Public Affairs, Volume 63, Number 71
Dec. 16, 2016
Base Town Hall meeting keeps community up to date
By Christopher Ball 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
Approximately 50 people from the Edwards Air Force Base community attended a town hall meeting Dec.1 in the Airman and Family Readiness Center Galaxy Room here. Representatives from several organizations on base provided updates on the latest information in their fields of expertise. Presentations were given by the 412th Force Support Squadron, the 412th Security Forces Squadron, the 412th Medical Group, the 412th Test Wing Safety Office, the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, Corvias Housing, the Airman’s Attic, and the Muroc Joint Unified School District. Brig. Gen. Carl Schaefer, 412th Test Wing commander, opened the meeting with comments and introductions. “This venue is meaningful to me as a commander, and to all the commanders, first sergeants and directors,” Schaefer said. “The value of this for us is the feedback we get from our members. This is about making Edwards the best possible place in the Air Force to work.” Josh Crawford of Corvias briefed about the Mojave Sky Community Center services and making access easier for housing residents. He also discussed the housing renovation project currently underway. “The renovation program is way ahead of schedule,” he said. We only have about 15 homes to renovate next year.” He spoke a bit about park renovations also. “The best thing we’re doing with our parks is putting up shade structures over play areas.” He said this initiative came directly from feed-
Brig. Gen. Carl Schaefer, 412th Test Wing commander, and Col. Norman West, 412th Medical Group commander, address the audience at the Edwards Town Hall meeting held Dec. 1 in the Airman and Family Readiness Center. The Town Hall covered a variety of topics concerning the Edwards community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Joseph Gocong)
back from residents. Tech. Sgt. Michael Campbell, 412th Security Forces Squadron, briefed about changes in installation access and talked about weapons registration and some changes in DOD instructions. His main topic was changes to visitor access through the Visitor Control Center. Instructions from DOD require using a SharePoint site for sponsoring guests on base. “We have been using the system for over a year now, but it will soon be the law,” he said. See Meeting, page 2
Airman Leadership School graduates largest class ever
By Kenji Thuloweit 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
The 412th Force Support Squadron’s Airman Leadership School ended 2016 on a high note by graduating 44 senior airmen and one civilian Dec. 8. According to 412th Test Wing leadership and ALS staff, the newest crop of graduates is one for the record books. “Class 17A was the largest class in Edwards history,” said Master Sgt. Daniel Magas, ALS commandant. “The increase in class size is driven by Air Force Total Force initiatives aimed at a greater inclusion of Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard in-residence Enlisted Professional Military Education experiences. This allows our brothers and sisters in arms the opportunity to otherwise get a full ALS experience rather than an online version of the course.” The Air Force Total Force program also allows civilian Airmen to attend ALS. In February, two civilians from Edwards were the first to graduate from ALS in Air Force Materiel Command. Air Guard and Air Reserve Airmen are nominated through their respective commands and assigned ALS slots where
From left: Col. Jason Schott, 412th Test Wing vice commander, presents the Airman Leadership School John L. Levitow Award to Senior Airman Donald Badgett, 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron, along with Chief Master Sgt. Todd Simmons, 412th TW command chief. A graduation ceremony was held at Club Muroc Dec. 8 for ALS Class 17A. The Levitow award is presented to the student that demonstrated the most outstanding leadership and scholastic qualities. Selection is based on academic performance and assignment of points by peers and instructors. (U.S. Air Force photo by Joseph Gocong)
See ALS, page 3
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New CC at 418th FLTS Lt. Col. Paul Calhoun addresses the 418th Flight Test Squadron workforce Dec. 2 after assuming command during a ceremony in Hangar 1623. Calhoun is a U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School graduate who returns to Edwards from an assignment at Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the DOD agency responsible for the development of emerging technologies for use by the military. Calhoun takes over from Lt. Col. Eric Bippert who moves on to the 412th Operations Group. The 418th FLTS performs flight testing on the C-5, C-17, KC-10, KC-46, KC-135, and partner-nation airlift and air refueling aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo by Joseph Gocong)
Weapons registration required on Edwards AFB
By Christopher Ball 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
Nearly all military members are required at some point to qualify with firearms. Many opt to own personal firearms also. But members who reside on base and own firearms are subject to certain regulations that do not apply to civilians members who live off base. Tech. Sgt. Michael Campbell, 412th Security Forces Squadron, briefed the registration requirements at the town hall meeting held Dec. 1 at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. “General (Brig. Gen. Carl) Schaefer (412th Test Wing Commander) is charged with maintaining security on this base,” Campbell said. “In order to do that, one of his policies is to ensure accountability of weapons on the base.” Campbell said that if police are required to respond to a call at a house on base, it can help them to know what types of weapons, if any, are at the residence. According to the 412th Security Forces Operating Instruction 31-117, all base
