April 29, 2016Vol. 7, No. 17 Fort Wainwright, Alaska

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The Interior Military News Connection

WEEKEND WEATHER NEWS BRIEF

FridayMostly cloudy. Patchy fog in the morning. Highs in the 50s

SaturdayMostly cloudy. A few flurries early...then sprinkles. Highs around 60.

SundayMostly cloudy. Lows in the 30s. Highs around 60.

U.S. Army Aviators assist National Park Service with climbing season preparationThe 1st Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment returns back to Talkeetna from the Kahiltna Glacier in the Alaska Range. Three CH-47F Chinook helicopters assisted the National Park Service by transporting equipment and supplies to set up base camps for the 2016 Denali climbing season in Denali National Park and Preserve. This opportunity was also used to prepare the air crews for high-altitude mountainous operations. (Photo by Lara Poirrier, Fort Wainwright Public Affairs)

Timothy L. HaleArmy Reserve Public Affairs

Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Mark A. Milley said the readiness of the Total Army is his No. 1 priority.

This message was at the forefront of his talk to leaders at the U.S. Army Re-serve Command Senior Leader Confer-ence, April 25, at the Iron Mike Confer-ence Center.

Milley said America’s national strate-gy has to be able to deal with five chal-lenges.

“You’ve heard the secretary of de-fense talk about them,” Milley said. “Russia, China, North Korea, Iran, and counter-terrorism. Of those five chal-lenges, we have to be able to deal with two of the four named countries simulta-neously, or near simultaneously, and one of them we have to defeat and the other we have to deny. At the same time, you have to maintain your current level of effort against the counter-terrorist fight and you have to protect the homeland.

That’s for the U.S. military, not just the Army.

“Our piece of that is pretty signifi-cant,” Milley continued. “In my heart of hearts, I think we’re in pretty good shape to defend the homeland. I think we’re in pretty good shape to fight terrorists. I think we have the capabilities and capac-ity – the size of forces – to do that.”

He said what concerns him is dealing with one or more of the named countries. He said the skills and methods of engag-ing one or more of those countries are not the same as fighting counter-terror-ism, adding, this is where military readi-ness is a key to success.

“You and I, as an Army, have to main-tain the capability and the readiness. We have to sustain that which we have learned over 15 hard years of lessons learned,” he said. But added to that equa-tion are the other state or international players.

Milley said after the fall of the Berlin

CSA Milley: ‘Readiness is my No. 1 priority’

Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Mark A. Milley addresses U.S. Army Reserve senior leaders at the Iron Mike Conference, April 25, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. With the readiness of the Total Army as his No. 1 priority, Milley said, “It is our job to be ready, to provide options to the President of the United States.” (Photo by Timothy L. Hale, Army Reserve Public Affairs)

Staff Sgt. Balinda O’Neal Dresel Alaska National Guard PAO

Two Alaska Army National Guardsmen deployed to Afghan-istan earlier this month as U.S. li-aisons in support of the Mongolian Expeditionary Task Forces in Af-ghanistan.

Capt. Collin Welch, 1-297th Reconnaissance and Surveillance Squadron, and Sgt. 1st Class Tim-othy Ring, 1st Battalion, 143rd In-fantry Regiment (Airborne), are the twelfth team from the AKARNG to pair with the METF since the arrangement began in 2009. They will serve as tactical advisors and liaisons in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel.

As liaisons, the team will be the METF’s direct link to the U.S. Forces-Afghanistan and the Base Support Group at the New Kabul Compound in Kabul, Afghanistan, and other sites in the country.

Welch, of Eagle River, and Ring, of Anchorage, departed Alaska in late March for Fort Bliss, Texas, where they completed approxi-

Alaska Army National Guard Soldiers deploy to Afghanistan alongside Mongolians

Sgt. Marisa Lindsay Alaska Army National Guard Public Affairs

Capt. Brehan Heeren, a chap-lain with the 297th Reconnaissance and Surveillance Squadron, Alaska Army National Guard, is breaking barriers. Not only is she the first person in her military family to have earned a commission, but as of April of last year, she is also the first female Soldier to serve in the Alaska Army National Guard as a chaplain.

Heeren is no stranger to military life. Her mom is a retired U.S. Army first sergeant. Her brother was the youngest to promote to the highest U.S. Air Force enlisted rank, chief

master sergeant, and pinned at the age of 34. And when she enlisted, Heeren was the thirteenth person in her family to raise their right hand and swear to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies.

“Prior to commissioning, I knew that I was taking up a man-tle of honor,” described Heeren, who commissioned into the Army Reserves under the Simultaneous Membership Program with ROTC at the University of North Alabama in 2007.

Heeren was originally assessed into the adjutant general branch for the Army, and followed that path for three years.

First Female Chaplain for the Alaska National Guard lives for God and country

1st Lt. Brehan Heeren, a chaplain with 1-297th Re-connaissance and Surveillance Cavalry Squadron, conducts a religious service for Guardsmen at the Alaska Army National Guard armory in Bethel, Jan. 17. More than 80 Guardsmen conducted trainingin western Alaska, Jan. 13 through17. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Balinda O’Neal Dresel, U.S. Alaska Army National Guard Public Affairs)

Capt. Collin Welch, left, 1-297th Reconnaissance and Surveil-lance Squadron, and Sgt. 1st Class Timothy Ring, 1st Battal-ion, 143rd Infantry Regiment (Air-borne), pose for a picture in front of the National Guard armory on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richard-son, March 23. The two deployed to Afghanistan in April as U.S. li-aisons in support of the Mongo-lian Expeditionary Task Forces in Afghanistan. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Balinda O’Neal Dresel, Alaska National Guard Public Affairs)

See MILLEY on page 9

See GUARD on page 9See CHAPLAIN on page 9

The next semi-annual drug take back day will be Saturday, April 30. Take your old prescriptions and over the counter medications to the PX between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to turn in for proper destruction; septic and sewer treatment do not destroy most of these

medications and they end up in streams, rivers, and well water. Representatives from Army Substance Abuse Program, Bassett Army Community Hospital, and Criminal Investigative Division will be available to answer questions regarding prescription and over the counter

medications. Medical sharps will not be accepted at this event. For more information, contact John Timmins at 361-1376.

2April 29, 2016

ALASKA POSTThe Interior Military News Connection

EDITORIAL STAFFGarrison Commander

Sean C. WilliamsFort Wainwright PAO

Mel SlaterCommand Information

Brian SchlumbohmNew Media

Lara Hartman-PoirrierEditor

Teresa WhiteCommunity-Media Relations

Allen ShawJennifer Brady

The ALASKA POST is authorized by Army Regulation 360-1 and is published by the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Army, and is under exclusive written contract. Contents of the ALASKA POST are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the Department of the Army. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the U.S. Army Garrison Ft. Wainwright Public Affairs Office. The ALASKA POST welcomes responsible comments from its readers and will publish letters, articles or photos submitted at least one week prior to the next publication. The ALASKA POST reserves the right to edit or reject submissions. All submitted material will become official Army property unless otherwise indicated. To advertise call (907) 459-7548 Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. The Editorial office is located on Ft. Wainwright in Building 1047 #1; Mailing address is Public Affairs Office, 1060 Gaffney Road, 5900, Ft. Wainwright, AK 99703. Call 353-6779 or 353-6760, or send emails to usarmy.wainwright.imcom-pacific.list.pao@mail.milThe ALASKA POST – The Interior Military News Connection

NEWS

NUTRITION 101 Special Edition – Popular Diets Ex-plained

Gluten Free Diet: The gluten-free diet is an eating pattern that excludes a protein called gluten and it is primar-ily used to treat Celiac disease or other non-celiac gluten sensitivities.

This diet can be confusing at first, but with the right information, tools, and techniques a gluten-free diet can be bal-anced, enjoyable, and sustainable.

Gluten is a protein that is found in cer-tain grains and their by-products; these grains include wheat, barley, and rye. Most gluten-free diets also omit oat and oat products because it is often process with wheat and could be contaminated with gluten.

