America departs Colombia, Continues Course to San Diego

By USS America (LHA 6) Public Affairs

CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA (NNS) -- The future amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) departed Cartagena, Colombia, July 19 after a three-day port visit.

This was the crew's first stop on the ship's maiden voyage, "America Visits the Americas," as the ship makes its way from Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi to its homeport of San Diego.

While in Colombia, the ship hosted a welcome reception in the ship's hangar bay. Distinguished guests included Dr. Kevin Whitaker, U.S. Ambassador to Colombia; Gen. John F. Kelly, commander, U.S. Southern Command; Juan Carlos Pinzon Bueno, Colombian Minister of National Defense; Gen. Juan Pablo Rodriguez Barragan, commanding officer, Colombia Military Forces; as well as local Colombian civilian dignitaries and military officials.

During the visit, the ship's military and civilian crew had the opportunity to experience their host nation and to serve as goodwill ambassadors.

"I enjoyed exploring the culture and tasting some local food while touring the city," said Marine Cpl. Jessica McGinnis, landing support specialist assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 13.

While anchored off the coast of Cartagena, the crew offloaded 52 pallets of medical supplies and toys to children suffering from terminal illnesses in the city. The supplies were delivered as part of Project Handclasp, a Navy program that accepts and transports educational, humanitarian and goodwill material donated by America's private sector for distribution to foreign nation recipients.

"Shipping this amount of cargo into Colombia would have cost a fortune for any charity organization. America on the other hand, did this at no extra cost to the taxpayer or to the volunteer organizations that provided the donations," said Lt. Cmdr. Jonathon Cox, America's assistant supply officer. "Just knowing where these items are headed, and knowing our crew has made a direct, positive impact on peoples' lives here in Colombia, was a powerful reminder that the Navy really is a global force for good."

Also during the visit, America's soccer team played a friendly match against the local Colombian naval team.

Although the America team didn't win, Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuels) 2nd Class Luis Garcia said playing against the local soccer team was a great experience.

"Soccer is the number one sport in this country. Their national team recently made the final 16 during the 2014 World Cup," said Garcia.

America is also scheduled to visit Brazil, Chile, Peru and Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where the crew will continue enriching partnerships through a variety of interactions with host nations, acting as goodwill ambassadors and participating in community relations projects.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command , U.S. 4th Fleet and U.S. Marine Forces South support U.S. Southern Command's joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations in order to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

America is currently traveling through the U.S. Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility on her maiden transit, "America Visits the Americas". America is the first ship of its class, replacing the Tarawa-class of amphibious assault ships. As the next generation "big-deck" amphibious assault ship, America is optimized for aviation, capable of supporting current and future aircraft such as the tilt-rotor MV-22 Osprey and F-35B Joint Strike Fighter. The ship is scheduled to be ceremoniously commissioned Oct. 11 in San Francisco.

Face of Defense: Airman Sews to Keep Aircrews Safe

By Air Force Airman 1st Class John Linzmeier

22nd Air Refueling Wing

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan., July 22, 2014 – The “chuka chuka chukka” sounds from a needle punching through fabric cease momentarily. The Air Force enlisted man working the sewing machine wipes the sweat off his brow and dives right back into his passion.

Air Force Senior Airman Devin Litton, 22nd Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment journeyman, has spent hundreds of hours developing his sewing skills since he was introduced to the needle and thread. When he was waiting in the recruiter’s office three years ago, he said, he did not expect running a sewing machine to be part of his job description.

“When I first learned to sew in technical school, I really found myself enjoying it,” Litton said. “I thought it was one of the coolest things, and it’s [become] such a useful and lucrative hobby ever since.”

Sewing is a craft that requires precision, patience and discipline. It’s a skill used frequently by aircrew flight equipment airmen like Litton, who does not use it for making quilts.

“A lot of guys may think it’s not the manliest thing to do, but sewing really can have its masculine aspects,” he said. “There’s a lot you can do with a sewing machine. You’d be surprised.”

From stitching harnesses and canopies for emergency rafts to repairing oxygen-mask cases, aircrew flight equipment airmen help to keep aircrew members mission-ready around the clock.

Litton came here in 2011 as an aircrew flight equipment apprentice. His job was to learn the basic mechanics of his career field: maintaining emergency equipment, taking inventory, sewing and more. His appreciation for the sewing aspects of his job grew even deeper when he deployed in the summer of 2013, he said, when he crossed paths with coalition service members and other airmen who were actively supporting troops on the ground.

Litton said he was fascinated by their tactical equipment and realized their whole culture is held together by stitches.

Each pouch was sewn with precision to make lifesaving equipment accessible when it is most needed, similar to the rafts he works on, he said. This made him curious, he added.

