Spartans host “Paratrooper Experience"

by Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Smith
4-25th IBCT Public Affairs

11/27/2013 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- South-central Alaska community leaders joined forces with paratroopers from the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division for a day of arctic airborne activities Nov. 13 at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

The group of more than 20 Alaska leaders spanned many professions vital to the community including police, city officials, school leaders, and congressional staffs.
The event's coordinator, Army Capt. Matthew Hickey, said the event was to demonstrate the 4-25th IBCT's unique capabilities.

"As our Army's only arctic airborne brigade, we have special resources and equipment that we must use to accomplish our vast array of potential missions," he said. "It's that equipment and resources that we're showcasing to the people who provide it for us."

At the Joint Mobility Complex, the guests watched as Army riggers performed intensive quality-control checks and safety inspections while packing the Army's new T-11 personnel parachutes.

They learned how the Army and the Air Force work closely together to accomplish missions, not only in rapid personnel forced entry, but also in heavy drop operations.
The guests enjoyed taking part in "The Paratrooper Experience" by donning T-11 Parachute harnesses complete with reserve parachutes.

Emphasizing safety, paratroopers performed a complete Jump Master Pre-Inspection for the group to see. The inspection was performed by highly trained airborne professionals who qualified as jump masters after extensive training and selection. After initially donning parachuting equipment, paratroopers underwent a JMPI to check for deficiencies in their secured equipment, overall harness alignment and fit, static line, and fastening devices before preparing to jump.

Dr. Deena Paramo, superintendent for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District, tried on one of the parachutes. She said it was heavy and a little uncomfortable, but was confident in its ability to safely bring paratroopers to the ground.

"I was very impressed with all of the safety checks and the precision that goes into packing the parachutes and getting them on the Soldiers," Paramo said.

"This gives us details about what is happening with our men and women and what they are training to do, and what they do with the training," said Sharon Anderson, Alaska's civilian aid to the secretary of the Army. "We don't really get to see behind the scenes very often."

"It's always great to come back and visit because things change, the barracks, the equipment, and to some extent, the techniques," said retired Army Col. George Vakalis, a 28-year veteran, who is now the city manager with the Municipality of Anchorage.
Paratroopers with the 4-25 said they enjoyed the event because it gave them an opportunity to showcase their abilities. It was also an opportunity to get to know some key Alaskan leaders.

The 4-25th IBCT's commander, Army Col. Matthew McFarlane, said it is important to continue to establish bonds with the Alaska community.

"It was a great event because it provided an opportunity to improve our ties with the greater Anchorage community," McFarlane said. "We were able to educate them on some different aspects of our operations, so they could see the leadership and care that is involved in everything we do."

"It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community and show our airborne capabilities," said Sgt. 1st Class John Young, an operations noncommissioned officer with the 4-25th IBCT.

In addition to "The Paratrooper Experience," the Spartan brigade is involved in several community engagements.

Members of the brigade volunteer in seven schools across the Municipality of Anchorage. The brigade's School Partnership Program enhances community ties while providing close relations with educators and families.

The 4-25th IBCT recently welcomed nursing students from the University of Alaska Anchorage's nursing school to JBER. The students educated paratroopers on domestic violence awareness, prevention, and response as part of their graduation capstone project.

Just before departing for the day, the group joined paratroopers at the brigade's memorial in front of its headquarters for a moment of silence, remembrance, and prayer for the Spartan heroes who lost their lives in defense of America.

Spartan leaders plan to continue community partnerships efforts in the future. Connecting with the community builds closer ties with the greater Anchorage area and educates the community about the brigade's capabilities and priorities as it shifts focus from the global war on terrorism to providing crisis and contingency response forces in support of U.S. interests in the Asian-Pacific region.

Centurion Paratrooper wins Alaska State’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu championship

by Army Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Smith
4-25th IBCT Public Affairs

11/27/2013 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Pfc. Jason Hayden, a paratrooper with B Company, 725th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, took the top spot on the podium at this year's Alaska State Jiu-Jitsu Championship tournament Nov. 2 hosted at the Lumen Christie High School in Anchorage, Alaska.

Hayden won two titles at the tournament by besting the competition in his weight class and by beating out a much heavier fighter in the overall "absolute" category.

Jiu-jitsu is a grappling style of fighting, which emphasizes submission through holds like arm and leg-locks. Jiu-jitsu has been a passion for Hayden since he began training in the sport during his sophomore year in high school at the age of 17.

A native of Owensboro, Ky., Hayden said he knew he had a knack for it jiu-jitsu immediately. After just two months, he was competing in tournaments, winning gold medals in local tournaments along the way.

Hayden competes in the advanced category in the weight class 149 pounds and under. Advanced fighters are purple belt holders and they have four or more years of experience in jiu-jitsu.

Hayden beat out an experienced opponent, who was also undefeated in the Alaska Fighting Championship organization, to win his weight class at the Alaska State Jiu-Jitsu Championships. He then beat out a heavy weight fighter on his way to winning the overall "Absolute" category, which includes any advanced fighter in any weight class.

"I was the smallest guy, and I won," Hayden said.

But, for Hayden, it's not all about winning tournaments.

"Jiu-jitsu is not a sport to me. It's a way of life," he said.

"Jiu-jitsu has helped me so much in my life. It has given me the confidence and the discipline to fight through adversity. It has given me something to work for."

Hayden is also successful in Army Combatives. He has earned qualifications in levels 1 and 2, and has used his skills in jiu-jitsu and Army Combatives to win two tournaments hosted at JBER recently.

"Combatives is my passion. I love teaching it. I love competing. It's my passion."

Hayden is one of three siblings in his family who are competitive fighters.

