DEFENSE SECRETARY CHUCK HAGEL ANNOUNCED THAT BUDGET CUTS WILL REQUIRE MOST DEFENSE DEPARTMENT CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES TO BE FURLOUGHED STARTING JULY.
HOWEVER, BECAUSE OF OTHER EFFORTS TO DEAL WITH THE SHORTFALL, ONLY HALF OF THE 22 DAYS ORIGINALLY ENVISIONED AS TEMPORARY LAYOFFS ARE NECESSARY. SECRETARY HAGEL ALSO SAID THAT IT MAY BE
POSSIBLE LATER IN THE YEAR TO "KNOCK THAT BACK" TO AN EVEN LOWER NUMBER, BUT THAT HE COULD NOT PROMISE SUCH AN OUTCOME. EMPLOYEES SET TO BE FURLOUGHED WILL BEGIN RECEIVING WRITTEN NOTIFICATION MAY 28TH TO JUNE 5TH.

...AND NOW WE'RE GOING TO GO OVER TO STAFF SERGEANT BRAD SISSON FOR A WARRIOR GAMES UPDATE.

THE FINAL DAY OF THE WARRIOR GAMES SAW ONE EVENT AND THE CROWNING OF THE ULTIMATE CHAMPION. WE'LL START OFF AT THE POOL....
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IN MEN'S SWIMMING, COREY CARTER LED THE TEAM'S EFFORT WITH THREE MEDALS, INCLUDING GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE, IN THE BELOW ELBOW AMPUTATION CATEGORY FOR THE 50 METER BACK STROKE, AS WELL AS THE 50 AND 100 METER FREESTYLE EVENTS.

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THE AIR FORCE CONTINUED TO PICK UP MEDALS IN THE WOMEN'S COMPETITION, INCLUDING A SILVER AND BRONZE BY JENNIFER KYSETH, IN THE 50 AND 100 METER FREESTYLE OPEN.

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AND FINALLY, IN THE TEAM SWIMMING COMPETITIONS, THE AIR FORCE CONTINUED THEIR MEDAL PUSH WITH A BRONZE PERFORMANCE IN THE MIXED 200 METER FREESTYLE RELAY.

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AFTER THE SWIMMING EVENTS WERE RECORDED THEY TALLIED UP THE SCORE TO CROWN THIS YEAR'S ULTIMATE CHAMPION.

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THE AIR FORCE'S OWN MITCHEL KEEFFER CAME OUT VICTORIES IN THE MULTI-EVENT COMPETITION, BEATING THE SILVER MEDALIST BY A SINGLE POINT.

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SO AFTER FIVE DAYS OF COMPETITION THAT SAW THE AIR FORCE TEAM'S BEST WARRIOR GAMES PERFORMANCE TO DATE, WE PLACED THIRD IN THE OVERALL MEDAL COUNT WITH THIRTY.

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SO AFTER FIVE DAYS OF COMPETITION THE AIR FORCE PLACED THIRD IN THE OVERALL MEDAL COUNT WITH THIRTY.


OUR LAST A FINAL WARRIOR GAMES ATHLETE PROFILE HIGHLIGHTS SWIMMER MARTIN SMITH'S TOUGH LIFE ALTERING DECISION THAT LEFT HIM NOT ONLY PHYSICALLY CHANGED BUT EMOTIONALLY AS WELL. HERE'S THE 3 TIME BRONZE Medalist' s STORY...

It was a normal day, I was coming home and I was riding my motorcycle. They had construction going down from two lanes to one. And it looked like the cars were moving so I was slowing down. It was a millisecond to late and I caught the back right corner of that car with my left leg. The doctor came in and said, we can save your left leg but you're going to have problems with it for the rest of your life, or, we can try now, to save as much as we can by amputating the lower part, so we went ahead and did that. Then all of a sudden out of the realization just bloomed. I got down in a pretty dark hole. My wife, she said this is not you, you always overcome everything. The biggest thing I can take out of this Warrior Games so far, is that there is no question that every one of them has some kind of pain. I haven't heard one person yet, one of these athletes yet say, "I'm not going to do that, I'm not going to play today, it just hurts to bad." Which is a testament to their spirit. And uh, it's humbling to be around them.

OVER THE LAST WEEK WE'VE BEEN HIGHLIGHTING THE TOP ATHLETES IN THESE WARRIOR GAMES BUT I'D LIKE TO HIGHLIGHT A FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE OF MINE KATIE ROBINSON. SHE MAY NOT BE THE FASTEST OR STRONGEST PERSON AROUND BUT SHE HAS THE SPIRIT OF A CHAMPION. HERE'S A FACEBOOK POST AFTER HER SWIMMING EVENT. SHE SAID THAT SHE "JUST SWAM THE 100 METER IN 2 MINUTES AND 27 SECONDS." SHE ADDED THAT SHE "CAME IN LAST BUT IT TOOK 22 SECONDS OFF HER TIME FROM LAST YEAR." THIS POST IS THE EXACT REASON WHY THE WARRIOR GAMES ARE HELD, FOR THESE WARRIORS! WHILE IT'S CLICHE, IT'S AN ACCURATE ASSESSMENT OF THESE GAMES, NO MATTER THE MEDAL COUNT, EVERYONE WINS AT THE WARRIOR GAMES.

THAT'S IT FOR OUR WARRIOR GAMES COVERAGE. BACK TO YOU AIRMAN RICHARD.

THANKS SERGEANT SISSON... FROM THE AIR FORCE BROADCASTING SERVICE, I'M SENIOR AIRMAN ALINA RICHARD.]]>
THE FINAL DAY OF THE WARRIOR GAMES SAW ONLY EVENT BUT IT WAS A HUGE EVENT WITH A VERY LARGE COMPETITOR FIELD...

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IN MEN'S SWIMMING, COREY CARTER LED THE TEAM'S EFFORT WITH THREE MEDALS, WHICH INCLUDED GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE, IN THE BELOW ELBOW AMPUTATION CATEGORY FOR THE 50 METER BACK STROKE, AS WELL AS THE 50 AND 100 METER FREESTYLE EVENTS.

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THE AIR FORCE ALSO CONTINUED TO PICK UP MEDALS IN THE WOMEN'S COMPETITION, WHICH INCLUDED A SILVER AND BRONZE BY JENNIFER KYSETH, IN THE 50 AND 100 METER FREESTYLE OPEN EVENTS.

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NOW, WE ARE GOING TO MOVE TO THE TEAM COMPETITIONS, THE AIR FORCE TEAM CONTINUED THEIR MEDAL PUSH WITH A BRONZE PERFORMANCE IN THE MIXED 200 METER FREESTYLE RELAY.


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THAT'S IT FOR OUR WARRIOR GAMES COVERAGE, FOR MORE OF TODAY'S TOP STORIES VISIT AF-LINK, FOR THE AIR FORCE BROADCASTING SERVICE, I'M STAFF SERGEANT BRAD SISSON.]]>
AFTER FIVE DAYS OF COMPETITION THE WARRIOR GAMES FINAL CAME TO AN END BY CROWNING THE ULTIMATE CHAMPION AND ADDING UP THE MEDAL TOTALS.

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THE AIR FORCE'S OWN MITCHELL KIEFFER CAME OUT VICTORIES IN THE MULTI-EVENT COMPETITION SUITABLY TITLED THE ULTIMATE CHAMPION, BEATING THE SILVER MEDALIST BY A SINGLE POINT.

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IN THE OVERALL MEDAL COUNT, THE AIR FORCE POSTED THEIR HIGHEST TOTAL YET, WITH THIRTY MEDALS AND A THIRD PLACE FINISH.


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OVER THE LAST WEEK WE'VE BEEN HIGHLIGHTING THE TOP ATHLETES IN THESE WARRIOR GAMES BUT I'D LIKE TO GIVE THE SPOTLIGHT TO A PERSON WHO MAY NOT BE THE FASTEST OR STRONGEST BUT A CHAMPION IN SPIRIT, KATIE ROBINSON. RIGHT AFTER ONE OF HER SWIMMING EVENTS, SHE POSTED ON FACEBOOK THAT SHE MAY HAVE CAME IN LAST BUT SHE IMPROVED FROM LAST YEAR. IT'S A CLICHE BUT IT'S AN ACCURATE ASSESSMENT OF THESE GAMES, NO MATTER THE MEDAL COUNT, EVERYONE WINS.
]]>
Billy Morris
Dyess Fire Dept Captain
"The purpose is really a remembrance. It's a remembrance and also to acknowledge and recognize the sacrifice that these guys made. Not just the crew members of rescue 4, the 343 other firefighters that died that day as well."

For the firefighters this truck represents the ultimate sacrifice.

Billy Morris
Dyess Fire Dept Captain
"You never know when that call will come in, whether it will be your last, and unfortunately for these gentlemen on Rescue 4, that morning, that was their last alarm."

For some it was a meaningful experience.

SrA Shayne Anglin
Fire Protection
"Being next to something that survived, and they were able to refurbish it the way they did and have it tour the different cities is just something else and the cause is awesome."

Rescue 4 is touring the western United States and visiting various fire departments. Airman First Class Jonathan Farwell, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.]]>
AIRMEN AT SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE LAUNCHED THE FINAL A-10 THUNDERBOLT TWO TACTICAL SORTIE IN EUROPE. THE AIRFRAME BELONGS TO THE 81'S FIGHTER SQUADRON...WHICH WILL INACTIVATE IN JUNE DUE TO THE TERMINATION OF THE CONTINUING RESOLUTIONS PROVISION AND THE ENACTING OF THE 2013 NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT
... A PLAN DEFINING THE BUDGET AND EXPENDITURES OF THE D-O-D.
THE AIRCRAFT ARE RELOCATING TO MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, GEORGIA WHERE THEY WILL HELP FULFILL TRAINING REQUIREMENTS AND FORCE AUGMENTATION.

THE 2013 WARRIOR GAMES KICKED OFF AT THE U-S OLYMPIC TRAINING CENTER IN COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO. MORE THAN 200 SERVICE MEMBERS COMPETED FOR MEDALS IN EVERYTHING FROM TRACK AND FIELD TO SHOOTING, TO SITTING VOLLEYBALL, AND WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL.

YOU CAN FIND FEATURE STORIES ON SOME OF THE PARTICIPANTS ON THE AIR FORCE'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE, AFLINK.

AND MAYBE SOME OF THEIR STORIES WILL INSPIRE YOU TO RUN THE AIR FORCE MARATHON! BUT IF YOU HAVEN'T REGISTERED YET... YOU BETTER START TRAINING FOR THE FULL MARATHON BECAUSE THE HALF AND THE 5K HAVE ALREADY SOLD OUT. THE ANNUAL MARATHON WILL TAKE PLACE SEPTEMBER FIRST AT WRIGHT PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, WITH RUNNERS STARTING AND FINISHING AT THE NATIONAL AIR FORCE MUSEUM. YOU CAN REGISTER TO RUN OR TO VOLUNTEER TO HELP OUT ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE... U-S-A-F MARATHON-DOT-COM.
FOR MORE ON THESE STORIES AND OTHERS AFFECTING AIRMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES, CHECK OUT THE AIR FORCE'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE, AFLINK.
AND THAT'S IT FOR THE HEADLINES, I'M SENIOR AIRMAN RENE CARBERRY.

]]> Air Force Academy Cadet 1st Class Zach Wood arches his back as he clears the pole during a men's Track and Field high jump event in Las Vegas, Nevada
Security forces airmen guard a building during an urban operations training course at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.
Brian Easterling, a 96th Test Wing firefighter, extracts an injured pilot from an F-35 Lightning II during a major accident response exercise Eglin AFB, Florida.
And that's this week in photos, I'm staff Sergeant Michael Brady]]>
BENEFICIARIES ENROLLED IN TRICARE RESERVE SELECT OR TRICARE RETIRED RESERVE WHO PAY MONTHLY PREMIUMS BY CHECK MUST SWITCH TO AN ELECTRONIC FORM OF PAYMENT BY MAY 31ST. ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS STREAMLINE ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT AND
ENSURE CONTINUOUS COVERAGE FOR BENEFICIARIES. THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE THIS REQUIREMENT ESTABLISHED BY THE DEADLINE WILL HAVE THEIR COVERAGE SUSPENDED AND POSSIBLY TERMINATED FOR 12 MONTHS COME JUNE 1ST. TO SET UP AUTOMATIC
PAYMENTS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW. TRICARE .MIL FORWARD SLASH CONTACTS

FROM THE AIR POLICE OF YESTERDAY TO THE SECURITY FORCES OF TODAY, DEFENDING THE BASE IS A KEY MISSION FOR DEFENDERS AT KUNSAN AIR BASE, SOUTH KOREA. TSGT ALEX GRIFFIN TAKES US AROUND KUNSAN AS THE 8TH SECURITY FORCES SQUADRON
RUCKS TO REMEMBER THEIR FALLEN BROTHERS AND SISTERS.

THESE DEFENDERS AT KUNSAN ARE RUCKING ACROSS BASE AND THEN UP ITS HIGHEST POINT. ACROSS HOT PAVEMENT AND AROUND DIFFICULT TERRAIN, STEP BY STEP, THEY ARE REMEMBERING ALL THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO'VE DIED IN THE LINE OF DUTY.
JUST AS IMPORTANT, THEY'RE BUILDING UNIT COHESION, A TRAIT THAT'S CRITICAL IN A LOCATION LIKE THIS.
SB.
EVERYBODY S AWAY FROM THEIR FAMILIES DOING THE SHORT TOUR. ITS GOOD TO COME TOGETHER AS A TEAM AND SUPPORT EACH OTHER SO CAMARADERIE IS EVERYTHING IN THIS UNIT.
THE AIRMEN MARCHED NEARLY 4 MILES THROUGH THE BASE AND UP TO THE PEAK OF WHAT IS KNOWN AS "BIG COYOTE HILL". BECOMING A STRONGER UNIT THROUGH EVERY DROP OF SWEAT.
SOC


...AND NOW WE'RE GOING TO BRING IT OVER TO STAFF SERGEANT BRAD SISSON FOR A WARRIOR GAMES UPDATE.

THE AIR FORCE WARRIOR GAMES TEAM ONLY SAW ONE EVENT FOR DAY FOUR, ARCHERY. SADLY, THE AIR FORCE WAS KNOCKED OUT OF BOTH WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL AND SITTING VOLLEYBALL ON DAY 3.
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ON TO THE COMPOUND OPEN COMPETITION, COREY CARTER LED THE TEAM'S EFFORT WITH A FOURTH PLACE FINISH. HIS EFFORT WAS JUST A POINT SHY OUT OF MEDAL CONTENTION.

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NEXT CAME THE TEAM COMPETITIONS, FIRST UP WAS THE TEAM RECURVE CATEGORY. SOCOM TOOK GOLD WITH A 137 POINT OUTING, WHILE THE AIR FORCE FINISHED FOURTH WITH A 1-0-6.

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AND FINALLY, THE AIR FORCE CONTINUED THEIR EFFORT WITH THE COMPOUND BOW…THE TEAM WAS JUST ONE POINT SHY OF CAPTURING GOLD INSTEAD OF THE MARINES, WITH A 157 TO TAKE SILVER.

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SO, AFTER FOUR DAYS OF COMPETING THE MARINES ARE IN THE LEAD WITH 55 MEDALS BUT THE ARMY IS CLOSE BEHIND WITH 52, AND THE AIR FORCE IS TIED WITH SOCOM FOR FOURTH WITH 15 MEDALS A PIECE. WITH SWIMMING UP NEXT,
THE MARINES CAN'T BE COMFORTABLE YET.

I CAUGHT UP WITH ONE OF OUR RECURVE ARCHERS GWEN SHEPPARD ABOUT HER TIME WITH THE WARRIOR GAMES AND WHAT IT MEANS TO HER, PERSONALLY.

You help other folks, and by helping other folks, you help yourself. You know, if someone is having a bad day, "Yo man, what's going, what's up?" You just sit there and listen to them for 5 or 10 minutes.
"I got that off of my chest. Let's go back and do what we were doing." I'm going to get out there to not let my teammates down. You get out there and start working out, you do little bit more, and a little bit more.
"Yeah man, I got this. I can do things, I can compete." You don't feel the pain, it's irrelevant what I'm feeling because I'm out there competing.Then I get back to my room. "WHere's the ice pack, where's the heat pad?"
and then the next day, "Yeah, I'm cool man, I don't know what you're talking about." Whatever has got me going up here or in the body, it not defeating me, I'm defeating it.

UNFORTUNATELY GWEN DIDN'T MAKE THE RECURVE OPEN FINAL BUT DID SHE HELP THE RECURVE TEAM TAKE FOURTH. SO, THAT DOES IT FOR TODAY'S WARRIOR GAMES COVERAGE. FOR MORE VISIT AF LINK. BACK TO YOU AIRMAN RICHARD.

THANKS SERGEANT SISSON... FOR INFORMATION ON OTHER TOP AIR FORCE STORIES VISIT THE AIR FORCE'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE AFLINK. FROM THE AIR FORCE BROADCASTING SERVICE, I'M SENIOR AIRMAN ALINA RICHARD.
]]>
THE AIR FORCE WARRIOR GAMES TEAM ONLY SAW ONE EVENT FOR DAY FOUR, ARCHERY. SADLY, THE AIR FORCE WAS KNOCKED OUT OF BOTH WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL AND SITTING VOLLEYBALL ON DAY 3.
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ON TO THE COMPOUND OPEN COMPETITION, COREY CARTER LED THE TEAM'S EFFORT WITH A FOURTH PLACE FINISH. HIS EFFORT WAS JUST A POINT SHY OUT OF MEDAL CONTENTION.

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NEXT CAME THE TEAM COMPETITIONS, TEAM RECURVE COMPETITION. SOCOM TOOK GOLD WITH A 137 POINT OUTING, WHILE THE AIR FORCE FINISHED FOURTH WITH A 1-0-6.

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AND FINALLY, THE AIR FORCE CONTINUED THEIR EFFORT WITH THE COMPOUND BOW…THE TEAM WAS JUST ONE POINT SHY OF CAPTURING GOLD INSTEAD OF THE MARINES, WITH A 157 TO TAKE SILVER.

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SO, AFTER FOUR DAYS OF COMPETING THE MARINES ARE IN THE LEAD WITH 55 MEDALS, AND THE AIR FORCE AND SOCOM ARE TIED FOR FOURTH WITH 15 MEDALS A PIECE.

FOR MORE COVERAGE OF WARRIOR GAMES CHECK OUT AFLINK.]]> SB: SrA Todd Wester, 455 ELRS Armory Journeyman
What we do here is we store small arms such as M-16s and M-9s and what we do is we in-process; we issue the standard issue weapons to Air Force individuals who have not brought their weapons.
REPORTER
A key element of making sure Airmen are properly armed is conducting minor maintenance that will improve the overall function of each weapon. One of the most common quick fixes an Armory Journeyman can provide for airmen is changing the handedness of a weapon
SB:SrA Ernesto Roybal, 455 ELRS Armory Journeyman
This is turning a weapon from a left handed to a right handed or reverse. I had to go ahead and switch the magazine release which allows if you were right-handed a right-handed person to release the weapon magazine faster but if you were left-handed it would make more trouble for you.
REPORTER
In addition to issuing and maintaining nearly three thousand weapons members of the 455 ELRS are also responsible for guaranteeing each weapons is clean and functioning upon receiving it prior to each Airman out-processing the base. So the Armory will likely be one of the first and last stops for all deployed Airman. Air Force Staff Sgt. Bagram Air Field.
Keywords: SSgt Shawn Bryant; Bryant; Air Force; Gun; Weapons; M-16; M9; Bagram; Deployed; Airman; Todd Wester; Ernesto Roybal]]> SB: TSgt Christopher Poole, 455th Expeditionary Air Maintenance Squadron Engine Manager
At home station I’m a jet engine mechanic. I work flightline jet engines on B-52s. Out here I keep track of spare engines.
REPORTER
Sergeant Poole was extremely modest about his current position. In addition to tracking and inspecting spare engines he also spends a large portion of his time ensuring engines leaving or entering the area of operations are clean and prepared to clear customs.
SB: TSgt Christopher Poole, 455th Expeditionary Air Maintenance Squadron Engine Manager
The whole process takes about for days if everything goes smoothly.
REPORTER
While being the primary person responsible for delivery of each spare engine under his charge involves more office work than most mechanics would prefer, he is confident he can do the job well.
SB: TSgt Christopher Poole, 455th Expeditionary Air Maintenance Squadron Engine Manager
I mean I like the flight line work. I like going out and getting my hands dirty turning wrenches. It’s what we do. The office work, it’s not that bad.
Even though Sgt. Poole isn’t elbows-deep in grease turning wrenches, he and the engines he manages are assets that are vital to the flying schedule to more than 30 aircraft. Air Force Staff Sgt. Bagram Air Field.
Keywords: SSgt Shawn Bryant; Bryant; Air Force; Engines; C-130; Hercules; A-10; Warthog; Mechanic; Aerospace; Propulsion; Engine Management; Customs; Barksdale; Shreveport; Newelle, West Virginia; Pittsburg; flightline; flight; line; aircraft; Christopher Poole; Christopher; Poole; 455th EAMXS; 455th AEW]]>
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IN BASKETBALL THE AIR FORCE FACED THE 1 AND 1 NAVY. ON DEFENSE, KEN GESTRING'S QUICK REACTIONS CAUSED A TURNOVER WITH AN ATHLEITC GRAB, BUT IT WAS NOT ENOUGH TO TAKE DOWN THE NAVY

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AT THE END OF THE GAME, THE NAVY BEATTHE AIR FORCE 33 -18. THAT WAS THEIR SECOND LOSS OF THE TOURNAMENT ... OFFICIALLY ENDING THE AIR FORCE TEAM'S HOPE FOR A MEDAL.

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ON THE SITTING VOLLEYBALL COURT... THE AIR FORCE STARTED OFF THE NIGHT VERY SLOW WITH A 25 -5 LOSS TO THE U.K. BUT IN THE SECOND GAME AIR FORCE'S KEITH SEKORA BROUGHT THE HEAT... HIS DYNOMITE SPIKE COULN'T BE HANDLED BY THE U.K. AND HELPED THE AIR FORCE COME BACK TO WIN THE SECOND GAME AND FORCE AN ILL-FATED THIRD GAME.

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SO AFTER SPLITTING THE FIRST TWO, THE AIR FORCE LOST THE THIRD GAME BY JUST TWO POINTS PUTTING AN END TO THEIR WARRIOR GAMES TOURNAMENT RUN.

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CHECK OUT AFLINK FOR FULL WARRIOR GAMES COVERAGE.
]]>
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DAY THREE OF WARRIOR GAMES WAS SO FAR THE BUSIEST DAY ... AND THE MOST PRODUCTIVE FOR THE AIR FORCE. THE TEAM MANAGED TO QUADRUPLE THEIR MEDAL COUNT THANKS TO THEIR TRACK AND FIELD PERFORMANCE.

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ON TO THE FIELD COMPETITION, FOR THE MEN, DAMIAN ORSLENE LED THE TEAM'S EFFORT WITH TWO MEDALS, INCLUDING HIS 29.24 METER DISCUS THROW THAT EARNED HIM SILVER IN THE "OTHER SEATED" CATEGORY

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AND FOR THE WOMEN, CANCER SURVIVOR MONICA FIGUEROA ALSO TOOK TWO MEDALS. SHE EARNED BRONZE IN BOTH THE SHOT PUT AND DISCUSS OPEN COMPETITIONS.

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OVER ON THE TRACK, AIR FORCE CONTINUED TO ADD TO THEIR MEDAL COUNT... THIS TIME IT WAS THE LIGHTNING QUICK, LARA ISHEKAWA WHO LEAD THE EFFORT

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SHE CAME AWAY WITH A GOLD AND A SILVER IN THE 100 AND 200 METER OPEN COMPETITIONS WHILE SHAWN SCHWANTES AND SCOTT PALOMINO BOTH TOOK HOME SILVERS.

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FOR MORE IN-DEPTH COVERAGE OF WARRIOR GAMES AND A LOOK AT SOME OF OUR ATHLETES BACKGROUNDS CHECK OUT AFLINK.]]>
BEING STATIONED AT ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, GUAM MEANS SUBJECTING YOURSELF TO MANY NATURAL HAZARDS THAT TROOPS STATIONED ELSEWHERE MAY NOT EXPERIENCE. AIRMAN FIRST CLASS ADAM HARDER TELLS US HOW SERVICEMEMBERS DEAL WITH ONE OF THE MOST SURPRISINGLY HAZARDOUS... GUAM'S WATERS.


...AND NOW WE'RE GOING TO BRING IT OVER TO STAFF SERGEANT BRAD SISSON FOR A WARRIOR GAMES UPDATE.

DAY THREE OF WARRIOR GAMES WAS SO FAR THE BUSIEST DAY ... AND THE MOST PRODUCTIVE FOR THE AIR FORCE. THE TEAM MANAGED TO QUADRUPLE THEIR MEDAL COUNT THANKS TO THEIR TRACK AND FIELD PERFORMANCE

TAKE VIDEO
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BUT LETS START WITH WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL... THE AIR FORCE HAD A HARD TIME HANDLING THE NAVY'S IMPRESSIVE OFFENCE.

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THE AIR FORCE LOST 33 -18. THAT WAS THEIR SECOND LOSS ... OFFICIALLY ENDING THE AIR FORCE TEAM'S TOURNAMENT RUN.

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IN SITTING VOLLEYBALL, THE AIR FORCE STARTED OFF THE NIGHT VERY SLOW WITH A LOSS TO THE U.K. BUT A DYNAMITE SPIKE BY KEITH SEKORA THAT THE U.K. COULDN'T HANDLE HELPED THE THEM COME BACK IN THE SECOND GAME.

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SO AFTER SPLITTIN THE FIRST TWO, THE AIR FORCE LOST THE THIRD GAME BY JUST TWO POINTS ENDING THEIR TOURNAMENT RUN.

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OUTSIDE THE AIR FORCE TEAM DID MUCH BETTER... THEY MANAGED TO TAKE SEVEN MEDALS IN DISCUS AND SHOTPUT

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DAMIAN ORSLENE LED THE TEAM'S EFFORT WITH TWO MEDALS, INCLUDING HIS 29.24 METER DISCUS THROW THAT EARNED HIM SILVER IN THE "OTHER SEATED" CATEGORY

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OVER ON THE TRACK, AIR FORCE CONTINUED TO ADD TO THEIR MEDAL COUNT...

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THIS TIME THE IT WAS LARA ISHEKAWA WHO LEAD THE EFFORT WITH A LIGHTNING QUICK PERFORMANCE WHERE SHE CAME AWAY WITH A GOLD AND A SILVER IN THE 100 AND 200 METER OPEN COMPETITIONS.

TAKE ANCHOR

DURING TRAINING CAMP, I GOT A CHANCE TO TALK WITH THE GOLD MEDALIST ABOUT HER BATTLE WITH CANCER.

I've always been in good shape. I realized something was wrong in December of 2009. So I went to my PCM and said "I have a problem here," and he said, " Yeah, you do, we need to get you an ultrasound immediately." About a week later, we found out it was mammary carcinoma.
I had no family history of it, and no one expects you to get cancer. It was a shock, but you learn to cope and you move on. I am in remission and have had multiple surgeries. A double mastectomy and reconstruction. Part of the Warrior
Games here is, I always have something to look forward to and if I don't, I feel empty. I feel lost, so a lot of these other people need to look something to look forward to as well.

AND THAT DOES IT FOR TODAY'S WARRIOR GAMES COVERAGE. FOR MORE VISIT AF LINK. BACK TO YOU AIRMAN RICHARD.

THANKS SERGEANT SISSON... FROM THE AIR FORCE BROADCASTING SERVICE HERE AT FORT MEADE MARYLAND, I'M SENIOR AIRMAN ALINA RICHARD.]]> Dr. O’Hara
I'm always trying to reach higher I’m always trying to push the human limits, just see how far I can go
Reporter
Dr. Reggie O'Hara works at the Seven-Eleventh Human Performance Wing on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, testing equipment for Special Forces. And on his personal time, he is an Ultra-marathoner!
Dr. O’Hara
I'm will to be quite honest, running 150 miles is quite painful!
Reporter
Dr. O'Hara runs extreme distances to raise money for military charities, his next event and furthest distance so far, is a 200 mile run from Maryland to Virginia.
Dr. O’Hara
It’s because you’ve got a soldier an airman that goes overseas they get hit by an IED. They don’t come home. They’ve got kids waiting for them to come home, and they don’t ever get to see their mom or dad again so when out there running I’m running for a specific cause I'm not running because I enjoy it
Reporter
He runs to better the lives of families in need, but he is continuously challenges himself to go further
Dr. O’Hara
Ya I'm going to do between 4 and 5-hundred miles in about a month/month and a half over the course of about 8 days



Reporter
Dr. O'Hara runs the first 200 miles at the end of this month, and his goal is to complete it in 66 straight hours, the rest his trek will follow next month
Dr. O’Hara
You have to have kind of an iron clad mentality and go into it with kind of a warrior spirit especially if you’re doing it not really for yourself but you’re doing it for somebody else or for a cause
Reporter
Col Glenn Hover who works with Dr. O’Hara says between work, running and his charity he really shows excellence in all that he does
Col Glenn Hover
His spirit, his friendly affable relationships that he builds plus the intensity that he brings to his mission and his seriousness he does at work it’s the perfect blend, and he’s the perfect mentor because it shows you can accomplish anything you want as long as you set the goal and you focus on it ”
Reporter
After running four to five-hundred miles anyone would be exhausted! But it won’t slow Dr. O'Hara down one step!
Dr. O’Hara
I'm going to continue till they put me in a box, um - I wouldn't mind dying while I'm running
Reporter
Reporting for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Public Affairs I'm Senior Airman Richard Ware!
]]>
DAY TWO OF THE WARRIOR GAMES HAS COME AND GONE. UNFORTUNATELY, THE AIR FORCE SITTING VOLLEYBALL TEAM CONTINUED TO STRUGGLE.

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THEY ENDED UP LOSING TO THE MARINES IN THEIR FIRST MATCH, LOSING 25-15 AND 25-16. THE SECOND MATCH SAW THE AIR FORCE PLAYING SOCOM, WHERE THE AIR FORCE FELL 2 GAMES TO 1.

CHANGE SLIDE

AFTER DAY TWO THE MARINES ARE STEAMROLLING THROUGH THE COMPETITION, SITTING 2 GAMES AHEAD OF THE NEXT BEST TEAM.

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THE AIR FORCE WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL TEAMS FORTUNES HAVE CHANGED AS WELL...

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THE AIR FORCE LOST TO THE ARMY 59-9. THOUGH THE WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL COMPETITION IS A TOURNAMENT, IT'S DOUBLE ELIMINATION SO THAT MEANS THE AIR FORCE IS STILL IN IT!

FOR THE MOST UP TO DATE COVERAGE ON THE WARRIOR GAMES, VISIT THE AIR FORCE'S Official WEBSITE AF LINK. FROM THE AIR FORCE BROADCASTING SERVICE, HERE AT FORT MEADE, MARYLAND, I'M STAFF SERGEANT BRAD SISSON. THANKS FOR WATCHING.]]>
THE SHOOTING COMPETITION JUST WRAPPED UP AND OUR AIRMEN WERE ABLE TO ADD TO THEIR MEDAL COUNT...

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IN THE PISTOL OPEN CLASS THE AIR FORCE HAD 9 SHOOTERS STEP UP TO THE FIRING LINE... AND STEPHEN OTERO AND JOSH ROBISTOW WERE ABLE TO SHOOT THEIR WAY INTO THE FINAL ROUND.


TAKE SLIDE

AFTER THE FINAL TARGETS WERE SCORED, ROBISTOW'S 429.4 POINTS LANDED HIM IN FOURTH.


TAKE VIDEO

THE AIR FORCE HAD THE LARGEST TEAM IN THE AIR RIFLE COMPETITION...OF THE SEVEN AIRMEN COMPETING IN THE PRONE OPEN CATEGORY, MITCHELL KEEFFER LEAD THE AIR FORCE EFFORT...


TAKE SLIDE

HE WAS THE ONLY TO MAKE IT INTO THE FINAL ROUND OF SHOOTING... AND HIS SCORE OF 496 WAS ENOUGH TO TAKE SILVER.


CHANGE SLIDE

IN THE PRONE S-H-1 CATEGORY, SARAH EVANS QUALIFYING ROUND SCORE OF 372 ALLOWED HER TO TAKE 10TH PLACE.

IN STANDING OPEN, GWEN SHEPPARD AND JAEL HANSEN PLACED 6TH AND 7TH.

TAKE ANCHOR

FOR FULL WARRIOR GAMES COVERAGE AND CLOSER LOOK AT ONE OF OUR SHOOTERS, VISIT AF LINK.
]]>
THE RETROGRADE OPERATION IN AFGHANISTAN IS IN FULL SWING AND SERVICE MEMBERS ARE WORKING HARD TO MEET THE DRAW DOWN DEADLINE. COL MICHAEL CANNON TELLS US ABOUT THE GRAN-U-TECH MOBILE SHREDDER AND WHY IT'S EXPECTED TO SPEED UP THE RETROGRADE PROCESS AT FORWARD OPERATING BASES THROUGHOUT AFGHANISTAN.

"Unlike places like Iraq where we're allowed to leave some bases in place and turnover the base to the Iraqi population, most of our FOBs in Afghanistan we can leave nothing standing."

NAT SOUND
Col Michael Cannon - DLA Support Team Commander
"We use the Shredder to get ride of almost all of the electronics, the armor plating, the ballistic glass and turn it into unusable condition so we can leave the other FOBs as we found them."

Col Michael Cannon - DLA Support Team Commander
"The people here are real pros in getting it on the airplane, getting it off the other end is going to be a big challenge, but the capability that the CDDOC gives us to get it airlifted into Afghanistan is really going to be a force multiplier for our retrograde operations."

"Being the first to do it. That's going to be a sticking point for the guys back at the squadron. We were the first one to load it, take it and drop it off."

...AND NOW WE'RE GOING TO BRING IT OVER TO STAFF SERGEANT BRAD SISSON FOR A WARRIOR GAMES UPDATE.

DAY TWO OF THE WARRIOR GAMES HAS COME AND GONE. UNFORTUNATELY, THE AIR FORCE'S SITTING VOLLEYBALL TEAM CONTINUED TO STRUGGLE.

(PAUSE)
TAKE SLIDE

THEY ENDED UP LOSING TO THE MARINES IN THEIR FIRST MATCH, LOSING 25-15 AND 25-16. THE SECOND MATCH SAW THE AIR FORCE PLAYING ARMY, WHERE THE AIR FORCE FELL 2 GAMES TO 1.

CHANGE SLIDE

AFTER DAY TWO THE MARINES ARE STEAM ROLLING THROUGH THE COMPETITION, SITTING 2 GAMES AHEAD OF THE NEXT BEST TEAM.

(PAUSE)
TAKE ANCHOR
THE AIR FORCE WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL TEAMS FORTUNES HAVE CHANGED AS WELL...

(PAUSE)
TAKE SLIDE

THE AIR FORCE LOST TO THE ARMY 59-9. THOUGH THE WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL COMPETITION IS A TOURNAMENT, IT'S DOUBLE ELIMINATION SO THAT MEANS THE AIR FORCE IS STILL IN IT!

(PAUSE)
TAKE VIDEO

DAY TWO SHOWCASED THE SPORT CLOSEST TO OUR MILITARY BACKGROUND, SHOOTING! THE AIR FORCE HAD A SOLID DAY

(PAUSE)
TAKE SLIDE

MITCHELL KEEFER LED THE WAY WITH A SILVER MEDAL AT PRONE-OPEN AND JOSH ROBISTOW WAS JUST OUT OF MEDAL CONTENTION WITH A 4TH PLACE PERFORMANCE.

(PAUSE)
CHANGE SLIDE

AND.. JUST LIKE THE OLYMPICS, THE WARRIOR GAMES KEEPS TRACK OF MEDAL COUNT. THE ARMY IS CURRENTLY IN THE LEAD WITH 17 AND THE AIR FORCE HAS CLAIMED 4.

APPROXIMATELY A MONTH AGO, I HAD A CHANCE TO GO OUT TO THE AIR FORCE WARRIOR GAMES' SELECTION CAMP IN COLORADO SPRINGS. THAT'S WHERE I MET UP WITH WILLIAM BJORNES, WHO PLACED 22ND IN THE PRONE-OPEN SHOOTING CATEGORY AND IS RECOVERING FROM AN EXTREMELY RARE BRAIN DISEASE. HERE'S A LOOK AT HIS BATTLE.

IT TAKES A LOT TO KEEP THIS YEARS WARRIOR GAMES GOING. STAFF SERGEANT MIKE HUTCHINSON GIVES US AN INSIDE LOOK AT A WARRIOR GAMES BIKE MECHANIC.
SB - Royce Riggen "This one during training yesterday they tore up the front derailleur. So I need to realign the front derailleur and make sure the shifting is right in the front. And I think there's an issue on the front derailleur here, and they're missing a shifter."
Royce Riggen is one of the mechanics who takes pleasure in making sure the athletes of the 2013 warrior games have equipment that's operating at peek performance.
SB - Royce Riggen "For me it's mostly self-taught. Been working around the bike industry off and on ever since I was 8 years old."
And all those years of experience have made him an expert at what he does - But Royce isn't done learning yet, he's always picking up new tricks to help wounded warriors compete.
SB - Royce Riggen "Most crank arms, they spin like these, they stay in sync with each other at all times. But if you can't have the ability to bend your left leg, this company here at San Diego - they made a clutch system so that you can turn independently your own crank arm. It may seem simple but for these guys that's a big deal, now he can ride. Could you ride before that? So before he couldn't be on an up-right bike, but now because of somebody thinking outside of the box, now he can ride.
Being prior service himself... for Royces it's about much more than fixing their bikes...
SB - Royce Riggen "I don't want anything for it, I just want to help them out, because these guys have given so much and sacrificed so much. It's just like the Ranger's Creed, never leave a man behind, and I'll live by that creed till the day I die. I'll never leave one of these guys behind. We owe it to 'em... we really do...It's just family helping family"
Staff Sergeant Mike Hutchinson, Colorado Springs - Colorado.

AND THAT DOES IT FOR TODAY'S WARRIOR GAMES COVERAGE. FOR MORE VISIT AF LINK. BACK TO YOU AIRMAN RICHARD.
THANKS SERGEANT SISSON...
FROM THE AIR FORCE BROADCASTING SERVICE, I'M SENIOR AIRMAN ALINA RICHARD.]]> “It's considered a brain injury but it's an illness as well. Antibodies form to protect your Thyroid, but instead of protecting my Thyroid, it jumps into your cerebral spine fluid goes up and wherever it lands in your brain... it just kills it. They did some pretty invasive surgery. They took out eight parts of my frontal lobe.”

“I used to be able to just pick up a rifle and hit whatever I needed to hit... and then I shoot a 27... You almost have to try to shoot that low.”

“But you know I have improved through that, looking for opportunities through the VA to be around people that have injuries, that are other wounded warriors. You feel more normal... even though I'm not missing a limb, I'm missing a pretty good chunk of my brain.”

Nat Sound Pop: "That's the first set of my sights."

“You don't realize how much sports or recreational activities are part of your life and part of your norm until they're taken away.”
]]> Royce Riggen - Bike Mechanic

SB - Royce Riggen "This one during training yesterday they tore up the front derailer. So I need to realign the front derailer and make sure the shifting is right in the front. And I think there's an issue on the front derailer here, and they're missing a shifter."

Royce Riggen is one of the mechanics who takes pleasure in making sure the athletes of the 2013 warrior games have equipment that's operating at peek performance.

SB - Royce Riggen "For me it's mostly self-taught. Been working around the bike industry off and on ever since I was 8 years old."

And all those years of experience have made him an expert at what he does - But Royce isn't done learning yet, he's always picking up new tricks to help wounded warriors compete.

SB - Royce Riggen "Most crank arms, they spin like these, they stay in sync with each other at all times. But if you can't have the ability to bend your left leg, this company here at San Diego - they made a clutch system so that you can turn independently your own crank arm. It may seem simple but for these guys that's a big deal, now he can ride. Could you ride before that? So before he couldn't be on an up-right bike, but now because of somebody thinking outside of the box, now he can ride.

Being prior service himself... for Royces it's about much more than fixing their bikes...

SB - Royce Riggen "I don't want anything for it, I just want to help them out, because these guys have given so much and sacrificed so much. It's just like the the Ranger's Creed, never leave a man behind, and I'll live by that creed till the day I die. I'll never leave one of these guys behind. We owe it to 'em... we really do...It's just family helping family"

Staff Sergeant Mike Hutchinson, Colorado Springs - Colorado.]]> in some last minute work as they prepare for the week's events. I had the
chance to speak with Corey Carter who'll be representing the Air Force in
Archery, Seated Volleyball, and swimming. Archery is his strongest event,
but right now putting in some time in the pool, an area where he's working
hard to improve.

SB "My breathing in the hardest thing I'm working on. Luckily I'm only doing
the 50 meter which I should be fine at that. If I end up doing the hundred
it may be a little bit of a struggle but I think I'll be fine."

Corey say's what he's most excited about are the team sports.

SB "Last year I sat up in the stands wanting to be out there. This year I'm
on the floor so it's king of exciting being able to feel that joy of maybe
beating someone or being second, third, it doesn't mater - I'm just here to
compete and have fun and enjoy the company of everybody else."

Events take place through-out the week at the Air Force Academy and at the
Olympic Training Center.

Staff Sergeant Mike Hutchinson, Colorado Springs - Colorado.]]>
IN THE MEN'S 10-K HANDCYCLE, CHRISS WOLFF LED THE AIR FORCE'S EFFORT AND FINISHED 14TH.

AND IN THE WOMEN'S 10-K, JENNIFER KYSETH CROSSED THE LINE SECOND TO CLAIM SILVER.

THE AIR FORCE HAD TWO ATHLEATS IN THE MEN'S 20K RECUMBENT RACE... DAMIEN ORSLENE AND SCOTT BULLIS WHO WAS ALSO SERVING AS A COACH. AFTER STARTING A LITTLE OFF OF THE PACE, BULLIS MANAGED TO TAKE THE LEAD, WINNING GOLD WITH A TIME OF 39 MINUTES 4 SECONDS...

SB "....."

IN THE 30-K OPEN CLASS, MITCHELL KIEFFER WAS ONE SECOND SHY OF PLACING, HE FINISHED FOURTH...

AND IN THE TANDEM VISUALLY IMPAIRED COMPITION, WESLEY GLISSON POWERED TO THE FINISH LINE SECOND.

CHECK OUT AF-LINK FOR FULL WARRIOR GAMES COVERAGE.]]>
THE AIR FORCE'S SITTING VOLLYBALL TEAM STARTED OFF THE ROUND ROBIN TOURNAMENT BY FACING THE NAVY.

UNFORTUNATELY IT WASN'T EVEN CLOSE FOR THE AIR FORCE FALLING TO THE NAVY, 25-13 AND 25-10.

IN THE SECOND SET OF MATCHS THE AIR FORCE TOOK ON ARMY. THIS TIME, THE AIR FORCE GOT THE HELP OF MONSTER BLOCK BY ORION ORE-EE-ANNA AND VERY SMART PLAY BY KEITH SEKORA HELPING THEM WIN THE FIRST GAME, BUT IT WASNT ENOUGH...

THE AIR FORCE WENT DOWN TO THE ARMY 2 GAMES TO 1

OVER ON THE WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL COURT THE AIR FORCE TOOK ON SOCOM.

JASON ELLIS KEPT SOCOM ON THEIR HEELS WITH GREAT FREE THROW SHOOTING, WHILE KEN JESTRING HAD AN AMAZING DEFENSIVE PLAY WHERE HE STOPPED A BREAK-AWAY BY BOXING OUT HIS OPPONENT.

THESE TWO PLAYS HELPED AID IN THE AIR FORCE'S 37-25 WIN. THE AIR FORCE WILL TAKE ON ARMY NEXT.

CHECK OUT AF-LINK FOR FULL WARRIOR GAMES COVERAGE.

]]> HELLO AND WELCOME TO AROUND THE AIR FORCE, I'M SENIOR AIRMAN ALINA RICHARD.

THE ARMED FORCES INSURANCE SPOUSE OF THE YEAR AWARDS LUNCHEON WAS HELD AT JOINT BASE MEYER HENDERSON HALL,VIRGINIA.

THE EVENT RECOGNIZED THE COMMITMENT AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF MILITARY SPOUSES. THIS YEAR THE NATIONAL GUARD SPOUSE OF THE YEAR, ALICIA HINDS WARD TOOK THE TITLE. SHE IS THE SPOUSE OF TECH SGT EDWINSTON WARD OF THE 113TH FIGHTER WING AT JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MARYLAND.

MRS. HINDS WARD CO-FOUNDED HER BASES BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUP AND HOLDS NUMEROUS SOCIAL EVENTS FOR FAMILIES OF HER UNIT.

THE NOMINEES WENT DIRECTLY TO THE WHITE HOUSE FOLLOWING THE LUNCHEON TO HAVE TEA WITH FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA.

THIS YEAR'S WOUNDED WARRIOR GAMES ARE NOW UNDERWAY. HERE IS STAFF SERGEANT BRAD SISSON TO START OUR INDEPTH COVERAGE OF THE GAMES.

ALL YEAR LONG WOUNDED WARRIOR ATHLETES FROM AROUND THE WORLD TRAIN FOR THIS WEEK.... WARRIOR GAMES OFFICIALLY GOT UNDERWAY WITH AN OPENING CEREMONY THIS WEEKEND IN COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO. PRINCE HENRY OF WHALES, NAVY LIEUTENANT BRADLEY SNIDER, AND OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST MISTY FRANKLAND LIT THE COLDRON OFFICIALLY STARTING THE OLYMPIC STYLE GAMES THAT GIVE WOUNDED AND ILL WARRIORS AN ARENA TO COMPETE, REHABILITATE AND HEAL THROUGH ADAPTIVE SPORTS LIKE WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL, AND SITTING VOLLEYBALL.

THE FIRST EVENTS AT THIS YEAR'S WARRIOR GAMES WERE THE CYCLING COMPETITIONS.

HERE IS A LOOK AT HOW OUR 23 AIRMEN CYCLISTS FAIRED...

IN THE MEN'S 10-K HAND CYCLE, CHRISS WOLFF LED THE AIR FORCE'S EFFORT AND FINISHED 14TH.

AND IN THE WOMEN'S 10-K, JENNIFER KYSETH CROSS THE LINE SECOND IN 25 MINUTES 31 SECONDS TO CLAIM SILVER.

THE AIR FORCE HAD TWO ATHLETES IN THE MEN'S 20K RECUMBENT RACE...

DAMIEN ORSLENE AND SCOTT BULLIS WHO WAS ALSO SERVING AS A COACH. AFTER STARTING A LITTLE OFF OF THE PACE, BULLIS MANAGED TO TAKE THE LEAD, WINNING GOLD WITH A TIME OF 39 MINUTES 4 SECONDS... A FULL MINUTE 41 SECONDS AHEAD OF
SECOND PLACE.

SIB "....."

IN THE 30-K OPEN CLASS, MITCHELL KIEFFER WAS A SECOND SHY OF PLACING, HE FINISHED FOURTH...

AND IN THE TANDEM VISUALLY IMPAIRED COMPETITION, WESLEY GLISSON POWERED TO THE FINISH LINE SECOND.

IN ADDITION TO THE INDIVIDUAL SPORTS, THERE ARE TWO TOURNAMENTS GOING ON THIS WEEK.... SITTING VOLLEYBALL AND WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL.

THE AIR FORCE'S SITTING VOLLEYBALL TEAM STARTED OFF THE ROUND ROBIN TOURNAMENT BY FACING THE NAVY.

UNFORTUNATELY IT WASN'T EVEN CLOSE FOR THE AIR FORCE FALLING TO THE NAVY, 25-13 AND 25-10.

IN THE SECOND SET OF MATCHES THE AIR FORCE TOOK ON ARMY. THIS TIME, THE AIR FORCE GOT THE HELP OF MONSTER BLOCK BY ORION ORE-EE-ANNA AND VERY SMART PLAY BY KEITH SEKORA HELPING THEM WIN THE FIRST GAME, BUT IT WASN'T ENOUGH...

THE AIR FORCE WENT DOWN TO THE ARMY 2 GAMES TO 1

AT THE END OF THE FIRST DAY, THE MARINES AND ARMY LED THE TOURNAMENT WITH TWO WINS EACH .

OVER ON THE WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL COURT THE AIR FORCE TOOK ON SOCOM.

JASON ELLIS KEPT SOCOM ON THEIR HEELS WITH GREAT FREE THROW SHOOTING, WHILE KEN JESTRING HAD AN AMAZING DEFENSIVE PLAY WHERE HE STOPPED A BREAK-AWAY BY BOXING OUT HIS OPPONENT.

THESE TWO PLAYS HELPED AID IN THE AIR FORCE'S 37-25 WIN. THE AIR FORCE WILL TAKE ON ARMY NEXT.

AROUND THE AIR FORCE WILL BE COVERING THE GAMES ALL WEEK LONG AND BRING YOU IN-DEPTH FEATURE STORIES ON A FEW OF OUR 53 AIR FORCE ATHLETES . AND, IN CASE YOU MISSED SOMETHING, WE ARE POSTING OUR WARRIOR GAMES COVERAGE ON AF LINK. BACK TO YOU AIRMAN RICHARD.

THANKS SERGEANT SISSON.. IF YOU ALSO WANT TO CATCH UP ON TODAY'S TOP STORIES AFFECTING AIRMAN AND THEIR FAMILIES, CHECK OUT THE AIR FORCE'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE. FROM THE AIR FORCE BROADCASTING SERVICE, HERE AT FORT MEADE, MARYLAND, I'M SENIOR AIRMAN ALINA RICHARD. THANKS FOR WATCHING.

]]>
Col Michael Cannon – Defense Logistics Agency Support Team Commander
“Unlike places like Iraq where we’re allowed to leave some bases in place and turnover the base to the Iraqi population, most of our FOBs in Afghanistan we can leave nothing standing.”

Col Michael Cannon – DLA Support Team Commander
“We use the Shreader to get ride of almost all of the electronics, the armor plating, the ballistic glass and turn it into unusable condition so we can leave the other FOBs as we found them.”

THE PROCESS TO LOAD THIS EQUIPMENT IS CAREFULLY PLANED AND EXECUTED DOWN TO THE LAST DETAIL. THE CARGO HAS ONLY INCHES TO SPARE AS IT MAKES ITS WAY UP THE RAMP.

Col Michael Cannon – DLA Support Team Commander
“The people here are real pros in getting it on the airplane, getting it off the other end is going to be a big challenge, but the capability that the CDDOC gives us to get it airlifted into Afghanistan is really going to be a force multiplier for our retrograde operations.”

THIS SHREDDER IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND TO BE AIRLIFTED TO AFGHANISTAN. THE C-5 IS ONLY ONE OF TWO AIRCRAFTS IN THE WORLD CAPABLE OF TRANSPORTING AN 87,000 POUND SHREDDER THE SIZE OF A TRUCK TO KANDAHAR AIRFIELD…AND ITS BECOME A NEW SOURCE OF PRIDE FOR THESE A-M-C AIRMEN.

TSgt Antonio Little – Air Mobility Command Loadmaster
“Being the first to do it. That’s going to be a sticking point for the guys back at the squadron. We were the first one to load it, take it and drop it off.”

THE LEVEL OF PLANNING, DETAIL, AND TEAMWORK THAT GOES INTO LOADING AND UNLOADING SUCH A LARGE PIECE OF EQUIPMENT IS IMPRESSIVE AND A FEET THESE AIRMEN CAN BE PROUD OF.
AIR FORCE STAFF SERGEANT YOSHI SHINZATO, SOUTH WEST ASIA.]]> THE LAWS ON TEXTING AND DRIVING DIFFER FROM STATE TO STATE; HOWEVER, IT’S THE SAME ON ALL AIR FORCE BASES.
(SRA CHRIS STITCHER/MILITARY WORKING DOG HANDLER) “IF YOU DO NEED TO TALK ON YOUR CELL PHONE, YOU DO NEED TO HAVE A BLUETOOTH IN YOUR EAR. OR JUST PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, OR WAIT TILL YOU GET TO WHERE YOU’RE GOING.”
ACCORDING TO THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRANSPORTATION SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, TEXTING AND DRIVING IS THE SAME AS DRIVING AFTER FOUR BEERS AND MAKES YOU 23 TIMES MORE LIKELY TO CRASH.
(SRA CHRIS STITCHER/MILITARY WORKING DOG HANDLER) “IF YOU’RE TEXTING, OBVIOUSLY YOU’RE NOT GOING TO BE PAYING ATTENTION TO ANY KID WALKING ON THE SIDEWALK. THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL YOU HAVE KIDS RIDING BIKES SO THEN IF THEY’RE TRYING TO GO ACROSS THE ROAD AND YOU’RE TEXTING, SAME THING. YOU’RE NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO SEE THEM AND YOU COULD POSSIBLY ENDANGER THEIR LIFE.”
SO, REMEMBER THE DECISION YOU MAKE BEHIND THE WHEEL COULD MAKE A WORLD OF A DIFFERENCE. AIRMAN FIRST CLASS DANIELLE BRYANT, MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, ALABAMA.
]]>
Michael Rubanka:

So my job title is rocket sled design engineer and primarily I’ve been working on one rocket sled since I showed up nine months ago. It is completely different than anything I’ve worked on outside the test track, because we have such a unique mission out here.

Neil Grigsby:

So the process we have out here at the test track is pretty unique Air Force wise and I think industry wise. We have everything we need to build and fabricate sleds. We have heat treat, sheet metal, engineering, drafting, machine shop—pretty cool machine shop, paint shop. We can do everything out here from design to fabrication to launching a sled.

Jim Daniel:

We provide a test environment for weapons systems that simulate what they might see in the real world. An example of that would be the weapons we use to destroy underground bunkers. We have the ability to test each component one part at a time until everything works together as designed. One of the unique things about working at the Holloman High Speed Test Track as a lieutenant is that they have to tailor their designs to individual munitions that our customers want tested. By that I mean you have to know the dimensions—not only the mass but the length, the diameter—whatever those critical dimensions are that define the weapon so they can define the carriage vehicle that will take it down the track into the target.

Hedison Doe:

So before commissioning at Iowa State University I was basically working on design projects. We worked on a power train and to compare the level of work to what I am doing now running systems that are going at super sonic speeds that is something I didn’t even think about before commissioning and even as a young engineer. The test track really gives you that unique opportunity to expand your engineering knowledge.

Neil Grigsby:

I was not at all expecting what we have out here. I wasn’t expecting at all to work on stuff. Probably think you are going to go to a program office and you are going to go sit in meetings all day. Write test plans and stuff. But actually out here I get to do real design work. One thing I like about the job out here is that we are directly impacting the people that are going to use it in the field. So I think that is a pretty cool aspect of out job.]]>


SrA Mark Riley - Pill Collector - Show the sign (We're doing Drug take back day. It's for the community, for them to bring in prescription drugs that's expired or they're not using around the house)



NO QUESTIONS ASKED... JUST DROP OFF THE PILLS



nat snd - dropping pill bottles 3X



(shot of moving table) - HERE IN WEST TEXAS, IT GETS WARM QUICKLY, AND SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO RELOCATE...(use the beep, beep, beep as nat snd)



MOVING LOCATIONS DIDN'T STOP THE COMMUNITY FROM BRINGING PILLS FROM HOME.



SSgt Joe Lara - Pill Collector (We've collected anywhere from children's medication to a guy said he had a pill bottle from 1978.)



(shot of hand stuff bag into box) - nat snd



my stand up



NAT SND



ITS DIFFICULT TO PREDICT AHEAD OF TIME THE AMOUNT OF LEFT OVER DRUGS PEOPLE HAVE...



SSgt Joe Lara - Pill Collector (It's really exceeded my expectations by a lot, considering how much we collected and what we collected. Its gonna be a good deal for the community.



SrA Mark Riley - Pill Collector(It's a 100 times than I thought we were gonna get. I was expecting a little small box, were already on our 4th or 5th box of stuff)



NAT SND





IN ONLY A FEW HOURS ON A SATURDAY THE TURN OUT FROM THE COMMUNITY FILLED THESE BOXES... MAKING THIS THE MOST SUCCESSFUL DRUG TURN IN SEVERAL YEARS.



AIR FORCE SERGEANT ROBERT SMITH, GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS.
]]>

MSgt Christopher Sullivan

Test Cell Section Chief

"The primary duty of T-9 test facilities is to check the integrity of the engines after being rebuilt, the engines come into the shop, they're torn down and rebuilt, they're sent to us at the test cell, we'll ops check them, and then they'll be placed on the spare line, ready to go into an aircraft when needed."



The upgrades will help insulate the facility, making it quieter and keep Dyess in compliance with EPA.



TSgt Steven Gauche

Aerospace Propulsion Craftsman

"We're swapping out the seventy-five hundred gallon fuel tanks to get those in compliance with the EPA, we're also doing some modifications to the door strips to help insulate the building better."



The facilities test about 80 engines every year. Reporting from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, I'm Airman First Class Timothy Kirchner.]]>
Transcript:
WHEN THE UNITED SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS BRINGS A SHOW TO TOWN THEY RELY ON VOLUNTEERS TO HELP MAKE THEIR EVENT A SUCCESS.

SSgt Christenbury – “Came out today to just kind of help set up and everything like that for Drowning Pool, you know they came out to do a USO tour. One of my favorite bands of all time so as soon as I found out that these guys were going to be here doing the USO tour, I had to jump all over it. Was like hey what do you need help with? Let me come out, let me do something, I don’t care what it is.”

DROWNING POOL PLAYED ON TWO U-S-O TOURS AND DIDN’T HESITATE WHEN ASKED TO DO ANOTHER ONE.

Drowning Pool – “Anytime we’ve been given the offer to come over and play for our guys and girls, it’s been a no brainer. We’ve been given the opportunity to give back to the troops by way of USO.”

THE 20 OR SO VOLUNTEERS FROM MILDENHALL GOT THE STAGE BUILT… BUT IT WAS DROWNING POOL WHO HAD THEM ON THEIR FEET AND SINGING THE ENTIRE NIGHT. TECH SERGEANT LANCE DAIGLE, RAF MILDENHALL, UNITED KINGDOM.
]]>
THIS IS NOT CADET AIRMAN SETH WOODROW’S FIRST FLIGHT BUT IT IS THE FIRST ONE HE IS CONTROLLING

SB: Cadet Amn Seth Woodrow- Cessna 172 Co-Pilot

Flying today was my first day out and it was amazing. It was cool to see the world from a different perspective then what we’re used to seeing on the streets.

THE PILOT FLYING NEXT TO HIM UNDERSTANDS THIS FEELING BEST. NOT BECAUSE HE HAS BEEN FLYING HIS ENTIRE MILITARY CAREER, BUT BECAUSE THIRTY-TWO YEARS AGO HE SAT IN THE SEAT OF THE SAME AIRCRAFT AS A CIVIL AIR PATROL CADET.

SB: Lt. Col Andreas Wesemann- Osan AB Cadet Squadron Deputy Commander


I told my mom I want to join Civil Air Patrol and she said, “what’s that?”
“I’m going to learn how to fly airplanes march and keep my hair short,” and she said, “okay”
“and I’m going to say yes Ma’am and no sir,”
“okay, great, you can do it.”
I did my first cadet orientation ride a few months later I don’t remember who my pilot was but it was a Cessna 1-72 the same type of airplane I’m flying today with these cadets and I got to go up for an orientation ride and the first time you ride you’re at the controls. You’re not just a passenger you’re at the controls flying, and I had a great time and I was hooked and I decided that day that I wanted to be a pilot

SB: Cadet Amn Seth Woodrow- Cessna 172 Co-Pilot

I’m setting myself up this early to fly is an amazing opportunity that I get through Civil Air Patrol and that not a lot of people get to experience so I definitely feel like I’m moving in the right direction if I would want to join the military to fly aircraft. Irritated

SO FOR NOW HE IS CONTROLLING A PROP PLANE BUT SOON ENOUGH...

SB: Cadet Amn Seth Woodrow- Cessna 172 Co-Pilot

I’m looking up to the F-16….best airplane in the world.

SENIOR AIRMAN DESTINIE CHAVEZ, OSAN AIR BASE, KOREA.
]]>
SOUNDBITE: Yvette Andrews, 4th Grade Teacher
What it entails is the study of the different cultures that exist here in the Pacific. So we had representation from the Japanese community, Chinese community and Hawaii.

THE STUDENTS TOOK PART AN INTERACTIVE CELEBRATION, GETTING TO TOUCH AND TRY-ON SOME OF THE GEAR. MILITARY SPOUSES FROM YOKOTA'S TANABATTA DANCERS PERFORMED AN OKINAWAN FLOWER DANCE. JESSICA STEPHENS THINKS EVENTS LIKE THIS HELP STUDENTS DEVELOP A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE COUNTRY THEY'RE LIVING IN.

SOUNDBITE: Jessica Stephens, Dance Instructor
I think it's important so that young kids while they're living in Japan can experience Japanese culture. This is a traditional style of dance very important and they get to experience that and so that tradition can go on and on.

JAYDA HELLYER AND HER 4TH GRADE CLASSMATES TOOK PART IN A DIFFERENT STYLE OF DANCE - A HAWAIIAN-INFLUENCED HIP-HOP HULA.

SOUNDBITE: Jayda Hellyer, Student
I thought it was fun because we got to dance and we got to learn new moves and we got to listen to music, with our whole class. I think the boys thought the hula was hard. I think the girls liked it.

MISS ANDREWS SAYS HER STUDENTS REAP BENEFITS NOT AVAILABLE TO THEIR FELLOW STUDENTS IN THE STATES.

SOUNDBITE- Yvette Andrews
Our military students are so blessed that they get to live in different parts of the world. And so to bring this kind of activity to our school is just awesome.

YOKOTA WEST ELEMENTARY IS JUST ONE OF MANY SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT THE PACIFIC CELEBRATING ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH. AND IT'S A CELEBRATION THAT ENJOYS AN ADDED SENSE OF REALISM BECAUSE OF ITS LOCATION IN JAPAN. PETTY OFFICER STEPHEN JACKSON, YOKOTA AIR BASE, JAPAN.
]]>
SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE MICHAEL DONLEY AND AIR FORCE CHIEF OF STAFF GENERAL MARK WELSH THE THIRD SPOKE BEFORE THE SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE ABOUT THE FISCAL 2014 BUDGET. GENERAL WELSH SAID THAT WHILE THE REQUEST DOES NOT FULLY ACCOUNT FOR THE NECESSARY RECOVERY FROM SEQUESTRATION, IT DOES PRIORITIZE REVERSING THE DECLINING READINESS TREND.

SB GEN MARK WELSH III - CHIEF OF STAFF, AIR FORCE (:33)

THE KC-46, THE F-35 AND THE LONG RANGE STRIKE BOMBER REMAIN OUR TOP THREE INVESTMENT PRIORITIES. WE NEED THE F-35. IT REMAINS THE BEST PLATFORM AVAILABLE TO ADDRESS THE PROLIFERATION OF HIGHLY CAPABLE INTEGRATED AIR DEFENSES AND NEW AIR TO AIR THREATS. THE LONG-RANGE STRIKE BOMBER WILL GIVE OUR NATION A FLEXIBLE, CREDIBLE CAPABILITY TO STRIKE GLOBALLY WITH PRECISION ON LIMITED NOTICE SHOULD THE NATIONAL INTEREST REQUIRE. THE KC-46 REMAINS OUR HIGHEST INVESTMENT PRIORITY AND WILL EVENTUALLY REPLACE A THIRD OF OUR CURRENT TANKER FLEET.

]]> I actually joined the Air Force because I had been singing for a while. After I graduated from high school I sang on a cruise ship for 2 years and then I was in California singing. At some point it clicked and I was like, I don't know if I want to do this anymore, it's hard. You know my grandpa, and my uncle's in the Air Force, it's probably a good fit. You get to travel the world and show patriotism for your country. So I decided to sign up and... now I'm back... doing singing.
I've been getting paid to sing since I was like 14 years old. I've grown and learned a lot about the business and then when I stopped doing it at 21 I was tired and beat down and thought I didn't have what it took to make it. And it was kind of surreal how I came in the military, threw that life away and it's like, no - you're not done singing. It was like God or somebody put it in my path, you need to sing, this is what you're supposed to do. So this time when I got signed I said I'm doing this all the way because I don't want to have regrets.
It's not the challenge because I am a member of the US Air Force and that is my primary mission. I'm doing the singing and glad it's doing well but it still has to come second. So because of my job I'm very busy, since we work long hours and 12's all the time. So it's a struggle but it's one I'm glad to make. If you want something badly enough you'll sacrifice for it.]]> SB: SMSgt Mike Marshall, Band Manager
One of our goals is nation partnership building. And this is a perfect opportunity to engage with other ensembles from around the world in different countries, different services and strengthen those ties.
REPORTER
Hearing a wide variety of instruments from different countries is what makes the International Tattoo such a huge event. Whether it’s a bagpipe from Australia, Norwegian drummers, or saxophone from our very own Air Force jazz band; the Tattoo brings a cultural sound like never before. Staff Sergeant Dandrick Glenn discusses how he feels about sharing this experience with other nations.

SB: SSgt Dandrick Glenn, Trombonist
I was part of the scene featuring the music of Major Glen Miller and we had the dancers from Australia help us out. So it was great to see them get into it, and things of that nature. And we feed off the crowd, especially the kids. They have an enthusiasm unlike any other.
REPORTER
Despite the language barriers and diverse military backgrounds, the International Tattoo participants find ways to work together at this huge event. In between practices, they trade techniques and share stories to put on the best show possible for their viewers. In the finale, every band joined forces to play and sing multiple anthems. The purpose of the bands paying each other’s respect is to help the listeners and participants feel more at home.
SB: Norwegian Pvt Atle Ingebretsen, Drill Member, His Majesty the King's Guard
It's very cool here. And I feel like home here, but I love Norway as well, right? No place like home.
REPORTER
Airman 1st Class Jordan Garner, Virginia International Tattoo, Norfolk, Virginia.



]]> A1C ANDREW NEELY (8)
IT GIVES AIRMEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO NOT SPEND THE MONEY, THE 40 TO 80 EURO, WHATEVER IT IS A MONTH THAT IT COSTS FOR INTERNET IN YOUR OWN ROOM.
BUT IT WAS ALSO INSTALLED TO HELP AIRMEN FIND NEW WINGMEN. (RADIO ID: COLONEL BRIAN PUKALL, 31st MISSION SUPPORT GROUP COMMANDER, EXPLAINS THE IDEA BEHIND THE FREE WIFI PLANS.) (3)
COL BRIAN PUKALL (8)
WELL, I THINK THE HOPE IS THAT AIRMEN WILL FIND THAT THEY HAVE SOME THINGS IN COMMON AND THEY WILL STRIKE UP A CONVERSATION AND THAT WILL LEAD TO PERHAPS A FRIENDSHIP.
THE INSTALLATION PROCESS ALSO BROUGHT TOGETHER AIRMEN OF DIFFERENT JOBS TO ACCOMPLISH ONE MISSION. (4)
COL BRIAN PUKALL (12)
I WOULD SAY IT WAS A VERY COLLABORATIVE EFFORT. INSIDE OF THE MSG FOR SURE, WE NEEDED 3 DIFFERENT SQUADRONS TO BE INVOLVED. WE HAD CONTRACTING, WE HAD THE COMMUNICATION EXPERTS AND WE HAD CE AS THEY MANAGED THE DORM COMPLEX.
BEING A PART OF THAT COLLABORATIVE EFFORT AND A DORM RESIDENT, AIRMAN NEELY SAYS HE CAN SEE HOW THIS NEW ADDITION WILL BENEFIT AIRMEN. (6)
A1C ANDREW NEELY (4)
DEFINITELY WOULD HAVE MADE THE TRANSITION A LITTLE BIT EASIER FOR ME, I THINK PERSONALLY, AND I IMAGINE IT WILL FOR EVERYBODY ELSE.
DORM WIFI IS JUST ONE THING TEAM AVIANO IS DOING TO MAKE AIRMEN’S LIVES THAT MUCH BETTER.
AIRMAN FIRST CLASS JOSH BLACKBURN, AVIANO AIR BASE, ITALY. (4)
]]>
A KC-135 STRATOTANKER CRASHED MAY 3 IN NORTHERN KYRGYZSTAN. THE CREW AND AIRCRAFT WERE ASSIGNED TO THE TRANSIT CENTER AT MANAS NEAR BISHKEK, KYRGYZSTAN. THE CRASH TOOK THE LIVES OF THREE AIRMEN : CAPTAIN MARK VOSS OF COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, CAPTAIN VICTORIA PINCKNEY, OF PALMDALE, CALIFORNIA AND TECH SGT HERMAN MACKEY THE 3RD OF BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA. THE AIRMEN WERE ASSIGNED TO THE 93RD AIR REFUELING SQUADRON, FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, WASHINGTON. COLONEL BRIAN NEWBERRY, THE 92nD AIR REFUELING WING COMMANDER SAID "WE WILL FOREVER HONOR TYLER, TORI AND TRE AS PATRIOTS AND HEROES. TEAM FAIRCHILD WILL DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO SUPPORT THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS DURING THIS PROFOUNDLY DIFFICULT TIME. THESE AIRMEN LEAVE BEHIND AN INCREDIBLE LEGACY OF SERVICE AND HONOR IN PROTECTING OUR NATION AND THE WORLD. THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH IS UNDER INVESTIGATION.

]]> WELL, WHEN YOU’RE AN E-3 AND YOU’RE REPRESENTING YOUR SQUADRON IN A WEAPONS LOAD COMPETITION, YOU KIND OF HAVE TO.

SB: A1C Nikolaus Kosakowski
Just the sense of pride you get from beating someone at your job, from being the best. It’ll be great to bring home a win.

Reporter:
FOR AIRMAN FIRST CLASS NIKOLAUS KOSAKOWSKI, WINNING ISN’T THE ONLY MOTIVE FOR DOING HIS JOB.

SB: A1C Nikolaus Kosakowski
I just love the rush of loading. It’s just something about their power is just exciting. Part of my job is going to to the end of the run way and pulling all the pins, our safe pins which make the bombs live so they can drop and you’re right there with their engines running. They’re about to take off and you see the engines running, it’s ready to kill stuff.

Reporter:
MORE THAN LOADING WEAPONS, AIRMAN KOSAKOWSKI ENJOYS BEING AROUND AIRCRAFT.

SB: A1C Nikolaus Kosakowski
“It’s pretty cliché but you know growing up you go to air shows and things and you just want to fly. I’ve always wanted to fly aircraft and I really wasn’t aware of how to do that prior to enlisting. So I was like, what can I do to become a pilot, and so the Air Force Academy was my way to do that “

Reporter:
AIRMAN KOSAKOWSKI IS COMPETING FOR A CHANCE TO COMMISSION AS A PILOT, BUT FOR NOW, HIS FOCUS IS EXCELLING AT HIS JOB AND TAKING HOME THE WIN FOR THE BEST WEAPONS LOAD CREW.

SB: A1C Nikolaus Kosakowski
I’m not going to have words. It’s just going to be great. This will probably be the last load comp that I have here. Last time that my crew and I are going to be together, I’ll be pcsing soon, hopefully. It’ll just be great to bring home a win.

Reporter:
SENIOR AIRMAN NANCY KASBERG, OSAN AIR BASE, KOREA.

]]> This isn’t your typical classroom setting. These students are learning about combat… their teacher: SSgt Aaron Alvarado from the 99th Ground Combat Training Squadron on the Nevada Test and Training Range. Knowing that his teachings could mean the difference between life and death, SSgt Alvarado tries to keep the training as realistic as possible to prepare his students for any combat situation.
-SSgt Aaron Alvarado SB: “I’d rather them make mistakes over here, in the training environment, where I can correct them, rather than overseas where harms in their way or there’s actual threat over there. It’s a rewarding job. Knowing that your training Security Force members to go down range and to work in the A.O. the Area of Operations, (Student: “How you guys doing in there?”) and knowing that you’re training them to keep them safe, so they can come back to their families. It’s definitely a different experience in the career field.”
(SSgt Aaron Alvarado: “Make sure you maintain your security when you’re falling back.”)
Thanks to SSgt Alvarado’s teachings, these Airmen are equipped with the knowledge and confidence they’ll need to return safely. Airman First Class Rachel Maxwell, Nevada Test and Training Range, Nevada.

]]> The mammoth tent went up in 2001 to keep wind and rain out of a landfill being excavated.
When McClellan was an active Air Force Base, the landfill received a variety of industrial waste, including radiological waste from radium painting operations.
When excavation halted in 2003, the tent remained to keep rainwater out while the Air Force and regulators worked to determine a final cleanup remedy for the pit and 10 other similar sites.
The centerpiece of that remedy is an engineered consolidation unit, or CU, at the site. Once constructed, the CU will be filled with contaminated soils from this landfill and other sites at McClellan.
But first, the big, white tent, longer and wider than the California Capitol Building, had to go.
Demolition began with removing the last contaminated soil in the pit and safely stockpiling it elsewhere at McClellan.
The entire surface of the pit and the tent itself was then scanned to ensure no radiological contaminants remained.
Next the fabric and clamshell ends were removed.
Then, after loosening stabilizing rods and foundation bolts, two excavators tugged on wires tethered to the top.
And with that, a McClellan monolith is gone, clearing the way for the cleanup and reuse of McClellan.
In fact, local firefighters already use the area for training and have detailed plans to expand their facility at the site once the cleanup is complete.
For the Air Force Civil Engineer Center, I’m Linda Geissinger.
]]> THE SECURITY OF AN INSTALLATION IS IMPORTANT TO MAINTAINING MISSION SUCCESS. FROM AIRMEN WORKING AT THE VEHICLE SEARCH AREA TO A QUICK REACTION FORCE APPREHENDING AN INTRUDER, EACH LAYER OF AIR BASE DEFENSE WORKS SIMULTANEOUSLY TO ENSURE A BOLSTERED BASE DEFENSE SYSTEM.

SB:
WE HAVE OUR FORCE PROTECTION ESCORTS THAT TAKE CARE OF PEOPLE FROM THE INSIDE AND OUR DEFENDERS OUT ON THE POSTS AND TOWERS THAT TAKE CARE OF THREATS FROM THE OUTSIDE.

(NAT SOUND POP)

SB:
WE’RE HERE TO PROTECT NOT ONLY THE FLIGHT LINE BUT THE PERSONNEL ON BASE AS WELL.

AIRMAN FIRST CLASS ERVIN ANDUHA TOUCHES ON THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING VIGIL.

SB:
ANYTHING COULD HAPPEN SO WE DO NEED TO STAY ALERT AT ALL TIMES. SAFETY IS OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL HERE.

COLLECTIVELY, SECURITY FORCES AIRMEN ARE WORKING TWENTY-FOUR SEVEN, ENSURING AIRMEN CAN DO THEIR JOBS AND GET THE PLANES IN THE AIR.

SENIOR AIRMAN LINDY PATA, 380TH AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING, SOUTHWEST ASIA.

]]> SB: A1C Robert Hart, Cardiopulmonary Technician
This is the Bataan Death March, 16.6 mile ruck march in memorial for the thousands of Americans and Filipino prisoners of war that were captured and transported over 80 miles, were doing this in memorial for them.
REPORTER
In April of 1942, retired Army Master Sergeant John Leroy Mims became a prisoner of war for three years after 75 thousand American and Filipino Soldiers were surrendered to the Japanese Imperial Army in Bataan, Philippines. The already malnourished troops had to march upwards of 80 miles to Camp O’Donnell in what would become the Bataan Death March. With little food or water, they were beaten, tortured, and killed along the way. Mr. Mim’s witnessed heat exhaustion, friends bayonetted for not keeping up, and much more. During the march, Mr. Mims suffered as well.
SB: John Mims, MSG (Ret), Bataan Death March Survivor
A Sergeant on a motorcycle dropped a bottle of coke where I was supposed to march and I picked it up and give it to him and he called me back because I didn’t bow to him and busted all my teeth out.
REPORTER
There were also marches of five miles and one mile for families and people who didn’t think they could handle the 16.6 miles.
SB: Marine Sgt Courtney Jones, F-18 Instructor
I’m a pretty fit Marine and this is definitely challenging me. We are 11 miles in, maybe 11.3 in right now, so we have about five more miles left to go and my knees are a little sore, my hamstrings definitely hurt but the pain is worth it for what the actual cause is for.
REPORTER
Those who participated in the memorial walk found themselves with sore feet, sore knees, and blisters, but that was only a small part of what those in the Bataan Death March actually had to endure. During Mr. Mim’s time as a prisoner of war, he suffered many injuries including a broken neck, broken back, and having his legs broken by a bulldozer blade. Even after going through so much and being the last survivor from his company, you could feel the love and appreciation from Mr. Mims.
SB: John Mims, MSG (Ret), Bataan Death March Survivor
I lost a lot of buddies in the Philippines and I’m doing this everytime I go give a lecture any place in the United States or like I did in Japan many times, is in honor of my people that didn’t make it back. And the ones that made it back that already died, I wanted to show my grace for them, I love them.
REPORTER
Senior Airman Anthony Hetlage, Dismal Swamp Trail, Chesapeake, Virginia.]]> SB: TSgt Clayton Lochman, Student
“The reason people go to this class is to get a very slow and detailed process of how to break down an engine into its core components and do the inspections very slowly and get as much information and detail as possible about the rebuild process.”
THE DETACHMENT CONSISTS OF INSTRUCTORS LIKE TECH SERGEANT LEIF KUESTER. HE KNOWS WHAT APPROACH WORKS BEST FOR THESE STUDENTS.
SB: TSgt Leif Kuester, Aerospace Propulsion Instructor
“By the book, but informative and engaging. I try to get the students involved in the learning as well so they are more personally invested. Maintainers are typically hands on learners, so we try to give them what they need to learn and succeed.”
AS FAR AS KUESTER IS CONCERNED, THIS HANDS-ON APPROACH BEATS TRYING TO TEACH IN A CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT.
SB: TSgt Leif Kuester, Aerospace Propulsion Instructor
“Teaching hands-on is much easier for the maintainers as well as the instructor, cause I don’t have to refer to something on a Powerpoint, don’t have to find a picture. We can hold it in our hands and demonstrate exactly what’s going on in a 3D space.”
AND KUESTER UNDERSTANDS THE LEVEL OF INSTRUCTION THAT IS BEST SUITED FOR HIS STUDENT.
SB: TSgt Clayton Lochman, Student
“He’s an excellent instructor. He’s very informative, he’s very patient. He explains everything in the detail the younger students especially need. He’s really attentive to the experience of us older members. We don’t need a breakdown of the core basics, we need a little bit heavier information to keep us interested and keep us learning.”
THE FIELD TRAINING DETACHMENT AT YOKOTA IS ONE OF THE SMALLEST UNITS ON BASE. BUT WITH INSTRUCTORS LIKE TECH SERGEANT LEIF KUESTER, THEIR SMALL SIZE DOESN’T DIMINISH THE LARGE IMPACT THEY HAVE ON THE ROUGHLY 200 AIRCRAFT MAINTAINERS THEY SERVE EACH YEAR. MARINE CORPORAL CRYSTAL KUESTER, YOKOTA AIR BASE, JAPAN.

]]> Staff Sgt. Kyle Shaughnessy and his Military Working Dog Jaga take a moment to prepare for an odor detection exercise at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina.
Master Sgt. Donnie Bogan saws cutting lines in concrete at the construction site of a Primary School in Crooked Tree, Belize, as part of exercise New Horizons.
(bay-leeez)
Senior Airman Eric Halchak marshals in a brand-new C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base Charleston, S.C.
Airman 1st Class Bradley Kessinger from the 99th Logistics Readiness changes the oil on a multi-stop truck at Nellis Air Force Base, Navada.

]]> "You get people who don't have a treatment facility near them and most are near the big cities so they can't get access. So when we have something like this they come from miles and miles around and try to get as much treatment in that time as they can. So we get swarmed like this."
The types of doctors range from pediatric to geriatric.
"This is busier that I've ever been. On an average day I see maybe 20 kids. But I love it, these kids are great."
Many of these families have walked great distances just for the chance to be seen by these doctors.
SOC]]>
SB: "I grew up in Michigan, we spent alot of time out in the woods, on dirt bikes - hunting... fishing. My Mom and Dad own a construction company. I joined the Air Force because I grew up makng model airplanes. Because of all these model airplanes I realized that I actually wanted to work on real planes. One of the main parts is that I'm constantly moving, not doing the same thing twice everyday, always moving. I live for that moment, hey we gotta get this, go, go, go. About six months ago I was thinking about getting out, But then, I went to Vegas for Red Flag, TDY. And when I was there, I had the time of my life. I decided I'd do another four years, stick with it for a while, see how well it could turn out.
SB: "Doing my job actually brings me joy I wake up in the morning not dreading going to my job. I enjoy the people I work with.

Airman 1st Class Tory Cusimano, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.]]> AIR FORCE AND NAVY CANINE HANDLERS CAME TOGETHER ON NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE FOR SOME JOINT TRAINING. DURING MY VISIT I LEARNED THAT MILITARY WORKING DOGS TRAIN HARD AND WORK HARD, BUT ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES FOR A BAD DOG DAY. THAT’S WHY THESE DOGS GET REWARDED WITH TOYS. ARMED FORCES CANINE HANDLERS USE TOYS AND AFFECTION TO MOTIVATE THEIR FOUR-LEGGED PARTNERS. WHETHER ON DUTY OR AT TRAINING, THESE SERVICE MEMBERS GET TO ENJOY THE UNCONDITIONAL LOVE OF THEIR HANDLERS.
MA3 Facloner
My favorite part about playing with the dog is playing with the dog all day. I mean you really can’t beat that as far as a job.

Reporter:
THESE DOGS WORK HARD SO THEY CAN PLAY HARD. AIRMAN RACHEL WEBSTER, NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, NEVADA.
]]> Soundbite: BASICALLY DURING THAT WEEK, WE CELEBRATE OUR PROFESSION. WE CELEBRATE THE MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIAN PROFESSION, THE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES PROFESSION.
THIS YEAR, STUDENTS FROM THE KIASERSLAUTERN HIGH SCHOOL WERE TREATED TO A BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR MEDICAL LABS.
Soundbite: THE DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY AND LABORATORY SERVICES IS COMPRISED OF EIGHT DEPARTMENTS OR SECTIONS.
STUDENTS GOT TO SEE LABS LIKE THE PHLEBOTOMY LAB, WHERE BLOOD IS DRAWN, AND THE BLOOD BANK, WHERE BLOOD IS DISTRIBUTED AND ISSUED FOR TRANSFUSIONS.
Soundbite: IT’S GOOD FOR THEM BECAUSE ALL OF THEM WANT TO WORK IN THE MEDICAL FIELD, SO IT’S GOOD TO HAVE A BACKGROUND, KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT THE LAB.
AT THE END OF THE TOUR, THE STUDENTS HAD A BETTER GRASP OF WHAT THE LABS AT LRMC DO.
Soundbite: THE WHOLE EXPERIENCE WAS VERY INTERESTING, THERE’S A LOT OF STUFF I DO NOT KNOW. I DIDN’T KNOW THAT THE LAB COULD REALLY BE THIS BIG.
AIRMAN FIRST CLASS JEFF LANDER, LANDSTUHL REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER, GERMANY.

]]> IT’S DARK AND IT’S LATE AND THESE AIRMEN ARE WORKING TO REMOVE RUBBER FROM THE RUNWAY-A JOB THAT IS TYPICALLY PERFORMED BY CONTRACTORS. THE 380TH WAS CHOSEN AS THE LOCATION FOR THE TEAM’S PROOF OF PRINCIPLE-MAKING IT THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS BEEN ACCOMPLISHED BY AIRMEN ON AN ACTIVE RUNWAY IN THE A-O-R.

SB:
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RUBBER REMOVAL PROOF OF PRINCIPAL WAS TO SHOW THAT WE CAN DO EXPEDITIONARY AIR FIELD RUBBER REMOVAL AROUND THE ENTIRE GULF.

WITH LIMITED RESOURCES AVAILABLE IN SOME DEPLOYED LOCATIONS, THIS TEAM WILL BE ABLE TO TRAVEL THROUGHOUT THE A-O-R REMOVING RUNWAY RUBBER.

SB:
WE ARE SPREADING IT THROUGH BAGRAM. WE’VE HAD OTHER DEMAND SIGNALS FOR OTHER LOCATIONS IN AFGHANISTAN AND WE ANTICIPATE WE’LL SEE SOME IN OTHER COUNTRIES AROUND CENTCOM.

THE SUCCESS OF THE REMOVAL AT THE 380TH HAS PREPARED AIRMEN TO SUPPLEMENT THE CURRENT REMOVAL CONTRACTS AND HAS PROVED THEY’RE MORE THAN CAPABLE OF HANDLING FUTURE TASKS.

SENIOR AIRMAN LINDY PATA, 380TH AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING, SOUTHWEST ASIA.

