Andrews 090415

FITNESS Travis Manion Foundation to host annual 9/11 Heroes Run, Page 2

DCMILITARY.COM

ICCI gears up for second Girl Code Conference

BY LESLIE C. SMITH STAFF WRITER

The Institute for Creative Community Initiatives (ICCI) will hold its second Girl Code conference on Oct. 3, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Charles Herbert Flowers High School in Springdale.

This free event is open to girls 12-18 in the greater Washington Metropolitan Area.

“This year we wanted to be an even bigger event, bringing in more girls from throughout the area and really turn it into a day of fellowship and education to discuss the important issues teenage girls face on a daily basis; and to introduce them to adults in the community that are committed to their success and are willing to help them reach their goals,” said Emily Wilson, ICCI Project Manager.

“The purpose of the conference is to build a community of wellinformed, self-confident young women; to serve as a knowledge base and support system for their peers,” Wilson said.

“We know it isn’t easy being a girl so these conference provide our young ladies with information and resources that will help them navigate their teenage years and beyond.”

Some of the topics that will be engaged are Women’s Empowerment in the Media, Healthy Relationships: Because you’re Worth It, Myself: I’m Lovin It, #Girls Can. And by popular demand, Guy Code returns. This is a panel discussions that allows for the girls to submit

see GIRLS, page 2

SPORTS

NATIONAL GUARD

Washington Redskins conduct a walkthrough practice at JBA, Page 4

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

Leadership exchanges ideas with Jamaica Defense Force, Page 3

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015 | VOL. 4 NO. 34

Archdiocese of Washington feeds Temple Hills residents

Joint Base Andrews hosts Women’s Equality Day

BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS J.D. MAIDENS

11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Joint Base Andrews hosted a Women’s Equality Day event at the Smart Building, Aug. 26.

The event featured a discussion and a question-and-answer session with a panel of distinguished guests.

“It’s important to remember the critical role women play in the military and the United States,” said 11th Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Vance Kondon. “Ad-

see EQUALITY, page 5 PHOTO/ BOBBY JONES

Volunteers supporting St. Maria’s Meals mobile food truck prepare to feed local residents during a weekly turnout.

Coordinator, Cup of Joe & St. Maria’s Meals, and SHARE Food Network.

The Catholic Charities Monroe oversees serArchdiocese of Washing- vicing the Langley Park, ton is extending its phil- Washington, D.C. and anthropic efforts to feed- Temple Hills food sites. ing homeless members, “We plan our menus lower income families and in advance. Our menus the general public in the are planned in thought of Temple Hills community our urban participants in by providing hot lunch mind,” Monroe noted. “We meals from St. Maria’s cater according to their Meals mobile food truck, taste palates or what they every Tuesday, from 5:30 like to eat. For example, – 6:30 p.m. in the parking in D.C. they ask for steak. lot of the future sight of Of course I can’t give the Susan F. Mona Family them prime steak, but Service Center (formerly we’ll serve flank steak or the Trade Winds). beef and broccoli.”

Sponsored by Catho“We try to provide lic Charities, the Temple them with something difHills food program at the ferent, but we do take into Mona Center parking lot account we have senior has been up and running citizens and children. So since June noted Lydia we try to make sure we Pearl Monroe, Catholic serve according to their Charities, Archdiocese of dietary needs, but nothWashington D.C. Program ing too sweet or too high

BY BOBBY JONES

STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST

in cholesterol,” Monroe said.

The program also receives donations from Panera Bread, through Chris Thomas of Yahweh, a nonprofit organization.

“We also have little goodie bags for the kids like CHEESE-IT crackers, Jell-O and other snacks. We’re happy to see everyone that comes through the line, but we pay special attention to the elderly, and spoiling children that come through the line. We try to let them know we’re so happy to see them as well as the adults.

“We feed 100 to 120 people here at the Temple Hills site,” added Monroe. “Overall we feed 350 to 400 individuals every week at the combined three sites” said Monroe.

While in route to bible

studies, Danna Cole, a Marine veteran, stopped by to donate money to Catholic Charities during the food program.

“One of the elders of our church told us about the food program and my wife and I stopped by and ate a meal. So I felt like its only right to bless God. And for us to give something, back to their program. This is a great outreach program to the community,” Cole said.

The site receives volunteers from other such as the Sovereign Order of Malta, who serve food to the local residents.

