180th FW conducts realistic combat training in LA

by Staff Sgt. Williams
180th Fighter Wing

2/8/2014 - NEW ORLEANS, La.  -- Approximately 220 Airmen from the 180th Fighter Wing deployed to Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, New Orleans, La., Jan. 13 for a two-week for a training exercise with the 159th Fighter Wing, Louisiana Air National Guard.

The main purpose of this exercise is for fighter pilots to train with dissimilar or different airframes.

Imagine four Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft against six Air Force F-15 Screaming Eagles aircraft. The outnumbered F-16s have a designated location to protect from the air while the F-15s come in from all angles to destroy it.

"It is complicated, yet simple at the same time," said 1st Lt. Phil Messer, a recent graduate from F-16 pilot training at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. "The complicated part of this is how far do we want to venture out away from the target to identify an aircraft or employ weapons against them, which leaves ourselves vulnerable to someone coming in from the side or below."

This is a challenging mission for the F-16 as it is a multi-role fighter taking on the F-15 which specializes in air-to-air missions.

"Someone is always looking high and someone is always looking low," said Messer.

The F-15 is considerably larger than the F-16 and its size alone gives the F-15 superior radar and the ability to fly at higher altitudes.

"They can come in at 40,000 feet, really high and really fast and it doesn't give us a lot of time to make decisions and employ weapons against them," Messer explained.

While fighter jets are known for their dog-fighting capabilities and basic fighting maneuvers, in this exercise the best defensive tactic is distance.

"If we get to a point where we can actually see an Eagle or an enemy for this exercise, something has gone wrong to the point were actually risking the jet and our lives," said Messer. "We try to employ as far away as we can to push them back. That range is pretty much a defensive maneuver in and of itself."

"The training we see here is more realistic to what one would see in combat because we are fighting an aircraft that is about the size our adversaries would be," said Maj. Greg Barasch, an F-16 pilot and Project Officer for the 180th FW. "There are pros and cons to both aircraft."

Despite the F-15's stronger radar, F-16s can see the Eagles from farther away than Eagles can see Falcons. The F-15 has two engines which provide more thrust power than the F-16, but the F-16s can be more maneuverable with their faster turn rate.

During exercises such as this, the attacking forces, called red air, can regenerate on-site within minutes after a simulated missile hit. The defenders, referred to as blue air, are required to fly back to base after being hit with a simulated missile.

"Six red air fighters could turn into thirty or more hostile forces within a matter of half an hour," said Barasch.

This allows the blue air team to gain a real-time understanding of multiple threats and readjust strategy and technologies as they would in real-world combat situations. The Eagles and the Falcons reverse the roles of blue and red air throughout the exercise. Half of the sorties are blue, half are red for each unit.

Behind the scenes, two designated pilots from each unit act as range training officers observing the "war" in real-time "God's-eye view" from large screens. It is their job to manage the whole exercise while it takes place. RTOs access which pilots have fired simulated missiles and the aircraft that will be shot down. After each sortie, the pilots can playback the view and meticulously critique each other to analyze what went wrong and what they could have done better. Each pilot can visually see what they need to improve on, similar to how a football team can review plays and evaluate to make adjustments.

Barasch explained that failure is anticipated in these types of training environments. This type of training allows the pilots to hone and maintain their skills because failing is not an option in real-world events.

"The training has been invaluable and we are a better squadron," said Barasch. "We have a lot of upcoming training exercises and I know we are going to be set up for success because of all the time that went into putting this together."

116th ACW Guardsmen receive a host of honors

by Master Sgt. Roger Parsons
116th ACW, Public Affairs

2/11/2014 - ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- More than 70 Georgia Air National Guard members from the 116th Air Control Wing were honored on Feb. 9 for their accomplishments, heroism and sacrifice during a ceremony at the Museum of Aviation.

Air Force Maj. Gen. James Butterworth, adjutant general, Georgia National Guard, presided over the events including the Hometown Heroes Salute awards; presentation of the 116th Air Control Wing's 17th Air Force Outstanding Unit Award; the Georgia Medal of Valor; the Georgia Meritorious Service Medal; and a workplace safety award.

"Hometown Heroes is what the National Guard is all about," said Butterworth. "It starts with some of our core values; integrity first, service before self and striving for excellence in every single thing we do."

Hometown Heroes Salute award recipients and their families were recognized for their support of contingency operations for more than 30 consecutive days across the globe since the terrorist attacks on 9/11.

In total, more than 900 Airmen from the 116th Air Control Wing have received the Hometown Heroes award since the program started in 2009.

