07-16-2010 Airlift Dispatch

Dispatch AIRLIFT

Vol. 49, No. 28

628th Air Base Wing, Joint Base Charleston, S.C.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Photo by Senior Airman Perry Aston

Playing a vital role Members of Charlie Company, 67th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, out of Fort Gordon, Ga., board a C-17 Globemaster III from the 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, deployed from Joint Base Charleston, S.C., July 10, 2010, at Sather Air Base, Iraq. Charlie Company provided tactical communications within Iraq during their 12 month deployment. See more pictures on Page 12.

WARRIORS

COUNTDOWN

DOD operators look out for soldiers and civilians

11 weeks until JB CHS full operational capability

Page 8

Worldwide departures Cargo moved (tons) (Jan. 1 to July 15, 2010)

11,092 53,731

Active duty deployed Reservists deployed (As of July 8, 2010)

444 174

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COMMENTARY

Airlift Dispatch • July 16, 2010

Col. Brian Robinson 437th Airlift Wing vice commander

Joint Base Charleston has a superb history of “Excellence” … excellence in mission execution, mission support and mission generation and finally excellence in program management and execution. I have every reason to believe the tradition of excellence will remain the same at Joint Base Charleston as we complete the transition to a joint base. The key difference is there will most likely be three premier organizations here.

In order to maintain this accomplished record, it will require focus on the vision and mission our nation has placed us here to carry out, deliberate team work to see beyond the new organization charts, deliberate communication to continue to understand other’s roles and responsibilities in accomplishing the mission and to truly appreciate the interdependent relationships among units for mutual support and cooperation.

I know firsthand the vision of “the Premier Airlift Wing” still exists and Team Charleston’s overarching Air Force mission is to generate forces (Airmen, aircraft and material handling equipment) to go forward and conduct air mobility, aerial port operations, aeromedical evacuation or expeditionary combat support anywhere in the world when called upon. It’s not a surprise that mission excellence only happens if Joint Team Charleston Airmen have secure, first class facilities in which to recreate, work and live. First class resources are also necessary to train and operate. Excellence in contracting, and information and force protection, to name just a few, only becomes a reality if all units develop mutually beneficial relationships with the installation program manager and execute program responsibilities zealously.

There may be a few more lines than usual on the organization charts, but the fundamental interdependent relationships which existed between units before joint base initial operational capability still exist. For anything to be accomplished with expediency, we must practice matrixed communications and direct liaison with our peers, colleagues and units with whom an interdependent relationship exists. I encourage you to work the supporting issues at the lowest level within your authority while maintaining focus on the overarching Air Force mission in mind. The bottom line is the mission wing wouldn’t be very successful for long without excellent support and the support wing wouldn’t exist for very long without a mission to support. As Col. John Wood mentioned, “leaders have to proactively create opportunities to build productive unit relationships.”

Think for a moment about what it takes to mobilize and deploy personnel from Joint Base Charleston. All Airmen are expected to be mission ready to deploy through a variety of 628th Mission Support Group and 628th Medical Group programs and processes. The 628th Logistics Readiness Squadron relies on all Airmen and

The Airlift Dispatch is published by Diggle Publishing Co., (843) 412-5861, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with the 628th Air Base Wing.

This civilian enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of the Airlift Dispatch are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the Department of the Air Force.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by DOD, Air Force or Diggle Publishing, Company, of the products or 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, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.

Editorial content is edited, prepared, and provided by the 628th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Office.

All photographs are Air Force photographs unless otherwise indicated.

equipment to be deployment ready and all units trust the 628 LRS will process their Airmen and equipment in an accurate and timely manner and deliver them to the 437th APS for loading and embarkation. The 437th Aerial Port Squadron delivers the Airmen and cargo to the flight line to embark upon a C-17 437th Maintenance Group units generated and the 437th Operations Group crews will fly to deliver them or the cargo precisely when and where they need to be in place to conduct operational missions.

Speaking of teamwork, excellence and service, let us not forget the exemplary model of a recently departed veteran and Charleston teammate – Gordon Lee Williams who unexpectedly passed away this week. He served our Nation and Air Force for 32 years on active duty, in the reserve and finally as a Department of Defense Air Force civilian until his untimely passing. His bright, caring and humble character, leadership, mentorship and friendship will be sorely missed.

DIAMOND TIPS

By Master Sgt. Robert Thaman 437th Maintenance Squadron first sergeant

Physical Fitness Profile Procedures Did you know there are two types of profiles? One is the Air Force Form 469, Duty Limiting Condition Report, which covers the member's duty and mobility restrictions. The second is Air Force Form 422, Notification of Air Force Members Qualification Status, which outlines your fitness prescription. Follow these six steps to ensure you have the correct profile: 1. Schedule an appointment with your primary care manager.

2. Your PCM will initiate an Air Force Form 469.

3. Your squadron commander and first sergeant will get a copy of Air Force Form 469 via e-mail and will forward it to you.

4. You must notify your squadron unit fitness program manager to set up an appointment with the HAWC. 5. The Health and Wellness Center will generate an Air Force Form 422 listing all limitations for physical training testing.

6. Schedule a follow-up appointment with your PCM for any changes to your profile.

It is the member's responsibility to ensure their paperwork is current and correct. If you wait till the last minute, you could go overdue on your PT test.

Deadlines

Advertising

The deadline for submitting stories for space-available publication is prior to noon of the Friday preceding the desired publication date. The Airlift Dispatch staff reserves the right to edit all copy submitted for publication.

Classified and display advertisements may be referred to Diggle Publishing, Co., P.O. Box 2016, Mount Pleasant, S.C., 29465. To place a classified ad or find out display ad rates, go to www.CharlestonMilitary.com. Classifieds may also be emailed. Classified advertisements are free, with the exception of business ads, for active-duty military members and their spouses, retirees and reservists. See the Classified page for details and rules.

Address/Numbers/E-mail Editorial content is provided and edited by the 628th Air Base Wing Public Affairs Office, Building 302, Room 312.

Phone: (843) 963-5608, Fax: (843) 963-3464 Mail to: 628 ABW/PA, 102 East Hill Blvd.

Charleston AFB, SC 29404-5154 E-mail to: 628ABW.Dispatch@charleston.af.mil

Editorial staff 628 ABW commander: Col. Martha Meeker Public Affairs chief: Mrs. Rose Alexander Airlift Dispatch editor: Staff Sgt. Daniel Bowles Staff writer: Airman 1st Class Ian Hoachlander

COMMENTARY

Airlift Dispatch • July 16, 2010

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Taking the ‘Air Force family’ to a new level

By Chap. (Capt.) Gregory Brunson Joint Base Charleston Chapel "Someone's knocking at the door again! Is it really time to go to breakfast?" Those words crossed my mind many times, early in the morning as I woke to find the "Air Force Mafia" standing outside my room. I would quickly grab my cover and step outside into the hazy Afghanistan morning. It was almost a straight shot from our rooms to the dining facility. This was the third place we would call home during the deployment but the ritual stayed the same. Every morning five company grade officers would go from room to room knocking on each other's doors trying to guess who was going to breakfast and talking about who stayed up to watch the Florida State game to the early hours of the morning.

We called ourselves the "Mafia" because we were five Air Force CGO's living in a predominantly Army world.

This group of officers was more than just a group of coworkers. They were more than friends. You would be more correct to call them "family." Together we celebrated each other's birthdays and anniversaries. More importantly, we created a team, a community, a place to belong.

We didn't always share the same interests. One captain served as the Air Force chair on an all Army Morale,

Welfare and Recreation committee. My chaplain assistant, who was an honorary "sixth" mafia member, and I joined the camp's all volunteer fire department. Some might be surprised to find that we didn't share similar political ideas or even religious beliefs. We were a diverse group, made up of Democrats and Republicans; Jewish, Roman Catholic and Protestant. Those categories did not keep us from forming community. They made us even stronger. We had created a culture of caring and a new way to connect with our Air Force family.

On July 1, Air Mobility Command officials released a concept called "Comprehensive Airman Fitness." The news release described it as a 'new approach' and not a new program. There are so many good points to this concept that if I were to write a complete article on that subject I could fill this column for weeks.

