Andrews 042415

SPORTS Guardsmen bears big weight, Page 3

DCMILITARY.COM

AIR FORCE NEWS

BASE NEWS

TMO changes office hours for PCS season, Page 3

Air Force Surgeon General visits 79 MDW, Page 5

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

Students meet local Newberry Medal winner

BY BOBBY JONES

STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

At the towering height of 6-foot-5 inches, Virginia-born Kwame Alexander’s imposing frame seemed minuscule to the large group of elementary students he greeted in six different languages at the Hyattsville Branch Library April 16 during National Library Week.

Alexander, an accomplished writer with 18 books to his credit, was invited to share his newest edition to children’s literature entitled, The Crossover, published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

The book garnered him the coveted Newberry Medal, considered the highest award for children’s literature – named for John Newberry, an eighteenth-century British bookseller. He was chosen by a 15-member committee.

see KWAME, page 6

PHOTOS BY BOBBY JONES

FRIDAY, APRIL 24 2015 | VOL. 4 NO. 16

AF starts testing phase for women in combat roles

BY SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE PUBLIC AFFAIRS

COMMAND INFORMATION

This month, the Air Force will begin conducting the physical evaluations required to explore opening the last six career fields currently closed to women.

When the law prohibiting women in ground combat roles was rescinded, 99 percent of the positions within the Air Force were already inclusive of women. The current study is working to open the last 1 percent, which amounts to a little more than 4,300 special operations positions.

“Ultimately, the initiative to eliminate any remaining gender-based assignment restrictions will improve our readiness and the Air Force’s

ability to recruit and retain the most effective and qualified force,” said Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James.

The Air Force has conducted focus groups, assessments, and operational observations as part of the review and implementation plan directed by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel in June 2013. The thorough review required to meet the directive by Hagel, allowed the Air Force to review standards for all Airmen in the career fields previously restricted to women.

“The Air Force is using a scientific approach to directly tie and validate standards to mission requirements,” said Brig. Gen. Brian

see WOMEN, page 4

DRILL TEAM SHOWCASES NEW ROUTINE

Award-winning children’s poet, Kwame Alexander, mesmerizes a group of young students during one of his animated story telling sessions.

Albert Garih is honored speaker for Holocaust Remembrance Day

BY SENIOR AIRMAN MARIAH HADDENHAM

11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Albert Garih, a holocaust survivor, spoke in honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day, at the Chapel 1 Annex on Joint Base Andrews, April 13.

Approximately 50 people were in attendance and as Garih focused on his account of the German occupation of Paris and the liberation that followed.

“My parents, Benjamin and Claire, both moved to France in 1923, that’s where they met,” said Garih. “They were both natives of Constantinople, now Istanbul. They both spoke French so it seemed the natural place to go, and that’s where my twin brother and I were later born.” We both got sick as infants, and infant mortality rates were much higher then, than they are now, and

I was the one who survived, said Garih.

Garih’s father worked two jobs to provide for their family, and in September 1943 his father was deported to a forced labor camp.

The family was then invited to stay with a Madame Galop and her husband after Claire had expressed her fear of being taken away with her children.

“My mother met Ma-

dame Galop at the market,” said Garih. “My mother, sisters and I hid with her for six months until her neighbor threatened to alert German authorities.”

Garih and his sisters were then placed in Catholic boarding schools in Montfermeil, with no means of communication with their mother. Garih says he

see GARIH, page 4

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/AIRMAN 1ST CLASS RYAN J. SONNIER

The United States Air Force Honor Guard tosses their rifles through the air during the Joint Service Drill Exhibition Aprill 11 in Washington, D.C. The Old Guard, Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and Naval Academyís drill team also performed during the event.

Andrews Gazette

2

Hot Tickets around town April 24-May 17

‘Little Shop of Horrors’ Laurel Mill Playhouse, 508 Main St., Laurel Little Shop of Horrors is a comedy horror rock musical, by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman, about a hapless florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human blood and flesh. The music features the style of early 1960s rock and roll, doo-wop and early Motown. Performances are weekends through May 17. ($) Call 301617-9906, www.laurelmillplayhouse.org

April 25

Montpelier Festival of Herbs, Tea and the Arts 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Montpelier Mansion, 9650 Muirkirk Road, Laurel Hear live music, stroll among vendors of fine arts, handmade items and more, and see a variety of art exhibits. Festival is free; tea is $13/person.

