Joint Base Journal Vol. 6, No. 2
January 16, 2015
News and information for and about Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling www.facebook.com/JBABdc
J OINT B ASE A NACOSTIA-B OLLING
www.cnic.navy.mil/jbab
Public Works proves ready for winter driving BY ERIC D. RITTER JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
The recent snowfall wasn’t kind to the Washington area. Many of the roads were paralyzed with bumper-to-bumper gridlock as slick roads made driving difficult or impossible in some areas. That gridlock compounded the problem, preventing area road crews from effectively getting around the thousands of miles worth of highways and neighborhoods quickly. However, within the gates of Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB), things were going a lot smoother than other areas. “We did a fantastic job of responding to this storm,” said JBAB Public Works Production Officer Air Force Maj. Joseph Tortella. “The weather was slightly different than what we thought it would be, but we monitored it the whole way and adjusted our response as we needed.” Armed with snow plows, ice melt, shovels and a lot of strong backs, the Public Works’ team hit the roads and sidewalks the minute inclement weather was about to hit. But it wasn’t just good equipment that helped make JBAB’s travel lanes safer, it was also
the experience level of the crews. “These guys have been around a long time doing this and have a lot of experience with winter weather,” Tortella said. “We had everything we needed ready to go, and they were ready for any curveball the weather could have thrown.” Tortella added that a lot of credit also goes to installation and tenant comments. “Everyone communicated with each other very well during this, and the support we received from them was fantastic.” According to Tortella, the first storm of the year is always a challenge, because it’s been a few months since they last experienced these conditions. In this case, it’s been a year since this area has seen its last snow. Having motorists aware of the conditions around them helps too, Tortella said. “Be conscious of the weather conditions and remember to have patience with the [snow removal] equipment around them.” Most likely this recent snow storm wasn’t the last for the season, but Tortella said no matter what winter conditions may come to JBAB, the Public Works team will be ready.
U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY ERIC D. RITTER
Although the snow was enough to virtually paralyze commuting traffic throughout the DC Beltway region, it was just enough for children and families to make the best of it and have a fun day of playing in the snow.
Chief Master Sgt. Richard Simonsen retires after 28 years BY JEREMY K. JOHNSON JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING PUBLIC AFFAIRS
PHOTO BY JEREMY K. JOHNSON
Sheryl Simonsen attaches a retirement pin to the lapel of her husband Chief Master Sgt. Richard Simonsen’s uniform during his retirement ceremony at the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling main chapel Jan. 8.
A retirement ceremony was held Jan. 8 at the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling (JBAB) main chapel to recognize Chief Master Sgt. Richard Simonsen’s 28-year career in the United States Air Force. Simonsen arrived at JBAB in 2012 and served as senior enlisted leader during the base’s transformation from a military to civilian force while continuing to support nearly 50 tenant units and organizations. His career began in 1987 when he joined the Air Force from San Francisco, California. He trained as a military broadcaster and served at assignments in Spain, Italy, Japan, Germany and Washington, D.C. He also deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, surviving several improvised explosive device attacks. His actions
earned him the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Simonsen’s expertise was highly valued during his career. In 2009, for example, he was assigned public affairs superintendent of the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee. Capt. Frank Mays said that as the commander of JBAB, that expertise has been valuable to him as well. “I’d like to thank Chief Simonsen for his sage counsel,” said Mays. “I’ve come to rely on his advice and input. In a command with so few enlisted, he was able to give me the pulse of other command’s troops. Chief Simonsen’s information and subsequent advice were timely and spot on and helped me re-direct resources to emergent issues.” Col. Kathryn Tate, Commander, 579th Medical Group, spoke at the ceremony and highlighted many of his achievements. She gathered stories from his previous co-workers and shared what they remembered of him.
When recounting his time at Misawa Air Base as a mid-career Airman, she quoted a friend who said he brought his own particular brand of humor to the radio show he produced while hinting that he has appeared much more serious in the later years of his career. Not missing a beat, Simonsen quipped, “I didn’t think I’d make Chief.” The ceremony was thorough, allowing time for both friend and pastor Brad Lapiska to talk about the retiring chief’s faith and humanity, while also allowing Col. Tate time to discuss his professional career and accomplishments. Lapiska said that as a Christian, Simonsen sees his military career as service to both country and god. “He considers his faith as parallel to his service, and a blessing to him. And because you’re im-
See RETIRE, Page 2