For individuals with celiac disease or other sensitivities to gluten, the protein can cause an immune response that re-sults in inflammation of the cells in the small intestines. This can lead to mal-absorption, discomfort, pain, diarrhea, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and/or general malnutrition.

Luckily, many foods are naturally glu-ten-free, including all meats, fish, eggs, poultry (unbreaded and without mari-nade), fruits and vegetables, most dairy products, beans, seeds, and nuts. There are also many grains and starches that can be part of a successful gluten-free

diet; some examples of these are ama-ranth, buckwheat, corn and cornmeal, ar-rowroot, tapioca, and a variety of flours made from gluten free starches (rice, soy, potato, bean, quinoa).

When following a gluten-free diet, it is best to adhere to whole foods as much as possible, but when eating mixed or pro-cessed foods take caution and read ingre-dients closely. Many of the by-products of gluten-containing grains go by other names and could easily be overlooked. For example malt, durum, graham, sem-olina, and farina are all trade names of products that come from gluten contain-ing grains. When in doubt, look for foods that are labeled “Gluten-Free” (warning: regulated by the FDA, these items are still permitted to contain up to 20 PPM of gluten, so they may not be completely gluten-free).

Otherwise, seek additional guidance from your dietitian.

For more information about the Glu-ten-free diet, check out this great pdf from Massachusetts General Hospital: http://www.massgeneral.org/digestive/assets/pdf/gluten_free_diet.pdf

FEATURED FOOD Rice Noodles: As the name suggests,

rice noodles are a form of pasta made from the starch of rice that is ground up into a flour and mixed with water.

Tapioca and cornstarch are sometimes used in the production of these noodles to improve texture and elasticity. Rice noodles come in many different shapes and sizes, and can be a great addition to a gluten-free meal.

RECIPE SPOTLIGHTPad Thai: this is a traditional Thai

dish that blends sweet and savory, with sour and spicy to create an irresistible flavor profile that can please every pal-ate.

The dish can be used as a side or an entrée, and can be meatless or adapted to incorporate a variety of different meats, poultry, or seafood.

INGREDIENTS5 ounces thin Thai rice noodles3 tablespoons vegetable oil1 large egg, room temperature4 tablespoons 1x1/2x1/8’ slices pressed tofu (bean curd)1 tablespoon sweet preserved shred-ded radish, rinsed, chopped into 1’ pieces1 cup bean sprouts2 1/4 teaspoons tamarind paste mixed with 5 tablespoons water1 1/2 tablespoons (or more) Thai fish sauce (nam pla)1 1/2 tablespoons simple syrup, (made with palm sugar)

4 garlic chives, 2 cut into 1’ pieces1/2 teaspoons ground dried Thai chil-es, divided2 tablespoons crushed roasted, unsalt-ed peanuts, divided2 lime wedges

PREPARATIONPlace noodles in a large bowl; pour

hot water over to cover. Let soak until tender but not mushy, five to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add egg; stir until barely set, about 30 seconds. Add meat, poultry, or seafood product, if using. Cook, stirring, until shrimp and egg are almost cooked through, two to three minutes. Add tofu and radish; cook for 30 seconds.

Add noodles and cook for one minute. Stir in sprouts. Add tamarind mixture, fish sauce, and simple syrup and stir-fry until sauce is absorbed by noodles and noodles are well coated, about one min-ute. Stir in chopped garlic chives. Add 1/4 tsp. ground chiles and 1 tbsp. peanuts and toss well. Transfer to serving plates.

Garnish with remaining 1/4 tsp. ground chiles, 1 tbsp. peanuts, and lime wedges.

Nutrition Facts: serves 2, provides about 585 kcal per serving.

Nutrition Corner: Popular diets explained

Emergency: 91124-Hour Nurse Advice Line: (800) 874-2273 Opt. 1Appointment Line: 361-4000Behavioral Health: 361-6059Benefits Advisor: 361-5656Immunizations: 361-5456Information Desk: 361-5172Patient Advocate: 361-5291Pharmacy Refills: 361-5803Tricare Online: www.tricareonline.comUnited Health Care: www.uhcmilitarywest.com, (877) 988-9378

Performance Triad Tip — Make your coffee date into a workout date. Fuel your body with caffeine about an hour before your workout to increase your intensity. Bring a friend to moti-vate you to give your best.

Summer Sports Physicals — Sum-mer sports will soon be underway. Don’t delay in getting your children, ages 3 to 18 a physical at our first summer Sports Physical Clinic from 4 to 6 p.m., May 17. Appointments are strongly encouraged, but walk-ins will be accepted until capacity is reached. Call 361-4000.

Optometry — The optometry clin-ic welcomes all beneficiaries: active duty, spouses, children, and retirees. If it’s been over a year since your last eye exam, take the time to make an appointment. The clinic provides services for routine exams, contact lens fitting, physicals, diabetic exams,

refractive surgery referrals, and acute ocular problems. Appointments can be made through central appointments at 361-4000, the optometry front desk, or Tricare Appointments Online.

Wellness Center Appointments –— The Fort Wainwright Wellness Center is open for appointments. With health assessments, nutrition informa-tion, stress management services and physical fitness programs, beneficiaries will find tools to take small but import-ant steps to a healthier future. To make an appointment or to inquire about ser-vices, call 361-2234.

Walk-in Clinic — Beneficiaries can utilize the Walk-in Clinic Nurse op-tion when needing to be seen for strep throat screening, urinary tract infection screening, pregnancy testing, blood pressure monitoring, suture removal, wart removal and sexually transmitted disease checks. The clinic is open 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m., Mon-day through Friday. For more informa-tion, call 361-5833.

A Great Place To Work — MED-DAC-AK has job openings for both clinical and non-clinical positions here at Fort Wainwright. To view job open-ings, go to www.usajobs.gov.

Stay in the Know — For health tips, information on changes to operations and hospital information, follow us on Twitter @MEDDACAlaska or like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BassettACH.

MEDDAC Minute

U.S. Fire Administration

A fire escape plan is your strategy for a safe exit from your home during a fire emergency. In the event of a fire, every second counts so you and your family must always be prepared. Most home fires occur at night, when people are asleep and disorientated. Home fires can become a disaster if you and your family are not familiar with how to escape during an emer-gency.

A fire escape plan should be created and practiced at least twice a year with everyone in your household, including children and people with disabilities according to the U.S. Fire Administra-tion. Make sure that everyone in the family knows two ways out of every room.

To design your own fire escape plan, sketch the floor plan of your home on a piece of paper. Indicate on the plan all doors, windows and other areas from which you could escape from each room in your home. Draw arrows to indicate the normal exits which would be your primary escape route. With an alternate color, draw ar-rows to indicate a secondary exit from each room in the home.

When a home quickly fills with smoke family members may become

disorientated or can easily become lost or trapped. If a person is caught in a building filled with smoke, they should drop on their hands and knees and crawl to the nearest exit. If the door is hot don’t open it, instead use your secondary exit route. If the door is not hot open it slowly but be prepared to slam it closed if there are flames.

Hold drills during varying hours of the day and at nighttime. Some people have a difficult time waking in the middle of the night; these people will need additional assistance while sleep-ing. By practicing a fire escape drill after bedtime you will know how your family will respond while sleeping.

A meeting place should be estab-lished a safe distance away from the home. This is the location everyone in the family will meet and ensure accountability in the event of a fire. Once and the meeting place call 9-1-1 either from a cell phone or send some-one to a neighbor’s house.

Family members must understand that their safety depends upon quickly leaving the home. It has been prov-en that exit drills reduce chance of panic and injury in fires. Trained and informed people have a much better chance to survive fires in their home.

Exit Drills in the home E.D.I.T.H

Army & Air Force Exchange Service Public Affairs

Fort Wainwright’s Army and Air Force Exchange Service shoppers who think they have a top dog…or cat…or bird or reptile … can try to fetch their share of $3,000 in prizes during the Patriot Pet Just Say Treat online photo contest.