"I couldn't be prouder of the men and women who've served with such distinction and met the challenges at home and abroad during the time of our highest operational tempo," said
Col. Kevin Clotfelter, commander, 116th Air Control Wing.

As a testament to the accomplishments of the 116th, Clotfelter accepted the 17th Air Force Outstanding Unit Award from Butterworth; giving the wing more AFOUAs than any other Air National Guard unit.

The day's events also showcased individual acts of valor carried out by four Guardsmen on the domestic front whose efforts saved the lives of fellow citizens.

Senior Airman Joey Defore, a graduate of Northside High School in Warner Robins, Ga., and a member of the 128th Airborne Command and Control Squadron, received the Georgia Medal of Valor. Defore rescued six children and two adults from an overturned school bus after it slid into a ditch and rolled onto its side in Warner Robins, Aug. 15th, 2013.

"I reacted the way I did because of my own children and it's the right thing to do," said Defore. "If this were my children I would want someone to do the same thing for them."

Three Airmen from the 116th Security Forces Squadron performed CPR; saving the life of a passenger, while aboard a flight in route to pre-deployment training.

For embracing the true Minuteman spirit, the Georgia Meritorious Service Medal was presented to Master Sgt. Richard Ross, and Tech. Sgts. Dominick Andrews and Timothy White.

"Our skills were already honed from our self-aid and buddy care and the pre-deployment training we receive from the Georgia Air National Guard," said Andrews. "As soon as we heard help, we went."

Capping off the day, Maj. Gen. Thomas Moore, assistant adjutant general, Georgia Air National Guard, presented Lt. Col. Rich Ulmen, commander, 116th Maintenance Squadron, the Labor of Excellence Award for exceptional workplace safety. It was the squadron's third safety award for achieving 2,385 shifts without a workday loss.

Community, Guard leaders salute local hometown Airmen

by Airman 1st Class Shane Karp
177th Fighter Wing

2/12/2014 - GALLOWAY, N.J.  -- Military leaders, family, friends and elected officials applauded at least 115 Airmen from the Atlantic City Air National Guard Base here Feb. 9 for their military service overseas.

The Air National Guard's Hometown Heroes Salute ceremony held at Absegami High School recognized those who deployed for more than 30 consecutive days since 9/11 as well their families and "personal centers of influence" who supported them.

"It felt great for my parents to be able to see me acknowledged for my commitment," said Senior Airman Monica Rivera, a fabrications specialist from the 177th Fighter Wing.

Rivera spent four months at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, and other Airmen involved in the ceremony deployed for similar overseas contingency operations, to include Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

Airmen were awarded a cherry-wood encased letter of appreciation signed by the Air National Guard's director and command chief, enclosed with a commemorative coin.

Brig. Gen. Robert C. Bolton, commander of the New Jersey Air National Guard, spoke at the event and thanked the Airmen as well as their families.

"We couldn't do our job, and quite frankly, our nation couldn't accomplish its objectives, without their support," said Bolton.

Spouses received an engraved pen and pencil set and medallion, and each child received engraved dog tags.

Laughlin Airman saves two from crash

by Airman 1st Class Jimmie D. Pike
47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

2/6/2014 - LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- "I am an American Airman...," He started, pointing to the last paragraph of the Airman's Creed. "...I will never falter and I will not fail. The last part of the Airman's Creed is why I do not consider myself a hero."

On Jan. 29, while on leave, Tech. Sgt. Shane Buss, 47th Flying Training Wing Equal Opportunity acting director was called upon to help rescue two civilians after their truck lost control and crashed near Pinto Creek on the west side of Bracketville, Texas.

"I did what I think most people in my shoes would've done; helped," said Buss. "I had just picked my kids up from school and was heading home when I saw the truck beside the creek. I immediately pulled over, told my kids to stay put and got to the scene of the wreckage."

Buss, who had previously been a first responder before joining the Air Force, assessed the situation quickly and began to take action.

"The truck was smashed up pretty good, especially on the passenger side," Buss said. "I had to leg press the driver side door open far enough for us to pull the driver out so we could focus on the passenger. The driver was definitely doing better than the passenger, but still really bad."

In a matter of minutes after arriving, Buss had helped he driver out of the truck who was then put in a safe and comfortable position so he would not hurt himself further. Then Buss jumped through the back window of the truck to help the passenger.

"The passenger was on the side with the most damage and had a few broken bones along with other injuries," said Buss. "He was also pinned so the Fire Department would have to use the Jaws of Life (a hydraulic rescue tool used by emergency rescue personnel when extricating crash victims) to get him out. I held his head like a C-Spine to make sure he wouldn't hurt himself and talked to him to calm him down and take his mind off of the accident."

