The Peninsula Warrior Air Force Edition: 03.16.18

Peninsula

Warrior March 16, 2018 Vol. 8, No. 11

J O I N T

B A S E

AIR FORCE EDITION

L A N G L E Y - E U S T I S

P u b l i s h e d i n t h e i n t e r e s t o f p e r s o n n e l a t Jo i n t Ba s e L a n g l e y - E u s t i s

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FROM HOMELESS JBLE CHEF inspired to serve — Page 7

CLEAN LASERS Travis AFB beta tests lasers — Page 2

For more online content, check out www.JBLE.af.mil

Army News

ARMY COUPLE TAKE ON CHALLENGE husband and wife help each other reach their career and fitness goals — Page 8

TEENAGER TO MENTOR — Page 4

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Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

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March 16, 2018 Airman 1st Class Levi Gordon, 60th Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance, uses a Clean Laser 1000 to remove paint from a sheet of metal March 7 at Travis Air Force Base, California. The 1000-watt laser can remove paint and corrosion. It reduces the waste created from sanding paint by 90 percent Travis was chosen as one of two bases to test the capabilities of the laser.

JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS EDITORIAL STAFF Joint Base Langley-Eustis Commander Col. Sean Tyler Joint Base Langley-Eustis Public Affairs Officer Alton Dunham III • alton.dunham@us.af.mil Joint Base Langley-Eustis Editor Areca Bell • areca.bell@us.af.mil Carlin Leslie • carlin.leslie@us.af.mil Per Air Force Instruction 35-101/Army Regulation 360-1, only stories and photos submitted by members of the Department of Defense community and DOD news services may be printed in The Peninsula Warrior.

Any stories, photos or announcements must be submitted eight days prior to publication. Stories and photos should be submitted to the editor and/or assistant editor at 633abw. paedit@us.af.mil or Public Affairs Office, 601 Hines Cir., Fort Eustis, VA 23604. Announcements for the Community Section should be submitted to fteustismain@gmail.com. Announcements for the Outside the Gate Section should be submitted to fteustismain@gmail.com. For more information call 878-4920.

Authors’ names may be withheld, but all letters must include the authors’ signatures and telephone number.

The Peninsula Warrior is an authorized publication for all the members of the U.S. military. Contents of The Peninsula Warrior are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, Department of the Air Force or the Department of the Army.

The Peninsula Warrior is printed every Friday by offset as a civilian enterprise newspaper for the Public Affairs Office, U.S. Air Force by Military Newspapers of Virginia at 150 W. Brambleton Ave. Norfolk, VA 23510 under exclusive written contract with the commander, Joint Base Langley-Eustis. MNV is a private firm in no way connected with the Department of the Air Force or Department of the Army. Printed circulation: 25,000.

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. A confirmed violation or rejection of this policy of equal opportunity by any advertiser will result in refusal to print advertising from that source.

All editorial content of The Peninsula Warrior is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the Public Affairs Office Joint Base Langley-Eustis.

All photographs are Air Force or Army photographs unless otherwise stated. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or MNV of the products or services advertised.

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U.S. Air Force photos by Staff Sgt. Amber Carter

Travis AFB beta tests lasers

By Staff Sgt. Amber Carter

60TH AIR MOBILITY WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, CALIF. (AFNS)

Travis Air Force Base, California, prides itself on leading the way in innovation and continues to look toward the future with a laser removal process that has enhanced the 60th Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance section’s efficiency since the arrival of two lasers in April 2017.

The 60th MXS is one of only two bases chosen to test the Clean Laser 1000 and the Clean Laser 300 as a new way to remove paint and corrosion on aerospace ground equipment.

“The main difference with this laser is that it can remove corrosion without removing metal,” said Tech.

Sgt. Brian Brown, 60th MXS

aircraft structural maintenance corrosion manager.

“Sanding and grinding remove additional material while the laser burns off corrosion without taking any metal with it.”

This important difference creates a safer and more efficient way to navigate deeprooted corrosion in equipment.

“We cannot use paint remover, so we have to use sanders,” said Senior Airman Troy Chuckran, 60th MXS aircraft structural maintenance journeyman.

“When you are sanding, you can’t always tell how much paint material you are removing and you tend to blend the crack, which causes the severity of the corrosion to be covered up and be discovered by the (Non-Destructive Inspection team). With the lasers, you’re not removing surface

Clean Lasers: The 60th MXS is one of only two bases chosen to test the Clean Laser 1000 and the Clean Laser 300 as a new way to remove paint and corrosion on aerospace ground equipment. or polishing the surface, you are only removing paint and corrosion.”

Another improvement is a decrease in the amount of waste by using a laser versus a hand sander.

“Our traditional method is to use an orbital sander or blasting machine,” said Brown. “For the orbital sander, you have to be suited up in a full Tyvek suit, full face respirator, force air respirator and nitrile gloves.”

Tests were performed to ensure the correct personal protection equipment is worn.

“We did a week’s worth of testing to determine what type of PPE is needed while using the laser,” said Chuck-

ran. “We had to be fully suited up, we took air samples and used the laser to collect data while testing the air quality to make sure we are safe.”

The tests resulted in another improvement when compared to the hand sanders.

“Now we don’t wear the Tyvek suit,” said Chuckran.

“All we need are specialized glasses, hearing protection and gloves. It’s a major improvement especially in the summer when the Tyvek suit becomes a sauna suit.”

The lasers are currently being used on all support equipment for the airframes at Travis AFB, such as air conditioning units, hydraulic carts and the power generator, which provides power to the aircraft. These same tests are currently being performed on an old panel from a C-5M Super Galaxy.

“I see the lasers as the future of removing paint and corrosion,” said Chuckran.

“It will definitely have a huge impact once we can begin using them on the aircraft.”

We want to hear from you. Contact us at 633abw.paedit@us.af.mil, or call 878-4920 or 764-5701.

March 16, 2018

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From Immigrant to Soldier, this journey was worth it

By MaryTherese Griffin

WARRIOR CARE AND TRANSITION FORT BLISS, TEXAS

Army National Guard Sgt. Manthan Patel has heard all the jokes and does not want to be a cliché. “When I was younger I was in biomedical engineering pre-med and realized that I did not want to continue in that field. Every single Patel is a doctor, it’s too mainstream for me,” Patel laughed while taking a break at the 2018 Army Trials at Fort Bliss, Texas.

Patel grew up in India and moved to the United States when he was 17. He always wanted to serve in the military, but knowing his family was going to immigrate to the U.S., Patel could not make that commitment in India.