His oldest brother, Army Spc. Troy Hayden, who is also Combatives level 1 and 2 certified and stationed at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, regularly competes in Army Combatives tournaments at his home station.

Another brother, Josh Hayden, is one of America's best jiu-jitsu competitors. He recently won the North American Trials to go on to Beijing to compete in the largest grappling tournament in the world hosted by the Abu Dhabi Combat Club.

Hayden's dad is very supportive of his sons' efforts and proud of their accomplishments.
"My dad is pretty pumped about it," he said. "He always has pushed us to do sports, play football, run track, and baseball. So, he really likes it that we fight."

Leaders at the Centurion Battalion are also proud of Hayden's drive and accomplishments.
"I don't know anyone who is as determined as he is, and with his skill set and his natural ability, I think he could be top in the world," said Army 1st Lt. Mark Vryhof a platoon leader with B/725th BSTB.

Determined, confident, and focused are words used to describe Hayden's talent and love for jiu-jitsu.

"I like jiu-jitsu most because it is the rawest type of competition," Hayden said. "It's like real combat. Man versus man, and I feel like it's something that human beings have been doing since we've been here on earth. I honestly feel like my body was built to just fight and do jiu-jitsu.

"Whenever I'm training or I'm fighting, or I'm going into a match, it's a life or death struggle. That's the way I look at it."

Yet, with all of his confidence, Hayden finds a way to stay humble and grounded.

"The best way to learn is to get tapped, and know your faults. Be true to yourself, I don't want to get complacent, and feel like, okay I'm the best. I'm not. There is always someone out there better, and I will be training for that good fight."

Hayden will continue to train and look for new opportunities along the way. He plans to do more regional competitions and hopes to join the All Army Team in the future. He also wants to attain level 3 and 4 Army Combatives and become a Modern Army Combatives Program instructor.

Another dream of Hayden's is to compete in the tournament his brother competed in at Beijing, the ADCC world championships. The championships are scheduled to be hosted this time in Brazil in 2015.

"Go to Brazil and compete. That would be the best. That would be a dream," Hayden said."It would be tough, but I feel like I have just as much potential to win as anybody else.
I look at my opponent as another man. He wakes up in the morning like I wake up. He puts his pants on like I do. He eats like I eat. I breathe like he breathes, we're the same. I have the same capabilities of being a world champion as anybody else, so that's how I look at it.
"2015, I'm going to worlds, definitely. I'm going to make it happen."

Alaska and the Pacific rebalance: Top-of-the-line troops at the top of the world

Commentary by Lt. Gen. Russell Handy
Commander, Alaskan Command, Joint Task Force-Alaska, Alaskan NORAD Region, Eleventh Air Force

11/27/2013 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- First, I want to sincerely thank all the Arctic Warriors who were part of our  welcome back to our old Alaska neighborhood.

It is an incredible privilege for JoAnn and me to serve here again, in the Pacific, among many friends and in a place so important to our nation's future.

On that subject, I truly believe this is a very important time to serve in Alaska - isn't it?
Think for a moment: our president has announced a "rebalance" (in effect, a refocusing of our attention) to the Pacific.

If you look at where we sit - literally on top of the world, and directly between the U.S. and the hot spots in the Pacific - it becomes immediately clear just how important you are to the rebalance effort. We are uniquely positioned to "reach out and touch someone" with combat power and rapid mobility in a matter of hours - more so than any other Department of Defense entity.

Fortunately, we have the most capable forces in the nation to meet that challenge - you.
You all operate and maintain the most advanced weapons systems in our inventory and you routinely develop innovative and creative ways to run one of the most complex joint bases in the DoD.

To top that off, you do it in some of the harshest environmental conditions on the planet. I applaud your hard work, your excellence, and your resiliency.

My job is to clearly articulate expectations, give you the tools you need to accomplish your mission, and then listen when you tell me how we can do things better.

Part of this obligation our commanders and I have to you is to ensure you understand our intent and priorities, along with how you fit into the big picture...one or two steps up your chain of command. Each of your units has a mission statement and I hold you accountable for knowing and understanding it.

On a broader scale, I want you to examine how you fit into the overall theater strategy.
We will continue to push information on command intent and priorities to your units for publication on your web sites and social media outlets.

These are tremendous resources for your continued education and understanding of where your team fits into our theater and global mission requirements.

As I get around to visit you and your families, I look forward to talking to you all about this and what I can do to support you.

At the close of World War II, B.H. Liddell Hart concluded, "It should be the duty of every soldier to reflect on the experiences of the past, in the endeavor to discover improvements, in his particular sphere of action, which are practical to the immediate future."

You face incredible challenges and obstacles each and every day - I know that.
As we strive to protect our great nation while simultaneously fighting the fiscal tide, we need courageous leadership at the national level coupled with expert advice, insight, and ideas from the men and women who serve - and that's where you come in. Don't sweat the 'small stuff.'

Your immense talent, positive attitude, creativity and ingenuity will carry the day. Thanks again for what you do every day for America to protect her interests from on top of the world.

Spartans take to the air again with unmanned aerial systems

by Army Staff Sgt. Mark Shrewsbury
4-25th IBCT Public Affairs

11/27/2013 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- The paratroopers of the 425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, launched an unmanned aircraft system on Forward Operating Base Sparta for the first time since 2008 on Nov. 15.
The Spartan Brigade was recently given Federal Aviation Administration clearance to fly UAS on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

The RQ-7 Shadow UAS is a small aircraft operated remotely from the ground by paratroopers assigned to the 425th BSTB. It is approximately 14 feet in length and width but only three feet in height. The aircraft weighs nearly 375 pounds.

The Shadow is launched from a trailer-mounted pneumatic catapult. Once launched, the UAS propels from zero to 81 miles per hour after only 30 feet. It provides real-time video relay via a line-of-sight data link to the ground control station. The UAS is then recovered with the aid of arresting gear similar to the same cable used to stop jets on an aircraft carrier once its mission is complete.