Buss started by testing the passenger's short term memory by asking him if he knew where they were.

"After a few failed questions relating to short term memory, I focused on his long term," said Buss. "I got his name and where he was from, which was good."

The paramedics arrived and continue to assess the passenger's condition. Shortly after the Fire Department arrived and was ready to use the Jaws of Life.

"For the Fire Department to use the Jaws of Life, the windows needed to be busted out," said Buss. "One of the firemen gave me a blanket to put over the passenger to keep from glass shards hitting him. I put it over him and turned my face away from the window to protect myself from the glass. I wasn't worried about myself, because it was all about the passenger at this point."

Soon after the passenger was free and into the hands of the paramedics, Buss helped Bill Conoly, Rio Grande Electric Cooperative, Inc. loss control coordinator, with some of the details and gather photos of the accident.

"Buss was definitely a huge help that day," said Conoly. "He helped me in every way he possibly could after the injured were taken care of. We appreciate his help. Due partly to him, the driver and passenger of the truck are doing ok."

The appreciation for Buss' help doesn't end with the Rio Grande Electric company.

"Buss' actions are indicative of his training, competency, and most importantly, his character," said Col. Joshua Lechowick, 47th FTW director of staff. "We are extremely proud of what he's done and are thankful that he was there when someone was in need."

As Buss is recognized for his good deed, he knows the event was more than an opportunity to save lives.

"For me it's not about being recognized a hero," said Buss. "It's about being a great Airman, a good leader and a role model for my children."

Airmen visit Air Force Enlisted Village

by Airman 1st Class Stephanie Englar
14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

2/7/2014 - COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- It was a chilly weekend in the Florida Panhandle. With temperatures near freezing, 21 Columbus Air Force Base Airmen traveled to the Air Force Enlisted Village in Shalimar, Fla. Jan. 24 to meet the widows living there and help them with a range of tasks around their homes.

Armed with a variety of tools from axes to brooms, the "honey-doers" helped the residents with tasks such as flipping mattresses, downsizing clutter, rearranging furniture and gardening.

"What an amazing trip," said Airman 1st Class Ethan Sundquist, 14th Operations Support Squadron, who went on the trip. "Never before have I been able to help so many retired veterans or widowed spouses from our military forces."

Sundquist continued by saying, "Over the weekend, volunteers from Columbus AFB went to AFEV near Eglin AFB, Fla. to help the residents by doing tasks that may be more than they can do by themselves. While doing these tasks, myself and other young airmen were told countless stories from love, heartache, leadership and several other valuable lessons that these marvelous people have experienced. This, by far, has been one of the most enriching experiences I have ever had the privilege of doing."

The Airmen received the opportunity to hear stories from the residents about the Air Force decades ago along with the jobs the widows and/or their husbands held.

"A cool experience from the trip was when I shared dinner with several of the residents I helped earlier that day," said Sundquist. "They told me stories from all across the world; everything from taking photos during the first World War to everything their husbands had done to serve their country. After the night started to settle down the ladies told me how much they appreciated everything we had done for them that day. This was truly the most humbling feeling I have ever felt since I started serving in the Air Force."

"The residents we interacted with are still talking about our visit, so we definitely made an impression on them!" said Chief Master Sgt. Vance Kondon, 14th Flying Training Wing Command Chief. "The residents often see service members from closer bases, but for a group to come from nearly seven hours away hasn't happened before."

Kondon said that while he felt it positively impacted the residents, the real impact took place on the Airmen.

"The interactions between differing generations, and the stories shared of sacrifice and service from when our Air Force was in its infancy and in a time of world war were priceless," said Kondon. "Our Airmen all began with a sense of what "service before self" means, but this experience of volunteering at the Village helped open up the aperture a little more on what it means to serve something larger than ourselves."

The AFEV is a non-profit organization; donations to groups such as the Air Force Assistance Fund go to support the organization.

"The AFAF is the official charity of the Air Force," said Chief Master Sgt. James Binnicker, the president and CEO of the Air Force Enlisted Village since March 2000. "There are four entities inside that fund, and we are very fortunate to be one of them."
"So thanks to the generosity of the Airmen throughout the Air Force that donate to the Air Force Assistance Fund that helps sustain the residents out here for the rest of their lives," said Binnicker. "The money doesn't go to salaries, construction or anything but the widows."
According to their website, The Air Force Enlisted Village was founded in 1967 after the Air Force Sergeant's Association conducted a survey and found that over 50,000 widows of enlisted men were living in poverty. AFEV was recognized as an official Air Force charity in 1973. Support through the Air Force Assistance Fund was granted that same year and those donations are earmarked specifically for widows in need.

