Vol. 78, No. 16
March Air Reserve Base, California
Friday, April 26, 2013
NEWS BRIEFS 452 Air Mobility Wing Explosive Ordnance Disposal: All Are invited to lt. Taking the bang out of the boom Col. Jim BUllArd’S retirement Ceremony
Lt. Col. Jim Bullard, 452d AMW Operations Group Executive Officer and former 452d AMW Executive Officer, is retiring May 19, 2013, 1 p.m., at the March Field Air Museum, following a 28year, Air Force career. All are welcome to attend and stay for a reception and refreshments after the ceremony. Dress is uniform of the day for military personnel and business casual for civilians. mArCH id oFFiCe CloSed For UPGrAdeS The 452d Air Mobility Wing ID card office, Bldg. 2314, will be closed April 29 to 30 and May 1, for upgrades. To make an appointment please log onto, https:// rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd.mil. reGiStrAtion iS noW oPen For 2013 yelloW riBBon eventS The events will provide programs, resources, referrals and services to minimize stress on families during all phases of deployment. The following upcoming events are now open for registration: • San Diego, Calif., 17 to 19 May (B UTA) For more information, contact Senior Master Sgt. Jo Carrillo at 951655-2571 or Email josephine.carrillo@ us.af.mil.
by Darnell Gardner 452 AMW public affairs
Elements from 452d Air Mobility Wing Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, Security Forces Squadron and 912th Air Refueling Squadron Intelligence, teamed up in a realistic training scenario depicting actions taken to locate, secure and neutralize an improvised rocket launcher position, targeting friendly forces. This particular event took on an additional level of intensity, due to participation by Col. Samuel Mahaney, 452d AMW commander, during his Dirty Thursday visit with the units, Thursday, April 18. “The Dirty Thursday program allows me to shadow Airmen, getting my hands and clothes dirty,” said Mahaney. “This is a great opportunity for me to get a better perspective on what March members are really doing to support the mission.” Here is how the day played out: Upon notification from the troop operations center that EOD support was needed, Tech. Sgt. Brian Howards, mission planner, 452d EOD, immediately began analyzing the situation to determine what capabilities would need to be programmed into a quick response force strategy. Staff Sgts. David Harris, intelligence specialist, 912th ARS and Michael Matulich, team leader, 452d
U.S. Air Force photos/Darnell Gardner
Col. Samuel Mahaney, commander, 452 Air Mobility Wing, dons protective gear, during his Dirty Thursday event with March Air Reserve Base Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel, April 18. Tech. Sgt. Brian Howards, left, assists Mahaney with lifting and strapping on an EOD backpack, as Tech. Sgt. Owen Duff, secures the straps. These packs can weigh more than 60 pounds, filled with items such as bomb robots, explosives and other accessories, required to neutralize a bomb threat situation.
SFS, were also on hand to assist with in depth briefs on insurgent threats and security formations while in the area of responsibility. Training mission brief - April 18, 1230 hours: An Afghan National Army patrol reported an IRL position set up under a tree facing forward operating base Bronco, at 11SMT7750. The IRL appeared to be a 107-millimeter rocket with wires coming out
Use your smartphone to connect to the March Air Reserve Base official public website via the Microsoft tag app.
U.S. Air Force photos/Darnell Gardner
Col. Samuel Mahaney, far left, on patrol with March Air Reserve Base Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Security Forces personnel, during “Dirty Thursday,” April 18. During this phase of the training event, personnel spot an improvised rocket launcher site and discus by word-of-mouth, how to proceed toward the objective.
of the base. The ANA patrol has already returned to base. Coalition forces are attempting to get air support, but there is currently none available. Since FOB Bronco does not have an explosive ordnance disposal team available, March Air Reserve Base, Calif., has been requested to provide support. Be advised there is a high likelihood that enemy combatants will be in the area with sniper capabilities. “An EOD team, with Security Forces escort, will depart forward operating base March via helicopter to drop zone Xray, located next to the bazaar, approximately two kilometers from the IRL site,” briefed Howards. “From there, the team will move along route Zulu to the IRL site where security forces will provide perimeter defense to allow EOD team members to interrogate and neutralize the IRL site. Once the threat has been defused, the team will proceed along route Yankee, back to drop zone Xray, where they will ‘exfil,’ or depart, via helicopter back to FOB March.” After the mission brief, Tech. Sgt. Owen Duff, team chief, 452d EOD; call sign Detonator 85, gave the order to don ‘game faces’ and prepare for departure. He assisted Mahaney with suiting up, a task in itself because
See eod, page 6
April 26, 2013
THE
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Commentary
BEACON
Volume 78, Number 16
452 AMW Public Affairs
895 Baucom Ave. SE, #102 March ARB, CA 92518-2266 452amw.paworkflow@us.af.mil fax: 951-655-7343 phone: 951-655-4137 COMMANDER
Col. Samuel Mahaney PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER
Lt. Col. Donald Traud EDITOR
Darnell Gardner 452 AMW EDITORIAL STAFF Master Sgt. Linda Welz Tech. Sgt. Megan Crusher Staff Sgt. Joe Davidson Staff Sgt. Carrie Peasinger The Beacon is published by Aerotech News and Review. Aerotech is a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with the 452nd Air Mobility Wing. This civilian enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for employees and members of U.S. military services, retirees and family members. Contents are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the Department of the Air Force. The appearance of advertising in this newspaper, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement of the products or services by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or Aerotech News and Review, Inc. Everything advertised in this newspaper shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the staff of the 452nd Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs office at March Air Reserve Base. All photographs in the Beacon are Air Force photos unless otherwise stated. For advertising, contact Aerotech directly at 877-247-9288.