"The launch was actually a test," said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Nicholas Jones, the Spartan Brigade's UAS operations officer and native of Bloomington, Ind. "It was conducted to ensure the validity of the new authorization to fly in the airspace belonging to JBER. While my unit's intent was to be as safe as possible, and not interfere with business being conducted by the various entities around JBER utilizing the airspace, it was necessary to test the process of launching the UAS from FOB Sparta."

Jones said his unit did a communications exercise Nov. 14. The process required paratroopers operating the UAS to call all of the different agencies they would have to notify if they were actually launching. For the COMEX, however, they began the notification by clearly stating they were conducting an exercise.

"All aspects of the exercise went well," Jones said.

He also said the 425th BSTB works with the same UAS as every other unit in the Army despite the extreme winter temperatures.

"The Warrior battalion has one distinct advantage. The paratroopers who control and guide the UAS for the Spartan Brigade are the best at what they do," Jones said.
The UAS will not likely be flown again on JBER this calendar year due to the extreme temperatures in Alaska during the winter.

When flights are conducted, the UAS will stay over JBER and mostly in restricted airspace. A notice to airmen will additionally be published prior to any flights to alert pilots of the presence of UAS in the air.

Dicemen walk in each other’s shoes

by Air Force Staff Sgt. Blake Mize
JBER Public Affairs

11/27/2013 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- An F-22 Raptor squadron on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson has implemented a program designed to help its pilots and maintainers better understand each other's mission.

The 3rd Wing's 90th Fighter Squadron and 90th Aircraft Maintenance Unit recently began an integration program allowing pilots to see what goes into maintaining their aircraft and maintainers to get a sense of what it takes to prepare to fly the technologically advanced fighter.

The first group of maintainers took part in the program Nov. 15.

"We're trying to give them an appreciation for what the [operations] side has to do," said Air Force Capt. Ryan Sivertsen, 90th FS fighter pilot. "All they really see is us stepping out to the jet, taking their jet airborne, bringing it back and that's it. So we're just trying to show them the work that goes into preparing for that flight, what we do to debrief and what our average day is like, just to try to help them gain an appreciation for that full picture."
Sivertsen said the program initially began during a deployment this past summer when pilots got to step into the roles of maintainers.

"It was nice to learn about the different aspects that I don't really see," he said. "I understand that I need this stuff for the system, but I don't really ever get to get my hands dirty and actually change the oil, see how missiles are loaded and things like that. Instead, I just know what to look for. But now, I actually know all the work that goes into getting a fully functional jet."

The goal of the program is to get everyone in the 90th on the same page, the squadron's commander explained.

"The idea is to set up days when 'Dicemen' operations and maintenance personnel can learn about each other's portion of our intertwined mission," said Air Force Lt. Col. Nick Reed, 90th FS commander. "Many times, the lack of cross-talk and understanding, as well as misperceptions, can lead to unnecessary friction. Over the years, I've seen many versions of this idea and they all have merit."

Air Force Col. David Nahom, 3rd Wing commander, was the catalyst for the integration program.

"Colonel Nahom really wanted [operations] and maintenance to try and get to know each other's career field a little better, see how we interact with each other and, hopefully, develop a better working unit, a better fighting force," Sivertsen said.

Because of time and space limitations, the program is reserved for the most outstanding 90th AMU maintainers.

"Today, 10 of our best maintenance personnel, chosen by their supervisors, are receiving mission briefs, getting exposure to the step decision process, looking at aircrew flight equipment gear and getting a look at the [F-22] simulator," Reed said Nov. 15.

The step decision process occurs just before an aircraft is scheduled to take off. Pilots work with maintainers and weather personnel to determine which jet they are flying that day and if weather and mechanical conditions permit them to fly safely.

Sivertsen said although this was the first opportunity the 90th had to carry out an integration day, he hopes more can occur in the futur

Paratroopers rededicate new memorial

by Sgt. 1st Class Jason Epperson
4-25th IBCT Public Affairs

11/27/2013 - JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alasak -- The 1st Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry Regiment, hosted a rededication ceremony for the 1-501st Infantry memorial outside their headquarters on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska Nov. 15.

Members of the 1-501st Infantry removed the sidewalk that passed between the memorial rocks and replaced it with the Geronimo diamond emblazoned with the Geronimo head in the center, said Army 1st Lt. Matthew Carstensen, the narrator of the rededication ceremony, assigned to Headquarters Company.

"The significance of the diamond-shaped memorial is rooted in the battalion's history," Carstensen said. "During World War II, the four regiments under the 101st (Airborne Division) were told to wear one of the four suits from a deck of cards on their helmets to make them easily recognizable on the drop zone after an airborne operation. The 501st used the suit of diamonds, a tradition that is still used today by all paratroopers assigned to the 1st of the 501st. As service members, family members and visitors walk across the diamond, they will be able to see all four memorial rocks facing them towards the center."
Carstensen then explained the significance of the rocks.

"The monument rocks in front of the battalion have stood vigilant as a constant reminder of the sacrifices all Geronimo's have made," he said. "The first rock seated at the front left of the memorial diamond depicts a placard of our first commander, Col. Howard 'Jumpy' Johnson, killed in action during Operation Market garden. This placard and rock represents all the paratroopers from the 501st who have given their lives in defense of this great nation since World War II. The remaining three rocks and placards seated around the diamond represent the ultimate sacrifices made by 26 Geronimos while the battalion was deployed to both Afghanistan and Iraq in support of combat operations during the global war on terror."

