knot winds, large hail greater than one-half inch or tornadoes."
"JB Charleston's weather is so unpredictable," said Daust. "It's really humid and hot here, so anything can trigger a thunderstorm. There's so much energy around this place that it can turn severe at any moment."
Technical Training
All Air Force weather forecasters must complete the eight-month technical training at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.
But, unlike most jobs in the Air Force, assignments for new weather troops are handled a little differently than other careers.
"After graduation from technical school, weather troops are assigned to one of the eight major Air Force Weather 'hubs' to undergo intensive on-the-job training for a period of 15 to 24 months," said Daust. "These hubs are major regional weather forecasting stations."
The Air Force Weather hub bases are: Barksdale Air Force Base, La., Shaw AFB, S.C., Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., Scott AFB, Ill., Sembach Air Base, Germany and Hickam AFB, Hawaii.
"It takes a lot of experience to deal with the weather," said Daust. "These hubs offer Airmen the way to learn so many different types of weather patterns. So, when you get to a weather flight, you have that depth of experience."
So, the next time you see or hear, "lightning within five," you'll know where the phrase comes from and how important it is for not only personnel, but also for JB Charleston's aircraft.
Reservist gives new meaning to term 'hockey mom'
by Staff Sgt. Andria J. Allmond
512th Airlift Wing
8/2/2012 - DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Wisps of blonde hair are swept aside to reveal a small, white scar positioned above her left eye - an indication of toughness gracing the freckled face, blue-eyed technical sergeant.
"I got hit hard--it bled a lot and hurt pretty badly," said Tech Sgt. Kate Blanchfield, smiling broadly as she looks up from the stacks of paperwork spread out before her.
Despite her harmless appearance, the 512th Airlift Wing commander support staff member boasts a 14-year field hockey habit complete with injuries to the face and knees - both given and received. The rough and tumble nature of the sport, with shots on goal that can exceed 100 miles per hour, contradicts her petite frame.
"I was always into sports," she said. "And where I went to junior high school, there were two main sports for girls: softball and field hockey. I liked softball, so I figured that I'd try hockey, too."
A lifelong competitor with a family lineage of competitive sports - her parents and siblings being avid athletes - the reservist of 10 years ignited her passion for the game at 12 years old. First whacking the ball at Delmar Junior/Senior High School, Delmar, Del., she honed her skills to participate on a more competitive level at Caesar Rodney High School, Camden, Del. According to Blanchfield, high school-level field hockey in the Dover, Del., area commonly awards its players a spot on the collegiate circuit.
"A lot of the girls I played alongside in high school ended up playing for Division I programs," she said, reminding her of her foremost regret. "I really wish I would've gone right to college and played field hockey."
Instead, her path in life took her on a road of military service.
"I decided that after high school I would go into the military," she said. "I grew up watching Army commercials with people jumping out of planes and scaling walls. I wanted the physicality that the military looked like it would provide. Joining the Air Force Reserve really wasn't a bad decision, as it turns out."
In fact, although she didn't play hockey, it was the Air Force Reserve that made it possible for her to attend college and subsequently earn her licensed practical nursing degree.
"I used the Air Force's education benefits," she said, adding that a career in nursing could afford her the flexibility to continue participating in her favorite sport.
The mid-fielder, who is currently studying to become a registered nurse, competes for the City of Dover Parks and Recreation adult field hockey league.
"When I first started out, I liked playing because I was pretty good at it," she said. "Now, I play because it's my outlet; it's something I just need to do."
A summer league goes from June until the first week of August, while and an indoor, winter league extends from early January until March.
"So, I can play a lot throughout the year," she said.
She had an assist in her team's 2-1 win Wednesday night, setting up a championship match for Sunday. She'll head to the field after completing her monthly military drill weekend. Blanchfield is looking forward to it since she prefers playing to pampering.
"Honestly, I would rather play (field hockey) than get a pedicure," she said.
While Blanchfield plans on continuing to play until she is no longer physically competitive, the hockey tradition won't stop with her when that day finally comes. Jayda, her 7-year old daughter, has caught the hockey bug and is also an enthusiastic participant in the game.
"I like taking the ball to the goal and playing with my friends," said Jayda. "It's fun."
Blanchfield's daughter, who aspires to become an Air Force pilot, often attends her mother's games.
"I like to watch my mommy play and it makes me want to learn more about field hockey," she said. "I want to play for a long time like her."
Blanchfield hopes that her daughter gains as such enjoyment from the sport as she has over the years.
"Yes, I would love if Jayda decided that she wanted to play in college," she said. "But more than anything, I just want her to have fun. Because really that's what it's all about, bruises and all."
512th Airlift Wing
8/2/2012 - DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- Wisps of blonde hair are swept aside to reveal a small, white scar positioned above her left eye - an indication of toughness gracing the freckled face, blue-eyed technical sergeant.
"I got hit hard--it bled a lot and hurt pretty badly," said Tech Sgt. Kate Blanchfield, smiling broadly as she looks up from the stacks of paperwork spread out before her.
Despite her harmless appearance, the 512th Airlift Wing commander support staff member boasts a 14-year field hockey habit complete with injuries to the face and knees - both given and received. The rough and tumble nature of the sport, with shots on goal that can exceed 100 miles per hour, contradicts her petite frame.
"I was always into sports," she said. "And where I went to junior high school, there were two main sports for girls: softball and field hockey. I liked softball, so I figured that I'd try hockey, too."
A lifelong competitor with a family lineage of competitive sports - her parents and siblings being avid athletes - the reservist of 10 years ignited her passion for the game at 12 years old. First whacking the ball at Delmar Junior/Senior High School, Delmar, Del., she honed her skills to participate on a more competitive level at Caesar Rodney High School, Camden, Del. According to Blanchfield, high school-level field hockey in the Dover, Del., area commonly awards its players a spot on the collegiate circuit.
"A lot of the girls I played alongside in high school ended up playing for Division I programs," she said, reminding her of her foremost regret. "I really wish I would've gone right to college and played field hockey."
Instead, her path in life took her on a road of military service.
"I decided that after high school I would go into the military," she said. "I grew up watching Army commercials with people jumping out of planes and scaling walls. I wanted the physicality that the military looked like it would provide. Joining the Air Force Reserve really wasn't a bad decision, as it turns out."
In fact, although she didn't play hockey, it was the Air Force Reserve that made it possible for her to attend college and subsequently earn her licensed practical nursing degree.
"I used the Air Force's education benefits," she said, adding that a career in nursing could afford her the flexibility to continue participating in her favorite sport.
The mid-fielder, who is currently studying to become a registered nurse, competes for the City of Dover Parks and Recreation adult field hockey league.
"When I first started out, I liked playing because I was pretty good at it," she said. "Now, I play because it's my outlet; it's something I just need to do."
A summer league goes from June until the first week of August, while and an indoor, winter league extends from early January until March.
"So, I can play a lot throughout the year," she said.
She had an assist in her team's 2-1 win Wednesday night, setting up a championship match for Sunday. She'll head to the field after completing her monthly military drill weekend. Blanchfield is looking forward to it since she prefers playing to pampering.
"Honestly, I would rather play (field hockey) than get a pedicure," she said.
While Blanchfield plans on continuing to play until she is no longer physically competitive, the hockey tradition won't stop with her when that day finally comes. Jayda, her 7-year old daughter, has caught the hockey bug and is also an enthusiastic participant in the game.
"I like taking the ball to the goal and playing with my friends," said Jayda. "It's fun."
Blanchfield's daughter, who aspires to become an Air Force pilot, often attends her mother's games.
"I like to watch my mommy play and it makes me want to learn more about field hockey," she said. "I want to play for a long time like her."
Blanchfield hopes that her daughter gains as such enjoyment from the sport as she has over the years.
"Yes, I would love if Jayda decided that she wanted to play in college," she said. "But more than anything, I just want her to have fun. Because really that's what it's all about, bruises and all."
B-52s provide RIMPAC 2012 air capability
by 2nd Lt. Sarah Bergstein
36th Wing Public Affairs
8/3/2012 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Members from the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., participated in nine sorties in support of this year's Rim of the Pacific exercise July 11 to 31 in and around training areas surrounding the Hawaiian islands.
Six B-52s from the 69th EBS, accompanied by more than 200 Airmen, are currently deployed to Andersen AFB, Guam, in support of U.S. Pacific Command's Continuous Bomber Presence to maintain security and stability in the Western Pacific.
"RIMPAC reminds us how vital it is to train with our fellow U.S. forces as well as our international partners around the globe, enabling us to work together and respond effectively if needed," said Col. Randy Kaufman, 36th Operations Group commander. "The 69th EBS' participation in RIMPAC not only shows their ability to support PACOM's CBP, but also the global readiness they bring to the fight."
RIMPAC is a biennial multinational maritime exercise held by Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Beginning in 1971 and now in its 23rd year, RIMPAC boasts 22 participating nations, 42 surface ships, six submarines, more than 200 aircraft and more than 25,000 personnel.
Scheduled from June 27 to Aug. 9, the theme of RIMPAC 2012 is, "Capable, Adaptive, Partners."
"Our participation in a multi-national exercise like RIMPAC affords us the opportunity to improve interoperability and strengthen relationship with our regional partners," said Lt. Col. Doug Gosney, 69th EBS commander. "Additionally, our aircrews get first-rate training and gain invaluable experience by operating in this dynamic, joint coalition environment. RIMPAC provided an unmatched training opportunity for my aviators."
The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. The primary objective of bomber participation in this year's RIMPAC exercise was to enhance crew proficiency and promote international military cooperation.
"These long-duration sorties helped simulate our real-world taskings," said Colonel Gosney. "Employing with other Air Force assets, our sister services and the nations of the Pacific theater afforded us a unique training opportunity."
Averaging 20 to 22-hour sorties, each with two air refuelings, the 69th EBS flew over 180 hours from Guam to the Hawaiian airspace and back.
"We started with a crawl, walk, run mentality," said Maj. Christopher Morris, 69th EBS Mission Planning Cell team chief. "At first, our participation focused at the unit level and then moved into force-integration training where we worked with other players. In the final phase of RIMPAC, we integrated B-52s into a robust regional combat scenario."
In the first phase of unit level training, targets are generally pre-planned and aircrews know exactly what to look for. In the force-integration phase and the final combat scenario, targets are unknown, meaning aircrews not only have to locate their targets, but also determine how to strike and with what weapons to strike.
"This demonstrates the flexibility of the B-52 and our aircrews," said Major Morris. "Our joint-Service commanders know they can count on the B-52 to deliver bombs on target 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year--worldwide--and in this case, from more than 3000 miles away."
The 69th EBS' first two sorties for this year's RIMPAC, July 11 and 13, supported a high-priority MINEX, a low-level mine-laying exercise designed to train the Navy's counter-mine specialists.
