DOD Clarifies Civilian Overseas Assignment Policy By Karen Parrish American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2012 – The Defense Department wants to clarify a personnel policy -- generally known as the “five-year rule” -- that establishes time limits for civilian overseas assignments, an official said here today. Sheila Dent, the department’s acting director of human resources for operational programs and advisory services, spoke to the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service about the thinking behind DOD Instruction Number 1400.25, Volume 1230, which took effect in July. “What we’ve done is taken several different policy documents and consolidated them into one regulation,” she said. “The basic policy remains the same as it was … but now we only have to go to one place.” Since the new policy was published, she said, her office has offered a lot of advice to “folks wanting to make sure that they understand what the provisions are.” The five-year rule has been in effect in some form since 1960, Dent noted. The policy establishes time limits for overseas assignments, and sets conditions for re-employment “return rights” when civilian workers return from overseas assignments. The policy, she said, states that, “If an employee takes an assignment to an overseas post, then they have a job to return to in the states, but that the typical rotation period shouldn’t exceed five years.” There is a provision for overseas employees to remain after five years, but only in two-year increments, officials said. Dent explained the new instruction offers components -– the Army, Navy, Air Force and DOD agencies – some flexibility in setting approval authority for such extensions. There is no cap on the number of extensions an employee can receive, she said, but under the policy components can set approval authority at any level within the component. “Previously, it would stop at the installation commander level, typically,” she added. “But now it might be a level or two above that commander.” Higher-level approval of extensions can benefit workforce and succession planning, Dent said. “We see that we have to be more deliberate in determining what our competencies are … [and] what we need to meet the mission,” she said. “Typically, a supervisor above that local level has a wider perspective of what’s going on in that area of operations.” The instruction also states an employee must spend two years in a stateside job after completing an overseas posting before being eligible for another five-year overseas assignment. “Basically, when an employee returns to the states, we’re looking to establish a couple of things,” she said. “One is stability in that work environment that they return to … [and second] that the employee has time to get settled and refamiliarized, so that they can get up to speed in the latest changes in technology.” Civilian jobs exempt from the five-year rule have, in the past, included positions that included frequent contact with host-nation officials or that required a high level of host-nation cultural knowledge, Dent said. “We eliminated the exemption from the five-year rule,” she explained. “However, the commander still has the authority to approve an extension for individuals in those positions. Again, it goes back to workforce planning and shaping.” In deciding on repeated extensions for long-term overseas employees, she said, managers should consider how to grow the skillset the next worker in that job will need, and also ensure that policy makers in the states can benefit from the knowledge overseas employees gain about partner nations. When employees do rotate back to the states, Dent noted, they can benefit from a broad range of return rights guaranteed under the new instruction. “Previously, each component set the rules about … how they would authorize return rights,” she said. Now, she noted, “if you take an assignment outside of that organization overseas, you are guaranteed return rights back to a position similar to what you had, in the organization that you left.” Overall, she said, the new instruction doesn’t require any big changes from commanders and managers overseas. “This document gives the managers clearer emphasis on their responsibility for planning for that strategic workforce,” Dent said.

By Karen Parrish
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2012 – The Defense Department wants to clarify a personnel policy -- generally known as the “five-year rule” -- that establishes time limits for civilian overseas assignments, an official said here today.

Sheila Dent, the department’s acting director of human resources for operational programs and advisory services, spoke to the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service about the thinking behind DOD Instruction Number 1400.25, Volume 1230, which took effect in July.

“What we’ve done is taken several different policy documents and consolidated them into one regulation,” she said. “The basic policy remains the same as it was … but now we only have to go to one place.”
Since the new policy was published, she said, her office has offered a lot of advice to “folks wanting to make sure that they understand what the provisions are.”

The five-year rule has been in effect in some form since 1960, Dent noted. The policy establishes time limits for overseas assignments, and sets conditions for re-employment “return rights” when civilian workers return from overseas assignments.

The policy, she said, states that, “If an employee takes an assignment to an overseas post, then they have a job to return to in the states, but that the typical rotation period shouldn’t exceed five years.”
There is a provision for overseas employees to remain after five years, but only in two-year increments, officials said. Dent explained the new instruction offers components -– the Army, Navy, Air Force and DOD agencies – some flexibility in setting approval authority for such extensions.

There is no cap on the number of extensions an employee can receive, she said, but under the policy components can set approval authority at any level within the component.

“Previously, it would stop at the installation commander level, typically,” she added. “But now it might be a level or two above that commander.”

Higher-level approval of extensions can benefit workforce and succession planning, Dent said.
“We see that we have to be more deliberate in determining what our competencies are … [and] what we need to meet the mission,” she said. “Typically, a supervisor above that local level has a wider perspective of what’s going on in that area of operations.”

The instruction also states an employee must spend two years in a stateside job after completing an overseas posting before being eligible for another five-year overseas assignment.

“Basically, when an employee returns to the states, we’re looking to establish a couple of things,” she said. “One is stability in that work environment that they return to … [and second] that the employee has time to get settled and refamiliarized, so that they can get up to speed in the latest changes in technology.”

Civilian jobs exempt from the five-year rule have, in the past, included positions that included frequent contact with host-nation officials or that required a high level of host-nation cultural knowledge, Dent said.
“We eliminated the exemption from the five-year rule,” she explained. “However, the commander still has the authority to approve an extension for individuals in those positions. Again, it goes back to workforce planning and shaping.”

In deciding on repeated extensions for long-term overseas employees, she said, managers should consider how to grow the skillset the next worker in that job will need, and also ensure that policy makers in the states can benefit from the knowledge overseas employees gain about partner nations.

When employees do rotate back to the states, Dent noted, they can benefit from a broad range of return rights guaranteed under the new instruction.

“Previously, each component set the rules about … how they would authorize return rights,” she said. Now, she noted, “if you take an assignment outside of that organization overseas, you are guaranteed return rights back to a position similar to what you had, in the organization that you left.”

Overall, she said, the new instruction doesn’t require any big changes from commanders and managers overseas.

“This document gives the managers clearer emphasis on their responsibility for planning for that strategic workforce,” Dent said.

Panetta Hails New Era for Security in the Americas

By Cheryl Pellerin
American Forces Press Service

ABOARD A MILITARY AIRCRAFT, Oct. 5, 2012 – A transformation has taken place over the past decade in the Western Hemisphere, where countries are doing more than they ever have to advance peace and security within and beyond their borders, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said today.

In a briefing with reporters on his way to meet with leaders and defense ministers in South America and at NATO in Brussels, the secretary said the U.S. goal for the Western Hemisphere is to help nations in the region develop military capabilities and provide for their security.

“We think that we are now in a different era when it comes to security in the Americas,” Panetta said. “The United States is no longer the sole provider of security in the hemisphere.”

In advance of the secretary’s visit this week to Peru and Uruguay, the Defense Department released the Western Hemisphere Defense Policy Statement, a framework for implementing the 2012 DOD Strategic Guidance in the region.

Panetta said the efforts of the nations there promote “security and stability not only in the Americas but across the globe,” and give the United States a historic opportunity to strengthen its defense partnerships across the region.

In Peru, Panetta will meet with President Ollanta Humala and with Defense Minister Pedro Cateriano and other military officials.

“Peru is a very strong democratic partner for us in South America,” the secretary said.
“The purpose of the visit,” he added, “is to pursue close cooperation between our militaries and our two countries on a range of bilateral and regional defense issues such as counternarcotics, counterterrorism, humanitarian operations and information sharing.”