"I just want to thank the Airmen from Columbus for coming down," said Binnicker. "To make a commitment to come down as a group, it says a lot about the esprit de corps of the Airmen at Columbus AFB. It speaks to the leadership, and I'm just overwhelmed- I just can't say thank you enough."

Reserve F-22 fighters begin move to Tyndall

by Tech Sgt Shawn McCowan
301st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

2/12/2014 - NAVAL AIR STATION FORT WORTH JOINT RESERVE BASE, Texas -- The 301st Fighter Wing's geographically-separated 44th Fighter Group moved began their move to Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. The first five F-22 Raptors made the journey to their new home February 5.

The Raptors had been assigned to Holloman AFB, N.M. They are part of the historic 301st Fighter Squadron, one of four squadrons which trace their heritage to the Tuskegee Airmen. While they remain assigned to the 301st Fighter Wing, they will be integrated with an active-duty sister unit, the 95th Fighter Squadron, part of Tyndall's 325th Fighter Wing.

The transition is a part of the Total Force Integration concept, combining active duty and reserve units. Together, the 301st FS and 95th FS support Air Combat Command missions. Fort Worth's 301st FW recently gained an active-duty fighter detachment and established itself as a flagship for TFI.

Col. John Breazeale, 301st FW commander, expressed high confidence in his Airmen as they integrate into one new team.

"The 301st Fighter Wing has a track record of successful TFI associations. We look forward to the transition to Tyndall and partnering with the 325th Fighter Wing to deliver the world's greatest air superiority Airmen to combatant commanders," said Breazeale.

Breazeale also knows his Airmen will add a new level of experience at Tyndall.

"Our fighter group there has a great team of professionals. The integration is off to a great start and we have great support from 325th leadership. Everyone is focused on meeting the training and combat mission of the 325th together."

Lt. Col. Andrew Lyons, 301st FS commander, called it a "point of pride" to see his people and aircraft side-by-side with their new teammates.

"We look forward to an opportunity to be fully integrated with the 325th Fighter Wing and focus on teamwork and partnership with our active duty brothers and sisters. We continue to integrate with the aim to become fully operational in the near future," said Lyons.

The transfer of all 24 aircraft is expected to be complete by April, and the combined unit is scheduled to be combat-ready a few months later.

Association of Air Force Missileers visits Vandenberg Air Force Base

by unattributed
381st Training Group

2/12/2014 - VANDENBERG AFB, Calif.  -- Following the Martin Luther King Day holiday weekend, members of the Association of Air Force Missileers made a pilgrimage back to Vandenberg Air Force Base to explore their nuclear roots at the 381st Training Group. The delegation included: the executive director of AAFM, retired Col. Charlie Simpson, former 20th AF Commander, Maj. retired Maj. Gen. Robert Parker, the first female intercontinental ballistic missile operations crewmember and squadron commander, retired Col. Patricia Fornes, retired Chief Master Sgt. Michael Kenderes, retired Chief Master Sgt Bob Kelchner and the Honorary 532nd Training Squadron Commander and ICBM Poet Laureate, Mr. Robert Wycoff.

The AAFM delegation started their historic trip by visiting with group and squadron leadership. New organizational missions, integration of ICBM maintenance and operations training and several exceptional training innovations were highlighted. AAFM members also toured Air Launch Cruise Missile facilities, Missile Procedures Trainers, other maintenance training facilities, and the 576th Flight Test Squadron to examine the evolution of ICBM training and operations over the last several decades.

The delegation spent considerable time interacting with both students and instructors at two professional development forums. During the inter-generational exchanges, past and present nuclear professionals shared experiences from their time in uniform and discussed differences in the ICBM operational and technical training environments. Parker commented on one theme that has stood the test of time, "never let your standards slip, because once you do, it is always hard to get them back." The delegation was incredibly impressed with the quality of training and equipment utilized, "The Nuclear Enterprise is in great hands," stated Simpson.

The day's events culminated with an open meeting of the local AAFM chapter. Simpson gave a presentation on the history and goals of AAFM, "AAFM exists to ensure the proud heritage of all missileers, both maintainers and operators, is celebrated and preserved." By the end of the meeting, AAFM was successful in recruiting a number of new members for their missileer professional society.

