Andrews 051515

COMMENTARY Air crew recounts Nepal earthquake, Page 2

DCMILITARY.COM

AWARDS

JBA NEWS

Staff photojournalist wins big, Page 10

Fire department takes rescue training to new heights, Page 5

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

FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2015 | VOL. 4 NO. 19

Remembering VE Day

BY BOBBY JONES

STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

LESLIE C. SMITH

Jaspen Boothe, founder and president of Final Salute Inc. sponsor of Stand Up for Women Vets, and the current Ms. Veteran America Kimberly Wolanger, pitch in at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial in Arlington on May 9.

Helping female vets transition with style

BY LESLIE C. SMITH STAFF WRITER

In halls filled with clothing, shoes, hairstylists, makeup artists and image consultants hundreds of women gathered for the second Stand Up for Women Vets event at the Women in Military Service for America Memorial in Arlington on May 9.

The Stand Up for Women Vets was presented by Final Salute Inc., the creation of Jaspen Booth, a 13-year U.S.

see STYLE, page 3

ACADEMY RECEIVES COMMANDERIN-CHIEF’S TROPHY FROM PRESIDENT

Tens of thousands of people covered the National Mall on May 8, looking skyward as 56 WWII-era aircraft soared through what is usually a no-fly zone over historical monuments in the nation’s capital.

The rare flyover of 15 flying formations buzzed through the silent air space past the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and the Capitol Building, providing the crowd and an estimated 400 WWII veterans with ringside seats for the Victory-in-Europe Day commemoration.

Among the airplanes participating in the flyover was a pair of F4U Corsairs, P-38 Lightning; the FG-1D Corsair; the P-51 Mustang; the B-25 Mitchell; and Fifi, the only flying B-29 Superfortress still in existence.

Named the “Arsenal of Democracy Flyover,” the formations represented the war’s major battles, from Pearl Harbor through the final air assault on Japan, and concluding with a missing man formation to “Taps.”

Among the guests were Susan Rice, U.S. national security adviser; retired Senator Bob Dole; and Kathy Silva, sister of former Secretary of State

BOBBY JONES

Steve and Pam Springer of Hagerstown get into the swing of things as they perform a jitterbug dance routine near the Airmen of Note.

Madeleine Albright, who had been slated to be a guest speaker prior to the flyover. Silva, read her prepared statement lauding the courage, ingenuity, faith and industry of Americans.

The WWII veterans also participated in a solemn, joint-service wreathlaying ceremony to commemorate the sacrifices of their fallen comrades in arms.

During a brief intermission before the historical

see FLYOVER, page 9

Airmen of Note perform for VE Day

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/AIRMAN 1ST CLASS J.D. MAIDENS

Tech. Sgt. Micah Killion, U.S. Air Force Band Airmen of Note trumpeter, plays “Taps” at the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. See more photos on page 9.

Workshop helps vets start businesses

BY LESLIE C. SMITH STAFF WRITER

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/SCOTT M. ASH

President Barack Obama congratulates Lt. Gen. Michelle D. Johnson, Superintendent, U.S. Air Force Academy, after he present the Academy football team with the Commander-in-Chief trophy in the East Room of the White House, May 7.

see TROPHY, page 8

Towne Place Suites by Marriott was host to a May 6 workshop for veterans about the numerous opportunities available to them to become entrepreneurs or grow their current business.

This networking event kicked-off a year-long ini-

tiative by Towne Place Suites

by Marriott of events to connect with the military community as well as show appreciation for their service.

The four-person panel of Apoorva N. Ghandi, Vice President Multicultural Affairs for Marriott; Paul C. Rocchio, CFE, senior director Development and Member Services for Internation-

al Franchising Association (IFC); Dominica Groom, director, Global Supplier Diversity, Marriott International; and Chris James, assistant administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration provided information on resources available to them as members of the armed forces, as well as offering insight into gaining

access to corporate supply chains.

“Not only are we trying to offer business opportunities to our young men and women who have been serving the country and are looking to get back into civilian life but we are also hoping to employ people in franchising as well,” Rocchio shared.

see BUSINESS, page 7

Andrews Gazette

2

Hot Tickets around town May 16

Cuba Gooding and the Main Ingredient 8 p.m.

