Peninsula Warrior Feb. 1, 2013 Air Force Edition

3HQLQVXOD

:DUULRU J O I N T February 1, 2013 Vol. 4, No. 4

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

•

Air force EDITION

w w w. p e n i n s u l a w a r r i o r. c o m

HISTORY

Where were you when Challenger exploded — Page 8

HEALTHCARE

Gastroenterology offers new services to Airmen, families — Page 12

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

$UP\ 1HZV

Services Transformation Initiative FSS meeting Airmen’s needs – Page 6

TRAINING Soldier trains for a combat-arms support job newly opened to women — Page 3

2

www.peninsulawarrior.com

• The Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

•

FEBRUARY 1, 2013

FEBRUARY 1, 2013

• The Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

•

www.peninsulawarrior.com

3

Defense Department expands women’s combat role

By Claudette Roulo AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE

Following a unanimous recommendation by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta recently announced the end of the direct ground combat exclusion rule for female Service members.

U.S. Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the Joint Chiefs chairman, joined Panetta at a Pentagon news conference in announcing the policy change.

The secretary also announced that the service branches will continue to move forward with a plan to eliminate all unnecessary gender-based barriers to service.

The change is intended to ensure that the best qualified and most capable Service members, regardless of gender, are available to carry out the mission, Panetta said.

“If members of our military can meet the qualifications for a job, then they should have the right to serve, regardless of creed, color, gender or sexual orientation,” he said.

In a statement released following the announcement, President Barack Obama praised the decision.

“This milestone reflects the courageous and patriotic service of women through

“This milestone reflects the courageous and patriotic service of women through more than two centuries of American history and the indispensable role of women in today’s military.”

— President Barack Obama following announcement of the end of the direct ground combat exclusion rule for female Service members

Photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta hands Army Lt. Col. Tamatha Patterson a document he signed during a news conference at the Pentagon, Jan. 24, to lift the Defense Department’s ban on women in direct ground combat roles.

more than two centuries of American history and the indispensable role of women in today’s military,” the president said.

The decision opens up about 237,000 positions to women – 184,000 in combat

arms professions and 53,000 assignments that were closed based on unit type.

Women are an integral part of DOD’s ability to fulfill its mission, Panetta said.

“Over more than a decade of war, they

have demonstrated courage, skill and patriotism, and 152 women in uniform have died serving this nation in Iraq and Afghanistan,” he said.

The new policy is the culmination of a process that began last year, a senior defense official told reporters today. More than 14,000 assignments in ground combat units or collocated with ground combat units were opened to women in February.

That extension of women’s roles had a positive impact, Panetta said at the news conference.

SEE COMBAT PAGE 5

6ROGLHU WUDLQV IRU D FRPEDW DUPV VXSSRUW MRE QHZO\ RSHQHG WR ZRPHQ

By Wallace McBride FORT JACKSON PUBLIC AFFAIRS

U.S. Army Pvt. Cicely Verstein did not give much thought to her place in history when she enlisted in the Army. The Pennsylvania native said she was looking for a job she thought was interesting, but could not have imagined she would soon become the first woman in the Army to repair the Bradley Fighting Vehicle.

Last May, the Army announced plans to begin implementing a new Defense Department policy that could place women in as many as 14,000 combat-related jobs by opening up six military occupational specialties. Among those positions were Soldiers trained to maintain the 91M Bradley Fighting Vehicle Sys-

tem, which provides mobile protected transport to infantry squads to critical points on the battlefield.

In November, Verstein began Basic Combat Training at Fort Jackson with Company A, 3rd Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment and will become the first female to fill this military occupational specialty. Now five weeks into training, she said her family is still a little confused about her new role.

“They’re proud of me,” she said.

“They don’t really know what to make of my being the first woman to do this, but they’re excited for everything happening for me.”

SEE SUPPORT JOB PAGE 5

Photo by Wallace McBride

Pvt. Cicely Verstein practices marksmanship on a Fort Jackson rifle range. Verstein will be the first female 91M Bradley Fighting Vehicle System maintainer, one of six military occupational specialties previously restricted to men.

4

www.peninsulawarrior.com

• The Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

•

FEBRUARY 1, 2013

MilPDS Upgrade: Airmen should review personnel records, accomplish transactions

By Tech. Sgt. Steve Grever AIR FORCE PERSONNEL CENTER PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Department of Defense and Air Force officials are encouraging Airmen to review their personal data in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System and accomplish personnel transactions before the service upgrades the Military Personnel Data System in March.

Personnel actions accomplished using MilPDS like reenlistments, enlistment extensions, promotions, unit transfers, discharges and retirements should be completed before the MilPDS upgrade in March to avoid processing delays with military pay and benefits eligibility issues. Airmen are encouraged to access the milConnect website at http://milconnect.dmdc.mil to review their personnel information prior to March.Airmen can use milConnect to check personnel information listed in DEERS as well as view their TRICARE coverage, Post 9/11 GI Bill education benefits, life insurance coverage, and other benefits.

“milConnect is an excellent tool available 24/7 for Airmen to review and update certain DEERS data at any time,” said Mary Dixon, Defense Manpower Data Center director. “milConnect will be particularly valuable to assist Airmen in ensuring their records are up-to-date if changes occur during the shutdown period.”

DMDC receives more than 1 million transactions each year from the Air Force and about 66,000 represent new enlistments in the Air Force, Air Force Reserve, or Air National Guard. Information sent to DMDC also determines TRICARE eligibility for almost 1 million sponsors and family members and plays a critical role in medical, dental, and pharmacy claims processing. Data sent to DMDC and DEERS supports the transfer of Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits for more than 87,000 active-duty, Guard and Reserve Airmen.

The upgrade project is scheduled to take about 23 days to complete while the Air Force Personnel Operations Agency here upgrades and transfers MilPDS to the De-

fense Information Systems Agency’s Defense Enterprise Computing Center. During this time, MilPDS will not be available.

MilPDS is the records database for personnel data and actions that occur throughout every total force Airman’s career. MilPDS is also used to initiate Airmen’s pay actions, maintain Air Force accountability and strength data. MilPDS also supports a host of interactions with other active-duty, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard systems and processes that rely on this personnel data.

Air Force Reserve andAir National Guard members are not required to take any immediate actions unless they are notified by their military personnel section. MPSs will receive specific instructions for active-duty, Air National Guard and Reserve on unique personnel and pay processes related to accessions, unit training assemblies and participation, mobilizations and activations and casualties. Other personnel and pay processes will be held during the cutover period and processed once the upgrade is complete. Servic-

ing MPSs will notify their affected members as soon as possible of any required personnel follow-up actions.

Air Force officials will continue to release additional information and guidance to the Air Force’s manpower, personnel, services and pay communities and total force Airmen to continue to educate them on how the service will perform critical personnel and pay tasks during the MilPDS upgrade.

More information is available on the ARPC public website at www.arpc.afrc. af.mil and the myPers website at mypers. af.mil. For more information about DMDC, visit www.dmdc.osd.mil. For more information about the MilPDS upgrade, visit the myPers website at mypers.af.mil.

Editors Note: Look in the next edition of the Peninsula Warrior for MilPDS coverage, realated to Langley.

UNDER 4 (COED) UNDER 6 (BOYS/GIRLS) UNDER 8 (BOYS/GIRLS) UNDER 10 (BOYS/GIRLS)

Season Begins March 23 and Ends May 18! he Virginia Rush offers playing experiences for U4 - U10 players in the greater Hampton Roads Community. Players are placed on neighborhood teams within the area they live. Spring registration has begun and will run through March.

T 634 J. Clyde Morris Blvd.

Newport News, Virginia 23601

(757) 595-9721

*Finance offer subject to credit approval, applies to purchases of new Yamaha Motorcycles, ATVs & Scooters made on a Yamaha Installment Financing loan account from 12/27/12-3/31/13. Min. contract length 24 mos, max. 36 mos. Min. amount financed $5,000. Fixed APR of 3.99% to 12.99% assigned based on credit approval criteria. Monthly payments per $1,000 financed based on 36-mo. term are $29.52 at 3.99% and $33.69 at 12.99%. **Customer Cash offer good on select 2012 (and prior year) models between 12/27/12-3/31/13. ***Trade in your Motorcycle, ATV or SxS and get up to an additional $500 towards the purchase of an eligible new, unregistered 2009-2013 Motorcycle, ATV or SxS between 12/27/12-3/31/13. This offer may be combined with other current finance and customer cash offers.

Offers good only in the U.S., excluding the state of Hawaii. Dress properly for your ride with a helmet, eye protection, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves and boots. Do not drink and ride. It is illegal and dangerous. Yamaha and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation encourage you to ride safely and respect the environment. For further information regarding the MSF course, please call 1-800-446-9227. ATV models shown are recommended for use only by riders 16 years and older. YFZ450R recommended for experienced riders only.

Yamaha recommends that all ATV riders take an approved training course. For safety and training information, see your dealer or call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887- 2887. ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: Always avoid paved surfaces. Never ride on public roads. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing; never carry passengers; never engage in stunt riding; riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix; avoid excessive speed; and be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Professional riders depicted on closed courses. ©2012 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. • yamaha-motor.com 12/12

School of Excellence | U6 - U8 Boys/Girls Provides a structural training environment for optimal individual player development. For full details, go to varush.com and click on School of Excellence.

SIGN UP

Peninsula Registration: $70

NOW!

Peninsula 757-224-0213 Register online varush.com

FEBRUARY 1, 2013

• The Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

•

5

www.peninsulawarrior.com

COMBAT FROM PAGE 3 “Every time I’ve visited the war zone, met with troops, reviewed military operations, talked to wounded warriors, I have been impressed with the fact that everyone is committed to doing the job,â€? he said. “They are ďŹ ghting and dying together. The time has come for our policies to recognize that reality.â€?

The change ensured sufďŹ cient female mid-grade and senior enlisted and ofďŹ cers were in place to guarantee successful integration of junior personnel, a senior defense ofďŹ cial said.

The secretary has directed the military services to undertake an evaluation of all occupational performance standards to ensure they are up to date and genderneutral. Specialty schools will be included in the evaluation, a senior defense ofďŹ cial said. The results of this evaluation are to be submitted to the defense secretary

by May 15, while the entire process is to be completed by Jan. 1, 2016. “We are all committed to implementing this change without compromising readiness or morale or our warďŹ ghting capa-

bilities,� Panetta said. “For this change in policy to succeed, it must be done in a responsible, measured and a coherent way.�

Occupations and assignments will open incrementally, but “as expeditiously as possible,â€? a senior defense ofďŹ cial said. “We would fully expect that ... we will open positions throughout the year as we go forward,â€? the ofďŹ cial said.