"We're working with Navy fleet to train in aerial interdiction of maritime targets," said Major Morris. "This includes gathering intelligence, honing our skills in low-level flying, providing close air support and simulating strikes when targets are found."
Exercises in the region are ideal forums to showcase U.S. defense aircraft and equipment, work hand-in-hand with regional partners and contribute toward interoperability with other countries.
Movement of U.S. Air Force bombers into the Western Pacific has been ongoing since March 2004, as the U.S. Pacific Command adjusts its force posture to maintain a prudent deterrent capability.
Rotational bomber deployments to Guam help maintain stability and security in the Western Pacific, while allowing units to become familiar with operating in the Pacific Theater.
"As a Navy-centric exercise, we're thrilled about the air capabilities that our B-52s were able to provide in support of RIMPAC," said Colonel Kaufman. "There's something to be said about U.S. Air Force B-52s flying with Marine Corps F-18s alongside Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18s and P-3s as well as Japanese F-2s and F-15Js."
As the world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC is a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans.
Other U.S. Air Force aircraft participating in RIMPAC 2012 include: KC-130 Hercules, C-17 Globemaster IIIs, KC-135 Stratofortresses, E-3 Sentries, A-10 Thunderbolt IIIs, F-15 Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons and HH-60G Pave Hawks.
"RIMPAC is a testament to the mutual understanding and respect we gain from exercising with regional partners, all working together on a number of different and potential operations and missions," said Colonel Kaufman. "We look forward to participating again in 2014 and bringing an enhanced portfolio of new capabilities."
36th Wing Public Affairs
8/3/2012 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Members from the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Minot Air Force Base, N.D., participated in nine sorties in support of this year's Rim of the Pacific exercise July 11 to 31 in and around training areas surrounding the Hawaiian islands.
Six B-52s from the 69th EBS, accompanied by more than 200 Airmen, are currently deployed to Andersen AFB, Guam, in support of U.S. Pacific Command's Continuous Bomber Presence to maintain security and stability in the Western Pacific.
"RIMPAC reminds us how vital it is to train with our fellow U.S. forces as well as our international partners around the globe, enabling us to work together and respond effectively if needed," said Col. Randy Kaufman, 36th Operations Group commander. "The 69th EBS' participation in RIMPAC not only shows their ability to support PACOM's CBP, but also the global readiness they bring to the fight."
RIMPAC is a biennial multinational maritime exercise held by Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Beginning in 1971 and now in its 23rd year, RIMPAC boasts 22 participating nations, 42 surface ships, six submarines, more than 200 aircraft and more than 25,000 personnel.
Scheduled from June 27 to Aug. 9, the theme of RIMPAC 2012 is, "Capable, Adaptive, Partners."
"Our participation in a multi-national exercise like RIMPAC affords us the opportunity to improve interoperability and strengthen relationship with our regional partners," said Lt. Col. Doug Gosney, 69th EBS commander. "Additionally, our aircrews get first-rate training and gain invaluable experience by operating in this dynamic, joint coalition environment. RIMPAC provided an unmatched training opportunity for my aviators."
The B-52 Stratofortress is a long-range heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. The primary objective of bomber participation in this year's RIMPAC exercise was to enhance crew proficiency and promote international military cooperation.
"These long-duration sorties helped simulate our real-world taskings," said Colonel Gosney. "Employing with other Air Force assets, our sister services and the nations of the Pacific theater afforded us a unique training opportunity."
Averaging 20 to 22-hour sorties, each with two air refuelings, the 69th EBS flew over 180 hours from Guam to the Hawaiian airspace and back.
"We started with a crawl, walk, run mentality," said Maj. Christopher Morris, 69th EBS Mission Planning Cell team chief. "At first, our participation focused at the unit level and then moved into force-integration training where we worked with other players. In the final phase of RIMPAC, we integrated B-52s into a robust regional combat scenario."
In the first phase of unit level training, targets are generally pre-planned and aircrews know exactly what to look for. In the force-integration phase and the final combat scenario, targets are unknown, meaning aircrews not only have to locate their targets, but also determine how to strike and with what weapons to strike.
"This demonstrates the flexibility of the B-52 and our aircrews," said Major Morris. "Our joint-Service commanders know they can count on the B-52 to deliver bombs on target 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year--worldwide--and in this case, from more than 3000 miles away."
The 69th EBS' first two sorties for this year's RIMPAC, July 11 and 13, supported a high-priority MINEX, a low-level mine-laying exercise designed to train the Navy's counter-mine specialists.
"We're working with Navy fleet to train in aerial interdiction of maritime targets," said Major Morris. "This includes gathering intelligence, honing our skills in low-level flying, providing close air support and simulating strikes when targets are found."
Exercises in the region are ideal forums to showcase U.S. defense aircraft and equipment, work hand-in-hand with regional partners and contribute toward interoperability with other countries.
Movement of U.S. Air Force bombers into the Western Pacific has been ongoing since March 2004, as the U.S. Pacific Command adjusts its force posture to maintain a prudent deterrent capability.
Rotational bomber deployments to Guam help maintain stability and security in the Western Pacific, while allowing units to become familiar with operating in the Pacific Theater.
"As a Navy-centric exercise, we're thrilled about the air capabilities that our B-52s were able to provide in support of RIMPAC," said Colonel Kaufman. "There's something to be said about U.S. Air Force B-52s flying with Marine Corps F-18s alongside Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18s and P-3s as well as Japanese F-2s and F-15Js."
As the world's largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC is a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans.
Other U.S. Air Force aircraft participating in RIMPAC 2012 include: KC-130 Hercules, C-17 Globemaster IIIs, KC-135 Stratofortresses, E-3 Sentries, A-10 Thunderbolt IIIs, F-15 Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons and HH-60G Pave Hawks.
"RIMPAC is a testament to the mutual understanding and respect we gain from exercising with regional partners, all working together on a number of different and potential operations and missions," said Colonel Kaufman. "We look forward to participating again in 2014 and bringing an enhanced portfolio of new capabilities."
Red Devils keep Kunsan cool
by Senior Airman Brigitte N. Brantley
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
8/3/2012 - KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- "It's too hot, it's too cold."
This is what the 8th Civil Engineer Squadron heating, ventilation and air conditioning shop hears on a daily basis.
To keep up with customers' demands, these "HVAC guys" work in extreme weather around the clock to make the Wolf Pack as comfortable as possible.
Often, they pool resources with other CE shops to get the job done. Their recent project replacing the chiller unit in a 100-man dormitory required them to work with heavy equipment operators and electricians.
"In our squadron, it's not an attitude of 'You go do this, I'll go do that,'" said Senior Airman Timothy Atwater, 8th CES HVAC technician. "It's always a team effort -- everyone has their part. In a project like this where we are replacing a key piece of equipment, that mentality is even more important."
Replacing a chiller starts with disconnecting and removing the old one. This includes a timely process of disassembling pipes, removing screws and planning for the new unit.
"The hardest part is removing the old water lines," said Atwater. "Then we disconnect all power and get the crane operators out here to lift the entire unit out."
The "Dirt Boys," who are called when cranes, front loaders or steamrollers are needed, helped lift the nearly 2.5-ton unit from its resting place. Once the old unit was removed, they used the crane again to lower in the new unit.
"We've worked with HVAC so many times, it happens like clockwork," said Tech. Sgt. Andrew Wallace, 8th CES pavements and equipment NCO in charge. "They just tell us what they need, and we'll get it done. No matter how hard the job is or how difficult the conditions are, we get it done."
The HVAC guys on the ground helped navigate the new unit into position, making sure all power and water supplies lined up with the new configuration. They scraped paint from the pipes to make sure the new seals would fit.
However, while hooking everything back up, they ran into a problem: The new unit didn't have a place for the electrical wires to run through. They called out electricians from the shop and after an eight-hour day in the sun, the project was finally wrapped up.
"It took three shops to complete this job, which has a big impact on the comfort of the dorm residents," said Atwater. "When the job is done and the equipment is running, it feels good to know I did something for the Wolf Pack."
8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
8/3/2012 - KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- "It's too hot, it's too cold."
This is what the 8th Civil Engineer Squadron heating, ventilation and air conditioning shop hears on a daily basis.
To keep up with customers' demands, these "HVAC guys" work in extreme weather around the clock to make the Wolf Pack as comfortable as possible.
Often, they pool resources with other CE shops to get the job done. Their recent project replacing the chiller unit in a 100-man dormitory required them to work with heavy equipment operators and electricians.
"In our squadron, it's not an attitude of 'You go do this, I'll go do that,'" said Senior Airman Timothy Atwater, 8th CES HVAC technician. "It's always a team effort -- everyone has their part. In a project like this where we are replacing a key piece of equipment, that mentality is even more important."
Replacing a chiller starts with disconnecting and removing the old one. This includes a timely process of disassembling pipes, removing screws and planning for the new unit.
"The hardest part is removing the old water lines," said Atwater. "Then we disconnect all power and get the crane operators out here to lift the entire unit out."
The "Dirt Boys," who are called when cranes, front loaders or steamrollers are needed, helped lift the nearly 2.5-ton unit from its resting place. Once the old unit was removed, they used the crane again to lower in the new unit.
"We've worked with HVAC so many times, it happens like clockwork," said Tech. Sgt. Andrew Wallace, 8th CES pavements and equipment NCO in charge. "They just tell us what they need, and we'll get it done. No matter how hard the job is or how difficult the conditions are, we get it done."
The HVAC guys on the ground helped navigate the new unit into position, making sure all power and water supplies lined up with the new configuration. They scraped paint from the pipes to make sure the new seals would fit.
However, while hooking everything back up, they ran into a problem: The new unit didn't have a place for the electrical wires to run through. They called out electricians from the shop and after an eight-hour day in the sun, the project was finally wrapped up.
"It took three shops to complete this job, which has a big impact on the comfort of the dorm residents," said Atwater. "When the job is done and the equipment is running, it feels good to know I did something for the Wolf Pack."
Air Force 'POLcats' fuel RIMPAC
by Staff Sgt. Mike Meares
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Public Affairs
8/3/2012 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- The Air Force fuels flight "POLcats" have a saying: "Without POL, pilots are pedestrians."
During the 2012 Rim of the Pacific exercise, the world's largest international maritime exercise, the men and women from the petroleum, oil and lubricant, or fuels flight, are responsible for getting fuel to the aircraft have pumped more than 10 million gallons of fuel into airplanes, making sure to keep pilots flying.
"Each RIMPAC gets bigger and bigger," said Alphonso Parks, Fleet Logistics Center Pearl Harbor fuels department division chief and a retired Air Force chief master sergeant. "At Hickam, it's our primary mission to put gas on airplanes."