Harmony Hall Regional Center, 10701 Livingston Road, Fort Washington With over 40 years under his belt as an entertainer, lead vocalist Cuba Gooding continues to thrill audiences around the world with his smooth, unique and captivating voice, all the while remaining a solid part of the musical consciousness of fans both old (The Main Ingredient) and new. ($) Call 301-203-6070 or visit www.arts.pgparks.com.

May 16

A-May-Zing Animal Fest Noon to 4 p.m.

Bladensburg Waterfront Park, 4601 Annapolis Road, Bladensburg Enjoy this fun event featuring live birds of prey, exotic reptiles, farm animals, horses, a puppet show, arts and crafts, exhibits, food vendors and more. FREE Call 301-779-0371 or visit www.pgparks.com.

May 16

Live At Montpelier: Sounds of Bamboo 5 p.m.

Montpelier Arts Center, 9652 Muirkirk Road, Laurel Share in the Vietnamese culture through music.

Explore the sounds of Nguyen Dinh Nghia’s meditative music played on the bamboo flute, monochord, zither, and t’rung, a traditional bamboo xylophone from Vietnam’s Central Highlands. ($) Call 301-377-7800 or visit www.arts.pgparks.com.

May 16

Cheverly Day 2-9 p.m.

Cheverly Town Park, 6401 Forest Road, Cheverly Celebrate Cheverly Day 2015 with games and activities, food and music, community groups and more, all leading up to amazing fireworks. FREE. Visit www.cheverlyday.org.

May 17

The Color Run 9 a.m.

National Harbor, 137 National Plaza, National Harbor, Md. The Color Run, also known as the “Happiest 5k on the Planet,” is a unique paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness and individuality. ($) Visit www.thecolorrun.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

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

Friday, May 15, 2015

Commentary

Yokota aircrew recounts Nepal earthquake alarmed and reported many more aftershocks through374TH AIRLIFT WING out the night. In the morning, we awoke to the news Editor’s note: The folthat staying at the hotel lowing is a first-person acwas no longer viable due to count by a C-130H Hercules structural damage. aircrew member who landed The embassy brought us in Kathmandu, Nepal, just in to spend the next night moments before a magnithere. The embassy had tude 7.8 earthquake struck opened its doors not only to the country on April 25.

Department of Defense and State Department employWe were tasked with ees and families, but also to taking an 11-man Special any American civilians who Forces team from Kadena happened to be travelling Air Base, Japan, to Kaththere. It had become a safemandu, Nepal, for a trainhaven for Americans waitCOURTESY PHOTO ing exercise. After being ing to leave Nepal as the cleared by air traffic control, Members of the U.S. Air Force view the damage in airport was crowded with Nepal after a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake. we landed uneventfully. hundreds of people sleepMoments after touching ing in make-shift tents that down, we cleared the run- airfield and the city sur- full scale of the situation covered the grounds outside with the limited commurounding it.

That’s when we way and immediately felt the packed terminal. the aircraft begin shaking realized there had been an nications capabilities they The city continued to had at that time. and rocking. Our initial in- earthquake. experience tremors that The hotel we stayed in Immediately following clination was that we may drove many out of buildings. that night was full of tourthe earthquake, the airhave blown a tire, which Throngs of people lingered seemed odd as we were port shut down for a couple ists in the lobby, and the outside and on the streets, no longer taxiing. Looking hours while Nepalese offi- rooms were covered with afraid to go back into their across the ramp, we saw cials tried to assess whether broken glass from the lights homes for fear they were half dozen large airliners it was safe to resume nor- and showers. Water leaked structurally unsound afwith their wings swinging mal operations. Though I into the rooms from the ter the quakes. Later trips wildly and scores of people cannot be positive, I’m sure walls and ceilings, but it to the airport revealed a was still a welcome place several airliners, which had running away from the aircity riddled with pockets of craft and out of buildings been waiting to land, had to to settle for the night. We devastation caused by the onto the ramp. People were divert due to the shutdown. swept the glass off our beds earthquakes.