“I got back in October and invested some of my savings in a nice sewing machine,” he said. “From there, I started playing around with all sorts of materials and made replicas of some of the equipment I encountered on my deployment.”

From ammunition holsters to counterweight battery pouches for night-vision goggles, Litton’s collection of hand-made battle gear grew by the dozens. He became more proficient with his projects and decided to showcase his work using social media, where he received a fan-base larger than he anticipated.

“Since January, I’ve made over 1,500 followers,” he said. “It’s hard to believe how fast it’s grown. It’s cool to think that some of the things that I’m making appeal to so many people.”

Some followers leave him feedback, Litton said, and others write encouraging comments. They both help him to improve, he added.

While his online audience has grown beyond expectations, his reputation goes beyond social media. He networked with a tactical air control party airman from the 11th Air Support Operations Squadron, part of the 3rd Air Support Operations Group. Litton designed and hand-crafted call-sign patches for squadron members and is working on several other equipment modifications for them.

Litton said his contribution to the 11th ASOS proved that he has even more to offer than the mission-essential work at his day job.

“I would love to be able to make larger contributions to other military units and, hopefully, one day make official improvements to widely used tactical gear,” he said.

Litton’s coworkers and supervisors are impressed with his enthusiasm for sewing.

“He’s definitely gone above and beyond with his job,” said Air Force Staff Sgt. Tyron Jones, 22nd Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment craftsman. “I’ve never seen an airman so devoted to his sewing work before. It’s made me want to become better at what I do, and that goes for some of the other airmen here as well.”

What started out as work for Litton evolved into a pastime and eventually ended up becoming a way of life.

“It really is something special that I could take something that I learned from my work in the Air Force and turn into something that I will probably always want to do,” he said.

ROA names Nassef as Reserve Component Chaplain of the Year

7/22/2014 - WASHINGTON -- The Reserve Officers Association of the United States has named Chaplain (Major) Marianne Nassef as the Reserve Component Chaplain of the Year.

Nassef, the Protestant Chaplain at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, will receive the honor during a special awards luncheon July 25 at the ROA's National Convention in Long Beach, California.

Nassef is the individual mobilization augmentee to the branch chief, Cadet Plans and Programs at the U.S. Air Force Academy, and is currently serving an extended active duty tour at Dyess AFB, as the 7th Bomb Wing Maintenance Group and Medical Group chaplain.

In the past year, she has worked with the office of the Air Force Reserve Command Chaplain at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, where she oversaw 53 geographically separated chaplain recruiters and processed 100 IMA chaplain and chaplain candidate inquiries, vetting potential accessions; was the liaison with the Air Reserve Personnel Center, Buckley Air Force Base, Colorado, where she streamlined total force integrations processes to provide a pre-qualified recall pool of chaplains to the AFRC commander.

According to her official biography, she was requested by the Air Force Global Strike Command chaplain to provide manning assistance at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, last winter in response to the missileer cheating scandal. Nassef led a four-person team to develop an interactive ethical decision-making and stress resiliency curriculum that is being adapted for use in non-commissioned and company grade officer training throughout the Air Force.

The chaplain of the year award, which rotates among the military services, was established in honor of Chaplain (Lt.) Vincent Robert Capodono and is presented annually to the chaplain "selected for extraordinary contribution to the welfare, morale and effectiveness of the military reserve services" according to the ROA.

Seattle Seahawks visit Fairchild on the "Heroes of 12" tour

by Staff Sgt. Veronica Montes
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

7/22/2014 - FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Hundreds of fans gathered July 17 here to welcome members of the National Football League team the Seattle Seahawks while they visited the base on their "Heroes of 12" tour.

During their visit, the audience was able to ask questions, get autographs, play football with the players and watch performances from the team's Sea Gals cheerleaders and the Blue Thunder band.

"I salute the Seahawks for celebrating our 12th man, we have 35 aircraft with Seahawk tail flashes and a lot more 12th man fans," said Col. Brian Newberry, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander. "Today we celebrate both winning teams."

Wide receiver Ricardo Lockette and defensive back DeShawn Shead were the two players to visit Team Fairchild. Blitz the mascot was also part of the tour.

The Seahawks were introduced by Newberry, and Michael Larkins, 92nd Operations Support Squadron unit program coordinator, carried out the Vince Lombardi trophy and showed it off to the fans. Larkins was chosen because he was recognized as one of the biggest fans at Fairchild.

"It was outstanding to carry out the trophy," Larkins said. "I've been a fan since the team started in 1976 and they finally won the Superbowl!"