Twenty-two nations gathered in the Hawaiian Islands beginning June 29, bringing more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel. Of the more than 200 aircraft participating in RIMPAC, the fuels flight has hooked up to them more than 1,500 times during the month to refuel.
Master Sgt. Tony Karpenko, 647th Logistics Readiness Squadron and Fleet Logistics Center Pearl Harbor fuels department quality control inspector, is the lone active duty Airman of 42 total people in the section. Their section has more than three centuries of flight fuel operations among the members.
"I love the smell of jet fuel in the morning," Karpenko said. "Essentially, our role in RIMPAC is the same as it would be any other day. Right now, we are busier because we have ramped up operations because Rim of the Pacific operations is happening in and around Hawaii."
The month-long exercise provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971.
"RIMPAC brings us a chance to work with other services, other organizations, other countries, and allows us the chance to train and better equip the warfighter for when they have to actually do it for real," Karpenko said. "If they don't get their gas, they can't hone their skills to take the fight to the enemy and POL plays a big part of that."
With nearly 70 years of Air Force fuels experience between Parks and Karpenko, the Airmen said they understand they are going to work harder while RIMPAC is going on. According to their calculations, they pump an average of 246,688 gallons per day, with their busiest day to date of 386,545 gallons. That is a more than double their typical 120,000 gallons a day.
"Along with servicing three times the number of aircraft, we have been supporting tank truck filling operations for the Pearl Harbor Fuel Department," Karpenko said. "These tank trucks deliver JP-8 to several locations throughout Oahu who are also fulfilling RIMPAC taskings. To date during RIMPAC, we have filled 385 tank trucks with 3,080,000 gallons of fuel."
Through management, operations, administration and accounting, compliance and environmental, the fuels service center, training, distribution, preventative maintenance, bulk storage and their laboratory, the unit has been able to keep up with the demand of fuel working seven days a week on 24-hour operations.
"We love it," Karpenko said. "RIMPAC gives us a chance to shine."
In recognition of their efforts, the fuels flight was recently awarded the U.S. Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Pearl Harbor 2011 American Petroleum Institute Award for the "Best Navy Retail Fuel Activity for Airfield Operations." The API awards recognize the most significant contributions to Department of the Navy bulk fuel operations and fleet fuel support. The institute sets standards and provides technical direction for all aspects of petroleum production, refining, measurement, and fuel handling.
As RIMPAC operations come to a close Aug. 3, the fuels flight will continue making sure pilots don't become pedestrians.
Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam Public Affairs
8/3/2012 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii -- The Air Force fuels flight "POLcats" have a saying: "Without POL, pilots are pedestrians."
During the 2012 Rim of the Pacific exercise, the world's largest international maritime exercise, the men and women from the petroleum, oil and lubricant, or fuels flight, are responsible for getting fuel to the aircraft have pumped more than 10 million gallons of fuel into airplanes, making sure to keep pilots flying.
"Each RIMPAC gets bigger and bigger," said Alphonso Parks, Fleet Logistics Center Pearl Harbor fuels department division chief and a retired Air Force chief master sergeant. "At Hickam, it's our primary mission to put gas on airplanes."
Twenty-two nations gathered in the Hawaiian Islands beginning June 29, bringing more than 40 ships and submarines, more than 200 aircraft, and 25,000 personnel. Of the more than 200 aircraft participating in RIMPAC, the fuels flight has hooked up to them more than 1,500 times during the month to refuel.
Master Sgt. Tony Karpenko, 647th Logistics Readiness Squadron and Fleet Logistics Center Pearl Harbor fuels department quality control inspector, is the lone active duty Airman of 42 total people in the section. Their section has more than three centuries of flight fuel operations among the members.
"I love the smell of jet fuel in the morning," Karpenko said. "Essentially, our role in RIMPAC is the same as it would be any other day. Right now, we are busier because we have ramped up operations because Rim of the Pacific operations is happening in and around Hawaii."
The month-long exercise provides a unique training opportunity that helps participants foster and sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. RIMPAC 2012 is the 23rd exercise in the series that began in 1971.
"RIMPAC brings us a chance to work with other services, other organizations, other countries, and allows us the chance to train and better equip the warfighter for when they have to actually do it for real," Karpenko said. "If they don't get their gas, they can't hone their skills to take the fight to the enemy and POL plays a big part of that."
With nearly 70 years of Air Force fuels experience between Parks and Karpenko, the Airmen said they understand they are going to work harder while RIMPAC is going on. According to their calculations, they pump an average of 246,688 gallons per day, with their busiest day to date of 386,545 gallons. That is a more than double their typical 120,000 gallons a day.
"Along with servicing three times the number of aircraft, we have been supporting tank truck filling operations for the Pearl Harbor Fuel Department," Karpenko said. "These tank trucks deliver JP-8 to several locations throughout Oahu who are also fulfilling RIMPAC taskings. To date during RIMPAC, we have filled 385 tank trucks with 3,080,000 gallons of fuel."
Through management, operations, administration and accounting, compliance and environmental, the fuels service center, training, distribution, preventative maintenance, bulk storage and their laboratory, the unit has been able to keep up with the demand of fuel working seven days a week on 24-hour operations.
"We love it," Karpenko said. "RIMPAC gives us a chance to shine."
In recognition of their efforts, the fuels flight was recently awarded the U.S. Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Pearl Harbor 2011 American Petroleum Institute Award for the "Best Navy Retail Fuel Activity for Airfield Operations." The API awards recognize the most significant contributions to Department of the Navy bulk fuel operations and fleet fuel support. The institute sets standards and provides technical direction for all aspects of petroleum production, refining, measurement, and fuel handling.
As RIMPAC operations come to a close Aug. 3, the fuels flight will continue making sure pilots don't become pedestrians.
Friday, August 03, 2012
Edinburgh Tattoo Uses Music to Foster Partnerships
By Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Patrick Grieco
U.S. European Command
EDINBURGH, Scotland, Aug. 3, 2012 – Sailors from the U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band are among about 1,000 international military and civilian musicians and dancers preparing to perform here in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo held outside Edinburgh Castle.
U.S. European Command
EDINBURGH, Scotland, Aug. 3, 2012 – Sailors from the U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band are among about 1,000 international military and civilian musicians and dancers preparing to perform here in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo held outside Edinburgh Castle.
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The tattoo kicks off today and continues through Aug. 25. The
tattoo showcases music, dance and displays from around the world and is
played against the backdrop of the famous castle there for a live
audience of approximately 217,000 people during this month in addition
to being broadcast in 30 countries across the globe.
“This is like the Superbowl of tattoos,” said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Richard Bruns, NAVEUR Band public affairs. “It’s an honor to be here at the most famous and most well-known tattoo in the world.”
The vision of tattoo Chief Executive and Producer British Army Brig. Gen. David Allfrey, formerly the commander of the Royal Scottish Dragoon Guards, involves telling Scottish history through the ages from the Pictish barbarians to the modern digital age, according to NAVEUR Band Assistant Director Navy Ensign Christopher Cornette. He said each performer in the tattoo has his or her own portion of that story and the NAVEUR Band’s music represents comic book heroes meant to take the audience from the 1930s to the digital age of 1980s and ’90s.
Allfrey said the characters represented by the music are universal to Scotland and while the tattoo seeks to entertain and inspire, it also hopes to create a fun atmosphere.
“I am thrilled with our international guests and as ever, the tattoo is proud to present some of the very best,” Allfrey said.
Another vision being created is one of lasting international partnership. British Royal Scottish Dragoons Guardsman Capt. Harry Braitwaite said while this is only his second time with this tattoo, this is not his first time interacting with Americans.
“When we were in Hong Kong last time for the international tattoo, we worked alongside your 7th Fleet Band, and it was absolutely fantastic,” Braitwaite said. “It is lovely to meet other service members from around the world and particularly our closest allies. It not only gives us perspective, but makes you feel as if you have friends all over the world.”
Braitwaite said his relationship with Americans goes back to his childhood when his father was posted to Washington, D.C., and his more recent interactions with American troops in Afghanistan. He also said the physical location of the tattoo is special to his unit.
“The Edinburgh tattoo has a long-standing presence and as a Royal Scots Dragoon Guard, and, though we are based in Germany at the moment, our spiritual home is very much Edinburgh Castle,” Braitwaite said.
One Australian sailor said the tattoo also has the power of showing the lighter and friendlier side of the world’s militaries.
“When I first joined nine years ago, one of the best quotes I ever heard was that military bands are the frontlines of peacetime defense,” said Australian Able Seaman Musician Ellen Zyla, with the Sydney Detachment of the Royal Australian navy band. “This event shows that even though there is a great deal going on in the world, we stand together and that our solidarity holds strong.”
Zyla said she found out about the U.S. Navy musicians coming to perform through her social media contact within the band.
“I’m friends with one of the U.S. Navy French horn players,” Zyla said. “I got a birthday message online asking if I was in Edinburgh for the tattoo ... I was extremely surprised, and truly this event feels to me to be more like a meeting of old friends.”
Among the many groups coming out for the tattoo are soldiers attached to His Majesty the King of Norway’s Guards Band and Drill Team. One Norwegian officer in the group commented on the power of music to unite cultures and strengthen bonds between nations.
“I think music is powerful,” 1st Lt. Gir Toege said. “You can be from America, Germany or Norway and yet still have the same music and a common marching style; it’s a truly worldwide language.”
Toege feels this event differs from other military-to-military engagements due to its peaceful undertones.
“We’re not training for war,” Toege said. “We’re training for peace here; it’s quite a different concept.”
Toege said he feels the world of the future will be better off because of the relationship-building happening at places like Edinburgh. He said it is easier for a foreign national to integrate into a multinational unit if he already knows the service members and their customs.
To another musician, the tattoo presents an opportunity to play alongside the NAVEUR Band again.
“I served about a year with the NAVEUR Band,” said Musician Laura White, with the Royal Marines Band Service. “I travelled over to Italy, and I learned a great deal from the Navy band. Honestly, when we stand up there and perform, we’re all mixed together, and we become one unit. Music is the same language, and by talking with each other here, we’re building bonds between our nations.”
Cornette said the long-term benefit of events such as the Edinburgh tattoo is showing the world the possibility for military and civilian interaction across boundaries.
“Whether that’s here in Europe, or certainly down in Africa, we always try and provide a picture to make people realize that no matter our differences, it is possible to come together and work toward a unified vision,” Cornette said. “This is the first time in about 10 years the U.S. has been part of this and the first time the U.S. Navy has been involved, and we are deeply honored to be here.”
Cornette also said music is a universal language, and, though all the military musicians may not speak the same language to each other, they all can understand and play the same music.
“It’s very easy to bring these people together, put a sheet of music in front of musicians who can’t otherwise communicate, and instantly they’re working together to make a product everyone can understand,” Cornette said.
Braitwaite said he hopes to see U.S. bands at future tattoos and hopes one day to work with American service members again.