residents who maintain firearms or unusually dangerous weapons must register them with the 412th Security Forces Squadron by completing an Air Force Form 1314 and DD Form 2760 within five days. A unit commander’s signature is required. Personnel possessing firearms must comply with all federal, state and local laws, ordinances and military regulations on registering, storing, bearing, possessing and using firearms. Also, if members are storing firearms in housing, they have to review and sign the Privately Owned Weapons form given to them by Corvias. All firearms and unusually dangerous weapons owned by, or in the custody of personnel who reside in the dormitories or in Desert Villa Temporary Lodging Facilities – while on temporary duty or in the process of a permanent change of station – must be registered and stored at the 412th SFS armory immediately upon arrival to the base. For more information about storing or transporting weapons, ammunition or re-
(U.S. Air Force photo by Christopher Ball)
loading supplies on Edwards, visit http:// www.edwards.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1030375/requirements-outlined-for-registration-storage-and-transport-of-weapons-on-base, or call 412th SFS Police Services at 277-6901
From Meeting, page 1 Telephone calls to the VCC to sponsor visitors will soon be a thing of the past. There were several questions about sponsors without access to an Air Force network computer. Campbell pointed out that the feedback from these meetings can help solve such problems. Campbell also outlined the requirements for registering, storing and transporting weapons on base. Janice Hollen, 412th Force Support Squadron director, took the stage to outline how to find the FSS activities and events using the FSS website, Facebook page and the FSS Blast sent out via basewide email. Other topics included Education Office opportunities and
information and the Transition Assistance Program. The Muroc Joint Unified School District superintendent talked about updating the schools, funding and the way forward. “This is my third assignment here. My babies started at Bailey Elementary…’’ Schaefer said. “This is really personal for me, one of my top priorities. Our schools are a huge issue for recruiting and retaining people at Edwards. This mission is too important to the Air Force that people not want to come to Edwards just based on the school system.” A video of the town hall meeting will soon be available on the Edwards YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/ EdwardsAirForceBase.
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AAFES Christmas holiday hours Dec. 26 Exchange..................10 a.m.-4 p.m. Express.......................9 a.m.-8 p.m. Burger King................8 a.m.-6 p.m. Starbucks..............................Closed Arby’s........................11 a.m.-4 p.m. Charley’s...............................Closed Taco Bell...................11 a.m.-4 p.m. Popeye’s...................11 a.m.-4 p.m. NASA food court..................Closed Mary’s Place.........................Closed Domino’s (Bldg 7210).11 a.m.-9 p.m. The Cleaners........................Closed Stripes Alterations...............Closed Enterprise.............................Closed Beauty Shop.........................Closed Barber Shop.........................Closed GNC...........................10 a.m.-3 p.m. Petals & Blooms...................Closed Lock & Leave Storage.........Closed Firestone.....................9 a.m.-6 p.m. NAPA Auto Parts......10 a.m.-3 p.m. King Photography................Closed
AAFES New Year’s Day hours Jan. 1 Exchange.............................Closed Express.....................10 a.m.-5 p.m. Burger King.........10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Starbucks....................8 a.m.-2 p.m. Arby’s....................................Closed Charley’s...............................Closed Taco Bell...............................Closed Popeye’s...............................Closed NASA food court..................Closed Mary’s Place.........................Closed Domino’s (both)...................Closed The Cleaners........................Closed Stripes Alterations...............Closed Enterprise.............................Closed Beauty Shop.........................Closed GNC.......................................Closed Petals & Blooms..................Closed Lock & Leave.......................Closed Firestone.....................8 a.m.-6 p.m. NAPA Auto Parts..................Closed King Photography................Closed Barber Shop.........................Closed
Announcements
Dec. 16, 2016
www.facebook.com/EdwardsAirForceBase
FSS Christmas holiday hours Dec. 26 Aero Club.................................. Flying from sunrise to sunset. Office closed. Joshua Tree Dining Facility Breakfast........................................................................................ 6-8 a.m. Lunch....................................................................................11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Dinner........................................................................................ 4-6:30 p.m. Midnight Meal........................................................................11 p.m.-1 a.m. High Desert Inn........................................................................... Always open Club Muroc (reservations only)................................... Closed Dec. 24-Jan.2 Library.................................................................................... Closes Dec. 24.
