Peninsula Warrior Jan. 11, 2013 Air Force Edition

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B A S E

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 re s t o f p e r s o n n e l a t J o i n t B a s e L a n g l e y - E u s t i s

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Air force EDITION

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LEADERSHIP

Langley Chiefs Group builds better Air Force — Page 4

PROFILE

Airman engineers musical masterpieces — Page 8

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

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Supersonic journey Airman shows his skills as F-22 demo pilot

– Page 12

DEPLOYMENT 510th Human Resource Company deploys to Kuwait — Page 7

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• The Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

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JANUARY 11, 2013

JANUARY 11, 2013

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By Capt. Christina C. Shelton and 2nd Lt. Bill Battles

ny began assembling causeway sections off the side of MV Green Wave.

Within 72 hours, the pier was fully assembled and secured to the ice wharf, where two bulldozers held it in place with steel cables and winches. In addition, several lines were tied to bollards (strong posts on the wharf), and the tugs were positioned on either side to provide support.

ARMY SUSTAINMENT

Every year a resupply mission known as Operation Deep Freeze provides support to the research stations on the continent of Antarctica, including McMurdo Station, Palmer Station and AmundsenScott South Pole Station.

In the past, a large man-made ice pier was used to discharge the resupply vessel, but an unusually warm winter prevented the pier from reaching the structural integrity required for the operation.

The National Science Foundation contacted the 331st Transportation Company, 11th Transportation Battalion, 7th Sustainment Brigade, located at Fort Eustis, Virginia, whose mission is to provide a mobile pier powered by small Army vessels for the discharge of cargo and equipment from watercraft to an unimproved shoreline or degraded fixed-port facility.

It also provides floating facilities for the rapid discharge of rolling stock from rollon-roll-off cargo ships and other vessels.

The 331st Transportation Company has a long history in the Transportation Corps and a very unique place in the Department of Defense (DOD) inventory. It carries the DOD’s only modular causeway system (MCS). Its Soldiers train year round for worldwide deployment in support of wartime and humanitarian aid missions.

Operation Deep Freeze In 2012, the 331st Transportation Company displayed its capabilities during Operation Deep Freeze 2012 in Antarctica. Operation Deep Freeze is the annual resupply mission to research stations on the continent of Antarctica.

The Army had not participated in Operation Deep Freeze in nearly 20 years, and this was the first time Army watercraft were used for the mission. Regular participants in this mission are the NSF, the parent organization of the U.S. Antarctic Program; the U.S. Air Force; the U.S. Navy; the Military Sealift Command (MSC); the New Zealand Defense Forces; and Raytheon Polar Services, a civilian agency contracted by the NSF.

Army watercraft support A suitable alternative was needed. The

Logistics Over the Shore Operations

Photo courtesy of U.S. Army

U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Bill Battles administers the oath of enlistment to Staff Sergeant Joe Burke and Sergeant Brandi Manuel at the Ceremonial South Pole.

NSF discovered the capabilities of the MCS, requested MCS support, and entered into discussion with the Army to determine its feasibility.

Since the 331st Transportation Company trains for logistics-over-the-shore missions year round and employs its mobile piers in various environments, Operation Deep Freeze was exactly the type of real-world mission for which the MCS was designed.

Operation Deep Freeze required a pier able to sustain 24-hour crane and truck operations and a crew to build and maintain the pier. After a thorough analysis of the problem set, a T-shaped pier measuring 160 feet long (from ship to shore) and 144 feet wide was designed and a crew of 41 Soldiers was designated to build and maintain the pier.

Getting to Antarctica Fifty-three trucks transported the cargo, which included two modular warping tugs and auxiliary gear, to Port Hueneme, California. [A modular warping tug is a section of causeway powered by two diesel motors and manned by a five-person crew.] In California, the cargo was loaded onto the Merchant Vessel (MV) Green Wave, which MSC contracted to deliver both the causeway and the supplies for McMurdo Station. A crew of eight Soldiers flew out to California to assist in the upload of equipment onto MV Green Wave.

In early February, 331st Transportation Company Soldiers flew to Christchurch,

New Zealand (a U.S. Antarctic Program launch point for Antarctic missions).

There the crew received specialized coldweather gear designed for manual labor during the ship offload in Antarctica. Once outfitted, the Soldiers boarded a Boeing 757 operated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force and flew to McMurdo Station, landing on the Ross Ice Shelf runway atop 1,000 feet of solid ice.

The first few days in Antarctica were consumed by in-processing, site surveys, moving into dormitories, and getting familiar with the area.

Winter Quarters Bay, where the operation was going to take place, is the site where the first Antarctic expeditions to the South Pole began more than 100 years ago. MSC contracted a Russian ice-breaker vessel, the Vladimir Ignatuk, to break up ice within the channel so that MV Green Wave could gain access to the bay. The old, unstable ice pier was disconnected, with the help of a few hundred pounds of dynamite, and moved to a temporary location south of the offload site.

The mission begins The mission began in earnest on 14 February, when MV Green Wave arrived and was moored to the old ice pier. With MV Green Wave in position, the first step was to offload the two warping tugs. Once the tugs were in the water and fully operational, Navy Cargo Handling Battalion 1 (NCHB-1) and the pier crew from the 331st Transportation Compa-

Once the pier was in place, the offload began. Over the next 8 days, NCHB-1, Raytheon Polar Services, and drivers from the New Zealand Defense Force unloaded across the causeway more than 8 million pounds of cargo to be used by research stations and field camps across the continent.

Drivers returned to the ship with 7 million pounds of ice, rock, trash, recycling, and unneeded equipment that was then backloaded onto the vessel. This effort involved every major organization at McMurdo Station, including the fire marshal, the maintenance facility, ground operations, port operations, and supply operations. It was truly a joint and multinational effort.

The return mission Breaking down the causeway took only 36 hours. As soon as the last warping tug was loaded onto MV Green Wave, the ship departed for California. The Operation Deep Freeze crew out-processed McMurdo Station and boarded a U.S. Air Force C-17 for New Zealand a day later.

By March 5, all personnel were back at Fort Eustis. A crew was sent to California to meet MV Green Wave and facilitate the return of equipment to Virginia by rail using 22 DOD-owned railcars. The cargo was delivered on April 25.

Soldiers from the causeway crew were recognized April 10, 2012 by U.S. Air Force General William Fraser, the Transportation Command commanding general, who visited Fort Eustis and presented crewmembers with Joint Service Achievement Medals for their historic efforts.

Editor’s Note: For the first time, the Army and its only modular causeway system company provided logistics-overthe-shore support to resupply research stations in Antarctica.

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• The Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

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JANUARY 11, 2013

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By Airman 1st Class Victoria Taylor 633RD AIR BASE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Only one percent of all enlisted Airmen hold the rank of chief master sergeant, but this promotion does not stem from time in service and large ribbon racks.

Becoming a chief requires more than dedication to the country, it requires dedication to the ideas, beliefs and goals of the U.S. Air Force family.

At Langley Air Force Base, the Chiefs Group seeks to improve morale among Airmen and promote the general welfare of the enlisted corps.

This group of nearly 150 chiefs is always prepared to assist with matters relating to enlisted Airmen.

“The LCG strives to improve esprit de corps, community relations, camaraderie and unity of purpose,” said Chief Master Sgt. Tony Levine, the LCG president.

“Further, they help to promote professionalism among the enlisted corps by setting the example according to standards, traditions and customs of the Air Force.”

“The LCG strives to improve esprit de corps, community relations, camaraderie and unity of purpose. Further, they help to promote professionalism among the enlisted corps by setting the example according to standards, traditions and customs of the Air Force.”

— Chief Master Sgt. Tony Levine Langley Chiefs Group president One way the group plans to accomplish this is to implement a mentorship program for company grade officers, including a “Chief Shadow Day,” where new officers accompany seasoned chiefs in the workplace to gain better insight of their new assignment.

Additionally, the LCG is building a “Night Hawk” program, where they plan to visit Airmen working swing shifts. These initiatives are designed to increase face time with Airmen across the installation, bridging the gap between junior enlisted personnel and their leadership.

“Our theme for the calendar year of

2013 is ‘Visibly Bold Leadership.’ This idea of leadership is what will drive everything the LCG does in the new year,” said Levine. “We want to expand on being active and visible to the Airmen on Langley.”

Even with these programs in place, the LCG’s efforts do not end at the gate. The organization is planning more visits to local veterans hospitals, and more community involvement for family members of Langley’s enlisted service members.

For more information about membership in the LCG, contact Levine at tony.levine@langley.af.mil.

Photo by Airman First Class Victoria Taylor

U.S.Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Dan Oien, treasurer of the Langley Chiefs Group, discusses future budget plans during the LCG meeting at Langley Air Force Base, Nov. 16, 2012. The meetings are held once a month for retired, active duty and reserve chiefs who are official members of the group.

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JANUARY 11, 2013

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JANUARY 11, 2013

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The legislation President Barack Obama signed Jan. 2 postponed the ďŹ scal cliff and means changes to military and civilian paychecks, Defense Finance and Accounting Service ofďŹ cials said.

The legislation increases Social Security withholding taxes to 6.2 percent. For the past two years during the “tax holiday� the rate was 4.2 percent.

According to ofďŹ cials, civilian employees will face a 2 percent reducThe legislation increases tion in net pay.