Lockette and Shead opened up a question and answer session with the crowd and called some individuals on stage.

Taylor Gilstrip, a young member of the Fairchild family, asked her question on stage and was able to hold a Superbowl ring. She said it was an awesome experience and was very excited to meet the team.

Hundreds of other fans were also among the crowd, gathering autographs and interacting with their football heroes.

"There is quite a few people out here today, the turnout is awesome," said Master Sgt. Michael Wirth, 141st Force Support Squadron systems manager. "It's especially cool since our mascot on a lot of our vehicles is the Seahawks."

Many autographs and photos later, the Seahawks departed the base, and said they had a blast spending some time supporting the service members.

"The opportunity to come out here was a pleasure of mine," said Lockette. "I've always said if I didn't play football, I'd be in the military. I love coming out here seeing new faces and meeting the fans."

Three-war veteran recognized, honored nearly 60 years after service

by Airman 1st Class Brittain Crolley
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

7/22/2014 - 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs -- SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. - "The two most powerful warriors are patience and time." - Leo Tolstoy

Retired Air Force Staff Sgt. Elbert Scott knows about patience and time. He also knows what it takes to be a warrior.

Having fought in World War II as well as the Korean and Vietnam Wars, Scott has outlasted Tolstoy's two biggest warriors.

Now, at the age of 90, nearly 60 years after he last fought as a military warrior, Scott was recognized for his contributions during a more than 20 years career.

Representatives from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, the North Carolina National Guard, the Wayne County Veterans and Patriots Coalition and the Office of U.S. Senator Kay Hagan joined forces to present six medals to retired Air Force Staff Sgt. Elbert Scott, July 21, at the Wayne County Veterans Memorial in downtown Goldsboro, North Carolina.

Scott was presented with the Occupation of Japan Award, the WWII Victory Medal, the Korean Service Medal with one Silver Star, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal and the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War Medal.

"I was elated and a little bit surprised because I never thought I would live long enough to receive these medals," Scott said. "I just feel honored to have served this great country."

Following the lead of his four brothers before him, Scott joined the U.S. Army in 1945, and first served with the occupation force in Japan. He was later deployed to South Korea, where he served as a firefighter protecting the supplies, equipment and ammunition attached to the 3rd and 7th Divisions and also the 69th Ordnance.

Scott then transferred to the U.S. Air Force in 1958 where he proudly served with the 4th Supply Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. Following 17 years of dedicated service, Scott received an honorable discharge in 1962.

However, Scott's service didn't end there.

Upon subsequent reenlistment, Scott went back to Japan where he was first stationed. He followed that with a tour of duty in the Republic of Vietnam before voluntarily retiring in 1966, capping off a 21-year career of combined military service.

"Mr. Scott is more than deserving of the recognition he received today. After serving for 21 years, during three wars, he's waited almost 60 years and now wears the symbols of his courageous achievements," said Col. Andrew Bernard, 4th Fighter Wing vice commander. "His perseverance and dedication to service is a lesson learned for everyone here and for all those serving in the armed forces today."

Even though it took years to receive his medals, Scott expressed his belief that they were only a small part of his reward.

"While I'm honored to have received them, the medals weren't important to me," Scott said. "What was important was that I was able to serve and defend the greatest country in the world; the country that I love."

'Fourth but First' airpower key to Korean Armistice

by Airman 1st Class Aaron J. Jenne
4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

7/22/2014 - SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The legacy of the 4th Fighter Wing extends to most major military events in recent American history.

During World War II, its aircraft led the charge on the beaches of Normandy, enabling hundreds of thousands of troops to successfully accomplish Operation Overlord on what historians would later refer to as D-Day. However, according to some historians, that pivotal point in American history pales in comparison to the then 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing's impact during the Korean War.

This year marks the 61st anniversary of Korean Armistice Day. On July 27, 2014, as America recognizes the cease of military actions in the Korean War, members from the 4th FW reflect on the wing's impact during the war and the days leading up to the cease fire.

As the first major conflict since the establishment of the Air Force in 1947, the Korean War showcased the importance of airpower as the next step to military ingenuity and necessity. Airmen, no longer organized under the Army Air Corps, were asked to play a vital role throughout the war and highlight the importance and strategic value of air dominance to the success of military operations.

In December 1950, the 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing entered the war as the first Air Force unit to commit F-86 Sabres to the conflict. The wing, commanded by then Lt. Col. John C. Meyer, a World War II ace and future Strategic Air Command commander, was the first to participate in an all fighter-jet battle in American history. They downed six MiG-15s without sustaining any losses.