The first tattoo was the Army in Scotland’s contribution to Edinburgh’s international festivals. Today, the tattoo is an international extravaganza, over time bringing together more than 40,000 performers from more than 46 countries.
“This is like the Superbowl of tattoos,” said Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Richard Bruns, NAVEUR Band public affairs. “It’s an honor to be here at the most famous and most well-known tattoo in the world.”
The vision of tattoo Chief Executive and Producer British Army Brig. Gen. David Allfrey, formerly the commander of the Royal Scottish Dragoon Guards, involves telling Scottish history through the ages from the Pictish barbarians to the modern digital age, according to NAVEUR Band Assistant Director Navy Ensign Christopher Cornette. He said each performer in the tattoo has his or her own portion of that story and the NAVEUR Band’s music represents comic book heroes meant to take the audience from the 1930s to the digital age of 1980s and ’90s.
Allfrey said the characters represented by the music are universal to Scotland and while the tattoo seeks to entertain and inspire, it also hopes to create a fun atmosphere.
“I am thrilled with our international guests and as ever, the tattoo is proud to present some of the very best,” Allfrey said.
Another vision being created is one of lasting international partnership. British Royal Scottish Dragoons Guardsman Capt. Harry Braitwaite said while this is only his second time with this tattoo, this is not his first time interacting with Americans.
“When we were in Hong Kong last time for the international tattoo, we worked alongside your 7th Fleet Band, and it was absolutely fantastic,” Braitwaite said. “It is lovely to meet other service members from around the world and particularly our closest allies. It not only gives us perspective, but makes you feel as if you have friends all over the world.”
Braitwaite said his relationship with Americans goes back to his childhood when his father was posted to Washington, D.C., and his more recent interactions with American troops in Afghanistan. He also said the physical location of the tattoo is special to his unit.
“The Edinburgh tattoo has a long-standing presence and as a Royal Scots Dragoon Guard, and, though we are based in Germany at the moment, our spiritual home is very much Edinburgh Castle,” Braitwaite said.
One Australian sailor said the tattoo also has the power of showing the lighter and friendlier side of the world’s militaries.
“When I first joined nine years ago, one of the best quotes I ever heard was that military bands are the frontlines of peacetime defense,” said Australian Able Seaman Musician Ellen Zyla, with the Sydney Detachment of the Royal Australian navy band. “This event shows that even though there is a great deal going on in the world, we stand together and that our solidarity holds strong.”
Zyla said she found out about the U.S. Navy musicians coming to perform through her social media contact within the band.
“I’m friends with one of the U.S. Navy French horn players,” Zyla said. “I got a birthday message online asking if I was in Edinburgh for the tattoo ... I was extremely surprised, and truly this event feels to me to be more like a meeting of old friends.”
Among the many groups coming out for the tattoo are soldiers attached to His Majesty the King of Norway’s Guards Band and Drill Team. One Norwegian officer in the group commented on the power of music to unite cultures and strengthen bonds between nations.
“I think music is powerful,” 1st Lt. Gir Toege said. “You can be from America, Germany or Norway and yet still have the same music and a common marching style; it’s a truly worldwide language.”
Toege feels this event differs from other military-to-military engagements due to its peaceful undertones.
“We’re not training for war,” Toege said. “We’re training for peace here; it’s quite a different concept.”
Toege said he feels the world of the future will be better off because of the relationship-building happening at places like Edinburgh. He said it is easier for a foreign national to integrate into a multinational unit if he already knows the service members and their customs.
To another musician, the tattoo presents an opportunity to play alongside the NAVEUR Band again.
“I served about a year with the NAVEUR Band,” said Musician Laura White, with the Royal Marines Band Service. “I travelled over to Italy, and I learned a great deal from the Navy band. Honestly, when we stand up there and perform, we’re all mixed together, and we become one unit. Music is the same language, and by talking with each other here, we’re building bonds between our nations.”
Cornette said the long-term benefit of events such as the Edinburgh tattoo is showing the world the possibility for military and civilian interaction across boundaries.
“Whether that’s here in Europe, or certainly down in Africa, we always try and provide a picture to make people realize that no matter our differences, it is possible to come together and work toward a unified vision,” Cornette said. “This is the first time in about 10 years the U.S. has been part of this and the first time the U.S. Navy has been involved, and we are deeply honored to be here.”
Cornette also said music is a universal language, and, though all the military musicians may not speak the same language to each other, they all can understand and play the same music.
“It’s very easy to bring these people together, put a sheet of music in front of musicians who can’t otherwise communicate, and instantly they’re working together to make a product everyone can understand,” Cornette said.
Braitwaite said he hopes to see U.S. bands at future tattoos and hopes one day to work with American service members again.
The first tattoo was the Army in Scotland’s contribution to Edinburgh’s international festivals. Today, the tattoo is an international extravaganza, over time bringing together more than 40,000 performers from more than 46 countries.
36th MUNS, Navy Ordnance work together for RIMPAC
by Airman 1st Class Marianique Santos
36th Wing Public Affairs
8/3/2012 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Airmen from the 36th Munitions Squadron worked hand-in-hand with Naval Base Guam's ordnance unit to support the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron's participation in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise July 11 to 31.
The RIMPAC exercise, which started in 1971, is a biennial exercise in and around the shores of Hawaii. With 22 nations working together, approximately 25,000 personnel and 250 aircraft, it is the world's largest maritime exercise.
"I'm amazed at all the planning and the coordination that was done in order to make RIMPAC happen," said Master Sergeant Stephen Taylor, 36th MUNS deployed ammo lead. "It's something I'm very proud to be part of."
The 36th MUNS played a key role in munitions support to B-52 aircraft, allowing the 69th EBS to drop Navy's MK-62 mines during RIMPAC's MINEX, a low-level mine-laying exercise designed to train the Navy's counter-mine specialists.
"We help put the mines on Air Force bomb trailers, make sure they're tied down correctly, and deliver them to the flightline safely," said Sergeant Taylor. "We also do quality control. We receive technical data from Navy personnel and make sure the assets are 100 percent serviceable."
During RIMPAC, when the Navy needs large quantities of mines delivered, the Air Force provides the heavy bombers that can support a number of missions.
"Navy pilots usually fly the mines in smaller aircraft," said Sergeant Taylor. "For this exercise, the Air Force provides U.S. Pacific Command with the heavy bombers in order to deliver these munitions in large quantities. Through this process, the B-52 pilots also get the chance to learn how to drop ordnance in an environment that they usually don't drop them in - water."
According to Sergeant Taylor, the whole RIMPAC experience is considered rare training for 69th EBS B-52 crews and maintainers who only work with Navy ordinance on occasion.
The 69th EBS is currently deployed to Andersen from Minot AFB, N.D., in support of PACOM's Continuous Bomber Presence to maintain security and stability in the Western Pacific.
"Supporting the B-52s in their missions for the CBP is already unique in itself," he said. "That is why I feel very privileged to be here and directly contributing to the RIMPAC exercise."
One of RIMPAC's objectives is to sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. Being part of a maritime exercise enhanced the Airmen's appreciation of their Naval counterparts.
"In this exercise, we had the opportunity to see how the Navy produces their munitions and effectively work as a team," said Staff Sgt. Justin Williams, 36th MUNS conventional maintenance supervisor. "This shows that there are other ways to solve problems, other tools to work on assets and different ways get the job done."
The RIMPAC exercise tests, evaluates and demonstrates the maritime capabilities of the U.S. and the participating nations. It is also a stage where our servicemembers in Guam can present themselves as key players on a global scale.
36th Wing Public Affairs
8/3/2012 - ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam -- Airmen from the 36th Munitions Squadron worked hand-in-hand with Naval Base Guam's ordnance unit to support the 69th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron's participation in the Rim of the Pacific Exercise July 11 to 31.
The RIMPAC exercise, which started in 1971, is a biennial exercise in and around the shores of Hawaii. With 22 nations working together, approximately 25,000 personnel and 250 aircraft, it is the world's largest maritime exercise.
"I'm amazed at all the planning and the coordination that was done in order to make RIMPAC happen," said Master Sergeant Stephen Taylor, 36th MUNS deployed ammo lead. "It's something I'm very proud to be part of."
The 36th MUNS played a key role in munitions support to B-52 aircraft, allowing the 69th EBS to drop Navy's MK-62 mines during RIMPAC's MINEX, a low-level mine-laying exercise designed to train the Navy's counter-mine specialists.
"We help put the mines on Air Force bomb trailers, make sure they're tied down correctly, and deliver them to the flightline safely," said Sergeant Taylor. "We also do quality control. We receive technical data from Navy personnel and make sure the assets are 100 percent serviceable."
During RIMPAC, when the Navy needs large quantities of mines delivered, the Air Force provides the heavy bombers that can support a number of missions.
"Navy pilots usually fly the mines in smaller aircraft," said Sergeant Taylor. "For this exercise, the Air Force provides U.S. Pacific Command with the heavy bombers in order to deliver these munitions in large quantities. Through this process, the B-52 pilots also get the chance to learn how to drop ordnance in an environment that they usually don't drop them in - water."
According to Sergeant Taylor, the whole RIMPAC experience is considered rare training for 69th EBS B-52 crews and maintainers who only work with Navy ordinance on occasion.
The 69th EBS is currently deployed to Andersen from Minot AFB, N.D., in support of PACOM's Continuous Bomber Presence to maintain security and stability in the Western Pacific.
"Supporting the B-52s in their missions for the CBP is already unique in itself," he said. "That is why I feel very privileged to be here and directly contributing to the RIMPAC exercise."
One of RIMPAC's objectives is to sustain the cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's oceans. Being part of a maritime exercise enhanced the Airmen's appreciation of their Naval counterparts.
"In this exercise, we had the opportunity to see how the Navy produces their munitions and effectively work as a team," said Staff Sgt. Justin Williams, 36th MUNS conventional maintenance supervisor. "This shows that there are other ways to solve problems, other tools to work on assets and different ways get the job done."
The RIMPAC exercise tests, evaluates and demonstrates the maritime capabilities of the U.S. and the participating nations. It is also a stage where our servicemembers in Guam can present themselves as key players on a global scale.