In Uruguay, Panetta will attend the 10th Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas.
An important goal in Uruguay, the secretary said, “is to deepen our bilateral defense relationship … to enable greater cooperation between our militaries.

At the conference in Punta del Este, Uruguay, the defense ministers will discuss a range of important topics, Panetta said, including an important proposal to more effectively coordinate humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the region.

“This is a very important step for the conference to take,” Panetta explained. “It’s the first time all of the defense ministers will have come together on taking a step towards implementing humanitarian relief.”

The United States wants to encourage these and other efforts in the region “through forums such as the defense ministers’ forum and by developing innovative, low-cost, small-footprint approaches to our shared objective,” he added.

Despite budget cuts that are taking place in the United States, including in the Defense Department, Panetta said DOD has an array of programs that can help develop capabilities in Latin America.
“At this point we feel that, as a result of not only the budget we’ve submitted but the budget that’s making its way through Congress, that we’ll have sufficient resources to … follow through on the agreements we’re making with these various countries,” the secretary said.

“I do think that there is legitimate concern about cuts that could be made in foreign aid and in programs the State Department administers,” he said.

“The best way to approach our effort at developing these new partnerships,” he added, “ … is [through] a broad-based effort that not only includes what the Defense Department can do but also what the State Department can add to that.”

During the trip, Panetta’s final stop is in Brussels at NATO headquarters for the NATO Ministers of Defense Meeting and the Meeting of the North Atlantic Council. This will be the secretary’s fifth meeting with the defense ministers.

At the meetings, Panetta said he’ll offer U.S. support for enhancing alliance capabilities, missile defense, cybersecurity, counterterrorism and countering weapons of mass destruction.
“I’ll also reassure our allies of our strong commitment to finishing the job in Afghanistan alongside [them],” the secretary added.

Cybersecurity is a growing concern across the world, Panetta said.

“Cyber is increasingly being used in ways that can undermine the security of countries,” he said, “and for that reason I think it’s important for NATO to take steps to discuss what can be done to provide cybersecurity and … what steps can be taken to ensure that we do everything possible to deter those countries that engage is cyber warfare.”

The growing number of insider attacks in Afghanistan also will be discussed at the NATO meeting, Panetta said.

Marine Corps Gen. John R. Allen, the commander of the International Security Assistance Force and U.S. forces in Afghanistan will attend the meeting, the secretary said.

Allen “has put a number of steps in place to confront the insider threat issue and he’s done that alongside the Afghans to try to make sure we do everything we can to protect against insider attacks,” Panetta said.

“My goal is to make clear to NATO and to our allies that we are taking all steps necessary to confront this issue and that it should not be allowed to deter us from the plan Gen. Allen has put in place,” the secretary said.
 

Face of Defense: Army Acquisition Officer Works With Google

By Jonathan Pruett
21st Theater Sustainment Command

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany, Oct. 5, 2012 – An Army acquisition officer assigned here is the first in his branch selected to work with Google Inc. as part of the Army's Training with Industry Program.

Army Maj. Matthew Bisswurm, plans and operations officer with the 903rd Contingency Contracting Battalion in Kaiserslautern, Germany, was selected for a position at Google Inc. as part of the Army's Training with Industry Program. U.S. Army photo   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Maj. Matthew Bisswurm, plans and operations officer with the 903rd Contingency Contracting Battalion, 409th Contracting Support Brigade, began his one-year internship with the Fortune 100 company in August and will bring back to the Army any lessons learned.

"I'm looking to bring some of the innovative processes and successful techniques that Google has used, and help integrate them into the Army," Bisswurm said.

The Army, as well as the acquisition career field, has prepared Bisswurm for this opportunity.

"I love the expeditionary side of contingency contracting," Bisswurm said. "I love doing missions, and I love being on a team."

One of the objectives of the TWI is to provide soldiers hands-on experience in top defense, information technology and pioneering commercial companies, officials said. The program helps improve communication between commercial industry and the Army. Working with major corporations helps the Army speak the same language as its industry partners.

Bisswurm joined the Army in 2000 and made the transition into contracting in 2008 following a second combat deployment to Iraq.

"I wanted to broaden my skills," he said. "Being in a combat deployment, I saw the direct impact contracting had on the warfighter."

Bisswurm said he wants to use the skills he learns at Google and take them back with him to his next assignment.

"I want to have a different perspective on decision making, theory, manufacturing, and problem solving," he said. "I think the Army gains ten-fold on this program. The experience and insight are immeasurable."
Selected officers, warrant officers and noncommissioned officers are placed in jobs with industry partners and exposed to innovative industrial management tactics, techniques and procedures that can benefit the Army, officials said.

After completing the training, participants are immediately placed in a mandatory follow-on Army assignment to improve the Army's ability to interact and conduct business with industry.

"We want our guys to benchmark lessons learned and effect positive change in the Army Acquisition Corps," said Scott Green, acquisition education and training branch chief, U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center.

Officials Confirm Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay Deadline

By Amaani Lyle
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2012 – Pentagon officials have confirmed the Oct. 21 deadline to apply for Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay has not been extended by the recently enacted Continuing Resolution.

Service members, veterans, and beneficiaries of service members whose service was involuntarily extended under stop loss between Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 30, 2009 are eligible for RSLSP, which was established by the The 2009 War Supplemental Appropriations Act, officials said.
The average benefit is $3,600.

Applications can still be mailed, but applicants should, if possible, apply on-line to obtain an instant claims number and expedite communication with service personnel, officials explained.

Since the majority of potential applicants have separated from the military, Defense Department and service officials said they have used multiple methods to contact and remind those eligible to apply.
Outreach efforts include multiple direct mailings to last known addresses, contact with the VA and more than 100 other veteran and military service organizations, social networks, and local and national media.

The president, Congressional members and senior defense officials have also assisted to boost outreach.
 