"In 1953, the 4 FIW transitioned from having achieved air superiority in the Korean War to achieving air supremacy," said Dr. Roy Heidicker, 4th FW historian. "There were multiple confirmed reports of enemy MiG pilots electing to bail out upon merely seeing 4 FIW fighters. They knew, based on their experience, that bailing out was preferable to being shot down."

Although the 'Fourth but First' motto was established in World War II, it was upheld by the Airmen assigned to the wing during the Korean War. They are credited with destroying 502 aircraft, 54 percent of all enemy aircraft downed during the war. Twenty-four pilots assigned to the wing eventually attained ace status. This unprecedented accomplishment earned the wing recognition as one of the Air Force's top fighter units of the Korean War.

According to Robert F. Futrell, author of "The United States Air Force in Korea," leading to the armistice agreement, the 4th FIW executed a "Fast Shuffle" deployment of half their Sabres to protect other bases and counter possible last minute attacks, which never came.

Although no final "peaceful settlement" has been finalized to date, the armistice created a ceasefire, established a new border and demilitarized zone, and led to repatriations of prisoners of war.

Futrell acknowledged that even though the 4th FIW played a defensive role in the final hours of conflict, it's possible that their major offensive role throughout the war helped spark the armistice agreement to begin with.

"Whether the [Communists] yielded because they feared an expanding air war, or whether they quit because of the pounding pressure of air attacks against their forces in North Korea, one thing was certain: airpower was triumphant in the Korean War," Futrell wrote.

The 4th Fighter Wing's role in the Korean War leading to its armistice day is widely recognized by American historians as one of the U.S. Air Force's earliest displays air dominance.

"In the Korean War the Airmen of the 4th FIW downed more MiGs than the entire rest of the United States Air Force combined. This and our accomplishments in World War II confirmed this wing as forever 'Fourth but First,'" Heidicker said.

Col Dempsey takes reigns of NTTR

by Staff Sgt. Siuta B. Ika
99th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

7/22/2014 - NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The Nevada Test and Training Range welcomed a new commander during a change of command ceremony here July 18.

During the ceremony, Col. Stephen A. Langford, former NTTR commander, relinquished command of the NTTR and all of its assets to Col. Thomas E. Dempsey III.

The presiding officer of the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Jay Silveria, U.S. Air Force Warfare Center commander, extended a warm welcome to all in attendance before speaking about the NTTR's prestigious lineage.

"The NTTR as we know it has really only been around for about three years, but the organization itself came about from the 98th Range Wing, and before that, it had a rich history as the 98th Bombardment Group," Silveria said. "It's famous not only during World War II for the 417 combat missions it flew, but it's famous for a particularly dangerous mission of a low-level bombing raid of the Ploesti oil fields in Romania. To this day, the NTTR is still responsible for conducting that kind of high-intensity combat in its battle space."

Silveria then discussed the NTTR's core responsibilities, which includes providing a flexible, realistic and multidimensional battle-space to conduct testing, training and tactics development.

"Everyone loves these numbers right: three million acres of heavily instrumented land across Southern Nevada and 12,000 square miles of airspace," Silveria said. "It's a place that not just the Air Force trains but coalition forces and our sister services train and prepare for combat, and they contribute the success they have to training they did in the NTTR."

The general then spoke about how integral Langford was to the NTTR's success over the past 18 months.

"He led the development of the strategic vision for 2023 and beyond. His threat focus, masterful oversight of this effort articulated the needs of the range out to those years' requirements for range systems, targets, instrumentation, and infrastructure needed to take us well into the future," Silveria said. "He led the successful integration of the space test and training range into the NTTR, which is vital for us to promote the integration of all of our domains - the air, space and cyber space - into our test and training missions, and we will reap the benefits of that for years to come. You've made substantial and lasting improvements that we're going to enjoy and you've truly made a difference."

The USAFWC commander then welcomed Dempsey, who comes to the NTTR from Joint Staff J-7, Suffolk, Va., where he served as the operations officer and plans observer/trainer of the Deployable Training Division.

"He certainly knows the training business very well and brings a wealth of tactical operational experience," Silveria said of Dempsey. "Now I know you're honored to be back at Nellis, because Second Lt. Dempsey showed up here in 1992 as part of the 554th Range Squadron as a radar and instrumentation engineer. I think that's outstanding."

At the conclusion of Silveria's speech, Langford stepped forward to receive the Legion of Merit award for his tenure as commander.

After thanking his family, local community members, fellow wing commanders and leadership, Langford thanked the men and women that operate the NTTR.