What I like about Comprehensive Airman Fitness is that it recognizes the need for a cultural change, a total shift in the way we think and act. We need to connect with each other and build a more resilient Air Force community that can stand up to the challenges we're facing. Those stressors are real. High operations tempo, continued downsizing, deployments and the economy can take a toll on us. The good news is we are stronger than all of those challenges put together.

Since I can't write about all of the points in this comprehensive approach, I wanted to focus on connecting.

As a chaplain, I visit with Airmen who are dealing with real stress but don't always have the resources to lean upon. They are hungry for connection. They want to be closer to their friends and family and are missing out on the greatest support system that's available. They want deeper relationships.

I admire the commanders and first sergeants who take risk and discover new ways to increase the bonds within their organization. They often try new things: adding a spin to their commander's calls; working with booster clubs to increase community; and celebrating their unit's heritage and their accomplishments. You are doing it right! Keep it up.

For the other Airmen who are reading this, I want to encourage you to reach out and find ways to get involved. Join a private organization like the Air Force Association, Company Grade Officer's Council, Air Force Sergeant's Association or First Six. I am grateful for the friendship of five CGO's who became my adopted family. Make those connections that will last for a lifetime, beyond your Air Force career. You will be stronger for it, more resilient. And you know what? The Air Force will be stronger for it, too.

Investing in the intellectual resource

By Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz Air Education and Training Command commander RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – Today, we are approaching nine years of sustained combat operations. Many could even argue that our Air Force has been involved in continuous combat operations since the original Gulf War in 1991.

Even more challenging, today's combat operations are being conducted while the rest of the nation fights its way through a recession, making resources extremely constrained. Such an environment demands a unique blend of innovation and intellect, looking for efficiencies at every corner to achieve our desired effect.

Sometimes it's easy to focus on resourcing and new weapons systems as the "innovation," the panacea for our challenges. Doing so, however, would cause us to overlook the most effective weapon at our disposal during such challenging times: the one between each of our ears.

In many ways, investing in intellect, in our ability to out-think the enemy, is the most cost-efficient way to prepare for future uncertainty and to combat a clever foe.

There are those who say there are three types of intellect, and we fit into a different category depending on the situation.

There are those who come up with the innovative idea, those who understand the idea and those who wouldn't know a good idea if it hit them in the face.

Now, my description of the last group may seem a bit harsh, and at times I'm sure we all feel like we're out of our element, but the times where you find yourself in the last category are also the times where you will have the best opportunity for self-improvement.

You see, we each bring a unique set of skills, experiences and intellect to different situations.

Although we would all like to be the "idea person," the individual who always has the innovative ideas, not every situation or challenge is suited to our intellectual talents.

These are the times when we can be most critical of ourselves and take advantage of the opportunity to improve.

In today's world, the easiest and quickest way to self-improve is to increase our individ-

ual levels of education.

Remember, education is how we prepare ourselves for the uncertainty of tomorrow.

I know increasing our education levels isn't always as easy as it sounds. Thankfully, the Air Force helps with one of the limited resources we balance every day: money.

Scholarship and tuition assistance programs help pay for many advanced degrees and education programs.

Another limited resource most people struggle with is time. Our challenge is making time to find beneficial education programs and then the important part: completing them.

After all, if it were easy, then time wouldn't be an issue and everyone would have multiple degrees.

Think back five years ago, and then 10 years ago. Were you any busier then than you are now? Chances are no. Do you think you will be any less busy five or 10 years from now?

Again, probably not. The truth is, you won't be any less busy or have more time than you do right now.

Making a commitment to complete education and self-improvement programs may move other priorities to the side.

When you're weighing the relative importance of each, remember that education and self-improvement are activities that will help you no matter where life takes you.

If you decide to stay in the Air Force, it will help better serve the nation. If you decide to shift into another career outside the Air Force, higher levels of education and study will help translate into increased pay and responsibilities.

Either way, you win, and are better prepared to successfully handle the challenges that life throws at you, especially when you least expect it.

In the end, the better prepared you are, the better the chance you could be the "idea person."

Tomorrow's challenges will certainly be bigger than those we face today. Our Air Force - and our nation -- needs you to better prepare now. Your investment in education and intellect is the best weapon to combat the uncertainty that tomorrow will bring. We can't afford not to invest in education.

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NEWS

Airlift Dispatch • July 16, 2010

No more C-17s, DOD officials tell Congress

By Lisa Daniel American Forces Press Service WASHINGTON – The military has more than enough large transport planes, and the appropriation of any more in the next budget year will force some into premature retirement, Defense Department officials told a congressional panel July 13.

"We have enough C-17s," said Mike McCord, the principal deputy undersecretary of defense (comptroller). "Money spent on things we don't need takes away from those we do need."

Along with Mr. McCord, Maj. Gen. Susan Y. Desjardins, the director of strategic plans for Air Mobility Command, and Alan Estevez, the principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for logistical and materiel readiness, repeated Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates' position against the purchase of more C-17 Globemaster IIIs to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs' federal financial management subcommittee.

All three defense officials agreed with the subcommittee's leaders, Sens. Thomas Carper and John McCain, that the C-17, in addition to the C-5 Galaxy, has been critical to airlift in and out of Iraq and Afghanistan.

However, they said, the military's current fleet of 223 C-17s and 111 C-5s is more than enough airlift capability for years to come.

A department study that concluded in February was consistent with two other studies that found that the current fleet is sufficient "even in the most demanding environments" to take the military through 2016, Mr. McCord said.

The oldest plane in the transport fleet, Lockheed's C-5, will be viable until 2025, and the fleet as a whole should last until 2040, he said.

The department has not requested C17s, built by Boeing, since the fiscal 2007 budget, yet Congress has added them every year since, spending about $1.25 billion on C-17s "that we don't want or need," said Mr. McCord, who was a 21-year staff member of the Senate Armed Services

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Committee before his current appointment.

Any additional appropriation for C-17s will have to be offset by retiring some of the military's older, but still viable, transport planes, the defense officials said.

And, adding force structure such as aircraft always entails additional costs in training, maintenance, and infrastructure, such as new hangars, bases and tooling, defense officials said.

The department spends about $50,000 per aircraft per year to store aircraft where spare parts are available, General Desjardins said.

"It's the gift that keeps on giving, because if you give it to us, we'll maintain it," Mr. Estevez said.

It would be more cost-effective, the defense officials said, to modify the C-5M for longer viability to continue to work in conjunction with the C-17.

Mr. Desjardins called the C-17 the "backbone" of the air mobility fleet, and said the C-5's combination of long range, high capacity and capability to carry outsize cargo is unequaled.

Together, she said, "they meet the needs

for cargo and capacity anywhere in the world."

Retiring the least-capable C-5s would save about $320 million, General Desjardins said.

"Making tradeoffs of two types of aircraft when we already have more than enough of both is not going be cost effective," Mr. McCord said.

When asked what the department would cut to accommodate any new C-17s, Mr. McCord said that would depend on how many new C-17s were bought.

"You and Congress would decide that," he said, "because you would cut from our budget about $300 million for every C-17 added."

"We have a good mix right now," Mr. Estevez said. "Replacement is definitely not the most cost-effective way. Buying more to retire more is certainly not the way the department needs to balance its resources."

The defense secretary has made that case to Congress, and President Barack Obama has promised to veto any legislation that provides for more C-17s.

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Airlift Dispatch • July 16, 2010

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NEWS JB CHS senior airman deployed to Southwest Asia to support fire protection ops

6

Airlift Dispatch • July 16, 2010

Story and photo by Master Sgt. Scott Sturkol 380th Air Expeditionary Wing SOUTHWEST ASIA – Senior Airman Joshua Reynolds is a fire protection journeyman with the 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's Fire Department at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia.

As an emergency responder, Airman Reynolds and his fellow firefighters are responsible for protecting billions of dollars of Air Force assets and personnel for the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing from fire. He is deployed from the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., and his hometown is Schertz, Texas.

Air Force firefighters, according to their career field description, are required to plan, organize and direct fire protection activities. They are also required to be knowledgeable on fire safety and prevention and capable of fire response to control and extinguish aircraft, structure, wildland and miscellaneous fires. To do those tasks, firefighters have to be capable to drive or operate and be certified on numerous types of fire response vehicles and equipment.

In the event of an aircraft fire, for example, 380 ECES firefighters have a twominute response time to make it on scene.

