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COMMENTARY Dealing with Holiday Stress, Page 2

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All Air Force occupations open to women, Page 5

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Army veteran reflects on colorful music career

Capitals visit JBA, Page 4

Friday, December 11, 2015 | Vol. 4 No. 49

Remembering Pearl Harbor: A ‘body blow’ to America

U.S. Air Force photo/Sean Kimmons

BOBBY JONES

Jenkins works on writing a music arrangement for a client at his home studio in N.E., Washington, D.C.

Two World War II veterans render a salute after laying a wreath during a Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony at the National WWII Memorial on Dec. 7, 2015, in Washington, D.C.

By Sean Kimmons

Air Force News Service

When the first bombs exploded on a nearby airfield, see MUSIC, page 4 marking the start of the Japanese sneak attack on the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, Edward Davis and others scrambled from a chow hall.

The 94-year-old Army veteran said he and other Soldiers were having breakfast at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, when Japanese aircraft dive-bombed the adjacent Wheeler Army Airfield.

“We all ran outside and looked up at the sky to see what was going on,” the retired first sergeant said before a Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony Dec. 7 at the World War II Memorial.

At that point, a few Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighters roared over the Army base and fired at them, killing and injuring several Soldiers from his unit.

“I couldn’t believe it,” he said, recalling how the attacks stoked fears of a looming Japanese invasion.

“It was an unbelievable tragedy.”

The attacks on the island of Oahu eventually left more than 2,400 dead and almost 1,200 wounded as it catapulted the U.S. into the war.

“It dealt us a body blow that I think was a rude U.S. Air Force photo/ Senior Airman Nesha Humes Col. Brad Hoagland, Joint Base Andrews/11th awakening to Americans,” said Herb Durham, a forWing commander, right, speaks to JBA fami- mer Army Air Corps pilot. “The war had started and lies, as guests prepare to pull the candy cane as a young man I was eager to get in.” lever and light up the Christmas tree and MenoDuring the war, Durham, one of about 20 WWII rah at JBA, Md., Dec. 2. The Christmas Tree and veterans at the ceremony, said he had some scary Menorah Lighting ceremony is an annual event moments in Europe where he flew Republic P-47 held to kick off the holiday season.

Thunderbolts fighters.

JBA lights up tree, menorah for the holidays

One time while strafing German positions, a 20mm round hit his canopy, causing shattered glass and shrapnel from the round to cut his face.

“I was lucky I had on my oxygen mask and goggles,” he said of the March 1945 mission. “The doctor said I was lucky I didn’t lose my left eye.”

About a month later, Durham faced his biggest test when his aircraft was shot down behind enemy lines.

“I was dive-bombing a target and when I pulled off the target I got hit in the engine,” the 91-year-old veteran recalled. “But I had a lot of air speed so I pulled up to about 6,000 feet and bailed out.”

Durham was later caught by German soldiers who threw him in a prison camp. But a few weeks later, he said, the soldiers abandoned the camp as U.S. tanks approached it, freeing him and others.

In the Pacific Theater, former Marine Cpl. Ed Graham, who joined a dozen veterans on an honor flight from Texas for the ceremony, was sent to the tense Battle of Iwo Jima.

At first, Graham, 90, said he was part of a floating reserve until the battle turned fiercer than expected and ultimately had about 26,000 American casualties including 6,800 dead.

“We weren’t supposed to go in but they tore them up so bad the first day,” he said of how the Japanese forces pinned down his fellow Marines. “It was pretty bad for the whole crew.”

see Pearl harbor, page 3

Andrews Gazette

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Friday, December 11, 2015

Hot tickets Commentary around town Dealing with holiday stress Through December 31 Christmas on the Potomac & Ice Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, 201 Waterfront St., National Harbor More than two million twinkling lights, nightly snowfall and dancing fountains. ICE! has a new theme featuring Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town! special bonus area, The Frostbite Factory, a LIVE ice carving zone and a Gingerbread Decorating Corner, The Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt, and much more to get you in the spirit of the season. Call 301965-4000 or visit www.christmasonthepotomac.com