"For years I was a user of the NTTR, and I bombed the ranges, reacted to all the threat emitters, talked to all the controlling agencies I needed to, came back and landed... I didn't understand the complexity and the importance of this range to our war fighters," Langford said. "We do, not only testing on the range, but also advanced training, and tactics and development - three things that no other range in the world does. That's why it has been labeled as the crown jewel of ranges in the Air Force, and that's all because of the people in the NTTR... To all of you, I say thank you."

After Langford's speech, he relinquished command to Silveria. Upon assuming command and the NTTR guidon from the USAFWC commander, Dempsey shared his feelings with all in attendance.

"For me it's quite an honor and privilege," the new NTTR commander said, who in addition to serving as a radar and instrumentation engineer at Nellis from 1992-1994, also served as a flight test analyst here in the 57th Test Group from 1994-1996. "I can't explain truly what this means to me and what this place means to me. I know none of you came here to hear me talk, and I realize I have big shoes to fill, but my goal is to never let any of you down."

The meeting that saved lives; a hero out of uniform

by Staff Sgt. Brent Skeen
459th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

7/21/2014 - JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md.  -- To say that May 19, 2014 started out like any other day would be a lie.

Master Sgt. Lonnie McBride, law office superintendent for the Judge Advocate General's office at the 459th Air Refueling Wing here, was getting ready to leave for a meeting in Newark, Delaware for his civilian position as a software consultant for Neocase. The meeting started at 9:00 a.m., and Newark was more than a two-hour drive from his home in Alexandria, Virginia.

"It was a meeting I typically don't have," McBride said. "But if it wasn't for that meeting I was supposed to attend that morning -- I would have perished that day. Me and 16 others would have certainly perished that day. There is no doubt in my mind."

McBride stepped out of the door of his third floor condo, dressed in his business attire, overnight bag in hand. It was 6:35 a.m. Leaving after 7:00 a.m. would be a nightmare, due to the distance and traffic in Washington D.C. and Baltimore. Still, his window of comfort to arrive to his meeting on time was ticking away. He turned right and walked down the stairs.

Inside the stairwell, he noticed something; white smoke and the faint sound of an alarm.

"Not a ton of white smoke, but some white smoke," McBride recalls. "At first, I didn't put much thought into it. People are up, making breakfast. Someone probably burnt toast to set off someone's alarm -- no big deal."

McBride continued down the stairwell toward his car that was parked in front of the condo that housed 12 units.

"Right when I'm coming up to my vehicle, I had this strange feeling -I swear to God--It came over me like, something's not right," McBride said. "Because the thought prior to that was like 'no big deal, probably a toaster oven, I'm just going to get in my car and go about my business - and I need to hustle, because I'm already starting to push it, because it is at least a two hour drive to Newark'."

But McBride couldn't shake that feeling.

"I had to identify this source of this - just so I can feel right about the situation," McBride said. "I needed to make sure that everything is okay."

He put his bags in his car and headed back to the building to locate the source of the smoke.

He walked through the hallway of the first floor. He looked for smoke escaping through the seals of the doors or the vents on the wall that lead to the unit's dryer and oven fan.

There was nothing noticeable.He went upstairs to do the same for the second floor, and then the third.

Still nothing.

All the floors were checked and McBride did not see a source from where the smoke was coming from.

"It must be fine," he said. "But I still had a bad feeling about this."

He turned around and headed back down the stairs. But this time, the bad feeling that McBride had thought about shrugging off reared its ugly head.

"I saw a ton of white smoke," McBride said. "I had to find out where it was coming from. I knew it wasn't right."

McBride slowly walked down the hallway of the second floor, looking at the door seals and at the vent. He got to the last door on the right hand side and looked up at the vent. White smoke was pouring out, getting heavier by the second.

McBride immediately starts banging on the door.

Inside the unit was his neighbor, a nurse, who was sleeping on her couch, passed out after a long work shift.

As the banging and shouting from McBride continued from one side of the door, the neighbor on the other side slept - unaware of the fire and carbon monoxide building inside her home and threatening her life.

McBride's mind raced. Maybe no one was home; maybe they were running the dryer while at work, he said.

Still, he kept banging --shouting the same warnings over and over through the door.

"I said, 'Hey! There is a fire! Is anyone there? Can I help you?'" McBride said.

He looked up at the vent. The smoke was no longer white, but now a pitch black color -- thick and heavy, like someone threw a tire on top of a camp fire.

The banging continued -- harder than ever before.

This time, the banging from McBride woke up the sleeping nurse, who awoke to the shocking surprise of seeing her kitchen on fire.

"Suddenly, I heard the sound of struggles," McBride said.

Seconds pass, but it felt longer. He heard the person inside struggling at the door to unlock the deadbolt and the handle, he said.