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Using my voice to find my strength by Tech. Sgt. Christina M. Styer 380th Air Expeditionary Wing public affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA — I felt like everyone knew how stupid I was and because I made bad choices, he got away with it. I did make really bad choices — choices that allowed me to put myself in a position to get sexually assaulted, just two months after turning 21 years old. My story is not that different from many stories shared by the survivors of sexual assault. I met a guy who was new to our unit at a dorm party. We all spent the night getting drunk and hanging out and for some reason I agreed to let this guy I didn’t know, into my room without anyone else being present. My intentions were innocent, I had no interest in him, other than being friends and I thought the same of his intentions. The whole night he treated me like a kid sister, not someone he was thinking about sexually. One minute we were talking and joking around and the next I was waking up to him doing things to me that I had not agreed to do. I was scared, confused, angry and very drunk. I knew I had to get him off me but I did not know how. I tried pushing him off but he was heavier than I was and being drunk, left me less
coordinated than I usually am. I didn’t know what to do. But I did know that I did not want to have sex with him. So I started screaming for him to get off of me. I got lucky because he did. However, not before he violated me in ways I did not agree to. I did nothing that night, but the next morning I went to my friends and told them what happened. They helped me call security forces and report the incident. This was in the days before the program we now know as the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, so reporting was not easy and the results of reporting were uncomfortable and full of judgment from everyone I encountered during the process. My attacker told everyone that I was flirting with him in my room and that I led him on and then changed my mind and was now claiming sexual assault. So, how could I have led him on — I passed out? The security forces members treated me like it was my fault for putting myself in such a terrible situation, my first sergeant and commander issued a nocontact order, but would not allow me to move to another dorm and my supervisor treated me like all of my appointments were an inconvenience. In all honesty, I could not really blame any of them for their reaction. I knew I
had been really stupid and I didn’t have the greatest record at the time. I could see how they would all treat me as if I had done something wrong and should just “shut up and color.” My friends and boyfriend were great, but they did not know what to do any more than I did. I had no one to help me. I felt sad, ashamed, embarrassed, violated and mostly — alone. I felt like the Air Force did not take care of me because I did not deserve to be taken care of. Who is naïve enough to invite a stranger into their room and not assume something bad was going to happen? I was. This innocent, but careless decision turned out to be the worst possible choice I could have ever made. But I made it. I decided to consider myself lucky that I had not been raped and not allow myself to be called anything other than a survivor. It was hard to move past feeling as if I could not trust my chain of command. It was even harder to see him every day in the squadron halls during the day and the dorm halls at night. I did what a lot of people do when bad things happen, I decided to forget about it, to just “get over it and move on” as I had been told a million times. It would have been great if it were that simple — See voiCe, page 7
DEERS streamlined for better efficiency by Terri Moon Cronk American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A modification in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System is expected to streamline personal records for better efficiency, the director of the Defense Manpower Data Center said. In an interview with American Forces Press Service and the Pentagon Channel, Mary Dixon said information would now be entered into DEERS in personnel offices, rather than identification card offices. This reporting system is used for benefits determination in the Defense and Veterans Affairs departments. It includes active-duty service members, reservists, retirees and certain civilians and contractors, as well as members of the Coast Guard, Public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The system comprises 44 million people, Dixon said. Family members can continue to use the identification card office to change their vital information, Dixon added, while, others will be referred to their personnel office when the change takes effect, expected to be by the end of this month.
The change is expected to increase accuracy of records, Dixon said, noting that any time data is moved around; there is the possibility of typing mistakes. “It won’t solve all the problems,” she added. “Data quality is an issue that’s a continuing journey and process.” While cost-saving figures are not yet available, Dixon said, the change would be a time-saver. In the past, she explained, the hope was that in addition to going to the ID card office to update DEERS information, people also went to the personnel office and changed the information in their personnel records so the records would match. When employees did not go to both places, she said, it created a lot of work to figure out how to reconcile mismatched data. Record accuracy in the DEERS system helps ensure eligibility for benefits and mitigates identity theft, fraud and abuse, Dixon said. Safeguards include vetting people who have access to the system and ensuring DEERS has a strong audit capability, she added. Dixon encouraged people enrolled in DEERS to check their records at https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/ to make sure their information is accurate and to report any errors they find to their personnel office.