Once on scene, a crew establishes a water supply from an emergency water tank and they draft or vacuum the water from the tank for the other crews. If the call comes, they have to be on the scene immediately.

Other skills firefighters like Airman Reynolds possess include executing and enforcing the Fire Department Occupational Safety and Health Program and conducting and evaluating training on specialized fire protection equipment and procedures.

Firefighters also perform inspections and organizational maintenance on fire protection vehicles, equipment and protective clothing and they manage and operate fire alarm communications centers. They also support the electrical power production function with resetting aircraft arresting systems.

Furthermore, in providing fire prevention guidance, firefighters like Airman Reynolds perform project reviews to ensure fire safety feature adequacy and they inspect facilities and identify fire hazards and deficien-

Senior Airman Joshua Reynolds is a fire protection journeyman with the 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron's Fire Department at a non-disclosed base in Southwest Asia. Here he is pictured at his deployed fire station on June 2, 2010. He is deployed from the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron at Joint Base Charleston, S.C., and his hometown is Schertz, Texas.

cies. For fire safety, firefighters also determine fire extinguisher distribution requirements and perform inspections and maintenance and establish public relations and conduct fire prevention awareness and educational training on fire prevention.

The job description shows Air Force firefighters also have to maintain mandatory job knowledge in many areas to include the fire department mission and organization, safety requirements and objectives, fire alarm and communications, fire behavior, portable fire extinguishers and personal protective clothing and equipment. They also have to know about forcible entry, ventilation, ropes, ladders, fire hose appliances and streams, foam fire streams, fire control, salvage, overhaul, emergency medical care and cardiopulmonary resuscitation as well as rescue, water supplies and sprinklers, hazardous materials, fire prevention and public fire education and fire cause determination.

The 380 ECES is a sub-unit of the 380th Air Expeditionary Wing. The wing is home to the KC-10 Extender, U-2 Dragon Lady, E-3 Sentry and RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft.

The wing is comprised of four groups and 12 squadrons and the wing's deployed mission includes air refueling, air battle management, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance in support of overseas contingency operations in Southwest Asia. The 380 AEW supports operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa.

Airlift Dispatch • July 16, 2010

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Airlift Dispatch • July 16, 2010

FEATURE

Vigilant warriors, constant servants By 2nd Lt. Susan Carlson Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs Nearly 60 percent of all U.S. and Coalition Airmen, Soldiers and Marines deaths since the beginning of 2010 have been by improvised explosive devises alone. Additionally, just this year, more than 250 Afghan civilians have had their lives cut short by IED's, making it the deadliest war activity in today's fight. In a month where our nation celebrated its 234th year of independence, let us not forget those who gave their all to maintain that freedom and the men and women who continue to put their lives on the line for that same cause.

"Can you imagine if our country had vehicles rolling through because of all the terrorism?" asks Staff Sgt. Christopher Ferrell, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician with the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron here on Joint Base Charleston. "It's so easy to forget why we have these freedoms - all the people that have been killed in the line of duty just for you to be able to take your family out to eat, for you to play with your kid to the park without worry of any real terrorism happening here."

Sergeant Ferrell is a member of the small Air Force EOD community made up of more than 900 brave men and women.

They work endlessly, day in and day out doing a job that not many know about or recognize, but that saves hundreds of lives each day. Their main focus in every theater of operation, either deployed or at home, is disarming and rendering harmless any type of explosive devise - not your every day desk job.

Despite the small percentage of EOD operators in the active duty Air Force, they leave a huge footprint in deployed operations. One single IED can take out three to four individuals when it detonates, and many EOD technicians have more than 100 IEDs they have personally disarmed. The potential number of lives saved becomes overwhelming.

"The numbers are astronomical when you marry up the number of IEDs disarmed to the amount of lives saved by EOD operators doing the job nobody else

wants to do," said Sergeant Ferrell.

Not only is the IED threat the main killer of Coalition personnel in both the Iraq and Afghanistan theater of operations, but also of the local nationals, said Sergeant Ferrell. The perpetrators target not only the military forces but also innocent civilians, thus making the EOD job even more difficult.

"We have to be objective running these missions, we can't just help ourselves, and we don't want civilian populace there killed at all," Sergeant Ferrell said.

Despite the challenges, the EOD technicians continue to do their job to the best of their ability with each call. Whether at home or abroad, with each call for a job they receive, either life or property are in jeopardy. Whenever they are requested,

by U.S. military or local nationals, there is a credible threat, where something bad is going to happen or already has happened.

It is not uncommon for the majority of EOD operators working together to have experienced a bomb detonating near them, tossing them every which way like rag dolls. It is an eerie experience, with a silence after the blast where everything around you slows down, Sergeant Ferrell recalls; it feels like forever, but in reality lasts only a couple seconds.

"Everything gets back to reality after a blast and then it's just fast, back to work, everyone is looking towards you because an IED went off, they look to you to make it better, make it safe, and that's what we do," he said.

These strong groups of individuals, across all four services, hold up phenomenally well, dealing with the horrific sights and sounds that come within the fog of war.

"I'm so blessed to work with this quiet group of individuals who are able to do this day in day out and are able to deal with this, even though they have seen things nobody should ever see," Sergeant Ferrell said.

The EOD community becomes very close knit because of the small numbers, and they form a brotherhood amongst themselves. EOD becomes a huge part of their lives, and every loss within the

Courtesy photo

Staff Sgt. Christopher Ferrell is pictured here during his last deployment to the Middle East.

Sergeant Ferrell is part of the small Air Force explosive ordnance disposal career field that, despite their size, leave a large footprint overseas. The main focus of an EOD technician in the theater is rendering safe any type of explosive device. Sergeant Ferrell is an EOD technician with the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron.

career field is traumatic for the entire community.

"We lost two of our guys who gave their lives in the line of duty," Sergeant Ferrell said. "Many people will never remember their name again after they've seen it once, because nobody else talks about it."

It is an injustice to these unsung heroes, these men who are making a quiet but incredibly large footprint in the wars we are currently engaged in. Airmen like Tech. Sgt Tony Campbell and Tech. Sgt. Adam Ginett, the two men on Sergeant Ferrell's team who laid down their lives so that others may live.

"I truly believe that without Tony's sacrifice, we all would have been killed in that blast," Sergeant Ferrell said about that fateful day last December. "Any one of us would trade spots with him, but he wouldn't have it any other way, that's the kind of thing that makes it worthwhile, guys like Tony and Adam."

These are just two names of hundreds of others that have gone before them, giving the ultimate sacrifice but saving countless lives along the way. EOD becomes a family, their road to war is quick, and when they are gone, they think about families at home, but also about the family they are deployed with.

"The camaraderie that's involved and the character of the people I am blessed to work with are very rewarding, and you'll never find job satisfaction like this, it's something that will stick with me forever," Sergeant Ferrell said, "With the bond we have, we don't want to leave until everybody goes home."

As we enjoy our day-to-day freedoms, it is important to remember those heroes who have died to keep them safe as well as thank the unsung heroes that continue walk amongst us.

For more information on EOD and honoring their fallen comrades please visit www.eodmemorial.org.

To Tosee seethe the Airlift Airlift Dispatch Dispatch online online or download or download a PDF aofPDF the paper, of theplease paper,visit please www.CharlestonMilitary.sc visit www.Airlift.sc

Airlift Dispatch • July 16, 2010

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10

Airlift Dispatch • July 16, 2010

FEATURE

Know before you go

By Randy Roughton Defense Media Activity - San Antonio SAN ANTONIO – The first time Tech. Sgt. Christina Gamez's husband deployed, she wanted to do everything herself, frustrating friends who wanted to help her. This time, she knows she will need her support network. She too is scheduled to deploy soon after her husband leaves this fall.

Master Sgt. Rodolfo Gamez of the Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency at Lackland Air Force Base plans to leave next month for combat skills training at Fort Polk, La., before a 365-day deployment to Afghanistan. Christina, a financial analyst, is scheduled to follow her husband for her own 365-day voluntary deployment in December.

The Air Force couple plans to blog about their experiences during their dual deployments to help prepare other Airmen so they can "know before they go" on their own deployments.

Christina said she expects to encourage future Airmen who are deploying to "be prepared and even over-prepared; to look at every possible angle and to have a backup plan for everything that could possibly come up.