"This girl opened the door, it was the wife, and she was covered in black soot," McBride said. "Her skin was red like she had first-degree burns."

To make matters worse, opening the door created a backdraft effect. The fire in the kitchen was creating pressure, and when the door opened, the fire raced toward the point where the pressure was released, said McBride.

"It was coming at us, so I said 'You gotta get out of here!'" McBride said.
McBride called 911 and told the operator they needed the fire department there right away because there was a major fire at the unit.

He gave the dispatcher the necessity information, such as the address, what he saw and what he thought it was, all while trying to control himself from panicking.

"I cut it short and hung up," he said. "I didn't have time, I had to get back to the building to bang on doors and evacuate the building because it was a massive freaking fire. It was going to spread, and people were sleeping."

McBride started banging on the doors of the first floor, alerting his neighbors to evacuate the building right away.

The fire was moving at a rapid pace. Since the smoke was traveling up, and trapped under the breezeway at the top of the building, McBride realized that the third floor needed to be the priority, he said.

"I hauled [butt] up to the third floor, and sure enough the third floor is engulfed with smoke," McBride said. "It's thick, it's black, you can't see, can't breathe. Nothing."
"It was too late to get to them," McBride said. "I just had to pray to God that the fire department would arrive in time to save the people on the third floor."

The fire department arrived and McBride informed them which unit the fire originated from, and that there were people trapped on the third floor.

The fire was extinguished, and the rescue attempt was successful. The firefighters rescued eight of the third floor occupants using ground ladders from several balconies within the building.

While the firefighters were trying to put out the flames, McBride called his clients in Newark.

"I said, 'I am not going to be able to make it to this meeting - I am literally watching my house on fire,'" he said.

The cause of the fire was from a faulty wire connected to an overhead light inside a kitchen cabinet. The constant flow of electricity ignited the wood cabinet, and on the stovetop there was a pot of cooking oil.

"So, when it hits that, it goes from a cabinet on fire to a ball of flames," McBride said. "And she's laying there."

"If not for the banging of the door, she would have died," McBride said. "Carbon Monoxide would have gotten her, and the whole building would have gone up."

"The only reason why I discovered that fire out of sure coincidence is because my clients set a meeting for 9:00 A.M.," McBride said. "We all would have died."

McBride credited his reaction to the fire to the 20 years of training he received in the Air Force and Air Force Reserve.

"I absolutely, without a doubt feel that the way I reacted to the fire was in large part due to the training I received in the Air Force," he said. "One of the things they train us is to remain calm, assess the situation, and think about what you need to do and prioritize."

"You are able to control the panic that wants to overtake you," McBride said. "You are able to control that and allow your Air Force training to really go through those steps."

"I am extremely thankful -- I am alive, McBride said. "This has had a fundamental change in my life. I am more appreciative of every day."

Peterson Reserve wing rates 'effective' in first inspection of new system

by Ann Skarban
302nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

7/21/2014 - PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo.  -- The Air Force Reserve Command's 302nd Airlift wing successfully completed its first Unit Effectiveness Inspection under the new Air Force Inspection System here July 16 with an overall rating of "effective".

The Unit Effectiveness Inspection or capstone inspection is a culmination point of the new, continuous 24-30 month evaluation process of wing performance in four major graded areas. The capstone event validates and verifies the commander's inspection program. Throughout the 24 to 30 months leading up to the capstone inspection, units will regularly assess programs and continually improve processes. The wing can expect its next wing-wide AFRC capstone inspection event in late 2016 or early 2017.

As part of its overall effective rating the wing was rated "highly effective" in executing the mission and effective in three of the four major graded areas.

The 302nd AW received the following grades:

Managing Resources: Effective
Leading People: Effective
Improving the Unit: Effective
Executing the Mission: Highly Effective

Discussing the transition to the new inspection system with the wing staff, 302 AW commander Col. Courtney Arnold said, "I think this system will offer a greater opportunity to maintain and sustain our overall mission readiness."

The 302nd Airlift Wing is a unit-equipped C-130 wing with 12 aircraft assigned performing the principle mission of tactical airlift, airdrop and aeromedical evacuation. In addition, the 302nd Airlift Wing is the only Air Force Reserve Wing to support aerial fire fighting with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System mission.

"I am extremely proud of our wing's ability to quickly adapt to both the culture and process of the new inspection system. We have been extremely successful in accomplishing our mission and throughout the inspection cycle, we've been making improvements. The capstone event tells us we are placing the right focus on areas that ensure our mission readiness and it also tells us our internal inspection program is of value," said Arnold.

