Andrews 041015

COMMENTARY Sexual assault prevention: Moving beyond awareness, Page 2

DCMILITARY.COM

Grow in any space

BY LESLIE C. SMITH STAFF WRITER

Now is the time to get your garden ready for planting during National Garden Month.

According to Esther Mitchell, Master Gardner Coordinator for Prince George’s County, now is the time to prep the soil, readying it for planting.

“You want to clean up the area that you have first. You may also want to amend the soil; this is a good time to do so. This might include putting down leaf grow, new soil – anything that will improve the soil.”

Mitchell suggested buying seed versus seedlings or plants.

“You can buy seeds almost anywhere. The main thing is to buy mostly the things that you will eat and enjoy.

Then, buy a few things that are new to you,

COMMUNITY NEWS

BASE NEWS

Native Washingtonian sponsors ‘Protecting the Young and Innocent: Preventing Child Sexual Abuse , Page 3

AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION OF COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS AT JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD.

CDC children ‘Purple Up’ for Month of the Military Child, Page 6

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 | VOL. 4 NO. 14

JBA 5K starts April SAAM events

BY LESLIE C. SMITH STAFF WRITER

see PLANTS, page 4 U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/ SENIOR AIRMAN NESHA HUMES

Attention 2nd Infantry Division Veterans Attention 2nd Infantry Division Veterans The Mid Atlantic Branch of the Second Indianhead Division Association will have its annual reunion in Lancaster, Pennsylvania on May 1 - 3 at the Continental Inn. All veterans of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division are invited - in particular those in the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New York, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. For more information, call Harry Roye at (804) 526-0828 or send an email to Hkroye@comcast.net.

Military Sorority looks to empower every woman

Senior Airman Alana Dadlez, 11th Comptrollers Squadron permanent change of station team lead, runs during the Run with Color 5K April 1 on Joint Base Andrews. The JBA Sexual Assault Prevention and Response program hosted the 5K to kick-off Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

er and Capt. Anthony Gilbert, Naval Air Facility 11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS Washington commanding officer, signed the ProclaJoint Base Andrews’ mation for SAAM 2015, Sexual Assault Preven- prior to the run. tion and Response proThis year’s theme, gram hosted Run with “Eliminate Sexual AsColor 5K to kick off the sault: Know Your Part, Do multiple events scheduled Your Part,” was emphafor Sexual Assault Aware- sized by the proclamation. ness Month, April 1.

“Ending sexual assault “It was our first year within the JBANAFW doing the color run and it community must include was a great turn out,” An- active public and private drea Verdino, JBA SAPR efforts in collaboration program manager said. with commanders and More than 200 joint- service members, includservice members partici- ing awareness about pated in the run, where sexual violence, how to members painted their intervene, how to prevent hands, face and clothing it, how to help survivors.” in teal colored powder.

The SAPR’s Program Col. Brad Hoagland, mission is to give military JBA/11th Wing command- members and dependents

BY SENIOR AIRMAN NESHA HUMES

over the age of 18, who are victims of sexual assault, options to seek help and/or maintain confidentiality in reporting.

SAPR received its start in January 2005. Since then, the DoD Care for Victims of Sexual Assault Task Force has instructed more than 1,200 SARCs, chaplains, lawyers, and law enforcement as first responders. In addition, the U.S. Armed Forces has trained more than one million service members and established sexual assault program offices at all major installations.

The SAAM 2015 campaign boasts several events throughout the month of April in the National Capital Region.

The JBA events are listed below: Take Back the Night, April 17, 7-9 p.m. : A candle light vigil and walk will be held at Liberty Park and end at the dorms.

Information booth at JBA Half Marathon, April 18, 7 a.m : Building 1413 parking lot, across from Outdoor Recreation National Denim Day, April 29: All Civilians are authorized to wear denim, to show support for SAAM For more information on Sexual Assault support or to receive help, visit: https://safehelpline. org/about-safe-helpline or call 1-877-995-5247.

Alpha Gamma Xi Sorority is a military sorority set out to service women in the community. The organization was founded by four veterans and one active duty member from different branches of service.

“We knew each other from a prior affiliation and we basically decided that there were certain things going on in the veteran community, in regards to women, that were not necessarily being focused on,” said Keione Grodon, National President of Alpha Gamma Xi. “The social aspect was there as far as social organizations and Greek letter organizations and interest groups, and things of that nature; but we didn’t really feel there was an organization that was encompassing several different entities.

“You had some focusing on homelessness, some focusing on unemployment, but there didn’t seem to be one organization you could go to try to basically empower the whole veteran woman. That was our vision; so we set out to found Alpha Gamma Xi,” said Gordon.