After we got our aircraft onto the floor so we could abandoning their vehicles At the ambassador’s as well as running off stairs parked and shut down, we get some sleep, expecting request, we spent about that were connected to air- spent a couple hours on the to leave the next day as 50 hours on the ground so ground inside the plane planned.. craft. we could provide evacuaThat night, there were before we could get transIt became evident the rocking wasn’t something portation for our passen- several more aftershocks, tions, if required, while they going on only in our aircraft gers. We ended up driving with one large one around 5 continued to track down or due to strong winds; look- through downtown and saw a.m., which ended up being Americans throughout the ing up at the horizon, dust some wreckage along the in the 5.6 range. Some air- country. The Marine guards clouds began popping up way. The U.S. embassy team crew members on the sixth at the embassy graciously all around the bowl-shaped was still trying to assess the floor were naturally pretty see NEPAL, page 7

BY MAJ. GREGORY KANTZ

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The RAO has a website at www.andrews.af.mil.

Andrews Gazette

Friday, May 15, 2015

3

The Northern Virginia Chapter of Kappa Epsilon Psi, a military sorority founded in 2011, gave a hand to help serve and sort at the Stand Up for Women Vets May 9.

LESLIE C. SMITH

Aliyah Dastour, photographer and owner of Alimond Studios, takes a photo of Tamara Sorrell. Alimond Studios provided headshots for attendees of Stand Up for Women Vets on May 9.

STYLE, from page 1 Army veteran. Final Salute Inc. was founded in 2010 when she saw that resources were lacking for women transitioning out of the military. The organization’s main mission is to ensure women veterans have safe suitable housing.

The Stand Up for Women Vets event, in its second year, was started two years ago when Boothe realized some of the details — the intangibles — of job hunting that needed to be provided to women.

“I think a lot of people take for granted that all we need is a resume to get us ready for the workforce. But

if you’ve worn a uniform — particularly for a woman — you lose a certain amount of femininity going through the male dominated military, so you don’t think about accessorizing or putting together business clothes, professional casual clothing to get out in the workforce,” Boothe noted.

“For us, it’s kind of tedious. Your hair has been pulled back for so many years. So this has become an intimidating process, because you’re having to reintegrate yourself all over again. I just thought about what would have been nice for me to have once I got out of the military. So I started to put this event

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together for other women transitioning who would need services like this.

“Also we have the highest unemployment rate, even amongst veterans, so a lot of us can’t afford a full professional wardrobe with accessories so this is to kind of help lighten their load as well,” Boothe added.

Aliyah Dastour, photographer and owner of Alimond Studios was on hand providing professional headshots. Dastour noted, “It was important for Alimond Studio to be here because we were able to provide a service for headshots as these ladies who are here getting all beautified with their hair and makeup and getting some nice clothes for interviews. We wanted to provide photos to go along with that, to take headshots for things like LinkedIn. As

well as, it also kind of help them remember this day; they’ll be able to look at the photo and remember how pretty they felt.”

Military sorority Kappa Epsilon Psi’s Northern Virginia chapter president Patricia Coates shared, “I think it’s special to continue to support our community to lift up our female veterans to let them know they mean more to us than just on the battlefield. We like to support every event we can to show just because you gave your time doesn’t mean we forgot about you that we still honor you and we’re here for you.”

Final Salute Inc. also presents the Ms. Veteran America pageant each year, which will be held in Las Vegas this year.

Andrews Gazette

4

Friday, May 15, 2015

D.C. Air National Guard deploys for Alaska

BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS ANTHONY SMALL

113TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Nearly 200 Airmen and 10 Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcons from the 113th Wing, District of Columbia Air National Guard, recently deployed to Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, which is located 25 miles south of Fairbanks, Alaska, in support of exercise Red Flag-Alaska.

Red Flag-Alaska, which runs from April 30 to May 17, is a multi-national, air combat training exercise involving multiple units whose military mission sets differ significantly from that of other participating units.

“Taking part in Red Flag-Alaska is about training in realistic environments under realistic circumstances,” said Brig.

Gen. George M. Degnon, 113th Wing commander.

“Red Flag ensures our ‘Capital Guardians’ maintain the highest levels of proficiency and readiness for protecting our nation’s Capital and their worldwide assignments.”

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY STAFF SGT. SHAWN NICKEL/RELEASED

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Andrew Limke, a 113th Wing, District of Columbia Air National Guard crew chief, works on an F-16 Fighting Falcon at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, April 27. The unit is preparing to participate in RED FLAG-Alaska 15-2 large-force employment training.