According to Joseph Dempsey, Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Washington Director of Stewardship, Catholic Charities services

see FOOD, page 3

Renovations planned at West Fitness Center

BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS J.D. MAIDENS

11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The Joint Base Andrews West Fitness Center is being renovated.

Renovations will include a new front lobby with an aesthetic update and new windows to reduce energy costs, newly stylized locker rooms with new lockers, a new heating and cooling system, new equipment for the tactical fitness room, refinished basketball court floors and security cameras to accommodate 24-hour access to the facility.

“You have to be pre-

see FITNESS, page 5

Andrews Gazette

2

Hot tickets around town September 5

John Wilkes Booth Escape Route Tours 7:15 a.m. -7:30 p.m.

Surratt House Museum, 9118 Brandywine Road, Clinton Follow the trail of President Lincoln’s assassin from Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. to his death near Port Royal, Virginia. This is a 12-hour, fully narrated bus tour. Reservations and advanced payment required. Call 301-868-1121 or visit www. history.pgparks.com.

September 6

Movies on the Potomac 6-8 p.m.

National Harbor, 137 National Plaza, National Harbor, MD Pack your chairs and meet at the Plazas jumbo screen for a FREE evening of fun for all ages. Sundays through September 27. Visit www.nationalharbor.com.

September 6

Sunday Sunset Concerts: Bowie State University Concert Band 6 p.m.

Allen Pond Park, 3330 Northview Dr., Bowie Enjoy a variety of concerts at Allen Pond Park. Concert goers should bring a blanket or chair. Concerts are canceled in case of inclement weather. Call 301-8093011 or visit www.cityofbowie.org.

September 8

Doggie Dive-In 4-7 p.m.

Allentown Splash, Tennis and Fitness Park, 7210 Allentown Road, Fort Washington Bring your pal out for this annual event! Dogs must be friendly and curbed before entering the pool. Call 301-446-6802 or visit www.pgparks.com

September 9-13

Maryland Horse and Pony Show The Show Place Arena, 14900 Pennsylvania Ave., Upper Marlboro Join us for this family event featuring fun, games, rides and more. Call 301-952-7900 or visit www.showplacearena.com or www.marylandhorseandponyshow.com

September 10-13

Prince Georges County Fair Rosecroft Raceway, 6330 Rosecroft Drive, Fort Washington Join us for an exciting event featuring carnival games, rides, animals and much more. Call 301-4427393 or visit www.countyfair.org.

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@dcmilitary.com Leslie Smith, editor lsmith@dcmilitary.com Bobby Jones, photographer bjones@dcmilitary.com

Friday, September 4, 2015

Retiree Corner Pharmacy Changes

Tricare beneficiaries who take certain brand-name medications on a regular basis will be required to fill prescriptions at a military treatment facility or through a mail-in program, beginning Oct. 1. The new policy does not apply to active-duty troops, overseas beneficiaries, nursing-home residents and those with other health insurance that has a prescriptiondrug program.. Some beneficiaries might be waived from the program on an individual basis. Generic medications are not affected by the new policy. Affected beneficiaries will receive a letter in September, with instructions on the transition. Those with questions about medications in the brandname maintenance category can call Express Scripts customer service at 1 877 363-1303. The new policy is expected to save beneficiaries $16.5 million in reduced copays. Projected DoD savings is

$88 million during the first year,? a spokesman said.

School Enrollment

Nearly 75,000 students are enrolled in the 2015-2016 School Year in Department of Defense Education Activity schools around the world. The schools educate children of service members and the civilians who support them in 12 nations, 7 states and 2 territories. Through its Educational Partnership Branch, DoD provides support to more than a million military-connected students who attend public schools throughout the United States. DoD operates 172 schools in the United States, Europe and the Pacific through a worldwide network of 14 school districts and about 14,000 employees. All DoD schools are accredited

by AdvancED, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that conducts rigorous, on-site external reviews of schools and school systems.

Honor Flight Visits

The Honor Flight Network Honor, in Springfield, Ohio, is a non-profit organization created to honor veterans for their sacrifices.

The group arranges transportation to Washington from all over the nation to reflect at memorials erected in their honor. Volunteers with the Honor Flight Capital Region are the local representatives for these visits. Top priority is given to World War II veterans and terminally ill veterans from all conflicts. For further information, call 312 714-4337.