]]> Capt Tonya Toche-Howard, OIC, Honor Guard
Col Darlene Sanders, Guest Speaker
SrA Joshua DiBenedetto, Honor Guardsman 
A MILITARY HONOR GUARD -- YOU SEE THEM AT OFFICIAL EVENTS AND
ANYWHERE ELSE THE COLORS NEED TO BE FORMALLY PRESENTED. THIS SPECIAL
DUTY REQUIRES TIME AND DEDICATION FROM ITS MEMBERS, AND IT’S A SELFLESS
PURSUIT.
SB Capt Tonya Toche-Howard, OIC, Honor Guard
“But if you notice their uniforms, they have no nametags. And that’s because they’re paying respects to the honorees, because it’s not about them. They are truly the unsung warriors in each event.”
BUT FOR ONE NIGHT, IT WAS THESE UNSUNG WARRIORS TURN IN THE SPOTLIGHT,
AS YOKOTA COMMUNITY MEMBERS FORMALLY RECOGNIZED THEM. GUEST
SPEAKER COLONEL DARLENE SANDERS ADDRESSED THE LEVEL OF DEDICATION
AND COMMITMENT IT TAKES TO BE A MEMBER OF THE HONOR GUARD.
SB Col Darlene Sanders, Guest Speaker
“On average, an honor guardsman will spend 14 hours practicing, and participating in 2 to 3 details lasting a couple hours to 3 hours each month. The commitment is not for the faint of heart. You, each and every one of you, makes a difference.”
SENIOR AIRMAN JOSHUA DIBENEDETTO HAS TAKEN PART IN MANY CEREMONIES AS
A MEMBER OF YOKOTA’S HONOR GUARD. TONIGHT’S CEREMONY IS UNEXPECTED
AND APPRECIATED.
SB SrA Joshua DiBenedetto, Honor Guardsman
“It’s definitely a change for them to say thank you to us, and just given the fact that they’re saying thank you is enough for any of us on honor guard, but them actually going out of their way and giving us this ceremony is humbling.”
THE BASE PLANS TO MAKE THIS BANQUET AN ANNUAL EVENT, GIVING THESE AIRMEN
THE RECOGNITION THEY DESERVE, BUT DON’T SEEK. MARINE CORPORAL CRYSTAL
KUESTER, YOKOTA AIR BASE, JAPAN.]]> Gen Philip Breedlove
For 36 year General Philip Breedlove has served the Air Force. He will continue that service to the Air Force and the US Military as a whole, in his next assignment as US European commander and NATO Supreme Allied Commander-Europe.
I don't even want to say I'm leaving USAFE/AFAFrica, I will just move to a new level of interaction with USAFE and AFAFRICA. The men and women of USAFE and AFAFRICA are the finest there are.
General Breedlove's current command area of operations covers 19 million square miles and includes 105 countries. He says US forces over seas are essential
Forward deployed forces are absolutely critical, there is no substitute for them. the bottom line is responsiveness.
He says the personal interaction between partner nations is what makes relationships successful.
Trust comes from face to face interaction, it comes from relationships, it comes from actually being present, not virtually being present.
part of the challenge ahead will be doing more with less due to sequestration.
About half of our fighter fleet here in USAFE is grounded, but i would also add that it's not just the wing for our tanker fleet and our lift fleet we have diminished their training such that they're high end combat capabilities will go away, they will fall back to a basic mission capability.
He says future priorities are building partnerships and capabilities. General Breedlove will assume command from the current EUCOM commander Admiral Mid may. SSgt Tristan McIntire, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.
]]> It’s a Friday night at Yokota Air Base. The streets are quiet and most businesses have shut down.
Standup:
This is the best time of day to get a hold of these volunteers.
SB: Card hitting table
Joshua DiBendetto, 225-RIDE Pickup:
“I’m just the average guy; just trying to do the right thing, you know? Do right by my homies.”
Reporter:
In this case, doing the right thing involves passing the time. Waiting for a certain call For a very specific mission.
Joshua DiBendetto, 225-RIDE Pickup:
“225-RIDE, that’s R-I-D-E. That’s what you dial on the phone.”
SB: Ringing
SB: (answering phone) “225-RIDE”
Reporter:
This phone number is simple, but crucial. If someone on base has been drinking , and they have no way to get home, these Airmen are here to pick them up.
Joshua DiBendetto, 225-RIDE Pickup:
“We’re meant to escort people home for safety.”
SB: “Can we get the people at the Fussa gate to walk to the Fussa Shopette?”
Reporter:
They work shifts on Fridays and Saturdays from 10-2am and 2am to 6am…
SB: Car starting
Reporter:
…sacrificing their sleep and free time to take care of others.
SB: Rubbing hands together for warmth
Joshua DiBendetto, 225-RIDE Pickup:
“It’s a Wingman, you know?”
Reporter:
Leaving no Airman behind, these Wingmen often spend their entire night driving to and from pickup sites.
SB: Passenger yelling: “West side!”
MSgt Galli Delfin, 225-RIDE Dispatch:
“We got 22 calls and we transported 46 passengers.”
Reporter:
46 people who owe their careers and their safety to the volunteers of 225-RIDE. Senior Airman Sarah Brice,
SB: Car door closing
Reporter:
Yokota Air Base, Japan.
SB: Car driving away]]> Since we've been doing this from 2010 to currently, the savings is $208,000.
An old professor of Sandra's suggested a cost effective software to save time and money on printing certificates of retirement, awards, appointments and others. The old system was time consuming and wasted up to 5 sheets of high quality paper.
You didn't want to do it, you just didn't want to do it. It was a very cumbersome chore. Mainly we are designers and artists, but this is also part of our duties and responsibilities, and if there is an easier and smarter way to do it, why not, so we can move on to more complicated things.
Now they average a 90% faster turnaround and only one sheet of paper per print.
The quality i believe is higher, quality includes making it convenient for the customer and a timely fashion, and how it works as well.
This year Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force General Larry Spencer and the Every Dollar Counts "culture" as he calls it, to encourage Airmen to squeeze the most out of every dollar.
Lets talk about how we can make every dollar count, how can we stretch every dollar.
A challenge called Airmen powered by innovation will be live on the Air Force Portal May 1st through June 1st where uniformed and civilian Airmen can submit their money saving ideas, and like Sandra Cantrell, become an every dollar counts success story.
It makes me feel great, it makes me feel awesome that I've helped the office out, taken a huge burden of everyone here. this does not have to be made complicated and it's not anymore.
From the Pentagon, I'm SrA Jamie Jaggers.]]> SOUNDBITE: :11 MAJ MIKE ENGLEHARDT, MC-130J PILOT
“GROWING UP AS A KID, JUST WATCHING MY GRANDFATHER; HIS SENSE OF PRIDE IN HIS COUNTRY… I CAN TELL YA, IT DIDN’T MATTER WHAT THE WEATHER WAS, WHAT THE CONDITIONS WERE, EVERY MORNING HE WAS OUTSIDE RAISING HIS FLAG, AND TAKING IT DOWN EVERY NIGHT…”
NARRATOR:
AT 91 YEARS OLD, HENRY J. DENICOLA HAS SEEN AND EXPERIENCED MORE THAN MOST, BUT THE LASTING IMPRINT THAT HE LEFT ON HIS GRANDSON BEGAN WHEN DENICOLA ENLISTED IN THE ARMY AIR CORPS IN DECEMBER OF 1941.
SOUNDBITE: :26 HENRY DENICOLA, B-24 NOSE GUNNER
“I HEARD PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT, ON THAT SUNDAY WHEN I WAS WASHING POTS AND PANS IN A FRATERNITY HOUSE AT CORNELL UNIVERSITY, AND I HEARD HIM: ‘THIS DAY SHALL LIVE IN INFAMY, THE JAPANESE HAVE BOMBED PEARL HARBOR.’ MY BUDDY AND I TOLD THE CHEF, ‘GOODBYE’. ABOUT FOUR DAYS LATER, I SIGNED UP.”
NARRATOR:
FOR THREE YEARS, MR. DENICOLA SERVED AS A NOSE GUNNER ABOARD THE B-24 LIBERATOR. HE FLEW 13 COMBAT MISSIONS.
SOUNDBITE: :43 HENRY J. DENICOLA, B-24 NOSE GUNNER
“WE HAD A MISSION FROM SAMAR, AND WE WERE THE FOURTH B-24 TO TAKE OFF FROM A LANDING STRIP ON SAMAR; A DIRT STRIP. THE FIRST PLANE TOOK OFF, AND THE SECOND PLANE TOOK OFF, AND THE THIRD PLANE TOOK OFF, AND MADE A RIGHT TURN OUT, AND EXPLODED. JUST EXPLODED. I COULD SEE IT. FOUR OF MY BEST BUDDIES WERE ON THAT PLANE; THEY DIED. WE GOT THE SIGNAL TO JUST TAKE OFF. AND WE TOOK OFF.”
NARRATOR:
DENICOLA SAYS HE’LL NEVER FORGET THAT DAY, BUT IT’S ALL THE MEMORIES AND THE EXPERIENCE GAINED THAT HAVE MADE HIM WHO HE IS. THEY ARE THE CORNERSTONE THAT BUILT THE FOUNDATION FOR HIS CHILDREN AND HIS GRANDCHILDREN ALIKE.
SOUNDBITE: :26 HENRY J. DENICOLA, B-24 NOSE GUNNER
“I WOULD TELL THEM THAT YOU LIVE IN THE GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. THERE’S NO COUNTRY LIKE THIS, NO OTHER COUNTRY IN THE WORLD COULD MATCH OUR COUNTRY. AND THAT THEY LOVE IT VERY DEEPLY AND SINCERELY, AND BE READY TO SERVE IT, IF IT CALLS FOR THEM. THAT’S WHAT I WANT MY CHILDREN TO BE. HERE’S ONE OF THEM RIGHT HERE.”
NARRATOR:
AS FOR MAJOR ENGLEHARDT, INTRODUCING HIS OWN LEGACY TO HIS GRANDFATHER WAS AN HONOUR…
SOUNDBITE: :13 MAJ MIKE ENGLEHARDT, MC-130J PILOT
“SEEING THE PRIDE HE HAD IN HIS EYES FOR WHAT I DO AND FOR WHAT ALL THE AIRMEN HERE AT HURLBURT AND IN THE AIR FORCE DO… YOU SAW THIS SPARK IN HIM.”
NARRATOR:
TWO MEN, TWO GENERATIONS APART, BUT AS ONE FAMILY THEY’RE BUILDING A LEGACY IN THEIR OWN RIGHT FOR OUR AIRMEN PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE. AIRMAN FIRST CLASS STEPHEN ELLIS, HURLBURT FIELD, FLORIDA.
MR. DENICOLA- “I DIDN’T GET THIS WHITE HAIR DOING NOTHING…”]]> SB: Sharon Carter / Principal:

We had so many things going on in the month of April that we just decided to consolidate everything into one big evening. And then we’d have a portion of it all that parents could participate in.
Reporter:
PARENT PARTICIPATION COMES IN THE FORM OF MEETINGS WITH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS LIKE CARTER TO GATHER A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE ROADMAP TO SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT - - AN UNDERSTANDING THAT IS COMFORTING TO PARENTS LIKE DENNIS PATTON.
SB: Dennis Patton / Parent:
It’s kind of eye-opening. As a parent you drop your kid off and you just kind of count on them having a good education and you just put your faith in it. And this just kind of reassured us as a parent that they are getting a quality education and that there’s a lot more that goes into it than we would imagine.
Reporter:
BUT WHILE IT’S IMPORTANT FOR PARENTS AND FACULTY TO MEET TO DISCUSS HOW YOKOTA’S CHILDREN ARE BEING EDUCATED, TO THE CHILDREN THEMSELVES, PARENT UNIVERSITY IS ABOUT FAMILY FUN.
SB: Ryo Patton / Student:
You had to have straws and tape and just some plastic stuff. And then all you do is, there’s a fan in front of it and then when you put your car down you’re supposed to try and make it go to the end. It was called a stem activity.
Reporter:
GAMES FOR THE KIDS AND MEETINGS FOR THE PARENTS COMBINE FOR AN EDUCATIONAL AND FUN EVENT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.
SB: Dennis Patton / Parent:
It was a great activity and I encourage that when it does come around again that all the parents that can make it out, they should. It was a great experience.
Reporter:
PRINCIPAL CARTER SAYS SHE PLANS TO PUT ON MORE EVENTS LIKE PARENT UNIVERSITY THROUGHOUT EACH SCHOOL YEAR - - BECAUSE THE MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARENT INVOLVEMENT, THE BETTER YOKOTA’S SCHOOLS WILL BE. AIR FORCE STAFF SERGEANT MIKE LAHRMAN, YOKOTA AIR BASE, JAPAN.
]]> Today we've been looking at forces in new and exciting ways. we've been looking at how we can make things move, how we can stop things from moving
The Science Life Charity organization based here in England, travels throughout the country to share interactive science experiments with children of all ages.
We do lots of different shows on different aspects of science to make it exciting and easier for people to understand.
A committee at the elementary school arranged the Science Live event under the STEM program.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and math. all of those play a very important role in every future job they will have and especially what we are doing at school, and we are promoting it every day.
A few of the parts left an impact on some of the students.
where they put the stuff in and shook it up
I like the one where she popped the balloon.
Mine was the rocket.
The purpose of the event was not only to leave the children with an exciting memory, but the leave the students with a little bit more knowledge and passion for science. Reporting from RAF Lakenheath, I'm SrA Laura Yahemiak.]]> TSgt John Tushbant, Weapons Expediter:
This Load-ex is to demonstrate that we can do it, also has a practical application of hashing out any problems, discovering any broke equipment that we might not have known about…and knowing that our jets are good to go when we go load them.
A1C Adam Harder Reporting, 36th Wing Public Affairs:
All Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Units deployed to Andersen must pass a load inspection within 10 days of arrival as part of a U.S. Pacific Command requirement. This takes these Airmen out of their usual work, and weather environments.
TSgt John Tushbant, Weapons Expediter:
They’re doing great…we’re stuck out here it’s pretty hot, wet, moist…it’s exhausting out here. They don’t get a chance to go in, they don’t get a chance to go off the jet…they just work these jets. These jets are their lives.
A1C Adam Harder Reporting, 36th Wing Public Affairs:
Along with a chance to escape the cold weather in the states, these Airmen take away a better understanding of their job just from being at Andersen. Reporting from Andersen Air Force Base, I’m Airman First Class Adam Harder.]]> SSgt George Dowling- Crew Chief, Kadena Fire Dept.
We are going to pump water into the draft commander where it’s going to break the water apart and it’s going to pump the water back in the trucks. And that’s how we are conserving out water. It’s keeping the water off the ground and keeping it inside the trucks.
Narration:
BEFORE, EACH TEST POURED 30 THOUSAND GALLONS OF WATER OR MORE ONTO THE GROUND, BUT THE NEW SYSTEM allows THE FIREFIGHTERS TO use and RECYCLE just 3 thousand gallons for all tests. in addition to water CONSERVATION, the time required to perform these tests has decreased.
SSgt George Dowling- Crew Chief, Kadena Fire Dept.
It would take at least about 5 hours to fill the pool and then it would take about another 4 to 5 hours to actually to pump test each individual vehicle. Now, with the Draft Commander, we can do it in about an hour, hour and a half just depending.
Narration:
KADENA’S FIRE DEPARTMENT CONTINUES TO PURSUE MORE OPTIONS FOR CONSERVATION TO MAKE THESE RED ENGINES A LITTLE GREENER. A1C Todd Holly, Kadena AB, Japan

]]> SOUNDBITE: (TSGT KLING)
THE MAIN SOURCE REGION IS OVER IN CHINA; IT’S THE GOBI DESERT AND THE LOESS PLATEAU WHICH IS NORTHERN CENTRAL CHINA UP INTO MONGOLIA.
THE ELEVATIONS OF THE GOBI DESERT AND THE LOESS PLATEAU ARE LIKE TEN-THOUSAND FEET OR SO, SO THEY’RE REALLY HIGH ELEVATIONS. SO THOSE LOW-PRESSURE SYSTEMS WILL SWEEP DOWN THROUGH THAT AREA, STIR UP THE DUST IN THOSE REGIONS AND AS THAT LOW PRESSURE CONTINUES TO PUSH ACROSS KOREA, IT GET’S WRAPPED UP IN THE ATMOSPHERE.
REPORTER:
NOW THAT WE KNOW WHERE IT COMES FROM, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF ASIAN DUST? CAPTAIN LAURA CASHIN IS AN INTERNAL MEDICINE STAFF PHYSICIAN AT THE 65TH MEDICAL BRIGADE AND SAYS TYPICALLY EFFECTS ARE NOT SEVERE.
SOUNDBITE: (CPT CASHIN)
IN THE GENERAL POPULATION YOU CAN GET SOMETHING AS EASY AS JUST IRRITATION OF THE CONJUNCTIVA, OR THE WHITES OF YOUR EYES, YOU CAN GET IRRITATION TO YOUR EARS, THROAT IRRITATION- HOWEVER IN PATIENTS WHO HAVE KNOWN LUNG PROBLEMS SUCH AS C-O-P-D, EMPHYSEMA, OR ASTHMA THEY CAN GET EXACERBATION- OR WORSENING- OF THOSE CHRONIC MEDICAL CONDITIONS.
REPORTER:
LIMITING YOUR TIME OUTDOORS DURING MODERATE AND HIGH DUST LEVELS IS KEY TO PREVENTING ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS.
SOUNDBITE: (CPT CASHIN)
IF YOU MUST GO OUTSIDE ITS REALLY IMPORTANT THAT AS SOON AS YOU COME INSIDOORS YOU REMOVE ALL OF THE CLOTHING THAT YOU WERE WEARING WHILE YOU WERE OUTDOORS, WASH ANY OF THE EXTERNAL BODY SURFACES THAT WERE EXPOSED, YOUR EYES WITH WARM WATER, RINSE OUT YOUR MOUTH AND WASH THOSE CLOTHES THAT YOU WERE WEARING WHILE YOU WERE OUTDOORS.
REPORTER:
AIRMAN FIRST CLASS CORRINE JONES, YONGSAN, KOREA.

]]>
TWO AIRMEN FROM BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, CALIFORNIA WERE AMONG FOUR AIRMEN KILLED IN A MC-12 LIBERTY PLANE CRASH NEAR KANDAHAR AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN, APRIL 27TH. THE TWO AIRMEN WERE CAPTAIN REID NISHIZUKA, OF KAI-LUA, HAWAII ASSIGNED TO THE 306TH INTELLIGENCE SQUADRON AND STAFF SERGEANT RICHARD DICKSON, OF RANCHO CORDOVA, CALIFORNIA, ALSO ASSIGNED TO THE 306TH INTELLIGENCE SQUADRON.

THE OTHER TWO AIRMEN WERE Capt. Brandon SIR, of Woodbridge, Va. assigned to the 906th Air Refueling Squadron, AT Scott Air Force Base, Ill AND
Staff Sgt. Daniel Fannin of Morehead, Ky. assigned to the 552nd Operations Support Squadron, AT Tinker Air Force Base, Okla.

THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH REMAINS UNDER INVESTIGATION.

THIS HAS BEEN AN AIR FORCE REPORT IM SRA ALINA RICHARD
]]>
AFTER NEARLY FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE AS SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE, SECRETARY MICHAEL DONLEY ANNOUNCED HE PLANS TO STEP DOWN ON JUNE 21ST. SECRETARY DONLEY LEAVES THE OFFICE SAYING "IT'S BEEN AN HONOR AND A PRIVILAGE TO SERVE WITH OUr AIR FORCE'S GREAT AIRMEN." HE WENT ON TO SAY THIS IS AN EXTRAORDINARY AND EXCITING TIME FOR OUR AIR FORCE AND THAT HE REMAINS CONFIDENT IN THE STRENGTH AND PROFESSIONALISM OF AIRMEN.

BEFORE BEING CONFIRMED AS THE 22ND SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE IN 2008, SECRETARY DONLEY ALSO SERVED AS ACTING SECAF SINCE JUNE OF THAT YEAR AND FOR SEVEN MONTHS BACK IN 1993 - MAKING HIM THE LONGEST SERVING SECAF IN THE HISTORY OF THE AIR FORCE.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THIS STORY AS WELL AS OTHER STORIES AFFECTING AIRMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES, VISIT THE AIR FORCE'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE - AFLINK.

THIS HAS BEEN AN AIR FORCE REPORT IM SRA ALINA RICHARD.]]>
SB:
I’VE ALWAYS ADMIRED ANYONE WHO MAKES THE ARMED FORCES A CAREER IF FOR NO OTHER REASON IN YOUR LIFE, A PURPOSE.

SECRETARY HAGEL REITERATES THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MISSION DOWNRANGE AND THANKS SERVICE MEMBERS FOR THEIR DEDICATION.

SB:
SO THANK YOU, FOR DOING THIS, THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING A PART OF YOUR TEAM AND COMING OUT HERE TODAY.

THE SECRETARY PERSONALLY GREETED OVER TWO-HUNDRED AIRMEN, SOLDIERS AND SAILORS-SHAKING HANDS AND SHARING SMILES.

SENIOR AIRMAN LINDY PATA, 380TH AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING, SOUTHWEST ASIA.

]]> SMSgt Hinrich: “Back home in Denmark we do not have a lot of assets. I do think that the joint environment, working together with other nations, is really a big plus on this exercise.”
Reporter: Exercise operations lasted two weeks and took part in Arizona, New Mexico and California. The next Angel Thunder is scheduled for Fall 2014. Airman First Class Kelly Greenwell, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.
]]> Many people dislike going to the dentist, but the required annual check-up holds more importance for Airmen than some might realize.
SB (TSgt Hennis): “With the Air Force mission, definitely oral hygiene and readiness go hand-in-hand. Patients have to be able to deploy and a lot of the times they think ‘Oh you know I don’t want to get sick, I don’t want to break a bone’ they don’t always think ‘Hey if something is hurting in my mouth that’s going to be detrimental to my mission because I’m not going to be able to focus.’”
The doctors of the dental squadron at D-M are responsible for making sure active duty members are given the knowledge on how to maintain proper oral hygiene.
SB (Maj. Hughes): “Our mission is to ensure the dental readiness for the entire Desert Lightning Team, so that’s our number one priority. However, we want to remain patient-centered as well. We want to make sure we’re delivering care in an efficient and caring manner as well.”
“You know, the relationship built with the folks, I mean you can’t beat that.”
Despite how some Airmen may feel, the members of the dental squadron will ensure that everyone is mission-ready.

Airman 1st Class Ariel Tumlinson, Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona.
]]>
The result? A map full of stickers ranging from McChord to Misawa, Holloman to Hickam, and just about every base in between.

SB: Jennifer Brown: “I mean, It’s not surprising to me. I’m in a school full of military kids, but where they’ve been though, I get jealous.”

OSAN AIR BASE, REPUBLIC OF KOREA IS ONE STICKER THIS CLASS HAS IN COMMON, BUT IT’S ALL THE PLACES THEY’VE BEEN THAT MAKE EACH TEENAGER AN INDIVIDUAL.

SB: James McGovern: “Every place I’ve lived has developed me in a unique way. It really made me notice who I am, for instance. It’s just interesting. It’s almost like there’s building blocks, and you have different pieces, even though they fall under the same tower, they’re each unique in their own way. “

NOW THAT THESE SENIORS HAVE TRAVELED THE WORLD WITH THEIR PARENTS, THEY’RE ABOUT TO GRADUATE, SPREADING THEIR WINGS AND EMBARKING ON THEIR OWN ADVENTURE. SENIOR AIRMAN SAMANTHA KONIECZNY, OSAN AIR BASE, REPUBLIC OF KOREA.]]> SOUNDBITE: RAMSTEIN PLAYER JORDAN ITS DEFINITELY A LOT OF FUN, WE PUT IN A LOT OF WORK DURING THE SEASON, AND TO HAVE AN EVENT LIKE THIS WITH THE USO PUTTING IT ON, WE REALLY APPRECIATE IT

NARRATOR: THE HALFTIME SHOW INCLUDED PERFORMANCES FROM NICK CANNON, BABY BASH AND KRISTIANA DEBARGE. A FEW OF RAMSTEINS LOCAL STARS GOT A CHANCE TO SHOW OFF THEIR VARIOUS TALENTS TOO.

SOUNDBITE: NICK CANNON “IT’S A PLEASURE TO BE OUT HERE YOU KNOW ALL THE THINGS THAT THE SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN DO FOR US, FOR US TO BE ABLE TO COME OVER HERE AND ENTERTAIN AND FELLOWSHIP AND HAVE A GOOD TIME, YOU KNOW IT’S AMAZING. IT’S AN OUTSTANDING OPPORTUNITY”

NARRATOR: AFTER 40 MINUTES OF SHOOTING, DUNKING, PASSING, AND SOME CLOWNING AROUND, THE CELEBRITIES CAME OUT ON TOP BUT JUDGING BY THE SMILES IN THE ROOM, EVERYONE LEFT THE BUILDING WITH A WIN. SENIOR AIRMAN MARVIN WIGFALL, RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, GERMANY.
]]>
Arena Announcer: "You're LA Kings!"
National Anthem begins...

Maj Henderson: It's one of those things you have to experience. It's humbling and you try to be part of it because you're appreciate of everyone else that's served before you.

1SGT Anthony Velarde: You get the butterflies a little bit because it's something that not everyone can understand. I"m just honored just being in the Marine Corps itself and then to be with these guys it's awesome.

Bob Kurkjian, Exec. Dir USO LA AREA: Tonight's event is a fantastic partnership between Northrop Grumman and the USO where all season long we have been presenting the Hero of the Game and tonight is actually Military Appreciation Night so we have 5 Heroes of the Game.

1SGT Velarade: I've been to Afghanistan. I just got awarded the Bronze star this past month but it's an honor to definately come out and do this and I appreciate the LA Kings for doing this not only for me but for everyone else in the service.

IT1 Eric Wilson: It's a total honor. I really appreciate being here it's awesome. I made it here because I was awarded the Enlisted Person of the Year for the base. It's heart warming to be in a community where they love their military members.
KIDS: "GO KINGS GO, GO KINGS GO!"

SSGT Isaac Patterson: You know it makes me feel proud. It's one thing to make Mama proud, but to make the community proud as well it's a thrill.

SN Elizabeth Hagen: It's makes me feel relieved because sometimes people don't get supported. Sometimes females don't get supported especially being in the military. It's awesome being here representing the Navy. It's pretty amazing.

SrA Nathan Galati: It's a great feeling to have an opportunity like this to represent the Air Force and just to be a part of something this big is unbelievable.

Bob: This is really the cream of the crop of Southern California members of the military. And we're happy to recognize them here along with Northrop Grumman as our Heroes of the Game.]]> ANNOUNCER: IT TAKES A LOT OF TIME TO PREPARE…
SOUNDBITE: SOMETIMES WE DID EIGHT HOURS.
SOUNDIBTE: EIGHT HOURS OR TEN HOURS..
ANNOUNCER: BUT ONCE THE GIRLS ARE READY, IT’S TIME FOR THEIR FAVORITE PART.
SOUNDBITE X3: PERFORMING!
ANNOUNCER: LOCAL KOREAN DANCERS JOINED SEOUL AMERICAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS FOR A JOINT DANCE PERFORMANCE. AND EVEN THOUGH COMMUNICATION IS DIFFICULT, FOR THEM, DANCING IS THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE.
SOUNDBITE: IT’S LIKE YOUR PEN PAL THEY’RE LIKE OUR PEN PAL, CAUSE WE DON’T SPEAK THE LANGUAGE…
ANNOUNCER: AND WHILE IT’S THE DANCING THAT BRINGS THEM TOGETHER, IT’S THE FRIENDSHIPS THEY MAKE THAT MEAN THE MOST.
SOUNDBITE:
ANNOUNCER: SENIOR AIRMAN KRISTIANA SCOTT, YONGSAN, KOREA.
]]>
RUNNERS SIGNED UP FOR 30-MINUTE INCREMENTS TO FILL 12 HOURS OF RUNNING...AND THE GOAL WAS TO HAVE EACH SERVICE REPRESENTED ON THE TRACK AT ALL TIMES. AS THEY MADE THEIR WAY AROUND, RUNNERS PASSED T-SHIRTS MADE BY SURVIVORS AND VICTIM ADVOCATES, OFFERING WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT ALONG THE WAY.
there are two types of reporting, restricted and unrestricted, and we want people to come in. Its a good thing that we are getting as many sexual assault reports as we are because that means people are now aware that there is somebody that's here that they can talk to.
ALTHOUGH THIS IS THE FIRST YEAR THEY HAVE HELD THE RUN AT THE PENTAGON, SERGEANT RICHARDSON SAYS THE VICTIM ADVOCATE TEAMS PLANS TO MAKE IT AN ANNUAL EVENT.
IF YOU'D LIKE MORE INFORMATION ON BECOMING A VICTIM ADVOCATE, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL SEXUAL ASSAULT PREVENTION AND RESPONSE OFFICE.]]> Lt. Col. Stephen Scott, Operations Director, 717th EASOS
"It a little bit of sweat and sacrifice right now in remembrance of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. And really you can't complain about a little bit of sweat and a little bit of pain for what they did for our country."
Airmen attached to the Expeditionary Air Support Operations Group in Afghanistan came together to support this temporary mission.
Master Sgt. Michael Brooks, JTAC Instructor, 504th EASOG

"Some of the competition is to see how many miles each unit can turn-in in a 24-hour period using the relay method and as well as raising funds that would go towards the TAC-P Association. And they use the money to help out and support the TACP community and the families of those members who have given their life."
Lt. Col. Joseph Fletcher, Air Liaison Officer, 504th EASOG
"Well it's really great to everyone show up and do their part. Several people have signed up for multiple time slots and everyone's wanting to make sure that we get as many miles as we can."
As Airmen get off the treadmill, they make sure to hand off a key token to the next runner.
Master Sgt. Michael Brooks, JTAC Instructor, 504th EASOG
"We're passing back and forth a TAC-P Association coin. It just goes from member to member with a phrase that we are trying to keep to never forget our fallen."
Master Sgt. Christine David-Wood, First Sergeant, 504th EASOG
"I think it's an awesome event. I hope to make everybody aware of what this supports and let their families know that we will never forget the sacrifice their loved ones gave for us and our freedoms."
Airmen completed the 24-hour run transitioning to a larger 5K run around base. Petty Officer Omar Dominquez, Kabul, Afghanistan.]]>
SB: A1C Craig Fry
A lot of times when we’re not there or when were not at a certain intersection you got people that either they’ll stop—but they stop in the wrong place—or they’ll come flying through a school zone. So us as security forces members it’s our job to enforce the law and ensure that people are driving and being safe around the children.
(NAT SOUND)
I feel it’s important because when I have kids or if I had kids Id want to feel safe when they walk to school.

Reporter:
AIRMAN FRY IS ALWAYS HAPPY TO TALK TO THE KIDS AND ASK THEM HOW THEY ARE DOING. AND THE CHILDREN SHOW INTEREST IN THEIR FRIEND WHO SERVES THEM EVERY MORNING AND AFTERNOON.

SB: A1C Craig Fry
They’ll ask me what I do and I’ll tell them hey I’m a cop and what we do on a regular basis. I had one individual he came up to me and he’s like I want to be just like you and I’m like whys that and he’s like I want to be a cop one day. They see that were out there you know and they look up to us.
(NAT SOUND)
It always makes you feel good to it lets me know where I stand you know. Because a lot of times I wonder am I doing this right, is this helping the kids. And the kids say things like that and it lets you know you must be doing something right.

Reporter:
SOME MIGHT OVERLOOK HIS PRESENCE ON THE STREET CORNER BUT HIS MISSION IS OF EXTREME VALUE.
SB: A1C Craig Fry
My job as a school liaison, as security force member I feel it lets the parents of the children that go to school go and complete their mission in the Air Force as well.

Reporter:
HE GUARDS SERVICE MEMBER CHILDREN EVERYDAY AND STRIVES TO BE A ROLE MODEL FOR THESE YOUNG PEOPLE.
SB: A1C Craig Fry
We’re here for you anytime you need something. You don’t have to be afraid to come to us.
Reporter:
AIRMAN FIRST CLASS MICHAEL KANTACK, MISAWA AIRBASE JAPAN.
]]> SAILORS AND AIRMEN ON GUAM TOOK TIME OUT OF THEIR BUSY DAYS to FILL THE ROLE AS JUDGES AT THE UPI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SCIENCE FAIR. THE JUDGES INTERVIEWED MORE THAN 50 STUDENTS IN KINDERGARTEN TO FIFTH GRADE ABOUT THEIR SCIENCE PROJECTS. SCHOOL OFFICIALS SAY INTEGRATING SERVICE MEMBERS into the event is beneficial to the students.

[Soundbite 1: Mary Jane Cruz # Science Fair Chairperson, Upi Elementary School] (00:10)
I THINK IT’S REALLY GOOD FOR THE KIDS so they can see different types of careers that are available to them when they’re older. It’s a good diversity for the kids. (05:42 – 05:52)

[Voiceover: Coleen San Nicolas-Perez # Joint Region Marianas] (00:05)
for the men in uniform, volunteering at the school served another purpose.

[Soundbite 2: A1C Jacob Rickards # 36th Munition Squadron] (00:20)
I LOVE TO WORK WITH THE KIDS. KIDS ARE PRETTY MUCH WHAT THE FUTURE IS GONNA BE SO I FIGURE IF I CAN HAVE AN IMPACT ON IT, IT WOULD MAKE ME FEEL GOOD ABOUT MYSELF AT THE END OF THE DAY. (01:55 – 02:15)

[Soundbite 3: LTjg William Bartek # HSC-25] (00:09)
IT’S A VERY REWARDING EXPERIENCE TO SEE A CHILD’S EYES THAT THEY’RE ACTUALLY LEARNING AND SEE THAT LIGHTBULB GO OFF THAT THEY HAVE AN IDEA AND YOU THINK IS GREAT. (02:54 – 03:05)

[Soundbite 4: LTjg Burch Thornley # HSC-25] (00:12)
THE INTERACTION IS REALLY BIG ESPECIALLY HERE ON GUAM. THERE IS SUCH A STRONG MILITARY PRESENT. BEING ABLE TO INTERACT MILITARY TO COMMUNITY REALLY SHOWS WE ARE ALL HERE TO SUPPORT EACH OTHER AND MAKE SURE WE’RE DOING GOOD THINGS FOR THE COMMUNITY. (04:12 – 04:24)

[Voiceover: Coleen San Nicolas-Perez # Joint Region Marianas] (00:10)
THROUGH THE MILITARY’S COMMUNITY RELATIONS PROGRAM, SERVICE MEMBERS HAVE DEVELOPED POSITIVE WORKING RELATIONS WITH THE VARIOUS PUBLIC SCHOOLS ON GUAM. FOR JOINT REGION MARIANAS, I AM COLEEN SAN NICOLAS-PEREZ]]>
Soundbite: I’VE STOOD ON THE TARMAC WITH FAMILIES AS THEIR LOVED ONES COME HOME, BUT THE THINGS THAT WE DO HERE AT THE CASF OR OVER AT THE WARRIOR CENTER. ALL THE THINGS THAT WE’VE DONE TO ADAPT AND CHANGE, TO MEET THE MOST URGENT NEEDS OF TROOPS AND FAMILIES, THAT’S WHAT I’M PROUD OF AND THAT’S WHAT WE’LL KEEP DOING.

FROM VOLUNTEER OPORTUNITES, TO SPECIAL TRIPS, TO CARE PACKAGES FOR THE FOLKS DOWN RANGE, THE USO PLAYS A BIG PART IN TODAY’S MILITARY AND BOTH PRESIDENT GIBSON AND CHAIRMAN MYRES SAY THAT WHILE THEY ARE PROUD OF EVERYTHING THE USO DOES, THEY CAN ALWAYS DO IT BETTER.

Soundbite: THE USO’S MISSION IS TO SUPPORT THE MEN AND WOMEN IN UNIFORM AND THEIR FAMILIES ALL AROUND THE WORLD. WE DO THAT 24 AND 7 AND BASICALLY SHOW OUR TROOPS AND THEIR FAMILIES THAT WE LOVE THEM, AND THAT AMERICA LOVES THEM.

AIRMAN FIRST CLASS JEFF LANDER, RAMSTEIN AIRBASE, GERMANY.
]]> SOUNDBITE: CAPT MICHAEL TRIMBLE “THE POINT OF COMING DOWN HERE IS TO GET VERY EFFICIENT TRAINING FOR THE AIR CREWS AND ENGAGE WITH OUR ROMANIAN NATO PARTNERS. THEY HAVE GREAT AIRSPACE, GREAT TERRAIN FOR OUR TRAINING FOR OUR PILOTS, ROMANIAN JUMPERS AND PARATROOPERS FOR OUR LOADMASTERS.”
NARRATOR: THE TRAINING CONSISTED OF STATIC LINE AND HIGH ALTITUDE LOW OPENING JUMPS AS WELL AS TACTICAL FLYING MANEUVERS. ROMANIAN AND U.S. FORCES PARTICIPATED AND OBSERVED IN AN EFFORT TO WORK TOGETHER TO INCREASE EFFECTIVENESS.
SOUNDBITE: CAPT MICHAEL TRIMBLE “BECAUSE THE UNITED STATES IS THE LEADER OF NATO, IT’S VERY IMPORTANT FOR US TO COME DOWN HERE AND ACTUALLY WORK WITH THEM SO THAT IF A REAL CONTINGENCY KICKED OFF AND WE NEEDED THEIR HELP, WE WOULD BE ACCUSTOMED TO WORKING TOGETHER AND HAVE THAT EXPERIENCE.”
SOUNDBITE: BG CIOLB ONEA “THE BEST GAIN FROM THIS JOB WAS TO ADJUST AND ACCOMMODATE OUR PROCEDURES AND OUR S-O-P’S WITH THE U.S. PROCEDURES. HAVING THE SAME EQUIPMENT AND THE SAME PROCEDURES, NOW WE CAN SAY THAT WE ARE FULLY INTEROPERABLE WITH U.S. FORCES.”
NARRATOR: FLUID COOPERATION BETWEEN FORCES AND A VARIETY OF SHARED EXPERIENCE MADE EXERCISE CARPATHIAN SPRING A SUCCESS. REPORTING FROM BUCHAREST, ROMANIA, I’M SENIOR AIRMAN ELLEN MCCARTHY.]]> SB (SSgt Fore): “It literally is the best exercise for PR. It’s the biggest PR exercise that the world knows. The only other time we see this type of coalition exercises is in Afghanistan or in operational areas.”
Armed Forces from other countries worked with service members to complete their rescue mission.
SB (SSgt Fore): “We figured out the proper way to insert everybody, how the casualties on the ground were going to be collected and initiated up and then of course x-filled and brought back to safe territory.”
“Being able to come down here and have all the air assets, all the ground assets, all the comm and support personnel behind us and being able to execute this many different missions all in a one to two week period. It’s amazing from my standpoint just seeing this many pieces working together.”
The next Angel Thunder exercise is scheduled for Fall 2014.
Airman 1st Class Ariel Tumlinson, Playas, New Mexico.]]> "When I was in high school I, just for fun, just decided to take a ride in a Cessna at our local aero club and just fell in love with it. And ever since then it's just kind of grown into something that's just a passion of mine."
And with that passion, Lieutenant Barry reaches great heights in her aircraft. But people may be surprised to know how close to the ground she actually is.
"As of about two years ago I was the shortest pilot in the Air Force, so I don't know if any that are shorter than me currently but somebody might have snuck in there that's a little bit shorter."
Being short can obviously be challenging, but being the shortest must come with some jokes.
"All the time. Yeah but I just take it with a grain of salt. At first I was a little embarrassed. I couldn't reach a few things, but now I know I've just learned to live with it and found ways to overcome it."
And overcome it she has. But that doesn't mean she couldn't use some help sometimes.
"I don't need a booster seat to fly or a phone book, but I can barely reach everything."
Despite her shortcomings, Lieutenant Barry continues to support the National Capital Region and wouldn't have it any other way.
"Being a helicopter pilot - it's awesome coming to work every day and loving your job and loving what you do and you knowing that you're contributing towards the real mission."
Staff Sergeant Chris Bevins Joint Base Andrews.]]>
SB: MSgt Andrew O’Rouke
“They love their military. And this is a good way to give back for me and for a lot of the younger airmen.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY IS A CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION THAT PROVIDES LOW-COST HOUSING TO NEEDY FAMILIES. AIRMEN HELP BUILD THESE HOMES FROM THE GROUND UP…DOING THEIR PART TO GIVE BACK TO THE SUMTER COMMUNITY.
SB: MSgt Andrew O’Rourke
“Everybody can find something that they enjoy and helps out the community, whether it’s getting involved in fun run that help raise money, or getting out with the community members working alongside them.”

MASTER SERGEANT O’ROURKE AND THE VOLUNTEERS ARE BUILDING MORE THAN JUST HOMES… THEY ARE ALSO BUILDING STRONG MILITARY BONDS IN THE COMMUNITY. A1C MOLLY ELDER, SUMTER, SOUTH CAROLINA.]]> SB- TSgt Mario Kovach, EOD Flight Section Chief
RT: 00:07
"It helps us show his entire family that he will not be forgotten, that we still remember him, and we think about him all the time."
In addition to donating their time, participants are also able to donate to foundations that support service members. This year's proceeds went to the EOD Warrior Fund and the Wounded Warrior Project.
SB- Davis Becker, EOD Flight Program Analyst
RT: 00:17
"We really try to get people to get out there and let loose and kind of be a little goofy. I mean, hence the costumes. One of the biggest things to actually bring in support is just telling people about Phil, and they also get inspired and, you know, they feel like they want to participate."
Thanks to the generous support from Liberty Wing Airmen, the EOD Flight will continue to host the run annually and keep the memory of their fallen brother alive. Reporting from RAF Lakenheath, I'm Airman First Class Amanda Sampson.]]> What you're seeing is that we are having our patients coming in. You want to make sure that they don't pose a threat to us or themselves or the rest of the patients. The mission is about to kick off for the day. They're gonna come over and meet the doctor. Tell him their illnesses. The doctor is going to decide if we can treat them in the inside. Once they get inside they receive the treatment.
They come from miles. The last I heard we were the closest free clinic with an a 5 mile walk. We are the coin mission for Bagram. We have really good Afghani-Coalition forces out here though. We walk around with them. If we have an issue, let them know "hey this needs to be fixed." We'll let them fix that first so they can establish their own authority with their own people. If we need to step in then we step and, but we kinda use that as a last resort.
We all use the VATS system. We all track. We all roll. We all come out here and provide security with our regards as well. We arm them up as well. This is nothing like what I've done before, it's a whole different story. It's definitely extremely positive. Probably one of the most positive things I've done since I've been here . Its my second time here at bagram as well. Its turning a new page for these people out here.]]> THE SENATE CONFIRMED ERIC FANNING AS THE NEXT AIR FORCE UNDER SECRETARY. PRESIDENT OBAMA NOMINATED FANNING AUGUST 1ST OF LAST YEAR WHERE HE WAS SERVING AS THE DEPUTY UNDER SECRETARY AND DEPUTY CHIEF MANAGEMENT OFFICER FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY. ONCE THE PRESIDENT APPOINTS MR. FANNING CAN ASSUME HIS NEW POSITION. HE CAN ASSUME THE NEW POSITION ONCE HE RECEIVES THE OFFICIAL APPOINTMENT PRESIDENTS OFFICIAL APPOINTMENT.
TO FIND MORE STORIES AFFECTING AIRMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES VISIT THE AIR FORCE'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE AF-LINK.
THIS HAS BEEN AN AIR FORCE REPORT, I'M SENIOR AIRMAN ALINA RICHARD.]]> NARRATION: THE HUM OF AN ENGINE AND SCREECHING OF SEAGULLS CAN ONLY MEAN ONE THING.
SB: ROBERT KNEBERG: “I THOUGHT ‘WOW! OCEAN FISHING’ I LOVE OCEAN FISHING, HAVE BEEN BEFORE, AND WANTED TO GO FISHING ON THE BALTIC SEA.”
NARRATION: THAT’S RIGHT; DEEP SEA FISHING.
SB: ROBERT KNEBERG: “I’M JUST OUT HERE TO HAVE A GREAT TIME; KIND OF RELAX AND TAKE THE STRESS OFF.”
-NAT SOUND POP
NARRATION: RELAXING IS NICE, BUT THE REAL REASON FOR THIS TRIP IS TO CATCH SOME COD, HOWEVER THERE WERE A FEW UNEXPECTED CATCHES.
-NAT SOUND BREAK
SB: GUNTER WALEREUS: “MY FRIEND ROBERT FIRST TIME FOR FISHING TRIP, AND IT WAS A LOT OF FUN.”
-NAT SOUND BREAK
SB: DAVE ESRA: “THIS IS A GREAT TRIP. THE OUTDOOR REC GUYS PUT ON A GOOD SHOW; THEY DID A REALLY GOOD JOB.”
NARRATION: DESPITE THE FOG AND WIND, IT’S STILL A DAY AWAY FROM THE OFFICE.
SB: DAVE ESRA: “THE WORST DAY I HAD FISHING WAS STILL A GOOD DAY.”
-NAT SOUND POP
SB: ROBERT KNEBERG: “IT’S NOT LIKE YOU HAVE TO CAST WAY OUT OR ANYTHING. ANYONE CAN DO IT. IT’S VERY EASY. JUST A GREAT DEAL OF FUN.”
NARRATION: AT MAASHOLM, GERMANY, OR MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BALTIC SEA; I’M AIRMAN FIRST CLASS ALEXANDER GOAD, A-F-N NEWS.
TAG: THIS TRIP WAS SPONSORED BY OUTDOOR RECREATION, SO FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BALTIC SEA FISHING OR OTHER TRIPS, CONTACT OUTDOOR REC.





















TITLE: SPG-BalticSeaFishing-130416 (Radio)
RUNTIME: 00:50;00
FRONT ID:
Robert Kneberg, 2nd time on trip
Gunter Walereus (Valereus), German Dude
LEAD:
SOME PEOPLE HAVE NIGHTMARES ABOUT BEING TRAPPED ON A BOAT SURROUNDED BY FOG, BUT AIRMAN FIRST CLASS ALEXANDER GOAD TELLS US WHY IT WAS ONE OF HIS FAVORITE WEEKENDS IN GERMANY.
NARRATION: A GROUP OF TWO DOZEN AIRMEN AND FAMILY MEMBERS LOADED UP THEIR GEAR ON THE FORTY FOOT BOAT AND CRUISED OFF TO THE DEPTHS OF THE BALTIC SEA. THOUGH THEY’RE HERE TO FISH FOR COD, THERE’S MORE TO IT FOR ROBERT KNEBERG.
SB: ROBERT KNEBERG: “I JUST HAD A GREAT TIME; A LOT OF NETWORKING, CAMARADERIE, GOT TO MEET PEOPLE FROM AROUND THE BASE.
NARRATION: HE BROUGHT ALONG A FRIEND, GUNTER WALEREUS.
SB: GUNTER WALEREUS: “MY FRIEND ROBERT INVITE ME OUT ON THE TRIP FOR THE FIRST TIME, AND THEN AGAIN, SO IT WAS LOT OF FUN.”
NARRATION: BOTH OF THESE MEN LOVED IT ENOUGH TO DO IT TWICE, AND ROBERT SAYS IT’S BECAUSE TO THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECT.
SB: ROBERT KNEBERG: “I’M JUST OUT HERE TO HAVE A GREAT TIME; KIND OF RELAX AND TAKE THE STRESS OFF.”
NARRATION: BUT IT’S FISHING FRUSTRATING?
SB: ROBERT KNEBERG: “IT’S NOT LIKE YOU HAVE TO CAST WAY OUT OR ANYTHING. ANYONE CAN DO IT; IT’S REALLY EASY; JUST A GREAT TIME.”
NARRATION: AT MAASHOLM, GERMANY, OR MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BALTIC SEA; I’M AIRMAN FIRST CLASS ALEXANDER GOAD, A-F-N NEWS.
TAG: THIS TRIP WAS SPONSORED BY OUTDOOR RECREATION, SO FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT BALTIC SEA FISHING OR OTHER TRIPS, CONTACT OUTDOOR REC.





]]> My name is SSgt Michael Foster stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base, my job out here is NCOIC of the gate. I make sure all my people are safe as well as the local nationals and provide security. I make sure that everyone gets inside safe and secure to receive medical attention. We have anywhere from a 100 to anywhere close to 500 people a day. So we will go up to them, we’ll say good morning we will shake their hands, smile, some of them won’t say hi, but they will just smile and wave.
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. James Bohlen, 455th ESFG entry control point:
What you’re seeing is we are having our patients come in and we are making sure they don’t pose a threat to us or themselves or the rest of the patients. The mission is about to kick off for the day, they are going to come over and meet the doctor and tell him their illnesses. The doctor is going to decide if we can treat them on the inside. Once they get inside they receive the treatment. They come from miles, the last I heard we are the only free clinic within a five mile walk. We are the COIN mission for Bagram.
SSgt Forster:
We have really good Afghan coalition forces out here. We walk around with them, if we have an issue we let them know and say hey this needs to be fixed and we will let them fix it first. So they can establish their own authority with their own people. If we need to step in then we step in but we use that as our last resort.
SSgt Foster:
We all use the BAT system we all track we all enroll and we all come out here and provide security with our Reed guards, we arm them up as well. This is like nothing I’ve done before, it’s a whole different story and it’s extremely positive, like one of the most positive things I’ve done since I’ve been here and this is my second time I’ve been to Bagram. This is turning a new page for the people out here.]]> Families and friends of the 5-5-4 Red Horse Squadron gathered on the Andersen Air Force Base flight line recently to welcome back their Airmen from a successful deployment. Over the last 7 months these Airmen were everywhere from Afghanistan, to the Gulf states and Africa…finally reaching their loved ones who were awaiting their arrival all morning.
Chloe Woods, Daughter of TSgt Troy Woods:
Chloe- “I miss him playing with me”
Me- “Are you excited for him to come back today?”
Chloe- “Yes”
Me- “What are you going to do when you see him?”
Chloe- “I’ll hug him and give him a kiss.”
Nathaniel Carpenter, Husband of A1C Catherine Carpenter:
She’s getting tired of seeing mommy on the internet, that’s for sure. She’s ready to touch.
A1C Adam Harder, Reporting, 36th Wing Public Affairs:
While deployed, the 5-5-4 handled some major tasks. These Airmen took a flat piece of desert, and completely transformed it into a new base, then built the 2nd largest project in the history of Afghanistan along with completing 4 out of 11 of the top construction priorities for Central Command.
CMSgt Brent Sheehan, Chief Enlisted Manager, 554 Red Horse Squadron:
From day one, to the day we stepped on the plane, it was mentioned to us by several people in leadership that this team truly completed their mission, and did it in a timely manner…and with quality work across the board. This is the fourth deployment in six years for me. So my family has definitely stepped up and sacrificed greatly. I couldn’t do it without them…I couldn’t do it without them.

]]>
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE CHUCK HAGEL HAS ELIMINATED THE DISTINGUISHED WARFARE MEDAL. IN A D-O-D PRESS RELEASE, SECRETARY HAGEL SAID SERVICEMEMBERS WHO HAVE AN ESPECIALLY DIRECT AND IMMEDIATE IMPACT ON THE BATTLE FIELD FROM REMOTE LOCATIONS DO WARRENT RECOGNITION, HOWEVER THERE WERE CONCERNS ABOUT THE MEDAL'S ORDER OF PRECEDENCE. ACCORDING TO THE PRESS RELEASE, TOP MILITARY LEADERS HAVE RECOMMENDED THE CREATION OF A NEW DISTINGUISHING DEVICE THAT CAN BE AFFIXED TO EXISTING MEDALS.

SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE MICHAEL DONLEY AND AIR FORCE CHIEF OF STAFF GENERAL MARK WELSH THE THIRD SPOKE IN FRONT OF THE HOUSE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE DISCUSSING THE AIR FORCE'S PORTION OF THE DOD'S FISCAL YEAR 2014 BUDGET PROPOSAL. GENERAL WELSH SAID IT STRIVES TO PROTECT MODERNIZATION, SPECIFICALLY AIDING THE F-35, THE LONG RANGE STRIKE BOMBER, AND KC-46 AS THE TOP THREE INVESTMENT PRIORITIES.

"THE KC-46 IS OUR HIGHEST MODERNIZATION PRIORITY AND WILL ULTIMATELY REPLACE A THIRD OF OUR AGING TANK FLEET, MOST OF WHICH IS ALMOST AS OLD AS SECRETARY DONELY. HARD TO BELIEVE, I KNOW."

GENERAL WELSH ADDED THAT 2013 BUDGET REQUEST POSTURES THE AIR FORCE TO IMPROVE READINESS, LIMIT FORCE STRUCTURE COSTS, AND PROTECT VITAL MODERNIZATION.

A TEAM OF SIX AIR FORCE MOUNTAINEERS BEGAN A JOURNEY TO CLIMB MT EVEREST. IT'S A 50-DAY TREK UP THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN ON EARTH, AND THE TEAM PLANS TO PLANT BOTH AN AMERICAN FLAG AND AN AIR FORCE FLAG WHEN THEY GET TO THE TOP.

YOU CAN FIND MORE ON THIS STORY AND OTHER STORIES AFFECTING AIRMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES ON THE AIR FORCE'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE AF LINK. AND THAT'S IT FOR THE HEADLINES, I'M STAFF SERGEANT MIKE HUTCHINSON.
]]> Members of the Joint Base Charleston Honor Guard transport a casket containing the body of a soldier who died in Afghanistan.
The Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team performs during the 2013 Joint Service Drill Exhibition at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C.
An airman from the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron jumps out of the back of a MH-47 Chinook helicopter at Wynnehaven Beach, Florida.
And that's this week in photos, I'm SSgt Michael Brady.]]>

I WAS APPROVED TO BE RELEASED JUNE 13, THIS YEAR. (3)
(RADIO ID: THESE ARE THE WORDS OF DENTAL ASSISTANT, SENIOR AIRMAN AMANDA ORTIZ.) THESE ARE THE WORDS OF SENIOR AIRMAN AMANDA ORTIZ. SHE IS TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE 2013 FORCE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM AND TOOK 3 YEARS OFF OF HER ENLISTMENT. (RADIO ID: TECH SERGEANT GRACE BARCE, NCOIC FOR CAREER DEVELOPMENT, EXPLAINS THE SPECIFIC PROGRAM.) (7)
TSgt GRACE BARCE
THE LIMITED ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE COMMITMENT IS A WAY FOR AIR FORCE AIRMEN TO APPLY FOR EARLY SEPARATION, OR RETIREMENT, PRIOR TO OBLIGATED SERVICE OR ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE COMMITMENT IN THE AIR FORCE.(11)
SOME MAY NOT UNDERSTAND GETTING OUT EARLY AS A GOOD THING, BUT SENIOR AIRMAN ORTIZ SAYS SHE IS USING THE PROGRAM TO GET OUT AND USE HER AIR FORCE TAUGHT SKILLS TO BETTER HERSELF. (7)
SrA ORTIZ
I WAS READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN MY LIFE, WHICH IS GO BACK TO SCHOOL AND FOLLOW MY DREAM AND MY PASSION. HOPEFULLY, I CAN DO THAT UTILIZING THE GI BILL AND EVERYTHING I’VE LEARNED IN THE MILITARY. (10)
TECH SERGEANT BARCE EXPLAINS THAT THE AIR FORCE IS USING THIS PROGRAM TO MEET THE CONGRESSIONALLY MANDATED STRENGTH REQUIREMENT AND IS A POSITIVE THING FOR THE MILITARY AND ITS MEMBERS. (8)
TSgt BARCE
WHAT’S GOOD ABOUT IT IS THAT THE AIR FORCE LEADERS ARE LOOKING INTO, ‘YEAH, WE’RE CUTTING MANNING, BUT WE’RE CHOOSING IT TO THE OVERLY MANNED AFSC’S.’ (7)
SHE ALSO SAYS INTERESTED AIR FORCE OFFICERS AND ENLISTED SHOULD VISIT THE M-P-S FIRST TO MAKE SURE THEY MEET REQUIRED GUIDELINES. (5)
TSgt BARCE
WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THEY’RE ELIGIBLE, THEY’RE WITHIN THAT NON-CRITICAL CAREER FIELDS, AND THAT THEY’RE WITHIN THAT YEAR GROUP THEY’RE LOOKING FOR. (8)
IT’S AIRMAN, LIKE SENIOR AIRMAN ORTIZ, THAT THE AIR FORCE HAS PREPARED FOR A BETTER FUTURE. (5)
SrA ORTIZ
IT WAS A GOOD FIVE YEARS, BUT I’VE PREPARED MYSELF FOR THE PAST YEAR TO GET OUT AND I’M READY TO LIVE MY DREAM AND GO BACK TO SCHOOL. (8)
AIRMAN FIRST CLASS JOSH BLACKBURN, AVIANO AIR BASE, ITALY. (4)

]]> "I've got pictures, i've got stuff from off base that I've bought."
Airman Hughes is what you would call a cultural explorer, an Indiana Jones looking for his next adventure outside the gate. Today he's at a convention in Tokyo.
"I've heard about this for about six years or so and I just wanted to see what it would be like."
With over 500,000 in attendance comic-kit is the worlds largest self-published comic convention.
"There's definitely a lot of publishers here and a lot of interesting art work to look at."
It's one of the countless events held in Japan and Airman Hughes is eager to experience more.
"There's tons to do, I don't see any point to staying on base."
So no mater where you're stationed, take the chance to have your own adventure... You never know what you might run into.
SOC]]> James Smales SB: “My wife and I have only been here uh, less than two years, and we hardly know anybody in, in Las Vegas at all or at the base, and what I like about it is you get to know people, and it’s almost like a family especially if you go on more than one hike.”
As they squeezed their way through the narrow canyon walls, one volunteer passed the time by educating James and the other hikers on the canyon’s natural rock formations.
Paul Cannizzo SB: “For trips like this, I know they kind of enjoy my being there. I do have a undergraduate degrees in Geology and Oceanography, so I can at least look at some of the rock structure and give folks an idea of what it was, how it was formed, things along those lines.”
James Smales SB: “For the little amount of money that you spend to go on these, it’s, it’s worth so much more. I was really amazed at this uh, the difference in the rocks and everything because some to them are smooth, some are very very rough and the different colors and everything it was very nice.”
No matter your age, or physical ability, Outdoor Rec. has something to offer.
James Smales SB: “I just turned uh, seventy-four yesterday and I found out that I was able to go on all these hikes and everything so I really enjoy it, but if I can do it, anybody can.”
Paul Cannizzo SB: “We’ve never lost anybody yet that I know of, least not in my eight years volunteering.”
For James, Death Valley did not live up to its name, but instead, its beauty. Airman First Class Rachel Maxwell, Death Valley National Park, California.



]]> REPORTER:
IT’S A BIT CONFUSING WHEN YOU FIRST GET INTO A NEW COUNTRY, MORE SO WHEN THE COUNTRY SPEAKS A DIFFERENT LANGUAGE. THE KOREAN CULTURE AND LANGUAGE CLASSES OFFERED AT KUNSAN AIR BASE TEACHES YOU THE BASICS OF HONGUL AND HOW TO GET AROUND THE COUNTRY.

SOUND BITE:
It’s very beneficial in adding to the relationship between the Koreans and us. If we can speak their language and understand how their lives are it’ll help bolster the community from the air force to the Korean people.

REPORTER:
TAKING THESE CLASSES CAN HELP YOU APPRECIATE THE KOREAN CULTURE.

SOUND BITE:
I think it’s a benefit for everyone to at least try and attempt to do it. If not, it’s their lost because they are going to miss out on a lot of experiences in this country.

REPORTER:
IN A COUNTRY THAT HAS A LOT TO OFFER YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS OUT BECAUSE OF LANGUAGE BARRIERS. SPC SARA HERING, KUNSAN AIR BASE, KOREA
]]> Kelli Hardin – “When the SARC Admin position opened up, I applied for it and luckily got it and I’ve actually realized while doing it for the last year now that I really want to continue in this field so I’m actually going back to school to get my Master’s degree in Psychology so that I can hopefully be a SARC one day.”
THE INSTRUCTORS USE REAL-LIFE SCENARIOS IN ORDER TO GET EVERYONE INVOLVED IN THE DISCUSSION.
Kelli Hardin – “You know I think people are expecting really boring, just us talking to them and giving them facts and everything. But then it’s actually interactive and people get to talk.”
SHE’S NOT IN IT FOR SELF SATISFACTION, BUT KNOWING SHE HELPS PEOPLE DURING DIFFICULT TIMES MOTIVATES HER TO CONTINUE AS AN ASSISTANT SARC.
Kelli Hardin – “It feels weird to say I love my job when I deal with this topic, but when you get to take somebody and help build them back up again, which is absolutely awesome and give them the control back that somebody stole from them, so that’s probably one of my favorite things.”
SO, FOR SOMEONE WHO WASN’T EXPECTING TO GET A JOB THAT CHANGED PEPOLES LIVES ON A DAILY BASIS, SHE’S DETERMINED TO FINISH HER DEGREE AND TO IMPROVE AWARENESS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT. TECH SERGEANT LANCE DAIGLE, RAF MILDENHALL, UNITED KINGDOM.
]]> NAT SOUND
WHEN YOU THINK OF FIRE TRUCKS, THIS IS NOT WHAT COMES TO MIND. IT'S MUCH SMALLER AND IT SHOOTS WATER WITHOUT FIRE FIGHTERS HAVING TO HOLD A HOSE. AND THAT TECHNOLOGY IS WHAT MAKES THE RAPID INTERVENTION VEHICLE STATE OF THE ART.
SB: THE TECHNOLOGY IN THIS IS CALLED THE UHP, ULTRA HIGH PRESSURE. AND WHAT THIS DOES IS YOUR GETTING MORE PRODUCTION WITH LESS WATER. - JAVIE BLANCO, ROBINS AFB FIREFIGHTER
BUT HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?
SB: THE SMALLER WATER DROPLETS, JUST THROUGH SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FOUND OUT THAT IT WAS ABSORBING THE HEAT A LOT FASTER AND A LOT BETTER THAN THE MORE BIGGER CRASH TRUCKS. - JAVIE BLANCO, ROBINS AFB FIREFIGHTER
THE TRUCK SPRAYS WATER FROM ITS 400 GALLON TANK AT 1300 POUNDS PER SQUARE INCH, 26 TIMES STRONGER THAN A GARDEN HOSE. AND ITS SMALLER SIZE ALLOWS FIREFIGHTERS TO GET TO EMERGENCIES FASTER THAN THE BIG TRUCKS.
SB: THE MANUEVERABILITY AND SAFETY OF IT GOING IN AND OUT OF THE INDUSTRIAL AREAS ON THE FLIGHTLINE IS TEN TIMES FOLD SAFER THAN THE BIGGER FIRE TRUCKS. - JAVIE BLANCO, ROBINS AFB FIREFIGHTER
THE RAPID INTERVENTION VEHICLE ALSO SAVES THE AIR FORCE MONEY, A TRUCK COSTS 160-THOUSAND DOLLARS COMPARED TO 750-THOUSAND FOR THE BIGGER FIRE TRUCKS. REPORTING FROM ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, GEORGIA, I'M MATTHEW CLOUSE.
]]>
THE MASSACHUSETTS AIR NATIONAL GUARD IS ON HAND TO HELP WITH RELIEF EFFORTS IN RESPONSE TO THE BOMBING OF THE BOSTON MARATHON EARLIER THIS WEEK - THAT KILLED THREE PEOPLE AND INJURED MORE THAN ONE-HUNDRED-FOURTY OTHERS. THE GUARDSMEN STOOD UP THE "JOINT INCIDENT SITE COMMUNICATIONS CAPABILITY" AT BOSTON COMMONS, WHICH PROVIDES LOCAL EMERGENCY RESPONDERS WITH COMMUNICATIONS CAPABILITIES SUCH AS COMPUTERS, WEB ACCESS AND TELEPHONES. THE J-I-S-C-C HAS IT'S OWN STALLITE MAKING IT A STAND-ALONE SYSTEM.

ADDITIONALLY THE 18 SECURITY FORCES MEMBERS WHO WHERE THERE AT THE TIME OF THE EXPLOSION STAYED ON HAND TO HELP WITH RELIEF EFFORTS.

PRESIDENT BARAK OBAMA PRAISED THE GUARDSMEN FOR THEIR EFFORTS SAYING " THE NATIONAL GUARD RESPONED HEROICALLY."

TO FIND MORE AIR FORCE NEWS AND FEATURES VISIT OUR OFFICIAL WEBSITE, AF-LINK.

THIS HAS BEEN AN AIR FORCE REPORT, I'M STAFF SERGEANT MIKE HUTCHINSON.
]]> CMSgt David Staton, 56th FW Command Chief: (7 seconds) We talk as leaders about getting dirty, pick up a broom, pick up a mop; and it’s really a great opportunity when you’re able to do that.
Reporter: (7 seconds) Treating the base sewage and producing reclaimed water for irrigation purposes is a mission that doesn’t stop at the end of the day.
SrA Josh Billett, Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance Journeyman: (11 Seconds) This plant is open 24 hours, seven days a week, 365 days a year. We never stop because toilets are always flushing, so stuff is always coming down the pipe to us.
Reporter: (8 seconds) The sewage goes through numerous stages before leaving as reclaimed water, and the Command Chief got to experience just how much work it involves.
CMSgt David Staton, 56th FW Command Chief: (17 seconds) We have these heroes out here, these Airmen every single day, working their tails off, and loving their job. And this is one of those that we don’t hear about every day. And so, to have the opportunity to spend a little bit of time with them and highlight them, and tell them thanks, that’s my favorite part of this.
The facility treats 420 thousand gallons a day, with the base reusing roughly 103 million gallons of reclaimed water yearly.
Airman First Class Jenna Sarvinski, Luke Air Force Base Arizona.]]> NP: THIS IS GOING TO BORING
IT’S THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM THAT NO ONE WANTS TO POINT OUT …
NP: IT’S GOING TO BE A LONG DAY…
IT’S MANDATORY TRAINING…
NP: YOU HAD TO COME TO 8 HOURS OF RESILIENCY TRAINING
SMSGT ANGELA SUAFOA MAKES NO BONES ABOUT IT, SHE INSTRUCTS A MANDATORY EIGHT HOUR RESILIENCY COURSE AND MOST PEOPLE COME IN EXPECTING THE WORST.
[np}
IT’S THAT KIND OF THINKING THAT SGT SUAFOA WANTS TO CHANGE.
NP: IF YOU WERE ANGRY ABOUT BEING HERE TODAY, IT WASN’T ABOUT THE RESILIENCY TRAINING. IT WAS ABOUT THAT NEGATIVE THOUGHT YOU HAD ABOUT BEING HERE TODAY.

BUT RESILIENCY IS MORE THAN JUST THINKING DIFFERENTLY

SMSGT ANGELA SUAFOA: RESILIENCY TRAINING IS ACTUALLY IN A NUTSHELL, TAKING A BUNCH OF SKILLS AND PACKAGING THEM ALL UP SO WE CAN HELP YOU OVERCOME DIFFERENT KINDS OF ADVERSITY THAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN.

FOCUSING ON SKILLS UNDER COMPREHENSIVE AIRMAN FITNESS SMSGT SUAFOA AND TSGT HOLLY GARCIA EXPLAINED HOW BEING PHYSICALLY, SOCIALLY, MENTALLY AND SPIRITUALLY FIT ISN’T NECESSARILY ONE SIZE FITS ALL BUT RATHER WHAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU.

SRA JEAN BERMUDEZ: IT WAS SORT OF CATERED TO EACH INDIVIDUAL. IT WAS MORE LIKE WHAT MAKES YOU, YOU AND WHAT MAKES YOU RESILIENT AND HOW YOU CAN BECOME MORE RESILIENT.

CHANGING MINDS IS THE NAME OF THE GAME AT MACDILL’S RESILIENCY TRAINING; WHETHER IT’S THE WAY YOU THINK ABOUT YOURSELF, YOUR SITUATION OR EVEN THE WAY YOU THINK ABOUT MANDATORY TRAINING.

SRA JEAN BERMUDEZ: I’LL BE A LITTLE MORE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT IT, I’D BE A LITTLE MORE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT ANY TRAINING IN THE FUTURE.

SENIOR AIRMAN LAURA BECKLEY, MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, FLORIDA
]]> Nat Sound : Ladies and Gentleman let's hear it for the Air Force! You will not break their concentration.

The drill team came to the festival to meet with the public and represent the hundreds of thousands of airmen serving around the world.

These airmen perform at countless events each year, but each time they give their all.. for the audience, for every Airman past and present, and for each member on the team.

SB: When you get about half way through the drill, you know you're completely fatigued. And like i said these guys are my brothers, they're my family, and they're going through the same thing that i am and i just imagine i can't stop. Because they're not going to stop on me so I'm not going to stop on them.

Airman Warren also says events like this highlight the relationship between the United States and Japan.

SB: Considering that something they brought is still here and that we cherish and that we take of so much I would imagine it would be a huge honor.

The Air force drill team wasn't the only one showing support. The Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard drill teams also made an appearance.

SB: Mark of Pride. It's a very very sportsman like atmosphere spportman like community, getting the chance to perform with Army, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard. It's definitely something that since it happens once a year something that you really have to take pride in.
Events like this give the usaf drill team an oportunity to showcase the integrity, discipline, teamwork, and professionalism of every Airman and every Air Force mission.

From Washington DC, I'm Senior Airman Alina Richard.
]]> Hi my name is Senior Airman Joe Burns, I'm a military working dog handler at Aviano Air Base, and I'm originally from Portland, Maine. Pretty much, I'm a regular cop, like any old standard cop out on the base, only i have the distinct pleasure and I'm fortunate enough to have gone to a school that allows me to carry a dog with me. Tito? is a patrol narcotics detector dog. He is 6 years old. He is like having a Ferrari of a dog, he knows exactly what he's doing and how to do it. he's a great great dog. It's almost like he understands he's a police dog, like the responsibility is on him. You're trusting a mammal, a four-legged mammal who likes to pee and poop on everything to save your life with massive amounts of explosives, and that's where the bond comes in, i trust him with my life. I get to go to work with my best friend every day. I don't care what you do, you could fly a plane, you could be president, you could be chief master sergeant of the Air Force, you could travel around and help the sick, I get to spend 12 hours with my best friend, all he does is show me affection and I show him affection.

]]> The Langley Air Force Base Honor Guard recently hosted the Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team while they scour the country for potential recruits. Whether it’s a base Honor Guard or the Air Force Honor Guard, both have the important job of honoring prior military members by escorting them to their final resting place as well as performing at special events. The Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team offered critiques to Langley’s team during a mock-up of a funeral.
SB: 1st Lt Michael Lemorie, Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team Commander
The Langley Base Honor Guard did very well today. I was actually quite impressed with their level of professionalism and technical execution of the things that they need to do. Their biggest attribute is their desire and drive to do the best that they can do and they certainly showed that today.
REPORTER
Lieutenant Lemorie said that they found several candidates in Langley’s Honor Guard that should submit a package to join the Air Force’s Honor Guard. One potential candidate was Airman 1st Class Malyssa Darland.
SB: A1C Malyssa Darland, Langley Air Force Base Honor Guard
I’ve been a part of the Honor Guard since the beginning of January, we do a 90 day rotation and the responsibilities I have, we do color details, funerals, seven man and two man; I wanted to join the Honor Guard just to get a new experience on something and to kind of open my perspective up on what the Air Force does and what the Air Force has done in the past.
REPORTER
The Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team seemed very pleased with her performance during the critiques.
SB: 1st Lt Michael Lemorie, Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team Commander
Airman Darland did very well in her performance today. She performed as MPB, non-commissioned officer of the pall bearer team during the sequence that we watched today. She did very, very well; few things for her to improve upon like we all have but she did very well and she’s certainly qualified and ready to come to us once she submits her application.
REPORTER
Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team member, Airman 1st Class Avien Perez had some similar sentiments.
SB: A1C Avien Perez, Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team
For the most part she looked, she looked like everything was effortless, how we’re trying to get everyone across the board to look.
REPORTER
Even though Airman Darland impressed them, she was a bit tougher on herself.
SB: A1C Malyssa Darland, Langley Air Force Base Honor Guard
Personally I think I did alright, I can tighten moves a little bit more. Make them a little more sharp and slow it down a little and not be so rushed with everything that we do because it’s suppose to be ceremoniously so it needs to be just slowed down a little.
REPORTER
If Airman Darland decides to join the Air Force Honor Guard and is accepted, she will spend the next several years of her Air Force career honoring those who have fallen and performing for the President himself. Senior Airman Anthony Hetlage, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.
]]>
SB: Dakota Allen: “You can’t just sit around in the dorms and not have fun. You got to get out and learn to have fun by yourself. And along the way you end up meeting people and having fun like I did today.

THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA HAS MORE TO OFFER THAN WHAT AIRMEN SEE RIGHT OUTSIDE THE GATES. WITH ENDLESS PICTURE OPPORTUNITIES OF NAMI ISLAND’S ART, ANIMALS, AND WATER FRONT VIEWS, DAKOTA SNAPPED AWAY KEEPING A MEMORY OF HER TIME IN THIS COUNTRY WITH EVERY SHOT.

SB: Dakota Allen: “To actually see families and children and the outdoors. It kind of brings home to you.”

AS DAKOTA WRITES HER NAME ON A BLOCK OF WOOD TO LEAVE HER TINY MARK ON NAMI ISLAND, SHE TAKES MUCH MORE WITH HER. HER GRATITUDE FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, AND FOR THE FRIENDS SHE MADE ALONG THE WAY. SENIOR AIRMAN SAMANTHA KONIECZNY, NAMI ISLAND REPUBLIC OF KOREA.
]]>
It's a great honor that I was chosen by my brother service is a coveted award. From a service standpoint there's not a higher award I could win in my career field.

soto was chosen based on his accomplishments, job performance, tactical competency, leadership ability, initiative, and resourcefulness.

From Joint Base Lewis-McCord Washington I'm Army SGT Wendy Hall.



]]> SB (Tracy Perkins,Girlfriend) :06
“My biggest fear is he’s gonna look like everybody else and I’m not gonna know which one he is!”
Tracy Perkins’ boyfriend, A1C Justin Danielson left six months ago for Bagram Air Field in Afghanistan with A-10 Thunderbolts from the 354th Fighter Squadron at Davis-Monthan. Commonly known at D-M as the Bulldogs, 300 D-M Airmen provided close air support downrange in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
For Tracy and Airman Danielson, it was their first deployment.
SB (Tracy Perkins, Girlfriend):15
“I haven’t seen him in 8 months, since August, because I wasn’t here when he left. So I’m a little nervous. We’ve become so close, more close than we were when he left. So this deployment has actually been wonderful for our relationship.”
For Tracy and the rest of the family, friends, and comrades gathered to welcome the Bulldogs home, it’s been a moment 180 days in the making.
(Nat Sound)
SSgt Caitlin Jones, Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona

]]>
I've been doing it for ten years. I know my limits; I know what my body can handle. You get a yound Soldier, a young Airman, anybody that's young that's never really trained before and they get here lifting heavy weights there's a potential for hurting themselves is really high.

I absolutely encourage people to continue to do this. We want people to be active.The strenthening your muscles, you just need to be careful that your joints and your ligaments can not keep up with that you can go too quickly so you need to ease into it. You'll get there, just take your time.

Airman First Kellen Carr Class Kabul, Afghanistan]]> NAT SOUND
MSgt James Carson – CENTCOM DDOC
“At the CENTCOM DDOC we have Active Duty, Guard, and Reserves, we have Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Army all working together to make the mission happen.”

NAT SOUND
MSgt James Carson – CENTCOM DDOC
We go through the process with the Air Mobility Division and plan out how we’re going to get that Cargo moved in the smartest, fastest, and fiscally responsible manner, from one destination to the next.”

NAT SOUND
BGen Lee Levy II– Director of CENTCOM DDOC
“If you think Iraq was difficult. I would call that getting your bachelor’s degree in logistics. I would say withdrawing from Afghanistan is getting your PHD in logistics and we are writing our thesis as we speak.”

THERE’S MORE THAN 37,000 VEHICLES, 25,000 CONTAINERS, AND 300,000 PIECES OF GOVERNMENT OWNED…CONTRACTOR MANAGED EQUIPMENT THAT MUST BE RETURNED TO THE U-S.
BGen Lee Levy II– Director of CENTCOM DDOC
“We will bring home the things that makes sense to bring home and we’ll either give it back to the service so they can reset them or they will go back to the units and organizations that they came from and go back for preparation for the next conflict that hopefully will never come.”

NAT SOUND
WHILE REDEPLOYMENT IS THE NATURAL OUTCOME OF SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION OF SECURITY RESPONSIBILITY TO THE AFGHANS THE RETROGRADE PROCESS WILL BRING NEEDED MILITARY CAPABILITY BACK TO THE UNITED STATES.
AIR FORCE STAFF SERGEANT YOSHI SHINZATO, SOUTH WEST ASIA.
]]> Senior Airman Alexander Orchard, a crew chief from the 57th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, crouches underneath the exhaust of an F-35A Lightning II before a training mission.

Airmen from the 375th Air Mobility Wing at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, present an American flag for nearly 50,000 fans to see at Busch Stadium, home of the St. Louis Cardinals.
Staff Sgt. Travis Miller, a loadmaster from the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, loads pallets of supplies into a C-17 Globemaster III for an airdrop over Afghanistan.
And that's this week in photos, I'm staff Sergeant Michael Brady.
]]> graduation day: a big step for service members transitioning to a senior non-COMMISSIONED officer.
for bulgarian staff sergeant borislav domenikov, coming to the n-c-o academy at kapaun air station meant a different experience than most of the u-s air force students.
domenikov SB: “it was really challenging, especially for me when English was my second language it was really challenging. and most of the things i saw here were new to me. so it took a while to adapt in the beginning, but i was ready to take that challenge. i was expecting that. so it was really demanding but i’m happy i got through it and here we are.”
here we are indeed.
the ceremony has everything a typical graduation would have: a guest speaker (nat sound pop), diplomas (nat sound pop) and plenty of applause, but sergeant domenikov has another reason to look forward to graduation.
previously, his peers had nominated him and several others for the academy’s commandant’s award.
as the announcer calls out the nominees, it’s safe to say sergeant domenikov was a bit anxious.
domenikov sb: “well i thought my heart was just going to explode”
nat sound: “the kisling n-c-o academy’s COMMANDANT award winner is…..from bulgaria, staff sergeant borislav domenikov!”
chief master sergeant christopher moore is the commandant for the academy and he personally interviews each nominee and selects the winner.
moore sb: “it’s one that i take great pride in, in making sure that i thoroughly interview the folks, take a look at their records while they’ve been here, and listen to what they have to say and what kind of leader they are going to be when they go back to their work center. so i knew that he not only led in the class room because his flight mates picked him to represent them but i also know that he’s going to lead when he goes back to his unit in bulgaria.
this is the first time the kisling nco academy has given any award to a foreign student.

domenikov sb: “i couldn’t believe it. really. it’s a great honor for me. definitely a great honor. but it also proves to me that i’m on the right way, i’m heading the right way, and it motivates me further to continue walking the way that i’m walking.”
sergeant domenikov also said he hopes that he can set an example for future foreign students attending the n-c-o academy.
nat sound: “students of class 13-3 congratulations, you’ve made it.”
airman valerie lloyd. ramstein air base, Germany.]]>
TSgt Camacho – “The UK AMC services about forty thousand personnel on the island. The mail is flown in via various airline carriers into our London Heathrow facility and Stansted Airport and then all the mail is consolidated here at this point.”

TSGT CAMACHO AND HIS CREW PROCESS, MOVE, LOAD AND UNLOAD EVERY PIECE OF MAIL SENT TO DOD EMPLOYEES AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS LIVING IN THE U-K.

TSgt Camacho – “Once it arrives here at the AMT we process it via trucks that come from different APOs such as Lakenheath and Mildenhall. Each piece has its location written on the GBS label and we’re able to identify what location it goes to.”

ONCE THE MAIL IS SEPARATED AND SENT TO ITS FINAL DESTINATION, IT GETS SORTED, PLACED IN YOUR P.O. BOX… AND WAITS FOR YOU TO COME PICK IT UP.

THE PROCESS OF MOVING MAIL IS REVERSED EACH EVENING WHEN IT’S LOADED ONTO A TRUCK AND SENT TO THE MAIL TERMINAL AT ALCONBURY. TECH SERGEANT LANCE DAIGLE, RAF MILDENHALL, UNITED KINGDOM.
]]> SOUNDBITE: :09 (TSGT CHRISTOFER CURTIS, 8TH SOS FLIGHT ENGINEER)
“WE CRASHED AND SUBSEQUENTLY LOST THE AIRCRAFT AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, LOST FOUR OTHER INDIVIDUALS ALONG WITH THAT.”
NARRATOR:
CURTIS WAS LEFT WITH 17 BROKEN BONES INCLUDING FRACTURES TO HIS FACE, BACK, AND BOTH LEGS. NOW, AFTER 3 YEARS OF RECOVERY… HE’S READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP.
SOUNDBITE: :18 (TSGT CHRISTOFER CURTIS, 8TH SOS FLIGHT ENGINEER)
“FIRST GOAL, NUMBER ONE, WAS TO WALK THROUGH MY SQUADRONS DOORS AND I DID HAPPEN TO ACCOMPLISH THAT THE SAME YEAR, MY SECOND GOAL WAS LITERALLY TODAY, IT WAS TO FLY AGAIN.”
“I THINK EVERY WOUNDED WARRIOR, EVERY PERSON THAT’S BEEN INJURED, THE ONE THING THEY WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE IS TO HAVE LIFE THE WAY IT WAS.”
NARRATOR:
SERGEANT CURTIS SAYS THAT HIS MOTIVATION TO MOVE FORWARD LIVES IN THE MEMORY OF THOSE LOST.
SOUNDBITE: :19 (TSGT CHRISTOFER CURTIS, 8TH SOS FLIGHT ENGINEER)
“EVERYBODY’S FOCUSED ON ME TODAY; I APPRECIATE THAT; ALTHOUGH AT THE END, THERE WAS FOUR TRUE HEROES IN MY OPINION THAT MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE. THEY’LL ALWAYS BE IN OUR HEARTS AND MINDS AND A LOT OF WHAT I DO AND CONTINUE TO DO IS BECAUSE OF THEM AND THEIR SACRIFICE.”
NARRATOR:
HE ADDED THAT HIS FINAL GOAL IS TO REGAIN HIS MISSION QUALIFIED STATUS…NOT ONLY FOR HIMSELF, BUT FOR ALL AIRMEN WHO DISPLAY RESILIENCY EVERYDAY. SENIOR AIRMAN BRANDY DIRR, HURLBURT FIELD, FLORIDA.
]]> Gen Spencer: Good morning, great to be here.
SrA Jaggers: It's wonderful to have you and it seems you've come up with a pretty awesome idea to encourage our Airmen to make their own small changes. And you're calling this "Every Dollar Counts", so can you let us know what this campaign is really about?
Gen Spencer: Well yes, actually let me tell you first of all what it's not. Every Dollar Counts is not a slogan, it's not a program but it's a culture, it's a focus. Let me give you an example: if my family, if we suddenly and abruptly had a really drastic cut in our income, the first thing I think I would do would be call my family together and say "Look, I need your help. We've just reduced our income . I know you all have ideas on how we can cut back. I know there's some things you spent money on in the past that were necessary but you don't really have to, so let's talk about how we can make every dollar count, how we can stretch every dollar ". Every Dollar Counts is sort of that same theme. I mean we got folks out there really working hard to be good fiscal stewards, and everybody's working hard everyday to try to stretch our dollars. I would look at it in two parts. One is, in terms of Every Dollar Counts, as I mentioned, if there are things out there that we are doing that we can do better, if there are priorities, if we can rearrange priorities, if we can have people turn over every rock and try to find extra dollars, we want them to do that. Every Airman, whether they're at a wing or they're managing a big account can help. The second part of that is what we call "Airmen Powered by Innovation". And that is, we want to go out and ask every Airman "What good ideas do you have" because I know they have them. You know, just think about it, we've all gone home and talked to our neighbors about "we could have done this differently, why didn't we do it that way", and I've, frankly over the years, had suggestions myself that I've submitted and the answer has been "well that's a good idea but it's too big" or "we have an AFI or we have a law". This Airmen Powered by Innovation is a time to go into that file and pull those ideas back out and submit them because we're ready to look at them now. If it's a good idea and requires an AFI change, we'll see if we can change the AFI. But we want to hear from Airmen. If there are things we can do better, if there are things we can stop doing or if there are ideas that they have on how we can better manage our money, we want to hear them.
SrA Jaggers: So, would this include the Airman who says "I think I could save my office five hundred bucks"?
Gen Spencer: Absolutely. Whether it's five hundred dollars or a million or thirty million, we want to hear it because those dollars add up.
SrA Jaggers: So, how are Airmen going to step forward and participate in this, how is this going to work sir?
Gen Spencer: We're setting up what we think is a really neat tool on the Air Force web page, where by starting on 1 May to 1 June we're having sort of an open season if you will. And so that web site will be available on 1 May. We think it'll be very user friendly. Our Airmen can access this through their office computer, their home computer, their iPhone. We're trying to make this as easy and user friendly as possible and all our Airmen have to do is go on and click on that website and they can put their idea on. One of the things that I think is pretty neat is we're going to give them a response, a timely response. Even if it's "Wow, great idea. It's going to take us some time to work through this but we got it and we're looking at it." We're going to look at those ideas, we're going to take them seriously and provide them some feedback.
SrA Jaggers: General Spencer, thank you so much for being here with us.
General Spencer says every idea submitted by uniformed and civilian Airmen will be seen and considered from May 1st through June 1st. To make every dollar count, submit your money-saving ideas at af.mil or Air Force Portal starting May 1st.
]]> A-E-W—KICKING, PUNCHING AND SWEATING WITH AIRMEN AS HE LEADS AN INTENSE WORK-OUT.

NOT ONLY DID 380TH AIRMEN GET THE CHANCE TO WORKOUT WITH ONE PHYSICAL FITNESS PROFESSIONAL BUT THEY ALSO GOT TO GO TOE-TO-TOE WITH THE U.S.’ VERY OWN, AMERICAN GLADIATORS.

THE EVENTS BEGAN WITH THE JOUST. WHERE AIRMEN TOOK ON THE GLADIATORS, ONE ON ONE. IT WAS A TEST OF BALANCE AND STRENGTH, WHERE THE GLADIATORS TOOK IT WITH A NEAR SWEEP. HOWEVER, E-O-D AIRMEN CAME OUT VICTORIOUS AT TUG O WAR, DEFEATING THE GLADIATORS, AIR FORCE STYLE.

WITH EVEN SCORES, IT WAS TIME TO DODGE SOME TENNIS BALLS, WHILE RUNNING FROM COVER TO COVER, ALL WHILE TRYING TO HIT A TARGET. IN THE END, EVERYONE WON, COMING OUT A BIT SWEATY, ENTERTAINED AND WITH HIGH SPIRITS.

SENIOR AIRMAN LINDY PATA, 380TH AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING, SOUTHWEST ASIA.
]]> SNOWSHOEING IS A FAST GROWING, EASY TO LEARN AND RELATIVELY INEXPENSIVE WINTER SPORT. A SMALL GROUP OF FIRST TERM AIRMEN TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THE REMAINING SNOW ALONG THE BASE OF MOUNT IWATE LAST WEEKEND.
SB: Tech Sgt Aaron Walters – FTAC Group Leader:
With the FTAC classes we have an opportunity to brief the students, and one of the things … one of the unique opportunities we have here is to show them something new, something unique about Japan and just a great way to build relationships … long lasting relationships with Airmen that come through.
Reporter:
A CHAPEL FUNDED TRIP GAVE THE STUDENTS AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE SOMETHING THEY WOULDN’T TYPICALLY DO ON THEIR OWN.
SB: Tech Sgt Aaron Walters – FTAC Group Leader:
The goal is to always have a good time and, again, to just build relationships, and the hope is that during everyone’s time here at Misawa if they run into hard times they’ll be comfortable talking with us and approaching us and having a community of support.
Reporter:
F-TAC HELPS FIRST TERM AIRMEN ENJOY THEIR TIME OFF BY SHOWING THEM WHAT’S AVAILABLE ON AND OFF BASE.
SB: Tech Sgt Aaron Walters – FTAC Group Leader:
Expect the unexpected. These trips are different every time, but guaranteed … they’ll walk away and go home very thankful that they came along with us.
NAT POP: Photos with a bed of music from restaurant.
SB: Ryan Johnson – Assistant Guide:
Taking a trip like this with the Chapel, with Simon, with FTAC … getting out there and just seeing something. To see those cool things that Japan does offer is something kind of starts a spark from when they get there to hopefully keep on burning.
Reporter:
PETTY OFFICER LISA REESE, MISAWA AIR BASE, JAPAN.
]]> Airmen from the 36th Mobility Response Squadron recently endured what is said to be some of the most difficult and productive training they do. Boonie. Gun. Gorilla. These three words are not only the name of this exercise, but the embodiment of what they experience during it as well. Everything they need to know for mission-readiness is compiled into a 3 hour, 7 mile ruck-march, with obstacles every step of the way.