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April 26, 2013
The Beacon
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Hagel eliminates Distinguished Warfare Medal by Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel has eliminated the Distinguished Warfare Medal, DOD officials announced. Instead, the military will recognize service members who directly affect combat operations without being present, through distinguishing devices that will be affixed to already existing awards. Soon after being sworn in as defense secretary Feb. 27, 2013, Hagel asked Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to lead a review of the medal. “The Joint Chiefs of Staff, with the concurrence of the service secretaries, have recommended the creation of a new distinguishing device that can be affixed to existing medals to recognize the extraordinary actions of this small number of men and women,” Hagel said in a written release. “I agree with the Joint Chiefs’ findings and have
directed the creation of a distinguishing device instead of a separate medal,” Hagel said in the release. Hagel added, “The servicemen and women who operate and support our remotely piloted aircraft, operate in cyber and others are critical to our military’s mission of safeguarding the nation.” The distinguishing devices will serve to recognize these service members’ achievements, he said. The undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness will develop the award criteria in close coordination with the services and the Joint Staff, officials said. The Defense Department announced the creation of the Distinguished Warfare Medal Feb. 13, 2013. “I’ve always felt, having seen the great work that they do, day-in and day-out, that those who performed in an outstanding manner should be recognized,” then-Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said during a news conference announcing the medal. “Unfortunately,” Panetta added, “medals that they otherwise might be eligible for simply did not rec-
ognize that kind of contribution.” Members of veterans’ service organizations and others objected to the Distinguished Warfare Medal, officials said. The medal’s order of precedence was to be just below the Distinguished Flying Cross and just above the Bronze Star. Some commentators objected that it would rank higher than the Purple Heart — awarded to those wounded or killed in action. “When I came into office, concerns were raised to me about the Distinguished Warfare Medal’s order of precedence by veterans’ organizations, members of Congress and other stakeholders whose views are valued by this department’s leadership,” Hagel said. The distinguishing devices can be affixed to awards at different levels, so, once written, the criteria for the awards must reflect that, officials said. For example, the criteria for affixing a device to an Army Commendation Medal would be different from those for a Meritorious Service Medal — a higher award.
March Air Reserve Base embarks on new initiative to comply with the Clean Air Act by Maj. Deric Prescott March ARB Legal Office
Effective April 30, March ARB will begin participation in the Air Force Vehicle Self Certification Program. This program, designed to illustrate compliance with the Clean Air Act, Section 118(d), applies to government and employee owned, or leased vehicles, that operate on federal facilities for more than 60 days per year, regardless of the
state where the vehicle is registered. Military tactical vehicles are exempt from this program. “Most March ARB employees probably already have the “enhanced” smog test done,” said Paul Pitman, program manager, Employee Certification and Reporting System. “However, for those who do not, you’ll need to visit a smog testing facility for service, to be in compliance with base directives.” All Team March members must en-
ter and maintain their privately owned or commuter vehicle emissions information in ECARS, a web-based system that monitors compliance data associated with the CAA requirement. To fulfill this obligation, each employee must follow ECARS-generated information Emails that provide step-by-step instructions for the self-certification process. Owners of vehicles not in compliance with the CAA, will receive an
ECARS notification through their work Email address; after which, they must ensure appropriate actions are taken to correct the issue. Employees who fail to comply, may be subject to administrative action. Members wishing to apply for a waiver, exemption, or possible financial assistance through the state, can refer to a recent article in The Beacon, Vol. 78, No. 14, dated April 12, 2013, entitled
See air, page 7
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April 26, 2013
www.march.afrc.af.mil
Air Force officials announce civilian Reduction in Force WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a continuing effort to meet the Department of Defense funding targets in the Fiscal Year 2012 President’s Budget and rebalance the civilian workforce, approximately 60 Air Force installations will implement civilian Reduction in Force authorities, effective through Aug. 23. This action will assist in the placement of employees not assigned against funded positions, termed surplus employees. These actions started in FY12 and are not related to the current sequestration actions. To meet the funding targets in the FY12 President’s Budget, the Air Force was required to reduce more than 16,000 civilian positions. The Air Force was able to successfully reduce approximately 15,000 positions, minimizing adverse impact to civilian personnel, but now needs to use RIF authorities, which will provide options to help place most of the remaining civilians on unfunded positions. Force reduction procedures allow greater flexibilities for employees to be placed at their installations and still retain their grade or pay. In addition,
the use of RIF procedures allows for eligible employees who cannot immediately be placed in local vacancies to be registered in the Priority Placement Program. “Voluntary efforts to balance the civilian workforce in FY12 have gotten us significantly closer to funded levels, but we still have a way to go in placing the number of surplus employees to funded vacancies and RIF authorities will enable us to achieve that goal,” said Brig. Gen. Gina Grosso, director of force management policy for the Air Force. “The Air Force recognizes and strives to balance the invaluable contributions of our civilian workforce with the fiscal realities under which the Defense Department and the government as a whole, are operating. We continue to focus on minimizing the impact on our current civilian workforce and their families.” As the Air Force continues to shape the work force, starting the RIF procedures will provide installations greater flexibilities to further realign and rebalance the civilian force. “Usually a reduction in force has
negative perception, but the use of RIF procedures will allow many employees to be retained and continue employment with the Air Force,” Grosso said. “We want to assure everyone involved with this process that we remain committed to minimizing the impacts during these times of transition.” The processes available use reduction in force procedures to determine
employee placement rights into vacancies as well as provide the flexibility to waive qualifications to create more placement options. For information about civilian employment, reduction in force and other personnel issues, visit the Air Force Personnel Service website at https:// mypers.af.mil.