After the playing of the national anthem and a brief invocation given by 1 Geronimo's Army Chaplain (Capt.) Matthew Miller, the guest speaker, Command Sgt. Maj Bernie Knight, current senior-enlisted advisor to United States Army Alaska and former Geronimo 7, was introduced.

"Geronimo!" Knight yelled at the paratrooper formation standing in front of him.
"There's nothing more proud to be than a paratrooper, especially a paratrooper serving in the United States Army Alaska. Imagine that. Who would have thought? I know 'Jumpy' Johnson didn't think we were going to be in Alaska jumping into the snow."

Knight talked about Johnson and his accomplishments, notably taking care of his Soldiers.
"He looked out for his paratroopers," Knight said. "He said, 'You don't have to be nuts to jump out of an airplane, but it helps.'"

Knight also acknowledged the hard fact that comes with serving in a time of war.

"To forget those who gave their lives for the defense of our nation, our fellow paratroopers would be ashamed," he said. "This is very important that as your loved ones and friends and family of Geronimo come back here to Alaska, they see that we pay some homage to our fallen comrades that are listed right here on these rocks. "

"When we put the first one out here, we didn't think we would have to put out any more, but the sad truth is, it happens."

Knight concluded with his enthusiasm for his old unit.

"I'm proud to be part of the Geronimos," he said. "I'll always be a Geronimo. It will always be right here and so will these paratroopers that stand before you on these rocks. Geronimo!"

The memorial was designed and painted by two 1-501st Infantry paratroopers.
Spc. Michael Driscoll, a mortar gunner assigned to Comanche Company, who gained recognition for his handy work during the recent deployment to Afghanistan, was approached by his command to paint the unit crest on a diamond measuring roughly 48 feet by 33 feet.

"They asked me if I could do something like this and I said it shouldn't be a problem with my skills in drafting and land surveying," the former land surveyor from Rochester, N.Y., said.

Driscoll enlisted the help of another paratrooper, Spc. Corey Acres, assigned to Headquarters Company, to help with the three-week project, which included a fight against the Alaska elements.

"I helped paint," Acres, a native from Spokane, Wash., said. "He did most of the drafting and we drew it onto the concrete. From there we painted for the next few weeks."

The ceremony was also an opportunity to recognize recent Geronimo achievements.
During the ceremony, Easy Company, 1-501st Infantry was awarded the unit level physical fitness award streamer for having a company Army Physical Fitness Test average of 270 or more.

Two Army National Guard members test Soldier skills against peers

By Sgt. 1st Class Jon Soucy
National Guard Bureau

FORT LEE, Va. (11/25/13) - Two members of the Army National Guard were among those competing to be named the Army's Noncommissioned Officer and Soldier of the Year during the Department of the Army's Best Warrior Competition here.

Sgt. Piero Lopez, a combat medic with the Arkansas Army Guard's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry Regiment competed for Soldier of the Year while Sgt. Anthony Calvi, an infantryman with the Florida Army Guard's Company A, 1st Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment competed in the NCO category.

For Lopez, who was promoted to sergeant in the time after he won preliminary Best Warrior Competitions, the competition was a chance to test his Soldier skills against the best of the Army.
"It's been more of trying to mentally prepare myself for thins next competition," he said. "It's up to a level where pretty much every skill a Soldier has will be tested."

But, going into the competition, Lopez said he had a plan and mindset on how he was going to approach things.

"Every competition I've done I've always had a plan," he said. "I'm always going to be on my toes. I'm going to be prepared for anything. And, I'm just going to do my best and give it my all. It's the last competition I'm going to do, so there's no reason I should be nervous or crack under stress. I'm going to give it my all."

The competition began with the Army Physical Fitness Test and from there competitors were tested on a variety of skills including reacting to indirect fire and a close ambush, casualty care and medical evacuation as well as basic leadership skills and problem solving and the manual or arms among other tasks.

Navigating through each of the event scenarios provided enough challenges on their own, but getting to each station involved traversing a roughly 14-mile course.

"I'm a bit tired and sore," said Calvi after the first day of the two-day competition. "I feel good. I think I've done pretty well. I've talked with the other competitors and everybody seems to be struggling with the same events and excelling in the same events."

Calvi said many of the events were physically demanding, but they were also mentally challenging as well, including several where competitors had to use items like rope and boards to transport items across a certain area.

"They gave you a fire team and you (had) about six different stations where they give you a task and you have to complete it. Whether it was getting a barrel across using a rope and some chain and you have to get it over an objective and there's only so many ways you can do it. You really have to think on your feet and use your team wisely. I really enjoyed that."

For all the competitors, being able to work under stress was key.

"In these competitions, stress is a huge factor," said Lopez. "People under stress will begin to break down."

The key, said Lopez, is to work through that stress by determining what to focus on.

"A lot of times people under stress will just act because of the stress factor, because somebody is yelling in the background," he said. "You have to take a deep breath, think about what you're doing and then make a decision."

And Calvi agreed, adding that many elements at each event such as simulated artillery or people yelling was a way to up the stress factor.

"Going from event to event there was always loud noises or people firing weapons or artillery or sim grenades, but the whole point is to focus and that's what I did," said Calvi. "I just focused on the mission and all of that was just background noise and I was just really focused on getting the mission done."

Calvi added that some of the responses during the scenarios may have been outside of his experiences, but the elements behind the scenario pushed him forward.

"The stress behind it and that motivation to push yourself hard because you're traveling a lot and carrying a lot, that was realistic," he said. "For the competition itself, that did a great job."

The competition also allowed Calvi to further assess his abilities and add items he could pass on to Soldiers in his unit.

"This has shown me all my weaknesses, all my strengths and I can use that to train Soldiers from now on, motivate them and just show them that anyone can get this far and further through dedication and hard work," he said.

And that is the point of the competition, said Lopez, adding that it also built a further sense of being part of a team.