Call 301-377-7817 or visit www.history.pgparks.com

April 25

Shearing and Fiber Day 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Old Maryland Farm, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro Join the workers at the Old Maryland Farm for their annual shearing of the sheep and llama. Free.

Call 301-218-6770, or visit www.pgparks.com

April 25

Nature Fair 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Clearwater Nature Center, 11000 Thrift Road, Clinton Explore wildlife and nature at the open-house style annual event. Enjoy games, crafts a magic show and much more. Free. Call 301-297-4575 or visit www.pgparks.com

Attention 2nd Infantry Division Veterans The Mid Atlantic Branch of the Second Indian Head Division Association will host its annual reunion in Lancaster, Pennsylvania from 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 Washington, D.C. For more information, call Harry Roye at 804-526-0828 or send an email to Hkroye@comcast.net.

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

Tiffany Arnold, page design tarnold@gazette.net Leslie Smith, editor lsmith@dcmilitary.com Bobby Jones, photographer bjones@dcmilitary.com

Friday, April 24, 2015

Commentary

Learning from the Holocaust: Choosing to act’ crimes of the Holocaust - in the countryside and city squares, in stores 8TH FIGHTER WING and schools, in homes and workplaces. Across This year, April 12-19 Europe, the Nazis found marked the observance of countless helpers who the Holocaust Days of Re- willingly collaborated or membrance, with the offi- were complicit in their cial Day of Remembrance crimes, while far fewer taking place April 16. questioned their actions.

The Days of RememThe victims had no brance were established choice in their fates. Their by the U.S. Congress in supporters and rescuers, 1980 to memorialize the by contrast, were able to 6 million Jews, as well make choices. They chose as millions of non-Jewish to risk not only theirs, but victims, who were mur- their families’ lives in an dered in the Holocaust attempt to intervene and and suffered Nazi perse- help rescue those being cution. Each year since persecuted. then, the U.S. Holocaust By choosing to act, Memorial Museum has these individuals not only led the nation in com- saved the lives of others, memorating the Days but demonstrated what of Remembrance. This it means to treat one anyear’s theme is “Learn- other as human beings. ing from the Holocaust: These lessons apply not Choosing to act.” only to the past, but how During World War to treat each other now.

II, millions of ordinary The Holocaust is not people witnessed the the only genocide to take

place in this world. The Native American genocide in the early 19th century, the Rwandan genocide of 1994 and the Indonesian killings from 1965 to 1966 are just a few examples. More recently, Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) is attacking Jewish and Christian people across the world. The horrors of the way these people died have left scars on the hearts and minds of those who loved and knew them; those they shared a bond with.

Those same bonds extend outside of our own local communities, and across the globe. Genocide and discrimination should not sit well with any person of any nation. No matter what our job or station in life, we are all unique and at the same time we are all tied together.

We may look at each

other differently because we have different color skin, religions, socioeconomic backgrounds, and so on, but do we have to persecute each other for it? Would it not be better to get to know someone first before we decide who they are as a person? Do we have a right to judge others and put them in a category which requires discrimination or violence against them?

Our hope is that the Holocaust Days of Remembrance will remind all that even though we are different and come from different places in this world, we all have contributions to make to it, no matter how great or small they may be. Rather than play the role of bystander, we must actively pursue a world where we coexist and choose to act against those who would foster hatred and repeat the mistakes of the past.

Scholarship Deadline

mations will form near Leesburg, Virgina, and follow the Potomac River to Washington. They will bank over the Lincoln Memorial, overflying the National World War II Memorial, head east past the Washington Monument along Independence Avenue, turning south over the U.S. Capitol. The first formation is expected to pass over the Lincoln Memorial at about 12:10 p.m. Aircraft will include the P-38 Lightning, P-40 Warhawk, P-51 Mustang, B-25 Mitchell and B-17 Flying Fortress. On May 9, many of the aircraft

will be on display at the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, near Dulles Airport, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Admission to the museum is free, but there is a $15 parking fee.

BY HOLOCAUST DAYS OF REMEMBRANCE COMMITTEE

Retiree Corner

Deadline for the Air Force Club Scholarship Program is May 1. The program—in its 17th year—has provided almost $400,000 in college tuition assistance to some 400 club members and their families. This year, 40 scholarships will total $25,000.

The program is open to Air Force club members and eligible family members.