The organization has developed several projects that look to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing not only veterans but all women.

see WOMEN, page 7

Andrews Gazette

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Hot tickets around town April 10-11

The Freddy Cole Quartet Featuring Freddy Cole Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Road, Laurel With a career spanning over 50 years, Freddy Cole, brother of legendary Nat King Cole, has a distinct vocal personality that is darker, smokier, and jazzier. He debuted in 1952 with the single “The Joke’s on Me” and has since recorded and performed prolifically. Call 301-377-7800 or visit www.arts.pgparks.com

April 10-25 (weekends)

Flyin’ West The Bowie Playhouse, 16500 White Marsh Park Drive, Bowie Following the end of the Civil War, many former slaves, anxious to leave the South and the increasing disappointments and dangers of Reconstruction, took advantage of The Homestead Act and went West to build new lives for themselves and their families. Call 301-805-0219 or visit www.bctheatre. com

April 11

Crustacean Celebration at Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Stadium 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

11765 St. Linus Drive, Waldorf A free event to feature music and attractions, including inflatables in the Kid Zone and an autograph session with the team. The Crustacean Nation Softball Faceoff offers the first 16 fans to register with $35 donations will have the opportunity to team up with Blue Crab players for a softball game.

The St. Charles Running Festival returns with a 10-mile run and fun run for the kids. For more information, visit www.somdbluecrabs.com.

April 11-12

Commerford Zoo The Show Place Arena, 14900 Pennsylvania Ave., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772 There will be rides, games, and a unique chance to interact with exotic animals. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the event at the box office. ($) Call 301-952-7900 or visit www.commerfordzoo.com

April 16

Bowie Baysox Opening Night Prince George’s Stadium, 4101 Crain Highway, Bowie 6:35 p.m.

Season’s first home game. Call 301-805-6000 or visit www.baysox.com

COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS Andrews Gazette is published by Comprint Military Publications, 9030 Comprint Court, Gaithersburg, Md., a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force or any branch of the United States military.

The appearance of advertising in these publications, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or the products and services advertised.

Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, martial status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non merit factor of the purchases, user or patron.

Maxine Minar, president mminar@dcmilitary.com John Rives, publisher

jrives@dcmilitary.com

Deirdre Parry, page design dparry@gazette.net Leslie Smith, editor lsmith@dcmilitary.com Bobby Jones, photographer bjones@dcmilitary.com

Friday, April 10, 2015

Commentary

Sexual assault prevention: Moving beyond awareness into action in the Air Force.

So, what did we learn? Most importantly, we learned that sexual Every April since 2001, the na- assault can be prevented. Effection has focused its attention on tive sexual assault prevention sexual assault awareness and the strategies focus on preventing impact this crime has on those perpetration because that is the who have experienced it. This only guaranteed way to stop the year, the Department of Defense violence. Raising awareness about deliberately renamed the annual sexual assault is an important effort Sexual Assault Awareness first step towards prevention; but and PREVENTION Month. I want awareness alone will not create to take this opportunity to share the individual or societal changes with you how the Air Force is fo- needed to stop sexual assault. cusing on prevention of this crime Based on decades of prevention — stopping it before it takes place. science, we know that prevention This year, we kicked off the new of sexual assault involves addressyear with a weeklong prevention ing factors that put individuals at summit that brought together ex- risk for perpetrating sexual asperts in the sexual assault pre- sault. Some prevention approachvention field with Airmen from es teach skills to change attitudes across the force — active, Guard, or behaviors that are associated Reserve, civilian, officer and en- with assault. Other approaches listed. Our goals were to better equip bystanders with the skills understand sexual assault and to spot and intervene in high risk determine how to put prevention situations or to speak out against

BY GEN. LARRY SPENCER

AIR FORCE VICE CHIEF OF STAFF

language and practices that create a culture which tolerates or promotes sexual assault.

Strategies that simply raise awareness foster understanding of sexual assault without providing tools to take action. Tools for changing behaviors, relationships, and our culture are key to making every Airman a change agent and to creating a force free from assault.

The prevention summit culminated with Airmen’s recommendations to prevent sexual assault.

We are working hard to build programs across the Air Force based on these recommendations. In the meantime, I challenge every Airman to move beyond mere awareness and equip yourselves, your co-workers, your subordinates, and everyone in your sphere of influence, with the tools we all need to prevent sexual assault.

Retiree Corner Free Tours

tary retirees in the National Capital Area for more than 20 years.

Advance registration is required for Behind the Scenes Tours at Selection of Colonel Daugherty the National Museum of the U.S. was announced by Col. Bradley T. Air Force. The free tours take Hoagland, commander of the 11th place every Friday from 12:15-3 Wing, parent of both RAOs. Colop.m. Visitors are guided through nel Daugherty joined the volunteer the museum’s restoration hangar staff of the JBAB retiree office in at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. 2011. His willingness to take on Included is work on the famous special needs for the office has World War II bomber, B-17F Mem- been noteworthy, Colonel Hoagland phis Belle. To register, call 937- noted. On numerous occasions he served as interim director. Colo656-9436 or submit online at www. nel Daugherty retired from active nationalmuseum.af.mil/visit/tours. duty in 1988 with 26 years’ service, asp. Admission and parking are primarily in budget and financial free. The world’s largest military management positions at Air Force aviation museum features more and major command levels. His fithan 360 aerospace vehicles and nal assignment was Comptroller of missiles and thousands of artifacts Air Force Communications Comamid more than 17 acres of indoor mand. exhibit space.

New RAO Director

More VA Appointments

The Department of Veterans AfCol. James R. Daugherty has fairs (VA) has changed the calculabeen named director of Retiree tion used to determine the distance Activities Offices at Joint Base An- between a veteran’s residence drews and Joint Base Anacostia- and the nearest VA medical facilBolling. He succeeds the late Col. ity. Instead of using straight line John O. Moser, who served mili- distance, driving distance is used.