DOD Officials Detail Defense Posture in Asia-Pacific By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr. American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Aug. 3, 2012 – The Defense Department remains focused on building and strengthening defense initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region to reach the goals outlined in the U.S. defense strategic guidance, senior DOD officials said here Aug. 1. Robert Scher, deputy assistant secretary of defense for plans, and David F. Helvey, acting deputy assistant defense secretary for East Asia, testified before the House Armed Services Committee on U.S. force posture in the U.S. Pacific Command area of responsibility. “The department continues to pursue a defense posture in the Asia-Pacific region that is geographically distributed, operationally resilient and politically sustainable,” Scher said. “More broadly, we are investing in defense activities, presence, posture and capabilities necessary to reassure allies and partners in the region and shape the security environment, while also providing forward capabilities appropriate to deter and defeat aggression,” he said. Scher noted force posture is only one of many priorities within the rebalancing toward the region. Other initiatives, he said, include diplomatic efforts to strengthen bilateral alliances, deepening working relationships with emerging powers, engaging with multilateral institutions, expanding trade and investment, and advancing principles of democracy and human rights. “Rebalancing to achieve these ends requires enhanced U.S., allied and partner military capabilities throughout the region,” Scher said. “[Also a] U.S. forward presence of forces, and a more resilient military infrastructure to support effective U.S. power projection operations in the face of current and future security threats.” Scher said the department’s plans include building up Guam as the strategic hub in the Western Pacific, expanding access to locations in Southeast Asia, Oceania and the Indian Ocean region, and investing in capabilities appropriate for deterring and defeating aggression while reassuring allies and partners. “[We will] expand our exercises, assistance efforts and other engagements with allied partner states in order to build trust capability and interoperability,” he said. “Pursuing these and other capabilities offers the best prospect for protecting U.S. interests, not only in the Asia-Pacific region, but also elsewhere in the world.” Helvey pointed to the four key principles Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta outlined during a key Asia security conference known as the Shangri-La dialogue that took place in Singapore in June. “One, promoting international rules in order to advance peace and security in the region; two, deepening of bilateral and multilateral partnerships. Three, enhancing and adapting the U.S. military's enduring presence in the region; and four, investing in the capabilities needed to project power and to operate in the Asia-Pacific.” The Asia-Pacific region, Helvey said, provides an “unprecedented” opportunity for trade and investment since it is “home to some of the world's largest and fastest-growing economies, the world's largest populations and the world's largest militaries.” Helvey also said the region contains challenges such as maintaining freedom of navigation of the South China Sea, countering the proliferation efforts of North Korea, as well as seeking transparency in the military activities of key regional players, such as China. Helvey also discussed the DOD plan regarding the realignment of U.S. Marines in the region aimed at reducing political pressures in Japan. “The realignment plan sustains a U.S. Marine force presence in the Asia-Pacific region, establishes multiple, fully capable Marine air- ground task forces, and importantly increases our ability over time to train and exercise with allies and partners throughout the region,” he said. “This approach maintains our forward capabilities, reduces our footprint in Okinawa, and in combination with other measures, should reduce the political pressures associated with our presence there, all while sustaining robust government-of-Japan financial support for the Marine Corps move to Guam.” Helvey noted the Department of Defense continues to work closely with Japan to implement the provisions of the April 27, 2012, two-plus-two joint statement. He then turned to the U.S.-South Korea alliance. “The U.S.-Republic of Korea alliance continues to be a cornerstone of U.S. defense partnerships and posture in Northeast Asia,” he said. “In accordance with the 2009 joint vision statement, we are realigning our forces on the Korean Peninsula to prepare for transition of wartime operational control to the ROK in December 2015. This transition will allow for the ROK to take the lead role in the combined defense of Korea, supported by an enduring and capable U.S. military force presence on the Korean Peninsula, in the region and beyond.” Other significant posture changes, he said, include the rotational deployments of the Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force units to Australia, as well as a littoral combat ship deployment to Singapore to strengthen U.S. engagement in the region through port calls and engagement of regional navies. “They will also support the department's effort to counter transnational challenges and build partner capacity for maritime security, among other missions,” Helvey said.
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 3, 2012 – The Defense Department remains focused on building and strengthening defense initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region to reach the goals outlined in the U.S. defense strategic guidance, senior DOD officials said here Aug. 1.
Robert Scher, deputy assistant secretary of defense for plans, and David F. Helvey, acting deputy assistant defense secretary for East Asia, testified before the House Armed Services Committee on U.S. force posture in the U.S. Pacific Command area of responsibility.
“The department continues to pursue a defense posture in the Asia-Pacific region that is geographically distributed, operationally resilient and politically sustainable,” Scher said.
“More broadly, we are investing in defense activities, presence, posture and capabilities necessary to reassure allies and partners in the region and shape the security environment, while also providing forward capabilities appropriate to deter and defeat aggression,” he said.
Scher noted force posture is only one of many priorities within the rebalancing toward the region.
Other initiatives, he said, include diplomatic efforts to strengthen bilateral alliances, deepening working relationships with emerging powers, engaging with multilateral institutions, expanding trade and investment, and advancing principles of democracy and human rights.
“Rebalancing to achieve these ends requires enhanced U.S., allied and partner military capabilities throughout the region,” Scher said. “[Also a] U.S. forward presence of forces, and a more resilient military infrastructure to support effective U.S. power projection operations in the face of current and future security threats.”
Scher said the department’s plans include building up Guam as the strategic hub in the Western Pacific, expanding access to locations in Southeast Asia, Oceania and the Indian Ocean region, and investing in capabilities appropriate for deterring and defeating aggression while reassuring allies and partners.
“[We will] expand our exercises, assistance efforts and other engagements with allied partner states in order to build trust capability and interoperability,” he said. “Pursuing these and other capabilities offers the best prospect for protecting U.S. interests, not only in the Asia-Pacific region, but also elsewhere in the world.”
Helvey pointed to the four key principles Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta outlined during a key Asia security conference known as the Shangri-La dialogue that took place in Singapore in June.
“One, promoting international rules in order to advance peace and security in the region; two, deepening of bilateral and multilateral partnerships. Three, enhancing and adapting the U.S. military's enduring presence in the region; and four, investing in the capabilities needed to project power and to operate in the Asia-Pacific.”
The Asia-Pacific region, Helvey said, provides an “unprecedented” opportunity for trade and investment since it is “home to some of the world's largest and fastest-growing economies, the world's largest populations and the world's largest militaries.”
Helvey also said the region contains challenges such as maintaining freedom of navigation of the South China Sea, countering the proliferation efforts of North Korea, as well as seeking transparency in the military activities of key regional players, such as China.
Helvey also discussed the DOD plan regarding the realignment of U.S. Marines in the region aimed at reducing political pressures in Japan.
“The realignment plan sustains a U.S. Marine force presence in the Asia-Pacific region, establishes multiple, fully capable Marine air- ground task forces, and importantly increases our ability over time to train and exercise with allies and partners throughout the region,” he said. “This approach maintains our forward capabilities, reduces our footprint in Okinawa, and in combination with other measures, should reduce the political pressures associated with our presence there, all while sustaining robust government-of-Japan financial support for the Marine Corps move to Guam.”
Helvey noted the Department of Defense continues to work closely with Japan to implement the provisions of the April 27, 2012, two-plus-two joint statement. He then turned to the U.S.-South Korea alliance.
“The U.S.-Republic of Korea alliance continues to be a cornerstone of U.S. defense partnerships and posture in Northeast Asia,” he said. “In accordance with the 2009 joint vision statement, we are realigning our forces on the Korean Peninsula to prepare for transition of wartime operational control to the ROK in December 2015. This transition will allow for the ROK to take the lead role in the combined defense of Korea, supported by an enduring and capable U.S. military force presence on the Korean Peninsula, in the region and beyond.”
Other significant posture changes, he said, include the rotational deployments of the Marine Corps and U.S. Air Force units to Australia, as well as a littoral combat ship deployment to Singapore to strengthen U.S. engagement in the region through port calls and engagement of regional navies.
“They will also support the department's effort to counter transnational challenges and build partner capacity for maritime security, among other missions,” Helvey said.
SUGARHOUSE CASINO DONATES SITE FOR SPECIAL FORCES WAR MEMORIAL
Monday, August 6 marks
one-year anniversary of helicopter attack in Afghanistan
PHILADELPHIA – August 3, 2012 – On August 6, 2011, a U.S. Boeing
CH-47 Chinook military helicopter was shot down while transporting
reinforcements west of Kabul, Afghanistan. The crash killed all 38 people on board.
America lost 30 warriors, and Philadelphia lost one of our own. It was the
worst single-day loss of life in the Afghanistan campaign, as well as the worst
single loss of Special Forces personnel in U.S. history.
Among the
victims were American special operations personnel, including Philadelphian
CTR1 Michael J. Strange, 25, a member of the Naval Special Warfare Development
Group—known as SEAL Team Six. Michael’s father, Charles Strange, is a
table-games dealer at SugarHouse Casino, and his brother, Chas, has also
recently joined this team as a security officer.
To ensure
those heroes are never forgotten, a group of Philadelphia business and civic
leaders today announced plans for a permanent memorial alongside the Delaware
River, just north of the Ben Franklin Bridge. The memorial will be dedicated to
all those killed in the tragic events of August 6, 2011, in the Wardak
Province, Afghanistan.
The Penn
Treaty Special Services District (SSD), funded annually by SugarHouse, has
expressed interest in supporting this project, and SugarHouse Casino has
offered a site on its waterfront property. A local board of active duty and
retired military have partnered with area veterans’ organizations and community
leaders to spearhead the development effort.
“The lessons
of history can be found throughout Philadelphia, some are ancient and some are
painfully recent,” said LtCol Kevin Kelly - USAF. “This one hit particularly close to home, and
now it’s our duty to honor their sacrifice.”
A dedicated
nonprofit organization is being formed to raise funds for design and
construction. For more information or to get involved, call local attorney
Eileen Hurley at 215-280-1854 or sign up online to receive information at www.6august11.org.
6 AUGUST
11 WARRIOR MEMORIAL SUPPORTERS (partial list):
Boeing Company
City of Philadelphia Veterans Advisory Commission
Liberty USO
Local 98
Office of Councilman Jim Kenney
Office of Councilman David Oh
Office of Councilman Mark Squilla
Office of Senator Pat Toomey
Penn Treaty Special Services District
Puente Construction
PZS Architects
SugarHouse Casino
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Leigh Whitaker
SugarHouse Casino / 6 August 11 Warrior
Memorial Association
215-300-9413 (mobile)
Pacom: Asia-Pacific Focus Represents ‘Whole of Government’ Rebalance
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
CAMP SMITH, Hawaii, Aug. 3, 2012 – Recognizing that the new focus on the Asia-Pacific region is a national strategy and one not just for the Defense Department alone, U.S. Pacific Command is reaching out to its interagency and non-governmental partners to roll it out in an efficient, well-coordinated manner.
“We are in the process of refocusing on the Asia-Pacific, and a key part of that is assuring that our military relationships throughout the region are strong and secure,” said Ambassador Marc Wall, foreign policy advisor to Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III, the Pacom commander.
“That is a key part of it, but it is not the only part,” Wall told American Forces Press Service. “It also has important elements involving diplomatic outreach. We want to strengthen our multilateral relationships throughout the region. We also want to expand our economic relationships in the region.”