"I don't think I was prepared at all that first time," she said. "I didn't know how hard it was going to be. But, you can adapt. It's going to be tough and you never know what to expect. You just get through it because everything becomes routine and there are so many resources out there for you if you're just willing to accept them."

In her blog, Christina said she plans to share how her family prepares before deploying and how they cope with separation from each other, as well as their two children - 4-year-old Tomas and 2-year-old Eva. She says the children have become accustomed to their father being away for work, with two of his five previous deployments coming during their lives.

Rodolfo also is away on temporary duty assignments from 10 to 14 days a month. But this time will be different, with both mom and dad on extended assignments simultaneously.

Christina's parents will take the children when she follows her husband to Afghanistan in December. In addition to completing the Air Force's deployment checklist and having an updated family care plan, the parents said they also continue to prepare Tomas and Eva for the transition to a year with their grandparents.

Rodolfo and Christina are also keeping a journal for their children to read, "so they will know what we were thinking and feeling leading up to the deployment and while we were away from them," Christina said.

They've also established "goal dates" to give the children days they can mark off the calendar to work toward various rewards, and have started gardens they will help to tend at Grandma's house.

Once the couple learned Rodolfo was set to deploy

again, Christina had her chief call to find out where she stood on the deployment roster. She learned the Air Force Personnel Center already knew her name, and she was on the short list. She would more than likely be tasked in the next two to three months, and there were several more deployment slots coming down the pipeline. It was at that point the couple decided to take positive control of the situation and lessen the time the family was separated.

They said they decided she would Photo by Staff Sgt. Bennie J. Davis III volunteer for her own 365-day deploy- Master Sgt. Rodolfo Gamez and his wife, Tech. Sgt. Christina Gamez, hold ment to lessen the impact on their their children, Tomas, 4, and Eva, 3, for a portrait outside of their home. The Gamezes are set to deploy to two different locations for year-long deployfamily, especially on the children. ments later this year.

They believe their experience shows the importance Air Force families should place on knowing where they stand in the deployment cycle.

The 365-day non-volunteer deployment schedule is based on each Airman's short-tour return date.

AFPC officials said several factors are considered when tasking members for a 365-day deployment.

"Vulnerability to be selected as a non-volunteer for a 365-day deployment is based on the number of short tours and an Airman's short-tour return date," said Jeffrey Gatcomb, the AFPC officer assignments policy and systems chief. "Enlisted members can check the EQUAL listing for their overseas vulnerability, which will give them a bet- Master Sgt. Roldolfo Gamez and his wife, Tech. Sgt. Christina ter idea on how vulnerable they are for an overseas Gamez, swing with their children at their neighborhood park assignment or deployment. Officers are encourafter work. aged to talk to their AFPC assignments team."

The Gamezes used those channels to help preThis is just one reason why having an updated Air pare and make the best decision for their family.

Force Form 357, or family care plan, is important, they "The last thing we wanted was to be unaware and to said. get caught off guard with me deployed and then find out "It's vital," Rodolfo said. "It's no different than a will she has to follow shortly after," he said. "So in the interbecause you never know when you're going to get caught est of being proactive, we found out she was No. 2 on in a situation. Fortunately for us, we've got a great supthe list and we had a difficult decision to make. porting cast. Those people outlined in our family care "We chose the better of the situations to have some plan are there and we've got more people volunteering to type of positive control in our hands to see where we provide that support. wanted to be. That was to remain together and have the "Good planning meets opportunity and that's how you most minimal time away from our kids." achieve success. I think we've done so with our family As the time nears, the Gamez family is spending as care plan and we're well-prepared to make this transimuch time together as possible. They recently took a trip tion," he said. to Disney World in Orlando and are already planning a Christina said she hopes her blog will help her fellow return vacation to Florida in the spring after the sergeants Airmen make those hard choices and follow through on return from Afghanistan. their preparations - to "know before they go," making Rodolfo and Christina said they're confident their sure their families and homes are properly cared for preparations will ensure that their children are in the best while they fulfill their responsibilities during deploypossible situation while they're away. ment.

HE S TTHE SCENE CENE

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Airlift AirliftDispatch Dispatch• •July July16, 16,2010 2010

11 11

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Night Owl Bowling Special Tonight Bowl as much as you care to from 10 p.m. to midnight and pay only $1 per game - and shoe rental is free!

New Friday basket specials available at the Club Fried Chicken Trio - Breast, thigh & leg dressed and fried to a golden brown with coleslaw and a flaky biscuit - $5.25 (Extra piece of chicken- $1 per piece) Foot-long Club Dog - All beef dog made to order and finished with one or all of your favorite toppings… chili, sauerkraut, dill or sweet relish, onions, cheddar cheese or coleslaw - $5.25 Ultimate Fish & Chips - A whole Flounder fillet dressed and fried just right and served with creamy coleslaw and fresh hush puppies - $6.95 Jumbo Chicken Wings - Four jumbo wings breaded & fried with a honey glazed biscuit - $5.50 Baby Back Ribs - Slow smoked and tender served with coleslaw and a cornbread muffin… ½ rack, $8.95; full rack, $12.95.

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The Scene is produced by the Force Support Squadron Marketing Office as a supplement to the Airlift Dispatch. All prices for events and services advertised are subject to change without notice. For questions about the The Scene, call the Marketing Office at (843) 963-3809. Mention of any sponsor or sponsorship in this publication is not a federal endorsement for the product or service. For more information on Force Support facilities, visit our website at www.JBCharleston.com.

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12

Airlift Dispatch • July 16, 2010

FEATURE

Air Force assets play vital role in Iraq drawdown A C-17 Globemaster III from Joint Base Charleston, S.C., sits on the tarmac July 10, 2010, at Sather Air Base, Iraq. Air Force assets are playing a vital role in the Iraq drawdown to 50,000 troops by Aug. 31, 2010.

Above, Senior Airman Jerry Daniels connects supplemental restraints to palletized baggage on a Charleston C-17 Globemaster III July 10, 2010, at Sather Air Base, Iraq. Air Force assets are playing a vital role in the Iraq drawdown to 50,000 troops by Aug. 31, 2010. Airman Daniels is a loadmaster with the 15th Airlift Squadron and is deployed as a member of the 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron.

Right, Capt. Ryan Alvey goes through the pre-flight checklist on a Charleston C-17 Globemaster III July 10, 2010, at Sather Air Base, Iraq. Air Force assets are playing a vital role in the Iraq drawdown to 50,000 troops by Aug. 31, 2010. Captain Alvey is an aircraft commander with the 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron.

Members of Charlie Company, 67th Expeditionary Signal Battalion, out of Fort Gordon, Ga., board a C17 Globemaster III from the 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, deployed from Joint Base Charleston, S.C., July 10, 2010, at Sather Air Base, Iraq. Charlie Company is redeploying to their home unit as part of the drawdown to 50,000 troops in Iraq

by Aug. 31, 2010.

Photos by Senior Airman Perry Aston

AROUND 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Det. 3 inactivated CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron, Det. 3, was inactivated during a ceremony July 3.

"This ceremony marks the end of the Air Force's first, and longest, active police transition team in history," said Lt. Col. Dustin Sutton, the 732 ESFS commander. "In the past four years, we have been an integral partner with our Army brothers in building the Iraqi police capacity to a self-sustaining level."

The focus of the detachment was to work with the Iraqi police and transition them toward police primacy, which means putting civil law and order in the hands of civil

THE

authorities, as opposed to having the Iraqi army have this responsibility in Baghdad.

"The goal was to get the Iraqi army out of the cities and out to secure the borders and have the police secure the cities," said Maj. Shawn Covault, the 732 ESFS, Det. 3 commander.

In order to do this, they partnered with the Iraqi police to enhance law enforcement capabilities throughout half of Baghdad and the surrounding areas where they were responsible for approximately six million people as a police transition team.

Colonel Sutton said that Army officials submitted a request for forces to Air Force officials to take over the Baghdad area of operations.

This type of deployment and mission is something the Air Force has never done

AIR FORCE

before because it was primarily an Army tasking, he said.

The mission began in 2006, when the 824th Security Forces Squadron from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., stood up as Det. 7 and partnered with, and trained, the Iraqi police in one of the most deadly neighborhoods in Baghdad, known as the Rasheeds.

The security forces teams have conducted the mission so well that all security forces Airmen will now train for this unique mission.