Patel and his family moved from India to Indi» See WORTH IT | 12

U.S. Army Photo by Pfc. Anthony Todd//

U.S. Army Sgt. Manthan Patel (left), assigned to Warrior Transition Battalion, Fort Bliss, Texas, fires his air rifle during marksmanship training at Fort Bliss, Texas, March 1, 2018. 74 wounded, ill, or injured Soldiers and veterans participate in a series of events that are held at Fort Bliss, Texas, Feb. 27 through March 9, 2018, as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Warrior Care and Transition hosts the 2018 U.S. Army Trials.

ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY GOLF MEMBERSHIP

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Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

By Airman 1st Class Alexandra Singer

633RD AIR BASE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, VA.

U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Carlin Leslie

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kennesha Key, 441st Vehicle Support Chain Operations Squadron fleet management and analysis noncommissioned officer, in charge poses for a photo at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., March 13, 2018. Key is the president of the Langley African American Heritage Council, competes in bikini body building competitions and volunteers avidly in the community.

FROM HOMELESS TEENAGER TO MENTOR: AIRMAN AIMS TO PAY IT FORWARD

Kicked out of her home with no one to turn to and nowhere to find warmth but vacant cars on the side streets of Philadelphia, then 15-yearold Kennesha Key longed for nothing more than a chance.

Although unable to afford basic school supplies, much less a desk to prop her homework on nor a reading light to illuminate it, Key found solace in school, most notably in her Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps course.

The course turned out to provide more than an escape from her reality; the people she met through it gave her the chance she needed.

“It made me feel like I was in a family,” said Key. “They weren’t judgmental when they found out I was homeless, and reminded me that everyone goes through tough times. The bond they gave me made me feel like I had a really good support team.”

A Philadelphia transplant, having moved up and down the East Coast, Key finally felt at home with her ROTC group, so much so that she valued their advice, which lead her to meet the person that would change her life forever.

“She’s probably the most important females I’ve met in my whole life,” said now Tech. Sgt. Key of her U.S. Air Force recruiter, “I don’t know where I would be without my recruiter. When I look at where I started, all these things and all these great people that I’ve met in the military, I would’ve never met them if it wasn’t for her.”

Key, who is now stationed at Joint Base Langley-Eustis as a fleet management and analysis noncommissioned officer in charge with the 441st Vehicle Support Chain Operations Squadron, said that to this day, her recruiter does everything from the heart. She never once doubted Key and believed in her when nobody else did. She didn’t treat her as just another recruit, she had compassion and love that pushed Key to become a stronger person.

Her recruiter said she saw a young person looking to change

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March 16, 2018

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I don’t know where I would be without my recruiter. When I look at where I started, all these things and all these great people that I’ve met in the military, I would’ve never met them if it wasn’t for her.”

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kennesha Key their life in the best possible way, which most Air Force applicants are looking to do; however, Key’s resilience early on made her different from most recruits.

“What makes Kennesha unique is her level of motivation and determination to make this possible despite her circumstances at that time,” said Senior Master Sgt. Nicole Snowden, Key’s former recruiter. “Up until that point, I hadn’t met with anyone with that amount of perseverance.”

Key’s persistence didn’t end with joining the military and bettering her own life.

In her role as President of the Langley African American Heritage Council, she set up community outreach programs acting as a mentor just as her recruiter was to her. Key and the council guide and tutor students from high-risk areas of Hampton Roads and at the Norfolk Juvenile Detention Center. Her hope is to reach at-risk children early on so they too can see they have opportunity and someone that believes in them.

“A lot of students go to school to be warm or just to get away from their situations at home,” said Key. “They give up on themselves because they feel like no one believes in them. I feel like I can relate because I’ve been there. I always tell them the story of my recruiter and how she was the first person in a long time that wasn’t blood that believed in me. I try to give those kids the same thing.”

While moving forward in her life, Key said she will never forget how she got where she is, and who believed in her enough to motivate her to get to this point. She recognizes that her recruiter opened doors that Key never thought she could go through, which is why Key still stays in touch with Snowden to this day.

“I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to watch Tech. Sgt. Key grow into an NCO who exudes leadership by example,” said Snowden.

“She could have very well made excuses for herself, but instead she’s taken every opportunity to further challenge herself. She consistently steps outside her comfort zone and isn’t afraid to share her journey with those around her. She inspires me.”

With plans to become an U.S. Air Force chief master sergeant, Key hopes her story encourages any other young Airmen find their way, and reach for their goals.

“Find someone that is not like you. Don’t always find someone who has the same struggles or mentality,” said Key. “Find that female mentor and connect yourself to her, it’s okay to open up. Be honest, be transparent, and believe in yourself.”

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kennesha Key, at age 16, sits in a cockpit during an Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps field trip.

Key’s JROTC instructors inspired her to talk to a recruiter before joining the military.

Courtesy photo

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TAPS honors fallen Airmen by presenting Military Award to the Air Force

By Staff Sgt. Rusty Frank

SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE PUBLIC AFFAIRS WASHINGTON (AFNS)

U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Rusty Frank

Family members hold photos of their fallen loved ones during the 10th Annual Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors Honor Guard Gala March 6, 2018, Washington, D.C. The program has helped more than 70,000 surviving family members cope with the devastating loss of loved ones.

“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.” – President Harry S. Truman Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David L. Goldfein accepted the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors Honor Guard Military Award during the 10th Annual TAPS Honor Guard Gala March 6, 2018, in Washington, D.C. “It is a distinct privilege to accept this particular award on behalf of our 670,000 amazing Airmen and their families who own the high ground in air and space each and every day,” said Goldfein.

“Our loved ones are drafted alongside us to make a commitment to accept a life of service supporting those who maintain the demands of fighting and winning in the sky, on the ground and on the sea.”

According to TAPS, the Air Force was given the award because of their enduring commitment to families of fallen.

Founded in 1994, TAPS provides worldwide care to family members who are grieving the death of a service member and have assisted more than 75,000 surviving families, casualty officers and caregivers. They rely heavily on current and former military members to provide the support the organization needs to operate.

“It takes a rare spirit to observe a flagdraped casket or to be handed a sobering folded flag, and an even rarer spirit » See FALLEN | 12

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March 16, 2018

Infantry Soldier earns 2nd place, recognition at strongman competition

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Max Pippa, an infantry officer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, U.S. Army Alaska, chalks his hands prior to working out at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Feb. 20, 2018. Pippa competed in the 2017 World’s Strongest Man competition in Raleigh, North Carolina, Dec. 16 and 17, where he achieved a second place finish in the 90-kilogram (198.4 pounds) weight class.

By Air Force Senior Airman Curtis Beach ARMY.MIL

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, ALASKA

All or nothing. There is a constant little bird in the back of every competitor’s mind, chirping away that he might not make it. If he doesn’t make it, he just spent months of training and a bunch of money to watch his dream pass him by.

Army 1st Lt. Max Pippa’s mind was racing just like this as he pushed his body to its limits during the final stages of preparation in an arduous journey for greatness.