At the conclusion of the visit, Simpson stated the objectives of their visit were met with flying colors. "AAFM has always celebrated those who serve in missiles, from the very start more than 50 years ago, through today, representing some of the best the Air Force has to offer. The young men and women we met during our two days at Vandenberg, both in the training arena and those in the 576th Flight Test Squadron stand at the top of that list. There is absolutely no doubt that we are doing a superb job in preparing new missileers for their critically important jobs."

Guard Units Prepare for Possible Widespread Storm Operations

From a National Guard Bureau News Release

ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 12, 2014 – National Guard personnel from Alabama through Pennsylvania and the Northeast were gearing up for duty today due to predicted ice and snow storms.

In Georgia, where ice and a snowfall paralyzed Atlanta earlier this month, troops were ready for such possible missions as removing debris and assisting stranded motorists.

Snow was to start tonight in the Middle Atlantic, including Washington, D.C., Maryland and Pennsylvania, and then spread northward into tomorrow night. The weather service said snow may continue in portions of New England before ending later Feb. 14.

The Virginia National Guard has been authorized to bring up to 300 soldiers, airmen and members of the Virginia Defense Force on state active duty. The Virginia Guard plans to stage personnel at readiness centers along the I-81 corridor and in the Central Virginia area along Route 29, I-64 and I-95 to be ready to support potential response missions.

The alert process to notify personnel to report for duty has begun, and they are scheduled to be in place by late afternoon to respond if needed, officials said.

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency yesterday, an action that authorizes state agencies to be ready to assist local governments in responding to the storm.

In declaring a state of emergency, the governor authorizes state agencies to identify and position resources for quick response anywhere they are needed in Virginia and allows the Virginia National Guard to begin alerting and staging forces. Other states in the projected path of the storm have taken similar action.

Potential missions for the Virginia Guard and Virginia Defense Force include assisting stranded motorists, transportation of healthcare professionals and the seriously ill to medical treatment facilities, transportation of personnel or equipment to potential heating or sheltering locations and downed tree removal, said Army Col. James Zollar, director of joint operations for the Virginia Guard.

"We need to get our personnel and equipment staged at key locations before the severe weather hits so we can rapidly respond when we are needed," he said.

(Cotton Puryear of the Virginia National Guard and Steve Marshall of the National Guard Bureau contributed to this story.)

Team Fairchild shows it's heart for young cancer fighter

by Senior Airman Mary O'Dell
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

2/11/2014 - FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash.  -- London Bowater, daughter of Tech. Sgt. Nick Bowater, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape instructor, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in February 2011. Just over three months away from completing treatment, her family received devastating news her cancer had returned.

Childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow and is the most common type of cancer in children, according to the National Cancer Institute.

This New Year's Eve, after a routine bone marrow draw, the doctors called London's parents to tell them they didn't have good news.

"We were completely side-swiped by the news," said Shelby Bowater, London's mother. "We didn't know what to expect next."

Shortly after being hospitalized and beginning treatment again, doctors informed 7-year-old London and her family she would need a bone marrow transplant.

"Since she was not quite finished with her treatment originally, she was assessed at an intermediate risk for the cancer to return," said Shelby. "Because of this, they told us a transplant was the most reliable way of treatment."

London's doctors began consulting with others in Seattle, where the transplant would have to take place. Since no match has yet been found in the national registry for bone marrow, they are currently looking into matching cord blood stem cells.

According to the American Cancer Society, cord blood is a small volume of blood with a high number of stem cells that tend to multiply quickly. However, due to the lower amount of stem cells, this source is limited to small children, although doctors are looking at different ways to use these transplants in larger adults.

Immediately after finding out London was in the hospital and needed a bone marrow transplant, Amanda Larson, London's kindergarten teacher, came up with the idea to host an event at Michael Anderson Elementary School to raise money for the Bowater family.

"I knew they would need additional support with traveling back and forth and staying in Seattle," said Larson. "I had to do something; I couldn't just sit and wait to see what would happen."

It instantly became a group effort with many people stepping up to help in the preparation, set up and gathering of donations, along with clean up.

"Kathy Shellebarger, London's current first grade teacher, and I really teamed up to the leads," said Larson. "Julie Pillard, MAE's Parent Teacher Organization president, took on t-shirt design and sales, Tricia Attrill gathered donations and volunteers. So many MAE staff members and Fairchild family members came together to pull of an amazing event, we cannot thank them enough."

Larson said the benefit was an outstanding success with each of the 158 items put up for auction receiving bids and 100 percent of the proceeds going directly to the Bowater family.