1st Lt Joshua Anson, A-4 Flight Commander, 36th MRS:
The overall mission today was to instill some more warrior training in the Mobility Response Squadron. Get out and use some of our tactics, some more training, and just get an overall picture of how our squadron performs together.
A1C Adam Harder, Reporting, 36th Wing Public Affairs:
Squadrons faced situations ranging from a 28-hundred foot litter carry, to ATV exercises…then, they top it off with a teamwork-crucial obstacle course. Senior NCO’s from all departments of MRS created this exercise to combine every imperative piece of training these MRS Airmen are expected to know.
SSgt Sidney Okagu, Mobile C2 Controller, 36th MRS:
I think it went good, a little bit competitive. The hardest part was probably putting on the MOP gear and then rucking with the special cargo on our backs. Just because of the humidity, the sun, and then you’re breathing rubber…so that makes it pretty hard. It’s challenging, but it’s necessary.
A1C Adam Harder, Reporting, 36th Wing Public Affairs:
These challenges are put in place to assure that despite intense heat, 35 pounds of weight, and enemy resistance…these MRS Airmen are still capable of achieving the mission. Plus, the team with the fastest time leaves with bragging rights. Reporting from Andersen Air Force Base, I’m Airman First Class Adam Harder.]]> sb: DAVE BRANDT; SOCCER COACH, NAVAL ACADEMY “bringing the American kids based in Europe together, both for a little exposure to college coaches in terms of evaluation, and also to have American college coaches work with them for three days.”
narration: these coaches flew from the u-s to see what kind of soccer players defense schools in Europe have spawned, but that’s not all.
sb: DAVE BRANDT; SOCCER COACH, NAVAL ACADEMY “if all of us could get some good leads, and connections with good players, i think that’s a good bonus and that’s great, but first and FOREMOST we’re here to provide a good camp for the kids.”
narration: it isn’t normal for college coaches to come all the way to Germany like this. but one man had the vision to make it happen.
sb: dominik ludes; coach, ramstein high school soccer “they’re at a big disadvantage by living over here, because they’re not being exposed to college coaches.”
nat sound-
sb: dominik ludes; coach, ramstein high school soccer “just trying to help kids achieve a certain goal either in the class room or on the soccer field is extremely rewarding.”
narration: military kids can show their skills for a chance to play college soccer…without spending a ton of cash going back to the states. from spangdahlem, germany; I’m airman first class alexander goad, a-f-n news.]]>
SB: TSgt Thermidor: "Well, the name Thermidor..."

That's something you never would have known, unless you asked. That's the type of message that TSgt Thermidor, who also gives EO briefings at the First Term Airman Center, loves to deliver.

SB: TSgt Thermidor: "Cultural awareness is very important to me..."

It's that belief that keeps Sgt Thermidor going, and makes the reward that much sweeter.

SB: TSgt Thermidor: "I get personal satisfaction from teaching the classes..."

Airman 1st Class Tory Cusimano, Langley AFB, VA.]]> As a first term Airman, I want to know some of the events that are going on, on base. And from back home I'd like to watch movies, TV shows, maybe some sports.
You continue to provide that morale and that boost to our troops overseas. Happy Birthday AFN! And God bless you for all that you do.
Happy 70th Birthday AFN!]]> REPORTER:
FLIP ON A LIGHT SWITCH AND VOILA, YOU HAVE LIGHT. THAT POWER COMES FROM BOILER PLANTS LIKE THIS ONE ON YOKOTA AIR BASE. BUT THE POWER COMES WITH A COST
MSgt Justin Yagoda –NCOIC of Heating Operations

To run all four boiler plants on Yokota Air Base it’s about 24 million dollars a year. By limiting the number of boilers we run at each plant and we’re also lowering pressures and temperature to see what is the minimum we can go down to and every time we lower those pressures or temperatures, we’re saving money.
Reporter:
IN THESE DAYS OF TIGHTER BUDGETS, IT’S IMPORTANT FOR EVERYONE TO THINK CONSERVATION. AND IT’S RELATIVELY EASY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. LOWERING THE BRIGHTNESS ON YOUR COMPUTER SCREEN AND LIMITING THE AMOUNT OF LIGHTS USED ARE A COUPLE OF SIMPLE WAYS FOR YOUR WORK CENTER TO CONSERVE ENERGY. BUT THE EFFORTS SHOULDN’T STOP ONCE YOU LEAVE THE OFFICE.
Michael Haka – Energy and Utilities Manager
Whenever possible try to wait until you have a full load to do your laundry. It doesn’t see a difference if your washing a single shirt or an entire week’s worth of laundry for your whole family.
You know, if it’s a sunny day, open the blinds, throw open the curtains and leave your lights off.
If I could as the population to do one thing, ask yourself before you turn anything on, is this want or a need. Try to realize that just because you want it doesn’t mean you need it.
Reporter:
WHEN IT COMES TO CONSERVING ENERGY, SOMETHING AS SIMPLE AS FLIPPING A SWITCH CAN GO A LONG WAY. SEAMAN D’ARTANYAN RATLEY, YOKOTA AIR BASE, JAPAN.
]]> 2Lt Adrianna Perez- Survey data from last year resulted in a 60$ increase….
RIGHT NOW, ONLY ABOUT 26% OF AIR FORCE MEMBERS IN THE KMC AREA HAVE TAKEN IT, BUT 30% IS NEEDED FOR A VALID SURVEY…IT DOESN’T TAKE TOO LONG, SPOUSES CAN TAKE IT AS WELL- JUST HAVE YOUR BILLS READY AND GO TO DEFENSETRAVEL.DOD.MIL AND LOOK FOR OVERSEAS HOUSING ALLOWANCE SURVEY…ARMY SGT ABIGAIL WALDROP, RAMSTEIN AB, GERMANY]]> ACC Commander General Mike Hostage explains “Units will stand down on a rotating basis so our limited resources can be focused on fulfilling critical missions.”
Some units currently deployed- including the A-10s , B-1s, F-16s, and F-22s- will stand down after they return from their deployments. Active Duty aircrews assigned to Air Force Reserve or Air National Guard A-10 or F-16 squadrons under an arrangement known as “active associations” will also stop flying.
General Hostage notes, “We’re entering uncharted territory in terms of this year’s cuts. Remaining as mission-ready as possible for combatant commanders is our priority.”
In the meantime, units will shift their emphasis to ground training, using flight simulators and conducting academic training. Maintainers will complete upgrade training and clear up backlogs of scheduled inspections and maintenance. The stand down will remain in effect for the remainder of fiscal year 2013, barring any changes to current funding levels. Reporting from Langley Air Force Base, I’m Senior Airman Traci Keller.
]]> Col Blanchard: “It’s amazing how much time he gives to do this. I mean he has a full time job with CSI: New York, he also acts in movies, and then on his own, away from his family, takes time on his weekends, whatever, to come out and do these USO shows. It really shows a major commitment that he has to our troops.”
Reporter: After playing the role of Lt. Dan in the 1994 film Forrest Gump, Mr. Sinise decided to put a band together and give back to veterans like the one he portrayed in the film.
Gary Sinise: (Over b-roll) “It’s a way that I can give back. It’s a way that I can do something. I have veterans in my family so I have great respect for veterans.”
Gary Sinise: “Men and women who serve our country and protect our country deserve our gratitude and our respect and if I can go out and show them a good time, by playing some music with this great band, it’s my honor to do it.”
Reporter: In honor of those who have served before and as a thank you to those serving now, Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band travel the world sharing their talents with the military community. Airman First Class Kelly Greenwell, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.
]]> SB: SrA Ryron Allen, Event Volunteer
“It shows our support, meaning that we have crossed a barrier where it doesn’t matter what your gender is, we’re here to support one another.

Participants in the Warrior Challenge put teamwork into action for nearly four hours. Despite the excitement, one participant says she never forgot the reason so many Airmen united for the event.
SB: SrA Audri Sanchez, Participant
“It’s history, it’s educating what women have done, what we’re capable of doing, and what we will continue to do.”
REPORTER
Women’s History Month coordinators say they plan to make the Warrior Challenge an annual event. Airman First Class Tory Patterson, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.




]]> "The pinewood derby is when you take a wooden block and carve it down into a car. It's a craft skill. It's really a lot of fun."
And to the scouts the event is kind of a big deal.
"It teacher responsibility and good life skills."
Although there is only one winner, Sam says, it's all about the race.
TSgt Jason David, Lajes Field, Azores.
]]> SB: Tomoya &Daisuke Yamamoto
I learned more from being around Americans then I have in school, like their everyday life and American stores.
SB: SMSgt Michael Stansberry
I think it’s a good, neat experience to see how we really live as Americans.
Reporter:
These are just two of eleven children who participated in the Home stay program hosted by the Misawa International Club and the Thirty-Fifth Fighter wing; where American families on Misawa opened their homes to Japanese students who were affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
SB: Tomoya &Daisuke Yamamoto
Everything is beautiful, everything is new for me. I just enjoy spending time with the family.
Reporter:
And during that time they didn’t just learn, but shared their own culture.
SB: Tomoya &Daisuke Yamamoto
I enjoyed playing Shogi, Japanese Chess, with sergeant Stansberry and teaching him Japanese culture.
Reporter:
Unfortunately they only had a weekend, and soon they were saying goodbye.

SB: Tomoya &Daisuke Yamamoto
Everybody is so kind, I was happy to come here.”

Reporter:
But while they only got to stay for a few days, each family built a friendship they won’t soon forget.
Reporting from Misawa air base, Japan, I’m senior airman Ashley Clingerman.

Radio:
Reporter:
Tomoya Yamamoto may be a Japanese student, but for one weekend he got to be a part of an American family.
SB: Tomoya Yamamoto
I learned more from being around Americans then I have in school, like their everyday life.
Reporter:
Tomoya was just one of eleven children who participated in the Home stay program/ hosted by the Misawa International Club and the Thirty-Fifth Fighter wing; /where American families on Misawa opened their homes to Japanese students who were affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
SB: Tomoya Yamamoto
Everything is beautiful, everything is new for me. I just enjoy spending time with the family.
I enjoyed playing Shogi, Japanese Chess, with sergeant Stansberry and teaching him Japanese culture.
Reporter:
Unfortunately they only had a weekend, and it wasn’t long until Tomoya had to say goodbye.
SB: Tomoya &Daisuke Yamamoto
Everybody is so kind, I was happy to come here.
Reporter:
But while they only got to stay for a few days, each family built a friendship they won’t soon forget.
Reporting from Misawa Air Base, Japan, I’m Senior Airman Ashley Clingerman.]]> IT WAS 1994 TO 1996 HE WAS HERE TWO YEARS WITH HIS FAMILY, HIM AND HIS WIFE WERE TECH SERGEANTS AND IT WAS NICE TO WORK WITH THEM. I KNEW HE WAS GOING TO BECOME A CHIEF BUT I DIDN’T THINK HE WAS GOING TO MAKE CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT OF THE AIR FORCE
CHIEF CODY IS NO STRANGER TO INCIRLIK, AFTER WORKING FOR TWO YEARS AS AN AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER ON THE BASE WITH OUR TURKISH ALLIES, HE FEELS THE IMPRESSION TURKEY MADE ON HIM HELPED MOLD HIS CAREER.
IT HAD A GREAT IMPACT ON ME, YOU KNOW I LIVED AND WORKED WITH THEM FOR TWO YEARS, AND THEY’RE GREAT FRIENDS. SOME OF THEM ARE STILL HERE TODAY THAT I WAS ABLE TO RECONNECT WITH WHEN WE ARRIVED YESTERDAY AND TODAY. AND IT’S A GREAT FEELING TO BE ABLE TO COME BACK, AND IT IS ABOUT THAT PARTNERSHIP AND HOW WE CONTINUE TO BUILD THAT PARTNERSHIP. SO NEARLY 20 YEARS AGO WE WERE HERE BUILDING THAT PARTNERSHIP THAT’S A STRONGER PARTNERSHIP TODAY.
THOSE IN OUR NATION’S MILITARY MAKE LASTING RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE ONES THEY SERVE BESIDE, AND THAT DOESN’T EXCLUDE OUR FELLOW NATO ALLIES.
YES IT WAS AMAZING TO SEE HIM ESPECIALLY SEEING HIM AS CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT OF THE AIR FORCE. I WAS HONORED TO SEE HIM IN THAT POSITION AND IT WAS GREAT TO SEE HIM
WHEN THE CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT OF THE AIR FORCE VISITS A BASE, IT’S USUALLY A REWARDING EXPERIENCE FOR THOSE HE MEETS, BUT IN THIS CASE, A VISIT TO HIS PAST WAS JUST AS REWARDING FOR CHIEF CODY HIMSELF.
AIRMAN STEPHEN JARMAN, INCIRLIK AIR BASE, TURKEY.
]]> SB (Col McKenzie) –“I got to eclipse 3000 hours in the F-16, which is just something that doesn’t happen very often anymore, unfortunately.”

IN FACT COLONEL MCKENZIE IS NOW THE 244TH PERSON IN THE WORLD TO FLY MORE THAN 3000 HOURS IN AN F-16 FIGHTING FALCON.
SB (Col McKenzie)—“I’ve been given the opportunity to fly the F-16 since I was a lieutenant; I’ve never had to fly anything else. So I’ve gotten a lot of opportunity that many people don’t get. So, I think it’s just a lot of luck and timing more than anything else, but it was quite a thrill for me.”

FLYING MORE THAN 3000 HOURS MAY SEEM LIKE AN INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT; COLONEL MCKENZIE KNOWS IT WAS REALLY A TEAM EFFORT.
SB (Col McKenzie)—“It starts with the maintenance side, they prepare the airplanes and get them ready to fly and ensure they are, no kidding, ready to go out and execute their mission. There’s thousands of people that work in the background.”

COLONEL MCKENZIE IS NOW A MEMBER OF A SMALL CLUB, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY THIS MISSION HELPED KEEP HIS SKILLS SHARP, AND KEEPS HIM READY TO FIGHT AND WIN TONIGHT. AIR FORCE STAFF SERGEANT ANTHONY KUHN, OSAN AIR BASE, REPUBLIC OF KOREA.
]]> It all starts with a phone call…
When a request is made from the flight line for fuel, the service center operator passes the request to a fuel's Airman who delivers it to the appropriate location in a timely manner.
In fiscal year 2012, Airmen from the 99th Logistics Readiness Squadron supplied 54 million gallons of fuel to approximately two thousand aircraft on Nellis Air Force Base.
They also competed for the Air Combat Command Drake award and were selected as the #1 Fuels Flight in the command.
Today I went on a ride-along with one these outstanding airmen to get a better idea of what it's like to refuel aircraft at Nellis AFB.
(Soundbite, A1C Devin Cunningham)
I get to be outside all day long, well sometimes when it's 110 it isn't great. You get to be outside all day long working around the aircraft. You get to see a lot of different stuff and meet a lot people. It’s fun. I enjoy that.
With the help of Fuels Laboratory Airmen, the fuel's technicians guarantee the quality and safety of fuel support for all Nellis flying operations.
As my journey with Airman Cunningham came to an end, he told me how he measures success on the job.
(Soundbite, A1C Cunningham)
If you get done with a servicing and you know everything went safe, um nobody's hurt and you got the fuel there quick and efficiently. Response time a huge thing for us. We don't want the crew chiefs sitting out here waiting on us. So the quicker we get it there and the safer we do it, the better.
It's safe to say that nothing moves on this flight line without the support of fuels airmen moving fuel to the right place at the right time.
MSgt Shane Cronin, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

]]> LT COL HODGES: WE'RE PREPARING FOR OUR SQUADRON'S FIRST DEPLOYMENT TO THE AOR. WE'VE BEEN TASKED BY U.S. TRANSPORTATION COMMAND TO PROVIDE DV AIRLIFT SUPPORT (NP) THIS IS A ROTATION THAT IS TYPICALLY FILLED BY ARMY AND NAVY DV AIRLIFT SUPPORT UNITS THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THE AIR FORCE UNIT AT MACDILL HAS FILLED THIS ROTATION.
THE 310TH IS NO STRANGER TO TAKING BIG NAMES TO BIG PLACES, BUT ACCOMPLISHING THAT MISSION DOWN RANGE BROUGHT ON SOME NEW AND DIFFERENT CHALLENGES
COOMBS: THIS ALL CAME DOWN AT THE LAST MINUTE. IT WAS REALLY A CHALLENGE TO GET ALL OF US AS CIVILIANS INTO THE MILITARY SYSTEM TO OPERATE OVER IN THE THEATER.
FROM CREATING A DEPLOYMENT PLAN TO GETTING THEIR CIVILIAN MAINTAINERS IN THEATER, THE CHANCES OF ACTUALLY PULLING OFF THIS LAST MINUTE DEPLOYMENT LOOKED GRIM.
LT COL HODGES: OUR ASSESSMENT WAS THAT THIS WAS NEXT TO IMPOSSIBLE AND OF COURSE WE WERE ASKED TO MAKE THE IMPOSSIBLE HAPPEN AND THAT'S JUST WHAT WE DID.
A VICTORY LT COL HODGES ATTRIBUTES TO HIS ENTIRE TEAM.
LT COL HODGES: WE HAVE A SMALL TEAM WITH A VERY DEEP BENCH, SO WE HAVE EXPERIENCED AVIATORS FROM ACROSS AIR MOBILITY COMMAND AND IT'S THE COMPOSITION OF THOSE TEAM MEMBERS AND BRAIN STORMING THE PROBLEM, TASK ORGANIZING AGAINST THAT PROBLEM AND THEN COMING TOGETHER AT THE END TO MAKE IT HAPPEN.
THROUGH TEAM WORK AND INNOVATION THE 310TH AIRLIFT SQUADRON MADE THE IMPOSSIBLE, POSSIBLE. ULTIMATELY, ENSURING MISSION CONTINUATION FOR FORWARD OPERATING COMMANDERS. SENIOR AIRMAN LAURA BECKLEY MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE FLORIDA.
]]> ]]> Nat sound:
(NAT Sound: You can do it nice pushes.)
Reporter:
ONCE EVERYTHING IS IN PLACE IN THE DELIVERY ROOM, IT BECOMES A BIT OF A WAITING GAME. FOR THE TEAM IN THIS DELIVERY WARD, THIS IS NOTHING NEW.
SB: Capt. Charissa Olson
Today we had a patient come in, in active labor; she was having her second baby only four days shy of her due date and very quickly progressed to a really lovely delivery.
Reporter:
MANY JOBS IN THE MILITARY ARE GEARED TOWARDS RUINING SOMEONE’S DAY, BUT THIS JOB IS UNLIKE ANY OF THOSE. THIS TEAM OF MEDICS IS HERE TO SET SOMEONE’S LIFE IN MOTION.
SB: A1C Dani Elliott
My first delivery ever I was like that’s disgusting I’m not going to cry, and I cried and I will never forget the patient I’ll never forget the baby and I don’t think I’ve ever gone through a delivery where I didn’t get goose bumps just from the fact that I am a part of bringing children into this world, I feel really great about my job, I love that I can go to the BX and see a little one year old running around and I recognize them and I’m like, I brought that baby into the world it’s really rewarding. I just think it’s wonderful.
Reporter:
WHAT MANY CALL THE MIRACLE OF CHILD BIRTH IS SOMETHING THEY WITNESS NEARLY EVERY DAY. THE SERVICES THE MED GROUP PROVIDE MAKE IT POSSIBLE TO BRING NEW LIFE TO MISAWA. AIRMAN FIRST CLASS SCOTT TAYLOR. MISAWA AIRBASE JAPAN.
]]>
SB: Lt Col Kristopher Struve
Its training that we do every three years that is a requirement for us as pilots in case we ever do get shot down or our airplane fails and we end up in bad guy country trying to evade the enemy. So we came out here did some training and really spent about 6 hours trying to evade the OPFOR the opposing forces as they tried to track me down.

Reporter:
STAFF SERGEANT DAVID CHUN HAS WORKED WITH AIRCREW FLIGHT EQUIPMENT FOR ALMOST TEN YEARS BUT FOR THE FIRST TIME HE IS GETTING TO SEE HOW HIS JOB CAN HELP PILOTS IN A DESPERATE SITUATION.

SB: SSgt David Chun
Lot of snow out here; some places waist high. A lot of water, pond we went into it. We are struggling trying to go through the woods, try to locate him. It was pretty hard. We did not find him.

SB: Lt Col Kristopher Struve
I wore a lot of clothes that our life support shop set us up with. So I had three or four layers on and didn’t get to cold actually got a little warm when I was running through the snow. Certainly if I had to spend the night out here it would be cold and I would have to come up with some options to warm up. It’s not something you’d pick to do on a normal day but when you’re done it’s definitely it’s good to be done with it. But it’s that training that you absolutely have to have and you have to be good at it.

Reporter:
AIRMAN FIRST CLASS, MISAWA AIRBASE JAPAN.
]]> .................
PENTAGON PRESS SECRETARY GEORGE LITTLE SPOKE WITH REPORTERS AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, ANSWERING QUESTIONS ABOUT U-S INVOLVEMENT ON THE KOREA PENINSULA.

"For over 60 years, we've had an alliance with South Korea, and the top priority of that alliance is to ensure peace and stability on the peninsula and in the region."

THE ANNUAL TWO-MONTH-LONG EXERCISE, FOAL EAGLE, BEGAN IN MARCH, AND OFFICIALS SAY IT HAD BEEN PLANNED FOR SOME TIME. AIR FORCE FIGHTER JETS HAVE DEPLOYED TO TAKE PART IN THE EXERCISES FOR ALMOST A DECADE, STRENGTHENING THE PACIFIC COMMAND'S INTEROPERABILITY WITH THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA.
..............
THE EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY MEMBER PROGRAM MAY BE SEEING SOME CHANGES....THAT'S ACCORDING TO DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE OFFICIALS WHO SAY THEY ARE IN THE PROCESS OF STANDARDIZING THE PROGRAM ACROSS THE FORCE, MAKING IT EASIER FOR FAMILIES AS THEY MOVE FROM ONE ASSIGNMENT TO ANOTHER, REGARDLESS OF LOCATION OR MILITARY AFFILIATION.
.............
AND THAT'S IT FOR THE HEADLINES, I'M SENIOR AIRMAN RENEE CARBERRY. FOR MORE ON THESE AND OTHER TOP STORIES, LOG ON TO A-F-DOT-MIL.


]]> U.S. Air Force and Coast Guard Service members construct a fire for producing smoke signals during Survival Evasion Resistance Escape training at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.
Air Force Firefighters from the 106th Rescue Wing train with civilian firefighters to remove simulated victims from a burning aircraft in Westhampton, New York.
Senior Airman Joseph Farrell, an electronic warfare systems journeyman, looks over the inside of the C-17 Globemaster III, before beginning the pre-flight inspection.
And that's this week in photos, I'm Staff Sergeant Michael Brady.]]> SB: TSgt Amanda Munoz
I’ve been working at Misawa as an ultrasound technologist for about two and a half years. So we perform a variety of studies on different patient ages ranging from babies to adults.
SB: SSgt Michael George
We look at everything from the common cough to broken bones and babies and ultrasound and even the infant illnesses and whatnot. And it’s us doing our job well that will ensure that the patients are able to get the right diagnosis and get the proper health care that they need.
SB: TSgt Amanda Munoz
And it can be challenging in that every patient’s different and no study’s the same.
Reporter:
USING STATE OF THE ART EQUIPMENT, THESE AIRMEN DIGITALLY CAPTURE IMAGES. THIS PROVES INVALUABLE TO PHYSICIANS LOOKING TO PINPOINT THE CAUSE OF THEIR PATIENT’S PROBLEM.
SB: TSgt Amanda Munoz
So without our us there basically would be no imaging. They need us in order to provide radiology imaging to be able to tell what’s wrong and how to get treatment for it. To get them back out there to perform their duties.
Reporter:
7 DAYS A WEEK, 24 HOURS A DAY; THESE AIRMEN REPORT FOR DUTY TO ENSURE THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS OF SERVICE MEMBERS AND CIVILIANS ON BASE.
PETTY OFFICER KARLA FOSTER, MISAWA AIRBASE JAPAN.

]]> N'Keiba Estelle:
"About 18 months ago, we were discussing it and it was shortly after Major Estelle was killed in action in April of 2011. And, you know, he is a hero that made the ultimate sacrifice. And he's got a history with the Comm Squadron here on MacDill."
A history that the 6th Communication Squadron honored by dedicating their new building as Estelle Hall.
N'Keiba Estelle:
"Air Force was his life. He served 8 years enlisted and then got out for 2 years and did bootstrap program and got his Masters degree and then he was commissioned and this was his first base."
For N'Keiba Estelle, the building dedication is more than just a tribute to her husband. It's a responsibility.
N'Keiba Estelle:
"While my husband was alive, he took care of us. So now it's my turn to take care of him and a part of that is insuring his legacy is out there."
And now, with Raymond's memory permanently affixed to Estelle Hall, the responsibility for carrying on that legacy is shared by all Airmen who enter it's doors. Senior Airman Laura Beckley, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida.]]> SSgt Megan Meyer:
"In different terrains and different areas, we have different ways of setting it up. We can set it up in the grass. Sometimes we have to set it up on the concrete right next to the runway."
But as part of exercise Silver Flag, the 554th shared their knowledge with the Japanese Air Self Defense Force.
SSgt Megan Meyer:
"This is their first time installing the MAAS. They've been doing really well at it. They've been catching on really quick. It's been going really well out here."
During an emergency or deployment, Red Horse can catch a pilot on short notice.
SSgt Megan Meyer:
"Say if the runway gets blown up and we have to use a different section of the runway, we can install this in 36 minutes."
The hard work these engineers practice now can help save lives later. Lance Corporal Tyler Mitchell, Kadena Air Base, Japan.]]> There is a lone group of Airmen tucked away in a far corner of Langley Air Force Base. These men and women are responsible for all munitions on the installation - every bomb, missile, and round of ammunition fired. This is “Ammo Country”, and Production Superintendent, Senior Master Sergeant David Jamison, says its multi-million dollar stockpile can be dangerous.
SB: SMSgt David Jamison, Production Section Superintendent
“They put us away from main populace of base for a reason, that’s basically inherent in what we do, the dangers of our job. So, I think Ammo takes a lot of pride in that.”
REPORTER
Munitions Systems specialists, or ammo troops, have a wide-range of duties like building bombs and delivering them to the flight line, inspecting and storing munitions, and maintaining all of the equipment that makes the job possible. Sergeant Jamison says that the dangers of Ammo’s demanding mission create a tight-knit community.
SB: SMSgt David Jamison, Production Section Superintendent
“I tell you, Ammo is family through and through. Ammo troops, no matter where you’re at, the pride of the Ammo folks that are here at this organization, you will find that everywhere else throughout the entire Air Force.”

REPORTER
The dedication and camaraderie of Ammo troops is apparent in each individual. When asked if he enjoys his job, Precision Guided Munitions Supervisor, Staff Sergeant Mark Cruz, was quick to say…

SB: SSgt Mark Cruz, Precision Guided Munitions Supervisor
“I love it. I love the pride that we have in our job, everything that we’re about. Without us, the Air Force would just be another airline.”

REPORTER
While Ammo Country may not be physically close to other areas of base, the people working within its fences are absolutely vital in supporting the Air Force mission. Airman 1st Class Tory Patterson, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.

]]> RT: 00:17
"So today we're here, we're in the middle of, uh, War Week. It's a simulated war that we put on. It lasts one week, and it's time for us to prepare to head down range. We utilize assets that are all throughout the local area, and we practice recovering injured patients and getting them home safely."
S.B.- SSgt Cody Cerny- 56th Rescue Squadron Pararescueman
RT: 00:18
"We work on such a depth and breadth of skills, from jumping out of planes, to diving in the ocean, to working on the side of mountains, it always takes a lot of time, a lot of effort to, uh, make sure we're still spun up on everything we need to do."
S.B.- Capt Annie Driscoll, Flight Safety Officer, Wing Safety
RT: 00:14
"We practice operating together, um, and efficiently as a crew. So that's probably the most effective part of it. Uh...also, the scenarios that are set up for us are extremely realistic, and that just has to do with a lot of preparation that are put in by the folks here at Lakenheath.
S.B.- SSgt Cody Cerny- 56th Rescue Squadron Pararescueman
RT: 00:11
\“If we don't have the support, or if people don't make the time for us to do these, it really does impair our skill set and what we need to do.”]]> Tomas Cloma: “Sergeant Pharms right from the get-go when I came in, he was very honest with me and he told me that if I had an open mind of a couple different career fields that he’d be able to make something happen for me, but if I was set on just a single job that it probably would not work out because that’s not how the selection process works.”
Reporter: Sergeant Pharms uses the values he gained as a Logistics Airman, as well as a family man, to be an effective recruiter.
MSgt Pharms: (over b-roll)“I want to treat the person on the other side of the table of my desk as if they were just as important to me as the people that I love and take care of.”
MSgt Pharms: (Interview Shot) So I never wanted to lose the respect and the relationship and the rapport that I’ve built by just telling them things that I think that they wanted to hear. I always wanted to make sure that I’m straight forward with them, upfront and honest, give them as much information as I can and make sure they know that from start to finish I’m going to help them in the process and they can always believe that I am there for them 100%”
Reporter: By using honesty in his recruiting, Sergeant Pharms hopes to demonstrate core values to many future airmen. Airman First Class Kelly Greenwell. Tucson, Arizona.]]> ON THEIR FIRST TRIP TO MOODY SINCE TAKING ON THEIR NEW POSITIONS, AIR FORCE CHIEF OF STAFF GENERAL MARK A. WELSH THE THIRD AND CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT OF THE AIR FORCE JAMES CODY TALK TO TEAM MOODY AND EXPRESS THEIR GRATITUDE TOWARD THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO GET THE JOB DONE.

SB1:

WE’RE JUST HERE TO SAY THANK YOU TO YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO, FOR THE WORK YOU’VE BEEN DOING OUT OF THIS GREAT BASE FOR A LONG, LONG TIME, AND SOME REALLY DIFFICULT WORK SO MANY OF YOU HAVE BEEN DOING IN THE WARZONE AND OTHER PLACES AROUND THE WORLD.”

FROM PARARESCUEMEN WHO PUT THEMSELVES IN HARMS WAY SO THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE TO PILOTS WHO PROVIDE CLOSE-AIR SUPPORT FOR SOLDIERS IN THE FIELD, THE CHIEF OF STAFF ACKNOWLEDGED MOODY’S PLACE IN TODAY’S FIGHT

SB2:
“THIS IS KIND OF THE HEART AND SOUL OF THE COMBAT CORE OF OUR AIR FORCE THAT’S SITTING IN THIS HANGAR. YOU GUYS UNDERSTAND THE BUSINESS, AND YOU UNDERSTAND THE COMMITMENT IT TAKES. MOST OF YOU ARE PART OF ORGANIZATIONS THAT HAVE SEEN COMBAT OVER AND OVER AGAIN, WHO ARE PREPARED TO GO TONIGHT AND DO IT AGAIN, AND WE JUST WANT TO SAY THANKS FOR WHAT YOU BRING TO THIS FIGHT.”

GENERAL WELSH ALSO SPOKE ON SEQUESTRATION AND CHANGES THE AIR FORCE FACES IN LIGHT OF ACROSS THE BOARD BUDGET CUTS. HE ASSURED TEAM MOODY OF HIS DEDICATION TO CONTINUING TO PROVIDE FOR AIRMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES

FROM MOODY AFB GA, I’M SSGT SAM HOUSE
]]> CMSAF JAMES CODY – CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT OF THE AIR FORCE:
PART OF LEADERSHIP IS CONTINUING TO LEARN, AND IF YOU’RE NOT LEARNING THEN YOU’RE NOT GOING TO BE AS EFFECTIVE AS YOU NEED TO BE IN THE FUTURE.
SENIOR AIRMAN AUSTEN POMERENE WAS AMONG THE GRADUATES WHO BENEFITED FROM CHIEF CODY’S WORDS.
SRA AUSTEN POMERENE – ALS GRADUATE:
IT WAS GREAT, A VERY HUMBLING EXPERIENCE, IT’S ALWAYS AN HONOR TO HAVE SOMEBODY LIKE THAT SPEAK AT A GRADUATION LIKE THIS.
THE CHANCE TO MEET WITH THE CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT OF THE AIR FORCE COMBINED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE HE GAINED IN ALS MADE AIRMAN POMERENE REALIZE JUST WHAT TYPE OF LEADER HE WANTED TO BE.
SRA AUSTEN POMERENE – ALS GRADUATE:
HE DEFINITELY STRESSED THAT FAMILY IS A HUGE BACKBONE OF THE AIR FORCE… I WILL DEFINITELY TREAT MY YOUNGER AIRMEN AS MY FAMILY.
AS FOR ALS…
SRA AUSTEN POMERENE – ALS GRADUATE:
I’M DEFINITELY GLAD IT’S OVER. IT WAS A GREAT TIME THOUGH, BUT I’M READY TO GO BACK TO WORK.
SENIOR AIRMAN DANIELLE COLBERG, AVIANO AIR BASE, ITALY.]]> AIR FORCE OFFICIALS SAID PACKAGES SHOULD FOCUS ON ACTIONS WHICH SET THE NOMINEE APART FROM OTHER SERVICE MEMBERS WHETHER IN COMBAT, COMBAT SUPPORT ROLES, OR OUTSIDE THE NORMAL CALL OF DUTY. ACCORDING TO THE PORTRAITS IN COURAGE WEBSITE, "CLIMBING A GLACIER FOR 24 STRAIGHT HOURS, DELIVERING MEDICAL CARE WHILE TAKING ENEMY FIRE, AND CHASING AN ARMED MURDERER THROUGH A CROWDED AIRPORT; ARE SOME OF THE ACTIONS BY AIRMEN FEATURED IN VOLUME 7. SUBMISSIONS SHOULD HIGHLIGHT THE NOMINEE'S ACCOMLISHMENTS DURING THE PREVIOUS TWO YEARS AND TELL A COMPELLING STORY WHICH REINFORCES THE SERVICE'S CORE VALUES, CULTURE, AND THE AIRMAN'S CREED.]]> IN A DEPLOYED ENVIRONMENT, THERE IS NOT ALWAYS VETERINARY DENTAL ASSISTANCE FOR OUR FOUR LEGGED FRIENDS. NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE VETERINARY SERVICES HOPES TO ALLEVIATE THAT SHORTAGE THROUGH A COOPERATIVE TRAINING PROGRAM WITH AIRMEN FROM THE 99TH DENTAL SQUADRON. THE PROGRAM TEACHES DENTISTS AND DENTAL TECHNICIANS HOW TO PERFORM A VARIETY OF PROCEDURES ON CANINES, INCLUDING ROOT CANALS.

(Dr. Michael Simpson, Veterinary Medical Officer, 99 FSS/FSCV)
ROOT CANALS ON DOGS ARE VERY IMPORTANT. ESPECIALLY IN THE MILITARY WORKING DOG ARENA BECAUSE THEY WORK WITH THEIR MOUTHS ALL DAY. THE TEETH ARE VERY IMPORTANT IN THAT AS FAR AS BITE WORK AND IF THEY HAVE ANY KIND OF PATHOLOGY OR DISEASE IN THE TEETH THAT CAN LEAD TO ABSESES WHICH CAN ALSO AFFECT THEIR ABILITY TO SMELL. SO THEY'RE ALSO DETECTION DOGS TOO. SO WE DO THIS FOR A COUPLE REASONS: SO THAT THEY'RE PROFICIENT IN THEIR BITE WORK AND THAT THEY'RE PROFICIENT IN THEIR DETECTION WORK.

THIS PATIENT, A SEVEN YEAR OLD STAFFORDSHIRE TERRIER NAMED STRIKER, WAS THE PERFECT CANDIDATE FOR THE TRAINING, GIVING THE DENTAL TECHNICIANS A CHANCE TO USE FAMILIAR SKILLS ON AN UNFAMILIAR SPECIES.

(Maj Sterling Whipple, Endodontist, 99 DS/SGD)
BASICALLY IT'S IMPORTANT FOR US TO LEARN HOW TO TREAT THE DOGS BECAUSE WE KNOW HOW TO DO ROOT CANALS ON HUMANS BUT DOGS ARE A LITTLE BIT OF A UNIQUE SITUATION. THEIR TEETH ARE A LOT LONGER FOR EXAMPLE, WE USUALLY HAVE TO REQUIRE SPECIAL INSTURMENTS THAT WE MAY NOT BE USED TO USING. THE ANATOMY IS A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT ESPECIALLY AT THE END OF THE ROOT. AND SO WHEN WE LEARN HOW TO TREAT THE DOGS HERE, IN THIS ENVIRONMENT, THEN THAT HELPS US LIKE IF WE'RE DEPLOYED SOMEWHERE AND WE NEED TO TREAT A DOG WHERE MAYBE WE DON'T HAVE ALL THE NIFTY GADGETS AND TOOLS THAT WE HAVE. WE KINDA TAKE WHAT WE LEARN HERE AND KINDA IMPROVISE A LITTLE BIT BASED ON WHATEVER WE HAVE IN A DEPLOYED SETTING.

ALTHOUGH STRIKER MAY NOT HAVE ENJOYED THE EXPERIENCE, THE AIRMEN OF THE 99TH DENTAL SQUADRON WALKED AWAY FROM THIS TRAINING WITH A NEW RESPECT FOR THEIR CANINE COMRADES AND THE ANATOMICAL STRUCTURE THAT HELPS THEM DO WHAT THEY DO BEST… BITE. SENIOR AIRMAN AARON HAUSER, NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, NEVADA.]]> It's pretty neat to be apart of this starting my career off. It's just a testament to how good the aircraft is, how many guys have gone before us learning how to fly this jet.
To my knowledge, this is actually the first one million hour event in the F-16 period and it's pretty neat that it happened here at Luke Air Force Base.
Although there have been multiple airframes that have called Luke home, the base has been the Air Force's primary F-16 training base since 1991. To date, Luke has graduated over 18-thousand fighter pilots and currently averages 2,073 F-16 flying hours a month. Reporting from Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, I'm Staff Sergeant Jaime Ciciora.]]> IF ITS GOT WHEELS IN THE AIR FORCE AND DOESN’T FLY, I CAN DRIVE IT. WE DO ANYTHING FROM PROTOCOL SUPPORT, WRECKER RUNS, AIR CREW, BUS RUNS… EVERYTHING. IF SOMETHING HAS TO MOVE ON THE GROUND, WE MOVE IT.

… INCLUDING DISTINGUISHED VISITORS. ON THIS DAY, SrA KYLE PIERCE IS TASKED WITH DRIVING AROUND CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT OF THE AIR FORCE JAMES CODY DURING HIS TOUR OF AVIANO AIR BASE. ONE OF THE PLACES HE’LL BE DRIVING CHIEF CODY TO IS AN ALL-CALL WITH MEMBERS OF TEAM AVIANO, AND SENIOR AIRMAN PIERCE HAS A QUESTION OF HIS OWN: (18)
(RADIO: DURING DISTINGUISHED VISITS, MANY AIRMEN TAKE PART TO MAKE THE VISIT A SUCCESS. ON THIS DAY, SENIOR AIRMAN KYLER PIERCE, VEHICLE OPERATIONS, IS TASKED WITH DRIVING AROUND CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT OF THE AIR FORCE JAMES CODY TO THE AVIANO ALL-CALL, AND HAS A QUESTION HE’D LIKE TO ASK.)

SrA PIERCE (7)
TO GET FRESH EYES AND FRESH PERSPECTIVE ON ANYTHING IS ALWAYS GREAT. I WOULD JUST BE INTERESTED TO SEE WHAT HE THINKS IS GOING TO HAPPEN WITHIN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS FOR THE AIR FORCE.
THE AIR FORCE’S TOP ENLISTED LEADER HAD AN ANSWER TO SENIOR AIRMAN PIERCE’S QUESTION AND SAID: (4)

CMSAF CODY (12)
I SEE THE AIR FORCE IN FIVE YEARS IN A GREAT PLACE. WHERE WE INVEST, WHERE WE SPEND OUR TIME, WHERE OUR AIRMEN SPEND THEIR TIME, HOW WE DO THINGS HAS TO BE SUSTAINABLE INTO THE FUTURE IF WE’RE GOING TO BE THE READY FORCE THAT OUR NATION NEEDS US TO BE AROUND THE WORLD.

HE ALSO MADE IT CLEAR THAT ADAPTING TO NEW POLICIES WON’T CHANGE THE OVERALL SUCCESS OF THE AIR FORCE. (4)

CMSAF CODY (6)
THE GREAT NEWS IS: WE’LL STILL HAVE THE BEST TRAINED, BEST EDUCATED, AND BEST EQUIPPED AIR FORCE IN THE WORLD AND WE’LL STILL BE THE WORLD’S GREATEST AIR FORCE, WITHOUT QUESTION.
SrA PIERCE (5)
I WORK HARD, I TRY TO DO THE BEST THAT I CAN AND IT PAYS OFF.
IT’S PEOPLE LIKE SENIOR AIRMAN KYLER PIERCE THAT BRING THE AIR FORCE’S TOP ENLISTED LEADER TO BASES TO HEAR QUESTIONS AND ADDRESS CONCERNS. THIS TYPE OF FACE TO FACE INTERACTION NOT ONLY BOOSTS MORALE AND ESTABLISHES A FOUNDATION OF MUTUAL RESPECT. (16)

AIRMAN FIRST CLASS JOSH BLACKBURN, AVIANO AIR BASE, ITALY. (4)
]]> When precision and accuracy matter most, it’s nice to know that Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory, or PMEL, technicians like Senior Airman Alfred Trinidad are hard at work on Nellis Air Force Base.
-SrA Alfred Trinidad: “We test and calibrate test measurement and diagnostic equipment, and our job is to ensure weapons and weapons systems do what they’re supposed to do at the right time and place.”
PMEL technicians work on a variety of equipment ranging from dining facility equipment, to medical diagnostics devices, and even the aircraft themselves.
-SrA Alfred Trinidad: “Makes me feel good. Especially if I know what the item is used for. Especially like on the flightline because it could be like, it could be something like an inflator kit where we calibrate tire pressure on the aircraft, but on the flightline when they use it, it’s a big key because if the tire is not inflated correctly it could cause a safety hazard. There is little margin of error in our career field. We could be losing lives if our job is not performed correctly.”
Airman Trinidad and the other PMEL technicians must maintain a four to one ratio, meaning their equipment has to be four times more accurate than the items they calibrate. Airman First Class Rachel Maxwell, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.
]]> Transcription:
RED HORSE Heavy Equipment Operators, affectionately known as “Dirt Boyz”, are known for their large scale construction and airfield repairs, but some dirt boyz have an additional skill set…
(BOOM – demo shots)
TSgt Galles Soundbite: “It’s the real money maker for RED HORSE. Where we can create base course for any roads, construction, uh create that aggregate for concrete, asphalt, uh wash sand. So, it’s really where everything starts, explosives .”
Nellis Air Force Base hosts the only RED HORSE demolition school in the Air Force and teaches students quarry operations and how to mix, load, and prime explosives, a dangerous job.
TSgt Gokey Soundbite: “Someone can get hurt, injured, killed maybe, so you got to be, you got to be on your A game, you can’t, you can’t have a ninety percent day, you got to be one-hundred fifty percent at all times, especially when handling explosive devices .”
The school hosts four classes a year, in addition to refresher courses and provides dirt boyz a special capability they can’t get anywhere else!
SSgt Colleen Urban, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada]]> (COLONEL ENRICO PEDERZOLLI/ITALIAN AIR FORCE) “TODAY’S OUR CHANCE TO AS YOU SEE TO DISPLAY AND SHOW OFF OUR CULTURE, OUR HERITAGE AND ALSO THROUGH FOOD JUST HELP OUR COLLEAGUES LEARN ABOUT OUR COUNTRIES.”
NOT ONLY DOES A FESTIVAL LIKE THIS BOOST MORALE IN THE COMMUNITY, IT ALSO PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES TO BUILD A STRONGER MILITARY FORCE.
(GROUP CAPTAIN CLIVE BLOUNT/ROYAL AIR FORCE) “AS THE WORLD GETS MORE COLLECTED AND MORE GLOBALIZED, WE’RE ALWAYS GOING TO HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER. PARTNERSHIPS ARE IMPORTANT. AND IF WE’RE GOING TO FIGHT WARS AND OPERATE IN OTHER COUNTRIES, IT’S IMPORTANT THAT WE UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER.”
BITE BY BITE, AIR WAR COLLEGE OFFICERS PAVE A WAY TO BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS AND BUILDING LONG LASTING PARTNERSHIPS. AIRMAN FIRST CLASS DANIELLE BRYANT, MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, ALABAMA.
###]]>
SCRIPT
THE FIRST ACTIVATION OF THE 968TH EXPEDITIONARY AIRBORNE AIR CONTROL SQUADRON AS A BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON WAS ON OCTOBER FIRST, 1943. OVER THE YEARS, THE 968TH HAS BEEN INACTIVATED, CONSOLIDATED, RE-DESIGNATED AND PUT INTO PROVISIONAL STATUS BUT TODAY, THE 968TH TAKES A PERMANENT PLACE AT THE 380TH.

SB:
THE MISSION HASN’T CHANGED, ALL WE’VE DONE IS CREATE AND START A NEW CHAPTER IN AWACS HISTORY.

WITH A LONG HISTORY OF SUPPORTING OPERATIONS ALL OVER THE AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY, THE 968TH CONTINUES TO SHOW ITS PREVALENCE IN TODAY’S FIGHT.

SENIOR AIRMAN LINDY PATA, 380TH AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING,
SOUTHWEST ASIA.

]]> READINESS IS A PART OF ANY MILITARY. EXERCISES ARE CONDUCTED BASE WIDE TESTING THE READINESS OF SQUADRONS BY EVALUATORS.
SB: TSGT TIMOTHY CONNER
“WHAT WE LIKE TO DO IS, WE PUT TOGETHER A LOT OF DIFFERENT SCENARIOS FOR A LOT OF DIFFERENT SQUADRONS AND AMU’S TO SEE HOW THEY RESPOND TO CERTAIN INJECTS AND CERTAIN SITUATIONS. WE THROW EVERYTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK AT THEM TO SEE HOW THEY HANDLE IT AND THEY NORMALLY COME OUT LOOKING GREAT.”
Reporter:
EXERCISES LIKE THIS ONE ENSURE THAT THE ENTIRE WING CAN OPERATE IN A COHESIVE AND EFFECTIVE MANNER.
SB: TSGT TIMOTHY CONNER
“I THINK THIS EXERCISE SHOWS THAT SENSE OF URGENCY THAT WE ALL NEED TO PRACTICE AS WELL AS THE INTENT OF THE EXERCISE IS AND THAT’S TO MAKE SURE THAT WE’RE READY TO ROCK…”
Reporter:
BEING ‘READY TO ROCK’ IS ESSENTIALLY THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF AN EXERCISE. IT ALSO PROVIDES A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR FRESH ARRIVALS…
SB: TSGT TIMOTHY CONNER
“THIS EXERCISE IS IMPORTANT FOR THE NEW PEOPLE TO SEE HOW THE 35TH FIGHTER WING EXERCISES AND HOW WE ARE READY AND CAPABLE. IT’S ALSO IMPORTANT FOR THESE OTHER PEOPLE HERE TO MAKE SURE WE GET THE NECESSARY PRACTICE AND HONE OUR SKILLS THAT WAY WE’RE READY TO DO IT WHEN WE’RE CALLED UPON WHETHER IT BE HERE OR SOMEWHERE ELSE.”
(NAT SOUND POP)
SEAMAN APPRENTICE JEAN BAKER, MISAWA AIR BASE, JAPAN.
 

]]>
Firefighters extinguish a fire during a training exercise at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. Two teams worked in unison to push the fire back without it reigniting behind them.

Medical technicians and doctors turn an Airman with simulated injuries on his side, as part of a training scenario at Suwon Air Base, South Korea.

Combat Arms Instructors instruct Airmen during an active shooter scenario on Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.

And that's this week in photos, I'm TSgt Ted Warne
]]>
SB: Loriedana Ballasteros
When I walk into the box, and it’s empty

Nat Sound: Weights being put on a bar

SB: Loriedana Ballasteros
Everything in the world shuts down.

Nat Sound: Bar Clicking

SB: Loriedana Ballasteros
I love listening to the bar clicking against the weights.
It’s just one of the noises that makes me drive and pull the weight over my head.

Nat Sound: Dropping weights

SB: Loriedana Ballasteros
I just love it.

Nat Sound: Hands clapping

SB: Loriedana Ballasteros
I first discovered Crossfit in Quwait when I was deployed.
It made me a better person for a lifetime. It’s a life changing experience; it’s not just a work out to me now. It’s just my life.

Nat Sound: Breathing

SB: Loriedana Ballasteros
I work out every day because I’m actually training for the Crossfit Asian Regionals.
In my mind, I’m going to tell myself to just be better than myself and to tell myself, hey it’s another day in the box, Lori.

Nat Sound: drinking “ahh”

SB: Loriedana Ballasteros
I’m Senior Airman Loriedana Ballasteros in the United States Air Force.]]>
“His name is Stevie Jay.

Reporter: SrA Destinie Chavez

IMAGINE A FISH WITHOUT WATER

SB: SSgt Joanna Ellerbe: Career Development Specialist

“That’s my fish”


THAT’S HOW IT IS FOR THE 51st FORCE SUPPORT SQUADRON TO WORK WITHOUT MIL-P-D-S, OR THE MILITARY PERSONNEL DATA SYSTEM.

SB: SSgt Joanna Ellerbe: Career Development Specialist


“Currently we have MILPDS mitigation, pretty much they are updating our system that we mainly use to do all of our personnel processes.”

BUT INSTEAD OF FLOPPING AROUND, CAREER DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST SSGT JOANNA ELLERBE IS DOING EVERYTHING SHE CAN TO HELP.

SB: SSgt Joanna Ellerbe: Career Development Specialist

“I created rosters I keep track of all the member that came in that require actions so when MilPDS comes up I go ahead and process the update

SHE GLADLY TAKES ON THE EXTRA WORK BECAUSE.

SB: SSgt Joanna Ellerbe: Career Development Specialist

I love helping customers that’s our mission that what we do we help the airman we’re here for them so when they leave here satisfied that means we completed our job

SO THE NEXT TIME, BEFORE YOU GET YOUR FINS IN A FIT, REMEMBER

SB: SSgt Joanna Ellerbe: Career Development Specialist

it’s not just that we don’t want to help them it’s just that we have limited capabilities.

SENIOR AIRMAN DESTINIE CHAVEZ, OSAN AIR BASE, KOREA.]]> SrA Cyprian Obasi – Combat Arms Instructor
For me personally the most rewarding part of this job is seeing the shooters over the course of fire seeing them be more comfortable behind their weapon and I think that allows me to be more safe that their able to defend the base the way that they do.
Reporter:
ORGANIZED SHOOTING PRACTICE HELPS THE STUDENTS GAIN A LEVEL OF COMFORT AND CONFIDENCE. THEN THE INSTRUCTORS RUN THEM THROUGH A SERIES OF TESTS THAT MIMIC REAL-WORLD SITUATIONS EACH STUDENT COULD FACE ON THE JOB.
SSgt Stephen Ceo- Combat Arms Instructor

So when they’re firing their weapons, we’re testing them on their ability to fire with their gas mask, their ability to perform immediate actions when their weapons encounter a stoppage, marksmanship and then some standing and moving as when their firing their weapon system.
Reporter:
THOUGH EACH STUDENT HANDLES THEIR WEAPON ON A DAILY BASIS AS PART OF THEIR SECURITY FORCES DUTY, THE LESSONS FROM CATM APPLY, NO MATTER THE AMOUNT OF TIME SPENT ON THE JOB. THE COURSE TAKES STUDENTS BACK TO THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF FIRING AND MAINTAINING THEIR WEAPON WHILE SHARPENING THEIR SKILLS. AND BY REINFORCING THE PRINCIPLES, CATM DIRECTLY CONTRIBUTES TO THE MISSION OF KEEPING YOKOTA SAFE. SEAMAN D’ARTANYAN RATLEY, YOKOTA AIR BASE JAPAN.
]]> AIRMEN FROM THE 36 CIVIL ENGINEERING SQUADRON ARE TEAMING UP WITH MARINES AND SAILORS FROM COMBAT LOGISTICS DETACHMENT 39 TO EXCAVATE AND RESURFACE FIVE DAMAGED KEYHOLES. THESE ARE ESSENTIALLY AIRCRAFT PARKING SPACES LOCATED ALONG THE FLIGHT LINE.
Reporter:
THESE MARINES AND SAILORS ARE ON GUAM TO PROVIDE LOGISTICAL SUPPORT FOR GUAHAN SHIELD. THE EXERCISE IS DESIGNED TO FACILITATE MULTISERVICE ENGAGEMENTS AND SET CONDITIONS FOR BILATERAL AND MULTILATERAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION. LANCE CORPORAL TRAVIS REZBA DESCRIBES THE WORK NEEDED TO REPAIR DAMAGED SECTIONS FROM PREVIOUS EXERCISES.
SB: LCpl Travis Rezba – Combat Engineer (:15)
“Right now we are here on a deployment to Guam, we’re attached to CLD-39. Right now we are fixing the air field, there’s these keyhole that the planes come in, spilt fuel on them so we have to cut out the area where the fuel is and put in a new area.”
Reporter:
WHILE THE AFFECTED AREAS ARE ONLY A COUPLE OF SQUARE FEET ON EACH KEYHOLE, THE REPAIRS ARE NECESSARY. THE SPILLED JET FUEL COULD DETERIORATE THE ASPHALT OVER TIME, MAKING THE SURFACE UNSAFE, SO THEY ARE REPLACING IT WITH A LESS-POROUS CONCRETE. AIRMAN FIRST CLASS KYLE WISHNOK EXPLAINS THE AIR FORCE’S ROLE IN ASSISTING WITH THE MARINE EXERCISE.
SB: A1C Kyle Wishnok – Equipment Operator (:21)
“We’re here to support the Marines and anything they might need. They didn’t bring a lot of their own stuff with them so most of the stuff we have in our shop, we’re just out here to support them basically. The Marines are a lot faster pace than the Air Force is. They like to work, they’re disciplined to work. They were very appreciative when we came out here with all of our equipment to help them get their job done faster because they are on a dead line as well as we are.”

Reporter:
WITH THE ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT AND EXTRA HANDS FROM 36 C-E-S, THE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT WILL ONLY TAKE THREE WEEKS TO COMPLETE WITH THE COMBINED WORK FORCE OF THE MULTIPLE BRANCHES. AIRMAN FIRST CLASS ASHLEY POWELL, ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, GUAM.]]> TECHNOLOGY IS EVERYWHERE IN TODAY’S SCHOOLS… STUDENTS AT KAISERSLAUTERN HIGH SCHOOL ALL HAVE LAPTOPS THAT THEY WERE ISSUED IN THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR AS PART OF A PILOT PROGRAM…
Karen Francia- Language Arts Teacher
Students get the laptop, the beauty of it is now we have textbooks online so now the excuse of not having a textbook or not doing my homework doesn’t work because they have it.
STUDENTS can BRING THEM HOME AND HAVE NEAR CONSTANT ACCESS TO THEIR SCHOOLWORK.
Anna Fielder- 9th Grader
It helps us to stay on track with the teachers and stay connected to the teachers. It helps us to if we don’t have the means to get to a computer at home, it’s our own individual computer with word, etc
AFTER ADJUSTING TO A LITTLE LEARNING CURVE WHEN THE PROGRAM STARTED OUT, BOTH STUDENTS AND TEACHERS ARE FIGURING OUT THIS NEW WAY OF LEARNING TOGETHER
Karen Francia- Language Arts Teacher
I’m old school, but I have to catch up with the kids, if I want to be effective in the classroom, I have to know what they know. In fact I learn a lot from them, they are computer savvy.
IT CAN BE A LITTLE MORE WORK FOR TEACHERS TO POST CLASSWORK ONLINE, BUT STUDENTS FOLLOW ALONG IN CLASS AND CAN LEARN AT ALL TIMES.…
Anna Fielder- 9th Grader
I bring it even with me to lunch if I have extra work to do and I bring it home everyday then I have something to work on, something to work with.
THIS NEW GENERATION OF STUDENTS NOW LITERALLY HAS LEARNING AT THEIR FINGERTIPS ARMY SGT ABIGAIL WALDROP, KAISERSLAUTERN, GERMANY
]]>
SB: Lieutenant Colonel Mark A. Allen, Commander of 459th Airlift Squadron
“It was a ceremony commemorating a crash of 2 B-29’s that happened in February 1945. Commemorating the loss of 23 U.S. Airmen and showing the friendship that has evolved from that crash between the U.S. and Japan.

Reporter :
The President of the B-29 Caregiver Group organized the ceremony as an acknowledgement of the past while looking to the future.

SB: Mr. Haruo Iwasaki, President of B-29 Caregiver Group and Memorial Ceremony Coordinator
“Well, more than 60 years has passed since WWII and the war is over. So there is no sense in trying to distinguish ourselves from our enemies, foes or friends. In one sense both of our nations, Japan and the United States, are both victims of the war. I think what is important is to focus on world peace rather than who is an enemy to whom and what.”

Reporter :
Airmen from Yokota weren’t the only Americans attending the solemn ceremony.

Reporter Stand-up :
“3 families flew from the United States all the way here to Japan, to the Seigan Temple, to be honored for their ancestors that gave their lives during WWII.”

SB: Elizabeth Krenik, Daughter of WWII Veteran Richard Hobbs
“I was invited by Nancy Samp, who is the historian of the 505th Bombardment Group, to attend this ceremony, which is a great great honor. My father always wanted to come to Japan after the war and never had the opportunity.
“He was one of the survivors. And interestingly enough, I also have a personal battle journal written by one of his crew members. That tells exactly what happened on the day of the Ota bombings. And Nancy was quite surprised and I didn’t know when I was invited here that her father died on this mission. And I sent her the entry for that date from this journal that was written by Sigmund Ellingson, and it was one of the first times she got to see a full account of exactly how her father died. ”

Reporter :
Nancy Samp was reluctant to attend the ceremony. Ultimately, she decided to do so as a tribute to her father.

SB: Nancy Samp, Daughter of WWII Veteran
“I was very proud. I always had a role model to look up to. And I always wondered about children who didn’t have fathers to look up to because I knew I was very proud of my father. It’s not easy growing up being an orphan. And you’re different from all the other kids. So, it was a difficult decision. But I’m glad I came and the people are very kind and very gracious.”

Reporter:
The violent collision of two bombers in the sky above Takashima nearly 70 years ago has given way to bonds of friendship – friendship which has helped heal the pain of loss.

SB: Lieutenant Colonel Mark A. Allen, Commander of 459th Airlift Squadron
“Out of the wreck of war can come new life. And that new life at the end of the ugly events of WWII came the beautiful friendship between the U.S. and Japan. And our two nations are strong allies, and that friendship has helped keep both of our nations and the world strong and peaceful.”

Senior Airman Terace Garnier, Takashima, Japan.]]> SB
Elementary Student/ Thaihjla Pernell
YOU GOT TO PUT GLITTER OR STICKERS OR DRAW WHATEVER YOU WANTED ON THERE TO MAKE THE AUTISM PEOPLE FEEL HAPPY.
Reporter:
BLUE IS THE COLOR OF AUTISM AWARENESS, AND ON APRIL 2ND, HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF HOMES AND COMMUNITIES AROUND THE WORLD DO THEIR PART BY LIGHTING THEMSELVES UP IN BLUE. THESE STUDENTS ARE GETTING IN ON THE ACTION, HELPING ONE ANOTHER WITH THEIR PROJECTS WHILE HELPING RAISE AWARENESS OF A MEDICAL CONDITION THAT AFFECTS 1 IN 88 AMERICAN CHILDREN.
SB
Special Needs Coordinator/ Jennifer Jones
I think genuine excitement is the greatest thing because they are more than willing to help other kids and to include everyone.
Reporter:
THE BLUE LANTERNS WILL GO ON DISPLAY APRIL SECOND AT THE YOKOTA COMMUNITY CENTER. THE LANTERNS SHOWCASE THE SUPPORT AROUND YOKOTA AIR BASE FOR FAMILIES WHO HAVE CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. AIRMAN FIRST CLASS MIRANDA WIREMAN, YOKOTA AIR BASE JAPAN.
TV Script-Short
Reporter:
Reporter:
THESE STUDENTS AT YOKOTA’S MENDEL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ARE PREPARING TO HELP RAISE AUTISM AWARENESS, AND THEY’RE DOING IT WITH CRAFTS -- BLUE LANTERNS, TO BE EXACT.
SB
Elementary Student/ Thaihjla Pernell
YOU GOT TO PUT GLITTER OR STICKERS OR DRAW WHATEVER YOU WANTED ON THERE TO MAKE THE AUTISM PEOPLE FEEL HAPPY.
Reporter:
BLUE IS THE OFFICIAL COLOR OF AUTISM AWARENESS AND THESE BLUE LANTERNS WILL GO ON DISPLAY APRIL SECOND AT THE YOKOTA COMMUNITY CENTER. THE LANTERNS SHOWCASE THE SUPPORT AROUND YOKOTA AIR BASE FOR FAMILIES WHO HAVE CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. AIRMAN FIRST CLASS MIRANDA WIREMAN, YOKOTA AIR BASE JAPAN.
]]> "I really enjoyed racing cars since I was 15. I did drag-racing for a few years and didn't find it that challenging. So I somehow found out about rallying and made some contacts and got into the sport as a co-driver."
Rally car racing is a type of racing that takes place on public or private roads with modified production or specifically build road legal cars. But what is co-driving?
"Back when the sport first started they had co-drivers to ride along with as mechanics because pretty much every trip something would break. That evolved to the co-driver giving directions all the way up to today where the co-driver has notes and knows the road and gives instructions to the driver. I sit there and I read and if we have a flat tire I help, if anything happens, I help my driver stay sane."
What do ya know, women can give directions... but how does her driver feel about working with a female?
"I feel like her communication style with me is alot better than some of the males. It's somebody that's dedicated on improving themselves and being the best they can."
Well it sounds like she's somebody I'd want to have riding shotgun with me. SOC.]]> IT'S A COMMON THEME TO HEAR FROM AN AIRMAN RETURNING FROM DEPLOYMENT.
"THIS HAS BEEN ONE OF THE HARDEST ASSIGNMENTS I'VE EVER HAD."
"MY WIFE AND I TALKED ABOUT THIS A WEEK AGO AND WE DECIDED THAT ME BEING AT TINKER AND DEPLOYED ALL THE TIME WAS ACTUALLY EASIER THAN THIS."
YES, YOU HEARD SENIOR MASTER SERGEANT DAVID WELLER-FAHY CORRECTLY. ATTENDING GRADUATE SCHOOL IS HARDER THAN HIS DEPLOYMENTS TO AFGHANISTAN OR LIBYA.
"EVERY PROFESSOR HERE TREATS THEIR COURSES LIKE THEY'RE THE ONLY COURSE YOU'RE TAKING. SO I HAD CLASSES WHERE I HAD 40 HOURS OF HOMEWORK PER WEEK."
SERGEANT WELLER-FAHY ATTENDS THE AIR FORCE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, OR AFIT, AT WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OHIO. AFIT IS THE AIR FORCE'S GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT... AND FOR THE PAST 18 MONTHS IT'S BEEN HIS DUTY LOCATION. HE'S EARNING A MASTER'S IN CYBER OPERATIONS.
"WHEN YOU GET A BACHELOR'S DEGREE, YOU LEARN HOW TO TAKE A LOT OF INFORMATION IN AND SUMMARIZE IT. THE MASTER'S PROGRAM AND THE PROFESSORS HERE WERE VERY GOOD AT MAKING YOU CRITICALLY THINK ABOUT THINGS. ABOUT NOT GIVING YOU ALL THE ANSWERS AND MAKING SURE THAT YOU HAD TO FIGURE IT OUT ON YOUR OWN. THAT'S WHAT I'M HOPING TO TAKE BACK TO THE OPERATIONAL SIDE."
AFIT STUDENTS ARE MOSTLY OFFICERS OR D-O-D CIVILIANS.... AND COME GRADUATION NIGHT, SERGEANT WELLER-FAHY IS ONE OF ONLY FIVE ENLISTED AIRMEN OUT OF MORE THAN 200 GRADUATES. AFIT ONLY ACCEPTS A FEW ENLISTED AIRMEN BETWEEN THE RANKS OF TECHNICAL AND SENIOR MASTER SERGEANT EACH YEAR BUT YOU CAN'T GET IN WITHOUT TRYING.
"TALK TO YOUR CAREER FIELD MANAGER. THERE ARE PROBABLY ISSUES IN YOUR CAREER FIELD THAT THEY WOULD LOVE PEOPLE AT AFIT TO TAKE A LOOK AT. IF YOU CAN COME HERE WITH A PLAN TO ADDRESS SOME OF THE CRITICAL PROBLEMS IN YOUR CAREER FIELD IN YOUR RESEARCH. THAT JUST MAKES IT ALL THE MORE LIKELY THAT WHAT YOU DO HERE WILL HAVE A LONG TERM IMPACT."
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT AFIT, AIRMEN CAN VISIT THEIR WEBSITE AFIT.EDU. REPORTING FROM WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, I'M MATTHEW CLOUSE.
HE'S EARNING HIS MASTERS IN CYBER OPERATIONS]]> “It’s definitely a force multiplier for close air support missions. Our roll in that type of mission is basically to orbit over a point of interest and let the guys on the ground know what’s going on. This pod has the ability to display what we are seeing, so they get the bird’s eye view of the target area as well. And our ability to get weapons on target is much faster with this targeting pod.”
This week marks the first time the 2nd Bomb Wing will use the sniper pod to guide live ordinance. I’m Senior Airman Antonio Gonzalez, Barksdale Air Force Base, La.

]]> SB1: A1C CODY BUTS; 8TH SECURITY FORCES SQUADRON
FOR THE MOST PART ITS ME AND MY AUGMENTEES OUT HERE.
BUT THAT DOESN’T DAMPENED DEFENDER BUTS’S ATTITUDE.
SB2: I TELL MY MOM ALL THE TIME I ENJOY IT I’M HAVING FUN.
AND WITH STEADFAST GUARDS LIKE AIRMAN BUTS TRAINING TO STAND GUARD AT KUNSAN THE WOLF PACK AND ITS KOREAN ALLIES STAND READY TO TAKE THE FIGHT NORTH.
SOC
]]> “The FTAC is something where we create an atmosphere for the Airmen. We take them in and let them know the facilities that we have on base for them, what we offer, what the base is, and the
F-TAC acts as a five-day transition period from training to the operational Air Force. Each group on base selects a representative to act as cadre for 90 days. Cadre members make sure Airmen attend all mandatory briefings where they begin networking with key figures on base. They also show Airmen the human side of military life, particularly N-C-Os.
S.B.- SSgt Bryan Carr, F-TAC Cadre
RT: 08:12
“We try to make it a little more relaxing and make ourselves a little more approachable to the Airmen, so that if they have any issues and concerns, then they can talk to us.”
By instilling in first-term Airmen the importance of rules and regulations and also showing them how to relax into military life, F-TAC cadre continually set Liberty Wing Airmen up for success. Reporting from RAF Lakenheath, I’m Airman First Class Amanda Sampson.]]> S.B.- Megan Seaman, Quidenham Children’s Hospice Facilities Coordinator
“The one group I had come in 10 days ago and they took it all out. So now I needed somebody to come in and put it all back to…to grass, and uh, making it all perfect again. So this was an absolute wonderful opportunity to use your services.”
The Carmelite Monastery located next-door leased the new playground area to the hospice and agreed to take over the old site. The volunteers played a part in saying thanks by helping with the clean up.
S.B.- A1C Donny Caffey, 48th LRS Fixed Facility/Cryogenics Operator
“It gives you a peace of mind to come where you live or where you work at and it to look good. And it’s just…coming out here and doing this for them, it makes them happier and gives them a peace of mind.”
The children at Quidenham’s Children Hospice can now play that much more easily thanks to these Liberty Airmen. Reporting from RAF Lakenheath, I’m Airman First Class Amanda Sampson.]]> *nat sound* “i have two drops of sweat racing down my back. one’s about here, the other’s about here. (laugh)”
sb: “humor is my opener. it relaxes me and the audience, and i’m a funny guy….yeah.”
this is robert d. gaylor. appointed to chief master sergeant of the air force in 1977, he is the fifth person to hold the highest enlisted position in the air force.
*nat sound*: “i joined in 1948, you remember that year…so i’ve been in 64 and a half years and i’d do it all over again. i came in on a 3 year enlistment and stayed 31 years.”
at 82 years young, he travels extensively for the sole purpose of meeting and motivating service MEMBERS.
*nat sound*: “there is no substitute whatsoever for a feeling of achievement. contribution. knowing you’re a part of a team. there is no substitute. you will put up with bad things if you have those feelings.”
he reaches out to airmen on several topics….such as marriage…

nat sound: “we vowed we would go dancing one night a week. so she would go tuesdays, i’d go fridays.”
and how the air force has changed….
nat sound “do you think i had that??? no! you saw how i looked in 1949…we didn’t even have radios to call for help. we just went HELP!”
three decades of military service provides insight into one TOPIC that many people are very concerned with today. budget cuts.
sb: “in a lot of cases it may not affect our airmen at all or minimally. and so you may find that it is business as usual. so my thought is don’t worry about something until it comes into play. i can remember being at bases over the years that were cut back. and the mission went on.”
chief gaylor wraps up his address with a story of a young delivery boy he met in texas who delivered all of his orders by foot. running.
nat sound: “i said, you were really running! he said, i always do. isn’t that a great line? i always do, this kid said. every order?! yes sir. over and back?! yes sir. that fast?! yes sir. i had him ready for the big question which is what? why?! and this little kid cocked his head and said….people like hot french fries.”
nat sound: “you’re gonna go back and ask, ‘my god do i deliver hot fries? when people receive my service, what do they say?’ do you deliver hot fries? i do! you’ve not seen too many speakers like me. i come in here like gang-busters!”
chief gaylor has no plans to stop motivating any time soon.
(nat sound) it’s amazing what i’ll do for a free lunch!

SB: “i really get some interesting comments. i’ve had a guy say to me. ‘you see these stripes on my arm?’ he had five. ‘i owe them to you.’ wow. that’s almost scary. i call that money in the bank, to know that you can influence somebody in that way; and so that’s what keeps me going. that’s why i can’t say no. because i still want to provide that influence.”
there are few words to describe somebody so passionate about what they do. except, perhaps, by saying they deliver hot fries.
(nat sound) if that doesn’t light your fire, then your logs are wet.
airman valerie lloyd. ramstein air base, germany.
]]> SEAN SMITH, OPSEC PROGRAM MANAGER, EXPLAINS THE LOCATION TRACKING FEATURE.)(7)
SMSgt SMITH (5)
WHAT GEOTAGGING DOES, IS IT GIVES GRID-G-P-S COORDINATES FOR WHERE YOU’RE TAKING THAT PHOTO AT.
PHOTOS STORE DATA ABOUT THE LOCATION AND TIME THEY WERE TAKEN. WHICH MEANS SOMEONE COULD USE THAT DATA TO MAP YOUR AREA FROM THE PHOTO.(6)
SMSgt SMITH (6)
AS AN ADVERSARY, THAT’S REALLY CRITICAL INFORMATION THAT THEY WANT TO HAVE. DOWNRANGE, THAT’S EVEN MORE IMPORTANT.
SOCIAL MEDIA SITES, LIKE FACEBOOK AND TWITTER, EVEN SHOW AN APPROXIMATE POSITION A PHOTO WAS TAKEN OR WHERE A STATUS WAS UPDATED FROM. (6)
SMSgt SMITH (8)
SO IT TELLS EXACTLY WHAT YOUR LOCATION IS AND AN INDIVIDUAL CAN GO INTO THAT, GET THE BACKGROUND DATA FROM IT AND FIGURE OUT EXACTLY WHERE YOUR HOUSE IS AT.
(RADIO CLOSE: MOST PHONES PROVIDE THE ABILITY TO DISABLE GEOTAGGING UNDER THE PRIVACY SETTINGS TAB.) (STAND UP) GEOTAGGING IS SIMPLE TO DISABLE ON MOST PHONES, BUT HERE WE WILL
USE AN IPHONE. FIRST, GO TO SETTINGS. THEN CLICK PRIVACY. UNDER PRIVACY IS A LOCATION SERVICES TAB, WHERE YOU CAN TURN THE LOCATION SERVICES, OR GEOTAGGING, OFF. OTHER PHONES
HAVE SIMILAR FEATURES. SOMETHING ELSE TO BE AWARE OF WHEN TAKING PHOTOS, IS WHAT’S BEHIND YOUR SUBJECT. LIKE AREAS ON THE FLIGHTLINE OR DEPLOYED LOCATIONS.(24)
SMSgt SMITH (7)
NOT ONLY DOES THE GEOTAGGING GIVE POSITIONS, BUT WHATEVER IS IN THE BACKGROUND CAN ALSO IDENTIFY CRITICAL INFORMATION FOR OPSEC CONCERNS.
ALWAYS BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS AND FOCUS ONLY ON YOUR SUBJECT. (4)
SMSgt SMITH (9)
MAKE SURE THAT YOU’RE TAKING PICTURES OF WHAT YOU INTEND. IF YOU’RE TRYING TO TAKE A PICTURE OF JUST A PERSON, THEN TAKE A PICTURE OF THE PERSON. DON’T TAKE A PANORAMIC SHOT
AND GIVE ALL THAT OTHER INFORMATION AWAY.
AIRMAN FIRST CLASS JOSH BLACKBURN, AVIANO AIR BASE, ITALY. (4)]]> SB
RT:14
374TH MXS COMMANDER/ Col Darlene Sanders
I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITIES AND IM VERY GRATEFUL IF SOMEONE SEES A PART OF MY LIFE THAT I’VE BEEN ABLE TO HAVE BECAUSE OF MY EXPERIENCE IN THE AIR FORCE. I HOPE THAT IT LETS THEM KNOW THAT WHEN THE TIMES ARE ROUGH YOU TOO CAN WORK THROUGH IT.
Reporter:
AUDIENCE MEMBERS HAD A CHANCE TO INTERACT WITH ATTENDEES GOT THE CHANCE TO TALK INTERACTED WITH THE SPEAKERS OPENLY, SHARING THEIR THOUGHTS ON THE EVOLUTION OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY IN THE AIR FORCE.

SB
RT: 11
LUNCHEON ATTENDEE/ SrA Amanda Kelly
I THOUGHT THAT THEY WERE VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT WHAT THEY WERE TALKING ABOUT AND THEY WERE VERY UPFRONT WITH US AND I REALLY RESPECTED THE FACT THAT THEY WERE COMPLETELY HONEST IN THEIR OPINIONS’ AND THEY DIDN’T TRY TO BE WISHY-WASHY IN WHAT THEY ANSWERED.
Reporter:
ATTENDEES GOT TO HEARTHE WOMEN ABOUT DISCUSSED DIFFERENT A VARIETY OF ADVERSITIES OBSTACLES THEY’VE HAT HAVE BEEN OVERCOME THROUGH THE YEARS, GIVING AUDIENCE MEMBERS . AND LEARN WOMEN IN THE AUDIENCE LEFT WITH A NEW PERSPECTIVES ON HOW TO SOLVE THEIR OWN POTENTIAL CAREER ISSUES PROBLEMS THAT MAY OCCUR, THE RIGHT WAY. A. AIRMAN FIRST CLASS MIRANDA DESHON, YOKOTA AIR BASE JAPAN.
]]> MOST NEWS CONCERNING THE DOD LATELY IS ABOUT BUDGET CUTS AND THE LOOMING EFFECTS OF SEQUESTRATION. THOUGH GOVERNMENT FUNDING WILL DECREASE ACROSS THE BOARD, THERE ARE MANY FREE AND AT COST SERVICES AND PROGRAMS STILL AVAILABLE TO ALL I.D. CARD HOLDERS. ALISON MCKEE, A PUBLIC SERVICES LIBRARIAN, EXPLAINS HOW THE LIBRARY HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE.
SB:
ALISON MCKEE
“WE HELP PEOPLE MEET NOT ONLY THEIR PROFESSIONAL GOALS, BUT ALSO THEIR PERSONAL, RECREATIONAL, AND CULTURAL GOALS AS WELL. AND WE PROVIDE A NUMBER OF PHYSICAL AND DIGITAL RESOURCES TO SUPPORT THOSE. EITHER IT BE THROUGH BOOKS, DVDS, ONLINE LANGUAGE LEARNING COURSES, COMPUTER LABS OR PROGRAMS HERE IN THE LIBRARY.”

SCRIPT:
LIBRARIES THROUGHOUT EUROPE OFFER A VARIETY OF FREE SERVICES FROM ZINIO, A FREE DIGITAL MAGAZINE SERVICE, TO STUDY MATERIAL FOR CLEP AND DENTES TESTING.
SB:
ALISON MCKEE
“WE ALWAYS WANT TO BE ABLE TO GET THE WORD OUT MORE AND GET MORE PEOPLE USING THEM AND TAKING ADVANTAGE OF ALL THIS WONDERFUL CONTENT THAT IS AVAILABLE TO US HERE AT RAMSTEIN AND USAFE WIDE.”



SCRIPT:
COMMUNITY CENTERs are ANOTHER GREAT PLACE TO FIND DIFFERENT SERVICES THAT people might not even know about.
SB:
EDISON RULAND
“IF YOU JUST WANT TO WALK IN AND YOU’RE LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO WE HAVE POOL TABLES AVAILABLE, PING-PONG TABLES AVAILABLE. WE HAVE A PIANO ROOM THAT YOU CAN JUST COME IN AND PLAY PIANO. WE ALSO HAVE NEXT DOOR IN OUR CYBER CENTER TVS, XBOX 360S, BRAND NEW GAMES OVER THERE. AND ALL OF THIS IS JUST FREE FOR EVERYONE TO COME IN.”

SCRIPT:
AS MR. RULAND explains, the community center benefits THE COMMUNITY IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT WAYS.
SB:
EDISON RULAND
“COME HERE, HAVE FUN. THIS IS WHAT WE’RE HERE FOR. WE WANT PEOPLE TO COME IN HERE AND LEAVE WITH A SMILE ON THEIR FACE AND WE DO THAT MOST OF THE TIME, WE JUST WANT EVERYONE TO BE ABLE TO HAVE A PLACE WHERE THEY CAN GO AND KNOW WHEN THEY LEAVE IT’LL BE A BETTER DAY BECAUSE OF IT.”

SCRIPT:
FROM THE CYBER CENTER WITH MULTIPLE GAME SYSTEMS AND BIG SCREEN TVS TO POOL TABLES, THERE IS PLENTY OF ROOM AVAILABLE TO ANYONE WHO IS LOOKING FOR SOMETHING FUN AND INEXPENSIVE TO DO WHILE MAYBE EVEN GAINING NEW SKILLS.


SB:
KEITH WOOD
“BEFORE I STARTED PLAYING POOL I WAS JUST KIND OF WASTING MY TIME AND AT LEAST IT(POOL) GAVE ME SOME KIND OF FOCUS, IT’S SOMETHING FOR ME TO DO TO IMPROVE MYSELF AND IT’S FREE SO THAT’S GOOD. I FEEL IF YOU’VE GOT TIME TO KILL THEN YOU MIGHT AS WELL DO SOMETHING TO IMPROVE YOURSELF RATHER THAN JUST SIT AROUND.”

SCRIPT:
EACH INSTALLATION OFFERS UNIQUE FREE AND AT COST SERVICES TO ITS COMMUNITY. CONTACT YOUR COMMUNITY CENTER FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THESE SERVICES WHILE THEY ARE STILL AVAILABLE. AIRMAN 1ST CLASS AARON RICHARDSON, RAMSTEIN AB, GERMANY.]]> STAFF SERGEANT ALEJANDRO MORA IS AN INSTRUMENT AND FLIGHT CONTROLS INSTRUCTOR AT THE 373RD TRAINING SQUADRON ON HURLBURT FIELD.
 SSGT ALEJANDRO MORA, INSTRUCTOR, 373RD TRS
“I ENJOY IT A LOT. IT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED, AND JUST SEEING THE WAY AIRMEN ARE THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS, AND COMPARING THAT TO YOUR LAST DAY AND HOW MUCH THEY ACTUALLY LEARN, IT’S ACTUALLY A GREAT FEELING.
MORA IS NO STRANGER TO THE INS AND OUTS OF A COCKPIT AND HAS ALWAYS HAD A LOVE FOR ANYTHING WITH WINGS.
SSGT ALEJANDRO MORA, INSTRUCTOR, 373RD TRS
“I LIVE PLANES, I DREAM PLANES, EVERY DAY, THERE’S NOT A SINGLE SECOND THAT I’M NOT THINKING ABOUT PLANES.
SO IT CAME TO NO ONE’S SURPRISE WHEN…

NAT SOUND – “PROP CLEAR!”, ENGINE CRANKING
…HE GOT HIS PILOT’S LICENSE.
SSGT ALEJANDRO MORA, INSTRUCTOR, 373RD TRS
“YOU KNOW, I’LL BE HONEST, IT DOESN’T MATTER. ANYTHING THAT HAS WINGS AND AN ENGINE, I’LL FLY IT.”
“IN NINTH GRADE, I WAS ACTUALLY STARTING TO FLY GLIDERS. THEN I MOVED ON TO FLYING CESSNA 152S, WHERE I GOT TO SOLO FOR THE FIRST TIME, SO GOING UP FOR YOUR FIRST TIME WITHOUT AN INSTRUCTOR, THAT’S AN EXPERIENCE, YOU’LL NEVER FORGET.
NOW, SERGEANT MORA IS LOOKING FOR A WAY TO COMBINE HIS PASSION AND HIS CAREER.
 SSGT ALEJANDRO MORA, INSTRUCTOR, 373RD TRS
“I WANT TO FLY, BUT FLY FOR THE AIR FORCE. I THINK IT’S BEEN A PASSION OF MINE FOR THE LONGEST TIME.”
THIS SUMMER, AFTER FINISHING HIS BACHELOR’S OF SCIENCE IN AERONAUTICS, HE’LL APPLY FOR O-T-S.
SSGT ALEJANDRO MORA, INSTRUCTOR, 373RD TRS
“HOPEFULLY THAT’LL GIVE ME BETTER CHANCES OF GETTING SELECTED TO BECOME A PILOT FOR THE AIR FORCE.”
AND AS SERGEANT MORA GEARED UP FOR HIS 1-HUNDREDTH FLYING HOUR HE PROVES THAT THE SKY REALLY IS THE LIMIT.
SSGT ALEJANDRO MORA, INSTRUCTOR, 373RD TRS
“JUST LIKE WITH EVERYTHING ELSE, YOU’VE GOT TO BE DEDICATED, STAY MOTIVATED, AND IF YOU REALLY LIKE FLYING, IT’S DEFINITELY AN ACHIEVABLE GOAL IF YOU SET YOUR MIND TO IT.”
AIRMAN FIRST CLASS STEPHEN ELLIS, HURLBURT FIELD, FLORIDA]]> The men and women of the 820th Red Horse Squadron from Nellis Air Force Base really got their hands dirty in this year’s Joint Operations Access Exercise on Fort Bragg.
-Captain Cooper SB: “We came out here to train with the 20th Engineering Brigade to work on our, our airfield damage repair capability, which can be inserted through any means necessary but primary here at Bragg they stick with the Airborne method, which would be parachutes from C-17s and C-130s.”
These Airmen jumped with the Army and experienced a sensation they rarely feel in the clear blue skies of the Nevada desert.
-Captain Cooper SB: “It was a unique jump that was provided during a 200 foot cloud ceiling and you literally left the aircraft and were in clouds until about 150 feet before you hit the ground. So, passing through that was defiantly unique and a great opportunity. I don’t think any of my jumpers will probably get that experience again.”
The soldiers from Fort Bragg learned just as much as they taught during the training.
-1st Lt Hendricks SB: “We have, we have similar mission when it comes to repairing and maintaining a field landing strip, and so, we wanted to see how the, the Air Force did it, and show them how the Army does it, and uh, to see if we can learn anything from each other, and to see how in a real world situation how we would complement each other.”
-Captain Cooper SB: “The Air Force does this on a day to day basis and I think that over the last ten years of the war, the Army is adapted and taken on a different mission, and now we’re trying to reset and get back to basics of where we would go from here and what we would do in the future. So, the more that we can train and and work together in this joint environment, the better off the, the country will be in the long run.”
The Red Horse squadron’s participation in JOAX took these Airmen back to the down-and-dirty roots of their job, and ensured their ability to work in a Joint environment regardless of the location. Airman First Class Rachel Maxwell, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

]]> It means a lot because the world and United States is recognizing the Irish people and Ireland because of their hard work and dedication to building up the United States from the beginning. It's just beyond excitement and beyond gratitude that there's a day that is singled out.
Although the temperature may have been low, Revelle's family pride was at an all time high. They're very ecstatic because of the heavy background and how much pride we have in being Irish. To see me in a parade alone is very exciting for them, but to be in the St. Patty's day parade is even better.
Airman First Class Tonya Criss, Washington, D.C.]]> Participants in the Bataan Memorial Death March begin their trek through the sand at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.
Pararescuemen from the 321st Special Tactics Squadron begin their 10,000-foot journey back to solid ground near Sculthorpe, England.
Firefighters from the 366th Civil Engineer Squadron extinguish a fire during a live fire training exercise at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho.
And that's this week in photos, I'm staff Sergeant Michael Brady.]]> Agent Mills:
Back in April 2012 we had an Air Force member who conveyed threats to his unit leadership. The military member conveyed over social media that he wanted to kill the individuals that issued disciplinary action against him.
Announcer:
Recently, Holloman conducted an active shooter exercise to practice the action that needs to be taken under such a state of duress. The exercise and threat a year ago at Holloman keeps the wing vigilant and well versed in what to do in an active shooter state of emergency.
Fortunately, during the threat last year, the personnel involved reacted effectively.
Agent Mills
In this particular incident the first shirt acted in just the way he should. Pretty much textbook style. The first thing he did was put his squadron on lockdown. Followed by security forces to notify the situation. There is no doubt that the quick reaction of OSI, security forces, and the Otero County Sheriff’s Department prevented a loss of life that day. I think incidents like this, though they may not be preventable, actions can be taken to save lives.
Announcer:
For Holloman Air Force Base this is Senior Airman Mari Moxley.
 