Panetta to Meet With Top Officials in Peru, Uruguay

By Cheryl Pellerin American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2012 – During this week’s trip to meet with leaders of Peru and Uruguay and his counterparts at a conference of defense ministers of the Americas, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta will implement elements of the 2012 DOD Strategic Guidance related to the Western Hemisphere, a senior defense official said yesterday. In articulating priorities for a 21st-century defense, the guidance document described pursuing new partnerships in Latin America through innovative, low-cost and small-footprint approaches to achieving security objectives. Yesterday, in advance of Panetta’s visit, the department released the Western Hemisphere Defense Policy Statement. The statement “seeks to explain how that strategic guidance will shape our engagement in the region, how it’s applied to the region, and so will add further detail as to how we will implement that strategic guidance in the Western Hemisphere,” the defense official told reporters who are traveling with the secretary. “It articulates our goal as consistent with the strategic guidance,” he added, “and I think it’s important that the secretary will not just be … releasing it but in fact will be implementing it while he’s there.” Panetta will do this, the official said, by working with nations there on efforts that involve bolstering humanitarian assistance and disaster response, strengthening multilateral defense institutions in the region, and supporting the growth of mature, professional defense institutions. To fine-tune the disaster-response process, at the 10th Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas this week in Punta del Este, Uruguay, the Chilean government will put an initiative before the ministers, the defense official said. The Chileans, he added, will propose creating an online database that militaries in the region can use to coordinate in real-time the provision of assistance to countries affected by a natural disaster. “One of the lessons learned from Haiti was not a lack of assistance … but there was very little coordination, a lot of duplication, and we didn’t do as good a job as perhaps we should have in saving lives,” he explained. “With this mechanism that Chile is proposing, we will be able to do that better.” If the project is approved, the official said, it will be the first time since the conference began in 1995 that the meeting produces “something tangible, concrete and actionable and that is about saving lives.” The United States, he added, very much supports the Chilean effort. DOD officials also seek to help strengthen multilateral defense institutions in the region, where many countries, including Uruguay, Peru, Argentina, Brazil and others, are what the defense official called “security exporters.” Such countries, he said, contribute in significant ways to regional and global security, including by acting as U.N. peacekeepers, and by helping build capacity and train armed forces and police in Central America and other nations. “On the margins of the Summit of the Americas [in Cartagena in April], Colombian President [Juan Manuel] Santos and President Barack Obama signed an action plan to coordinate efforts forward,” the defense official said. “We will be leveraging that experience, that capability, those lessons learned from many countries in the region to coordinate our efforts in a way that will avoid duplication in Central America,” he explained. “In October,” he added, “we’re building a detailed action plan where we and the Colombians will coordinate who does what … so we leverage … the resources and capabilities we have to effectively do capacity building and training and other things in Central America and in other places.” The United States and Canada also have a work plan involving Central America, he said. “We’re doing more of this and it’s consistent with the secretary’s vision in the guidance and in the Western Hemisphere Defense Policy Statement to develop innovative approaches and innovative partnerships to deal with what are essentially very complex challenges that we face in the hemisphere,” the official added, including illicit trafficking and transnational organized crime. As part of the effort to support the growth of mature, professional defense institutions, in Peru Panetta will offer the government participation in a program called Ministry of Defense Advisers, or MODA. The MODA program is active in Afghanistan and now the department is expanding it to engage countries outside Afghanistan, like Peru and Montenegro. If Peru accepts, MODA will embed a technical expert in the ministry of defense for up to two years. The expert will provide consistent technical advice on issues like budgeting, acquisition, procurement, planning and strategic planning, the defense official said. MODA is offered to countries that have participated and have had success in another program called the Defense Industrial Reform Initiative, or DIRI. For this program, teams travel to and work for a week or two at a time with ministries of defense on similar technical issues. In Peru, the official said, “the Secretary … will explain [the MODA program] to his counterpart, and then it will be up to us to follow up and make sure that we can tailor the program to exactly what the Peruvians think is most appropriate and effective for them.” In the Western Hemisphere, Chile, Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Guatemala now participate in the DIRI program, the official said. Besides humanitarian assistance and disaster response, other topics to be discussed at the defense ministers’ conference include peacekeeping, the Inter-American Defense System, and security and defense, meaning the role of the military in nondefense situations like drug trafficking. “Peacekeeping is an area of mutual interest and where there is a huge demand signal on the part of the United Nations,” the senior defense official said. “We recognize the importance of having troops and capabilities available to respond to those demand signals.” The U.S. Global Peacekeeping Operations Initiative, or GPOI, works with countries like Peru, Uruguay, El Salvador and others to train and equip peacekeepers and refurbish peacekeeping training centers “to help them ramp up and be ready to deploy if … requested by the United Nations and the government decides it wants to participate,” he added. Since 2007 the United States has provided $7 million in GPOI funds to the Peruvian government -- a good example, the official said, of a low-cost, high-impact project “that yields quite a bit in strengthening our partnerships in the region to achieve common objectives.”

Panetta Encourages Defense Department Members, Families to Vote

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Oct. 5, 2012 - In a video message released today, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta urges the men and women of the Defense Department and their families to vote in the upcoming election.
Here is the text of the secretary's message:

On November 6th, Americans will have the opportunity to exercise the most important responsibility we have in a democracy – the right to vote. Voters will choose from candidates at every level – from the Commander-in-Chief, to legislative representatives, to county commissioners, city council members and others.

I don't have to tell you that your vote can determine the future. It really counts. And that's why it's so important to participate in this process – no matter where you are in the world, no matter who you plan to vote for. Please exercise the very privilege that you're willing to fight and die for in order to protect.
But there isn't much time. If you're overseas or away from home, request your absentee ballot immediately, and mail it back in time so that your vote will count. And if you need help, visit your Installation Voter Assistance Office, or see your Unit's Voting Assistance Officer, or visit the website www.fvap.gov.
Every day, your efforts make this country safer and its people more secure. You have more than earned the right to vote. So please participate in the democratic process that sustains the blessings of liberty that we work so hard to protect.

This Election Day I encourage you and your family to play an important part in our great democracy. Your vote will help determine the future of our nation, and the future of a government of, by, and for all people. Thank you.

AF names officers selected for promotion

by Debbie Gildea

Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas – More than 3,200 lieutenants, captains and majors have been selected for promotion, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced today. Promotion-selects were considered during the July Medical Service Corps lieutenant colonel and major, and Line of the Air Force captain central selection boards.

Go to the following links to see the full list of selectees:

Lieutenant colonel: http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-121005-018.pdf

Major: http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-121005-019.pdf

Captain: http://www.afpc.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-121005-020.pdf

The boards considered 162 majors, 61 captains, and 3,478 first lieutenants for promotion to the next grade. Results are as follows:

Selection statistics in-the-promotion zone for promotion to lieutenant colonel: 32 selected from 44 considered for 72.7 percent select rate

Selection statistics above-the-promotion zone for promotion to lieutenant colonel: 3 selected from 18 considered for 16.7 percent select rate

Selection statistics below-the-promotion zone for promotion to lieutenant colonel: 3 selected from 100 considered for 3 percent select rate

Selection statistics in-the-promotion zone for promotion to major: 54 selected from 57 considered for 94.7 percent select rate

Selection statistics above-the-promotion zone for promotion to major: 1 selected from 4 considered for 25 percent select rate

Selection statistics below-the-promotion zone for promotion to major: None considered

Selection statistics in-the-promotion zone for promotion to captain: 3,098 selected from 3,333 considered for 92.9 percent select rate

Selection statistics above-the-promotion zone for promotion to captain: 69 selected from 145 considered for 47.6 percent select rate

For more information about promotion opportunities and other personnel issues, visit the myPers website at https://mypers.af.mil.

Team McChord kicks off ODF main season

by Staff Sgt. Sean Tobin
62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

10/5/2012 - CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand -- Airmen from 62nd and 446th Airlift Wings, kicked off their participation in the 2012-2013 Operation Deep Freeze main season, transporting National Science Foundation cargo and personnel to McMurdo Station, Antarctica, Oct. 1.

Deployed as the 304th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., they departed Christchurch International Airport in a McChord Field C-17 Globemaster III aircraft with 76 passengers and 64,000 pounds of cargo onboard, bound for the icy continent.

ODF is a joint service operation in support of the U.S. Antarctic Program and provides logistical support for the NSF's scientific research in Antarctica.

Providing C-17 airlift support, the crews from McChord Field use Christchurch International Airport as a staging point for forward deployment to McMurdo Station.

"This is the best mission I've ever been part of," said Lt. Col. Brent Keenan, 304th EAS commander, to a New Zealand news crew just prior to take off. "Everyone is excited, the weather is cooperating and we've got the best people for the mission."

After the 5-hour flight south to the remote Antarctic station, the C-17 touched down on the seasonal sea ice runway, a runway carved into a 100-inch layer of frozen ocean, just off of Ross Island, Antarctica.

With the aircraft engines still running, crews unloaded the cargo and loaded an additional 10,000 pounds of cargo to be taken out of McMurdo.

Because of the extreme cold, engines were kept running to help prevent the fuel from freezing and turning into gel.

ODF is unlike any other U.S. military operations and presents many other unique challenges.

"Basically, you're landing on a floating runway," said Lt. Col. Jason Taylor, a 304th EAS pilot deployed from the 728th AS. "If you smack down hard on it like a paved runway, it can create waves in the ice and crack."