"The amount of support we received during the first years of London's treatment was amazing," Shelby said. "Knowing we will still have that kind of support during all of this means so much to us. We are very lucky to have our Fairchild family around during these tough times."

Larson, along with the many Bowater supporters, is working with the C.W. Bill Young Department of Defense Marrow Donor Program to bring a swabbing event to Fairchild in hopes to find a match for London.

Face of Defense: Airman Recalls His Early Life in Cuba

By Air Force Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Wilson

U.S. Air Forces in Europe

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany, Feb. 12, 2014 – Poverty can be tragic, but sometimes there are greater injustices one must endure.

A member of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band here knows that firsthand.

"Ever since I can remember, we were trying to get out of Cuba," Air Force Staff Sgt. Lencys Esteban-Nunez said. "It is one of the saddest things that happened there; it is not the poverty - there is poverty everywhere in the world. It is how you can get into somebody's head and sort of own their thoughts. That to me, even as a young man, was something I couldn't stand for."

Esteban-Nunez emigrated from Cuba to the United States with his mother when he was 15. Throughout his transition, one constant has –been part of his life: the saxophone.

The school system in Cuba, he explained, is similar to that of the Soviet or Chinese system, in that the government attempts to determine a career path for children in their early youth. After auditions, children who are accepted into a music program attend schools with an intense curriculum tailored to teach them their new craft.

"If you're a violin or a piano player, you have to start in third grade,” he said. “If in fourth grade you decided you want to play piano, it's too late -- no school is going to take you. For saxophone, it was fifth grade."

The staff sergeant said he fell in love with the saxophone at a very young age. The smooth curves of the instrument and the way every pearl-embossed button caught the light on a darkened stage attracted him immediately. The instrument's sound range from bright, wailing screams to the warm tones of a smoky jazz lounge spoke to him. He had to play this instrument, and play it better than anyone else.

But this decision didn't come witout sacrifice for the young student. Because public transit was so unreliable, Esteban-Nunez said, he often hitchhiked on everything from boats and horse-drawn carriages to bicycles and cars to get across town to school. But despite the obstacles, he added, he was successful with his studies.

"From ninth grade to 10th grade, that's when they draw the line and they say who is going to actually be a musician," he said. "That school year, for every saxophone player in Havana, there were four slots. Everybody else who plays saxophone wasn't going to continue with a saxophone education. I was one of the lucky four. I made it into the one slot in the National School of Arts."

Less than a year into his education there, Esteban-Nunez said, he and his mother emigrated.

"The simple part is that she got married and we moved, but it was quite complicated," he said. "There was a lot of paperwork that needed to be done, and there was a lot of money that needed to be paid to the state of Cuba."

Esteban-Nunez was close to the age for military service conscription. However, the Cuban government was known to draft men early if they were suspected of wanting to leave the country.

"They came to sign me up, [and] my grandma said I wasn't at home, even though I was," Esteban-Nunez recalled. "I was leaving the next week. I had everything in order and ready to go, and they came to put my name on the list. That was a close call. I almost didn't make it out."

Once he arrived in America, he started his new life in Denver. He brought more than enough credits with him from Cuba to graduate at an American high school, but he still didn't speak English. He completed school with his age group, concentrating on music and polishing his English for college.

"It was good that I did it, but it wasn't even close to where it needed to be," Esteban-Nunez said about his English. "When I got to college, I got my butt kicked. I had to do extra study hours in every class that was not music-related, because it was very, very hard." After studying jazz for a year at Loyola University in New Orleans, Esteban-Nunez decided to return to Denver and complete his bachelor's degree at the University of Denver.

Forced to think about how to make a living as a musician after graduation, Esteban-Nunez said, a military career was not his first thought.

"I couldn't picture the military and the arts," he said. "I just couldn't see them lining up. Also, my prejudices from where I came from -- the military where I lived and where I was growing up -- I never thought of them as artists or musicians or of them having a band."

But after doing a lot of research and talking to several Air Force Band musicians, Esteban-Nunez decided it was a good fit for him. He said he believes music plays an important role in opening the doors of communication, and that his Cuban background gives him special insight into how powerful music can be as a tool for the Air Force.

While performing with his band in Russia, Esteban-Nunez was able to see the difference music can make firsthand. Seeing similarities between the people of Cuba and Russia, he said, he could empathize.

"I know the only image they've had of the United States of America is whatever has been put on television by the government," he said. "Then here we come in the same uniform, get on stage, make them smile, make them clap, make them happy. Every perception they've had of what we stand for just hits a wall where the reality of what they are seeing is not the one they've been told."