Once the policy is fully implemented, military occupations will be closed to women only by exception, and only if approved by the defense secretary, a senior defense ofďŹ cial said. “I fundamentally believe that our military is more effective when success is based solely on ability, qualiďŹ cations and on performance,â€? Panetta said. “In life, as we all know, there are no guarantees of success,â€? he added. “Not everyone is going to be able to be a combat Soldier. But everyone is entitled to a chance. By committing ourselves to that principle, we are renewing our commitment to the American values our Service members ďŹ ght and die to defend.â€?

SUPPORT JOB FROM PAGE 3 It was never her intention to be a trailblazer, she said. When the opportunity for the job presented itself, she simply applied for it. She said she has always had an interest in automotives and used to race go karts, so the job just looked “interesting.�

She said she never gave much thought to being the ďŹ rst woman in a previously closed-off Military Occupational Specialty until after she was accepted for training. “It made me nervous,â€? she said. “It’s a lot of pressure.â€?

Gender-integrated training isn’t a new concept at Fort Jackson, said Capt. John Teschner, commander for Co. A, 3-34th. “I’ve seen no issues with gender-integrated training in the year that I’ve been in command,â€? Teschner said. “When it comes to military occupational specialties, it’s not that we don’t care about it, but we treat them as combat armed Soldiers ďŹ rst and foremost.â€?

Soldiers with various jobs, from Bradley Fighting Vehicle mechanics to cooks, are on the front lines in Afghanistan, so the goal is to train all Soldiers to be combat ready, he said.

““The enemy doesn’t discriminate on your MOS, so we treat everyone the same, regardless of race, sex or MOS,� he said.

Verstein said she’s wanted to join the Army since she was 16 years old. She spent a few years working and going to college, but none of it felt right, she said. “School wasn’t working out, and I still wanted to join as much as I did when I graduated high school. I thought it was a great choice for me,â€? she said. “She’s got the same issue as other Soldiers, and she’s adapting to training the same as the other Soldiers,â€? Teschner said. “It doesn’t faze us that she’s one of the ďŹ rst female Bradley mechanic Soldiers. That’s the great thing about the atmosphere created by our chain of command here at Fort Jackson. When she gets to her unit of assignment, there shouldn’t’ be any hesitation on her part to get in there and do her job.â€? “It’s totally different than from what I thought it would be,â€? Verstein said. “I thought I’d be miserable most of the time, but I’ve had a great time, so far. I’ve had my struggles here, but I’m enjoying my time. I’ve made a lot of new friends, and it’s been a great experience, overall.â€?

www.peninsulawarrior.com

Associate, Bachelor’s, and Master’s Degree Programs Classes Begin March 4th Registration in Progress

LANGLEY EDUCATION OFFICE

(757) 766-1812 langley@saintleo.edu

www.saintleo.edu CertiďŹ ed by SCHEV Saint Leo University admits students of any race, color, religion, and national or ethnic origin.

" # " !

$$

""" !

6

www.peninsulawarrior.com

• The Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

•

FEBRUARY 1, 2013

)66 PHHWV $LUPHQ¶V QHHGV WKURXJK 6HUYLFHV 7UDQVIRUPDWLRQ ,QLWLDWLYH

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

In an effort to deliver better services to Airmen and the Joint Base Langley-Eustis populace, the 633rd Force Support Squadron is transforming the way it manages morale, welfare and recreation services by repurposing facilities and modifying existing amenities.

The plan is part of the Air Force Services Transformation Initiative, which aims to ensure services are tailored to the needs and wants of Airmen, instead of keeping conventional, and sometimes under-utilized, programs normally offered at each base.

Part of this reinvention of services is in an effort to make better use of appropriated funds, said Jeff Tessler, 633rd FSS community services chief.

“The real key is looking to see what people are using so we can get the biggest bang for the buck and support the community,” said Tessler. “An activity that is used by thousands of people over the course of the year might deserve more support or focus than activities that only support smaller groups.”

Examples of this effort were seen by the closing of nine holes in the Eaglewood Golf Course in April, 2012, and the recent closure of the Aero Club, said Tessler.

“At the end of the day, we’re looking to maintain services and provide the community the best programs we can,” said Tessler.

While FSS is constantly making efforts to improve quality of life for Langley Airmen, it may not always be able to provide services if the Langley community doesn’t use them.

“If Airmen choose to spend their money downtown, then we lose those opportunities to reinvest and improve our base programs,” said Tessler. “It’s important for the Airmen to let us know what they want and need by using the facilities important to them, that way we can make sure we direct the right level of support to keep those activities open.”

Not all aspects of services transformation involve closures. According to Tessler, Langley is also looking to be more efficient with repurposing facilities. The Youth Center, which became available when the new Youth Center opened in Bethel Manor Housing, is currently being converted

Photos by Staff Sgt. Katie Gar Ward

The Club at Langley Air Force Base serves a daily lunch buffet, with rotating, themed menu items. In the coming months, the lunch line will be revamped to include a gourmet burrito line to give the base additional lunch varieties

into the Community Commons, which is scheduled to open spring 2013. The Community Commons will be combination of the Community Center, Arts and Crafts, Information, Tickets and Tours, and parts of Outdoor Recreation.

“While the footprint may be smaller, we’re actually getting a much better facility for the customer to use,” said Tessler.

“The focus is to think long-term and how to put pieces in play today that will benefit us tomorrow.”

As part of the Community Commons project, the Community Center’s current facility will be repurposed into Airman Leadership School, and the Airman’s Attic and Thrift Store will move into part of the Outdoor Recreation building. The former Arts and Crafts building is slated to be demolished in the near future.

“We’re trying to be more efficient and minimize the amount we’re paying for infrastructure,” said Tessler. “It’s about reinvesting into programming the community wants.”

While the Air Force has recently begun its Services Transformation Initiative, this type of forward-thinking is not new to Langley. Lt. Col. Tammy Truax, 633rd Force Support Squadron commander, said benefits have already been seen from the Enlisted and Officers’ Clubs combining to form the Langley Club several years ago.

“Not only did it serve the membership better by giving the manager flexibility with scheduling functions, it also provided more efficiencies from a workforce perspective in supporting and executing these events,” said Truax. “It minimized the duplication of staff, provided greater efficiencies and we believe improved customer service.”

The Langley Club will again reap the benefits of transformation in the service it provides. Scheduled for February 2013, the lunch line will be reinvented to include a gourmet burrito bar, providing a convenient lunch alternative for Airmen.

Picture frame samples hang on the wall at the Langley Air Force Base Arts and Crafts center, Jan. 14. In the coming months,Arts and Crafts will move into the renovated Youth Center to serve as the Community Commons, which will be a combination of the Community Center, Arts and Crafts, Information, Tickets and Tours, and parts of Outdoor Recreation.

While these are the only new changes scheduled for the near future, Truax said that FSS will continue to reach out and deliver the services the Langley community wants.

“We’re always looking at ways of improving and delivering service,” said Truax. “We already have a vibrant program, which shows that we’re delivering a service that people appreciate and enjoy.

We’re just going to continue to reinvest in our facilities and our programs to provide the best programs that we can, within our constrained resource environment.”

&URVVERZ ')$& WR FORVH $SULO

By Senior Airman Brittany Paerschke-O'Brien 633RD AIR BASE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

The Langley Air Force Base. Crossbow Dining Facility is projected to close from April 1 to 30 due to repairs needed throughout the building.

Airmen currently residing in the dormitories on base will automatically receive Basic Allowance of Subsistence throughout the duration of the closure.

All inbound Airmen who will be living in the dormitories will need to complete Air Force Form 220 immediately after arriving in order to receive BAS during the period of closure.

For more information on the closure, contact Crossbow Dining Facility at (757) 764-3694. For information on completing AF-220, contact the Langley Finance Office at (757) 764-3333.

FEBRUARY 1, 2013

• The Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

•

7

www.peninsulawarrior.com

Langley stands ‘Storm Ready’ through preparation

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

Langley Air Force Base has taken steps to ensure Joint Base Langley-Eustis personnel can stay ahead of potential storms. The base was recognized by the National Weather Service as the first military installation in Virginia to receive the “Storm Ready” certification, at a presentation Jan. 23.

The program encourages communities to take a proactive approach to improving local hazardous weather operations, and can even reduce flood insurance rates for those who live in Langley housing, or Bethel Manor.

The certification signifies Langley’s dedication to safety, and is the culmination of months of preparation and effort from several departments base-wide.

“We have taken steps to ensure the Langley community is prepared for any natural disaster,” said Senior Airman Evan Bialk,. “It’s important to provide the safest setting possible for our fellow Airmen and their loved ones.”

To be certified as Storm Ready, the 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron Emergency Management Office ensured Langley complied with the National Weather Service guidelines, including maintaining a minimum of three ways to disseminate critical information to the community.

Langley currently has four systems in place, including the official JBLE website and Facebook page, command post, AtHoc notification system and official National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration radios.

The radios are the newest addition to the emergency preparedness plan. They offer instantaneous weather alerts from the National Weather Service in population centers across Langley, alerting the community members of potential danger directly from NOAA and saving precious minutes in a time of emergency.

The program also requires all dispatchers attend a NWS class that teaches emergency personnel operating procedures for different weather scenarios and potential dangers in the local area.

The Emergency Management Office

has also established places for Langley emergency responders to attend Skywarn Weather Spotters training.

Skywarn is a volunteer program with nearly 290,000 trained severe weather spotters, who help keep their local communities safe by providing timely and accurate reports of severe weather and natural disasters to the National Weather Service.

Natural disasters cause an average of more than $14 billion in damages and 500 deaths annually, affecting the lives of nearly 27 million people. Virginia’s coastal and eastern regions are especially at risk for a major storm, although the impacts from disasters can affect any part of the state.

With nearly 90 percent of all presidentially-declared disasters weather related, Skywarn offers Langley Airmen another avenue to prevent potential damages and loss of life.

“We always want to go above and beyond for our Airmen,” said Bialk.

“We want to take every additional step we can take to provide safety for our community.”

Photo by Airman 1st Class R. Alex Durbin

(From left to right) Col. Korvin Auch, 633rd Air Base Wing commander; Bill Sammler, National Weather Service warning coordination meteorologist; Senior Airman Evan Bialk, 633rd Civil Engineer Squadron emergency manager; and Chris Born, 633rd CES readiness flight chief, display a Storm Ready sign signifying Langley’s dedication to safety, earned through months of preparation and effort from several departments base-wide, Jan. 23, at Langley Air Force Base. Storm Ready is a voluntary, nationwide program that helps prepare communities for severe weather with the communication and safety skills needed to save property and lives.

INSURANCE • SURVIVOR ASSISTANCE

AAFMAA’s Career Assistance Program For Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard Active Duty E-5 thru E-9, WO1, CW2, O-1 thru O-3 Tuition Assistance? Moving? Major purchase? Growing family?