From May 6 through June 2, au-thorized shoppers can upload a photo of their prized pet at www.shopmyex-change.com/sweepstakes. One grand-prize winner in the worldwide contest will take home a $1,000 Exchange gift card, while two first-place winners will each receive $500 gift cards. Four third-

place winners will nab $250 gift cards each.

“For many Soldiers, pets are very much an important part of their fami-ly, providing love and companionship and easing stress of daily duties,” said Fort Wainwright Exchange Assistant Exchange Manager Kathy Maes. “With the Patriot Pet contest, the Exchange sa-lutes these furry, fuzzy, feathered—and sometimes even scaly—members of the military family.”

Rules and more information for the online contest can be found at www.shopmyexchange.com/sweepstakes once the contest launches. Just Say Treat winners will be notified toward the end of June.

Exchange Patriot Pet Contest Goes to the Dogs …and Cats…and Birds…

Staff Report North Haven Communities LLC

The Army’s annual resident survey landed in the email inbox of more than 1,700 North Haven Communities res-idents yesterday. Residents are being

asked for candid feedback about their experiences living with North Haven, from move-in through residency. CEL & Associates, the company hired by the Army to conduct the survey, will keep the names of survey respondents confi-dential.

Residents who respond to the survey will be eligible to win cash and prizes throughout the survey period, including three $1,000 prizes.

Residents who submit their com-plete survey by May 5 will be eligible for the Early Bird Prize Drawing for two

Yeti coolers and two camouflage pattern 18-cubic foot Kenmore chest freezers.

Residents who did not receive an email from ARMYHousingSurvey@cel-associates.com on April 28 or have ques-tions about the survey are encouraged to contact their community center.

Annual housing survey gets underway

3April 29, 2016

Nicole PiazzaEmployment Readiness Manager, Army Community Service

Attention job seekers: Fort Wainwright, the Fairbanks North Star Borough, and the City of Fairbanks will host a joint job fair on Friday, May 6, at the Pioneer Park Civic Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Hiring managers, human resource specialists and career development professionals will be on hand to promote government employment opportunities and connect job seekers with a full spectrum of part-time and full-time careers. More than 900 civilians contribute to Fort Wainwright’s workforce, and we would love you to join our team.

Highly recruited areas include:Emergency ServicesMedicalChild and Youth Services Sports and Fitness ManagementCommunity Recreation Outdoor RecreationContracting Marketing Social WorkFinancial Management Human Resources Information TechnologyFood and Beverage

Computers will be available on site to complete applications, but take time to prepare in advance. For a full list of current vacancies visit www.usajobs.gov.

Why choose federal employment?

Here are just a few of the many benefits:— Portability: Since federal positions

are found worldwide, it can be easy to keep your career going no matter where you move. Resources such as Veteran’s Preference and the Priority Placement Program’s Military Spouse Preference also offer support when relocating.

— Job Security: In turbulent economic times, finding steady employment can be difficult. Many federal employees have a higher level of protection than their counterparts in the private sector.

— Pay & Incentives: Not only do federal positions pay competitively, they offer paid vacation and sick leave and retirement benefits. Federal employees also have access to 401k-type programs such as the Thrift Savings Plan.

— Training: Many federal agencies

invest in training and professional development opportunities for their staff. These measures increase productivity in the workplace and can be great additions to resumes.

To help prepare for the big event, attend one of two available Job Fair Jumpstart seminars. Discussion will include networking techniques, the federal hiring process, and current job vacancies.

Seminars will be held Wednesday, May 4 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. or 2 to 3:30 p.m., in the Soldier and Family Assistance Center, building 3414.

For more information on the Job Fair or to register for the Job Fair Jumpstart Seminar, contact the Employment Readiness Program at (907) 353-4337.

NEWSCommunity Job Fair event seeks to employ

4April 29, 2016NEWS

Chaplain (Maj.) James PeakRoman Catholic Priest and Fort Wainwright Catholic Chaplain

A few years ago, I attended my twentieth high school re-union. I immediately recog-nized many of my classmates as soon as I walked in the room. It was fascinating how time seemingly affected some of my classmates very little, as if we had graduated just yesterday. Other classmates, however, looked very different than how I remembered.

And even though I graduated in a relatively small class (just over 100 students), I could not recognize some of them until I saw their nametags.

The dramatic changes in some of my classmates went beyond physical appearance. Some of them were completely different; their lives had some-how changed radically since I last saw them.

Some type of event altered their goals, their values, and their outlook on life. The rea-sons were varied – the untimely death of a brother, a nasty di-vorce, the birth of a child, hit-ting ‘rock bottom’ in addiction, a car accident that should have

ended in death. The reasons were different, yet the result was the same: a change had tak-en place at the very core of the person’s being that transformed almost every aspect of his or her life.

Many people today desire a similar type of transformation – a change that will reach into ev-ery aspect of life. People spend billions of dollars each year in our nation in an attempt to trans-form their lives. However, the most common way in which people accomplish this level of comprehensive change is not for sale. It cannot be purchased in any store or learned through any life coach.

Saint Theresa of Avila, a mystic who lived in 16th cen-tury Spain, wrote about a force so powerful that it can change any human heart. In one of her writings, she compared the hu-man condition to a dunghill (a pile of manure): we are rotten, messy, and foul-smelling be-cause of our sinful actions and inclinations. However, she goes on to state that this dunghill can change into something differ-ent. The wind blows seeds onto it, the rain waters the seeds, and the sunshine provides energy for new life to blossom.

Plants and vegetation grow

in abundance where it once did not grow at all. The dunghill of decaying matter is changed and transformed into life.

Saint Theresa explains that the grace of God can transform the dunghill of our own human condition as well. The wind (Holy Spirit) blows seeds (vir-

tues, blessings, and gifts) onto us, the rain (waters of grace, love, and mercy) flow from the heart of God, and the sunshine (strength and power of almighty God) provides the opportunity for life to take root.

God’s grace does not simply cover or hide what appears to be

rotten; it transforms these things into something which is beauti-ful and positive. By God’s pow-er, any part of our life – even and especially the parts that seem dead or shameful or hurt-ful – can be changed into some-thing that is life-giving.

Ask the Chaplain: Are people capable of real change?

Army & Air Force Exchange Service Public Affairs

Military Spouse Appreciation Day falls on May 6 this year, but the Ex-change will celebrate the contributions of military spouses all month by offering a chance to win a resort vacation pack-age for two valued at more than $5,000.

One lucky winner will have their pick of more than 2,000 resort locations worldwide, plus a Samsonite Silhouette

Sphere 2 two-piece luggage set, a Sony a6000 digital camera bundle with two interchangeable lenses and camera and lens accessories, and a $2,500 Exchange gift card.

Four runners-up will each receive one $250 Firestone gift card. Overseas run-ners-up will receive a $250 Exchange gift card.

The sweepstakes is part of the Ex-change’s Because of You program, which has expanded in 2016 to celebrate mili-

tary families as well as honor active-duty troops, allowing the Exchange to express gratitude for their service and sacrifice.

“Military spouses truly deserve their fair share of credit for their role in pro-tecting our nation’s freedoms,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Sean Applegate, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “Managing a household, raising chil-dren, providing unending support for their partner – sometimes while their significant other is thousands of miles

in a dangerous war zone – takes a toll only those who have experienced it can understand. That’s why the Exchange is proud to offer a chance to live the good life with a luxurious vacation for two at one of these top-tier resorts.”

Authorized shoppers 18 and older can enter the $5K Vacation Getaway Give-away online from May 1 through 31 at www.shopmyexchange.com/. Winners will be chosen at random and notified no later than June 19. No purchase is neces-

Exchange honors Military Spouses with $5,000 vacation giveaway

5April 29, 2016 NEWS

L. Amber PhillippeLandscape Historian, DPW

An American and Soviet officer examine the “Bomber Nose” variation of the A-20. The Douglas A-20 Havoc was introduced to the American Armed Forces in January of 1941. Primarily the A-20 was used as an attack plane, light bomber, and intruder aircraft during World War II. As part of Lend-Lease aid, 3,125 A-20s were delivered to the Soviets and 1,800 to the British. Americans kept 1,962 for themselves as the A-20 was an extremely effective aircraft that could reliably handle heavy use in a wide range of circumstances. (File photo)

Like historic photos? Check out our Pinterest page for more at www.pinterest.com/fwacultural/.