So as Pacom implements the Defense Department’s new strategic guidance that emphasizes the importance of the Asia-Pacific to U.S. national security, a division within the headquarters is helping to ensure the command’s programs and initiatives track with those of other government agencies.
Representatives of the departments of State, Energy and Interior; Agency for International Development; FBI and CIA are all assigned to Pacom’s Pacific Outreach Directorate.
They help provide a better understanding of what each organization brings to the mission, better operational coordination and less overlap, said Michael Ritchie, the office director.
“Much of what we do is educate,” he said, helping staff members recognize the non-DOD capabilities that can enhance Pacom’s mission.
“I like to tell people, ‘We don’t make the product,’” Ritchie said. “We exist to make the product better, bringing the perspectives and the authorities of the rest of government to the planning and operations of the command.”
The proof is in the pudding, he said. “We do much better contingency planning [and] we write plans in language that the rest of the government understands,” Ritchie said. “We are much better off for it, and so are our interagency partners.”
Unlike some U.S. combatant commands that integrate non-DOD representatives directly into their headquarters staffs, Ritchie made a conscious decision to maintain his staff’s reporting and rating chains to their respective departments and agencies.
“They are here to assist us in doing better planning and inform us about the types of things that their agency is doing, and this model empowers them to better inform us,” he said.
The “whole-of-government” approach boils down to four basic areas, referred to as DIME: diplomatic, informational, military and economic, Ritchie explained.
The Defense Department recognizes its responsibility for the “military” piece. But even in interactions that appear to fall within this area, Ritchie said sometimes DOD isn’t the best resource. U.S. Customs and Border Protection, for example, is better postured than Pacific Air Forces to assist a country looking for help in stopping smugglers from using its air routes.
“This is not a U.S. Air Force core competency, but it is a Customs and Border Protection core competency,” Ritchie said. “So we are able to bring the right tool to the country and help them solve their problem, with people who have expertise in interdicting and tracking people in light aircraft that come across their border…Our military doesn’t have those roles, but we have friends who do.”
That’s the strength of the whole-of-government approach, Ritchie said. “It is using all our authorities to do what we do, in conjunction with other people’s authorities, in order to get the job done better,” he said.
Ritchie’s staff ensures that the Pacom commander and staff recognize and understand what other government agencies are doing in the Asia-Pacific, and ensures their own plans dovetail with those efforts. As a result, Pacom is increasingly incorporating not only the interagency, but also non-governmental and international organizations, academia and the private sector into its outreach initiatives.
The current, Pacom-sponsored Pacific Partnership humanitarian and civic assistance mission, for example, includes military and civilian experts from the United States, four host nations, 11 partner nations and two dozen U.S. and international NGOs.
A command-wide program designed to build Pacific nations’ resiliency to natural disasters is tapping into NGOs’ and universities’ skills and manpower, and funding from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and its members.
Ritchie cited another example of how the private sector and military could work together. “If there are corporations that are interested in doing clean-water projects, and we have engineers who dig wells as part of their training, then perhaps we can collaborate and do something together,” he said. “So we do a well, they do a distribution system and everyone wins. It is maximizing the benefits on the margins of everyone’s interest.”
Looking to the future, with a national focus on the Asia-Pacific and constrained budgets, Ritchie said he sees great opportunity to expand Pacom’s interagency and non-governmental collaboration. It brings the broadest range of capabilities, experiences and perspectives, he said, to assemble the best and broadest array of tools in a single toolkit.
That, he said, is the genius behind Pacom’s basic mission statement: “US. Pacific Command, together with other U.S. government agencies, protects and defends the United States, its territories, allies and interests.”
“It begins with, ‘together, with other federal agencies,’” Ritchie said. “And to me, that is the key here.”
American Forces Press Service
CAMP SMITH, Hawaii, Aug. 3, 2012 – Recognizing that the new focus on the Asia-Pacific region is a national strategy and one not just for the Defense Department alone, U.S. Pacific Command is reaching out to its interagency and non-governmental partners to roll it out in an efficient, well-coordinated manner.
“We are in the process of refocusing on the Asia-Pacific, and a key part of that is assuring that our military relationships throughout the region are strong and secure,” said Ambassador Marc Wall, foreign policy advisor to Navy Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III, the Pacom commander.
“That is a key part of it, but it is not the only part,” Wall told American Forces Press Service. “It also has important elements involving diplomatic outreach. We want to strengthen our multilateral relationships throughout the region. We also want to expand our economic relationships in the region.”
So as Pacom implements the Defense Department’s new strategic guidance that emphasizes the importance of the Asia-Pacific to U.S. national security, a division within the headquarters is helping to ensure the command’s programs and initiatives track with those of other government agencies.
Representatives of the departments of State, Energy and Interior; Agency for International Development; FBI and CIA are all assigned to Pacom’s Pacific Outreach Directorate.
They help provide a better understanding of what each organization brings to the mission, better operational coordination and less overlap, said Michael Ritchie, the office director.
“Much of what we do is educate,” he said, helping staff members recognize the non-DOD capabilities that can enhance Pacom’s mission.
“I like to tell people, ‘We don’t make the product,’” Ritchie said. “We exist to make the product better, bringing the perspectives and the authorities of the rest of government to the planning and operations of the command.”
The proof is in the pudding, he said. “We do much better contingency planning [and] we write plans in language that the rest of the government understands,” Ritchie said. “We are much better off for it, and so are our interagency partners.”
Unlike some U.S. combatant commands that integrate non-DOD representatives directly into their headquarters staffs, Ritchie made a conscious decision to maintain his staff’s reporting and rating chains to their respective departments and agencies.
“They are here to assist us in doing better planning and inform us about the types of things that their agency is doing, and this model empowers them to better inform us,” he said.
The “whole-of-government” approach boils down to four basic areas, referred to as DIME: diplomatic, informational, military and economic, Ritchie explained.
The Defense Department recognizes its responsibility for the “military” piece. But even in interactions that appear to fall within this area, Ritchie said sometimes DOD isn’t the best resource. U.S. Customs and Border Protection, for example, is better postured than Pacific Air Forces to assist a country looking for help in stopping smugglers from using its air routes.
“This is not a U.S. Air Force core competency, but it is a Customs and Border Protection core competency,” Ritchie said. “So we are able to bring the right tool to the country and help them solve their problem, with people who have expertise in interdicting and tracking people in light aircraft that come across their border…Our military doesn’t have those roles, but we have friends who do.”
That’s the strength of the whole-of-government approach, Ritchie said. “It is using all our authorities to do what we do, in conjunction with other people’s authorities, in order to get the job done better,” he said.
Ritchie’s staff ensures that the Pacom commander and staff recognize and understand what other government agencies are doing in the Asia-Pacific, and ensures their own plans dovetail with those efforts. As a result, Pacom is increasingly incorporating not only the interagency, but also non-governmental and international organizations, academia and the private sector into its outreach initiatives.
The current, Pacom-sponsored Pacific Partnership humanitarian and civic assistance mission, for example, includes military and civilian experts from the United States, four host nations, 11 partner nations and two dozen U.S. and international NGOs.
A command-wide program designed to build Pacific nations’ resiliency to natural disasters is tapping into NGOs’ and universities’ skills and manpower, and funding from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and its members.
Ritchie cited another example of how the private sector and military could work together. “If there are corporations that are interested in doing clean-water projects, and we have engineers who dig wells as part of their training, then perhaps we can collaborate and do something together,” he said. “So we do a well, they do a distribution system and everyone wins. It is maximizing the benefits on the margins of everyone’s interest.”
Looking to the future, with a national focus on the Asia-Pacific and constrained budgets, Ritchie said he sees great opportunity to expand Pacom’s interagency and non-governmental collaboration. It brings the broadest range of capabilities, experiences and perspectives, he said, to assemble the best and broadest array of tools in a single toolkit.
That, he said, is the genius behind Pacom’s basic mission statement: “US. Pacific Command, together with other U.S. government agencies, protects and defends the United States, its territories, allies and interests.”
“It begins with, ‘together, with other federal agencies,’” Ritchie said. “And to me, that is the key here.”
Face of Defense: Wounded Aviator Gets Airborne Again
By Army Sgt. Daniel Schroeder
25th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs
KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, Aug. 3, 2012 - Army Chief Warrant Officer 2 Justin Callahan is airborne again, flying a C-12 Huron twin-engine airplane in support of the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade here.
|
Less
than two years ago, Callahan, who's originally from Bloomsdale, Mo., was told
he couldn't fly aircraft again, could never run again, and would walk with a
noticeable limp for the rest of his life.
"From out of nowhere, it felt like a baseball bat smashed against my leg," Callahan recalled.
During the engagement, one bullet went through Callahan's lower left leg. He quickly applied a tourniquet to stop the bleeding and notified the other aircraft and his co-pilot that he was wounded.
Callahan immediately flew to Forward Operating Base Wilson for care before being transported back to Kandahar Airfield where he was treated for a compound fracture in his lower leg.
After more surgery at Bagram, he was awarded the Purple Heart from Army Brig. Gen. Stephen Townsend, the 101st Airborne Division's deputy commander. Callahan's final stop was Fort Lewis, Wash., where he underwent the last of his surgeries and began his long road to recovery.
"During the recovery, the nerve conduction test had me worried," Callahan recalled. "I was told that I would never run again. I thought, I still have my legs, I can walk, I can still be glad for that."
Callahan said he received support from his family and friends during his recovery.
One close friend was Chief Warrant Officer 3 Mariko Kraft, a pilot with the WRFC, originally from Clarksville, Tenn., who was also an OH-58D pilot at the same time as Callahan.
"A lot of people would have seen it as a set-back, start doubting themselves, and feel sorry," Kraft said of his friend's desire to return to duty. "He saw that he was still fortunate to have his legs, to walk, and knew he could still do a lot. He saw his injury as a small bump in the road to get back to the fight."
Callahan said he had personal reasons for wanting to be a pilot, noting he previously served as a forward observer with the 1st Ranger Battalion.
"I remember at the end of one particularly long mission in Afghanistan, a couple of helicopters came to pick us up and I thought it was time for a career change. As a Kiowa pilot, I got to see more of what was going on than just my squad on the ground. Now I am helping soldiers in a sticky situation. There is nothing like having soldiers come in from the field and saying thank you for the support we provided for them."
Callahan's motivation for flying and supporting the guys on the ground is echoed by his co-workers.
"He was very dedicated to supporting the ground guys," Kraft said. "He had added appreciation for what was happening on the ground. We do what we can to make sure the guys on the ground get home to their families and friends."
While he was participating in physical therapy, Callahan was notified that if he could recover he could take part in a fixed-wing aircraft course in about eight months.
"I was motivated to get through physical therapy," Callahan said. "I had to make that fixed-wing course; I had to get back to the aircraft."
"I think he saw it as another challenge to overcome," said Kraft.