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April 26, 2013
The Beacon
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Military Children Express Sacrifices through Art, Writing by Terri Moon Cronk American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Life through the eyes of military children can be seen in the paintings, drawings and writings, on public display at the Education Department, during the month of April, in celebration of Month of the Military Child. Since 1983, the Defense Department has officially recognized military children for the support they provide to their families — the military now has 1.8 million children in the services. “The exhibit reflects the works of nearly 50 military children, from elementary to high school,” said Cindy Simerly, marketing chief for the Military Child Education Coalition and a military spouse. “On the back of each work of art, the children wrote what motivated them to produce their particular work. This project was a result of a partnership made up of the Education Department, the Military Child
Education Coalition and the Student 2 Student Initiative.” The exhibit will travel to the home of Vice President Joe Biden, as part of Joining Forces, an effort to garner public support for service members, veterans and their families. First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, wife of the vice president, will spearhead this event. The exhibit will be on display at DOD’s Education Activity headquarters, at the Mark Center in Alexandria, Va. For those who are unable to visit the exhibit, a digitalized version of the military children’s work, titled, “Art from the Heart,” is on the Military Child Education Coalition’s website. “The exhibit is a powerful medium for military children to express their experiences over a decade of war and to show their sacrifices,” Simerly said. “It’s a way for the children to express themselves in a way that they might not be able to do in words.”
Department of Defense photo by Terri Moon Cronk
Lauren Sink, a high school junior, drew this picture of her Army father returning home. Nearly 50 illustrations, paintings and writings were on display at the U.S. Education Department on April 3, 2013, in observance of the Month of the Military Child.
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April 26, 2013
from eod, page 1
U.S. Air Force photos/Darnell Gardner
Tech. Sgt Owen Duff, right, walks Col. Samuel Mahaney, commander, 452 Air Mobility Wing, through the steps to survey, conduct analysis and prepare an improvised rocket launcher site for intentional detonation, April 18. The training scenario was part of Mahaney’s Dirty Thursday program in which he shadows March members as they do their job—getting his hands and uniform dirty.
the required protective gear adds more than 20 pounds to the average person’s body weight, in addition to an EOD pack which varies according to mission (robots, explosives, crew systems, or accessories), weighing more than 65 pounds. Once suited up, they proceeded to the hanger for transportation. For this portion of the exercise, they used Humvees instead of helicopters for transportation. “EOD TOC, this is Detonator 85, departing March for drop zone Xray.” “Copy that Detonator 85…TOC out.” Drop zone Xray had a terrain identical to March ARB, so the team was well aware of what to expect. In reality, the drop zone location was one ‘click’ away, adjacent to the 452d Emergency Management worksite. “EOD TOC, this is Detonator 85 — we have dismounted at the drop zone and are proceeding toward the IRL site, will advise when have eyes on target.” “Copy that Detonator 85…keep us updated on your status…TOC out.” Duff ensured all team members were present, understood the mission objective and were clear on formations and hand signals. During these types of operations, knowledge of instructional hand signals are essential due to radio blackout -- electronic emissions produced when a radio is keyed, can inadvertently cause a devise to explode if within close proximity. Duff further briefed: “Listen up everyone! We are to proceed to IRL site using a staggered column formation. Make sure you follow the team member in front of you; maintain your interval and separation; keep eyes open for any threats; and check on the team members behind you. Make sure you all pay attention to my hand signals because we will not have radio comm.”