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 301 981-2726. Call before your visit to ensure a volunteer is on duty. The RAO has a website at www.andrews.af.mil.

Travis Manion Foundation to host annual 9/11 Heroes Run

On Sept 13, the Travis Manion Foundation will host a 5K race in Annapolis at the Navy-Marine Corp Memorial Stadium at 2 pm to unite the community and to remember the sacrifices of the heroes of the September 11th attacks and in the wars since.

In its seventh year, the 9/11 Heroes Run will put on a series of races in more than 50 locations across U.S. and abroad.

Following the start of the 5k, there also will be a family-friendly 1-mile fun run/walk. Proceeds from the race will benefit the Travis Manion Foundation, which offers veterans and families of the fallen unique opportunities to help them take the next step in their journeys

and accomplish their personal and professional goals.

The 9/11 Heroes Run series was inspired by Marine 1st Lt. Travis Manion, who was killed by a sniper in Iraq in April 2007. Before his final deployment, Travis visited Rescue One in NYC—famous for losing almost all of their men on 9/11— and returned home with deeper passion about why he was fighting in Iraq. At its heart, the 9/11 Heroes Run is a tribute to Travis’ personal commitment to never forget the heroes of that day.

“Knowing that so many people gave their lives during the 9/11 attacks touched my brother Travis in a way that would forever change him,” said Ryan Manion, President

of Travis Manion Foundation. “Six years after 9/11, my brother also gave his life for his country, so every year we gather communities together to run a 5K to honor the fallen. We are looking forward to this exciting race season and uniting people around the world to remember those whose service has given us freedom.”

The Travis Manion Foundation invested nearly $240,000 back into the local race communities to support military, veterans, first responders and their families. Mission BBQ will provide free food immediately following the run.

To learn more and to register for a race, visit www.911heroesrun.org.

-- Travis Manion Foundation

GIRLS, from page 1

at Howard University studying Psychology, was one of two youth planners that worked with Wilson to plan the event. Chin responded to the idea of the event with excitement and brought that enthusiasm to the planning hoping to make a difference in the lives of young girls.

“I’ve always been interested in helping other people.”

Chin shared that as she planned she learned as well. Of particular interest were women who had overcome difficulties. “We wanted to incorporate women who have triumphed into one of the segments of girl code, telling young girls honestly no matter what you go through, no matter where you come from, you really can overcome the difficulties that are against you and that is the largest message of girl code.

“We really want the girls to take everything they learn at this conference and use it make a change

in the personal lives as well as the lives of their peers and their community,” Wilson said.

“The theme for this conference is ‘When you have a voice, you have power.’ It’s important to accept and embrace who you are as a young woman and know your opinion matters and what you have to say is important,” said Wilson “This is a day that they realize they are not alone in facing their issues,” said Wilson.

Community businesses like Chick-fil-A and Wegman’s are making the day possible by providing breakfast and lunch along with the support of Gene Drummond of Healthcare International,l of which ICCI is the philanthropic arm. “We are very grateful to our supportive community partners,” Wilson said.

Visit www.iccinitiatives.org/form to register. For more information call 301-552-8803 or email ewilson@ iccinitiatives.org.

anonymous questions to be answered by the panel.

“A lot of young women might not have that positive male figure in their life – someone they can go to and ask questions about what it’s like dealing with young men,” Wilson said.

“This event is going to be extremely engaging and allow the girls to really speak their minds. It’s not just a lecture; it’s a very interactive and collaborative conference.

They should could come prepared for lots of great discussion; they should come prepared to come to be exposed to the different viewpoints of their peers and they’ll think of things in way they never thought of them before.”

Jaquelyn Chin, now a freshman

Andrews Gazette

Friday, September 4, 2015

3

Virtual reality machine helps break down PTSD/TBI issues tient walks, the treadmill moves – up, down, right, left, forward, backward – to match the personalTraumatic brain injury ized game-like scenario and post-traumatic stress on screen. disorder often coexist in “We may put reflective the military because a lot markers on their hands, of brain injuries happen and they might control a during traumatic experi- pair of boxing gloves on ences. But how do you tell the screen. Or you might which symptoms belong put two markers on their to which diagnosis, and back and then sync them how do you fix it? to a boat, so when they Some doctors are get- step right, the boat turns ting help figuring that right on the screen,” said out through a big virtual- biomedical engineer and reality video game.