Unfortunately, the security forces career field has lost eight Airmen since the war began, and four of them have been from Det. 3.

"We lost four members of our family," Colonel Sutton said. "You've ensured that their sacrifice was not in vain, that what they gave to the people of this country and the stability of a region will have lasting effects.

And, I believe this is the beginning of a new age for the Iraqi people."

A new age is upon them, which is why the 732 ESFS, Det. 3, can close up shop and hand the reins over to the Iraqi police.

"They've gotten to a point now where the police force is established, it's well-trained, and that was all because of this detachment," Colonel Sutton said. "And now they're able to uphold law on the local population to the point where they're a credible force."

F-22 Raptor rolls out in Hawaii

Photo by Senior Airman Timothy Taylor

Airmen keep AMC mobile Airman 1st Class Jonathan Buncak secures an emergency brake assembly on a flightline tow truck at the vehicle maintenance shop July 14, 2010 on Joint Base Charleston, S.C. The vehicle maintenance shop processes and completes more than 1,500 repair jobs every month while performing repairs on location like the flightline and tire service center. Airman Buncak is a vehicle maintenance technician with the 628th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBORHICKAM, Hawaii – Top military and local community leaders gathered here July 9 for a dedication service for the F-22 Raptor.

Hundreds of onlookers gathered with members of the 199th Fighter Squadron, 154th Wing, Hawaii Air National Guard and people from Joint Base Pearl HarborHickam to welcome the F-22, a fifth generation fighter, which replaces the F-15 Eagle that the squadron has flown since 1987. The 199th FS is the first guard unit to receive the F-22.

"The 199th [FS members prove] that National Guard forces are capable of maintaining a strategic presence with its active duty association and providing a great value to our nation and the state of Hawaii," said Gen. Craig R. McKinley, the chief of the National Guard Bureau.

The F-22, a single-seat, twin engine aircraft that utilizes stealth technology, was originally designed primarily as an air superiority fighter.

"These F-22 Raptors are the state of the art air superiority fighter and couldn't be located at a better place," General McKinley said.

Airlift Dispatch • July 16, 2010

13

Many of the guard members will serve as the lead in a "total force" concept that is already in use at JB Hickam. The 199th FS, 15th Air Wing will fly and help maintain the F-22s that bring a new capability to the HIANG, as well as the Air Force.

"The Air Force is a seamless total force.

Along with our Air Force Reserve and civilians, the National Guard and our active duty component form a very severe fighting force that can get the job done," General McKinley said.

President Obama announces return of the SAVE award WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama wants federal employees to submit their ideas for eliminating government waste and saving American taxpayers' money as part of the 2010 SAVE, or securing Americans' value and efficiency, award program.

President Obama made the announcement in a video on the White House website July 8.

"If you see a way that the government can do its job better or do the same job for less money, I want to know about it," he said.

The program began last year and was an instant success.

"In just three weeks, federal employees submitted more than 38,000 ideas identifying opportunities to save money and improve performance," said Peter Orszag, the director of the Office of Management and Budget.

Nancy Fichtner, a fiscal program support clerk at the Colorado Veterans Affairs Hospital in Grand Junction, Colo., received the 2009 SAVE award for her proposal that saved approximately $2 million. She suggested that the Veterans Affairs Department find a way to reuse medicines that are prescribed by physicians, but not used by patients.

The deadline for submissions is July 22, with the winners being announced in September.

"In a change from last year, we also are asking federal employees to help rate the submissions from their fellow workers," Mr. Orszag said. "This new feature will allow employees to apply their insight to the evaluation process, making sure the best ideas make it into the fiscal 2012 budget."

Some of the most innovative ideas for efficiencies and savings come from those federal employees on the front lines, President Obama said.

Civil servants interested in submitting their ideas should go to http://saveaward.gov.

14

Airlift Dispatch • July 16, 2010

NEWS

NSPS positions assigned GS pay grades

By April Rowden Air Force Manpower Agency Public Affairs Office RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – With only weeks remaining to classify Air Force civilian jobs into the General Schedule personnel system, Air Force classifiers are ensuring National Security Personnel System positions have a current GS title, series and grade before the NSPS conversion out date.

With the fiscal 2010 National Defense Authorization Act officials, repealed the NSPS, resulting in the mandatory transition of more than 44,000 Air Force federal employees to other personnel and pay systems.

Core documents are currently undergoing review and classification for those Air Force employees whose positions were created under NSPS. Core documents describe the major duties, responsibilities and supervisory relationship of a position.

"Classifiers are unbiased agents of the government and are held to very strict standards established by the Office of Personnel Management when assigning GS ratings to a position," said Col. Brian Norman, the Air Force Manpower Agency commander. "Our team renders a classification based solely upon the actual work performed and required in the position under review, not upon any person's qualifications or their previous military grade."

Classifying a position at the accurate grade for the assigned duties and responsibilities ensures balance of the organization, and is vital toward maintaining classification accuracy across the Air Force.

"All of us are charged with being good stewards of government resources and taxpayers' dollars," Colonel Norman said. "If a position is classified a GS-15 when it's really a GS-14 or GS-13, we are doing an injustice to the other positions that are classified in accordance with OPM standards."

AFMA classification specialists have a proven track record of making the right decisions and appropriately applying the OPM Classification Standards and Guidelines. Since centralized classification began in 1996, all appealed classification decisions have been upheld by

accurately reflect his position's assigned duties and responsibilities may appeal the classification decision to the Department of Defense or OPM after the individual has transitioned into the GS personnel system.

By law, employees will not lose pay upon conversion. General guidelines will be followed when determining an employee's pay.

If the employee's current pay: - Fits within the rate range of the appropriate grade to which the employee is assigned, the employee will be placed at a step that equals or exceeds his existing pay.

- Is below the rate range for the appropriate GS grade to which the employee is assigned, the U.S. Air Force graphic employee will be placed on the first step of the GS With only weeks remaining to classify Air Force civilian jobs grade upon conversion out.

- Is above the rate range for the appropriate GS into the legacy General Schedule personnel system, Air Force grade to which the employee is assigned, the classifiers are ensuring NSPS positions have a current GS title, employee will be placed on pay retention to ensure series and grade before the NSPS conversion out date. he does not suffer any decrease in or loss of pay upon conversion.

OPM and the Department of Defense officials in favor of In the meantime, Air Force classification teams are AFMA's classifications.

"We properly classify positions based on standards working efficiently and effectively to provide fair and given to us within the bounds legally established by the accurate classification service.

"The Air Force demand for classification and staffing Office of Personnel Management," Colonel Norman said.

"To do otherwise would put our agency at risk of losing its expertise is at an unprecedented level with NSPS-out, insourcing, rated-to-civilian conversions, Global Strike classification authority."

Employees whose positions were originally under GS stand-up and other key initiatives ongoing simultaneously. will have the position classified based on the position I am very proud to say the Air Force team has performed description on file, also referred to as the "reach back PD." with the utmost professionalism and care," said Colonel Other positions may have an applicable Standard Core Norman. "We'll continue to work closely with all stakeholders through these challenges."

Personnel Document that may be used.

Phase II is scheduled to begin July 18.

Many of these standard core documents are available for For more information on the NSPS transition, visit viewing on the Air Force Portal, keyword "SCPD library."

"We understand that a few positions have dramatically www.cpms.osd.mil/nsps/transition. For more on the clasevolved in workload and responsibility since the initial sification process, visit http://www.opm.gov or AFPC's conversion to NSPS," Colonel Norman said. "For those personnel services website, keyword "Classification individuals, we will review the updated core documents as Standards."

Air Force employees may call the 24-hour Total Force soon as possible.

An employee who feels the classification does not Service Center at 800-525-0102.

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Airlift Dispatch • July 16, 2010

15

Key Spouses play important role within squadrons

By Trisha Gallaway Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs Even though you might not know it, they are there when you need them; waiting in the wings to provide assistance in the event the need arises.

Who are these people?

They are the key spouses who can be found in any of the organizations across the base.

So what exactly is a key spouse you might ask?

"A key spouse plays a support role for the squadron, specifically for the spouses," said Shannon Heiling, a key spouse with the 17th Airlift Squadron. "[Key spouses] act as a liaison between squadron leadership to support the squadron mission and take care of families," said Jodi Rauls, the lead key spouse for the 15th Airlift Squadron. "Typically, I welcome new families and babies, prepare families for deployments, forward information regarding family readiness resources, upcoming wing and squadron events and offer assistance to support families during crises or as needed."