$4,000 Loan with a 1.5% APR 48 month repayment schedule paid by military allotment. No penalty for early repayment.

AAFMAA’s ‘CAP’ can help with a low cost loan. Now available to E-5’s for the first time. To qualify, you must be an AAFMAA member. For complete details about all terms and conditions of loan call a Membership Coordinator today. It’s simple. Members have relied on AAFMAA for over 134 years. We look forward to serving you.

Call Now 1-877-398-2263

$$)0$$ www.aafmaa.com/cap

Army and Air Force Mutual Aid Association, 102 Sheridan Avenue, Fort Myer, VA 22211-1110

8

www.peninsulawarrior.com

• The Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

•

FEBRUARY 1, 2013

FeatureStory

VHFRQGV :KHUH ZHUH \RX ZKHQ WUDJHG\ VWUXFN"

By Senior Airman Jarad A. Denton 633RD AIR BASE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

It took 73 seconds for the space shuttle Challenger to explode after its launch at 11:38 a.m. Eastern Standard Time from Cape Canaveral, Fla., Jan. 28, 1986.

It took 73 seconds for an o-ring in the right solid rocket booster to fail, causing the death of all seven shuttle crewmembers – as the flaming debris scattered across the Atlantic Ocean bordering the Florida coast.

Before the launch, the Challenger crew said they were excited to venture into space.

“Let me say that it’s really a pleasure to be back. I’m really looking forward to going and flying this one,” said U.S. Air Force Col. and NASA Astronaut Ellison Onizuka, STS 51-L Challenger mission specialist, during a press conference before the launch. “I think we’ve got some real interesting payloads. The mission is a great mission – we’re looking forward to it; and I think we’re ready to go fly.”

Challenger only flew 18 miles before exploding. Onizuka and the rest of the crew were not killed instantly in the blast.

As the shuttle was torn apart by sequential explosions, the pieces of the spacecraft continued to travel upward – reaching 65,000 feet before plummeting down toward the water. The cabin hit the ocean two minutes and 45 seconds after the breakup, and all investigations indicated the crew was still alive until then.

“We’ve never lost an astronaut in flight – we’ve never had a tragedy like this,” President Ronald Reagan said during an address to the nation after the disaster.

“But perhaps we’ve forgotten the courage it took for the crew of the shuttle. But they, the Challenger 7, were aware of the dangers, overcame them and did their jobs brilliantly. We mourn seven heroes.”

Photos courtesy of NASA

The space shuttle Challenger crew outside the shuttle’s hatch on a prelaunch visit. From left: Christa McAuliffe, Gregory Jarvis, Judith Resnick, Francis (Dick) Scobee, Ron McNair, Michael Smith, and Ellison Onizuka.

Onizuka was joined in his ultimate sacrifice by mission commander Francis Scobee, U.S. Navy Capt. Michael Smith, Dr. Judith Resnik and Dr. Ronald McNair – mission specialists; and Gregory Javis and Sharon Christa McAuliffe, payload specialists.

“We mourn their loss as a nation, together,” Reagan continued. “To the families of the seven, we cannot bear as you do the full impact of this tragedy. But we feel the loss, and we’re thinking about you so very much.”

Twenty-seven years later, the pain of the tragedy is still felt by those who share ties with Joint Base Langley-Eustis and the adjacent NASA Langley Research Center. They still remember where they were when the Challenger exploded.

“I was at home due to a teacher’s workday,” said Joanne Tanner on the JBLE Facebook page. “My brother came running into my bedroom to tell me of the explosion and I was simply dumbfounded. Later, in my early 20’s I went to my late father’s class reunion at the Naval Academy and met the widow of one of the astronauts. She was so kind to me and it brought the tragedy even more home.

Now I am married to an Air Force retiree who [was] once stationed on NASA Langley, and we often eat in the very same cafeteria the visiting astronauts ate at when they were here.”

Robert Moyer also shared his memory of Challenger on the JBLE Facebook.

“I was in high school in Louisiana,” he

“We’ve never lost an astronaut in flight – we’ve never had a tragedy like this. But perhaps we’ve forgotten the courage it took for the crew of the shuttle. But they, the Challenger 7, were aware of the dangers, overcame them and did their jobs brilliantly.

We mourn seven heroes.”

— President Ronald Reagan during an address to the nation after the space shuttle Challenger explosition in 1986

said. “A classmate stopped me in the hall and said, ‘hey, the shuttle blew up.’ I told him that if that was a joke, it wasn’t funny. I went to the band room because I knew that my band director had a TV in his office, and that’s where I first saw it happen.”

Truthfully, many people did not see what has been remembered as a “live broadcast.”

All major broadcast stations had cut away from the launch, only to return with taped replays. However, the video of the shuttle’s fuel tank ripping apart – forming a huge fireball at 46,000 feet, has been burned into the memory of a generation.

“Your loved ones were daring and brave,” Reagan said. “But they had that special grace, that special spirit that says ‘give me a challenge and I’ll meet it with joy.’”

As the president said, that grace did not extinguish when the shuttle’s sequential explosions caused metal debris to rain from the sky, serving as a chilling reminder to a nation of the many dangers astronauts willingly face in pursuit of the scientific discovery and advancement.

“They had a hunger to explore the universe and discover its truths,” Reagan said. “They wished to serve and they did.

They served all of us.”

The president continued his tribute to the Challenger’s crew.

“We’ve grown used to wonders in this century – it’s hard to dazzle us,” he said. “But for twenty-five years the United States space program has been doing just that. We’ve grown used to the idea of space, and perhaps we forget that we’ve only just begun. We are still pioneers.”

With the briefest pause, the president looked out to the American people and solidified the memory of Challenger 7 into national history.

“They – the members of the Challenger crew, were pioneers.”

FEBRUARY 1, 2013

Tillman scholarships applications open until mid-February ARMY NEWS SERVICE

Service members, veterans and their spouses have until Feb. 15 to apply for financial aid through the Tillman Military Scholars program.

The Tillman Military Scholars program removes financial barriers to completing a degree program. The scholarship covers direct study-related expenses such as tuition and fees, in addition to other needs such as housing and child care.

“After five years of service in the Army, I was set on transitioning out to attend business school, but lacked the financial resources to pay for the two-year program,” said Thomas Allison, a former Army captain, Army Ranger, and Tillman Military Scholars program scholarship recipient. “I had always been motivated by the exceptional sacrifices of Pat Tillman and thought the program sounded like a great fit.”

Allison applied for the program and was granted a scholarship. He said he applied to help fill the gap in funding between what was provided by the G.I. Bill and the actual cost of attending school. He also said that being part of the Tillman Military Scholars program community has provided for him more than just financial rewards.

“I was able to attend the Pat Tillman Leadership Summit in Maryland where I met dozens of other Tillman Military Scholars from across the services,” Allison said.

“During the conference, we held discussions on issues relevant to transitioning veterans, visited members of Congress in D.C., and had the opportunity to perform a service project in Baltimore.”

Allison also participated in “Pat’s Run,” last April, where he was able to network with other run participants.

“While the race was fun, the coolest part of this event was the opportunity to network and hang out with scholars and other veterans who showed up for the weekend,” Allison said.

The Tillman Military Scholars Foundation also provides access to transition assistance tools, career guidance, entrepreneurial and service-related workshops such as those provided through Inc. Magazine and the Clinton Global Initiative conferences, and unique job opportunities following school.

Those interested in applying to the program or learning more about the criteria and application process, the benefits and expectations of the program or the Tillman Community can visit www.pattillmanfoundation.org/tillmanmilitary-scholars/apply/.

• The Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

•

www.peninsulawarrior.com

9

10

www.peninsulawarrior.com

• The Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

•

FEBRUARY 1, 2013

Air Force officials aim to eliminate sexual assault

By Claudette Roulo AMERICAN FORCES PRESS SERVICE

• New Patients Welcome • Most Insurances Accepted • Taking Care of Our Military Families • Quality Care in a Comfortable Setting

YORKSHIRE FAMILY DENTISTRY PC ROBERT W. GEORGE D.D.S. HEATH CASH, III D.D.S. ASHLEY W. LAMAY, D.D.S. 3212 HAMPTON HIGHWAY, STE A, YORKTOWN, VA 23693

757-867-9341 • www.yorkshiredentistry.com

Following a nine-month investigation into sexual misconduct at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in San Antonio, the Air Force has implemented a comprehensive program aimed at eliminating sexual assault, senior Air Force leaders told Congress today.

Air Force Chief Of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III and Air Force Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr., the commander of the service’s Air Education and Training Command, spoke before the House Armed Services Committee about the Air Force’s recently completed internal investigation.

Describing the crimes as “stunning,” Welsh said there could be no excuses.

“There’s no justifiable explanation, and there is no way we can allow this to happen again,” he said.

“The Air Force goal for sexual assault is not simply to lower the number. The goal is zero,” Welsh added. “It’s the only acceptable objective. The impact on every victim, their family, their friends [and] the other people in their unit is heart-wrenching, and attacking this cancer is a full-time job, and we are giving it our full attention.”

The effort includes an Air Force-wide health and welfare inspection, held in December, the results of which are publicly available, Welsh said. Also last month, Welsh used his monthly “Letter to Airmen” to reinforce “that obscene, vulgar or disrespectful images, songs or so-called ‘traditions’ are not part of our heritage and will not be accepted as part of our culture.”

In addition, a Recruiting Education and Training Oversight Council will be established, Rice said, to review and advise any current or future actions undertaken to eliminate sexual assault. The council also will provide advice on strategic issues affecting airman safety and the maintenance of good order and discipline in basic military training, he added.

More than 7,700 interviews were conducted as part of the investigation, Rice said. When contact information was available, anyone who graduated from basic military training within the past 10 years was interviewed, he added.

“Although we have conducted a 10-year look back, the vast majority of the allega-

Graphic by Scott M. Ash

“The Air Force goal for sexual assault is not simply to lower the number. The goal is zero. It’s the only acceptable objective.”

— Gen. Mark A. Welsh III Air Force Chief Of Staff tions are of alleged misconduct that occurred over the past three years,” Rice said.

Allegations ranged from sexual assault to inappropriate contact with former students, Rice said. Each victim or alleged victim was offered “the full range of available victim support services,” he added.

Of the 855 personnel assigned as military training instructors during this threeyear period, 32 -- less than 4 percent -have been disciplined or are now under investigation, Rice said.

“I believe it is important to underscore that the vast majority of our instructors served with distinction in a very demanding duty assignment,” Rice said. “That said, it is completely unacceptable to us that so many of our instructors have committed crimes or violated our policies, and we clearly failed in our responsibility to maintain good order and discipline among too many of our instructors in basic military training.”

Maintaining good order and discipline is one of the most important and fundamental responsibilities of command, Rice said, one that “cannot be delegated.”