FSS Family Day hours Dec. 27 Aero Club.................................. Flying from sunrise to sunset. Office closed. Joshua Tree Dining Facility Brunch..................................................................................... 6 a.m.-1 p.m. Dinner................................................................................. 4:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Midnight Meal........................................................................ 11 p.m.-1 a.m. High Desert Inn............................................................................Always open High Desert Lanes Bowling Center................................ 10:30 a.m.-midnight Rosburg Fitness Center............................................................. 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
All other FSS facilities will be closed. Normal hours will resume Jan. 2, 2017.
412th Security Forces Squadron issues speeding citations
The 412th Security Forces Squadron issued four speeding citations and processed one driving suspension from Dec. 5 through Dec. 11.
Citations issued
1 to 10 mph.................................................0 11 to 15 mph................................................1 16 to 20 mph...............................................2 21 to 24 mph...............................................1 25+ mph......................................................0
Driving privilege suspensions (current)
15 days........................................................2 30 days........................................................0 45 days........................................................0 90 days........................................................2 180 days (six months).................................1 365 days (one year)..................................15 730 days (two years)...................................0 1,095 days (three years).............................0
Per AFI 31-218 and EAFBI 31-218, a DD Form 1408 Armed Forces traffic tickets (no-fine) are issued to military members. Military members receiving 1408s are subject to Uniform Code of Military Justice action. A U.S. District Court Violation Notice (USDCVN) (a fine) is issued to all civilians, dependents and retirees. If issued a USDCVN, violators may be required to be present at Magistrate Court in Bakersfield, California, receive traffic violation points against their state-issued driver’s license and potentially receive suspension of on-base driving privileges.
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Announcements
Dec. 16, 2016
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412th Force Support Squadron upcoming events Aero Club
275-AERO Aero Camp is Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Three winter sessions available: Dec. 19-23 and 26-30; Jan. 2-6, 2017. Learn the first steps in training future pilots. Minimum of three to a maximum of six participants. Includes private pilot ground school kit. Pre-registration required. Call for price and registration.
Airman and Family Readiness
277-0723 Pre-Separation Counseling is Dec. 28, 8:30 a.m.-noon. Pre-Separation Counseling is a prerequisite for the five-day Transition Assistance Program. Spouses are highly encouraged to attend. Smooth Move is Dec. 28, 2-3 p.m. Edwards Smooth Move seminar will assist in ensuring you select the proper path for a successful PCS, whether it be planning for an OCONUS or CONUS move. The goal is to ensure you receive valuable information necessary to make informed decisions and alleviate stress that might come with a relocation. 4 Lenses™ is founded on the realization that each individual has unique strengths and motivations. The 4 Lenses™ assessment helps organizations build a solid understanding of the innate talent and potential of its individuals. The 4-Lenses™ instrument was created from the research of the Myers Briggs’ Personality Type Indicator, as well as David Keirsey’s modifications to this instrument in his book, Please Understand Me. Call Maria at 277-7618 to schedule a 4 Lenses™ assessment for your organization/team. A Military Famly Life Consultant is on board at the A&FRC to help military members, spouses, family members, friends and staff members address issues such as relationships, deployments, parenting, stress, grief and many other issues. Consultations are free and anonymous – no records are kept. Call 742-4733 to make an appointment. Sponsorship Training needs to be completed online at http//apps.mhf.dod.mil/es. Afteward, call 277-0723.
Education and Training
277-2713 AMU NTC Closure - The American Military University National Testing Center located in Bldg. 2453 (Education and Training Center) will be closed Dec. 19-23 for off-site training. Job Training, Employment Skill Training, Apprenticeships and Internships is a new Career Skills Programs that institutes job apprenticeships, on-the-job training, job shadowing, employment skills training, and internships that offer skills training opportunities to Airmen (officers and enlisted) preparing to transition from military to civilian employment who have 160 days left on active duty to participate in the program. Eligibility and program information will be forthcoming as Air Force rolls out additional implementation guidance. For more information, please contact the Education and Training Center at 277-1462/2713.
Arts and Crafts Center/Auto Hobby
275-ARTS/AUTO What We Offer: Custom engraving (wood, plastic, ceramic, acrylic, glass, leather, aluminum, and brass); custom framing; wood hobby shop; embroidery; dye sublimation; vinyl printing (custom shirts, wall and window decals, etc.). Visit us today! Classes Starting Soon so we are looking for instructors for painting, stained glass, sewing, and crocheting.
High Desert Lanes Bowling Center 275-BOWL
NFL Sunday Ticket is 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. The Big Game is on at High Desert Lanes Bowling. Active duty who wear their team’s shirt get a free game of bowling with rental shoes! Breakfast served all day. Appetizers and wing specials!