Entrants must be attending an accredited college or university, working toward an first associate or bachelor’s degree, or a graduating high

school senior registered at an accredited college or university. Applicants must complete an online entry form and answer an essay question. Essays must be 450-500 words and will be graded on relevance to topic question, content and grammar. Visit myairforcelife. com.

Flyover Marks V-E Day

More than 20 vintage aircraft of World War II will fly over the nation’s capital May 8, marking the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. Fifteen flying for-

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.

Notice of availability for draft EA, FONSI/FONPA Joint Base AndrewsNaval Air Facility Washington, Maryland (JBA) announces the availability of and invites public comments on the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact/Finding of No Practical Alternative (FONSI/FONPA) for repair of the airfield storm drainage system at JBA. The Draft EA and FONSI/FONPA have been prepared pursuant to NEPA, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq, and CEQ regulations at 40 CFR Parts 1500-1508.

The purpose of the Pro-

posed Action is to restore and improve the condition and effectiveness of the existing airfield stormwater drainage system by repairing, replacing and upgrading stormwater infrastructure. Implementing the Proposed Action would meet JBA’s need to improve water quality, comply with various water quality regulations, and support the flying mission at JBA. This EA has been prepared to evaluate the Proposed Action and No Action alternatives. Resources addressed in the

EA include aircraft operations, geology, topography, soils, water resources, air quality, biological resources, noise, infrastructure, transportation, hazardous materials and hazardous waste management, safety, socioeconomic resources, and cumulative effects.

The EA shows that the Proposed Action would not significantly impact the environment and supports a FONSI. Pursuant to Air Force regulations, a FONPA has also been prepared for wetland impacts.

An Environmental Impact Statement is not needed to

implement the Proposed Action.

Copies of the Draft EA and FONSI/FONPA are available for review until May 23, 2015 at the Upper Marlboro Branch Library, 14730 Main St., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, at the Joint Base Andrews Library at 1642 Brookley Ave and D Street and online atandrews.af.mil/ library/environmental/index.asp. Please send written comments to Ms. Anne Hodges, 11 CES/CEIE, 3466 North Carolina Avenue, JBA, MD 20762-4803.

Andrews Gazette

Friday, April 24, 2015

3

Port Dawgs off the chain

BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS J.D. MAIDENS

11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The sun has reached its zenith on a hot spring day. Camouflage trucks back up in-line with the ramp of a C-17 Globemaster III sitting on the Joint Base Andrews flightline; oil and sweat bring a faint tang to the breeze blowing eastward across the asphalt bathed in sunlight unfiltered by overcast or clouds. The truck is pulling cargo: generators going to Romania - recently inspected by the 89th Aerial Port Squadron for flight-worthiness and safety.

The trucks lurch into

see DAWGS, page 6

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/SENIOR AIRMAN PRESTON WEBB

Airman 1st Class James Asilevi, 11th Logistics Readiness Squadron Traffic Management journeyman, assists Lt. Col Rod Chandler, 150th Special Operations Squadron detachment commander, as he signs in at the 11th LRS Traffic Management Office on Joint Base Andrews.

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/AIRMAN 1ST CLASS PHILIP BRYANT

Staff Sgt. Preston Harris and Staff Sgt. Travis Thomas, 89th Aerial Port Squadron aircraft specialists, chain down a generator to the floor of a C-17 Globemaster III at Joint Base Andrews, Md., April 15, 2015. Aircraft specialists crisscross chains with hooks to secure cargo and ensure flight safety.

Guardsman bares big weight

BY SENIOR AIRMAN NESHA HUMES

11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

She steps up to the bar, her back braced and supported; her head band catches any trace of sweat.

Her team is cheering, while her coach powerfully slaps her back, yelling, “Lead from the front!

Show me what you’re all about, April!”

At 165 pounds, she grips the metal barbell with her callused, chalked hands and prepares to dead-lift a personal record.

“It was single handedly the most intense moment of my life. I didn’t hold back for one second and the weight came up.

I just pulled 340 pounds.”

For Staff Sgt. April Spilde, United States Air Force Honor Guard formal training instructor, lifting 340 pounds was a testament to her physical and mental journey.

Competing at the women’s largest exclusive powerlifting event, the 2015 Cincinnati Women’s Professional and Amateur Powerlifting Meet, April 11, 2015, was no easy accomplishment.