CAREN operator Sarah The computer-assisted Kruger. rehabilitation environEach patient is evalument, or CAREN, at the ated before using the National Intrepid Center CAREN, so Kruger has a of Excellence is the only good idea of what their virtual reality machine physical and behavioral in the Department of De- weaknesses are so she fense that does research can work to strengthen and clinical care for TBI them. and PTSD patients.

“The therapist might The CAREN is basical- see that a person’s bally a big treadmill in front ance is not that great. of a huge curved screen. We’re going to put him While a harnessed pa- down here in a boat sceBY KATIE LANGE

DOD NEWS, DEFENSE MEDIA ACTIVITY

nario and give him a task of going through a course of buoys or hunting sharks,” Kruger said.

“The therapist is actually able to watch their movement to see what their strategy is.”

Hearing loss and inner ear issues are a major focus since a lot of the service members with PTSD and TBI have been around blasts, affecting balance and vision perception. Cognitive functions are also tested. Kruger will briefly flash birds, math problems or rank insignia onto the screen to see how patients handle multitasking.

“Patients with brain injuries might be OK with a physical task and a cognitive task, but if we combine those two things together, that’s where they might struggle,” she said.

The scenarios are a way of testing high-functioning patients for a re-

turn to their career fields.

“They might be totally fine when they’re walking, but if you put them out on my system and you get them up to a jog or run ... that might be where their headache comes up or where their dizziness comes on,” Kruger said.

“You might not see that in the conventional evaluations because they’re not being pushed physically to where they experience those symptoms.”

Most of the patients are service members who have struggled to get a clear diagnosis in the general health care system.

The CAREN’s strength is that it separates their TBI and PTSD symptoms.

“Sometimes, in order to diagnose the brain injury symptoms – things like memory and headache – you have to get through the PTSD symptoms, which might be anxiousness and hypervigilance,”

D.C. National Guard leadership exchanges ideas, expertise with Jamaica Defense Force

BY SENIOR AIRMAN SUMEANA LESLIE

113TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Maj. Gen. Errol Schwartz, Commanding General of the District of Columbia National Guard traveled to Kingston, Jamaica on a State Partnership Program visit Aug. 20. During the visit, Schwartz reviewed the development of the humanitarian assistance program, the disaster response program developed with the Jamaica Defense Force.

“The DC National Guard had its first international subject matter exchange with Jamaica in February 2004,” said Capt. Tamara Tomlinson, D.C. National Guard State Partnership Program coordinator. “The relationship is beneficial for both counterparts, for soldiers and airmen primarily because they are able to experience real life scenarios that they would not ordinarily experience, helping them advance their development and prepare us all

U.S. AIR NATIONAL GUARD PHOTO/SENIOR AIRMAN SUMEANA LESLIE

Maj. Gen. Errol Schwartz Commanding General of the District of Columbia National Guard, discusses State Partnership matters with Jamaican Defense Force Deputy Chief of Defense Staff Brigadier Rocky R. Meade, at Up Park Camp in Kingston, Jamaica, Aug. 18.

in the event of a mobilization.”

The SPP offered training opportunities for service members from both the Jamaican Defense Force and the D.C. National Guard, particularly in the areas of combating drug and arms traf-

ficking, organized crime and gangs, money laundering, criminal justice reform, economic development, financial stability, and medical care.

In his remarks welcoming Schwartz and the SPP teams, U.S. Embassy Kingston Chief of Mis-

sion Ambassador (Designate) Luis G. Moreno e m p h a s i z e d D C N G ’s contributions in helping “advance U.S. policy objectives in the Caribbean,” particularly in their joint JDF-DCNG efforts in aircraft maintenance and boat patrol.

“The exchange has been very effective because we have been able to exchange our subject matter expert knowledge and assisted one another in a number of ways that have benefited the Jamaica Defense Force and the DC National Guard,” said Jamaica Defense Force Deputy Chief of Defense Staff Brigadier Rocky R. Meade. “We look forward to the program continuing for a very long time.”

“I look forward to this partnership between myself and the leaders of the Jamaica Defense continuing,” said Schwartz.

“We have different levels of expertise that we are able to offer one another and I also look forward to having more success in the future.”

Kruger said. “So if you can get those PTSD-type symptoms down, that allows the clinicians to focus more on the TBI symptoms.