With that in mind, Air Force officials are focusing their efforts on helping commanders meet this “fundamental responsibility,” he said.

SEE ASSAULT PAGE 11

FEBRUARY 1, 2013

7RS WKLQJV WR NQRZ DERXW &HUYLFDO &DQFHU FROM HEALTH NET FEDERAL SERVICES

This January is Cervical Cancer awareness month and Health Net Federal Services wants every woman in the TRICARE North Region to be cervical cancer-free.

Here’s are some important facts about cervical cancer: ■ Cervical cancer is preventable.

■ Regular Pap tests can catch abnormal cells before they turn into cervical cancer.

■ Cervical cancer is slow growing. On average, it takes 10 years to develop.

■ Women in their 40s and 50s are at the greatest risk.

■ If you have never had a Pap test or not had one in a long time, it’s not too late.

■ Early stage cervical cancer can be treated.

■ Cervical cancer is caused by HPV, a virus.

■ There’s a vaccine to protect you from the most dangerous HPVs. ■ A Pap test is quick, easy and painless.

■ There’s no cost to you, as a TRICARE beneficiary, when you see a network provider. TRICARE covers Pap tests for women over 18 years of age performed by a network provider.

For more information, visit the Cervical Cancer Awareness Campaign-running throughout the month of January, at www.hnfs.com.

ASSAULT FROM PAGE 10 “The Air Force has recommitted itself to ensuring that every airman is treated with respect,” Welsh said. “It’s not a one-time fix. It has to be a way of life.”

With “no room for misunderstanding,” Welsh said, every Air Force supervisor and commander must be actively engaged in this effort. “If they don’t get actively engaged, I consider them part of the problem,” he added.

While it is still early, Rice said, it appears that the Air Force’s efforts are making an impact. There have been no reports of sexual misconduct in basic military training in the past seven months, he noted. “We know this is not the beginning of the end, but the end of the beginning of a journey that can never end,” he said.

“The American people trust us with their greatest treasure: their sons and daughters,” Welsh said. “They expect us to lead them with honor, to value each of them, and to treat them as if they were our own. We do not have a greater responsibility than that.

“I will never stop attacking this problem. The United States Air Force leadership team will never quit working to eliminate this horrible crime from the ranks of our Air Force,” he said.

Check us out online at www.peninsulawarrior.com

• The Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

•

www.peninsulawarrior.com

11

12

www.peninsulawarrior.com

• The Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

•

FEBRUARY 1, 2013

FEBRUARY 1, 2013

• The Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

•

www.peninsulawarrior.com

13

HealthCare

Growing to meet your y needs:

Gastroenterologyy offers new services to Airme en, families

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

Photo by Airman 1st Class R. Alex Durbin

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Samantha Sickler, 633rd Medical Operations Squadron gastroenterology technician, cleans a laparoscopic camera used in gastroenterological procedures, Jan. 23, at U.S.Air Force Hospital Langley, Langley Air Force Base. Gastroenterology is the branch of medicine focused on the digestive system and diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract.

Photo by Airman 1st Class R. Alex Durbin

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Perry Bailey, 633rd Medical Operations Squadron gastroenterology technician, places a blood pressure meter on the arm of Robert Taylor, a retired Airman and patient at U.S. Air Force Hospital Langley, Jan. 23.

While eliminating the patients’ need to travel to health centers in the surrounding area for care, the clinic also stresses the importance of offering the same quality care as any similar service in the area.

A crisp, white sheet lay across the stretcher, as light shining through the window reflected off of a high-definition monitor and diagrams of the human anatomy.

The roar of activity from the adjacent hallway flowed into the room when the technician held the door open for a patient, as he began to ask a series of preliminary questions.

A few moments later, the doctor entered ready to begin the procedure, at the newly-created Gastroenterology Clinic, inside the surgical subspecialty suite at U.S. Air Force Hospital Langley, Langley Air Force Base, Va. Gastroenterology focuses on the digestive system and diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract, which includes various organs throughout the body.

Gastroenterologists specialize in diagnosing and treating diseases of this system. Most of the time, these specialists are conducting proactive screening procedures that will preemptively discover early stages of possibly fatal diagnoses.

These endoscopy procedures are also used to address unusual cases of abdominal pain when the diagnosis is unclear.

“Gastroenterology is a service that is vital in proactively identifying potentially fatal diagnoses, such as colorectal cancer,” said Col. Brian Casleton, 633rd Medical Operations Squadron commander. “Expanding our services gives our patients more opportunities to resolve their health concerns in one place.”

This expansion comes at an opportune time. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources, 60 to 70 million people are affected by all digestive diseases, and account for 13.5 million hospitalizations yearly.

“Gastroenterology is a highly demanded and utilized medical subspe-

Photo by Airman 1st Class R. Alex Durbin

Sickler removes a laparoscop pic camera from the high-pressure cleaner. Hospital Langley is constantly upgrading and improving new services, and will soon offer anesthesia services for the general-patie ent population to ease the stress of procedures.

cialty,” said Casleton. “By y having the service within our hospital,, we provide a higher level of care and iintervention to our patients.”

The clinic is a fairly new w service at the hospital and offers collonoscopies, endoscopic procedures and d therapeutic techniques. The office boassts two gastroenterologists, two endosscopic suites and two clinical examinaation rooms, while removing the necesssity for patients to travel to gastroenterologists in the surrounding area.

“The new clinic offers an efficient and organized area to treaat patients,” said Sherry M. Morgan, 6333rd Medical

Operations Squadron gastroenterology technician. “It is a one-stop-shop for patients to receive treatment in a comfortable, convenient suite.”

While eliminating the patients’ need to travel for care, the clinic stresses the importance of offering the same quality care as any similar service in the area. Each suite is outfitted with cutting-edge laparoscopic equipment and high definition monitors that will help the gastroenterologist find and prevent diseases earlier, and with greater ease. The suite is constantly upgrading and improving new services.

“By having a dedicated space we can

“Gastroenterology iss a highly demanded and utilized medical subspecialty. By having g the service within our hospital, we provide a higher level of care an nd intervention to our patients.”

— Col. Brian Casleton 633rd Medical Operations Squadron commander

more efficiently handle gastroenterology cases,” said Casleton. “In making this commitment, we dramatically increased our efficiency and effectiveness.”

The new space and equipment allows the clinic to provide between 120 and 140 procedures a month, increasing production by 80 percent.

Not only does the new multispecialty health suite allow the gastroenterologists to nearly double their patient visits, it allows them to work closely with other specialties that deal with their patients.

“Increasing collaboration between specialties by having the multiple services physically co-located and integrated ultimately increases patient safety by decreasing the potential for missed or delayed communication,” said Casleton. “Our goal is transparent, comprehensive care for our patients.”

Gastroenterologists work closely with general surgeons who specialize in gastroenterological and proctology surgery, making the need for communication key.

“Working closely with other clinics like general surgery and family practice is very helpful,” said Dr. [Lt. Col.] Joseph Gallagher, 633rd Medical Operations Squadron gastroenterologist.

“The communication allows a seamless transition in care, and ultimately benefits the patient.”

According to Gallagher, improving patient care is not just his mission, but a duty to his fellow Service members and their loved ones.

“We are constantly looking for new and better ways to support our Airmen,” said Gallagher. “This clinic is just another way we can take care of our military family.”

Editor’s note: This story is part of a series highlighting the ongoing changes at U.S. Air Force Hospital Langley.

Photos by Airman 1st Class R. Alex Durbin

Dr. [Lt. Col.] Joseph Gallagher, 633rd Medical Operations Squadron gastroenterologist, transcribes notes from previous appointments in the new multiservice clinic, Jan. 23, in U.S. Air Force Hospital Langley, Langley Air Force Base. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources, 60 to 70 million people are affected by digestive diseases, and account for 13.5 million hospitalizations yearly.

Laparoscopic cameras hang in a locker inside the new gastroenterology suite at U.S. Air Force Hospital Langley.The clinic is a new service at the hospital, and offers colonoscopies, endoscopic procedures and therapeutic techniques, boasting two gastroenterologists, two endoscopic suites and two clinical examination rooms.

14

www.peninsulawarrior.com

• The Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

Learn to Earn Selected as a G. I. Jobs Military Friendly School, TNCC provides: Ŗ On-base registration for active duty military, dependents, retirees and civil service personnel

Online classes for personnel stationed around the world.

Explore. Excel. Succeed.

To learn more visit www.tncc.edu/workforce and click on military

To hear the homeowners’ story, go to MakingHomeAffordable.gov

If you’re struggling to keep your home, there is help.

Making Home Affordable is a free program from the U.S. government that has already helped over a million struggling homeowners at risk of foreclosure.

The sooner you act, the better the chance we can help you.

|

(YHU\RQH KDV D VWRU\

Army Specialist pursues dreams of success 633RD AIR BASE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Ŗ Fast track 2 –month, 6 –month and 12 -month programs

MakingHomeAffordable.gov

FEBRUARY 1, 2013

By Staff Sgt. Ashley Hawkins

Ŗ #HHQTFCDNG FGITGG CPF EGTVKſECVG programs

Ft Eustis: (757) 878-2083 ext. 255 Langley: (757) 766-1825

•

1-888-995-HOPE (4673)

U.S. Army Spc. Innethmaheart Utupo, a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist with the 690th Rapid Port Opening Element, 833rd Transportation Battalion, 597th Transportation Brigade, came from humble beginnings as a Pacific Islander from American Samoa.

No stranger to adversity, her father died when she was 8 years old, after which her mother struggled to support herself and four children by working in a fish factory.

“It was hard. My dad died when I was 8 years old and that’s a whole different story because he actually died in my arms,” she said. “And I had to live with that growing up. Every time somebody dies I always get scared because that scene of my dad dying is always in my head.”

Throughout these hardships, Utupo saw military service an opportunity to achieve her dreams. As a child, she always wanted to join the military and was in theArmy JROTC program all four years of high school.

After high school, Utupo applied for and was granted a scholarship to Wentworth Military Academy and College, in Lexington, Mo. Things were finally taking a turn for the better.

While attending Wentworth, she enrolled into the U.S. Army’s Leader’s Training Course in Fort Knox, Ky., which is an intensive four-week training program for college students who strive to become Army officers.

Utupo successfully completed and graduated from the course and continued her education at Wentworth.

However, her dreams of becoming an officer would soon be put on hold.

Her mother didn’t have enough money to cover living expenses, so Utupo went back home after only completing a few months of school, where she resolved to continue her dream.

After moving to California to live with her aunt she enlisted in the U.S. Army in November of 2010, at the age of 19.

Since then she has never looked back.