History Snapshot: Ladd Field, c. 1944

Mark SchauerU.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command

If there’s no photo, it didn’t happen.

This popularcatchphrase is especially true in the world of military test and evaluation, where test photography can pinpoint the exact fraction of a second a critical piece of equipment failed, allowing the system in question to be made better and stronger.

This vital work is even more important – and difficult – in the harsh winters and terrain of U.S. Army Cold Regions Test Center. It takes talent and tenacity, and recently hired test photographer Sebastian Saarloos has earned high plaudits from his fellow rugged professionals.

“I can’t always predict when I’m going to have an issue that needs photo documentation,” said Richard Reiser, test officer. “Sebastian responds as quickly as the geography and his schedule allows. He has raised the standard for photography support and is an excellent credit to the test support division that always supports us on short notice.”

Saarloos is a common presence on test sites at CRTC, but helps less visible support activities as well.

“We need a photographer from time to time, but he goes far beyond that,” said Sam Porter, machinist. “At CRTC, job descriptions are a starting point – you can take the ball and run with it, and Sebastian does that.”

Porter recalls an incident where a test customer needed a part fabricated quickly and the design drawings he received were low

resolution and difficult to decipher. Saarloos quickly enhanced the drawings’ resolution and printed up copies for Porter and his colleagues to work with.

“It sounds like a simple thing, but when you don’t have them it becomes very difficult to work around,” said Porter.

Though Delta Junction-native Saarloos has had in interest in digital photography since he was in junior high school, he didn’t own a professional-grade single-lens reflex camera until 2009, and didn’t take up the profession in earnest until two years after that.

“I was juggling working with my dad’s surveying company and photography,” he said. “Since it was a family business, I was able to do that, especially in winter when business was slow.”

There were adversities at first for the self-taught photographer using a used camera as he sought out Alaska’s immense beauty.

“I was up on the Denali Highway once and there were rainbows all around me in two different directions,” he recalled. “I was taking all these pictures and the

shutter broke.”Yet he continued, and

his perseverance trekking into remote areas and waiting hour after hour in interior Alaska’s long winter nights for the perfect photo paid off.

Aside from capturing a wide variety of dazzling aurora shots, he snagged photos of even rarer phenomenon like paraselenae or ‘moon dogs,’ where moonlight is refracted off of ice crystals in cirrus clouds, forming a duo of mock moons flanking each side of the real thing, which is surrounded by a radiant halo.

His crisp shot of one such occurrence over mountains looming over Lower Miller Creek was featured in a photo of the day article on the Space.com website in 2013 and was later reprinted in a National Geographic book called “Illustrated Guide to Nature.”

“The editors said this was the best known example of it they could find,” he said.

His Alaska nature photography routinely reaches hundreds of thousands of viewers on his personal Facebook page, and one image shared by NASA topped four million – more than

five times the population of Alaska. His work has appeared in places from the Wall Street Journal to the interior of a Japanese weather calendar, a copy of which hangs in his office.

Aside from the demands of his job at CRTC, he and his wife have a growing family to think about now, including a toddler son and a daughter on the way.

“I don’t have much extra time on weekends, so I pick and choose the times I go out to do aurora photography now,” he said. “I miss it, but I enjoy being with my family a lot more.”

He also keeps busy in his church and occasionally helps out with jobs in his father’s surveying business on weekends, but every Tuesday night you will find him in Delta Junction’s city hall, where he is currently serving his second stint on the town’s volunteer, non-partisan city council. In his last election, he ran unopposed and drew 69 votes.

“I just do it because I like having a say in how our town runs,” he said.

Delta Junction may be a small community,

but the city council faces weighty issues not uncommon to other towns across the country.

Low oil prices of late mean lower tax revenues for the State of Alaska, and Delta Junction has no municipal taxes. Aside from these bread and butter issues, there are controversies over quality of life and social issues, too. One example involved a recently approved statewide ballot measure that legalized recreational use of marijuana in a citizen’s home, but allowed municipalities to ban its retail sale within city limits. Saarloos drafted an ordinance to do this, but ended up voting against it after intense public comment at a city council meeting.

“Even though I personally don’t want to see it sold in retail stores, my job as an elected official is not to impose

my own personal views, it is to represent my constituents,” he said. “That’s my philosophy, anyway.”

Saarloos hopes to spend his career at CRTC, but, no matter what, intends to stay in Alaska.

“I’d rather stock grocery shelves than live somewhere else. This is home for my wife and I, and our families.”

Seeing Alaska through a camera lens: Cold Regions Test Center photographer serves nation, community

Photographer Sebastian Saarloos has earned high plaudits from his fellow rugged professionals at U.S. Army Cold Regions Test Center for his tireless support of the test mission. “He has raised the standard for photography support and is an excellent credit to the test support division,” said Richard Reiser, test officer. (Photo by Mark Schauer, ATEC)

6April 29, 2016NEWS

Indian Air Force lands in prepa-ration of REDFLAG-Alaska 16-1

Photos by Staff Sgt. Joshua Turner

354th Fighter Wing

Public Affairs

An Indian Air Force IL-78MKI aerial refueling

aircraft taxis on the Eielson Air Force Base flight line, April

16. Indian AirForce airmen

arrived at Eielson in

preparation for RED FLAG-

Alaska 16-1. On average, more

than 1,000 participants and up to 60 aircraft

deploy to Eielson during the two-week

exercise.

Indian Air Force Su-30MKI fighter aircraft prepare to land at Eielson Air Force Base, April 16. Indian Air Force airmen arrived at Eielson in preparation for RED FLAG-Alaska 16-1. RF-A is a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training exercises for U.S. and partner nation forces, providing combined offensive counter-air, interdiction, close air support and large force employment training in a simulated combat environment.

An Indian Air Force Su-30MKI fighter aircraft circles before landing at Eielson Air Force Base, April 16. Indian Air Force airmen arrived at Eielson in preparation for RED FLAG-Alas-ka 16-1. On average, more than 1,000 participants and up to 60 aircraft deploy to Eielson during the two-week exercise.

An Indian Air Force Su-30MKI fighter aircraft lands at Eielson Air Force Base, April 16. Indian Air Force airmen arrived at Eielson in preparation for RED FLAG-Alaska 16-1. RF-A is a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training exercises for U.S. and partner nation forces, providing combined offensive counter-air, interdiction, close air support and large force employment training in a simulated combat environment.

Above, an Indian Air Force Su-30MKI fighter aircraft lands at Eielson Air Force Base, April 16. Indian Air Force airmen arrived at Eielson in preparation for RED FLAG-Alaska 16-1. On average, more than 1,000 people and up to 60 aircraft deploy to Eielson during the two-week exercise.

Left, an Indian Air Force IL-78MKI aerial refueling aircraft lands at Eielson Air Force Base, April 16. Indian Air Force airmen arrived at Eielson in preparation for RED FLAG-Alaska 16-1. RF-A is a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training exercises for U.S. and partner nation forces, providing combined offensive counter-air, interdiction, close air support and large force employment training in a simulated combat environment.

7April 29, 2016 NEWS

Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel354th Fighter Wing PAO

Every paw press into powder dry snow produces a sharp shriek into the dark, frigid air that is only heard in negative temperatures. Not a breath through the wet, black nostrils is without effort, inhaling painful sniffs intent on detecting deadly explosives, drugs or intruders.

Military working dogs from the 354th Security Forces Squadron march alongside the human defenders who stand “Ready to go at 50 below” 24 hours a day, protecting assets at the top of the world in the U.S. Air Force’s Pacific theater of operations.