The change is expected to double the number of eligible veterans for its Veterans Choice Program. It is a temporary benefit that allows eligible veterans to receive health care in their communities rather than waiting for an appointment at a VA facility. Veterans seeking to use the program should call 1-866606-8198 to confirm eligibility and to schedule an appointment. Since the Choice Program went into effect last November, more than 45,000 medical appointments have been scheduled. VA continues to expand access to health care through increased staffing and enhanced collaboration with the Indian Health Service and Native Hawaiian Health Care Systems.

The Retiree Activities Office is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Visit the office in Building 1604 at California and Colorado Avenues or call 301-9812726. Call before your visit to ensure a volunteer is on duty. The RAO has a website at www.andrews.af.mil.

No Heat/No Cool - HVAC Changeover The 11th Civil Engineer Squadron will initiate an installationwide “No Heat/No Cool” period to assist us in switching heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units from heating to cooling modes. The start date for this period will be Apr 15, 2015 with an anticipated completion date of May 16, 2015. During this “No Heat/No Cool” period, HVAC technicians will complete all equip-

ment servicing and startup preparations; additionally, based on last year’s data, Team Andrews will be able to conserve an estimated 900,000 KWH in electrical usage resulting in a savings of $72,000 and 2,000 Dekatherm in natural gas usage resulting in a savings of $12,000 for a combined electric and natural gas total savings of $84,000 which could potentially be re-invested into base opera-

tions. During the downtime, only Mission Critical Facilities, Child Development Centers, Critical Server Rooms and Base Housing will be exempt. Patience and understanding from base residents while this is being accomplished will be greatly appreciated.

If you have any questions, please contact 11 CES Customer Service at 301-981-5151

Friday, April 10, 2015

Andrews Gazette

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Native Washingtonian sponsors ‘Protecting the Young and Innocent: Preventing Child Sexual Abuse

A young student displays one of a few posters with “Know the Facts and Break the Cycle” information, which presented statistics about child sex abuse to educate audience members.

cate audience members.

Approximately 100 local participants attending The township of Blad- the day-long event learned ensburg has an advocate how to prevent a nd deagainst child abuse who tect child abuse during wants to educate chil- Child Abuse Prevention dren on how to protect Month and Sexual Assault themselves against sexual Awareness Month. predators.

A victim of sexual On April 4, Dr. Clifford abuse himself, Thomas Thomas, CEO, We Lead By wants to equip children Example Inc. – Tae Kwon with ‘street-smart’ self deDo Ramblers Self-Defense fense techniques and tips Systems, co-hosted, a “Pro- on spotting uncomfortable tecting the Young and In- situations before they nocent: Preventing Child arise.

Sexual Abuse Workshop” “Children need to know in partnership with Shar- when to be street smart ron Dansby, Maximizing when someone is tryGod’s Woman Inc.; and the ing to snatch or sexually People for Change Coali- abuse them. They need to tion’s Public Safety Com- learn how to get away or mittee at the Bladensburg be aware of what’s hapCommunity Center. pening before it happens,” The free event was to said Thomas. educate children on how “I was sexually abused. to protect themselves It was very rough on me against sexual predators and I know what a lot of by the use of street smart people are going through, observations, self-defense but it didn’t make me bittechniques, and code ter. I just wanted to bewords to increase their come a person who could chances of survival. make a difference and Maximizing God’s that’s what I’m doing,” Woman Inc., a non-profit said Thomas.

501(c)(3) organization “I always tell my that helps women survi- younger students they vors of child sexual abuse, have two seconds to act. kicked off the program The first is when the mowith “Know the Facts and ment that man or woman Break the Cycle” informa- grabs you and the second tion, which featured post- is when they are put into a ers made by children that car,” said Thomas. “So we presented statistics about teach them to have family child sexual abuse to edu- safety code words between

BY BOBBY JONES

PHOTOS/BOBBY JONES

STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

Aidon Jackson, 3, escapes a would-be sexual child abuser during an interaction demonstration.

Dr. Clifford Thomas honors the flag as Nathaniel Potts, 15, sings the National Anthem for the opening ceremonies.

Thomas is President and CEO Tae Kwon Do Ramblers Self-Defense Systems in Bladensburg.

Dr. Clifford Thomas, center, takes a group photo surrounded by local politicians, law enforcement and nonprofit agency members April 4.

them and their parents.

So if someone shows up at the school and says your mother or father told me to pick you up, you simply ask them what’s the code word? If they don’t know the code you go back inside the school and tell someone to call 911 because someone’s trying the abduct you.”

“I’ve been in this community for more than 20 years and they welcomed me with open arms. We teach students from age 3 and up.”

Thomas noted that he has worked with public schools for several years.

“I and Senator Joanne Benson, District 24, and her coalition are taking

my Bully Prevention program into five different elementary schools. That’s a great honor for me.

And Bladensburg Mayor Walter James has been a great supporter, plus he’s one of my students. The Bully Prevention program has been a successful program.

