Joint Base Charleston
Patriot Vol. 3, No. 12
Team Charleston – One Family, One Mission, One Fight!
Friday, March 23, 2012
Exercise! Exercise! Exercise! Senior Airman Matthew Baxter secures a building at Joint Base Charleston Air Base after a simulated attack March 20. During an active shooting scenario, the Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection exercise evaluated JB Charleston's capabilities in responding to a crisis situation. Baxter is a 628th Security Forces Squadron journeyman. See more photos on Page 3.
To See More Photos & News, Visit www.Charleston.Af.Mil
U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Katie Gieratz
INSIDE VEHICLE OPS
Keeps them rolling See page 5
1ST CTCS Receives MUC See page 6
PCSing? Beat the rush See page 8
AFAF/NMCRS Fund drives begin See page 10/11
JB Charleston inducts new Honorary Commanders By Rose Alexander Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs
exchange of ideas between our military personnel and local civic leaders," said McComb. "The 437th AW looks forward to working with our Honorary Team Charleston inducted 35 community leaders into the 2012 Commanders and showcasing our Airmen and the mobility mission that Honorary Commanders Program in a ceremony at Joint Base Charleston - the 437th AW executes which is critical to our nation's ability to support Air Base March 14. The day's events were co-hosted by Col. Richard the joint warfighter and carry out peacekeeping and humanitarian relief McComb, Joint Base Charleston commander, and Col. Erik Hansen, 437th operations worldwide." said Hansen. Airlift Wing commander. The Honorary Commanders Program, which was first implemented in "This program was initiated to extend a cross-flow of information and 1999, was designed to foster support and encourage an exchange of ideas, experiences and friendship between key members of the local civilian communities and Charleston Air Force Base. After JB Charleston reached full operational capability in 2010, the program was expanded to also include commanders of Navy and Army mission partners located on the Weapons Station, making the program a Joint "Team Charleston" Honorary Commanders Program. The program matches civic leaders with active-duty military commanders. Individuals are selected from throughout the Lowcountry and from various professions ranging from school administrators to business owners to religious leaders and elected officials. The new Honorary Commanders' day began with welcome comments and briefings from McComb and Hansen. They then toured a C-17 Globemaster III, where they learned about the 437th AW mission, followed by a tour of the 628th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosives Ordnance Unit where they also observed a 628th Security Forces Squadron working dog demonstration. "We wanted to give the Honorary Commanders a better understanding of how we work together as a team with the U.S. Air Force photo / Airman 1st Class George Goslin 437th AW to accomplish our mission," said McComb. Col. Richard McComb and Col. Erik Hansen administer the Honorary Commanders’ oath After the demonstrations, honorees were transported to to Team Charleston’s new Honorary Commanders at an induction ceremony at Joint Base Charleston - Air Base March 14. McComb is the JB Charleston commander and the Charleston Club, where they were greeted by their See Honorary Commanders, Page 7 Hansen is the 437th Airlift Wing commander.
Take time this ‘Spring Break’ By Petty Officer 1st Class Jennifer Hudson Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs
Weekend Weather Update Charleston, SC Friday, March 23 Isolated T-Storms (30% precip)
High 83º Low 64º
Spring break is a term often associated with words such as wild and crazy, but this year it represents something much more serious – Air Mobility Command’s ‘Spring Break’ safety campaign. The campaign is designed to deter members from taking risks that could put them in harm’s way or behind bars. Joint Base Charleston leaders are spreading the word about Spring Break, asking members to take time to reflect on the importance of risk management, decision making and to remind members that being safe should remain their top priority.
"As we enter the season where outdoor sports and other recreational activities go into full swing, we want to take this opportunity to remind everyone to think safety in everything they do - both on and off duty - that's really the intent of the Spring Break Safety Campaign," said Col. Richard McComb, JB Charleston Commander. “Whether you are an Airman, Sailor, Marine or Soldier, Operational Risk Management has to be part of your plan for success - it is an essential tool that must be used 24hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. If not used, it could result in service members or their families needlessly being put in harm’s way. Each member is essential to the accom-
plishment of our mission – without one, we are all affected.” To help reach the goal of zero mishaps this spring and summer JB Charleston is conducting a two-day annual Motorcycle Safety Rodeo brief, March 23 at the JB Charleston – Air Base Theater and March 24 at the JB Charleston – Weapons Station Theater. The briefing is geared toward increasing safety awareness when riding a motorcycle, ensuring members use proper personal protective equipment and understand the rules of the road and motorcycle usage in South Carolina. “This briefing is a great refresher for experienced riders. It reminds them of the importance See Spring Break, Page 5
Saturday, March 24
Swing under the Silver Wings with TCSC
T-Storms (70% precip)
Courtesy of Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs
High 80º Low 59º
Sunday, March 25 Partly Cloudy (10% precip)
High 77º Low 56º
The Team Charleston Spouses Club will host their 2012 Annual Silver Wings Scholarship Dinner and Auction at Joint Base Charleston - Air Base, Nose Dock 1, Bldg. 519, March 24. The program's theme is "An Evening of Swing under the Silver Wings" and begins at 6 p.m. Dinner will feature southern cuisine and there will be an open bar, music, dancing and the annual silent auction. All proceeds from the evening's events aid military dependents seeking higher education. Tickets are available at the JB Charleston - Air Base Consignment Store or from TCSC board members.
Gas pumps at Express temporarily closing Courtesy of Joint Base Charleston Public Affairs Due to construction and improvements being made at the AAFES Express, the gas pumps will be temporarily closed from March 30 through April 5. The AAFES Exchange management apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause their customers.
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BLACK 01/29/08