The CAREN is used in conjunction with conventional therapies, not in place of them. The doctors assigned to each patient use the CAREN’s research to develop comprehensive rehab plans.

One NICoE patient who has struggled with TBI symptoms since 2001 said he’s been known to get a little angry and struggle grammatically with communications -and his coworkers and wife have noticed.

“It’s been a bit of frustration with me internally when somebody’s saying, ‘Hey, there’s something wrong with you,’” said the 21-year active-duty service member, who didn’t want to be identified.

His doctors recom-

mended he go to NICoE to get some answers. On Day 2 when I talked to him, he had high hopes.

“I’m just hoping to identify what is going on with me so I can contribute back to my family and the military. I love what I do and my family, and if I’m neglecting them in some way because I’m either not aware of what’s going on with me, or there’s something physically wrong with me that needs to be fixed – whatever it may be, hopefully they’ll identify it,” he said.

The NICoE CAREN is one of four used by the DoD. Two other machines focus on amputee care, while the fourth at the Naval Health Research Center does pre-deployment combat-scenario research.

Disclaimer: Re-published content may have been edited for length and clarity

FOOD, from page 1 Prince George’s, Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties. “We serve about a 120,000 people a year, with about a million pounds of food,” said Dempsey. “In the last year are so it has become our priority for us to do more to expand our services and do more in Prince George’s County.

The county has need and we need to do more in the Temple Hills area, because the USDA has listed is as a food desert, meaning there are not enough stores and not enough access to fresh fruits and produce,” said Dempsey.

“In December of last year, Mr. Vincent Mona, of Mona Electric Group Inc., owner of Tradewinds Restaurant, and former Joe Thiesmann Restaurant, gifted the building to us.”

Based on their four “Pillars of Service” Catholic Charities the services slated for the new center may include Feeding and Nutrition, Healthcare, Legal Services, and a “Concierge Desk” that will direct visitors to the appropriate service provider.

Monroe explained the community feeding services the community will continue indefinitely.

“Even when we open

PHOTO/ BOBBY JONES

Lydia Pearl Monroe, Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Washington D.C. Program Coordinator, Cup of Joe & St. Maria’s Meals, SHARE Food Network, escorts Rachel Boozer of Temple Hills to the food line. Boozer, 78, walks four blocks every Tuesday to pick up dinner for her 101-year-old mother and herself.

the doors of the center, we’ll continue this food service to the community year around, because we want to bring awareness to our program, “said Monroe.

For more information about the food program held the Susan F. Mona Family Service Center on 5859 Allentown Way, Temple Hills, contact Lydia.monroe@catholiccharitiesdc.org.

Andrews Gazette

4

AF Senior leaders give State of the Air Force address

Friday, September 4, 2015

WASHINGTON REDSKINS CONDUCT A WALKTHROUGH PRACTICE AT JBA

BY SENIOR AIRMAN HAILEY HAUX

SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMAND INFORMATION

Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James and Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. Mark A. Welsh III held a State of the Air Force address at the Pentagon, Aug. 24.

The first topic of discussion was about Airman 1st Class Spencer Stone’s heroic actions aboard a train in France. James briefed that Stone’s unit will be nominating him for the Airman’s Medal.

“American Airmen bind themselves to a set of core values: integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do,” James said. “Airman Stone and his friends personified ‘service before self.’ Their fearlessness, courage, and selflessness inspire us all.”

In her opening statement, James pointed out the many achievements the Air Force has made such as responding to an Ebola outbreak in West Africa, providing humanitarian relief in Nepal, maintaining ongoing commitments in Afghanistan and in the Pacific, and reassuring allies in Europe in the face of a resurgent Russia.

James announced an upcoming training exercise that will involve an F-22 Raptor deployment to Europe. Welsh highlighted the advanced aircraft’s

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

Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James provides an update with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III on current Air Force operations during a press briefing in the Pentagon, Aug. 24.

capabilities saying that European allies would like the Air Force to operate with them in multiple types of scenarios.

“Being able to train side by side with them and do that kind of training is really important to us,” he said. “This is a natural evolution in bringing our best air-to-air capability in to train with partners who have been long and trusted ones.”

James also discussed the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant where the Air Force has executed nearly 70 percent of the air strikes and flown more than 48,000 sorties supporting operations in Iraq and Syria.

“We are now one year into Operation Inherent Resolve,” James said. “We’ve said from the start this would be a multiyear fight requiring political,

economic, and military actions.