]]> Nellis celebrated the F-35’s arrival with a special welcome ceremony. More than five hundred attended including Major General Jeff Lofgren, Commander of the United States Air Force Warfare Center, and Air Commodore Stuart Evans, the Commandant of the United Kingdom Air Warfare Center. After the ceremony, Major General Lofgren talked about the effects of the F-35 on the mission at Nellis Air Force Base.

(Major General Jeff Lofgren – USAFWFC/CC)
Well from a capability standpoint, the F-35 brings to us unparalleled integration of avionics and stealth and the ability to, no kidding, penetrate into a hostile environment and accomplish the mission of striking different targets.

The F-35A Lightning II is a fifth generation multirole fighter and is destined to replace both the F-16 and the A-10. It is a Joint, international and interoperable program designed to complement the Air Force’s F-22 Raptor. Senior Airman Aaron Hauser, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.]]> ARMED WITH NEWLY SEWN ON STRIPES, CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT OF THE AIR FORCE JAMES A. CODY RECENTLY TOOK TIME OUT OF HIS CORONA SCHEDULE FOR A LITTLE ONE-ON-ONE WITH TEAM MACDILL

CMSAF CODY: YEAH I’LL BE HONEST WITH YOU, WE WERE HERE FOR CORONA SOUTH SO WE WERE PRESENTED AN OPPORTUNITY TO SPEND THE DAY AFTER CORONA WITH OUR AIRMEN AND THAT’S THE BEST PART ABOUT THIS JOB.

AND WHEN YOU’RE TRYING TO SPEND TIME WITH AIRMEN IT DOESN’T HURT TO KNOW YOUR WAY AROUND. IN AUGUST 2007, CHIEF CODY CALLED MACDILL HOME. ONLY BACK THEN, HE WAS KNOWN AS COMMAND CHIEF CODY.

CHIEF CODY: IT WAS RECONNECTING WITH A LOT OF OLD FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES SO THAT WAS SPECIAL FOR ME BUT WE JUST HAVE GREAT AIRMEN HERE ACCOMPLISHING THE MISSION AROUND THE WORLD AND HAVING GREAT IMPACT EVERY DAY.

AIRMEN, CHIEF CODY MET FACE-TO-FACE AT THE BASE ALL-CALL; OPENING A DIALOGUE ABOUT WHAT HE EXPECTS OF AIRMEN AND WHAT AIRMEN SHOULD EXPECT OF HIM.

CMSAF CODY: EVERYTHING THAT I WILL DO THEY ARE APART OF THAT EQUATION. AS WE GO THROUGH THE DIFFERENT THINGS WE’LL GO THROUGH IN OUR AIR FORCE THERE WILL BE SOME CHALLENGES BUT WITH THOSE CHALLENGES COME GREAT OPPORTUNITIES. EVERY PART OF THOSE DECISIONS, EVERY PART OF OUR FOCUS IS OUR AIRMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES. HOW THESE THINGS WILL IMPACT THEM, HOW WE CAN WORK THROUGH THOSE TYPES OF THINGS.

A CONCEPT CHIEF CODY LIVED OUT AS HE TURNED A CHALLENGING CORONA SCHEDULE INTO AN OPPORTUNITY TO SPEND TIME WITH AIRMEN, BUILDING THE FOUNDATION OF A BETTER INFORMED AND MORE UNIFIED FORCE. SENIOR AIRMAN LAURA BECKLEY MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, FLORIDA.
]]> EXERCISE COPE TIGER IS MULTILATERAL EXERCISE WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF INCREASING COMBAT READINESS AND PROMOTING THE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE THREE NATIONS’ FORCES.
BUT THE BUSY FLIGHT LINE DOESN’T STOP THE AIRMEN THAT WORK ON THE AIRCRAFT FROM TAKING SOME TIME OUT OF THEIR DAY TO LEARN ABOUT THEIR REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE COUNTERPARTS F-15 AIRCRAFT AND WORKING PROCEDURES.
MSgt SAM MCKINNON THE FIRST SERGEANT FOR THE MAINTAINERS FOR COPE TIGER TELLS US WHAT WENT ON DURING THE EXCHANGE.
MSgt SAM MCKINNON—SOUNDBITE
WHEN IS COMES TO MAINTAINING THESE AIRCRAFT EACH COUNTRY MAY HAVE A DIFFERENT WAY OF CONDUCTING IT. THAT’S WHY THE INTERACTION TODAY IS VERY IMPORTANT.
SSgt CURTIS BETZ – SOUNDBITE
LEARNING ABOUT EACH OTHERS AIRCRAFT AND WORKING PROCEDURES WASN’T THE ONLY THING SSGT BETZ TOOK FROM THE EXCHANGE WITH HIS COUNTERPARTS.
SSGT CURTIS BETZ – SOUNDBITE
REPORTING FROM KORAT, THAILAND I’M PETTY OFFICER STEPHEN JACKSON
]]> COPE TIGER 20-13 A MULTILATERAL EXERCISE WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF INCREASING COMBAT READINESS AND PROMOTING THE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE THREE NATIONS’ FORCES.
ONE OF THE KEY THEMES OF EXERCISE IS STRENGTHENING THE BONDS THAT WE HAVE WITH THE PARTICIPATING NATIONS.
THE ROYAL THAI AIR FORCE HELPED THAT BOND BY INVITING AIRMEN FROM THE EXERCISE TO GET A TASTE OF THAI CULTURE.
AS THE DIRECTORS, AND STUDENTS FROM THE SCHOOL MAKE THERE WAY DOWN THE STREET THEY STOP TO OFFICIALLY START THE EVENT WITH A RIBBON CUTTING.
COL PETER MILOHNIC, THE DIRECTOR OF U.S. EXERCISE FORCES AT COPE TIGER 13 SPEAKS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING AND MAINTAINING RELATIONS WITH THE COMMUNITY.
COL MILOHNIC—SOUNDBITE
THEY QUICKLY MAKE THEIR WAY FROM OUTSIDE TO INSIDE WHERE TWO STUDENTS GREET THEIR GUESTS AND FELLOW STUDENTS. AND THEN INTRODUCE THE FIRST PERFORMANCE OF THE EVENT.
SSgt RONALD ABBATE SPEAKS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF VISITING THE LOCAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.
SSgt RONALD ABBATE—SOUNDBITE
AFTER THE PERFORMANCE THE DIRECTORS AND SERVICE MEMBERS THANKED AND GAVE A GIFT TO THE PERFORMERS.
AND THEN THEY MOVED OUTSIDE WHERE THEY SERVED STUDENTS LUNCH.
THERE WAS ALSO A LOCAL BARBER THAT PROVIDED FREE HAIRCUTS FOR THIS EVENT.
MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL THAI AIR FORCE BAND EVEN PROVIDED A PERFORMANCE THAT GOT STUDENTS AND SERVICE MEMBERS ON THEIR FEET.
REPORTING FROM THAILAND I’M PETTY OFFICER STEPHEN JACKSON
]]> Reporter:
COLONEL MARK AUGUST is the Commander of the 374th Airlift Wing at Yokota Air Base. on Friday, he used his Commander’s Corner Radio show to discuss the Sequester, and what it means to Yokota Air Base.

SB: Colonel Mark August
What you’re going to see different is a reduction in TDY’s. It will truly be mission critical. You’ll see a reduction in some of our course attendances. And of course, the one thing we’ve talked a quit a bit about and its out their across the airwaves and a lot of the media is how we’re going to try to save on utilities as well.

Reporter:
Colonel august also took questions from servicemembers via facebook. One pertained to the future of Yokota’s child development centers.
SB: Colonel Mark August
The CDC is mission critical on my list. I understand how hard our folks have to work. I have e very soft place in my heart for mil to mil couples. For folks that are really relying on us to take care of their children. I’ve gotta take care of our kids, I’ve gotta take care of our airmen, and do to some great leadership from the folks in the FSS we’ve got it covered we’re going to take care of the kids.

Reporter:
another area of concern was bilateral activities with our Japanese hosts.
SB: Colonel Mark August
Our SOFA Agreement and our mutual aid agreement with the government of Japan they also fund several of our projects as well. So there’s a lot of different ways that money comes into the base. If you go to the Officer’s Club, you go to the Enlisted Club, your club dues, that money comes right back to the base. That’s how we’ll probably be able to do things like a Fourth of July festival.

Reporter:
regardless of current budget challenges, Colonel August has faith that the Air Force and its members will be able to pull through.

SB: Colonel Mark August
You know what’s going to make a difference? Is all the Airmen pulling together to understand that this is the challenge that we have. Our leadership team has been working on this for the past few weeks. We’ve been hanging tight on this one. We got a great plan. And I think that you’re going to see that when we make the hard choices, we’re going to keep taking care our airmen at team Yokota.

Reporter:
Senior Airman Terace Garnier, Yokota Air Base, Japan.
 

]]> Reporter:
COMMUNICATION IS CRUCIAL TO THE AIR FORCE MISSION. AND TO ENSURE THAT COMMUNICATION RUNS SMOOTH THE AIR FORCE TRAINS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST TO DEAL WITH THE COMPLEX ISSUES THAT TECHNOLOGY PRESENTS.
SB
CYBER TRANSPORT TECHNICIAN/ A1C Phillip Cuendet
WE GET A PROBLEM IN OF SOMEONE, MY TELEPHONE DOESN’T WORK, THEY GIVE US A NUMBER THERE COULD BE FORTY DIFFERENT PHONES WITH THAT SAME PHONE NUMBER SO WE HAVE TO FIND THAT INDIVIDUAL PHONE AND WHY THERE’S AN ISSUE.
Reporter: STAND UP
They have thousands of PHONES around base AND THEY have to MAKE SURE to RUN SPECIFIC WIRES from their building TO THE CUSTOMERS BUILDING THAT ALLOWS the customer TO JUST PLUG IN THE PHONE AND IT WORKS.
SB
CYBER TRANSPORT TECHNICIAN/ A1C Phillip Cuendet
I'M ABLE TO MAKE THEIR JOB EXPERIENCE MORE RELAXED, BETTER, BUT NOT ACTUALLY HAVE TO WORK ON THE SITE BUT I’M LIKE THE GHOST THAT MAKE YOUR COMPUTER, YOUR PHONE, YOUR CONNECTION BETWEEN YOU AND ANYONE ELSE AVAILABLE. I LIKE THAT.
Reporter:
CYBER TRANSPORT TECHNICIANS WORK DILIGENTLY TO KEEP THE AIR FORCE’S COMMUNICATION INFRASTRUCTURE RELIABLE, SO THAT EVERY TIME YOU PICK UP A PHONE OR LOG ON TO A COMPUTER YOU’RE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR FELLOW AIRMEN. REPORTING FROM YOKOTA AIR BASE JAPAN, I'M AIRMAN FIRST CLASS MIRANDA DESHON.
 

]]>
CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT OF THE AIR FORCE JAMES CODY SAID HE UNDERSTANDS THE SUSPENSION MAKES EDUCATION TOUGHER BUT AIRMEN HAVE OTHER OPTIONS TO ACHIEVE THEIR EDUCATIONAL GOALS... SUCH AS CLEP TESTS, SCHOLARSHIPS, AND FEDERAL GRANTS.

FOR MORE INFORMATION YOU CAN CONTACT YOUR LOCAL BASE EDUCATION CENTER.
]]> SEVEN MINUTES. FROM THE MOMENT THE 911 CALL GOES OUT, UNTIL THE TARGET IS APPREHENDED AND MEDICAL AND FIRE ARE ABLE TO ASSESS THE DAMAGE, SEVEN MINUTES IS THE GOAL OF EVERY FIRST RESPONDER AT YOKOTA AIR BASE. IN ORDER TO MEET THAT GOAL, THE MEMBERS OF THE 374TH AIRLIFT WING EXERCISES AND INSPECTIONS OFFICE COORDINATED AN ACTIVE SHOOTER SCENARIO, TESTING EACH UNITS COMMUNICATION AND RESPONSE SO THAT EVERYONE IS ON THE SAME PAGE.
Msgt Alberto Verastegui – 374th Security Forces NCOIC of Standardization and Evaluation
The importance of these exercises obviously to me is to make sure that not only security forces knows their TTP’s and how to engage and eliminate a threat, but not only that but also communicate with fire, work with medical and to get all of these first responders so that in the event that it does happen for real, we know exactly what the other one is expected to do. It ultimately comes down to communication between fire, medical and us to make sure something like this goes smoothly and without a hitch.
Reporter:
EXERCISES LIKE THIS ONE REQUIRE HUNDREDS OF HOURS OF PLANNING AND COORDINATION WITH MULTIPLE UNITS, AGENCIES AND BASES. THE DATA IS THE COLLECTED AND REVIEWED IN ORDER TO EVOLVE HOW THE WING FUNCTIONS IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS.
Major Kenny Bierman – 374th Airlift Wing Chief of Wing Exercises and Inspections
We’ve been planning this exercise for 45 days. These are full work days…coordination with all of our twenty plus units within the wing here at Yokota, our tenant units and Yokosuka Naval Base. And then it’s not even over when today’s over…we’re going to spend the next week debriefing and collecting data se we can capture lessons learned and best practices so we can better improve our processes and how we function not only as a wing but how we operate with our tenant units and our other bases in Japan.
Reporter:
IN THIS TRAINING ENVIRONMENT, GUIDANCE IS PROVIDED, LESSONS ARE LEARNED AND THE RESULTS AMOUNT TO LIVES BEING SAVED. IN THE END, THE MEMBERS OF THE 374TH CONTINUE TO GET CLOSER TO THEIR GOAL, SEVEN MINUTES EVERY TIME. SEAMEN DARTANYAN RATLEY, YOKOTA AIR BASE JAPAN.
]]> Military Athletes taking part in the 2013 Armed Forces Wrestling Championship took time out from the competition to put on a wrestling clinic for children. Staff Sergeant Mike Hutchinson reports.
Script:
There wrestlers were able to share some of their knowledge with local children. (NAT SOUND) It was a great chance for the children to learn from athlete from many different backgrounds, all the way up to the Olympic level... It also allowed the children to see the military in a different way than they may be used to.
The athletes were able to take a few things away as well...
SB - It's nice to give back, and teach these kids some of the things I've learned.
Many of the children who attended the clinic also came back the next day to see their instructors in action.
Reporting for the Air Force Broadcasting Service, I'm Staff Sergeant Mike Hutchinson.
 

]]> A1C BECKERJECK: 09 SECS
“IT HOLDS 3,300 GALLONS OF WATER, 500 GALLONS OF FOAM, 500 POUNDS OF DRY CHEM, THE TIRE SIZE IS 24R21XL.”
AS A FIREFIGHTER, SHE HAS TO KNOW NOT ONLY THE INS AND OUT OF THE FIRE TRUCKS, HOW TO OPERATE THEM, AND HOW TO TAKE CARE OF THEM… BUT SHE ALSO MEET THE PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF BEING A FIREFIGHTER, INCLUDING CARRYING HEAVY GEAR. BUT SHE SAYS IT’S NOT A PROBLEM.
A1C BECKERJECK: 09 SECS
“YOU GET ACQUAINTED REAL WELL WITH YOUR EQUIPMENT, SO FOR SOMEONE ELSE WHO DOESN’T WEAR IT MIGHT BE LIKE “OH THIS IS HEAVY,” BUT FOR US IT’S JUST LIKE PUTTING ON CLOTHES.”
NOT ONLY DOES SHE HAVE TO WEAR THIS GEAR WHILE FIGHTING FIRE, SHE HAS TO PUT IT ON VERY QUICKLY!
A1C BECKERJECK: 10 SECS
“THEY’LL JUST BE LIKE ‘AIRMAN BECKERJECK, BUNKERDRILL, BUNKERDRILL, BUNKERDRILL” AND YOU’LL JUST HAVE TO RUN OUT AND THEY TIME YOU TO PUT YOUR STUFF ON.”
WHOEVER MAY HAVE DOUBTS ABOUT HER ABILITIES AS A FIREFIGHTER, IT DOESN’T INCLUDE THE GUYS SHE WORKS WITH.
A1C BECKERJECK: 10 SECS
“I DON’T THINK THEY DON’T LOOK AT US ANY DIFFERENTLY… THE SKY’S THE LIMIT FOR ANYONE, MALE OR FEMALE, YOU CAN DO WHATEVER YOU WANT IF YOU SET YOUR MIND TO IT…”
SENIOR AIRMAN DANIELLE COLBERG, AVIANO AIR BASE, ITALY.

]]>
SMSgt SEAN SMITH (8)
WHEN YOU START TO GET INTO THE REALM OF SOCIAL MEDIA, SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES MORE SPECIFICALLY, YOU HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT WHO YOU’RE COMMUNICATING INFORMATION TO.

SMSgt SMITH EXPLAINS HOW PEOPLE ARE HIRED TO FIND PIECES OF YOUR IDENTITY THROUGHOUT THE INTERNET AND PIECE THEM TOGETHER TO CREATE A PUZZLE OF YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION. (9)
SMSGT SMITH (14)

PEOPLE THAT ARE OUT THERE THAT CREATED FAKE PROFILES AND START TO DIG INFORMATION FROM THERE AND FIGURE WHO YOU ARE, WHERE YOU LIVE, AND WHAT YOU DO. THEN GO AND DO A GOOGLE SEARCH ON YOU AND FIND DIFFERENT INFORMATION. NOW THEY START TO PIECE TOGETHER DIFFERENT PIECES ABOUT YOU.

BUT THERE IS A WAY TO PROTECT YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION: PRIVACY. (4)
SMSGT SMITH (7)
FACEBOOK IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF YOUR PRIVACY SETTINGS. SET YOUR PROFILE TO PRIVATE, ONLY ALLOW FRIENDS THAT YOU HAVE ACCEPTED TO VIEW THE INFORMATION THAT YOU HAVE ON IT.
OUTSIDE OF THESE SETTINGS, FRIENDS AND FAMILY ARE REMINDED TO BE AWARE WHEN POSTING DATES AND DESTINATIONS ON THE INTERNET. (7)
SMSGT SMITH (10)

TELL THEM THAT, “HEY THESE ARE CERTAIN THINGS THAT YOU CAN’T PUT OUT THERE.” AND GET THAT INFORMATION TO DEVELOP A GOOD POSTURE FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

BEING AN ACTIVE PART OF WHAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY POSTS ON THE INTERNET WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP YOUR FUTURE AND THE FUTURE OF THE MILITARY SAFE.(7)

AIRMAN FIRST CLASS JOSH BLACKBURN, AVIANO AIR BASE, ITALY. (4)
]]>
SSgt Ashleigh Maris (0:15):
“out of the couple different charities that the committee brought forward we really wanted to support a local charity for community involvement. Women are really involved in having families and children so that brought in the factor of having NewBridge Family Shelter be our selected charity of the month.”

Junior ROTC Cadets, from Central High School, ran alongside the servicemembers.

Jamie Carriker (0:18):
“It was really important for us to come here and raise the awareness and the materials for the women’s and children shelter. Because they don’t get a lot of that on a day to day basis as compared to the big holidays like Christmas roll around. But the people at this shelter have to take care of these women and these children everyday so it was important for us to help them with that.”

THE COMMITTEE RAISED NEARLY 500 DOLLARS FOR THE NEWBRIDGE FAMILY SHELTER.

STAFF SERGEANT DAVID ZHENG, GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS.]]> Gen. Philip Breedlove – Commander, USAFE
MINISTER PRESIDENT BECK HAS BEEN A FRIEND OF THE U.S. MILITARY; OF U.S. AIRMEN AND U.S. SOLDIERS IN OUR AREA FOR DECADES. AND HIS SERVICE ACROSS THOSE DECADES IS STORIED AND HAS AFFECTED THE LIVES POSITIVELY OF SO MANY...

THE MEDAL OF DISTINCTION IS THE HIGHEST AWARD GIVEN BY USAFE TO NON-U.S. CITIZENS. PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS INCLUDE MILITARY OFFICIALS, PRIVATE CITIZENS, OR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS LIKE MR. BECK. HE WORKED CLOSELY WITH U.S. FORCES IN GERMANY AFTER THE FALL OF THE BERLIN WALL AND ALSO TOOK SPECIAL MEASURES TO PROTECT U.S. FORCES IN GERMANY DURING 9/11. HE SAYS THAT HIS SERVICE DEMONSTRATED THE STRONG RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GERMANY AND THE UNITED STATES.
Kurt Beck – Medal Recipient
INITIALLY, [IT] MIGHT HAVE BEEN PERCEIVED AS AN OBLIGATION THAT GREW OUT OF A DEBT, BUT I’VE PERSONALLY COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THIS IS NOT AN OBLIGATION THAT AROSE FROM SOME KIND OF DEBT, BUT RATHER IT IS A DUTY THAT WE ARE GLADLY WILLING TO FULFILL BECAUSE THERE IS A TRUE FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN OUR PEOPLES.

USAFE COMMANDER, GENERAL BREEDLOVE, ALSO PRESENTED MR. BECK WITH SOMETHING HE’D ALWAYS ADMIRED: AN AIR FORCE LEATHER FLIGHT JACKET. MR. BECK RETIRED FROM HIS POSITION AS PRESIDENT-MINISTER TO RHINELAND-PFALZ THIS PAST JANUARY. AIR FORCE STAFF SERGEANT TRISTAN MCINTIRE, RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, GERMANY.]]>
SB: NAT POP OF GUN FIRE IN BATTLE

MORE THAN 50 YEARS AGO, SOLDIERS, AIRMEN AND MARINES SERVED VALIANTLY IN ONE OF THE 20th Century’s MOST DIFFICULT WARS.
THEY DEALT WITH EXTREME WINTERS, ENEMY GUNFIRE FROM ALL DIRECTIONS AND A LONG TREK UP THE KOREAN PENINSULA.

SB: NAT POP OF SOLDIERS WALKING ALONG MOVING VEHICLES ON SUPPLY ROAD

ONE OF THE Korean War’s HEROES WAS AN ARMY CHAPLAIN

SB: He was right up on the battlefield at that time and not worrying about himself at all.

WHO NOT ONLY SPENT HIS DAYS MINISTERING AND PRAYING WITH HIS TROOPS BUT HE ALSO DOUBLED AS A BATTLEFIELD MEDIC. But he was never too busy to write home…

SB: “IT LOOKS LIKE THE WAR WILL END SOON WE’VE PUSHED THE REDS OVER THE 150 MILES NOW. WE ARE RIGHT ON THE 38TH PAR RIGHT NORTH AND A LITTLE WEST. A 150 MILES WEST OF SEOUL.” (HELEN KAPAUN)

His sister Helen still saves every letter he wrote

“AND I DIDN’T KNOW HOW HE HAD THE TIME TO WRITE WITH ALL THE THINGS HE HAD TO DO.”

But for Kapaun, he had two families…the one back home in Kansas…and the one going thru the war with him in Korea.

SB: HE WASN’T DOING THAT FOR THIS THAT AND THE OTHER MEMBER WAS A PART OF HIS DENOMANATION THEY WERE HIS FAMILY. HE’D HAPPILY LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS CHILDREN… THAT WAS HIS FAMILY.”

Though he wrote often, his family never really knew just how bad things had become for Emil.

“THE LAST LETTER WE GOT WAS OCTOBER 13TH 1950. AND I HADN’T WRITTEN TO HIM FOR QUITE AWHILE BEFORE THAT.”

Meanwhile, Helen and the rest of his family were wondering just what their beloved brother was doing in Korea, a war he volunteered for.

SB: “We really didn’t know what he had done until they came home.” (Helen)
They are the hundreds of POWs who accounted for Chaplain Kapaun’s deeds in the Chinese camp.

SB: “HE WAS CONSTANTLY HELPING OTHERS TAKING HIS OWN MEAGER FOOD AND SHARING IT WITH THOSE WHO WERE QUITE SICK. HE COUNCELED THOSE WHO WERE IN MOST IN NEED. HIS STRENGTH OF CHARACTER CAUSED THE CHINESE GUARDS TO PUNISH HIM JUST FOR BEING THE TOWER OF STRENGTH THAT HE WAS.” (CHAPLAIN MCGUIRE READS EXCERPT)

DESPITE HIS STRENGTH AND DEDICATION TO SERVICE, CHAPLAIN KAPAUN DIDN’T SURVIVE THE HARSH CONDITIONS AND TREATMENT IN THE CHINESE POW CAMP. HE PASSED AWAY SIX MONTHS LATER.
STANDUP:
THOSE HEROIC DEEDS, COUPLED WITH THE EFFECT HE HAD ON AMERICAN POWS HAS PROPELLED CHAPLAIN KAPAUN TO THE MEDAL OF HONOR. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA WILL PRESENT THE AWARD TO KAPAUN’S FAMILY IN A CEREMONY NEXT MONTH, CELEBRATING A LIFE OF SELFLESS SERVICE AND SACRIFICE.

SB: I BELIEVE IN MY HEART THAT WE NEED TO ACKNOWLEDGE PEOPLE OF FAITH, PEOPLE OF COURAGE, OF INTEGRITY THOSE WHO SERVE A CAUSE GREATER THAN OURSELVES. FATHER KAPAUN DID THAT, HE SERVED OUR LORD AND SAVIOR, HE SERVED THE YOUNG MEN THAT HE WAS ASSIGNED TO AND HE SERVED OUR NATION. HIS COURAGE AND SELFLESSNESS IS SOMETHING WE ALL SHOULD EMULATE. IF WE DO THAT WE COULD HAVE A BETTER COUNTRY, BETTER FAMILIES, AND BETTER COMMUNITIES. “
YOU CAN’T IMAGING ANYBODY GOING OUT OF THEIR WAY, HE WAS DOING HIS JOB AND HE WAS DOING IT WITH FULL HEART AND DOING IT WITH ENTHUSIASM BECAUSE HE WAS NOT JUST DOING A JOB HE WAS TAKING CARE OF SOULS AND HE WAS HELPING THESE PEOPLE MAKE IT THROUGH ONE MORE DAY. HE WAS HELPING THEM TO SEE THERE WAS HOPE IN THE MIDDLE OF THAT MISERY

AN AMAZING CAREER FOR A SOLDIER, A CHAPLAIN AND A HERO, BUT FOR HELEN THERE’S ONE SIMPLE THING THAT KEEPS HER HOLDING ON AFTER ALL THESE YEARS.

SB: “HE WAS FAMILY….AND I LOVED THAT.” (EMOTIONAL BITE)

SSGT TREVOR PEDRO, LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, VIRGINIA]]> SB: It kind of got us down a little but we got a good pep talk.
NAT Audio: Coach giving pep talk.
SB: Coach fired us up... and we came out... swinging...
However the team was able to rally against the Navy - earning them a third place finish in both free style and greco roman while the Army took home the top spot in each event.
And while the team didn't place as high as they would have liked - the Airmen will still bring a lot back home with them as they return to their units across the Air Force.
SB: It's kind of the same principles, we work hard... fly, fight, win. We're put through a lot of stress here just like in the actual Air Force.
A few Airmen were able to earn individual honors as A1C Terelle Walker took 2nd place in his weight class and SrA Nataniel Hartley also won silver for his weight class in free style.
Reporting for the Air Force Broadcasting Service, I'm SSgt Mike Hutchinson.]]>
SB:A1C ELISA SCHWARTZ

It’s not me, personally, it’s us as a team because there’s not always just one of us down there. There at least always has to be two of us, so we’re a team.


Reporter:

EXERCISES ARE MEANT TO FAMILIARIZE PERSONNEL WITH WHAT TO DO DURING A REAL EMERGENCY.

SB:A1C ELISA SCHWARTZ

It started off with a message that comes down for us and then we’ll end up calling the commander, let him know, and he’ll direct us to do certain actions that are on our QRC our check list, if they decided to kill off the command post, it’d be a lot harder for any of the base to know what to do cause we are the ones who start to let people know about alarm condition, mop Conditions. There would be a major disconnect with the base there’d be agencies over here and there and we’re the ones that make sure everyone knows what’s going on.

.

Petty Officer Lisa Reese, Misawa Air Base, Japan.

]]> SERVICEMEMBERS STATIONED OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES FACE MANY CULTURAL CHALLENGES WHEN DEALING WITH THE LOCALS. WHEN IT COMES TO ORDERING A MEAL OR JUST ASKING FOR DIRECTIONS SOMETIMES THE MEANING GETS LOST IN TRANSLATION.
STANDUP
EVEN WHEN USING SMART DEVICES THAT CAN TRANSLATE, SOMETIMES THE RESULTS AREN’T WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR.
NAT SOUND
EDUCATING YOURSELF ON THE LOCAL LANGUAGE AND CULTURE IS EASY WITH TRANSPARENT LANGUAGE ONLINE AND YOU CAN SIGN UP AT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY FOR FREE.
ANNA SANTOS – LIBRARY SENIOR TECHNICIAN
FREE IS THE WORD, IT’S THE MAGIC WORD I KEEP SAYING. EVERYTHING AT THE LIBRARY IS FREE. IT TAKES FIVE MINUTES TO GET AN ACCOUNT, A LIBRARY CARD, AND THEN ONCE YOU SIGN UP YOU CAN USE IT ANYWHERE.
USERS MUST REGISTER IN PERSON AT AN AIR FORCE LIBRARY, JOINT BASE LIBRARY, OR DOWNRANGE LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER, BUT THEN WILL BE ABLE TO USE THE PROGRAM ANYWHERE, ANYTIME.
SO YOU GET YOUR LIBRARY CARD, YOU GO TO USAFELIBRARIES.ORG, PUT IN THE LIBRARY BARCODE NUMBER, AND YOU HAVE ACCESS RIGHT AWAY. THE TRANSPARENT, IT’S LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES. YOU JUST COME TO THE LIBRARY, REGISTER, AND THAT’S ALL YOU NEED.
IN ADDITION TO GRAMMAR AND PRONUNCIATION, THE TRANSPARENT LANGUAGE PROGRAM INCLUDES SPEECH, WRITING, AND VOCABULARY-BUILDING LESSONS FOR MORE THAN 80 FOREIGN LANGUAGES.
SrA CHRIS MONCURE – EDUCATION CENTER STUDENT
THE FREE CLASSES ARE NICE, BUT GETTING IN DEPTH IT WILL CHANGE YOU, LIKE, SO IF YOU’RE PLANNING ON TRAVELING SOMEWHERE LIKE TO MAINLAND PORTUGAL OR TO ANY OF THE OTHER ISLANDS IT’S NOT MANDATORY THAT THEY KNOW ENGLISH. YOU’RE IN THEIR AREA; YOU’RE IN THEIR ENVIRONMENT, SO YOU SHOULD HAVE THE COURTESY TO PICK UP THEIR LANGUAGE.
THERE ARE RESOURCES AVAILABLE FROM ALMOST EVERY OVERSEAS LOCATION. WHETHER YOU CHOOSE TO LEARN ONLINE FOR FREE OR IN A CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT, PICKING UP REGIONAL LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL SKILLS CAN HELP YOU COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY.
I’M AIRMAN FIRST CLASS REBECCA STOUT, LAJES FIELD, AZORES.
]]> SB: A1C Justin Phelps
My older brother and my brother-in-law, they are both in the Navy. I saw how they were; I saw how they enjoyed life. I wanted to do something more, I wanted to do something different, I wanted to travel, so I wanted to join the military.
Reporter:
Airman Phelps knows the important part he and his fellow firefighters play on Misawa Air Base.
SB: A1C Justin Phelps
We have to be there, we have to know what to do when things go wrong. I mean every day we’re going over something we need to know. We’re training in medical, we’re training in fire fighting, we’re training on the trucks, we’re training on the gear, we’re training on the equipment. We’re keeping ourselves sharp, we’re keeping that information fresh on our minds, so when we do get that call we’re gonna know what to do. We’re gonna be on point.
Reporter:
Seeing the difference he makes in the safety of fellow service members and their families is both rewarding and humbling.
SB: A1C Justin Phelps
It’s not just a job. We’re a part of the base, we’re a part of the community. I’m going out helping people every day. It makes me feel proud, that I can go out and serve my country.
Reporter:
Misawa Fire Fighters Respond to 558 emergency calls in 2012.
PETTY OFFICER KARLA FOSTER, MISAWA AIR BASE JAPAN.
]]> (MSGT JOHNNIE BORK/USAF FIRST SERGEANT ACADEMY STUDENT) “I COULD BE IN MY DRAWARS AND STILL BE ABLE TO TAKE THE COURSE SO I DIDN’T HAVE TO DRESS PERFECTLY TO ATTEND A CLASS. TIME WAS WAS ON MY HAND, ON MY WATCH, SO BASICALLY I COULD DO IT IN THE MIDNIGHT HOURS OR I COULD DO IT IN THE WEE HOURS OF THE MORNING.”
REPLACING THE FIRST WEEK OF CLASSROOM TIME WITH FOUR WEEKS OF ONLINE COURSEWORK GIVES STUDENTS MORE TIME TO UNDERSTAND THE MATERIAL.
(CMSGT EMMETTE BUSH JR./USAF FIRST SERGEANT ACADEMY COMMANDANT)“HAVING THAT ADDITIONAL COUPLE OF WEEKS, ON TOP OF WHAT WE HAD PREVIOUS, JUST GIVES US A LOT MORE FLEXIBILITY TO CREATE BETTER, STRONGER, FASTER FIRST SERGEANTS FOR THE FUTURE.”
EVEN BEFORE STEPPING FOOT IN A CLASSROOM, BLENDED LEARNING ALLOWS AIRMEN EVERYWHERE THE OPPORTUNITY TO JUMPSTART THEIR TRAINING. AIRMAN FIRST CLASS DANIELLE BRYANT, MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, ALABAMA.
]]>
Actress Brooke Shields rehearses a scene where she performs pre-flight checks on a C-17 Globemaster III during an on-location filming session at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina.

Senior Airman Cecil Lovette communicates via headset with a pilot from the 79th Fighter Squadron while going through preflight checks during Red Flag 13-3.

Senior Airman Joshua Gorman crawls out of an F-16 Fighting Falcon’s intake after inspecting the blades for nicks and scratches at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea.

And that's this week in photos, I'm staff Sergeant Michael Brady.]]> -------------------------------------------
THE AIR FORCE HAS SUSPENDED MILITARY TUITION ASSISTANCE FOR THE REST OF FISCAL YEAR 2013
BUT...ITS NOT NECESSARILY GONE FOREVER, OFFICIALS SAY THEY WILL CONTINUE TO EVALUATE THE PROGRAM TO DETERMINE THE WAY AHEAD IN FISCAL YEAR 2014, MEANING, IT MIGHT COME BACK.
ALSO, THERE ARE OTHER OPTIONS AVAILABLE, AIRMEN MAY TAKE CLEP TESTS, AND POTENTIALLY QUALIFY FOR FEDERAL GRANTS AND LOANS.
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL EDUCATION OFFICE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND UPDATES.
------------------------------------------
THERE'S AN APP FOR EVERYTHING THESE DAYS, RIGHT?
HOWEVER.... THEY ARE NOT ALL AS OFFICIAL AS THEY LOOK...
AND THAT INCLUDES A NEW T-S-P FUNDS APP.
THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN OFFICIALS SAY THEY AREN'T THE ONES OFFERING IT,
AND, BECAUSE IT ASKS FOR YOUR LOG ON INFO, IT COULD POSE A SECURITY RISK.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, LOG ON TO T-S-P-DOT-GOV
-------------------------------------------
THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSES HAS DIRECTED A REVIEW OF THE DISTINGUISHED WARFARE MEDAL
...THE REVIEW COMES AFTER RECENT DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING THE MEDAL AND IT'S ORDER OF PRECEDENCE, RELATIVE TO OTHER MILITARY DECORATIONS.
OPPONENTS OF THE MEDAL HAVE QUESTIONED THE HIERARCHY OF TECHNOLOGY-DRIVING WARFARE AS THE OPERATORS MAY NOT BE IN A COMBAT ZONE.
OFFICIALS SAY PRODUCTION OF THE MEDAL HAS STOPPED AND THERE ARE NO NOMINATIONS SO FAR... ALLOWING TIME TO MAKE A FINAL DECISION.
-------------------------------------------
AND THAT'S IT FOR THE HEADLINES...
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THESE AND OTHER STORIES AFFECTING AIRMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES, LOG ON TO THE AIR FORCE'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE, AFLINK.
FROM THE DEFENSE MEDIA ACTIVITY, I'M SENIOR AIRMAN RENEE CARBERRY.

]]> When my uncle passed away while I was stationed overseas and after that I was interested in seeing what else the honor guard did. When I got stationed in Warner Robbins Georgia I volunteered to do a tour with the base honor guard. And when I did that I wanted to be a part of something bigger.
After going through a rigorous 8 week technical training, potential bodybearers go through a 2 week initial qualification course. The course involves weight training, learning the creed, and movements for pallbearing with the weighted casket. During a funeral at Arlington, a casket can weigh anywhere between 600 to 800 pounds. This requires a lot of strength and a strong team. I am one of two females currently qualified to do this. The last female before us served in 1972. The two of us really wanted to be part of the team so we worked hard to achieve the same standards and weight requirements as the men. The truth is, I can not carry without my team I am just a piece of the puzzle. We're close, we rely on each other a lot. We have no choice but to. Um, 600 to 800 pounds is a lot of weight. So, if we don't condition ourselves to be able to carry that weight one of us is going to get hurt and you don't want that. We do a lot together. We spend a lot of time together. We know each other very well. To stand next to the family, it's an honor because they're allowing us to bury their loved one. Sometimes you don't even know who their loved may be. It could be someone that gave their life overseas in war or someone who had some significance in the past and that's what we need to keep in mind.
My name is SSgt Jennifer Powell, and I am a United States Air Force Honor Guard bodybearer and to say the is an honor.]]> SO I'M HERE AT THE EDUCATION CENTER TO GET SOME MORE INFORMATION.
DAVIS SB: "THIS IS JUST A SPEED BUMP, IT'S NOT A SHOW STOPPER. THE IMPORTANT THING IS THAT STUDENTS CAN CONTINUE TO TAKE CLASSES. THEY CAN CONTINUE TO TAKE CLASSES WITHOUT EXPERIENCING ANY OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES. BUT THESE ARE ALL THINGS THAT THE AIRMEN NEED TO COME AND SEE US AND TALK TO US ABOUT WHAT IS AVAILABLE TO THEM."
WHETHER USING GRANTS, SCHOLARSHIPS, OR USING ONE OF THE G-I BILLS, THERE ARE A VARIETY OF WAYS TO ACCOMPLISH YOUR GOALS. FROM RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, I'M AIRMAN VALERIE LLOYD.
]]> the benefits delivery at discharge or b-d-d program in landstuhl is the only veterans affairs office for all of Europe, Africa, and the middle east. Joseph Fletcher is the officer in charge and coordinates claims for patients preparing to separate or retire from the military.
Fletcher SB: “so we have a partnered program with d-o-d so that up to six months prior to SEPARATION from active duty we can have them initiate a claim for disability compensation if any injuries have occurred and they want to claim them.”
the physical evaluation process is PIVOTAL for a pre-discharge claim.
Fletcher sb: “upon examination they’re going to look for a current condition in their medical history. put that together for an opinion and the evaluation. the v-a will then take that medial evidence…and see where that comes out for a percentage of disability.”
dr. art Duff performs b-d-d physicals and must establish the overall health of the patient at the time of separation.
duff sb: “if a person doesn’t have any say, eye problems, our examination of the eyes still goes through, but it’s CURSORY. if they have knee problems, then we concentrate on the knees. back problems, we concentrate on the back. we still do a general physical though, looking at the whole body.”
timon pattenn retired from the air force after 25 years of service and went through the pre-discharge claim process.
pattenn sb: “they determined that due to an accident that i had while i was active duty i had a little bit of arthritis in my right shoulder and i was deemed a 10% disabled vet; but it also lays the ground for the base line of when i got out, and where i was at.”
mr. Fletcher recommends IF A SERVICE MEMBER HAS AN INJURY OR AN AGGRAVATED MEDICAL ISSUE, THAT THEY START THE CLAIMS PROCESS NOW. BEFORE THEY SEPARATE.

Fletcher sb: “this is important because, okay, maybe someone who SEPARATES at 24 or 28 or 30, maybe it’s not such a big deal. maybe by the time you’re 45 or 50 now its gotten worse, but instead of going in to say it’s gotten worse, now you’re starting from the beginning.”
in the long run, filling a disability claim through b-d-d will have life-long benefits.
airman valerie lloyd, landstuhl, germany.
]]>
SB TSgt Michael Yurco: “It’s basically their five day advance course. They do different small unit tactics and PT smoke sessions, obstacle course, stuff like that.”
EVEN THOUGH THIS WAS A KOREAN COURSE, TRAINING WASN’T A ONE WAY STREET. BOTH TEAMS WORKED TOGETHER TO LEARN FROM EACH OTHER AND MAKE SURE EVERYONE IS ON THE SAME PAGE IN CASE OF ANY CONTINGENCY EVENT.
SB Capt Lee: “When it gets to real war-time, some of the bases actually come together, Koreans and Americans. So, when that time comes, we’ll be adapted to this training, from this opportunity, so I think it’s important.

SB TSgt Yurco: “They’re definitely teaching us everything they know and asking a lot of questions ad to what we do. They’re interested to see how we train compared to how they train. It’s not easy by any means, but we’re all having a good time.”

DESPITE DIFFERENT MILITARY CULTURES AND A LANGUAGE BARRIER, THIS TRAINING STRENGTHENS THESE DIFFERENT, BUT STILL VERY ALIKE TEAMS, ENSURING PEACE AND STABILITY THROUGHOUT THE PENINSULA. SENIOR AIRMAN SAMANTHA KONIECZNY JIN JUI EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMAND, REPUBLIC OF KOREA.

]]> AT THE AVALON AIR SHOW IN SOUTHERN AUSTRALIA, THE F-22 RAPTOR IS A POPULAR ATTRACTION. BUT ACCORDING TO CAPTAIN RYAN WORRELL, IT’S NOT THE ONLY BIRD OF PREY TEARING UP THE SKIES.
Nat sound:
F-16 roars by
SB: Capt Ryan Worrell, F-16 Demo Pilot (:13)
Well we brought a block 50 F-16 from Misawa Air Base, we’re a part of the 35th Fighter Wing to demonstrate the F-16’s capabilities and maneuverability and energy, and give the crowd a little a bit of a joyride here in the noise as we rage past.
Reporter:
AND WHILE CAPTAIN IS BUSY TAKING THE CROWD ON A NOISY JOYRIDE, HE KNOWS THAT WITHIN THE MASS OF WATCHFUL EYES ARE KIDS – KIDS WITH WHOM HE READILY IDENTIFIES.
SB: Capt Ryan Worrell (:09)
It’s a lot of fun I’ve met a bunch of kids that seem like they’re about me about 20 years ago, wanting to ride in a fighter. So it’s awesome to meet them, sign a bunch of autographs.
Nat sound:
Capt Worrell talking to crowd
SB: Capt Ryan Worrell (:10)
I think most people ask how fast we can go, how high we can go and then one little kid asked if it was “Starscream.” “Starscream” is a Transformer, it’s actually one of the F-22s and then he pointed at the
F-22.
Reporter:
STARSCREAM OR NOT, CAPTAIN WORRELL AND THE F-16 DEMO TEAM HAVE THEIR OWN AREAS OF EXPERTISE, QUITE SEPARATE FROM THE F-22 RAPTOR.


SB: Capt Ryan Worrell (:12)
We both have very different displays, they focus on a bit of a slower high alpha maneuverability and we focus on speed and energy maintenance, showing how fast we can go and how easily we can go back into the vertical.
Reporter:
AND WHILE IT’S REWARDING TO THRILL THE CROWDS WITH AERIAL PROWESS, THE CAPTAIN ALSO HELP’S STRENGTHEN WHAT IS ALREADY A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR ALLIES DOWN UNDER.
SB: Capt Ryan Worrell (:10)
It’s awesome to be out here in Australia, we’ve gotten to experience a lot of the local culture and connect with a lot of people of very similar cultures and display and work on our friendship with a lot of the Australians.
Reporter:
STRAPPED INTO HIS FIGHTING FALCON, CAPTAIN WORRELL REPRESENTS THE AIR FORCE’S COMMITMENT TO STABILITY AND SECURITY IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION. AND HE DOES IT WHILE TEARING THROUGH THE SKIES OF AUSTRALIA. AIRMAN FIRST CLASS ASHLEY POWELL, GEELONG (JA-LONG), AUSTRALIA.
]]> THE ROCK BAND EVERCLEAR IS AT THE 380TH A-E-W, SHOWING THEIR APPRECIATION THE BEST WAY THEY KNOW HOW-WITH LOUD MUSIC, FLASHING LIGHTS AND A PERFORMANCE THAT ROCKED AIRMEN AND SOLDIERS.

SB:
IT’S OUR WAY OF GIVING BACK AND BEING APART OF IT. WE APPRECIATE WHAT YOU GUYS DO AND IT’S OUR WAY OF SAYING THANK YOU.

OVER THE YEARS, EVERCLEAR HAS TRAVELED TO MANY DIFFERENT BASES IN THE A-O-R, ALL IN SUPPORT OF THE TROOPS.

SB:
I’VE ALWAYS BEEN EXTREMELY PRO-TROOP, I KNOW WE ALL ARE AND WE RESPECT THE SACRIFICE THAT EVERYBODY MAKES, AT EVERY LEVEL.

AS AIRMEN AND SOLDIERS GATHERED AROUND THE STAGE, THEY WERE SINGING ALONG, JUMPING AROUND, AND LOSING THEMSELVES IN THE CONCERT. EVERCLEAR PUT ON AN EXCITING SHOW FOR MEN AND WOMEN OF THE 380TH.

SENIOR AIRMAN LINDY PATA, 380TH AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING, SOUTHWEST ASIA.
]]> MAJOR DAVID JANE, A CANADIAN EXCHANGE OFFICER WITH THE AIR FORCE CIVIL ENGINEER CENTER AT TYNDALL, IS THE HEAD OF THE AIR FORCE’S CONTINGENCY TRAINING PROGRAM.
Maj David Jane— Chief of Contingency Training, Air Force Civil Engineer Center, Tyndall AFB
“So it’s a unique opportunity both for them to come and experience the different equipment and different organization of the U.S. Air Force civil engineers as well as a good opportunity for the U.S. guys that are working with them to see and hear the differences in the way they operate - the way the occupations, the trades, are laid out and share some of that common operating. CE is very much the same across both Air Forces but it certainly does have its differences and this is a great opportunity to benefit for everybody and learn from each other and experience some things together.”
SILVER FLAG TRAINING INCLUDED PROCEDURES TO ESTABLISH AN OPERATIONAL AIRFIELD, SETTING UP EMERGENCY AIRFIELD LIGHTING, MOBILE AIRCRAFT ARRESTING SYSTEMS, AS WELL AS PROVIDING FIREFIGHTING SUPPORT AND ALL THE INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIRED FOR A BASE.
THIS COURSE GAVE THE CANADIAN AIRMEN TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES THEY DON’T NORMALLY GET.
Capt Clifford Boyechko—19th Wing, Construction Engineering Flight, Comox, British Columbia
“Our heavy equipment guys get out and get a chance working on the airfield working on heavy equipment that don’t get the opportunity to work on a lot in Canada.”
MAJOR JANE SAYS JOINT TRAINING LIKE THIS GIVES U.S. AND CANADIAN AIRMEN A CHANCE TO LEARN FROM EACH OTHER METHODS, BUILD COOPERATION AND MAINTAIN CAPABILITIES FOR JOINT OPERATIONS.
TSgt Dustin Walker—183rd Civil Engineer Squadron, Illinois Air National Guard
“With the joint environment it’s pretty good because you get to see how they normally do things verses how we do the different techniques.”
STUDENTS FROM BOTH COUNTRIES EXPECT LASTING BENEFITS FROM THIS COMBINED TRAINING EXPERIENCE. FOR AIR FORCE NEWS, I’M JOHN BURT.
]]> "I'm having so much fun. They're out there dancing, I wish I could get out there and dance with them. ...It's a good time."
There are no judges or scorecards.
"When you have judges it takes away from the talent, peoples nerves to get up there and perform."
(Nat sound of performer)
It's about expressing their passion with others.
"I thought the show was awesome, we had a lot of good participation. Folks did a lot of hard work and it paid off... it showed."
It's a show to remember and one that gives these servicemembers a break from the stress of deployment.
"I need to borrow his helmet so I can do some Harlem Shake stuff."
SOC]]> "To see these women out here working so hard in maintenance, flying, it just warms my heart. I see Canadian pilots, Air Force pilots, Afghan pilots all working together side by side to grow this Air Force, and what an inspiration."
Afghan women have faced many challenges when trying to take on non-traditional roles in their society. Brig Gen Van Ovost says that their work highlights the determination they have to make a better Afghanistan.
"It doesn't mater if we're male or female, what matters is that we're working towards our potential to do great things for our defense and for our nations. So taking some time to celebrate the achievements that women have had in these goals really shows the commitment the Afghan leadership has to developing their government."
SOC]]> SB: SSgt Rachel Trimble, Vocalist, Full Spectrum
On average, we rehearse maybe four days a week, from two to two and a half hours. At least right now, because we’re building our repertoire.
REPORTER:
But perfect pitch and a great music selection is just half the battle when it comes to giving a great performance. To do what they do best, first they’ll have to take on some training that takes them outside their comfort zone.
SB: SSgt Aaron Weibe, Guitarist, Full Spectrum
Pallet building is something we’re going to have to do every single day we’re on deployment, when we go out and travel and it’s something we have to do ourselves. SO we had to come learn to do this today.
REPORTER:
The band travels with hundreds of pounds of instruments and gear, as they tour throughout the CENTAF AOR. Pallet training is essential to making sure their equipment tours safely with them. Even with the daunting tasks ahead, these airmen are ready and excited for the challenge.
SB: MSgt John Cisar, Trombonist, Full Spectrum
There are so many things that we have to do to prepare and time gets compresses, time gets crunched, but then once we get over there and start doing what we’ve trained for, you know we start doing our day to day mission over there, which will be providing entertainment and shows for our troops or for the international partnership building, that’s when we’re really going to be in our element; and I think we’re going to be really experiencing the fun side of what we do. So that’s what I’m looking forward to.
REPORTER: It’s a unique balance between music and deployment preparation, a perfect symphony that has these airmen on the fast track downrange. Staff Sergeant Candace Reese, Langley Air Force base, Virginia.


]]>
SB: Braxton Hardman
I was kind of excited and scared because it was all of a sudden and there was loud noises so I felt a little scared but then excited because I never saw it before.

Reporter:
IT’S DEFENDERS DAY AT OSAN AIR BASE.
IT’S A CHANCE FOR THE COMMUNITY TO SEE WHAT THE 51ST SECURITY FORCES SQUADRON HAS TO OFFER, BUT FOR THESE KIDS IT MEANS GETTING A CHANCE TO SEE AN M-16 UP CLOSE AND CLIMBING ON TOP OF A HUMVEE.
AT THE END OF THE DAY, THE OVERALL FAVORITE EVENT IS ..
SB: Sebastian Oti
The quirk , the quirk, the quick reaction team because they shot blanks.
SB:Calvin Bakazan
The quick reaction team “why” I liked how they shot the blanks and how they had to put their hands up. My second favorite was going up in the tanks because I liked it. It was really cool

Reporter:
DEFENDERS DAY BUILDS A STRONGER RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE COMMUNITY AND SECURITY FORCES. THEY’RE NOT JUST THE GUYS WHO ASK TO SEE YOUR I-D, THEY’RE HERE FOR YOU.
AND WHO KNOWS, MAYBE THESE KIDS WILL WANT TO BE FUTURE DEFENDERS.

SB: Braxton Hardman
Well I still think I might want to be in the Navy


SB: Enrique Oti
To fly fighter planes but if I can’t I’d do the quick reaction team.

SENIOR AIRMAN NANCY KASBERG, OSAN AIR BASE, KOREA.
]]>
]]> SB: A1C Justin Phelps
My older brother and my brother-in-law, there’re both in the Navy. I saw how they were; I saw how they enjoyed life. I wanted to do something more, I wanted to do something different, I wanted to travel, so I wanted to join the military.
Reporter:
Airman Phelps knows the important part he and his fellow firefighters play on Misawa Air Base.
SB: A1C Justin Phelps
We have to be there, we have to know what to do when things go wrong. I mean every day we’re going over something we need to know. We’re training in medical, we’re training in fire fighting, we’re training on the trucks, we’re training on the gear, we’re training on the equipment. We’re keeping ourselves sharp, we’re keeping that information fresh on our minds, so when we do get that call we’re gonna know what to do. We’re gonna be on point.
Reporter:
Seeing the difference he makes in the safety of fellow service members and their families is both rewarding and humbling.
SB: A1C Justin Phelps
It’s not just a job. We’re a part of the base, we’re a part of the community. I’m going out helping people every day. It makes me feel proud, that I can go out and serve my country.
Reporter:
Misawa Fire Fighters Respond to 558 emergency calls in 2012.
PETTY OFFICER KARLA FOSTER, MISAWA AIRBASE JAPAN.

]]>
SB: CW2 Kevin Sims: Drop Zone Safety Officer

“If an Army unit was on the ground in Korea, North Korea we would be able to provide those commodities to those units anywhere on the ground.”


BUT EVEN THE SHARPEST TOOL BECOMES WORTHLESS IF IT DULLS.

SB: Maj Corey Akiyama: Drop Zone Controller

“In the wartime situation the primary agency providing the air drop will be the Air Force, so we need to work closely between the Air Force and the Army to make sure we can do this in the training environment so if we have to this in actual combat we can do it without a hitch.”

BEFORE ANY AIRCRAFTS TAKE OFF OR SUPPLIES REACH THE BATTLE FIELD A LOT OF PLANNING GOES ON BEHIND THE SCENE.

(SB: CW2 Kevin Sims: Drop Zone Safety Officer

“What you see here today is just a small piece of what an air delivery operation would actually take place”)

SB: Maj Corey Akiyama: Drop Zone Controller

“We work very closely together at the 19th ESC to make these airdrops happen”


SO SLEEP SOUND KNOWING US FORCES COORDINATE TOGETHER IN THE OFFICE AND IN THE FIELD TO PROVIDE THE BEST POSSIBLE RESPONSE WHEN CHALLENGED.

SB: CW2 Kevin Sims: Drop Zone Safety Officer

“The main focus for the joint training mission is with any mission it requires more than just one service, so the Army can’t do what it needs to do without the Air Force. The Air Force can’t provide the services that they need to be able to provide or that they can provide without the Army so it’s imperative that we do join operations.

SB: Maj Corey Akiyama: Drop Zone Controller:

“This is key in our preparation to always be ready to fight tonight”

SENIOR AIRMAN DESTINIE CHAVEZ, GWANJU DROPZONE, KOREA.
]]> Scott Air Force Base has been selected to test 24-hour fitness center use. This test is part of several initiatives underway that are intended to transform how the Air Force provides morale, welfare, and recreation programs and services.

TSgt. Jennifer Ortiz(Fitness Center NCOIC): “So far everyone that has come to register with us has been very excited about this 24-hour access. It will meet the needs of their schedule and the needs of all the people that are shift workers.”

Here’s who can access the fitness center after hours.
-Airmen on Active Duty
-Guard and Reverse Airmen on Active Duty orders
-Dependents that are 18-years or older that are accompanied by a registered user.
In order to gain access Airmen can stop by the fitness center and fill out a registration form, which will grant them access for Twelve months. This program gives Airmen the opportunity for Airmen to work out when it fits into their schedule.

Capt Daniel Davis (Fitness Center User): “You can come whenever you feel like it. You don’t feel like you are rushed to get home from work. When you have children you don’t feel like you have to get them back from their activities. Overall it is just more casual, laidback; you don’t feel like you are rushed at all.”

This is the first phase of testing and base leadership is hoping it will enhance fitness opportunities by maximizing usage without adding addition operating costs.
2nd Lt. Korey Fratini, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois
]]> Staff Sergeant Kevin Looney, Afghan Hand:
"Just knowing how to say how are you? how's your family? Safe travels, good evening, good night... things like that. If you use it, if you're not afraid to use it with the population you're going to be dealing with on your deployment, it goes a long way."

One of the instructors can be seen here, although we've disguised his face for security reasons. he shares with us his thoughts about his students.
Unknown:
"Surprisingly some of them speak very good ... language. they are really wanting to learn this language and they improve amazingly.

Army Captain Molly Schaefer, Afghan hand:
"The approach that he took, it was actually really perfect because he quickly identified what kind of a learner I was and what kind of homework I would respond to and what kind of feedback I would respond to. I got a lot out of that short period of time with him."

For Afghan Hands like Army Captain Molly Schaefer, their language training began with a fulltime 16 week course before deploying. Although experience with language and culture varies from person to person, most of the group studied with her in Washington, D.C. while others received training in Tampa, Florida.
Capt Schaefer:
"For four months, pretty much without break, Dari or Pashto, and for me it was the Persian Dari Language. It was pretty intense, it was pretty crazy because it's a completely different language. They read right to left instead of left to right, there's sounds that in the English language we can't even create."

Unknown:
"Always, my advice to them is to be motivated. I believe if we speak one language we are one person... if we speak several languages we are different people."

Most Afghan Hands interface with locals on a daily basis which requires both language and cultural understanding. They do their best to interface between the coalition and the Afghans with the goal of Afghanistan to govern itself with the hope of a prosperous future. Marine Staff Sergeant Jason Price, Kabul, Afghanistan.]]> SB: Gen Herbert Carlisle, PACAF Commander (:16)
It’s an opportunity to share ideas, it’s an opportunity to show assets, ours and theirs and talk about them. Most importantly I think it is probably is that growing that relationship and so that you’ll recognize people next time you see them in an exercise, you have a common baseline to talk from.
Reporter:
THE REBALANCE TO THE PACIFIC THAT IS CURRENTLY UNDERWAY DOESN’T NECESSARILY MEAN CREATING AN AIR BASE IN THE OUTBACK, BUT IT DOES MEAN STRENGTHENING AN ALREADY STRONG RELATIONSHIP.
SB: Gen Herbert Carlisle (:19)
I think our President made the comment that our future is indispensably tied to our relationship with Australia and I think that’s true, certainly a great ally in this part of the world. The rebalance is really about places not bases; we’re going to be present here. The American forces being in the Pacific makes the area more stable, secure and we hope more prosperous.
Reporter:
AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW 2013 NOT ONLY PROVIDED THE AIR FORCE A HIGHLY VISIBLE VENUE WITH WHICH TO SHOWCASE ITS AVIATION PROWESS. IT ALSO GAVE GENERAL CARLISLE AND HIS FELLOW AIRMAN A CHANCE TO PROMOTE STRONG MILITARY TO MILITARY TIES WITH OUR AUSTRALIAN ALLIES AND FRIENDS. AIRMAN FIRST CLASS ASHLEY POWELL, GEELONG, AUSTRALIA.




AFNP RADIO NEWS LEAD/SCRIPT

PID: 130308-RMBJ- AvalonAirShowGenCarlisle-RAD
DATE: 08 MAR 2013
STORY TYPE: Package
RT: :48
PRODUCER: A1C Ashley Powell



SUGGESTED LEAD:
THE COMMANDER OF PACIFIC AIR FORCES VISITED THE LAND DOWN UNDER FOR THE AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW. AIRMAN FIRST CLASS ASHLEY POWELL FINDS OUT WHY IT’S IMPORTANT FOR THE AIR FORCE TO BE PART OF THE SHOW.
SUGGESTED TAG:
THE AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW IS THE LARGEST INTERNATIONAL TRADE SHOW IN THE PACIFIC.

Reporter:
GENERAL HERBERT “HAWK” CARLISLE, THE COMMANDER OF PACIFIC AIR FORCES, JOINED A CONTINGENT OF HIS FELLOW AIRMEN IN THE LAND DOWN UNDER TO TAK PART IN THE AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW. THE GENERAL’S FOCUS WAS ON EXPANDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH A KEY REGIONAL PARTNER.
SB: Gen Herbert Carlisle, Pacific Air Forces Commander (:16)
It’s an opportunity to share ideas, it’s an opportunity to show assets, ours and theirs and talk about them. Most importantly I think it is probably is that growing that relationship and so that you’ll recognize people next time you see them in an exercise, you have a common baseline to talk from.
Reporter:
AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL AIR SHOW 2013 NOT ONLY PROVIDED THE AIR FORCE A HIGHLY VISIBLE VENUE WITH WHICH TO SHOWCASE ITS AVALON PROWESS. IT ALSO GAVE GENERAL CARLISLE AND HIS FELLOW AIRMAN A CHANCE TO PROMOTE STRONG MILITARY TO MILITARY TIES WITH OUR AUSTRALIAN ALLIES AND FRIENDS. AIRMAN FIRST CLASS ASHLEY POWELL, GEELONG, AUSTRALIA.
]]> SB: TSgt Ephrain Alvarez – NCOIC, Allergy and Immunization Clinics
“So Immunizations, we actually take dead or live viruses, and we actually inject those into your body to build immune response, so that you won’t be able to be susceptible to them should you come into contact with them outside”.
REPORTER
Within the clinic, the Immunizations section provides patients with necessary vaccinations…
SB: TSgt Ephrain Alvarez – NCOIC, Allergy and Immunization Clinics
“For the month of January, we gave over 4,500 vaccines…”

REPORTER
Meanwhile, the Allergy section right next-door conducts allergy testing and performs allergy injections. Patients wishing to visit the Allergy Clinic will need a referral from their Primary Care Manager. The clinic’s new Allergist, Lieutenant Colonel Teresa Nesselroad, spoke of the possible benefits of seeking treatment.
SB: Lt Col Teresa Nesselroad, 633rd Medical Group Allergist
“In some cases, allergy shots can be life-saving. For example, for someone with a venom allergy, a full course of allergy shots could prevent an otherwise potentially life-threatening reaction”.

REPORTER
Colonel Nesselroad is one of several new specialists added to the hospital’s staff in recent months. Together, the Allergy and Immunization Clinic’s medical professionals play a vital role in keeping their many patients healthy. Airman 1st Class Tory Patterson, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.]]>
TSgt Joe Despot isn't your typical A-10 Crew Chief. After the duty day you can find him in his shop working on
shadowboxes.

I started doing most of these projects just after my daughter was born, about 11 years ago. The way that I do
these is I use six individual pieces of wood so the grain will actually swoop into the upper stripes. And to get
all of the angles correct and to get all of your individual seems correct and smooth is very difficult. There's a
lot of work and alot of materials involved in it. I've probably got about 15 hours of work into it right now just
as it sits and I've got maybe 6 or 7 more to go.

Dispite the long hours and hard work, the end result is worth it.

Being able to give somebody somthing that makes them happy and be able to put a smile on their face is what it's
all about, makes it all worth it.

SOC.]]> equality in today’s Air Force. Betty Blake is in her 90’s. Although her memory is
fading, vision is blurring, she can still vividly remember her time as one of the
first female U.S. military pilots

SB: And I feel very very blessed to have been there at the beginning and gotten in.
They just didn’t think women could fly military planes. We had to show them.

Age has taken a toll on her physical being, but her spirit still carries that same
strength as that once young lady, who only had a passion for aviation. She expresses
how she remains motivated to carry on day after day.

SB: Good memories and good health, if I just had good eyes, I’d be really going
strong. Thank goodness the VA gave me one of these enlarging machines.

Betty’s learned to adjust and adapt accordingly to combat these ongoing challenges.

SB: What is today? What day of the week?

Thursday.

SB: Thursday. I have trouble too. I have a calendar here, and I’m going to circle it
right now. I have to circle it everyday so I can keep track of what day it is. Now I
know it’s Thursday. I thought, this morning I thought who should I call to find out
what day of the week it is.

Even though keeping track of what day of the week it is seems to be a task in itself,
there’s part of her life that will never leave her memory.

SB: It’s been an exciting life from a little kid that grew up on the beach in
Honolulu and flew little cubs and stensons and things. There were so many experiences
and I, when I sit, and I’m alone a lot, and I see something, I turn TV on and they
have a something about a plane or something on there and it brings back memories and
I got lots of good memories to think about. I’d love to do all of this again. It was
the highlight of my life.

Senior Airman Zach Lopez, Paradise Valley, Arizona
]]> THE ANNUAL AIR FORCE AWARD CEREMONY ON SHAPE RECENTLY TOOK PLACE TO HIGHLIGHT THE AMAZING WORK OF AIRMEN, NCOS, AND OFFICERS ALIKE. SGT MATHEW KUCHERA, FROM SHAPE, TELLS US WHY IT’S SO IMPORTANT TO RECOGNIZE AIRMEN’S ACHIEVEMENTS.
SB: SSGT MATHEW KUCHERA, NCO AWARD NOMINEE
“ITS GOOD FOR YOUR AIRMEN TO SEE YOU RECOGNIZED. HARD WORK DOES PAY OFF. PAYING THAT FORWARD THOUGH, AS AN NCO, RECOGNIZING YOUR AIRMEN WHEN THEY DO AMAZING THINGS, IS ESSENTIAL. ITS NICE HAVING THE SPOTLIGHT SHINING ON YOU NOW AND AGAIN, BUT WHEN YOU’RE AN NCO, ITS NOT ABOUT YOU, ITS ABOUT TAKING CARE OF THOSE UNDER YOU. ITS ABOUT MAKING SURE YOUR AIRMEN ARE TAKEN CARE OF AND THEY GET THEIR CHANCE TO SHINE.]]>
THE BAND STOPPED BY THE DINING FACILITY, FIRE STATION, LOGISTICS READINESS SQUADRON, CIVIL ENGINEER SQUADRON, COMMUNICATION SQUADRON AND MEDICAL GROUP. SHOW-CASING THEIR TALENT FOR THEIR ELECTRIC SHOW.

AT THEIR BIG SHOW-TOTAL FORCE GOT AIRMEN SINGING ALONG, JUMPING AROUND AND SWARMING THE STAGE. SWAYING TO THE MUSIC AND ENJOYING THE LAST SONG OF THE NIGHT-THESE AIRMEN WERE ALL SMILES.

AIRMAN FIRST CLASS LINDY PATA, 380TH AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING, SOUTHWEST ASIA.
]]> WHEN MANY PEOPLE THINK OF A MILITARY BAND, THEY PICTURE THEM MARCHING IN A PARADE OR PLAYING AT A CEREMONY. BUT WHAT ABOUT FULFILLING SOMEONE’S LAST WISH?

ROBERT ‘BT’ GEGGIE (21 SEC):
NOW I’VE COME DOWN WITH THAT LUNG CANCER AND BONE CANCER AND BEEN FIGHTING IT FOR 2 YEARS…I’M TIRED OF FIGHTING…I THOUGHT I HAD IT WIPPED BUT I DON’T…

REPORTER:
THIS OLD MARINE IS IN HOSPICE CARE AND HIS LAST WISH … TO HEAR A MILITARY BAND PLAY SEMPER FI ONE MORE TIME.

THE BAND OFTEN PLAYS FOR THE COMMUNITY; HOWEVER, THIS IS WAS REQUEST THAT THE BAND HAD NEVER ENCOUNTERED.

MAJOR CRISTINA MOORE URRUTIA (17 SEC):
IT’S HARD TO PUT INTO WORDS THE IMPACT BUT WHEN YOU SEE IT HAPPENING AND YOU SEE THE TEARS ON THE FACES OF NOT JUST THE GENTLEMAN, WHOSE DREAM WE WERE MAKING COME TRUE BUT THE ENTIRE FAMILY WHO FELT THE IMPACT OF MUSIC AND WHAT IT MEANT TO THOSE INDIVIDUALS. THAT’S WHY WE EXIST AS BANDS.

ROBERT GEGGIE (13 SEC):
AT MY FUNERAL, I CAN REQUEST THE MARINE CORPS BAND TO PLAY TAPS…AND UH…I THOUGHT THAT’D BE A GOOD IDEA…

REPORTER:
THE BAND PLAYED A SONG THAT STRUCK A CHORD WITH BT FROM HIS PAST, THE MARINE HYMN; AND PUT A SMILE ON THE OLD LEATHERNECKS FACE.
SENIOR AIRMAN JOHN RAVEN, SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, ILLINOIS.
]]> TWO YEARS AGO, THE U-S AIR FORCE PRESENTED THE F-22 AS A STATIC DISPLAY AT THE AVALON AIR SHOW. BUT THIS YEAR, THE DEMONSTRATION TEAM FROM LANGLEY, VIRGINIA SET THE RAPTOR FREE AT THE HANDS OF MAJOR HENRY SCHANTZ (SH-ONTS).
SB: Maj Henry Schantz, F-22 Demo Team Commander and Pilot (:16)
It’s really an amazing opportunity that the Air Force allows me to go out, show this amazing aircraft and then we get to go out and talk to the people, answer questions and really bring the Air Force both in the United States and all the way overseas where we are able to talk to the allies of our great country.
Reporter:
THIS ISN’T THE FIRST BIRD THAT MAJOR SCHANTZ HAS FLOWN. HE CUT HIS TEETH IN THE EAGLE, AND THE LEAP FROM THAT PLATFORM TO THE RAPTOR IS ASTOUNDING.
SB: Maj Henry Schantz (:26)
Well the F-22 is the fifth generation, newest aircraft out there and I used to fly the F-15c. It’s an amazing jump in technology to get to the F-22 and the way that it integrates with all the other platforms out there is just amazing. All that put together always makes it an exciting time to go fly and doing the demo and showing how maneuverable it is, pulling G’s at low altitude and just really showing the world how great this aircraft is, is just an amazing time.
Reporter
AND THE ONE QUESTION ON THE PUBLIC’S MIND SEEMS TO REVOLVE AROUND SPEED.
SB: Maj Henry Schantz (:14)
Well I’ll tell you this, the F-22 we super cruise at 1.5 Mach, we get pretty high and pretty fast and it’s really amazing to watch the world go by. When we’re at air shows we stay below the speed of sound but we’re somewhere around 600 to 625 miles per hour.
Reporter:
BUT IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT SPEED. IT’S ALSO A WAY TO DEMONSTRATE REGIONAL ENGAGEMENT AND COMMITMENT.


SB: Maj Henry Schantz (:14)
When we come out to air shows and trade shows, specifically like the Australian International Air Show, we’re definitely not competing against each other, we’re definitely working as a team to make sure our allies and our nation know just how great and venerable the aircraft are that we have.
Reporter:
AND AS THE RAPTOR FINISHES DAZZLING THE CROWDS AT THE AVALON AIR SHOW, IT’S PRESENCE HERE COULD BE A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME. AFTER ALL, THE U-S MILITARY IS IN THE PROCESS OF REBALANCING ITS FORCES TO THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION. AIRMAN FIRST CLASS ASHLEY POWELL, GEELONG (JA-LONG), AUSTRALIA.
]]> SB: SrA Shanita Dorsey, Force Management Technician
Once it shuts down it’s, you know, we’re updating things. After it’s updated, we have to induce processes. So, we want to make sure we get it in before the shutdown.
REPORTER:
Even though the outage is on Senior Airman Dorsey’s radar, the benefits of the new system will affect Airmen across the globe.
SB: MSgt Joshua Lawfield, Langley’s Military Personnel Section Superintendent
So, this MilPDS system has been around for over 10 years now, so we’re going through a major upgrade. This system is going to be a little more intuitive and just a little more user-friendly for us and, at the end of the day, a little more information is going to be in MilPDS.
REPORTER:
The new system will launch after March 28th. Meanwhile, Senior Airman Dorsey will slow down a bit. That is, until the next wave of paperwork comes in.
SB: SrA Dorsey, Force Management Technician
Force Management. This is Airman Dorsey speaking. How may I help you?
REPORTER:
Airman 1st Class Hillary Herrick, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.]]>
The 81st San Angelo Rodeo held military appreciation night to honor those who serve.

Boid Polhamus (0:10):
So as we get started tonight understand this. This is the greatest country in the history of the world but only because people are willing to fight and die to defend it.

The rodeo invited singers from Goodfellow AFB to perform the opening ceremony.

“and the home of the brave”

Cowboys came out of their gates and competed in eight events. They rode broncs, rode bulls and roped steers. Military Appreciations Night gave servicemembers a chance to enjoy San Angelo’s biggest event of the year.

2Lt Kyle Van Hecke (0:10):
“I came out to the rodeo because that’s what you do in San Angelo. I’ve never been to the rodeo before. The mutton busting they put little kids on sheeps and these sheeps go crazy. You gotta check it out. The bulls are awesome. They do steer wrestling. They wrestle the steers. It’s awesome.”

Military Appreciation Night was a special way for the people of San Angelo to thank those who serve.

Boid Polhamus (0:10):
“I love you. Thank You. I could not do what I do if you didn’t do what you do. You’re the bravest, most finely trained, most polite and proper group of individuals I’ve ever been around in my life. And I just admire every step you take.”

At the end of the night, almost 100 cowboys from three continents rode to glory or crashed into the dirt to entertain the troops.

STAFF SERGEANT DAVID ZHENG, GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS.

Boid Polhamus (0:10):
“Oh yeah that’s the great thing about rodeo you never know what you’re going to get. The animals don’t read the script, they’re un-choreographed. You don’t know if someone is going to get thrown into the stands… almost every performance there’s something I haven’t seen before]]> SMSgt James Segebarth, Security Superintendent
Today Security Forces teamed up with Prime BEEF to go outside the wire to try to fix some of the wells in the local villages. These wells are very important to the villagers because it is their source of clean water. It also helps us as we try to build relations with the community around Bagram Airfield. Well when we got out to the village, and we started pulling apart the first well, it went very smoothly. Within about 30 minutes we were able to tear their well apart and with the new parts we had with us we pieced it back together.
Maj Wayne Sanaghan
The problem we have with the wells is they are meant to be serviced every six months. They only last up to about a few years before they need to be torn down and rebuilt. They have two maybe three wells in the villages and when they go down they have to carry buckets over to the next village, fill them up with water, and walk all the way back again. having water locally available without having to walk in the winter or in the bad weather helps them out quite a bit. What breaks first is the little rubber gromits on the bottom, it just catches all the grit here in the bottom and it wears out. What we do mostly is repair the plungers and the metal rods that run down the center of them.
SMSgt James Segebarth, Security Superintendent
Once we got the well back together and the water was coming out of it, the village elders were there they were happy, the kids were happy, it was a great event and a perfect day for it.
It's just a good job to do, it makes you feel good because you know you have a direct impact on somebody else's life.]]> Speaker 1

I am airman first class, Allen Plata out of Davis-Monthan AFB, Tucson Arizona. Forward deployed here to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. I work munitions systems and I am a munitions system crew member.

The type of work that ammo troops do, I think it would have to be almost every boy’s dream. Wanting to work with aircraft, want to work with bombs. Put two and two together and you get a pretty lethal combination.

Speaker 2

Function of ammo is to provide the flight line with all the explosives needed to prosecute the war. We provide all the bombs, 30 mills and flare that they need to get the mission done.

We have taken care of over a hundred tons of munitions while we were here.

They all understand how important this mission is and they take it that seriously. They know that we cannot have errors out here; they know they cannot have mix ups when dealing with explosives.

So I am very of their professionalism. These are young guys and they have really taken the ball and run with it.

Speaker 3

What we are doing out here is not just building munitions, we not just loading aircraft, we are not just making sure everything is correct and ready to go to be dropped. We are making sure that the guys out on the front line, when they call for munitions, they will go off a hundred percent of the time. Our job is not for us; our job is for everyone outside the wire.

This 30 mm munitions is actually specific for the A10, the GAU-8 and that is what the A10 is known for. When you see that giant gun, this is the only bullet coming out.

You know when an A10 is coming at you; you know when an A10 is in the air. Its got that distinct engine noise. Its just know for so much fire-power that it can hold, that you know that if that thing is coming after you, you are in trouble.

There is no turning back when that plane’s guns are pointed at you.
 

]]> [SB: 2LT ADAM LANGLEY (0:02): RED FLAG’S BEEN A GREAT EXPERIENCE, IT’S MY FIRST TIME. A LOT OF WORK, BUT IT’S BEEN FUN.]

MCCONNELL AIRMEN HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK ALONGSIDE AIRMEN FROM ACROSS OUR AIR FORCE IN THIS YEARS’ RED FLAG EXERCISE. RED FLAG IS DESIGNED TO TRAIN AIRMEN TO BE ABLE TO REACT EFFECTIVELY TO REAL-WORLD COMBAT SITUATIONS.

[SB: 2LT ADAM LANGLEY (0:21): WELL THE TANKER TASK FORCE HERE INVOLVES FOUR OF OUR KC-135 AIRCRAFT. WE HAVE 3 FROM MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE IN WICHITA KANSAS AND AN ADDITIONAL ONE FROM FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE. ]

MCCONNELL’S KC-135 STRATOTANKERS PLAY A KEY ROLE IN AIR MOBILITY, BUT IT’S A TEAM EFFORT TO GET THEM OFF THE GROUND.

[SB: 2LT ADAM LANGLEY (0:39): OH, OUR AIRMEN HAVE BEEN OUTSTANDING. WE’VE GOT SOME REALLY HARD WORKERS HERE. I KNOW TOMORROW WE’RE GOING TO RECOGNIZE SOME OF THEM AS OUR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVERS. I CAN’T GIVE ENOUGH CREDIT TO OUR GUYS.]

REPORTING FROM MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, I’M AIRMAN FIRST CLASS JARROD VICKERS.]]>
SB:
SO EVERY TWENTY SECONDS IT ROTATES, DOES ONE FULL SCAN, AND IT DOES 16 DIFFERENT DEGREE LEVELS, SO IT’LL TILT UP A LITTLE BIT HIGHER EACH TIME. SO, IN LIKE FIVE MINUTES, YOU HAVE A THREE-DIMENSIONAL IDEA OF YOUR STORM AS IT’S DEVELOPING.

THE DOPPLER RADAR EQUIPS THE WEATHER TEAM WITH THE MOST UP TO DATE WEATHER INFORMATION TO DISSEMINATE TO AIR CREWS.

SB:
SO WE BRIEF ALL THE AIR CREWS THAT GO OUT AND SUPPORT THE MISSION, OEF AND HOA, HORN OF AFRICA, AS WELL. SO, OUR SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY IS PRETTY BIG.

THE PORTABLE DOPPLER RADAR PLAYS A VITAL ROLE IN PREVENTING AIRCRAFT MISHAPS AND ENSURING THE AIR TASKING ORDER IS MET. WITH JUST WEEKLY MAINTENANCE, THIS RADAR HAS SET THE STANDARD FOR WEATHER AIRMEN AROUND THE AIR FORCE.

AIRMAN FIRST CLASS LINDY PATA, 380TH AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING, SOUTHWEST ASIA.]]>
THE VISIT STARTED WITH A FLIGHT LINE TOUR. MEETING AND GREETING AIRMEN, THROWING A COUPLE PASSES, AND SIGNING A FEW FOOTBALLS.

NEXT, THEY ATTENDED A BARBECUE WHERE AIRMEN GOT TO VISIT WITH ALL THE PERFORMERS AND ATHLETES, FOLLOWED BY A PERFORMANCE BY DIANA DEGARMO AND ACE YOUNG, ACCOMPANIED BY TWO DALLAS COWBOYS CHEERLEADERS.

THIS U-S-O TOUR IS VISITING AIRMEN AND SOLDIERS ALL OVER THE THEATER—SPREADING MORALE AND THANKING SERVICE MEMBERS FOR WHAT THEY DO AND THE SACRIFICES THEY MAKE.

AIRMAN FIRST CLASS LINDY PATA, 380TH AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING, SOUTHWEST ASIA.]]>
Sharon O’Garro – “The program was developed because I found there was a need, that the wounded warriors felt like they were on their own, some of their issues weren’t being met, so the program came about because there was a need for it.”

BG Norman – “The New Horizons program is real important to us because it gives us an opportunity for our wounded Airmen to receive care in their hometown. It’s with their family with their friends with their fellow Airmen and sleeping at their own house at night. It’s a comfortable environment for them and we find they like it a lot more and the care is a lot more effective.”

THE HEALING PROCESS DOESN’T END AT GRADUATION, BUT THEY ARE ON THE PATH TO RECOVERY. THESE AIRMEN KNOW THEY WILL ALWAYS GET HELP WHEN NEEDED.

SSgt McKinnon – “As far as graduation, after I leave here, I will continue to see my doctors and I’ll continue to get help and I’ll continue to speak to my case manager on a monthly basis and I have someone who is attached to me for the rest of my life to make sure I get everything that I need when I need it.”

Sharon O’Garro – “Wounded warriors are very special to me because I look at the wounded warriors somewhat like my children. If that was one of my children and they get broken, I want to be around to help fix them, because whatever they’re going through is fixable. I want to show the wounded warriors that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.”

MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS CAN’T MAKE YOU ENROLL IN THE PROGRAM; YOU HAVE TO TAKE THE FIRST STEP ON YOUR OWN. A STEP THAT IS SUPPORTED DURING THE ENTIRE HEALING PROCESS. TECH SERGEANT LANCE DAIGLE, RAF LAKENHEATH, UNITED KINGDOM.]]>
F-35's have been grounded as a precaution after a routine engine inspection revealed a crack on an engine blade. Officials say it's a cautionary suspension of flight and a more thorough evaluation and root cause analysis is in the works. We'll bring you updates to this story on AF.mil.

Meet the newest Secretary of Defense.

"You're not joining my team; I'm joining your team. And I want you to know how proud I am."

Secretary Hagel has been sworn in as the 24th Secretary of Defense. He is the first to have held an enlisted rank and the first Vietnam veteran to lead the department.

Air force officials released nomination criteria for the new Distinguished Warfare Medal. It will honor individuals for single acts of extraordinary achievement that directly impact combat or other military operations not involving acts of valor. Unlike other combat-related medals, it may be awarded for actions completed either in or outside an actual combat zone. For more information, go to the mypers website and enter "dwm" in the search window.

And that's it for the headlines. Login to the Air Force's Official website AF Link for these and other top stories. From the Air Force Broadcasting Service, I'm Senior Airman Alina Richard.]]> A 79th Fighter Squadron pilot gets situated in the cockpit of his F-16 Fighting Falcon prior to takeoff during Red Flag 13-3, at Nellis Air force Base, Nevada.
Airmen from the 509th Maintenance Squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, close an inlet bell mouth for a B-2 Spirit engine inside the test cell.
The Crew of a C-130 Hercules prepares for a flight in Alexandria, Louisiana, in support of Joint Readiness Training Center aeromedical evacuation training.
And that's this week in photos, I'm Staff Sergeant Michael Brady]]> sb: pamela flemions, community readiness technician “here at spangdahlem we’re doing workshops throughout the week; we have a certified financial planner that’s going to be here during the week that’s going to facilitate the majority of our classes.”
narration: What can people learn from these classes?
sb: pamela flemions, community readiness technician “the intent is that they’re going to give out information, so we have our military members, our family members, our department of defense employees; they’re able to save build wealth and decrease debt.”
narration: you may not have debt, but there are other courses that you can learn from.
sb: pamela flemions, community readiness technician “we have the saving and investing class; it’s for basic investing, and then you can also invest in your retirement which is the thrift savings plan.”
narration: if the classes aren’t your style, you can always take the saver’s pledge.
sb: pamela flemions, community readiness technician “the saver’s pledge is where you’re going to make a commitment that you’re going to save some money, and hopefully get out of debt.”
narration: a1c’s can even feel prepared for retirement. in spangdahlem, Germany; i’m airman first class alexander goad, a-f-n news.]]> DONIEL WOLFE, FINANCIAL COUNSELOR
“Once a year DOD wide military saves is an annual campaign in partnership with America saves throughout the services wherever you are, whatever institution there should be something going on.”
…BUT IT TAKES MORE THAN ONE WEEK TO PREPARE FOR A LIFETIME OF SAVINGS.
DONIEL WOLFE, FINANCIAL COUNSELOR
“America saves and military saves is a yearlong program. There are actually quarterly things.
Anytime they need our services or our briefings, anything with personal financial readiness it is so intimately connected with mission readiness, and with marital satisfaction and with everything that can make the military mission successful or lead to failure.” (38)
WHETHER PREPARING FOR RETIREMENT OR JUST DECIDING WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR TAX REFUND, FINANCIAL ADVISOR, TIMOTHY VOHAR SAYS DON’T MAKE ANY QUICK DECISIONS.
TIMOTHY VOHAR, FINANCIAL READINESS ADVISOR
“A lot of times people will get the five to six thousand dollars in their tax refund and put it on their credit cards, which is a great idea. It’s a great idea, but it’s even a better idea to come see us first. Let us do a spending plan with you, goal setting is the number one thing people should do, short term goals, medium term goals, or long term goals. You don’t have to be in credit card debt, you don’t have to be in dire straits, you could just want to look to the future.” (42)
FROM USING COUPONS, STARTING A SAVINGS PLAN, OR DABBLING IN THE STOCK MARKET THERE ARE WAYS YOU CAN PREPARE FOR RETIREMENT OR JUST NEXT YEAR. IF MONEY MATTERS, MAKE THIS THE YEAR YOU TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FINANCES.
SENIOR AIRMAN ASHLEY CORKINS, RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, GERMANY.]]> SOUNDBITS: :08 (MAJ ZAK BLOM, 9 SOS)
“EGLIN AND THE 96TH TEST WING HAS BEEN A GREAT HOST OVER THE YEARS, BUT WE JUST HAVE TWO DIFFERENT MISSIONS ON THE TWO DIFFERENT WINGS. WE BELONG AT THE FIRST SOW.”
NARRATOR:
THE 9TH SOS, CURRENTLY LOCATED AT EGLIN AFB, SPECIALIZES IN AERIAL REFUELING AND RESUPPLYING SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES.
NARRATOR STANDUP:
THE UNIT WILL LITERALLY MOVE UP THE STREET TO HURLBURT FIELD, HOME OF THE 1ST SPECIAL OPERATIONS WING FINALLY BRINGING ALL OF THE 9TH’S AIRCRAFT, MAINTAINERS AND OPERATORS TOGETHER.
SOUNDBITE: :10 (MAJ ZAK BLOM, 9 SOS)
“IN THE LONG RUN, BECAUSE OF WHAT WE DO IN THE SPECIAL OPERATIONS WING, THE SUPPORT FUNCTIONS ON HURLBURT ARE BETTER SUITED TO TAKE CARE OF THE PEOPLE IN THE UNIT”
NARRATOR:
THE SQUADRON WILL OFFICIALLY STAND UP AT HURLBURT IN MAY 2013. SENIOR AIRMAN BRANDY DIRR, HURLBURT FIELD, FLORIDA.]]> In this room.
To hear what this man has to say
Lieutenant General Sam Angelella. Commander of the entire U.S. Japan Forces and 5th Air Force. In other words, he’s kind of a big deal. But he took time out of his busy schedule to meet up with reporters for a face-to-face question and answer session.
Difficult questions, but many of them need to be answered. And who better to do so than the Commander of U.S. Forces Japan?
Lieutenant General Angelella answered questions from the Osprey
And even North Korean nuclear concerns
There wasn’t enough time for all questions, but the discussion helped make headway impact on encouraging communication and forging relationships with worldwide media and the countries they call home. Senior Airman Sarah Brice, Tokyo, Japan.]]> IMAGINE LOOKING OUT INTO A CROWD AS YOU TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN YOUR AIR FORCE CAREER AND SEEING MOPP GEAR.

