"Home of Airborne Forward Air Control, Close Air Support, and Combat Search and Rescue"

Vol. 11 No. 6 November 2006

Flight continued on page 10.

As Col. (ret) Alexander ‘Bud’ Lyon,PaANG Hall of Fame inductee, steppedup to the podium, a small flock of birdsflew above in formation – almost onqueue – as if they knew and wanted tosalute him as well. Lyon is one of manywho were honored and remembered Oct.15.

The annual Flight of Freedomceremony is a proud and formal eventdesigned to honor Pennsylvania’s finest,and their families, for their outstandingdedication and achievements. This year’soutdoor ceremony was held on a briskand sunny day on the flight line at WillowGrove Air Reserve Station, set to thesounds of the 553rd Air Force Band.

Hall of Famers

Induction into the PaANG Hall ofFame is the highest honor granted by thestate and the highlight of each ceremony.This year, Col. Alexander “Bud” Lyonand Chief Master Sgt. Robert “Jazz”Jazinski were inducted.

Lyon, former commander of the111th Fighter Group, served in thePaANG from 1943 until his retirementin 1972. A true pioneer who forged theway for others, Lyon was an Army AirCorps pilot and one of the first pilots inthe PaANG.

He began flying the B-17 bomberaircraft in 1943 and flew nine successfulcombat missions over France andGermany. After joining the 111th FighterBomber Wing in 1948 as a B-26 aircraftpilot, he flew an unprecedented 51combat missions in the Korean War.

“He’s one of Tom Brokaw’s GreatGeneration” said Lyon’s son-in-law,Dunkin Perry. “These were young guyswithout a lot of experience who did theright thing simply because it was the rightthing to do.”

A flight to remember111th Fighter Wing hosts 18th annual Pennsylvania Air National Guard Flight of Freedom Ceremony

By 1st Lt. Renee Lillis111FW Public Affairs

Jazinski, a retired member of the193rd Special Operations Wing, dedicatedover 42 years to extraordinary militaryservice. He devoted himself to ensuringfirst-class aircrew executed the one-of-a-kind USAF psychological warfaremission of the 193rd. He accumulatedmore than 16,000 accident-free flyinghours and participated in many operationsincluding Commando Buzz, Urgent Fury,Just Cause, Desert Shield, Desert Stormand Uphold Democracy.

Photo by SSgt Marie Harmon

Col. (ret.) Alexander ‘Bud’ Lyon, former 111th Fighter Group commander and 2006 Hallof Fame inductee, arrives for the Flight of Freedom Ceremony here on Oct. 15.

Col. Paul ComtoisCommander

1st. Lt. Renee LillisPublic Affairs Officer

Staff Sgt. Jonathan WhiteSrA Ricardo Cruz

Information Managers

This funded Air Force newspaper is an authorizedpublication for members of the U.S. Military services.

Contents of the Sandy Hog Gazette are not necessarily theofficial views, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the

Department of Defense or the Department of the Air Force.The editorial content is edited, prepared and provided

by the Public Affairs Office of the 111th Fighter Wing.

Promotions

2

HOG HIGHLIGHTS

3 Commander’s Corner

4 Chief’s Corner

5 Diamond’s Corner

6 Historian’s Corner

7 ENGAUS Conference

7 TRICARE Select Reserce

8 Family Readiness Information

8 MDG Spangdahlem Success

10 Flight of Freedom

12 Rules of Engagement

Enlistments

SrA Adrian Albino, 111SFSSrA Jesse Schuch, Jr, 111SFSSrA Sara Schwartzberg, 111MXS

SSgt Charles Brown, 111CESSSgt Jameal Hollis, 111MGDSSgt Dennis Klinger, 111AMXSSSgt Ralph Salvina, Jr., 111AMXS

TSgt Brian Graham, 111CESTSgt Sean Maciejewski, 111CESTSgt Tira Moore, 111MSFTSgt Andrew Raup, 111MSFTSgt Scott Wullbrandt, AMXS

MSgt Ronald Braun, 111SFSMSgt Stephen Dewey, 111SFSMSgt Scott Geschel, 111FWMSgt John Hoke, 111LRSMSgt Clement McLaughlin, 111CESMSgt Charles McNevin, 111LRSMSgt Anthony Miller, 111AMXSMSgt Gordon Nauman, 111MOFMSgt Ricky Robinson, 111MDGMSgt Beverly S. West, 111LRS

SMSgt Daniel Cabrera, 111OSFSMSgt John Felice, Jr., 103FSSMSgt Robert Walker, Jr., 111MXG