"We're competing against each other but in the end we're all brothers in arms," he said. "At the end of the day I can go back to the barracks and talk to them like they're my brothers. It's one team, one fight in the end."

"Cable Dawgs": Aviano's best-kept secret

by Senior Airman Briana Jones
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

11/26/2013 - AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- To ensure mission success, Airmen must be able to communicate with each other at all times. The cable and antenna shop guarantees communication flows freely from squadron to squadron, flight to flight and Airman to Airman.

Hidden in a back shop behind the Alpine Golf Course, these Airmen are a well-kept secret. You will not find them sitting behind their desks, but rather climbing into manholes.

Known as "Cable Dawgs," cable and antenna maintainers are different than the typical 31st Communications Squadron Airmen. They monitor and analyze performance of buried and aerial cable and antenna networks in support of everyday communications, surveillance systems, weapons storage security and even NATO operations.

While some CS Airmen fix computers or phone issues, reset passwords and unblock websites, "Cable Dawgs" spend their day climbing into multiple man holes to install and maintain communication lines below and at ground level. They are responsible for maintaining the communication infrastructure for networking, telephones.

"People tend to confuse us with the other Airmen in our squadron and with the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron Airmen, mostly because of the equipment that we use," said Staff Sgt. Scott Gingrich 31st Communications Squadron cable maintenance supervisor. "We do not deal with network issues. We install cable from building to building - basically, laying down the groundwork for the 31st CS Airmen."

The most common job "Cable Dawgs" perform is running local area network cable through buildings and fiber optic repair, which can take up to a week to complete.

"If these Airmen and their job did not exist, we would have no way to communicate within the base or to anyone outside the base," said 2nd Lt. Chase Luedeke, 31st CS deputy flight commander. "These Airmen are not afraid to get down and dirty, and we wouldn't be able to get our communications back up without them."

The five Airmen shop maintains more than 20,000 miles of cable fiber throughout the base connecting Team Aviano to 14 geographically-separated units.

"Our work would be contracted out if we did not exist wasting time and a lot of money, therefore we are essential," said Senior Airman Kyle Ragan, 31st CS cable systems journeyman. "If we did not exist either would phone or internet connections. Everything on base is connected through some sort of physical cabling."

Recently, these Airmen helped the Italian Air Force form a new communication infrastructure system. The project helped save $20 million in contracting costs and was completed in just six months instead of the estimated five years.

The specialized skills of "Cable Dawgs" continue to be an essential part of not only Team Aviano's mission, but Air Force operations worldwide.

"Their job ensures that the rest of us can do what we need to do to complete the mission, each and every day," said Luedeke.

Last 'new' Phantom returns to service

by Ashley M. Wright
325th Fighter Wing Public Affiars

11/22/2013 - TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 82nd Aerial Target Squadron received the last of the "new" QF-4 aerial targets Nov. 19 as the Vietnam-era aircraft landed here.

The QF-4, Aircraft 68-0599, spent more than 20 years in the Air Force "Boneyard" at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. before being brought back to life for one last mission.

"It is bittersweet to receive the last QF-4," said Lt. Col. Ryan Inman, 82nd ATRS commander. "This aircraft has served the Air Force and the nation so well for so long. It is truly the end of an era."

The supersonic, reusable QF-4 provides a realistic full-scale target for air-to-air weapons system evaluation, development and testing. The 82nd ATRS will eventually launch the QF-4 on an unmanned flight where it will act as a target for a modern piloted jet. That last mission will provide vital data to American and allied forces.

Since the QF-4 replaced the QF-106 in 1998, more than 300 of the idle planes found a new purpose to continue to serve the Defense Department.

The Phantoms began returning to work after the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group reinstalled the parts to the aircrafts making them serviceable again, according to an April article from the Davis Monthan AFB website.

The next step involved contractors BAE Systems converting the F-4 to the QF-4, which would be flown remotely by highly trained civil service pilots with an average of 4,000 flight hours.

Jeff Percy, BAE Systems director of flight operations, has delivered close to 50 QF-4s in the last four years.

"It is a great flying airplane," Percy said after flying the aircraft into to base. "It was a team effort, and I was happy to deliver the last Phantom to Tyndall."

The teamwork of contractors, civilian and military members contributed to more than 16,000 manned and 600 unmanned QF-4 missions. Ultimately, 250 of the Phantoms succeeded in their missions and been successively destroyed over the Gulf of Mexico and the ranges near Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., with the information gathered going to help warfighters globally.

There are only about 60 QF-4s remaining in the program both at Tyndall and Holloman.

The limited availability of F-4s and the continuing advancement of fighter aircraft such as the F-22 Raptors are forcing a shift to the fourth generation QF-16, a converted F-16 Fighting Falcon that should be ready for use in 2014.

"It is a more fitting end for the F-4 to go out in service instead of rusting in a field," said Vincent Farrell, 82nd ATRS instructor pilot and controller who flew the F-4 during his active duty career.

The U.S. Air Force first flew the F-4 in 1963 with the aircraft seeing first combat in 1965 against North Vietnamese fighters, according to the National Museum of the Air Force Factsheet.

The 82nd ATRS is part of the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group, which falls under the 53rd Wing at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The group provides the personnel and infrastructure to test and evaluate weapons utilized by the combat air forces of the United States and its allies. It operates the only full-scale aerial targets in the DOD.

Face of Defense: Fort Hood Cooks Prepare for Thanksgiving

By Army Sgt. Kimberly Browne

3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division

FORT HOOD, Texas, Nov. 26, 2013 – A day of turkey, cranberry sauce and getting stuffed pretty much sums up Thanksgiving for many soldiers and their families. But before the turkey coma can set in, an average family will typically prepare a turkey or ham, a few pounds of mashed potatoes, a dozen or more dinner rolls and a special delicacy a day or two before Thanksgiving.