Thomas started his first school in 1970 with the forethought of developing awareness programs for bully prevention and child sexual abuse awareness, domestic violence and senior programs.

“Martial Arts is not just punching and kicking, you got to have some street smarts,” said the 10th degree black belt.

During the presentations, Thomas used his students to illustrate the dangers children encounter on a daily basis such as child abduction, overfriendly neighbors and relatives who might be sexual predators.

Thomas also has had hats of authority in respected roles, ranging from law enforcement, fire fighting, sports and religious community roles. He let the parents and children know just because their occupations may be well-respected in the community the individuals wearing those uniforms could still be sexual abusers.

Dr. Thomas began tak-

ing martial arts in 1964 as one the first students studying under renowned ‘Father of Tae Kwon Do,’ Jhoon Rhee. He has studied and mastered several styles of martial arts, including tae kwon do, hapkido; combat fighting, tang soo do, judo, and aikido.

During the afternoon, Maximizing God’s Woman Inc. facilitated “Enough is Enough: No excuse for Child Abuse” a session for adults, which provided information, generated discussion, and featured representatives from the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault, law enforcement representatives, and a video and slide presentation.

Among the invited guests were Bladensburg Mayor Walter James; Council Members Walter Ficklin, Beverly Hall, and Jimmy Tarlau, representing District 47; Major Victoria Brock, Prince George’s County Police; Bladensburg Police representatives; and activists who came out to support the workshop.

Andrews Gazette

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Friday, April 10, 2015

Community Annapolis Acupuncture offers free treatments to veterans three separate spaces; and we provide individualized treatment for each Mina Johns, a regis- person based on their tered nurse and licensed needs and their health acupuncturist was raised care goals,” said Johns. up in a military family as She noted for confia child. And now, Johns dentiality purposes they looks to give back to that meet privately with each community, currently of- member to fill out a fering acupuncture ser- health questionnaire and vices free to active duty registration form. and retired veterans ev“We need to discuss ery Thursday, from 3 to what issues there are 7 pm. and what they want to “My husband, brother, address and do a brief asdad, sister-in-law and sessment. They go out to several other members one of the recliners and of my family were vet- roll their pants legs up to erans, and I appreciate their knees and sleeves what service members up to their elbows, and do to keep me safe and we treat on the arms and I want to offer this to legs, but sometimes the them,” said Johns, owner head, neck, face or ears. of Community Annapo- That way people don’t lis Acupuncture, which have to get undressed has provided the service and they can be treated to the local community in a group setting,” said since 2010.

Johns.

Johns noted it was the According to Johns, clinic’s fifth year provid- they use a technique ing this service. Johns is called the ‘balanced a 2009 Maryland Uni- method,’ that recomversity of Integrative mends not to put needles Health graduate and an in the painful areas. “If RN since 1975. you see someone with “In our home clinic, needles in their left we have 10 recliners in wrist, that doesn’t mean

BY BOBBY JONES

STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

CARPENTER APPRENTICESHIP

Applications for Carpenter, Millwright, and Pile Driver apprenticeships will be accepted by Mid-Atlantic Carpenters’ Training Centers on the following dates: April 20 - May 15, 2015. Applications will be accepted from 8am-1pm only.

The test date is Thursday, May 21, 2015.

A non-refundable $20 administrative processing fee is required. Money orders only. Anyone interested should call 301-736-1696 for further details.

EOE 1042255B

1050901

Joan E Simms, a medically retired Air Force officer. “I’m grateful that Mina has offered these services to me and so many other vets.”

A former Navy Seal going by the name Michael, noted, “I feel good about the treatments I‘ve received here over the past four years. I prefer the acupuncture to the negative effects of narcotics and I think it’s a great benefit and I appreciate them extending this service to us,” said the Anne Arundel County resident.

Ken Brown, Vietnam veteran and former Army medic travels more than 80 miles a week from Hanover, Pa., for the treatment.

“I’ve searched quite a bit for a facility that PHOTO/BOBBY JONES Ana Paula Duarte, Community Annapolis acupunctur- could provide a quality ist, place acupuncture needles into the hands of Joan service for a good price.

This clinic has helped rid E Simms, an Air Force officer veteran. me of insomnia, a shoulder injury and drained they have pain in the left tired Brazilian Air Force excessive fluid from wrist. You would never officer. my swollen legs,” said A variety of veterans, know what they getting Brown. treated for,” said Johns, whose former military “I was skeptic at first, a five-year veteran acu- occupations range from but the staff here is reArmy medic to Navy puncturist. ally good and the price Ana Paula Duarte, Seal, laud the benefits is right. Because of the Community Annapolis of the Eastern medicine free service they providacupuncturist, noted, procedure and are thank- ed to me, for the last five “I love working with ful to Johns for providing months I’ve been able to the veterans, especially the free service. come off a diuretic medi“Annapolis Commu- cine prescribed by the the ones that come every week. They’re hard nity Acupuncture has VA,” said Brown. core and they come here, been very helpful for me.

“A lot of veterans are whether it’s rain or It has also kept me from finding relief from their shine, so we just get to having to do constant symptoms, whether it be know them so well,” said battle with the VA to get PTSD issues, pain, trouDuarte, daughter of a re- payments for care, said ble sleeping, digestive

problems, and all types of problems,” Johns said.