Social Security withholdFor military personing taxes to 6.2 percent. nel, changes to net pay are affected by a variFor the past two years ety of additional factors during the “tax holiday� such as increases in bathe rate was 4.2 percent. sic allowances for housThe increase in Social ing, subsistence, longevity basic pay raises Security withholding and promotions. Service taxes affects both military members could see an and civilian paychecks. increase in net pay, no change or a decrease For military members, Social Security withholding is located on their leave and earnings statement in the blocks marked “FICA taxes� – for Federal Insurance Contributions Act. Defense Department civilians will see the change on their leave and earnings statement under “OASDI� – for old age, survivors and disability insurance.

Reserve component members will be the ďŹ rst to see potential changes in their net pay as a result of the law, DFAS ofďŹ cials said. Changes will be reected in January paychecks.

Active-duty military personnel will see pay adjustments in their January mid-month paycheck, which will be reected on the January leave and earnings statement.

DOD civilians will see social security withholding changes reected in paychecks based on the pay period ending Dec. 29, 2012, for pay dates beginning in January.

DFAS stresses that all personnel should review pay statements carefully.

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Photo by Sgt. Edwin Rodriguez

U.S. Army Staff Sgt.William Johnson, a human resources specialist with 3rd Platoon, 510th Human Resources Company, SpecialTroops Battalion, 7th Sustainment Brigade, receives a last-minute â&#x20AC;&#x153;goodie bagâ&#x20AC;? before boarding the bus bound for the airport following the 510th HRC deployment ceremony at Fort Eustis, Dec. 8.

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By Capt. Zambia Remley 7TH SUSTAINMENT BRIGADE PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The 510th Human Resource Company, Special Troops Battalion, 7th Sustainment Brigade, conducted a farewell ceremony for 3rd Platoon Soldiers as they departed for a nine-month deployment to Kuwait, Dec. 8.

The Soldiers will perform human resource support downrange, providing personnel accountability support as part of the theatre gateway mission.

While the Soldiers said they were excited and prepared to begin their mission, the ceremony was bittersweet, as many had to say goodbye to family and friends in the middle of the holiday season.

Lt. Col. Noah Cloud, the STB commander, shared remarks with departing Soldiers and their families. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Soldiers in this platoon are directly supporting the warďŹ ghter in Afghanistan,â&#x20AC;? said Cloud. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You must ensure the warďŹ ghters, who are hard at work training the Af-

ghan National Army and National Police, are focused on their primary mission and not personnel issues handled at the theatre gateway. You are well trained and experts in your ďŹ eld and will accomplish great things in Kuwait for our Soldiers.â&#x20AC;?

Cloud emphasized key elements to mission success. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Your mission is important and you need to stay focused and take care of each other,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Make good decisions while you are there so that you can hold your heads up high when you return. Return with honor!â&#x20AC;?

The battalion chaplain, Capt. Christian Groenendal, closed the ceremony with a prayer for safety and perseverance for the deploying Soldiers and their loved ones. In a ďŹ nal gesture of support, family, friends and fellow Soldiers lined the sidewalk leading to the bus destined for Baltimore-Washington International Airport in Hanover, Md., offering hugs, handshakes and reassurance before they departed.

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JANUARY 11, 2013

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Airman engineers musical masterpieces

By Airman 1st Class R. Alex Durbin 633RD AIR BASE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

On the Christopher Newport University campus, in Newport News, Va., Ferguson Hall teemed with activity as spectators found their seats. The din of excited chatter filled the room covering the faint sounds of performers warming up and tuning their instruments backstage for the night’s event.

As the lights dimmed, the spectators’ murmurs died as they shifted attention to the musicians on stage, now poised for the performance.

From the first note of the night to the last decrescendo of the final piece of the U.S Heritage Band of America’s winter concert series, Dec. 7, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Kelcey McDonald stood in the crowd.

Stooped over a sound board with hundreds of buttons, knobs and sliders, McDonald slowly moved to the music’s beat, listening intently. As the ensemble played, he made minute adjustments to the various controls on the board with a deft precision acquired only after years of experience.

As the U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band’s audio engineer, McDonald ensures the listening experience for all the concert-goers is a pleasant one, whether they sit in the front row or stand in the back.

“In audio, it’s essential to have a firm grasp of technical knowledge,” he said.

“It’s more than just technical experience; an audio engineer needs a musician’s ear.”

Born in East St. Louis, Ill., hometown to Miles Davis and other prominent musicians, McDonald has been training his ears for as long as he can remember.

“My parents found out at a young age that I could sing well,” he said. “From then on, they had me sing anywhere I could.”

As McDonald grew older, he tired of singing and decided to expand his musical knowledge. By the time he graduated high school, McDonald was an allstate jazz percussionist. His skill gained the attention of music programs across the country, who tried to recruiting him into their performance arts programs.

“I felt like a star football player,” McDonald said with a laugh.

When Hampton University in Hamp-

“Music is a universal language. It’s a great feeling to show locals different aspects of our military - not just the war fighting.”

— Staff Sgt. Kelcey McDonald U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band audio engineer

Photos by Airman 1st Class R. Alex Durbin

Staff Sgt. Kelcey McDonald, U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band audio engineer, demonstrates the use of a sound board Dec. 7, 2012, at Christopher Newport University’s Ferguson Hall, Newport News. As the band’s audio engineer, McDonald ensures the listening experience for concert-goers is a pleasant one. McDonald’s musical career started at a young age when he discovered his singing talent.

ton, Va., offered McDonald a place in their Musical Engineering Technology program, he was excited to find a degree that combined not only his lifelong interest in engineering, but his love for music.

“I hadn’t heard a lot about the program,” he said. “I rolled the dice, and found my passion in audio engineering.”

More than five years later, McDonald graduated from Hampton University with a degree in Music Engineering Technology and a performance arts degree in percussion.

A few years after college, McDonald began working at local open-mic nights, while teaching audio engineering at his alma mater and working for a local news station.

At the age of 29, McDonald was introduced to the prospect of becoming an Airman musician when he struck up a conversation with his neighbor, a U.S. Air Force Heritage of America Band musician.

“The Air Force offered an amazing opportunity,” he said. “It gave me the chance to do what I love every day – while serving my country.”

After Basic Military Training, McDonald returned to Langley Air Force Base, Va., and immediately started rehearsing and performing with the band. Even after eight years of service, McDonald still remembers the first concert he took part in, a few short weeks after becoming an Airman.

“It was astonishing to stand in uniform in a room full of people so appreciative of my service,” he said with a bright smile. “The impact of my mission didn’t click while I was at basic training or my first rehearsals.”

On deployments McDonald feels the same surge of pride when playing for his fellow Service members, and remembers one concert in particular.

While deployed in Iraq, McDonald and the other Airmen musicians put on a concert in a small venue that held no more than 200 people. Only twenty spectators attended, but the band played with the same gusto as if they were playing for thousands.

The Airmen in the audience danced, visibly enjoying the show.

After the concert, McDonald spoke to the Airmen only to find out they lost three

brothers-in-arms just the week prior, and had attended the event to relax and find some normalcy in their grief.

“Speaking to those Airmen changed my life,” McDonald said, taking a deep breath while remembering that moment. “It’s an amazing feeling to help my fellow Airmen, especially in a time of need.”

Deployed Airmen musicians not only play for fellow Service members, but also for foreign nationals as a way to establish and maintain close bonds.

“Music is a universal language,” said McDonald. “It’s a great feeling to show locals different aspects of our military – not just the war fighting.”

With the ever-changing landscape of technology, McDonald said he will continue to learn and improve in his field to ensure his fellow musician Airmen convey their message to their best ability.

“I’m excited about what I bring to the fight, and that I have the ability to help people see what the rest of the Air Force does,” said McDonald. “I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”

JANUARY 11, 2013

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By Rich Lamance AIR FORCE NEWS SERVICE

A new Air Force pilot program designed to provide legal assistance to victims of sexual assault will begin later this month.

The Special Victims’ Counsel Program will give sexual assault victims legal assistance and help them navigate the criminal justice system with lawyers trained to handle their unique needs.

“It takes a strong team to succeed in our mission to protect and defend the nation, and sexual assault undermines that,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III. “It’s devastating to those involved. The Special Victims’ Counsel will provide victims of sexual assault with a better understanding of the criminal process from an expert who is specially qualified to represent the victim. This program embodies what the Air Force is all about – taking care of our people.”

Experience shows that when victims believe that their actions leading to the assault are the subject of excessive scrutiny, they become upset and less willing to

pursue their allegations. Some felt re-victimized by a process designed to hold offenders accountable – in essence, they felt blamed for what happened to them.

“Victims, who are dealing with a sense of loss of control and sometimes post traumatic stress disorder, are often overwhelmed by what can be a grueling and lengthy criminal process,” said Lt. Gen. Richard C. Harding, the Air Force Judge Advocate General. “With legal counsel providing greater support and advocacy throughout the investigatory and trial process, most victims will not walk away feeling victimized a second time.”

Harding hopes that the program will help victims combat anxiety and will assist them in navigating the investigatory and military justice processes.

“Building victim resiliency benefits both the victims, who will have someone representing their interests, and the Air Force,” the general said. “The program will help uphold victims’ rights and services available to support and identify gaps in victims’ services.”

The program will provide 60 special-

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ly-trained attorneys Air Force-wide who will be placed geographically and who are certified trial counsel and expressed a desire to help victims of sexual assault.

According to Harding, the specialized training gives the attorneys in-depth training from experts in military justice and legal ethics, as well as from a civilian expert on counsel for victims. The course also provided practical exercises designed to familiarize the attorneys with potential scenarios they will encounter in the field.

Harding said he sees a three-step process to providing assistance to victims. “First, we will begin offering victims counsel services with counsel in existing legal offices starting on 28 January. The program will provide an information sharing network to build upon ‘best practices.’ Second, we expect to standup a new, independent organization similar to the structure of our area defense counsel with additional manpower this summer.