HEAVYWEIGHT STRONGMAN COMPETITION

Pippa, an infantry officer with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, U.S. Army Alaska, battled against 29 of the toughest warriors from around the globe in the 90-kilogram weight class (198.4 pounds) at the 2017 World’s Strongest Man competition in Raleigh, North Carolina, Dec. 16-17.

The competition’s first day of events included a log clean and press, an 800-pound yoke carry for 50 feet, a deadlift of a Jeep Wrangler, and a timed-carrying medley. The medley consisted of carrying a 650-pound metal frame, a 325-pound metal tombstone and a 265-pound sand bag carry, each for 50 feet.

“This was the event that tests endurance and speed,” said Pippa, who hails from St. Louis, Missouri. “My forte is conditioning-based events, so I knew I could make a push in the standings in that one. It’s pretty high up on my list.”

One of the keys to success in this style of competition is recovery and knowing how to manage energy and adrenaline between events, he said.

“It’s a long day of getting yourself amped up, then coming back down, and then repeating that cycle,” Pippa said. “Most people don’t work out that way — they warm up, exercise for a couple hours and then cool down. Knowing how to ‘redline’ repeatedly throughout the day and recover effectively is everything.”

REHYDRATION

Between events Pippa would sit down and eat a cup of white rice, a few ounces of beef jerky and drink some rehydration solution. Then, he would listen to non-ag-

U.S. Air Force photos by Senior Airman Curt Beach

gressive music to relax and conserve energy.

“As soon as an event’s over, bring yourself down and get right back into rest and relax mode,” Pippa said.

“That’s what I did for each event I competed in, and after each event I would get better.”

After nearly eight hours of rigorous competition, the bottom 20 athletes in the standings were eliminated, while Pippa, currently in third, and the other top 10 advanced to the second day to determine the champ.

“That night was nothing but restless sleep,” he said.

“At 3 a.m., I decided to just stay awake and focus on getting in the right mindset for the coming events.”

The last day of competition included two events. The first was a timed pulling of a Ford F-350 truck with an attached trailer holding four more vehicles across a 50foot course.

Secondly, competitors would race to lift a series of six concrete stones, increasing in weight from 250 to 375 pounds, onto successive platforms.

MENTALLY FOCUSED

“Day 2 was my jam,” said the infantry officer. “I had been awake for most the night, visualizing those two events and watching silent videos of past competitions.

I was mentally focused.”

To help him stay focused, he thought about his 10-month-old son, Cassius, and his wife, Corinna, and all their support throughout his preparation for the competition, which often included three to five hours of training three days per week.

Often training at JBER’s fitness centers, Pippa said he owes much of his success to John Limon, Buckner » See STRONGMAN | 12

U.S. Army 1st Lt. Max Pippa, an infantry officer with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, U.S. Army Alaska, performs a standing military press at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Feb. 20, 2018.

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7 Photos by Dani Johnson

Pfc. Olena Konotop, Joint Base Langley-Eustis culinary arts specialist, receives a silver medal in the student chef event Mar. 13 at the Joint Culinary Training Exercise (JCTE), Fort Lee, Va. The silver medal is the second highest recognition in the American Culinary Federation (ACF) judging which is based on industry standards.

Pfc. Olena Konotop puts the finishing touches on her chicken dish during the student chef event at the Joint Culinary Training Exercise (JCTE), Fort Lee, Va. Military members competing in student chef event have less than two years in the career field.

JBLE chef inspired to serve

By Dani Johnson

COMBINED ARMS SUPPORT COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Pfc. Olena Konotop, a culinary arts specialist at Joint Base Langley-Eustis (JBLE), Virginia, had just finished cooking for the student chef of the year event at the 43rd Annual Joint Culinary Training Exercise (JCTE).

“My mother believed every girl needed to know how to cook,” said the Soldier who has been in the Army for 18 months.

“There is creativity in food and it brings cultures and people together.”

Konotop, who has worked in Resolute Dining Facility (DFAC) on Fort Eustis for almost a year, emigrated from Kherson, Ukraine, to Arizona when she was 12 years old.

“My mother married my stepdad (an American) and he brought us to America,” she said. “I spoke no English.”

Konotop was inspired by the American culture.

“The mentality of Americans is such that if you work hard you can be anything you want,” said the 21 year old. “In the Ukraine, only those with money get the privileges.”

The Soldier strongly believes that she can achieve anything by working hard and putting her mind to the task. It is shown in her work for the JCTE and at her

home station. “(Konotop) has really evolved since she started training five weeks ago (for JCTE),” said Sgt. 1st Class Shanta Martin, JBLE team manager and Resolute DFAC NCO in charge. “She has picked up so much, taken critiques and really turned it around.”

Competing for her first time in the JCTE, Konotop said she joined the Army because in the Ukraine women don’t join the Army.

“We are viewed as being girly and weak,” she said. “I wanted to show I could be girly and strong, and prove people wrong. My family was worried but they have been very supportive.”

“Pfc. Konotop is a great Soldier who takes initiative and is a go-getter,” said Martin. “She takes pride in her work and strives to get it right. She is where she is supposed to be at.”

The JCTE student chef event showcases the talents of military chefs with less than two years in service. The annual exercise, administered by the Joint Culinary Center of Excellence (JCCoE) at Fort Lee, is the largest American Culinary Federationsanctioned competition in North America, showcasing the talent of more than 235 military chefs from around the globe in all branches of the U.S. armed forces and foreign military teams. The JCTE teams are not competing against each other but

against the culinary industry standards.

Awards will be given based upon those who meet or exceed those standards.

“It is great (to be competing),” said the

chef who received a silver medal for her chicken dish. “You have to have a passion for what you are doing, that is what it is all about.”

ONLINE, ON YOUR TIME.

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ARMY COUPLE TAKE ON CHALLENGE

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Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

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March 16, 2018

U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Monica Roybal

U.S. Army Sgt. Ian Lubert, 689th Rapid Port Opening Element, 832nd Transportation Battalion, 597th Transportation Brigade cargo specialist, swims in full gear at Anderson Field House at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, March 1, 2018. The competition was part of the brigade’s week-long Rapid Support Challenge.

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3 U.S. Air Force photos by Airman 1st Class Monica Roybal

(1) U.S. Army Sgt. Austiana Lubert, 690th Rapid Port Opening, 832nd Transportation Battatlion, 597th Transportation Brigade transportation management coordinator, holds her son Wyatt, age 1, during an awards ceremony in Wylie Theater. Austiana supported her husband U.S. Army Sgt. Ian Lubert throughout the brigade’s Rapid Support Challenge. (2) A U.S. Army Soldier swims while wearing full gear while swimming 50 meters carrying a weapon and a 30-pound ruck. (3) U.S. Army Sgt. Ian Lubert, 689th Rapid Port Opening Element, 832nd Transportation Battalion, 597th Transportation Brigade cargo specialist, receives a U.S. Army achievement medal in Wylie Theater at Joint Base Langley-Eustis. (4) U.S. Army Sgt. Ian Lubert, 689th Rapid Port Opening Element, 832nd Transportation Battalion, 597th Transportation Brigade cargo specialist, picks up his son, Wyatt, age 1, during an awards ceremony in Wylie Theater at Joint Base Langley-Eustis. The ceremony ended with fellow Soldiers and NCOs doling out handshakes and hugs to the competitors while Ian held his son. (5) A U.S. Army Soldier wears an Army achievement medal. The award ceremony concluded the week-long 597th Trans. Bde. Rapid Support Challenge.