Callahan said he received his approval for flight status a month before the class started.
"Don't let what the doctors say be the last word for you," Callahan said. "If you keep working on what you want, you never know what is possible."
KC-135 Miscellaneous Shop always prepared
by Mike W. Ray
Tinker Public Affairs
8/3/2012 - TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Mechanics in the KC-135 Miscellaneous Shop in Bldg. 9001 have to be prepared to work almost any aircraft part.
Main landing gear doors, hatches, wheel well fairings, cove lip doors, and in-flight refueling doors are just a few of the many Management of Items Subject to Repair end items repaired by shop employees.
Programmed Depot Maintenance balance panels, hatches and access doors "have to be completed in a timely manner to get back to the aircraft as soon as possible," Supervisor Debra Riley said.
In addition, T-jobs and new MISTR workloads are routed through the shop, which is in the 551st Commodities Maintenance Squadron.
Most of these end items have outlived PDM repairs, Riley said.
Consequently, she said, "A lot of the end items are coming through the shop as MISTR items that require a full overhaul."
Because of the "extreme extent" of the overhauls, most items have to be worked in a fixture "to maintain the original integrity so they will fit on any KC-135 aircraft," Riley said.
The two dozen employees in the shop work on approximately 100 different end items, Assistant Supervisor Fredie Green said.The mechanics don't get bored constantly working the same end item.
"When they finish working on one end item, they could be working whatever is hot next," Green said.
After overhauling a main landing gear door, for instance, a mechanic in the Miscellaneous Shop might need to overhaul an escape hatch or a sailboat fairing.
Some of the miscellaneous end items can be repaired within a week to 10 days, while bigger items may take two to three weeks to complete, Green said.
The shop's mechanics are skilled at reading blueprints and work closely with engineers to accomplish the overhaul of the many different end items, Riley said.
The KC-135 Miscellaneous Shop receives most of its repair parts from the Defense Logistics Agency, she said, "but if we cannot get the parts and we have the capability to make the part ourselves, we will."
The shop maintains a large variety of bench stock items "so we are prepared to work anything that comes through the door," Riley said.
Tinker Public Affairs
8/3/2012 - TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Mechanics in the KC-135 Miscellaneous Shop in Bldg. 9001 have to be prepared to work almost any aircraft part.
Main landing gear doors, hatches, wheel well fairings, cove lip doors, and in-flight refueling doors are just a few of the many Management of Items Subject to Repair end items repaired by shop employees.
Programmed Depot Maintenance balance panels, hatches and access doors "have to be completed in a timely manner to get back to the aircraft as soon as possible," Supervisor Debra Riley said.
In addition, T-jobs and new MISTR workloads are routed through the shop, which is in the 551st Commodities Maintenance Squadron.
Most of these end items have outlived PDM repairs, Riley said.
Consequently, she said, "A lot of the end items are coming through the shop as MISTR items that require a full overhaul."
Because of the "extreme extent" of the overhauls, most items have to be worked in a fixture "to maintain the original integrity so they will fit on any KC-135 aircraft," Riley said.
The two dozen employees in the shop work on approximately 100 different end items, Assistant Supervisor Fredie Green said.The mechanics don't get bored constantly working the same end item.
"When they finish working on one end item, they could be working whatever is hot next," Green said.
After overhauling a main landing gear door, for instance, a mechanic in the Miscellaneous Shop might need to overhaul an escape hatch or a sailboat fairing.
Some of the miscellaneous end items can be repaired within a week to 10 days, while bigger items may take two to three weeks to complete, Green said.
The shop's mechanics are skilled at reading blueprints and work closely with engineers to accomplish the overhaul of the many different end items, Riley said.
The KC-135 Miscellaneous Shop receives most of its repair parts from the Defense Logistics Agency, she said, "but if we cannot get the parts and we have the capability to make the part ourselves, we will."
The shop maintains a large variety of bench stock items "so we are prepared to work anything that comes through the door," Riley said.
AF CSA travel card transitions to GTC
by Tech. Sgt. Shawn J. Jones
Air Force Public Affairs Agency
8/3/2012 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The terms and conditions for the Air Force's travel charge card are changing, but Airmen can hang on to their blue cards.
From Aug. 7 through the end of September, the Air Force Banking Office will e-mail some 300,000 Airmen, informing them that their controlled spend account card will convert back to a government travel card, which will operate like a standard charge card.
For Airmen who received a CSA card and previously had a GTC or traveled using the CSA without going delinquent, the transition will be automatic. They must complete a training course found at www.defensetravel.dod.mil/passport and sign a statement of understanding.
Otherwise, they may continue using their card for official travel purposes.
However, some Airmen are being notified by their agency program coordinator that they must apply for the GTC because they never had a GTC in the past, but were issued a CSA card and either went delinquent or never used it. The application process involves a credit check that will only be performed with applicant's consent.
The current blue CSA card will now operate just like the GTC that was used for many years prior to the CSA. GTCs have fixed credit limits like a regular charge card, and cardholders no longer need to request temporary spend limit increases. If a cardholder's official travel estimate exceeds their credit limit, they need to discuss their options with their APC.
This CSA to GTC transition will bring about a few new features. New to the GTC program is the option for cardholders to request electronic balance refunds, receive automated e-mail reminders when an account is close to becoming delinquent, and a future enhancement to automatically split-disburse most non-mileage expenses such as hotel taxes, excess baggage and rental fuel to the travel card when completing a Defense Travel System voucher.
These new features aren't the only differences between the new GTC and the CSA card.
Requests for credit limit increases on the new card must be coordinated with the cardholder's supervisor and APC who is responsible for managing the travel card program. Also, the terms of the GTC include a cash advance fee of 2.2 percent, which is considered a reimbursable travel expense when used for official purposes.
"It is critical for all Air Force travelers to know their travel card status - open or closed, restricted or standard - and their APC before departing for a temporary duty or a permanent change of station," said Jim Sisson, Director, Air Force Banking Office.
Air Force Public Affairs Agency
8/3/2012 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The terms and conditions for the Air Force's travel charge card are changing, but Airmen can hang on to their blue cards.
From Aug. 7 through the end of September, the Air Force Banking Office will e-mail some 300,000 Airmen, informing them that their controlled spend account card will convert back to a government travel card, which will operate like a standard charge card.
For Airmen who received a CSA card and previously had a GTC or traveled using the CSA without going delinquent, the transition will be automatic. They must complete a training course found at www.defensetravel.dod.mil/passport and sign a statement of understanding.
Otherwise, they may continue using their card for official travel purposes.
However, some Airmen are being notified by their agency program coordinator that they must apply for the GTC because they never had a GTC in the past, but were issued a CSA card and either went delinquent or never used it. The application process involves a credit check that will only be performed with applicant's consent.
The current blue CSA card will now operate just like the GTC that was used for many years prior to the CSA. GTCs have fixed credit limits like a regular charge card, and cardholders no longer need to request temporary spend limit increases. If a cardholder's official travel estimate exceeds their credit limit, they need to discuss their options with their APC.
This CSA to GTC transition will bring about a few new features. New to the GTC program is the option for cardholders to request electronic balance refunds, receive automated e-mail reminders when an account is close to becoming delinquent, and a future enhancement to automatically split-disburse most non-mileage expenses such as hotel taxes, excess baggage and rental fuel to the travel card when completing a Defense Travel System voucher.
These new features aren't the only differences between the new GTC and the CSA card.
Requests for credit limit increases on the new card must be coordinated with the cardholder's supervisor and APC who is responsible for managing the travel card program. Also, the terms of the GTC include a cash advance fee of 2.2 percent, which is considered a reimbursable travel expense when used for official purposes.
"It is critical for all Air Force travelers to know their travel card status - open or closed, restricted or standard - and their APC before departing for a temporary duty or a permanent change of station," said Jim Sisson, Director, Air Force Banking Office.
Soldier Show sends strong message to JBLM
5th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
The travelling show’s program manager, Johnny Stewart,
said the cast will bring with it a 13-foot-high, 28-foot-wide,
high-resolution LED video wall, which will set a background of images
portraying Army life as the group performs.
This year’s cast, which began its tour at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, April 19 and makes its way to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Aug. 10 for a one-time-only performance, is the first to have the use of such state-of-the-art equipment.
“The show is getting more and more technical each year and is becoming more and more advanced,” Stewart said.
This year’s performance, inspired by Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Raymond T. Odierno’s message praising the Army and its Families and communities, is paying tribute to the sacrifices of not only Soldiers, but the support systems that stand behind them.
“It takes more than just a Soldier,” Stewart said. “It takes a Family, and it takes a community; everybody plays a part. “It drives the Army’s message home more than ever.”
The show, which will play for more than 30 installations around the
U.S. and Japan in its five-month tour, emphasizes qualities and
characteristics, like resilience, that are commonly indicative of
Soldiers, their Families and the Army society as a whole.
The cast will perform renditions of songs from all genres and ages, including music by singer Etta James, rapper Pitbull, pop artist Kelly Clarkson and contemporary group LMFAO.
Stewart said Soldiers interested in joining the Soldier Show team as technicians need not worry about their level of relative experience.
“It’s more about having an interest in something,” he said. “We can train you to be an audio technician. It’s just a desire to be involved in it (that matters).”
Those interested in becoming technicians with the show can contact Stewart via e-mail at johnny.e.stewart.naf@mail.mil for more information.
The group will perform for the JBLM community at 5 p.m., Aug. 10 at Evergreen Theater.
This year’s cast, which began its tour at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, April 19 and makes its way to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Aug. 10 for a one-time-only performance, is the first to have the use of such state-of-the-art equipment.
“The show is getting more and more technical each year and is becoming more and more advanced,” Stewart said.
This year’s performance, inspired by Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Raymond T. Odierno’s message praising the Army and its Families and communities, is paying tribute to the sacrifices of not only Soldiers, but the support systems that stand behind them.
“It takes more than just a Soldier,” Stewart said. “It takes a Family, and it takes a community; everybody plays a part. “It drives the Army’s message home more than ever.”
The cast will perform renditions of songs from all genres and ages, including music by singer Etta James, rapper Pitbull, pop artist Kelly Clarkson and contemporary group LMFAO.
Stewart said Soldiers interested in joining the Soldier Show team as technicians need not worry about their level of relative experience.
“It’s more about having an interest in something,” he said. “We can train you to be an audio technician. It’s just a desire to be involved in it (that matters).”
Those interested in becoming technicians with the show can contact Stewart via e-mail at johnny.e.stewart.naf@mail.mil for more information.
The group will perform for the JBLM community at 5 p.m., Aug. 10 at Evergreen Theater.
4th AS deploys to Middle East
Airlift squadron’s area of operation to include Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa
Staff Sgt. Frances Kriss
62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Published: 05:20PM August 2nd, 2012
Lt. Col. Ira Cline, 62nd Airlift Wing and director of the 2012 JBLM Air Expo, wishes Airmen good luck as they depart.