And third, as we gain experience, we will continue to refine and improve our rules of practice and training curriculum.”

Harding added that the creation of a program to address the needs of the vic-

tim is long overdue, and he feels that this new program will go a long way in supporting victims and their rights while protecting the due process rights of the accused.

In talking about the courtroom in sexual assault cases, Harding pointed out that, “Prosecutors represent the government and even though the interests of the government and victims frequently align, prosecutors are unable to provide legal representation to victims. Because of the unfamiliarity with the criminal and military justice process, victims can feel overwhelmed with lengthy interviews with law enforcement, prosecutors and defense counsel. Special Victims’ Counsel will help them understand the importance of separate interviews with different personnel in the military justice process and help protect their privacy and prevent unnecessary disclosure of intimate details. If you are a victim of sexual assault, the Special Victims’ Counsel is your attorney – you have complete attorney-client confidentiality and they will zealously advocate on your behalf.”

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JANUARY 11, 2013

TCAA to participate in commemoration for Vietnam War’s 50th anniversary

By Senior Airman Jason J. Brown 633RD AIR BASE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The Department of Defense recently recognized the Transportation Corps Aviation Association as a participant in the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The commemoration, which began Memorial Day of 2012 and will run through Nov. 11, 2025, is held to thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, highlighting their service downrange and paying tribute to contributions made on the home front during the war.

According to Ted Cimral, a retired Army colonel and president of the TCAA, the Army Transportation Corps was heavily involved in the war “from beginning to end,” providing ship-toshore cargo operations, highway transport, movement control, aviation and aviation logistics support to U.S., Kore-

an, Australian and Vietnamese forces.

“TCAA is composed of nearly all Vietnam vets,” Cimral said. “We are former officers, warrant officers and enlisted men, who flew, maintained, supplied, transported and evacuated more than 10,000 U.S. Army aircraft, including airplanes and helicopters, during the Vietnam War.” Cimral also highlighted the contribution of the Transportation Corps, formerly based at Fort Eustis, in the advancement of technology and science, as the corps was in charge of all aviation research and development during the war.

“Our wives and families supported us despite repeat tours and hostile American perception of what we were accomplishing,” Cimral said, explaining how their families’ contributions fulfilled the commemoration’s tenet of service on the home front.

“We’re very proud to be recognized

by the Department of Defense for our contributions made during the Vietnam War,” he continued. “Is it really 50 years ago we were young and fighting for our country far from home? It seems just like yesterday.”

The mission of the TCAA is “to perpetuate the history and accomplishments of Transportation Corps aviation and aircraft maintenance units and personnel who served from the creation of the Corps in 1942 until the last aviation mission was transferred to the Aviation Branch in 1988,” according to the group’s website.

The association’s annual reunion, scheduled for July 27, 2013, has been accepted as an official commemoration event listed on the Department of Defense event calendar.

For more information about the commemoration, visit www.vietnamwar50th. com. For more information about the TCAA, visit www.tcavnassn.org.

“(Transportation Corps Aviation Association) is composed of nearly all Vietnam vets. We are former officers, warrant officers and enlisted men, who flew, maintained, supplied, transported and evacuated more than 10,000 U.S. Army aircraft, including airplanes and helicopters, during the Vietnam War.” — Ted Cimral retired Army colonel, president of TCAA

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By Daniel P. Elkins MISSION AND INSTALLATION CONTRACTING COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE

Mission and Installation Contracting Command officials realigned six field directorate offices into four, including one at Fort Eustis, Va., Dec. 4 in a strategic effort to bring consistency to its operations and improve contract administration and oversight.

The MICC is responsible for providing contracting support for the warfighter across Army commands, installations and activities located throughout the continental United States and Puerto Rico. In Fiscal 2012, the command executed more than 58,000 contract actions worth more than $6.3 billion across the Army, including more than $2.6 billion to small businesses. The command also managed more than 1.2 million Government Purchase Card Program transactions valued at an additional $1.3 billion.

“The MICC continues to mature its oversight and responsive capabilities to meet the growing demands of our Soldiers and the acquisition community,” said Brig. Gen. Kirk Vollmecke, the MICC commanding general. “The realignment of contracting offices under field directorate offices restores a command-wide focus that supports our core mission of providing responsive contracting solutions and oversight for our customers.”

Analysis for the organizational realignment began in mid-2012 and included an assessment of the command’s operational efficiency to determine a structure that would improve contract compliance and oversight of operations, provide strategic support to customers and effectively utilize existing resources.

Sarah Corley, a senior contracting professional in the MICC who helped lead the realignment integrated process team, said the selection of locations for field directorate offices came after thorough mission analysis and was based on their link with the command’s major customer groups.

“The realignment provides a more strategic alignment with the customer base in order to provide optimum opportunity for standardization of processes and products,” Corley said. “The realignment strikes a core balance between horizontal and vertical spans of control, leverages the strengths of pre-existing organizational components,

enhances the ability to streamline and standardize MICC’s processes, achieves consistency of operations, enhances support to core customers, and provides a mechanism to measure results.”

MICC officials met with field directors and their deputies at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, in October to conduct roundtable discussions on realignment that included procurement authorities and roles and responsibilities for the four field directorate offices to support their customers.

The MICC’s major customers include the U.S. Army Forces Command and Reserve Command supported by MICC FDO-Fort Bragg; U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command supported by MICC FDO-Fort Eustis; U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command supported by MICC FDO-Fort Hood; and Department of the Army-level customers in the Military District of Washington supported by MICC FDO-Fort Knox.

At the same time, the MICC is transferring Fort Wainwright, Alaska; Fort Dix, N.J.; and Miami to other areas of the U.S. Army Contracting Command. California’s MICC-Moffett Field will assume oversight of contracting support actions at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif.

For the most part, the realignment should be transparent at the installation contracting officer and customer levels, said Albert Jacob, the chief of MICC Contract Operations.

He added that in the transition, some MICC offices reporting to a different field directorate office should coordinate with the staff at MICC Contract Operations to ensure proper visibility and compliance with acquisition and contracting procedures.

The other three field directorate offices will be located at Fort Bragg, N.C., Fort Hood, Texas, and Fort Knox, Ky. Of the two other field directorates, MICC-Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington was realigned under Fort Bragg, and MICC-Fort Sam Houston is serving as the headquarters’ activity responsible for acquisitions not normally provided by other MICC elements as well as specialized contracting assignments for the MICC leadership.

The command’s remaining 34 subordinate contracting offices located throughout the country and Puerto Rico will be administratively and operationally realigned under the four directorates.

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• The Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

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JANUARY 11, 2013

JANUARY 11, 2013

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By Airman 1st Class Austin Harvill 633RD AIR BASE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The serenity of a sleepy, morning sky broke as a dark form rose from the ground and blotted out the sun. An F-22 Raptor maneuvered through the dawn, banking and rolling, rising and falling at impossible angles. Through the cockpit window, a faceless visor disguised the pilot’s exertion.

He angled the jet into a vertical climb as the engines roared to defy gravity. His plane leveled out, and he slowly spun to the earth.

Such complex maneuvers become routine for one pilot at Langley Air Force Base.

Capt. Patrick Williams, the new Air Force F-22 Raptor demonstration pilot, practices these maneuvers to give crowds worldwide a taste of both the Raptor’s, and the Air Force’s, capabilities.

“People typically see the Air Force on the news, and that’s it,” said Williams. “The air show is the best way we can say ‘Hey America, look at this awesome airplane you’ve given us. This is why we are so successful at what we do.’”

Before taking the controls of the world’s premier, fifth-generation jet fighter, Williams honed his skills in the back-country skies of Idaho at the age of five.

“I still remember my very first log-book entry,” said Williams. “My dad let me sit on his lap during a flight, so he wrote down the entry. It said ‘we saw horses and cows in the Salmon River valley.’”

After speaking with his father about the future of flying as a career, Williams embraced his desire to fly fighters by joining the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Co., as a prospective pilot.

During his tenure at the academy, Williams participated in the glider program, became a cadet instructor and graduated with a degree in Astronautical Engineering.

Upon completion of his academy training,

gin basic he travelled to Mississippi to beg gan trainfighter training, after which he beg ing to fly the F-15C Eagle.

2th FightWilliams was assigned to the 12 ansferred er Squadron in Alaska, and then tra to the Raptor once the 90th Fighteer Squadron stood up. After showing his skiills in the cockpit at both Alaska and Hawaiii, the Air RapForce selected him to become the next n tor demo pilot. on quickWith the new Raptor demo seaso ly approaching, Williams said he was w excithe jet. The ed to show the world the power of th untry and demo team plans to tour across the cou ps as well. hopes to make some international stop

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“I have to pinch myself every time I get out of the jet. You land, look back and think ‘I can’t believe I get to fly that airplane.’”

— Capt. Patrick Williams Air Force F-22 Raptor demonstration pilot

As a demo pilot, Williams said he is honored to be the face of both the Raptor and the Air Force.

“I have to pinch myself every time I get out of the jet,” said Williams. “You land, look back and think ‘I can’t believe I get to fly that airplane.’”

Williams shares his passion for flying with the awestruck audience each time he hops into the cockpit to perform. His life in the sky inspires those watching to reach up and grab their own goals, even if they are small boys from Idaho.

To see a video related to this story, use a barcode reader on a smartphone to scan this code

Photos by Airman 1st Class Austin Harvill

Capt. PatrickWilliams, Air Force F-22 Raptor demonstration pilot, discusses hiis flight plan before conducting an exercise at Langley Air Force Base, Nov. 30. Be efore every demo flight,Williams explains the routine to the team.