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March 16, 2018

By Airman 1st Class Monica Roybal 633RD AIR BASE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, VA.

By the third day of the week-long Rapid Support Challenge, U.S. Army Sgt. Ian Lubert was feeling the burn in his aching body as he raced through an obstacle course.

Distracting thoughts of fatigue lled Lubert’s head while he struggled to push himself. Upon the course’s nal turn, the sight of his wife and two sons cheering for him at the nish line was all he needed to muster up a burst of energy to help him refocus and propel himself to the end.

In 2015, the 689th Rapid Port Opening Element, 832nd Transportation Battalion, 597th Transportation Brigade, cargo specialist’s wife, Sgt. Austiana Lubert, 690th RPOE, 832nd Trans. Btn., 597th Trans. Bde., transportation management coordinator, was one of few female Soldiers to compete in Army knowledge and tness challenges, resulting in achievements naming her Soldier of the Year and ultimately claiming 2nd Place at the Army Materiel Command level.

This year, Austiana Lubert applauded her husband from the sidelines as he competed in the Rapid Support Challenge at Joint Base Langley-Eustis from Feb. 25 through March 1.

According to Austiana Lubert, watching her husband compete reminded her of the excitement she felt when she was faced with the same complicated and exhausting tasks.

“I wanted [Ian] to know how much I supported him so I went to as many of the competitions as possible,” said Austiana Lubert. “Just being out there brought

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back all the feelings of adrenaline and motivation that comes when you push yourself, and even surprise yourself, with what you can accomplish.”

The challenge began with an Army physical tness test, followed by a surprise event that positioned Soldiers in a Humvee rollover simulation and required a safe and successful escape.

“

There is some healthy competition between

us, and I think we definitely push each other.”

U.S. Army Sgt. Austiana Lubert The rest of the competition consisted of land navigation, water survival, a 12-mile ruck, combatives and an obstacle course. Challenge organizers also arranged for participants to stand before a panel to further test Army knowledge at the end of the week.

“It kind of threw us all off,” said Ian Lubert. “We were all so drained after just nishing the ruck march and the water survival, which was the most tiring of all the events.”

Both husband and wife said they help each other reach their career and tness goals.

“There is some healthy competition between us, and I think we de nitely push each other,” said Austiana Lubert. “There has to be some teasing in there too. Our friends would tease him about when I competed or if I made rank rst, but he just laughed it off. Maybe it motivated him a little more too.”

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According to Ian Luberts, being able to have his two sons cheer him on from the sidelines made the day just that much special. Knowing they got to see him competing and know anything is possible.

“Being able to see them there helped me when I was [worn] out,” said Ian Lubert. “I de nitely needed that extra push at the water survival challenge.”

Soldiers were required to wear full gear to include boots and their ruck sacks not only for the timed swim, but also for the land navigation task. For an added challenge element, they donned full mission-oriented protection posture gear while navigating to four established points.

Ian Lubert ultimately took 3rd place in the competition and was awarded the Army achievement medal.

The top three Soldiers and NCOs are now quali ed to move on to the Best Warrior Challenge at the command level.

Ian Lubert said he is looking forward to competing in the next challenge and using the con dence he has gained during the previous grueling days.

“It’s all about pushing yourself to see what you’re made of,” said Ian Lubert. “At rst you think ‘There’s no way I can do that,’ but then you get out there and do it and it gives you a sense of motivation and pride.”

Ian stood on the stage of Fort Eustis’ Wylie Theater displaying his certi cate, his new medal and a beaming smile as Austiana Lubert and the couples’ sons cheered for him from the audience. The ceremony ended with fellow Soldiers and NCOs doling out handshakes and hugs to the competitors while Ian Lubert held his son Wyatt, 1, and kept Anthony, 3, close by his side.

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March 16, 2018

First class of AIT drill sergeants graduate ‘conversion’ course

By C. Todd Lopez

TRADOCNEWS.ORG WASHINGTON (ARMY NEWS SERVICE)

Last Friday, 84 noncommissioned officers graduated from a 10-day course at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, that ended with them becoming Army drill sergeants with the right to wear the coveted campaign hat.

The Soldiers were the first to graduate from a 10-day “conversion” course designed to convert NCOs who had previously led advanced individual training platoons into full-fledged drill sergeants.

For the last decade, two types of NCOs have helped move new Soldiers through the Army’s soldierization process. At basic combat training, there were drill sergeants. And when those new Soldiers moved on to AIT, they fell under the guidance of an AIT platoon sergeant.

But that is no longer the case.

The Army made a decision earlier this year to eliminate the positon of AIT platoon sergeant and replace those NCOs with drill sergeants. The move, which is a return to what the Army had

done a decade ago, is designed to take advantage of the symbolism of the campaign hat worn by drill sergeants.

“When you see somebody walking around with a drill sergeant hat on, you understand that’s the best of the best and you need to go ahead and shape up, because you know he’s going to make an on-the-spot correction,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Edward W. Mitchell, of the Center for Initial Military Training, at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

Drill sergeants, Mitchell said, are symbols of excellence in initial entry training and are themselves experts in all warrior tasks and battle drills. Those with the campaign hat, he said, live the Army values and exemplify the warrior ethos.

One benefit of having drill sergeants at AIT is that now, for new Soldiers, the campaign hat will serve as an ever-present, easily identifiable symbol of professional excellence from the moment they arrive at basic combat training to the time they depart for their first duty assignment.

Another benefit to the Army, he said, is that instead of two

schools and two types of NCOs involved in training new Soldiers, there will now be just one kind: the drill sergeant. And that provides greater flexibility to the Army, Mitchell said.

“If we need to use them, they can be used anywhere across the enterprise,” he said of drill sergeants.

Mitchell said that the NCOs who serve now as drill sergeants or as AIT platoon sergeants are “the best the Army has to offer.”

And those top-notch AIT platoon sergeants, about 600 of them, will all be going to the conversion course to be made into drill sergeants.

The Army expects it will need to run a total of seven cycles of that specialized conversion course before all 600 AIT platoon sergeants are converted. After that, the special course will no longer be needed.