According to Master Sgt. Ricky Smith, Airman and Family Readiness Center, "the Key Spouse program was developed as a Quality of Life Initiative out of concern for the Air Force families."

After seeing the success for the Navy Ombudsman Program, the Air Force Key Spouse Program was born.

The Naval Weapons Station Charleston website says the Ombudsmen are the communication link between the commanding officer and command families as well as acting as a key resource for family members.

Between 1996 and 1998, the Air Force tested similar programs at five different bases, said Sergeant Smith.

"Voluntary implementation was encouraged Air Force-wide as part of the Air Force Family Support Outreach Program [in 1999]," he said.

For many years, the program has been base or command specific. [In March 2009] the Air Force standardized and deployed the Key Spouse Program."

Theresa Braga, who is a Key Spouse for the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron remembers a time when the Air Force didn't have the Key Spouse Program and that's what drove her to become involved.

"I know how it felt when my husband

deployed and the Key Spouse Program wasn't in play," she said. "Now that [the program is in effect], I felt I could relate to deployments and could try and help out since I have [21 years] of experience."

Mrs. Braga has enjoyed being a key spouse so much that she has continued her role in the squadron even after her husband retired last year.

"My husband retired and I still wanted to continue on as a key spouse, because I know how hard it is when they are gone," she said.

"Also, I enjoy helping others when you kind of know exactly what they are going through. It has been a great experience being a key spouse and I will continue to enjoy it as long as I am able to."

To become a Key Spouse, volunteers have to undergo extensive training.

"Key Spouse training consists of 11 hours of classroom training broken up into two workshops; Heart Link and Key Spouse Initial Training," said Sergeant Smith. "Spouses are trained on roles and responsibilities, personality temperaments, resources available, helping agencies both on and off base and suicide awareness training."

It's this training that prepares the Key Spouses for their most difficult task, preparing the families of Airmen for an upcoming deployment and educating them on the resources available to them.

In preparation for the 15 AS's recent deployment, the squadron's eight Key Spouses got to work on updating their recall rosters and scheduling a pre-deployment briefing for those spouses who are left behind, said Mrs. Rauls.

During deployments the Key Spouses also play a large role in keeping the squadron spouses connected while their loved ones are away.

"Key Spouses will make contact with their [designated] spouses on a monthly basis to check on them and offer assistance if necessary," said Mrs. Rauls. "We will also continue to host spouse socials, family get-together's and other activities to keep families busy and build our spouse network."

Having this program in place for families at home allows for deployed Airmen to know their families are taken care of and can focus solely on their mission.

If you are interested in becoming a key spouse or would like to find out who your key spouses are, contact your squadron's first sergeant for more information.

16

News Briefs

Airlift Dispatch • July 16, 2010

To submit a news brief, send an e-mail to 628abw.dispatch@charleston.af.mil. Make the subject line "NEWS BRIEFS." Submissions must be received no later than close of business the Friday prior to publication.

Specials Blue Star Museums free admission: The National Endowment for the Arts along with the non-profit Blue Star Families has started a new summer program called Blue Star Museums, a partnership with more than 750 museums across America to offer free admission to all active-duty military personnel and their families from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Museums in all 50 states and the District of Columbia are taking part in the Blue Star Museums initiative. In addition to 30 children's museums across the country, participating museums represent a broad range of art, history, science and cultural topics.

To obtain a list of participating museums in the area, visit www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums. Click a state on the map to see a list of museums.

Events

and 23. Prior sign-up is requested. Call 963-4936 for more details.

Framing class: Here's a great way to learn a very useful skill or hobby on your lunch hour. Each Framing 101 class consists of two sessions, held on consecutive Thursdays, from 11 a.m. to noon.

Instruction is free, with the students paying for their materials to build their own frame. Students are asked to bring a picture no larger than 16-inch by 20-inch to the first class. Please, no canvases or needlepoint. Prior registration is needed. Each class size is limited, so register early for the class date you would like to attend. Class dates are: July 22, Aug. 12 and 19 and Sept. 16 and 23. Call the Arts and Crafts Center at 963-4936 for more information.

July 23 AMC Icon auditions this month: Applications for auditions for this year's local AMC Icon singing talent contest are now being accepted. Application deadline is July 23. Joint Base Charleston competition is Aug. 11 at the Charleston Club. Local top prize is $500. Top active-duty winner will represent JB CHS in command competition Oct. 21 at Scott Air Force Base, Ill. Command-level first place winner receives $1,000 and the opportunity to audition with Tops In Blue. All contestants must be at least 18 years old. For more information on "AMC Icon" and to download an entry form for the local competition, log on to www.jbcharleston.com and click on the "icon" logo.

Latin Night at the Club: Looking for an evening out with great music and a dance style that actually encourages you to hold on to your dance partner? Come to Latin Night at the Charleston club July 23 at 9 p.m. and have fun dancing to a rhythmic Latin beat. If you don't know how to salsa or Cha Cha Cha, we'll have dance lessons at the beginning of the evening to give you and your partner some pointers. Music will be provided by the area's top Latin DJ, Luigi Bravo of Latin Groove. There is a $7 per person cover for the night.

The kitchen will stay open until 10 p.m., and there's drink service until 2 a.m. No reservations needed.

July 24 Heart Link: Make new friends and create a support system in a fun-filled environment by learning what benefits you are entitled to as a military spouse. Break the code on the military language and learn exactly what you got yourself into by attending Heart Link at the Airman and Family Readiness Center July 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information or to register call 963-4406.

July 25 Kayak adventure trip: Join the Outdoor Recreation Center July 25 as they explore some of the most picturesque waterways in the South. This one-day trip is open to all experience levels of kayakers and make great family outings. The $35 per person cost includes transportation, kayak equipment, safety gear, life jackets, parking fees and trip guides. Departure time from the Outdoor Recreation Center is 9 a.m. and the return time is around 4 p.m. Space is limited on this trip, so sign up early. Call 963-1732 for more information.

July 27 Resume II: A one-on-one class will be offered July 27 from 8 to 11 a.m. in the Airman and Family Readiness Center. For more information call 963-4406.

Saturday Extreme summer heat bowling: Every Saturday night from 9 to 11 p.m., it's OK to get extreme at Starlifting Lanes Bowling Center.

During July, we'll give you two hours of bowling, shoe rental, hot music and cool lights for just $5. There will be drawings for great prizes each night. No RSVP required. Call 963-3315 for more information.

Fit family bike ride: Come join us for an easy ride through base housing July 17 at 9 a.m. All ages are welcome! Individuals attending will need a bike, helmet and water bottle. Everyone attending the bike ride should meet at the Youth Center fifteen minutes prior to the start. Contact the Youth Center for more information at 963-5684.

Wednesday S.C. employment services: Meet with a South Carolina job services representative to help in your job search and provide limited resume assistance July 21. Individuals seeking service must register online and identify job leads before arriving at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Building 500. This service is first-come, first-serve. Walk-ins begin at 10 a.m.

Call 963-4406 to register.

Last incident: June 27 Thursday 2010 Total: 12 2009 Total: 16 Pottery class: Come play in the clay! No art skill or experience needed. This is a DePLAYment 2008 Total: 14 2007 Total: 8 program and free for tag holders. The cost for To volunteer, e-mail these two-part classes for individuals who are not AADD.charleston@charleston.af.mil.

Members receiving a Driving Under the Influence tag holders is $20 per person. Classes are held in must report to the wing commander the following the Arts and Crafts Center from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. duty day in full service dress accompanied by their on the following dates, all of which are Thursday supervisor, first sergeant and squadron commander. evenings: July 22, Aug. 12 and 19 and Sept. 16

July 28 Credit repair solutions: Learn about credit scores, building credit and how to protect your credit on your own in a class July 28 from 8 to 9 a.m. Separate fact from fiction and how to avoid scams that offer empty promises. Class will be held at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Call 963-4406 to sign up.

Pinch your pennies until they squeal: Learn how to have a good quality of life on a budget July 28 from noon to 1 p.m. Call 9634406 to reserve your seat.