Through-January 1 Winter Festival of Lights Watkins Regional Park, 301 Watkins Park Dr., Upper Marlboro This holiday drive-through event features more than one million twinkling lights and is sure to leave families dazzling in amazement. Bring canned goods/non-perishable items for donation to local food banks. ($) Call 301-699-2456 or visit www.pgparks. com Weekends through December 20 Evangel Cathedral Christmas Celebration Evangel Cathedral, 13901 Central Ave., Upper Marlboro This is an exciting production, featuring s cast of more than 200 live animals, a laser light show, amazing special effects and brand new scenes. Special guests include, Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp, Tamela Mann, Avery Sunshine, Ledisi, and Anthony Brown and Group Therapy. ($) Call 301-249-9400 or visit www.evangelchristmascelebration.com December 12 Holiday Open House, Wine Tasting And Bazaar 5-8 pm Marietta House Museum, 5626 Bell Station Rd., Laurel Visit Marietta for a holiday bazaar with local vendors selling holiday gifts; enjoy tasting wines from a local winery while listening to the sounds of the season. Then, take a tour of Marietta Historic House Museum. Light refreshments provided. ($) Call 301464-5291 or visit www.history.pgparks.com For more news from other bases around the Washington, D.C. area,

visit www.dcmilitary.com.

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By Capt. Jerry Novack 96th Medical Group

It’s that time of year again. All things pumpkin spice become all things peppermint; television networks start showing nostalgic, holiday-themed movies; and I write the holiday stress mental health message.

My challenge, of course, is to write something of value not already heard or read ad nauseam.

This can be a real challenge, considering the main stressors this time of year remain relatively constant.

Finances No matter how well I plan and budget, I find myself blindsided by unexpected expenses beyond gifts. There are holiday cards, parties, meals out, entertainment events, and postage I consistently fail to consider. Some strategies can help with damage control, though.

I maintain my year-round savings habits by setting up automatic, online funds transfers into retirement and savings accounts, and limit (or eliminate) credit cards with high interest ratings.

I also create a “tighten the belt” plan for early January to help me

recover from the holiday expenses. If anyone needs help managing holiday spending, make an appointment with a financial advisor or go to the nearest Airman and Family Readiness Center.

Family I adore my family. Each year, I approach the holidays longing to reconnect with my siblings, parents, nieces and nephews. By Jan. 2, I cannot wait to get away from them again. Time with family can be simultaneously wonderful and fulfilling and frustratingly stressful. We can get overwhelmed if we forget to schedule in personal time or “little getaways” when visiting with family.

Without scheduled breaks, I get irritable and relationships begin to rapidly deteriorate. Figure out what you need in order to manage family visits and protect it because it matters.

Coping with sadness For many people, the winter holidays and New Year’s celebration carries meaning and/or memories that can conjure feelings of sadness, anxiety or grief.

I hesitate to call these negative emotions because in certain circumstances they can be not only

appropriate, but helpful. However, for some, these feelings can seem overwhelming, especially when juxtaposed with the happiness and cheer they see around them.

First, know that feeling down is perfectly normal from time to time. Do not forget we are resilient, even when we do not necessarily feel that way. Also, “timeouts” are perfectly acceptable.

Just like with family visits, temporarily disengaging from holiday cheer can provide a much needed break and enable you to reconnect with renewed excitement and joy.

If feeling overwhelmed with holiday stress, or notice that a wingman does not seem to be coping well, reach out for help. Talk to friends, family, chaplain or mental health providers.

Accompany the wingman to a helping professional, if she/he refuses to go alone. If confused about the difference between family advocacy and Airman and Family Readiness Center, just go to any helping agency. We will get you where you need to go. The most important thing is just get the support you or your wingman need.

Retiree Corner Flu Season Here Cold and flu season is underway. One important step you can take to stay healthy and avoid spreading germs is by washing your hands. By keeping your hands clean, you can help prevent colds, flu, food poisoning, diarrhea and other illnesses. Some tips to properly wash your hands: wet your hands with clean, running water and apply soap; rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub them well, making sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails; continue rubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds; rinse your hands under running water and dry them with a clean towel. It’s important to practice good hygiene all the time, but especially during the cold and flu season. Washing your hands does not guarantee you will not get sick. It can decrease your chances.

SPB Awards The Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) provides eligible beneficiaries with a monthly annuity. The amount is a percentage of your

retired pay and it depends upon whether you choose full or reduced coverage. The entitlement begins upon the member’s death and ends either when the elected beneficiary becomes ineligible to receive the annuity or dies.

Each year annuitants receive a Certificate of Eligibility from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service. Requested information on the form determines an annuitant’s continued eligibility. If no response is received, payments will stop. Payments also stop for spouses covered under SBP if they remarry before age 55. However, if the annuitant’s marriage later ends, payments will restart from the date the marriage ends.