CMSGT BRENDAN CRISWELL, 51ST FIGHTER WING COMMAND CHIEF:
TODAY IS ACTUALLY A GREAT DAY. WE ARE DOING OUR AIRMAN LEADERSHIP SCHOOL GRADUATION HERE AND WE’RE DOING IT RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF AN OPERATIONAL READINESS EXERCISE.

SRA KATIE JOHNSON:
AIRMAN LEADERSHIP SCHOOL GRADUATIONS ARE KNOWN FOR THEIR FANCY DINNERS AND FORMAL ATTIRE, BUT AT THIS GRADUATION AT OSAN AIR BASE, THERE ISN’T A BLUES UNIFORM IN SIGHT. WHILE IT’S CERTAINLY A UNIQUE SETTING, FOR ATTENDEES AND GRADUATES ALIKE, IT’S A MEMORABLE DAY.

SRA CINDY MEDERO, ALS GRADUATE:
I THINK IT’S GREAT TO SEE ALL THE COLONELS AND OFFICERS IN MOPP GEAR. NOBODY’S ALL DRESSED UP. NOBODY’S FORMAL. IT DEFINITELY CHANGES THE ATMOSPHERE.

SRA KATIE JOHNSON:
OPERATIONAL READINESS EXERCISES AT OSAN AIR BASE CALL FOR ROUND-THE-CLOCK OPERATIONS, WITH VERY LITTLE FREE TIME FOR AIRMEN. BUT EVEN WITH A HECTIC SCHEDULE, MANY TOOK A BREAK FROM WORK TO SUPPORT THESE SENIOR AIRMEN AND STAFF SERGEANTS ON THIS IMPORTANT DAY.

SSGT CARLTON HOLT, ALS INSTRUCTOR:
SEEING OUR FELLOW BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ARMS IN THE AIR FORCE HERE AT OSAN WITH MOPP GEAR ON IS PRETTY AWESOME, THAT THEY COULD TAKE TIME OUT OF THEIR DAY AND OUT OF THE EXERCISE TO COME SUPPORT OUR STUDENTS.

SRA KATIE JOHNSON:
THIS CEREMONY DOESN’T JUST MARK THE END OF A FIVE-WEEK TRAINING COURSE FOR THE GRADUATES. AS EACH AIRMAN WALKS ACROSS THE STAGE, THEY SHOW THE MEMBERS OF TEAM OSAN THAT THEY ARE NOT ONLY READY TO FIGHT TONIGHT, THEY’RE READY TO LEAD TONIGHT.

SENIOR AIRMAN KATIE JOHNSON, OSAN AIR BASE, KOREA.

]]> On this rainy day, President Barack Obama arrived at Langley Air Force Base waving to the crowd. After shaking hands and thanking a handful of select Airmen, the President was off to a Newport News shipyard for a public speech in front of several hundred shipyard workers. He spoke about the upcoming fiscal concerns and Sequestration.
Reporter Stand-up
While the President is out speaking to the public, Air Force One is prepping for the Commander-In-Chief’s return. Once he returns, they will head out to meet the President’s busy schedule.
REPORTER
As fast as the President arrived, only a few hours later he was waving goodbye, heading back to Washington D.C.. Airman 1st Class Anthony Hetlage, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.]]> SB: MAJ JENNIFER SHIRLEY
“IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT SEVENTY PERCENT OF MEDICAL DECISIONS ARE BASED ON LABORATORY RESULTS. BASICALLY WHEN YOU COME TO SEE THE DOCTOR WITH AN ILLNESS, HE OR SHE HAS A VERY GOOD IDEA WHAT MAY BE WRONG WITH YOU BUT UNTIL WE GET LAB RESULTS, MANY TIMES THEY CAN’T KNOW FOR SURE.”
Reporter:
IF YOU THINK BEING A LAB TECH IS A NINE TO FIVE JOB, YOU’RE WRONG…
SB: MAJ JENNIFER SHIRLEY
“WE PROVIDE TWENTY-FOUR HOUR A DAY SERVICE SEVEN DAYS A WEEK BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN SOMEONE NEEDS TO COME TO THE UCC OR SOMEONE DECIDES TO HAVE A BABY, THOSE BABIES COME AT THE ODDEST HOURS. BASICALLY BECAUSE WE DO SUPPORT EVERY FUNCTION OF THIS HOSPITAL SOMEONE NEEDS TO BE IN HOUSE AND AVAILABLE TWENTY FOUR HOURS A DAY.”
Reporter:
THE LONG HOURS ARE COUPLED WITH A SPONTANEOUS WORK LOAD…
SB: SSGT ROBERT BENNETT
“AS A LAB TECH YOU’VE GOT TO BE READY FOR ANYTHING THAT COMES ACROSS YOU WHETHER IT BE YA KNOW OPENING UP THE MORGUE OR HELPING OUT WITH A BIOLOGICAL HAZARD OR HELPING OUT WITH AN AIRCRAFT INCIDENT. THE STRESSES OF THIS JOB ARE VERY INTERESTING TO SAY THE LEAST BUT I THINK IT’S VERY WORTHWHILE AS A LAB TECH TO BE ABLE TO SEE THOSE KINDS OF THINGS.”
Reporter:
LAB TECHS PROVIDE ARE CRITICAL TO MISSION READINESS, IT’S IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT THEY’RE JOB ISN’T TO GIVE YOU TREATMENT, BUT TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY DATA TO DOCTORS WHO WILL.
SB: SSGT ROBERT BENNETT
“ WE’RE THE LAB TECHS THAT GET THE BLOODWORK AND DO ALL THE BLOODWORK WE’RE NOT THE ONES NECESSARILY TELLING YOU; YOU HAVE TO DO IT… SO WE’RE JUST KIND OF THE MIDDLE MAN IN THE PROCESS SO JUST BE MORE UNDERSTANDING OF YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD LAB TECHS.”
SEAMAN APPRENTICE JEAN BAKER, MISAWA AIR BASE, JAPAN.
]]>

SECRETARY HAGEL IS THE FIRST SECRETARY OF DEFENSE TO HAVE HELD AN ENLISTED RANK. AND THE FIRST VIETNAM VETERAN TO LEAD THE DEPARTMENT. HE ENLISTED IN THE ARMY AS A INFANTRY SOLDIER.... BECOMING A HIGHLY DECORATED VIETNAM VETERAN, WITH TWO PURPLE HEARTS. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS STORY , LOG ON TO DEFENSE-DOT-GOV. THIS HAS BEEN AN AIR FORCE REPORT, I'M SENIOR AIRMAN RENEE CARBERRY.
]]> SB: It's a positive air system that basically is like a bubble, and you put on air tight shorts and you zip in and so that basically the lower half of your body is in a balloon and the air pressure lifts you up and allows you to take off weight as you walk.
The treadmill is for patients who can't put full weight on their legs because of joint injuries. And the therapists are already seeing positive changes.
SB: It's made a big difference in a lot of patients. Some of them haven't been able to run for 2, 3 years... Because they can take the body weight, pressure of their joints, they can run now.
The physical therapy clinic also acquired a gate analysis machine that provides the therapist with a more detailed few on how a person moves.
SB: The gate analysis system allows us to take high speed footage of people walking or running and it also senses the pressure that they land with. So we use that information to see if they are doing something while they walk or run that inhibits their ability to do those skills.
With this in depth analysis the therapists can give advice on how to improve run time and endurance through more efficient ways of moving. Through the use of these treadmills Scott AFB is streamlining the recovery process and building stronger, more informed runners.
SOC]]> CAPT KELVIN FRANCIS
“THE PRAYERS THAT WE HAD TODAY WERE FOR OUR NATION, FOR PEACE, FOR PEACE AROUND THE WORLD AND AN END TO THE CONFLICTS WE HAVE AND ALSO PRAYERS FOR US, FOR OUR NATIONAL LEADERS, OUR LOCAL LEADERS.”
BECAUSE WE’RE SO DIVERSE IN OUR BELIEFS, IT’S IMPORTANT TO WORK WITH AND RESPECT EACH OTHERS SPIRITUAL DIFFERENCES.
CMSGT TIFFANY SMITH
“IT’S IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THAT DIVERSITY IS A GOOD THING. IT’S IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THAT YOU MAY WORK WITH PEOPLE OF A CHRISTIAN BACKGROUND, JEWISH BACKGROUND, MUSLIM, OR OTHER FAITH GROUPS AND IT’S OK TO BRING THOSE DIFFERENCES TOGETHER TO CREATE A STRONGER COMMUNITY.”
SPIRITUAL RESILIENCE IS A BIG PART OF OVERALL READINESS AND EVENTS LIKE THIS BRING PEOPLE CLOSER.
CAPT KELVIN FRANCIS
“THE COMMUNITY OF FAITH THAT WE HAVE HERE AT RAMSTEIN IS LIKE A FAMILY AWAY FROM FAMILY. WE HELP EACH OTHER AND WE STRENGTHEN EACH OTHER AND IF SOMEONE’S DEPLOYED AND THEY NEED HELP WITH THE KIDS WE COME TOGETHER AND HELP EACH OTHER OUT. SO IT’S BOTH SPIRITUAL AND COMMUNITY THAT GIVES US THE STRENGTH TO DO THE JOB THAT WE NEED TO DO.”
BEING ABLE TO WORK WITH AND LEARN FROM EACH OTHER IS NECESSARY FOR SUCCESS AND THIS EVENT ALLOWED PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS TO COME TOGETHER ON A COMMON GOAL.
KIMBERLY BARRON
“YOU NEED ABSOLUTELY EVERYBODY AND EVERY FAUCET TO CORRELATE AND CREATE BIG THINGS AND IMPLEMENT BIG THINGS SO IT’S EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO HAVE DIFFERENT MIND SETS AND IDEOLOGIES COME TOGETHER REGARDLESS OF YOUR BELIEF SYSTEM.”
SCRIPT:
THOUGH THE NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST IS AN ANNUAL EVENT, PRAYER EVENTS ARE HELD SEVERAL TIMES A YEAR IN MANY PLACES. CONTACT YOUR BASE CHAPLIN TO FIND OUT WHEN THEY’RE HAPPENING NEAR YOU. AIRMAN AARON RICHARDSON, RAMSTEIN AB, GERMANY.]]> SrA William McElhaney, Special Purpose Vehicle Mechanic: : “today i installed an aims 2 system on a ford f150. we’re actually the first base in usafe to try the aims 2 system. i think its going to be a good thing for the air force. it should be able to save a lot of money. it’s pretty exciting to be you know one of 6 people to be installing these on 500 vehicles.”
NARRATION: HE MAY BE HELPING THE AIR FORCE SAVE MONEY AT WORK, BUT BEING A MECHANIC SAVES HIS FRIENDS MONEY AS WELL.
SrA William McElhaney, Special Purpose Vehicle Mechanic: “you know if i have a friend or ANYTHING that needs SOME help with a vehicle, i’ll take a look at if for them. it’s a really good feeling. it’s nice to see a vehicle driving around that i know that i fixed. ”
NARRATION: THAT SENSE OF SATISFACTION IS WHAT KEEPS WILLIAM GOING.
SrA William McElhaney, Special Purpose Vehicle Mechanic: “i’ve been in for about 5 years now and i’m loving every minute of it.”
narration: i’m AIR FORCE STAFF SERGEANT JASON BAILEY, a-f-n news.
]]> IT CAN HAPPEN AT ANY TIME…A FIRE BRAKES OUT AND IT’S FIREFIGHTERS WHO BRAVE THE FLAME FOR ONE REASON.
NAT SOUND
SSgt Thomas Crutchfield – Safety Officer
“When other people are running out, we’re the ones running into try and retrieve those that can’t under their own power.”

NAT SOUND
EVEN AT A DEPLOYED LOCATION IN SOUTH WEST ASIA…FIREFIGHTS MUST TRAIN TO KEEP THEIR SKILLS SHARP.
SSgt Brittney Milligan – Firefighter
“You got to come in as a team. Put the fire out. Make sure you ventilate and get everyone out safely.”

NAT SOUND
SSgt Thomas Crutchfield – Safety Officer
“We still have to keep that annual training up. We try and do more than the required amount, but we at least get those required amounts for the certifications.”

THEY TRAIN HARD FOR GOOD REASON… ACCORDING TO THE CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL IN 2010 FIREFIGHTERS RESPONDED TO ROUGHLY 384,000 HOME FIRES IN THE U-S …WHICH CLAIMED THE LIVES OF 2,640 VICTIMS. CURRENT NUMBERS MAY VARY…BUT THE NEED FOR HIGHLY TRAINED AND MOTIVATED FIREFIGHTERS REMAINS CONSTANT.
SSgt Brittney Milligan – Firefighter
“Doesn’t matter if it’s cold, if it’s hot or what you’re putting out. This is the best job.”

SSgt Thomas Crutchfield – Safety Officer
“Come join the fire department. We have fun!”


AIR FORCE STAFF SERGEANT YOSHI SHINZATO, SOUTH WEST ASIA.
]]> The clanging, banging, and grinding at the Metals Technology shop is music to the ears of the Airmen who work there. Metals Technology fabricates custom metal for aircraft, but they also help other shops by building them tools or fixtures.

SB: SSgt Raymond Russell, Aircraft Metals Technology Journeyman
A lot of people know us as the last chance shop just because if you have a part and there’s a component on it that’s torn, broken, chaffed, or you know missing, we have the capabilities to rebuild or completely remanufacture a brand new part to go on that component whether it’s aircraft or something for your work center.
REPORTER
Sergeant Russell also says they make countless pins and bushings for aircraft. He kept it simple when explaining why he enjoys his job so much.
SB: SSgt Raymond Russell, Aircraft Metals Technology Journeyman
You get to play with fire, high electricity, you know you’re fusing metal together and you’re hitting stuff with hammers and it’s just every little boys dream you know, in my opinion.
REPORTER
When the T-38 Talon’s arrived at Langley, the Metals Technology shop manufactured more than 24 specialized fixtures and tools worth over $100,000. With a shop of only ten Airmen and some items that have to be made within 1 thousandth of an inch from its’ specifications, Metals Technology Shop Chief, Master Sergeant Daniel Davis explained the challenge and responsibility the shop has.
SB: MSgt Daniel Davis, Metals Technology Shop Chief
It definitely puts the challenge out there to stay focused on quality, on safety and it gives us a huge sense of pride knowing that this small of a shop, were able to accommodate so many aircraft and so many pieces of support equipment.
REPORTER
The Metals shop is located across from the flight line by Douglas Street.
SB: SSgt Raymond Russell, Aircraft Metals Technology Journeyman
If you have something that you want to get reworked or you think that we may be able to work. Come on down and talk to somebody and we can get the paperwork started on something. We see lots of stuff that ends up in the trash that we could repair easily.
REPORTER
Airman 1st Class Anthony Hetlage, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.

Keywords: Anthony Hetlage, Raymond Russell, Daniel Davis, Airmen, Airman, Langley, metals, technology, tech, burn, melt, mold, scrape, grind, bang, clang, make, build, component, fixture, tool, specialized, shop, small, repair, money, chief, aircraft, replace, talon, T-38, F-22, hitting, bushing, pin, remanufacture, danger, fun, awesome, mechanics, goggles, safety, challenge, accommodate, dream, electricity, fire, fuse, hammer

]]> KNEADING THE DOUGH, SPREADING THE SAUCE AND COOKING IT TO PERFECTION...WOLF PACK LEADERS AND AIRMEN ARE LEARNING THE ART OF PIZZA MAKING AT KUNSAN'S SONLIGHT INN. THIS AIRMEN AND FAMILY READINESS CENTER PROGRAM GIVES WOLF PACK AIRMEN ANOTHER OPTION FOR EATING...AND EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE MANY MILES FROM THEIR FAMILIES, THIS MAY EVEN REMIND THEM OF HOME.

SB: MY WIFE AND I WE HAVE PIZZA NIGHT EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT WITH OUR KIDS SO MY WIFE'S A PRETTY GOOD COOK SO WE ACTUALLY MAKE OUR OWN PIZZA BACK HOME WITH OUR FOUR KIDS SO ITS KINDA BRINGS BACK MEMORIES OF BEING BACK HOME.

THIS SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM HAS BEEN OFFERING A MONTHLY COOKING CLASS FOR A DECADE NOW AND HOPES TO CONTINUE TO TEACH AIRMEN HOW TO MAKE GREAT TASTING MEALS IN THE KITCHEN.

TECH SGT MICHAEL SCHOCKER, KUNSAN AIR BASE, KOREA.
 

]]> DEMO PILOTS, THEY'RE THE LIFE OF ANY AIR SHOW, PUSHING THEIR LIMITS AND BRINGING EYES TO THE SKY IN WONDER. FOR ONE CAPTAIN, IT’S HIS NEW JOB.

(Captain Ryan Worrell, New F-16 Demonstration Pilot – 0:10): “I would say any F-Sixteen pilot would love to go out there and try and do this, so it's just a privilege for me to be able to get to do it.”

CAPTAIN RYAN WORRELL IS THE NEW PILOT FOR THE PACIFIC AIR FORCE DEMONSTRATION TEAM; A TWELVE MAN, ONE-PLANE TEAM THAT IS STATIONED HERE ON MISAWA. AND WHILE IT MAY SOUND EASY, IT'S A LOT OF WORK.

(Captain Ryan Worrell, Demo Pilot in Training – 0:28): “The training has been pretty difficult; we've been flying twice a day, every day since basically New Year’s and I've been working to memorize the whole routine. The biggest part is pulling eight or nine G's on every maneuver.”

BUT EVEN THE THIRTY-FIFTH FIGHTER WING COMMANDER HAS SEEN HIS IMPROVEMENT, BOTH FROM THE GROUND AND THE BACK SEAT.

(Colonel Stephen Williams, 35th Fighter Wing Commander – 0:49): “To watch the professionalism and the precision that they perform and execute in makes me very proud; proud to serve, makes you proud to be a part of the greatest Air Force in the world.”

AND NOW THAT HE’S CERTIFIED TO FLY IN AIR SHOWS, CAPTAIN WORRELL WILL BE ABLE TO SHARE THESE SKILLS ACROSS THE PACIFIC REGION, WERE THE SIZES OF THE CROWDS CAN REACH INTO THE MILLIONS.

(Captain Ryan Worrell, New F-16 Demonstration Pilot – 1:08): “I'm going to try the best I can to be the best pilot of the mighty F-Sixteen, and be able to show off all the capabilities it has, as far as just power and its ability to turn.”

BECAUSE WHEN THE SHOW DOESN’T GO ON, THE AIR FORCE WORD CAN'T BE SPREAD.
REPORTING FROM MISAWA AIR BASE, JAPAN, I’M SENIOR AIRMAN ASHLEY CLINGERMAN.
 

]]> They are the Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team, and they spend hours a day drilling with these rifles at a dangerously close proximity to each other.
If you don’t believe me, take it from one of the Drill Team trainers, Staff Sergeant Joshua Vanderbeck.
Sergeant Vanderbeck and his team perform at professional football games, professional basketball games, and even local high schools.
In fact, that’s where Sergeant Vanderbeck was first introduced to the Drill Team.
From first seeing it as a young high school kid to now performing for high school kids today makes him proud to serve on this elite element in the Honor Guard.
Now as a member, Sergeant Vanderbeck and his team may someday be the ones to inspire young high school kids to join the Air Force and go out for the Drill Team.
Of course, there is a very good chance they’ve already done so.
SrA Tony Coronado, Joint Base Anacostia Bolling, Washington D.C.
]]> SB: Ariel Harrell, Shopper:

I would rather skip the risk of going into debt and use the money that I know we have than go crazy with the credit card and having more money used on the credit card then we have available to pay it off.

Reporter:

IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THE AMERICAN DREAM, EXPERTS SAY YOU HAVE TO MAINTAIN YOUR MONEY.

SB: Melissa Still, Financial Consultant:

People don’t stay within their means. They spend more money than what they make. Clothes, TVs, electronic gadgets, tattoos, buying a car that you can’t afford… and you can for a little while, but eventually that catches you.

Standup:

So the whole thing snowballs into a giant bundle of debt, sometimes without you even realizing it! But here’s a way you can get your cash back in your pocket.

Reporter:

when you’re going out… don’t bring your credit card.
SB: Melissa Still, Financial Consultant:

Couple of reasons you don’t need be carrying credit cards: identity theft, spontaneous purchases… if you don’t have them, you don’t spend it because you can’t use it.

Reporter:

that’s not saying you CAN’T bring credit cards with you, but if you’re known for your impulsive buying… leave the plastic at home. What would be the next step towards living healthy and wealthy?

SB: Melissa Still, Financial Consultant:

Set financial goals, live within your means, and set up a way to automatically save.

Reporter:

So take care of your finances, before they take over your life. Senior Airman Sarah Brice, Yokota Air Base, Japan]]> This is a cyber attack, or at least it is for the Air Force Institute of Technology’s Cyber Defense Exercise. Students in the Cyber Defense Course are now getting to use what they've learned in this capstone exercise before they graduate this spring.

SOUNDBITE-Dr. Timothy Lacey – Course Instructor/Exercise Referee( 00:15):
This is the closest thing to hand to hand combat that there are going to see. They are actually fighting each other inside of a computer for control of that resource.

ANNOUNCER-SSgt Steven Conklin:
The cyber defense exercise gives students, like Dianna Fink, a chance to defend against cyber attacks, something a lot of students don't have much experience doing.

SOUNDBITE-Dianna Fink – Cyber Defense Course Student(00:35)
This is all pretty new to me, a lot of it you can’t actually learn in other schools, so I think it’s pretty new to a lot of us.

ANNOUNCER-SSgt Steven Conklin:
But what they're learning can have a big impact for the Department of Defense in the future.

SOUNDBITE-Dr. Lacey:
The United States is constantly under attack from many places all over the world, and so part of our job is to defend our resources against those attacks, it’s just the world we live in.

ANNOUNCER-SSgt Steven Conklin:
with a successful finish to this exercise, Dianna hopes this class can help her land her dream job with the National Security Agency.

SOUNDBITE-Dianna Fink:
I’m hoping to work with the NSA this summer, fingers crossed. Like somebody here said, it’s like the superbowl of cyber jobs, it’s probably one of the coolest places to work.

ANNOUNCER-SSgt Steven Conklin:
4 teams are competing in this 6 day exercise, and with a good start for Dianna’s team so far, "sound pop – we’re in 2nd place as of this morning, considering we’ve never done this before, we’re like, alright! " the future looks bright. Reporting for Wright-Patterson Public Affairs, I'm Staff Sergeant Steven Conklin.
]]> IT'S TIME FOR THE LATEST AIR FORCE HEADLINES, I'M SENIOR AIRMAN ALINA RICHARD.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LEON PANETTA HAS APPROVED A NEW MEDAL TO RECOGNIZE SERVICE MEMBERS DIRECTLY IMPACTING COMBAT Operations MAY NOT EVEN BE ON THE SAME CONTINENT AS THE ACTION. IT'S CALLED THE DISTINGUISHED WARFARE MEDAL...AND MILITARY LEADERS SAY IT RECOGNIZES THE CHANGING FACE OF WARFARE. SECRETARY PANETTA SAYS THE MEDAL PROVIDES DISTINCT, DEPARTMENT WIDE RECOGNITION FOR THE EXTRAORDINARY ACHIEVEMENTS IN COMBAT OPERATIONS...BUT DO NOT INVOLVE ACTS OF VALOR OR THE PHYSICAL RISK THAT COMES WITH COMBAT.

THE FIRST FOUR F-35S ARE GETTING READY TO HEAD TO NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, NEVADA. ONCE ON STATION, THE F-35S WILL INITIALLY BE USED FOR OPERATIONAL TESTING. THE 422ND TEST AND EVALUATION SQUADRON WILL DESIGN THE TACTICS THE F-35 WILL USE IN AIR-TO-AIR AND AIR-TO-SURFACE COMBAT, AS WELL AS DETERMINE HOW TO INTEGRATE THE F-35 WITH OTHER AIRCRAFT IN THE AIR FORCE INVENTORY. SO, WHY DO IT AT NELLIS? BECAUSE, THE NEVADA TEST AND TRAINING RANGE PROVIDES A FLEXIBLE, REALISTIC, AND MULTI DIMENSIONAL BATTLE-SPACE TO DO TESTING, TRAINING, AND TACTICS DEVELOPMENT.

AIRMEN ARE "SATISFIED" WITH UNIT PERFORMANCE AND "TRUST" THEIR LEADERS... THAT'S ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF THE 2012 CLIMATE SURVEY. THOSE ANSWERS CAME FROM MORE THAN 163-THOUSAND AIRMEN WHO TOOK PART IN THE QUESTIONNAIRE. THE AIR FORCE CLIMATE SURVEY GOES OUT EVERY TWO YEARS AND MEASURES ATTITUDES AIRMEN HAVE TOWARDS THE WORK ENVIRONMENT BY USING FACTORS LIKE SATISFACTION, UNIT PERFORMANCE, AND RESOURCES. MORE THAN 80-PERCENT OF SURVEY RESPONDENTS SAID THEY ARE SATISFIED WITH THEIR JOBS AND 95-PERCENT BELIEVE THEIR UNIT IS SUCCESSFULLY ACCOMPLISHING IT'S MISSION. YOU CAN READ MORE ABOUT THE RESULTS FROM THE 2012 CLIMATE SURVEY, AS WELL AS PAST YEARS' RESULTS, ON THE AIR FORCE PORTAL.

FOR MORE ON THESE AND OTHER STORIES AFFECTING AIRMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES, VISIT THE AIR FORCE'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE, AFLINK. FROM THE AIR FORCE BROADCASTING SERVICE AT FORT MEADE MARYLAND, I'M SENIOR AIRMAN ALINA RICHARD.
]]> A KC-10 Extender refuels an F-22 Raptor during Exercise Razor Talon at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina.

Airmen and Soldiers push a cargo pallet train onto a C-5M Super Galaxy at Camp Marmal in Northern Afghanistan.
Members from the Laughlin and Del Rio Fire Departments extinguish a ground fire during a live fire exercise at Laughlin AFB, Texas.]]> Timothy Vohar-Community Readiness Consultant
-50 percent of your base pay isn’t going to be enough to live off of. We call this the 3 legged stool, one leg is your retirement, one leg is social security and one leg is your personal investments.
ONE WAY FOR MILITARY MEMBERS TO ensure their 3 legged stool of finance is steady, IS TO ENROLL IN THE THRIFT SAVINGS PLAN.OR TSP. YOU CAN DO IT RIGHT THROUGH the MYPAY website.
Timothy Vohar-Community Readiness Consultant- If they take a small portion of their income and put that away, they’ll be very happy they did because the compound interest later in life, they’re not going to believe how fast it’s going to grow
THERE ARE 2 DIFFERENT PLANS- ONE THAT TAXES YOUR MONEY NOW, AND ONE THAT TAXES IT WHEN YOU BEGIN TO take out money… THE TSP DOESN’T HAVE MUCH OVERHEAD, SO YOUR MONEY EARNS MORE.
Timothy Vohar-Community Readiness Consultant
Why pay people a lot of money to manage your account when the government will do it for next to nothing.
AFTER YOU ENROLL, YOU CAN choose WHERE YOUR MONEY IS INVESTED on...THE WEBSITE, TSP.GOV and it’s FAIRLY EASY TO USE…
Standup: EVERY AIRMAN FAMILY READINESS CENTER HAS FINANCIAL ADVISORS TO HELP YOU OUT. AND, MOST ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICES DO TOO…Here at Ramstein they have A CLASS THAT GOES OVER THE INS AND OUTS OF THE TSP…
TSgt Andrew Denham-Class Participant -It helped to see what other funds are out there, I learned some strategies to try and grow it.
EVEN IF YOU DON’T RETIRE FROM THE MILITARY, YOUR MONEY WILL KEEP GROWING IF YOU WANT TO LEAVE IT IN THE TSP
Timothy Vohar-Community Readiness Consultant-You can continue to manipulate the funds, so even though you’re no longer contributing, you can still change it from one type of funds to another.
WHILE FINANCIAL ADVISORS SAY IT’S BEST TO START SAVING YOUNG, THEY ALSO SAY IT’S NEVER TOO LATE … ARMY SGT ABIGAIL WALDROP, RAMSTEIN AB GERMANY
TAG: You can continue to manage your money after you retire, and the TSP isn’t just for military members, civilian federal government employees can be eligible too.




]]> TSgt Latersa Frazier
The congregation spot in the house is the kitchen. And for some reason, everybody stands around the island and they sit there and they grab a snack and they eat.
The USO stocks this special kitchen, a job Yolanda embraces and in which she takes tremendous pride.
I woke up and I came out and I bought them the lasanga and breadsticks and salad, so that's what they had Christmas Eve.
For some people a chore might become just that, a chore, but for those at Dover's Fisher house it's an important if over looked service provided to the families of our fallen heroes.
It's close to my heart, as long as I can make it a little bit easier for the family while they are here, you know going through the experience they are going through, that's all I really care about.
Since the doors first opened December 2010, Dover's Fisher house has cared for over 2,100 family members. Proudly providing care, service, and support to those families. Technical Sergeant Ali Rose, Dover Air Force Base, Delaware.]]>
SB: Gen Welsh

Lat week the Deputy Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, the OSD Comptroller and the Service Chiefs testified before the House and the Senate Armed Services committee about the effects of Sequestration on the readiness or the United States Military. We spoke with a very unified voice, we talked the different actions each of the services has taken, and when we were done with that we answered questions from the committee. From the Air Force perspective we've taken lots of actions, that we could in the near term, things we consider reversible. All those actions combined though will probably get us about twenty percent of the way toward that fourteen point two billion total that we'll need to find when Sequestration occurs. The rest of the cuts are going to come from people, modernization, readiness and infrastructure accounts. This on a force that's been at war for the last twenty-two years. This is a big deal. It doesn't change how great our Air Force is, but it may effect what we do in the future, what look like in the future, how big we are in the future. During all this change I think it's important that we have come kind of stability. And so, we've released a new vision for our Air Force, it's actually pretty simple. It's focused on three things: Airmen, mission, innovation...the theme for this conference...imagine that. t highlights the significance of Airmen as the power of our Air Force.

SB: SMSgt Callaway

We are here to do what they're gonna tell us to do from here on out. We all have good jobs, we have better jobs than most you know, I can't complain, I'm in the Air Force, I'm being taken care of. We're here because we love it, so, yeah we're gonna have hard times but I think in the end it'll bring us all together. Sequestration, okay we've been dealing with it for a while, it's gonna be what it is and we'll press out of it like anything else.


]]>
SB: CMSAF Cody
There is a toll to be paid for what we've been doing for the last twenty-two years. There's a toll to be paid and that is coming to a front, and we will deal with some of this as we pull out of Afghanistan and we bring back and we try to determine what is the new normal for our force, what is it that we're bringing them back to and how do we sustain them and their families, and this the fiscal crisis, these are all things we have to contend with. There is no future without investment, and the investment we place in our people with be the most critical investment we make.

SB: SMSgt Callaway
To know that leadership is saying that we care and that we are one big family and one fight. To hear if from more than just "momma Callaway" or from me, makes a big difference to them...that their top leaders are feeling it and believing in the same thing.
]]>
Student 1:
It’s important because like, you need your teeth to talking and eating…
Student 2:
Brush your teeth real well so you don’t get like black teeth and they’ll fall right out of your head.
Student 3:
Ummm, my teeth would be dirty.
Student 4:
All of them would fall out!
Student 1:
Noone wants to smell those breathe!
Student 2:
So you don’t um, have bad breathe or stuff.
A1C Adam Harder, Reporting 36th Wing Public Affairs:
They had the right concept but…they may have needed some help. Luckily for them, the 36th Wing Dental Clinic takes it upon themselves to annually educate the students of Andersen Elementary in recognition of Children’s Dental Health Month.
Capt Nicole Catarino, Dental Officer, 36th Dental Clinic:
It’s something that was come up with by the ADA, and February was designated as National Children’s Dental Health Month, and that’s just to bring education and demonstration and participation with the children so that they start developing habits early, and hopefully keep these habits for the rest of their life.
A1C Adam Harder, Reporting 36th Wing Public Affairs:
After some demonstrations of how to properly floss and brush, these students will leave knowing exactly how to prevent dental problems in the future…plus they get a free light up toothbrush. Reporting from Andersen Air Force Base, I’m Airman First Class Adam Harder.]]> Standup
You could find yourself waking up in a room like this if you receive treatment like a thoracentesis from the pulmonology clinic.

SB: Maj Adam Bostick, Chief of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
Pulmonology is the study of lung diseases and encompasses a whole array of diseases, anywhere from asthma, COPD, all the way to lung cancer.
Standup
Pulmonology sees about 40 to 50 patients a week and is located on the third floor of the main wing of the hospital. Airman 1st Class Anthony Hetlage, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.
]]>
THIS IS AN A-10 WARTHOG, TAIL NUMBER 5-50, DESIGNED FOR CLOSE AIR SUPPORT. IT WAS OPERATIONAL AT SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE UNTIL 2001, WHEN IT WAS BROUGHT TO INCIRLIK AIR BASE TO HELP IN SIMULATED CRASH/RECOVERY TRAINING EXERCISES. UNTIL NOW.

EVENTUALLY THE AIR CRAFT HAS DETERIORATED TO THE POINT WHERE IT’S UNSAFE FOR US TO USE. WE HAVE DECIDED TO TURN IT BACK INTO THE AIR FORCE AND THEY CANNOT TAKE A WHOLE AIR CRAFT SO WE HAVE TO DISMANTLE THE AIR CRAFT AND PUT IT INTO SCRAPE PIECE BY PIECE.

NOW, 5-50’S LAST MISSION HAS IT HEADING TO THE RECYCLING CENTER, SAVING THE AIR FORCE MORE THAN 100-THOUSAND DOLLARS IN TRANSPORTATION COSTS.

WE STILL HAVE SEVERAL THINGS TO DO LEFT ON THIS AIR CRAFT.

IT IS NO EASY TASK STRIPPING DOWN A 40 YEAR OLD JET, BUT 5-50 IS BRINGING JOY ONE LAST TIME.

SINCE PUTTING ON STAFF SERGEANT I HAVEN’T BEEN DOING AIR CRAFT MAINTENANCE LIKE THIS IN THREE YEARS NOW. NOW I’M A TECH AND IT’S USUALLY ADMINISTRATION WORK NOW. IT’S NICE TO GET BACK AND GET MY HANDS DIRTY AGAIN.

AS A MAINTAINER, IT’S SAD. BUT YOU DO GET TO SEE THE INTERNAL WORKINGS THAT YOU DON’T SEE EVERYDAY OF AN AIR CRAFT. FROM A MECHANICAL ASPECT IT’S REALLY NICE TO SEE TOO.

5-50 HAS SERVED AIRMEN ACROSS THE GLOBE FOR FORTY YEARS. AND IN ITS FINAL DAYS, EVEN AS NOTHING MORE THAN FRAMES AND BOLTS, IT STILL HAS THE POWER TO IMPRESS.

….PRETTY COOL…

AIRMAN FIRST CLASS NICHOLAS CRISP, INCIRLIK AIR BASE, TURKEY.]]> [SB: A1C WOODHALL: “IT FEELS GOOD… …PASS IT ON TO THEM.”]
HERE, WE SEE THE GRUELING FIREFIGHTER CHALLENGE, IN WHICH PARTICIPANTS LIMITS ARE TESTED ON THINGS LIKE THE HOSE CARRY AND THE LADDER CLIMB. OUT ON THE FLIGHT LINE, HOWEVER, THE EXERCISE HEATS UP, AS TRAINEES HONE THEIR SKILLS ON GROUND AND AIRCRAFT FIRES. AND UP AT THE FIRE TRAINING STRUCTURE, THEY LEARN HOW TO ENTER A BUILDING, ATTACK THE FIRE, AND VENTILATE THE BUILDING.
[SB: TYRONE BOOD: “WHEN YOU GO INTO… …ALL THE HEAT.”]
THIS ITERATION OF CENTAM SMOKE IS A PRECURSOR TO A LARGER EVENT IN MAY, WHERE THE AMERICANS WILL TRAIN FIREFIGHTERS FROM SEVEN DIFFERENT CENTRAL AMERICAN COUNTRIES.
REPORTING FROM SOTO CANO AIR BASE, HONDURAS, I’M ARMY STAFF SERGEANT BRIAN MCGOVERN.
]]> THE AFGHAN AIR FORCE HAS HIT ANOTHER MILESTONE BY COMPLETING THEIR FIRST SUCCESSFUL CASUALTY EVACUATION. USING A MODIFIED A-A-F CESSNA 2-0-8, THEY TRANSPORTED A SERIOUSLY INJURED SOLDIER AND THREE MINOR CASUALTIES FROM KANDAHAR, AFGHANISTAN TO KABUL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
THE MISSION WAS EXECUTED BY AN A-A-F AIRCREW AND OVERSEEN BY THE NATO AIR TRAINING COMMAND.

BECOMING A CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT IS AN HONOR RESERVED FOR ONLY ONE-PERCENT OF THE AIR FORCE ENLISTED FORCE SO TEAM HOLLOMAN BROUGHT IN A SPECIAL GUEST TO SPEAK AT THEIR CHIEF RECOGNITION CEREMONY. SENIOR AIRMAN DAVID JOES REPORTS.


Holloman had the honor of hosting Robert D. Gaylor, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force number five. Chief Gaylor came to Holloman to be guest speaker at the 2013 Team Holloman Chiefs Recognition Ceremony. Chief Gaylor has been to Holloman on several occasions, including his first ever base visit as Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. His message, although towards the new Air Force Chiefs, related to all ranks.
SB (Robert Gaylor):
I would like Airmen of today to know that there is a tremendous Air Force Heritage. Many of them their dad, their grand dad, their mom, their brother served, and they are carrying that baton. And so it's their turn to demonstrate their talent, and follow in 65 years of great heritage. So I want them to know, it's not a job it's a commitment.
Announcer:
After retiring from active duty service, Chief Gaylor continues to serve our Air Force by reaching out to Airmen, challenging them as he did 34 years ago. I'm Senior Airman David Joos, Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico.


AIRMEN STATIONED AT OSAN AIR BASE, SOUTH KOREA, WORKED THROUGH A MASS CASUALTY SCENARIO DURING EXERCISE BEVERLY BULLDOG. SENIOR AIRMAN DESTINIE CHU-VEZ TELLS US ABOUT HOW THEIR MEDICAL TEAMS RESPONDED.


FLEXIBILITY IS THE KEY TO AIR POWER SO WHEN THE HEAT COMES ON EVERY AIRMAN NEEDS TO KNOW HOW TO RESPOND. EXERCISE EVALUATOR, MSGT ANTHONY FORD EXPLAINS THE IMPORTANCE.
SB: MSgt Anthony Ford- Exercise Evaluator
　
We relay heavily upon other units across the installation to make sure they're acting as force multipliers to provide solid defense of their respective resources and it allows us to be a little more mobile to respond and back them up in times of crisis.
Reporter:
AIRMEN, LIKE MEDICAL TECHNICIAN SRA PHILIP STEEN, HAVE TO HOLD DOWN THE FORT UNTIL SECURITY FORCES CAN ROLL IN TO HELP.
SB: SrA Philip Steen- Medical Technician
　
We need to be able to defend the med group that way the security forces on base can have a better mobilization across base to withstand opposing forces and we can maintain the facility until they arrive.
REPORTER:
WHEN THEY DO REACH THE SCENE, THE MEDICAL TEAMS ARE RELIEVED TO COMPLETE THEIR MISSION WHILE SECURITY FORCES SECURES THE PERIMETER.
SB: SrA Philip Steen- Medical Technician
It's a good feeling knowing that (NAT SOUND POP: Cross his arms!) I can help protect the people that I work with on a day to day basis and make sure that the people that get hurt and the casualties across base throughout war can come here and feel safe when they get medically treated.
REPORTER:
TODAY, THIS IS JUST AN EXERCISE, BUT SHOULD THE SITUATION ARISE, OSAN DEFENDERS ARE READY TO FIGHT AND WIN TONIGHT.
SB: SrA Philip Steen- Medical Technician
All in all we signed up to serve, and I signed up to be a patriot so this is a small part of being able to do that.
SENIOR AIRMAN DESTINIE CHAVEZ, OSAN AIR BASE, KOREA


SENIOR N-C-Os AT KADENA AIR BASE, TEAMED UP WITH SOME MARINES TO COMPLETE THE MARINE CORPS LEADERSHIP ACADEMY COURSE. AIRMAN FIRST CLASS DARREN MURPHY GIVES US A CLOSER LOOK AT HOW THEY TRAINED AND HOW IT CAN THE BENEFIT BOTH BRANCHES.


A group of Kadena Senior Noncommissioned officers recently participated in the Marine Corps N-C-O Academy course. A class of thirty-three Senior N-C-Os from the Air Force and Marines went through an eight week class that ended with a confidence course and simulated casualty evacuation. The course helped Air Force Master Sergeant Mark James realize the challenges that both services face.
MSgt Mark James
Commandant Irwin Airman Leadership School
"It's a different culture but a lot of challenges that face the Marine Corps face the air force. Personnel, budget, deployments, suicides, training all of those things face the air force also faces the Marine Corps and what I'm finding out through their PME is that it's very similar."
These similarities are a reason why Gunnery Sergeant Sarah Thomas says that communication between the Air Force and Marine Corps is key to mission success.
GySgt Sarah Thomas
3rd MLG Intelligence Operation Officer
"Us being able to work well with the air force and communicate well with the air force and them to understand how we do things as leaders then when we go to combat we'll be able to fight in a joint environment a lot more smoothly."
By coming together to understand each other, we build even further on the camaraderie that defines military life. As we train and fight together, there isn't a divide in branches but a common goal for mission success. Airman First Class Daryn Murphy, Camp Hansen, Japan.

FROM THE AIR FORCE BROADCASTING SERVICE, AT FORT MEADE MARYLAND, I'M SENIOR AIRMAN ALINA RICHARD.
]]>
Announcer:

Holloman had the honor of hosting Robert D. Gaylor, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force number five. Chief Gaylor came to Holloman to be guest speaker at the 2013 Team Holloman Chiefs Recognition Ceremony. Chief Gaylor has been to Holloman on several occasions, including his first ever base visit as Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force. His message, although towards the new Air Force Chiefs, related to all ranks.

SB (Robert Gaylor):

I would like Airmen of today to know that there is a tremendous Air Force Heritage. Many of them their dad, their grand dad, their mom, their brother served, and they are carrying that baton. And so it’s their turn to demonstrate their talent, and follow in 65 years of great heritage. So I want them to know, it’s not a job it’s a commitment.

Announcer:

After retiring from active duty service, Chief Gaylor continues to serve our Air Force by reaching out to Airmen, challenging them as he did 34 years ago. I’m Senior Airman David Joos, Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico.
]]> Kunsan Airmen train to react to a wide variety of situations ranging from chemical attacks, to insider threats and OPFOR assaults. Specialist John Berry shows the troops responsible for keeping Kunsan secure.

SUGGESTED TAG:
The event was a two part training exercise involving a vehicle borne improvised explosive device and an active shooter event.
Reporter:
AN ARMED ASSAILANT TAKES OVER THE MEDICAL CLINIC ON KUNSAN AIR BASE. THE COMBATANT SECURES THE BUILDING AND PREPARES FOR SECURITY FORCES TO ASSAULT.
SB: (00:05;01): CMSgt Larry Dorsey

”We had ten wounded patients and two KIAs.”
SB SB: (00:04;06): Booby trap detonating, guy being told he’s dead

SB: (00:09;23): CMSgt Larry Dorsey

”They started shooting patients in the facility and we wanted to test our ability to respond and up channel that information.”
Reporter:
THE SITUATION GIVES AIRMEN A CHANCE TO THINK ON THEIR FEET AND USE THEIR TRAINING.
THE AIRMEN CLEAR THE ROOMS, SECURE THE BUILDING, AND SEARCH FOR THE SHOOTER.
SB: Airman giving directions

STAFF SERGEANT GAIL HENDRY USES THE TRAINING TO KEEP HER ON HER TOES

SB: (00:06;09): SSgt Gail Hendry
”Any kind of active shooter scenario can happen anywhere so you always have to be in that mindset that it could happen.”

Reporter:
SECURITY FORCES STOPS THE SHOOTER…PROVING THEY CAN DEFEND THE BASE AND KEEP THE WOLF PACK READY TO FIGHT TONIGHT. SPECIALIST JOHN BERRY, KUNSAN AIR BASE, KOREA.]]> Once when we received the call our command tells us to come out as a UXO team.

REPORTER:
EXPLOSIVE ORDINANCE DISPOSAL SPECIALISTS ARE RESPONDING TO AN ENEMY THREAT. IT’S ALL PART OF AN EXERCISE AT KUNSAN AIR BASE. IT’S TESTING THE WOLF PACKS ABILITY TO DEFEND THE BASE- AND FOR NEW SERVICE MEMBERS AT KUNSAN IT’S NOT ALWAYS EASY.
SOUND BITE: SrA Daniel Franco
Just getting use to being in all this, kind of, or at least the chem suit and the extra stuff kind of gets to you, like the mask carrying gets kind of awkward. But it helps getting use to all those kind of kinks here being on Kunsan.

REPORTER:
HE’LL HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO STRENGTHEN HIS SKILLS DURING THE BASE’S FREQUENT EXERCISES, ALWAYS KEEPING THEIR SKILLS SHARP.

SPC SARA HERING, KUNSAN AIR BASE, KOREA]]> SB: SSGT DARRELL MARTIN
“GOT TO SPEND A LOT OF TIME JUST TRYING TO WRITE OUT SOME KANJI CHARACTERS…AND IT WAS VERY HARD BUT IT WAS PRETTY FUN. AND THE WE ALSO LEARNED TO MAKE SOME ORIGAMI. WE MADE A SAMURAI HELMET AND A CRANE. SO IT WAS A LOT OF FUN…I MEAN IT WAS JUST LEARNING KINDA LIKE WHAT THEY DO AS KIDS AND WHEN YOU GROW UP IN JAPAN. IT’S A FUN EXPERIENCE JUST LEARNING HOW TO DO THAT STUFF. IT’S A LOT OF FUN.”
Reporter:
BEING A PART OF THIS CULTURAL EXPERIENCE ENCOURAGES POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS.
SB: TSGT THOMAS MONTGOMERY
“IT PROMOTES THE FRIENDSHIPS THROUGH NO MATTER WHAT KIND OF LANGUAGE BARRIER YOU HAVE. AS LONG AS YOU TRY IT’S GOING TO BE A GREAT TIME AND I THINK I BUILT SOME DEFINITELY LIFELONG FRIENDS HERE. I HAD EXPERIENCES THIS YEAR FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.”
Reporter:
KNOWING MORE ABOUT EACH OTHERS CULTURES BRINGS EVERYONE CLOSER TOGETHER.
SB: TSGT YOSHIAKI HISAMOTO
“I THINK WE ARE TRYING TO UNDERSTAND ANOTHER CULTURE AND HISTORY OR STATURE OF OTHER COUNTRIES…SO IF WE HAVE ANOTHER TRAINING OR MISSION WITH ANOTHER COUNTRY OR AMERICAN SIDE…WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE A GOOD RELATIONSHIP.”

REPORTER:
DURING THE SIX DAY EXCHANGE MISAWA’S AIRMEN LIVED WITH THEIR HOSTS ADDING TO THE OVER ALL EXPERIENCE.
AIRMAN FIRST CLASS MELONY WOODY, CHITOSE AIR BASE, HOKKAIDO, JAPAN.]]> SOUNDBITE: :10 (COL JIM SLIFE, COMMANDER, 1ST SPECIAL OPERATIONS WING)
GARY OFFERED TO COME DOWN TO HURLBURT FIELD ONCE HE KIND OF UNDERSTOOD WHAT THE MISSION IS AND WHAT THE AIRMEN HERE DO ON A DAY TO DAY BASIS, HE WAS VERY EXCITED ABOUT HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO DO THIS.
NARRATOR:
SINISE BEGAN TOURING THE GLOBE FOR SERVICEMEMBERS AFTER PLAYING THE ICONIC LIEUTENANT DAN CHARACTER IN THE 1994 FILM, “FORREST GUMP.” HOWEVER, HIS AFFINITY FOR VETERANS STARTED A LITTLE CLOSER TO HOME.


SOUNDBITE: :07 (GARY SINISE, ACTOR/MUSICIAN)
MY WIFE’S TWO BROTHERS SERVED IN VIETNAM, AND IN THE EARLY EIGHTIES I GOT INVOLVED WITH VARIOUS VIETNAM VETERANS GROUPS.
NATURAL SOUND: “I WISH” BY STEVIE WONDER (COVER BY LT. DAN BAND)
SOUNDBITE: :14 (GARY SINISE, ACTOR/MUSICIAN)
YOU THINK ABOUT THE COMBAT SOLDIER AND THE PILOT, AND YOU KNOW, THE PEOPLE THAT GO INTO COMBAT, BUT WHAT ABOUT ALL THOSE OTHER PEOPLE THAT KEEP EVERYTHING WORKING AND KEEP EVERYTHING RUNNING AND KEEP MORALE UP AND JUST KEEP THINGS MOVING.
NARRATOR:
AFTER THE SHOW, AS A TOKEN OF APPRECIATION, SINISE WAS NAMED AN HONORARY AIR COMMANDO.
SOUNDBITE: :05 (GARY SINISE, ACTOR/MUSICIAN)
THERE’S SO MUCH I’VE LEARNED DURING MY TIME IN THE MILITARY COMMUNITY; IT’S VERY, VERY IMPRESSIVE.
NARRATOR:
REPORTING FROM HURLBURT FIELD, I’M AIRMAN FIRST CLASS STEPHEN ELLIS.]]> NARRATION:
A group of Kadena Senior Noncommissioned officers recently participated in the Marine Corps N-C-O Academy course. A class of thirty-three Senior N-C-Os from the Air Force and Marines went through an eight week class that ended with a confidence course and simulated casualty evacuation. The course helped Air Force Master Sergeant Mark James realize the challenges that both services face.
MSgt Mark James
Commandant Irwin Airman Leadership School
“It’s a different culture but a lot of challenges that face the Marine Corps face the air force. Personnel, budget, deployments, suicides, training all of those things face the air force also faces the Marine Corps and what I’m finding out through their PME is that it’s very similar.”
These similarities are a reason why Gunnery Sergeant Sarah Thomas says that communication between the Air Force and Marine Corps is key to mission success.
GySgt Sarah Thomas
3rd MLG Intelligence Operation Officer
“Us being able to work well with the air force and communicate well with the air force and them to understand how we do things as leaders then when we go to combat we’ll be able to fight in a joint environment a lot more smoothly.”
By coming together to understand each other, we build even further on the camaraderie that defines military life. As we train and fight together, there isn’t a divide in branches but a common goal for mission success. Airman First Class Daryn Murphy, Camp Hansen, Japan.
 

]]> WEATHER IS QUITE IMPORTANT WHEN IT COMES TO FLIGHT OPERATIONS. ADD IN AN EXERCISE
LIKE COPE NORTH 20-13 INTO THE MIX AND THINGS COULD GET A LITTLE HECTIC.
BUT WHEN IT COMES TO WEATHER FORECASTING, THE WEATHER CENTER AT ANDERSON IS UP FOR
THE TASK.
SSgt Guadalupe Delgado SPEAKS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF GETTING THE WEATHER FORECAST
OUT, ON GUAM.
SOUNDBITE—15 SECONDS
BUT HOW DOES WEATHER EXACTLY AFFECT FLIGHT OPERATIONS AND WHAT KINDS OF THINGS DO YOU
HAVE TO FACTOR IN FACTOR WHEN PUTTING TOGETHER A FORECAST, TO ENSURE BOTH THE SAFETY
OF GROUND PERSONNEL AND PILOTS.
SOUNDBITE—18 SECONDS
SO THE NEXT TIME YOU HEAR CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF ISOLATED SHOWERS THINK ABOUT THE
WEATHER CENTER AT ANDERSON.
REPORTING FROM ANDERSON AFB GUAM I’M PETTY STEPHEN JACKSON.

]]> Reporter: SrA Destinie Chavez

FLEXIBILITY IS THE KEY TO AIR POWER SO WHEN THE HEAT COMES ON EVERY AIRMAN NEEDS TO KNOW HOW TO RESPOND.

SB: MSgt Anthony Ford- Exercise Evaluator


We relay heavily upon other units across the installation to make sure they’re acting as force multipliers to provide solid defense of their respective resources and it allows us to be a little more mobile to respond and back them up in times of crisis.

Reporter:
AIRMEN, LIKE MEDICAL TECHNICIAN SRA PHILIP STEEN, HAVE TO HOLD DOWN THE FORT UNTIL SECURITY FORCES CAN ROLL IN TO HELP.

SB: SrA Philip Steen- Medical Technician


We need to be able to defend the med group that way the security forces on base can have a better mobilization across base to withstand opposing forces and we can maintain the facility until they arrive.

REPORTER:
WHEN THEY DO REACH THE SCENE, THE MEDICAL TEAMS ARE RELIEVED TO COMPLETE THEIR MISSION WHILE SECURITY FORCES SECURES THE PERIMETER.

SB: SrA Philip Steen- Medical Technician

It’s a good feeling knowing that (NAT SOUND POP: Cross his arms!) I can help protect the people that I work with on a day to day basis and make sure that the people that get hurt and the casualties across base throughout war can come here and feel safe when they get medically treated.

REPORTER:
TODAY, THIS IS JUST AN EXERCISE, BUT SHOULD THE SITUATION ARISE, OSAN DEFENDERS ARE READY TO FIGHT AND WIN TONIGHT.

SB: SrA Philip Steen- Medical Technician

All in all we signed up to serve, and I signed up to be a patriot so this is a small part of being able to do that.

SENIOR AIRMAN DESTINIE CHAVEZ, OSAN AIR BASE, KOREA
 

]]> For nearly a decade, Marines have been flying helicopters in East Africa. They’ve been the go-to unit for personnel recovery missions.
SB :10
We were just trying to do what Marines do best, remaining professional, keeping sharp and ensuring that whenever we got the call, that we’d be able to launch at a moment’s notice.
REPORTER :28
Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 464 recently completed their final flight as the Capstone unit to the Marines’ flying legacy here.
But the mission must go on as service members of Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa continue to serve with and in partner nations across the East African region. The Marines formally transferred authority to the Air Force’s 303rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron.
Lt. Col. Daniel Duffy says never leaving a comrade behind is a key component of CJTF-HOA’s mission.
SB :13
The men and women that form up this squadron here has saved over five hundred lives in Afghanistan and Iraq over the last few years.
We live by our motto that: These things that we do that other may live.
REPORTER :12
With a new unit, comes new equipment. The Marine CH-53 Helicopter will be replaced with HH-60 Pave hawks.
Chief Master Sgt. Michael Ditore says his Airmen are prepared to do a familiar mission in a different location.
SB :06
They got their game faces on, we tell ourselves that we’re the best at what we do, this is why we’re here and this is why we were called.
REPORTER :10
The Pave Hawk helicopter add additional capabilities to the PR mission and Airmen of the 303rd stand ready to assist with 24/7 alert coverage.
Reporting for Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa Public Affairs, I’m Tech. Sgt. Jon LaDue.
]]> SOUNDBITE: MSGT JOSHUA GATES “TODAY WE’RE HERE TO CELEBRATE AND TAKE PART IN THE COMMUNITY TRADITION OF FASCHING. IT’S RIGHT BEFORE LENT, IT’S KIND OF A KICK OUT WINTER AND WELCOME SPRING. WE’RE HERE TO JOIN IN WITH OUR PARTNERS IN THE COMMUNITY OF RAMSTEIN AND TAKE PART IN THIS PARADE HERE.”
NARRATOR: THE BAND MARCHED OVER THREE KILOMETERS ENTERTAINING THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE LINING THE STREETS OF RAMSTEIN-MIESENBACH. PERFORMING FOR A CROWD THIS SIZE MAY SEEM PRETTY NERVE-RACKING, BUT MASTER SERGEANT GATES SAYS THEY’RE USED TO IT BY NOW.
SOUNDBITE: MSGT JOSHUA GATES “WE DO LOTS OF PERFORMANCES A YEAR IN OUR MARCHING BAND, LOTS OF PARADES AND OTHER TATTOOS AND PERFORMANCES AND CEREMONIES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.”
NARRATOR: PERFORMANCES LIKE THESE REQUIRE A LOT OF DEDICATION, BUT THE HARD WORK PAYS OFF IN THE END.
SOUNDBITE: LT COL R. MICHAEL MENCH “TO BE ABLE TO PERFORM RIGHT HERE IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MEANS A LOT TO US AND BE ABLE TO GIVE BACK TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY OUR GIFT OF MUSIC.”
NARRATOR: REPORTING FROM RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, GERMANY, I’M AIRMAN FIRST CLASS ELLEN MCCARTHY.

]]> A C-5 Galaxy aircraft sits motionless while clouds pass overhead as it waits to be taken apart
Rows of F-15 Eagles and F-16 Fighting Falcons are stored and preserved. This allows them to be recalled into active service within 72 hours, if needed.
The F-4 Phantom II, which served as the principal air superiority fighter for the Air Force for over 20 years, has been a resident of the Boneyard since 1996.
]]>
- Angel Guerrero Soundbite: “I was really afraid because you have to use your, um, right hand to break it. And I started letting go and I’d bend my knees and you’re not suppose to bend your knees, so I ran into the wall. But other than that, it was really, I was just real excited”

- SMSgt Carroll Soundbite: “The kids are always interested in the military and I like to show them the best part of it, uh the exciting part of it, so they’re out here having a great time. If we can recruit a future military member, that’s great, but if we can just give them some self-confidence and uh, some self-esteem, you know that’s even better”
That self-confidence and self-esteem gave the cadets just what they needed to keep going.
- Makoa Ortega Soundbite: “It’s scary, because you don’t want to go and you look down and it’s ground, hard rock, but you know after you get on there and you start, start making your first steps and they start to encourage you and talk to you on the way down, before you know it you’re already down and you’re ready to go again ”
Hopefully these cadets will use what they learned while rappelling to keep striving for excellence!
Staff Sergeant Colleen Urban, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.
]]>
INT1: They’re talking about the self-sealing valves, and they’re located inside of the gas masks, inside where the filters go. And basically, they had some problems with them, so they’re swapping them all out.

The self-sealing disk valve prevents air from entering the mask when the filter is removed. When stored for a long time with the filters on the mask, the valve can get stuck in the open position, but there’s already a solution on the way.

INT2: They’re coming out with a new self-sealing disk valve. It’s going to be white in color, and it’s supposed to be more durable.

Upon delivery, the new valves will begin rolling out to service members around the world.

INT2: For new people coming in, it’ll just be issued to them, and for the remainder of the base that already have these ones, we’ll just go ahead and swap them out with IPE.

The fault was discovered in part because of the military’s extensive testing and maintenance schedule.

INT1: Every time we get gas masks in from the manufacturer, we have to leak test it to make sure that it is serviceable before we give it to the customer. So every gas mask that we have in stock right now, we have over 2000 of them, we have to leak test every one of them.

Emergency management and logistics personnel know the importance of this equipment.

INT1: The main thing is to keep the warfighter safe when he goes into the AOR. Because if you have a bad self-sealing valve, that’s going to let chemicals get into your gas mask. It gets in through the filter, because the filter is a barrier, once it gets past that filter, the self-sealing valve is a last resort

With the continued efforts of emergency management and logistics professionals, these gas masks will continue protecting the men and women who wear them.
Airman Jimmy Moreland, Misawa Air Base, Japan.
]]> LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT THE HEADLINES. SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LEON PANETTA SIGNED A MEMO EXTENDING BENEFITS TO SAME-SEX PARTNERS OF SERVICE MEMBERS. IN THE MEMO, SECRETARY PANETTA SAID THE DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE ACT LIMITS PROVIDING ALL BENEFITS TO SAME-SEX PARTNERS, BUT THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT IS REVIEWING IT. HE ADD, THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO COMPLY WITH CURRENT LAWS WHILE DOING ALL THEY CAN TO TAKE CARE OF SERVICE MEMBERS.

450 MILES. THAT'S HOW FAR AIRMEN IN FLORIDA MARCHED TO HONOR FALLEN COMMANDOS. 16 AIRMEN BROKE INTO FOUR TEAMS TO MAKE THE SIX DAY JOURNEY. THEY STARTED AT THE MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE'S SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMMAND FALLEN HERO MEMORIAL TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THEIR COMRADES.

OFFICERS ELIGIBLE FOR A PROMOTION SHOULD REVIEW THEIR RECORDS BEFORE THE MARCH MILPIDS UPGRADE. AIR FORCE OFFICIALS WARN THE DATA FEED FROM THE MILITARY DATA PERSONNEL SYSTEM THE AIR FORCE PROMOTION STATUS SYSTEM ILL NOT BE AVAILABLE DURING THE 23-DAY UPGRADE. IT'S ALL SCHEDULED TO START ON MARCH 4TH. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW THE MILPIDS UPGRADE COULD AFFECT YOU, CONTACT YOUR MILITARY PERSONNEL SECTION.

FOR THESE STORES AND MORE, LOG ON TO THE AIR FORCE'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE AF-LINK. FROM THE AIR FORCE BROADCASTING SERVICE AT FT MEADE MARYLAND, I'M SENIOR AIRMAN ALINA RICHARD.

]]>
SB:
THIS IS NOT THAT BIG OF AN AIR FORCE, FOR AN AIR FORCE OF ALMOST SEVEN HUNDRED THOUSAND, TOTAL FORCE AIRMEN. IT’S REALLY NOT THAT BIG WHEN YOU START TO LOOK LEFT AND LOOK RIGHT. YOU NEED TO KNOW THINGS ABOUT THE PEOPLE SITTING NEXT TO YOU THE WAY YOU KNOW THINGS ABOUT YOUR FAMILY, NOT JUST THE FACT THAT THEY WEAR A UNIFORM AND IT SAYS AIRMEN.

WITH OUR FORCE FACING MANY FUTURE CHANGES, ONE THING IS STEADFAST…THE UNSPOKEN BOND BETWEEN AIRMEN.

SB:
IT’S ABOUT TRUST, IT’S ABOUT RESPECT, IT’S ABOUT KNOWING THAT YOU CAN REALLY TURN TO THE PERSON NEXT TO YOU FOR ANYTHING, AND THEY’LL HELP YOU.

GENERAL WELCH’S VISION IS ABOUT AIRMEN, MISSION AND INNOVATION. YOU HAVE THE POWER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN AN AIRMAN’S LIFE—STARTING WITH COMMUNICATION.

SB:
EVERY AIRMAN HAS A STORY. THE STORIES ARE UNBELIEVABLE. THEY’RE JUST UNBELIEVABLE. AND EVERYONE HAS ONE. IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE STORY, YOU CAN’T LEAD THE AIRMAN. IT’S REALLY THAT SIMPLE.

SHOWING INTEREST CAN IMPACT AIRMEN ON A PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LEVEL. KNOWING SOMEONE CARES CAN MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE IN AN AIRMAN’S LIFE.

AIRMAN FIRST CLASS LINDY PATA, 380TH AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING, SOUTHWEST ASIA.]]> The Orthopedic Clinic has expanded and moved into the new health center at U.S. Air Force Hospital Langley. Orthopedics offers services including joint replacements and sports medicine which includes procedures like arthroscopic or open knee, hip, and shoulder surgeries.

SB: Maj Michael Laidlaw, Medical Director of Orthopedic Surgery Service
Orthopedic surgery service here at USAF Hospital Langley provides a large breathe of orthopedic and muscle skeletal care to not only active duty members but also dependents and retirees. I do feel that bar none that they get excellent care and we get that feedback all the time from our patients.


REPORTER
Major Laidlaw also says the additional space will be extremely beneficial as the clinic sees around ten to 15 thousand patients a year.
SB: Maj Michael Laidlaw, Medical Director of Orthopedic Surgery Service
Well I know that wait times can always be a difficult thing to work around. I do think that with having the new facility, that has opened up more clinic space, more clinic rooms which do allow the providers to adequately assess and treat patients and be able to move in a reasonable fashion so that patients have actually been making comments that they’ve had a lot lower wait time and also a better experience of coming in and getting out of the office.
REPORTER
The Orthopedic clinic is one of the many improvements occurring at U.S. Air Force Hospital Langley. Airman 1st Class Anthony Hetlage, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.
]]>
HOW IS THIS TEAM DOING?

SB: THE CONDITIONS ARE A LITTLE DIFFERENT IT’S REALLY COLD AND THE CHEM GEAR USUALLY WHEN YOU ARE TRAINING AT SILVER FLAG YOU’RE NOT WEARING GEAR. BUT THESE GUYS ARE DOING A GREAT JOB GETTING EVERYTHING HOOKED UP.

NO MATTER THE LOCATION, OR CONDITIONS, TO THESE AIRMEN THERE IS ONLY ONE CONCERN…

SB: THE MAIN THING IS TO GET THE ROTU UP AND RUNNING. PUTTING WATER OUT FOR THE BASE.

FROM KUNSAN AIR BASE, KOREA, I’M TECH SGT ALEX GRIFFIN.]]> Fourth but first is the motto here at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, and once again we have accomplished another first. On Thursday February seventh Team Seymour played host to a large force exercise, or L-F-E, named “RAZOR TALON”.

SB: Lt Col Paul Birch, Operations Support Squadron Commander
Well RAZOR TALON is a joint coalition large force exercise. The joint part means that we train with multiple services; so Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. The coalition part means that sometimes we train with international partners.

REPORTER
This particular exercise is the largest and first international of its kind. A total of seventy-five aircraft, twelve different airframes, participated in the exercise. The location of our base being so close to the Atlantic Ocean allows for specialized training.

SB: Lt Col Paul Birch, Operations Support Squadron Commander
There’s a concept out there called AirSea battle, and obviously to do effective AirSea battle you need to practice where there’s water. We have some of the best air space in the country to do that because we have the whiskey one-twenty-two warning area which abuts the coast of North Carolina where there are a bunch of Air Force, Navy, Marine Core bases and we can all train together effectively right here at home.

REPORTER
The initiative started here at the Fourth Fighter Wing. Exercise RAZOR TALON is designed to involve joint services at an acceptable cost. Being able to fly and recover from out home station allows us to truly provide dominant strike eagle airpower anytime, anyplace. Reporting from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, I’m Airman First Class Emma McIntosh.]]>
SoundPop: Mrs. Beatriz Castillo, Wife of Deployed Spouse
“But this is his thing, so he’s going to really enjoy this one…”

REPORTER
Mrs. Castillo and her daughters, Angie and Mercedes, have replaced traditional Valentine’s Day gifts with items more practical for her deployed husband. Mrs. Castillo says her husband, Chief Master Sergeant Guillermo Castillo, has always stressed the importance of putting the Air Force mission first throughout their 18 year marriage.

SB: Mrs. Beatriz Castillo, Wife of Deployed Spouse
“It’s when you think, whatever it is that they do over there, it’s worth it – to live the life that we have here. That’s what I tell my husband, this country is a great country, and let’s make it even better”.

REPORTER
The Castillo daughters, 14 year old Angie and 5 year old Mercedes, say that while it is difficult having their father so far away, they have much to share with him when he comes home.

SB: Mrs. Beatriz Castillo
“They started piano lessons right before he left, so they promise they are going to play a complete song when he comes back.”

SB: Ms. Angie Castillo
“By the time he comes back, I want to play Chopsticks. I told him that’s my goal”.

REPORTER
The Castillos say they will celebrate Valentine’s Day with the families of other deployed Airmen at Langley’s “Hearts Apart” event February 13th. Although they are excited for the celebration, this Air Force family says they do not need a special occasion to send their love from Langley to Kandahar. Airman 1st Class Tory Patterson, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.
]]> It's kind of like somebody putting their arms around you and giving you a hug. You may not know who they are, but everybody needs a hug once in a while. And what better way to do that than to give them a tangible symbol of the honor and respect that individuals have to fill their service.
This handmade symbol is meant to be used, not just hung on a wall or stored for safe keeping.
Wrap up in it. if you are feeling bad, wrap up in it and know that there are individuals who put a lot of work and time into this because they care about you and they care about the sacrifices that you make.
Quilts of Valor Foundation has become a national grass roots community service effort connecting the home front with combat warriors and veterans. The foundation has it's roots in Delaware, home of the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations, or AFMAO.
So with regards to AFMAO, there are really no other units outside units that may be direct combat units, who are more touched by war than the Air Force Mortuary Affairs Operations and what we deal with in regards to returning our fallen, and then taking care of our families.
Taking care of servicemembers continues to motivate these creative volunteers.
It's not a piece of cake, it's not somebody saying thank you. It's, I have something and I can wrap up in it and I know that there are people that care about me and what I did and how much better can it get than that?
Since 2003, Quilts of Valor has donated and delivered 80,500 handmade quilts to wounded warriors and members of past and present war conflicts. TSgt Catherine Carbullido, Dagsboro, Delaware.]]> SrA Mari Moxley
Paul Meyer:
Ballooning has been around for a long time from the scientific aspect to just humans wanting to get themselves off the ground. To think that we turned around and as far as space travel and everything is one we came back to using the balloon to turn around and make this happen.

Announcer:
The team from Holloman’s balloon operations helped form the team to make Felix Baumgartner’s jump from the edge of space a reality. This wasn’t Holloman Balloon Ops first time participating in a world record breaking event. The ops center has a history as old as the building. On August 16, 1960 Air Force Captain Joesph Kittinger ascended 102,800 feet in a high altitude balloon from Holloman. He jumped from the balloon setting a world record. That record held strong until Felix Baumgartner’s jump recently. Holloman’s balloon ops also participated in the recent world record breaker.
Paul Meyer:
Our balloon…the one that we launched…is thirty million cubic feet. It is plastic but it is very thin film plastic. It is basically like a sandwich bag.

Sam Bercera:

For the mission we use helium trailers such as these but for the Red Bull mission we used much bigger ones because of the volume of helium required.

Paul Meyer:
The weather turned around and brought in a dust devil or basically a wind shear. It took the balloon and it twisted it all over the place. It ripped the end of the inflation duct right off my inflation piece. It threw the other guy that was inflating all over the place and it spun the balloon around, it hit the ground, and it hit the corner of our launch arm.

Ed Coca:
You always have a primary and a backup. So we always have two. We were down to one. If that one wouldn’t have worked, it wouldn’t have gone up.

Announcer:
While one balloon went down during the mission. The well-oiled team from Holloman successfully launched the second balloon. After interviewing several members from the team. One thing was made very apparent, the team of all retired military worked well together and attributed their success to their prior enlistment.

Paul Meyer:

All of us that work down here are all retired military and that was one of the things that was brought up to us during our time with Red Bull. Some of the film crew came up and talked to me. He says Paul I don’t understand how you guys can work so well together. He says everything is like clockwork. Everyone knows where they are supposed to be and what they are supposed to do. It is something I still get goose bumps and everything else about and when I watch the video and stuff. Just to know that I was a part of that.

Announcer:

For Holloman Air Force Base this is Senior Airmen Mari Moxley.

]]> ITS 2:30 IN THE MORNING AND 23 DEGREES. BUT THESE AMMO AIRMEN ARE LOADING BOMB AFTER BOMB, JDAM AFTER JDAM ON THE NIGHT SHIFT, GETTING IT RIGHT EVERY TIME. ON KUNSAN AIR BASE, KOREA THE WOLF PACK IS HONING ITS WARTIME SKILLS.

(SOUND POP)

AND THIS 11 YEAR VETERAN IS TRAINING HIS AIRMEN TO PERFECTION, BECAUSE AS HE SAYS…

SB: IF WE HAVE TO TAKE THE FIGHT NORTH –THIS IS WHAT WE ARE GOING TO USE

AIRMEN ACROSS THE BASE ARE WORKING OVER FIVE DAYS AND FIVE NIGHTS TRAINING TOGETHER WITH THEIR KOREAN COUNTERPARTS STANDING READY AND ABLE TO DEFEND THE BASE SHOULD THE TIME COME.

FROM KUNSAN AIR BASE, KOREA, I’M TECH SGT ALEX GRIFFIN.
]]> AIRMEN GATHERED AT MOODY AIR FORCE BASE TO WATCH THE PREMIERE OF THE NEW NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SERIES INSIDE COMBAT RESCUE.

SB1:
THIS PROJECT IS THE RESULT OF A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF WORK ON THE PART OF AIRMEN THROUGHOUT OUR WING, AROUND THE WORLD AND OF COURSE NATGEO TV AND NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL.

BEFORE THE WORLD PREMIERE, THE VICE PRESIDENT OF GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, LET TEAM MOODY KNOW THIS IS MORE THAN JUST A TELEVISION SERIES.

SB2:
THIS IS A CHANCE TO SHARE YOUR BRAVERY WITH THE WORLD AND WE ARE INCREDIBLY HONORED TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT.

AS TEAM MOODY WATCHED THE PREMIER ONE THING WAS CLEAR. THIS SERIES IS ABOUT MORE THAN JUST THE MISSION.

SB3:
I THINK WE NOT ONLY CAPTURED THEIR JOB VERY WELL AND EVEN PART OF THEIR CAPABILITIES BUT EVEN THEM AS PEOPLE. IT’S A CHARACTER DRIVEN SHOW WE SEE THIS WORLD THRU THEIR EYES AND THROUGH THEIR EXPERIENCES AND IM REALLY , IM PRETTY THRILLED WITH HOW IT TURNED OUT. I DON’T THINK IT COULD HAVE GONE ANY BETTER.

INSIDE COMBAT RESCUE IS A FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND MEDIA EMBED WITH AIR FORCE PARARESCUEMEN AND PREMIERES FEBRUARY 18TH ON THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL.

FROM MOODY AIR FORCE BASE GEORGIA, I’M STAFF SERGEANT SAM HOUSE.]]> SB: TSgt Aaron Juarez –Professional Military Education instructor
What happened today, we had our final retreat. A retreat normally will signify the end of the duty day, but for us, it did a little bit more for that for the students. It signified the end of the course, their final retreat as a group. As this is the last time they’ll come together as 13-Bravo and also we were able to have some special guest that were with us today.
Reporter:
PACIFIC AIR FORCES COMMAND CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT STEVE MCDONALD AND FIFTH AIR FORCE COMMAND CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT DOUGLAS MCINTYRE WERE ON HAND FOR THE GROUPS FINAL MEETING. PASSING ON A WEALTH OF REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE TO WELCOME SOME OF YOKOTA’S NEWEST LEADERS. RECEIVING ALL THE TRAINING AND VISION AVAILABLE IS ONLY THE BEGINNING. THESE AIRMEN MUST BE ABLE TO ACT UPON IT.
SB: SrA Ricardo Childress- ALS Graduate
The instructors will give you all the tools that you need to succeed. They’ll help you along the way, they’ll mentor you. But it’s up to you to actually take that information and do something with it yourself.
Reporter
WITH THEIR CLASS SESSIONS COMING TO A CLOSE, ALL THAT’S LEFT IS GRADUATION.
SB: TSgt Aaron Juarez- Professional Military Education instructor
Tonight we’ll be doing the graduation for Airman Leadership School. It is an evening event. It’s a long tradition that we’ve had. It does a few things, it allows families to come out, our wing leadership to come out and of course the students, they are the stars of the night.
Reporter
JUST LIKE THE TIMELESS SOUND OF RETREAT, THE DAY FOR THESE LEADERS HAS COME TO A CLOSE. THEY’LL GO BACK TO THEIR SQUADRONS WITH THE KNOWLEDGE AND CAPABILITY NEEDED TO FACE THE MANY CHALLENGES YOKOTA PRESENTS. AND THEY’LL BE READY. REPORTING FROM YOKOTA AIR BASE, I’M SEAMAN D’ARTANYAN RATLEY.

]]> SB: TSgt Aaron Mackey Assistant Test Cell Section Chief:
WE’LL GET THE ENGINE FROM THE ENGINE SHOP THAT PUTS IT TOGETHER AND MAKE SURE IT DOES ITS PRELIMINARY TEST TO MAKE ANYTHING DOESN’T LEAK, OR SOMETHING DOESN’T POP OUT. THEN WE’LL RUN IT THROUGH A SERIES OF DIAGNOSTICS TEST. KINDA LIKE YOU’RE CAR, WE’LL CHECK OIL LEVELS AND FUEL FLOWS AND AIR LEVELS JUST TO MAKE SURE THAT WHEN THIS DOES FINALLY GO INTO AN AIRCRAFT, IT’S A SAFE AND RELIABLE PRODUCT FOR THE PILOT.
SB: SrA Mark Stadlberger Test Cell Technician:
BASICALLY WHAT WE DO IS RUN UNINSTALLED ENGINES AND WE RUN INSTALLED TOO ON THE JET, WE HAVE ANOTHER HUSH HOUSE THAT LETS US FACILITATE THAT FOR THE FLIGHT LINE. WE MAKE SURE WE’RE KEEPING ALL OUR ENGINES UP AND READY TO GO AT ALL TIMES SO THE FLIGHT LINE CAN KEEP THE JETS UP AND RUNNING.
Reporter:
WHEN THEIR INSPECTION FINISHES THEY’VE ENSURED THE ENGINE WILL DO IT’S PART IN ACCOMPLISHING THE FIGHTER WINGS MISSION DURING OPERATIONS.
SB: TSgt Aaron Mackey Assistant Test Cell Section Chief:
IF THE PILOT DOESN’T FEEL COMFORTABLE TAKING THE AIR CRAFT BECAUSE OF THE ENGINE THEN WE FAIL OUR JOB AND WE DON’T WANT THAT TO HAPPEN.
Reporter:
THEY SPEND THEIR DAYS KEEPING UP WITH THE HIGH DEMAND THE 35TH FIGHTER WING PLACES ON THEM.
SB: TSgt Aaron Mackey Assistant Test Cell Section Chief
OH THE WORK PLACE HERE AT MISAWA IS VERY HIGH TEMPO, I CAME FROM A PLACE THAT WAS MOSTLY CIVILIAN WORK FORCE, AND WHILE THEY DO A WONDERFUL JOB SUPPORTING THEIR MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS. YOU JUST CAN’T MATCH THE PACE AT A FIGHTER WING its HIGH TEMPO IT’S GO TIME ALL THE TIME WORK HARD PLAY HARD IT’S WHAT WE DO ALL THE TIME.
Reporter:
SRA JONATHAN GUZMAN, MISAWA AIRBASE, JAPAN.
]]>
SOUNDBITE: CESAR ALVAREZ “UNFORTUNATELY WITH RUNNING PEOPLE JUS TELL YOU TO GO OUT, BUY A PAIR OF SHOES AND RUN, NOBODY REALLY TEACHES YOU THE CORRECT RUNNING MECHANICS. 30% TO 70% OF RUNNERS WILL DEVELOP AN INJURY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR AND OF THOSE 47% ARE ANKLE INJURIES OR LOWER EXTREMITY INJURIES AND A LOT OF THAT CAN BE PREVENTED THROUGH PROPER TRAINING PROPER COACHING.”

NARRATOR: SO YOU GOT THE TECHNIQUE DOWN, BUT THE BODY, LIKE A CAR IS A WELL OILED MACHINE AND THE RIDE ISN’T GOING TO BE SMOOTH, UNLESS YOU HAVE THE RIGHT WHEELS.

SOUNDBITE: CESAR ALVAREZ “YOU WANT TO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A GOOD PAIR OF SHOES THAT HAVE ENOUGH TREAD LIFE THAT ARE GOING TO ABSORB THE SHOCK WHEN YOU’RE RUNNING. THE SECOND THING IS THAT YOU WANT TO MAKE SURE THEY’RE RIGHT FOR YOUR FOOT IF SOMEONE HAS FLAT FEET THEY SHOULD BE ON A MOTION CONTROL SHOE SOMEONE WITH HIGH ARCHES SHOULD BE IN A CUSHIONING SHOE.”

NARRATOR: RUNNING TECHNIQUE MAY NOT SEEM LIKE A BIG DEAL BUT IT CAN BE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BEING GOOD OR BEING EXCELLENT. SENIOR AIRMAN MARVIN WIGFALL, RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, GERMANY.]]> Recent changes to the process of getting a Physical Training Waiver could affect you, Airman First Class Richard Ware takes us to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to show us what’s new to the process.
Reporter
The Air Force changed how they issue Physical Training waivers. Now your primary medical provider has the ability to issue PT waivers, cutting several steps from the old process.
1st Lt Ruehr
Right now we're going through the 469 and 422 transition for PT testing, it's pretty much taking the guess work out of the members hands and the HAWK and it's actually putting it on the Provider.
MSgt Sharpe
Traditionally the 469 has been specifically for duty limiting conditions, meaning mobility related so can a person perform their job on a day to day basis does it affect their world wide mobility for deployments. They would take that 469 and it would go through the wickets of force health and the HAWK and they would create the 422 which was the fitness profile and that would be specific to the test, what components of the test the member could do or not do based on their duty limiting condition. The 469 now will have everything you need on it, it'll have the duty limiting condition, mobility restrictions, and it will also be specific components that the member can do for the fitness test.
Reporter
This streamlined process involves fewer people, helping you get your waiver a lot faster.
1st Lt Ruehr
If you had your Pt Test scheduled next week and you were going into it completely healthy, and then maybe a day or two before you hurt yourself and weren’t sure if you were able to perform a certain component of the test, you could schedule an appointment with your doctor, they could assess you there during the appointment and then they could right you the 469 and you could actually take that and where you would have done a full test the next day you can now go in and have that exemption when you go.
Reporter
Testing facilities will accept current 422’s through the transition and will now accept 469’s including working copies, reporting for W-P AFB Public Affairs I'm Airman First Class, Richard Ware.]]>
SUGGESTED TAG:
FROM A STREETS VIEW THIS LOOKS LIKE YOUR TYPICAL COMMUNITY CENTER. BUT MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE BACK AND YOU WILL FIND SOMETHING MUCH DIFFERENT THAN KIDS PLAYING.
THESE ARE COMMUNICATION AIRMAN SETTING UP LINK-16 ANTENNAS IN SUPPORT OF EXERCISE COPE NORTH 2013 ON THE ISLAND OF SAIPAN.
COPE NORTH IS A MULTILATERAL EXERCISE BETWEEN THE U.S. AIR FORCE, JAPAN AIR SELF DEFENSE FORCE AND THE ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE, TO INCREASE COMBAT READINESS BETWEEN THE SERVICES, HELD AT ANDERSON AFB GUAM.
COMBAT FLYING CAN BE DIFFICULT ENOUGH EVEN WHEN EVERYONE IS USING THE SAME SYSTEMS.
LINK SIXTEEN IS A TACTICAL INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM, WHICH ALLOWS PILOTS, CONTROLLERS AND OTHER GROUND PERSONNEL TO TALK TO EACH OTHER, REGARDLESS OF WHAT KIND OF PLANE THAT NATION IS FLYING, OR WHAT KIND OF EQUIPMENT THEY ARE USING.
AS THESE AIRMEN MOVE FROM THE GROUND TO THE ROOF TO SET UP THEIR LAST ANTENNA, SSgt ROGER TOLIVER THE SUPERVISOR IN CHARGE EXPLAINS THE significance OF THE SYSTEM FOR EXERCISE COPE NORTH.
SSgt TOLIVER( SOUND BITE)
WITH A VIEW OF THE OCEAN AND BEAUTIFUL SCENERY TOLIVER TALKS ABOUT IMPORTANCE HIS JOB AND THE PERKS OF IT.
AS THESE COMMUNICATION AIRMAN TIE THEIR LAST KNOT THEY CALL IT A DAY, AT LEAST FOR NOW.
REPORTING FROM SAIPAN IM PETTY OFFICER STEPHEN JACKSON]]>
THAT’S WHERE AIRCREW FLIGHT TECHNICIANS LIKE AIRMAN FIRST CLASS MICHAEL LARA PLAY THE SILENT HERO BEHIND THE SCENES. AS PART OF THE 100TH OPERATIONS SUPPORT SQUADRON AT R-A-F MILDENHALL, HIS SHOP IS RESPONSIBLE FOR TESTING AND MAINTAINING THE LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT PILOTS AND AIRCREWS RELY ON…

SB: (A1C Michael Lara) – “Every day when they use our parachutes, they’re jumping out of planes on their own free will and trusting us to make sure it opens right and make sure they’re gonna get down to the ground safely”.

FOR AN AIRMAN WHO’S ONLY EXPERIENCED THE OPERATIONAL AIR FORCE FOR A LITTLE MORE THAN A YEAR, THIS COULD SEEM LIKE A HUGE AMOUNT OF NERVEWRACKING RESPONSIBILITY. BUT AIRMAN LARA’S SUPERVISOR, TECH SERGEANT STEPHEN SAPP, SAYS HIS TROOP TAKES IT IN STRIDE…

SB: (TSgt Stephen Sapp) – “We work with equipment that is used every single day. Whether its Para-rescue jumpers or combat controllers jumping out of aircraft, peoples’ lives are in our hands, and Airman Lara takes that responsibility and runs with it every single day and does a fantastic job”.

IT’S A JOB THAT BECOMES MORE AND MORE IMPORTANT AS THE AIR FORCE EXPANDS IT’S OPERATIONS AROUND THE WORLD. TECH SERGEANT SCOTT OLGUIN, R-A-F MILDENHALL, UNITED KINGDOM.]]>
Airman 1st Class Darrell Sydnor observes a computer monitor as he sets up a Rimage disc duplication system at Fort Meade, Maryland.

Airmen and soldiers offload A UH60 Black Hawk helicopter from a Lockheed C-5 Galaxy at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan.

An Airman from the 99th Civil Engineer Squadron surveys the concrete density of a new flood wash gully at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

And that's this week in photos, I'm Staff Sergeant Michael Brady.]]> Airmen of the 36th Security Forces Squadron are taking new, more aggressive steps in assuring that they are prepared for combat. With an updated training program known as Shoot, Move, and Communicate, Airmen are no longer standing still and shooting, but learning to assault and minimize threats as a team. These training advantages provide security forces Airmen with more realistic situations so that they can adapt to a multitude of threats.
SSgt Duriel Howard, 36th Security Forces Unit Trainer:
The old Security Forces training, students were shooting at standing targets or engaging them on the move. With the new shoot, move, and communicate training…we go through actual loading and reloading on the go and engaging targets while moving towards the targets and retrograding from the targets.