“I had been competing for eight hours and my body was shot,” Spilde said as she reflects on the weekend’s meet. “When I finally got to my last at-

COURTESY PHOTO/ PETER SPILDE

Staff Sgt. April Spilde, U.S. Air Force Honor Guard formal training instructor, deadlifts 340 pounds during the 2015 Cincinnati Women’s Professional and Amateur Powerlifting Meet in Cincinnati, Ohio. Spilde is an award-winning amateur powerlifter and has been lifting for two years.

tempt, I knew everything had to be perfect for me to pull this weight. I zoned out all the noise and only listened to my coach, Gracie Vanasse.

She knew exactly what to say. It was almost like she needed to pull this weight as much as I needed to.”

Spilde has been powerlifting for two years and has placed in all three competitions prior.

The then 181-pound Spilde captured first in both the 2014 100% RAW Powerlifting Federation

Potomac Open and the Eastern Open, in addition to the 2015 JBA Andrews Push/Pull Meet Women Champion.

Before transitioning to powerlifting in 2012, Spilde also broke two Alaska state records in Olympic weight lifting while stationed at Eielson AFB. Powerlifting came naturally said the motivated sergeant, since all the main movements in pall-bearing were consistent with the sport.

“I was hooked on the

sport of strength,” Spilde said.

“Every time I approach the bar there can’t be a single shred of doubt. I have to mentally gear myself up and tell myself this is going to happen, come hell or high water. Even though the set up for each lift was different, my mental state was the same fearless.”

The 29-year-old Minnesota native powerlifts to continually improve

see WEIGHT, page 5

TMO changes office hours for PCS season

BY SENIOR AIRMAN PRESTON WEBB

11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The 11th Logistics Readiness Squadron’s Traffic Management Office is scheduled to change its operating hours starting April 16, 2015, through the end of September.

During the summer months each year, there is a significant increase of service members who PCS. “Usually, peak PCS season is from mid-April to the very end of September,” Reynolds said.

“The main reason you see this is because most service members wait until their children are out of school or when Squadron Commanders turn over command to relocate.”

The office hopes to optimize customer service during this season, and is dedicating each Thursday to appointments and briefings.

“We changed hours because we wanted to turn our training days into days we can deliver mass Personally Procured Move briefings, as these moves take up a lot of our traffic flow,” said Master Sgt. Yolanda Reynolds, 11th LRS TMO superintendent. “We also have a lot of separatees, retirees and first-time movers who want to sit down with a counselor, so we dedicated one day a week to help those customers.”

Each Thursday, appointments are available

between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., and two-hour PPM briefings are delivered at 11:30 a.m.

Members expecting to PCS during the peak period should contact TMO as quickly as possible to ensure they file their move on time.

“Don’t sit on your orders. As soon as you get your orders, log onto the www.move.mil website and begin setting up your household goods shipments. Our office is always available to assist the member throughout the whole process,” Reynolds said. “As a backup, always have a power of attorney in place, because the Joint Personal Property Shipping Office on Fort Belvoir actually schedules and confirms the pack out dates and sometimes the member may have to depart prior to that date.”

The 11th WG TMO facilitates the entire NCR, and provides service to many customers who prefer to come to Joint Base Andrews, but aren’t assigned here.

“We won’t turn anyone away, but during peak season, our customer service section can get very congested,” Reynolds said. “Customers need to check with their servicing installations before coming to Joint Base Andrews to alleviate congestion.”

For more information, contact the 11th WG TMO office at (301) 981-7520 or the Passenger Travel Office at (301) 981-7526.

Andrews Gazette

4

Friday, April 24, 2015

Vigil run honors Holocaust victims

Capt. Steve Bennett, 811th Operations Squadron pilot, runs in the rain during a 24-hour Holocaust Remembrance Vigil Run on Joint Base Andrews, April 14. Approximately 80 people participated in the run, with opening ceremonies officiated by Col. Daniel Waters, 11th Wing vice commander, and closing ceremonies officiated by Col. Bradley Hoagland, 11th Wing commander.

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/SENIOR AIRMAN PRESTON WEBB

Col. Brad Hogland, 11th Wing commander, Col. Dan Waters, 11th WG vice commander, Chief Master Sgt. Vance Kondon, 11th WG command chief, and other Joint Base Andrews members cheer on Valerie Lewis, Air Force District of Washington Military Personnel Appropriations program manager, as she finishes a Holocaust remembrance vigil run April 14, on Joint Base Andrews, Md. Fifty-nine JBA members volunteered to run in shifts throughout the 24-hour vigil in honor of those who lost their lives during the Holocaust.