The drill sergeant course at the U.S. Army Drill Sergeant Academy, lasts about nine weeks, Mitchell said. And NCOs who in the past trained to be AIT platoon sergeants went through the first six weeks of that school alongside those learning to be

Photo by Tyler Prince

Staff Sgt. Broadhead receives a campaign hat at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He is one of 84 noncommissioned officers to complete the first of what is expected to be seven ten-week “conversion” courses that turn AIT platoon sergeants into drill sergeants. The first course graduated March 9, 2018, at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

drill sergeants.

After that, those destined to be AIT platoon sergeants would split off from drill sergeant school and go learn other things.

Part of their specialized AIT platoon sergeant training involved attendance at the master resilience course.

During the 10-day conversion course, those AIT platoon sergeants will pick up on some additional skills that will allow them to become drill sergeants.

Some of those skills include rifle marksmanship, drill sergeant duties and responsibilities, drill and ceremony, and chemical, bi-

Army units pilot network communication suite for disaster relief

By Amy Walker

PM TACTICAL NET WORK / PEO C3T PUBLIC AFFAIRS NORTH RIVERSIDE, ILL.

Floods. Hurricanes. Tornadoes. Earthquakes. Terrorist Attacks. The U.S. can’t hide from the long list of potential natural or even manmade disasters on U.S. soil, but it can be prepared for them.

Lessons learned from previous homeland disasters highlighted the fact that communication interoperability among military, government and non-govern-

ment first responders can make the difference between life and death. In a proactive effort to improve force readiness, the Army is equipping all U.S. states and territories with a National Guard presence with a new tool suite, known as the Disaster Incident Response Emergency Communications Terminal, or more simply, DIRECT. This system enables National Guard signal units to provide commercial phone, internet access, and commercial Wi-Fi and 4G LTE to first responders — military, government and

non-governmental — during domestic natural disasters, emergencies and civil support operations.

“We all use different radios on different frequencies or cell phones. DIRECT allows us to bridge that gap, to tie them together to have one voice and one central hub,” said Chief Warrant Officer2 Robert Dobbs, Illinois Army National Guard senior network engineer with the G6 (communications) Tactical Branch — South. “I see this system as being a

ological, radiological and nuclear defense training.

By the time they are done, the knowledge they learned from when they trained to be AIT platoon sergeants, plus the training they get at the conversion course, will mean they have what it takes to be a drill sergeant. They’ll be entitled to the campaign hat and badge, along with the special duty assignment pay that comes with being a drill sergeant, Mitchell said.

Mitchell said it’s expected that

by October, there will no longer be any AIT platoon sergeants in the Army, only drill sergeants.

very valuable asset to the state and the National Guard, enabling us to work hand-in-hand with local responders in the event of a major disaster.”

DIRECT securely leverages the National Guard’s organic satellite-based tactical network transport equipment, the same used by the Army, to tap into the Army’s robust tactical network, which enables mission command and voice, video and data communications anywhere in the world without need of static infrastructure.

“DIRECT enables the National Guard to assist civilian police, firefighter, and emergency management organizations with communications, even if all the commercial cell towers went down. It’s » See RELIEF | 11

March 16, 2018

| The Army is equipped with a new tool suite, DIRECT RELIEF

CONTINUED FROM 10 an Army system that enables non-military communications, so we can all work together to save lives,” said Cpt. Alanna Wood, commander of the Illinois Army National Guard 406th Signal Company.

The Army provided the 406th Signal Company with advanced training during the unit’s quarterly communication exercise, at North Riverside, Illinois in late February 2018, in addition to the new equipment training the service provided to the unit in January 2018. The 406th is part of a string of units that are piloting the DIRECT tool suite to provide real-time Soldier feedback to enable the Army to use that input to improve the system ahead of official fielding. Since DIRECT falls under an Army program, training and sustainment are built into the capability, enabling the Guard to operate, manage and maintain the equipment more easily and cost effectively compared to the previous capability.

“We will continue to rapidly equip units with DIRECT in an effort to speed up the acquisition cycle and get critical capability into the hands of these Soldiers to ensure their units are welltrained and prepared to ‘fight tonight’ when a humanitarian disaster strikes the homeland,” said Lt. Col. Mark Henderson, product manager for Network Modernization, assigned to Project Manager Tactical Net-

work, which manages DIRECT for the Army.

In addition to the commercial phone and internet services, DIRECT provides commercial Wi-Fi and 4G LTE capabilities at incident site command centers, for improved disaster relief management. The tool suite also comes with a voice bridging capability that connects disparate radios operating on different frequencies, and it interconnects military and first responder radios, cell phones and internet telephones, to enable a seamless collaboration and synchronization across the entire team.

“I have seen first responders or military personnel carrying three or four radios because they support different frequencies or different model numbers,” Dobbs said. “This capability allows us to have one central hub that enables you to call in from a radio, and with a few clicks of a button, reconnect to someone with a different radio or to a cell phone.

Having that ability enables us to get information out faster and can help us protect the public and save lives.”

On the current timeline the Army anticipates completing the DIRECT equipping effort in fiscal year 2021. To date, 17 states (18 systems; hurricane-prone states get two) out of the planned 54 U.S. states and territories have the DIRECT system, which they can deploy if needed to support disaster relief efforts or other civil missions

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should a disaster wreak havoc on the homeland.

Upcoming pre-fielding pilots include Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam.

Although not equipped yet with DIRECT, units from the Illinois Army National Guard were among the many joint forces deployed to Puerto Rico to help with disaster relief efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Maria in September 2017.

In lieu of the full DIRECT system, Project Manager Tactical Network rapidly deployed 10 of its small form factor Commercial Coalition Equipment packages, known as CCE, to enhance the ability of the Army’s 35th Expeditionary Signal Battalion (headquartered in Fort Allen, Puerto Rico) to provide commercial phone and internet services on the island. CCE is the capability that enables units to provide those commercial phone and internet services to other entities. The versatile CCE is either deployed separately to support Army units, or as part of the expanded DIRECT tool suite fielded to the National Guard.

“In a disaster situation where all the cell towers go down — and we saw that in Puerto Rico where they had no source of power or way to communicate — DIRECT will enable cell phones, text messaging, and email to work. These are basic forms of communication that everyone uses and takes for granted every day,” Wood said. “DIRECT really brings us into the 21st century in terms of providing communications.”

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11 Future anglers pose with their first catch at Beale Air Force Base’s Upper Blackwelder Lake, Calif. The Air Force recently partnered with the National Park Trust to bring the Buddy Bison Great Outdoors Challenge to military families at several installations.

Courtesy photo

New partnership encourages kids to explore great outdoors

By Angelina Casarez

AIR FORCE INSTALLATION AND MISSION SUPPORT CENTER PUBLIC AFFAIRS JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, TEXAS (AFNS)

The Air Force Services Activity is partnering with the National Park Trust to bring the Buddy Bison Great Outdoors Challenge to military families at installations.