Other runways exist in the continental ice, however those are farther away from McMurdo and require much longer distances travelled to and from the aircraft. During this time of year, ODF personnel take advantage of the thick layer of sea ice that exists just off the station.

A total of 48 missions are scheduled for this season of ODF, which should be completed in March 2013.

Dempsey Thanks Service Members, Families in Pacific Northwest

By Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Scott A. McCall
Navy Public Affairs Support Element Northwest

WASHINGTON, Oct. 4, 2012 – The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff thanked service members and their families from various commands in the Pacific Northwest during a town hall meeting held yesterday on Naval Base Kitsap in Bangor, Wash.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, hosts a town hall meeting with service members and family members on Naval Base Kitsap, Wash., Oct. 3, 2012. DOD photo by D. Myles Culle   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey told the more than 300 people in attendance he believes that by working together, they will be able to help the country through any challenge it faces.

 

"The foundation is so solid that we're going to be fine,” Dempsey said. “If you don't remember anything else I say, remember two things: One, thank you for your willingness to serve. And I mean you plural and cumulatively, that's those of you who wear the uniform and those of you who support those who wear the uniform. The second thing is, if you stick together, then we'll be fine."

The highest ranking U.S. military officer said he was very impressed by today’s men and women in uniform.

"We're going to be okay because of you," he said. "I've never met young men and women ... who are so impressive in your intellect, your energy, your dedication, your resilience, your enthusiasm, your optimism, and as long as you keep that by the way, and continue to trust each other we'll get through whatever the world can throw at us."

The chairman took time to thank the family members of a sailor currently deployed on the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis, which had returned in March from a seven-month deployment to the Gulf region only to deploy again in August, four months earlier than expected.

"We turned [Stennis] around pretty quick," said Dempsey. "We had to do that because we had some challenges in the Gulf region, as you know, and we really needed that extra little touch of America that only an aircraft carrier brings."

During the town hall, Dempsey also spoke about issues affecting all branches of the U.S. armed forces, noting that the military is currently going through a period of transition.

"We're transitioning from a force, especially the ground component, which has been extraordinarily committed to focus like a laser beam, really, on Iraq and Afghanistan and conducting deployments one year on, one year off and that tempo will slow," he said.

Dempsey said another transition the military faces is one from bigger to smaller budgets.

"The Navy and Air Force have done quite a bit of resizing over the last decade or so, and they are not going to do much more resizing, but the Army and Marine Corps will over the next five years to seven years," he said. "And those folks will pass into civilian life, and we need to pass them properly into civilian life, and that's a big transition."

Dempsey also fielded questions from the audience, ranging from issues that affect all branches of service to Navy-specific  issues to issues that affect personnel stationed in the Pacific Northwest.

Some of the topics discussed included the Defense Travel System, privatized housing, manning, suicide awareness, military retirement, and Department of Veterans Affairs benefits.

"It was pretty good, he was a good speaker," said Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher Neal, an electronics technician assigned to Submarine Group 9. "He talked about a couple of the issues, and I was able to get up there and ask him a couple of questions. I really appreciate him taking his time."

Spangdahlem, Davis-Monthan earn top lodging honors by Debbie Gildea Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas – Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., took top honors in the 2012 Air Force Innkeeper Award competition, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced today. Annually, Air Force and commercial lodging professionals evaluate nominated organizations for customer service, housekeeping, financial status, facility management and support activities, selecting the best small (285 rooms or less) and large lodging programs. Small Category Innkeeper Award Spangdahlem, with 256 rooms, earned the small category award, exhibiting excellence in every criteria area, said Col. Thomas Joyce, director, AFPC Services Directorate. “Spangdahlem has developed programs and activities to provide Airmen with quality care and facilities, but the team is also working to ensure employees maintain that positive attitude that sets them apart,” said Joyce. “They are breaking ground and setting the example for facilities throughout the Air Force.” Adding pampering to essentials, Spangdahlem manages a professional massage and spa program, which earned $35,000 last year. Teaming with the United Service Organizations and the Frankfurt Airport, Spangdahlem’s team took care of 667 stranded passengers, and without missing a beat, hosted 126 no-notice groups as well. To ensure traveling warriors are able to maintain fitness and resilience levels, staff volunteers constructed and relocated guest fitness rooms, and helped themselves as well when they built two employee washrooms. Leadership’s focus on employee energy and motivation resulted in a lodging Olympics pitting the competitors against Ramstein’s lodging teams to identify the gold medal customer service provider. Team spirit competitions also enabled employees to create contests, identify winners and establish awards. Large Category Innkeeper Award Davis-Monthan, with 298 rooms, swept the large category competition with attention to detail, aggressive self-inspection program and exceptional customer service, representative of their motto “always Innkeeper ready.” “The Davis-Monthan mystery guest program is not only a fun way to ensure that every customer gets VIP treatment,” said Joyce, “but also helped prepare them for such unexpected guests as President Obama following the shooting of U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords. The team not only rose to the occasion for every visit, they exemplified our wingman philosophy and commitment to caring for Airmen.” In addition to hosting the president and his staff, Davis-Monthan welcomed international military members, aircrew enroute to global destinations, and Air Show Heritage Flight guests, each of whom were treated with the presidential courtesy, dignity and respect, Joyce said. Small and large category Innkeeper Travelers award winners, presented to lodging employees who exhibit peerless professionalism, attitude, customer service and job knowledge, were also named. Small Category Travelers Award Whisper Maxwell, Offutt AFB, Neb., was named the small category 2012 Innkeeper Travelers Award winner, and the large category winner is Hong Tak Kim, Osan AB, Republic of Korea. Maxwell, previously an F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., guest services representative, transferred to Offutt in January 2011. After an hour orientation, she was off and running, said Joyce, who called her the “ideal team member.” With the goal of becoming a lodging manager, she pursued training in every department and completed formal hospitality, front desk and communication course. “Ms. Maxwell is energetic, determined and success-oriented, and she’s a consistent guest favorite with an extensive list of kudos and accolades,” Joyce said. “Her can-do attitude is setting the example for peers and superiors alike!” Large Category Travelers Award Kim, a source of continuity in the ever-changing environment of an overseas lodging facility, is the go-to guy for all general and Osan-specific lodging issues, said Joyce. “Not only does he have the experience and longevity to serve as a natural continuity of operations advisor, he is a source of guidance and support in a lightening-paced environment. Mr. Kim is the cornerstone at Turumi Lodge,” said the colonel. As a natural liaison between U.S. and Korean employees, Kim works daily to foster a family environment where every team member is valued for their contributions. As a businessman, he keeps his eye on the bottom line and expertly produced and managed a budget focused on mission and customer needs. “He consistently makes guests and coworkers feel as if they are home, and his professionalism, positive attitude and selflessness are defining characteristics we look for when considering Travelers Award candidates,” Joyce said. Award winners will receive their trophies and certificates during ceremonies conducted by their installation commanders. AFPC leadership representatives will also attend each ceremony. “What our lodging professionals do every day to care for Airmen has far greater impact than simple numbers can convey. When Airmen travel, they are far from the comforts and security of home, but our lodging folks work to ease that separation and uncertainty. They provide transitioning Airmen with a home away from home, and that is beyond price,” said Joyce.

by Debbie Gildea

Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas – Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., took top honors in the 2012 Air Force Innkeeper Award competition, Air Force Personnel Center officials announced today.

Annually, Air Force and commercial lodging professionals evaluate nominated organizations for customer service, housekeeping, financial status, facility management and support activities, selecting the best small (285 rooms or less) and large lodging programs.