Utupo said she loves being a Soldier and

Photo by Staff Sgt. Ashley Hawkins

U.S. Army Spc. Innethmaheart Utupo is a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist and training noncommissioned officer-in-charge with the 690th Rapid Port Opening Element, 833rdTransportation Battalion, 597th Transportation Brigade. Growing up very poor in American Samoa, Utupo continues to strive to be the best Soldier she can be, while also achieving her goal to obtain her bachelor’s degree and become an officer in the Army.

everything the Army has to offer and teach her.

“I love the Army,” she said. “I get to meet new people and learn about their different backgrounds. It gives me the potential to build character, build myself to become better and it’s given me a lot of chances [and] opportunities.”

According to 1st Sgt. Jennifer Callicutt of the 690th RPOE, Utupo is an extremely hard worker and is always devoted to challenging herself to be better.

“Since arriving to the unit, Spc. Utupo is one of the most engaged Soldiers in the unit,” Callicutt said. “She always goes above and beyond what is required of her. Her ability to take on any job shows her eagerness to learn, and become the subject matter expert.”

Utupo continues her education by completing online classes toward her bachelor’s degree in accounting with the goal of becoming a finance officer.

FEBRUARY 1, 2013

• The Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

•

15

www.peninsulawarrior.com

SPECIALISTS IN ORTHODONTICS

Braces For Adults and Children

• Thomas W. Butterfoss, D.M.D., P.C. • Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics

• Jennifer L. Butterfoss Barton, D.D.S., M.S. • New Patients Welcome Major Insurance Accepted • Invisalign Provider 3 LOCATIONS: • 2111 Hartford Rd., Hampton 838-3400 • 6882-A Main Street, Gloucester 804-695-2575 • 4310 George Washington Memorial Hwy, Grafton 898-5448 www.drbutterfoss.com

MENTION THIS PUBLICATION FOR COMPLIMENTARY EXAM

Good Food, Good People, Good Times rude r Blv

Commander Shepard Blvd.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Ashley Hawkins

Al Resnick, U.S. ArmyTraining and Doctrine Command director of analysis and integration, delivers a speech during a dedication ceremony at Fort Eustis, Jan. 25. Members ofTRADOC dedicated one of their conference rooms in honor of the late Fred A.Teaford, who served in the Army and also on theTRADOC staff as a civilian for a total of 35 years.

75$'2& KRQRUV 7HDIRUGÂśV OHJDF\

By Staff Sgt. Ashley Hawkins 633RD AIR BASE WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Members of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command dedicated one of their conference rooms as the Freddie A. Teaford conference room during a ceremony Jan. 25 at Fort Eustis, Va. The ceremony began with an invocation by Lt. Col. Louis Deltufo, TRADOC headquarters chaplain, followed by dedication remarks from long-time friend of Teaford, Al Resnick, director of Analysis and Integration Directorate, Army Capabilities Integration Center. “He’s one of those unique success stories,â€? Resnick said. “He came in the Army after high school, became a warrant ofďŹ cer and worked his way to become a commissioned ofďŹ cer. As he did that, he also worked on his academic credentials. My hat’s off to somebody like that.â€?

Several members of Teaford’s family attended the dedication cer-

“(Freddie A. Teaford is) one of those unique success stories. He came in the Army after high school, became a warrant ofďŹ cer and worked his way to become a commissioned ofďŹ cer. As he did that, he also worked on his academic credentials. My hat’s off to somebody like that.â€?

Fa le mp Se

Monday-Sunday 6:30am to 2:30pm Closed every Tuesday

rm

Rd

.

d.

Wythe Creek Rd.

Mag

3370 Commander Shepard Blvd., Suite 100 757-865-4250

HARRY H. HEYSON III Attorney At Law

from $ Divorce, Uncontested ................

175 Separation Agreement ................ $75

★Fault and Contested Divorces ★Custody Hearings Mariner Bldg., Suite 103 12388 Warwick Blvd., N.N

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

595-1155

— Al Resnick director of Analysis and Integration Directorate, Army Capabilities Integration Center emony, including his wife and two of his children.

The event ended with the oor opened to family and friends who reminisced on Teaford’s contributions to his job and the impact he had in their lives before he passed away ďŹ ve years ago, due to cancer.

According to Jim Winters, Army Capabilities Integration Center senior intelligence advisor in the Mission Command Intelligence and Cyber Division, the room was renamed in Teaford’s honor because of his

many contributions to the Army and to TRADOC during his 24 years of active duty service, and 11 years as an Army civilian. “In a real sense, Mr. Teaford’s memorial will serve as a ďŹ tting remembrance for ‘every man’ who has served ‘his’ Army in war and then continued on to enhance the Army through peacetime civilian contributions,â€? said Winters. “Mr. Teaford represents the epitome of the combat developer: experienced, knowledgeable, tireless, persistent, motivated and dedicated.â€?

right

BE A MENTOR. It’s a great thing to do. And mentoring.org is the place to start.

16

www.peninsulawarrior.com

• The Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

•

FEBRUARY 1, 2013

$UP\ ODXQFKHV OHJDO FRXUVH IRU VHUJHDQWV PDMRU

By David Vergun ARMY NEWS SERVICE

The “Command Sergeants Major Legal Orientation” three-day pilot course opened recently, at The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center & School, on campus at the University of Virginia. There were about 50 students in attendance.

The course came about after Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III “made the rounds doing his battlefield circulation,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph P. Lister, with the Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center & School, or TJAGLCS. “He saw some of the senior leaders getting into trouble and figured that if his enlisted advisors had some more legal education, they could help prevent these kinds of things from happening in the first place.”

Sergeants major already provide advice and guidance to their commanders, Lister said. The new course simply arms them with more in-depth knowledge to help them do a better job.

“The education will be wide-ranging, including things like where and how you can spend specific pots of money, [or] how to prevent sexual assault from happening, [it covers] a gamut of legal topics,” Lister said.

Lister said the Army response to the SMA’s suggestion for the course was both positive and swift.

“As soon as the SMA brought this to our attention, the JAG corps fully embraced it,” he said.

Chandler said the course is important because it “expands the education opportunities for our nominative sergeants majors to help them to understand the environment they’ll be operating in [which is] not the same as tactical fight they’ve come from.”

The SMA was on-hand for the opening of the three-day course, to meet with and speak to students.

Photo by David Vergun

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III addresses about 50 sergeants major and command sergeants major who are attending the “Command Sergeants Major Legal Orientation,” the first three-day pilot course, which started Jan. 29, in The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center & School, on the campus of the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va.There were about 50 attendees.

“The things you do can have an immediate impact on your general officer or [Senior Executive Service civilian employee]. You have to have your head on a swivel to ensure you’re not putting him or her in a place they are going to get into trouble. You’ve got to have that personal courage to be able to say, ‘Hey sir, take a step back please.’”

— Sgt. Maj. of the Army Raymond F. Chandler III talking at the Command Sergeants Major Legal Orientation

“The things you do can have an immediate impact on your general officer or [Senior Executive Service civilian employee],” he told the class. “You need to have your head on a swivel to ensure you’re not putting him or her in a place they are going to get into trouble.”

Chandler told senior noncommissioned

officers it is their responsibility to advise their bosses to help them avoid potential legal pitfalls.

“You’ve got to have that personal courage to be able to say, ‘hey sir, take a step back please,’” Chandler said.

A second goal for the course, Chandler said, is to protect sergeants major

from themselves. He said there are plenty of pitfalls that these senior leaders can fall into, such as “improper relationships, funding, or any number of things you can think of.”

He said this education will help them better understand what is legally, morally and ethically right.

Also, during a time of fiscal austerity, Chandler cautioned senior enlisted leaders to be especially wary of offers for monetary assistance from private organizations.

“There’s risk [in] accepting donations or support for wounded warriors” and for other noble causes, he cautioned. “Most offers are well-intentioned, but some want undue influence and are smart enough to recognize that maybe they can’t go to a general officer and ask, but think they can go around him or her to the sergeant major to make something happen. You have to know when you are crossing the line” in terms of “how much money you can accept and whether or not to attend events not Army specific.”

A third goal of the course, Chandler said, is that “we expect sergeants major to take their education back to posts, camps and stations and institute a program around our Profession of Arms Campaign, which has to do with some of the ethics of serving in the military. We really need to help our young, junior Soldiers understand what we expect them to do and to do it in a correct manner.”

Those selected to attend the course must work for a general officer or a senior executive service civilian leader.

Each student receives an invitation to attend from the SMA’s office, Lister said.

Lister said student feedback solicited at the end of the course will be shared with the faculty at both the JAG office and the SMA’s office by around the first week in February.

“We expect to receive some positive and some negative feedback,” he said, noting this is the first time it has been taught.

“We’ll use it to adjust the curriculum.”

The curriculum for the Command Sergeants Major Legal Orientation includes courses covering unlawful command influence; search and seizure; urinalysis; improper superior/subordinate relationships and fraternization; handling sexual harassment complaints; family advocacy programs; standards of conduct; wounded warrior law; equal employment opportunity; the Freedom of Information Act; international and operational law; fiscal law; morale, welfare and recreation operations; Soldier support to family members; consumer law; administrative investigations; and financial liability investigations.

Fort Eustis has two Installation Status hotline numbers: 878-6181 and 878-6182

FEBRUARY 1, 2013

• The Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

•

17

www.peninsulawarrior.com

WATTS FAMILY DENTISTRY

Army upgrades its security, collaboration, home use with new joint enterprise license

~ Caring Dentistry with An Artist's Touch ~

Dr. Jasper N. Watts • Dr. Kenneth Boyd Dr. Adam Lane • Dr. Elias Llerandi Dr. Katherine Petersen • Dr. Jorge Pelaez

By Margaret McBride

WELCOME MILITARY!

ARMY CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICE

We accept ALL Military Insurance

The U.S. Army, along with the U.S. Air Force and Defense Information Systems Agency, have access to the newest versions of Microsoft products, including Microsoft Office 2013, SharePoint 2013 and Windows 8, under a $617 million joint enterprise license agreed to in December 2012.

The deal, led by the Army Contracting Command is the best pricing DOD has received to date for Microsoft desktop and server software licenses, according to David DeVries, the DOD deputy chief Information Officer, or CIO. Savings could run into tens of millions over the course of several years through lower license and software assurance costs, officials said. Microsoft software assurance benefits also support e-Learning, planning services, TechNet subscription services, training vouchers and the home use program.

“SharePoint Enterprise Client Access Licenses are a key upgrade to the suite of Microsoft products,” said Mike Krieger, Army deputy CIO/G-6. The Enterprise Client Access License, or CAL, includes the already in-use Standard CAL (providing a platform to share work, collaborate, and organize projects) plus more capabilities such as dashboards, chart web parts and advanced sorting.

“SharePoint Enterprise enriches business intelligence opportunities, and through Enterprise Collaboration Services, it will break down information silos to improve sharing and access to information across the Enterprise,” said Krieger.