'Backbone' of REAL THAW 14 pushes through final week of exercise

by 2nd Lt Allie Delury
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

2/12/2014 - AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Whether loading training munitions by day or turning wrenches at night, maintainers from the 31st Fighter Wing are continuing to support the 555th Fighter Squadron during their inaugural participation in REAL THAW 14, an international exercise hosted by the Portuguese Air Force at Monte Real Air Base, Portugal.

"The Portuguese are doing live exercises during these two weeks, so there's a lot more work going on here as opposed to what goes on day-to-day at Aviano Air Base," said Senior Airman Troy Coe, 555th Aircraft Maintenance Unit support technician. "It's pretty surreal being here."

During REAL THAW 14, maintainers from the 31st Maintenance Squadron, the 555th AMU, and various other maintenance flights are working together to cohesively load and unload training munitions and maintain and repair F-16 Fighting Falcons involved in the exercise.

"During the day, we're making sure aircraft get up in the air while repairing jets at the same time, then we transfer over to the night shift where the primary function is fixing the 'hard broke jets,'" said Chief Master Sgt. David VanVlack, 555th AMU superintendent. "The aircraft maintainers are trained to execute their mission as safely and efficiently as possible in accordance with technical orders."

For many maintainers, REAL THAW 14 is the first opportunity to work alongside other NATO countries outside the walls of Aviano. Despite language barriers and other operational differences between the various militaries, Portuguese and American maintainers have embraced their commonalities in the workplace.

"I've already gotten a couple of patches from the Portuguese military personnel here," said Senior Airman Bryce Rutherford, aircrew egress systems technician. "One guy gave me a patch right off of his sleeve, which was cool."

In the U.S. Air Force, some occupations do not equate to positions in the Portuguese Air Force and can often be lost in translation. Although the rank structure is similar, the job duties between the individual ranks may differ.

"Even in the American military, not everyone has a first sergeant," said Master Sgt. Noe Chavez, 31st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron first sergeant. "So, I've explained my role as to what I do to the Portuguese and I've built a lot of relationships just talking to them about my job."

Of those maintainers is 2nd Lt. Eduardo Furtado, who has been a maintenance officer within the Portuguese Air Force since 2009.

"We are the connection between what the U.S. personnel need and what we as a base can offer them, logistically," said Furtado. "Whether it's tools, equipment, or air cooling for the airplanes, I work with the U.S. maintenance officer in command and the chief to ensure that we have everything they need."

This is also Furtado's first time working with U.S. military in Portugal.

"I like working with the American people because they don't complicate things," said
Furtado. "The F-16 is the one thing we have in common, so the way we work to support that mission is generally the same."

In the end, maintainers are involved in long-range maintenance and logistical planning to ensure that the 31st Fighter Wing is able to participate in international exercises--from being some of the first personnel on the ground to welcome the pilots, to watching the last jets leave Monte Real Air Base after the exercise is completed.

Despite cultural differences, the mentality between the various maintainers and dedication to REAL THAW 14 is the same, no matter what uniform they wear.

"The public just sees the jets in the air, but these maintainers--the backbone--these are the people who make it happen," said Chavez.

McRaven: People, Technology, Partners are Socom Priorities

By Cheryl Pellerin

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Feb. 12, 2014 – At U.S. Special Operations Command, taking care of special operators and their families, using technology to increase the safety of exacting special ops, and expanding partnerships of all kinds worldwide are priorities, the Socom commander said here yesterday.

In his morning keynote address at the National Defense Industrial Association’s 25th Annual Special Operations/Low-intensity Conflict Symposium, Navy Adm. William H. McRaven described recent efforts on behalf of what he called “the finest special operations forces in the world.”

At Socom, he said, “we have spent the last year knitting together this incredible expanse of [special operations forces] talent into the global SOF network. We instituted a disciplined battle rhythm, [and] video teleconferences that allow me as the commander … to talk to senior leaders and [noncommissioned officers] around the world every week to ensure they are getting what they need to do the mission.”

McRaven said Socom is bringing more allies into headquarters, expanding its U.S. liaison efforts overseas, realigning special operations talent to Theater Special Operations Command and redistributing manpower from the Iraq war and the drawdown in Afghanistan.

“Most importantly,” the commander added, “we continue to work with the geographic combatant commanders to ensure Socom is providing the best trained and equipped SOF operators to meet the needs of the region.”

Socom’s No. 1 warfighting priority is and will remain Afghanistan, McRaven said, noting that he sees progress each time he returns to the country thanks to the work of U.S. service members, the International Security Assistance Force and partnership with the Afghan security forces.