Williams straps on his “G-suit,” which helps the pilot maintain blood flow during flight by compressing the lower body, which decreases the amount of blood reaching the legs.

Williams awaits final preparation of his Raptor. He wanted to be a pilot after he began flying as a 5-year-old boy with his father in Idaho. Before the demo team goes on tour, the incoming pilot undergoes extensive training with the help of the former pilot.

Maj. Henry Schantz, the precedingAir Force F-22 Raptor demonstration pilot, trains his replacement pilot,WilliamsThe demo team switches a few members every demo season to allow Airmen a chance to display their talent and add new perspectives to the mission.

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JANUARY 11, 2013

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By Christy Lattimore-Staple

no thinking involved. They’re always doing the crawl, walk, run. The conditions never change. But if Soldiers operate too far in the chaos side, then it becomes too confusing.

“So we have to find that spot in between the simplicity and the chaos that promotes adaptability – the critical, creative thinking and problem-solving,” he said. “When Soldiers become more experienced during the training event, then we can move toward that spot on the chaos side. How can a Soldier improve if they are not challenged and pushed a little further than what they’re used to? How can our Soldiers get better if they are used to everything being the same, the task, conditions and standards?

AWALP pushes them further.”

NCO JOURNAL

Adaptive Soldiers are critical and creative thinkers, innovative problem solvers, confident and in possession of the skills needed to operate in an asymmetric warfare environment, where strategy and tactics differ significantly from what most Soldiers learn about conventional warfare.

The 10-day Asymmetric Warfare Adaptive Leader Program, conducted four times a year at Fort A.P. Hill, Va., teaches eight dimensions of adaptability. By learning how to interpret their commander’s intent and how to observe, operate, analyze, predict, counter and defeat asymmetric threats, AWALP graduates help enable their units to overcome the challenges inherent in modern battlefields.

AWALP is heading into its third year, and the program – the only one of its kind in the Army – centralizes many of the lessons the Army has absorbed during the past decade of war.

“The big thing we saw in Afghanistan and Iraq: The enemy created challenges, and sometimes as a military, we were slow to adapt,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Cordell Ackley, squadron command sergeant major of C Squadron at the Asymmetric Warfare Group. “So the motivation here at AWALP is to be able to expand the comfort zone of the students and expand their horizons. When they look at problems at various angles, then with some analysis, they will be able to apply various methods to solve the problem.”

The AWALP staff comprises active-duty Soldiers, Department of the Army civilians and contractors who are subjectmatter experts in asymmetric warfare.

The group falls under the Asymmetric Warfare Group, headquartered at Fort Meade, Md. The AWG reports to the U.S. Army Training & Doctrine Command.

Operating in an asymmetric environment “is not all kicking down doors and shooting people,” said Hugh Roberts, a retired command sergeant major who is now an AWALP senior civilian advisor. “It’s also engaging with people, finding out who can help, who can hurt, what a population of people values and what the key infrastructures are in that community. It takes a certain level of interpersonal adaptability to be able to do that. We want the Soldiers to complete the task, but we also want them to think about the ‘so what’ of the problem.”

Asymmetric environment Photo courtesy U.S. Army

Two AsymmetricWarfare Adaptive Leader Program students try to question a “foreign national” to gather information about the area during a training scenario Aug. 21 at Fort A.P. Hill.

Adaptability 101 Before Soldiers can successfully operate in an asymmetric environment, they must learn how to be adaptable.

“One of the main concerns that the Army has right now is resiliency – the power or ability to return to original form or position, the ability to recover readily from adversity,” Ackley said. “What makes a Soldier resilient against internal or external stressors?

The program answers those questions. If the Soldier is more adaptive, maybe those external stressors won’t be as effective.”

Senior leaders frequently talk about Soldiers being “adaptable.” But when a Soldier is asked, “What is adaptability?”

Soldiers will give a range of answers, Roberts said.

Most Soldiers will say being adaptable means “being able to react to something.”

But it’s more than that, Roberts said. “It’s critical, creative thinking, innovate problem solving; it’s being confident.”

Part of being adaptive is familiarizing yourself with the threats you face.

Whether involving the enemy or the environment, Soldiers need to know what the threats are and understand how to handle the enemy’s capabilities.

“The enemies we face are very adaptive,” Roberts said. “How do you train Soldiers to consider the asymmetric environment in an adaptive manner? We start with what we call Adaptability 101. We bring the students to the same page, knowing what adaptability is, and then we build from there.”

Students are taught what an adaptive leader is and how to build an adaptive team.

Then they are taught how to integrate and teach those lessons at their home station.

Threshold of failure AWALP pushes Soldiers out of their comfort zones, but the education is intended to systematically build confidence in their ability to manage uncertainty.

“The threshold of failure is a scale,” Ackley said. “One end is simplicity and the other end is chaos. If Soldiers are constantly trained in the simplicity side, then there’s

“The enemies we face are very adaptive. How do you train Soldiers to consider the asymmetric environment in an adaptive manner?”

— Hugh Roberts AWALP senior civilian advisor

The AWALP course focuses on what the AWG has identified as the eight dimensions of adaptability: physical adaptability; cultural adaptability; handling crisis and emergency situations; interpersonal adaptability; dealing with change or ambiguity; handling stress; thinking creatively; and learning task, technology and procedure. Only about a quarter of the program is in the classroom; the rest of the training takes place in a field environment.

“The classroom training really focuses on teaching the actual tasks,” said Master Sgt. Michael Crosby, AWALP’s NCO in charge.

“When we take the students in the field, they apply that task to a dynamic scenario or situation.”

The course is conducted in two phases. In Phase 1, the first five days, students learn and demonstrate an understanding of adaptive team performance and leader attributes.

“We first teach Soldiers what adaptability is, what the eight dimensions of adaptability are,” Crosby said. “Then we teach about what the different inhibitors are.

There is a build incentive – train to build confidence – then everything is tied together by accountability,” Crosby said.

In Phase 2, students bring all the skills they’ve learned during Phase 1 into scenario-based exercises.

“In the end, training this way will make the Soldier more confident, and we want to build those intangible attributes,” Crosby said.

Soldiers who have taken part in the training saw immediate benefits.

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A big part of AWALP’s training success is keeping the exact curriculum a secret.

“Ambiguity is key to this program,” Crosby said.

“From day one during the course, I never knew what was going to happen,” Morales said. “Before I arrived here, I tried to look the course up online, but there was no information about the program. I just had to adapt to whatever the situation was on any given day. That’s why I love the course. I never knew what would happen next.

“We encounter so many situations that we are never prepared for,” he said. “AWALP has trained us to be adaptive to any environment by using the eight dimensions of adaptability to think outside the box when we find ourselves dealing with the unknown.”

Crosby noted that the course is designed to create that ambiguity.

“It is a scenario-driven event, where Soldiers can find themselves anywhere in the world – places other than Iraq and Afghanistan,” he said. “They have to figure out what they are supposed to do. They are not given a direct mission; they build their own mission, based on who they talk to, by using key-leader engagement skills.

Through the information they gather, they can identify what’s going on in the scenario.”

“AWALP assists the warfighter in looking at problems at a slightly different angle,” Crosby said. “Those problems could be IEDs; an enemy ambush or the local partner force.”

The training is important, because at any time, Soldiers can be deployed to unpredictable situations around the world.

“To be an adaptive Soldier means that I can deal with any situation given to me and make the decisions needed to get to the commander’s intent, even without having all the information I need,” said Sgt. 1st Class Reggie Fox, a student from the 203rd Infantry Battalion, 158th Infantry Regiment, at Camp Shelby, Miss. “I can use my interpersonal adaptive skills to get missing information I can use to help piece together key facts I can pass on to my commander.”

Roberts said that initiative and self-reliance is exactly what the Army needs and what the course conveys.

“A Soldier will not always have their commander or their senior leaders to tell them what to do,” he said.

“Soldiers will have to think for themselves – think critically, think creatively. They will have to be innovative problem-solvers. The Army benefits by having Soldiers who are thinking more, not just waiting around to be told what to do.”

The program builds confidence so that when Soldiers are placed in those unpredictable environments, they will perform well, Ackley said.

“If we can shorten the distance between threats and resiliency, and shorten the distance it takes the Army to adjust, then I think that’s success.”

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diers more adaptable in the end,” he said.

Students are also asked to bring their units’ training schedules with them to the course.

“We help the students look at their long-range training schedule and how they can integrate the methods and competencies they have learned,” Crosby said.

Mag

“My thought process is now completely different in regarding how I would approach any mission,” said Staff Sgt. Oral Pierce, a student in AWALP’s program from B Troop, 1st Squadron, 38th Cavalry Regiment, 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, at Fort Bragg, N.C. “In the traditional Army, we are told what to do and how to do it, but here at AWALP, I have been taught to step out of the box of traditional problem-solving and to take a look at all the options of what I can do to approach a problem.

And Staff Sgt. Eliezer Morales, a student from the 525th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade at Fort Bragg, N.C., is ready to take the lessons he’s learned at AWALP back to his unit.

“As a group leader, the training I have received here at AWALP will help me teach my Soldiers how to perform well in battlefield situations they are not normally used to encountering,” he said. “Also this training will help my Soldiers to be more proactive on a daily basis when doing their duties.”

Encouraging individual responsibility is built into the structure. During the program students are divided into teams, but the teams change each day.

“What is unique about this training is we do not appoint a leader,” Crosby said. “This is how we teach the adaptive team processes method. If there’s a designated leader then everyone turns to that leader and waits for that leader to make a decision. If no leader is appointed, then they have to figure it out.”