“There is no doubt this duty station puts you in a unique environment,” said Tech. Sgt. J.D. Wake, the 354th SFS kennel master. “There are tricks to being a successful handler here. Part of it is acclimating rather than just overcoming challenges. ‘Train like you fight’ is a saying that is a constant reminder that we can be put off learning to deal with the cold and dark. We are required to be able to function at 50 below here and weeks later be able to perform at a deployed location on the other side of the world.”

If someone could read the muffled growls coming from behind sharp fangs, he may determine that the dogs are begging for the opportunity to work. It’s a drive so intense that these dogs are feared by terrorist and criminals throughout the world.

Wake has deployed as a MWD handler two times and has experienced environments around the world on temporary duty and assignments to various Air Force bases. After working with more than 40 K-9s, and bearing the scars to prove it, he is an expert in the field.

“It’s just you and the dog on a deployment,” he said. “Even in Iraq or other established locations, you are together all the time. You bond and these dogs become your best friends and partners. That’s similar to how it is here.

“You spend a lot of time on the road and away from other people in a remote environment. You never get to see the true character of a dog ‘till you take him to places like these where there isn’t a comfort zone.”

With nine months of winter stifling lush grass and creating a thick frozen environment, handlers get creative in exercising the dense muscles hidden under the thick coats of their “fur missiles.” Bounds of energy press from the souls of these prized Airmen who are ready to protect and serve like no two-legged counterpart can.

“When temperatures plummet, outside activity has to be quick,” said Staff Sgt. Barret Chappelle, a 354th SFS MWD handler. “When I first got to Eielson, I asked how we are able to train with it being so cold. Wake laughed and said, ‘Three minutes at a time.’”

The nine to 10 K-9s at Eielson are no different than the other hundreds stationed around the world. They need to move more than three minutes at a time.

“We take advantage of every space we can after we are confident that we can function outside,” Chappelle said. “Old buildings, long halls, hangers and every other building become our daily patrol. We do a lot of building sweeps and get creative to expel energy.”

Although the far north creates numerous challenges that may seem insurmountable to an outsider, Chappelle can look at the positives of the daily grind by focusing on the brighter aspects of the environment.

“Have you ever looked at ,the mountains?” he asks with the assumption the answer is yes, focusing on the beauty of the surrounding Alaska Range. “Have you ever looked at the mountains hanging out with a dog? Doesn’t get better than that.”

Paws below zero

Cage, a 354th Security Forces Squadron Military working dog, takes a break after working on basic commands in preparation for a building sweep, March 7, at Eielson Air Force Base. With below zero temperatures possible for more than half the year, MWD handlers break up training and sweeps between indoor and outdoor locations to protect the K-9’s unprotected paws. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel, 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs)

U.S. Staff Sgt. Mathis Williams, a 354th Security Forces Military Working Dog handler, conducts a foot patrol with MWD Oopal March 7, at Eielson Air Force Base. Williams and his fellow MWD handlers work in below zero temperatures and face long hours of darkness while stationed in the arctic. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel, 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs)

U.S. Staff Sgt. Mathis Williams, a 354th Security Forces mili-tary working dog handler, takes a break from a patrol with MWD Oopal in the dark at 30 below, March 7, at Eielson Air Force Base, while the aurora borealis dances behind them. Military working dogs from Eielson work alongside the human defenders who stand “Ready to go at 50 below” 24-hours a day protect-ing assets that set atop the world in the U.S. Air Force’s Pacific theater of operations. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel, 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs)

U.S. Staff Sgt. Berret Chappelle, a 354th Security Forces mil-itary working dog handler, works with Cage, March 7, at Eiel-son Air Force Base. Military working dogs and handlers create a special bond and relationship, which benefits them at home sta-tion and when deployed around the world supporting combatant commanders. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel, 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs)

8April 29, 2016

2016 SEASONPRICE LIST

Bldg 2090 Fort Wainwright, AlaskaP 907-353-6223

http://wainwright.armymwr.com/pacific/wainwright www.facebook.com/wainwrightmwr.com

INDIVIDUAL SEASON GOLF PASSE1 - E5/ YOUTH 17 AND UNDER $300.00E6 - O3 and Warrant Officers $480.00O4 & Above/DoD Civilians/ $600.00All Other Remaining Military ComponentsAUTHORIZED GUESTS/PUBLIC $750.00

FAMILY SEASON GOLF PASS E1 - E5/Youth 17 and under $475.00E6 - O3 and Warrant Officers $760.00O4 & Above/DoD Civilians $960.00All Other Remaining Military ComponentsAuthorized Guests/Public $1,200.00

(Spouse Only)

All Season Golf Passes expire at the end of the 2016 golfing season. All Season Golf Passes are non-transferable, non-

refundable, non-redeemable for cash. Season Golf Passes cannot be shared or used by individuals other than the original purchaser.

Prior year Golf Season Passes cannot be used in the 2016 Season.

DAILY GREEN FEES ...........9 HOLES.....18 HOLES

E1 - E5/ Youth17 and Under ................. $11.00 ........$17.00

E6 - O3 and Warrant Officers ............. $17.00 ........$26.00

O4 & Above/DoD Civilians/ ................ $21.00 ........$33.00

Authorized Guests/Public .................... $27.00 ........$42.00

MISCELLANEOUS FEESPull cart Rental .......................................$6.00/$8.00

Rental Clubs (Standard) .....................$15.00

Rental Clubs (Premium) ......................$25.00

Power Cart (9 holes) .............................$10.00/person

Power Cart (18 holes) ...........................$15.00/person

Annual Locker Rental (Season Golf Pass) .............$80.00

Annual Locker Rental (Authorized guests) ..........$90.00

GOLF SIMULATOR PRICE LIST Department of Defense (DoD) .......Non-DoD

10 Card .......................... $200.00 .............................. $280.0030 minutes .................... $15.00 .................................. $25.001 hour ............................. $25.00 ................................. $35.00

COMMUNITY CALENDARFort Wainwright

Friday – April 29Homework Help Power Hour, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Youth Center, building 4109. Call 361-5437.

Cosmic Bowling, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Nugget Lanes Bowling Center,building 3702. Call 353-2654.

Saturday – April 30Fitness Class Cycling, 10 to 11 a.m., Physical Fitness Centers, building 3709. Call 353-7223.

Fitness Class Zumba, 10:15 to 11:15 a.m., Physical Fitness Centers,building 3709. Call 353-7223.

Rock’N’Bowl, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, building 3702. Call 353-2654.

Sunday – May 1Board Game Night, noon to 9 p.m.,

Warrior Zone, building 3205. Call 353-1087.

Monday – May 2Homework Help Power Hour, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Youth Center, building 4109. Call 361-5437.

Monday Movie Marathon, noon to 9 p.m., Warrior Zone, building 3205.Call 353-1087.

Fitness Class Zumba, 7:15 to 8:15 p.m., Physical Fitness Centers,building 3709. Call 353-7223.

Tuesday – May 3Fitness Class Cycling, 6:30 to 7:30 a.m., 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., and 6 to7 p.m., Physical Fitness Centers, building 3709. Call 353-7223.

Hour of Power Group Strength Class, noon to 12:45 p.m., Physical Fitness

Centers, building 3709. Call 353-7223.Homework Help Power Hour, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Youth Center, building 4109. Call 361-5437.

Trivia Night, 7 to 9 p.m., Warrior Zone, building 3205. Call 353-1087.

Fitness Class Zumba, 7:15 to 8:15 p.m., Physical Fitness Centers,building 3709. Call 353-7223.

Wednesday – May 4Homework Help Power Hour, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Youth Center, building 4109. Call 361-5437.

Fitness Class Zumba, 7:15 to 8:15 p.m., Physical Fitness Centers,building 3709. Call 353-7223.

Thursday – May 5Fitness Class Cycling, 6:30 to 7:30

a.m., 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., and 6 to7 p.m., Physical Fitness Centers, building 3709. Call 353-7223.Hour of Power Group Strength Class, noon to 12:45 p.m., Physical Fitness Centers, building 3709. Call 353-7223.