For more information, call 1 800 321-1080.

New Premiums The monthly premium for Tricare Young Adult Prime is $306, effective January 1. For Tricare Young Adult Standard, it will be $228. These premiums — for beneficiaries 23 to 26 years old — are adjusted on an annual basis. With premiums competitive

to similar plans, Tricare Young Adult is comparable to other platinum-level health care plans.

Other options for young adult beneficiaries include: :purchasing TYA Standard offering lower premiums, with higher cost shares; enrolling in a parent’s civilian health insurance plan; purchasing a plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace; or purchasing coverage through a college or university. Lower-cost plans may be available depending on income and residence. Beneficiaries may also qualify for Medicaid. Go to www.healthcare.gov to evaluate eligibility and options. Open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace runs through Jan. 31.

The Retiree Activities Office is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please consider joining the volunteer staff. Visit the office in Building 1604 at California and Colorado Avenues or call 301 981-2726. Call to ensure a volunteer is on duty. The RAO website is www.andrews. af.mil.

Andrews Gazette

Friday, December 11, 2015

3

Music and Verse Music, from page 1

By Bobby Jones

Staff Photojournalist

At the tender age of manhood, 18-year-old Alex Jenkins had a desire to take his musical talent to travel and see the world.

Jenkins’ talent caught the eye of legendary rhythm and blues singer, James Brown, who asked his mother’s permission to take him on the road to play 27 cities in 27 days during the 1950s.

“My mother told Mr. Brown that I could go, but she said, ‘Pay my son 10 dollars and send the rest of his money home. I don’t want him smoking or drinking,’” said Jenkins, now 73. “Mr. Brown had respect and fear of my mother and abided by her wishes.

That was the start of his professional career as a jazz pianist, playing on the famous “‘Chitlin Circuit,” a name given to a string of performance venues played by African American musicians, comedians, and other entertainers throughout the eastern, southern, and upper mid-west areas of the U.S. during the age of racial segregation from the early 19th century through the 1960s.

Jenkins’ interest in music was defined by his mother’s ultimatum. “She said [me and my five brothers and sister] had to either go to school or find a job,” said the Georgia native.

“I knew I wanted to be a musician because of the girls,” Jenkins joked.

Jenkins came from a musical family; his grandfather and father were musicians, as well as two of his brothers, who have music degrees from Julliard and Michigan Universities.

Following his mother’s wishes Jenkins attended Boston University on a music education scholarship in 1966, which qualified him to teach his craft in the school system.

“Because I was on a scholarship I owed the state a certain amount of time, so I became a band director at New Bedford High School in Massachusetts. It was a good deal, because it was a guaranteed job,” said Jenkins.

While at the university Jenkins was offered a free ride for his Masters in Music in 1968. “All I had to do was sign on the dotted line.” It was an accelerated

Pearl Harbor, from page 1 Graham, assigned to the 3rd Marine Division, was later sent to the island to help purify water for combat-weary troops in the 36-day battle.

“All we had to worry about were mortars and snipers,” he said.

But he and other troops received some motivation when U.S. troops raised the American flag on top of Mount Suribachi, which later became an iconic image of the war.

“I was on board the ship when they raised it and everybody clapped, yelled and screamed,” he recalled. “It was quite a sight.”

The attack on Pearl Harbor and the subsequent “a date which will live in infamy” speech by President Franklin D. Roosevelt inspired many young men to sign up and fight in the costly war, which left more than 400,000 American servicemen dead and forever shaped the world.

Masters program which was to last three years, but through determination, Jenkins finished it in twoand-a-half years, attending school during the winter and summer.

After completing his Masters, he went to New York University to do additional graduate work.

Upon completion, he was drafted into the Army just before his 26th birthday in 1966.

Having served two tours in Vietnam Jenkins shared, “I was lucky to come back home alive and not be strung out on drugs from the hardship of battle.”

In keeping with the family tradition of education, Jenkins furthered his education and acquired an Electronic Engineering Degree from Old Dominion University in 1976 and later worked part-time as a computer technician and programmer for IBM, Wang and Motorola until 1987, when he retired from the Army as a Master Sergeant with 20 years of service.

During his career as a musician, Jenkins played with the staff band and taught music theory to Navy, Army and Marine members at Little Creek Amphibious Base. He later transferred to Ft. Monroe, in Hampton, Va. Still in the military, he would play with William Elliot, a noted jazz drummer, who introduced him to his wife, soul songstress, Dionne Warwick.