All Red Flag-Alaska exercises take place in the Joint Pacific Range Complex over Alaska as well as a portion of Western Canadian airspace. The entire airspace is made up of extensive Military Operations Areas, Special Use Airspace, and ranges, for a total airspace of more

than 67,000 square miles, slightly larger than the size of the state of Florida.

“This is a great opportunity to train with allied nations and experience working with live munitions,” said Degnon. “This training simulates the first 10 days of combat in a war.”

On average, more than 1,000 people and up to 60 aircraft deploy to Eielson AFB, and an additional 500 people and 40 aircraft deploy to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, located 10 miles northeast of Anchorage, Alaska, for each Red Flag-Alaska exercise. Most participating

Red Flag-Alaska units arrive a week prior to the actual exercise. During that time, aircrews may fly one or two range orientation flights, make physical and mental preparations, hone up on local flying restrictions, receive local safety and survival briefings, and work on developing orien-

tation plans.

The 113th Wing, D.C. Air National Guard, provides air sovereignty forces to defend the Nation’s Capital and also provides fighter, airlift and support forces capable of local, national and global employment.

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Andrews Gazette

5

Taking rescue training to a new level

BY SENIOR AIRMAN PRESTON WEBB

11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

On a quiet day in a small office, people go about their normal routine; ride the elevator, check e-mail, file paperwork. Suddenly, that comfortable monotony is broken. Deafening sirens blare through the building.

Everyone evacuates as quickly as possible, except those riding in an elevator. The doors won’t open.

Trapped inside with no idea what’s going on, they pound on the doors and cry.

No one stops to help, leaving them to their fate.

Moments later, they hear a loud knock and footsteps above them.

“Stay calm. I’m with the fire department, and we’re here to get you out,” a voice echoes through the shaft.

One by one, firemen with the 11th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department pull the terrified workers to safety.

To prepare for situations similar to this, firefighters at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, conducted specialized elevator rescue training May 4 -7.

“Elevator rescues are a reality firefighters here

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTOS BY SENIOR AIRMAN PRESTON WEBB

Senior Airman Jared Becker, 11th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, watches as an Airman is lowered down an elevator shaft during elevator rescue training May 6, on Joint Base Andrews. Firefighters constantly check their equipment and surroundings to ensure the environment is as safe as possible.

Matt Brady, 11th Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, uses a radio to inform firefighters how far he’s travelled down an elevator shaft. Communication between the rescuer and their fellow firefighters is crucial to ensure the process goes smoothly.

Firefighters worked on different skills including unlocking and opening elemay face,” said Master Sgt. rience, prepared JBA’s fire- cal advantage, requiring vator doors, passing equipLincoln Ratliff, 11 CES fighters for several situa- less effort to raise a load on ment from floor to floor, Fire Department assistant tions they could be exposed a rope - whether a victim, and rappelling and rescuing a simulated victim. chief of training. “By iden- to while performing an el- rescuer or equipment.

Airman Jesse Betts, “Many of these guys tifying our risks, we can evator rescue.

Byrne, also a former Ar- hadn’t seen these tech- 11th CES Fire Department tailor specialized training to mitigate those risks and my infantryman, trained niques before, so I’m glad firefighter, and several othprovide overall better ser- the firefighters to use a they could trust me as an ers gained essential handsvice to those who work and multi-purpose-device belay instructor so quickly,” he on experience of what it might be like performing a system. The simple rope said. reside on JBA.” The training began by rope-rescue.

Kelly Byrne, a Washing- system can be setup quick“You can’t be intimiton, D.C. firefighter with 23 ly and manipulated easily. reviewing procedures in a years of experience and 12 Extra pulleys can be added classroom before moving dated by things like this. years of rope rescue expe- for an additional mechani- onto practical exposure. If you’re not afraid it’s that

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much easier to do your job,” Betts said.

Mental and physical preparation for a wide variety of scenarios is necessary for anyone who may respond to an emergency situation, Byrne said.

“You can hardly imagine the bad spots people get themselves into during an emergency,” Byrne said. “So when bad things happen, you’re already prepared because you’re trained for the worst.”

