Fearless: father of fallen Navy SEAL speaking to service members at 188th Wing

by Maj. Heath Allen
188th Wing Executive Officer

1/21/2015 - EBBING AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ark. -- The father of fallen Navy SEAL Adam Brown spoke to service members at the 188th Wing at the Colonel Hugh B. Correll Headquarters Building here Jan. 9.

Larry Brown spoke to service members about his son, whose story was told in the New York Times bestseller book "Fearless" authored by Eric Blehm.

The book, which was written after Adam Brown death, focuses on his battle with drug addiction and his subsequent time in the Navy with SEAL Team 6. Adam Brown, a native of Hot Springs, died March 17, 2010, during a combat mission in the Komar province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Larry Brown spoke about his son's childhood, his strong will and how he was able to channel his energy and shift his focus from drug addiction to his transformation into one of the United States' elite special operations forces.

Following a video presentation that celebrated Adam Brown's life, an emotional Larry Brown thanked the military audience, which included Navy SEALs, for their service.

"I didn't realize how emotional I would get until I stood up here and looked out in the crowd and saw all the military uniforms," Larry Brown said. "I can't thank you enough for what you do. Adam was proud to serve and I know all of you have that same pride."

Larry Brown's message focused on perseverance through extreme adversity and the importance of faith and family.

"We were extremely appreciative that Mr. Brown took the time to speak to our wing," said Col. Bobbi Doorenbos, 188th Wing commander. "It was a great message and I'm glad our unit members had the opportunity to hear such an amazing story about a true American hero."

Larry Brown was greeted with a fervent standing ovation following a heartfelt speech that concluded with a reading of several of his son's journal entries from his time in combat.

"Adam figured out what was most important and he loved God, his family, and his country," Larry Brown said. "Even as he was being loaded in the helicopter to be airlifted out of there, his last words were, 'I'm okay' and I truly believe that he is because he's with God."

Air Force Flies F-16s in Training Exercise with Greece

By Terri Moon Cronk

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2015 – Air Force F-16 fighter jets are engaged in a flying training deployment in Souda Bay, Greece, Pentagon Spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren told reporters today.

The training exercise comprises 18 F-16s and about 300 personnel from the 480th Fighter Squadron out of Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany, he said.

The training will evaluate aircraft and personnel capabilities, and train in NATO operations with the Hellenic Air Force, Warren said.

Focus is on Working with NATO partner

“The training is focused on maintaining joint readiness while building interoperability capabilities with our NATO partners,” he added.

An official said through strengthened relationships and engagements with U.S. allies, the United States and NATO demonstrate a shared commitment to a peaceful, stable and secure Europe.

Both countries share a commitment to promote peace and stability, and seek opportunities such as training to continue developing their relationship, the official said.

The exercise began Jan. 16 and runs through Feb. 13.

Intel Official: 2016 Budget Factors Asymmetrical Warfare Needs

By Amaani Lyle

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Jan. 21, 2015 – The 2016 budget will reflect how intelligence capabilities and other investments align with defense challenges such as asymmetrical warfare, a Pentagon official said today during the 2015 Potomac Officers Club second annual Intel Summit.

Jim Martin, assistant under secretary of defense for intelligence portfolios, programs and resources, said asymmetrical warfare is a major focus not only for the intelligence community, but the Defense Department writ large.

“In many ways, we have a unique problem that’s common to our defense planning scenarios,” Martin said. “Initiative, space and time are on our opponents’ side.”

Asymmetric Threats

The United States’ distance to North Korea, China, Russia or the Middle East, Martin noted, can pose challenges in larger war-fighting scenarios.

“When you see state-sponsored asymmetrical warfare, it’s really aimed at the United States because of that unique challenge, which is different than the European wars of the past where you have nation states right next to each other,” he said.

As such, China and Russia emphasize capabilities such as mobile ballistic missiles, cyber warfare and counter-space systems, which Martin explained are designed to stymie U.S. response and to limit the movement of its forces.

And over the last 20 years, according to Martin, the United States has enjoyed significant war-fighting technological, logistic and combat advantage.

“But if you can only get a trickle of forces into a theater because of those asymmetrical techniques that would be used against us, then it becomes much more manageable from a China, North Korea, or Iran perspective,” he said.

Through a functioning day-to-day lens, he said, the DOD has recognized the importance of integration between defense intelligence and other elements of the intelligence community and the 2016 budget will indicate intel investments to address issues across the spectrum.

“It’s the greatest degree of integration I’ve seen,” Martin said. “There’s a tremendous amount of cooperation among the defense intelligence establishment, the associated intel agencies, and with CIA and [the Office of the Director of National Intelligence] as their oversight.”

Ultimately, Martin said, he and ODNI officials predict national security could meet various futures based on world events, from economic stagnation to a strategic consensus between the United States and China that could lead to a “golden age of technological innovation and competition.”

“We have some exciting challenges that are not insurmountable, but they are serious, and they will take a cooperative attitude in order to get where we need to be,” Martin said.

Single Airman Initiative provides Airmen with fun, community

by Staff Sgt. Stephenie Wade
375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

1/21/2015 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- In 2010, the 375th Force Support Squadron adopted a new Air Force program called the Single Airman Initiative.

Funded by the Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, and administered by Headquarters Air Force Services Agency, the program provides trips and events for single enlisted Airmen, regardless of rank, for a nominal fee.