Jenkins would occasionally perform with Warwick and revealed while touring on the road – during the old days – he met and played with many other artists, including BB King, Quincy Jones, Webster Lewis, Slide Hampton, Smokey Robinson, Nancy Wilson, George Duke, Shirley Horn and Duke Ellington.

“Some people you ran across weren’t famous yet, but we were all out there starving, trying to make a living,” said Jenkins. “I had the pleasure of also playing with people like Dinah Washington, Nat King Cole, Count Basie and Sonny Payne, a drummer who played with Basie and Harry James.”

Jenkins recalled one of the more reflective times in his life when he was asked to play at the Inaugural breakfast at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building during President Barack Obama’s first election in 2008. While playing background music Jenkins shared a moment with the President.

“Mr. President, my wife was a volunteer who

Navy veteran Ted Waller said he rushed to the recruiter’s office following the attack.

“I went down the next day and tried to sign up but there were so many people there that they told us to go home until after Christmas so we could spend time with family,” the 92-yearold veteran recalled. “I came back the day after (Christmas) and got sworn in.”

Waller went on to take part in the world’s first all-aircraft carrier naval clash, the Battle of the Coral Sea, and roughly a dozen other battles. He then witnessed the Japanese surrender some of its South Pacific territories while on board the USS Portland at Truk, Caroline Islands, on Sept. 2, 1945 — an event often overshadowed by Japan’s surrender on the USS Missouri in Toyko Bay, Japan, that same day.

“At the time it didn’t mean anything, but now it does,” he said of the formal surrender. “It was the beginning of changes in our American life.”

Bobby Jones

Jenkins, who’s musical prowess spans more than six decades, keeps up-to-date in his artistry by using state-art-of-the-art software to produce musical arrangements.

worked hard behind the scenes getting people to register to vote; but she died of Osteoporosis two days before the Inauguration,” said Jenkins, with a stoic expression.

In a moment of shared human understanding, “I feel where you are, because I wish my grandmother was here to see this day, too,” said President Obama, mourning the loss of his grandmother who died from her bout with cancer two days before he took the oath.

When asked if he missed the old days, he replied, “This is my life. I’ve been doing this since I was six years old,” said Jenkins, who received encouragement from his first-grade teacher. “I’m going to play until they put me in a pine box.”

Today Jenkins’ low vision caused by glaucoma hasn’t slowed the seasoned musician; he still writes music arrangements for colleges, universities and young local talent. “I play occasional gigs throughout the D.C., New York and Boston areas or anywhere I can get a solid contract,” said Jenkins.

He also contracts his talent out to three different churches on Sundays. Jenkins, who has collaborated with various recording artists, produced a jazz album in 2012. He is currently working on a gospel CD/album project slated for release in 2016.

U.S. Air Force photo/Sean Kimmons

Edward Davis, right, a 94-year-old Army veteran who witnessed the Japanese sneak attack on Hawaii, and Frank Levingston, a 110-year-old Army veteran believed to be the nation’s oldest living World War II veteran, attend a Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony at the National World War II Memorial on Dec. 7, 2015, in Washington, D.C.

Andrews Gazette

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Friday, December 11, 2015

Offering homeless veterans a step up with employment

By Leslie C. Smith Staff writer

Through a grant from the US Department of Labor, Easter Seals of DC/MD/VA has set in place several programs — Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) and Homeless Female Veterans & Veterans with Families (HFVVF) – to offer help to homeless veterans reintegrate into the labor force.

Founded in 1919, Easter Seals provides many services to Veterans including Little Warriors Program, daycare for children younger than 5 for wounded warriors; and Adult and Senior Services, as well as caregiver training. The organization is providing this labor force reintegration service for homeless, or at-risk of being homeless, Veterans across Baltimore, Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties and Baltimore City as well as Northern Virginia.

The mission of these programs is to provide job training, counseling and placement services. Through outreach and by assisting veterans to locate support service in the community, the organization looks to eliminate barriers to employment.

The organization seeks to enroll as many veterans as possible through weekly outreach at Walter Reed and the VA Medical Center in Washington,

DC, and Baltimore, as well as, through partnerships with local community programs and the state One-Stop career centers.

The program is employment focused, but the organization provides counseling and case management and addresses many issues that might be a hindrance to employment.