The Buddy Bison program encourages children and families to participate in programs such as camping, canoeing, fishing and hiking while exploring local, state and national parks.

Thanks to funding from the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Military Community and Family Policy, the Air Force is piloting the program at: Moody Air Force Base, Georgia; Hurlburt Field, Florida; Little Rock AFB, Arkansas; Hill AFB, Utah; F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming; Peterson AFB, Colorado; and the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado.

The funding allows the Air Force to supply installations with support materials to encourage participation.

“We are excited to partner with the National Park Trust,” said Anthony Alcala, AFSVA’s Child and Youth Programs recreation specialist.

NPT is a national non-profit that “protects national parks and engages kids with all of our country’s public lands and waters,” according to the organization’s website.

“This partnership (with NPT) gives our Air Force families opportunities to

explore the great outdoors, strengthen family bonds and have fun while engaging in healthy activities,” said Fernando Brown, AFSVA’s Outdoor Recreation recreation specialist.

Participating installations will host kick-off events for Buddy Bison in the coming weeks.

With the program, children receive a Buddy Bison passport or bingo card to collect stamps at Buddy Bison stops. The stops can be found on an installation and at parks in the community.

“This really is a great opportunity to raise awareness of all the local resources available to Airmen and their families,” said Brown.

Although not every installation will be enrolled in the Buddy Bison program, all can participate in NPT’s Kids to Parks Day, held the third Saturday of May each year. This national day of outdoor play encourages exploring outdoor recreation, learning about science, technology, engineering and math; and embracing park stewardship, according to the NPT’s web site.

Based on the success of the Buddy Bison partnership with the Air Force, it may be expanded to other installations in the future.

For more information on the Buddy Bison Program and Kids to Parks Day, visit https://www.parktrust.org/kidsto-parks-day/. Information about an installation’s Buddy Bison program is available at participating bases’ child and youth programs and outdoor recreation.

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March 16, 2018

| Injury leads to silver medal in the Warrior games

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein accepts the military award during the 10th Annual Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors Honor Guard Gala March 6, 2018, Washington, D.C.

WORTH IT

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ana and that’s where he heard about the Army National Guard and thought it would work for him since he could have a civilian life and serve in the military at the same time. Because of the balance, Patel decided to join the Indiana National Guard.

Patel became a U.S. citizen before he deployed to Iraq in 2009. “I still remember preparing for the citizenship test, it felt different learning American history so quickly,” Patel said of the 100 question test. However, the process of becoming a citizen and deploying was bitter sweet because he had to give up his Indian citizenship for security clearance reasons. A price he was willing to pay to serve the new country he loves.

In 2016, on a deployment to Cuba, an injury would change everything for the administration specialist. A bad fall resulted in herniated discs and massive nerve damage to his C-spine area. However, Patel soldiered on until he demobilized at Fort Bliss. He would then realize that he desperately needed surgery to replace two discs and massive physical therapy afterward.

“I could not do basic things, no brisk walking, running, and no riding motorcycles, which is my passion. My mobility is limited,” Patel said. “I was very active and not being able to do those active things messes with your mind. You never realize how much your neck affects your overall body movement.”

During his time recuperating at the Fort Bliss Warrior Transition Battalion, Patel learned about the Warrior Games and Army Trials.

Things he thought he could no longer do, Patel was now approaching in a different

way.

“I’ve never been athletically inclined until I got to the WTB,” said Patel. “Competing with these other athletes who are missing limbs, or have various other conditions and are so positive and strong gives me hope.”

Patel credits the Warrior Care and Transition Program for opening his eyes to how the Army cares for Soldiers and helps them find their new normal.

“I did not know the care and the amount of effort the WTB puts forth to make sure Soldiers are taken care of. If you are injured and the opportunity to go to a WTB is presented to you, go and make sure you are taken care of,” Patel said. “A lot of people will ignore their injuries and they try to tough it out, then down the road it worsens and they don’t have the option of the WTB or even good health care.”

As Patel continues to recover and work toward returning to duty, he is also thinking about starting a career in the field he considered to be “mainstream” years ago, the medical field. “If I am able to return to duty I would like to finish my degree and I would love to try the Army Physician Assistant Program to become a physician assistant,” Patel said. “That is the huge thing the WTB made me realize; when someone is injured and needs to heal, this intrigued me to really want to help.

Now it feels like my calling.”

The medal stand at Army Trials has also been calling.

After three events, Patel has earned a silver in the men’s 800 meter race and a bronze for power lifting in his classification. He will also compete in shooting and rowing later this week.

U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Rusty Frank

FALLEN | Air Force awarded TAPS Honor

Guard Military Award CONTINUED FROM 5

to then carry on with the courage to move forward, continually share your story, connect with others and be a support system for those starting out on their own journey,” said Goldfein.

Military life presents unique challenges. The Air Force is committed to taking care of its Airmen and families and has a wide range force support capabilities available for them.

They are part of a truly remarkable family, said

Goldfein.

“To those who lost the ones you loved and confided in – you also found yourselves trekking through the unknowns,” said Goldfein.

“Nothing can be said that will forever erase the pain, but we owe

STRONGMAN

| Infantry officer battled against 29 of the toughest warriors from around the globe

what’s possible when you’re disciplined and dedicate yourself to achieving your goals.”

Pippa has a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology, so fitness, diet and health have always been a passion for him. He developed an interest in Strongman in 2006 with some friends in St. Louis.

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GRATITUDE

Physical Fitness Center director, who supports JBER’s many athletes by procuring necessary training equipment, such as concrete stones, not often found at typical gyms.

“People like Pippa get me excited. He’s set a heck of an example around here,” Limon said. “Lots of military guys and gals come to the fitness center with aspirations to achieve great things within their military lives and outside the gates.

Pippa shows people around here

“I feel fortunate and blessed to have been able to perform well in something I’m passionate about,” Pippa said. “To know what makes me happy, gets my blood pumping and to be lucky enough to be recognized as one of the top in the world is super humbling.”

Competing with purpose, Pippa won both of the second day’s events. Combined with the points he had accumulated the first day, the 27-year-old fitness enthusiast brought home a second-place overall finish in the

our endless gratitude for your strength, sacrifice, and commitment.

Together, you keep the hope, and you’ve walked in each other’s shoes. You are united by an important cause – providing care, support, and friendship by lending your ear, your heart, your mind and your time to one another.”

prolific competition.

At the end of the contest, Pippa found himself standing on the podium with a silver trophy in one hand and baby Cassius in the other.

“I’m a pretty lucky guy,” he said. “I just feel blessed that all the variables lined up the way they did, especially my wife who has been extremely supportive, taking on a lot to enable me to pursue this.”

Now Pippa plans to spend time with his family, pursue a career as a firefighter and continue to compete and to inspire others to pursue their passions.