"The goal is to provide resources that encourage a strong way of life, duty and a sense of community for single Airmen," said Garry Green, Scott AFB SAI Manager. "When we started the program it was hard to get people to sign up due to lack of visibility. Now we have a waiting list for almost every trip."

Green finds, plans and coordinates each event with a minimum amount of volunteers for the day. Before a trip can be funded, Scott Outdoor Recreation must show that it will teach attendees a skill or life lesson. For example rock climbing teaches patience, perseverance and problem solving skills. Green said the program also enhances resiliency and contributes to readiness.

During a recent visit to Scott, Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody, and his wife, Athena, were inspired by one Airman's story of what the program means to her.

"The Single Airman Initiative program has personally provided myself and others like me the resources to foster the Air Force culture, mission, and a sense of community for the single Airmen within our Air Force," said Staff Sgt. Haida StarEagle. "This program is vital to many active duty members because some Airmen are facing issues which may be overlooked by leadership at all levels. Moving is also stressful for single Airmen, not just those with families. For example, many single, first term Airmen have to contend with issues such as being assigned to a new location with no social network of support and no transportation."

StarEagle said reintegration to normal day-to-day operations outside of a deployed location is a challenge in itself and even harder for someone who is single with no support system. StarEagle was introduced to the SAI program in 2006 after returning from a deployment to Iraq. Her supervisor at the time was notified by her friends that she was secluding herself within the confines of her dorm room and not participating in the activities she used to partake in. Knowing she was an adrenaline junky and avid extreme sports participant, her supervisor introduced StarEagle to her base's Outdoor Recreation department.

StarEagle arrived at Scott a little more than three months ago. It has been hard for her adapting to stateside life after serving seven years in an overseas environment.
Being the new person again she found comfort in a program she has depended on for almost her entire career. Since she arrived at Scott, her leadership and co-workers said they have noticed she has adapted to this location faster than most.

From a military standpoint, I believe that the root benefit of the program here is to increase the resiliency within the force. Building relationships with others during these trips and signing up for another one knowing that they have made new friends with similar interests confirms that the SAI program is a successful program. It opens up new gateways for Airmen to express their concerns with someone who they feel they can open up to and trust. These types of relationships can be difficult to find in a military where it seems everyone has a family, and you don't want to impinge on their personal time."

She says Scott's SAI program is the best by far, a statement that mirrors a recent Air Force Times article that tied Scott's program with Luke AFB, Arizona, for the No. 1 SAI program.

StarEagle is optimistic that in the future each base will have an Air Force SAI representative so they can collaborate, exchange ideas, and enhance resiliency among the ranks by reinforcing the benefits of the current program.

Last year the Scott SAI program provided 17 trips, one or two every month, and has managed close to 50 since the initiative began here three years ago. If members do not have transportation, ODR will pick them up from the dorms. Two trips unique to Scott are an underground kayaking adventure and a hot air balloon trip. This year single Airman can look forward to more overnight trips. If you have an idea for a trip, members can email Garry Green directly or visit ODR. For more information or to sign up visit www.375fss.com.

Face of Defense: Airman Preserves Uniforms, Heritage

By Air Force Senior Airman Jensen Stidham

20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C., Jan. 21, 2015 – Mannequins wearing different shades of green and blue, each festooned with medals and ribbons, will greet you if you visit the deputy commander’s office in the 20th Maintenance Group building here.

A Longtime Hobby

For most of his life, Air Force Lt. Col. Kyle Clement has been preserving airman heritage by collecting vintage Army Air Corps and Air Force memorabilia, most notably, uniforms and their decorations dating back to 1914.

"Everybody collects little things when they are growing up," he said. "When I was a teenager, I just happened to collect bits and pieces of Air Force uniforms. It just always caught my eye."

Since enlisting in the Air Force in 1989 and earning his commission in 1994, Clement said, he has pieced his collection together from across the United States. "The majority of it came from thrift stores," he added. "As I travel, if I pass an antique store, I'll pull over and check it out. It's amazing what you can find. Most stores don't even know what it is."

Passion Goes Beyond the Fabric

Though his collection of complete uniforms has grown to more than 15, his passion for collecting is not all about the pieces of fabric, Clement said.

"Every one of these uniforms belonged to an airman, and I think that is key," he explained. "The history of why these uniforms were worn, who wore them, and how our uniform has changed over the years is incredible. The uniforms we wear today are just pieces of the uniforms that used to be worn."

Though he bought his first vintage uniform as a young captain, Clement said, his favorite uniform -- known as "pinks and greens," the Army Air Corps uniform from World War II -- connects him to an earlier time in his life. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1994 wearing a similar uniform, he said, and the uniform reminds him of his college years and the opportunity that led to his commission.

Since college, Clement said, he has spent time reading to ensure he displays all of his uniforms, ribbons, medals and hats accurately.

"Lieutenant Colonel Clement's collection is brilliant," said Air Force 2nd Lt. Cameron Schmitt, the group’s executive officer. "His love for history is incredible, and it is such a great opportunity to work with someone who is willing to give a quick history lesson at a moment's notice."

Looking Ahead

In addition to continuing to collect vintage uniforms, Clement said, he hopes to become an ROTC instructor after he retires from the Air Force and he plans to display them in his classroom.

"My intent is for these uniforms to never come home with me," he said. "I plan to have them in my classroom one day and then donate them to the school. That way, they can continue to be appreciated."

Clement’s passion for uniforms has been a lifelong journey rooted in Air Force history, Schmitt said.

"He is helping preserve our heritage through his collection, and that is crucial to the development of airmen and officers alike," he added.