A1C Adam Harder, Reporting 36th Wing Public Affairs:
This new training is designed to put the Airmen in real-world scenarios that they rarely get to practice anywhere else such as infiltrating buildings and dealing with hostiles that will actually fight back. And although it may take a few Airmen out of their comfort zone, the experience gained from the exercise is invaluable.
MSgt Steven Bostic, NCOIC 36th Security Forces Training:
This obviously teaches the student to keep more of a tactical mindset and think more about how they would react and engage in a real life scenario as if they were in combat or as if they were out on the streets doing their job as a law enforcement officer.
A1C Adam Harder, Reporting 36th Wing Public Affairs:
The Shoot, Move, Communicate training will leave these Airmen with a higher knowledge of not only how to contain a threat, but how to aggressively terminate it as well. Reporting from Andersen Air Force Base, I’m Airman First Class Adam Harder
]]> The pace is much higher here compared to day to day squadron training. However, back at the squadron we try to train as realistic as we can. I think Red Flag brings extremely good possibility to interact with other players. The amount of people supporting Red Flag makes the complexity so much more realistic.
Lt Col Segerby
We are here with a operation squadron. This is really their test, to verify that they are qualified to be a operational squadron within the Swedish Air Force. They have participated in several exercises during 2011 and 2012, but this exercise is the most complex exercise where they are being faced by all different kinds of threats. So, this is sort of their exam in air to air combat.
Maj Gen Byden
Coming here means we safeguard being a relevant partner for international operations, also for the future. So what I hope to be would be that the U.S. Air Force would say welcome to the Swedish Air Force also for the future.]]>
"I am Tech Sergeant James Nilsen, a boom operator with the 909th Air Refueling Squadron. All the boom operators in the 909th are qualified to refuel any aircraft in the Air Force inventory, including Navy recievers as well. And we also do coalition aircraft; which is JASDF, ROKAF aircraft... so there is not much out there we are not qualified to do. The most rewarding part about preforming flying missions with the 909th is definitely the air medical missions. Cuz when you are taking a patient, you are taking them where they need to go and you are trying to get them there as fast as possible... safely to get them the best care that you can. It's rewarding to know that you made that happen, to get them there to their destination for their medical treatment. I thing one of the most important parts to being a boom is taking care of your crew and taking care of all the guys underneath you. I think that's what really matters. Alright, my favorite part about being a boom operator is just coming up here and flying day in and day out and coming here and refueling other jets and aircraft. Cause when you come back and do that you are really making the mission happen by getting the training done for not only yourself and the recievers, but you're a bigger part of the picture. You're moving aircraft back and forth across the pond and or making exercises happen. So that's what I really like about this job. I really like this job and I like what I do. I would put a vote out and say that being a boom operator is definitely one of the best careers you can have. Rewarding in what you do and it is fun. Like I said everyday you fly is a different day, it's a different mission, and it keeps you going."
]]>
SSgt Rick Woltkamp, Ground Radar Craftsman
"The radar systems provide an electronic signal to an aircraft. That aircraft, they have a scope that can see a ground threat. They will get some type of signiture on their scopes, or on their gear. And what we're doing is shooting that electronic signal to them so they can recognize they have a ground threat on the ground."

This new site is unique to Andersen's usual operation in a couple ways. First, this is a joint mission. With both the Navy and the Air Force utilizing radars of thier own at this site. Also, none of Andersen's active duty Airmen work this site. The entire operation falls under the supervision of active guard reserve Airmen from Idaho.

MSgt Donald Taylor, Supervisor, 266 RANS Idaho Air National Guard
"We're comprised of six people come here, rotate in and out every two months, and we're from the 266th RANS in Idaho Air National Guard. So, now our equipment's out here and we're just bringing it back."

Being on the edge of a cliff at Ritidian Point, this new mission provides the joint threat emitter with nearly zero interference from either land nor air; giving Andersen a far more capable ability to ready it's pilots for attack. Reporting from Andersen Air Force Base, I'm Airman First Class Adam Harder.
]]> U.S. Air Force Hospital Langley has a new multi-service health center. Included in this health center is the new Gastroenterology Clinic. Gastroenterology focuses on the health of your digestive system and provides services for acid reflux, heartburn, and indigestion while performing procedures including endoscopies and colonoscopies. Prior to the move, General Surgery was performing these procedures so it also frees up time and space for them. Gastroenterologist, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Gallagher highlights the advantages of being an Air Force physician.

SB: Lt Col Joseph Gallagher, Gastroenterologist
I do feel that the Air Force offers its’ physicians a unique opportunity to really focus on patient care and it’s not demanded of us to meet quotas in terms of how many procedures we do or how much medicine we prescribe. We can look at our patient each uniquely and provide the care that they need.

REPORTER
Gastroenterology increased production by 80 percent since its move to the new health center. Gastroenterology Tech, Mrs. Sherry Morgan said they have about 25 to 30 patients a week and at least 100 patients a month between the two Gastroenterologists at the hospital.

SB: Mrs. Sherry Morgan, Gastroenterology Tech
We’re here for the patient. It’s not okay well let’s practice here or you know try harder here, no, it’s all about how we can be more efficient to the patient, how we can take care of the patient better, what we need to do to improve that, what we need to do to fall back on? It’s all about the patient, patient care, making the patient feel comfortable.
REPORTER

The new health center is located on the second floor of the old wing. Airman 1st Class Anthony Hetlage, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.
]]> NAT SOUND
DIP…
NAT SOUND
AND TRASH TALK TO GO AROUND…
Pamela Mosley – Ravens Fan
“Ravens is my team. They’re going all the way. They’re the team of destiny.”

MSgt Courtney Vaughn – 49ers Fan
“We’re going for number six baby! The 49ers, that’s what I’m taking about.”
SUPER BOWL 47 HAS FANS FROM AROUND THE WORLD WATCHING WITH ANTICIPATION…INCLUDING SERVICE MEMBERS DEPLOYED TO SOUTH WEST ASIA.
NAT SOUND
THE GAME WAS SO INTENSE IT HAD THESE WARRIOR FANS CHEERING…
NAT SOUND
BOOING…
NAT SOUND
AND EVEN DANCING AT TIMES…
NAT SOUND
BUT IT’S THESE MOMENTS THAT BRING EVERYONE CLOSER.
A1C Darrius Moore – 49ers Fan
“It’s just home away from home you got different backgrounds and stuff like that coming together to enjoy America’s favorite sport as they like to say.”

IN THE END THE RAVENS WON 34…31 BUT REGARDLESS OF WHO WON…THE GAME WAS WORTH WATCHING.
NAT SOUND
AIR FORCE STAFF SERGEANT YOSHI SHINZATO, SOUTH WEST ASIA]]>
This mixed group of Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines all serve as part of a force protection team which provides one of the first lines of defense for the base. The senior members of the team, like Petty Officer First Class Aaron Proffitt, are sharing their skills with junior members to help everyone become more effective in close-quarters combat.

Petty Officer First Class Aaron Proffitt
Bravo Team Leader

"All it was doing is lending my part in it too, what I've gained throughout the years."
One safety topic that seemed to be on everyone's mind...

"Muzzle Awareness."

"Muzzle Awareness."

"Muzzle Awareness. It's being aware at all times where your muzzle is facing. Being able to move your body with your muzzle to both engage targets and remain safe at the same time."

Marine Staff Sergeant Jason Price, Kabul, Afghanistan.
]]> SrA Bambi White
Whenever we land in a location you need our support, we'll dismount the plane, and we'll set up a 360 around the plane providing security specifically for that aircraft until we leave the area and the we'll get back in and continue on our mission.
So until they are called to move on, they wait and watch. For AFCENT Public Affairs, I'm Air Force Sergeant Joseph Orellana.]]> Announcer:
"With Lt General Ellen M. Pawlikowski presiding, Los Angeles Air Firce Base holds a ceremony to welcome home its returning heroes."

"Being welcomed home is a tradition here at LAAFB where both Airmen and families are honored and every Airman has a separate and unique story. And for one Airman, a very special surprise...

Maj Hammes:
I work for the Defense Contract Management Agency better known as DCMA as a lead quality assurance representative, responsible for conducting contract surveillance.

Capt John Meyer:

My job assignment, I did airlift so I worked for ISAF doing airlift moving people and cargo all throughout Afghanistan.

TSgt Rebecca Backs:
I was deployed to Joint Task-force Bravo in Sotocano Air Base, Honduras for six months.

Maj Hammes:
It's definitely challenge. I would say embrace the experience as much as possible, don't dwell on the negative, and actually take the experience as a leadership exercise, what can you gain from it, where can you learn from it.

Capt Amy Gilliland:
My normal job would be to just sit at a desk and do resource management. But I had an opportunity to go out and travel around in different bases and see a lot more of Afghanistan. I was deployed to Bagrahm, Afghanistan, I actually got off the plane in Los Angeles and my boyfriend was down on one knee and proposed to me so it's awesome being back.

TSgt Rebecca Backs:
It feels really good to be back. I missed my family. I have a husband and a two year old daughter I left home, so I missed them greatly while I was gone. It was a great experience being deployed. Probably the most couple of memorable things I got to be involved with, the medical surgical team while I was there made me remember why I was in the military to help people not only here in the United States, not only in my military family but everybody around the world and remember what I did it for.]]>
Reporter:

THEY BUILD AND LAUNCH THEIR ROCKETS, BUT NOT BEFORE LEARNING THE MATH AND SCIENCE BEHIND THEM. THEY ARE THE TEENS AT KOREA’S FIRST CIVIL AIR PATROL ENCAMPMENT.


SB: CADET CAPTAIN JOSHUA LUKE – CADET COMMANDER

“We teach them about the physics of their rocket flight, center of gravity, center of pressure. Surprisingly most of that math will probably be used outside, we use trigonometry to, we get the angle of the flight of the rocket, and we use that to determine how high it went.”

CIVIL AIR PATROL HAS MUCH MORE TO OFFER.

SB: CADET AIRMAN FIRST CLASS EDUARDO SANTOS – CADET

“The best thing about encampment is it teaches you how to be a good follower but it also teaches you how to be a good leader, we all got to rotate between element leaders and flight sergeants So we all had a chance to lead and al had a chance to follow.”

SB: CADET CAPTAIN JOSHUA LUKE – CADET COMMANDER

“My favorite part about being in Civil Air Patrol is definitely leading the cadets, I started as a cadet so I can put myself in their shoes, and I know what they’re experiencing. I went to my own encampment…I know what they’re feeling, I know what they’re feeling stressed, I feel like I’m capable of helping them along the way.”

EVEN THE YOUNGEST MEMBERS GRASP THE INTENT OF THE CIVIL AIR PATROL.

SB: CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT RYAN BURKETT – FLIGHT COMMANDER

“just the camaraderie, having a common bond with them. Just having fun doing something that you enjoy together.”

THE CADETS TAKE WITH THEM VALUABLE SKILLS THAT THEY CAN USE AS THEY GROW INTO THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEADERS. AIR FORCE STAFF SERGEANT JENNIFER STAI, OSAN AIR BASE, KOREA.

]]>
Gen Welsh: It's about caring enough and communicating enough face to face at the lowest levels of our Air Force so that people know they can trust everyone around them. That's what it's about; it's about respect.

Chief Cody spent his first all-call as the Chief Master Sergenat of the Air Force encouraging leaders to get to know their Airmen

CMSAF Cody: How many of you know about the Airmen sitting next to you? If you look left and you look right and you don't know much about the Airmen than we're missing the mark.

Servicemembers had time to meet the leaders face-to-face but more importantly their message was heard loud and clear.

A1C Brown: To be honest, it made me feel really good that they're thinking about me and they want to know what's going on.

Air Force Staff Sergeant, Yoshi Shinzato, Southwest Asia.]]> ........
AIRMAN AND FAMILES CAN LOOK FORWARD TO A GOAL OF "CONSISTANT" CUSTOMER SERVICE....
AIR FORCE BASES WILL NOW BE HELD TO A UNIFORM SET OF STANDARDS...
THAT'S THANKS TO THE RECENTLY LAUNCHED AIR FORCE COMMON OUTPUT LEVEL STANDARDS PROGRAM.
IT AIMS TO PROVIDE STANDARD, UNIFORM LEVEL OF SUPPORT PROVIDED TO AIRMEN AT EVERY LOCATION.
YOU CAN FIND MORE ON THIS STORY ON AFLINK.
.........
THERE'S A NEW RUNWAY RUBBER REMOVAL SYSTEM DEBUTING IN SOUTHWEST ASIA.
IT'S THE FIRST OF IT'S KIND...DESIGNED TO BE TRANSPORTED BY A C-130 FOR USE AT REMOTE AIR FIELDS.
EVERY TIME AN AIRCRAFT LANDS...IT ADDS A THIN DEPOST OF RUBBER ON THE RUNWAY...AND THAT CAN EVENTUALLY BE DANGEROUS....ESPECIALLY WHEN IT RAINS.
THE SYSTEM SUPPLEMENTS DETERGENT SYSTEMS WHICH DISSOLVE THE RUBBER....BUT REQUIRE SHUTTING PARTS OF THE RUNWAY FOR HOURS.
.......
ENLISTED AIRMEN HAVE NOMINATED SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE MICHAEL DONLEY FOR INDUCTION INTO THE AIR FORCE ORDER OF THE SWORD.
16TH CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT OF THE AIR FORCE JAMES ROY MADE THE ANNOUNCEMENT AT A MEETING WITH FORMER AND CURRENT TOP ENLISTED LEADERS FROM ACCROSS THE AIR FORCE.
THE ORDER OF THE SWORD RECONIZEDS INDIVIDUALS FOR SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ENLISTED CORPS...AND SECRETARY DONELY IS THE THIRD SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE TO RECEIVE THE HONOR.,
IN A SPEECH AT THE MEETING SECRETARY DONELY SAID..."I'M HONORED TO DAILY SERVE ALONGSIDE THE FINEST ENLISTED CORPS OUR AIR FORCE HAS EVER SEEN."
.......
AND THAT DOES IT FOR THE HEADLINES, FOR MORE ON THESE STORIES AND OTHER AFFECTING AIRMEN AND THIER FAMILIES, LOG ON TO THE AIR FORCE'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE, AFLINK. FOR TODAY'S AIR FORCE, I'M SENIOR AIRMAN ALINA RICHARD.


]]>
Airman 1st Class Kyle Fletcher, an explosive ordinance disposal apprentice from 354th Civil Engineer Squadron maneuvers an F6A robot at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska.

The 9th Security Forces Squadron Bravo Flight stands at the ready during civil disturbance training at Beale Air Force Base, California.

Major Brandon Tellez, a 7th Fighter Squadron F-22 Raptor pilot, greets his wife and son at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico, after returning from a 9-month deployment to Southwest Asia.

And that's this week in photos, I'm Senior Airman Renee Carberry.]]> SOUNDBITE: TSGT JOSHUA BROWN “THE SHUTTLE BUS IS MAINLY AT OVERSEA BASES OR T-D-Y LOCATIONS AND THEIR MAIN MISSION IS TO GET ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY MEMBERS TO THEIR DUTY LOCATIONS AND MILITARY APPOINTMENTS.”
NARRATOR: THE SHUTTLE ALSO OFFERS TRANSPORTATION TO MILITARY DEPENDENTS, CIVILIANS, AND LOCAL NATIONALS. THE VEHICLE OPERATIONS FLIGHT RELIES HEAVILY ON LOCAL NATIONALS TO GET THE JOB DONE SINCE THEY’RE MORE FAMILIAR WITH GERMAN ROAD SIGNS AND THE WEATHER.
SOUNDBITE: TSGT JOSHUA BROWN “99 PERCENT OF THE TIME THE LOCAL NATIONALS ARE THE ONES OPERATING THE BUSSES ON THE SHUTTLE. THEY PROVIDE AS MUCH SERVICE TO THE BASE AS MILITARY TRANSPORTATION WISE.”
NARRATOR: SO, IF YOU’RE IN NEED OF A RIDE, THE SHUTTLE PICKS UP PASSENGERS AT EACH STOP TWICE AN HOUR FROM SIX IN THE MORNING TO SIX AT NIGHT, MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY. REPORTING FROM RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, GERMANY, I’M AIRMAN FIRST CLASS ELLEN MCCARTHY.]]> About 200 British Airmen traveled here to Langley Air Force Base as part of the first integration efforts of Exercise Western Zephyr.

REPORTER
Members of the 1st Fighter Wing are working with Eleven Squadron Royal Air Force to test the capabilities and tactics of the F-22 Raptor and the Typhoon FGR4. The Typhoon is a multi-role combat aircraft used by the Royal Air Force.

REPORTER SU
Exercises like Western Zephyr, where the U.S. Air Force is working closely with British Airmen from the Royal Air Force, keep the United States and its allies operating efficiently. Airman First Class Tory Patterson, Langley Air Force Base Virginia.

]]>
SB (Shelby Broadwell):

Things are great. We have phenomenal support here at the 7th Fighter Squadron. Very close family, very close knit group, but we’ve missed him and we’re ready to have him back.

Announcer:

Others have new life experiences to share.

SB (Shannon Bergtholdt):

We’re expecting our first child, so when he comes home he’ll be seeing the belly, and experiencing our new life together.

Announcer:

All in all it was a successful deployment.

SB (Lt Col Larry Broadwell):

I’m extremely proud of the members of the 7th Fighter Squadron and our maintainers from the 49th maintenance group. To see what they did, they set a string of firsts for the F-22. And they did it from ground zero, and they did it for almost ten months, and when the nation called, and they needed someone to stand as a significant deterrent force in the Centcom A-O-R the 49th Wing and the F-22’s from here did it, and I’m extremely proud of that.

Announcer:

I’m Senior Airman David Joos, Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico.

]]> Nat Sound Pop:
"It's the first of it's kind, not only here at the 88th Medical Group but in the entire Air Force medical service."

This is Wright-patterson AFB's new Computerized Tomography, or CT, Scanner.

SSgt Christian Zamora:
"There's certain things about this machine versus the other that put it a cut above the rest."

It uses X-Rays for diagnostic imaging used in medical treatments.

SSgt Zamora:
"So as we're scanning patients, we get slices all the way through the anatomy so you can pick out individual slices and see your anatomy from the inside using any one of those images."

But older scanners have a problem. in certain patients the imaging can be obstructed.

Jeffery Mealy:
"Many of our fighting forces have certain implants in their knees, and backs, and their shoulders. Which makes it very difficult to image and get a good diagnosis because these metal artifacts scatter the beam and cause shadows within in the body."

SSgt Zamora:
"And this is what a current scan looks like now. And if there's any metal, any prosthesis... anything like that, you have these areas here that you cannot see. What this machine can do is using that post-processing reconstruction and just by changing a few aspects of the exam, you can completely remove all of those artifacts from the exam and now all of those areas we were unable to view before, now has complete diagnostics so our radiologists can see without any obstruction."

Col Stephen Niles:
"You're able to see better at what you're looking at, it lowers the dose of radiation and has some capabilities that have never been found before in CT machines."

It produces the images in a shorter amount of time and that's good news for both technicians and patients.

SSgt Zamora:
"CT is unique in the fact that other departments in the hospital use our machines. Add-ones, ER patients, Ward (sp?) Patients, we can all get them done as quickly as possible. And since this machine is so much faster than our old machine, it literally takes seconds to get an exam completed."

Col Niles:
"Well what it does for the patient, it gives them the confidence that when they come to the 88th Medical Group, they're coming to the finest care that this nation has to offer."

The scanner's arrival was received by some of the top leadership for the base, which is fitting since it will be leading the way into the future of medical care at Wright-Patt. Reporting for Wright-Patterson AFB Public Affairs, I'm Airman Nick Dastas.]]> The Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Mark A. Welsh the 3rd, visited Creech Air Force Base to talk to Airmen during a special All Call. During the All Call, General Welsh touched on a variety of topics, ranging from knowing your Airmen to the mission at Creech Air Force Base and its overarching impact on Air Force global operations.

(Gen Mark A. Welsh III - Chief of Staff of the Air Force)
You've flown over a million combat hours in the Pred, and almost a quarter million now in the Reaper, and you know all the statistics about all the other things you've done. They're fantastic, and just on behalf of the Air Force, in case nobody else told you today, I wanted to say thank you for what you've done. You've made us really, really proud.

(Capt Matthew - All Call Attendee)
The biggest thing I took away from the All Call was that performance was his bottom line and that's absolutely one thing that we cannot let fail. And especially with the atmosphere of budget cuts and the constraints that we face, we still have to meet the mission a hundred percent of the time, and that's the bottom line.

After the All-Call, General Welsh opened up the floor to answer some questions from the Creech Airmen.

(A1C Luke - All Call Attendee)
Personally, I enjoy seeing higher up ranks, especially a four star General, coming to our base, kind of to let us know that you know they care for us. He comes down here, sees how we operate day to day, visits the squadrons, kind of gives him a first hand view of what we're doing.

Creech Airmen greatly appreciated General Welsh taking time to interact with them on such a personal level. Senior Airman Aaron Hauser, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.
]]> (VO)AFNorth High School hosted a basketball game – normally a routine match wasn’t so routine when both schools used the event to raise awareness and funds for cancer research – the teams wore pink – and shirts were sold to attendees. For one member of the community the event has a very personal meaning.

SB-Not necessarily breast cancer but other cancer that affects my family, one in particular is my 15 year old daughter who is on the varsity basketball team ;she had fibro dysplasia which was actually a benign tumor. We’re fortunate it was benign, but for others, it’s a time that we can collect money and try to give back.

(VO)The game was a sell out – but the battle today was larger than the court – a victory in the greater fight against cancer. From AFNORTH High School I'm Air Force Sgt Stephen Patrick
 

]]> DISTRO SCRIPT
THREE CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATES VISITED INCIRLIK THIS WEEK TO LEARN ABOUT THE SCOPE OF OPERATIONS REGARDING THE PATRIOT MISSILE DEPLOYMENT. U-S REPRESENTATIVE ROBERT WITTMAN SAID HE WANTED TO SEE FOR HIMSELF HOW THE MISSION WAS GETTING DONE.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE UNDERSTAND HOW THE LAY DOWN IS OCCURRING AND HOW THE RELATIONSHIPS ARE BEING ESTABLISHED WITH OUR ALLIES, BOTH THE DUTCH AND THE GERMANS. AND ALSO WITH THE TURKS. SO WE MET WITH THE PRESIDENT YESTERDAY TO UNDERSTAND THEIR COMMITMENT TO THE THINGS WE NEED TO BE DOING. SO WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE WE HAD THE OVERALL UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MISSION HERE BUT ALSO HOW THAT INTEGRATES WITH EUROPEAN COMMAND AND ALSO WITH THE HOST COUNTRY.

THE CONGRESSMAN ALSO SAID INCIRLIK IS CRITICAL TO THE MISSION IN EUROPE. ON THEIR VISIT THEY TOURED THE DEPLOYED PERSONNEL’S FACILITIES AND THE PATRIOT MISSILE SITE.
]]> The 12th Air Force Commander, Lieutenant General Robin Rand, stopped by Nellis Air Force Base recently to get a first-hand look at the 820th Red Horse Airmen and their daily mission.

(1Lt Erich Kramer - Design Engineer, 820th Red Horse)
It's definitely very impressive when an individual in such a position like Lieutenant General Rand comes out here and learns what our capability is and is able to kind of appreciate and also advocate for us in the future on what we can do in this capability.

During his visit to the 820th, Gen Rand toured several sections of the Red Horse compound, taking time to interact with various Airmen along the way.

(Lt Gen Robin Rand - Commander, 12th Air Force)
Oh it's been a great visit. I had an opportunity to sit down with Colonel Davit and Chief Lee, the Chief of the squadron, and the commander, and then we had lunch with a room full of senior NCOs and the company grade officers and the officers assigned to Red Horse. And then I've been able to visit, look and see how they make the cement and the asphalt, and then we came up here and I got to pull the trigger on a pretty cool detonation that we did.
"Fire in the hole! Fire in the hole! Fire in the hole!"
*Explosion*
"Whoa! *laughter* That was pretty darn fast man!"

Though his stay with the 820th was brief, you could definitely say that it truly was a blast. SrA Aaron Hauser, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.
]]>
Sixty thousand volts are covering your entire body. Right now, up on stage, you are…Electro Boy.

ANNOUNCER:

Air Force Volunteers, from Los Angeles Air Force Base, help kick off STEM Night at Richmond Street Elementary School in El Segundo, California.

2Lt JUSTIN TULLOS:

We're here from Los Angeles Air Force Base celebrating STEM activities for the kids. STEM stands for Science, Technology Engineering and Math. And There's about sixty volunteers of us here that are all engineers in technical fields that love to do this and love to do our job.

ANNOUNCER:

Tonight, science stations include chemistry experiments, a LEGO Engineering group, a Computer Programing Lab, a Live Insect Lab, and, the Air Force Science Lab, where kids design cars using specific supplies and specifications.

2Lt KRISTEN PURVIS (INSTRUCTING):

So, it's really important to test. And all engineers have to test what they build to make sure it works right.

2Lt KRISTEN PURVIS:

In this room we're working on a project, talking them through the engineering process. From the inception phase, planning, building and testing. And they're using resources, breath mints, popsicle sticks, straws, tape, note cards and they're building load bearing vehicles. They're testing down a ramp to see how far they can go.

2Lt JUSTIN TULLOS:

Being here tonight is a great way to discover the future engineers of America. Here, you get to see them, get creative into science and engineering. You can see their creative side come out. And we want to see future kids of America become engineers, scientists and mathematicians.

ANNOUNCER:

Reporting from Richmond Street Elementary School in El Segundo, California… I'm Lare Austin.]]> FILING TAXES ISN’T FUN FOR MOST PEOPLE BUT IT IS A NECESSITY THIS TIME OF YEAR. FORTUNATELY, FOR DOD EMPLOYEES AND THEIR FAMILIES THEY MAY GET ASSISTANCE FROM A HIGHLY TRAINED VOLUNTEER, COURTESY OF THE I-R-S.

Jerrie Muir – “We’ll teach them the basic tax law, we’ll show them how to make entries on the tax return and we will provide them information pertaining to certain parts of the tax law.”

BRINGING IN AN OFFICIAL FROM THE I-R-S HELPS PROVIDE THE VOLUNTEERS WITH AS MUCH INFORMATION AS POSSIBLE IN A SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME.

Capt Acklin – “I’m an attorney, I’m trained in tax law but I’m not the same as a hands on IRS individual who’s been doing this as a career their whole life. They’re more capable, they’re more trained, and it’s less work that we have to do. He can train a room of twenty-five people in the time it would take me to train like three people so I mean it’s a huge boost. It allows us to do our job.”

SO WHETHER YOUR FILING A 1040, A 1040-EZ OR EVEN A 1040-X, YOUR LOCAL TAX OFFICE MAY BE THE BEST PLACE TO GO FOR ANSWERS THIS TAX SEASON. TECH SERGEANT LANCE DAIGLE, RAF LAKENHEATH, UNITED KINGDOM.
 

]]> One of the biggest concerns is the trafficking of drugs from Afghanistan that produces 90% of the opiate and most of that goes to central Asia. So, from a central Asian perspective, the counter narcotics activity is very crucial to their stability and progress
The relevance of counter narcotics is a major talking point in the dialogue of regional security and stability.
In many cases, the trafficking of drugs or other illicit drugs is the life blood for violent extremist organizations or non-governmental organizations that are part of insurgence. that's where they draw their income and in many cases their strength from. So, it's not just a separate issue like counter terrorism or counter narcotics, they are intermingled and it's very important for us as the US military to understand that as we work with our agency partners in the United States and in the region.
It is estimated that illicit trafficking of drugs, humans, and weapons represents about 15-18 percent of the Gross National Product of the world. The scope and corrosive impact of criminal organizations in the region creates greater importance for regional cooperation in the region.
We don't have a lot of military force on the ground, it puts even more of a premium on everybody working together towards the common goal. So, I think the challenges the region will face in terms of both dealing with violent extremist groups, drug trafficking, corruption, bad government, the whole range of problems, the more they work together the better the answers will be.
while it may be early for answers during this seminar, questions and regional views are being voiced. Tech Sergeant Burt Traynor, Garmisch, Germany.]]> REPORTER
Dogs are known for being incredibly smart, so it’s no surprise that they play an active role in law enforcement. For the military working dog handlers on Davis-Monthan AFB, the best part is seeing what their dogs are capable of.
SB (SSgt Escalante): “It’s our jobs as handlers to keep that dog proficient and it’s just fun knowing the capabilities of what your dog can do.”
Along with their intelligence, dogs are also known for their keen sense of smell which makes them a highly-sought-after addition to military branches.
SB (SSgt Escalante): “Our narcotics dog will look for narcotics such as marijuana and cocaine. The explosives dogs will look for homemade explosives and your typical grade military type explosives.”
SB (SSgt Escalante): “It’s crucial. It keeps our dogs up to standard and makes sure that they’re doing what they have to do and that they don’t fail.”
Though the training to produce a detection capable canine may be challenging, the bond between handler and dog is invaluable.
Airman 1st Class Ariel Hawkins, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona
 

]]> OVER TIME, RUBBER BUILD-UP CAN REDUCE A RUNWAY’S FRICTION CHARACTERISTICS AND, IN WET CONDITIONS, CREATE A POTENTIAL FOR HYDROPLANING AND RISK TO AIRCRAFT AND CREW.
THE AIR FORCE CIVIL ENGINEER CENTER AND THE AIR FORCE RESEARCH LAB AT TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, FLORIDA HAVE DEVELOPED, TESTED AND ARE DEPLOYING SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT TO GIVE AIR BASES ACROSS SOUTHWEST ASIA THE CAPABILITY TO PERFORM RUBBER REMOVAL ON THEIR RUNWAYS.
Mr. Scott Smith— Airfield Damage Repair Modernization Analyst
“…because in a lot of cases, the equipment that is used for rubber removal on airfields is too large to stick on a C-130 and be air deployable. This particular equipment is air deployable by C-130 which is what makes it especially unique.”
ONCE IN THEATER, THE CAPABILITY TO TRANSPORT THE RUBBER REMOVAL EQUIPMENT ON THE MORE COMMON C-130 AS WELL OTHER AIRCRAFT MAKES IT EASIER FOR CES TO EFFICIENTLY SUPPORT CONTINGENCY AIRFIELDS.
AFCEC IS SENDING TWO DIFFERENT RUBBER REMOVAL SYSTEMS TO THE AOR BY WAY OF A C-17.
THE FIRST IS DETERGENT BASED AND USES TWO BOBCAT TOOLCATS WITH SPRAY SYSTEMS AND KICK BROOMS TO LOOSEN AND REMOVE RUBBER DEBRIS.
THE TEAM IS ALSO DEPLOYING AN ULTRA-HIGH PRESSURE WATER SYSTEM BUILT ON A CUSTOMIZED UNIMOG VEHICLE. THE UNIMOG HAS A CAB THAT COLLAPSES AND A DETACHABLE WINDSHIELD, ALLOWING IT TO FIT IN THE CARGO CONFINES OF SMALLER TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT.
BOTH SYSTEMS WILL HELP CES SUSTAIN CONTINGENCY RUNWAYS AND RETURN THEM TO SERVICE AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.
Capt Benjamin Carlson — Chief, Expeditionary Engineering Programs
“I feel this capability is something the Air Force needs in the contingency environment. With it, the Air Force can perform airfield rubber removal at a fraction of the cost of contracting the same work out - making it a very very flexible option for combatant commanders overseas.”
]]> DONATING BLOOD IS SOMETHING THAT IS A COMMON PART OF OUR LIVES. THIS PAST MONTH, THE ARMED SERVICES BLOOD PROGRAM, SET UP AT MANY DIFFERENT LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT EUROPE TO GIVE SERVICE MEMBERS THE CHANCE TO GIVE BLOOD TO THEIR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ARMS.

SB:
Leonard little
“THERE’S JUST A BIG COMRADERY BECAUSE A LOT OF GUYS WHO COME TO DONATE OR ATTEMPT TO DONATE ARE PEOPLE WHO HAVE ACTUALLY BEEN THERE AND SEEN FIRST-HAND THE REASON WHY WE NEED THE BLOOD.”

SCRIPT:
AFTER THE POTENTIAL DONORS PASS THE INITIAL HEALTH SCREENINGS AND PAPERWORK TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE ABLE TO DONATE, THEY GO ONTO THE MOST IMPORTANT PART, PHLEBOTOMY, WHERE THE BLOOD IS TAKEN OUT. SARAH ROOT, A DONOR TELLS US WHY THIS IS SO IMPORTANT TO HER. .
SB:
SrA Sarah Root
“IT’S FROM THE MILITARY TO THE MILITARY SO IT’S IMPORTANT BECAUSE, YOU KNOW, NOT AS MANY PEOPLE ARE ELIGIBLE TO DONATE BEING IN THE MILITARY, BEING DEPLOYED PUTS CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS. SO IF YOU’RE ELIGIBLE IT’S REALLY IMPORTANT TO GET OUT THERE AND DO IT BECAUSE THEY NEED IT VERY BADLY. “

SCRIPT:
AFTER THE BLOOD IS COLLECTED, THE DONOR IS THEN RELEASED TO A REFRESHMENTS AREA AND THE BLOOD IS PACKAGED, AND SENT TO THE COLLECTION CENTER.

SB:
MSgt Romel Santini
“THEY MAKE IT VERY COMFORTABLE YOU. NO PRESSURE, WHATSOEVER AND ULTIMATELY THERE SHOULDN’T BE ANY REASON WHY YOU SHOULDN’T COME OVER AND GIVE BLOOD. I TRY TO TELL EVERYBODY TO GIVE BLOOD.”

SCRIPT:
EVENTS LIKE THIS BLOOD DRIVE HELP TO SERVE SERVICE MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES DIRECTLY AND THERE ARE ALWAYS OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE. AIRMAN FIRST CLASS AARON RICHARDSON, RAMSTEIN AB, GERMANY.
]]> as NATO and U.S.. forces prepare for the 2-thousand-14 WITHDRAWAL from Afghanistan, senior leaders from 39 countries are meeting in Garmisch, Germany to discuss the transition.
MCCLINTOCK SB: “i came here to the marshall center to participate in this senior executive seminar to help the united states military develop a better understanding of what the common interests are in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and central Asia as we look for a way to move beyond the transition in Afghanistan in 2014 and think about the long term security needs and interests of our partners and friends in the region.”
the seminar is organized around two main themes. the first is trans-national organized crime with an emphasis on the drug trade, and the second theme is international security cooperation in the central Asian region.
GLEASON SB: “regional cooperation of course requires that countries understand the pursuit of common interests. they have to pursue their own interests…but they have to also find ways to pursue the interests of other countries in such a way that will benefit them mutually.”
MCCLINTOCK SB: “it’s important for us to gather together here to gain an understand of not just how we can work together on things like counter terrorism, but important objectives like working on counter narcotics.”
nat sound: “and so our countries can and must take both individual national actions against drug cartels, and they must take international actions.”
MCCLINTOCK SB: “so its not just about a separate issue like counter terrorism or counter narcotics, they’re intermingled, and it’s very important for us as a U.S.. military to understand that as we work with our inter-agency partners in the united states and within the region.”
AZIZIAN SB: “IN BIGGER SEMINAR WE DO HEAR WHAT SOME VERY EXPERIENCED PEOPLE HAVE TO SAY, BUT THEN YOU GO INTO A SMALL GROUP WHERE YOU CAN REALLY HAVE A VERY OPEN, CANDID CONVERSATION, DISCUSSION.
the 8 day seminar hopes to encourage conversation amongst nations on how to make a successful transition in Afghanistan and improve cooperation in the central Asian region.
nat sound: “you might have detected that i used the word cooperation quite a bit. well that’s really what this is all about. not any one of us or any one of you is in this by themselves.”
airman Valerie Lloyd. Garmisch, Germany.]]> NATO IS RESPONDING TO TURKEY’S CALL FOR AID AGAINST ANY ATTACKS FROM SYRIA. THE NETHERLANDS IS ONE OF THE COUNTRIES COMING TO HELP IN THE MISSION.

IT WAS A FAIRLY SMOOTH TRIP. OUR MATERIAL WAS TRANSPORTED BY SEA, ARRIVED ISKANJER HARBOR, WE ARRIVED HERE AT THE AIR FIELD MAIN DETACHMENT, AND TODAY OUR WEAPONS SYSTEMS ARE ARRIVING HERE ON INCIRLIK AIR BASE AND WE’RE PUTTING THEM HERE. NEXT COMING IN PERIOD, WE’LL BE GOING TO OUR OPERATIONAL LOCATIONS AND WE’LL BE FULLY OPERATIONAL CAPABLE.

THE DUTCH BROUGHT PATRIOT MISSILE BATTERIES TO HELP PROTECT TURKEY’S CITIES AND THEIR RESIDENTS. THEY ARE STATIONED ON INCIRLIK AIR BASE DURING THEIR OPERATIONS.

WELL THAT IS VERY POSITIVE. EVERYBODY HAS BEEN VERY COOPERATIVE WE’VE HAD ENOUGH SUPPORT FOR THE TURKISH AUTHORITIES AS WELL AS FROM THE U.S. MILITARY. WE’RE SLEEPING IN PATRIOT VILLAGE. THAT SERVICE OUR PURPOSES JUST FINE. WE’VE BEEN USING THE SHELTERS WE’VE BEEN GIVEN. SO NO COMPLAINTS FROM OUR SIDE. NO AT ALL.

ALTHOUGH IT IS STILL UNCERTAIN HOW LONG THEY WILL BE STAYING IN TURKEY, THEY ARE EXPECTING TO BE INCIRLIK’S GUESTS FOR THE NEXT YEAR.

AIRMAN FIRST CLASS NICHOLAS CRISP, INCIRLIK AIR BASE, TURKEY.]]> IT’S A COMPETITION BETWEEN BROTHERS…
NAT SOUND
AND SISTERS IN ARMS.
NAT SOUND
IT’S KNOWN ON THE ROCK…AS THE DEFENDER’S CHALLENGE. IT PUTS SECURITY FORCES MEMBERS AGAINST EACH OTHER IN TEAMS OF FOUR.
NAT SOUND
AND THE CONTEST IS COMPETITIVE…
Steven Barnosky – Team 10
“We are pretty much elite…So we’re gone go ahead, take it to the competition cause we’re pretty much better than them.”

SSgt Nickolas Christensen – Team 4
“I mean there’s nothing really to say man. All they’re going to see is our backside so you know better luck for them next year.”

THE CHALLENGE IS MEANT TO TEST THEIR SPEED…
NAT SOUND
THEIR ENDURANCE…
NAT SOUND
AND THEIR INTELLECT.
NAT SOUND
FOR SOME TODAY'S COMPETITION SEEMS EVEN MORE LIBERATING. THAT’S DUE IN PART TO THE PENTAGON DECISION TO LIFT THE BAN ON WOMEN SERVING IN FRONT LINE COMBAT POSITIONS.
SrA Olivia Gill – Team 6
“I think we’re in the 21st century now you know. It’s time to give everybody the equal opportunity that we always push for.”

NAT SOUND
THESE WOMEN HAD NO RESERVATIONS ABOUT COMPETING WITH MEN…

SrA Olivia Gill – Team 6
“We do it all the time! We’ve gone through the same training, you know. Everything they had to qualify on they had to qualify on too so going against guys is really no biggie.”

AND WORKING ALONG SIDE MEN CAME NATURALLY.
SrA Kelli LeAnn McCormick – Team 7
“They’re like brothers so it’s like a family thing.”

THESE SERVICE MEMBERS PROVED THEY HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO FIGHT ALONG SIDE THEIR BROTHERS IN ARMS…
NAT SOUND
BUT THAT’S SOMETHING THEY’VE BEEN DOING ALL THIS TIME.
NAT SOUND
AIR FORCE STAFF SERGEANT YOSHI SHINZATO, SOUTH WEST ASIA.]]>
Visiting Nellis Air Force Base, days before giving the crown to the next winner. Ms. Laura Kaeppeler met with children at the Child Development Center, and came to thank the men and women of Nellis.

- Miss America Soundbite: “Thank you, first and foremost for your service, but also um for your sacrifice and especially being here spending time with the children here and seeing the men and women who are not here to raise their children sometimes who have to spend time away and you know lose that close contact immediately after their child is born is such a sacrifice, and it’s a sacrifice for them but it’s a sacrifice for everyone else, so thank you for your service and thank you for your sacrifice.”
Miss America concluded her visit with Nellis airmen by signing autographs and taking pictures at the dining facility. She also concluded her reign as Miss America while in Las Vegas and passed on her crown and responsibilities to Miss America 2013, Mallory Hagan, who we hope visits Nellis next year.
Staff Sergeant Colleen Urban, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.]]> CMSgt William Wilkinson: “We’re one of the few AFSCs who handle munitions on a daily basis. So we understand the responsibilities and we respect those munitions and in turn that cuts down on safety accidents and incidents.”
Munitions Airmen prepare for the responsibility of their mission by doing things in accordance with technical orders and safety guidelines.
TSgt Anthony Gauna: “Before we start any operation you get a safety briefing. And that’s just so that everyone knows what’s going on, who’s doing what, and if in the unlikely event that something was to happen, they know where to evacuate to.”
The munitions flight takes every precaution to make sure all members of the D-M community are safe. Airman 1st Class Kelly Greenwell, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.]]> TSgt Bob Roberts, Pararescueman - When we start to do joint exercises like this it's great to hammer out all the kinks and figure out what we are going to expect when we get into the terminal area.
SGT Andrew Gambrel - We can see the different aspects of different branches of service and what they bring to the table so the more we work with different people the better trained we are.
The ultimate goal of any personnel recovery mission is to return isolated personnel to friendly control as quickly and safely as possible.
Capt Christopher Driscoll, Pilot - There's always going to be inherent risk in doing what we do, but we have the appropriate procedures and precautionary measures in place to allow us to do what we do safely and effectively.
Exercises such as this enhance joint and coalition interoperability and underscore the importance of personnel recovery around the Horn of Africa.
SrA Patrick McNeely, Pararescueman - If our isolated personnel fall into the wrong hands they can be utilized for all sorts of ulterior motives so it defiantly protects our mission out here by keeping our assets and resources out of the hands of the enemy.
These exercises continue to solidify joint operations within CJTF HOA and assisting partner countries to strengthen an increasingly stabile and developing east Africa. For combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa Public Affairs, I'm Staff Sergeant Sara Weeks.]]> SB: I HAVE NO IDEA.
SB: COLA?
Reporter:
YEA, C-O-L-A?
SB: OHH, I GUESS IT WOULD BE THE COMPENSATION WE GET FOR BEING OVERSEAS?
COLA IS THE COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCE.
SB: 2Lt d’Andre Benjamin, 374th Financial Services Officer
The cost of living allowance is an entitlement that helps to maintain purchasing power for servicemembers to purchase goods and services overseas as in the united states.
Reporter:
living overseas has it advantages: you can experience the food, the culture, the sites, but that all comes at a price.
SB: 2Lt d’Andre Benjamin, 374th Financial Services Officer
Here in Japan it is expensive, and the yen rate to the dollar is a little overwhelming.
Reporter:
the military has a way of figuring out how much to a lot servicemembers for cola, and they do this with the cola survey.
SB: 2Lt d’Andre Benjamin, 374th Financial Services Officer
Now the cola survey is used to capture the living pattern of servicemembers
by identifying the location and the amounts of goods and services they
purchase. You the military member determine the fate of the cola rate
Reporter:
Those eligible for the survey are single servicemembers and members with sofa status dependents living off and on base for more than 3 months. Single servicemembers living in the dorms are not eligible. This survey, available every four years, can be found on defensetravel.dod.mil. I’M AIRMAN FIRST CLASS TERACE GARNIER, YOKOTA AIR BASE JAPAN.]]> Members of the Joint Armed Forces Color Guard perform pass in review for the President of the United States in Washington D.C. during the presidential innauguration.

Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron clear snow around an A-10 Thunderbolt II at Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan.


Firefighters at Beale Air Force Base, California, work tirelessly to put out a fire burning inside the main building of the 9th Civil Engineer Squadron.


Airman 1st Class Nicholas Zimmer from the 451st Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, secures the perimeter around a U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules.

And that's this week in photos, I'm Staff Sergeant Michael Brady.]]>
SCOTT MCGUIRE:
“IT’S BEEN VERY DIFFICULT DEALING WITH SOME OBSTACLES: BACK SURGERY, TRYING TO RAISE A KID WITH YOUR SPOUSE BEING GONE... JUST BEING A MOM AND A DAD.”

NSP: “I WANNA GO RUN!”

AS THE PLANE OF AIRMEN OF THE 603RD AIR CONTROL SQUADRON PULLS CLOSER TO THE HANGAR, FRIENDS AND FAMILY WAIT FOR THEM ANXIOUSLY, AND AS THOSE BOOTS HIT ITALIAN SOIL FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MONTHS, THEY SHAKE HANDS AND HEAD STRAIGHT FOR THEIR LOVED ONES.THEIR REUNIONS ARE FILLED TEARS, HUGS …

SCOTT MCGUIRE:
“IT FELT WONDERFUL…”

…AND EVEN SOMETHING ELSE FOR SCOTT AND LINDSEY…

“…MY DAUGHTER SAID ‘MOMMY’ FOR THE FIRST TIME.”
OTHER PARENTS FELT SIMILAR JOYS AS WELL, (RADIO ID: LIKE LT COL ROBERT LONG.)

LT COL ROBERT LONG:
“GOT TO SEE HER WALK FOR THE FIRST TIME, SO NOW SHE’S LEADING ME AROUND BY THE HAND, (TO DAUGHTER) HUH? YEAH!”

THE SCORPIONS OF THE 603RD KNOW THEIR WORK WAS NECESSARY, BUT THEY CAN’T DENY…

LT COL ROBERT LONG:
“AS AWESOME AS THE JOB WAS AND THE WORK THAT WE WERE DOING, IT’S EVEN BETTER TO COME HOME.”

SENIOR AIRMAN DANIELLE COLBERG, AVIANO AIR BASE, ITALY.]]> Maj David Gaulin
We did provide port, aerial port, aircraft loading, unloading, cargo inspection and command and control for the logistic pieces for the French army units that are going to Mali.
Aircrews from Dover Air Force Base and Joint Base Lewis McChord are standing by to do their share of the mission.
Capt Eric Bowers
So it's a multi-national effort, we're here to support our French allies and their operation against Al-Qaeda in Northern Africa. So, we're happy to be here to help.
The US will continue 24 hour operations to meet the needs of the French with flights to Mali over the next few days. Army Sergeant Abigail Waldrop, Isteres, France.]]> WELL, OF COURSE IT STARTED OFF AS A BRICK OF WOOD.
Reporter:
THE BRICKS OF WOOD THAT BROUGHT SO MUCH ENTERTAINMENT TO THESE KIDS,
NAT SOUND: OOHH AHHH!
Reporter:
SEEM TO SERVE A BIGGER PURPOSE THAN FLYING DOWN THE TRACK AT SCALED DOWN SPEEDS OF OVER 200 MPH.
SB: Eric Oglesbee Cub Scout Parent
IT’S NOT ABOUT WINNING FIRST PLACE, IT’S ABOUT THE PROCESS
Reporter:
THE PROCESS BUILDING THE CARS, FROM START TO FINISH IS WHERE IT’S ALL AT.
SB Andrew Bristow: Cub Scout Sibling
I WORKED WITH MY DAD WE BRAIN STORMED TOGETHER CAME UP WITH A LOT OF GOOD IDEAS AND MY CAR IS WHAT I CAME UP WITH

SB Jeffrey Johnson Cub Scout Parent:
I DID MY BEST TO STAY OFF OF GOOGLE AND TRIED THE TRICKS OF THE TRADE TO MAKE THE CAR FASTER SO WE JUST DID THE BEST WE COULD WITH WHAT WE HAD.
SB Joseph Hansen Cub Scout:
MY DAD HELPED ME SOME, WE WENT TO THE WOOD SHOP AND THE WOOD PEOPLE CUT IT OUT, YEA WE HAD A GOOD TIME
SB: Gabriel Wysong Cub Scout
MY DAD JUST UH… HE MADE ONE OF HIS OWN PLANS, AND I’M NOT SAYING I DIDN’T LIKE IT, I LIKED IT, I JUST DIDN’T USE IT.
Reporter:
THEY’RE BUILDING THAT PARENT CHILD RELATIONSHIP OUTSIDE OF MAGAZINES, OR SLIDESHOWS

SB: Eric Oglesbee: Cub Scout Parent
HAVING HIM KNOW THAT, I’M INTERESTED IN HIS PROJECTS, AND THAT WE’RE DOING THIS TOGETHER, I MEAN THAT WHAT PARENTING IS ALL ABOUT I THINK.
Reporter:
IT’S EVENTS LIKE THESE THAT LEAVE EVERYONE A WINNER. AND FROM IT WE CAN LEARN TWO THINGS. ONE, ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SEATBELT.
Nat sound: Oh Mario’s down, Mario’s down!
Reporter:
AND SECOND PERHAPS THIS JOURNEY ISN’T AS IMPORTANT AS THE JOURNEY THESE GUYS ARE GOING ON TOGETHER. AIRMAN FIRST CLASS SCOTT TAYLOR,
Nat sound: We can hope it does good right?
MISAWA AIRBASE JAPAN.




]]> INT2: SrA Hunter Stom, Snow Removal Team
LEAD: Most military bases measure their annual snowfall in inches. Airman Jimmy Moreland gives us a look at snow removal operations at Misawa Air Base, where monthly snowfall is often measured in feet.
TAG: Misawa’s snow removal operation is joint effort between the US and Japanese militaries.
It’s a cold winter morning, and a fresh coat of snow covers the streets and sidewalks of Misawa Air Base. A handful of civil engineers roll out in their heavy plows to clear away the snow, no small task in northern Japan.
INT1: Last year, we got the most snow in the world, so if that says very much, we’re busier than anyone else.
INT1: Last year, we got 222 inches, and this year so far, we’re at least in pace with last year, if not ahead.
INT2: It’s a 24-hour op. Someone’s always here, someone’s always in the equipment, someone’s always in the snow control room. We’re always out there.
The roadways aren’t their only concern. They also have a one-and-a-half million square foot runway to clear. And while a car can handle fine on a few inches of snow, a plane needs bare concrete to take off and land safely.
INT1: We spend a lot more time plowing, we also use brooms to clean it up. After that we put chemical down, and the chemical’s really expensive, so we try to time it with the takeoff times of the flights.
Though it’s a tough, largely thankless job, these Airmen take pride in what they do.
INT2: Some days it’s rough. You get up and you’re just like ‘I don’t wanna do this’ and you’re just driving in circles. But other days, when you actually see the end product, when you’re in the broom or the plow and you look back behind you and you see that it’s just perfect, and knowing that 10, 15, 20 minutes, however long, that a fighter’s gonna go and take off and ruin someone’s day, that’s pretty cool.
So long as there’s snow falling, these civil engineers will be out clearing the way for planes and cars alike.
Airman Jimmy Moreland, Misawa Air Base, Japan.]]> SB: :16
Instructor: Maj Alex Richburg
THE THIRTY SIXTH SHOULD BE ABLE TO USE THIS INFORMATION IMMEDIATELY. THEY CAN APPLY SOME OF THE CONCEPTS TO MISSION PLANNING, TO PRE-DEPLOYMENT PLANNING, ADVON TEAMS, ENGAGEMENT PLANNING WITH YOUR HOSTS, EXECUTION PLANNING, AND FOR FORCES THAT DEPLOY IN THEIR NEXT NEAR TERM EXERCISE, THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO APPLY MUCH OF WHAT WE HAVE TAUGHT HERE.
Reporter
THE THIRTY SIXTH AIRLIFT SQUADRON LEARNED HOW TO SHARE THEIR SKILLS AND ABILITIES WITH PARTNER NATIONS.
SB: :42
36th AS Commander/Student: Lt Col Jeffrey Menasco
A COURSE LIKE THIS GIVES OUR AIRMEN THE TOOLS TO COMMUNICATE MORE EFFECTIVELY WITH OUR PARTNERS. SOME OF THE CULTURAL AWARENESS HOW TO SHARE AND TEACH WHAT WE KNOW AND UNDERSTAND WITH PARTNERS IN A WAY THAT MAKES THAT CONNECTION A JUST LITTLE BIT TIGHTER AND BUILDS THOSE BONDS OF TRUST.
Reporter
THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THE PACIFIC COMMAND RECEIVED THIS TRAINING….WHICH WILL PREPARE THE AIRMEN FROM THE 36TH AIRLIFT SQUADRON FOR THEIR FUTURE TRAVELS THROUGHOUT ASIA. REPORTING FROM YOKOTA AIR BASE JAPAN, I’M AIRMEN FIRST CLASS MIRANDA DESHON.





]]> IN HIS REMARKS, CHIEF CODY PROMISED TO ENSURE TODAY'S AIRMEN ARE READY FOR TOMMOROW'S CHALLENGES.
CMSAF JAMES CODY: "COMING FROM AIR EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMAND, I KNOW OUR AIRMEN WILL BE WELL PREPARED TO EXECUTE THIER DUTIES.  GENERAL RICE AND THE COMMAND HAVE WORKED HARD TO ENSURE WE BRING IN THE HIGHEST POTENTIAL PEOPLE TO SERVE.  WE TRAIN THEM TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITY AND WE CONTINUE TO EDUCATE THEM IN THE FUTURE. WE WILL CONTINUE TO INVEST IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR AIRMEN IN THE MOST DELIBERATE WAYS POSSIBLE AND WE WILL ENSURE OUR FORCE IS READY TO HANDLE THE CHALLENGES IT WIL FACE IN THE FUTURE. "
REPORTER:  THE CEREMONY ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO CMSAF JAMES ROY WHO RETIRED AFTER 30 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE. FOR THE AIR FORCE BROADCASTING SERVICE I'M TECH SERGEANT NICHOLAS KURTZ.]]> CMSAF James A. Roy, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force
“Being a Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force is certainly a humbling experience but it’s also a privilege. You know, when we sent out that message about analog versus digital communication in our leadership, you know… I try to follow through with that. I spend about 270 days a year on the road visiting with Airmen, visiting with units and locating those things that need to be fixed.”
(On stage) “To kind of capture those experiences to better use them into the future, but we always strive to be better.”
“As I’ve traveled around and met thousands of Airmen, literally hundreds of thousands of Airmen, and having a positive impact on their life… and that’s what it’s all about.”
(On stage) “This is Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force number 17. Let’s give him a hand.”
Acting as an advisor to the Chief of Staff and the Secretary of the Air Force, Chief Roy has faithfully represented his Airmen with pride and dignity. And with more than 30 years of service, some might think that Chief Roy’s successor has some big shoes to fill?
CMSAF James A. Roy, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force
“Only 13 wide.”
13 Wide with a lot of miles.
Reporting for the Air Force Broadcasting Service, I’m Staff Sergeant Chris Pyles
]]>
as soon as we got the heads up or the warning ORDER WE went to work.

THE UNITED STATES IS ONE OF TWO OTHER COUNTRIES SUPPORTING A NATO MISSION TO BRING AIR DEFENSE PATRIOT MISSILES TO THE TURKISH, SYRIAN BORDER AT THE REQUEST OF THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT.

we brought all the different pieces and parts of the air base wing together, all the different functional areas to try and marry those up to figure out what short falls we might have and what support we’d be capable of providing. so that once they got here on the ground, we’d be able to take care of them, from the first boots on ground.

THE UNITED STATES IS DEPLOYING ABOUT 400 SOLDIER AND PATRIOT MISSILES IN SUPPORT OF THIS MISSION, ALONG WITH MISSILE BATTERIES AND TROOPS FROM GERMANY AND THE NETHERLANDS.

this is a really important mission for us here that we don’t get to EXERCISE very often. this isn’t something that we can really forecast, because it comes up very suddenly. and so that is why it is really important that we be prepared to be supportive, when things come like this.

THE EFFORTS AND HOURS OF INCIRLIK’S PERSONNEL HAVE BEEN APPRECIATED BY THE THOSE INVOLVED IN THIS CRITICAL MISSION.

from the moment i hit the ground i’ve been impressed by what i’ve seen the 39th air wing has done to support this mission. i think that the soldiers that are coming off the air craft now, tonight are going to feel the impact of that because it is going to be an easy smooth process for them.

INCIRLIK IS PROUD SUPPORT A MISSION THAT WILL HELP KEEP ITS HOST NATION’S PEOPLE SAFE.

AIRMAN FIRST CLASS NICHOLAS CRISP, INCIRLIK AIR BASE, TURKEY.

]]>
His genuine leadership was appreciated by everybody. When he asked you how you were doing, he really wants to know how you're doing.

Working for CMSAF Roy was, in a word, "amazing".

The Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, I guess this would be his fini flight. so lots of goose bumps.

Great man, great leader. So it was an honor to work for him.

And what a wonderful opportunity we had for everybody to say goodbye to him one last time.]]> AS HE PERFORMS HIS DAILY DUTIES, ONE MIGHT NEVER SUSPECT THAT TECH SERGEANT GARY BUNN HAS A DARK PAST, UNTIL HE DECIDED TO SHARE HIS STORY AT AVIANO’S FIRST STORYTELLER EVENT.
TSGT BUNN:
“BASICALLY ON SATURDAY MY SON WAS BORN, ON SUNDAY MY FATHER GOT TO SEE HIM. HE WENT TO THAT SAME HOSPITAL THAT AFTERNOON BEFORE DINNER I RECEIVED AN EMERGENCY CALL FROM THE HOSPITAL TELLING ME THAT I NEEDED TO COME RIGHT AWAY, AND HE DIED RIGHT THERE.“
IT WAS A TRAGIC EVENT IN ITSELF, SO WHEN OTHER STRESSES BEGAN TO PILE UP, INCLUDING A FIGHT WITH HIS THEN-FIANCE, HE DECIDED TO END HIS PAIN FOR GOOD.
TSGT BUNN:
“IN THE END, LAURA CAME BACK AND SHE MANAGED TO GET THE KNIFE AWAY, AND GET ME INTO BED, AND THAT WAS DAY ONE OF MY RECOVERY PROCESS.”
IT WASN’T AN EASY STORY FOR SERGEANT BUNN TO TELL, ESPECIALLY TO A ROOM OF STRANGERS…
TSGT BUNN:
“IT TOOK A LOT OUT OF ME BUT AT THE SAME TIME THERE WAS RELIEF…. I KNOW THAT I DID SOMETHING GOOD AND I KNOW THAT SOMEONE WILL HEAR IT AND SEE IT AND THEY’LL GET THE HELP AND I MAY NEVER SEE PERSON, I MAY NEVER KNOW THEIR NAME AND THAT’S OK WITH ME, BUT GET THE HELP.”
SERGEANT BUNN GOT THE HELP HE NEEDED, AND HE CAN HONESTLY SAY IT CHANGED HIS LIFE.
TSGT BUNN:
“I TAKE THE TIME TO PLAY WITH THE KIDS MORE, I TAKE THE TIME TO GET MORE INVOLVED … I GAINED A NEW OUTLOOK ON LIFE.”
AND IF TELLING HIS STORY CAN GIVE ONE PERSON THE SAME HOPE, IT’S WORTH IT. SENIOR AIRMAN DANIELLE COLBERG, AVIANO AIR BASE, ITALY.]]> MAJ WILLIAMS SB:
OUR JOB IS TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU CAN GET BACK SAFELY, QUICKLY TO DO YOUR MISSION. (:05)
HE AND HIS STAFF GUIDE SERVICE MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES THROUGH REHABILITATION, REVIVING PATIENTS FROM SERIOUS OR CHRONIC INJURIES.
MAJ WILLIAMS SB: (:12)
I THINK PEOPLE TYPICALLY ARE IN A PLACE IN A POSITION WHERE THEY FEEL THAT THEY’RE NOT GOING TO GET BETTER. THEY CANNOT SEE THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL. OUR JOB IS TO INSPIRE THEM AND LET THEM BELIEVE THAT.
NINA ACKETT IS RECOVERING FROM ROTATOR CUFF REPAIR SURGERY.
NINA ACKETT SB: (:05)
PHYSICAL THERAPY IS ALL ABOUT TOUGH LOVE, AND THEY’RE DEFINITELY ABOUT TOUGH LOVE, BUT THEY DO IT IN A VERY POSITIVE WAY.
MAJ WILLIAMS SB: (:04)
IT’S ABOUT MOTIVATING THAT PARTICULAR PERSON AND GIVING THEM HOPE.
NINA ACKETT SB: (:04)
THEY CONTINUE TO CHALLENGE ME AND PUSH ME AND MAKE SURE THAT I AM DOING THE SAME FOR MYSELF.
THE STAFF’S STRONG DEVOTION TO PATIENT HEALTH COMES WITH REMARKABLE RESULTS.
MAJ WILLIAMS SB:
OFTEN TIMES, IT SAVES PEOPLE’S CAREER. WHEN THEY COME BACK AND THEY DO REHAB AND THEY TAKE THAT PT TEST AND THEY SCORE THAT 90-SOMETHING, THAT’S PRETTY REWARDING. IT FEELS LIKE YOU INDEED IMPACTED THEIR LIFE. (:11)
THROUGH PATIENCE AND PERSEVERANCE, PHYSICAL THERAPY TEAMS GIVE HOPE FOR A HEALTHY TOMORROW, AND A STRONGER AIR FORCE.
SENIOR AIRMAN BREANNE BIGGIE, AVIANO AIR BASE, ITALY.]]> IT’S BEEN YEARS SINCE MICHAEL JACKSON PASSED AWAY.
NAT SOUND
BUT HIS MUSIC LIVES ON…
NAT SOUND
INSPIRING MILLIONS OF FANS AROUND THE WORLD…EVEN FANS DEPLOYED TO THE DESERT SANDS OF SOUTH WEST ASIA.
SSgt Richard Hobbs – Michael Jackson Fan
“The charisma, the uniqueness, the nerve, the talent, the energy that Michael Jackson brought on stage…People miss it and that’s why they’re here. They’re here because they’re rallying because they’re fans of Michael Jackson.”
HIS MEMORY IS CARRIED ON WITH PERFORMANCES MADE BY MUSICIANS LIKE THE MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE BAND…WHERE EVERY NOTE AND EVERY WORD REMINDS THESE WARRIOR FANS OF THE POWER HIS MUSIC HAS…OVER SO MANY.
NAT SOUND
K.D Brosia – Lead/Backing Vocal
“To be able to actually keep that legacy continuing…adding our own nuances and doing certain things to kind of give the audience something that they may or may not have ever heard before. It really is great.”

THE PERFORMERS BROUGHT THE AUDIENCE TO THEIR FEET…
K.D Brosia – Lead/Backing Vocal
“We got them! That’s what any entertainer I think strives for...somebody that throws up their hand or singing the lyrics with you. You know you’re doing something right.”

NAT SOUND
ALTHOUGH THE SONGS WERE A TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON THE SHOW SERVED TO THANK EACH MILITARY MEMBER.
K.D Brosia – Lead/Backing Vocal
“You’re doing something that I would dare not to do and we do appreciate you. So please, just be strong and know that you’re loved.”

THE KING OF POP CAN REST ASSURED THAT HIS MUSIC CONTINUES TO INSPIRE EVEN THE TOUGHEST CROWDS.
AIR FORCE STAFF SERGEANT YOSHI SHINZATO, SOUTH WEST ASIA]]>
A maintainer from Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state de-ices a C-17 Globemaster III.

Airmen from the 57th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, prepare to load an AIM-120 advanced medium-range air-to-air missile onto an F-16 Fighting Falcon during a quarterly load crew competition.

Staff Sergeant Flavio Martinez from 755th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron checks his gear prior to heading out on an early morning mission "outside the wire" with Reaper Team 1 at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan.

And that's this week in photos, I'm Senior Airman Renee Carberry.]]>
SB:
I LOVED THE PEOPLE I LOVE EVERYONE’S BRIGHT EMOTIONS; I LOVED HOW MUCH I LEARNED AND JUST HOW COMFORTABLE EVERYONE MADE ME FEEL HERE.

AFTER LONG HARD DAYS, A1C BUTLER FINDS HAPPINESS IN PRACTICING WITH FELLOW HONOR GUARD MEMBERS, SHARING A SPECIAL BOND.

SB:
IT MADE ME FEEL LIKE I HAVE MORE OF A FAMILY, MORE OF AN AIR FORCE FAMILY THAN I DID BEFORE. NOT JUST AT WORK BUT ALSO NOW AFTER WORK SO I KNOW THAT WHEN I GET OUT OF WORK I HAVE PEOPLE I CAN GO SEE AND HANG OUT WITH ON THE SIDE THAT MAKE ME FEEL LIKE I’M JUST AT HOME.
LASTING FRIENDSHIPS, A HOME AWAY FROM HOME, AND A NEW EXPERIENCE ARE JUST A FEW THINGS HONOR GUARD HAS GIVEN A1C BUTLER. SHE ENCOURAGES AIRMEN TO TRY IT FOR THEMSELVES AND SEE WHAT THEY CAN GAIN FROM SUCH AN HONORED TRADITION.

AIRMAN FIRST CLASS LINDY PATA, 380TH AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING, SOUTHWEST ASIA.

]]>
SB: NAME - TITLE:

I started out with the Thin Mints. I love them.

SB: NAME - TITLE:

Thin Mints!

SB: NAME - TITLE:

Thin Mints, these are my favorite.

Nat Sound: Liberty announcing the cookie sale.

Reporter:
HOWEVER THESE OSAN GIRL SCOUTS PROVIDE MORE THAN JUST THE MOST POPULAR COOKIE,

SB: A1C Justin Barna– Cookie Shopper:

They remind me of home. Caramel Delights they’re my favorite. My sister was always a Girl Scout.

REPORTER:
THEY PROVIDE A TASTE OF HOME. A TASTE MILITARY CHILDREN STATIONED OVERSEAS MAY CRAVE MORE THAN SUGAR.

SB: Marcy McLean– Girl Scout Mom and Leader:

I think one of the hardest things about being a military child is the transition of making friends and learning new things about the place and with Girl Scouts it’s automatic and so it makes it so much easier. It’s wonderful for girls to have these friends whenever they move.

SB: Liberty McLean– Brownie Girl Scout:

When I move I’ll be really excited to do girl scouts again because I’ll probably be able to do some new activities and I know since I like these activities, there there’ll probably have similar activities and they’ll be really fun.

REPORTER:
LIBERTY MAY NOT REALIZE JUST HOW MUCH THIS PROGRAM HELPS HER ADJUST TO THE CHALLENGES OF BEING A MILITARY CHILD. HER FOCUS IS JUST TO HELP HER MILITARY COMMUNITY FEEL CLOSER TO HOME.

SB: Liberty McLean– Brownie Girl Scout:

I’m helping you guys because you don’t get to you might not get see your families everyday and if you get cookies it might remind you of home and your family.

SENIOR AIRMAN DESTINIE CHAVEZ, OSAN AIR BASE, KOREA.
]]>  
Bernie McGrenahan; Comedian
“It’s easier to present a difficult message of sexual assault, harassment, preventions if I can get the audience to relax, laugh and maybe say this guys ok. He didn’t come out right away and try to give us some lecture or tell us how to behave I instead want to bring a comedy tour and share my experiences, how I conducted myself and the results I got and maybe the airmen make better choices than I did.”

MIXING COMEDY IN WITH A SERIOUS SUBJECT LIKE SEXUAL ASSAULT MAY IN FACT HELP GET THE MESSAGE ACROSS BETTER THAN A TRADITIONAL APPROACH.

SSgt Danyette Washington, Victim Advocate
They’ll go back to their workstations or back home or back on facebook and bring up the subject and somebody might see it and think differently, and that’s what we really need in the world for everybody to think differently about these situations.

BERNIE FEELS AS LONG AS AIRMEN ARE RELAXED THEY’RE MORE RECEPTIVE TO THE MESSAGE.

Bernie McGrenahan; Comedian
I’m just out here trying to bring airmen a laugh and changing maybe some of our actions as men especially in the military where it’s such an outnumbered ratio so that we all respect each other.

RESPECT THAT GOES A LONG WAY TOWARDS THE GOAL OF GETTING AIRMEN TO BE ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS IN THE PREVENTION OF SEXUAL ASSAULT. TSGT KEVIN DENNISON, RAF LAKENHEATH, UNITED KINGDOM]]>
SB: Our main mission is to rescue or save lives.

Anchor: most wouldn't think of a crew of Air Force maintainers when they hear the phrase

SB: As a crew chief my main job is to maintain the aircraft, make sure they're flyable at all times, make sure it's ready for the aircrew and pararescuemen to go out there and do the real work and save lives.

Anchor: While the troops on the ground breath a sigh of relief when the see Pedros in the sky

SB: Brining them back home safe is the most rewarding part.

Anchor: Rescue operators rest easy knowing their heroes...

SB: Make sure these guns fire whenever they go up

Anchor: Weapons...

SB: Plenty of time to check them before they go up

Anchor: and the Airmen who maintain them

SB: Cocked and ready to go... that's about it.

Anchor: Wont fail

SB: It's the best mission, saving someone's life

Anchor: SSgt Shaun Hostutler, Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan.
]]> THERE IS PLACE ON INCIRLIK AIR BASE THAT SOLDIERS CAN GO TO IF THEY NEED A PLACE TO STAY WHILE DEPLOYED TO TURKEY.

THEY ARE BEDDING DOWN AT PATRIOT VILLAGE, OF COURSE, WHICH IS OUR CONTINGENCY LODGING. WE CAPABLE OF HOLDING 19 HUNDRED PLUS BEDS AND THERE ARE ABOUT 16 BUILDINGS OUT THERE WITH TWO LAUNDRY FACILITIES, AS WELL.

AND SERGEANT EDWARDS RUNS ALL OF THAT BY HERSELF.

SO WE’RE GOING TO BE DOING A LITTLE WALKING.

SHE HAS NO AIRMEN BELOW HER TO COVER THE DETAILS.

CAN I HELP YOU?

AND SHE HAS NO SUPERIORS AT THE VILLAGE TO GIVE THE ORDERS.


CAN YOU GUYS GO AND GET THAT LINEN TOO. BUILDING 7316. ALRIGHT, THANK YOU.

SHE JUST HANDLES EACH JOB

ONE STEP

AT A TIME.

NON STOP.

YOU KNOW I TRY TO MAKE IT AS EASY AS POSSIBLE SO THESE GUYS, YOU KNOW, ARE NOT GOING TO BE HERE FOREVER. THERE HEADING OUT TO THERE RESPECTIVE PLACES. SO, IF I CAN MAKE IT A LITTLE MORE COMFORTABLE FOR THEM, THAT’S WHAT I’M GOING TO DO.


IF THERE ARE ANY HICCUPS ALONG THE WAY I’M ON CALL AND I HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF THAT.

(RING)


ONE SERGEANT TO LOOK OUT FOR ALL THESE TROOPS.

I KNOW THEY’RE KIND OF CROWDED BUT THEY TOLD ME IT’S BETTER THEN LIVING IN TENTS. SO, I’M HAPPY THAT THEY’RE HAPPY.

SHE ISN’T COMPLETELY ALONE.

IT’S ONE PERSON FOR RIGHT NOW BUT WHEN I NEED HELP F-S-S COMES IN AND THEY HELP ME OUT AND IF I NEED SUPPORT FROM OTHER SQUADRONS, I GET THAT.

BUT IT SEEMS FROM THE OUTSIDE THAT THE JOB NEVER STOPS FOR THE MAYOR OF PATRIOT VILLAGE.

EVERYBODY THOUGHT THAT WAS SO WEIRD TO SAY MAYOR, BUT IT’S TRUE. THIS BELONGS TO ME AND I RUN IT. I GOT TO KEEP IT LOCKED DOWN AND MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS RUNNING ACCORDINGLY.

AIRMAN FIRST CLASS NICHOLAS CRISP, INCIRLIK AIR BASE, TURKEY.
]]> SB: A1C Ben Bachman
It’s to be expected, I’ve been here for eighteen months, I’m used to the grind and it’s ok.
Reporter:
AS EXPECTED AS IT IS, WHAT PEOPLE MIGHT NOT SEE IS THAT EACH MOMENT IS AN IMPORTANT STEP IN THE DEPLOYMENT PROCESS. EVEN THE DOWNTIME.
SB: SSgt Robert Bennett
Well, there is a lot of wait times in there, but that is all to ensure that the person who deploying has the right things that he needs to go do their job.
Reporter:
AND THERE ARE A LOT OF THINGS TO CHECK FROM MEDICAL FOLDERS TO DOG TAGS. BUT IT ALL COMES DOWN TO ONE THING.
SB: SSgt Robert Bennett
The biggest thing is just to have patience, because we are here to help them to be prepared to go.
Reporter:
SO IF YOU EVER FIND YOURSELF IN ONE OF THESE LINES, JUST REMEMBER, THEY ARE HERE FOR YOU AND THE WAIT IS JUST AS IMPORTANT TO THE FINAL STEPS OUT THE DOOR AS ANYTHING ELSE.
REPORTING FROM MISAWA AIR BASE, JAPAN, I’M SENIOR AIRMAN ASHLEY CLINGERMAN.]]> NATURAL SOUND:
“TWO FIRE FIGHTERS SEPARATED AND LOST…DIVISION ONE WILL BE ACTIVATING THE RED TEAM”
NARRATOR:
THE OCEAN WRIGHT-CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT AND HURLBURT FIELD FIRE FIGHTERS TEAM UP TO DESTROY A BUILDING.
SOUNDBITE: :06 (RYAN CHRISTEN, OCEAN CITY-WRIGHT FIRE DEPT)
“WERE USING BIG GAS SAWS, CUTTING THROUGH STEELS BARS, SMASHING GLASS AND THEN CLIMBING IN THROUGH IT.”
NARRATOR:
THESE FIREMEN ARE TRAINING ON ADVANCED VENTILATION TECHNIQUES AND RAPID INTERVENTION.
SOUNDBITE: :12 (RYAN CHRISTEN, OCEAN CITY-WRIGHT FIRE DEPT)
“THAT’S A SPECIALIZED TEAM THAT COMES OUT TO A WORKING FIRE AND THEIR SOLE PURPOSE IS TO GO IN AND RESCUE ANY FIRE FIGHTER THAT MAY ENCOUNTER AN EMERGENCY OR BECOME LOST OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT.”
NARRATOR:
A SOON TO BE DEMOLISHED BUILDING IS THE PERFECT SETTING FOR THIS RARE EVENT.
SOUNDBITE: :11 (RYAN CHRISTEN, OCEAN CITY-WRIGHT FIRE DEPT)
“TO BE INVITED OUT HERE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS IS A HUGE OPPORTUNITY FOR US. IT IMPROVES OUR READINESS AND IN ADDITION TO THAT IT IMPROVES OUR INOPERABILITY BETWEEN OUR TWO DEPARTMENTS. “
NARRATOR:
WHETHER THE EMERGENCY IS ON BASE OR IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, BOTH FIRE DEPARTMENTS WILL BE READY TO RESPOND. SENIOR AIRMAN BRANDY DIRR, HURLBURT FIELD, FLORIDA.
]]> An Air Force Staff Sergeant having a casual conversation,
And another Airman, getting Makeup?
With Halloween no where in sight,
Members of the 79th Medical Wing from Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility in Maryland get in to character for a mass casualty training exercise depicting different injuries and levels of trauma in the Maclom-Grow Medical Clinic.
In a situation like this if you had a mass casualty, what would you want to be thinking about when that patient walks in? what questions would you ask them, because those are things that you need to know so you know how to treat them, so you know what equipment you need.
it's out of the ordinary training for an out of the ordinary mission, a mission that occurs every four years, the 57th presidential inauguration.
To be out there, to be so close, to be part of history is very flattering, very honoring.
As the inauguration day gets closer, the Airmen continue their training. although the training lasts well into the night, the members of this team show pride and excitement for their historic mission.
It's an honor, i remember watching the one four years ago when i was a civilian at the time, i hadn't joined the military yet. And I remember like, That is awesome just watching the different members of the different services.
The 57th inauguration includes over 5,000 personnel from every branch of service. Reporting from Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility, Maryland, I'm Army Sergeant David Greeson.
]]> MSgt Christina Trombley European Air Force Recruiter -I try to be more of a mentor. I impress upon them the PT standards. That and the memory work because as soon as they get into basic training that’s what they’re hit with. If they’re learning it now and have a solid foundation that I’m able to set for them before they even start wearing the uniform, it’sgoing to set them up for success.
RECRUITERS MAKE SURE THE RECRUITS IN THE DELAYED ENTRY PROGRAM ARE UP TO SPEED WITH MONTHLY WORKOUTS AND TESTS…
MSgt Christina Trombley- The reason the air force is looking for the best of the best is because we’re drawinig down, we’re doing more with less people..
IT’S EVER MORE COMPETITIVE TO JOIN THE AIR FORCE…BUT FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO SUCCEED- RECRUITERS SAY PT IS KEY
MSgt Christina Trombley -We do this PT so they understand the importance of the pushups and situps and of course the run.
SINCE AUGUST, TRAINEE CHANTAL PETERSON, HAS IMPROVED HER PUSH UPS AND RUNTIME, AND SHE FEELS READY TO SHIP OUT TO LACKLAND IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS. SHE THANKS HER RECRUITER FOR GETTING HER READY TO SUCCEED.
Chantal Peterson - I wouldn’t know what to expect- I wouldn’t be prepared physically, mentally, emotionally… this has been a great help!
FOR MSGT CHRISTINA TROMBLEY IT’S ABOUT MORE THAN JUST GETTING THEM READY BECAUSE IT’S HER JOB, SO SHE LOVES TO HEAR BACK FROM HER RECRUITS
MSgt Christina Trombley -It’s always good to hear a letter back or see a message that says you helped me so much Sgt Trombley… that’s the greatest satisfaction.
SGT TROMBLEY SAYS SHE GIVEs THEM THE FOUNDATION AND TOOLS- AND THE NEW AIRMAN BUILD FROM THERE…ARMY SGT ABIGAIL WALDROP, RAMSTEIN AB, GERMANY
]]> chief of the armed services blood bank, major Patrick cutter explains that the process a blood donation goes through is actually quite complex.
cutter SB: “when a patient requires a transfusion, many times the patient may only need one component of the BLOOD. some patients may only need plasma, and some patients might only need packed red blood cells. so that way we’re getting the most efficient use of the blood that we’re collecting here.”
cutter SB: “so when our TECHNICIANS go to blood drives and come back, what they’ll do is they’ll process the blood and split it up into those different components. so we can split it up into the packed blood cells, or into plasma.”
major cutter’s blood bank has the largest donor population in Europe, so they ship blood products to other donation centers through-out Europe, Africa and to troops in combat zones.
cutter sb: “recently we’ve had an increase in transfusions, so it takes a toll on our inventory and supply. i never ever want to be in a situation where i’ m telling someone downrange, ‘no i cannot provide you with that product’. and i very much have to rely on our donor population to donate so i can provide the people downrange that product.”
one reason that people donate blood is because they realize that their donation could save lives, but by being in the military, we have an additional incentive to donate blood products.
cutter sb: “we collect from the military population, but that blood stays within the military community. so when someone gives a donation, we’re not going to sell it to the red cross, it’s not getting sold to the Germans. it’s soldiers giving blood to soldiers. it’s airmen giving blood to soldiers and airmen……… sorry, i’ m getting a little choked up. but you’re in a situation where either a soldier or a loved one needs blood. and we’re able to be a part of that process where we can provide that product that’s going to turn it around for that person.”
when you donate blood, although you don’t know where your donation will go, you can rest assured knowing that it will be helping a fellow service member in need.
airman Valerie Lloyd. landstuhl, germany.
]]> With the threat of IEDs peppered across main routes, one way to avoid losses, is to take to the sky. The 772 Expeditionary Air Lift Squadron provides air lift for ISAF and CENTCOM, primarily in Afghanistan but also throughout the AOR.
On this particular mission...
we can do cargo, air drop, bundles, heavy equipment air drop, or people.
MSgt Robert Furbush is getting a little closer to the drop than most.
actual manual gate cut
His, is a hand delivery.
when we have 24 bundles in the plane, it's rigged up through a computer and the retriever wench does it all, where as with a manual gate cut, we do everything from the back of the plane.
The pay off for their pay load...
You ask any loadmaster, they'll tell you they'd rather do a manual gate cut. It's more fullfilling for us because we're actually cutting the gate and releasing the bundles off the ramp to the troops on the ground.
a well supplied fighting force on the ground, and then a victory dance. Staff Sergeant Shaun Hostutler, Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan.]]> EACH YEAR THE YOKOTA STRIDERS RUNNING GROUP HOSTS THE FROSTBITE, AN EVENT THAT INCLUDES A HALF MARATHON, 5K, AND OTHER RUNNING COURSES. THE 32ND ANNUAL FROSTBITE ATTRACTED OVER 15 THOUSAND PEOPLE FROM OUTSIDE THE GATE.
SB: :18
Striders Secretary/ Erin Chae
IT GIVES US OPPORTUNITY AS BASE MILITARY MEMBERS TO EXTEND AN INVITATION TO OUR HOST NATION, OUR NEIGHBORS DOWN THE STREET, TO COME AND PARTICIPATE IN A WONDERFUL AND FUN EVENT THAT KIND OF EXTENDS BEYOND OUR CULTURAL DIFFERENCES AND OUR LANGUAGES BARRIERS.
Reporter:
KIDS AND FAMILIES COULD ALSO PARTICIPATE THROUGHOUT THE DAY WITH A 2K RUN. THE FASTEST RUNNER OF THE DAY RAN THE HALF MARATHON IN ONE HOUR AND 8 MINUTES, A PACE OF 5 MINUTES PER MILE. WINNERS RECEIVED AWARDS FOR FASTEST MALE AND FEMALE IN EACH AGE GROUP. MILITARY FAMILIES AND THE JAPANESE COMMUNITY CAN LOOK FORWARD TO NEXT YEARS FROSTBITE RUN. AIRMAN FIRST CLASS MIRANDA DESHON YOKOTA AIRBASE JAPAN.
]]>
SB:
AS COMMANDER OF AIR COMBAT COMMAND MY JOB IS TO ORGANIZE TRAIN AND EQUIP, WHAT 3I DO IS PREP YOU ALL TO BE ABLE TO GO AND EXECUTE COMBAT OPERATIONS WHEREVER YOU’RE NEEDED.

THROUGHOUT THE DAY GEN HOSTAGE MET WITH TEAM MOODY AIRMEN. HE ANSWERED QUESTIONS RANGING FROM RETIREMENT TO THE UPCOMING TRANSITION TO PEACETIME OPERATIONS; HE ALSO GOT A LOOK AT MOODY EQUIPMENT, AND AIRCRAFT, BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, PEOPLE.

SB:
I WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR SERVING, THANKS FOR SERVING ONE ENLISTMENT,
THANKS FOR SERVING 30 PLUS YEARS BECAUSE THAT SERVICE IS TRULY
IMPORTANT, IT’S SOMETHING YOU SHOULD BE PROUD OF, YOUR FAMILIES, ALL OF
US ARE PROUD OF YOU.

TEAM MOODY HAS BUILT A REPUTATION WITH THEIR PARTNERS THAT THEY WILL BE THERE WHEN THEY’RE NEEDED. AND NO MATTER WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS MOODY AIR FORCE BASE AND AIR COMBAT COMMAND WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP AIRPOWER IN THE SKIES.

FROM MOODY AIR FORCE BASE GEORGIA, IM SSGT SAM HOUSE]]> AIRFRAMES…THEY ARE THE MOST EFFECTIVE WEAPON SYSTEM OF ALL TIME, NOT ONLY BECAUSE OF THEIR GROWING CAPABILITIES BUT BECAUSE OF THE GROWING CAPABILITIES OF THE AIRMEN BEHIND THEM.

SB:
I LOVE WHAT I DO.

FIRST LIEUTENANT RYAN LITTLE IS AN INTEL OFFICER AT THE 908TH
KC-10 EXPEDITIONARY AIR REFUELING SQUADRON. BRIEFING FLIGHT CREWS ON TRENDS AND THREATS IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF HIS JOB.

SB:
THEY’RE COUNTING ON US TO IDENTIFY THE KEY THREATS BEFORE THEY EVEN GET INTO COUNTRY. SO THEY KNOW WHERE THEY ARE HOW TO BEST TO AVOID THEM.

BUT WHERE DO INTELLIGENCE OPERATORS GET THIS INFORMATION?

SB:
A LOT OF OUR INFORMATION IS FOUND ON OUR INTEL GOOGLE AS WE LIKE TO CALL IT--INTEL LINK. VARIOUS INTEL SHOPS WILL PUSH OUT PRODUCTS AND WE KNOW WHERE TO GO TO PULL THOSE PRODUCTS AND DISSEMINATE THAT INFORMATION TO OUR AIRCREW.

THE KC-10’S ARE ONE OF TWO AIRCRAFT RESPONSIBLE FOR REFUELING
MORE THAN HALF OF THE AIRCRAFT ON BASE AND IN COUNTRY--ENABLING OUR FIGHTERS TO MITIGATE THREATS AND SAFELY, CARRY-OUT THEIR MISSION.

AIRMAN FIRST CLASS LINDY PATA, 380TH AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING, SOUTHWEST ASIA.