Career status bonus/redux briefing: If you are close to your 14.5 year mark in the military and have the word "choice" listed on your current leave and earnings statement, then you have a choice between two retirement plans. The Airman and Family Readiness Center is hosting a career status/redux briefing July 28 from 1 to 1:45 p.m. For additional information or to register call 963-4406.

Education and Training Funding change to testing: Effective Nov. 20, Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) will only fund a military member's initial examination fee for each subject College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DSST (previously known as the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) and Excelsior College Examinations (ECE) exams. Due to the change, all military members taking CLEP, DSST or ECE examination on or after May 20 will be informed they will not be allowed to retest with DANTES funding, on that specific exam, if they do not obtain their desired passing score. However, re-testing will continue to be available on a personally-funded basis. Individuals who took a test prior to May 20 must retest prior to Dec. 11. For additional background and details, call 963-4579.

Records management training: Records management training is scheduled the last Tuesday of every month in the conference room of the 2nd floor in Building 302 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Members can sign up on the Enterprise Information Management website. For any questions or concerns, contact Airman 1st Class Francisco Bastian or Airman 1st Class Miguel Batista at 963-8270.

Meetings and Registrations

After school care: Registration is now underway for the 2010 through 2011 After School Program at the Youth Center. This program is accredited and a leader in the community. Transportation for the after school care will be provided from Hunley Park, Riverbends, Lambs, For Dorchester, Eagles Nest and Oakbrook elementary schools. The program is open to children ages 5 (and in kindergarten) to 12. Registration is accepted daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Shot records with current H1N1 vaccination and LES/pay statements must be available at time of registration. Call 963-5684 for additional details.

Commissary/BX advisory council: The next quarterly Commissary/BX Advisory Council will convene July 22 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the 628th Mission Support Group Conference Room.

Contact Ed Wigim at 963-6255 if you have any items or issues for discussion or recommendation.

Healthy Thinking Workshop registration: Do you find yourself feeling angry or stressed more often than you would like or regret how you act when you are upset? Do you wish you could express yourself more clearly and be more assertive? Consider registering for the Healthy Thinking Workshop. This is a voluntary class focused on 275 helping participants manage anger and stress and learn saved more effective ways of communicating their emotions. The 963-2233 this year workshop is divided into four 90 minute sessions held on consecutive Wednesdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m., with a new Joint Base Charleston’s Airmen group beginning the first Wednesday of every month. To Against Drunk Driving offers sign up or for more information, contact Family Advocacy free, confidential rides home. at 963-6972.

Airmen Against Drunk Driving: Wingmen Saving Lives

Please see more briefs at www.charleston.af.mil

Airlift Dispatch • July 16, 2010

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Airlift Dispatch • July 16, 2010

SPOTLIGHT

Master Sgt. Scott Palfreyman 628th Force Support Squadron Master Sgt. Scott Palfreyman is a member of the 628th Force Support Squadron and has been stationed at Joint Base Charleston for one year. He arrived to Joint Base Charleston with his wife of 22 years, Tammy, and their two children Aly and Cody.

Sergeant Palfreyman is currently deployed to the Middle East with the 732nd Expeditionary Intelligence Squadron.

In his deployed unit, Sergeant Palfreyman works as the first sergeant and has a tougher time getting around to all of his Airmen. His Airmen are filling a Joint Expeditionary Tasking, which requires him to travel throughout more than 30 locations in Iraq. When he is not travelling he has his hands in a little bit of everything ranging not only from enlisted performance reports and letter of evaluations, but vehicles, supplies, individual equipment and computer accounts.

"Since my Airmen are filling a JET, it makes my job as a first sergeant here very different, not only from what I'm used to at home station, but also from what I would experience on most other deployments," said Sergeant Palfreyman. "While I and the rest of the EIS staff are headquartered at Balad, my JET Airmen are scattered about the country either imbedded with or in direct support of other services."

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At Joint Base Charleston, Sergeant Palfreyman works as the first sergeant for the 628 FSS. According to Sergeant Palfreyman, his biggest contribution to Team Charleston's mobility mission is doing his best to ensure his Airmen are taken care of and able to focus on accomplishing their mission.

This "warrior of the week" hails from Winter Haven, Fla., and enlisted in the Air Force 22 years ago.

"I am an Army brat and prior to my father's retirement we were stationed various places included Missouri, Maryland, Georgia and Germany," explained Sergeant Palfreyman.

Sergeant Palfreyman didn't enlist with the intention of making it a career, but as time went by he could not see himself doing anything other than serving the nation.

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Airlift Dispatch • July 16, 2010

NEWS Honorary Commanders briefed about EOD mission

Photo by Senior Airman Timothy Taylor

Capt. Sylvester D'Agrella briefs the Joint Base Charleston Honorary Commanders after demonstrating the Percussion Actuated Neutralizer outside the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal building July 14, 2010 on Joint Base Charleston, S.C. The PAN is a high-velocity, precision tool used to disrupt IEDs with water, air or steel shots. This is the tool of choice as it allows flexible, surgical shots to be taken to prevent a detonation and preserve evidence for law enforcement officers. The honorary commanders toured EOD as part of a base orientation tour to learn more about the missions performed by different units on Joint Base Charleston.

Captain D'Agrella is the commander of the 628 CES explosive ordnance disposal team.

BASE INFORMATION

Airlift Dispatch • July 16, 2010

21

Chapel Schedule 107 Arthur Dr. Office: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Phone: 963-2536. After duty hours, call the command post at 963-8400, emergencies only.

Catholic Services: Daily Mass is now offered Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.; Saturday - 4:15 p.m. Reconciliation; Mass; 5 p.m.; Sunday - 9:30 a.m. Children’s Church.

Protestant Services: Sunday - 8 a.m. Inspirational Gospel Worship Service; 11 a.m.

Traditional Worship Service with Children’s Church. Thursday - 7 p.m. Truth Seekers Bible Study, Chapel Annex.

For information on other faith groups, call the Base Chapel at 963-2536.

Movie Schedule Ticket office normally opens at 7 p.m. Showtime at 7:30 p.m. Admission: Adults - $4 (12 years and older) / Children - $2 (6-11 years old). / “G” Rated Movies: Children - $2 (3-11 years old).

Schedule subject to change without notice. For information, call 963-3333. For further information on movie date and times visit http://www.aafes.com/ems/conus/ charleston.htm.

Friday, July 16, 7:30 p.m. – MARMADUKE – William H. Macy, George Lopez – Marmaduke, the worlds most loveable Great Dane, leaps from comic strip fame to big screen stardom. In this family comic event the “Duke” is living large in Orange County, California. But fitting in with his new four legged friends—and a potential romantic interest—isn’t always easy for a super sized teenage dog. Rated PG. Saturday, July 17, 7:30 p.m. – KILLERS – Ashton Kutcher, Katherine Heigl – While on a trip with her parents Jen meets the man of her dreams, the dashing, handsome Spencer Aimes. Three years later, her seemingly impossible wish to marry has come true: the newlyweds live the ideal suburban life – that is until the morning after Spencer’s 30th Birthday when bullets start flying, literally. It turns out Spencer never bothered to tell Jen he’s also an international super-spy, and now her perfect world has been turned upside down. Faced with the fact that her husband is a hit man, Jen is determined to discover what other secrets Spencer might be keeping. All the while trying to dodge bullets, keep up neighborly appearances, manage the in laws and work out some major trust issues.

Rated PG-13.

Friday, July 23, 7:30 p.m. – SPLICE – Adrien Brody, Sarah Polley – Genetic engineers Clive and Elsa specialize in splicing together DNA from different animals to create incredible new hybrids.

Now they want to use human DNA in a hybrid that could revolutionize science and medicine. But when the pharmaceutical company that funds their research forbids it, Clive and Elsa secretly conduct their own experiments. The result is Dren, an amazing strangely beautiful creature that exhibits uncommon intelligence and an array of unexpected physical developments. And though, at first, Dren exceeds their wildest dreams, she begins to grow and learn at an accelerate rate and threatens to become their worst nightmare. Rated R. Saturday, July 24, 7:30 p.m. – THE KARATE KID – Jaden Smith, Jackie Chan – 12-year old Dre Parker could’ve been the most popular kid in Detroit, but his mother’s latest career move has landed him in China, Dre immediately falls for his classmate Mei Ying and the feeling is mutual but cultural differences make such a friendship impossible. Even worse, Dre’s feelings make an enemy of the class bully, Cheng, in the land of kung fu, Dre knows only a little karate, and Cheng puts “the karate kid” on the floor with ease. With no friends in a strange land, Dre has nowhere to turn but maintenance man Mr. Han, who is secretly a master of kung-fu. As Han teaches Dre that kung fu is not about punches and parries, but maturity and calm, Dre realizes that facing down the bullies will be the fight of his life. Rated PG. For more movie schedules, visit: http://www.aafes.com/ ems/conus/charleston.htm

Hurricane Tip of the Week Hurricane season will continue through November, with the highest probability of a major hurricane occurring between mid-August and October. Due to a hurricane's capacity for damage, preparation is the key. Weekly hurricane tips provide need-to-know information for staying ahead of the weather.