“Regardless of what it is that drives you, I hope other people find what they’re ambitious about.

Find something that fires you up and pursue it, and see where it goes,” he said. “I feel so happy, humbled and grateful for this experience, and I hope other people can enjoy this same feeling.”

JBLECommunity

March 16, 2018

May 18-20, 2018

Statewide/JBLE Tornado Drill

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Submit Eustis Community announcements to pw@militarynews.com Haynes at 757-878-4123 or Mr. Dolan at 757-878-4152 8 to 10 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Service is available to all for more info. active duty and Department of Defense beneficiaries 18 to 70 years of age who are enrolled to Langley Hospital.

King Street and Armistead Gates under con- Patients who are on flying status or Personal Reliability Program, are immunocompromised or have symptoms struction The 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron will renovate the over 10 days cannot be seen at the Cough and Cold guard houses at the King Street and Armistead Gates. clinic. For more information, contact Tech. Sgt. Ashely The construction will be phased to minimize traffic im- Dixson at 764-8995.

pact. The first phase of construction will affect two of the four inbound lanes and one of the two outbound lanes at the Armistead gate. This phase will also affect one inbound and one outbound lane of the King Street gate. Phase one of construction will last up to 60 days and begin on Nov. 27, 2017, at 9 a.m. Phase two of construction will last up to 57 days and is expected to begin Jan. 26, 2018, at 9 a.m. Phase two will affect the remaining two inbound lanes and one outbound lane at the Armistead gate, and the remaining inbound and outbound lane at the King Street gate. For more inforWorld Water Day Celebration Please join us in celebrating World Water Day at 10 mation, call 764-7766. a.m., March 22, 2018, at the LaSalle Gate Visitor Center to perform routine maintenance on the Filterra storm- JBLE traffic update The overhead traffic light at Lee Rd and Sweeney Blvd water infiltration systems. You can volunteer to take part in protecting our vital ecosystem by contacting Ms. heading outbound is still out and has been temporarily Dawn Christian, at 764-1141 or email dawn.christian@ replaced with a traffic light to the right side of the intersection. JBLE motorists should remain aware of the us.af.mil no later than March 20, 2018.

For more information about this event, please contact temporary placement of the traffic light, expected to be in place in approximately 12-14 weeks.

Ms. Dawn Christian at 764-1141.

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service will be holding a statewide (Virginia) tornado drill at 9:45 a.m., March 20, 2018. In annual effort to prepare citizens for tornado emergencies and test public warning systems. This is an opportunity for units, organizations, schools and individuals to test their tornado emergency procedures.

Our goal is to reach the entire JBLE populace.

Order of Daedalians lunch meeting

The Daedalians will meet at noon, March 22, 2018, at the Bayview Commonwealth Club. An F-22 Raptor pilot from the 1st Fighter Wing will present a talk on Syrian operations. The Order is America’s premier fraternal organization of military aviators promoting leadership in Air and Space power. All current and former military pilots, navigators, air battle managers, naval flight officers, remotely piloted aircraft operators, and flight surgeons are welcome to attend. To reserve your place at the meeting, contact the Daedalians at (757) 877-2260, 303-5741, or Langley.daedalians@verizon.net

Spring Break Egg Hunt

Groninger Library will host a spring break egg hunt at 9:30 a.m., April 2, 2018, at 1313 Washington Blvd., Fort Eustis. For more information, call (757) 878-5017 or visit www.groningerlibrary.com or www.facebook.com/ groningerlibrary

Purple Heart Warrior Spring Turkey Hunt

JBLE-Eustis will be conducting Purple Heart Warrior Spring Turkey Hunts in April and May 2018. There will be two hunters drawn from all who apply by March 30. Each applicant must meet all of the following: be a Purple Heart recipient, Fort Eustis active duty, possess appropriate firearm and clothing, willing to purchase appropriate Virginia hunting licenses and capable of walking on moderate terrain. For more information, call Ms.

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Weekly Live Fire Schedule

Ranges, training areas, and associated facilities are Off Limits to personnel not engaged in scheduled firing, operations, or inspections/recons unless clearance is obtained in person from Range Control Fire Desk (Bldg.

2432 Mulberry Island Road) or a designated Range Control Technician. All personnel are required to check in and out with range control before going into or departing any Range or Training area. Range schedule until March 23: DATE RANGE TIME March 16 BTRAC, R1, MAINTENANCE R2, R3, R5 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

March 17 POF R3 TRAPPING R3 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

March 18 POF R3 TRAPPING R3 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

March 19 BTRAC, R1 TRAPPING R3 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

6 a.m. to 7 a.m.

March 20 BTRAC, R1, R2, R3, R5 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

March 21 BTRAC, R1, R2, R3 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

March 22 BTRAC, R1, R2, R3 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

March 23 BTRAC, R1, R2, R3 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

2018 Spring Turkey Season

The 733rd Civil Engineer Division natural resources staff at Fort Eustis will host the 2018 Spring Turkey Season. Hunting opportunities will be based on a lottery system. Lottery tickets cost $25 with a one lottery ticket per person limit and are non-refundable, but transferrable.

(Checks or money order only) The lottery tickets will be on sale Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mar. 5-30, 2018, at bldg. 1407 or 1409. The lottery drawing occurs Apr. 2, 2018, and winners will be notified between Apr. 2-3, 2018; winning hunters will choose their area and dates to hunt at that time.

Registration of firearms with 733rd Security Forces Squadron is mandatory prior to entry onto the installation.

For more information please contact James Dolan at james.d.dolan.civ@mail.mil or 757-878-4152.

U.S. Army Officer Candidate School Alumni Association 2018 reunion

The U.S. Army Officer Candidate School Alumni Association will host a reunion from March 25-29, 2018, at the Columbus Marriott Hotel, 800 Front Avenue, Columbus, Ga. 31901. The association represents all Army officers commissioned through any Officer Candidate School, regardless of previous locations or branch affiliation. The event will include a Hall of Fame induction ceremony, reception, and formal dinner, including the presentation of the Patterson Award. There will also be demonstrations and briefings at Fort Benning highlighting developments related to the OCS program and OCS candidate interactions. Registration information and the reunion itinerary to follow. For more information, visit www.ocsalumni.org or call Nancy Ionoff at (813) 917-4309.