“They should try us if they’re suffering.”

“Many people are having a lot of pain that is not well treated or managed and they should see if it helps them,” said Johns.

Johns recommended that veterans or anyone interested in being treated at the facility should schedule their appointment each time, so they can guarantee you receive treatment.

“We can treat up to 36 people in that fourhour period. That’s not to say that we can solve every problem, but 75 to 80 percent of people see results with the treatments.”

All military members will need to show their military ID card, DD-214 form or VA card or anything that shows they’re a veteran to receive the free treatment. “We also welcome National Guard and reservists,” Johns said.

Walk-ins are welcome; however, people with appointments are always seen first. To schedule an appointment online, visit www.AnnapolisCommun i t y A c u p u n c t u r e. c o m .

For more information, email: info@annapoliscommunityacupuncture. com. You can also text or call: 443-951-1575.

to have lots of land to garden. If you have a few feet of ground or a terrace, for that matter, you can have a garden of your own to tend to and care.

“A raised bed can give you more yield than planting directly in the ground because you are packing more in a small space and you’re not wasting space.

“A raised bed can be 3 feet by 3 feet for small apartments and townhouses where you don’t have a lot of space. You can do a lot planting and double plant – where after one crop is finished you can plant another.

“I think a lot of people waste a lot of space planting without taking advantage of using all of the area,” Mitchell noted.

You don’t need special

Gardening is a good activity in which to get the kids involved, Mitchell suggested.

“Kids tend to eat the vegetables they grow; so if you have kids that don’t like eating vegetables that would be a good time to have them plant some. They will eat what they grow – they want to sample it, to see what it tastes like. It’s a great way to keep them busy and to get them involved in gardening. They can water, weed and they will take care of the plants they plant.

“It’s a good way to teach patience as they wait for the plant to grow and produce food. It also gives them something to be proud of – that they did it themselves,” Mitchell said.

PLANTS, from page 1 that you have never tried so that you can at least try them. Seeds are the least expensive away to experiment versus buying plants. I would recommend buying seed if you want to try new vegetables; and, if you like it, you have a whole crop.

Otherwise, you can donate it to the food banks – a good way to give back,” Mitchell suggested.

For the beginner, Mitchell suggested one of the easiest vegetables to start with is radishes because the growing time is that of 30 to 40 days.

“To me it’s instant gratification – almost instant; you can’t go wrong planting radishes.”

Don’t think you have

structures or containers to get growing; you can start with almost anything. Using a little imagination and a little recycling can go a long way to a great garden.

“Anything can be a container as long as it has a hole in the bottom so the water can drain out. You can use an old boot, an old shoe; you can use five gallon buckets like paint buckets. You can use reusable grocery bags; you can plant almost anything in those types of bags.

You just have to make sure it has holes in it so water can drain out; and that you don’t put it flat on the ground. It should be slightly raised off the ground so when the water drains out it drains away from the container.

Andrews Gazette

Friday, April 10, 2015

5

“Capital Guardians” protecting the nation’s skies A day in the life of the 24 hour alert team

BY MASTER SGT. BECKY VANSHUR

124TH FIGHTER WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

NOTE: This article is the second of a two-part series on the D.C. Air National Guard’s Aerospace Control Alert mission.

The D.C. Air National Guard’s Aerospace Control Alert Detachment recently reached a milestone, beyond comparison of other alert teams with 5,000 alert calls, a historic record as the highest in the nation.

AIR NATIONAL GUARD PHOTO/MASTER SGT. BECKY VANSHUR

5:45 a.m.

The sun is not out yet.

A new shift arrives at the firehouse-like facility to switch out with an exhausted but still attentive team. Maj. Wyck Furcron, a pilot of the 121st Fighter Squadron, 113th Wing, arrives with his flight equipment and an overnight bag that he places in one of the many bedrooms.

“The entire building is designed to keep us in a home-like environment so you can be as relaxed as you need to be,” Furcron said. “When that horn goes go off in the middle of the night, at least you have had a good meal, a little bit of rest and you can focus on the job that you need to do.”

The major sets his flight equipment, harness, and helmet near an F-16 parked inside the hangar bay. He performs an equipment check and joins the maintainers as they inspect the aircraft.

After the power-on and quick alignment checks and other items on his checklist, the aircraft is ready to be airborne at a moment’s notice.

12 p.m.

The morning checks

Pilot Maj. Wyck Furcron, with the 121st Fighter Squadron, preforms an operational check of the F-16 Fighter Falcon braking system on March 14. The 113th Wing’s Aerospace Control Alert Detachment reached a milestone of responding to 5,000 alert events on March 21. The alert unit was created in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States on Sept. 11, 2001.

are complete and the team has settled in for the long 24-hour shift ahead.

The airmen can hear the sound of asparagus being sliced from one of the two kitchens and the daily news from a nearby television hanging above the couches in the day room.

An airman sits in front of his computer, focusing on one of the many training courses required of the ACA team.

Another airman prints a checklist for the afternoon inspections. He joins two others in the bay and walks around each aircraft to check for leaks, foreign objects or debris.

Master Sgt. Curtis Hills, maintenance alert team supervisor, signs inspections checklist forms to release aircraft for flight.