Along the way to the site, Duff used a full complement of hand signals to ensure the safety of his team. Signals such as “stop”, “get down” and “proceed” were used sparingly to direct the rest of the team to the IRL site. When their destination was reached, the point man spotted the device and relayed the information back to Duff. At that point, Duff began to analyze the situation and was able to determine the exact distance, orientation and size of the IRL. Ensuring he was far enough away from the device to avert detonation, Duff radioed back to the TOC: “EOD TOC, this is Detonator 85. We have located the suspect device and have setup a defensive perimeter… Break… There is a rocket pointing toward the base…Break…alert the base to alarm condition red…Break…moving now to neutralize the situation.” “Copy that Detonator 85…EOD TOC out.” Using man-to-man communication, Duff relayed mission data to each of the team members, making up the defensive perimeter. This formation is designed to keep “friendlies” away from the blast site and to ensure there are no “unfriendlies,” or snipers, in the immediate area. Proven success in past wartime experiences have made EOD team members a high-value target to the enemy. (In this training scenario, the perimeter was set up to keep March members a safe distance from the exercise location. Safety is ALWAYS priority one!) Duff’s briefing to Senior Airmen Justin Wilbur and Moises Gonzalez: “Okay guys you know the deal, I need to get down there and see what is going on. Wilbur you are coming half way down as my safety backup, ensure that if anything happens while I am down range you are
www.march.afrc.af.mil the first one in to clear the area and begin medical procedures. Gonzo if anything happens it is on you to coordinate with the security element and get the medevac rolling. Any questions? Duff’s briefing to Mahaney: Sir, we are going to head down range using the safest path available to us — right now, that is the road. When we get within 25 feet, I will have to get close enough to confirm that it is indeed a rocket and what its hooked up to — maybe a timer. I will use this mine detector to clear a path up near the ordnance to ensure I haven’t missed anything. If I get strong hits from the detector along the way, we will need to avoid those areas. If I see anything such as a grenade pin, that tells me there is possibly a secondary device in the area. We will then get back to the safe area and brief the team.” Duff, shadowed by Mahaney, approached the IRL using a mine detector. This device was used to ensure there were not any secondary explosives rigged underground — Mahaney was careful to follow in Duff’s footsteps, to ensure he was in the same clear path made by Duff using the detector. When the target was reached, Duff surveyed the immediate area and detected several pieces of metal and what appeared to be a pin from a grenade. He further assessed there may be secondary devices in the area and the safest way to defuse the situation would be to ‘intentionally’ detonate the rocket. Duff and Mahaney returned to the safe zone using the cleared path, to inform the rest of the team. Duff sent a runner to update the members that made up the perimeter on his intent to neutralize the site. Duff briefed: “Okay guys, we have a 107mm rocket with point detonating fuse hooked up to a washing machine timer. I did see a grenade pin so I assume that there is a grenade setup in the area somewhere as a second-
ary device. Keep the security undercover while I go down and prepare the rocket for detonation. Any questions? Okay, while I am down there getting the rope hooked up to the rocket, get the explosives ready — I want two blocks prepped on firing wire.” To add a realistic element to the training, Howards, now serving as Range Safety Officer, determined that the team would use real explosives to detonate the site. Tech. Sgts. Jamie Pumford and Christopher Greenfield, evaluation and demolition team members, set up the explosives to offer Mahaney a fraction of what it feels like to detonate a bomb. Multiple safety checks were conducted to ensure for everyone’s safety, to include a base-wide notification, warning March personnel of the impending actions about to take place. When the “all clear” was given, Mahaney made the call: “Fire in the hole, Fire in the hole!” There was a loud, controlled explosion and the situation was neutralized. The team conducted a sweep of the area to ensure all devices were destroyed and to extinguish any small fires that may have resulted from the detonation. Duff concluded with: “Okay team, lets pack it up and head back to base camp — job well done!” This training scenario touched on what it takes to perform as an EOD unit. Every safety precaution was adhered to, ensuring the safety of the team members participating in the exercise and also the base-wide population. “Another successful Dirty Thursday and a well-deserved respect for our EOD team members,” said Mahaney. The mission of the March EOD is to provide ready capability to defeat or mitigate hazards caused by foreign or domestic explosive, chemical, biological or nuclear ordnance and improvised explosive devices.
U.S. Air Force photos/Darnell Gardner
Col. Samuel Mahaney, commander, 452 Air Mobility Wing, front, along with Tech. Sgt. Owen Duff conduct an intentional detonation during Dirty Thursday, April 18. The training scenario was the conclusion of Mahaney’s Dirty Thursday program with March Air Reserve Base Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Security Forces personnel.