Small Category Innkeeper Award

Spangdahlem, with 256 rooms, earned the small category award, exhibiting excellence in every criteria area, said Col. Thomas Joyce, director, AFPC Services Directorate.

“Spangdahlem has developed programs and activities to provide Airmen with quality care and facilities, but the team is also working to ensure employees maintain that positive attitude that sets them apart,” said Joyce. “They are breaking ground and setting the example for facilities throughout the Air Force.”

Adding pampering to essentials, Spangdahlem manages a professional massage and spa program, which earned $35,000 last year.

Teaming with the United Service Organizations and the Frankfurt Airport, Spangdahlem’s team took care of 667 stranded passengers, and without missing a beat, hosted 126 no-notice groups as well. To ensure traveling warriors are able to maintain fitness and resilience levels, staff volunteers constructed and relocated guest fitness rooms, and helped themselves as well when they built two employee washrooms.

Leadership’s focus on employee energy and motivation resulted in a lodging Olympics pitting the competitors against Ramstein’s lodging teams to identify the gold medal customer service provider. Team spirit competitions also enabled employees to create contests, identify winners and establish awards.

Large Category Innkeeper Award

Davis-Monthan, with 298 rooms, swept the large category competition with attention to detail, aggressive self-inspection program and exceptional customer service, representative of their motto “always Innkeeper ready.”

“The Davis-Monthan mystery guest program is not only a fun way to ensure that every customer gets VIP treatment,” said Joyce, “but also helped prepare them for such unexpected guests as President Obama following the shooting of U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords. The team not only rose to the occasion for every visit, they exemplified our wingman philosophy and commitment to caring for Airmen.”

In addition to hosting the president and his staff, Davis-Monthan welcomed international military members, aircrew enroute to global destinations, and Air Show Heritage Flight guests, each of whom were treated with the presidential courtesy, dignity and respect, Joyce said.

Small and large category Innkeeper Travelers award winners, presented to lodging employees who exhibit peerless professionalism, attitude, customer service and job knowledge, were also named.

Small Category Travelers Award

Whisper Maxwell, Offutt AFB, Neb., was named the small category 2012 Innkeeper Travelers Award winner, and the large category winner is Hong Tak Kim, Osan AB, Republic of Korea.

Maxwell, previously an F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo., guest services representative, transferred to Offutt in January 2011. After an hour orientation, she was off and running, said Joyce, who called her the “ideal team member.” With the goal of becoming a lodging manager, she pursued training in every department and completed formal hospitality, front desk and communication course.

“Ms. Maxwell is energetic, determined and success-oriented, and she’s a consistent guest favorite with an extensive list of kudos and accolades,” Joyce said. “Her can-do attitude is setting the example for peers and superiors alike!”

Large Category Travelers Award

Kim, a source of continuity in the ever-changing environment of an overseas lodging facility, is the go-to guy for all general and Osan-specific lodging issues, said Joyce.

“Not only does he have the experience and longevity to serve as a natural continuity of operations advisor, he is a source of guidance and support in a lightening-paced environment. Mr. Kim is the cornerstone at Turumi Lodge,” said the colonel.

As a natural liaison between U.S. and Korean employees, Kim works daily to foster a family environment where every team member is valued for their contributions. As a businessman, he keeps his eye on the bottom line and expertly produced and managed a budget focused on mission and customer needs.

“He consistently makes guests and coworkers feel as if they are home, and his professionalism, positive attitude and selflessness are defining characteristics we look for when considering Travelers Award candidates,” Joyce said.

Award winners will receive their trophies and certificates during ceremonies conducted by their installation commanders. AFPC leadership representatives will also attend each ceremony.

“What our lodging professionals do every day to care for Airmen has far greater impact than simple numbers can convey. When Airmen travel, they are far from the comforts and security of home, but our lodging folks work to ease that separation and uncertainty. They provide transitioning Airmen with a home away from home, and that is beyond price,” said Joyce.

Disc golfer ends second 50 states tour at Fairchild

from 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

10/3/2012 - FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash.  -- An aerospace ground equipment technician with the California Air National Guard completed his second disc golf tour of the 50 U.S. states at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., Oct.1.

Tech. Sgt. Larry C. Kirk, from the 144th Maintenance Squadron in Fresno, Calif., started his first disc golf tour at Fairchild 10 years ago.

Kirk traveled more than 13,000 miles by vehicle during the period of July through Oct. This time around Kirk said the tour was to promote disc golf and be an ambassador for the sport.

Disc golf was known as Frisbee golf in its early years and has evolved over the last 35 years. It is played much like traditional golf however instead of using a ball and club, players use flying a disc. The discs used are capable of being thrown 800 feet and today disc golf is growing in popularity nationwide and is played professionally.

Since Kirk started playing disc golf he has played more than 470 disc golf courses across the nation.

The rules of disc golf are pretty much the same as those used in golf, Kirk said. Nine or 18 "holes" are the usual game, though sometimes 27 holes are played. While "holes" is a term carried over from golf, the actual target is more of a basket, surrounded by hanging chains that intercept the disc, allowing it to drop down into the basket below.

"Disc golf is great! It is very fun to play and good for you," said Kirk, who took up the hobby in 1978 and says helps him to pass his physical training test.

Fairchild is home to a nine-hole disc golf course located in Miller Park.

"It takes a lot of practice, but you can enjoy it at any level," Kirk said. "It's a gentleman's sport, like golf."

He also touts the sport as a great family activity.

"It's perfect for families; it is something they can do together," he said, recalling from the start it was a sport he enjoyed sharing with his sons.

I am a "fanatic," I want to promote disc golf. I love it," he said.

[Editor's note: Nick Stubbs, MacDill Air Force Base Thunderbolt editor contributed to this article]

305th Airman to perform at AMC Icon singing competition

by 2nd Lt. David J. Murphy
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

10/3/2012 - JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- A Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst representative will sing in the upcoming Air Mobility Command Icon singing competition at the Scott Club on Scott Air Force Base, Ill., Oct. 25.

Staff Sgt. Oliver Dagum, 305th Aerial Port Squadron training instructor and Tulsa, Okla., native, won his chance during the local AMC Icon competition Aug. 16 here. Although he took third place, Dagum is moving to the next round because the second place winner, Senior Airman Benjamin Florez, 305th Aerial Port Squadron ramp specialist or "port dawg," is deploying around the same time-frame as the competition.

"If I were to go I would want my mind to be totally in it and not someplace else," said Florez. "So I decided to give it to someone else because I want their mind to be totally into it."
Florez sang "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys, during the AMC Icon competition.

"I'm looking forward to it," said Dagum. "I'm going to be singing 'Ain't No Sunshine' by Chris Allen, the song I sang during the local competition. Before the event I plan to work on my showmanship and practice the song."

Contestants will compete for $2,000 in cash prizes and the winner will receive a special invitation to audition with the Air Force Tops in Blue. The event will also feature the Air Force Band of Mid-America
.
"Hopefully my experience singing for Tops in Blue in 2008 will help me in the competition," said Dagum. "I'll probably use the money toward music-business classes if I win."

St. Louis media personalities: "Smash," from The Smash Band, and FOX 2's Mandy Murphey will join Dr. Stella Markou, director of vocal studies at the University of Missouri in St. Louis, as returning judges for the 2012 event. New judges include Jim Cornelison, opera performer and full-time national anthem singer for the Chicago Blackhawks, and J. Rome, winner of the ABC show "Duets," are scheduled to join the judging panel.