Meanwhile, maintainer Tech. Sgt. David Cochran checks the hazardous chemical locker for any expired chemicals.

There is laughter down

the hall. Cochran hears sounds from the gym near the second kitchen, the swoosh of a treadmill belt against the repetitious clanking of a lateral pulldown machine. The 24-hour alert team cannot leave the building during their shift; an outside run on a sunny day is not an option for these airmen.

Suddenly the red alarm illuminates the room with a bright red glow and a loud horn comes to life.

“Scramble! Scramble!

Scramble!” The loud horn sounds. “I say again, scramble!”

In mere moments, running airmen fill the hallway, maintainers and pilots alike. They meet at the aircraft bay in the blink of an eye, regardless of what they were involved in just seconds prior to the alert.

“We respond to any threat that approaches the Washington area or

1050926

Serving The Community for 35 years!

within a certain distance to the assets we protect,” said Col. W. Mark Valentine, 113th Operations Group commander. “Examples range from a civilian pilot who is lost and unaware he has inappropriately entered protected airspace, all the way up to an armed attack on the United States.”

Valentine settles into the cockpit of his aircraft, eyes focused on the red alert light. Furcron sits in the second aircraft nearby. Moments later, Valentine sees the ACA building fade away behind him.

He is now airborne and on his way to fly adjacent with a civilian aircraft whose pilot has passed out inside of his cockpit.

Valentine will escort this aircraft for several hours, trying every strategy he can to wake up the pilot and prevent a possible catastrophe.

performance if there is an alert during the night.

While some bedroom doors may close, indicating lights out by 9 p.m., on any given day other maintainers may be up until midnight due to an ongoing mission. If an aircraft is unfit to fly, the maintainers immediately work on repair. In this critical mission, maintenance issues cannot wait until the next day for resolution.

“Maintenance is the lifeblood of the ACA operation,” Valentine said.

“Our maintainers do a fantastic job at keeping these airplanes up to speed so that we (pilots) are safe and there are no safety hazards... but there is always a risk to flying.

I try never to walk out the door without kissing and hugging my wife and my kids because you just never know.”

5:30 p.m.

After midnight

The team returns, mentally exhausted from the real-world alarm red scramble. The 15-man crew regenerates the aircraft to be ready for additional alerts. Airmen prepare and cook dinner in both of the kitchens.

Crew rest is extremely important to this mission. An early bedtime can make a difference in

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There is not a sound in the self-sustaining facility, only silence.

It is well past midnight when the bright yellow alarm shines onto sleeping faces. The eyes of every airman in the building open, the horn sounds and they are once again on the run. The fighter jets taxi and wait at the end of the runway. Given

the possible real-world scenarios of yellow alerts, they are prepared to launch for any response.

The white “all-clear” alarm announces and the aircraft taxi back to the bay. This particular situation was handled without turning into a red alarm event - this time.

“At the end of the day, one word that would describe this mission is pride,” Valentine said.

“It’s an exhilarating feeling every time I run out to that aircraft to do this mission and to be airborne within minutes.

There is some fear and some danger in flying these airplanes... but there is a lot of pride.”

The next day

It is sunrise 24 hours later. Lt. Col. John Vargas, the commander of the ACA Detachment, greets Valentine and Furcron as they prepare to leave the unit and return to their families.

“It is humbling every day,” Vargas said. “I can’t tell you what a unique area of operation this is because there are just so many elements that join together successfully.

That is what makes this team so capable of defending the National Capital Region with great pride.”

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Friday, April 10, 2015

CDC children ‘Purple Up’ for Month of the Military Child

to this ever-changing lifestyle.

“Our children go through 11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS a lot, but they are resilient,” said Matrice Adger, 11th Force The Child Development Support Squadron assistant Center’s (CDC) staff and chil- director of youth programs. dren kicked-off Month of the “They are asked at a moment’s Military Child with a “Purple notice to relocate, go to new Parade, April 1-3. schools and find new friends, During the parade the chilwhich can be challenging.” dren marched around the CDC To highlight the sacrifice holding signs and sporting and support of military chilpurple to show their pride in dren, Joint Base Andrews being military children.

Child Development Centers, The MoMC, established Youth Center, and the Miliin 1986 by former Secretary tary Family Support Center of Defense Casper Wienberg, are hosting a variety of events aims to honor the sacrifice nearly every day this month. and service of more than 1.9 A few events to note include; million U.S. military children the CDC’s Lunch on the Lawn, around the world.

According to the Depart- JBA Youth Program’s creative ment of Defense, “Military essay contest and parent educhildren make up a special cation classes at the M&FSC. On April 15, Military Kids part of our nation’s population. Although young, these Day, parents are encouraged to brave sons and daughters “Purple Up” by wearing purple stand in steadfast support of to help support military chiltheir military parents through dren.

“These children are unique moves and deployments.” in the sense that they have Deployments, Temporary Duty, training missions and to handle the deployment of Permanent Change of Station their mother or father being U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/STAFF SGT. NICHELLE ANDERSON moves are all common aspects gone for months at a time and of military life and the service for that we want them to know Staff Sgt. Nicole Green, Air Force District of Washington protocol specialist and her daughter pose member is not the only one we appreciate their sacrifice,” for a photo after participating in the “Purple Parade” at Child Development Center II April 2 at Joint Base Andrews. The parade symbolized the start of Month of the Military Child. who has to embrace and adapt Adger said.