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/SENIOR AIRMAN MARIAH HADDENHAM

WOMEN, from page 1

believes he was protected by the Headmistress, who he believes knew he was Jewish.

The Allied Powers liberated Paris and Montfermeil in 1944, and Claire collected her children and returned to Paris where they hopefully awaited the return of Benjamin.

Benjamin was being transported to a concentration camp, when members of the Belgian resistance stopped the train and liberated the remaining prisoners, including Benjamin.

“My father walked home from Dixmude, Belgium to Paris,” said Garih. “This took him about three months and he arrived on the morning of Rosh Hashanah.”

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and Benjamin had made it a goal to spend it with his family.

Kelly, director of Military Force Management Policy. “This testing and evaluation phase will develop the final physical test components that best predict operational success for these specific career fields.”

The testing is slated to take place at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. Approximately 200 male and female volunteers will be recruited for the testing.

Local Airmen from the Lackland area who are interested in participating will be the first selected to participate.

“This effort marks the most stringent process yet by which we are developing occupationally specific physical standards, scientifically measured against operational requirements to match mission needs,” Kelly said. “All the services and United States Special Operations Command are working with various scientific and research agencies to review occupational standards to ensure they are

1050942

GARIH, from page 1

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/SENIOR AIRMAN MARIAH HADDENHAM

Albert Garih, shares a picture of his family at an even tin honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day.

“It is becoming very rare to meet a holocaust survivor, and rarer to meet a survivor who had a family make it through the war,” said Maj. Raphael Burdugo, 11th Deputy Wing Chaplin.

After the war, Garih received a degree in English and Spanish to French translation from the School of Advanced

Translation and Interpretation Studies. He worked as a translator at several major organizations such as a United Nations agency in Montreal and the World Bank, which led him to Washington, D.C. in 1976. He now serves as a volunteer at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

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specific and current, operationally relevant and are gender neutral.”

“This is not about raising or lowering occupational standards,” said Kelly. “The key is to ensure we have set the right standards for the occupation based on mission requirements.

The effort is built upon science and experience, to ensure we continue to maintain our readiness and preserve the quality and capability of our All Volunteer Force.”

“This process is about scientifically measuring operational requirements with a focus on training and standards which correlate to the demands of combat,” said Brig. Gen. Giovanni K. Tuck, director of operations. “We owe it to our Airmen we send downrange to make sure they’ve got the best training and equipment to be successful, no matter where they serve.”

After the Air Force reviews and validates the scientifically based standards, James will coordinate her recommendation on currently closed career fields and

positions with SOCOM and the other services.

“The science behind these standards will inform and further refine the measures used to find the right people for these career fields.

This validation will help ensure our Air Force remains ready and capable, as our battlefield Airmen employs in combat,” Tuck said.

The secretary of Defense is expected to announce final decisions regarding integration of currently closed career fields/positions, as well as, any exceptions to policy on or about January 1, 2016. The assignment of women into newly integrated positions and occupations will follow each service’s natural timeline for recruitment, accession and training.

Further information for Lackland-area Airmen interested in participating in the physical studies will be released from Air Force Education and Training Command.

For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,

visit www.dcmilitary.com.

Andrews Gazette

Friday, April 24, 2015

5

WEIGHT, from page 3 physically and mentally.

“It’s a great tool that I use not only in the gym but at my job,” Spilde said.

As a formal training instructor, Spilde travels with the USAF Honor Guard mobile training team 8-15 times a year to various bases to facilitate base honor guard programs.

Spilde was originally recruited in the honor guard as a pall-bearer three years ago. Upon hearing she was selected, she hired a coach and began practicing deadlifts, squats and bench press in order to meet the physical requirements of the job.

Some of the requirements include a 70-pound barbell carry for 40 yards, six pull-ups; three sets of 275-pound deadlifts and squats.

“I wanted to do something bigger than myself,” she said, eyes narrowing. “I had other opportunities, but the Honor Guard just captivated me; I realized I could actually give back here. I get to carry the people that I saw leaving Afghanistan during fallen comrade ceremonies.

Instead of saluting and watching them leave, I get to carry them home.”