For more information about 412th FSS offerings, visit www.edwardsfss.com/wordpress sists of cognitive knowledge and aquatic skills (water rescue skills, CPR and First Aid Training). Must score 80% or better on written tests and 100% on all water skills. *Pre-course swim consists of 300 yards continuous swim (breaststroke and freestyle), timed brick recovery, and two -minute hands-free tread. Minimum number of participants is four, maximum of 10. Need Ski or Snowboard Gear? Outdoor Rec has all of the equipment you need. Check out the Equipment Rental pricelist on ODR’s page at www.edwardsfss.com or come stop by Outdoor Recreation today!
Library
275-BOOK Children’s Story Time is every Wednesday and Friday at 10 a.m. Toddlers and pre-school children are invited for story time and to create very unique craft projects. Volunteer readers are welcome. Special Holiday Story Time for Christmas is Dec. 16 and Dec. 30 for New Year’s.
Youth Sports
277-8961 Youth Basketball - It’s not too late to sign up for Youth Basketball! Season will start Jan. 11, 2017. Call for prices. Youth Programs is also looking for highly motivated coaches to coach basketball this year. Sign up at the Main Youth Center. For more information contact Emil Graves at 277-8961. Start Smart Basketball is for ages 3 and 4. The season will begin Jan. 18, 2017. Classes every Wednesday for six weeks at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. SIGN UP TODAY! Youth Baseball and Softball Camp is Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jan. 17-Feb. 17, 4:30-6 p.m. at Wenning Field. Boys and girls, ages 9-13. FREE for Youth Program members. SIGN UP TODAY!
Oasis Community Center
275-CNTR Christmas Craft Night is Dec. 22, 5-7 p.m. Unfinished wooden Christmas ornaments.
Outdoor Recreation 275-CAMP
American Red Cross Lifeguard Training is on Saturdays, Jan. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2017, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Oasis Aquatic Center. Must be at least 15 years old. Registration deadline is Jan. 5, 2017. Want to become a certified Lifeguard for potential future employment? The course consists of 32 hours of training. Must pass precourse* to enroll in class. Attend and participate in all class sessions, no make-ups. Program con-
Adopt me! APET has numerous cats and dogs waiting for a loving home. APET is located at 615 S. Forbes Ave. They’re open Monday-Friday, 4:30-6 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, 3:30-5 p.m. 661-258-9525.
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Edwards ALS aiming to expand with more invitations From ALS, page 1
available, including at Edwards, which Magas said is very accommodating to higher-headquarter needs. “I personally feel it’s the best thing we could have ever done within the EPME community. Regardless of our Air Force component, we serve as Airmen and should be trained in the same regard,” Magas said. ALS is a five-week United States Air Force program designed to develop Airmen into effective front-line supervisors. It is the first professional military education that enlisted Air Force members encounter. ALS focuses on building leadership and team development abilities as well as effective communication. Wing leadership says they would also like to expand ALS in the future by inviting sister service and foreign military members on base to attend.
Edwards Airman Leadership School held a graduation ceremony for Class 17A at Club Muroc Dec. 8. With 45 graduates, the class is the largest ever to graduate from ALS at Edwards. (U.S. Air Force photo by Joseph Gocong)
ALS Class 17A Sean Smith, 412th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (Distinguished Graduate) George Forder, 412th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Jeffrey Warner, 412th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Jerome Hughes, 412th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Sirshawn Kirby, 412th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Ronald E. Mansfield III, 412th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Timothy Konrad, 412th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Aaron Jaime, 412th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Shelby Throckmorton, 412th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Matthew Watters, 412th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (Academic Achiever) Mitchell J.Mosier, 412th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Keenan Gibbsaustin, 412th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Eric Penokie, 412th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Austin Leachman, 412th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Jesse Chavez, 412th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (Distinguished Graduate) Brandon Gordon, 412th Comptroller Squadron Ryan Chong, 412th Communications Squadron