The The Beacon from voiCe, page 2 but it wasn’t. I had nightmares, panic attacks and I was an extremely unhappy person for many years. I never felt good or worthy enough and I destroyed most of my relationships, including my marriage. Then, in 2008, I volunteered to become a victim advocate. My motivation for being a VA was to help other women who had this terrible thing happen to them. I never imagined that sitting through my 40-hour training would change how I viewed my entire experience. As it turns out, my immature and reckless decision did not make me to blame for what he did to me. He was to blame, no matter what. I had allowed a terrible thing to happen to me. But the hurtful way I was treated by those I trusted to take care of me, and to empathize with me had led me to view myself as “lessthan” for a lot of years — that was so far from the truth. Finding this realization helped me
find my happiness, my power and my voice. I did not deserve what happened to me, despite my drunken choices. I deserved to be taken care of, to have someone treat me as if I mattered enough to protect me from the man who took my sense of security away. It took years for me to finally seek counseling through my church, a thought that never crossed my mind until my VA training. The SAPR program changed my life, almost six years after I was sexually assaulted. In learning how to help others, I learned how to help myself. I am strong again; strong enough to know that I am not powerless and I have a voice. The SAPR program is here to help. The Sexual Assault Response Coordinator is here to help you. I urge anyone who has, or is being sexually assaulted or raped, to contact the local SARC as soon as possible. The help you need is there — it is free and you will be treated with dignity, compassion and care.
from air, page 3 “Help for those lost in the smog: Getting ready for ECARS.” The article is also posted on March ARB website at www.march.afrc.af.mil/news/story. asp?id=123344155. During a meeting with Team March leaders, Col. Samuel Mahaney, commander, 452d Air Mobility Wing, emphasized that taking care of Airmen also means taking care of the environ-
ment and we need to be all in with this effort. Together, he requires that members be on the forefront of helping to heal the environment, while continuing to show that no one in the Air Force comes close to the effort and dedication of Team March!” For more information concerning ECARS, contact Paul Pitman at 951655-5062 or Email 452amw.ecars@ us.af.mil.
April 2013 April 26,26, 2013
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disaster PrePardness series
Prepare to survive: Preparation and hydration by Robert Kaschak 452 AMW Emergency Management technician
A major earthquake has just ravaged southern California, leaving inhabitants with very limited resources. As blessings are counted, attention must now turn toward sustaining life. The most important resource you will need is water. Lack of safe drinking water can be deadly. On average, most people begin feeling the effects of dehydration after exceeding 36 hours without water. Dehydration occurs much quicker than starvation. Our bodies can tolerate the loss of food much better than the loss of water. With ample water supply, starvation can be held off many days, even weeks. The possibility that recovery could take anywhere from three- to seven-days minimum, makes the availability of water paramount. Water supply: Question: How much water should I store? Answer: Generally, you should store at least one gallon of water per person per day. An active person needs at least one gallon of water daily just for drinking; however, individual needs vary, depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet and climate. To determine your personal needs take
into account the following: • One gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation • Children, nursing mothers and sick people may need more water • A medical emergency might require additional water • If you live in a warm weather climate more water may be necessary • Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person Ideally, you should purchase commercially bottled water for the safest and most reliable emergency water supply. Keep bottled water in its original container and do not open until you need to use it. Observe the expiration or “use by” date and be sure to store water supplies in a cool, dark place. Question: How do I properly store water? Answer: It is recommended you purchase food grade water storage containers from surplus or camping supplies stores to use for water storage. If you chose to use your own storage containers, choose two-liter plastic soft drink bottles, not plastic jugs or cardboard containers that have had milk or fruit juice in them. Milk protein and fruit sug-
ars cannot be adequately removed from these containers and provide an environment for bacterial growth when water is stored in them. Cardboard containers also leak easily and are not designed for long-term storage of liquids. In addition, do not use glass containers, because they can break and are heavy. Before filling with water, thoroughly clean the containers with dishwashing soap and water, and rinse completely so there is no residual soap. Fill the containers to the top with regular tap water. If the water has been commercially treated with chlorine, you do not need to add anything. If the water you are using comes from a well or water source that is not treated with chlorine, add two drops of non-scented liquid household chlorine bleach. Let the water stand for 30 minutes before using. A slight chlorine odor should be noticeable in the water, if not, add another dose of bleach and allow the water to stand another 15 minutes. Water may also be treated with water purification tablets that can be purchased at most sporting goods stores. Special note - DO NOT store any plastic water container directly on concrete because the concrete will leech chemicals into the water, degrading the See disaster, page 9
April 26, 2013
The Beacon from disaster, page 8 plastic bottle and cause failure. Water that has not been commercially bottled should be replaced every six months. Important facts to consider: • Rotate your water every six months. This includes any sealed bottles you may have purchased from the store. • Don’t forget to include your pet in your water storage calculation. • The hot water heater is an additional source of water. Contact the gas company for the process to tap it safely. • Maintain some unscented bleach/ water purification tablets in the home for sanitation/purification purposes as part of a household kit. • Never ration drinking water unless told to do so by the authorities. • Drink the water that you know is not contaminated first. • You can minimize your body’s need
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for water by reducing activity and staying cool. • Do not substitute carbonated or caffeinated beverages for water. These will actually dehydrate the body and increase the need for water. • Unsafe water sources include radiators, toilet bowls, water beds, swimming pools and spas • If you are a commuter, do you have water in your vehicle. The importance of being aware and prepared cannot be overstated. A major catastrophe will assuredly affect the availability of the regional water supply and will certainly exacerbate the pain and suffering for many who are not ready, cannot be reached or require more than what they have. Please take the time to address the issue of water storage now with your family — develop a plan that works for everyone.