BY STAFF SGT. NICHELLE ANDERSON

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WOMEN, from page 1 The organization has developed several different initiatives aimed at supporting and empowering women in different areas.

“Our SHERO [Sorors Helping Excel and Restore Others] program allows us to focus on our mission but also help the mission of other veteran organizations. You have organizations that focus on different things but their mission wouldn’t be complete without volunteers.

“We have partners and we are always seeking other organizations that we can go be bodies, or partner with to do different things and be resources,” Gordon added.

The HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Enhance) program is geared toward helping young ladies in the community. Currently the focus is on the ages of 13 to 18 but the organization is looking to expand to reach even younger groups.

With opportunities for young people to have volunteer service hours, they are also presented with mentoring. “We mentor them where they are at – whether they just need volunteer hours and going to college, or if they have behavioral problems and might be trying to find themselves – we mentor

PHOTO/ALPHA GAMMA XI

Alpha Gamma Xi members Yang and Thomas participating in the Quilt of Valor National Sew-in Day.

them in that aspect as well. We have several different women in our organization from different walks of life; we utilize each other in order to mentor these young ladies,” said Gordon.

“Supporting Women and Nurturing Survivors (SWANS) has probably been one of our more successful initiatives. We just launched it back in October.

“What we are offering is a safe haven. We hold monthly teleconferences in which we have guest speakers. The con-

ferences are opportunities for the attendees to hear stories from women who have experienced different kinds of abuse – sexual assault, domestic violence, emotional, financial abuse.

“We allow them to share their stories; we allow them to tell their stories to others.

They can keep anonymity if they want.

“It’s a safe place they are loved and they are in the arms of other women who have experienced the same thing they’ve experienced,” said Gordon.

Since the inception of SWAN, the organization has been working to expand the program adding rallies, seminars and a helpline. They are in the planning stages of adding an emergency help arm to include a shelter pack and assistance for those who may have had to leave abruptly and not had time to retrieve belongings, Gordon noted.

Although still in its burgeoning stages, the organization has chapters in South Carolina and Georgia and will have chapters in 12 of the 50

states. It has members all over the U.S., as well as, in the countries of Japan and Belgium.

The organization is open to any active duty service member who is serving honorably, any veteran that has served honorably, and any retired member who has served honorably, including in the Coast Guard. “We are open to JROTC cadets because they will serve and we allow membership to widows that have received DD214 veteran status as well.”

The organization is in the planning stages of an auxiliary group for spouses.

“We feel they have something very valuable to offer for things we would like to focus on,” Gordon noted.

“Our organization founded on five principles – service, sisterhood, scholarship, stewardship, and solidarity. I think those five things sum up our organization and what our members are all about.

“We believe it is our duty to serve others in addition to our country. We feel we have a responsibility to our communities as far as sisterhood – not just in our organization – but in the way we interact with women as a whole. “ We are passionate about the empowerment of women. The empowerment of the whole woman – military as well as civilian,” Gordon said.

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459 ARW Airmen should tighten social media security

If one doesn’t implement some simple security measures, then all it will Security and privacy take is someone to search issues tethered to social the account holder’s page media have made their for information. way to the top of the The Air Force encournews headlines. Most re- ages all Airmen to encently the Islamic State sure privacy settings on of Iraq and al-Sham online and social me(ISIS) released online a dia forums are adjusted hit list targeting 100 ser- to limit the amount of vicemembers, 57 of which available personal inforare Airmen. The list was mation. And as it relates detailed with names, ad- to personal social media dresses and photos. accounts, Airmen are How ISIS acquired encouraged to remove the information is unpersonal details such as der investigation, at this physical addresses, email time. But, when social addresses and phone media users don’t employ strong security mea- numbers.

Furthermore, the Desures online, personal infense Media Activity’s formation can be easily acquired. The 459th Air Guide to Keeping Your Refueling Wing opera- Social Media Accounts tions security program Secure suggests a few manager said “a lot of ways to help protect your people have a misconcep- social media presence. tion that ‘I’m going to let Some are listed below: • Pick a strong, my friend see my things unique password with at on social media. But they forget about their least 6 characters of letfriends’ friends, (and so ters, numbers and punctuation on).”

• Think before you So one’s account doesn’t have to get click - don’t click on sushacked for another to ac- picious links, even from quire one’s information. a friend or company you

BY MAJ. TIM SMITH

459TH AIR REFUELING WING

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know • Watch out for fake pages, apps, games, and of course, online offers that are too good to be true • Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know - scammers can create fake accounts • Never give anyone your login info (username and password) • Update your browsers — some browsers have protections, and can warn you about fake sites • Run anti-virus software to protect you from viruses and malware that scan your computer • Don’t use the same password on more than one site The threats are real.

And they are there every single minute of the day.

Someone may attempt to acquire an Airman’s available personal information via surfing one’s unprotected social media account or maybe even through hacking. If this does happen to you, you could be targeted for exploitation or crime. That

is why securing your social media presence is so important.