Homework Help Power Hour, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Youth Center, building 4109. Call 361-5437.

Fitness Class Zumba, 7:15 to 8:15 p.m., Physical Fitness Centers,building 3709. Call 353-7223.

Friday – May 6Homework Help Power Hour, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Youth Center, building 4109. Call 361-5437.

Cosmic Bowling, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Nugget Lanes Bowling Center,building 3702. Call 353-2654.

NORTHERN LIGHTS CHAPEL LADIES BRUNCH

The Northern Lights Chapel cordially invites the women of Fort Wainwright to a ladies' spring brunch entitled "Bloom-ing in Grace." Guests will participate in a sweet time of connecting with each other and the Lord on Saturday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to noon. There will be a time of encouragement, worship, crafts and food. Those interested are invited to attend the event at the chapel located at the corner of Rhineland Avenue and Luzon Avenue. Childcare will not be provided. For ques-tions, contact Tonia Gutting at (360) 870-7407.

CHENA BEND CLUBHOUSEThe Chena Bend Clubhouse is open for

business. The Pro Shop and golf simu-lators are currently open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Equip-ment rental and league sign-up is already underway! Fronterra at Chena Bend is open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. with tasty items ranging from burgers to prime rib specials. Look-ing for a place to wind down after a long day? The Clubhouse also boasts a full bar that’s open from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday. For more information, call 353-6223.

ARCTIC SERGEANTS MAJOR ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP

It is open season for the Arctic Ser-geants Major Association Scholarship program. These scholarships are award-ed on the basis of academic achievement, citizenship and personal merit. This year the ASMA will award two $500 scholar-ships. The ASMA is a nonprofit or-gani-zation with the objective of supporting Soldiers, government and civilian orga-nizations, Fort Wainwright and surround-ing community. Selection is based on an essay, school and community involve-ment, volunteer and work accomplish-ments, and a personal recommen-dation letter. Applications may be obtained by emailing a request to asmaschol-ar@gmail.com or contacting one of the Active Duty CSM/SGMs stationed at Fort Wain-wright or Fort Greely. Applications will be submitted through email no later than May 31. All applications must be signed.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION The security environment in which we

live, work and play today is complex and significant-ly different than it was a decade ago. Civil and military authorities rely on members of their communities to provide a safe environment by reporting suspicious activities. It is also im-portant to understand that everyone has a person-al responsibility for their own safety and security as well as that of their families. Be a responsible community member by being vigi-lant, being a sensor, reporting suspicious activities and remaining safe. Report emergency information to 911 and report non-emergency information to 353-7710.

JOBSIn search of a new job? Fort Wainwright

is looking for you! Visit www.usajobs.gov for a full listing of federal jobs.

CHAPEL SERVICES Southern Lights Catholic Mass Sunday at 9 a.m., Monday at 6:30 p.m. Southern Lights Chapel is located on the corner of Neely Road and 8th Street, building 4107.

Northern Lights Divine (Liturgical) Service Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Protestant Service Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Northern Lights Chapel is located on the corner of Rhineland and Luzon Avenue, building 3430.

PRESCRIBED BURNS The Bureau of Land Management Alas-

ka Fire Service will assist the U.S. Army Garrison Fort Wainwright with the coor-dination and implementation of multiple prescribed fires in the Donnelly Train-ing Area, Yukon Training Area and Fort Wainwright Main Post from March 12 through May 31. The purpose is to reduce the potential for wildfire and eliminate dried grass build up. The prescribed fires also help to increase training opportuni-ties in support of military readiness. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the UYT Dispatch Center at the Alaska Fire Service at (907) 356-5554.

IN BRIEF

9April 29, 2016

“I have been a life-long Christian, but up until this point, I never gave much though about what God wanted me to do,” said Heeren, who referenced a prayer-filled spiritual retreat weekend with friends during her junior year as her watershed moment.

Heeren immediately changed paths and embarked on her journey into the chap-lain corps, one of the oldest and smallest branches of the Army. But it would mean leaving the reserves and continuing her service with the Alaska National Guard.

“In the fall of 2010, I had planned on getting married and moving to Alaska when I found out that the Reserves did not offer the Chaplain Candidate Program in Alaska,” said Heeren, whose husband was an Alaska-based, active-duty Army chaplain. “Only the National Guard of-fered this option, so I switched to the Alaska Army National Guard in order to pursue my dream of becoming an Army chaplain.”

The National Guard Chaplain Candi-date Program allows Army second lieu-tenants a training avenue to become an Army chaplain while pursuing a career in professional ministry.

“Chaplain Heeren came to us seeking to be a chaplain candidate in 2011,” ex-plained Col. Richard Koch, the Alaska National Guard state command chap-lain. “Since her enlistment later that year, she’s become the first female chaplain in the Alaska Army National Guard, which brings a much needed perspective to our overall ministry and helps us be more rep-resentative of our total force population.”

Currently, more than 80 female chap-lains within the Guard and Reserves serve alongside their male counterparts.

With the increased number of female Soldiers donning the religious insignia on their uniforms, diversity is strengthening the corps and truly representing the total

force population.“At first, I was concerned about join-

ing because many of my female coun-terparts in other states had adverse ex-periences while becoming chaplains,” declared Heeren. “That hasn’t been my experience as I’ve enjoyed every minute of being able to travel the state, meeting our Soldiers, and being a part of the Alas-ka Army National Guard family.”

After serving for more than five years alongside her Alaska National Guard comrades, one of Heeren’s most memora-ble experiences was the day she officially pinned her cross insignia, identifying her federal recognition as a chaplain.

“My husband, mom and cousin were able to make it to my pinning ceremony, which was held in May 2015 at the Mili-tary Ball of the North,” explained Heeren. “Once the pinning was completed, the en-tire room erupted into cheering and ap-plause, and I realized how much support I had from the Soldiers and community.”

The insignia that Heeren dons on her military dress uniform summarizes the duality of her ministry: “Pro Deo Et Pa-tria,” which is the chaplain corps motto that translates from Latin to, “For God and Country.”

“I definitely feel as though I bring a different perspective and view on matters for the Soldiers based upon my own life experiences into my chaplaincy,” said Heeren, who turns to prayer and faith for her hard times and is determined to prac-tice what she preaches.

For Heeren, a chaplain is someone who can lend a voice of encouragement, con-tinue to counsel and support, regardless of time or location, and live out integrity.

“A great chaplain is someone whose ministry never ends; they are simply ministers of their faith who have become Soldiers,” Heeren expounds. “My biggest hope in this role is to care for Alaska Na-tional Guard Soldiers and their families and to assist in bringing hope.”

NEWS

Wall, Russia turned in on itself as the previous threats prevalent during the Cold War faded. Since 2005, how-ever, he said their external behavior and foreign policy turned to becoming an aggressive power.

Starting with cyber attacks and then moving to out-right armed invasions of the sovereign nations of Geor-gia in 2008, the illegal seizure of Crimea, and the use of covert and overt surrogates to seize the eastern portions of Ukraine, Milley said the United States and Europe had not seen that kind of behavior in decades.

“No one has seen aggressive foreign policy by any country in Europe for 70 years where armies, or surro-gate armies, have crossed the borders of sovereign, in-dependent countries,” he said. “That is a big deal. It’s got everybody’s attention now. Ten thousand years of recorded history tells us that aggression left unanswered leads to more aggression.”

Milley said the U.S. military has increased its pres-ence in Europe to include 40 to 50 exercises a year to deter any future incursions.

“You can only deter your opponent if you’re oppo-nent believes that you have the will and the capability,” he said. “So readiness has a deterrent value as well as a war-fighting value.”

When it comes to China, Milley said they are the ris-ing power of this century – economically and militarily. He added that history shows the two go hand-in-hand.

He said while history is “not deterministic, it is sug-gestive.” In 18 case studies between rising powers and status quo powers, 15 ended up in armed conflict be-tween the two powers. The other three have ended up in serious military tension.