For more information go to the following links: LA Disaster: Ready LA www.readyla.org/ Federal Emergency Management Agency www.fema.gov United States Geological Survey www.usgs.gov websites. Remember, it is not if a disaster strikes, but when.
Furniture and more For Sale!! Call Paul at (661) 917-1835 YARD SALE OF EPIC PROPORTIONS Thurs., Apr. 25th - Sun., Apr 28th 8am to 4pm 2252 West Avenue K-9, Lancaster
Double the Epic! Double the fun! Double the STUFF! Huge two family yard sale! #919 Craftsman 10” Radial arm saw with stand - $375 Works fine.
#966 Six drawer pine dresser. $65
#937 Shelves and end tables – $100
Steel tube frame, glass shelves.
#933 Garrard turntable and Heathkit stereo amp. Vintage! $60 for both
#965 Six Drawer dresser and night stand. $100 #968 Bedroom set – $135
6 drawer dresser, 2 night stands, dresser mirror.
Furniture (dressers, dining table and chairs, entertainment centers, shelves, small tables, bed frames, headboards, more). Very nice kitchenware, small kitchen appliances. Hundreds of books (fiction, non-fiction, how-to, school textbooks, kids), toys, stuffed animals. Noritake china, Large selection of nice clothes (baby to adult) and jackets (incl. leather – get them now!), tons of quality shoes, purses. Tools! Hand tools, power tools, lawn and garden tools. Lamps, blankets, quilts. Crafter supplies, ceramic dolls, knick knacks, many candle holders and candles. Tons of CDs, DVDs, and VHS. Framed art, hardwood dinnerware. Vintage and collectible items include old magazines, books, cedar chest (almost 100 years old!) side tables (over 100 years old!), vintage dinnerware and much more! Also, electronics, including TVs, stereo equipment, vintage computers and reel to reel tape recorder and more. Plus, office supplies, hardware, phones, watches, wall mirrors and auto parts. Wedding dress. Size 4. Clocks, costume jewelry, lamps, and tons of very good misc stuff. The equivalent of four 10x10 packed storage units! Not to mention a houseful of great stuff next door at my neighbor’s side of the sale!
http://www.facebook.com/PaulsYardSaleLancasterCa Be there! It ALL has to go!
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Air Force restarts tuition assistance by Staff Sgt. David Salanitri Secretary of the Air Force public affairs
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Air Force has officially restarted military tuition assistance, effective immediately. The service restarted the program, as a result of the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2013, where Congress called for the MTA program to continue in the current fiscal year. Because of the restart, the program will resume the same benefits as before. Airmen are eligible for up to $4,500 per fiscal year and a maximum of $250 per semester hour or quarter hour, equivalent to cover tuition and allowable fees. Military tuition assistance is not available retroactively to cover courses taken and paid for using any other funding source during the suspension of military tuition assistance. “Military tuition assistance will be the same program Airmen are used to,” said Russell Frasz, the director of Force Development. “The same policies and procedures will be in place.” With this change, current and future
Airmen will be given another tool to develop professionally through advanced education, Frasz said. “Voluntary education and military tuition assistance programs continue to be integral to the recruiting, retention and readiness of Airmen and contribute to institutional competencies,” said Kim Yates, the Air Force Voluntary Education chief. “In the long term, the Air Force will still be able to leverage the learning achieved by Airmen to ensure a dynamic, flexible force is able to work in uncertain environments around the world. The will have the ability to think critically.” Looking to the future, Frasz notes that they are trying to maintain the balance of the military tuition assistance benefits while also ensuring the force is ready and equipped for operations. “We are working with senior leaders to develop a way ahead for fiscal year 2014 that takes into account both the value of the (military tuition assistance) program as well maintaining the financial health of the program within funding constraints.”
Though times may seem uncertain, Frasz wants to reassure Airmen of senior leaders’ commitment to Airmen and their education. The Air Force continues to value education as a force multiplier and Airmen should take advantage of educational opportunities, making them more proficient in their profession, while setting
them up for success in their career. Like all organizations going through sequestration and budgetary struggles, Frasz is committed to fighting for the best Air Force possible. “Fiscal constraints create a challenge that Air Force leadership continues to work through,” he said. “We strive to meet the needs of Airmen and the Air Force.”