“Afghan security forces are good, and thanks to our SOF investment, they are getting better,” he added.

Afghan soldiers and police now protect their fellow Afghans, and local police are the first layer of defense against the insurgency, especially in rural and remote areas, McRaven said.

“No matter the size of our presence there next year,” he added, “our future [military-to-military] engagements with the Afghans will remain vital in the region.”

Because of lessons learned in Afghanistan, some of them learned the hard way, the commander said, Socom established a program called the Tactical Assault Light Operator-Shooter, or TALOS, program, sometimes called “the Iron Man suit.”

The TALOS program is a collaboration of efforts, he said, involving 56 corporations, 16 government agencies, 13 universities and 10 national laboratories. The goal is to give operators lighter, more efficient full-body ballistics protection and beyond-human strength. Embedded antennas and computers will provide user-friendly, real-time battlefield information.

Integrated heaters and coolers will regulate the suit’s temperature and embedded sensors will monitor the operator’s core body temperature, skin temperature, heart rate, body position and hydration levels.

If an operator is wounded, the suit’s final version may be able to administer the first oxygen or hemorrhage controls.

“The TALOS project is leveraging the expertise of leading minds throughout the country to redefine the state of the art in survivability and operator capability,” McRaven explained. “We're already seeing astounding results.”

Three prototype suits are being assembled, and in June will be delivered to Socom. They will be rigorously evaluated to produce a deployable combat suit in August 2018.

The TALOS team also will host a Monster Garage-type event to pair the creativity and ingenuity of local garage tinkerers with the expertise of professional engineers, designers and craftsmen to build components for the suit, potentially even a complete suit, in a collaborative environment, the admiral added.

“This unique collaboration effort is the future of how we should do business,” McRaven said. “If we do TALOS right, it will be a huge comparative advantage over our enemies and give warriors the protection they need in a very demanding environment.”

Because he sees education as a critical factor in producing the nation’s finest special operations warrior, McRaven said, in the past year he approved a plan for the Joint Special Operations University to become what he called “the internationally recognized, regionally accredited, degree-producing SOF university that our special operations forces deserve.”

Much of the advanced education will help operators become regional experts, he said.

“If we want to be value-added to the regional combatant commanders, SOF operators require the ability to think, assess and rapidly respond at the tactical level while always considering the strategic implications,” McRaven said. Such operators need more language training and an understanding of the historical, political, sociological, economic and geographic underpinnings of the region, he added.

And because the forces rely heavily on noncommissioned officers, Socom is developing a world-class NCO education program. The Joint SOF Senior Enlisted Academy has been online for two years, with a resident and nonresident professional military education program for senior NCOs, McRaven noted.

“Ultimately, however, the future of SOF lies in how well we take care of our men and women and their families who have shouldered the burden of 13 years of sustained combat,” the commander said.

On Feb. 21, McRaven said he will sign a memorandum of agreement with the Agriculture Department that will enable Socom to access more than 100 land-grant universities to conduct research and implement programs to support and promote the well-being and resilience of U.S. Socom service members and their families.

“The recent passing of the 2014 [National Defense Authorization Act] gives the Socom commander authority to use SOF funds to support family programs,” the commander said.

The three-year pilot program authorizes Socom to use up to $5 million a year to supplement service-provided programs or develop innovative programs that meet family needs, he said, adding that the focus will be on building and maintaining resilient, fully functioning families.

Socom also is working to increase the predictability of its deployments and standardize the time a service member is deployed, he said.

For special ops warriors who are wounded, injured or ill, McRaven called the Socom Care Coalition a gold standard in nonmedical care. The program supports the entire family, and the advocacy is for life, according to the coalition’s website.

“The Socom Care Coalition serves a multitude of roles,” McRaven said, “acting as advocates and liaisons, connecting service members and families with charitable organizations and or federal entities to fill gaps the government traditionally does not fill.”

Socom’s future is full of challenges and opportunities, the admiral said, and the world is a difficult place where a handful of men and women of talent, character and commitment can make a huge difference.

“On any given day in the special operations community, over 10,000 of America's finest soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and DOD civilians are engaged in more than 70 countries around the globe, supporting the geographic combatant commanders and the chiefs of mission,” McRaven said.

“If we continue to carefully select our warriors, train them to the highest standard, equip them with the finest tools and demand the best from them,” he added, “then wherever they go they will be a tremendous resource for our policymakers, our diplomats, our geographic combatant commanders and our nation.