“It is our job to be ready, to provide options to the President of the United States,” he said. “We know for certain that China is a rapidly rising power and they have been for 30 years and it’s likely to continue. We know that for 30 years, we’ve seen a massive economic shift in money and resources,” noting that China continues to invest in modernizing their air force, navy, army, missile force, and cyber.

“They are getting better by the day,” he said. “We also see a significant shift in international behavior with a rapid militarization of the South China Sea.”

He said both Russia and China are also seeing a rise

in nationalism – loyalty to their respective states – that also leads to a dominant military.

Moving to North Korea, Milley said they have the most heavily armed border in the world. Add to that, their frequent military provocations and rhetoric are causes for concern for the U.S. military.

He said if violence broke out on the Korean penin-sula, the U.S. would need high levels of readiness to counter the threat.

“That’s the world around us,” Milley said. “But there are lots of other things. Ebola, crime and drug trade in northern Mexico, and lots of bad things happening in other parts of the world.

“But those are the mission profiles we’ve been given, as an Army,” he continued. “Our obligation to the nation is to be ready, prepared, trained, manned, and equipped, for all four of those named countries and the ability to protect our homeland and fight counter-terrorism.

“That’s the reason why priority one is readiness and the challenges in front of us are pretty significant,” Mil-ley said. “And we haven’t seen this level of challenges in a long, long time.”

When speaking more specifically about the capabil-ities of the U.S. Army Reserve and the Army National Guard, Milley said the two reserve components bring unique capabilities to the Total Force concept.

“It’s an incredible story, what you guys bring to the fight,” he said. “First of all, the U.S. Army, as an or-ganization, can’t get off Jump Street without the Army Reserve. You guys have got it all. We can do short-term things with the regular Army. But you can’t do sus-tained, land combat without significant elements of the Army Reserve. It’s the way the system was designed. It has stood the test of time. It’s fundamental to the all-vol-unteer concept and it’s fiscally smart. So get out there and tell the Army Reserve story and connect those dots for the [American] people.”

He said that no matter which component Soldiers serve – active Army, U.S. Army Reserve, or Army Na-tional Guard – it’s one Army.

“On a broader scale, I want to put reality on a ‘one Army’ concept,” he said. “It’s about the nation. It’s about why we fight wars and how we protect our coun-try. At the end of the day, it is one singular Army that is mutually interdependent on each other for success.”

And to be successful, all signs point back to readi-ness.

“I need to raise your readiness,” Milley said. “I am going to consciously and willingly raise your readiness levels because they are tied directly to the rapid response to war-fights.”

Milley: United States’ readiness a top priorityContinued from page 1

mately two weeks of pre-mobi-lization training before leaving for Kabul, where they will be deployed for six to nine months.

“We will be the direct link between U.S. Central Command and the Mongolian Armed Forc-es,” said Welch, who deployed for a similar mission in Africa when he was a member of the Kansas Army National Guard in 2010.

In Africa, Welch’s unit con-ducted stability operations to

help strengthen partner nation security capacity and protect U.S. and Coalition interests.

“On the stability operations mission, we worked with foreign militaries doing military-to-mil-itary training,” said Welch. “It seemed like a natural progres-sion to take on another partner nation building mission.”

“I’ve never been to Mongo-lia, but I love learning about new cultures,” explained Welch, who is looking forward to working with his Mongolian counterparts.

Since 2003, the Alaska State

Partnership Program has con-tinuously developed and main-tained a relationship with the MAF. From deployments to Iraq, where the AKARNG pro-vided liaison officers to partner with METF there, to many joint military exercises and personnel exchanges, Alaska Guardsmen have provided helpful and rele-vant insight and training to the METF.

“I am very excited about this opportunity,” said Ring, who worked with the MAF in 2013 and 2014 during the multination-

al peacekeeping exercise, Khaan Quest, held annually near Ulaan-baatar, Mongolia.

“I have worked alongside the Mongolians in both command post and field training exercis-es,” explained Ring. “It’s great that I can take what I’ve learned training there and apply it to a real world mission in Afghani-stan.”

The strong relationship between Mongolia and the AKARNG prompted the MAF, when they volunteered to deploy to Afghanistan, to request liaison

officers from the AKARNG to facilitate their communication and cooperation between the U.S. and NATO elements there.

Operation Freedom’s Senti-nel is the new U.S. mission in Afghanistan focusing on train-ing, advising and assisting Af-ghan security forces. It is the follow-on to Operation Enduring Freedom, the 13-year combat mission that began in the after-math of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Guard: Link with Mongolian Armed ForcesContinued from page 1

Chaplain: HeerenContinued from page 1

Alaska National Guardsmen attend a religious service at the Alaska Army Nation-al Guard armory in Bethel, Jan. 17. More than 80 Guardsmen conducted training in western Alaska, Jan. 13 through 17. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Balinda O’Neal Dresel, U.S. Alaska Army National Guard Public Affairs)

Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Mark A. Milley (Photo by Timothy L. Hale, Army Reserve Public Affairs)

10April 29, 2016NEWS

(Above) Earth Day, officially April 22, has been recognized annually since 1970. Now celebrated in more than 193 countries, the day furthers education on and demon-strates support for environmental protection.

Fun and educational for all ages, Fort Wainwright’s Earth Day 2016 Celebration, April 26 at the Physical Fitness Center, offered several Earth Day-themed activities and information booths courtesy of 25 community partners such as the Alaska State Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management Northern Field Office and Alaska Fire Service, Green Star of Interior Alaska, the National Park Service and many more. Activities ranged from comparing furs types by touch to planting demonstrations and using worms for composting.

The garrison was honored to also welcome scheduled guests City of Fairbanks Chief of Staff Jeff Jacobson and North Pole Mayor Bryce Ward, as well as more than 300 students from Arctic Light Elementary, Ladd Elementary, Hunter Elementary, the Fort Wainwright Child Development Center’s Strong Beginnings pre-K program, and area home school populations.

To wrap up the event, local leaders signed a proclamation in honor of Earth Day showing their commitment to sustainability and gave short speeches encouraging everyone to do their part with recycling and conservation at home and at school. (Photo by Lara Poirrier, Fort Wainwright Public Affairs)

(Above and right) Soldiers and Arctic Light Elementary staff, par-ents and students participated in the “Purple Up” observance, April 15, as a visible way to show support and thank military children for their strength and sacrifices. April is Month of the Military Child, a time to recognize our military and veteran connected children and youth for their service and sacrifice. Today, nearly two million military connected children and youth (birth through age 22) live with perpetual challenges presented by frequent moves, parental deployments, and a host of life transitions that include reintegration and dealing with profoundly changed parents. The well-being of these children depends heavily on a network of supportive adults. Grit, determination, and perseverance are a few characteristics of the resilient trailblazers we know as military kids. These traits are a result of the challenges they persist through, and contribute to strong character development and hardiness. Purple is chosen because it is the color that symbolizes all branches of the military, as it is the combination of Army green, Coast Guard blue, Air Force blue, Marine red and Navy blue. (Photos by Teresa White, Fort Wainwright Public Affairs)

(Below and left) U.S. Army Alaska Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Pre-vention program held an awareness event that was open to all ages at Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, April 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event included bowling, a subject matter expert meet-and-greet, and an information table. “Strike Out Sexual Assault” was just one way that Fort Wainwright recognized April as Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. (Photos by Teresa White, Fort Wainwright Public Affairs)

11April 29, 2016

Eielson Air Force BaseCOMMUNITY CALENDAR

Friday – 29thRUN CLASS, 6 to 7 a.m., Baker Field House, building 3343 Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925.

FRIDAY NIGHT CHENA HOT SPRINGS TRIP, 5 p.m. to noon, Com-munity Center, building 3310 Eielson AFB, Call 377-2642.

BINGO, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Eielson City Center, building 3310 Eielson AFB, Call 377-2642.

THUNDER ALLEY, 7 to 11 p.m., Arctic Nite Lanes, building 3301 Eielson AFB, Call 377-1129.

EARTH DAY: PLANT A SEED, Eielson City Center, building 3310 Eielson AFB, Call 377-2642.