“Once we locate a veteran we conduct a comprehensive assessment. We never turn anyone away even if it appears like they’ll never be able to work. We provide a lot of referrals – for example to the VA – for further treatment, or to local vet center or local community partners,” said Robert “Bob” Simpson, Vice Pres Military Veteran operations Easter Seals serving DC, MD and VA, and 24-year Marine Corp veteran.

“It is an eight-page assessment and during this process we explore family history, mental health history, substance abuse and legal issues – anything that might be a barrier to the homeless veteran becoming employed,” noted Simpson.

“If a veteran does have a problem – for example, a substance abuse issue – we’re not going to kick them out of the program necessarily; we are going to refer them back to the VA and get them treatment. Once they complete treatment, and the facility says they are ready for employment, they

are referred back to us. It is the same with any mental health problems they may be experiencing. If we have a combat veteran that might need to be on a particular medication – or it’s not working properly – we refer them back to a doctor to have it treated,” Simpson said.

The grant provides for occupational training such as forklift operator and computer training. All training, however, must lead to employment. The grant also authorizes the organization to help with additional items that may be a hindrance to employment such as equipment that might be needed to perform the job along with some funds for deferring some transportation costs.

Through these grants, this year the HVRP grant has reached 188 veterans with 75 veterans with 43 placed in jobs and the HFVVF has reached 103 veterans, 46 participating and 40 placed in positions.

To be eligible for the HVRP and HFVVF program, participants must be homeless – or at risk of being homeless – veteran, proof of Veteran status and have received any discharge other than dishonorable.

In addition to the HVRP and HFVVF programs, Easter Seals also provides a temporary to permanent employment program through the Veteran Staff-

ing Network. Created three years ago, with the vision to be self-sufficient aside from grants, this program places veterans in temporary positions with partner companies. This nationwide program differs from typical staffing agencies in that the Veteran is not moved week to week, the goal is to have permanent hires. This program is open to any former military personnel – active duty or non-active duty – as well as spouses.

“We ask companies to try our veteran; if you like them, hire them, and at the same time give the veteran an opportunity to decide if they really want to work there,” Simpson said.

“There can be many barriers for our Veteran in gaining employment – in particular with female veterans when you are talking about childcare; or perhaps, in some cases, sexual abuse or domestic violence issues – especially with substance abuse. We address a lot of issues and look to get them help,” Simpson said.

“They fought for us, so now it’s our turn to fight for them.”

If you would like to learn more about the programs Easter Seals has to offer, visit www.eseal.org. If you would like more information about the Veterans Staffing Network, or to review the job board, visit www.VeteranStaffingNetwork.org.

Capitals visit JBA

By Airman 1st Class Philip Bryant 11th Wing Public Affairs

The Washington Capitals players and coaches visited Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Dec. 1, 2015.

The Capitals met with Airmen to learn some of the various missions of JBA. Capitals Head Coach Barry Trotz made comparisons between the military and NHL lifestyles.

“I’ve always been big into the military values, the accountability, structure, discipline and teamwork,” Trotz said. “In our sport, it’s all about team-

work. There are individual talents that everyone has, but it’s working as a cohesive unit.”

The teams tour included presentations of the 11th Security Forces Squadron military working dogs, U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team, 113th Air National Guard Fighter Wing, 459th Air Refueling Wing, U.S. Air Force premier rock band Max Impact, 11th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordinance Disposal, 1st Helicopter Squadron and 11th Civil Engineer Squadron Chemical, BiologiU.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Philip Bryant/Released cal, Radiological and Nuclear Defense Marcus Johansson, Washington Capitals center, takes a selfie inside (CBRN). a UH-1N helicopter from the 1st Helicopter Squadron during the team’s visit to Joint Base Andrews, Dec. 1. The squadron is responsible for priority airlift for National-level civilian and senior military leadership throughout the National Capital Region.

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Andrews Gazette

Friday, December 11, 2015

All Air Force occupations open to women

By Secretary of the Air Force

Public Affairs Command Information

Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced all occupations in the U.S. military will be open to men and women alike during a press conference Dec. 3.

The announcement came after a thorough review of findings from the last three years of studies, and the subsequent recommendation of service secretaries and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

“This decision means that we will be able to maximize our military effectiveness because we’ll be able to draw from a larger pool of skilled and qualified individuals,” said Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James. “The bottom line is to ensure the force’s future success based on validated, gender neutral standards.”

According to Carter, within 30 days all currently closed occupations will be open and available for the assignment of women or men.

The services will begin implementing their current plans for recruiting, accessing and initial training of women in these occupations.