USAF Honor Guard Pall-bearers carry a sig-

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/ SENIOR AIRMAN NESHA HUMES

Staff Sgt. April Spilde, U.S. Air Force Honor Guard formal training instructor, board bench presses with resistance bands at West Fitness Center at Joint Base Andrews.

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/ SENIOR AIRMAN NESHA HUMES

Staff Sgt. April Spilde, U.S. Air Force Honor Guard formal training instructor, exercises using the pull down machine at the West Fitness Center on Joint Base Andrews.

nificant role by transporting deceased service members, their dependents and senior leaders to their grave sites in Arlington National Cemetery. The casket’s weight varies from 400800 pounds.

“Being accepted into the pall bearing element was one of the happiest moments of my career,” Spilde said.

Spilde is only the fifth female USAF Honor Guard pall-bearer in history.

“She surpassed a monumental task in the Honor Guard,” Master

Sgt. Sherwin Severin, USAF Honor Guard Pallbearer Flight Superintendent said. “I hate to highlight the fact that she is a female because it doesn’t matter what gender you are. However, for a female pallbearer it is tough, because they are expected to carry the same weight as a male on the casket.

Some airmen may have doubted her, but I saw Spilde take that head on. She worked hard to be able to complete the body bearers’ physical fitness test; putting in the extra work at the

gym and proving herself.

I think it stems from sheer determination as a competitor and being an athlete.”

Spilde intends on making the Air Force a career and pursuing her dream of making the Air Force powerlifting team.

Yet, Spilde remains humble in her endeavors and lets her results speak for themselves.

“You can’t have selfdoubt, or it will manifest. Whether it is missing a lift or executing a drill movement incorrectly,” Spilde explained, “Lifting helps build my

COURTESY PHOTO/ PETER SPILDE

Gracie Vanasse, Decide.Commit.Succeed. Pack (DCS Pack) head coach and professional powerlifter, left, and DCS Pack powerlifters, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. April Spilde and Mayra Armijo, right, pose for a photo at the 2015 Cincinnati Women’s Professional and Amateur Powerlifting Meet.

confidence and focus.”

To Spilde the physical part is just an added bonus.

“It’s something

unique God’s blessed me with the ability to do.

The only limitation was the physical limitation, and I overcame it.”

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U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/AIRMAN 1ST CLASS RYAN J. SONNIER

Lt. Gen. Thomas Travis, United States Air Force Surgeon General, talks to Airmen during an all call April 7 at Joint Base Andrews. In this capacity, Travis advises the Secretary of the Air Force, Air Force Chief of Staff and Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs on aspects pertaining to the health of Air Force members.

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Andrews Gazette

6

Friday, April 24, 2015

DAWGS, from page 3 reverse towards the open maw of the aircraft, up the ramp and into the cargo bay.

Once the cargo is in position, APS jumps into action. The porters, or “Port Dawgs,” quickly unhitch the truck from the massive generators, and set to work securing the camouflage cargo, dragging heavy chains rattling across the steel floor of the plane. The chains are run crisscross from hooks attached to loops in the floor and connected to the chassis.

The Dawgs slide on their backs under the cargo, using their momentum to slingshot from hook to hook like some Broadway-choreographed, Indy-car pit crew.

“If we aren’t quick, the plane will be delayed,” says Tech. Sgt. Nick Yee, 89th APS NCO in-charge of aircraft services, he smiles with pride in his work and in the men and women he supervises.

The first generator is finished, locked down tightly in the cargo bay.

The second one is done with the same speed, same work ethic.

Next come the pallets of cargo. Porters push crates across wheels in the ramp into the cargo

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTOS/AIRMAN 1ST CLASS PHILIP BRYANT

Senior Airman Tom Chamberlain III, 6th Airlift Squadron loadmaster, guides a Tunner 60K loader to the back of a C-17 Globemaster III April 15 at Joint Base Andrews. Loadmasters and aircraft specialists work together to ensure accountability, safety and efficient load times.

bay and secure them for the flight.

This is the work Aerial Porters do: the manual labor and safety checks required to keep the Air Force the greatest military and humanitarian presence in the world. It might not be pretty, but to say it’s important to the Air Force mission is an understatement, according to Yee. “We take cargo, track it in our system, do safety checks and ship it,” Yee said. “If you need something sent through military airlift, we do it.”

PHOTO/BOBBY JONE

Alexander introduces Mule Davis aka Miles Davis, legendary jazz trumpeter to a group of Prince George’s County students.