Andrews Gazette

6

JBA POLICE RUCK-MARCH FOR FALLEN COMRADES

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY SENIOR AIRMAN MARIAH HADDENAHAM/RELEASED

Members of the 11th Security Forces Squadron ruck-march down perimeter road on Joint Base Andrews, Md., May 11, during National Police Week. Approximately 35 security forces members participated in the ruck-march, where they were required to carry a ruck-sack weighing a minimum of 35 pounds.

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Friday, May 15, 2015

Security Forces police blotter If you have any information that may help Security Forces solve a crime or prevent a criminal act, please contact BDOC (Base Defense Operations Center) at 301-981-2001, Crime Stop Line 981-2677 (COPS, or the investigations section at 301-981-5656).

May 2, 1:16 a.m.: While conducting a traffic stop Security Forces detected an odor of an alcoholic beverage. The individual was transported for further processing and charged accordingly.

May 2, 3:05 a.m.: At the Main Gate, Security Forces stopped an individual attempting to bring an illegal substance on base. The individual was detained and charged accordingly.

May 3, 7 a.m.: At the Main Gate, Security Forces stopped an individual attempting to bring an illegal substance on base. The individual advised Security Forces there was a weapon in the car and was unsure if it was loaded. Security Forces searched the vehicle and found an unsecure handgun in the vehicle. The individual was detained, and charged accordingly.

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May 4, 7:17 a.m.: Security Forces received an anonymous tip through the “LiveSafe” app reporting a 40 mm Smith and Wesson shell casing was found at the Visitor Control Center. Patrols responded and seized the property for safekeeping.

May 4, 8:50 a.m.: Security Forces received an anonymous tip through the “LiveSafe” app reporting a vehicle parked in a reserved parking spot. Security Forces attempted to make contact with the owner of the vehicle. The vehicle was cited accordingly.

May 7, 9:40 a.m.: Security Forces received an anonymous tip through the “LiveSafe” app reporting suicidal remarks made on a social media website. The individuals’ leadership was contacted and they received the help they needed.

May 8, 2:45 p.m.: Security Forces received a call regarding an individual taking pictures and filming the installation gates.

Security Forces responded and informed the individual they needed proper authorization to record the installation. The individual

was asked to depart the location.

May 9, 1:25 a.m.: While conducting a traffic stop, Security Forces detected a scent of an alcoholic beverage from the driver of the vehicle. The driver was transported for further processing and charged accordingly.

As a Reminder

There has been an increase in attempts to enter the installation with a controlled dangerous substance in the vehicle.

All vehicles entering the installation are subject to be search; anyone caught attempting to bring controlled dangerous substances on the installation will be charged and may lose their base privileges.

If you have been drinking, don’t drive. If you drink and drive you will be caught.

For reporting any emergencies or non-emergencies please feel free to utilize the “LiveSafe” app. “LiveSafe” is an anonymous reporting app that can be downloaded for free on your smart device.

Andrews Gazette

Friday, May 15, 2015

BUSINESS, from page 1

NEPAL, from page 2

The IFC has set in place a special program to guide Veterans that might be interested in becoming a franchisee called VET FRAN, created in 1991.

Through the website www. vetfran.com, veterans can learn more about franchising opportunities available to qualified veterans.

Ro c c h i o e x p l a i n e d , “There are so many different industries at so many different price points and our members have agreed to sometimes forgo the initial franchise fee or provide some additional incentives to help them get involved and operate their own business.

Rocchio further noted how former military make great franchise owners because their ability to understand a mission and pursue it with focus. “It’s a really good fit and it always has been.”

“What we like to have is a holistic approach toward working with the military community. We have lots of events like this one, which is to help our veteran businesses — a key supplier diversity group we want to focus on and help them to understand how to get involved with a company like Marriott or any big compa-

shared a portion of their office space with us so we could have adequate crew rest. Most of the embassy workers had pulled their families into their cubicle areas to sleep and the American civilians had some sleeping bags strewn about where they could find space.

Due to the influx of international aid and at the request of the airfield manager, we left Kathmandu to make ramp space available.We assumed alert status in Thailand, ready to respond for any evacuation mission that should arise.

On April 29, we were alerted to bring a team from the III Marine Expeditionary Force and the Contingency Response Group that had come from Kadena that morning into Kathmandu to evaluate the area and determine what further assets would be required.