]]> SB(MSgt Jonathan Brown): “The 57 mile club came about to help individuals not only maintain their physical fitness but improve their physical fitness. It gives them some sort of incentive to maintain it on a routine basis.”
Eight airmen completed the challenge during the first month. Senior Airman La Roche earned the award and agrees on the importance of running regularly.
SB(A1C Christopher La Roche): “It’s good to have/keep physical fitness standards year-round continuous thing and also the day-off incentive is a good benefit. So, I’m not going to complain there.”
Airmen wishing to attempt the challenge must calculate their mileage by using any form of electronic tracking device and submit it to their supervisor for approval. From Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, I’m Airman 1st Class Kelly Greenwell.]]> SRA SELF: 05 SECS
“IT WAS REALLY AMAZING TO JUST SIT THERE AND WATCH THE PEOPLE IN THE AUDIENCE REACT TO THE STORIES. IT WAS GREAT.”
ONE BY ONE, NINE MEMBERS OF THE AVIANO COMMUNITY SHARED THE DETAILS OF THEIR PASTS AND THE HARDSHIPS INVOLVED. THE THEMES RANGED FROM ALCOHOLISM TO SEXUAL ABUSE, FROM THE LOSS OF CHILDREN TO ATTEMPTS AT SUICIDE, BUT THE DIVERSE STORIES HAD ONE CLEAR MESSAGE.
SRA SELF : 06 SECS
“ALL THE STORYTELLERS REALLY HIT HOME IN THE FACT THAT THERE’S HELP OUT THERE…THERE ARE PROGRAMS, THERE’S SUPPORT, THERE’S OTHER MILITARY MEMBERS…”
AIRMAN SELF, LIKE OTHER SERVICEMEMBERS, HAS HAD RESILIENCY TRAINING…
SRA SELF : 12 SECS
“…BUT I DON’T THINK IT REALLY HIT’S HOME UNTIL YOU SEE THAT GUY YOU KNOW YOU’VE SEEN IN THE COMMISSARY BEFORE OR YOU’VE GONE TO THE MPF AND THIS PERSON’S WAITED ON YOU….AND YOU REALIZE THAT THEY HAVE SOME, SOME TOUGH TIMES IN THEIR PAST, BUT … THEY ALL GOT THROUGH THEIR HARD TIMES..”
EVERY AIRMAN HAS A STORY, BUT ONLY SO MANY ARE BRAVE ENOUGH TO TELL IT. AND WITH HELP FROM OUR AIR FORCE FAMILY, WE ARE ALL STRONG ENOUGH TO SURVIVE IT.
SENIOR AIRMAN DANIELLE COLBERG, AVIANO AIR BASE, ITALY.
]]> In his first ever trip to Guam, Jason Acuna, better known as Weeman, payed a visit to the Airmen of Andersen to show his appreciation during his Salute the Service Tour. This all-day event began with pictures and autographs at Andersen’s Dining Facility, and continued at the Base Exchange where a few lucky fans won signed Weeman skateboards.
Jason “Weeman” Acuna:
As an American I feel like my life is pretty free, and for me to wake up everyday and do whatever I want, and in the back if my mind not think of things that I have to worry about because I know we have troops around the world doing what they do…it makes me appreciate that freedom that I have. So in my down time I like to give back to what I know is given to me every day.
A1C Adam Harder, Reporting 36th Wing Public Affairs:
After a whole morning of sitting around signing autographs, Weeman decided to experience Guam heat first hand and break a sweat at the Andersen Skatepark, where he put on a show for the fans.
Jason “Weeman” Acuna:
This is Guam skateboarding, like this usually takes a couple hours in L.A., in Guam it’s like a couple runs.
A1C Adam Harder, Reporting 36th Wing Public Affairs:
From the kicker to the mini-ramp, fans filled the skate park to see Weeman ride around with some of Andersen’s best skaters. Though the skate park was packed to the point of almost not being able to move, Weeman and company still put on a great show for the fans, which everyone appreciated.
Chaplain (Capt.) Richard Rojas, 36th Wing Chaplain:
Anytime you get to bring someone who’s a celebrity and has a talent like skateboarding that appeals to a broadly general audience, it’s a fantastic event. Weeman’s personality and temperament was great with the children. We all enjoyed that and had a great day.
A1C Adam Harder, Reporting 36th Wing Public Affairs:
Weeman finished his visit to the skatepark by signing autographs and giving away an additional 5 signed skateboards. This special visit was a day of appreciation that the Airmen of Andersen won’t soon forget.
Jason “Weeman” Acuna:
I just want to thank all the troops all around the world. Now I know there is protection everywhere, and I just want to thank them for doing what they do, and we’ll keep doing what we do to keep the troops excited.
A1C Adam Harder, Reporting 36th Wing Public Affairs:
Reporting from Andersen Air Force Base, I’m Airmen First Class Adam Harder]]> A McChord C-17 Globemaster III with a 446th Airlift Wing aircrew sits on the runway at Pago Pago International Airport in American Samoa and Staff Sergeant Elizabeth Germain from the 2nd Maintenance Squadron fabrication flight welds machine rollers at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, while members of the 86th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and the 37th Airlift Squadron help load cargo onto a C-5 Galaxy at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.
And that's this week in photos. I'm Staff Sergeant Michael Brady
]]>
SUGGESTED TAG:
The flexible work schedule she has now will help A1C Armstrong take college classes on the side. / The Samurai Café has earned “Best in PACAF” and is hoping to win the Hennessy award – one of the biggest prizes in Air Force Food Services. Standup:

I’m here at Yokota’s Samurai Café and today… we’re going to take a trip back there. Behind the counter. To find out if working here is a sweet job.
Reporter:

This is Airman First Class Rachel Armstrong and she agreed to let us follow her around while she prepares for the busy evening shift.
SB: A1C Rachel Armstrong, Food Services:

Oh yeah, very busy… especially dinner because we don’t have that much time from meetings and we still gotta do our regular Air Force thing then we gotta come back here and serve everybody else, but it’s rewarding.
Now I gotta make gravy… woop woop!
Yeah the cooking is honestly the funnest part. You get to express yourself, kinda throw whatever seasonings you want in it. And it’s nice when people tell you your food tastes good to, so that helps.
Reporter:

Working in food services is always a learning process.
SB: A1C Rachel Armstrong, Food Services:

I dropped potatoes.
I spilled the gravy.
One time my gravy came out so thick I couldn’t even pour it.
You’re making me tell on myself. I’mma throw gravy on your camera.
Reporter:

With so much that can go wrong, you develop some thick skin.

SB: A1C Rachel Armstrong, Food Services:

When people complain about our food it’s kind of like “well you don’t have to eat here.” Eh, you just let it roll off your shoulders. We got like 10 good customers for every bad one, so what does it really matter?
Reporter:

Speaking of customers, it’s almost time for dinner. What does Airman Armstrong think about working up front?
SB: A1C Rachel Armstrong, Food Services:

Yeah so this is the boring part.
That good?
You do get to see the customer’s smiling faces, though. Hi!



Reporter:

Good food, friendly people and a rewarding job. Looks like when you work here you can have your cake and eat it, too. Senior Airman Sarah Brice, Yokota Air Base, Japan.]]> SB: A1C Ben Bachman
I’m more excited than anything… you know this is a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to visit Japan. This is an invaluable experience, you know. To see it, experience it, be a part of it, you know. Otherwise, you’d have to do it on your own and that can be pretty nerve wracking. With this you’ve got somebody who’s experienced, who knows the place and guides you.
Reporter:
THE BENNETT FAMILY ARRIVED IN MISAWA ONLY A MONTH AGO, BUT THEY ALREADY HAVE A POSITIVE OPINION OF THEIR BASE AND HOST CITY.
SB: SSgt Robert Bennett
With Misawa being my first overseas base, you know, been trying to get to Japan, trying to get my kids involved in Japanese culture as much as possible like with the food, the experiences, the language. I’m enjoying myself and I think they are as well, so. This is a great place.
Reporter:
FOR ANYBODY LOOKING AT MISAWA AS THEIR NEXT DUTY STATION...
SB: SSgt Robert Bennett
This is a great place, this is a great place to be, and I advise anybody who’s even thinking about trying to get stationed here, it’s highly recommended. Especially the fact that there’s American Day which I thought was really awesome, because it just shows you how amazing the American-Japanese culture swap is here. I love it here so far.
Reporter:
THE AIRMEN AND FAMILY READINESS CENTER ALSO PROVIDES TOURS TO THE NEIGHBORING CITY OF HACHINOHE.
SEAMAN APPRENTICE JEAN BAKER, MISAWA AIRBASE JAPAN.]]>
STUDENTS AT R-A-F ALCONBURY ARE GETTING A JUMP ON THEIR CAREERS…

SB: (SSgt Hameeda Vignes) – “These students are selected based on their academics already. You know. You can’t be a slacker. You have to be someone who wants to say yes”.

WHAT THEY’VE SAID YES TO IS A CAREER PRACTICUM PROGRAM AT ALCONBURY’S NEW CLINIC TO GIVE THEM AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE MEDICAL PROFESSION…

SB: (Joshua Schappert) – “It gives you an idea of what you would be getting into. Whether you enjoy it or not, it’s definitely informing”.

SB: (Rachel Malcolm) – “I think when I go off to college it’ll give me more confidence because I’ll already have an understanding of what it’s like to work in a clinic or a hospital”.

BUT IT DOESN’T JUST BENEFIT THE STUDENTS…

SB: (SSgt Hameeda Vignes) – “I think it’s really good for the Air Force and what we’re trying to achieve. We’re trying to create a new generation of people who want to help, want to do preventive medicine, and just want to know that we’re looking after people”.

THIS PROGRAM IS ONE MORE WAY THE AIR FORCE HELPS DEVELOP TOMORROW’S LEADERS TODAY. TSGT SCOTT OLGUIN, RAF ALCONBURY, UNITED KINGDOM.


One minute: THIS PROGRAM IS ONE MORE WAY THE AIR FORCE HELPS DEVELOP TOMORROW’S LEADERS TODAY. FOR MORE STORIES LIKE THIS, VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR DOWNLOAD OUR MOBILE APP.]]>
PATRIOT VILLAGE IS A SUBCOMPONENT OF THE F-S-S HERE AT INCIRLIK AND WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO BED DOWN MULTI-NATIONAL FORCES FOR A SEMI-PERMANENT TIME.

THE LOCATION IS A SERIES OF 16 HARDENED SHELTERS THAT HAS STAYED RELATIVELY EMPTY FOR THE LAST YEAR.
our current CAPACITY right here for providing bed-down is 1800 plus. we provide warm beds, showers, a nice living condition for them. l-r-s also provides TRANSPORTATION to areas on base to include b-x and dining facility.

AIRMEN ARE BUSY BUILDING BEDS FOR NATO FORCES FROM THE UNITED STATES, GERMANY, AND THE NETHERLANDS.

PATRIOT VILLAGE IS VERY BUSY RIGHT NOW. IT’S CERTAINLY OCCUPIED. WE HAVE VISITORS ON BASE. PLEASE SHOW THEM COURTESY AND UNDERSTAND THAT THEY ARE DISPLACED AND HERE FOR A TEMPORARY TIME.

THESE VOLUNTEERS ARE DOING THEIR PART TO MAKE INCIRLIK’S GUEST FEEL WELCOMED.

AIRMAN FIRST CLASS NICHOLAS CRISP, INCIRLIK AIR BASE, TURKEY.



]]> Reporter:
LEADERSHIP FROM U-S FORCES JAPAN RECENTLY HONORED A JAPANESE SELF DEFENSE FORCE MEMBER WITH A DECORATION FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE, WHILE WORKING SIDE BY SIDE WITH THE U-S AIR FORCE.

Nat Sound: “But today, we are here to honor, as we had known him at the time, Chief Kit, now Warrant Officer Kit.”

SB: CMSgt Douglas McIntyre, Award Ceremony Emcee:
“It is rare occasion were kokujiahan or JSDAF will get a us medal. We appreciate the alliance in my view.

Reporter:
AND TO HONOR THAT ALLIANCE AND DEDICATION THEY PRESENTED WARRANT OFFICER
KITABAYASHI THE MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL.

SB: CMSgt Douglas McIntyre, Award Ceremony Emcee:
The approval authority for the medal recipient had to go to the commander of PACAF, so from the top of the command, down through myself and the coworkers of Warrant Officer Kitabayashi that we value their service when they serve along side us.”

SB: Warrant Officer Tatsuru Kitabayashi, Meritorious Award Medal Recipient:
Yea, I never think I would get this award. This is just reason for the Japanese and Us in friendships. So I
want to say thank you for everybody who working with me, if I can get a chance to visit to the mainland
and shake a hand and say thank you, I can show this medal to them.”

Reporter:
WARRANT OFFICER KITABAYASHI WORKED SIDE BY SIDE WITH THE U-S AIR FORCE FOR 8

YEARS PROVIDING LIAISON SUPPORT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN AND U-S

FORCES JAPAN ON MULTIPLE HUMANITARIAN AND OPERATIONAL MISSIONS. I’M AIRMAN

FIRST CLASS TERACE GARNIER, YOKOTA AIR BASE JAPAN.
]]> "When I was in High School, we didn't really have anybody that came back from college, talked to us about how it was going to be, and I thought that it would be a really great opportunity for somebody to come back, especially with the cadets. After they get into college, a lot of them really want to go back into the military and ROTC is a really great opportunity in that it can give them that in the future."
Cadet Nicholson will return to school later this week and enter the Air force's flight training program later this year. Airman First Class Tyler Prince, Kadena Air Base, Japan.]]> "The 10th Army and Air Missile Defense Command role is sending a small contingent of approximately 30 personnel forward to provide command and control to those Patriot batteries that have been identified to deploy from the united states. We want them to focus solely on their area ballistic missile mission."
The mission to Turkey is the first global contingency deployment for the 10th Army and Air Missile Defense Command and will defend our Turkish allies along the Syrian border.
Tech Sergeant Burt Traynor, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.]]> "I would say 90% of our job is doing jobs like this and the other 10% is painting. But you have to do all the little stuff up to that point to make the paint job look good. So it goes hand in hand. Attention to detail is the most important part of this job. Anyone can just pull the trigger of a paint gun, but few people can make it look good. 3 or 4 years ago I was in high school and now I am painting jets. I never would have imagine that. It does give you a sense of pride and satisfaction."
Corrosion control is a multifaceted job that requires a lot of skills and skill sets.
"Painting is my favorite I think."
A good job can go a long way in a career field that is so uniquely focused on attention to detail.
"It takes a lot of time and effort to get the job done right."
With a show so focused, they are very confident to paint 10 aircraft in the next 5 months.
From RAF Lakenheath, I'm Airman 1st Class Gus Coke-a-relli]]> Commander, 455th ESFS
Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan
"What happened today was an operation that allowed for a checkpoint at one of our Afghan National Police positions that's very close to one of our ECP's that comes onto Bagram Airfield. I think one of the importance that this demonstrates is providing a level of armored capability to our Afghan National Police partners and by doing that, by placing this enhancement to their defense, it actually then enhances the overall defense of Bagram. Because by doing that, what we are now providing is the Afghan National Police an actual position that they can conduct operations from, they can connect snap traffic control points. What they can do is control the flow of goods, materials, and most importantly provide a check and balance to our own organic security that is on the base. I think finally that this demonstrates the level of partnership that we've been able to achieve here in the last few months at Bagram Airfield. The important part is we go into this transition, things like this are going to be that much more essential to the joint security, joint defense and partnered operations that we do on a daily basis here around Bagram."]]>
Nat Sound: ALS!!!

IN THE TASKING FIVE AND A HALF WEEK CLASS, THROUGH A LOT OF HOMEWORK AND INSTRUCTIONS FROM MISAWA NCOS’, THE YOUNG AIRMAN LEARNED ABOUT ALL THAT IT TAKES TO BE AN NON COMMISSIONED OFFICER IN THE AIR FORCE. SUPERVISING AIRMAN, PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY, AND TIME MANAGEMENT WERE JUST SOME OF THE TOPICS THEY LEARNED. THE AIR FORCE WOULDN’T BE ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH ITS MISSION IF IT WEREN’T FOR THE TEAMWORK THESE AIRMAN ARE LEARNING.
SB Cliff Ocampo First Sergeant Team Captain

And the whole concept of this is working together as a team and we really enjoy coming out here. The time that the students are here in class, they learn a lot from the senior mentors that are visiting them throughout the curriculum. And this is just one good way to get together for a finale.

THE VOLLEYBALL CHALLENGE ENDED THE COURSE, ALLOWING ALS CLASS 13-A TO BREATHE A SIGH OF RELIEF.

SB SRA Jordan Basham ALS Team Captain:
It actually does bring us together a lot closer; we’re all on the brink of becoming staff sergeants and learning what it’s like to supervise people. These are guys and ladies that have been able to already endure that process so they can give us some insight on what we need to do and really just come out to have fun with these guys.

IN THE END, THE FUTURES NCOS’ PROVED TO BE TOO MUCH FOR THE FIRST SERGEANTS TO KEEP UP WITH. THE ALS CLASS WON THE GAME 25-22. NEEDLESS TO SAY SOME OF THE AIRMEN WERE SOMEWHAT ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT THEIR VICTORY.
 
AIRMAN FIRST CLASS SCOTT TAYLOR, MISAWA AIR BASE JAPAN.
]]>
CDR Steven Yaden- Medical Advisor:
"We have transitioned, actually, as the drawdown's been going to smaller and smaller teams. From 35-man teams to where we are now with about ten. And we stay more focused now in actual running of health care. So they're doing very well at the clinical stages, now we're able to draw back and get that 50,000 foot view now, so that we can see how the system itself is going to be sustainable for the future."

TSgt Alicia Walters- Medical Advisor:
"Our role in Afghanistan is as mentors and advisors - we don't hands-on do the work, but we see the processes they have in place and we mentor on improving those processes."

Missions include everything from preventive medicine, to long term care of people who suffer long-term traumatic injuries. On this day, Commander Yaden also gave Albanian doctors who have similar medical missions a tour of the hospital.

The atmosphere inside the hospital seemed friendly but Canadian soldiers, along with Albanian and American service members, kept their eyes out for the very real threat of Insurgent attacks. Thankfully today went smoothly and they were able to focus on their mission.

CDR Steven Yaden- Medical Advisor:
"For Afghanistan to be a nation they have to have health care. Just as we debate our health care issues back home in the United States. Imagine what it's like here... How do you have a funding source, how do you have revenue, how do you supply something that doesn't exist? And they're creating that from the ground up. That is why we're here in this support advisory role. We are showing, and guiding, and assisting the Afghans to do it themselves through the end of it. I couldn't think of a more fulfilling mission."

Developing a sustainable health care system in a country that previously had none, is a long term project to say the least. For example, it takes years to train nurses and on top of that you have to train those who can train future nurses. As Afghans continue to step up and fill these leadership roles, U.S. and Coalition forces can step back from the systems they helped establish years ago and watch Afghans carry that work into the future. Marine Staff Sergeant Jason Price, Kabul, Afghanistan.]]>
“We came out here to build relationships with the ROKAF army and just enhance our relationship and have a good time, teach each other our tactics, what we’re good at what they’re good at and kind of blend it all together.”

The US and ROK joined up five to a side and developed their plans of attack to capture the other teams flag.

“Well we devised a strategy of basically setting up a 360 around the perimeter of the flag, AKA the base and then from there we sent the rest of the Korean ROKAF to do battle with the other team and eventually grab the other flag and they got there first… I got the flag both times just pretty much just bum rushed down the hill and take it over, they weren’t ready for it.”

Getting interactive is a great way to minimize cultural barriers.

“We’ve done many exercises with the rok army and rok air force we went 2-0 it was a lot of fun.”

It’s no secret that everyone remembers their training a little better when it’s something they can look forward to.

SrA Marshall Hunsaker, Osan Air Base, South Korea.]]>
SB (17 SEC)
TSgt ELLIS RILEY, NCOIC OF RATIONS: BASICALLY THIS IS THE HUB OF THE WHOLE OPERATION, AS FAR AS FEEDING FOR THIS ENTIRE BASE…RATIONS RECEIVED WOULD BE YOUR BOTTLED WATER, ALL YOUR DRY GOODS…ON THE COLD SIDE WE RECEIVE SUCH ITEMS AS CHICKEN…WE RECEIVE THE HAMBURGERS…ALL OF OUR FRUIT, PRODUCE WHICH COMES LOCALLY.

NARRATION: FROM THE RATIONS WAREHOUSE, SUPPLIES ARE DELIVERED TO THE THREE DINING FACILITIES ON BASE, WHERE SHELVES ARE STOCKED AND MEALS ARE PREPARED.

SB (6 SEC)
MSgt TIMOTHY BOYKIN, FOOD SERVICES SUPERINTENDENT: ON AVERAGE AT ANY OF THE DINING FACILITIES, IT WILL BE APPROXIMATELY NINE TO 11 HOURS PER DAY TO PREPARE THE MEALS.

NARRATION: SERGEANT BOYKIN ALSO SAID, TO ENSURE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION, FOOD SERVICE SANITATION STANDARDS MUST BE MET AND FACILITIES MUST BE MAINTAINED WITH THE SUPPORT OF BASE CIVIL ENGINEERING. REPORTING FROM THE 379th AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING I’M STAFF SERGEANT GEORGE SOLIS.
]]> Reporter:
WHEN THE WEATHER COOLS DOWN, THE COMMON COLD AND FLU SEASON HEATS UP. MOST PEOPLE ARE PRETTY FAMILIAR WITH THE SYMPTOMS OF THE SICKNESS. THANKFULLY, THEY CAN FIND ANYTHING NEEDED FOR RELIEF RIGHT ON STORE SHELVES.
SB: Capt Gabriel Harris
You’re most of the time able to treat most of all your symptoms with over counter medicines like Motrin or Tylenol it’s gonna help you with your fever, your body aches, headache, sore throat, anything that hurts. Your Sudafed will help open up your sinuses and open up your ears. The antihistamine, so Benadryl, Claritin, Zertec, those will help dry up the runny nose, they will give you a bit of a dry mouth. It will also make you sleepy. So if you’re having trouble sleeping at night it can help you a whole lot.
Reporter:
WHILE AN INSTANT CURE FOR THE COLD AND FLU HAS YET TO BE DISCOVERED, ONE TRIED AND TESTED METHOD TENDS TO LESSEN THE SYMPTOMS.
SB: Capt Gabriel Harris
Kinda quick remedy for the flu, and that is a vaccine. If you don’t get a vaccine your flu may last a week. If you get the vaccine your flu will probably last only one or two days. So, people that say I got the flu vaccine this year and I got the flu… and so it doesn’t work. I would argue that the flu that you had was far less severe than it could have been or then it would have been.
Reporter:
DOCTOR HARRIS RECOMMENDS TWO INFORMATIONAL WEBSITES THAT MAY PINPOINT AND OFFER REMEDIES FOR YOUR SYMPTOMS, POSSIBLY SAVING YOU TIME IN THE WAITING ROOM AND ALLEVIATING WORRY.
SB: Capt Gabriel Harris
Look on familydoctor.org, that’s the American Academy of Family Physicians website and under there look under diseases and cold and flu and that will give you probably far more information than I would give you in a single clinic visit. If it’s for your child the healthychildren.org is the American Academy of Pediatrics’ website and it’s extremely helpful and gives you very understandable, straightforward treatments for each symptom.
Reporter:
CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IF FEVERS PERSIST FOR MORE THAN 48 HOURS.
PETTY OFFICER KARLA FOSTER, MISAWA AIRBASE JAPAN.]]> Staff Sgts. Eric Braddock and Ryan Onely prepare Capt. Nicholas Morgans for a medical evacuation during a training mission at Avon Park Air Force Range, Florida. An aircrew flying an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter helped extract the Airmen.

Service members board a C-17 Globemaster III at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. The airfield management office coordinated snow removal and clearing to keep operations flowing after an overnight snowfall covered the flightline with more than three inches of snow.

And that's this week in photos. I'm Staff Sergeant Michael Brady.]]> Hon Michael Donley – U.S. Secretary Of The Air Force
“I think the Air Force will stand firm on our strategic choices. Trading size to maintain a quality force and staying focused on readiness and modernization.”
CHIEF ROY ALSO ADDRESSED SERIOUS TOPICS LIKE SUICIDES PREVENTION AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT.
CMSAF James Roy – Chief Master Sergeant Of The Air Force
“Stop right there. What about the victim? What about the victim? Ya, there may have been alcohol related, but really! Does that give somebody a pass to take advantage of somebody else? It does not. It does not!”
SERVICE MEMBERS HAD TIME TO ASK QUESTIONS BUT IN THE END IT ‘S THAT FACE TO FACE DIALOG THAT MOTIVATED THESE AIRMEN.
SrA Zachary Castillo – Event Attendee
“I’m just glad that they’re trying to get to know us a little bit more out here.”
AIR FORCE STAFF SERGEANT YOSHI SHINZATO, SOUTH WEST ASIA.]]> It's hard to miss Security Forces on patrol as you walk around Incirlik Air Base. Normal men and women in uniform stationed at Incirlik. Well actually, most of the patrols you see are deployed here from Spangdahlem.
"Leading 12 guys over here as a supervisor back at Spangdahlem, you have to worry about your people - their lives there and back home. Well, here you just add another facet to that. You have to worry about their lives at Spangdahlem and also the people they have back home, wherever that may be. "
Even though Security Forces is one of the largest squadrons on base, they still require extra manning.
"Law enforcement mission involves that we have rams that we do, random checks that we do, walking patrols. And we do traffic enforcement, speed enforcement, seat-belt enforcement, and any kind of check involving moving vehicles, pretty much."
The deployers work closely with their base counterparts to keep everyone safe on base. Airman First Class Nicholas Crisp, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey.]]> I’M SENIOR MASTER SERGEANT JASON THERIAULT. I’M THE SUPERINTENDENT FOR FIRE EMERGENCY SERVICES AT 7TH AIR FORCE, AND I’M ALSO ONE OF THE LEAD CROSSFIT INSTRUCTORS AT OSAN. I THINK THE BEST PART ABOUT BEING AN INSTRUCTOR, IS JUST WATCHING PEOPLE GET BETTER AT THE THINGS THAT THEY’RE SCARED OF AND JUST SEE THEM SUCCEED.

SB: JOHN MONDELLO – CROSSFIT PARTICIPANT:

WHEN I SEE SOMEBODY LIKE SERGEANT THERIAULT AND AIRMEN BALLASTEROS, BOTH OF THEM HAVE GREAT TECHNIQUE AND THEY KNOW A LOT ABOUT LIFTING WEIGHTS AND WORKING OUT. SO BEING ABLE TO VISUALLY SEE SOMEONE DO SOMETHING CORRECTLY, IT HELPS ME OUT BECAUSE I’M MORE OF A VISUAL LEARNER THAN A TEXT BOOK LEARNER.


SB: SMSGT JASON THERIAULT - CROSSFIT INSTRUCTOR:

WE COME IN HERE EVERY DAY AND WE ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER. WE ENJOY SEEING EACH OTHER. WE ENJOY BEING AROUND EACH OTHER AND WE FIND WAYS TO JUST IMPROVE OUR FITNESS ON A REGULAR BASIS.

ADA CRAIG – CROSSFIT PARTICIPANT:

WE LOVE T-HOE. AFTER A MONTH, WE REALLY GOT TO KNOW HIM A LITTLE BIT BETTER. HE’S VERY PERSONABLE, HELPS PEOPLE GET MOTIVATED, I KNOW HE REALLY GOT ME MOTIVATED TO WANT TO COME BACK AT LEAST TWO – THREE TIMES A WEEK.

JOHN MONDELLO – CROSSFIT PARTICIPANT:

HE MAY LOOK INTIMIDATING BUT HE’S A BIG SOFTY. HE’S A GREAT PERSON TO ASK FOR ADVICE, TECHNIQUE, ANYTHING THAT YOU CAN DO, TO MAKE YOURSELF BETTER AS A CROSSFITTER, YOU CAN JUST GO RIGHT UP TO HIM IF YOU NEED TO.


JASON THERIAULT – CROSSFIT INSTRUCTOR:

YOU JUST GET REALLY EXCITED AND MORE EXCITED JUST FOR THEM, WHEN THEY COME UP TO YOU AND TELL YOU THEIR SUCCESS. AND JUST BEING ABLE TO THINK BACK AND KNOW THAT I HAD A SMALL PART IN THAT MAKES ME HAPPY AND KEEPS ME GOING.]]> AS PART OF AN OVERALL TOUR OF THE A-O-R, SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE MICHAEL DONLEY AND CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT OF THE AIR FORCE JAMES ROY STOPPED BY THE 380TH TO THANK AIRMEN FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND SHOW THEIR IMPORTANCE TO OUR MISSION.

SB:
ALL OF THE AIR FORCE COMES TOGETHER TO CREATE EXPEDITIONARY COMBAT CAPABILITY FOR THE JOINT TEAM AND FOR OUR NATION.

DONLEY RECAPS ON A FEW OF THE 380TH’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS, HIGHLIGHTING THE LARGEST KC-10 DEPLOYMENT PROVIDING FIFTY-FOUR PERCENT OF THE FUEL FOR OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM AND THE
ALL-TIME AIRCRAFT SERVICING RECORD WITH 1,898 AIRCRAFT IN ONE MONTH.

SB:
AND FOR YOU JUNIOR AIRMEN WHO ARE JUST COMING INTO OUR AIR FORCE, PERHAPS FOR WHOM THIS IS YOUR FIRST DEPLOYMENT, THIS IS WHAT COMBAT AIR POWER LOOKS LIKE.

AWAY FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS, AIRMEN PREPARE AND EXECUTE DUTIES, DAY IN AND DAY OUT, ENSURING MISSION READINESS.

SB:
WE’RE GRATEFUL FOR ALL YOU DO TO SUPPORT CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS HERE IN SOUTHWEST ASIA. WE’RE PROUD OF YOUR PROFESSIONALISM AND YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS AND IT IS THIS LEVEL OF DEDICATION THAT MAKES IT POSSIBLE TO CARRY-OUT THE NATION’S MILITARY MISSIONS.

ROUGHLY SIXTY-EIGHT PERCENT OF AIRMEN TODAY JOINED AFTER 9/11; SHOWING THEIR DEDICATION AND LOYALTY TO OUR NATION-SETTING THE PRECEDENT HIGH FOR OUR FUTURE AIRMEN.

AIRMAN FIRST CLASS LINDY PATA, 380TH AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING, SOUTHWEST ASIA.

]]>
SB (9 SEC)
SMSgt MARCUS HAWKINS, VOLUNTEER BASKETBALL OFFICIAL: ALWAYS HAD A PASSION FOR THE GAME. BUT THEN, EVENTUALLY I GOT TO THE POINT I COULDN’T PLAY ANYMORE, SO I DECIDED, YOU KNOW, IT’S TIME TO BE A PART OF THE GAME, BUT IN A DIFFERENT WAY. (NAT SOUND BREAK)

NARRATION: SERGEANT HAWKINS HAS FOUR YEARS OF OFFICIATING EXPERIENCE UNDER HIS BELT AND SAW AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO MORE THAN JUST BE A VOLUNTEER REF. HE TEACHES OTHER VOLUNTEERS HOW TO OFFICIATE. (NAT SOUND BREAK)




SB (8 SEC)
SMSgt HAWKINS: I’M TRAINING SOME OFFICIALS THAT WANT TO BE OFFICIALS BACK HOME AND I’M GETTING AN OPPORTUNITY TO OFFICIATE SOME BASKETBALL…I’M GETTING THE BENEFIT OF BOTH WORLDS.

NARRATION: BEING A VOLUNTEER BASKETBALL OFFICIAL CAN BE GRUELING AT TIMES, ESPECIALLY AFTER A LONG WORK DAY, BUT FOR SERGEANT HAWKINS, IT’S NOT A PROBLEM.

SB (14 SEC)
SMSgt HAWKINS: I LOVE TO OFFICIATE BASKETBALL. SO, I THINK WHEN YOU HAVE THAT DEEP PASSION FOR ANYTHING AND YOU GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY OR TO AN ORGANIZATION, SUCH AS THESE DEPLOYED MEN AND WOMEN, COMING OUT HERE DOING THIS IS AN HONOR.

NARRATION: REPORTING FROM THE 379th AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING I’M STAFF SERGEANT GEORGE SOLIS.


]]> READY FOR TODAY’S GAME?
COIN FLIP NAT SOUND
KICKOFF
IN WHAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE A SHOOTOUT THE GAME STARTED A BIT SLOW. AIR FORCE’S DEFENSE STARTED STRONG, LINEBACKER REGGIE BARNES GETS AN EARLY SACK WHICH ENERGIZED THE AIR FORCE CROWD. LINEBACKER AUSTIN NIKLAS WAS IN THE RICE BACKFIELD EARLY AND OFTEN COMPLETE BEAST MODE AS THE GAME REMAINED SCORELESS THROUGH 11 MINUTES.
RICE WOULD STRIKE FIRST WHEN JORDAN TAYLOR (REMEMBER THAT NAME) HALLED IN A 16 YARD PASS FROM TAYLOR MCHARGUE MAKING IT 7-0 OWLS.
THE OWLS CONTROLLED MOST OF THE 1ST QUARTER BUT AFTER MISSING A FIELD GOAL MIDWAY THROUGH THE SECOND, THEY LEFT THE DOOR OPEN FOR THE FALCONS.
AIR FORCE TOOK IT 66 YARDS IN TEN PLAYS RESULTING IN A KALE PEARSON NINE YARD RUN KNOTTING THE GAME AT 7. (NAT SOUND OF AIR FORCE SONG/CELEBRATION) AFTER FORCING A RICE PUNT ON THE ENSUEING POSSESSION, AIR FORCE ONCE AGAIN TOOK THE BALL THE LENGTH OF THE FIELD. THIS TIME RUNNING BACK WES COBB GOT THE ROCK IN THE RED AND MADE IT COUNT WITH A ONE YARD TOUCHDOWN RUN MAKING IT AIR FORCE 14-7. (AIR FORCE CELEBRATION VIDEO).
RICE WASN’T DONE FOR THE FIRST HALF THOUGH, THEY DROVE THE LENGTH OF THE FIELD WITH BACKUP QUARTERBACK DRIFIS JACKSON BUT THEY FUMBLED AT THE FIVE YARD LINE LEAVING IT AIR FORCE 14, RICE SEVEN AT THE HALF. (SHOW AIR FORCE GOING TO TUNNEL) AT THE HALF FORMER AIR FORCE CHIEF OF STAFF, RETIRED GENERAL NORTON SCHWARTZ WAS PRESENTED THE GREAT AMERICAN PATRIOT AWARD FOR HIS OUTSTANDING SERVICE AND INTEGRITY (NAT SOUND OF EVENTS) MORE HALFTIME EVENTS INCLUDED NEW SERVICEMEMBERS TAKING THE OATH OF OFFICE, AND THE ARMED FORCES BOWL RECOGNIZES WOUNDED WARRIORS.
SECOND HALF STARTED AS THE FIRST ENDED, WITH RICE IN AIR FORCE TERRITORY. JORDAN TAYLOR CAUGHT HIS SECOND TOUCHDOWN PASS OF THE GAME, THIS TIME A 22 YARD PASS FROM DRIFIS JACKSON TYING THE GAME UP AT 14.
THE AIR FORCE OFFENSE SPUTTERED FOR MOST OF THE 2ND HALF BUT THE DEFENSE HELD TOUGH THROUGH THE THIRD QUARTER AND THE GAME WAS EVEN AT 14 GOING TO THE 4TH.
THAT DIDN’T LAST LONG HOWEVER AS RICE RUNNINGBACK CHARLES ROSS GAVE THE OWLS THE LEAD 21-14 LESS THAN A MINUTE INTO THE 4TH.
THINGS GOT WORSE FOR AIR FORCE FROM THERE, AFTER TWO OWL FIELD GOALS MADE IS 27-14 JORDAN TAYLOR DID IT YET AGAIN. THIS TIME IT WAS A 34 YARD TOUCHDOWN CATCH FROM DRIFUS JACKSON AS THE RICE FANS HAD SOMETHING TO HOOT ABOUT (SHOW TROPHY PRESENTATION), WINNING JUST THEIR SECOND BOWL GAME SINCE 1954. FINAL COUNT, RICE 33 AIR FORCE 14.
AS YOU MIGHT SUSPECT WIDEOUT JORDAN TAYLOR WAS NAMED GAME MVP FOR RICE WHILE LINEBACKER AUSTIN NICKLAS TOOK HOME GAME HONORS FOR AIR FORCE WITH A 14 TACKLE DAY, TWO OF THOSE WERE FOR A LOSS. AIR FORCE COACH TROY CALHOUN SAID THE FALCONS HAD THEIR MOMENTS, JUST NOT ENOUGH OF THEM.
“We really struggled. We had a good second quarter," Calhoun said. "But there's no way you win this game playing well in one quarter.”
THE AIR FORCE ACADEMY FALCONS FINISHED THEIR 2012 SEASON AT 6-7. FOR THE AIR FORCE BROADCASTING SERVICE, I’M MATT LOMBA.
]]> THE AIR FORCE ACADEMY FALCONS FOOTBALL TEAM IS IN FORT WORTH, TEXAS FOR THE BELL HELICOPTER ARMED FORCES BOWL.

AS PART OF THE BOWL WEEK FESTIVITIES, THE ACADEMY CONDUCTS CIVIC OUTREACH WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY. THE TEAM, CHEERLEADERS AND THE FALCON MASCOT VISITED COOK CHILDREN'S MEDICAL CENTER, BRINGING SMILES TO KIDS WHO CAME DOWN TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTIVITIES OF THE DAY.

SB: Tyrone Sauls- AFA Fullback
"BESIDES THE GAME WE GET TO COME HERE AND GIVE BACK TO SOME OF THE KIDS HERE FOR CHRISTMAS, IT FEELS GOOD IT'S PART OF OUR MISSION."

HOWEVER THE MOST POPULAR VISITORS WERE THE MASCOTS, BOTH THE AIR FORCE ACADEMY FALCON AND THE OWL REPRESENTING THE UNIVERSITY OF RICE.

SB: Misty Owens- Parent
"IT BRINGS A LOT OF SMILES TO THESE KIDS FACES AND FOR THEM TO COME OUT AND SEE THEM, IT MEANS A WHOLE LOT TO THEM."

TO READ MORE ABOUT THE ARMED FORCES BOWL PLEASE CHECK FOR UPDATES AND IN-DEPTH COVERAGE ON THE AIR FORCE'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE, AF-LINK.
]]>
REPORTER:
THE 302ND BRIGADE SUPPORT BATTALION SOLDIERS MARK THE LANDING ZONE FOR THEIR WINGMEN IN THE 374TH OPERATIONS SUPPORT SQUADRON.
SB: SSG Deandre Hayes 92F Section Chief, 302nd BSB (00:06;00):

“We had a um resupply airdrop mission with the air force.”

NAT SOUND POP: “See up there where that wind sock is? Um hmm it’s a beautiful observation point so…”

REPORTER:
THE TRAINING MIRRORS A VITAL REAL WORLD MISSION.


SB: SSG Deandre Hayes 92F Section Chief, 302nd BSB (00:07;12):
“It gives us another capability to resupply, get resupply to other units or to ourselves um during a time of war.”
NAT SOUND POP: Radio chatter “…Two minutes out”
SB: SSG Deandre Hayes 92F Section Chief, 302nd BSB (00:04;20):
“I was the radio guy so I was relaying information from the D-Z to the aircraft.”

Nat sound pop: Radio chatter “…clear to drop, I say again you are clear to drop.” SECOND VOICE “There he is right on the uh ridge line.”
SB: SSG Deandre Hayes 92F Section Chief, 302nd BSB (00:04;20):
“I love training with the Air Force um, the guys are very knowledgeable, I definitely learn a lot from them guys.”

REPORTER:
SERGEANT HAYES RECEIVED CERTIFICATION AS WELL.



SB: SSG Deandre Hayes 92F Section Chief, 302nd BSB (00:04;20):
“Today I got recertified to be in control of the uh, the drop zone.”

REPORTER:
THE SOLDIERS RECOVERED THE SUPPLIES FROM THE D-Z WHEN IT WAS SAFE.
SB: CPT Anthony Ciaffone, Deputy Support Operations Officer, 302nd BSB
“Uh this type of training is essential in case we have to take the fight up north, today is also the first time that we conducted low-low attitude drops on the peninsula. Um, I’m very proud of the soldiers and airmen that that took part in this operation and um I’m really happy to be here.”

REPORTER:
ARMY SERGEANT MOSES WARD, GWANGJU DROP ZONE, KOREA.]]>
Sound Pop: “Ezekiel.”

Cryztal Gonzalez – Spouse: “It’s really rough on me and on the kids. So I had to change everything, we moved to a different house. Very difficult for them so I just had to quit my job and stay with them.”

REPORTER: Although having to take care of everything by herself may be difficult; it isn’t the hardest part for Cryztal.

Cryztal Gonzalez – Spouse: “I try to fill in dad’s shoes and there’s no way I can fill his shoes in.”

REPORTER: Something her daughter, Anastacia, agrees with..

Use as Sound Pop: “I love him and I miss him very much.”

[Sound pop of me in interview:] What do you think about him being away?

Anastacia Madera – Daughter (Mah-dare-ah): “I don’t like it.”

[Sound pop of me in interview:] Why not? Why don’t you like it?

Anastacia Madera – Daughter (Mah-dare-ah): “Because I want to play with him.”

REPORTER: Something any Daddy’s girl can understand. Thankfully, technology has made things a little bit easier…

Sound Pop: “Daddy?” “Hey Buddies.”

REPORTER: …and they can “see” each other, even if they can’t “be” with each other.

SSgt Eduardo Madera-Muniz – Father/Crew Chief: “I think it’s a little easier that they can see me, cuz sometimes when I was traveling I was just on the phone.”

REPORTER: For the Madera family it’s a sort of surrogate way they can “be” together and make it through the separation as a family.

SSgt Eduardo Madera-Muniz – Father/Crew Chief: “I mean I’m not there but I get to see them grow you know what I mean so.” “It helps me a little bit.”

Sound Pop: “Thank you.” [laughs]

REPORTER: But it isn’t as difficult for everyone.

Cryztal Gonzalez – Spouse: “It’s been rougher on my daughter than it has my son.”

REPORTER: Mostly because Ezekiel is three and doesn’t really understand that dad is so far away.

SSgt Eduardo Madera-Muniz – Father/Crew Chief: “My son just thinks that I’m in an airplane, like the whole time.”

REPORTER: With the holidays come Christmas wishes; for Anastacia the list is short.
(cover with b-roll) Anastacia Madera – Daughter (Mah-dare-ah): “ A mini iPad and for my dad to come home.”

[Sound pop of me in interview:] How long has your Daddy been gone?

Anastacia Madera – Daughter (Mah-dare-ah): “A long time.”

[Sound pop of me in interview:] And how long until he gets back?

Anastacia Madera – Daughter (Mah-dare-ah): “Four months.”

REPORTER: Cryztal says it can be hard but they also gain things from the separation.

Cryztal Gonzalez – Spouse: “I always say deployments are your way of challenging, really seeing where your marriage is at.” “We actually become stronger and become more connected and learn new things from each other when, when we’re apart.”

REPORTER: It may be rough at times but one of the things Cryztal says they do to make things easier is to stay busy.

Cryztal Gonzalez – Spouse: “Trying to change the routine that works for me, it’s not the same when dad is around so I just have to just try little by little.”

REPORTER: But there’s something else that will make these holidays a little easier for the family…

Sound pop: “This way, look”…

REPORTER: Daddy came home for Christmas.

Sound Pop: [Clapping]

REPORTER: Sergeant Madera-Muniz’s advice to other families:

SSgt Eduardo Madera-Muniz – Father/Crew Chief: “It’s tough but just keep your head up and it will go by quick.”

Sound Pop: Ezekiel speaks then Dad “Yeah, I came back.”

REPORTER: SSgt Ciciora – Luke Air Force Base, Arizona
Sound Pop: “My Daddy.”
]]> A 3.2 mile run is common in the military, but Senior Airman Roberto Rodriguez decided to make this run a little bit different

SB: SrA Roberto Rodriguez
“Today, basically we have a card drive in conjunction with the holiday 5k that we already had working with the fitness center and it is basically for the families that have lost a loved one in the Sandy Hook tragedy.”

Reporter:
And he had a specific reason for doing this...

SB: SrA Roberto Rodriguez
“Basically I came up with this idea after the story broke on CNN. I know myself, I lost a loved one earlier this year and it was the cards sent in by the strangers that knew the loved one and not necessarily me; it was a nice token to help my family cope with the loss and everything like that. It let us know we were not alone. ”

Reporter:
Because of his efforts, the fitness center is sending out around 100 sympathy cards. a IR FORCE SSgt Kristopher Kingan, Kunsan AB, Korea.
]]> WITH AIRMEN AND SOLDIERS AWAY FROM HOME THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, IT’S IMPORTANT TO FIND WAYS TO GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT. TOPS IN BLUE IS DOING JUST THAT, BRINGING CHEER AND JOY TO THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE 380TH.

SB: SPC Kayla Barnett
I’M JUST GLAD YOU GUYS ARE OUT HERE BOOSTING MORALE, BECAUSE I KNOW A LOT OF US NEED IT, AIR FORCE AND ARMY ALIKE. I’M A MEDIC SO I WORK WITH BOTH, AIR FORCE AND ARMY, I GET TO KNOW A LOT OF PEOPLE OUT HERE…I KNOW IT HELPS.

LIGHTS, SANTA HATS, AND CHRISTMAS SONGS SET THE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE NIGHT—INCLUDING A GUEST APPEARANCE FROM ‘OLD SAINT NICK HIMSELF. SENIOR AIRMAN RUTH BRYCE KNOWS THE IMPORTANCE OF MORALE HAVING DEPLOYED OVER THE HOLIDAYS HERSELF.

SB: SrA Ruth Bryce
I REMEMBER WHAT IT WAS LIKE AND SO TO BE ABLE TO COME BACK OVER HERE AND BE ABLE TO SHARE THAT WITH ALL THESE FOLKS HERE HAS BEEN AMAZING.

OVER A TEN-MONTH PERIOD, TOPS IN BLUE WILL TRAVEL TO MORE THAN TWENTY COUNTRIES AND PERFORM MORE THAN 140 SHOWS, BRINGING JOY TO SERVICE MEMBERS AROUND THE GLOBE.

AIRMAN FIRST CLASS LINDY PATA, 380TH AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING, SOUTHWEST ASIA.]]> SOUNDBITE: (:11 CCM RAMON COLON-LOPEZ, COMMAND CHIEF, 1ST SPECIAL OPERATIONS WING)
AS SOON AS THAT RAMP DOOR OPENED, AND YOU GOT TO SEE THE CLOUDS, AND YOU SAW NOTHING BUT BLUE SKY GOING OUT, AND THE AIR IS THIN, IT’S COLD; IT WAS A SURREAL EXPERIENCE.
NARRATOR:
HE MADE HIS LAST JUMP AT HURLBURT FIELD 17 YEARS LATER.
SOUNDBITE: (:08 CCM RAMON COLON-LOPEZ, COMMAND CHIEF, 1ST SPECIAL OPERATIONS WING)
I’VE BEEN AT HURLBURT FIELD FOR A LITTLE BIT OVER A YEAR NOW AND IT WENT A LITTLE BIT TOO FAST.
NARRATOR:
COMMAND CHIEF COLON-LOPEZ IS MOVING ON TO BE THE COMMAND CHIEF FOR THE 18TH WING AT KADENA AIR BASE
SOUNDBITE: (:05 CCM RAMON COLON-LOPEZ, COMMAND CHIEF, 1ST SPECIAL OPERATIONS WING)
I’VE NEVER BEEN AROUND FIGHTERS, I’VE NEVER BEEN AROUND AWACS, SO IT’S A NEW EXPERIENCE FOR ME, WHICH IS EXCITING.
NARRATOR:
COMMAND CHIEF COLON-LOPEZ’S HIGH INVOLVEMENT IN BASEWIDE AFFAIRS MAKES HIM A WELL-KNOWN LEADER.
SOUNDBITE: (:10 CCM RAMON COLON-LOPEZ, COMMAND CHIEF, 1ST SPECIAL OPERATIONS WING)
I’D RATHER BE IN THE MIDDLE OF IT THAN BE A SPECTATOR JUST WATCHING FROM THE SIDELINES, AND I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT THE AIRMEN AND N-C-OS REALLY APPRECIATE THAT WHEN YOU’RE IN THERE DOING IT WITH THEM RATHER THAN JUST TAKING A POWERPOINT BRIEFING IN A ROOM SAYING “OH, YEAH, THAT’S PRETTY GREAT, WHAT YOU DO.”
NARRATOR:
COMMAND CHIEF COLON-LOPEZ’S CARNIVORE WARRIOR MENTALITY, ALONG WITH HIS ESSAYS, HAS MADE ITS WAY AROUND THE WORLD. THEY DEFINE HIS WAYS OF SHAPING AIRMEN TODAY INTO BEING EFFECTIVE LEADERS TOMORROW. REPORTING FROM HURLBURT FIELD, I’M AIRMAN FIRST CLASS STEPHEN ELLIS.
]]>
Sound Pop: "Merry Christmas!"

AND STACKS OF PACKAGES…

Lt Col Steven Brosk: (Event Coordinator)
“It’s a lot of boxes! It took a lot of man power to bring the boxes in.”

THE PACKAGES ARE FILLED WITH ALL KINDS OF GOODS…WHICH IS USED TO MAKE CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS.

Lt Col Steven Brosk
“Where spending a whole team stuffing about 900 stockings that we will be passing out in the next few days.”

THE STOCKINGS ARE FILLED WITH GOODS THAT MOST DEPLOYED SERVICE MEMBERS WANT AND WOULD EVEN GO OUT OF THEIR WAY TO GET.

SrA Robert Chambers: (Volunteer)
“They do have the Starbucks gift cards. I’m pretty sure everyone is going
to love Starbucks.”
Sound Pop: "A Slim Jim."
Sound Pop: "Who doesn't like a calling card?"

TSgt Lakiesha Toney: (Volunteer)
“And all the candy of course, got to have the candy for the season.”

BUT REGARDLESS OF WHAT’S IN THE STOCKING IT’S THE EMOTIONS BEHIND THE GIFT THAT WARMS THE HEART.

SrA Robert Chambers:
“It doesn’t really matter for me. It’s probably just the thought that counts that someone actually took time out of their hands to actually care about people. Which works out.”

SrA Gregory Jordan: (Volunteer)
“It kind of really get me in the Christmas spirit, doing things like this.”

BUT TAKING A LITTLE SOMETHING TO REWARD YOURSELF DOESN’T HURT EITHER.

SrA Gregory Jordan
“So hopefully I’m able to take a few things before I leave here today.”

WITH THESE VOLUNTEERS WORKING TO SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER…THE MESSAGE THEY SEND IS CLEAR. AIR FORCE STAFF SERGEANT YOSHI SHINZATO, SOUTH WEST ASIA.]]>
SB:
"Santas in Blue is a program where the Air Force, like the Marine Corps where they do the toys for tots, we go out and collect gifts from the community on Davis-Monthan."

Units received wish lists from each class with the goal of making sure every child in attendance, whether it was a student or young sibling, left with a gift from Santa.

SB:
"It's a worth-while cause. I mean you're getting kids gifts that they probably wouldn't have during this time of year. So, you can see by the looks on their face... It was awesome seeing them smile and happy knowing that they were going to have something for Christmas."

After nearly fifty years, Santas in Blue is still a way for D-M to give back during the holiday season. From Tucson, Arizona, I'm Airman First Class Kelly Greenwell.]]> CHRISTMAS WEEKEND WAS ESPECIALLY FESTIVE IN SOUTH KOREA, AS AMERICAN VOLUNTEERS JOINED WITH KOREAN ORPHANS FOR GIFT-GIVING AND SHARING GOOD CHEER.
SB STEWART: It really just tells me that there’s a lot of people here that care, that aren’t just concerned about making their holidays happy but making the holidays happy for the orphans who don’t necessarily get that attention and love from others.
MORE THAN 600 PEOPLE FROM OSAN TOOK PART; MAKING SURE 20 DIFFERENT ORPHANAGES EACH GOT PLENTY OF LOVE.
SB SCOTT: We are very happy now because you guys are here. Actually, many kids, they don’t have any presents really but now they have lots of presents so we are very grateful.
AND THE KOREAN CHILDREN WERE ONLY TOO HAPPY TO SHOW THEIR APPRECIATION THROUGH THEIR OWN FESTIVE EXCHANGE.
SB HARRIS: I don’t really get to see Korea like this. Usually, you just go to all the tourist spots and stuff like that so it’s nice to come out and see how the kids are and just make them feel better, make them feel happy.
SB STEWART: Just the opportunity to show them love and that we do care, and they do matter, and they’re aren’t there just to be disregarded but that people do love them and we do care and we’re showing by our actions with Operation Christmas Hope and giving them gifts and just spending time with them.
EACH CHILD GOT A BAG OF AMERICAN GOODIES AND A 25-DOLLAR GIFT CERTIFICATE…ALL PROVIDED THROUGH DONATIONS AT OSAN. BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, THEY HAD THE INVALUABLE EXPERIENCE OF SHARING THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT. TECHNICAL SERGEANT GENA ARMSTRONG, OSAN AIR BASE, SOUTH KOREA.]]> Capt Dareck Monnier, 36th Airlift Squadron Pilot and Aircraft Commander
This is the mission that everybody wants to go on. This is the mission that we train for. This is the mission that we practice over and over and over again. It's the best deal over here at Yokota and probably in tactical airlift.

They can't help but melt your heart, really make you feel proud as an American Airman, a PACAF Airman, as a citizen of the United States, to go out there and do something amazing. this is an amazing opportunity.

You know when we see a need, we respond, and we care enough to try to meet those needs no matter how far they are, no matter what the logistics of getting there is.

MSgt Cameron Leslie
Career Assistance Advisor and Independent Photographer
I flew from Guam to the federate states Micronesia and took a missionary flight down to the Island of Falala?
Basically, my goal was to capture Operation Christmas Drop from the islanders' perspective. It's a very unique culture, they don't have much of anything. There's no industry, I mean it's a tiny little island so it's not like they can go shopping and take trips to go buy stuff, they really don't have anything. The further and further you go out on these island chains the more primitive it gets, the less cloths they wear, really, the less they have. And so the idea that we're providing them with much needed tools to survive, to fish with, clothes, to protect them.

Capt Mitchell Foy
President, Operation Christmas Drop
It all started in 1952 when a weather bird was returning back to Guam. They were flying over the island of Caparange? and saw islanders. So they thought it would be a good idea because it was the holiday season, it was around Christmas time, to pack a little canister with a parachute and drop it down to the islands. From that, it kind of evolved into a yearly effort.

Col. Mark August
Commander, 374th Airlift Wing
One of the unique challenges we face is year is there are so many donated goods this particular year we had to increase the load for each air drop bundle. So, instead of 300 pounds for an island, we're planning on dropping 600 pounds.

TSgt Landon Soles
Rigger, 374th Logistics Readiness Squadron
So we had to beef them up quite a bit. We had to use this one inch tubular nylon which got a restraint 4,000 pounds

Col. Mark August
Commander, 374th Airlift Wing
And for $15 per bundle, we are able to drop our failure rate to zero and help more people than ever before. Christmas Drop has been awesome this year for us.

From the time they hear the roar of the airplane flying by, you can hear their voices, you can hear them whistling and screaming and the kids waving to the airplane, that's when the real excitement happens.

I got an opportunity to meet and spend an afternoon with one of the island chefs and I asked the island chief, why is Christmas Drop such a big deal to you guys? He explained, he said, 'we know that America is busy, but the fact that we take time out of our schedule and the important things that we're doing to put something together to let these people know that, 'hey, we know you are here we want to do something.' That was very touching, it speaks loud for our character with all the capabilities we have, we choose to do missions like this, you know, to help people.

]]> A FEW LAJES AIRMEN VOLUNTEERED TO SPREAD HOLIDAY GOODNESS EARLY THIS YEAR TO FAMILIES.
TSGT ALEXANDER COLON: SANTA
“SANTA AND I, YOU KNOW WE WORKED A BIG DEAL, SO HE SAID I COULD UHH--I COULD PLAY HIS ROLE TO GIVE PRESENTS TO THESE CHILDREN EARLY.”
STAFF SERGEANT ALEXANDER COLON OF THE 65TH SECURITY FORCES SQUADRON SAYS HE WAS ECSTATIC AT THE CHANCE TO GIVE BACK.
TSGT ALEXANDER COLON: SANTA
“CHILDREN ARE THE GLUE THAT KEEP PARENTS HAPPY BECAUSE THEY DO THE SILLIEST THINGS AND MAKE US HAPPY, AND WE WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THOSE CHILDREN BY HAVING SANTA CLAUSE VISIT THEM AND GIVE THEM-- GIVE THEM THE GIFT OF HAPPINESS."
THIS YEAR THE FOCUS WAS ON THE CHILDREN.
TSGT ALEXANDER COLON: SANTA
“BECAUSE THEY TAKE THE BIGGEST TOLL OUT OF A MILITARY FAMILY JUST BECAUSE, MOMMY AND DADDY ARE ALWAYS GONE--THEY’RE WORKING CONSTANTLY AND THEY FEEL THE BIGGEST IMPACT"
NAT SOUND
“FAMILIES WERE SO GRATEFUL, I GOT SEVERAL E-MAILS TODAY SAYING THANK YOU FOR MAKING THERE CHILDREN SMILE. THAT RIGHT THERE IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE BEST FEELINGS I COULD HAVE THAT I BROUGHT HAPPINESS TO A CHILDS LIFE"
OPERATION SANTA BROUGHT CHEER TO LAJES FAMILIES AND AS SANTA SAYS, HE MAY SPREAD THE GOODNESS EARLY AGAIN NEXT YEAR.
I’M TECH SERGEANT VINCE MOUZON, LAJES FIELD, AZORES.
]]>
MSgt James Butler Soundbite: “We’re part of the Air Force Band of the Golden West. It’s a unit stationed out of Travis Air Force Base, California. And, uh, during the holiday season, we break up into smaller units to provide cheer throughout our area of responsibility, which is the west coast of the United States.”
The songs offered enjoyment to all ages and even some extra credit to a certain young musician.
JaieLyn and Levi McCoy Soundbite: “My son, Levi, is playing the tenor sax and he heard about the concert from my husband, so I took him out of school so he could come and his band teacher even said he’d get extra credit if he could prove he was at the concert, so I’m glad we came, because it was, it was a lot of fun.”
Not only was it fun, but for some, it added extra gratification to the workplace.
Jamie Doine Soundbite: “It was awesome to have them come in here and play for our customers that were here and even us as the employees, like we haven’t had Christmas music playing around The Club at all yet, so it was nice just to get into the holiday spirit.”
These four Airmen and their saxophones managed to give the Nellis community a wonderful gift, the gift of music. Airman First Class Rachel Maxwell, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.]]>
MY RECOMMENDATION FOR MOST TRAVELER USING SPACE A IS BASICALLY GO OVER TO THE AMC TRAVEL WEBSITE, AND ALL THE REGULATIONS ARE POSTED ON THERE. THEY CAN READ ON WHAT THEY NEED AND WHAT'S REQUIRED. AND THE RULES AND REGULATIONS THAT CONCERN SPACE A. ALTO OF TIMES PEOPLE SHOW UP FOR SPACE A AND ASK WHAT PAPERWORK THEY NEED. THEY ARE NOT EDUCATING THEMSELVES BEFORE THEY GET HERE.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SPACE-A, LOG ON TO A-M-C TRAVEL'S OFFICIAL WEBSITE A-M-C DOT A-F DOT MIL-FORWARD-SLASH A-M-C TRAVEL.

THIS HAS BEEN AN AIR FORCE REPORT, I'M SENIOR AIRMAN ALINA RICHARD.]]> We are really thankful that the usaf band could serenade everyone. and maybe bring some joy to some people in a time where its very sad.
But its not your average performance for MSgt Frank Busso. He plays the accordion for the Strings ensemble. It turns out, he's the only accordionist in the air force. But tonight he has to share the stage. There's another accordionist in town. Oh, and by the way, its his dad.
its a blast. my father is my teacher and mentor in so many different ways. to have him tonight performing for us, may it extra special. I am MSgt Frank Busso Jr. from Staten Island, NY...
And they were quite the duo. The songs that MSgt Busso, his dad, and the Air Force Strings, gave the audience quite the holiday treat, with the gift of music.
We felt it was important to give the victims of the storm, some holiday cheer. and we are very proud to be able to do that.
The residents of Staten island are still recovering from Hurricane Sandy. But with a little help from the Air Force Strings, a musically inclined MSgt and his father, the sounds of the season can offer a little healing. Reporting from Staten Island, NY, I'm Tech Sergeant Todd Kabalan.]]>
It begins with an “Inject”, or a scenario presented by an evaluator to an unsuspecting exercise participant. For Chaplain Assistant, Staff Sergeant Stephen King, this scenario meant suffering a simulated injury.

SB: SSgt Stephen King
“I had a pencil in my hand, and as the mortars went off, I was blown...into another area. When I fell onto my face, I had a hematoma right here, an impalement to the cheek.”

REPORTER
The injects test how Airmen would respond to these unexpected events. Langley’s medical Airmen worked quickly to treat the Chaplain Assistant’s wound. While his wound was only a simulation, exercises like Operation Coronet White play a critical role in keeping Langley Airmen ready to perform in any situation.

SB: SSgt Stephen King
“You practice like you’re supposed to play right? Well in that case, everyone out here is doing their hardest to make sure that they learn the process so that when they get out there they depend on their training.”

REPORTER
The medical scenarios revealed the diverse strengths of each exercise participant, and also allowed these Airmen to see how they can continue to maintain both personal and unit readiness. Airman 1st Class Tory Patterson, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.
]]> The skies above Langley Air Force Base are always busy with air traffic, but one pilot in particular is leaving a distinctive vapor trail pattern for all to see. As the newest face of the single-ship F-22 Raptor Aerial Demonstration Team, Captain Patrick Williams can be found perfecting his routine for the team’s 2013 tour schedule. He takes the place of Major Henry Schantz as Demo Team commander.

Stand Up
“We’re here in Aircrew Flight Equipment where the Air Force’s newest F-22 Demo Pilot is preparing to take to the skies.”

SB: Capt. Patrick Williams
“My harness, my G-Suit, my helmet, and I pre-flight all of that. I basically try and warm up my body, a series of stretches. Starting to get my blood pressure up, my heart rate going so that I begin to warm up my muscles, so that when I take off and I go right to five G’s and then come back around for a nine G turn, I’m ready to go and I’m at peak performance”.


REPORTER
After all the preparation and planning, Captain Williams is ready to take to the skies and feature a variety of acrobatic stunts, showcasing both the Raptor’s and the pilot’s capabilities.

SB: Capt. Patrick Williams
“Before I get inside the plane, I’m just excited. Last thought is, ‘Let’s do it right’. When I focus down that runway and he says ‘Release Brakes’, it’s…all the shakes go away, every bit of nervousness just goes away and you’re just doing the job that you’ve trained to do”.

REPORTER
While Captain Williams is behind the controls of the world’s only operational fifth-generation fighter aircraft, the other members of the demo team crew carefully watch and perform their duties from the ground, ensuring his success in the sky. Spectators can see the F-22 Demonstration at a variety of venues. The team releases their tour schedule early next year. Airman 1st Class Tory Patterson, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.]]> Reporter: STUDENTS AT KADENA HIGH SCHOOL’S CULINARY ARTS CLASS VOLUNTEERED THEIR TIME AFTER SCHOOL TO HELP BAKE MORE THAN 500 COOKIES FOR THIS YEARS TEAM KADENA COOKIE DRIVE. A PROGRAM DESIGNED TO BRING COOKIES TO THE DOOR STEP OF SINGLE SERVICEMEMBERS.

SB: William Howard – Culinary arts student- we started working on this in class we made all the cookie dough and now were spending time working after class to bake them.

Reporter: WORKING AS A TEAM THEY EFFICIENTLY MADE THREE DIFFERENT KINDS OF COOKIES.

SB: William Howard – Culinary arts student we made pumpkin spice, chocolate and lemon lime dough cookies

Reporter: THE COOKIES WERE DELIVERED TO SINGLE SERVICEMEMBERS THROUGHOUT KADENA AIR BASE. BRINGING A LITTLE BIT THE HOLIDAY SEASON TO THOSE WHO WILL BE AWAY FROM THEIR FAMILIES. THOUSANDS OF COOKIES WERE DELIVERED, CONTRIBUTING TO THIS YEARS TEAM KADENA COOKIE DRIVE.

Reporter: MARINE CORPORAL MICHAEL LOPEZ, KADENA AIR BASE JAPAN
 

]]> MARIA DAVID: GIRL SCOUTS LEADER
“IT’S INCREDIBLE. NOT ONLY DO WE HAVE THE PORTUGUESE SCOUTS HERE BUT WE ALSO HAVE SOME KIDS FROM ONE OF THE ORPHANAGES IN ANGRA.”
AMERICAN AND PORTUGUESE ALIKE GATHERED FOR THE ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY BUT IT WAS MUCH MORE THAN THAT. CIDALIA DIAS LEADS THE PORTUGUESE GIRLS SCOUTS AND SHE SAYS THE KIDS COULDN’T WAIT TO SEE WHAT WAS IN STORE THIS YEAR.
CIDALIA DIAS: PORTUGUESE GIRL SCOUTS LEADER
“WHEN I TOLD THEM THAT WE WERE COMING HERE TO SEE A MOVIE AND WE WERE GOING TO BE WITH A LOT OF KIDS AND GOING TO THE TREE CEREMONY AGAIN AND THEY REMEMBER LAST YEAR AND THEY WERE SO HAPPY."
AT THE END OF THE NIGHT, THE POLAR EXPRESS DROPPED THE CHILDREN OFF TO VISIT SANTA AT THE CHRISTMAS TREE AND ENJOY MORE HOLIDAY CHEER.
I’M AIRMAN FIRST CLASS COURTNEY GRAFFIUS, LAJES FIELD, AZORES.
]]> SAMANTHA HEATON SB: (:14)
I’VE BEEN SKETCHING SINCE ABOUT FIFTH GRADE. WHEN I’M DRAWING SOMETHING, I’M NOT REALLY THINKING ABOUT THE WORLD AROUND ME, I’M JUST FOCUSED ON WHAT I’M DOING, AND THE WAY MY HANDS MOVE, AND WHAT I’M TRYING TO PRODUCE ON PAPER. (:14)
SAMANTHA RECENTLY TOOK HER SKETCHING TO ANOTHER LEVEL. SHE ENTERED HER BEST INTO THE AIR FORCE GALLERY, HOSTED BY THE ARTS AND CRAFTS CENTER.
SAMANTHA HEATON SB: (:04)
I MADE IT, I MADE THE FRAME FOR IT, AND THEN I DECIDED TO PUT IT UP. (:04)
THE PROGRAM ALLOWS AIRMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES TO DISPLAY THEIR ARTWORK IN A GALA SHOWCASE--WITH THE CHANCE TO WIN FORMAL AWARDS AND RECOGNITION.
SAMANTHA HEATON SB: (:11)
IT’S SOMETHING THAT YOU DID, IT’S YOUR SIGNATURE, AND FOR YOUR SIGNATURE TO BE OUT THERE IN THE WORLD IT’S A GOOD THOUGHT, YOU KNOW. I DON’T THINK I’LL WIN, BUT IT’S DEFINITELY NICE TO HAVE SOMETHING THAT I CAN DO. (:11)
WIN OR LOSE, THE AIR FORCE GALLERY GIVES MEMBERS OF AVIANO AIR BASE REASON TO DEVELOP THEIR CREATIVITY AND FRAME THEIR OWN PERSONAL WORKS OF ART.
SENIOR AIRMAN BREANNE BIGGIE, AVIANO AIR BASE, ITALY.]]> SB Col Matthew Dana:
It’s really an effort to show folks who are here maybe on their own or their first Christmas away from family, that they have a family here that cares about them and is making some cookies so they have something special for this time of year.
Reporter Stand up:
The cookies are dropped off here today then tomorrow volunteers will wrap them up and get them out to first sergeants who will be responsible for getting them out to their unaccompanied service members.
SB Terri Laurent:
We couldn’t do this without the first sergeants, they are so amazing. They will be our POC for the single and unaccompanied airman they will be delivering them to their dorms or work centers, wherever they are.
Reporter:
THERE WAS NOT ONLY A GREAT QUANTITY OF COOKIES, BUT THERE WAS ALSO A GREAT QUALITY AND VARIETY THIS YEAR. SUPPLIES WERE DONATED BY THE COMMISSARY, BOY SCOUTS AND GIRL SCOUTS, AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE MISAWA COMMUNITY TO HELP MAKE THE EVENT POSSIBLE.
SB Terri Laurent:
Our heart is that if you’re here without your family the holidays are a difficult time to be away from family. So we just wanted to give a little reminder that somebody cares and that their not alone and that we are blessing them with holiday cheer.
Reporter:
AIRMAN FIRST CLASS SCOTT TAYLOR, MISAWA AIRBASE JAPAN.
]]>

SB: MSgt Danny Avery, Financial Management WEET Inspector
Attitude is everything as we’ve heard the whole time we’re in the Air Force. Positive attitude you can overcome anything because there’s a lot in a war-time situation that you have to overcome, being in MOPP gear for minutes and hours of the day. Positive attitude will carry you through it.
REPORTER
Several other events took place over the course of the exercise. The fire department reacted to a simulated aircraft fire during the night and also evacuated a pilot out of an F-22. The Finance Building was also robbed by OP 4, as personnel did exactly what was needed and heeded to the thief’s demands.
SB: SSgt Richard Russo, OP 4
When you’re faced with deadly force, you’re supposed to just comply with any demand. If someone has a gun in your face, you do what they tell you to do.
REPORTER
Sergeant Russo also gave some advice to anyone who hasn’t played in an exercise before.
SB: SSgt Richard Russo, OP 4
Situational awareness. You’re training, you should practice like you play and your training should be like instinct. It should be like second nature. So when you’re faced with a challenge, faced with any sort of threat, you should be able to react immediately practically without thinking. And then that gives you the best shot for survival.
REPORTER
Not only was this exercise used for training but was also used in preparation for a future Combined Unit Inspection. Airman 1st Class Anthony Hetlage, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.
]]>
SrA Joe Thurber – Team Combats:
“I really think more than anything it’s about all of the units coming together. We don’t really get to interact so this is a good medium for it.”

PLAYERS COMPETED HARD TO GET TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP, BUT THERE’S MORE TO FOOTBALL THAN WINNING.

2nd Lt Joe Buyer – Team Junk Yard Dogs:
“Sometimes it gets a little tense, but overall at the end of the day we’re laughing with each other over on the bench and having a good time. So, I think that’s been the best part, just the camaraderie, hanging out with everybody, the team spirit.”

THE JUNK YARD DOGS WON THEIR THIRD CHAMPIONSHIP IN A ROW, 33-13. SENIOR AIRMAN MICHELLE SCHNEIDER, GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS.]]>
Fresh baked cookies from the oven... (ding)

Straight to the Nellis Air Force Base chapel, where volunteers package the holiday treats for the base’s annual cookie drive.

- Mrs. Lofgren Soundbite: “We’re gathering, uh cookies that we are getting donations from all over the base and our community to put together boxes and we’re going to be delivering them to all of our airmen that live in the dorms today for a little taste of home.”
The volunteers packaged a variety of cookies along with a special note attached from area school children.
- Mrs. McKay Soundbite: “A lot of them are really funny. There was one with a swan on it that said ho ho ho. This one says Happy New Years, Lily, age six, first grade. It’s a Christmas tree, it’s a Christmas tree car and it’s neighing like a horse.” (laughs)
Once the cookies were wrapped and ready to go, first sergeants from around the base knocked on airman’s doors delivering cookies right to their room.
- Mrs. Lofgren Soundbite: “We just want to let them know that even if they’re not traveling home for Christmas this year or even if they are that we are thinking of them and that we appreciate their service”
(First Sergeant: “Well, hope you get some time off at work and hopefully you’ll be able to enjoy that”)
SSgt Colleen Urban
Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada
(First Sergeant: “Happy Holidays”)
(Airman: “Happy Holidays”)
]]>
“B-52 crews and deuce crews among them were sent against an enemy who had been given seven years to turn Hanoi into the most heavily defended city in the world. Young men who flew in this operation were told to expect 30 percent casualties – 30 percent casualties. Now this wonderful memorial next to me honors those who were shot down and we are proud to except it at Barksdale Air Force Base.”
More than 150 veterans of Linebacker II attended the ceremony, sharing their stories and remembering their efforts during the largest B-52 campaign in history that contributed to the end of the Vietnam War.
“What we all thought and I still think this today, have we kept it up for another week they would have pursued peace on any terms.”
This memorial will forever remind the world of the contributions and sacrifices experienced by the heroes of Linebacker II.
I’m Senior Airmen Antonio Gonzalez, Barksdale Air Force Base, LA.]]> IT’S AN EARLY MORNING TOUR FOR AIRMEN AT THE ROCK.
NAT SOUND
BUT WHAT THEY’RE SEEING ISN’T A TOURIST DESTINATION. WHAT THEY WANT TO SEE IS A BIGGER PICTURE OF THE OVERALL MISSION.
NAT SOUND…
Capt Ja Rai Williams – Tourist
“I mean to have that opportunity to go and see what your work is doing. How you’re supporting our mission is very important to understanding what the mission even is.”
FROM THE COCKPIT OF A C-130 TO THE BELLY OF A C-17 THE AIRCREW FOR A DAY PROGRAM ALLOWS EVERYONE THE CHANCE TO BE PART OF THE CREW.
NAT SOUND
Capt Ja Rai Williams – Tourist
“I’ve been in seven years and this is my first time really getting up close and personal with the airframes and with some of the pilots who are flying those airframes”
NAT SOUND
THE AIRCRAFTS ARE IMPRESSIVE BUT THE EQUIPMENT IS JUST AS EXCITING.
NAT SOUND
AND FOR THESE TOURIST THE EXPERIENCE AND THE VIEW IS WORTH THE TRIPE.
NAT SOUND
THIS PROGRAM REPRESENTS MORE THAN JUST A TOUR.
NAT SOUND
IT’S ABOUT DISCOVERING HOW EACH INDIVIDUAL FITS IN THE BIG PICTURE.
1Lt Chris Simpson – Tour Guide
“For those Airmen to come out and be able to see that part of the mission they can affect and see what the fruits of their labor, how that effects the overall mission and what their part is in helping us do our job.”

AT THE END OF THE TOUR EACH AIRMEN WALK AWAY WITH A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT AN AIRCREW DOSE AND HOW THANKFUL THE AIRCREW ARE OF THEM.
AIR FORCE STAFF SERGEANT YOSHI SHINZATO, SOUTH WEST ASIA.]]> Colonel David Gould, Commander, 374th Operations Group - You know when we all in the military signed up voluntarily to join the military it was about service. Not just service to our country, but service to the world. And there are few operations in the world that demonstrate that commitment to service than Operation Christmas Drop.
The event begins with a push ceremony in which distinguished visitors from all over PACAF come together to celebrate the beginning of this joint effort. After that, the C-130’s take to the skies for the following 8 days to drop care packages to 54 islands that encompass a 750-thousand square mile area. And according to Master Sergeant Cameron Leslie, who spent 13 days on the island of Falalop with its inhabitants during the operation; the islanders appreciate the gesture from the Air Force.
MSgt Cameron Leslie, Assistance Advisor, 36th Wing - They’re not naïve, they know that America, the Air Force as an entity is in a million different directions. And so for them, the idea that we take time out of all the things that we do, and all the directions and commitments that we’re in…we take time out of our schedule to put something together for them. They’re very much appreciative of that. And they value the relationship that it broadens with them.
The native islanders salvage all parts from these care packages, which greatly aid in their livelihood. Whether it be toys for the children, or parachutes used as sails, the contents of these care packages are something that the natives look forward to receiving every year.
MSgt Cameron Leslie- This is a chance for us to give them much needed equipment that they just don’t have access to. So being able to send them the things that we send, like fishing poles, nets, tools, rods for spear guns…this is all stuff that they’re Christmas presents in the sense that that’s what we’re sending but this is their livelihood.
As Operation Christmas Drop comes to a close, Andersen, and everyone involved in the joint effort are continuing a long-standing tradition of bringing Christmas to those who are less fortunate. Reporting from Andersen Air Force Base, I’m Airman First Class Adam Harder.]]> NOT TOO LONG AGO, THE F-15 HYDRAULICS COURSE AT RAF LAKENHEATH WAS TAUGHT ON AN ACTUAL AIRCRAFT. BUT NOW, INSTRUCTORS HAVE THE BENEFIT OF USING A LANDING GEAR TRAINER.

TSgt Douglass – “The training we provide is continuation training for aircraft maintainers to provide technical knowledge and practical knowledge to the maintainer before they go out on the flight line. In this class in particular we train on aircraft hydraulics landing gear, flight controls, nose wheel steering and resting gear.”

USING THE TRAINER PREVENTS THE POSSIBILITY OF ACCIDENTALLY CAUSING PROBLEMS WITH A REAL AIRCRAFT.

TSgt Douglass – “Essentially before we had the TFE6 landing gear trainer we would have to take an aircraft out of commission and prevent it flying for two days. When we took down an aircraft for two days we took away its mission capability to train pilots to fly. There was always the potential to damage a component. Inside the classroom, dealing with the trainer, we can isolate all those variables and we won’t take an aircraft down from service if the trainer breaks.”

TRAINING IN A CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT ALLOWS THE INSTRUCTOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO SLOW EVERYTHING DOWN AND RECREATE A VARIETY OF SCENARIOS THAT MAINTAINERS MAY ENCOUNTER ON THE FLIGHT LINE. TECH SERGEANT LANCE DAIGLE, RAF LAKENHEATH, UNITED KINGDOM.
 

]]> NOT EVERY FAMILY CAN BOAST HAVING A LIVE-IN ITALIAN CHEF…
TSGT MATTHEWS:
“OH HIS COOKINGS GREAT, I LOVE THE ITALIAN COOKING AND MR. LA MARCA’S GREAT!”
…BUT IT’S A NICE THING TO HAVE WHEN YOU EAT MOST OF YOUR MEALS AT HOME. AFTERALL, THAT’S WHAT THE AVIANO FIRE HOUSE IS TO THIS FAMILY OF FIREFIGHTERS, WHETHER AMERICAN AIRMEN OR ITALIAN CIVILIANS.
MR. LA MARCA: (07)
“WE WORK IN HOLIDAYS, WE WORK IN WEEKENDS, WE WORK WHEN EVERYBODY ELSE IS HOME, ENJOY YOUR FAMILY, BUT THE GUYS I’M WORKING WITH IS PART OF MY FAMILY.”
IT HASN’T ALWAYS BEEN EASY. WHEN FABRIZIO FIRST STARTED WORKING AT THE AVIANO FIRE DEPARTMENT, THE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN HIM AND THE OTHERS WAS PRETTY LIMITED….
MR. LA MARCA: (15)
“IN 2004, THE ONLY THING I KNEW WAS SAY MY NAME AND HOW OLD I WAS AND THAT’S IT…. SOMETIMES IT WAS EMBARRASSING BECAUSE PEOPLE WAS TALKING TO ME AND I WAS LIKE (NODS HEAD)… “
BUT HE GOT THROUGH IT, AND THOUGH HE LOVES HIS JOB AS A FIREFIGHTER, THE BEST DAYS ARE THE ONES HE NEVER HAS TO LEAVE THE FIREHOUSE.
MR. LA MARCA: (15)
“I DO MY JOB BUT I DON’T THINK IT’S NICE FOR THEM, LOSING THE HOUSE…”
STILL, THEY HAVE TO BE READY. THAT MEANS SPENDING 12 HOURS A DAY AT THE FIRE STATION, EVEN FOR MEALTIMES. THOSE LONG HOURS TOGETHER FORM FAMILY-LIKE BONDS, REGARDLESS OF NATIONALITY.
TSGT MATTHEWS: (04)
“HE’S ITALIAN, I’M AMERICAN BUT WHEN WE PUT ON THE UNIFORM…WHEN WE PUT ON THE GEAR…WE’RE BROTHERS, WE’RE GOING TO BE THERE FOR EACH OTHER NO MATTER WHAT.”
SENIOR AIRMAN DANIELLE COLBERG, AVIANO AIR BASE, ITALY.
]]> MANY SERVICE MEMBERS SERVE AWAY FROM HOME AT SOME POINT IN THEIR CAREER. BEING AWAY FROM HOME AND WHAT WE ARE USED TO CAN BE TOUGH SOMETIMES. RACHAEL MACFARLANE, KNOWN AS THE VOICE OF HAYLEY FROM “AMERICAN DAD”, CAME AS A PART OF A USO TOUR AND PERFORMED FOR WOUNDED WARRIOR CENTERS HERE ON RAMSTEIN AND LANDSTUHL. MRS. MACFARLANE SAW THE OPPORTUNITY AS A GOOD CHANCE TO GIVE BACK.

SB:
RACHAEL MACFARLANE
“MY HUSBAND’S ENTIRE FAMILY IS INVOLVED WITH THE MILITARY AND IT’S SOMETHING THAT’S BECOME AN IMPORTANT CAUSE TO ME AND I RELEASED MY FIRST RECORD THIS YEAR AND DECIDED THAT I JUST WANTED TO SHARE WHAT I DO WITH PEOPLE THAT MAYBE NEED A LITTLE TASTE OF HOME AND THIS SEEMED LIKE A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY TO DO JUST THAT.”

SCRIPT:
AS A PART OF HER VISIT, SHE TOURED THE RAMSTEIN Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility AND WARRIOR CENTER AT LRMC SEEING FIRST-HAND THE FACILITIES WHICH HELP WOUNDED WARRIORS RECOVER. AFTER THE TOURS, SHE PERFORMED AT THE CENTERS AND FOR THE LANDSTUHL STAFF AT THEIR ANNUAL HOLIDAY BALL.
SB:
NEINA ROLLINS
“WE CAME IN AND FIRST OF ALL THERE WAS THE MEET AND GREET AND THEN FROM THERE WE HAD SNACKS WHICH WAS GREAT. THEN ONCE WE GOT INSIDE THERE WAS THE SONGS AND THE TOASTS. THAT WAS WONDERFUL TO THE SOLDIERS, TO THE PRESIDENT, TO THE WARRIORS IT WAS, IT’S BEEN A REALLY GREAT NIGHT YOU KNOW, A REALLY GREAT EXPERIENCE.”




SCRIPT:
THE UNITED SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS, OR U-S-O, BRINGS SERVICE MEMBERS REMINDERS OF HOME TO HELP BOOST MORALE. ONE WAY IS BY SPONSORING FAMILIAR CELEBRITIES TO GO TO AND PERFORM FOR TROOPS. THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, THE USO WILL BE SPONSORING EVENTS ALL THROUGHOUT EUROPE AND AFGHANISTAN.

SB:
WALTER MURREN
“OUR MISSION IS TO LIFT THE SPIRITS OF AMERICA’S SONS AND DAUGHTERS IN UNIFORM AND THEIR FAMILIES AND THAT’S WHAT WE DID HERE TONIGHT.”
WE’RE VERY PROUD OF HER EFFORTS HERE TONIGHT, SHE WAS A SMASH HIT. SHE ABSOLUTELY MADE US PROUD AT USO AND SHE ALSO SHOWED THAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE STRONGLY AND STEADFASTLY BEHIND OUR SERVICE MEMBERS.”


SCRIPT:
THOUGH THIS VISIT WAS INTENDED FOR THE SERVICE MEMBERS’ BENEFIT, MRS. MACFARLANE’S FAVORITE PART OF THE VISIT WASN’T THAT SHE GOT TO PERFORM FOR THEM. . .

SB:
RACHAEL MACFARLANE
“MY FAVORITE PART OF THE TRIP WAS GETTING TO MEET AND TALK TO THE WOUNDED AT THE HOSPITAL, I’M A TALKER ANYWAYS, BUT I COULD HAVE LISTENED TO THEM ALL DAY.”





SCRIPT:
ThoUGH BUDGET CUTS TO THE MILITARY ARE LOOMING AND SERVICE MEMBERS MAY BE CONCERNED ABOUT LOOSING SOME PRIVILEGES, EVENTS LIKE THIS THAT THE U-S-O SPONSORS AREN’T GOING AWAY ANYTIME SOON. IN THE WORDS OF MR. MURREN, THEY’RE NOT GOING TO STOP UNTIL EVERYONE IS HOME. AIRMAN 1ST CLASS AARON RICHARDSON, RAMSTEIN AIRBASE, GERMANY]]> STEVE BURKS HAS BEEN FIGHTING FOR FOUR YEARS. HE SPENT TWO MONTHS PREPARING FOR HIS TWELFTH MATCH.
SOUNDBITE: (:18 SSGT STEVE BURKS, “MR. FANTASTIC”: MMA FIGHTER)
THE LAST WEEK, YOU DON’T WANT TO GET HURT, OR GET PUT OUT OF A FIGHT THE LAST WEEK DOING ALL THIS TRAINING. AT OUR GYM, CAPITAO, REALLY, IT’S LIKE BEING THE GODDESS ON WEIGHT. MAKING WEIGHT, NO PROBLEMS WITH US HAVING ALL OUR BLOOD WORK; EVERYTHING WE NEED TO FIGHT. THAT WAY THERE’S NO STUMBLES WHEN YOU’RE TRYING TO FIGHT WHEN YOU GOT A LOT OF OTHER STUFF TO CONCENTRATE ON.
NARRATOR:
SERGEANT BURKS, ALSO KNOWN AS MR. FANTASTIC FOR HIS OUTSTANDING ARM SPAN AND REACH, HAS WON ALL OF HIS M-M-A MATCHES. HE SAYS HIS COACHES HELP HIM THE MOST, BUT HIS MENTALITY IS ALSO IMPORTANT.



SOUNDBITE: (:11 SSGT STEVE BURKS, “MR. FANTASTIC”: MMA FIGHTER)
YOU WANT TO RELAX AND JUST THINK. THAT’S THE MAIN THING. AS SOON AS YOU PANIC, YOU’RE GIVING UP POSITION; YOU’RE GETTING SUBMITTED AND ALL THAT STUFF. SO AS LONG AS YOU RELAX AND JUST DON’T FREAK OUT AND DON’T PANIC, YOU’LL BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THAT POSITION.

NARRATOR:
THE MATCH WENT FOR THE FULL THREE ROUNDS. AFTER FIFTEEN MINUTES OF KICKING, PUNCHING, AND GRAPPLING, THE JUDGES COULDN’T DECIDE A CLEAR WINNER, RESULTING IN STEVE’S FIRST EVER DRAW. REPORTING FROM HURLBURT FIELD, I’M AIRMAN FIRST CLASS STEPHEN ELLIS.
NAT SOUND:
(“THIS IS HOW WE DO IT”, CROWD CHEERING)]]>
SP “Currently trying to get below 10 so that should help”
OR MSGT MICHAEL OATS WHO’S WORKING ON….
SP “Sit-ups, pushups, and just general core strength, I think this helps a lot”
OR EVEN CIVILIANS LIKE BOB O’DONNELL WHOSE
SB – Bob O’Donnell CIV “Just trying to continue my fitness through the winter months. I like to do a lot of mountain biking so this helps me through the winter and gets me prepped for the races that I like to do when spring time comes around.”
Although PT Boot Camp may be mandatory for some Airman, Class Instructor SrA Dylan Ornelas says that anyone can join….
SB – SrA Dylan Ornelas “PT Boot Camp is an air force wide course that’s set for airmen that want to improve their PT scores. Basically it’s open to anyone that’s enlisted, officer, or that has an ID card.”
SRA ORNELAS LEADS THE CLASS FIVE TIMES A WEEK AND EVEN THOUGH IT MAY SEEM TEDIOUS SOMETIMES, IN THE END IT’S WORTH IT…..
SB – SrA Dylan Ornelas “The most rewarding part of this program being a teacher is seeing your people actually get a great score on their PT because today a lot of people have trouble with their PT test but when you see someone come back with a ninety eight or ninety nine and that was the first ninety that they ever got it’s a really big heart warm feel you get.”
ALTHOUGH THIS CLASS SERVES AS A REQUIREMENT FOR SOME, THE DOORS ARE OPEN TO ANYONE WHO WISHES TO CHALLENGE THEMSELVES AT A “BOOT CAMP” LEVEL, THROUGHOUT THEIR MILITARY CAREER AND IT’S OFFERED ON ALL AIR FORCE BASES. AIR FORCE SERGEANT JOSHUA PEARGIN, RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, GERMANY]]> The Single Airman Initiative provides events and trips to meet the needs and interests of single Airmen. The program gives Airmen opportunities to go out into the community to have some fun with other single Airmen.
SB: Mr. James Murrell, Director, Langley Community Center
It builds camaraderie. Didn’t you see all those Airmen picking each other up off the trampoline? You know. That’s what this is all about. Or in the dunk contest and supporting each other as they try to do spectacular dunks. Like I said you know, we’re a family, Air Force family of course and we want to have a good time as we meet new folks.