Office 2013 could be available for Army network use by September 2013, according to Col. Daniel Matchette, the G-5 at the Army Network Enterprise Technology Command. The Army must complete information assurance certification and accreditation, and Office 2013 must go through the standard Army Gold Master build process for use on Army networks.

Windows 8 is being evaluated for future Army enterprise use. Security implications, hardware costs, and functionality must be fully evaluated before an

• EVENING HOURS & SATURDAY HOURS • INVISALIGN AND BLEACHING OFFERED

907 Big Bethel Road • Hampton, VA 23666

(757) 838-5999 • www.wattsdentistry.com

ABSOLUTELY THE MOST FOCUSED, WELL-RESEARCHED AND THOROUGHLY DEVELOPED FITNESS PROGRAM AVAILABLE TO PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST

Photo courtesy U.S. Army

Soldiers and other Army personnel get upgrades in security and collaboration through a new joint enterprise license agreement, along with access to Microsoft Office applications for home use.

implementation decision and deployment schedule. Upgrades continue for all Army desktops to Windows 7; the Army Gold Master for Windows 7 was released in July 2012.

The new agreement re-instates the Army Microsoft Home Use Program, or HUP. This allows Army military, civilian and contractor personnel to purchase a licensed copy of most Office desktop applications to download on a home computer.

Army users can acquire Office for about $10 via the HUP website at http:// hup.microsoft.com/. Access is controlled by official Army email extensions – e.g., mail.mil, us.army.mil, etc. The Army HUP program code is C4FAA257E3.

When Microsoft launches Office 2013, any employee who has purchased earlier versions of Office or Mac through HUP is eligible to upgrade to Office 2013. The HUP system is able to recognize employees eligible for an upgrade. During an upgrade, employees will be allowed to switch platforms.

For information on HUP software, visit www.microsoft.com/government/en-us/ How_to_buy/Pages/home_use.aspx.

“Finally, a program that specifically targets Military Fitness tests while promoting comprehensive fitness.

I recommend AFTERBURNER to anyone of any fitness level who wishes to improve their fitness score and their quality of life.”

SMSgt. Joshua Tidewell – First Sergeant

WWW.ABTESTPREP.COM

!

DR. CALVIN R. WHITE, D.D.S. 4101 ROUTE 17 | YORKTOWN 23692

www.calvinwhitedds.com | 757-898-7200 ACCEPTING TRICARE PRIME AND STANDARD & CARE CREDIT “In the past, taking my three children to the dentist was expensive and stressful.

While my husband was on his year deployment, my oldest son had an emergency tooth ache. Thanks to a referral, my son was seen by Dr. White within 24 hours.

He and his staff were caring and professional. In addition, his rates and flexibility with my busy schedule made going to the dentist affordable and stress free.

I would recommend Dr. White to all busy military families.”

Mrs. Jennifer Brogan – Wife of Staff Sergeant James Brogan

The Brogan Family

18

www.peninsulawarrior.com

• The Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

LAFBCommunity

•

FEBRUARY 1, 2013

Submit LAFB Community announcements to pw@militarynews.com

JBLE 2013 leave roll over days Service members with more than 60 days of leave at the beginning of fiscal year 2013 are able to carry it into the next fiscal year, due to the FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act. The provision is extending the maximum leave carryover of 75 days through Sept. 30, 2015.

Airmen should contact the Langley Military Personnel Flight at 764-2270; Soldiers contact the Fort Eustis Military Personnel Office at 878-5618 for more information.

Air Force Ball planning committee The 2013 Air Force Ball planning committee will be holding its first meeting Feb. 5 at 1 p.m. The committee is looking for all coleaders, planners, helpers, organizers, fundraising coordinators and artists to attend the first planning committee meeting.

For more information, contact Senior Master Sgt. Clemons at (757) 225-2837 or at suzanne.clemons@langley.af.mil.

Construction near King Street gate The city of Hampton is scheduled to have an ongoing construction project in areas outside of the King Street gate. Phase one involves the intersection of Old Fox Hill Road and Little Back River Road and is anticipated to be completed at the end of 2013.

Phase two involves the intersection of King Street and Little Back River Road and is anticipated to be completed in the summer of 2014. This project is not expected to affect traffic on Langley Air Force Base, as there will be two lanes open to King Street gate during peak traffic hours.

TMO Tip: Estimate your weight An easy and fairly dependable method for making a moving-weight estimate is to calculate 1,000-pounds per fully-furnished room and 500-pounds per partially furnished room.The kitchen and bathroom together count as one room.

For more information please contact the Langley Travel Management Office at (757) 764-4171.

JBLE Tax Center opening The Joint Base Langley-EustisTax Centers will open Feb. 4 at both Langley Air Force Base and Fort Eustis. The hours will be 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Tax return preparation services will be provided by Active Duty, Civilian and Retiree volunteers. Services will be provided to Active Duty Members, Retirees and their respective dependents, with limit-

Langley Chapel Hiring The Langley Chapel is seeking a part-time 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. 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 at (757) 764-7847.

Applications must be received by 4 p.m., Monday, Feb. 4. The public bid opening date is 10 a.m., Feb. 6.

ed availability for civilian and employees and Guard/Reserve Members on Title 10 orders. These tax return services are designed for basic to intermediate level taxes. Those with simple tax returns (Junior Members) are encouraged to visit Military One Source or H&R Block as they also provide free services.

To contact the LangleyTax Center, call Senior Airman Holden Smith at 225-5777; To contact the Fort Eustis Tax Center, call 8782343.The appointment line will open Feb 1.

Baseball for special needs kids Challenger Little League for the Virginia Peninsula is holding registration for the coming spring season of baseball for special needs kids at the Newport News Midtown Community Center from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 2, 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 20, and 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on March 9. For more information please contact Pat Sweet at (757) 660-8054 or KimCat74@gmail.com.

African American Heritage meeting Come join the Langley African-American Heritage Council to help support holiday functions, host educational programs, provide financial assistance and more. Meetings are held at the Langley Club “Enlisted Lounge” on the third Thursday of every month at 11:30 a.m.

For more info, contact Master Sgt. Malukinah Mathis at Malukinah.Mathis@langley.af.mil.

Ski trip The Langley Chapel Single Airman Ministry is sponsoring a ski trip Feb. 15-17. The trip includes a two-night stay, eight hours of skiing, spiritual discussion, one meal, ski equipment and transportation. The trip cost $115 per person. Bring gloves, warm clothing and money for all other meals.

For more information, or to register, contact Larry Blakely at (757) 273-1033 or email blakely2@cox.net.

Virginian Veteran ID Cards 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.

Engineering, construction camps At the Society of American Military Engineers Engineering and Construction Camps, high school students from across the country learn engineering solutions and skills from professional engineers while getting a taste of what it means to work for and with the military services.

Camp times and locations are: ■ U.S. Army Camp June 16-22 Vicksburg, Miss ■ U.S. Marine Corps June 23-29 Camp LeJune, N.C. ■ A.F. Academy Camp June 27 to July 3 Colorado Springs, Colorado ■ Seabees Camp July 21-27 Port Huenerne, California Application deadlines are March 15 for the U.S. Army Camp and April 5 for the other locations. Registration is $275 per student.

For more information, contact Amy Doyle at amy.doyle@langley.af.mil.

Military scholarships 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. Applications are available at www. vaacme.org/scholarships.

For more information, call (757) 7480712 or email williegposadas@cox.net.

Weight management program The new Air Force weight management program “Better Life. Better Body.” is designed to help individuals seeking to lose and maintain their weight and enjoy a healthy lifestyle. The interactive program includes five two-hour modules focusing on nutrition, physical activity and behavioral issues. Classes are limited to 30 seats per session.

For more information, and to sign up, call the Health and Wellness Center at (757) 764-6321.

Passport Office appointments The Langley passport office operates on an appointment-only system for passport and visa applications. Pick-ups and cancellations are available to walk-in customers from Monday to Friday, 2 to 3 p.m. Outprocessing personnel can also do walk-in appointments for the same times.

For more information, call (757) 225-2468 or e-mail 633fss.passport@langley.af.mil.

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 and 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/yes-intern-program/application-requirements/.

Wednesday Morning Bible Study Military Ministries are hosting bible study eachWednesday 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) 764-5527, william.shirey.ctr@langley.af.mil or Chuck Macri at (757) 928-7220 and chuck.macri@militaryministry.org.

FEBRUARY 1, 2013

• The Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

EustisCommunity

•

www.peninsulawarrior.com

19

Submit Eustis Community announcements to pw@militarynews.com

Tax Assistance Centers opening The Joint Base Langley-Eustis Tax Assistance Centers will open for business on Monday. Offices at Fort Eustis and Langley Air Force Base will serve customers on an appointment-only basis through April 30. Phone lines will open Friday at both locations for appointment scheduling.

The Fort Eustis center is located in Bldg.

2733, Madison Ave. To make an appointment, call 878-2343. The Langley center is located in Bldg. 801, at 402 Helms Ave. To make an appointment, call 225-5777. Both tax centers will be open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tax return preparation services will be provided by active-duty Service members, and civilian and retiree volunteers. Services will be available to active-duty military, retirees and their respective dependents (limited availability for civilian employees and Guard/Reserve members on Title 10 orders). These tax return services are designed for basic to intermediate-level taxes. Individuals with simple tax returns (junior members) are encouraged to visit Military One Source or H&R Block as they also provide free tax services.

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

647 Monroe 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.

Home buying and selling seminars 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.

Please RSVP at least three business days

Eustis ID Card Facility closure The Fort Eustis ID Card Facility (Bldg.

650) will be closed for RAPIDS Workstation upgrades Feb. 4 to 6.This mandated upgrade will provide improved customer service once completed.

Clients are reminded that ID Card services are available at the Langley AFB ID Card Facility, located at 45 Nealy Avenue, Wing B, Suite 103.

For more information, contact W.G. Smith at 878-4898/2204 or email wilhelm.g.smith.civ@mail.mil.

prior to attending the seminar of your choice.

To register, call 878-2977/5687/5579.

Family Advocacy Program ■ Anger Management – Tuesdays, 1 to 2:30 p.m. Do you find yourself fuming when someone cuts you off in traffic? Does your blood pressure go through the roof when your child refuses to cooperate? Anger is a normal and even healthy emotion but it’s important to deal with it in a positive way.

Uncontrolled anger can take a toll on both your health and relationships. This is an ongoing eight-week course that is open to all DoD ID cardholders.

■ Parents withTeens – Feb. 8, noon to 1 p.m. Parenting does not come with a handbook. It’s up to you to equip yourself with the tools and knowledge for raising a productive young adult. Add another tool to your toolbox at this Lunch and Learn series and find out what you need to know about teen dating violence.