THE WITCH (R), 7 p.m., Ernie Walker Theater, building 3309 Eielson AFB, Call 377-2269.

Saturday – 30thFREE BOUNCE, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Eielson City Center, building 3310 Eielson AFB, Call 377-2642.

KIDS’ CRAFT HOUR, noon to 1 p.m., Eielson City Center, building 3310 Eielson AFB, Call 377-4880.

KAYAKING CLASS, 7 p.m., Outdoor Recreation, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1232.

ANGEL ROCK HIKE, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Outdoor Recreation, Eielson

AFB, Call 377-1232.

ZOOLANDER 2 (PG-13), 7 p.m., Ernie Walker Theater, building 3309 Eielson AFB, Call 377-2269.

Sunday – 1stFREE BOUNCE, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Eielson City Center, building 3310 Eielson AFB, Call 377-2642.

SUNDAY FUNDAY, 1 to 9 p.m., Arctic Nite Lanes, building 3301 Eielson AFB, Call 377-1129.

ZOOTOPIA (PG), 2 p.m., Ernie Walker Theater, building 3309 Eielson AFB, Call 377-2269.

Monday – 2ndRUN CLASS, 6 to 7 a.m., Baker Field House, building 3343 Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925.

MOVE PROGRAM (WEIGHT MAN-AGEMENT), 11 a.m. to noon, Baker Field House, building 3343 Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925.

L.I.N.K.S., 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Mental Health Conference Room, building 3349 Eielson AFB, Call 377-4727.

INTRODUCTION TO CLAY SHOOT-ING, 5 to 9 p.m., Skeet and Trap Range Eielson AFB, Call 377-1232.

SKEET CLASS, 5 to 8 p.m., Outdoor Recreation, Eielson AFB, Call 377-1232.

Tuesday – 3rdREINTEGRATION BRIEFINGS, 9:30 a.m., Airman and Family ReadinessCenter, building 3125 Eielson AFB, Call 377-2178.

THRIFTY TUESDAY, 4 to 9 p.m., Arc-tic Nite Lanes, building 3301 Eielson AFB, Call 377-1129.

Wednesday – 4thRUN CLASS, 6 to 7 a.m., Baker Field House, building 3343 Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925.

ANGER MANAGEMENT, 10 a.m. to noon, Mental Health Conference Room, building 3349 Eielson AFB, Call 377-4727.

WACKY WEDNESDAY, 4 to 9 p.m., Arctic Nite Lanes, building 3301 Eiel-son AFB, Call 377-1129.

WOOBLE TRAP WEDNESDAY, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Outdoor Recreation MWR, Call 377-1232.

Thursday – 5thMOVE PROGRAM (WEIGHT MAN-AGEMENT), 11 a.m. to noon, Baker Field House, building 3343 Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925.

Friday – 6thRUN CLASS, 6 to 7 a.m., Baker Field House, building 3343 Eielson AFB, Call 377-1925.

FRIDAY NIGHT CHENA HOT SPRINGS TRIP, 5 p.m. to noon, Com-

munity Center, building 3310 Eielson AFB, Call 377-2642.

BINGO, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Eielson City Center, building 3310 Eielson AFB, Call 377-2642.

THUNDER ALLEY, 7 to 11 p.m., Arctic Nite Lanes, building 3301 Eielson AFB, Call 377-1129.

RISEN (PG-13), 7 p.m., Ernie Walker Theater, building 3309 Eielson AFB, Call 377-2269.

Saturday – 7thFREE BOUNCE, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Eielson City Center, building 3310 Eielson AFB, Call 377-2642.

KIDS’ CRAFT HOUR, noon to 1 p.m., Eielson City Center, building 3310 Eielson AFB, Call 377-4880.

THE FINEST HOURS (PG-13), 7 p.m., Ernie Walker Theater, building3309 Eielson AFB, Call 377-2269.

Sunday – 8thFREE BOUNCE, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Eielson City Center, building 3310 Eielson AFB, Call 377-2642.

SUNDAY FUNDAY, 1 to 9 p.m., Arctic Nite Lanes, building 3301 Eielson AFB, Call 377-1129.

WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT (PG), 2 p.m., Ernie Walker Theater, building 3309 Eielson AFB, Call 377-2269.

IN BRIEF

FINANCE TIPDid you know that Bonuses or Lump Sum payments

are taxed at 25 percent rate?

NUTRITIONAL TIPWomen’s health: Tryout healthier recipes that use

less solid fat, salt and sugar.

THE GREAT ALASKAN CHALLENGENeed an Alaskan-sized challenge? Compete in one

of our six challenges to earn a t-shirt and bragging rights by figuratively swimming the Yukon, walking the pipe-line, lifting a F-16 and more. Log your progress in our book located at the Fitness & Sports Center. For more information, please call 377-1925.

24-HOUR GYM ACCESSBaker Field House will now allow 24-Hour Fitness

Access to DoD CAC card holders, dependents over 18 years old and military retirees. All those who wish to utilize the designated area in the facility after hours will be required to register their CAC/Fitness Access Card and sign a Statement of Understanding/Assumption of Risk Form. Dependents and retirees will be required

to obtain a Fitness Access Card from the Baker Field House in order to gain access through the designated en-trance. For more information, please contact the Baker Field House at 377-1925.

EIELSON PHARMACY RECEIVES MEDSAFEThe 354th Medical Group pharmacy has a new way

to dispose of expired and unused medications. MedSafe, a blue receptacle near the pharmacy pick up window is a collection point that is secure and meets the require-ments of the newly updated DEA Controlled Substance Act. During business hours you can dispose controlled and non-controlled medications in the MedSafe. Re-moval of patient information is not required. Please try to keep medication in its original container and place liquids in a plastic bag. Illegal drugs, liquids over four ounces, sharp containers, needles, syringes, batteries, aerosol spray cans, trash, medical devices and hazard-ous chemicals are unauthorized to drop off . Any ques-tions may be directed to the pharmacy at 377-1462.

PLAYING AT THE ERNIE WALKER THEATERThe Ernie Walker Theater is now open and playing

movies every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Movies are

free to all DoD ID holders! So stop by, grab some pop-corn and enjoy a night at the movies, courtesy of the Eielson Force Support Squadron. For more information, call 377-2269.

EIELSON CHAPEL SERVICESThe Eielson Air Force Base Chapel team offers a

variety of services. Your Chaplain Corps offers Catho-lic and Protestant worship services each week and our multi-faith worship center can support the needs of other faith groups. For more information, call us at 377-2130.

Catholic Community:Religious Formation, 9 a.m., SundaysCatholic Mass, 10:30 a.m., SundaysSacrament of Reconciliation by appointment

Protestant Community:Contemporary Service, 9 a.m., SundaysSunday School, 10:30 a.m., SundaysAWANA, 4 to 6 p.m., SundaysLiturgical Service, 7 p.m., WednesdaysJr. /Sr. High Youth Service, 7 p.m., Wednesdays

The Fort Wainwright Garrison Command Lead-ership Team and the North-ern Alaska Military Retiree Council invite you and your family to annual Retiree Appreciation Day, Saturday, May 14, at the Last Fron-tier Community Activity Center. Activities begin at 9 a.m. The Posting of the Col-ors, opening remarks and guest speaker’s session will begin at 10 a.m. The Infor-mation and Health Bazaar is planned throughout the day as well the opportunity to win many prizes from our local businesses. The infor-mation bazaar provides you an opportunity to speak with representatives from a vari-

ety of state, federal, retiree, and veterans’ organiza-tions regarding the services available to you and your family. The Dining Facili-ty will be offering lunch to retirees and their families for $5.55 per person from noon to 1 p.m. Door prizes will be given out through-out the day. We will have a grand prize drawing before we retire the Colors at 2:30 p.m. The grand prize is an AR-15 rifle courtesy of C&C Armsroom of North pole. We look forward to seeing you there. If you have any questions, please call Steven Schack at (907)353-2095.

Retiree Appreciation Day