Michael Kaszuba, 412th Maintenance Group Kenroy Steele, 412th Maintenance Squadron Douglas Gore, 412th Maintenance Squadron (Commandant’s Award) Kevin Hitchcock, 412th Security Forces Squadron Cristina Little, 412th Security Forces Squadron Savanna Hignojoz, 412th Security Forces Squadron Anthony Cavallo, 412th Security Forces Squadron Keneshia Tinniehill, 412th Security Forces Squadron Jonathan Slusser, 412th Security Forces Squadron Alexis Connors, 412th Medical Operations Squadron Austin Duncan, 412th Medical Operations Squadron Christopher Ramos (civilian), 812th Civil Engineer Squadron Victoria Corley, 412th Test Wing Steven Barnes, 53rd Test and Evaluation Group (Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada) Virginia Guitierrez, 53rd Test and Evaluation Group Aaron Gross, 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron Donald Badgett, 31st Test and Evaluation Squadron (John L. Levitow Award Winner)
Terrell Harris, 912th Air Refueling Squadron (March Air Reserve Base, California) Kyle Hauck, 912th Air Refueling Squadron (March Air Reserve Base, California) Rachel Kane, 446th Civil Engineer Squadron (Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington) Ryhan Gage, 452nd Force Support Squadron (March Air Reserve Base, California) Andrea Bower, 56th Aerial Port Squadron (March Air Reserve Base, California) Thomas Rocky, 452nd Maintenance Squadron Thomas Collins, 446th Civil Engineer Squadron Evan Williams, 146th Logistics Readiness Squadron (California Air National Guard, Oxnard, California) John Raymer, 150th Civil Engineer Flight (New Mexico Air National Guard) Andres Garciaacosta, 144th Civil Engineer Squadron (California Air National Guard, Fresno, California) Amethyst Jefferson, 144th Civil Engineer Squadron
Wanted: Volunteer income tax preparers for tax center From 412th Test Wing Judge Advocate Office
The Edwards AFB Tax Center is looking for volunteers to help during the upcoming tax season. Each year, the U.S. Air Force assists military members and their families by providing free income tax preparation and filing. The upcoming tax season officially starts early February and ends April 18, 2017. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program depends on the support of volunteers who can commit their time and effort to preparing and filing tax returns. In past tax seasons, the Edwards Tax Center has saved the Edwards AFB community over $100,000 in tax preparation fees. The success of this program is due to the dedication and active participation of volunteers from the community. Whether military or civilian, officer or enlisted, anyone interested can volunteer. This upcoming tax season, the center plans to open two days per week and limit their clientele to active duty, junior enlisted (E1–E6). If a surplus in volunteer support exists, the Edwards Tax Center may expand its hours and eligibility to include all active duty and/or retirees. We request all commanders and civilian leaders allow as many volunteers from their units to participate as is practicable. Volunteers will be considered to be on duty when volunteering at the tax center.
(U.S. Air Force photo by Kate Blais)
Volunteers will act as IRS-certified tax preparers. Accordingly, volunteers must complete the IRS certification course. Volunteers will also need to take the California Franchise Tax Board course. Both courses are currently scheduled to take place in mid-January 2017, but the exact dates are still to be determined. Both courses will be offered on base. If anyone is interested, please contact Capt. Kyle Ratliff at 661-277-2888, or email kyle.ratliff.2@us.af.mil.
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This Week in Edwards Flight Test History On Dec. 15, 1944, Bell test pilot Jack Woolams established an unofficial U.S. altitude record when he climbed to 47,600 feet in a YP-59A Airacomet. (Edwards History Office file photo)
The season of giving...
Brand new bicycles arrived at the Exchange parking lot Dec. 13 to be handed out to dozens of children. Volunteers from Northrop Grumman at U.S. Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California, unloaded small, super hero-themed tricycles, boys’ and girls’ bikes and mountain bikes. The Huffy-brand bicycle kits were purchased by Northrop and assembled by employees during their build-a-bike event at their Palmdale facility. The Edwards First Sergeants Council assisted Northrop in their donation by identifying military families that would benefit from some extra assistance during the holiday season. After coordinating with superintendents and direct supervisors, the first sergeants provided a list of ages to Northrop to ensure that children ages four-to-teen received the right-sized bike for the holidays.
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Airmen line up for some holiday dining and fellowship in the Stripes Lounge at the Oasis Community Center to take part in a holiday meal Dec. 13. The holiday meal was organized and presented to the dormitory residents by Edwards Top Three and the Edwards First Sergeants Council. (U.S. Air Force photos by Christopher Ball)
Happy Holidays!
This is the last issue of the Desert Wings for 2016. The next issue will be Jan. 6, 2017.
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Commander, 412th TW ................ Brig. Gen. Carl Schaefer Installation Support Director ..................... Dr. David Smith Command Chief .............. Chief Master Sgt. Todd Simmons Director, 412th TW, Public Affairs ................... Ed Buclatin Editor ......................................................... Kenji Thuloweit Contributors ................... Christopher Ball, Dawn Waldman To submit articles or upcoming events send an email to newsroom@edwards.af.mil