“Our Air Force is more effective when success is based on ability, qualifications, and mission performance,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III. “While not everyone aspires to be a Battlefield Airman, those who

have the desire and are qualified will be afforded an opportunity to serve in those specialties in our Air Force. As with any new policy, implementation will take time and will be done in a deliberate and responsible manner,” Welsh said.

Carter said Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work and Gen. Paul Selva, the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will oversee the decision’s short-term implementation, ensure there are no unintended consequences to the joint force, and periodically update Carter and Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Women will be fully integrated into combat roles deliberately and methodically, Carter said, using seven guidelines.

Seven guidelines 1. Implementation will be pursued with the objective of improved force effectiveness.

2. Leaders must assign tasks and jobs throughout the force based on ability, not gender.

3. Equal opportunity likely will not mean equal participation by men and women in all specialties, and there will be no quotas.

4. Studies conducted by the services and U.S. Special Operations Command indicate that on average there are physical and other differences between men and women, and implementation will take this

into account.

5. The department will address the fact that some surveys suggest that some service members, men and women, will perceive that integration could damage combat effectiveness.

6. Particularly in the specialties that are newly open to women, survey data and the judgment of service leaders indicate that the performance of small teams is important.

7. The United States and some of its closest friends and allies are committed to having militaries that include men and women, but not all nations share this perspective.

Integrating women in all military jobs Implementation won’t happen overnight, Carter said.

“Fully integrating women into all military positions will make the U.S. armed forces better and stronger but there will be problems to fix and challenges to overcome,” he said. “We shouldn’t diminish that.”

The military has long prided itself on being a meritocracy, where those who serve are judged only on what they have to offer to help defend the country, Carter said.

“That’s why we have the finest fighting force the world has ever known,” he said, “and it’s one other way we will strive to ensure that the force of the future remains so, long into the future.”

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Andrews Gazette

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Friday, December 11, 2015

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Andrews Gazette

Friday, December 11, 2015

7

Redskins honor AFDW and military with Salute to Service game By 1st Lt. Esther Willett Air Force District of Washington Public Affairs

The Washington Redskins honored the Air Force and other military members with a Salute to Service Game at FedEx Field on the 74th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor attacks Dec. 7, 2015.

“We are extremely grateful for the men and women of our armed forces for their service to our country,” Washington Redskins President Bruce Allen said. “It is a privilege to honor this country’s real heroes on Monday night.”

AFDW Commander Maj. Gen. Darryl Burke joined his counterparts from Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region during pre-game activities including observing the coin toss on the field. During halftime, Burke

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honored Tech. Sgt. Christopher Ferrell from the 11th Civil Engineer Squadron’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal flight for his Purple Heart Medal.

“I think about the meaning behind this medal and the sacrifices given by all of those who have received it, it is a bit overwhelming,” said Ferrell, who was wounded while disarming a road-side bomb in Afghanistan in 2009. “I am blessed to still be here on this Earth with my family, while others have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our great Nation. So I guess the feelings I have...are humbled and grateful.”

Separately, Airmen from the 11th Civil Engineer Squadron conducted a demonstration of explosive ordnance disposal capabilities outside the stadium for incoming fans before

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the game began which was a highlight for fans.

“Playing and interacting with the robot was fantastic,” said Wes Hummer, a Redskins fan who attended the game. “I want to thank them for their service.”

The Washington Redskins’ annual Salute to Service game is designed to recognize and honor veterans and current members of America’s Armed Forces.

“We are grateful for the support that programs such as Redskins Salute give to our military,” said AFDW Commander Maj. Gen. Darryl Burke. “It’s not just those you saw in uniform at tonight’s game — there are thousands of veterans who were in attendance tonight who have proudly served our country, and millions of military family members either in

U.S. Air Force photo by James E. Lotz/RELEASED

Air Force District of Washington Commander Maj. Gen. Darryl Burke joins his counterparts from Joint Force Headquarters-National Capital Region to honor the nation’s colors during pre-game activities for the Washington Redskins versus Dallas Cowboys game, Dec. 7, 2015 at FedEx Field in Landover, Md. The Washington Redskins continued their tradition of honoring the nation’s veterans and active duty military through the team’s annual Salute to Service game.

attendance or who watched tonight’s game who sacrifice so much to our nation. The support we witnessed tonight was truly moving.”

To read more about Technical Sgt. Christopher Ferrell’s story, visit http://www. andrews.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123430377a

Andrews Gazette

8

Friday, December 11, 2015

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