■ Stress Management – Feb. 25, 1 to 2 p.m. Come out and learn how to change your negative thinking.

■ Family Advocacy Safety Education Seminar – Feb. 28, 9 to 11 a.m. FASES is a 120-minute seminar that describes the dynamics of domestic violence and child abuse, who is at risk and what resources are available. This class is open to anyone on post who is interested in learning more about these topics. No children please.

All classes will take place at Bldg. 213, Calhoun St. To register, call 878-0807.

Valentine’s Dinner and Dance The Fort Eustis Club will host a Valentine’s Dinner and Dance on Feb. 14 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Bldg. 2123, Pershing Ave.The cost is

$60 per couple, which includes dinner, dessert, a bottle of champagne, and a rose for your sweetheart. Music will be provided by the Freestyle Band.

Call 878-5700 to make your reservations (prepaid reservations are required). The last day to make or cancel reservations is Feb. 8.

National Prayer Breakfast The Regimental Memorial Chapel’s Unit Ministry team will conduct the National Prayer Breakfast on Feb. 21 at 7:30 a.m. at the Fort Eustis Club, Bldg. 2123, Pershing Ave.The breakfast is for Soldiers and civilians to pray for our nation, its leaders and those who defend our freedom, and to strengthen spiritual resiliency in the Fort Eustis community.The guest speaker is Brig. Gen. Charles Bailey, U.S. Army Deputy Chief of Chaplains.

Contact your unit chaplain representatives for tickets. Suggested donation is $5 (officers and civilians); and $3 (enlisted).

For more information, call 878-1316/1317.

Financial fair Army Community Service will host a Financial Fair on Feb. 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fort Eustis Club as part of Military Saves week. The fair is open to active duty, reserve and National Guard Service members, retirees, and survivor families representing all branches of the military.

The fair will feature representatives from Financial Readiness, Emergency Relief, the Department ofVeterans Affairs, Retiree Benefits, Housing, TRICARE, Red Cross, ACAP, SCORE, JAG, SOS, Langley Tax Center, Virginia Employment Commission, Chaplain’s Office, USO, Spousal Employment, Savvy Shopper, Langley Federal Credit union., and 1st Advantage Credit Union.

For more information, contact a Financial Readiness Specialist at 878-3638.

Career and Alumni Program Army Career and Alumni Program classes and briefings for February will include: ■ Career Expo – Feb. 20, 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Employers, college recruiters and other transition service providers are invited to come and network with transitioners and their family members. Job seekers should dress for success and bring resumes. Prospective employers will include Absolutely American, Lowe’s, Newport News Shipbuilding,Tapestry Solutions, SCORE, VA Medical Center, Newport News Police Department, ECPI,

Troops to Teachers, Wyotech, Busch Gardens and McAllisterTowing.

■ Lunchtime Workshop – Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Workshop topics will feature the USAJOBS federal resume application process, and Social Networking and Applying for a Federal Job. Training will be provided by ACAP and Civilian Personnel Advisory Center staff.

■ SCORE Seminar –Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. SCORE seminars are held on the firstThursday of each month to provide transitioners with information on how to start their own business. A representative from the Williamsburg SCORE office will present information on business types, business plans, marketing tips and target audience.

■ Transition GPS (TAPWorkshop) – Feb. 11-15 and Feb. 25-March 1, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This five-day workshop provides training for transitioning Soldiers and their family members to prepare them to succeed with civilian employment and educational pursuits.

Topics will include financial planning, resume writing, interviewing techniques, job search tips, VA benefits (disability ratings, filing claims, and vocational rehabilitation) and MOS Crosswalk.

■ VA ClaimsWorkshop – Feb. 19, 9 a.m.

This workshop is held the second Monday of each month (Tuesday, if Monday is a holiday). A Department of Veterans Affairs representative will provide information on vocational rehabilitation benefits and entitlements. Attendees will receive assistance in completing VA disability applications.The VA representative will also accept completed claims packets for processing.

Unless otherwise noted, classes and briefings will take place in Bldg. 601, Training Room 127. For more information, call 878-4955.

Bridge Replacement Project Preconstruction activities have begun on the Fort Eustis Boulevard NSX Railway overpass. The exact lane closure dates will be determined on or around March 1, but expect closures to begin no later than March 15.

This construction will have an immediate impact on traffic flow to and from Fort Eustis. Organizations are encouraged to implement preplanned mitigation strategies to alleviate traffic congestion. Anticipate 15 to 24 months for completion of repairs to the bridge.

Check out the Peninsula Warrior online at www.peninsulawarrior.com

20

www.peninsulawarrior.com

• The Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

OutsideTheGate

•

FEBRUARY 1, 2013

Submit Outside The Gate announcements to pw1@militarynews.com

Salute to the Tuskegee Airmen In celebration of Black History Month, the Virginia War Museum will host a Salute to the Tuskegee Airmen on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 9285 Warwick Blvd., Newport News. Guests are invited to meet and speak with the men of the U.S. Army Air Corps who took to the skies to fight the Axis Powers abroad while battling segregation at home. Members of the Tuskegee Airmen will be available to discuss their personal artifacts and images on display. “The Tuskegee Airmen” movie will be shown at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Admission is $6 for adults; $5 for senior citizens 62 and over and active-duty military with ID; $4 for children ages 7-18; and free for children under age 7. Museum hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information, call 247-8523 or visit www.warmuseum.org.

Virginia Living Museum ■

at the Virginia Air and Space Center, 600 Settlers Landing Rd., Hampton. This event is free and open to the public (first come, first serve). Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Doors will open at 5 p.m. Note: the game will not be shown through IMAX technology.

For more information, call 727-0900 or visit www.vasc.org.

Follow the Drinking Gourd – Saturday, and Feb. 9, 16, 23; 3:30 p.m. Come celebrate Black History Month with this free planetarium program about the Underground Railroad. The poignant and inspiring tale of one family’s desperate flight to freedom is based on the children’s book written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter.

■ Celebrate Groundhog Day – Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Help us celebrate Groundhog Day with a full day of events at the museum. A short ceremony will take place at noon to see if the museum’s groundhog sees his shadow. Meet the groundhog and learn some interesting facts about his winter habits. Other children’s activities will include groundhogthemed crafts, shadow hand puppets, temporary tattoos, and face painting by Kolonial Klowns.

■ The Science of Chocolate – Tuesday, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Where does chocolate come from? What is a nib, a bean, a pod? Can chocolate be both a benefit to one’s health and bad for it? In this adults-only seminar, we will taste and explore the facts, myths and science of “theobroma cacao” – more commonly known as one of the world’s favorite treats. The cost is $7. Register by calling 595-9135 or visit www.thevlm.org.

The Virginia Living Museum is located at 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd. in Newport News. Admission is $17 (adults); $13 (children ages 3-12); and free for ages 2 and under. Planetarium programs are $4 in addition to museum admission; group rates are available for groups of 10 or more. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

For more information, call 595-9135 or visit www.thevlm.org.

“America’s Music: A Film History of Our Popular Music from Blues to Bluegrass to Broadway” will be presented by the Newport News Public Library System in a sixweek program series. The series is free and open to the public. Each session will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Main Street Library, 110 Main Street.

The program, designed for a general audience, will introduce genres of 20th century American popular music that are deeply connected to the history, culture and geography of the United States. Sessions will include film clips, a musical performance, and a discussion led by Kelly Rossum, assistant professor of trumpet and director of jazz studies at Christopher Newport University.

Sessions scheduled for February include: ■ Tuesday -The Blues and Gospel Music featuring “Martin Scorsese Presents the Blues: Episode 1, Feel Like Going Home” (2003) and “Say Amen, Somebody” (1990).

The Macedonia Baptist Church Choir will perform live.

■ Feb. 19 – Tin Pan Alley and Broadway featuring “Broadway: The American Musical, Episode 2” (2004).The Menchville High School Show Choir will perform live.

For more information, call 591-4858 or visit nnpls.libguides.com/AmericasMusic.

Watch Superbowl XLVII

Mariner’s Museum FirstThursday’s

Come out and watch Superbowl XLVII on the Peninsula’s biggest screen Sunday

The Mariner’s Museum “FirstThursday’s” social event will take place Thursday from

America’s Music Series

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 100 Museum Dr., Newport News. This free event will feature live music by Hampton Roads acoustic singer/ songwriter Kevin Garcia and access to the Age of Exploration Gallery. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, learn the history and meaning of the “Sailor’s Valentine,” then make your own to take home.

For more information, call 596-2222 or visit www.marinersmuseum.org.

Hermitage Museum and Gardens The Hermitage Museum and Gardens will host “Fall in Love with the Hermitage” on Thursday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at 7637 North Shore Rd., Norfolk. Visitors are invited to explore the museum and enjoy refreshments, tours, live entertainment, shopping, and mingling. This event is free and open to the public.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, selected items from the Vault Gift Shop will be on sale. A special tour with Colin Brady, curator of collections, will take place at 7:30 p.m.

For more information, call 423-2052, ext.

208 or visit www.thehermitagemuseum.org.

Veterans Health Exposition Disabled American Veterans Chapter 21 and the National Organization for Aortic Awareness will host a free Veterans Health Exposition on Feb. 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Dr., Hampton. This event will feature free health screenings, door prizes, giveaways and refreshments.

To register, call 423-7100 or visit www. dav21virginia.org. Registration deadline is Monday.

MOAA educational loans, grants Online applications are available for the Military Officers Association of America Educational Assistance Programs for the 2013-14 school year. Students can apply

for interest-free loans and grants, which are awarded annually for up to five years of undergraduate study (or until a student graduates). Students under age 24, who are children of former, currently serving, or retired commissioned or warrant officers, and children of currently serving or retired enlisted military personnel are eligible to apply.

Applicants must be graduating high school seniors or full-time college students working toward their first undergraduate degree. If a child served in a uniformed service before completing college, his or her maximum eligibility will be increased by the number of years served (up to five years). Qualified students with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale will be considered for selection based on scholastic ability, participation in extracurricular and community activities, as well as financial need.

Students may apply online at www. moaa.org/education. The application deadline is March 1 at noon. Active-duty, National Guard, Reserve, retired, and former commissioned officers and warrant officers of the seven uniformed services are eligible for MOAA membership.

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.

FEBRUARY 1, 2013

ResoluteSpotlight

• The Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

•

21

www.peninsulawarrior.com

www.peninsulawarrior.com

5HVROXWH :DUULRUV UHFRJQL]HG IRU VDIHW\ GXULQJ FHUHPRQ\

Photo by Sgt. Edwin Rodriguez

During a 7th Sustainment Brigade safety council meeting, units throughout the brigade were recognized at a ceremony, Jan. 25, for their safe working environments. Five Soldiers were also individually recognized for their efforts to ensure safe, workable training and operational environments. The 97th Transportation Company, 10th Transportation Battalion and 7th Sus. Bde. were all honored as the “safestâ€? company during the ďŹ rst quarter of 2013.