This week's hurricane tip is: Plan your evacuation route and where you will go if told to evacuate. Be sure to have a bag of emergency supplies ready in case you have to evacuate, including extra glasses, prescription drugs and any other necessary items. Before evacuating, make sure to protect your windows from high winds, cover them with plywood and bring all outdoor furniture or decorations inside.

22

FEATURES

Airlift Dispatch • July 16, 2010

First 6 volunteer opportunities can make the most of your career

By Airman 1st Class Michael Thorndike Membership Officer for the First 6 The Joint Base Charleston First 6 is a professional organization which focuses on providing junior enlisted service members a forum for making the most of their military careers. The organization is open to all pay grades from E-1 through E-6.

The next First 6 meeting is scheduled for July 22 at 11 a.m. in the First Term Airmen Center classroom.

The volunteer opportunities listed below are just a few of many the First 6 supports and are available to all members of Joint Team Charleston. Points of contact are listed for each event, as well as links to websites to make an informed decision on which to volunteer for.

In an effort to highlight base members actively volunteering, the First 6 will be tracking hours worked by volunteers. Contact the First 6 at 963-8278 to be counted in the running or e-mail michael.thorndike@charleston.af.mil.

American Red Cross - Join the 1,200: The local Red Cross needs 1,200 emergency services volunteers now to be prepared in the event of local disasters. Become trained in sheltering, feeding, public information and more. Trainings are held at the chapter headquarters at 8085 Rivers Avenue in North Charleston. Training will take place July 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To volunteer please contact Lisa Miller-Wills at 764-2323, ext. 364 or by e-mail at willsLi@usa.redcross.org.

Trident United Way: The Benefit Bank is an innovative network system for delivering benefits and enhancing antipoverty efforts. The goal is to create a sustained, multiyear antipoverty campaign which brings together faith based, community based and other organizations to serve people forced to live in poverty. Hundreds of volunteers are needed. Scheduling is very flexible at many sites across the area.

To volunteer, contact Cathy Easley at 740-9000, ext. 243 or by e-mail at ceasley@tuw.org.

My Sisters House seeking Spanish-speaking interpreters: Family violence reaches across all cultures, ages

and socio-economic levels. Volunteers who can interpret Spanish are needed to help victims of domestic violence.

The organization's need is an ongoing opportunity. To volunteer, please contact Sarah Baird at 747-4069 or by e-mail at hope@mysistershouse.com.

Fields to Families: The gleaning season has begun full force and volunteers are needed to help sometimes on very short notice. To help an organization committed to ending hunger, visit the website at www.fieldstofamilies.org and choose "Volunteer" to check out upcoming opportunities. For more information, contact Christina Lor at 388-2487 or by e-mail at christina@fieldstofamilies.org.

Charleston County Parks and Recreation Department: Volunteers for this event will spend the day in the park at a private picnic, assisting with the setup and take down of inflatables. The event will be held July 17 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Wannamaker County Park.

Volunteers must be 16 or older. To volunteer, contact Erin Guerrero at 762-8053 or visit www.ccprc.com.

Good Neighbor Center: "Breaking the cycle of homelessness" provides transitional housing for homeless veterans. Volunteers will be preparing meals, landscaping or assisting in the office. To volunteer, contact Faye Parker at 566-9344 or visit www.thegoodneighborcenter.com.

Lowcountry Orphan Relief: The Lowcountry Orphan Relief is looking for volunteers to help at their office in North Charleston. The LOR is a non-profit organization which provides support and services to local children and their families. Volunteers would be asked to assist at their facility with sorting, organizing and preparing clothing and school supplies to be given to local children. To volunteer, contact Cathy Keagy at 747-4099 or e-mail her at cathy@clfl670.org. You can also check out the website at www.lowcountryorphanrelief.com.

March of Dimes: The local division of March of Dimes is looking for volunteers. The March of Dimes' mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. They carry out this mission through community service education, advocacy and research. They hold a number of large events annually and are constantly

involved in the community. Volunteers could be asked to do anything from administrative work at their office, to helping with auctions at black tie events. To volunteer, contact Meredith Repik at 571-1776 or e-mail her at mrepik@marchofdimes.com. For more information, visit the March of Dimes website at www.marchofdimes.org.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure: The Lowcountry Susan G. Komen for the Cure division is always in need of volunteers. They need help with administrative work and various events throughout the year. To find out what you can do to help with the fight against breast cancer, contact Taffy Tamblyn at 556-8011 or e-mail her at taffy@komenlowcountry.org. To find out more details on the opportunities, visit their website at www.komenlowcountry.org.

Beach Day: Volunteer with the Lowcountry Orphan Relief for "Beach Day" August 7 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Volunteers will enjoy a fun day of playing with children of all ages at the beach and have an opportunity to have lunch with them. To volunteer, contact Cathy Keagy with Orphan Relief at 843-747-4009 or e-mail her at cathy@clf1670.org.

International Center for Birds of Prey: The International Center for Birds of Prey in Charleston is looking for dedicated volunteers to help with the care of a large number of raptors from around the world. Volunteers will be working intimately with these majestic birds on a regular basis. Volunteers must attend a quarterly volunteer orientation. To sign up for the next briefing, contact Joe Kowalis at 971-7474 or e-mail him at hikerjoe@homesc.com. For more information visit the International Center for Birds of Prey website at www.thecenterforbirdsofprey.com.

Big Brothers, Big Sisters: As a local program of the Carolina Youth Development Center, the mission of BBBS is "to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with mentors that have a measurable impact on youth." Volunteers meet with their Little Brother or Sister either in the community or at one of the site-based programs, offering friendships through activities. Training is provided and volunteers must be at least 18. To volunteer, contact Mandy Scherer at 266-5256 or by e-mail at mtscherer@cydc.org. For more information, visit www.becomeabig.org.

Search is on for ‘fittest, strongest unit’ on JB Charleston

By Gary Grove 628th Force Support Squadron Marketing How would you like to be recognized as a member of the most physically fit unit on Joint Base Charleston?

"The search has begun," said Steve Parrish, Fitness Center director.

Two new fitness initiatives started this month - The Fittest Unit and the Strongest Squadron programs.

Mr. Parrish stated, "Both of these are quarterly fitness awards." For the Fittest Unit award, the results will be based on

individual test scores collected from the Fitness Assessment Cell with data from the Air Force Management System."

The quarterly "Fittest Unit" award will recognize the unit with the best composite score average by dividing the total male and female scores by the total number of active duty tested. The first unit will be awarded the honors in October for the quarter ending Sept. 30.

Also, there will be a "Most Improved" award given in January 2011 to the unit that has shown the most improvement from one quarter to the next. Mr. Parrish said, "For

the first 'most improved' unit award, we'll compare the difference from the July through September scores with the October through December numbers."

To determine the winner of the Strongest Squadron competition, each active duty squadron member will perform as many push-ups and or sit-ups as they can during a week. The overall goal is to reach 1 million push-ups and sit-ups for the installation. The squadron with the highest percentage of pushups and sit-ups based on the number of overall eligible Airmen in the squadron will win.

"These are annual programs," the Fitness

Center director said, "so every unit on base has the opportunity to claim either or both titles."

Units that win either category during a quarter will receive a trophy and have its name posted on the JB CHS Unit Fitness Award board located in the Fitness Center.

All members of the unit that wins in the third quarter will receive a personalized "Fittest Unit" or "Strongest Unit" t-shirt.

Unit fitness program managers and physical training leaders who would like more information on how the program is administered and tracked, can contact Mr. Parrish at 963-3347.

24

Airlift Dispatch • July 16, 2010

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