We loaded up 22 passengers and 3 pallets and took as much gas as we could safely carry, given our cargo load. As we approached Kathmandu, we were requested to hold for traffic and told to anticipate a one-and-a-half to two-hour delay, as there

1034342

LESLIE C. SMITH

Dominica Groom, director of Global Supplier Diversity for Marriott International, speaks with attendees about Marriott’s initiative to include smaller businesses and diverse suppliers in its partnerships at a workshop at Towne Place Suites by Marriott on May 5. ny and get into their supply chain,” said Ghandi.

“We’re trying to help these companies understand: How do I even approach a big company?

How do I get my capabilities statement together? How do I go in and make my pitch?

How can I learn how to do business with not just Marriott but any big company?

We’re happy to help the community,” Ghandi said.

Ghandi also noted that on the Marriott website a “military translator,” which helps service members translate their military job titles into titles in the civilian community. Noting Marriott’s commitment to hiring veterans, Ghandi

said, “We find it’s a nice way to bridge that gap, because we want to hire veterans to work for us. It’s perfect match.”

An attendee, Xavier McDonald, shared after the event, “I thought it was very helpful. I’m a layman and I really didn’t know a lot of information or what this whole thing was going to be about; so by attending I learned a lot. I got a lot of useful resources and points of contact and just good information about the franchising process: What it takes and possible lines of funding it. I thought it was very informative.”

7

COURTESY PHOTO

Residents travel down the streets of Kathmandu, Nepal, following the devastating earthquake.

were several aircraft in front of us. Since we were fuel-limited at that point, we made regular updates to air traffic control advising them of our time left to emergency fuel, which would have caused us to divert to India with the assessment team.

Fortunately, they were able to give us priority to land. Flying the descent into the airfield with night vision goggles, we noticed the airfield lost lighting momentarily a couple of times, as did a good portion of the city to the south.

We landed and got the team out. We spent more than four hours on the

ground getting fuel and trying to work out our air traffic control clearance.

We eventually got our duty day waiver approved and were able to fly back to Thailand through the night.

Needless to say, it was an experience I will never forget. As a world leader, the U.S. has a great responsibility to help those in need, particularly when they are devastated by natural disasters like these.

As U.S. service members, we are forever grateful for the opportunity to serve our country and partners abroad, however and whenever we can.

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Andrews Gazette

8

Friday, May 15, 2015

Air Force Academy receives Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy

BY SENIOR AIRMAN HAILEY HAUX

SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMAND INFORMATION

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTOS/SCOTT M. ASH

President Barack Obama congratulates the U.S. Air Force Academy football team with the Commander-in-Chief trophy in the East Room of the White House, May 7, 2015. With the team were Lt. Gen. Michelle D. Johnson, Superintendent, U.S. Air Force Academy, and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III.

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The U.S. Air Force Academy football team received the Commander-in-Chief ’s Trophy from President Barack Obama during a visit to the White House, May 7.

The coveted hardware, weighing 170 pounds, goes to the team that wins the most football games in a competition between the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy and U.S. Air Force Academy each season.

“This is the Falcons’ third trip in the last five years,” Obama said.

“I am told it is a record 19 times that they have earned this unreasonably large trophy. But if anybody can figure out how to get this thing to where it needs to go, it is the Air Force.”

The Air Force Falcons claimed the trophy for the 19th time during their game against the Army Black Knights in November 2014.

“Last year at this time, most folks did not think that coach (Troy) Calhoun and the Falcons would be here today,” said the president. “They had just come off of a less than ideal season, but this year they came back determined to set a new tone. This was quite a season for the Falcons.”

During the ceremony, Cadets 1st Class Kale Pearson and Christian Spears presented the president with a football jersey and game football.

“I am extremely honored to come here and represent the Air Force as a whole,” Pearson said. “We had some success on the football field, and a lot of support behind us in order to get here today.”

After commissioning, the two cadets will go on to be graduate assistants for a year then Spears will become a personnel officer and Pearson will be a logistics officer.

“I am elated,” Spears said. “It is a huge honor and I am so thankful for a great season and for this opportunity.”

Combined with preseason training, the

Members of the U.S. Air Force Academy football team stand with the jersey and football they intend to present to President Barack Obama during his presentation of the Commander-in-Chief trophy to the Academy at the White House, May 7.