2018 Late Urban Archery Deer Season

The Fort Eustis Late Urban Archery Deer season will run Jan. 29, 2018 through Mar. 24, 2018 and will be operated from building 1409. Participants must have purchased a 2017 Fort Eustis Hunting Permit prior to Jan. 6, 2018, and passed the Fort Eustis Recreational Hunting Program Archery Qualification within two years, or pass a qualification test administered by the 733rd CED Natural Resource Staff. Participants must also purchase a 2018 Late Urban Archery Deer Hunting Permit Pharmacist Cough and Cold Clinic The Langley Hospital will provide a Pharmacist Cough at a cost of $20, and may do so the day of any hunt. and Cold Clinic starting Feb. 12, 2018. Patients who can- For more information please contact James Dolan at not get an appointment with their provider right away james.d.dolan.civ@mail.mil or 757-878-4152. and do not want to wait at the ER can check in at the Family Health front desk to be seen by a clinical pharmacist on a walk-in basis, Monday through Friday from » See JBLE | 14

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not be checked again at the Durand Entry Control Facility. NASA guards will still man their side of the Durand Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Entry Control Facility and will only allow CAC holders month (no dependent ID cards) to enter NASA property. AdJoint Base Langley-Eustis will host Sexual Assault ditionally, no commercial vehicles are allowed access to Awareness and Prevention month during the month of NASA property. The Durand Entry Control Facility hours April with the following events. are from 6 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 6 p.m., Monday through • Interactive skit by the Langley Sexual assault Friday.

Theater Group at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., April 13, 2018, at the Langley Base Theater.

Worship hours for Catholic and Protestant • Walk a mile in her shoes at 8 a.m., April 21, services 2018, at the Peninsula Town Center.

Bethel Chapel: • Can I kiss you (A thought provoking look at Saturday Catholic Reconciliation at 3:30 p.m. relationships) at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., April 25, 2018, Saturday Catholic Mass at 5 p.m. at the Jacob Conference Center in Fort Eustis.

Sunday Protestant Community Service at 9 a.m.

• Standing Together Against Rape Motorcycle Sunday Catholic Mass at 11 a.m.

Rally at 8:30 a.m., April 27, 2018, at Memorial Langley Main Chapel: Park in Langley Air Force Base. Pre-registration is Sunday Catholic Mass at 9 a.m. required. To register call SAPR at 764-3359.

Sunday Protestant Gospel Service at 11 a.m.

Deadline is April 16, 2018.

Catholic Daily Mass (Mon-Thurs) at 12 p.m.

• Clear Challenge (Resiliency Obstacle Course) at For more information call 764-7847 9 a.m., April 27, 2018, at Memorial Park in Langley Air Force Base. Pre-registration is required. To Manpower shortage impacts 633rd Medical register call SAPR at 764-3359. Deadline is April 16, 2018.

Group services

p.m., in the 633rd Mission Support Group Conference Room. The Langley Chapel offers this marketplace initiative where participants meet on a regular basis to view a DVD message over lunch, providing a unique opportunity for participants to enter an environment in the workplace where they can consider relevant insights around personal and professional challenges. The principles are presented from a biblical perspective but are non-denominational and open to all active-duty service members and lunch provided is free. For more information, contact the Langley Chapel at 633abw.hc@us.af. mil.

Langley Tax Center 2018

Fort Eustis’ Groninger Library encourages reading

The Langley Tax Center is open until Apr. 13, 2018, Monday-Thursday from 8a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Education Center, Bldg. 1027 Rm. 137 (450 Weyland Rd. Langley AFB, VA) If you are deploying, this is an opportunity to make an appointment and file your 2017 tax returns before your deployment.

Please call the Langley Tax Center at 757-367-9195 to make an appointment.

Before your appointment please gather all necessary tax documents including last year’s tax return.

Fort Eustis Tax Assistance Center Open

The Fort Eustis Tax Assistance Center will operate from Jan. 29 to April 20, 2018, at Building 2733 on Madison Avenue. Tax filing preparation, electronic filing capability, and general tax advice will be available to eligible clients. For more information, contact the Fort Eustis legal office at 757-878-2478/2343.

Chapel Annex under renovation

From January to June 2018, the Langley Chapel Annex Auditorium, kitchen and classroom four will undergo renovation and are unavailable for the duration. For more information, contact the Chapel at 764-7847.

Durand Entry Control Facility (NASA gate) changes

Security Forces personnel will no longer man the Durand Entry Control Facility (NASA Gate). Personnel will still have their credentials checked by guards at the main NASA gate, however, their credentials will

The 633rd Medical Group strives to provide Trusted Care to all they serve, while supporting many deployed and home-station missions. Due to contract vacancies and multiple provider deployments/permanent changes of station during the coming months, it will take longer to receive appointments and have messages returned.

In light of these staffing concerns, TRICARE will temporarily enroll only Active Duty service members and their family members. This action is being taken to ensure patients receive the care they deserve within the established standards. There will be no enrollment changes or action taken to any patients who are already enrolled at the 633rd Medical Group, regardless of category. For questions regarding TRICARE benefits, or for enrollment assistance to locate the best medical facility to meet healthcare needs, contact the TRICARE Information line at 1-800-TRICARE or 1-800-874-2273.

Air Force Reserve hosts Palace Front-Palace Chase informational sessions

The Air Force Reserve will host Palace Front-Palace Chase informational sessions the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month at 10 a.m., in the 633rd Force Support Squadron auditorium, building 15 in Wing B, room 203. Palace Front is available to Airmen within 180 days of their projected separation date. Palace Chase is reserved for Airmen over 180 days from separation who are interested in separating from Active Duty early. For more information, call 751-4825 or 846-7532.

Fort Eustis’ Groninger Library has implemented an ongoing Reading Program entitled “1000 Books Before Kindergarten” and “1000 Books from 1st -5th grades.”

For every 100 books read, children can take their reading log to the library to receive a prize. After reading 1000 books, children will receive a free t-shirt. For more information, contact the library at 878-5017 or visit www.groningerlibrary.com.

Army Emergency Relief available online

Soldiers, military retirees and family members can now request financial assistance through Army Emergency Relief’s redesigned website at https://www. aerhq.org. Applications can be submitted 24 hours a day via desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone. The redesigned site allows for easier navigation and authorized JBLE Family Child Care Program patrons can access their accounts, apply for scholarThe Joint Base Langley-Eustis Family Child Care Pro- ships, donate and utilize the new loan calculator. For gram is looking for child care providers interested in a more information, call at 878-5570. professional, portable career that will allow them to stay at home and run a home-based business. The program Company Grade Officer Council welcomes is available for children ages two weeks to 12 years old. members Child care providers must be at least 18 years old, be The Company Grade Officer Council will meet at 4:45 able to read and speak English, be in good health, and p.m., at the Bayview Commonwealth Center every willing to undergo a background check. The FCC will pro- third Thursday of the month and is open to all Company vide training and materials to get your business started. Grade Officers. The council has an opening for a U.S. For more information, call Fort Eustis at 878-5584/5726 Army officer on the council board. Join the council for or Langley Air Force Base 764-3585/2835 professional development, social events and fun. For

Life lessons over lunch workplace study

Join the new Life Lessons over Lunch the first and third Thursdays of the month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30

more information, call 764-9954.

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