CMSAF Cody: Somebody out there operating is saving somebody's life

by Staff Sgt. Adawn Kelsey
432nd Wing/432nd Air Expedtionary Wing Public Affairs

7/21/2014 - CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Airmen from the 432nd Wing and 799th Air Base Group highlighted their unit's missions to Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force James A. Cody and his wife retired Chief Master Sergeant Athena Cody, during their first visit to Creech Air Force Base, Nev., July 15-16.

The fully packed itinerary included several stops to work centers as well as an Airman's Call, where Cody shared some of the latest Air Force challenges.

"We're operating in a dynamic environment with a lot of uncertainty," Cody said. "You can imagine how our Air Force, our military is working through that. We have to think differently, and for that to happen we need your help.

"There is a tremendous amount of opportunity here. We have to think about where we could invent things where we haven't before. Just because we don't have the money doesn't mean there isn't a better way to do something for the same amount of money, or less money. The best ideas are going to come from you. This is your Air Force and we need your help shaping it for the future."

Also during his visit, Cody saw firsthand the operations tempo of Team Creech. Everyday, Creech Airmen fulfill their mission by providing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, maintenance, base support and defense, and other capabilities in support of combatant commanders around the globe.

"When you think about the MQ-1 and the MQ-9 and the demand signal that exists from our combatant commanders for ISR specifically, the 432nd Wing supports those needs," Cody said. "There is no question that [this] is a well sought-after, well-respected community. [Remotely piloted aircraft] have been a game changer."

Cody also noted there is no doubt that the mission and capabilities Creech Airmen provide are important to the Air Force and the nation.

"It's always important that we tell this story to our American people and our elected officials, so they fully appreciate the value of it ... There are countless examples of how [RPAs] have saved people's lives," Cody said. "There are so many opportunities for these capabilities to be used in positive ways."

Cody also mentioned he was impressed by the hard work and dedication of all Airmen on base and the difference they make each day around the world.

"[Creech is the RPA] hub for our Air Force, so that makes it pretty unique when you think about it," Cody said. "Also, you have active duty, guard, reserve units, and our civilian Airmen all accomplishing this mission here."

Airmen are dedicated to achieving mission success 24/7, 365, which is no easy task with continuous shift work and challenges. In Cody's perspective, however, morale and motivation are inherent to the daily tasks at Creech.

"On any given day, somebody out there operating is saving somebody's life or giving us the key critical information we need to be successful in the mission," Cody said. "I think that's what keeps you motivated; that's what motivates Airmen to want to do what we do."

As Cody wrapped up his two-day visit, he expressed thanks to the 432nd Wing and 799th ABG for inviting him out to learn more about what they do each day.

"I would just like to say, for both Athena and I, we appreciate the opportunity to come out and spend a little bit of time with the folks out here at Creech - with our Airmen and their families - and look them in the eyes and just say 'thanks' for doing what you're doing," Cody said. "You are making a difference around the world every day for a lot of people, not just the American people, but for our partners as well. So keep doing what you are doing, as well as you're doing it."

Representing the Air Force 418 miles across Iowa

by Staff Sgt. Amber R. Kelly-Herard
Air Mobility Command Public Affairs

7/22/2014 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill.  -- The Air Mobility Command Director of Operations changes his uniform and office location to take part in the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa July 20.

Maj. Gen. Scott Hanson, riding with the Scott Air Force Base Team, will join the Air Force Cycling Team, composed of 126 riders and 14 support crew members, to represent the Air Force among 8,500 riders.

RAGBRAI began in 1973, when a few friends decided to casually ride their bikes across Iowa. Since then the non-competitive bicycle ride from west to east across Iowa, organized by The Des Moines Register, has become the oldest and largest bike touring event in the world.

"I'm fortunate to participate in such a great event that allows me to represent our nation's Air Force while reuniting with my home state of Iowa and its wonderful people," said Hanson. "Taking part in RAGBRAI will truly make this an amazing homecoming."

In its 42nd year, RAGBRAI will start in Rock Valley and end six days and 418 miles later in Guttenberg. As daunting as that sounds, it is RAGBRAI's third-shortest route and second-flattest route, with a total of 11,316 feet of climbing.

"In addition to riding, we serve as Air Force ambassadors because we look for riders with bicycle issues, and we'll stop to help them get going again," Hanson said. "We also have a large amount of Air Force gear to hand out along the way."

Riders come from all over the world, so for some bicyclist this may be their first impression of the Air Force. Additionally, there will be time for riders to interact at each stop to share the Air Force story with those communities.

"About two months ago, we really kicked our training in gear and started riding about 75 to 100 miles a week," said Maj. Jeff Quick, Scott AFB Team lead. "Nothing can really prepare you for what the experience is going to be like, but we have a great team who is anxious to get out there and help the other riders."