Staff Sgt. Preston Harris, 89th Aerial Port Squadron aircraft specialist, directs the loading of a U.S. Army truck into a C-17 Globemaster III. Two generators and five pallets of cargo were loaded by 89 APS in support of a joint-military airlift operation to Romania.

Porters make sure cargo is accounted for, safe to fly and loaded on time. The job can be exhausting.

“If you’re talking about a Port Dawg, you’re talking about a hard worker,” Yee said.

“Missions are constant, the breaks are short, we’re out there 24/7.”

Being mission essential may not be a basket of roses, but it epitomizes service before self.

“We can’t guarantee holidays or snow-days off,” Yee said. “Our job is a huge responsibility.

It’s rewarding to know that our hard work really makes a difference to the effectiveness of the Air Force as a military force.”

But for as hard as they work, the porters are still behind-thescenes getting their hands dirty, not exactly a glamorous, high-profile position.

“When a distinguished visitor gets on a plane, they know stuff is going on in the background, but they don’t know it’s us,” Yee said.

“We dump latrines, we

drive the stairs; we get the plane in the air.”

Yee says one of the best parts of the job is being able to support the commander-in-chief.

“Being able to support the president is really cool,” Yee said. “The mission on JBA is really different in comparison to the rest of the Air Force.”

Aerial Porters support more than just Air Force and presidential missions.

“Without the combined efforts between these Army and Air Force personnel, this mission would not have been accomplished,” said 1st Sgt. Edward Weihl,

KWAME, from page 1

visits hundreds of schools sharing poetry, conducting workshops, and reading his books.

Alexander is currently on a book tour sharing The Crossover novel for middle school students.

“While I’m traveling to schools and libraries around the country, and every now and then I encounter a younger group like I did today, where I can’t read a book to fifthgraders, so I pull out one of my picture books, like Acoustic Rooster and his Barnyard Band,” said Alexander, a Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University graduate.

The NAACP Image Award Nominated book is about a jazz-loving rooster who sets his sights on winning a barn yard talent show, but realizes he can’t do it as a solo act.

He’s up against the talents of Mules Davis’s cool duo and Ella Finchgerald’s singing group with many other well-known

jazz musicians from the past. “I’m a big jazz lover.

In fact, I listen mainly to jazz while writing my books.”

More than a 250 children and teachers interacted with Alexander during his book reading.

Using his talents to capture the interest of the younger audience, through voice inflection and animated facial expressions he appeared more like the pied piper, as the children hung on his every word while he presented the animal characters personas which were merged with past jazz legends. Alexander used the book to introduce children to poetry and jazz.

He noted how he enjoyed teaching poetry to the middle school and older children. “I try to show them the power of poetry. I’m a big believer in poetry as a bridge to teaching kids about language and literature,” said Alexander, children’s

The Crossover is a work written in verse and told from the perspective of 12-year-old twin boys named Josh and JB who play basketball.

Awarded annually the medal is bestowed on the author with the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association.

“To win an award of this prestige means the world and you’ve done something really significant,” said Alexander, a Reston resident. “It changes your life and it feels really good, because you want to write a good book that hopefully is going to impact young people. So when you’re able to do that you’re happy,” added Alexander, a winner of numerous literary awards.

Each year, Alexander

Charlie Company, 249th Engineer Battalion first sergeant, regarding the elements of Charlie Company, the porters and the rest of the flight line personnel loading the plane.

The fast-paced, hard work of the Port Dawgs leads to a lifestyle that embodies what the Air Force is all about.

“Work, work, work harder,” said Senior Airman Justin Tell Ryan, 89th APS aircraft services specialist. “We are the hardest working AFSC in the Air Force. Nothing gets done in the Department of Defense air lift system without us.” book author, poet, playwright, producer, public speaker and performer.

“So whether I’m working with young children or older kids, it’s all about showing them how cool and powerful poetry is.”

Alexander who currently resides in Reston said he’s been writing since he was a teenager.

“My first book was published in 1995 and I’ve been writing ever since,” said the noted author.

He has read and performed his work at more than 1000 schools across the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, South America, and Africa.

Alexander regularly conducts workshops and presentations at area schools. He is well known for his “Book-in- a-Day” program that has helped create several young writers at schools nationwide.

For more information visit him KwameAlexander.com or visit his website at www.bookinaday. org.

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