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Real Estate All real estate advertised in this publication is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race color, religion, or national origin, or an intention to make such preference limitation or discrimination. Real estate advertisements that are in violation of the law shall not be accepted for publication. All dwellings advertised in this publication are available on an equal opportunity basis.
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OVER 2,000 MOTORCYCLES • OVER 450 CUSTOM & CLASSIC CARS HUGE POKER RUN • DRIFTING RACES • BURN OUT CONTEST MUD BOGGING • MOTORCYCLE STUNTS • 2 Stages of entertainment Carnival rides and Games for Kids
Saturday, June 8 • 2pm to 11pm $10 PER PERSON. 12 AND UNDER FREE Sunday June 9 • 10am to 6pm FREE ADMISSION parking $5
opportunity drawing for tickets 661.948.5959 |661.942.4111
visit www.thunderonthelot.com for details
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NEWS BRIEFS Get yoUr reCreAtion on
SAFety AdviSory ContinUed
RecOn is a new Air Force program operated by Outdoor Recreation, that offers free trips to Airmen who have deployed within the past year, including their immediate family members. The following trips have been scheduled: •Apr. 27. Tandem hang gliding (San Bernardino mountains); Deadline Apr. 19 •May 18 —19. Whitewater rafting (Kern River); Deadline May 3 •May 31 —Jun. 2. Whitewater rafting (Kern River); Deadline May 17 For more information, contact Outdoor Recreation at 951-655-2816.
Drivers and pedestrians traveling near the Air Traffic Control Tower, Bldg. 1220, should proceed with caution due to the construction of the new tower. In addition, the gate entering the Flightline at Base Ops (F18) is now closed. All personnel needing access will still sign in at Base Ops, then enter the Flightline through the gate at Security Forces (Bldg. 470). The gate will be closed for approximately one year.
trAnSition ASSiStAnCe ProGrAm SlotS AvAilABle Los Angeles Air Force Base will conduct Fiscal Year 2013 TAP classes for interested military and family members. The following dates are available: May 13 —17 Jun. 10 —14 Jul. 15 —19 Aug. 12 —16 Sept. 16 —20 Reservists will not be reimbursed for travel or per diem. To make reservations, call 310-653-5428.
mArCH CommiSSAry HoldS CoUPon ConteSt The March commissary will hold a contest to see which customer can redeem the most coupons in a single transaction during the month of April. To enter, write your name, address and phone number on the receipt and drop in the entry box located at the ID desk. The top three winners will be announced at the end of the month. 1st place - $150 in gift cards 2nd place - $100 in gift cards 3rd place - $50 in gift cards volUnteer Fit to FiGHter’S needed For mArAtHon Lt. Col. Jason Ausdemore and the March Company Grade Officer Council are forming a team to run the upcoming San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon,
June 2. The Knights of Heroes empowers children who have lost their fathers during military service by providing positive adult mentorship, character development and lasting friendships during their annual wilderness adventure camp in Colorado. Military and civilian personnel and their families are welcome to join. For more details visit www. knightsofheroes. org or contact Lt. Col. Ausdemore at 951-655-3703 or jason.ausdemore@us.af.mil.
dated information will be provided after the completion of the track. in memoriAm oF Master Sergeant Anthony Roland, a member of the 912th Air Refueling Squadron at March Air Reserve Base, passed away, April 5. If there are any persons with claims against his estate, please contact the March ARB legal office at 951-655-4479.
mArCH CommiSSAry HoldS CASe lot SAle There will be a case lot sale held at the March commissary from Thursday, May 2, to Saturday, May 4. This outdoor event will host industry partners with their best deals on bulk and case items. For more information, call 951-653-2206.
452d Fm oFFerS dtS lAB Financial Management will conduct DTS computer labs every Unit Training Assembly, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Building 466. The lab is for any member who has DTS issues or requires assistance with completing their voucher. For more information, contact John Florence at 951-655-5260 or email john.florence@us.af.mil.
HoUrS oF oPerAtion For tHe trACk Until further notice, the fitness staff has designated the following hours of operation for the track: Summer months: 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Winter months: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours of operations were determined due to safety concerns. The track has not been equipped with proper lighting yet, which can cause hazard conditions for runners before or after daylight. Up-
mArCH Field Air mUSeUm HoldS AnnUAl rUmmAGe SAle The March Field Air Museum Auxiliary is having its annual rummage sale, Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be an array of toys, clothes, household goods and many more item for sale. For more information, contact the museum at 951-902-5949 or visit www.marchfield.org. The event location is 22550 VanBuren, off of Freeway 215.