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, his wife, Betty, James Nolton, the U.S. Air Force Academy athletics director, and Troy Calhoun, the Academy’s head football coach, pose with the Commander-in-Chief trophy, earned by the Academy football team, following a ceremony at the White House.

players completed service leadership training, which included volunteering more than 500 hours at local community organizations.

“I can tell you unquestionably the young men and young women who are with the United States Air Force Academy are absolutely what we want very soon serving on active duty,” Calhoun said. “In 20 days, we graduate a class of over 900 cadets to immediately take the reins that we want as the leaders and officers in the United States Air Force and to join a very fine squad as part of our armed forces.”

As future officers in the Air Force, the president said to the cadets

that they will be part of “the finest fighting force in the history of the world.”

“As president, I have no greater honor or greater responsibility than serving as your commander in chief,” Obama said. “In the months and the years ahead these cadets will go on to become officers in the military. They will lead their peers and I will call on each of you to live up to the example of those who came before you, and wherever you are stationed, I want you to know this country stands behind you and will strive to serve you as well as you will be serving us. But in the meantime, congratulations on a great football season.”

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AIRMEN OF NOTE PERFORM FOR VE DAY

PHOTOS BY BOBBY JONES

A formation of vintage P-51 Mustangs fly past thousands of spectators during a historic Victory-in-Europe Day commemoration at World War II Memorial on the National Mall May 8. Approximately 56 WWII-era aircraft soared through the usually no-fly zone over historical monuments in the Nation’s Capital.

FLYOVER, from page 1 U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTOS/AIRMAN 1ST CLASS PHILLIP BRYANT

flyover, the Air Force’s Airmen of Note set the tone as they played jazz tunes reminiscent of the WWII time period. The music spurred Steve and Pam Springer of Hagerstown to get into the swing of things as they performed a jitterbug dance routine. Both are dance instructors at Gottaswing, a D.C. Dance Group company.

Alexander Cernawsky, 89, of Glencove, N.Y., brought his daughter, Alexandra March, and cousin, Madeline Corrati, to witness the once-in-a-lifetime spectacle. It was his first time coming to Washington, D.C. “I was Navy gunner on the SS Carter Braxton, a Liberty ship, carrying cargo ammunition and tanks during the war for the troops on land in 1943,” said Cernawsky. “All the services worked together.

I’m glad to see that they’re recognizing us today with this event.” Cernawsky is a WWII veteran who enlisted at age 17.

“My uncle and cousins were pilots in first four planes to fly over. They’re the reason why we came.

We were very proud of them,” said March.

“My father was really overwhelmed by all of the attention, people taking pictures of him, shaking his hand and media. A young boy asked him to sign his library book, because his teacher told him that if he could get a WWII veteran to sign it would be worth more. He actually started crying when the Air Force band played the National Anthem, and my dad doesn’t cry easily,” March added.

“He really enjoyed him-

Don Egolf, a World War II veteran, watches a flyover at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., May 8. The flyover was part of the 70th Anniversary of VE Day tribute.

A crowd gathers at the World War II memorial in Washington D.C. for a VE Day tribute flyover on May 8. This year marks the 70th Anniversary of VE Day.

Spectators look skyward to document a Missing Man Formation flyover past the Washington Monument.

U.S. Air Force Band Airmen of Note members perform at the World War II Memorial for VE Day in Washington D.C., May 8, 2015. The VE Day tribute included an Airmen of Note performance, guest speakers and a wreath laying

by World War II veterans.

Kathy Silva, sister of Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, reads her prepared statement lauding the courage, ingenuity, faith and industry of Americans.

self and he got to meet a lot other older veterans that day. I felt that it was a really nice tribute to the WWII veterans that are left to see it. It was just a very proud time for all of us.”

The massive event took the cooperative support of the FAA, the Secret Service, and Department of Defense, the Transportation Security Administration, the National Park Service police and the Capitol police.

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Staff photographer wins at MDDC awards On May 1, Bobby Jones was awarded a 1st place in the Sports Story category of The Best of MDDC 2014 Editorial Awards presented by the Maryland, Delaware, Washington, D.C. Press Association during a luncheon at the BWI Westin Hotel in Linthicum, Md. Jones, a staff photog-

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rapher and writer for the Andrews Gazette, was chosen by reporters, editors and other media professionals. His story was selected in the Division D - Non-Dailies over 20,000.