Roberts said this creates an interesting dynamic in the teams.

“You have the type-A personalities: staff sergeant, sergeant first class, first sergeant and lieutenants. “They all have been in leadership positions,” he said. “So here you have this group of leaders in a team together, and they all have ideas and think they have the best ideas.

We want that conflict, and during the review process we will bring that out. They will say that there was no leader appointed and everyone wanted to do it their way.”

When students return to their units, they often have much to think about regarding their own leadership style, Roberts said.

“Are they the type of leader that no other input is allowed?” he said. “What does that do to their team? Does it promote incentive? Your leadership style may have a negative impact on confidence.”

Adaptive Soldiers are able to look at all options to solve a problem, Pierce said.

“I have learned that even though someone’s perspective of approaching a mission or a problem may be different than how I would handle that situation, their perspective can work for me also,” Pierce said. “There’s more than one way something can work. I would say inter-personal adaptability – working with others and accepting their plan aside from mine – is the skill I will benefit most from.”

During the student selection process, AWALP advises units to send Soldiers ranking from staff sergeant to major – “those who have an influence in training,” Crosby said.

“That’s so that at the end of the course, these students can go back and are able to inject and tweak the training so it can produce those attributes that make their Sol-

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By Reginald Rogers IMCOM

Building a strong partnership between the Army’s conventional and special operations forces is one of the service’s key areas of focus as it transitions from operations in Afghanistan and looks toward the future, said Army Under Secretary Dr. Joseph W. Westphal, during his visit to Fort Bragg on Dec. 4.

Westphal was quick to point out that the Army remains fully engaged in its current mission in Afghanistan but is also focusing on developing its strategy for the future.

“We’re not focusing less on the mission in Afghanistan,” he said. “I was just there with the vice chief of staff, Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III. We have a lot left to do there to sustain the training of the Afghan forces and their military police, who are making great progress. That progress is critical to our ability to eventually leave Afghanistan in good shape.”

“We should be very focused on that mission. We still have about 60,000 American Soldiers in harm’s way there and we’re going to make sure we support them and give them the appropriate resources they need to finish the job,” Westphal said.

He acknowledged that the Army also has other responsibilities. One of those includes a seamless transition into a force that is capable of providing decisive results across a full range of missions, including humanitarian, joint force and support to civil authorities. He said an area that would receive a closer look is the Asia-Pacific region.

“We’re focused on transitioning to a strategy that places a greater focus on the Asia-Pacific region of the world. It’s a huge area in terms of trade and commerce and it is of strategic importance to the United States’ national security. So we’re very focused on re-balancing our overall effort to that region,” Westphal explained.

The under secretary said the force is also dealing with various budget issues that require leaders to think about how to re-shape the force of the future, a process that has garnered attention from Army Secretary John McHugh and Gen. Ray T. Odierno, the Army’s chief of staff.

During his trip to Fort Bragg, Westphal visited with leaders at the U.S. Army Forces Command, including Gen. David M. Rodriguez, FORSCOM’s commanding general; the XVIII Airborne Corps,

Photo courtesy U.S. Army

Under Secretary of the Army Joseph W. Westphal sits down for an interview with Reginald Roggers, Assistant Editor of the Paraglide, about the state of the Army, Dec. 4, 2012 at Fort Bragg, N.C.

where he met with Lt. Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg commanding general and U.S. Army Special Operations, where he was met by the USASOC commanding general, Lt. Gen. Charles T. Cleveland.

“I had a tremendous visit today starting with Forces Command. There’s tremendous work being done to shape the force of the future here to align it with our (Army force generation) model,” Westphal said during his visit with internal media at the Fort Bragg Silver ramp at nearby Pope Field. “Then, we were off to see our special forces and see some of their training capabilities. I saw some amazing things today. It tells me a lot about our Army, the strength of our formation, the way we develop and train and the priorities that we set. I came

“One of the things that people don’t understand about our Army is that over its 237 years, it has been very successful at shaping the environment to basically, not engage us in war and to sustain peace.”

— Dr. Joseph W. Westphal Army Under Secretary

away being truly impressed with what SOF is doing across all of its components.”

Westphal said he was also impressed with Fort Bragg’s paratroopers and Soldiers. He said that as the Army transitions to a unified land operations concept, special operations and conventional forces are expected to become more integrated in the Army’s overall mission.

“I saw that relationship in the last training exercise, the Decisive Action Training Exercise, that we had at Fort Polk, La. and it worked extremely well,” Westphal said. “It think it’s been working very well in theater and it continues to work in terms of our developing strategic alignment.”

He pointed out the partnership of SOF and the conventional Army force is a key element in the Army’s new strategy.

“I think it’s the way of the future and I think conventional forces and SOF are ready-made to work together to create a strong capability to meet the challenges that we may face in the future. I think it’s working very well,” he said.

Westphal said strength and versatility are key attributes that the Army must maintain in the future.

“One of the things that people don’t understand about ourArmy is that over its 237 years, it has been very successful at shaping the environment to basically not engage us in war and to sustain peace,” he explained.

“I think that’s what we’re looking for this Army to do. It’s a versatile Army, of tremendous diversity in its capabilities and with that, we hope it can shape an environment that can keep us out of harm’s way.”

Westphal noted that Fort Bragg is a critical asset to the future of the Army and to the country. He said he does not expect to see any significant changes taking place at Fort Bragg in the future. But he cautioned that pending any future budget cuts, it’s too early to tell for sure.

“I think the elements that are here and sustaining that capability are going to be critical to our force in the future so I think Bragg is in good standing,” he added.

Westphal said families and Army civilians are also important elements in Army readiness. He said the Army is fully committed to taking care of Soldiers and their families.

“We are absolutely adamant that we’re going to protect the resources needed to ensure that we’re going to take care of our Soldiers and their families. We’ve made a lot of effort to look at duplication, redundancy and to eliminate programs that aren’t needed in favor of programs that are needed for families,” he explained.

Westphal said vigilance is of the utmost importance as the Army continues to face the challenges of a world that has become more dangerous.

“The United States is no longer an island. We’re vulnerable, as we saw ourselves attacked in 2001. Now here we are in 2012, worrying about a significant amount of turmoil in other parts of the world,” he said. “I think the United States has to be vigilant. We need a strong national security element. We need a strong Army, one that is able to react quickly and defend this country at any place and any time. We have to make sure we translate that well to the American people.”

Westphal said he was equally impressed with the amount of support that Fort Bragg and its Soldiers receive from the local community.

“Fayetteville and all of the surrounding communities have always impressed me every time I’ve come here, in terms of their support of our men and women in uniform and our civilians,” he said.

“I think it’s a great community environment. I believe that this is an incredibly rich environment to not only grow as families and as individuals, but, in which to develop and shape the force of the future. Fort Bragg is a great place.”

JANUARY 11, 2013

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Army Major plays a key role in presidential inauguration planning

By Staff Sgt. Wesley Farnsworth 633RD AIR BASE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

For many Service members, serving in any capacity during a presidential inauguration is an opportunity that may only come once during their career. For U.S. Army Maj. Clarisse Scott, originally from Elliott, S.C., that opportunity has become a reality.

“This is my first ever inauguration,” said Scott, serving as Joint Task Force – National Capital Region joint team parade officer in charge during the inauguration. “It’s a privilege to perform these duties for such a historical event.”

Supporting the commander-in-chief on Inauguration Day is something she will never forget and will always be able to share with her family and friends, Scott continued.

Scott is one of more than 70 soldiers from the 53rd Transportation Battalion, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Va., tasked to support the presidential inauguration scheduled for Jan. 21, 2013.

“Our mission is to plan, coordinate and synchronize the inaugural parade in support of the Presidential Inauguration Committee to honor our commander-in-chief,” Scott said.

Scott’s office ensures everyone participating in the inaugural parade is processed through the various staging and assembly points, before they walk the parade route on Inauguration Day. Participation by the armed forces traditionally includes musical units, marching bands, color guards, salute batteries and honor cordons. Soldiers, Airmen, Marines, Sailors and Coast Guardsmen also provide invaluable assistance to the Presidential Inaugural Committee and the Joint Congressional Committee on Inauguration Ceremonies.

The Secretary of Defense authorized nearly 200 Service members assigned to JTF-NCR by Inauguration Day to coordinate Department of Defense support in and around the District of Columbia. In addition to JTF-NCR Service members, an expected 5,000 Service members will participate in ceremonial roles, both in the public eye and behind the scenes.

“When my team and I arrived in August, we just jumped in and started planning by going through all the data that was provided from past inaugurations,” Scott said. “I’ve been able to put the training I received overseas to coordinate large scale operations to good use planning this inaugural parade.”

“We are expecting close to 10,000 individuals in this year’s inaugural parade, 1,500 of whom will be marching military personnel,” said Maj. Gen. Michael S. Linnington, JTF-NCR commanding general.

Though the crowds aren’t expected to be the record-breaking numbers of 2009, officials say more than a million people may gather along the parade route from the White House to the Capitol building.

“It’s going to be amazing seeing the parade all come together on inauguration day,” said Scott. “It’s going to make all the hard work my team put in worth it.”

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“Our mission is to plan, coordinate and synchronize the inaugural parade in support of the Presidential Inauguration Committee to honor our commander-in-chief. ... It’s going to be amazing seeing the parade all come together on inauguration day,” said Scott. “It’s going to make all the hard work my team put in worth it.”