We’ve made good progress with our strategy of deny, disrupt, and ultimately defeat. Thanks to airpower, we denied their advances and have completely disrupted their tactics, techniques, and procedures.”

The secretary went on to say the Air Force is still the greatest on the planet because of its Airmen.

“America expects an Air Force that can fly, fight and win against any adversary,” James said. “We must continue to give our nation the Air Force capability it needs today and well into the future. This will only occur by properly investing in our Airmen and our capabilities.”

James and Welsh then answered a multitude of questions from media on a wide-range of topics.

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTOS/JAMES E. LOTZ

Air Force District of Washington Commander Maj. Gen. Darryl Burke takes a group photo with Imagine Andrews Public Charter School students as the Washington Redskins conduct a walkthrough practice at the fitness center’s field, Joint Base Andrews on Aug. 28. The Redskins spent time meeting with Airmen, Sailors and Marines, family members and local school children and their chaperones to show their appreciation to the military community. The Redskins conducted the practice and signed autographs as part of their Redskins Salute effort.

The Washington Redskins conduct a walkthrough practice at the fitness center’s field.

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Andrews Gazette

Airmen share knowledge, experience to better Afghanistan’s air force

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/TECH. SGT. JOSEPH SWAFFORD

An Afghan airman demonstrates his aircrew flight equipment knowledge to U.S. Airmen from the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing and Train, Advice, Assist Command-Air aboard an Afghanistan air force C-130H Hercules at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Afghanistan, Aug. 29.

at Little Rock, with it being my first C-130 base, were taught to me by Staff Sergeant Maurer. So who better to come down and Airmen assigned to the 455th Air Ex- teach these guys. Having worked together peditionary Wing recently traveled to Ha- in the past I knew it would be a good exmid Karzai International Airport to assist ample for the Afghans to see how the U.S. Train, Advice, Assist Command-Air with Air Force works. Knowing what he would training and validating the Afghanistan say and do showed a unified front and that air force’s aircrew flight equipment sec- we have our stuff together.” tion.

The Afghanistan air force C-130s were The three-day trip gave the 455th AEW acquired from the U.S., and once resided Airmen the opportunity to share their AFE at Little Rock AFB, so seeing the same knowledge with their Afghan counterparts aircraft they use to work on brought back and also assist TACC-Air with keeping co- memories for the two Airmen. alition AFE current.

“It was surreal to see the same aircraft Having AFE qualified technicians that I had seen for years,” said Staff Sgt. is critical as Afghanistan continues to John Maurer, the 774th Expeditionary strengthen its air force.

Airlift Squadron AFE NCO in charge. “I “We’re building up the Afghan air force remembered all the times of opening the so they can stand on their own two feet,” door and climbing the steps to do postflight said Master Sgt. Michael Doane, the TA- inspections with an American flag on the AC-Air flight equipment adviser and op- tail, now coming out here and seeing the erations team superintendent. “A critical same aircraft with Afghan flag is really part of that is making sure the pilots can cool.” leave and return safely to base and they do For Doane, it was full circle seeing some that with the equipment AFE provides for of the same aircraft he worked on at Little them in the aircraft.”

Rock AFB. Doane is a one-man shop and having “The latest aircraft we received I got a the extra help from the 455th truly makes folder with all the inspection letters adan impact on the success of the TACC-Air dressed to me,” Doane said. “I got to show mission. the Afghans that this came from my base “With having the extra help here we and now I’m here to train them on it. I were able to get a week’s worth of work think it is appreciated to the lowest levels done in a half a day,” Doane said. “Without of the AFE shop here that I’m here to teach the last visit and this visit I wouldn’t be them on equipment I’m familiar with.” able to survive my mission and would have After the three day trip, the 455th AEW failed without working seven days a week, Airmen were amazed at how much knowl15 hours a day. It was awesome to have the edge the Afghan airmen retained from Dohelp and be able to have a team here; the ane and their eagerness to learn more. support has been immeasurable.”

“I was honestly taken back on how One of the Airmen who assisted Doane much the Afghans wanted to show their works with him back at their home station knowledge of AFE with us,” said Master of Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, Sgt. Nicholas Voaklander, the 555th Expeand he knew he would bring a lot of C-130 ditionary Fighter Squadron AFE quality knowledge to share with the Afghanistan assurance NCO in charge. “Even with a air force. language barrier they were able to point “Having his expertise here for the at things and show us what they would C-130 (Hercules) mission is awesome,” Do- normally check and demonstrated what ane said. “A lot of the things I’ve learned they have learned.”