His winning entry was titled, “Wizards Partner with Make-A-Wish to fulfill fan’s dream,” with the judge’s comment, “Wow - this is an example of a great topic meeting great writing. The subject matter was full of emotion and impact — good job.”

Jones’ work has earned him recognition in several arenas. His work was selected to go on permanent display at the Observation Gallery at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshal Airport. The photo depicts Joint Base Andrews leadership in silhouette, saluting Air Force One departing with President Barack Obama en route to Williamsburg, Va. –Andrews Gazette staff

Friday, May 15, 2015

AF, Nepal team up for runway repairs

BY STAFF SGT. MELISSA WHITE

JOINT TASK FORCE-505 PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Airmen and Nepalese officials worked together to repair the runway May 9-10, at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Airmen with the 36th Contingency Response Group attached to Joint Task Force-505, along with members of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal teamed up to conduct necessary repairs to the airfield after it sustained damage following a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck the nation April 25. Subsequent heavy airlift with large amounts of relief supplies significantly increased aircraft traffic through the airfield, further straining the runway.

“The repairs will allow the continued throughput of humanitarian aid and relief supplies by ultimately preserving the life of the single international airport in Nepal,” said Capt. Ryan White, assigned to the 36th CRG airfield operations. “This airfield is Nepal’s lifeline for relief supplies and for international travel, so these repairs will help the airfield keep pace with the aid coming in so the Government of Nepal can keep getting assistance to the people who need it.”

The two nations conducted joint assessments for three nights, prior to the repairs, by evaluating 20 critical areas along the entire 9,500-foot runway. They conducted visual assessments by evaluating cracks, potholes or ruts, to ensure damage would not hinder operations or impact aircraft. They also accomplished a runway bearing capacity investigation to determine its strength by drilling in the pavement and testing the soil up to 4 feet below the surface.

The team’s findings determined two critical areas in need of repairs that were located in the landing zones of the runway.

During the dark of the nights, after operations

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY STAFF SGT. MELISSA B. WHITE/RELEASED

U.S. Air Force Capt. Clark Morgan, 36th Mobility Response Squadron Contingency Engineer Flight commander with Joint Task Force 505, along with Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal members work to repair the runway at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal, May 10.

ceased at the airport, four Airmen joined a sixman Nepalese team to conduct the repairs.

With their combined efforts, they repaired 250 square feet of the runway the first night, and an area of eight square feet the following evening.

The Nepalese team and Airmen repaired the compromised locations by first removing the damaged surface, cleaning out debris, then filling the area with an asphalt mixture.

The repair efforts also proved to be an opportunity for the two nations to exchange and compare different repair techniques. For the first repair, the teams used the Nepalese technique for repair by using a cold mix asphalt and a sand seal, which is a sand and tar mixture.

The Airmen then worked with the Nepalese to accomplish the second repair by applying the method Airmen typically use, which is a prepared, harder cold mix asphalt able to withstand more impact weight without any additional repairs or applications.

“It was a great opportunity to share our runway repair operations with our partners and friends in this region,” White said. “Together, we hope to come up with a viable option to repair the runway to sustain operations in Kathman-

du.”

Within one to three hours of completing the repairs, the runway was operational again -- just in time for the airport to open up and receive morning flights and thousands of pounds of relief supplies.

“These expedient repairs are critical at this point because it doesn’t require a complete shutdown of the runway,” said Capt. Clark Morgan, the 36th Mobility Readiness Squadron Contingency Engineer Flight commander. “If the runway closes, then aid stops.

We want to help keep the missions moving to keep receiving humanitarian assistance relief supplies so the Government of Nepal can keep focusing on getting the aid to the people who need it while resting assured that the runway will stay open and operational.”

The Nepalese officials and Airmen plan to continue doing daily visual assessments to ensure the integrity of the runway remains intact and to identify any additional repairs.

The 36th CRG Airmen arrived in Nepal from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, May 5, to assist the Government of Nepal, Nepalese Army, and the U.S. Agency for International Development with airfield operations and processing relief supplies.

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