— U.S. Army Maj. Clarisse Scott (above) Joint Task Force - National Capital Region joint team parade officer in charge during the 2013 presidential inauguration

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Military Scholarships

MPS appointment system

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles partnered with the Department of Veterans Services to offer a Virginian Veterans identification card for those who have served in the armed forces.The card costs a one-time $10 fee, and is convenient proof to reap veteran rewards.

For more information, visit www.virginiaforveterans.com.

The Virginia Advisory Council on Military Education is seeking applicants for $1,000 scholarships. Active duty, drilling reservist, National Guard members, veterans, permanently disabled military members and family members are eligible. Family members of Service members missing or killed in action are also eligible.

Applicants must reside or work in Virginia. Applications must be postmarked by Feb. 4, 2013. Applications are available at www.vaacme.org/scholarships.

For more information, call (757) 748-0712 or email williegposadas@cox.net.

Marriage seminar

Hampton Roads transportation survey

The Langley Chapel is hosting a marriage seminar Jan. 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Langley Club. Whether you have a good marriage that you want to make better, or you are hanging on by a thread, this seminar can transform your relationship.

Lunch is provided and the event is open to everyone. It is also an authorized alternate duty location from military and GS civilians.

For more information, and to register, visit https://einvitations.afit.edu/inv/anim.cfm?i=50963&k=07614B0F78.

The Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization is updating its Long-Range Transportation Plan. Entitled “Navigating the Future to 2040,” this plan will address future road, transit, freight, passenger rail, bicycle and pedestrian needs that impact the region’s economic vitality and every citizen’s quality of life.

The HRTPO wants to hear your perspective and opinions on transportation issues in the region through a short, five-minute survey used to help guide transportation in Hampton Roads and direct resources to solving those needs. The survey may be directly accessed here: http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07e6hrsjtfh84ru4ga/start or by visiting www.hrtpo.org.

Langley Air Force Base’s MPS Customer Service now offers an appointment system available for customers’ use.

Appointments can be made for issuing ID cards, DEERs transactions, citizenship applications, SGLI/FSGLI and any other actions done by the MPS Customer Service (except Passport/Visa applications).The appointment system allows everyone the opportunity to schedule an appointment.

Anyone interested in scheduling an appointment can do so by accessing the RAPIDS Site Locator at the following link: https://rapids-appointments.dmdc.osd.mil/appointment/building.aspx?BuildingId=573. The link is also listed on Customer Service’s SharePoint site.

Walk-in service is still available. For more information, contact the MPS Customer Service office at DSN 5742270 or Commercial 764-2270.

The Langley African American Heritage Committee is hosting the Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, Jan. 18 at 9 a.m. inside the Langley base theater. Join retired U.S. Army Col. Reggie Austin at the celebration.

For more information, contact Senior Master Sgt. Michelle Browning at 764-2027, or Master Sgt. Naomi Copeland at 764-5094.

Virginian Veteran ID Cards

1st Fighter Wing annual award ceremony Join 1st Fighter Wing Commander Col. Kevin Robbins at the 1st FW Annual Awards Ceremony on Jan. 18 at 2 p.m. in Building 751 at Langley Air Force Base. The event will be open to the public for social hour at 1 p.m., where food and beverages will be served. Come and help us celebrate the hard work put forth by our outstanding Airmen in 2012.

For more information, contact Master Sgt. Proctor at (757) 764-7391.

Part-time chapel position available

Project Y.E.S! Project Y.E.S! is a Department of Defense funded national internship program engaging college students in service to meet the needs of military families. Specifically, Project Y.E.S! expands the resources of the Yellow Ribbon Program and other youth & teen oriented programs.

Staff interns are provided an opportunity to give back to their communities and country through a year of service.

Applications will be accepted through Feb. 28, and students will be notified of the status of their application by April 2013. More information and application materials can be found at http://militaryfamilies.extension.org/yesintern-program/application-requirements/.

Apply now at the Langley Chapel for a position as a parttime Protestant religious education coordinator. Provide evidence of appropriate competence in the form of a resume, demonstrating at least two years experience working in an Air Force Protestant chapel or local church program.

The contract will be awarded based on “best value” to the government. To review the Basis of Award, Statement of Work and other contract requirements, please contact Staff Sgt. Charles Stamper, Chapel NCOIC, at (757) 764-7847.

Applications must be received by 4 p.m., Jan. 22. The public bid opening date is Jan. 23 at 10 a.m.

Langley Tax Center Volunteers Needed

New Welcome Center hours

LaSalle Gate closed for 6 months

The Pass and Registration Office and the Visitor Control Center have become one office and increased its customer service hours. Effective Dec. 10, the new operating hours of the Welcome Center will be in effect. From Monday to Friday, the center will be open from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. On holidays and weekends, the center will be open

The LaSalle Avenue Gate closed for roughly six months beginning Aug. 13 due to the construction of a new Visitor Center and guardhouse. Any traffic approaching from the downtown Hampton/Interstate-64A area will be diverted to the Durand, West [Armistead] or King Street gates.

Non-identification card holders should go to the tempo-

The Langey Air Force Base Tax Center is looking for any retired Service members interested in volunteering with the program. Training will take place in late Fall or early Winter.

Interested applicants should call the Legal Office at 757-7643277 and ask for theTax Center Volunteer Coordinator.

Air National Guard opportunities available There are opportunities for you in the Air National Guard! The Palace Chase and Palace Front programs allow Airmen to participate in the Air Force part-time while pursuing full-time goals. Airmen still receive medical, dental and life insurance and extra educational benefits.

For more information, call Master Sgt. Tamika Covington at 764-9995 or email her at tamika.covington2@ langley.af.mil.

Langley Thrift Shop reopened The Langley Thrift Show has reopened during the hours of Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The shop is currently accepting Halloween, Fall and Thanksgiving items. Patrons are encouraged not to bring in any Summer items at this time.

For more information, visit http://www.facebook.com/#!/ LangleyThriftShop.

Wednesday Morning Bible Study Military Ministries are hosting bible study each Wednesday morning from 6:15 to 7:15 a.m. at the Langley Chapel Annex auditorium. There will be great fellowship, insightful Bible topics, relevant biblical discussion and strengthened Bible knowledge.

For more information, contact Joe Shirey at 757-7645527, william.shirey.ctr@langley.af.mil or Chuck Macri at 757-928-7220 and chuck.macri@militaryministry.org.

Adopt-A-School program The Adopt-A-School program is designed to establish partnerships directly between squadrons and specific elementary, middle and high schools. In addition to providing local community support and improving the lives of our children, it provides a critical avenue for our Airmen to connect with the larger community outside the Langley gates.

For more information, contact the Langley School Liaison, Dave Wiker at (757) 225-1885 or david.wiker@langley.af.mil.

JANUARY 11, 2013

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Submit Eustis Community announcements to pw@militarynews.com

MLK Jr. birthday observance McDonald Army Health Center will host the Martin Luther King Jr. birthday observance Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Jacobs Theater, Bldg. 647, Monroe Ave. The guest speaker will be Timothy Mark Robinson, Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University. Immediately following the ceremony, lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the MCAHC dining facility, Bldg. 576, Jefferson Ave. For more information, contact Staff Sgt. Celeste Holley at 314-7627.

Refill Pharmacy relocation Saturday is the last day for prescription medication pick-up at the Refill Pharmacy (inside the Main Exchange). Effective Monday, the Refill Pharmacy will be located on the third floor of McDonald Army Health Center, Bldg. 576, Jefferson Ave. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday; and closed on Sundays.

Red Cross Blood Drive The U.S. Army Medical Department Activity will sponsor an American Red Cross Blood Drive Jan. 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the U.S. Army Reserve Center, Bldg. 1034 (corner of Schultz and 24th streets). This event will provide the opportunity for Joint Base Langley-Eustis personnel to donate blood and support this critical and outstanding cause.

To shorten the waiting time to donate, prospective donors may make an appointment online at www.redcrossblood.org (use Zip Code 23604).

For more information on the blood drive, contact Capt. Joshua Kuper at (757)314-7584.

MCAHC closures McDonald Army Health Center will be closed Jan 18 for mandatory training. The health center will also be closed Jan. 21 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Please call the Hampton Roads Appointment Center at (866) 645-4584 to schedule appointments and/or facilitate authorization to visit an Urgent Care Center during this time. In the event of an emergency (life, limb, sight), patients should dial 911 or report to the closest emergency room.

ble at an open forum.

■ Neighborhood Clothing Swap – Bring clothing items that you want to swap to the Community Center Jan. 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. Come out and join your neighbors and friends for some awesome bargains.

■ Family Bingo Night – Residents can enjoy an evening of pizza and bingo with family and friends Jan. 30 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Community Center. Due to limited space, please call 328-0691 to make your reservations by Jan. 28.

The activities listed above are for BBC residents only.

The Community Center is located at Bldg. 126, Madison Ave. For more information, call 328-0691.

Range schedule

The Fort Eustis Housing Referral Office is sponsoring a Home Buying Seminar on Tuesday from 6 to 8:30 p.m., and a Home Selling Seminar on Thursday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Both seminars will take place at the Civil Engineer Division conference room at Bldg. 1407, Washington Blvd. Industry experts will include a realtor, mortgage lender, attorney and home inspector. The seminars are free and open to the public.

RSVP at least three business days prior to attending the seminar of your choice. To register, call 8782977/5687/5579.

Ranges, training areas and associated facilities are off limits to personnel not engaged in scheduled firing, operations or inspections unless clearance is obtained (in person) from the Range Control Fire Desk or a designated Range Control Technician. The Range Control office telephone number is 878-4412, ext. 226 or 8783834, ext 234.