But, what do you do if you discover you’re being targeted?

The 459th Air Refueling Wing operations security program manager said if faced with any type of online threat, “you’re best bet is to call security forces first. And if you can’t get them, go through your chain of command.”

Thus, it is important you know how to contact your local security forces.

And there are also other entities that can assist with social media and other cyber threats like the local anti-terrorism officer, the OPSEC program manager, and the local Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

And of course, you should always know your command post’s phone number.

At the end of the day, you can be your best protection, by taking steps to secure and limit your information in the social media landscape.

Friday, April 10, 2015

Nighthawk marches on in Southwest Asia

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO

Nighthawk musical director Tech. Sgt. Kevin Cerovich and male vocalist Tech. Sgt. Daniel Anderson entertain fellow service members with an energetic show.

BY TECHNICAL SGT. KEVIN CEROVICH U.S. AIR FORCE BAND

The U.S. Air Force B a n d ’s d e p l o y m e n t group known as Nighthawk is continuing their mission in Southwest Asia in numerous forward-deployed locations. In spite of several

setbacks, Nighthawk’s latest mission was a success. The number of people to hear the group play in the last month was well over one million.

The success is due in part to the resilience of Nighthawk’s mem-

see BAND, page 9

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Friday, April 10, 2015

BAND, from page 8 bers and leadership. While the group is well-versed in personnel changes, the injury and unexpected departure of guitar player Tech. Sgt. Geoff Reecer was a challenge; Reecer was also the band’s musical director.

“We could have never done what we have without his leadership those first few months. He was absolutely essential to what Nighthawk is,” said Tech. Sgt. Daniel Anderson, the group’s male vocal-

ist. Nighthawk’s trombonist, Tech. Sgt. Kevin Cerovich, also plays the guitar and immediately filled in for Reecer.

Cerovich is also now the musical director of the group.

More changes awaited the members of Nighthawk upon return to Al Udeid Air Base.

Previous director of operations, Master Sgt. Jacob McCray, was preparing to return to Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling after managing the band for nearly six months. Fortunately, McCray’s replacement, Senior Master Sgt. Jeremy

Remley, was already operating at full capacity by the time he met Nighthawk on the flight line March 25.

Remley says he has a clear vision for the band.

“What we would like to see for the future is continuing to reach out to the troops, but also starting to build up relations in the local area. We are trying to get the band out to perform for children in some of the international schools to further solidify our partnerships here,” he explained.

Nighthawk’s latest travels

9

reached an unprecedented number of people in Southwest Asia. Nighthawk videos were posted to multiple Army Public Affairs Facebook sites with views exceeding 25,000.

According to at least one band member, many of those likely due to a particularly zealous U.S. Army command sergeant major dancing to “Uptown Funk” (Bruno Mars) as Nighthawk performed in a forwarddeployed dining facility.

Another highlight of the trip so far was a performance on Radio Bayan, heard by

more than one million people.

The station took questions from callers, who asked questions about the group. During the appearance, Tech. Sgt. Julia Brundage wowed listeners and her Nighthawk band mates by singing a Pashtun folk song live on the air.

As Nighthawk’s mission continues, with several more trips and performances planned, the group will continue to reach U.S. and coalition partners, giving the group the opportunity to build bridges and touch lives through its music.

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Friday, April 10, 2015

Andrews Airmen prepare for AMC Rodeo air refueling, security forces, aerial port, flight attendants, 11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS maintenance and aeromedical evacuation.

Members of the 11th Secu“We’re sending a team of six rity Forces Squadron will send or seven people who will be sea team to the Air Mobility Command Rodeo, slated for Aug. 9-13 lected through try-outs to comat McChord Field, Joint Base pete in a security forces tactics challenge,” said Maj. Shannon Lewis-McChord, Washington.

The rodeo is a biennial com- Oneal, 11th SSPTS commander. petition featuring the best “The team will be chosen from aerial teams in the world. those who best perform in a Challenges include airdrop, fitness test and sharpshooter

BY SENIOR AIRMAN JOSHUA R. M. DEWBERRY

challenge we’re holding in May for our defenders.”

The rodeo, whose name stems from the 1956 Reserve Troop Carrier Rodeo at the now closed Bakalar Air Force Base, Indiana, showcases U.S. and international teams’ readiness while focusing on improving worldwide air mobility forces’ professional core capabilities.

“It is considered a valuable joint and combined training for

all participants, while providing a competitive environment as teams set out on their quest for excellence,” said Master Sgt. Sylvester Lawrence, 11th Security Forces Support Squadron NCO in-charge of education and training.

Team Andrews Airmen will be challenged to prove their abilities against the best teams around the world. Previous competitions hosted more than

50 international teams, including the Republic of Korea, Germany, Israel and Belgium.

The Rodeo also showcases a Fit-2-Fight fitness competition and Aerial Port Challenge Course, consisting of a fourmile run in battle dress, litter carry, M-16 weapon assembly, gas mask donning and run, dunnage carry, 100-yard truck push, 20-question Airman’s Manual test and a memory test.

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Andrews Gazette

Friday, April 10, 2015

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Andrews Gazette

Friday, April 10, 2015

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