Dagum will compete with participants from Air Force bases throughout AMC to include:

- 1st Lt. Nicole White representing Scott AFB, Ill.
- Master Sgt. Jason Shamis representing Joint Base Charleston, S.C.
- Tech Sgt. Sonya Bryson representing MacDill AFB, Fla.
- Tech Sgt. Doug Boren representing McConnell AFB, Kan.
- Staff Sgt. Tiry Crane representing Little Rock AFB, Ariz.
- Senior Airman Desiree Scarver representing Travis AFB, Calif.
- Airman 1st Class Duawana Robinson representing Dover AFB, Del.
- Airman 1st Class Abigail Foster representing Fairchild AFB, Wash.
- Airman 1st Class Andrew Hicks representing Grand Forks AFB, N.D.

The competition is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Scott Club. The first 250 people will receive complementary Icon t-shirts.

Face of Defense: Father, Son Reunite in Southwest Asia

Air Force Senior Airman Bryan Swink
379th Air Expeditionary Wing

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Oct. 4, 2012 – Finding time to travel home to their families can be a challenge for many service members, due to the sporadic movement and occasional deployments a military life can bring. It is a much larger challenge, however, when two family members in different branches of service try to reconnect.


It had been a year since Air Force Master Sgt. Niihau Ramsey has seen his son, Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Brad Ramsey, until luck brought them together here.

The two reconnected at the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing when Brad -- a Seabee -- traveled through Southwest Asia during his redeployment back home to Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport, Miss., after spending eight months at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan. During his deployment, Ramsey performed preventive and corrective maintenance on civil engineer support equipment.

"I found out about a month ago our unit might be coming through here on our way home, and really hoped everything would work out so I could spend some time with my dad," said Brad, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11. "There were a few hiccups along the way, but luckily it worked out."
Deployments aren't unusual for either of the Ramseys, who have five deployments between them. Niihau, mission support flight superintendent for Detachment 1 of the 609th Air Communications Squadron, is here for a bit longer than a normal six- or 12-month deployment. He is permanently stationed here for a two-year tour.

"Being here for so long without my family is tough," said Niihau, who's nine months into his tour. "What a great opportunity this has been, because I don't know when I will see him next."

The two have spent a week socializing in the evenings and even watched the NFL season-opening game as the two cheered on their favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys, as they beat the defending Super Bowl champions, the New York Giants.

The most memorable moment for the father-son duo was logging onto Skype and reconnecting with Niihau's wife and Brad's mom, Amy, who lives in Cameron, N.C.

"It was great for all three of us to be connected together," Niihau said. "I know it meant a lot to her to be able to communicate to us at the same time."

Deployments can be a challenge for any family, but when an opportunity arises to reconnect and bond, the Ramseys said, they make the best of it. Sometimes the sporadic movement of the military life can work out for the best.

Texas Team Lassos Top Prize in Emergency Medical Technician Contest

Wednesday, October 03, 2012

A contingent of Air Force and Navy instructors from the Department of Defense Medical Education and Training Campus in Fort Sam Houston, Texas captured the top prize at the 2012 Emergency Medical Technician Rodeo held Sept. 22 at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., home to the 27th Special Operations Medical Group.

Five EMT instructors from METC’s Basic Medical Technician Corpsman Program competed against eight other U.S. military medical teams.

“Taking first place in a competition where the best medics and corpsman were sent to compete from all over the United States and abroad means a lot to the caliber of personnel we are surrounded by on a daily basis here at METC,”  Navy Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class and member of the winning group, Jeffery Leemauk said.

Other members of the unit representing METC’s basic medical Technician Corpsman Program included Air Force's Staff Sgt. Robert Rangel, Tech. Sgt. Dahlia Gonzalez, Staff Sgt. Brett Wolfe and Navy Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Luis Rodriguez. METC’s team had over 40 years of knowledge and forward deployment medical experience combined according to Rangel who served as the team’s coach.
This is the sixth year for the military competition where EMT teams test their skills in various events that simulate scenarios from medical trauma to water rescues.

This year, the EMT Rodeo competition added several new events to assess skills and knowledge including a water rescue competition and a commando challenge which evaluated the competing teams’ abilities to carry litters while low-crawling through a mud obstacle course.

“I am proud to be able to say today that we were not only champions of the 6th Annual EMT Rodeo, but proof that positive steps are being made to an overall integrated medical community,” Leemauk said.
The Medical Education and Training Campus is a Department of Defense joint service military medical training campus at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, with a mission to train the world's finest medics, corpsmen, and techs, supporting the ability of the U.S. to engage globally.

AFSPC officials launch 2012 CFC campaign

by 1st Lt. Connie Dillon
Air Force Space Command Public Affairs

10/4/2012 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Headquarters Air Force Space Command's Combined Federal Campaign kicked off here Oct.3, giving military and federal employees the opportunity to donate to more than 3,000 local, national, and international charities.

Lt. Gen. John E. Hyten, vice commander of Air Force Space Command, addressed the command on the opportunity to donate. "Everybody who lives and works here at Air Force Space Command, we ought to consider ourselves lucky. We live in a beautiful place, we have amazing work that we do and not everybody in this world is that lucky. We need to remember that," said Hyten. "I think that we all have a responsibility, one way or the other, to try and figure out how we are going to give back."

Also in attendance were representatives from more than 70 local charitable organizations supported by the CFC. These charities are representatives of the thousands who rely on annual contributions to support their cause. All CFC charities are diligently screened to meet CFC eligibility and they provide health and human service benefits throughout the world.

The CFC of the Pikes Peak Region will run through Dec. 15 and is the annual fundraising drive on behalf of the charities for the military and federal employees within Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and most counties that make up Southern Colorado. This area represents approximately 44,000 military and civilian employees at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, Fort Carson, Peterson AFB, Schriever AFB, U.S. Air Force Academy, the U.S. Postal Service, the Federal Bureau of Prisons and a host of other federal agencies operating within the region.

According to Maj. Jason Esquell, Capt. Christopher McMillian, and Master Sgt. John Mackey, CFC representatives, they are expecting to meet this year's goal of $219,000 in pledges.

"With all the events that have happened this past year, such as the Waldo Canyon fire, I think that the need to give and the simple realization that your luck can change at any given moment in time...is going to be toward the forefront of people's minds," said McMillian. "As a result, we might be more willing to give as a community because we've seen the benefits of just these types of campaigns."

McMillian explained how the CFC makes donating easy by offering options to donate either online, by visiting www.cfcnexus.org, or by traditional hard-copy pledge sheets.

"By making it easier for our donors to give, I believe we can step up those participation numbers and by virtue of that, step up the volume of the gross donation," he said.

CFC representatives will make contact with 100 percent of their unit members to talk about the CFC and the opportunity to donate.

"Our goal is to have 100 percent contact that very first week and then very close and careful follow on, to ensure that everyone is given the opportunity to give," said McMillian. "We are making our expectations clear, we are eliminating barriers to success, and we have a very motivated and talented staff of project officers and key workers who care about this, and we have every intention of exceeding our goal."

"Headquarters Air Force Space Command has held the record for the top fundraiser for CFC for the last several years for the entire Pikes Peak region, which includes the Air Force Academy, Buckley and Schriever," said Mackey. Last year the CFC of the Pikes Peak region raised $2,608,766, and of those pledges, $209,000 was from AFSPC Headquarters.

437th Airlift Wing honors its history

by Airman 1st Class Tom Brading
Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs

10/3/2012 - JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Veterans from the 437th Troop Carrier Group, the predecessor of the 437th Operations Group, and their families, traveled from all corners of the United States to Charleston, S.C., for their final reunion Sept. 28, at Joint Base Charleston - Air Base.