The range operations schedule through Wednesday is: ■ Today – Range BTRACS (7 a.m. to 4 p.m.); ■ Saturday – No Ranges Scheduled; ■ Sunday – No Ranges Scheduled; ■ Monday – Range 6 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.); ■ Tuesday – Range BTRACS, 2, 3, 6 (7 a.m. to 4 p.m.); ■ Wednesday – Range BTRACS, 2, 3, 6 (7 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

■ Saturday through Jan. 2 – No Ranges Scheduled.

All personnel are required to check in and out with Range Control before going into or departing from any range or training area.

Balfour Beatty Communities

United as One Tour

■ Community Huddle – Residents are invited to attend a “town hall” meeting Tuesday from 4:30 to 5 p.m. at the Community Center. This is your opportunity to bring your questions, comments and concerns to the ta-

In celebration of Black History Month, 733rd Force Support Division and the 633rd Air Base Wing Equal Opportunity Office will present the “2013 United as One Tour” Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. at Jacobs Theater, Bldg. 647 Mon-

Couples Communication class The Family Advocacy Program will host a Couples Communication class Tuesday from 3 to 4 p.m. at Bldg.

213, Calhoun St. To register, call 878-0807.

Home buying and selling seminars

roe Ave. Doors will open at 6 p.m. The tour features gospel recording artists James Fortune, VaShawn Mitchell, LeAndria Johnson and Zacardi Cortez.

General admission is $10 per person (group rates are available). Tickets are on sale at the Fort Eustis Tickets and Travel Office, MWR Marketing and other locations on post.

For more information, call 878-3329.

Fort Eustis Tax Assistance Center Opening The Fort Eustis Tax Assistance Center will operate from Feb. 1 to April 30 and provide tax filing preparation, electronic filing capability and general tax advice to eligible clients in the community. The center will be located at building 2733 on Madison Avenue.

For more information, contact Capt. Rebecca Hampton at (757) 878-3031, extension 233.

Soldier and Family Readiness

Dental Clinic relocation The Tignor Dental Clinic has moved to Bldg. 678, across from the Community Recreation Center on Lee Boulevard. For more information, call the clinic’s new telephone number at 314-8010.

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Soldier and Family Readiness (ACS) classes and briefings for January will include: ■ Credit Reporting, Scores and Debt Management – Tuesday, 9 to 10 a.m. Are you looking to improve your credit score prior to making that big purchase? Need a starting point? This class covers everything that you need to know about credit reports and FICO scores.

All attendees will receive a free FICO score and credit analysis.

■ Financial Readiness – Jan. 18, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Learn the practical approach to financial readiness so that you can gain control over your finances and manage your money more effectively. The class will cover financial goal-setting, savings, credit, debt, and types of insurance.

■ Managing Your Checking Account – Thursday, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. We will teach you how to manage your checking accounts including bank statement reconciliation tips, how to properly write and endorse a check and online banking skills.

■ Spouse Resiliency Seminar – Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon. Military spouses will learn the skills necessary to enhance resiliency and effectiveness as individuals and parents.

Classes and briefings will take place in Bldg. 650, Monroe Ave. For more information, call 878-3638.

Route 105 bridge construction A construction contract for the Route 105 Bridge Project has been awarded, but the City of Newport News has not announced a construction start date. The date of the actual re-routing of traffic will not be determined until after the preconstruction meeting, which is expected to take place within the next few weeks.

During construction, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction on Fort Eustis Boulevard between Jefferson Avenue and the Newport News Reservoir Bridge.

Construction is anticipated to take 12 to 18 months to complete and will have a negative impact on traffic attempting to access and exit Fort Eustis, as well as surrounding communities.

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JANUARY 11, 2013

Submit Outside The Gate announcements to pw1@militarynews.com

Kid’s Day at the War Museum The Virginia War Museum will host the Kid’s Day event on Jan. 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Virginia War Museum is located at 9285 Warwick Blvd., Newport News.

Boys and girls ages 8-14 are welcome. Admission to the event is $4 per child; $6 per adult. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (ages 18 and older).

This event will feature displays by select groups of kid-friendly living historians who will allow children to view and interact with military uniforms and equipment. War games will take place throughout the day. Military groups will include the WWI U.S. 80th Division, WWII British Paratroopers, WWII German Fallshirmjagers and Volksturm Living History Group. Bring your children and join us for this day of fun and learning.

For more information about Virginia War Museum’s Kid’s Day, contact Chris Garcia at 247-8523 or visit www.warmuseum.org.

Coats for Families campaign Coats for Families is an extension of the long-time Coats for Kids campaign. Because of the growing need of coats for all ages, the campaign now includes adults as well as children. New and gently used coats will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis at select locations Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (one coat per person). Parents should be present with their children to assist with proper sizing.

Distribution locations are listed below: ■ YMCA, 1322 LaSalle Ave., Hampton ■ Family YMCA, 7827 Warwick Blvd., Newport News ■ YWCA, 2702 Orcutt Ave., Newport News ■ YMCA South Hampton Roads, 312 W. Bute St., Norfolk ■ Greenbrier North YMCA, 2100 Old Greenbrier Road, Chesapeake ■ Indian River Family YMCA, 5660 Indian River Road, Virginia Beach ■ Tidewater Bible WayTemple, 510 High St., Portsmouth For more information, contact Toni Williams at 396-6197.

Magnet School applications Newport News Public Schools is accepting applications for its magnet school programs for the 2013-14 school year. Applications are available at the school administration building at 12465 Warwick Boulevard, at each Newport News public school, or online at www.nnschools.org.

Application deadline is Jan. 18.

Magnet programs offer a specialized focus in the curriculum, or a distinctive type of environment or instruction, and serve students from across the city. The programs give students the opportunity to focus in areas such as environmental and marine science, communication and performing arts, aviation, international studies, math, science, engineering and technology. All students are eligible to apply and bus transportation is provided.

For more information, visit www.nnschools.org/magnet or call 591-4500.

Sandy Bottom Nature Park The City of Hampton Parks and Recreation offers the following educational programs at Sandy Bottom Nature Park, 1255 Big Bethel Rd., Hampton:

■ Nature Hike – Sunday, 1 to 2 p.m.; $2 each, all ages.

We will meet at the Nature Center to learn about the history of the park and look at some of our animals. We will then hike to the wildlife education area to view and learn about the non-releasable wildlife.

■ Spiders for Kids – Jan. 20, noon to 1 p.m.; $2 each, ages 8 and older. Are you fascinated by spiders? Do they frighten you? Join us and learn many interesting facts about spiders and why they are to be welcomed, not feared. Meet at the Nature Center.

■ Wilderness Survival – Jan. 26, 10 to 11 a.m.; $2 each, ages 8 and older. Our ranger will teach you what to do if you are lost in the woods (how to start a fire, purify water, find food and build a shelter). Meet at the Nature Center.

■ Turtle Painting – Jan. 19, 11 a.m. to noon; $2 each, ages 5 and older. We will teach you about our native turtles and help the turtles to finger paint. Each participant will receive a picture painted by a turtle.

■ Snakes Alive! – Saturday, noon to 1 p.m.; $2 each, ages 8 and older. Come out and learn about the venomous and non-venomous snakes that live at the park. Attendees will be able to view and touch several snakes.

Meet at the Nature Center.

■ Have Knots – Feb. 9, 10 to 11 a.m.; $2 each, ages 5 and older. Learn how to tie knots for fishing, climbing or any other purpose. Meet at the Nature Center.

Other activities at the park include boat rentals, camping, fishing, walking trails and a Wildlife and Nature Center.

For registration deadlines and other information, call 8254657 or visit www.hampton.gov/sandybottom.

Admissions open house Saint Mary Star of the Sea School will host an Admissions Open House for prospective students and their parents Jan. 27 from 2 to 4 p.m. at 14. N. Willard Ave., Hampton.

Fully accredited through the Virginia Catholic Education Association and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Saint Mary’s educates students of all faiths from pre-kindergarten (three years old) through eighth grade. The academic curriculum’s core includes science, mathematics, language arts, social studies and religion, with enrichment programs in Spanish, physical educa-

tion, technology, art and music. The school also offers financial assistance, before and after school programs, bus transportation and daily tours.

For more information, call 723-6358 or visit www.saintmarystarofthesea.com.

Polar Plunge Winter Festival The 21st annual Polar Plunge Winter Festival benefiting Special Olympics Virginia will take place Feb. 1-2 between 6th and 9th streets on theVirginia Beach Oceanfront.The festival will kick off at 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 1 with the Cool School Challenge (school groups will take the Plunge at noon).

More than 3,000 thrill-seekers are expected to brave the chilly Atlantic Ocean wearing nothing but swimsuits and zany costumes at the Plunge, which takes place at 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 2. Participants need to raise at least $100 to plunge, all of which helps to provide year-round training and athletic competition to more than 11,000 Special Olympians of all ages. “Plungers” who have raised $100 online will be eligible for prizes including a $100 iTunes gift card, a custom Coppertone surfboard or an Amazon FireTablet. Register today at www.polarplunge.com.

Additional activities will include: ■ Polar Plunge 5K – Sign up for the Plunge 5K, which begins at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 4 at 8th Street and the Boardwalk.

Registration is $35 before Tuesday ($40 after). All runners will receive a long-sleeve T-shirt.

■ Pee-Wee Plunge – For a minimum of $50 raised, kids 10 and under can jump into a cool “kiddie” pool, as well as win prizes.

■ Beach Parties – The Friday Night Plunge Party will take place Feb. 1 from 6 to 10 p.m., featuring the Deloreans.The Saturday Night Beach Bash is scheduled for Feb. 2 from 6 to 10 p.m., featuring local band Butter.