5

FITNESS, from page 1 pared with market research, and be willing to spend,” said Isaac Melendez, Complex Director for the West Fitness Center. “We want to provide the best possible experience for our patrons, so when leadership gives us the green light, we update our facilities with the cutting-edge of fitness and athletic equipment. A fit Air Force is an effective Air Force.”

The updates are being funded partially by the base’s recent awarding of the Commander-in- Chief Installation Excellence Award.

“We won the CINC award because we’re top dogs,” Melendez said. “Our facilities are directly benefitting from the hard work Team JBA puts in every day.”

The center provides service to the entire National Capital Region with both its indoor and outdoor facilities, including: baseball fields, a turf field for soccer, multiple running tracks and basketball courts, both indoor and outdoor, and new batting cages to be built behind the scoreboard of the present baseball fields.

The West Fitness Center has also been recently updated with Wi-Fi. Group aerobics classes such as cycling, Zumba, yoga, Korean martial arts, Salsa and the West Fitness Center’s signature Tactical Fitness Class

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

Kait Miller, dependent, lifts weights at the Joint Base Andrews West Fitness Center, Aug. 31. The West Fitness Center is being renovated with new equipment and energy-saving updates.

in the tactical fitness room are offered at the facility.

Upcoming events will also be facilitated at the current facility: a Sept.

4 “Run for your lungs” 5-km run, the beginning of intramural-league flag football on Sept. 7 and a Nov. 19 Turkey Trot.

For more information regarding classes and events, call the West Fitness Center at (301) 981-7101.

“We’re lucky to have such great clientele,” Melendez said. “We feel appreciated here; there’s no feeling like keeping the Air Force fit to fight.”

BY TECH. SGT. JOSEPH SWAFFORD 455TH AIR EXPEDITIONARY WING

EQUALITY, from page 1 ditional perspectives on missions are indispensable.”

The panel discussed obstacles they have faced, women’s suffrage, what can be done to improve women’s equality today and equality in Africa and the Middle East.

“Without a diverse group of individuals, we won’t be able to solve the challenges facing the world today,” said Catherine Coleman, NASA astronaut.

Sexual assault and harassment were also discussed during the question-and-answer session.

“We have to hold people accountable for their actions,” said Maj. Gen. Linda Singh, Adjutant General of Maryland. “We have to have conversations about our culture and values.”

Women’s Equality Day commemorates the anniversary of women’s suf-

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

Panelists discuss contemporary women’s issues at the Smart Building, Joint Base Andrews, Aug. 26.

Members of JBA attended the event, featuring a discussion and questionand-answer session with a panel of distinguished guests. The panel discussed the obstacles they have faced, women’s suffrage and what can be done to improve women’s equality today.

frage in the United States, and has been proclaimed every year since 1972.

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Friday, September 4, 2015

REMEMBER THEIR COURAGE Four UH-1N Twin Hueys from the 1st Helicopter Squadron fly in formation over the National Capital Region, Aug. 28. The helicopters flew for the Vietnam Helicopter Crew Members Association Memorial Service Flyover.

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

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTOS/STAFF SGT. CHAD C. STROHMEYER

Retired Maj. Gen. Carl McNair gives the keynote speech during the Vietnam War Pilots and Aircrew Memorial Tree Dedication Ceremony on Arlington National Cemetery, Va., Aug. 28. The Memorial service was hosted by the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association and honored the thousands of men and women who perished during the “Helicopter War.”

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U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY STAFF SGT. CHAD C. STROHMEYER

A wreath lies next to a maple tree at the Vietnam War Pilots and Aircrew Memorial Tree Dedication on Arlington National Cemetery.

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

Two UH-1N Twin Hueys from the 1st Helicopter Squadron fly by the Washington Memorial, Washington D.C.

Friday, September 4, 2015

Andrews Gazette

7

JOINT BASE ANDREWS COMMUNITY 2016 ANNUAL WELCOME GUIDE Don’t miss your chance to advertise in THE ONLY comprehensive guide to resources, facilities, attractions and more for military personnel at Joint Base Andrews!

Advertising deadline:

October 9

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Andrews Gazette

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Friday, September 4, 2015