REPORTER
The program started in October 2011 and had about ten events for Airmen to participate in.
SB: Mr. James Murrell, Director, Langley Community Center
With the increase in funding this year we’re going to maximize what we can do and where we can go. So right on through March, we’ll be tripping and doing different programs and activities.
REPORTER
This year’s event schedule will increase to about 15 trips. Some upcoming events Airmen can look forward to, are ice skating, a laser tag tournament, and a ski trip. Visit the Community Center across from the BX for more information on trips the Single Airman Initiative program will be holding. Airman 1st Class Anthony Hetlage, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.]]> Air Force recruits traveled to Langley Air Force Base last week for the 317th Recruiting Squadron’s Special Operations Combine. The day-long event tested participant’s abilities to meet the physical demands of the Battlefield Airman screening process. The combine was organized to mirror events held by professional sports leagues, but the 317th Recruiting Squadron commander, Lieutenant Colonel Ravi Chaudhary, says the stakes are higher for those seeking the title of ‘Battlefield Airman’.

SB: Lt. Col. Ravi Chaudhary, 317th Recruiting Squadron Commander
“We’re looking for men and women with the capabilities and the capacity to not only meet the physical challenges, but the intellectual challenges of being in Special Operations. We are building a national championship team in the same way that a sports team would. However, in our line of work, we dare not come in second place”.



REPORTER
Individuals testing for Combat Control, Para rescue, and Special Operations Weather jobs began the combine with a series of swim trials. Everyone then maintained the intensity with the 1.5 mile run and timed calisthenics. The combine’ s coordinators continually reminded participants of the event’s focus.

SB: SSgt Donald Hildebrand, Recruiter, 317th Recruiting Squadron
“We’re letting people know in our area, and areas around the country, that these are things that we need. These are special interest career fields that we definitely need to refill in the Air Force, to help support the guys that are already in doing these jobs. And number two, we get the people out here so they can try. Sometimes if they try and fail that’s fine. Because then they see that they know what they need to do and a lot of times it motivates them to get to that point”.

REPORTER
317th Recruiting squadron plans to host more events like the combine in the future to help educate those interested in becoming Air Force Special Operations professionals. Airman 1st Class Tory Patterson, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.]]> REPORTER
Operation Coronet White kicked off at 6 am this morning with a recall. The operation is a Combined Unit Exercise consisting of two phases.

SB: SrA Lorenzo Singh, Finance Personnel
Phase one is a simulation of rapid mobilization of getting your troops to Base X and having everything correct. What’s going on behind me right now is basically, the members are going through the line, make sure all their mobility documents are good to go.

REPORTER
Phase 2 kicks off later this week and will span until Friday. Airman 1st Class Anthony Hetlage, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.
 

]]> NARRATOR:
HURLBURT FIELD FLORIDA HAS PLANS TO BUILD NEW HOUSING. SOME OF THE HOUSING UNITS WILL BE LOCATED ON THE BASE’S SOUND SIDE, WHICH IS THE CURRENT LOCATION OF THE FAMILY CAMPING CENTER. THE SITE IS SURROUNDED BY SEVERAL MILES OF SALT MARSHES AND NATURE TRAILS, AND DESPITE SOME RECENT CONCERNS, THIS LAND IS PROTECTED FROM DAMAGE BY CONSTRUCTION.
SOUNDBITE: XX (KRISTAL WALSH, NATURAL/CULTURAL RESOURCE MANAGER)
“WE HAVE PLENTY OF BUFFER AREA ALONG THOSE SITES TO ENSURE THEY’RE MAINTAINED AND PROTECTED. SO THE MILITARY PRIVATIZATION INITIATIVE THAT WILL CONSTRUCT HOUSES CLOSE TO THESE MARSHES HAS SETBACKS THEY HAVE TO HONOR TO ENSURE THAT THERE ARE NO IMPACTS TO THE NATURE TRAILS, ALONG THOSE CULTURAL RESOURCES AND ALSO TO PROTECT THE COASTAL MARSHES.”
NARRATOR:
LOCAL EXPERTS ARE WORKING WITH HURLBURT FIELD TO MAKE SURE THE LAND REMAINS PROTECTED AND OPEN TO VISITORS.
SOUNDBITE: XX
“IT’LL BE A LITTLE DIFFERENT DOWN THERE BUT THERE’S STILL GOING TO BE AN AWESOME NATURE TRAIL, STILL GREAT RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ALONG THE COASTAL MARSHES AND IT WILL STILL BE BEAUTIFUL.”
NARRATOR:
AIRMEN AND THEIR FAMILIES CAN STILL USE THE FAMILY CAMPING AREA, WHICH IS MOVING TO A NEW LOCATION OUTSIDE OF HURLBURT FIELD’S BACK GATE. AIRMAN FIRST CLASS ROBERT MASON, HURLBURT FIELD FLORIDA.
]]> SB: MAN ON THE STREET NUM NUMS
OPERATION SWEET TREAT CALLED ON VOLUNTEERS TO MAKE DESSERTS TO SHARE WITH EVERYONE AT OSAN, KUNSAN, AND EVEN SUWON…AND PLENTY ANSWERED.
SB: MRS MCKENZIE
THE WORK FOR THIS HUGE PROJECT STARTED WEEKS AGO, WITH THE COLLECTING AND SORTING OF GREETING CARDS SENT FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. NOW, THEY HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO AIRMEN ALL OVER KOREA WHO ARE SPENDING THE HOLIDAYS AWAY FROM FAMILY.
SB: I WAS SURPRISED…IT’S NICE TO BE APPRECIATED…
SB: THANK YOU FOR MAKING US ALL THESE GOODIES!
IF THE QUICKLY DISAPPEARING COOKIES AND WIDE SMILES ARE ANY INDICATION, THE OPERATION WAS A HUGE SUCCESS. TECHNICAL SERGEANT GENA ARMSTRONG, OSAN AIR BASE, SOUTH KOREA.]]> “During the holidays, people would be surprised. It does get pretty steady. It does year round. Most of our craziest times are right after Christmas because a lot of people like to “last minute order”.”
According to the Kadena Post Office, throughout the year they will process around five-million pounds of mail and despite the holiday congestion, the staff works to make sure packages are shelved and letters, boxed. Customers can also spend some time behind the counter and contribute to the effort.
“Volunteering is as simple as coming up. Preferably during a non-busy time just if it’s your first time so we can give you a run around on how the process works. And after we do that, then you can pretty much come in any time you want to help volunteer.”
When customers can’t volunteer, they help by checking their mail frequently or putting their mail on hold while they are gone for extended periods of time. Airman First Class Todd Holly, Kadena AB, Japan.]]> We gave them a little tour of the plant. Showed them how nitrogen and oxygen is made and froze some stuff and had them break some things. It’s very important to know the safety of what we do here, what we handle. To come out at a young age, and see it applied with the ice cream and the freeze and see proper handling. It’s good that they have a predisposed education of it.]]>
The Air Force, like all the military really urges you to take advantage of your time and get education off duty. So you can make the service a better service by improving yourself. The Air Force has given me that opportunity. I've return to school to finish my music performance degree. And the band has been great, they made some allowance for me so I can show up to rehearsal late every once and a while. I really feel that everyone has my back, they really support this effort.

For every two hour concert that you may see an Air Force band perform, there are countless hours of preparation on the logistics of how to get to the stage, how to set up the stage, which music are we going to perform. And then there's the rehearsals. I would be that for every concert with new material there's probably about ten to twelve hours of rehearsal for that concert as a group. And then we are expected to show up at the first rehearsal with all of our parts already practiced up and ready to go so that we can really take advantage or each others time and work on music dialog across the ensemble. As opposed to learning your part in full rehearsal.

I'm really proud of Air Force musicians, and the idea of leading them is one that really appeals to me. One day I'm gonna have to put the saxophone down, and that's ok. The Air Force has provided me with so many opportunities to play saxophone for thousands and millions of people. I'm not gonna miss out if I have to be back stage cheering on those great musicians on stage. I really just love what the Air Force bands do.
]]> If you’ve visited an Air force base, you might have seen people working at the gates wearing strange insignia…and beards. who are these people working with security forces? airman first class Alexander goad tells us.
Narration:
most bases have more than one gate. it’s kind of hard for security forces, or sec-fo, to be every where at once. that’s when the civilians step in.
sb: captain lee anderson, operations officer, 52nd security forces:(0:10) “we say this a hundred times, that our security forces wouldn’t be able to function as highly as it does without the support of local nationals and the c-s-u’s”
nar: these c-s-u’s, or civil service units here on spangdahlem wear the same uniform as us, but don’t exactly deal with all the regulations.
sb: cp7 (lieutenant) helmut naumann, commander, civil service unit:(0:10) “we don’t have to salute every officer. we tell the people ‘hey, do it. it’s better, we’re working together.’ grooming standards are the same way. you can meet people at the gate wearing a beard or earrings. that’s still good to go.”
nar: despite differences…such as the beards, the c-s-u’s and airmen work side-by-side every day.
sb: airman first class daniel watt, security forces:(0:13) “i think the best part of working with them is seeing the cultural differences. it’s like a brotherhood, being out here doing the same thing with each other, training with each other.”
they build these friendships, but airmen tend to p-c-s.
sb: police officer first class thorsten damm, security police:(0:06) “the only thing that sucks is if you have a friendship with somebody, he’s like leaving soon.”
nar: the germans share their culture with the airman next to them, but they also translate for Security forces, and support the mission.
sb: captain lee anderson, operations officer, 52nd security forces:(0:07) “once you learn what they’re there to do, you start to fully appreciate the work they do here on base.”
nar: in spangdahlem, germany. i’m airman first class alexander goad, a-f-n news]]> WE HEAR IT EVERYDAY ON A-F-N COMMERCIALS, COMMANDERS CALLS OR FROM OUR DIRECT SUPERVISORS. THE WORD RESILIENCY IS CONSTANTLY IN OUR FACES. SOME WOULD SAY THAT AIRMEN ARE BEGINNING TO BECOME NUMB TO IT.

I HOPE IT’S NOT GETTING NUMB. WE NEED TO KEEP ON THE MESSAGE OF RESILIENCY.

THAT’S WHY GENERAL BREEDLOVE AND CHIEF ADAMS ARE TRYING A DIFFERENT APPROACH. THEY ARE TRAVELING TO BASES ALL OVER EUROPE AND AFRICA TO LET EVERY AIRMEN KNOW THEY ARE A SENSOR.

WHEN I SAY EVERY AIRMEN IS A SENSOR, THAT’S A BIG A AIRMEN. THAT’S THE ENLISTED CORE. THAT’S OUR OFFICER CORE. THAT’S OUR CIVILIANS AND CONTRACTORS. THE WHOLE TEAM WRAPPED TOGETHER.

THE DICTIONARY DEFINES A SENSOR AS A DETECTING INSTRUMENT, AND THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT OUR USAFE LEADERS WANT US TO BE.

WE KNOW ABOUT EACH OTHER MY WIFE AND MY PEERS UNDERSTAND ME BETTER THAN ANYBODY. THEY’RE GOING TO SEE THE FIRST SIGNS OF ISSUES WITH ME BEFORE ANYONE ELSE. EVERY AIRMEN A SENSOR SAYS HAVE THE GUTS TO STAND UP AND SAY “YOU’RE NOT RIGHT. WHAT’S GOING ON WITH YOU?” OR MAYBE I KNOW SOME THINGS ARE HAPPENING IN YOUR LIFE FINANCIALLY OR RELATIONSHIP WISE AND YOU’RE NOT RIGHT OR YOUR UNDER STRESS. AND GET ON IT AHEAD ON THE INCIDENT OCCURRING.

GENERAL BREEDLOVE ALSO SAID, AIRMEN DO A GREAT JOB DEALING WITH THE AFTERMATH OF A TRAGEDY, BUT WE NEED TO GET OUT OF A DEFENSIVE MIND SET AND GET ON THE OFFENSIVE TO PREVENT SUICIDE OR SEXUAL ASSAULT INCIDENTS IN THE FIRST PLACE.

SSGT PETER ISING, INCIRLIK AIR BASE, TURKEY.
]]> Soundbite: Daniel Marshall, Aviation Photographer
“Life’s work I suppose, in hobby form. The smell of the jets and the sound of them. There’s nothing I don’t like about them really. Perfect.”
And the importance of the photographs and the photographers can’t be denied when the 48th Fighter Wing pilots themselves request copies of the military aircraft photos from the hobbyist and the professional tailspotters alike.
Soundbite: Daniel Marshall, Aviation Photographer
“I’m quite happy just a few people sharing my pictures with. Some aircrews have gotten in touch in the past and said can I have a copy of that which I’ve been able to send them copies of our email. If they’re flying it and they want a picture of it, that’s a testament to the photographer at the time isn’t it?”
Soundbite: Nigel Blake, Freelance Aviation Photographer
“I’ve been contacted from pilots from here, for pictures of the F-15s that are based here, and there are a few of my pictures hanging in the buildings on the base and it’s quite exciting that that’s happened because it’s a bit of a recognition of us as being part of the community around the base.”
The RAF Lakenheath Spotterwatch Tour, offered twice a year, was designed to reward legitimate planespotters for reporting suspicious activity they may notice while tailspotting outside the base. It’s just another way for aircraft enthusiasts to share their passion.

For RAF Lakenheath, I’m Staff Sergeant Amanda Wowk
]]> Native Americans are a proud group of people who have played an integral role in the forming of our great nation. In honor of Native American Heritage Month, the Langley Community Center held an event which showcased music, art and dancing as well as a speech by an actual Native American Chief. Walt "Red Hawk" Brown spoke about the importance of this month and the roles of native people who serve in the military.
Walt "Red Hawk" Brown, Cheroenhaka Tribe Chief
"Well, It means a great deal...
...native people have been a part of that."
Narration:
Chief Red Hawk knows exactly what it means to serve his country as he spent 28 years in the United States Army after being drafted in 1969 during Vietnam. He is also extremely honored to be able to share his story with other Native Americans both in and out of the military.
Walt "Red Hawk" Brown, Cheroenhaka Tribe Chief
"So, it's very important that we...
...to tell the story about your people."
Narration:
One of the key points of Chief Red Hawk's speech is that when people write they write to the color of their own persuasiveness. This is why he encourages other Native Americans to tell their own story so others aren't telling it for them.
SSgt Shawn Bryant, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.
]]> Kay Zobrist:
“They’re… an unusual group of people anyway.”
Whether military or civilian, officer or enlisted, everyone at this Americans Working Around the Globe Conference has one thing in common: they’re all volunteers.
Kay Zobrist:
“Volunteers are… enthusiastic to work, you know get their hands dirty, and they get no paycheck, all they get is the satisfaction of a job well done.”
One such volunteer is TSgt Jonathan Fernandez. He’s an active member of the 5/6 Council, but he wanted to be an ever bigger asset.
TSgt Jonathan Fernandez:
“I decided to come because I figured it would be a great opportunity to learn more, get other folks insight on … how to be effective as a volunteer, or as a leader in a volunteer opportunity.”
There was much to learn, but one thing he took note of in particular.
TSgt Jonathan Fernandez:
“We’re all part of a team. For example if I were to lead a project or a volunteer opportunity, it’s not about me, it’s about the team and the goal that we’re striving for.”
And with more conferences like this, volunteers will reach their common goal of building a strong, supportive community. Senior Airman Danielle Colberg, Aviano Air Base, Italy.]]> SrA Heady: I’m going to buy a new house and replace everything I own.
SSgt Behm: Why?
SrA Heady: Because, I’m going to burn my house down by shorting an outlet with too many wires and not watering my tree.
[Cut to scene 2]
Scene 2:
Production Location: POV
Actor: SSgt Hopkins
Actor: SrA Steele
SrA Steele:(Calling from phone)Hey, man, what are you doing?
SSgt Hopkins: I’m tired, I’ll just fall asleep at the wheel and swerve into oncoming traffic
SrA Steele: Ok, cool. I’ll see you at your funeral!
Scene 3:
Production Location: Green screen
Actor: Capt Husher
Actor: SrA Engelman
Actor: SrA Kirshner
Props: Snowboard, rope and winter gear.
Capt Husher: What are you two up to this weekend?
SrA Engelman: I’ll be in the ICU with a broken neck.
SrA Kishner: I’m getting charged with reckless endangerment for almost killing my friend. [holds up keys]
[Cut to message, played over video clips of “high-risk” activities]
Voice [Message]: When we don’t plan for safety, what we’re really doing is planning for danger.
Voice [Wrap-Up]: There is no holiday for safety. This holiday season take time to make the right decision. Have fun, stay safe]]> they're everywhere, inside, outside, constantly ringing and what's with the bell?
It's a wonderful life excerpt.
well we're trying to make a lot of angels today.
I saw a lot of people dropping money in those boxes and some didn't care where it was going, it just felt good to give.
season of giving, want to do something.
that was kind of nice, but there were a lot of people who just walked by
maybe they don't have money to give
or maybe they are like me, a little skeptical of "good cause" donations.
so i decided to find out what this good cause is.
Operation warm heart
raises money for families locally that may be struggling during the holidays.
alright, that changes things. once i found out all this money doesn't leave our community, and helps our own, my grinch-like heart did in fact grow 4 sizes bigger.
money stays local
I also found out that bells can be fun.
A1C Shane Mitchell, Ramstein Air Base, Germany.]]> Christmas Markets have been around for a long time.

Elke Sittel – German-American Office
“Christmas Markets have a long tradition . .from 17th century, the first ones being in Frankfurt and Nuremburg.

BACK THEN . .THE MARKETS WERE MORE OF SEASONAL MARKETS SET UP AROUND CHURCHES WHERE PEOPLE MET TO BUY AND SELL GOODS TO PREPARE FOR THE LONG WINTER SEASON.

Elke Sittel – German-American Office
“and to meet each other and see each other..

CHRISTMAS MARKET’S LIKE WE KNOW TODAY/OF TODAY’S STYLE DATE BACK TO THE 17TH CENTURY, WHERE GIFT BUYING BECAME A PRE-HOLIDAY ACTIVITY.

Elke Sittel – German-American Office
“You can buy candles . . .tea . . . . .you can find gifts for everyone . ..
IT’S MORE THAN THE SHOPPING THAT BRINGS PEOPLE TO CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Elke Sittel – German-American Office
“SMELSS . .GLUWEIN . .COOKIES
AND THERE’S A SECRET TO KEEPING WARM . . .
Elke Sittel – German-American Office
“GLUWEIN IS . . . . .
JUST, LIKE THEY HAVE DONE FOR CENTURES, CHRISTMAS MARKETS BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON . . .
AIR FORCE SERGEANT COLLEEN JONES, (nat pop) KAISERSLAUTERN, GERMANY.]]>
Lt Col Mull- We’re a little more off the beaten path here Guam, folks tend to think we’re out of sight out of mind and they don’t really get appreciated for what they do. So, the number one thing that I thought the General brought and got out to the troops, and that I think will really hit home with them, is that anything we do here is being looked at from the Chief of Staff on down. It’s an important mission we do and it’s important for Airmen to know that and understand that.
General Carlisle addressed the increasing importance that Andersen, and all of the Pacific Air Forces, are playing increasingly more. And that his visit to Andersen was a motivating and exciting experience, thanks to the Airmen.

General Carlisle- Walking around today in the time that (leadership names) and I got to walk around, trust me I can see the attitude out there. That’s the kind of guy I am, that’s what I thrive on. That’s why a day like today was absolutely one of the greatest days I could spend. Getting all fired up, watching people do their jobs, and being fired up about it.

General Carlisle also focused on important issues around the Air Force, such as sexual assault and resiliency. He reminded Airmen to look out for such problems and stay positive during the holiday season.

Sra Wilson- The fact that our commander that high up relates to everyone on a smaller level…for example, ya know, I’m a Senior Airman, but whether it be a Tech Sergeant or a 4-star General, everyone has problems. Doesn’t matter who you are, what rank you are, people have problems. And it’s nice that they realize that.
General Carlisle left the Airmen with the message that in order to fully achieve the Pacific Air Force mission, Andersen must stay diligent, and keep up the good work. Reporting from Andersen Air Force Base, I’m Airman First Class Adam Harder.]]> TV SCRIPT:
A VICIOUS EPIDEMIC IS BREAKING OUT ON GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, DEVASTATING ITS POPULACE AND LEAVING FEW SURVIVORS! ONLY KIDDING! HERE’S WHAT’S REALLY GOING ON. WHETHER YOU’RE A COMMANDER OR THE YOUNGEST IN THE CROWD, THE FIRST ANNUAL ZOMBIE RUN IS FUN FOR EVERYONE. THIS 5K IS LIKE A GAME. PEOPLE GET TWO FLAGS AND WHILE THEY’RE RUNNING, ZOMBIES ATTACK BY TRYING TO STEAL THEIR FLAGS. IN ORDER TO WIN, OR RATHER SURVIVE, RUNNERS HAVE TO FINISH WITH A FLAG STILL ATTACHED.
Maj. Dennis Turriff – Zombie
“I think it’s pretty cool. It’s great. You get to come out and support the staff, support the FSS and what they do, they put a lot of hard work and effort into this for the base community, and it’s a lot of fun to come out here and participate.
ONE ZOMBIE SHARES HIS THOUGHTS ON THE DAY.
??? - Zombie
“Groaning noises.”
AFTER THE RUN, THE LIVING AND THE DEAD ENJOYED A BARBECUE AND A ZOMBIE COSTUME CONTEST.
Jim Chaplain – 17 FSS Event Coordinator
“We got a good group out here and we thank everyone who did came out and participate today, and this will is not the last one, we’ll be doing zombie runs probably every year from here on out.”
WHO KNEW AN ANNUAL ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE COULD BE SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO? SENIOR AIRMAN MICHELLE SCHNEIDER, GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS.
]]> A lot has changed for Jamie Dakins in the last 6 months.
Jamie: “I was a hairstylist at a salon, I had been working there for three years.”
When her husband, SSgt Paul Dakins, got orders to Aviano Air Base, she knew it would be a tough transition.
Jamie: “I had to adjust to not having the same convenience as home… to not being around the same people all the time.”
Her transition overseas might have gone differently if not for one piece of advice:
Jaime: “‘Just try not to compare it to home,’ so anytime I would find myself maybe wishing for something that was back in the states, I would immediately change my mindset...”
She started first by finding a job that lined up with her passions.
Jaime: “It’s nice to work at the arts and crafts center because I get to do creative things, I get to make projects while I’m at work, and I get to learn new things…”
As for a creative outlet when she’s not working…
Jaime: “I also started a fashion blog… which I probably never would have done if I wasn’t here...”
She’s found that Italy is the perfect place for her to expand that passion…
Jaime: “Going to Venice, you see some amazing clothing, you see style that you would never see back in the United States… Of course they have Fashion Week in Milan so I would love to go to that…
It’s also the perfect place to keep the passion alive in her and Paul’s relationship.
Jamie: “We’ve been able to travel , we’re constantly just still in awe like ‘can you believe that we get to do all these things?’“
Jamie knows not every day will be easy…
Jamie: “There are going to be days when you’re homesick … or you miss your favorite coffee shop but you just have to remember that there are great things around you and you just have to be open to them.”
…because that’s when an inconvenience becomes an adventure. Senior Airman Danielle Colberg, Aviano Air Base, Italy.
]]> “Inclusion makes us better. It’s not about sympathy. It makes our workforce stronger, it brings diverse thoughts, diverse perspectives to the workplace and we know that when you have more inclusion, when you have more diversity; that makes us a better workforce.”
Accepting awards for Outstanding Employee with a disability or Wounded, Ill or Injured Service Member within the Department of the Air Force was Christopher Randall, not in attendance, from Edwards Air Force Base, California and Capt Ryan McGuire from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.
The Air Force was also presented a “Best Military Department” award for Achievements in Employment of Individuals with Disabilities. Accepting on behalf of the Air Force was the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, the Honorable Daniel Ginsberg.
This year, 17 awards were presented to employees and Service members with disabilities. From Washington, DC, I’m Technical Sergeant Tabitha Levingston.]]> sb: MAjor matthew spears, lask air base commander:(0:06) “this visit was an opportunity for the sabers to RECIPROCATE the GENEROSITY of the polish air force.”
nar: GENEROSITY OF PEOPLE IS WHAT MAKES THIS FRIENDSHIP WORK.
sb: colonel kristian ziec, 32nd air base commander:(0:15) “there is no such thing as a friendship between nations that is signed by a treaty, you know, high up. the real friendship is actually something that is built at the lowest possible level.”
NAR: AIRMAN TO AIRMAN NAT SOUND BREAK-
sb: colonel kristian ziec, 32nd air base commander:(0:10) “if we’re going to cooperate with somebody, it’s probably the best idea to cooperate with the best isn’t it? so, we wouldn’t really dream about a better counterpart.”
nar: this visit HELPED PILOTS learn TO WORK TOGETHER. THIS IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR MAJOR SPEARS AND HIS TEAM STATIONED AT LASK.
sb: MAjor matthew spears, lask air base commander:(0:13) “THEY’VE WELCOMED US LITERALLY WITH OPEN ARMS. WE’RE INTEGRATED WITH THEM ON A DAILY BASIS, INTERACTING WITH THEM. THEY’RE VERY HAPPY TO HAVE US THERE, AND WE’RE VERY HAPPY TO BE THERE.”
nar: in spangdahlem, germany. i’m airman first class alexander goAD, AFN NEWS.
]]> The Cox Family Cemetery on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base has everything you would imagine it would: Headstones, a gate and even the occasional flyover.
SOUNDBITE-Dr. Henry Narducci –AFLCMC (00: 13):
What’s unique is that it lies in our airfield, right adjacent to our run way.

SOUNDBITE- Mr. Paul Woodruff-Wright-Patt Cultural Resource Manager (00:17):
As a cultural resource we protect it, it’s not eligible for register being a national cemetery but we do protect and maintain it.

ANNOUNCER:
So how did a cemetery end up being neighbor to a military flight line?
SOUNDBITE- Paul Woodruff:
John Cox was the founder of the city of Osborn and their quite a few of his descendants buried here and some of their descendants do periodically come and visit.

SOUNDBITE-Dr. Henry Narducci:
Mr. John Cox senior who settled that land in the early 1800 and in 1821 established the cemetery. After the war of the 1950s, through condemnation action the government acquired the physical property.

ANNOUNCER:
It may be one of the oldest Wright-Patt landmarks, but it is also one of the least known about.
SOUNDBITE- Paul Woodruff:
I think drive by it and they see the picket fence out here and maybe see the monuments and it just doesn’t really register.

SOUNDBITE-Dr. Henry Narducci:
We usually get questions, primarily from people who are driving by; why is there a cemetery on our air field?
ANNOUNCER:
Even though the cemetery is out of the public’s eye today, it wasn’t always.
SOUNDBITE- Paul Woodruff:
A civil war soldier, a black cavalry soldier is buried here along with his wife.
SOUNDBITE-Dr. Henry Narducci:
One of the individuals buried in the cemetery is a former friend of the Cox family, Hiram Honaker. Because he was a veteran, it became a custom in the 1970s, 80s and up until about 1993, that on Memorial Day Wright-Patterson air force base would hold a wreath laying ceremony at the Honaker site.
ANNOUNCER:
Whether in the limelight or in obscurity the Cox family cemetery is one piece of history Wright-Patt is holding on to. Reporting for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Public affairs I’m Airman Nick Dastas.]]> SB MSGT BRIAN MCKINNON: “A LOT OF THE HOMES THAT WE GO TO ARE HOMES THAT ARE IN SOME SERIOUS NEED OF REPAIR OR THE FAMILY HAS LITERALLY TAKEN THE ROOF OFF TO USE FOR WOOD TO BURN IN THEIR STOVES TO KEEP HEAT IN THE HOUSE.”
Narration: BRIAN AND HIS CHURCH HEARD ABOUT THE LIVING CONDITIONS IN PARTS OF POLAND AND DECIDED TO HELP.
SB MSGT BRIAN MCKINNON: “I LOOK BEYOND WHAT IT IS THAT I CAN DO, CAUSE I KNOW THAT I DIDN’T DO IT. I KNOW IT WAS A CULMINATION OF GOD AND A LOT OF PEOPLE. ITS DEEP IN MY HEART THAT I HAVE A CONCERN FOR PEOPLE THAT ARE IN THESE SITUATIONS, BECAUSE THEY CAN’T HELP THEMSELVES, BECAUSE THEY’VE EITHER GOT A HANDY CAP OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT THEIR SOCIETY DOESN’T ACCEPT AND BASICALLY TELLS THEM, ‘WELL, YOU’RE NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO WORK.’ AND THEN EXPECTS THEM TO LIVE. YOU’VE GOT TO LOOK PAST THAT. YOU’VE GOT TO LOOK INTO THE HEARTS OF THESE PEOPLE. THEY’RE HUMAN BEINGS JUST LIKE YOU AND I. AND WE LOOK AT THEM AND WE WANT TO BE ABLE NOT ONLY TO PROVIDE THEM A PHYSICAL NOURISHMENT BUT ALSO A SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT IN THE LONG RUN.”
Narration: SO WHAT DOES BRIAN GET FROM HELPING OUT HIS FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS?
SB MSGT BRIAN MCKINNON: “TO SEE THE SMILES, TO SEE THE WELCOME SPIRITS THAT WE GET FROM THESE PEOPLE IS JUST… THAT TO ME JUST MAKES IT WORK IT.”
NARRATION: FROM SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE GERMANY, I’M AIR FORCE STAFF SERGEANT JASON BAILEY, A-F-N NEWS.
]]> is to us right now as a department and in the future it’s going to be even more important as we
try to conserve and save energy. We had our commander leader Thunderbird One, who flew
with the 50-50 during the Andrews show as well as the few solo pilots, Thunderbirds five and
six. I noticed no difference in the performance of 50-50 biofuel vs. our regular JP-8 that we fly
with on a daily basis. Flying on biofuel was an incredible experience for us to go out and tell
the Air Force story, how important Air Force Energy is and how important it’s going to be in the
future.

CLOSING: I AM AIR FORCE ENERGY.]]> With many jobs in the Air Force, Airmen are required to look at the bigger picture. For A1C Kurt Stuckemeyer, being a Metals Technician on Davis-Monthan AFB is about focusing on the little things.

SB (A1C Stuckemeyer): “Attention to detail would definitely be the most. Especially on the machining side, the difference of a few thousandths can make or break a part and these are parts that are going into wings, onto A-10’s, one our most trusty planes.”
Aside from fixing old parts and creating new ones, Metals Techs also use 4,000 degree welding machines to strengthen and repair metals.

SB (A1C Stuckemeyer): “Right now we’re making some stands for some armament and that’s going to be around for 10, 15, 20 years and so they need to know that that’s going to have the quality of welds, that’s going to endure the Tucson heat, sun, rust, rain, monsoon season.”

SB (A1C Stuckemeyer): “With the local mans, they’re counting us being able to make quality work that they can count on.”

With every precise cut and attention to detail, A1C Stuckemeyer is helping local shops continue the mission.
Airman 1st Class Ariel Hawkins, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona
 

]]> REPORTER:
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE WELCOMED GENERAL PAUL J. SELVA AS THE NEW COMMANDER OF THE AIR MOBILITY COMMAND. CHIEF OF STAFF OF THE AIR FORCE GENERAL MARK A. WELSH III SPOKE HIGHLY OF THE AIR MOBILITY COMMAND’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS.

GENERAL MARK A. WELSH:
THIS COMMAND RESPONDED TO THE HAITI EARTHQUAKE AND THEN TO THE SIMULTANEOUS OPERATIONS OF TOMODACHI AND JAPAN TO ODYSSEY DAWN AND UNIFIED PROTECTOR IN LYBIA AND THE SURGE IN AFGHANISTAN A YEAR LATER. RAY LED THE WAY AS YOU ANSWERED THE NATIONS CALL.

REPORTER:
THE NEW COMMANDER GENERAL SELVA EXPRESSED HIS EXCITEMENT IN WORKING WITH THE MEN AND WOMAN OF SCOTT AFB.

GENERAL PAUL J. SILVA:
IT DOES TRULY FEEL LIKE COMING HOME AND I FEEL THAT WARMTH AND CAMARADERIE OF AIR MOBILITY AIRMEN ALREADY AND ITS ONLY BEEN A COUPLE OF MINUTES SINCE WE CHANGED COMMAND.

REPORTER:
AS THE LEGACY OF OUTSTANDING COMMANDERS CONTINUE, THE AIRMEN OF THE AIR MOBILITY COMMAND SHOWED THEIR READINESS TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THEIR MISSION UNDER GENERAL SELVA. AIRMAN FIRST CLASS RACHEL LA LIBERTE, SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, ILLINOIS.
 

]]> Reporter:
DURING A RECENT VISIT TO MISAWA, COUNTRY SUPERSTAR TRACE ADKINS STOPPED BY THE AFN STUDIOS AND TALKED ABOUT WHY PERFORMING ON USO TOURS IS SO IMPORTANT TO HIM.

SB: Trace Adkins
It doesn’t really matter you know how much you give or how hard you try it seems like you come home feeling more proud than you were before you went and that’s just because just the spiritual lift that we get from you guys you know and I just, I must say it’s a selfish endeavor on my part at this point, because it does that for me, it makes me feel so good, and so proud and you know if you have the chance to hang out with disciplined, dedicated, courageous people you should do that (chuckles) so it’s as simple as that.

Reporter:
TRACE ALSO MENTIONED SOME DETAILS REGARDING HIS CONCERT THAT WOULD TAKE PLACE THAT NIGHT...

SB: Trace Adkins
We’ve got a new album that will probably come out in the spring and we’ll do a song tonight off of that album, but we do a greatest hits show and throw a curve ball in every now and then.

Reporter:
TRACE ALSO TOOK SOME TIME TO VISIT SEVERAL SQUADRONS AROUND BASE.

SB: Tracey Goff 20
Trace Adkins just…that’s what he does, he loves to get out there and meet as many people as he can, we passed it down through the commands. I think that it’s great; I think that it’s great that he took time out of his busy schedule to come and support the troops overseas he is always a big advocate for us; he pushes for us he supports us. I think it’s going to be a great thing.

Reporter:
TRACE WRAPPED UP HIS VISIT WITH A FREE CONCERT.
SEAMAN APPRENTICE JEAN BAKER, MISAWA AIR BASE, JAPAN.
 

]]> REPORTER:
SHOPPING IN KOREA CAN BE FUN. BUT THE ARMY AND AIR FORCE EXCHANGE SERVICE HERE AT OSAN, WANTS TO OFFER SOMETHING DIFFERENT. RECENTLY, THE OSAN EXCHANGE INTRODUCED THE AAFES NEW BRANDING INITIATIVE.

SB: STEVE PENA – OSAN & CAMP HUMPHREYS GENERAL MANAGER:
Today is our “Brand Opening”. We’re the first exchange to be branded in all of PAC. We’ve really revamped the whole Exchange to make it the best store in all of PAC and for sure in Korea. So this will be the destination for all the service members in Korea.

REPORTER:
THE EXCHANGE TOOK ON A NEW LOOK AND BROUGHT IN MORE PRODUCTS BUT, WHAT EXACTLY IS BRANDING?

SB: STEVE PENA – OSAN & CAMP HUMPHREYS GENERAL MANAGER:
What we’ve done basically is changed the brand and broken it down to different areas, which are lifestyle and home, which are key components to the Exchange going forward. They are based on the lifestyle that they have. We have the Power Zone, the Be Fit zone which is the wave of the future, as well as the jewelry Cherish center.

REPORTER:
FOR THESE OSAN AIRMEN IT’S MORE THAN JUST AN UPDATED LOOK.

SB : A1C EDUARD LANDU – 51ST LRS, AERIAL PORT SQUADRON.
I would say that the BX is probably mission essential.

SB : SRA DOLLIE PAGE – SHOPPER.
If they told us we couldn’t have a BX I would probably cry because I need my purses, my real purses. (laughs) I love the new store!

REPORTER:
GETTING THE STORE READY FIFTEEN DAYS EARLY AND TWO MILLION DOLLARS UNDER BUDGET IS JUST A COUPLE OF THINGS THAT MAKE THE OSAN EXCHANGE TEAM HAPPY.

SB: MISU YIE – MAIN STORE MANAGER, OSAN EXCHANGE
I feel great about how our Osan team did and also, I’m very happy to have a new store like this to improve quality of our customers life (almost starts to cry).

REPORTER:

THE OSAN STORE OFFERS SOMETHING YOU CAN’T GET IN THE STREETS OF SONGTAN OR THE SHOPPING MALLS IN SEOUL.

SB: STEVE PENA – OSAN & CAMP HUMPHREYS GENERAL MANAGER:

The big piece we offer is a taste of home. The brands and the styles that we’re bringing in are things that are gotten in the stores back in the states. I mean, when they come here, this is the US to them.

REPORTER:

EVEN THOUGH THE REBRANDING OFFERS SOMETHING DIFFERENT, IT’S ALSO SOMETHING FAMILIAR. I’M TECHNICAL SERGEANT FARRAH PRITCHARD, OSAN AIR BASE, KOREA.
 

]]> EOD AIRMEN HAVE A CRITICAL AND DEMANDING JOB, WHEREVER THE AF SENDS THEM. AND IT’S FOR THIS REASON THAT EOD AIRMEN HERE AT MOODY ARE RAMPING UP THEIR P-T PROGRAM SO THEY CAN PERFORM NO MATTER HOW HOSTILE THE ENVIRONMENT. ONE ASPECT OF THIS ENHANCED FITNESS PROGRAM IS THE TASK ORIENTED PHYSICAL EVALUATION—A TIMED TEST MADE UP OF EVENTS EOD AIRMEN MIGHT RUN INTO WHILE DEPLOYED.
SOUNDBITE:
“I THINK THIS EVALUATION IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT REALLY SHOWS WHERE OUR STRENGTHS ARE, WHERE OUR WEAKNESSES ARE AND GIVES US AN OVERALL IDEA OF WHERE TO BETTER OURSELVES AND GET OUT THERE AND ACCOMPLISH THE MISSION.”
REPORTER:
AS ANOTHER ASPECT OF THE NEW PROGRAM, EOD LEADS THE ENTIRE CIVIL ENGINEER SQUADRON P-T PROGRAM FOR ONE WEEK PER MONTH. SOUNDS GOOD TO EOD, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE REST OF C-E?
SOUNDBITE 2:
“I LIKE IT. IT’S DIFFERENT FROM THE NORM OF EVERYDAY PUSH-UPS, SIT-UPS, CRUNCHES, MILE-AND-A-HALF RUNS.”
SOUNDBITE 3:
“WHEN YOU’RE RUCKING AROUND, YOU HAVE YOUR PLATES ON, 200-SEVENTY ROUNDS OF FIVE-FIVE-SIX—IT CAN TAKE SOMETHING OUT OF YOU AND YOU’VE GOT TO BE PREPARED FOR THAT. AND I THINK THESE WORKOUTS DEFINITELY GET US PREPARED FOR THAT.”
REPORTER:
EOD AIRMEN ARE VITAL TO CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS AROUND THE WORLD. AND WITH THIS NEW MISSION-FOCUSED P-T PROGRAM, THEY ARE BETTER EQUIPPED TO DO THEIR JOB AND HELP BRING FELLOW SERVICE MEMBERS AND ALLIES HOME SAFELY.
FROM MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, GEORGIA, I’M AIRMAN FIRST CLASS BRANDON SABIN.
]]>
Straight out of basic training, they are about to go through the 8 week long Air Force Honor Guard Tech School.

Airman Basic Johnathen Howard is already getting off on the wrong foot with the instructors.

Airman Howard has to learn to meet the appearance standards of the Honor Guard if he hopes to make it through the course, and the instructors make sure he does.

Because of this Airman Howard is now responsible for every person in his flight who doesn’t shave from here on out.

Although it’s stressful, Airman Howard still understands the importance of what his instructors are teaching him.

Airman Howard and his flight have 8 long weeks ahead of them, and if he makes it through meeting all the standards of the Air Force Honor Guard, he will graduate as a new ceremonial guardsman.

SrA Tony Coronado, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington D.C.
]]> MAJ ULMER
“During FY 2012, 80 Americans were identified as more than 65 teams deployed to 24 countries, investigating and recovering our missing heroes. Since 2003, JPAC has identified more than 740 Americans and returned them home to their families.”
FOR VETERANS, THE CEREMONY MARKED THE IMPORTANCE OF BRINGING ALL AMERICANS HOME.
“I think most people appreciate the service of the troops and honor their sacrifice. It’s something we need to do as a nation to honor all our veterans from past wars. They should all be welcomed home with open arms and bring some closure to their families and get them on American soil again.”
THE TRANSFER CASES WILL GO TO THE J-PAC LAB ON HICKAM, WHERE THE PROCESS OF IDENTIFYING THE INDIVIDUALS WILL BEGIN.]]> Joint terminal attack controllers or JTAC trainees made their way to North Carolina for a field training exercise.

SB: A1C Kyle Gutowski, JTAC trainee
And we’re the guys on the ground that provide final clearance for when bombs are released on the ground from the aircraft. So, basically, we’re the eyes and ears on the ground for the pilots.
REPORTER
And although being a JTAC can be an exhilarating job.

SB: A1C Kyle Gutowski, JTAC trainee
Yeah, it’s definitely really cool the first time you hear the aircraft buzzing ahead and you’re talking to the pilot.
REPORTER
It could also be very demanding.
SB: A1C Kyle Gutowski, JTAC trainee
I mean we’re dropping 2,000 pound bombs. If you mess up one little thing, you could have a lot of civilian casualties.
REPORTER
But the stress from these exercises prepares pilots and JTACs for game day down range.
SB: A1C Kyle Gutowski, JTAC trainee
It’s definitely great because we actually get to work with the pilots that we’re going to work with when we deploy overseas. You wouldn’t want to be going into country never have talked to a live aircraft before. That would never happen.
REPORTER
Reporting from Creswell, North Carolina, I’m Senior Airman Samantha Konieczny.

]]> NARRATION: THINGS CAN GET A BIT FRANTIC AT THE 379TH EXPEDITIONARY MEDICAL GROUP.

NAT SOUND BREAK (7 SEC)

NARRATION: THIS SCENARIO IS A CODE BLUE EXERCISE.

SB (18 SEC)
MAJOR BERNARD HILDEBRAND, PHYSICIAN: A CODE BLUE IS A NOTIFICATION TO THE MED GROUP THAT SOMEBODY HAS LOST CONSCIOUSNESS AND THEIR HEART HAS STOPPED WORKING PROPERLY. AND SO, IT GETS THE MEDICAL TECHNICIANS, THE NURSES, AND THE WHOLE CREW OF HEALTH CARE PERSONNEL TO COME IN AND ASSIST IN RESUSCITATING A PATIENT.

NARRATION: WHAT MAKES THIS CODE BLUE EXERCISE UNIQUE, IS THE USE OF A REAL PERSON AS THE PATIENT.

SB (16 SEC)
CAPTAIN ROBERT MILLER, FAMILY CARE PHYSICIAN: THIS IS ONE OF THE MORE REALISTIC CODE BLUE TRAININGS THAT I’VE HAD AT ALL THE FACILITIES I’VE WORKED AT…WE DON’T OFTEN USE A REAL PERSON AS A PATIENT. WE OFTEN HAVE A MANNEQUIN THAT SIMULATES THE PATIENT, SO THAT JUST ADDS MORE REALISM WHEN WE CAN START I-Vs AND HAVE AN AIRWAY THAT’S THERE TO PRACTICE ON.

NARRATION: MAJOR HILDEBRAND ADDS, THE MED GROUP STAFF HOPES FOR THE BEST, BUT REALIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF PREPARING FOR THE WORST.

SB (12 SEC)
MAJ HILDEBRAND: WE NEVER KNOW IF SOMEBODY IS GOING TO COME IN AND HAVE A SUDDEN CARDIAC EVENT. AND SO, CONTINUOUSLY TRAINING TO ENSURE THAT EVERYBODY IS PREPARED TO RESPOND TO THAT TYPE OF TRAGEDY IS REALLY IMPORTANT.

NARRATION: REPORTING FROM THE 379th AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING I’M STAFF SERGEANT GEORGE SOLIS.]]> Airmen with the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron load pallets on a C-130H Hercules at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Nov. 3, 2012. The 774th EAS provides tactical airlift, airdrop and aeromedical evacuation, creating an air bridge for personnel, equipment and supplies.
Pararescuemen with the 83rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron secure the area after being lowered from an HH-60 Pave Hawk during a mission in Afghanistan.

And that's this week in photos, I'm Staff Sergeant Michael Brady]]> SOUNDBITE: LITTLE TEETH, BIG SMILES IS AN OUTREACH PROGRAM, AND IT’S SIMILAR TO THE ONES THEY HAVE IN THE STATES. IT’S THERE BECAUSE RAMSTEIN COVERS A LARGE COMMUNITY, AND UNFORTUNATELY WE CANNOT SEE ALL OF OUR FAMILY MEMBERS AS WE WOULD LIKE TO. THIS OFFERS US THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET THESE PEOPLE IN, THE CHILDREN, THAT WE WOULDN’T NORMALLY GET IN ON A WEEKDAY.
NARRATION: LITTLE TEETH, BIG SMILES GIVES THE DENTAL CLINIC A CHANCE TO TAILOR DENTAL EDUCATION AND PREVENTATIVE TREATMENTS TO KMC CHILDREN IN A POSITIVE WAY.
SOUNDBITE: MY MAIN OBJECTIVE WITH THIS IS TO HELP KIDS GET OVER THEIR FEAR OF GOING TO THE DENTIST AND MAKING IT A FUN EXPERIENCE THAT THEY CAN TELL THEIR PARENTS AND TELL THEIR FRIENDS ABOUT…SO THEY’RE NOT AS SCARED WHEN THEY COME IN.
NARRATION: THE ENTIRE EVENT IS ORGANIZED AND RUN BY VOLUNTEERS FROM THE CLINIC. AIRMAN FIRST CLASS WHITNEY STUNKEL, RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, GERMANY.
]]> NSB: I think one person is doing puppy chow, caramel corn, whatever you need to do like that.
AT LEAST 12,000 CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES WILL BE MADE, THANKS TO INGREDIENT DONATIONS FROM VARIOUS VENDORS. THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF THIS OP IS BRINGING HOLIDAY CHEER TO ALL THE UNACCOMPANIED SERVICEMEMBERS AT OSAN.
SB: A lot of these Airmen and servicemembers are away from their families and this is kind of a hard time for some people. They’re used to seeing little kids running around and they’re used to having mom home cooking and having just that one simple little cookie can remind them of home and can change an attitude and make life a little better.
AND IF AIRMEN ARE ANYTHING LIKE THIS GUY…
NSB: Kid- “I want, like, a hundred dozen!”
…THEY’RE GOING TO NEED A LOT OF COOKIES. FORTUNATELY, ANYONE CAN VOLUNTEER TO BAKE AND CAN BRING WHATEVER THEY MADE TO THE DROP OFF.
SB: It doesn’t need to be one particular group sitting and going crazy in a kitchen baking like mad, crazy people. It needs to be all of us together.
THE HOLIDAY HAPPINESS WILL ALSO BE SHARED WITH OTHERS ACROSS KOREA, THANKS TO CHRISTMAS CARD AND CANDY DONATIONS FROM THOUSANDS OF OTHERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND THE UNITED STATES…MAKING OPERATION SWEET TREAT ONE OF THE LARGEST EXERCISES IN CAMARADERIE HAPPENING AT YULETIDE. TECHNICAL SERGEANT GENA ARMSTRONG, OSAN AIR BASE, SOUTH KOREA.]]> Stampeding hooves and cheering crowds marked the annual Steeplechase in Camden, SC. The race also brought along a patriotic tradition from the community.
SB:
Ann Richard – President of the Blue Star Mothers Midlands, SC, Chapter
“Well we’ve partnered with McDonalds in Camden to sign a mural to send over to South Carolina’s troops over in Afghanistan.”

REPORTER
It’s a tradition the Blue Star Mothers have done at the race track over four years.

SB:
Ann Richard – President of the Blue Star Mothers Midlands, SC, Chapter

“We do this to honor our troops, to let them know they have our support, whether it’s our children or someone else’s. And we like to keep things going on year round in the community. To keep it in front of folks and remind them that we have kids over there.”


REPORTER
Nearly everyone who passed the booth signed or colored on the banner.

SB:
James Nolan Davis – Participant
“I think it’s a great thing to do to show that we love and that they’re in our prayers and thoughts.”

REPORTER

It’s a simple gesture that sends a bigger message. After everyone raced to sign the flag, the Blue Star Mothers prepared to send it to the troops. Airman First Class Molly Elder, Springdale Race Course, Camden, SC.]]> FOUR –AND-A-HALF DECADES LATER, TECHNICHAL SERGEANT ANTHONY GRAHAM FOUND THIS (B-ROLL OF MEMORIAL) CAPTIAN DEVLIN’S MEMORIAL.
SB:
“I DIDN’T EVEN KNOW WHAT IT WAS. I HAD NO IDEA WHAT IT WAS. WENT TO IT, LOOKED AT IT AGAIN – I SAW CAPTIAN DEVLIN’S NAME ON IT – STARTED PUTTING TWO-AND-TWO TOGETHER, KIND OF LOOKES – WENT OVER TO THE ACTUAL FIXTURE THAT IT STANDS ON, WHICH IS OUTSIDE, LOOKED AT IT AND IT HAD THE MEMORIAL ON IT. AND IT TOOK MY BREATH, IT HONESTLY DID. MY HEART STOPPED, THINKING, WHY IS IT HERE, ONE, TWO, HOW LONG IS IT GOING TO SIT HERE UNTIL WE DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT.”


Script:
SO, TECH SERGEANT GRAHAM ENLISTED THE HELP OF RICK DALE, STAR OF THE HIT SHOW ‘AMERICAN RESTORATION’ ON THE HISTORY CHANNEL.

SB:
“SO, SERGEANT GRAHAM, WHAT HE DID WAS HE ENDED UP CALLING THE SHOP, HE GOT A HOLD OF MY WIFE, KELLY, AND HE SAID HE WANTED US TO COME OUT AND LOOK AT A PLANE.”
SB:
“SO, HE CAME OUT HERE AND AS SOON AS HE SAW IT, HE WAS LIKE,”IT’S ON. LET’S DO IT.””
SB:
“TO BE ABLE TO RESTORE A MEMORIAL FOR THE THUNDERBIRDS AND FOR THE AIR FORCE AND ALL THAT STUFF TOGETHER, THAT’S A BIG DEAL TO ME.”
SB:
HE REMEMBERS COMING TO THE AIR SHOWS AS A CHILD WITH HIS FATHER.AND HE SAID WHEN HE WOULD COME THROUGH THE GATE, BEFORE THE NEW CONSTRUCTION WITH THE GATE, THAT’S WHERE IT STOOD. AND HE SAYS HE REMEMBERS COMING THROUGH THERE AND SEEING IT.”
SB:
“AND IT WAS SOMETHING THAT WAS COOL THAT WAS ON THE TOP OF A PEDESTAL WHEN WE CAME IN.”
Script:
RICK WASN’T THE ONLY ONE WHO REMEMBERED SEING THE MEMORIAL AS A KID.
SB:
“I REMEMBERED THE WAY IT LOOKED, I REMEMBER THE WAY IT POINTED, I REMEMBER THE SIZE OF IT, AND SO TO FIND OUT LATER THAT WE STILL HAD THAT AND THAT WE HAD AN OPPRTUNITY TO RESTORE IT, I MEAN, IT’S AWESOME. IT’S AWESOME FOR US, IT’S AWESOME FOR NELLIS, IT’S AWESOME FOR THE WING, AND OUR SQUADRON.”
SB:
“THIS IS ALL ABOUT PRIDE. IT IS TOTALLY. AND THE HONOR THAT GOES ALONG WITH IT. I HOPE THEY HAVE THE SAME FEELING THAT I HAVE THAT I’M APART OF THIS.”
SCRIPT:
AFTER A MONTH-AND-A-HALF OF RESTORATION, THE MEMORIAL WAS DELIVERED.
SB:
“THIS IS ONE OF THEIR LOST COMRADES. IT’S ONE OF THE TEAM. YOU GUYS ARE A TEAM FOREVER – FROM THE VERY FIRST GUY THAT WENT AND WAS FLYING A THUNDERBIRD TO RIGHT NOW. BIG DEAL, BIG DEAL.”
SB:
“THERE IS ALWAYS THE OPPORTUNITY OF A LOSS OF LIFE UP THERE. AND WE HAD THAT ON OR TEAM, IN THAT ONE-OH-FIVE, WHERE WE LOST HIS LIFE AND THAT AIRPLANE BROKE APART ON HIM. TO BE ABLE TO REPRESENT THAT, THE PAST FOR US IS VERY IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT COMES TOGETHER AND IT TIES THE KNOT OF WHAT WE’RE DOING TODAY AND FOR TOMORROW.”
SB:
AND ONCE IT GETS PUT BACK OUT FRONT OF THIS HANGAR, IT WILL NEVER BE TAKEN DOWN.
SCRIPT:
FOR THE THUNDERBIRDS, I’M STAFF SERGEANT JARID WATSON.]]> SB: We’re the only authority that can close and open the airfield which means that at any time, if it’s closed, we’re the only ones who are able to go out there and reopen the airfield. The pilot can be waiting for us, so it’s a lot of stress as far as reopening, making sure we get every inch of the airfield FOD free.
THEY’RE OUT THERE BEFORE THE FLYING EVEN STARTS…CHECKING FOR ANY DAMAGES OR DISCREPANCIES THAT CAN POSE A DANGER TO THE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF AIRCRAFT THAT USE THE FLIGHTLINE ON A DAILY BASIS. THE HUGE RESPONSIBILITY DOESN’T DETER THESE AIRMEN.
SB: I can take the stress so it makes the day go by fast. Every day I come into work is a new experience. That’s what I love about it. It’s not the same paper-pushing. It’s an inside-outside job.
AND LATELY THE JOB HAS BEEN JUST A LITTLE MORE DIFFICULT, DUE TO RUNWAY CONSTRUCTION AND CONSTANT DISTINGUISHED VISITOR TRAFFIC.
SB: It (construction) makes us be on the airfield a whole lot longer than what we planned on being. …we have to monitor everything that goes on out there.
BUT NO MATTER HOW TOUGH THE CONDITIONS OR LONG THE HOURS GET …THESE AIRFIELD MANAGEMENT AIRMEN ARE DEDICATED TO ENSURING OSAN’S AIRCRAFT ARE READY TO FIGHT WHENEVER CALLED UPON. TECHNICAL SERGEANT GENA ARMSTRONG, OSAN AIR BASE, SOUTH KOREA.]]> “…I got started in this by…actually, originally I played wheelchair basketball and kind of just fell in love with sitting volleyball and I really enjoy coming out and being able to help people…through their recovery process through different adaptive sports.“
The following day, players from all military service branches competed in a seated volleyball tournament held at the Pentagon.
“So, sitting volleyball and standing volleyball are pretty similar, but they’re also two totally different games. It’s really crazy…, because sitting volleyball’s a slightly faster game because the angles are flatter and that’s because the whole court is lowered. Also, the court is smaller so the ten meter line or whatever will be the two meter line here. Also, we play sitting down and so everything we do, you have to already kind of be in position for. So, you’re moving with your hands and you’re also playing with your hands so if you are out of position then you’re not going to necessarily get the ball up and be able to play it the way you should be…“
From Washington, DC, I’m Technical Sergeant Tabitha Levingston.
]]>
AND THEN I WAS FINALLY, “I’LL RACE YOU,” AND THEN HE’S, “I’LL RACE YOU, ALRIGHT LET’S DO THIS.”

WE’VE BEEN PLANNING THIS FOR FOUR WEEKS NOW AND THEN TWO DAYS AGO A BUDDY OF MINE WANTED TO MAKE THIS A FACEBOOK GROUP.

AND THEN SOME OF THE OTHER PEOPLE IN THE OFFICE STARTED PICKING IT UP.
THE NEXT THING I KNOW THERE IS LIKE 30 SOME PEOPLE INVITED.

OUR GROUPS OF FRIENDS STARTED PICKING IT UP.

THE SECOND DAY THERE WERE 60 SOME PEOPLE WHO WERE INVITED.

AND IT JUST KIND OF LIKE GREW FROM THERE EXPONENTIALLY.

WHAT STARTED AS A FRIENDLY COMPETITION BETWEEN TWO FRIENDS BECAME A BASE WIDE PHENOMENON.

IN THE STATES THIS WOULD NEVER HAPPEN, BECAUSE AFTER YOU GO TO WORK YOU GO HOME. HERE, IT GETS ON FACEBOOK, IT MAKES IT OFFICIAL, AND THEN PEOPLE SHOW UP AND, IT’S ONE OF THE THINGS I LOVE ABOUT BEING IN THE MILITARY BEING OVER SEAS.

IN THE END IT DIDN’T MATTER WHO WON THE RACE, ALTHOUGH AIRMAN VASQUEZ INSISTED I SAY IT WAS HIM, WHAT MATTERED WAS THE TIME SPENT AMONGST FRIENDS ON A MILITARY BASE FAR AWAY FROM HOME.

AIRMAN FIRST CLASS NICHOLAS CRISP, INCIRLIK AIR BASE, TURKEY.
]]> The Air Force Association’s 2012 Global Warfare Symposium is held in Los Angeles, California.

Dr. Jamie Morin, Acting Under Secretary of the Air Force:
Our nation is a space faring nation. And, the Air Force is America’s space force. Today, we’ve got a space force that maintains mature and integrated systems. And their systems they provide affects all the way down to the individual tactical user level every day. And it’s ubiquitous. All those leaps in space capability are fundamentally enabled by innovative airmen and our industry partners.

Announcer:
From the acquisition people at the Space and Missile Systems Center to the launch ranges at Vandenberg and Cape Canaveral to the operators in the field, it’s the airmen that make the difference.

Michael Donley, Secretary of the Air Force:
We are protected by selfless and dedicated men and women in uniform all of whom have sacrificed and some of whom have given all they have, including their lives, to protect our democratic freedoms. And we are thankful for the blessings that have been secured for our citizens from generation to generation.

Dr. Jamie Morin:
To our airmen in the audience…my thanks. And the nation’s thanks. Thanks for your service and your dedication.]]> INCIRLIK AIR BASE MEMBERS USHERED IN THE HOLIDAYS WITH A CONCERT AND CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING. THE CHAPEL PARTNERED WITH THE 39TH F-S-S TO MAKE THIS A FUN EVENT FOR FAMILIES AND UNACCOMPANIED AIRMEN.

(LT COL HICKS)
IT’S REMINISCENT OF HOME, EVEN THOUGH WE’RE FAR AWAY FROM HOME THIS IS A LITTLE TOUCH OF OUR TRADITION AND DEFINITELY COMMUNITY AND FAMILY.

THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHOIR SANG CHRISTMAS SONGS AS THEY WAITED FOR THE LIGHTS AND THE BIG GUY FROM UP NORTH.

(NOAH BHEND)
I THINK THE KIDS DID A GREAT JOB SINGING. AND THE FOOD WAS AMAZING. AND I LIKE HOW SANTA RODE UP ON A FIRE TRUCK.

AS MUCH AS EVERYONE ENJOYED THE SONGS, IT WASN’T THE MOST MEMORABLE PART OF THE EVENING.

(LT COL HICKS)
MY FAVORITE PART HAD TO BE THE KIDS SINGING. MY SECOND FAVORITE PART, WHICH I HAVE TO TALK ABOUT IS WHEN THE TREE DID NOT LIGHT. THAT WAS JUST A MEMORY RIGHT THERE.

THE LIGHTS CAME ON A FEW MINUTES LATER AND WILL REMAIN LIT THROUGH NEW YEARS.

A1C KRISTI MACDONALD, INCIRLIK AIR BASE, TURKEY.
 

]]>
GUARD TO MAKE HISTORY. MEMBERS OF THE BAND AND HONOR GUARD

TRAVELED TO NEW YORK CITY TO PERFORM IN THE ANNUAL MACY'S

THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE, TO SHOW THE WORLD WHAT OUR AIR FORCE

IS MADE OF. AND FOR ONE GUARDSMAN, THE TRIP WAS A TRULY SPECIAL

EVENT.

(25)

SBs

SB: SENIOR AIRMAN DAVID VALINE, AIR FORCE HONOR GUARD, AND WE'RE

HERE FOR THE MACY'S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE.

SB: WE'RE GETTING READY TO REHEARSE FOR THE MACY'S THANKSGIVING

DAY PARADE TODAY THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THE HONOR GUARD HAS

GOTTEN TO MARCH IN IT, SO UH THIS IS A BIG EVENT, VERY HISTORIC

FOR US.

SB: I'LL BE GUIDEON BEARER FOR THIS, UM, WHICH IS CARRYING THIS

LITTLE PENNANT HERE .. THIS IS THE UNIT FLAG SO I REPRESENT

THAT.

SB: PASS AND REVIEW WILL BE WHERE WE MARCH IN FRONT OF THE

REVIEWING STAND. AND UM THERE WILL BE, I BELIEVE THERE WILL BE

MILITARY OFFICIALS IN THE STANDS..

SB: THE COMMANDER AND I WILL DO AN EYES LEFT, UM WHICH HE DOES

A, HE WILL PRESENT ARMS WITH HIS SABER AND LOOK LEFT, I'LL

PRESENT ARMS WITH THE GUIDEON. (SB SLICE)IT SHOULD BE FUN.

V/O

WHEN AIRMAN VALINE ARRIVED IN NEW YORK CITY WITH THE REST OF THE

GROUP, HE HAD SOME SPECIAL PEOPLE WAITING FOR HIM.

SB: WELL WE GOT HERE YESTERDAY AFTERNOON, AND I GOT TO SEE MY

PARENTS FOR THE FIRST TIME IN TWO MONTHS UM AND THEN UH.

THEY'RE FROM A SMALL TOWN IN CONNECTICUT ABOUT TWO AND HALF

HOURS FROM HERE, THEY TOOK A TRAIN IN YESTERDAY AFTERNOON, AND

THIS IS THEIR FIRST TIME COMING TO NEW YORK FOR THIS PARADE AND

THIS WILL BE THE FIRST TIME THEY GET TO SEE ME MARCH AND I'LL BE

HAVING THANKSGIVING DINNER WITH THEM TONIGHT HERE IN THE CITY.

V/O: BEFORE THE PERFORMANCE THERE ARE IS A LOT THAT THESE

GUARDSMEN HAVE TO THINK ABOUT AND PREPARE.

SB: It's JUST KIND OF RUNNING THROUGH WHAT YOU'RE GONNA DO,

RUNNING THROUGH THE SEQUENCE IN YOUR HEAD UM SO THAT WAY THERE'S

NO SURPRISES, CAUSE THERE'S A LOT OF STUFF THAT'S

AND AUTOMATIC.. MAKING SURE YOU'RE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY

PREPARED AND READY TO GO.

I MEAN TO HAVE MY PARENTS BE ABLE TO SEE IT AND TO HAVE SO MANY

PEOPLE WATCHING LIVE AND ON TV, AND I THINK ITS GOING TO BE

REALLY COOL AND WE'RE GONNA KNOCK IT OUT OF THE PARK, I KNOW

EVERYONE'S GONNA DO AWESOME.

(CUT TO SHOT OF THE PARADE PREP 2-4 SHOTS)

START THE MARCH FOOTAGE, AS LONG AS NEED BE (OCCASIONAL V/O)

ONCE IT HAS REACHED A BREATHING POINT, TRANSITION AND FOCUS BACK

ON AIRMAN VALINE

IT WENT REALLY WELL ACTUALLY, PRETTY MUCH IT ALL WENT, IT

ALL WENT SMOOTHLY EVERYONE EXECUTED ALL THE MANUALS THEY WAY

THEY'RE SUPPOSED TO IT ALL FROM WHAT WE HEARD IN THE DISCUSSION

AFTERWARD, EVERYONE IN THE UNIT THAT WAS ON THE PARADE SAID IT

LOOKS GOOD, PEOPLE THAT HAVE FAMILY THAT KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FRO

BACK HOME WERE WATCHING IT THEY SAID IT LOOKED GOOD AND IT WAS

AWESOME, IT TOOK ALMOST EVERYTHING I HAD TO NOT SMILE THE WHOLE

TIME MARCHING OUT THERE.

AFTER THE PARADE WE FINISHED OUR MARCH AND WENT BACK TO THE

BUSES, UM GOT BACK ON THE BUS ANS I GOT CHANGED AS QUICK AS I

CULD WHILE EVERYONE WAS GETTING SITUATED FOR THE RIDE BACK TO

DC. I GOT CHANGED AS QUICK AS I COULD AND CAME BACK OVER HERE

TO SEE MY PARENTS. WE'RE HAVING DINNER HERE AT MY NEIGHBOR'S

APARTMENT IN MANHATTAN AND UM PARENTS, BROTHER HIS GIRLFRIEND

AND MYSELF, AND WE'LL BE HAVING A NICE THANKSGIVING DINNER

V/O: ON THIS THANKSGIVING, HIS FAMILY HAD A TRIP THEY'LL LIKELY

NEVER FORGET

(PARENT'S PERSPECTIVE)

MOM: IT WAS AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE, IT WAS JUST PHENOMENAL TO

SEE HIM COMING DOWN THE STREET JUST WAVING AND HALF OF NEW YORK

KNOWS THAT IT WAS MY SON THAT WAS IN THE PARADE.

DAD: I MEAN ITS ONE OF THE BIGGEST EVENTS HERE IN NEW YORK CITY,

IT WAS JUST HUGE, IT WAS SO NICE SEEING MY SON THERE SO PROUD.

THS

AND WHAT ARE THEY THANKFUL FOR THIS THANKSGIVING?

SB: OUR FREEDOM, FOR HIM, FAMILY AND FREEDOM. WE THANK ALL YOU

GUYS AND GIRLS.

REPORTING FROM THE MACY'S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE, I'M SENIOR

AIRMAN DANIEL BURKHARDT.]]> Body:
A delegation from the Czech Republic paid a visit to the Barksdale Global Power Museum to present a photographic exhibition of the NATO days held in Ostrava. The delegation comprised of the Commander of the Czech Republic Air Force, the Czech Ambassador to the U.S., and the Czech Minister of Defense:
“This is the bedrock of the alliance, Global Strike Command. This is about the ability to deter and to keep the peace globally and I wish you all the best. I very much appreciate your friendship and willingness to cooperate and that’s the reason we are here. That’s why I have mentioned this also during my meeting with the Secretary of Defense yesterday and be sure that we have a great deal of energy and will to continue and to deepen our cooperation.”
The dedication concluded with a gift exchange demonstrating our commitment to the US-Czech relationship and our NATO Allies.
I’m Senior Airman Antonio Gonzalez, Barksdale Air Force Base, LA.]]> SB(ALEX): Well, I think the name says it all, we’re just having people be aware and be vigilant in accordance to what’s going on around the neighborhood or around the community that they live in. So, with us giving them information it helps them to remember what they should and shouldn’t do. (13 SEC)
SB(HOPES): It helps us on the base because we have a lot of children and families that walk around on the base as well as with the nightfall we have a lot of vehicle traffic as well. And it helps us all as a whole with the families and personnel who work on the base to be more safe. (12 SEC)
SB(ALEX): The impact that we’d like to bring on the community for the month of November is so that they can be aware and bring down the fatalities during the month of November. (9 SEC)
SB(ALEX): This campaign actually helps them by being aware. That’s the main thing that we’re looking to push out to the community, is for everybody to be aware of what’s going on. (9 SEC)]]> After an earthquake and tsunami devastated his home country of Japan in 2011, Mr. Alex Hara saw the relief effort from the US military and was moved.

SOUNDBITE-Wright– Japanese Businessman( 00:12):
I was compelled to do something in return to the men and women in uniform and the American citizens who were so generous.

ANNOUNCER-SSgt Steven Conklin:
Today at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Mr. Hara has planted the first of 1 thousand cherry trees, marking the start of operation 1,000 cherry trees, a thank you to the US military, and a gesture of friendship between the people of Japan, and the United States. But this isn’t the first time this has happened.

SOUNDBITE-Kuninori Matsuda – Detroit Consul General of Japan(00:40)
100 years ago in 1912, President William Howard Taft was a strong believer in the US-Japan relations, while his lovely wife First Lady Helen Taft supported his idea of the special gift from Tokyo to Washington D.C. of 3 thousand cherry trees. 100 years later, despite some ups and downs in our history, the US and Japan have proven to be the closest allies, and the best of friends.

ANNOUNCER-SSgt Steven Conklin:
Although President Taft couldn’t be at today’s ceremony, Bob Taft, former governor and President Taft’s great-grandson, made sure to represent.

SOUNDBITE-Bob Taft – Operation 1,000 Cherry Trees Honorary Chairman(01:30):
I just feel that Alex Hara who had this idea deserves a tremendous amount of credit, but this is an exciting day, an inspiring day, it’s a good omen, it’s a good day for the future of relationships between Japan, Ohio, and the United States.

ANNOUNCER-SSgt Steven Conklin:
The cherry trees from one-hundred years ago have made a lasting impression, and Mr. Hara hopes that operation 1,000 cherry trees will do the same.

SOUNDBITE-Mr. Hara:
Many of you have visited DC, and perhaps wondered why DC has so many cherry blossoms. Well someday, I like to think that people will wonder why the Dayton community has so many cherry blossoms.

ANNOUNCER-SSgt Steven Conklin:
Mr. Hara wants the 1 thousand trees planted in the Dayton and Wright-Patterson community to be a reminder of the disaster in Japan, and also the strong alliance between our two nations. Reporting for Wright-Patt Public Affairs, I’m SSgt Steven Conklin.]]> NARRATION: FIVE LUCKY FAMILIES WON THIS YEARS COMMISSARY SWEEP. IT ALL BEGAN WITH A POPULAR GAME FROM THE FAMOUS SHOW ‘THE PRICE IS RIGHT.’ EACH WINNER WOULD BE SHOWN A GROUP OF ITEMS PACKAGED TOGETHER AND TRY AND FIGURE OUT HOW MUCH IT WAS WORTH. CONTESTANTS WROTE DOWN HOW MUCH THEY THOUGHT THE PACKAGE SHOWN COST. THEN ONCE ALL THE ESTIMATES WERE REVEALED WHO EVER CAME TO THE CLOSEST PENNY WOULD WIN.
SOUND POP: “BY ONE PENNY, AMMO WINS AGAIN.”
NARRATION: MANY PEOPLE CAME TO THE EVENT TO SUPPORT THEIR FRIENDS, INCLUDING ONE SPECIAL GUEST. AFTER ALL THE PACKAGES AND COMMISSARY BUCKS WERE GIVEN AWAY, IT WAS TIME TO DO SOME SHOPPING. MR.. AND MRS. HARRIS ONLY HAD 350 COMMISSARY BUCKS TO SPEND, SO MRS. HARRIS DID THE SHOPPING WHILE MR. HARRIS DID THE CALCULATING. MR.. AND MRS. HARRIS HAD A PLAN ON WHAT ITEMS THEY WOULD GET BECAUSE THEY WEREN’T JUST SHOPPING FOR THEMSELVES.
SB: “WE DO HAVE A BIG FAMILY, WE HAVE FIVE GIRLS SO THAT ALLOWS TO SPEND IT IN OTHER PLACES, SO THAT'S GREAT. IT SAVED US IN OUR BUDGET THIS PAY PERIOD.”
NARRATION: MRS.. HARRIS ALSO HAD ONE SPECIAL REQUEST.
SB: “WE TOLD THEM, THAT'S HOW WE GOT THE LIST, SHE WANTED GUSHERS.”
NARRATION: NOT ONLY DID THEY MEET THE REQUESTS, THEY MET THE FAMILY REQUIREMENTS.
SB: “MAKING SURE THAT WHAT WE GOT WASN’T JUST WASTEFUL. LETS GET SOME STUFF THAT WE ACTUALLY NEED AND USE AND SOME THINGS THAT WE COULD HOLD OFF ON USING FOR A LITTLE WHILE. WITH FIVE GIRLS IN THE HOUSE, A LOT OF TOILET PAPER. “
NARRATION: THEY WE’RE VERY GRATEFUL FOR S-S-E-M-C HOSTING SUCH A WONDERFUL EVENT.
SB: “IT’S A GREAT PROGRAM. S-S-E-M-C DID A REALLY GOOD JOB OF PUTTING THIS TOGETHER. IT DEFINITELY HELPED US OUT AND I’M SURE IT HELPED THE OTHER FAMILIES. “
NARRATION: NO MATTER WHAT THEY GOT IN FREE GROCERIES, i GUESS WHEN YOU WIN A COMMISSARY SWEEP. YOU REALLY CAN’T GO WRONG.
SB: “YOU KNOW YOU CAN’T BEAT FREE MONEY, SO OF COURSE WE DID PRETTY GOOD.”
NARRATION: REPORTING FROM SPANGDAHLEM, GERMANY. I’ M AIRMAN FIRST CLASS COREY KINGSBURY
SOUND POP: HOW MUCH CEREAL DID WE GET?
 

]]> LAJES FIELD KICKED OFF THE COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN WITH THE TOUGH MUDDER EVENT AND BROUGHT EVERYONE BACK TOGETHER FOR A BOWL-A-THON TO CLOSE OUT THIS YEAR’S C-F-C. MSGT KEITH MORALES SAYS LAJES AIRMEN HELPED OUT IN A BIG WAY.

“THE FINAL NUMBERS HAVE NOT COME OUT YET BUT AS OF TODAY WE HAVE RAISED OVER 87 THOUSAND DOLLARS AND OUR PERCENTAGE WILL BE OVER 90 PERCENT WHEN IT’S ALL SAID AND DONE.” (12)

MSGT MORALES ENDED THE BOWLING EVENT BY GIVING AWAY TROPHIES TO THE WINNING SQUADRONS AND THANKED TEAM LAJES FOR GIVING BACK.

I’M AIRMAN FIRST CLASS COURTNEY GRAFFIUS, LAJES FIELD, AZORES.
 

]]> sb: staff sergeant modesto alcala, tier two member:(0:00) “the purpose of tier two is to basically add a forum for staff sergeants, tech sergeants to come together and work together, so we talk about different events we can do to support each other and support our fellow airmen.”
sb: staff sergeant michael baker, tier two member:(0:00) “i think it’s important for people to know who tier two is, and what it is that we do. ultimately we’re rewarding the members of the first four for knowing their job.”
sb: staff sergeant michael baker, tier two member:(0:00) “it’s motivating. it’s DEFINITELY enlightening to see other nco’s doing something that’s not directly beneficial to themselves.”
sb: staff sergeant michael baker, tier two member:(0:00) “i love to serve. i love to help out other people, and at the end of the day to get that smile from somebody i may be benefiting or just making things a little bit easier for them.”]]> They asked the tough questions because they had a lot to learn from Lt. Col. Jeffery Jarry of the 28th Operational Weather Squadron.
SB:
Lt Col Jeffery Jarry - 28th Operational Weather Squadron Commander
“I was the honorary principal for the day. In addition to being the principal for the day, I got to talk to many of the third through fifth grade students about weather and the Air Force and how the military uses weather information”

REPORTER
When he stepped into the job, he learned that it’s not all that different from his own.

SB:
Lt Col Jeffery Jarry
“Looking at the role of principal it was surprising to how similar it is to running a squadron, except I’m used to 140 people, she has 530 students plus staff.”

REPORTER
Showing Col. Jarry this job is one way Dr. Joan Tye gets the community involved with her school.

SB:
Dr. Joan Tye- Principal of Manchester Elementary School
“I’m really proud of my school, and my staff, and my students. So it really gave me a chance to show the school off and to show what we do to educate the children.”

REPORTER
After leading the school for a day, Lt Col Jarry returned to leading his squadron.
Reporting from Shaw AFB, South Carolina, I’m Airman First Class Molly Elder.]]>
In about a week or so Oprah’s Favorite Things is going to air. What is really cool is we are going to share it with a lot of close friends. They are going to come over and we are going to have a viewing party at the house. I’m looking for ward to watching it and watching everyone’s reactions to it. And especially watching Nicole’s reaction to seeing herself go through this.
Announcer:
Master Sergeant Anthony Krebs was in for quite the surprise after nominating his wife Nicole for military spouse of the year. Nicole Kreb’s was told that her presence was requested in Washington D.C. to screen a new show about being married to the military. Sergeant Krebs learned via text message there was an unexpected twist in plans once she arrived.

SB (Nicole Krebs):

When we got there we were just expecting to watch this new program and so the producer is talking to us telling us what our instructions are and everything and she says hold on just a second. And so we start watching the show and about three minutes in the screen goes black and simultaneously the curtains open, the lights go up, the door opens and there is Oprah Winfrey walking in saying welcome to my favorite things. And it was…I just can’t even begin to describe the feeling. It was incredibly humbling to meet all these other spouses.
Announcer:
Nicole was among an extraordinary group of spouses to be nominated for Military Spouse Magazine’s Spouse of the year award.
SB (Nicole Krebs):

When I got home I went back and read the essay that Anthony sent in for my nomination and I’m like…I did this and I did that but it was just because there was a need there and I wanted to do something to help but…wow…amazing people. Amazing.
SB (Sgt Krebs):

One of the text messages she sent me specifically said I don’t know why I am here. But to me I am sitting here thinking she is just too humble. The stuff that she’s done you know maybe it is a little thing here…the guardian angels for soldier’ s pets is just within this state…the Holloman Big Give…I mean it is just so vast and so many things. I just don’t think she even realizes how much she has done . In fact Oprah herself read and picked people form these packages so apparently she thought she was good enough to be there.
Announcer:
Every year Military Spouse Magazine presents an award to honor the courage, tenacity, and strength of the spouses supporting their military counterparts. Air Force spouse and exceptional family member advocate Jeremy Hilton won this year’s military spouse of the year award. If you know a deserving spouse, consider nominating them for the 2013 Military Spouse of the Year Award. Who knows how that nomination could transpire.]]>
REPORTER
People of all skill-levels come to this room with a common goal in mind – the desire to be transformed by music. Airman 1st Class Amber Breland has been practicing in the Langley Community Center’s music room for months, preparing for something that could take her career to new heights – a chance to audition for Air Force entertainment group “Tops in Blue”.

SB: Amber Breland
“Mostly the reason why I love singing is because you’re feeling an emotion and I’m feeling an emotion at the same time and I’m making you feel that emotion with how I’m acting and singing. I love that part where you just forget all the bad and you’re just in the moment with that song. That’s my favorite part of singing.”

REPORTER
Amber says singing has always been an important part of her life and that she is happy to know there is a place for art in the military.


SB: Amber Breland
“The stigma about being in the Air Force is that you’re just uniform and you’re one of a crowd – you’re not a singular person. I think being in the Air Force means excellence in all you do in being an individual, and not just being one of the crowd, but being the one OF the crowd. And being able to be among the best and be better. And have everyone work together and be better.”

REPORTER
Amber finds out next year if she will be invited to participate in the Tops in Blue Worldwide Talent Search audition held in February. Until then, she says she’ll continue her transformation both in and out of the music room. Airman 1st Class Tory Patterson, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia.
]]> F-15S AT KADENA AIR BASE SIT IDLY UNTIL CALLED UPON FOR ACTION, BUT NOT FOR LONG. TODAY THEIR PILOTS AND MAINTAINERS CAREFULLY INSPECT THEM IN PREPARATION FOR ONE OF THE FIRST TRAINING FLIGHTS AS PART OF BIENNIAL EXERCISE KEEN SWORD.
SB: Capt Mike Wilson:

Keen Sword allows us to operate with our joint and bilateral partners, specifically the JASDF as well as the U.S. Navy. Specifically today we are going out flying with our JASDF partners and it’s really a great chance to integrate with those guys, to learn their tactics and learn from ours as well.
Reporter:
KEEN SWORD 2013 IS THE TWELFTH FLAGSHIP JOINT-BILATERAL FIELD TRAINING EXERCISE SINCE 1986 INVOLVING JAPAN SELF DEFENSE FORCES AND THE UNITED STATES MILITARY FORCES. THE JOINT ENVIRONMENT ALLOWS FOR A STRONGER WORKING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TWO MILITARIES. THIS RELATIONSHIP SHARES A VISION OF PEACE, PROSPERITY, DEMOCRACY AND REGIONAL STABILITY. CAPTAIN WILSON EXPLAINS THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS INTEROPERABILITY.
SB: Capt Mike Wilson:
It’s a great chance to train especially when you have the JASDF as well as the Navy available. We kind of get caught up in our own little world sometimes if you will, and having everybody out here to train with expands our capabilities for the future.
Reporter:
AS CAPTAIN WILSON SOARS OFF TO PRACTICE COORDINATION PROCEDURES, HE ULTIMATELY TAKES AIM AT BUILDING CONFIDENCE AND STRENGTH AMONG THE UNITED STATES AND JAPAN. AIRMAN FIRST CLASS ASHLEY POWELL, KADENA AIR BASE, JAPAN.
]]> A HALF MILE SPRINT…
NSB: GRUNTING WHILE LIFTING
FOLLOWED BY 2 MINUTES OF AMMO CAN LIFTING…
NSB: PEOPLE MOTIVATING PARTICIPANTS
FINISHED WITH A MANEUVER UNDER FIRE OBSTACLE COURSE… THIS IS THE MARINE CORPS COMBAT FITNESS TEST. AND THANKS TO THE MOTIVATION OF SENIOR LEADERSHIP AT OSAN AIR BASE, AIRMEN WERE ABLE TRY THE CHALLENGE.
SB: Well, specifically about a month and a half ago, the 607th Air Support Operations Group JTACS put on a 6 mile ruck march. And CMSgt Delveau came out to do the hike with and he asked if I would be willing to run something like this because apparently General Nebauer and him are cross fit ninjas or something and they wanted to have the event ran.
THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THE MARINE C-F-T HAS BEEN PUT ON FOR THE MUSTANGS, BUT IT WON’T BE THE LAST. OVER 20 MONITORS WERE TRAINED TO PUT ON THE EVENT, AND ALL THE EQUIPMENT WILL BE KEPT FOR FUTURE USE.
SB: … because whether you’re running across a flightline under enemy fire or you’re running towards enemy fire as a Marine, there’s benefits to the event for everybody no matter where you come from or what you do. And everybody’s exhausted when they finish one way or another. Some people tell me that they never want to run it again but they do tell me that they had a lot of fun while doing it.
AND FOR THIS FIRST RUN, OVER 80 AIRMEN SHARED IN THE FUN. TECHNICAL SERGEANT GENA ARMSTRONG, OSAN AIR BASE, SOUTH KOREA.
 

]]> Security Forces held an active shooter exercise last week at Raptor Town. The scenario played out as if Langley had a base wide contamination and everyone needed to get medication. One patient was denied his medication. Afterwards he came back with his weapon causing the Security Force’s Tactical Response Force to mobilize.
SB: SSgt Bethani Joseph, Patrolman
Just neutralize the threat. I mean this is training but also it can happen in real world. So I just wanted to get in, get this active shooter knocked out so he wouldn’t injure anyone else.
REPORTER
Most active shooter training Security Forces accomplish happen in one big building. Master Sergeant Jon Dahlmer explains why Raptor Town represented a new challenge.
SB: MSgt Jon Dahlmer, SFS Day Flight Chief
When you have multiple buildings and you have limited personnel. It takes you a lot of time to get through an area this size and make sure everything is cleared and everyone is secured.
REPORTER
He also said that practicing like it’s real ensures you’ll be able to make the right decisions in a real situation.
SB: MSgt Randy Knightner, NCOIC of Training Security Forces
What it allows to, especially being out here in Raptor Town, it allows us to get as close to realistic as possible where we can be in a contained environment, use blanks or sim munition rounds. That way we can execute our moving techniques, our communication you know as we clear the area to get to the target.
REPORTER
Sergeant Knightner also said that it’s good to have personnel in the crowd to help direct the Tactical Response Team where the shooter is at. Airman 1st Class Anthony Hetlage, Langley]]> Ask these kids where they are going and they will tell you how to get to Sesame Street, where the USO Sesame Street Tour entertained the young and the young at heart.
SB:
Tom Zaizar, Company Manager
“These characters on stage are their superstars, their rockstars, you know, they identify with them since they were infants when they could walk and talk. So to be able to see them live on stage is a huge thrill.”

REPORTER
These sesame street superstars introduced their new friend Katie, who’s a military child.


Tom Zaizar, Company Manager
“She finds out that she and her family have to move to a new base. So she will have to be dealing with leaving friends behind, and then the task of making new friends on her new base.”

REPORTER
Katie and her friends shared her story, one that many military families can relate to.

SSgt Monica Madison, Participant
“What I like about the message was the focus on that change is ok, you know, when you PCS, when you go through things, you are going to have change but you can get through it.”

Reporter
Over a thousand kids, both young and old, took a trip to Sesame street and learned a valuable lesson.
Reporting from Shaw AFB, SC, I’m Airman First Class Molly Elder.
]]> Reporter:
WEDNESDAY MORNING MISAWA RESIDENTS WOKE UP TO A REMINDER OF WHAT THE NEXT FEW MONTHS HERE IS GOING TO BE LIKE. ONE OF THE MOST PREVALENT RISKS TO MISAWA IS THE ROAD CONDITIONS. WHILE THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SQUADRON DOES A FANTASTIC JOB OF CLEARING SNOW FROM THE STREETS, IT’S VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP UP WITH THE AMOUNT OF SNOWFALL MISAWA RECEIVES. ANYONE THAT HAS BEEN AROUND MISAWA HAS SEEN THESE POLES SET UP ALL AROUND BASE, AND MAY HAVE WONDERED WHY THEY’RE THERE.
Stand Up:
35 Despite They’re marked with red, yellow and green tape, red being the highest priority and green being the least. Roads marked with red tape are cleared of snow first, but the poles also serve as markers for obstacles like this curb, and when someone removes the poles, it hides the curb from the snow removers and causes accidents like this. Removing the poles to sword fight or for whatever reason might be fun but it costs the Air force money when they bump into the curb and have to repair their equipment.

SB: TSgt Kevin Dotson 12
The number one cause for vehicle mishaps are drivers driving too fast for conditions, so we ask that drivers increase their following distance, slow down, and make sure their vehicle is adequately prepared for the winter season.
Reporter:
AS DRIVERS MAKE THEIR WAY AROUND MISAWA IN THE SNOW, IT IS VITAL THEY STAY ALERT, AND ARE AWARE OF THE DANGEROUS THAT FACE THEM.

SB: TSgt Kevin Dotson: 17
Leave a little earlier, to allow yourself a little extra time to get to where you’re going, also make sure that you do remove all the snow from your vehicle prior to operating your vehicle. And as stated before, decrease your speeds in those school zone and watch for those children that are crossing the street.
Reporter:
S