However, cooking Thanksgiving dinner for around 700 people takes a tad longer than a couple of days to prepare. With that many people to serve, the Operation Iraqi Freedom Dining Facility, run by 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, began preparations in mid-October for Thanksgiving.

It’s one of the staff’s biggest cooking days of the year.

“This is not just your normal day,” said Army Sgt. 1st Class Curtis Carson, the dining facility’s assistant manager. “It’s a day where we have to prep, to prep, before the prep.”

The dining facility’s staff estimated an average of 700 people would attend Thanksgiving dinner this year. That meant a big food order and some serious cooking would have to take place.

Thanksgiving today has taken on a more modern approach than the original Thanksgiving feast in 1621. The Pilgrims and Wampanoag tribe consumed a variety of dishes including swan, goose, venison, lobster and pumpkin. This year’s Thanksgiving meal here will be based on contemporary family home cooking traditions.

“We ask ourselves, ‘What would Momma fix?’ and that’s what we’ll prepare,” Carson said.

Turkey is the staple for most American Thanksgivings and the dining facility ordered 12 large turkeys, weighing an average of 15 pounds, and 10 smaller, 9–pound birds.

Accompanying the turkeys are 12 hams and two beef steamship roasts. Carson refers to the steamships as “brontosaurus roasts,” because of their size.

“We have to make it like home,” said Carson, a native of Laurel, Md.

The preparation of the meat starts about four days before Thanksgiving Day. The roasts marinate in a top-secret recipe. The turkeys and hams are laid out for thawing while some members of the dining facility’s staff start decorating.

Fall-colored streamers, small cartoon turkeys and other decorations line the dining facility’s walls and hang above the tables.

The preparation of large quantities of conventional side dishes also begins before Thanksgiving.

There are 60 pounds of ingredients used to make rolls. Other popular sides on the menu include 200 pounds of yams, 100 pounds of potatoes, and 80 pounds of shrimp for shrimp cocktails.

And no Thanksgiving meal would be complete without dessert. Pies will be in abundance -- 25 pumpkin and another 25 pecan pies along with cakes, cookies and gallons of punch.

Around-the-clock operations will commence the day before Thanksgiving. Soldiers will make final preparations, finish hanging decorations and begin cooking the meats and side dishes.

Soldiers are split into teams responsible for cooking, for placing decorations, and for preparing a normal breakfast on Thanksgiving morning. Yet another team is on hand for any last-minute details that may come up just before the doors are opened for Thanksgiving lunch.

Senior leadership will be on hand in their Army service uniforms and Stetsons to serve Thanksgiving dinner.

Carson said the goal for the day will be to get the troops as full as can be.

“If we can get these soldiers to unbutton the top button of their pants, then we know we did our job,” he said.

Pave Hawks dodge radar threats

by Airman 1st Class Trevor T. McBride
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

11/26/2013 - ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England  -- In the early morning darkness and below-freezing temperatures of northern England, most people wouldn't be caught outside of their heated homes; however, Airmen from the 56th Rescue Squadron and 748th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron aren't like most people.

In fact, these Airmen spent a week in the elements at Royal Air Force Leeming, England, hustling to prepare 56th RQS pilots for electronic warfare training missions over the RAF Speadeadam test range Nov. 18-22.

"The training is designed to give aircrew the opportunity to train against real radar threats," said Maj. Daran Guas, 56th RQS weapons and tactics chief.

Capt. Sky Jensen, 56th RQS weapons and tactics officer, reflected on the amount of opportunities to participate in electronic warfare training.

"This is my first time in four and a half years of flying helicopters that I have had to chance to do this training," said Jensen.

"It's not unheard-of, but oh man, it's super rare for us," added Guas.

Throughout the week, the 56th RQS employed missions and used tactics to engage potential electronic warfare threats.

Jensen said the most exciting part of the training was watching the junior guys learn and understand why they strategize the ways they do.

Guas praised the work of the support staff that made the 56th RQS mission a success.

"We [pilots] came up here to fight electronic warfare threats, but that doesn't happen in a vacuum," said Guas. "Our maintainers were tireless in their efforts to provide us aircraft every day."

Along with 748th AMXS Airmen, 56th RQS support, intelligence and aircrew flight equipment personnel contributed to the exercise.

"Stuff like this would not be possible without the behind-the-scenes work our [56th RQS] support provides," added Guas.

One AFE staff member spoke on what his job provides.

According to Staff Sgt. Robert Neal, 56th RQS aircrew flight equipment technician, the behind-the-scenes jobs play important roles.

"For example, I provide fully-functional, serviceable gear for the pilots and aircrew members by providing helmets, survival vests, gunner's belts, night-vision goggles or any other equipment they would need to train or fly," said Neal. "Without gear, they can't fly, so this job keeps flying operations up from an aircrew standpoint.

According to Airmen throughout the 56th RQS, the electronic warfare training proved to enhance abilities of all the personnel involved.

"The training has better prepared the 56th RQS to maintain their ability to deploy worldwide, and they are prepared to face any future conflicts," said Jensen.

Air Force wins top honors at international film festival

By Tech. Sgt. Eric Burks, 2nd Combat Camera Squadron

 HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFNS) -- Two Air Force video productions won awards at the 23rd International Defence Film Festival in Rome last week, including the "Grand Prix - Plaque of the President of the Italian Republic” award for best overall production, according to a festival press release.

The “Grand Prix” award went to the “2nd Combat Camera in Action” mission video, while the Air Force also won top honors for the “Hispanic Recruiting" production in the "Promotion" category, both of which were produced by the 2nd Combat Camera Squadron here.