22

www.peninsulawarrior.com

• The Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

•

FEBRUARY 1, 2013

7KH 3URIHVVLRQDO $LUPDQ

&XVWRPV DQG FRXUWHVLHV ZKHQ XVLQJ LQIRUPDWLRQ V\VWHPV

By Tech Sgt. Brent Likes 27TH INTELLIGENCE SQUADRON

Modern communication is quick and convenient and has dramatically altered the way the U.S. Air Force fights. The Air Force information systems provide each Airman with direct and immediate access to the world.

Using proprietary systems, secondsold intelligence is delivered directly to the forces that need it and aircraft receive coordinate updates while in flight. Using common e-mail or web pages, directives and guidance are communicated to subordinates, and document files or detailed messages are sent to coworkers.

While all these information systems vitally enhance productivity by providing massive amounts of information to each Airman, they also allow each Airman to send information out to the world. The Air Force provides guidance on communication using information systems, while highlighting professional communication in relation to the Air Force Core Values. Today’s professional Airman must be aware of the capabilities of these information systems and responsibilities while using them.

Air Force Handbook 33-337, The Tongue and Quill, Chapter 12, Electronic Communication, is an especially useful resource. All Airmen should review this section to ensure they are complying with the Air Force’s expectations.

Another useful guide is AFMAN 33152, User Responsibilities and Guidance for Information Systems. Chapters three and four contain comprehensive lists of inappropriate personal uses of internet and telephone capabilities. For example, many people may not know that section 6.4.2.3 of AFMAN 33-152 specifically prohibits slogans and quotes in signature blocks.

Airmen can use the Air Force Core Values to evaluate their professional communications before referencing guidance documents, such as AFMAN 33-152. The concepts of “Integrity First,” “Service Before Self” and “Excellence In All We Do” have clear applications when we use in-

formation systems.

Consider integrity and the use of the internet at work: the Air Force allows several morale websites, including Facebook, YouTube and ESPN. Are you spending hours a day on them? Could you be pursuing online training, following career related news, or reading leadership key messages and policy changes instead?

How about Service Before Self? Do you place the Air Force first when submitting routine documents and performance reports? Do you take the time to research and evaluate these administrative processes week after week and make reports better, or do you just copy, paste and walk away?

What about exhibiting excellence in quick e-mails or message chats? Do you pay attention to the details of appropriate customs and courtesies, including proper forms of address and signature blocks in e-mails?

As professionals, we must be particularly aware of the long life and simple transport of the typed word. E-mails, documents and even chat logs remain available long after they are initially sent. As anyone who has clicked rapidly through the computer log-in notifications knows, the Air Force monitors everything we do on information systems.

To compound the danger of online communication further, digital information lasts so long that embarrassing or derogatory information can appear years after its first creation. Any e-mail, blog post, chat log or document saved that is unprofessional could result in official discipline, remedial training or embarrassing apologies, with resounding consequences to your unit’s reputation and your personal career.

The only defense you have against these dangers is to be professional at all times.

The professional Airman does not have to worry about embarrassment because reviewing their digital communications will only bring credit to themselves and the Air Force. Here are some key ideas when using digital communication: ■ Are you using appropriate customs

and courtesies? Are you submitting inquiries through the chain of command?

Are you replying to only interested parties in your e-mails? Are your e-mails professionally formatted? Full terms of address, properly formatted documents, filled subject lines and attached signature blocks show quickly that you are a professional and expect to be treated as one.

■ Consider if a face-to-face or phone conversation is more appropriate than an e-mail or chat message. Are you discussing something personal, airing grievances or telling a joke? Perhaps you would not like your private conversation to become public later.

■ Consider emotions, tone and perception. Are you using phrases, inside jokes and cultural references that could be misinterpreted by someone who doesn’t know you well? Your co-worker may understand your hilarious irony and sarcasm based on your personality, but will her supervisor? Some may suggest the use of “emoticons” to help with tone, but the abuse of a smiley face quickly becomes just as unprofessional as an ambiguous tone.

■ Most importantly, have your wingman check your communication before you send it. Your wingman can check formats, give insight on tone, suggest additional or less information, do a spell check and back you up later if anyone comes with questions.

All Airmen are specifically charged to be professional. This responsibility for professionalism extends to all our communications. As Airmen, our e-mails, internet uploads, chat programs and documents all need to reflect our Core Values. Utilize the written Air Force guidance and your own trusted wingmen to ensure the professionalism of your communications. Consider carefully how long modern communication lasts, and how damaging or supportive it can be to your professional image and that of your unit. We all ultimately represent the Air Force – take pride in your professional communications and protect that good name.

Consider Integrity and the use of the internet at work: the Air Force allows several morale websites, including Facebook, YouTube and ESPN. Are you spending hours a day on them? Could you be pursuing online training, following career related news, or reading leadership key messages and policy changes instead?

How about Service Before Self?

Do you place the Air Force first when submitting routine documents and performance reports?

Do you take the time to research and evaluate these administrative processes week after week and make reports better, or do you just copy, paste and walk away?

What about Exhibiting Excellence in quick e-mails or message chats? Do you pay attention to the details of appropriate customs and courtesies, including proper forms of address and signature blocks in e-mails?

For more stories like this, check out the Peninsula Warrior online at www.peninsulawarrior.com

FEBRUARY 1, 2013

• The Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

•

Classifieds TO PLACE AN AD...

BY PHONE:

BY FAX: (757) 853-1634

MILITARY NEWSPAPERS OF VIRGINIA

Call: (757) 222-3990 Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Fitness/Spas

Jewelry & Watches

Gain The Edge In Any Fight!

INSTRUCTIONAL FIGHTING DVD’S These unconventional fighting methods will give you distinct advantages in any violent situation. Learn from specialized experts in the art of self-defense & various fighting disciplines. Not available in stores.

For list & pricing, send a SASE to: Protect Yourself, 295 Corporate Blvd. #315AF, Norfolk, VA 23502

2cttw Engagement Ring - Gorgeous Princess Composite & Round Diamond in 14k YG, size 7. Store warranty incl. w/purchase $1500./obo 757-270-7988

Articles For Sale

Babysitting & Childcare Mom’s Tot Spot Child Development Ctr. Fox Hill area now enrolling ages 1-5 yrs. State license, CPR certified. Contact 757-848-5984 www.momstotspot.com

Kenmore Dryer Front-loader White. GC. $125 OBO. Hampton: 757-224-1737.

For Rent-House (All)

WWII Relics. Retired Vet seeks WWII helmets, medals, daggers, etc. 757-869-1739

Newport News 25 Huguenot Rd 23606. 3 Br 2 Ba, garage, den, dining room 1640 sq feet. brick ranch on 1/4 acre in good neighborhood. 757-408-4444

Furniture-Household Brand New Layaway Available MATTRESS SETS Full- $99, Queen- $129, King- $169 40% Military Discount on all other sets!

Can deliver. 757-706-3667

For Rent-Townhomes Yorktown, , Townhouse End Unit 3BR 2.5BA Hardwood NO PET Pool/Tennis $1395 757-564-1882

Automobiles for Sale 2006 Ford F-350 Crew Cab DRW w/8ft bed & liner, RV-hitch, t-box, $21K obo, 910-723-0989

BY MAIL:

23

www.peninsulawarrior.com

DEADLINE: Reader & Display Thursday 5:00 p.m. (week prior)

BY EMAIL:

PENINSULA WARRIOR adswork@militarynews.com CLASSIFIEDS 150 W. Brambleton Ave. Norfolk, VA 23510

Call 222-3 990 today!

You know that noise your heart makes when you work out?

IT’S CALLED APPLAUSE. , ) 2 /( (,') 1 2 ( 2 / ( ), 2 " 2) 2 , 0 % , ), 0 , & (2 " 2 /( , 1 ), ( ) ,/( , , , % ( ( 1 2) , 1 ( 2 /( ( ) (, ,, ),( 0 ) , 111% ( (,% ( ( ! 33 !% ) )" "( 0 ) "/ ) (0 % ! ( (, )) ,

Motorcycles 2007 Harley Davidson FLSTN Softail Deluxe . Only 2000 miles, like new, lots of chrome, custom pipes, windshield, bags, etc. Beautiful - must see. $14,995 firm. 757-880-1708, 757-501-6688.

:(Âś9( *27 <285 %$&.

Free!

Get online!

Submit your classified ad and advertise for FREE Restrictions do apply see below for details

Qualifications:

Fast!

Easy!

- 2 , 1 2 8 5 2 1 / , 1 ( & 2 0 0 8 1 , 7 < $7

Submit online at: www.peninsulawarrior.com

â&#x20AC;˘

For active-duty, retired military, their eligible family members and active or retired civil service employees If you are retired military or retired DOD civilian, include current employer and work phone number on the application.

Restrictions: â&#x20AC;˘ Only 5 ads per week, per household â&#x20AC;˘ Renewals, corrections and cancellations cannot be taken by phone and must be resubmitted â&#x20AC;˘ Illegible, too long or otherwise do not conform to instructions will not be published and must be resubmitted for the next issue â&#x20AC;˘ Automotive ads must begin with make, model and year â&#x20AC;˘ Real estate ads must begin with name of city, neighborhood and must be your primary residence. â&#x20AC;˘ Ads will not be accepted via official mailing channels such as guard mail or postage and fees paid indicia. â&#x20AC;˘ Free ads cannot be of a commercial nature (i. e., business opportunities, help wanted, etc) and must be personal property of the eligible member. Should not represent a sustained income or business or listed through agents or representatives. â&#x20AC;˘ When advertising a home for rent or home for sale, the home must be THE PRIMARY RESIDENCE. (All rental properties are considered paid ads.)

WE DO NOT ACCEPT CALLS FOR FREE CLASSIFIED ADS Deadline Thursday, 5 p.m. for the following weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s publications

24

www.peninsulawarrior.com

• The Peninsula Warrior - Air Force

•

FEBRUARY 1, 2013

When it comes to financial obstacles, we’re ready to help.

At USAA, we know military life is different. We’ve been there. So for current and former military servicemembers and their families, we offer free financial advice geared specifically to the realities of your life. Talk to a USAA Financial Advisor today.

Contact us for your free financial review.

800-235-1898 | usaa.com/investing No Department of Defense or government agency endorsement.

Investing in securities products involves risk, including possible loss of principal.

Financial planning services and financial advice provided by USAA Financial Planning Services Insurance Agency, Inc. (known as USAA Financial Insurance Agency in California, License # OE363312), a registered investment advisor and insurance agency and its wholly owned subsidiary, USAA Financial Advisors, Inc., a registered broker dealer. © 2013 USAA. 142827-0213