This is also the Air Force Cycling Team's 20th anniversary. The team will wear two different types of uniforms this year to commemorate this milestone.

Through the We Are All Recruiters program, Airmen may be granted permissive TDY status to participate in events that enhance the recruiting mission. This enables members of the Air Force Cycling Team to participate in RAGBRAI.

Col. Robert Novotny takes command of Liberty Wing

by Tech. Sgt. Eric Burks
48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

7/22/2014 - ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Nearly 1,000 Airmen, dignitaries and distinguished visitors from the local area watched as Col. Robert Novotny took command of the 48th Fighter Wing from Col. Kyle Robinson July 21, 2014.

Before taking command of the Liberty Wing, Novotny served as the Chief of Staff for the 9th Air and Space Expeditionary Task Force and the International Security Assistance Force Joint Command, Deputy Commander for Air, in Kabul, Afghanistan.

During the ceremony in Hangar 7, Novotny said he was looking forward to working with 48th FW Airmen. About two years ago, when asked if he could choose anywhere to serve as a wing commander, his response - without hesitation - was Lakenheath.

"They're forward, they're in the fight," he said. "They're ready and they're about getting the mission done."

Novotny thanked his family for their support, especially his wife, Dawn.

"I'm going to make it one of my top priorities that we're going to take care of our military families, especially our deployed spouses," he said to his wife - and the wing. "Having just done this the last year when I was in Afghanistan, your work was unbelievable."

Novotny then reflected on the wing's many accomplishments under Robinson's leadership.

"During inprocessing, everywhere I went I saw two things," he said. "One was an excitement about Lakenheath, excitement to be here. And the other was a consistent evidence of command fingerprints across every organization ... the fingerprints of a team that's done so much for the Liberty Wing."

That team, Novotny said, was Robinson and his wife Maureen. "Thank you for your leadership," he said.

To Liberty Wing Airmen, he said, "If you look around the world, things are a little crazy right now. And if the call comes, I'm going to be standing right there with you, and we're going to respond like the 48th Fighter Wing knows how to respond.

"I'm here to work for you," Novotny said. "It's an honor to be your commander."

Guardsmen Help to Battle Northwest Blazes

By Army Staff Sgt. Darron Salzer and Army Sgt. 1st Class Jon Soucy

National Guard Bureau

ARLINGTON, Va., July 22, 2014 – Aircrews from the Wyoming Air National Guard’s 153rd Airlift Wing, who fly C-130 Hercules aircraft equipped with the Modular Airborne Firefighting System, are among the latest National Guard members to join in the response to wildfires in Oregon and Washington state.

The aircrews from the 153rd AW join Guard members from four states in assisting state and local authorities with quelling wildfires raging since lightning strikes ignited the blazes July 14. This also marks the first activation of MAFFS aircraft in the 2014 wildfire season.

“We’ve been activated to ensure the [U.S.] Forest Service has enough aerial assets to fight fires in Oregon, Washington and other regional states,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Todd Davis, commander of the Wyoming Air Guard’s 153rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

The crews from the 153rd AW flew to Idaho from their home station in Wyoming to Gowen Field, near Boise, where they will be able to support firefighting efforts in Washington and Oregon.

“They provide a surge capability to civilian air tankers,” said Deirdre Forster, of the Wyoming National Guard. “They can drop fire retardant or water onto fires and they were relocated to Boise to [decrease] response time.”

Members of the Washington National Guard began responding July 16 with UH-60 Black Hawk and CH-47 Chinook helicopters, and members of the Oregon National Guard began responding with Black Hawk and Chinook aircraft to wildfires in that state July 18, National Guard Command Center officials said.

The Montana Army National Guard also has sent aircrews and CH-47 helicopters to assist with firefighting efforts in Washington.

“Our neighbors needed help,” said Air Force Lt. Col. Tim Crowe, with the Montana National Guard. “Just like Colorado did last year with the floods and we sent down an engineering unit to help with their natural disaster, we work with Washington as well.”

The wildfire response mission remains ongoing, and is projected to last for several weeks.

“We don’t have a timeline at this point,” Crowe said. “We sent out this first [aircrew and helicopters], and depending on the mission and the requirements, we’ll make adjustments as we move forward.”

The fires in Washington have burned through more than 300,000 acres and destroyed about 150 homes, according to reports. Meanwhile, fires in Oregon have burned roughly 530,000 acres.

Anticipated cooler temperatures and rains in the coming days may help in the effort, officials said, but Guard members stand ready to provide further assistance if needed.

“It’s what the National Guard is about -- helping each other out when disaster strikes,” Crowe said.