The 437th TCG, flying C-47 Skytrain transport units, played a vital role during the early morning hours of D-Day, June 6, 1944, and the remainder of World War II. During the Normandy campaign, the group towed and released glider planes, as well as carried troops, weapons, ammunition, rations and other supplies for the 82nd Airborne Division.

The group began their reunion tour at the C-47 Skytrain static display across from Bldg. 16000. Afterward, they were welcomed to the base by Col. Al Miller, 437th Airlift Wing vice commander, followed by an opportunity to tour the inside of a C-17 Globemaster III. The veterans also viewed flight equipment and observed demonstrations conducted by the JB Charleston Explosive Ordnance Disposal team.

"It was great to see all the World War II veterans and hear what they thought of my job," said Airman 1st Class Amber Taft, 628th Air Base Wing EOD apprentice. "It was also very interesting to hear all their stories. I'm amazed at what they did for our country and also to see how things have changed since those days."

The group finished their tour by hosting an open panel discussion at the JB Charleston - Air Base Theater, where audience members had an opportunity to ask questions and peer deeper into the veterans' first-hand experiences during World War II.

The men all experienced different aspects of war during their years in service, but they are still bonded by years of friendship. As they sat on stage answering questions, audience members could sense the pride the men felt about their service and sacrifices from 60-plus years ago. The veterans also mentioned how great JB Charleston - Air Base looked compared to the bases they served at during their time in the military.

"The men on stage with me were the best group of fellows you'd ever want to serve with," said Don Wallace, former lieutenant and C-47 pilot. "And now, here we are after all these years, on stage."

"We're in awe of the heritage you all left to us," said Capt. Brent Anderson, 437th AW deputy chief of plans, as he addressed the veterans during the panel discussion. "It was your honorable tradition of bravery that we proudly carry on today."

"You (the 437th TCG veterans) are, and will always be, the bookend of the 437th AW," said Col. Al Miller, 437th AW vice commander. "What you did during World War II is what the Air Force has built upon worldwide."

Miller added that the sacrifices made by the veterans during World War II laid the foundation for what has become the best Air Force in the world. For that reason he thanked the men for their time and service to their country.

McConnell AMC finalist for 2013 CINC Installation Excellence Award

by Staff Sgt. Abigail Klein
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

10/3/2012 - MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- McConnell is Air Mobility Command's finalist for the 2013 Commander-in-Chief's Installation Excellence Award.

As AMC's finalist, McConnell will go on to compete against nine other bases to earn the Air Force nod for the award.

To compete for the award, a detailed report was submitted by each base in AMC. McConnell was then visited by the Installation Excellence Selection committee, who evaluated the base and Airmen in September 2012.

The CINC IEA was created in 1984. It recognizes the efforts of the people who operate and maintain DoD installations and who have done the best with their resources to support the mission. The award encourages environments that promote innovative and creative ways of enhancing base-level services, facilities and quality-of-life.

The 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander, Col. Ricky Rupp, had this to say:

"We are honored to be selected as AMC's nominee! This recognition is a tremendous achievement for McConnell Airmen, their families and our civic partners. It represents all the phenomenal teamwork between the 22nd ARW and our Total Force partners, the 931st Air Refueling Group and the 184th Intelligence Wing. It's a huge win for McConnell and the Greater Wichita Area."

During the board's visit, McConnell personnel provided briefings and demonstrations to highlight innovative programs that help create and sustain superior operations and accomplishments.

In the past year, McConnell ceremoniously opened the Total Force Maintenance Facility, a work center that embodies the Air Force's Total Force Initiative by sharing resources between active duty and Air Force Guard and Reserve components including aircraft, crews, maintenance and support.

"This recognition speaks volumes about the total force effort that makes up Team McConnell," said Col. Mark Larson, 931st Air Refueling Group commander. "Colonel Rupp and the 22nd ARW have fully embraced Total Force Integration and have taken great measures to ensure the active duty and reserve components here work together seamlessly to achieve shared success. It is truly a pleasure to work with him and his team as our host unit."

To become AMC's finalist, various quality-of-life improvements for junior Airmen were noted during the inspectors visit.

The AMC benchmarked program, The Den, was created by the chapel as a unique Airman-focused program, offering a place for Airmen to socialize while participating in different programs daily after work hours.

Airmen were also considered when McConnell's Fitness Center hours were extended to accommodate more Airmen's schedules. The football and soccer field near the fitness center was also renovated with state-of-the-art materials including new bleachers, player and coach benches to accommodate intramural football and soccer sports, said Tech. Sgt. Shad Winter, 22nd Force Support Squadron fitness center sports director.

"If you feel you are part of a family and cared for," said Senior Airman Justin Gassner, 22nd Medical Operations Squadron health service management, "[With the quality-of-life here] it is so much easier to strive for the best. Living up to the core values is easier to do if you have the leadership that supports you."

Green initiatives made on base were also showcased to the inspectors.

A fuel-savings plan, which will potentially save the AMC more than $470 thousand annually, was developed here at McConnell and earned recognition from the Air Force's Innovative Development through Employee Awareness program.

Another example of McConnell's initiatives were found in the addition of the boom operator weapons system trainer. The state of the art trainer helped cut fuel costs by more than $6,000 an hour, by replacing traditional KC-135 Stratotanker sorties which average almost $49,000 for an eight hour mission.

McConnell's relationship and impact on the community were also analyzed by the inspectors.

In 2012, McConnell's community outreach was expanded even further with the induction of 15 community members into the Honorary Commander's Program. The HCC program gives local community leaders the opportunity to participate in special events, programs and activities sponsored by a McConnell Squadron or group. The program is designed to benefit the military and its civilian partners by as they share ideas and learn from each other.

"McConnell AFB is an incredible asset to Wichita and to Kansas," said Pat Gallagher, Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce government relations manager and a McConnell Golden Eagles member. "I am thrilled to hear that the base has been chosen as a finalist for this prestigious award; it is an honor richly deserved and one that I fully expect will result in a win."

As AMC's finalist, McConnell has the potential to win $1 million as an incentive award to invest in the Airmen's quality-of-life. To win the award, McConnell will undergo another inspection later this year

Army National Guard Soldier Pleads Guilty in Connection with Fraudulent Recruiting Referral Bonus Scheme

To Date, Nine Individuals Have Pleaded Guilty in Ongoing Investigation

 

WASHINGTON – An Army National Guard soldier pleaded guilty today in the Western District of Texas for her role in a bribery and fraud scheme that caused approximately $54,000 in losses to the Army National Guard Bureau, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.

Specialist Stephanie Heller, 37, of Wharton, Texas, pleaded guilty to a two-count criminal information charging her with one count of bribery and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery and wire fraud.  The criminal information was filed on Sept. 26, 2012, in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas.
The case against Heller arises from an investigation involving allegations that former and current military recruiters and U.S. soldiers in the San Antonio and Houston areas engaged in a wide-ranging bribery and fraud scheme to illegally obtain fraudulent recruiting bonuses.  To date, the investigation has led to charges against nine individuals, all of whom have pleaded guilty, including Heller.

According to court documents, in approximately September 2005, the National Guard Bureau entered into a contract with Document and Packaging Broker Inc., to administer a recruiting program designed to offer monetary incentives to soldiers of the Army National Guard who referred others to join the Army National Guard.  Through this program, a participating soldier could receive up to $2,000 in bonus payments for every person whom the participating soldier referred to join the Army National Guard.  Based on certain milestones achieved by the referred soldier, a participating soldier would receive payment through direct deposit into the participating soldier’s designated bank account.  To participate in the program, soldiers were required to create online recruiting assistant accounts.