Forty-five productions from 13 nations were judged by an international panel of filmmakers at this year’s festival, organized by the cultural association Eserciti e Popoli (Armies and Peoples).

The awards were presented to a delegate of the American Embassy in Rome, said Italian Maj. Paolo Insalata, the IDFF executive director.

"It's a tremendous honor for the Air Force to earn this distinction," said Maj. Greg Hignite, the 2nd CTCS commander. "Our Airmen are always seeking new and compelling ways to communicate with our force. This recognition solidifies that commitment to their craft."

Adam White, a 2nd CTCS producer and director of the Grand Prix-winning production, said a lot of work went into the project, and the squadron is honored to be recognized at the festival. He went on to say that the goal of the mission video was to demonstrate the squadron’s unique capabilities through creative storytelling, rather than straight documentation.

“I think what’s interesting is the angle that was taken with this video, said Staff Sgt. Michael McCool, a 2nd CTCS broadcaster. “It had a fictional story that was laid out of a scenario that took place."

He added, “It was in all actuality an informative video saying ‘Here’s what we do as a squadron,’ but it did it in a fun, interesting and creative way.”

McCool, who shot much of the footage for the mission video, said, “We enjoy our jobs and we have a passion for it. I think when you watch the video, you see that passion.”

White said that work ethic and pride are evident in all the squadron’s efforts, not just those that result in awards.

“We’re honored to receive this award, and we’re proud of that video,” he said. “But we’re proud of all the work we do here, and so we’ll continue to come in, work hard, and love what we do.”

Face of Defense: Airman Recalls Horrors of Bosnian Conflict

Face of Defense: Airman Recalls Horrors of Bosnian Conflict

By Air Force Staff Sgt. Christopher Hubenthal

99th Air Base Wing

NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev., Nov. 25, 2013 – As a 9-year-old girl growing up in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, now-Air Force Capt. (Dr.) Merima White had everything she needed: friends, family, a wonderful life. Until one day when she lost nearly everything.

White, who is now a 99th Medical Operations Squadron family medicine residency resident physician here, lived through the growing conflict of the Serbian paramilitary forces as they surrounded Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1992.

During the Bosnian conflict, Serb forces bombarded the city with heavy artillery and snipers targeted civilians without hesitation, aiming at schools and hospitals inhabited by the young and the elderly.

"One morning I woke up and the city was surrounded," White said. "There were people shooting at kids and families. I really didn't understand it. I could never understand why people would do that but it happened. And this once Olympic city that was always a popular destination for travelers was reduced to shambles."

White described this era in her life as a time when each and every day was filled with uncertainty.

"You just lived in darkness awaiting the next artillery attack and insurgency," she added.

White was just a young child during the time and didn't quite know what to make of the situation. She recalls having to travel at great risk to obtain basic life essentials.

"I went from this life of what I considered having everything I wanted as a child to not knowing if I was going to wake up the next day," White said. "I remember running 10 miles to get water while evading snipers.

We had to wait for the fog to thicken so the snipers wouldn't pick us off while trying to get food and water,” she continued. “Sometimes you couldn't afford to wait anymore and you would just have to go out to get food and water for you and your family."

For White, this time of her life was about surviving and helping others when she could -- traits her father showcased on a daily basis. During her father's heroic acts he was injured twice.

"The first time was when we were in line to receive milk and bread because we had to shuttle food through the city as the resources were all depleted," White said. "Obviously they would figure out when the lines were forming and they would bomb the lines of kids and families waiting to get food. My father took shrapnel to his legs and was unable to walk for several months."

Despite the injuries to White's father, he immediately sought to help the community as soon as he regained his health.

"As soon as he got back on his feet he was trying to deliver water to families that couldn't get out of the area to get some," White said. "The truck was bombed and he was ejected, falling onto the railroad tracks resulting in a broken neck. We thought he was going to die in three to five days. Miraculously, he regained sensation in his body and Doctors Without Borders who were in the hospital at the time thought that evacuating him to the USA would give him the opportunity to walk again."

According to the Doctors Without Borders official website, the DWB is an international medical humanitarian organization created by doctors and journalists in France in 1971. The organization is committed to bringing quality medical care to people in crisis regardless of their race, religion or political affiliation.

White's family took the recommendation to heart and made preparations to evacuate the city.

"For us to get out of the city we had to go through enemy territory," White said. "The Air Force at that time was flying in and dropping off humanitarian aid. It was towards the tail end of the war, December 1994, and we had to get to the airport to get out of the city. The only way to do that was to get help from the United Nations."

Despite the U.N.'s willingness to help, the situation presented dangers.

"We had to sign a paper that stated that if we were pulled over we would be handed over for execution," White said. "It was a scary thought because we knew that if we did get pulled over it wouldn't just be an execution. There were concentration camps and all sorts of horrific acts took place there. Thankfully we made it to the airport safe and sound and were able to board a plane."

In 1994, White and her family traveled from Bosnia-Herzegovina to Germany, Maryland, Texas and finally to Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.

White remembers her stop in Maryland the most. During one of the scariest times of her life, she experienced kindness of strangers that she had never witnessed before.

"I will never forget the kindness of people," White said. "There were airmen that stayed and played cards with me. I didn't speak any English and I was really scared. It was New Year’s Eve and I was still a kid so I was wandering the hallways with airmen who were trying to entertain me. It was the most human kindness from strangers that I had ever seen and it really made an impact on my life."

The treatment which the airmen provided White upon her family's arrival was part of the reason she decided to join the Air Force.

"I wanted to give back to the amazing men and women who helped me and my family, and to be a part of something that great is amazing," White said.

Through her experiences, White formed her own idea of what defines a warrior.

