COMMENTARY AFDW/CC establishes hotline, Page 2
DCMILITARY.COM
AIR FORCE NEWS
SPORTS Fitness competition spurs fitness dreams of JBA members, Page 3
AFDW Airmen pack 18th shipment of holiday cheer, Page 4
AN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATION OF COMPRINT MILITARY PUBLICATIONS AT JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD.
AFW2 helps Airmen take steps toward recovery BY STAFF SGT. ROBERT CLOYS
Air Force veteran gives back, teaches charm and etiquette at JBA utes each, through the use of hands-on training, question and answer sessions, and role At the height of 5-foot, 9 1/2 playing. The children also inches, Vanessa Riley Harris learned how to walk with conis a vision of poise, grace and fidence, be aware of body landistinction as you make her guage, and the use of effective acquaintance. communication. In fact, making first imJayson Alburg, a 16-yearpressions is the cornerstone old Andrews’ resident parof the lessons she teaches to ticipated in the 13 through children and adults alike at 18-year-old class. He comher business Ladivee’s Eti- mented on how his demeanor quette and Consulting Inc. in and dress code changed after Waldorf. taking the etiquette classes. She recently received a “I’ve learned that you have chance to teach charm and to dress for different occaetiquette lessons to three dif- sions. I wouldn’t let my pants ferent age groups of youth, slouch below my waist if I was ages ranging from 5 to 18, at interviewing for a job. I would the Joint Base Andrews Youth wear a Jacket and tie,” said Center Nov. 5 through 20. Alburg. “I’m also now more During the month-long aware of my facial exprescourse “Good Manners Starts sions, eye contact and body with Me” Harris taught them language when talking with the benefits of etiquette in people. I don’t even talk to my various environments through parents the same way I used role playing. The areas includ- to; I’m more respectful. ed: How to introduce yourself, Alburg further noted, “Tothe importance of the smile, day when I was at school, I the importance of eye contact bumped into someone walking and a firm handshake, proper in the hallway and I instantly telephone etiquette, job inter- apologized. Before, I wouldn’t view etiquette, and table set- have said anything and just tings. kept right on walking. I’m enShe taught four groups of see VETERAN, page 5 25 to 30 children for 30 minBY BOBBY JONES
STAFF PHOTOJOURNALIST
11TH WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
One would never know the twelve current and retired Airmen walking into the Joint Base Andrews West Fitness Center, Nov. 18, were wounded, ill or seriously injured. Minutes later it is evident as the bleachers and floor fill with gym bags, volleyballs and prosthetic limbs, and two K-9s sit loyally on the sideline waiting for their owners to return from practice. These Airmen are part of the Air Force Wounded Warrior Adaptive Sports Program, a fellowship of athletes, volunteers and coaches that use athletic reconditioning to help rehabilitate wounded, ill and seriously injured Airmen. While also inspiring, the program helps Airmen build strength and endurance. “By supporting the event, the Air Force and 11 WG are demonstrating their commitment to wounded warriors and their families, and also encouraging greater awareness and support for Air Force Wounded Warrior in the region,” said Steve Otero, AFW2 communications coordinator. For one highly motivated Airman, the program is a step toward returning to what he loves most, being a Pararescueman. On July 15, 2011, on a mission in Afghanistan, Staff Sgt. August O’Niell experienced an event that would change his life forever. En route to rescue three Marines who sustained serious gunshot wounds, O’Niell’s helicopter came under hostile fire. “The bird took four or five round and then one of them bounced off the doorway,” O’Niell said. At first, O’Niell was confused. But, as blood began soaking through his uniform, it became clear that he had been shot. The round had entered his left knee, shattering it, and proceeded through to his right calf.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014 | VOL. 3 NO. 47
U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO/TECH. SGT. BRIAN FERGUSON
Air Force wounded warrior Staff Sgt. August O’Niell sets a volleyball during practice at the Joint Base Andrews West Fitness Center, Nov. 18, for an upcoming Pentagon Sitting Volleyball Tournament. The one-day tournament is designed to bring awareness to the challenges of the wounded, ill or injured population.
When he awoke later at a medical center in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, he was told it wouldn’t be long until he would be headed back home. The first words that came out of O’Niell’s mouth personified his dedication to his job. “Not until I get my reenlistment paperwork.” Later, his brother, an Air Force Combat Rescue Officer, would join him at his hospital bed and perform his reenlistment oath.
O’Niell’s road to recovery over the next three years would be long, strenuous and often frustrating. He underwent more than 20 surgeries before doctors offered him two options; a knee replacement surgery that would likely leave his leg in pain and nonfunctional, or amputation. “I haven’t regretted it,” he said, after opting to have his leg removed above the knee on
see RECOVERY, page 6
Rising entrepreneurial stars spend day of learning, networking conference for learning and high stakes at the Semper Startup. On STAFF WRITERS Oct. 15, The George Washington University was host to Do you have a passion for the inaugural Semper Startup an idea and nothing makes conference held in the Jack you happier than the end- Morton Auditorium. less pursuit to make it come This seminar provided a to fruition? When everyone full day of events geared at else is stuck on the problem, giving veterans the informaare you exceeding and finding tion and tools necessary to solutions? Do you think your make the transition to entreunique military service has preneurship. given you the certain tools The distinguished list of necessary to gear you toward speakers featured the names the world of entrepreneur- of Roger London, Marissa ship? Well, last month local see CONFERENCE, page 3 “Vetrepreneurs” came ready BY LESLIE C. SMITH & BOBBY JONES