According to court documents, Heller enlisted in the Army National Guard in approximately July 2008.  Heller admitted that, between approximately August 2009 and April 2011, she agreed to pay two Army National Guard recruiters for the names and Social Security numbers of at least 28 potential Army National Guard soldiers.  Heller further admitted that she used the personal identifying information for these potential soldiers to claim that she was responsible for referring these potential soldiers to join the Army National Guard, when in fact she had not referred them.

As a result of these fraudulent representations, Heller collected at least approximately $44,500 in fraudulent recruiting bonus payments, approximately $21,000 of which she gave to the two Army National Guard recruiters who facilitated the fraudulent scheme.

The charge of bribery carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the monetary gain or loss.  The charge of conspiracy carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the pecuniary gain or loss.
Heller’s sentencing has been scheduled for March 1, 2013, before Chief U.S. District Judge Fred Biery in San Antonio.

The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Edward J. Loya Jr., Brian A. Lichter and Sean F. Mulryne of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section.  The case is being investigated by agents from the San Antonio Fraud Resident Agency of the Major Procurement Fraud Unit, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command.

Operation Deep Freeze main season begins

from Joint Task Force Support Forces Antarctica

10/4/2012 - JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (AFNS) -- The U.S. military recently kicked off the 2012-2013 season of Operation Deep Freeze, the Department of Defense's support of the U.S. Antarctic Program and the National Science Foundation.

The operation began with C-17 Globemaster III operations Sept. 29 and will continue with LC-130 Hercules operations beginning Oct. 18.

Operation Deep Freeze involves U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army and Coast Guard forces providing operational and logistical support of the NSF's scientific research activities in Antarctica.

This support is provided by the Joint Task Force-Support Forces Antarctica, led by Pacific Air Forces at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii. JTF-SFA coordinates strategic inter-theater airlift, tactical deep field support, aeromedical evacuation support, search and rescue response, sealift, seaport access, bulk fuel supply, port cargo handling and transportation requirements.

Christchurch International Airport, New Zealand, is the staging point for deployments to McMurdo Station, Antarctica, a key research and operations facility for the USAP.

Operation Deep Freeze is unlike any other U.S. military operation, according to officials. It is one of the military's most difficult peacetime missions due to the harsh Antarctic environment. The U.S. military is uniquely equipped and trained to operate in such an austere environment and has therefore provided support to the USAP since 1955.

Active duty, National Guard and Reserve personnel from the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army and Coast Guard work together as part of the joint task force. This team continues the tradition of U.S. military support to the USAP and demonstrates the United States' commitment to a stable Pacific region, officials said.

Airlift for Operation Deep Freeze involves active duty and Reserve C-17 support from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.; LC-130 support from the New York Air National Guard; sealift support from the U.S. Coast Guard and Military Sealift Command; engineering and aviation services from U.S. Navy Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command; and cargo handling from the U.S. Navy.

AD Airmen can pass education benefits to dependents

by Debbie Gildea

Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas – More than 86,000 active duty Air Force members have transferred Post 9/11 GI Bill education benefits to dependent family members since the benefit transfer program was implemented in August 2009.

However, many who did so were unfamiliar with the process and ended up in a difficult situation, while others want to transfer benefits but hesitate to do so because of commitments that come with the program.

Understanding how the transfer of education benefits program works starts with understanding who is eligible for Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits, said Master Sgt. Joseph Cummings, AFPC education services advisor.

Anyone on active duty for at least 90 days from Sept. 9, 2011 through today (with honorable service disposition) is eligible for Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits. Benefit amounts vary depending on how long a member served after 9/11, and what kind of education they seek (i.e., undergraduate degree, graduate degree or certification program). Members have 15 years after retirement to use their benefits.

Being eligible for Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits, however, does not mean an Airman is eligible to transfer those benefits.

The Air Force program is tied to retention, so only those on active duty after Aug. 1, 2009 are eligible for TEB. In addition, Airmen must have at least six years of service (active duty and/or selected Reserve) as of the date of election, and they must agree to an additional four-year active duty service commitment, said Cummings.

“We frequently get applications from members who are about to retire, but that could be too late unless you are willing and able to commit to another four years,” said Cummings. “Eligibility is an issue because if you’re approaching your high year of tenure, you may not be able to commit to four more years. Advance planning is critical,” said Cummings.

Eligible members who want to transfer their benefits must also understand the application process and ensure they accomplish required tasks on time.

“Some people thought they applied but they didn’t sign the statement of understanding, so their application didn’t go through. Others didn’t follow through on Total Force Service Center instructions within the 14 day window and their application expired. Some applicants never received their instructions from the TFSC because their email address was wrong,” Cummings said. “When you apply, it’s important that you double check all the information to ensure it’s accurate and follow the instructions you receive from the TFSC. If you don’t get approval confirmation from the TFSC, you may have missed something in the instructions.”

Another common problem occurs for applicants who transfer all of their benefits to a single dependent.

Benefits are transferred in month increments, so an Airman with 36 months of education benefits can transfer all 36 months to a single dependent, equally among all dependents, or only a month to each, as they choose. Then, if something in their life changes, they can adjust the number of months each dependent receives.

“If you transfer all your benefits to one child and that child chooses to not use them for whatever reason, you won’t be able to transfer them to anyone else. Your only option will be to retrieve your benefits and use them yourself, which you can always do later anyway. If you want to make sure one of your dependents can later use the benefit, you probably need to make sure when you apply for the program that you transfer at least one month to each dependent,” Cummings said.

Many Airmen who intend to use the benefit themselves after they retire or separate don’t apply for TEB. In some cases, Cummings said, that has sad consequences.

“We get calls from Mortuary Affairs at Dover (Air Force Base, Del.) sometimes. It’s already a sad situation if Dover’s calling, but it’s really heartbreaking if a member who died didn’t transfer any benefits to a dependent,” he said. “You know, you can always retrieve the benefits for yourself later, but if you aren’t here later, it’s too late to for your dependents to be able to use your benefits.”

Members who transfer benefits and voluntarily separate before completing the four year commitment may have to repay the government for any benefits already used by their dependents, and dependents would not be able to use the remainder of the benefits, so members who plan to separate or retire should carefully consider the implications before applying for TEB. However, TEB is a perfect opportunity for members who plan to reenlist or make the Air Force a career, said Cummings.

“If you’re planning to stay in for the next four years or more anyway, then the active duty service commitment isn’t really a factor,” he said. “Plus, if something happens that prevents you from fulfilling that commitment, like a medical discharge, your dependents will likely still be able to use the transferred benefits and you won’t have to repay the government for benefits they already used.”

Eligible Airmen can apply for TEB through the MilConnect website at www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect, or through the virtual MPF self service actions section, accessible via the myPers website or the Air Force Portal.

“If you decide to apply, remember that all actions including submitting the signed statement of understanding must be accomplished within 14 days of applying. If you don’t complete all actions, your application will be rejected and you will have to start over later,” Cummings said. “And, ADSC dates are not retroactive to the first application attempt, so if you decide to reapply a year later, that’s when your service commitment will begin.”

For more information about the Post 9/11 GI Bill and transferring education benefits, go to myPers at https://mypers.af.mil, and enter “Post 9/11 GI Bill” or “9083” in the search window. Information is also available at the MilConnect Website under the frequently asked questions tab. Potential applicants can also send questions to Cummings and the AFPC education services team at afpc.dpsitedu@us.af.mil.