More information is available by calling 962-1575. You can also “like” Plunge Virginia on Facebook for regular event updates.

Free access to national parks The military version of the “America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Annual Pass” is available to active-duty service members – Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and activated National Guard and Reserves. This pass grants free access at National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Army Corps sites and other public lands.

Active-duty service members and their dependents can pick up a pass at any national park or wildlife refuge that charges an entrance fee or standard amenity fees. Members must show a current, valid military identification card to obtain their pass.

Where there are entrance fees, the pass covers the owner and accompanying passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle at recreation sites that charge per vehicle. At sites where per-person entrance fees are charged, it covers the pass owner and three accompanying visitors ages 16 and older.There is no entry fee for children ages 15 and under.

For more information on the pass, please visit http://store. usgs.gov/pass/index/html.

JANUARY 11, 2013

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<HDU LQ 3KRWRV U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Victor Marquez-Rodriguez Sr. climbs across a log during the confidence course as part of the annual Drill Sergeant of the Year competition on Fort Eustis, June 27, 2012. This training photo, taken by Senior Airman Wesley Farnsworth, has been selected to be a part of the Department of Defense’s Year in Photos 2012 collection, which can be seen at www.defense.gov/home/features/2012/1212_yip.

$UP\ OHDGHUV GLVFXVV 75$'2& WRSLFV Maj. Gen. (Promotable) James L. Huggins Jr., incoming deputy chief of staff G-3/5/7 at headquarters Department of the Army, meets with Brig. Gen. Pete Utley, deputy chief of staff G-3/5/7 of U.S. ArmyTraining and Doctrine Command, Jan. 8, at Fort Eustis.

Huggins received updates on key training initiatives and topics impacting TRADOC and the Army, a discussion with leaders of the Army's Capability and Integration Center, and a site visit to the Training Brain Operations Center.

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kelly Jo Bridgwater

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â&#x20AC;˘ The Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

â&#x20AC;˘

JANUARY 11, 2013

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By Staff Sgt. Katie Gar Ward 633RD AIR BASE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

As the cheer of the holiday season starts to fade, many people begin reďŹ&#x201A;ecting on the past year, capitalizing on opportunities to improve various aspects of their lives with the New Year. While some people may have an idea of what new resolution to take on, others may be overwhelmed with where to begin. The ďŹ rst step to a completed resolution begins with one question: â&#x2013; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resolution?â&#x20AC;?

If you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t decided on one yet, there are a plethora of resources available to the Joint Base Langley-Eustis community to kick-start the most common resolutions and assist in seeing them through. â&#x2013; â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to get in shape.â&#x20AC;?

Many people resolve that with the New Year will come a smaller waist size and toned muscles. For some, transitioning from the couch to the treadmill can be a daunting task.

According to Anne Jennings, the Langley Health and Wellness Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health ďŹ tness specialist, the path to shedding pounds is as simple as writing down a personal goal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is your goal, and it needs to come from within,â&#x20AC;? said Jennings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we see things that are our personal goals and not told to us, we are much more successful.â&#x20AC;?

To help jumpstart those who may be looking to get back into an exercise routine, the HAWC offers â&#x20AC;&#x153;Step into Exerciseâ&#x20AC;?

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Shellbank ďŹ tness center. Along with the exercise class, Jennings says itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to measure goal success by using resources at the HAWC such as the Bod Pod, which analyzes body fat between periods in an exercise routine.

One of the HAWCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s priorities is helping to create successful ďŹ tness regimens for Service members, because a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health can greatly impact the mission. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to keep everybody in the state of wellness,â&#x20AC;? said Jennings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s someone who isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ďŹ t, or is unwell or unhappy in any aspect of their life, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re dealing with a sort of half-person.â&#x20AC;?

Jennings said people shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be reluctant to start a workout routine if theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been unsuccessful in the past. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Whenever we are achieving a goal, we always have setbacks,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have to be ďŹ&#x201A;exible and realistic with our goals. The resources are here, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just up

Photo by Staff Sgt. Katie Gar Ward

Darryl Brickhouse, 633rd Logistics Readiness Squadron fuel specialist, runs on the track at Shellbank Fitness Center, Jan. 7, 2012 at Langley Air Force Base. Brickhouse said he comes to the ďŹ tness center every day as part of his exercise routine.

to individuals to take care of themselves.â&#x20AC;? â&#x2013; â&#x20AC;&#x153;I need to start eating better.â&#x20AC;?

For many of us, the holiday season is synonymous with overeating and indulging in delicious foods. According to Tracy Conder, the HAWCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health promotion dietician, a few days of slip-ups shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t dampen the desire to start the year off right. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The sooner you get back on track, the better,â&#x20AC;? said Conder. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you eat more during the holiday, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just maintaining your weight during that time. Consider those maintenance days, not failures.â&#x20AC;?

To help get people back on track, Conder recommends starting with the HAWCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weight management class. Meeting in a group environment helps people to see their goals through, she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I try to put the fun back into talking about food,â&#x20AC;? said Conder. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a formal class; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where we get together with a common goal and become more of a support group.â&#x20AC;?

The weight management class, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Better Body, Better Life,â&#x20AC;? begins Jan. 22 from 9 to 11 a.m. and Jan. 23 from 2 to 4 p.m.

The ďŹ ve-week class covers nutrition, behavior changes and exercise information.

Members who attend the class are able to get Conderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s individual support through walk-in appointments, emails and online diet journals. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not just the class theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re getting,

itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that long-term support without always having to come in and see me,â&#x20AC;? said Conder. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Usually when you think of a diet, you think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deprivation or starvation, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m about balancing it all in the right proportions. There isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a favorite food someone has had that I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been able to put in their meal plan.â&#x20AC;? â&#x2013; â&#x20AC;&#x153;I should quit smoking ... again.â&#x20AC;?

If the trend of a healthy lifestyle is on your mind for the New Year, you may also want to consider stopping the use of tobacco products through the HAWCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tobacco cessation program, offered every Wednesday from 12 to 1 p.m. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We know when people change their behavior and their environment, they are successful in quitting tobacco,â&#x20AC;? said Jennings, who also runs the tobacco cessation program. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The single-most important thing you can do for your health is to quit using tobacco. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve immediately reduced all of your risks for types of cancers, diseases and other health issues.â&#x20AC;?

One hurdle people may face in stopping tobacco use is that other avenues havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t helped them before. Jennings says those attempts are part of the process and shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t deter someone from continuing the journey to quit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It can take an individual anywhere from seven to 10 times to ďŹ nally quit â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that is part of quitting,â&#x20AC;? said Jennings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve quit in the past, there was success there for that moment. We talk about the successes youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had instead of the failures.â&#x20AC;? â&#x2013; â&#x20AC;&#x153;I need to get my ďŹ nances in order.â&#x20AC;?

Sometimes during the holidays we not only blow our diets, but also our budgets.

The New Year is the perfect time to start getting ďŹ nances in order, whether getting out of debt or working toward savings. The Airman and Family Readiness Center offers many programs to assist in achieving ďŹ nancial goals. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We can provide a spending plan and you can complete it yourself, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beneďŹ cial to come in so we can help guide you,â&#x20AC;? said Maureen Elam, AFRC personal ďŹ nance manager. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can provide as much or as little information as you want, you just have to know what the big picture is.â&#x20AC;?

One way the AFRC helps is to assist members ďŹ nancially by providing them with their free credit report and credit score. Elam said this helps members who may be reluctant to discuss their ďŹ nances in-depth, yet still gives them an idea of how they stand ďŹ nancially.

For those who may have reservations sharing personal ďŹ nances with an outside source, Elam said she remains objective in discussing ďŹ nancial plans. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We take everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s situation very seriously and we are here to help â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not judge,â&#x20AC;? said Elam. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At one point in our lives, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve all been there. Money can have a drastic impact on your happiness at home and at work; weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re here to help make sure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re getting the most out of what you make.â&#x20AC;?

To assist in ďŹ nancial planning for the New Year, the AFRC will have many events during Military Saves Week, Feb. 25 through March 2, including workshops for saving and investing, newly married couples and Airmen moving out of the dormitories. â&#x2013; â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to get more involved with my community.â&#x20AC;?

If you ďŹ nd yourself looking for something more to do with your off-time, the AFRC has resources available on and offbase to ďŹ nd a volunteer program that appeals to your preference, from coaching a little league team to babysitting. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Volunteering is the perfect way to feel like youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re part of the community that you live in,â&#x20AC;? said Michelle Venzke, AFRC volunteer resource program manager. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great way to learn about the military, the new base you are stationed at and meet new people.â&#x20AC;?

While volunteering offers many social beneďŹ ts, Venzke said it also has professional opportunities and advantages for Service members and spouses. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very beneďŹ cial professionally for performance reports and resumes, and can often lead to employment because you learn certain job skills,â&#x20AC;? said Venzke. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For stay-at-home parents who want to volunteer on base, 30 hours of childcare a month are paid for by the Air Force Aid Society, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great opportunity to get out of the house.â&#x20AC;? â&#x2013; â&#x20AC;&#x153;I know my resolution â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next?â&#x20AC;?

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve decided which resolution will best improve aspects of your life, the next step is to take charge and seek the support you need to help achieve your goals.

JBLE agencies are here to enhance your quality of life and resiliency to ensure you can effectively accomplish the mission. Enriching your life doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just have to come after the holidays, but thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no time like the present to have a better you â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it starts with a goal and ends with an energized soul.

JANUARY 11, 2013

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