"Living a life of a warrior is working to preserve our way of life," White said. "We don't just fight for ourselves but we fight for the freedom that this nation provides. To keep our warriors healthy is to keep our entire nation healthy and safe."

White now works within the Family Medicine Residency Program at Nellis where she aims to give back to the men and women of the Air Force that helped her and her family nearly two decades ago.

Air Force focuses on nuclear security, operations

by Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

11/26/2013 - GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The Air Force's nuclear mission continues to have the attention of leaders across the discipline, the Air Force chief of staff said here yesterday.

Gen. Mark A. Welsh III categorically stated that he is not worried about the surety and security or the operational capability of the Air Force's nuclear force.

"It's fine," Welsh said during an interview.

This does not mean he is satisfied.

"I think you have to worry about the morale of your Air Force every day," Welsh said. "It's a tough business and we do it in some tough areas. The nuclear business is a very difficult job."

Welsh's first trip as chief of staff last year was to visit the Air Force units that maintain the nation's intercontinental ballistic missiles -- one third of America's nuclear triad.

"If you go to our nuclear bases, the great majority of our people are really proud of what they do and how they do it," he said. "They know how important they are to the nation."

The 20th Air Force -- the unit charged with the nuclear mission -- had worked diligently to improve readiness and capabilities of these units.

"The trend lines were moving in the right direction, but not as quickly as people wanted," Welsh said.

Leaders at Air Force Global Strike Command and the 20th Air Force spent years restoring an Air Force-wide focus on the nuclear business.

"I think that had gained a lot of traction in the process," the general said. "But they weren't satisfied with the speed of the process."

Commanders needed to look at all the signals to ensure the process is moving in the right direction. A team from Global Strike Command came in to look at the situation, build terms of reference and create a long-term plan to do better, Welsh said.

His question to the commanders was "Why wait?"

He brought in a team from the Rand Corporation to assess the situation and look at short-term improvements that could be made. That study would be briefed all the way up the chain of command to the chief of staff and to the Air Staff.

All the studies found that the nuclear program is on track and moving forward, the general said.

The trend lines on behavior and discipline are positive.

"I was looking at [the number of] Article 15s for the commands this year and the rate in 20th Air Force is below the Air Force average," he said.

Are there problems? Yes, Welsh said. But they are being dealt with.

"You are always going to have people when you are in tough climates, doing tough work, who are frustrated by little things -- the heater doesn't work in the truck, it's a 16-hour day once you figure in travel time and so on," he said. These and many other aspects are being studied and dealt with.

No one in the Air Force is ignoring anything about the nuclear force, Welsh said.

"To my mind, the fact that people get disciplined is actually a good thing," he said. "The fact that we have commanders saying, 'Yes, I know it's not a failing grade but it's not good enough for me,' is a good thing. This indicates there are commanders who are engaged and proactively seeking to improve performance."

Welsh said it is not just commanders taking ownership of the mission, but also supervisors and senior leaders on the officer and enlisted side.

"There are problems, but there are a lot of good things happening out there that we need to pay attention to," he said.

Farewell Q&A with AFGSC command chief

by Staff Sgt. Brigitte N. Brantley
509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

11/25/2013 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- The command chief of Air Force Global Strike Command visited Whiteman Nov. 14 to 16 to share his 28 years of experience and expertise with fellow Airmen one final time as a command chief.

Chief Master Sgt. Brian Hornback, an aircraft maintainer by trade who joined the Air Force in 1985 and plans to retire in early 2014, spent the majority of his career supporting bomb units around the world.

He sat down recently for some final words to the base where he served as command chief from 2007-2009 after being hired by the then-commander of the 509th Bomb Wing, Brig. Gen. Greg Biscone.

Why did you start your farewell tour here at Whiteman?
It was important for me to start the journey here because this is where I began my command chief journey. General Biscone hired me on in 2007 to be the "Mighty 509th" command chief and this place has always been special to me, like home to me. My youngest daughter was born here, so I had to come home to start the trip.

What will you remember most about Whiteman and the Airmen here?
Whiteman has so many memories. What resonates and what has always really stuck with me about Whiteman is everybody here is so professional. Even our worst Airmen are better than some of the best Airmen at other locations, and I've been around the world. There's something special about what the Mighty 509th is. Maybe it's the long history we have, and maybe every Airman recognizes their part in it.

Most of your career was spent supporting bomb units. As your career comes to an end, what effect do you hope you've left on the Air Force Global Strike community?
There are a couple things I learned along the way and a couple words that go with it that I will never define. One is whether I made a difference and two is whether or not whatever I did was successful. The Airmen of AFGSC own that definition. I can only hope I made a difference. I can only hope the efforts we went forward as a team to work on turn out successfully. That's all I can ask. I'll leave that up to you to define whether or not I made a difference or had some successes.

What are your future plans?
We walked into a great opportunity in the Bossier/Shreveport (La.) area. I got a great job, I'm going to run operations for a local company. It's kind of cool, they're in six states and one of them happens to be Missouri, so I'll have opportunities to come back here in a different capacity. We're going to grow old and shoot archery as a family in Louisiana.

Will you stay involved with the Air Force? If so, how?
Because I'm staying in the area, for my first year, I think I am going to pull back and allow my replacement to do what they do. Eventually, I will be back involved in any way, shape or form I can. When I hit my second retirement, my plan is to volunteer at whatever installation I'm close to, whether it's at the pharmacy or the Airman and Family Readiness Center, someway to be in touch with Airmen.

What are your final words of advice to Airmen everywhere?
Enjoy your career. Make it one that when you look back on it, you go, "Wow." Nothing stops you, only you. You said yes once, and that's when you enlisted. Don't ever stop saying yes because on the other side of yes comes something that you have no clue what it's going to be about, but I can guarantee you that it will be exciting. Just enjoy it.