The 4th Airlift Squadron deployed July 25 in support of
Operations Enduring Freedom, New Dawn, Odyssey Dawn and Combined Joint
Task Force-Horn of Africa.
More than 90 Airmen from the 62nd Airlift Wing’s 4th AS departed for a 60-day deployment to the Middle East. They are accompanied by Airmen from the 446th AW and others from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. The Airmen will take over operations of the 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron.
“It’s a great privilege and honor to be able to command the men and women of the 817th EAS in combat,” said Lt. Col. Jason Ginn, 817th EAS commander. “We have assembled a great team of Airmen from Air Force Reserve Command, Pacific Air Forces, the Air National Guard and the 62nd Airlift Wing to execute the 817th EAS’s mission; this mission is what we train for day in and day out, and now we get the opportunity to accomplish it in the deployed environment.
“We expect to be very busy over the next 60 days, but I know this total force team looks forward to the challenge and will do a fantastic job,” he said. “Most importantly, we thank our friends and families for their support and sacrifice.”
The unit will operate out of two bases, managing and flying missions concentrated in and around Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. It is replacing the 8th Airlift Squadron, which is scheduled to return in early August.
As Airmen of the 817th EAS, their mission is to provide global strategic airlift, airdrop, aeromedical evacuation and humanitarian relief, to create an air bridge for personnel, equipment and supplies throughout the assigned areas of responsibility.
The 62nd AW’s four active-duty flying squadrons share responsibility
for the deployed squadron and continuously rotate operations of the
817th EAS.
More than 90 Airmen from the 62nd Airlift Wing’s 4th AS departed for a 60-day deployment to the Middle East. They are accompanied by Airmen from the 446th AW and others from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, and Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. The Airmen will take over operations of the 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron.
“It’s a great privilege and honor to be able to command the men and women of the 817th EAS in combat,” said Lt. Col. Jason Ginn, 817th EAS commander. “We have assembled a great team of Airmen from Air Force Reserve Command, Pacific Air Forces, the Air National Guard and the 62nd Airlift Wing to execute the 817th EAS’s mission; this mission is what we train for day in and day out, and now we get the opportunity to accomplish it in the deployed environment.
“We expect to be very busy over the next 60 days, but I know this total force team looks forward to the challenge and will do a fantastic job,” he said. “Most importantly, we thank our friends and families for their support and sacrifice.”
The unit will operate out of two bases, managing and flying missions concentrated in and around Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa. It is replacing the 8th Airlift Squadron, which is scheduled to return in early August.
As Airmen of the 817th EAS, their mission is to provide global strategic airlift, airdrop, aeromedical evacuation and humanitarian relief, to create an air bridge for personnel, equipment and supplies throughout the assigned areas of responsibility.
History brings patient care full circle
by Sandra Pishner
446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
8/3/2012 - MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. -- Seriously injured in an eight-story fall from a hotel ledge in Thailand, 17-year-old Kurt Krusekopf was airlifted on a Reserve aeromedical evacuation flight for life-saving care. That was 37 years ago, yet that mission is memorialized in the history of the 446th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron.
Maj. Maryjane Baska, a 446th AES Medical Service Corps officer, came across an old article and letters of appreciation concerning the mission while sifting through historical documents in various boxes in the squadron. That history includes squadron predecessors 40th AES and 69th AEF.
"I'm set for mandatory retirement in March," said Baska, "and I told Colonel (Janette) Moore-Harbert (446th AES commander) that the one thing I wanted to leave was a digitized history of the unit."
As a self-proclaimed history nut, Baska felt too much "stuff" gets lost as people retire and didn't want the squadron's corporate knowledge to fade away, including this mission.
The Krusekopf family had been in Laos in 1975 when they were quickly evacuated from the country, as detailed in a 1975 news article about Kurt's devastating accident. Reading about Laos reminded Baska of her first life reality check of caring for a gunner involved in the 1975 Mayaguez incident, the last official battle of the Vietnam War. This set her to wondering about patients she has been involved with over the years and what happened to them. Although Kurt wasn't her patient, Baska decided to see if she could find him after coming across his story in the squadron's archives.
"In the original article, it stated that Kurt wanted to be a vet. Not many 17 year olds follow through and complete their dreams," said Baska, who serves as a Pastor in New Jersey. "I Googled him, got an e-mail address, and said 'nothing ventured, nothing gained' and sent the e-mail. This was the one and only time in 38 years that I had the chance to find a patient. And when I got an e-mail address for him on the first website I opened, I just had to smile, and wonder, if it really could be him."
And indeed it was, as Kurt responded quickly to the query Baska sent.
The text of the e-mail Baska received back:
"I am Kurt Krusekopf, the 1975 air evac patient flown from Bangkok, Thailand to Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. The fall from a hotel balcony in Bangkok occurred following our forced evacuation out of Vientiane, Laos. I have fuzzy recollections of the trip leaving out of Utapao, with layovers in Clark, Guam, Long Beach, Altus, and finally Tinker. The air evac and many service individuals along the way helped save my life. Thank you."
The e-mail goes on to describe Kurt's recovery at a hospital in Oklahoma City and his appreciation for the airlift and the allowance to have his mother travel with him. He also expressed that while unaware, he was not surprised to hear his dad had written to the Pentagon expressing the family's appreciation for the support of the U.S. Air Force.
So, did 17-year-old Kurt follow his dream of becoming a veterinarian as Baska wondered?
His e-mail goes on to say:
"What happened to me? I became a veterinarian. My work is in public health, food safety and meat inspection. I live with my family in College Station, Texas. Recently my work took me to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to teach meat inspection to Viet Nam officials. Incredible how the world changes in 37 years. I appreciate your time and effort to make contact. Your thoughtfulness makes the world a little smaller and a lot warmer."
Inspired by this exchange, Baska continues to wade through the mountains of documents holding the history of the 446th AES, including the inherited history of air evacuation units that evolved to make up today's 446th AES.
446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
8/3/2012 - MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. -- Seriously injured in an eight-story fall from a hotel ledge in Thailand, 17-year-old Kurt Krusekopf was airlifted on a Reserve aeromedical evacuation flight for life-saving care. That was 37 years ago, yet that mission is memorialized in the history of the 446th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron.
Maj. Maryjane Baska, a 446th AES Medical Service Corps officer, came across an old article and letters of appreciation concerning the mission while sifting through historical documents in various boxes in the squadron. That history includes squadron predecessors 40th AES and 69th AEF.
"I'm set for mandatory retirement in March," said Baska, "and I told Colonel (Janette) Moore-Harbert (446th AES commander) that the one thing I wanted to leave was a digitized history of the unit."
As a self-proclaimed history nut, Baska felt too much "stuff" gets lost as people retire and didn't want the squadron's corporate knowledge to fade away, including this mission.
The Krusekopf family had been in Laos in 1975 when they were quickly evacuated from the country, as detailed in a 1975 news article about Kurt's devastating accident. Reading about Laos reminded Baska of her first life reality check of caring for a gunner involved in the 1975 Mayaguez incident, the last official battle of the Vietnam War. This set her to wondering about patients she has been involved with over the years and what happened to them. Although Kurt wasn't her patient, Baska decided to see if she could find him after coming across his story in the squadron's archives.
"In the original article, it stated that Kurt wanted to be a vet. Not many 17 year olds follow through and complete their dreams," said Baska, who serves as a Pastor in New Jersey. "I Googled him, got an e-mail address, and said 'nothing ventured, nothing gained' and sent the e-mail. This was the one and only time in 38 years that I had the chance to find a patient. And when I got an e-mail address for him on the first website I opened, I just had to smile, and wonder, if it really could be him."
And indeed it was, as Kurt responded quickly to the query Baska sent.
The text of the e-mail Baska received back:
"I am Kurt Krusekopf, the 1975 air evac patient flown from Bangkok, Thailand to Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma. The fall from a hotel balcony in Bangkok occurred following our forced evacuation out of Vientiane, Laos. I have fuzzy recollections of the trip leaving out of Utapao, with layovers in Clark, Guam, Long Beach, Altus, and finally Tinker. The air evac and many service individuals along the way helped save my life. Thank you."
The e-mail goes on to describe Kurt's recovery at a hospital in Oklahoma City and his appreciation for the airlift and the allowance to have his mother travel with him. He also expressed that while unaware, he was not surprised to hear his dad had written to the Pentagon expressing the family's appreciation for the support of the U.S. Air Force.
So, did 17-year-old Kurt follow his dream of becoming a veterinarian as Baska wondered?
His e-mail goes on to say:
"What happened to me? I became a veterinarian. My work is in public health, food safety and meat inspection. I live with my family in College Station, Texas. Recently my work took me to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to teach meat inspection to Viet Nam officials. Incredible how the world changes in 37 years. I appreciate your time and effort to make contact. Your thoughtfulness makes the world a little smaller and a lot warmer."
Inspired by this exchange, Baska continues to wade through the mountains of documents holding the history of the 446th AES, including the inherited history of air evacuation units that evolved to make up today's 446th AES.
Additional Firefighting Aircraft Head to Rocky Mountain Region
From a 153rd Air Expeditionary Group News Release
CHEYENNE, Wyo., Aug. 3, 2012 – The U.S. Forest Service has requested two more Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130 aircraft to help with combating wildfires in the Rocky Mountain area.
The two aircraft from the 302nd Airlift Wing, U.S. Air Force Reserve Command, stationed at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., will supplement the two C-130s from the California Air National Guard's 146th Airlift Wing, currently operating from Boise Air Terminal, in Idaho.
"There is a high potential for lightning forecasted as a low-pressure system begins moving through the area later this weekend," said Air Force Col. Jerry Champlin, commander of the 153rd Air Expeditionary Group. "We relieved the 302nd from MAFFS last week because of the favorable fire outlook. However, all the wings know not to get too comfortable at home during fire season."
Since being activated June 25, the MAFFS fleet has released more than 888,981 gallons of fire retardant in more than 368 drops on fires in eight states in the Rocky Mountain area.
The MAFFS-equipped C-130s are operated by four military units: the 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard; 146th Airlift Wing, California Air National Guard; 145th Airlift Wing, North Carolina Air National Guard; and the 302nd Airlift Wing, U.S. Air Force Reserve Command.
MAFFS is a joint Department of Defense and Forest Service program designed to provide additional aerial firefighting resources when commercial and private airtankers are no longer able to meet the needs of the forest service.
MAFFS is a self-contained aerial firefighting system owned by the Forest Service that can discharge 3,000 gallons of water or fire retardant in less than 5 seconds, covering an area one-quarter of a mile long by 100 feet wide.
Once the load is discharged, it can be refilled in less than 12 minutes.
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