A1C Craig T. Beale, 111CFA1C Dharamdeo Behari, 27 EISA1C Jamir Carter, 111LRSA1C Wilfredo Gonzalez, 270EISA1C Amber L. Mehefko, 111MDGA1C Rosea Pheap, 111MOFA1C Thomas J. Stern, 111SFSA1C Jamin Stevenson, 111OSFSrA Rodolfo Arroyo, 111AMXSSrA Vanessa Cartagena, 111LRSSrA Kia N. Weatherspoon, 111MSGSSgt Jacob Willson, 111AMXSSSgt Jason C. Russell, 111MXS

3

By Lt. Col. Claudia Malone111th Communications Flight Commander

Lack of accountability: Its sobering consequences

Anyone who follows national news will remember the storyfrom late May 2006, when the Veterans Administration admittedthat a laptop had been stolen from the home of one of their dataanalysts. It was later revealed that the laptop held the recordsof tens of thousands of retired, active duty, and National Guardservice members. The VA also reported that the employee whosehome had been burglarized had not properly signed out theequipment, which was the property of the VA.

If you are one of those service members whose personaldata is now in the hands of a criminal, you’re probably prettyupset, and you have good reason to be. It’s little consolationthat the data analyst was fired, because the laptop and informationwill probably never be recovered. Given the fact that the laptopheld valuable and private information concerning so many servicemembers, it probably never should have been taken from theconfines of its facility in the first place, much less taken withoutproperly accounting for it.

The rules are the same when you’re dealing with sensitivedocuments. Here’s another example of negligence on the partof a government employee when it comes to protection ofsensitive material. Unfortunately, this one comes from motherAir Force. In May, the Commander of AMC, General DuncanMcNabb, sent out a scathing letter to all AMC bases, the ANG,and AFRC, stating that, “an individual responsible for the handlingand accounting of COMSEC material destroyed COMSECdocuments without proper documentation. …The impact of thisincident resulted in a loss of accountability and compromisecould not be ruled out.”

Furthermore, Gen McNabb continued, “This incidenthighlights recent experiences with COMSEC that were directlytied to complacency and inattention to detail. This isunacceptable and will not be tolerated. …We are at war, and

now more than ever isthe time to expect thecompliance andaccountability we arecharged to provide.”

I’ve heard therules, read the policies,and understand theprocedures forprotection of equipmentand information, butthis is the first time I’veread such an intenseadmonishment aboutthe subject.

I regret that it’staken this long tohighlight the topic, which is becoming increasingly seriousand time consuming to resolve. The Logistics ReadinessSquadron will tell you it takes months to investigate, document,and settle reports of lost, stolen, or damaged governmentequipment.

Next year we’ll have to prove through our AEFdeployment and/or UCI that we are capable of following therules. To do so, we need to start now.

You only have to remember one thing. Equipment and/orinformation you obtain or use in the performance of yourduties do not belong to you. It belongs to the government. Ifyou must take it from storage, get permission first. Accountfor it. Don’t take it somewhere where it may slip into thewrong hands. When you’re done with it, put it back.

Maybe people get careless because the rules are sostraightforward. Don’t let that fool you. The results couldbe disastrous. Just ask the VA.

Lt. Col. Claudia Malone

‘Hats off’ Contest

The Chiefs’ Council is sponsoring a hatdonation contest to benefit local childrenin area hospitals and special needsschools. All 111 FW units are encouraged to participate.The unit that donates the most new hats to the Chiefs’Council (minimum 25 to qualify) will receive a $100donation to their unit for use on any unit function.

Deliver donated hats to CMSgt Alan Van Norman, Bldg320, Rm 242. Donations will be accepted and countedimmediately until end of day Saturday, November drill.The winning unit will be notified the following day.

1st Sgt Food Drive

First Sergeant’s council willsponsor a non-perishable foodfund drive for the months of

October and November, for distribution in December.We are asking for the members of the 111 to donate anon-perishable food item that can be dropped off attheir First Sergeants office. We will work with theFamily Support Group and local charities to determinethe greatest need and make the appropriate donationfor those who need our help.

4

To combat the constant threat ofhacker and virus attacks threatening ourcritical information and computersystems, the Air Force and Air NationalGuard are implementing a standardconfiguration on every Windows-baseddesktop and laptop computer thiscalendar year. The primary goal is PCand network security, but theconfiguration will also ensurestandardization of common softwareapplications and promote interoperabilitythroughout the Air Force.

The Air National Guard, partneringwith Microsoft Corporation, will beginimplementing the first-ever Air ForceStandard Desktop Configuration (SDC)this month. The SDC will significantlyenhance our cyber security byestablishing uniform security settings,facilitating much faster application ofsecurity patches, and limiting the abilityof users to change configuration settingsand inadvertently expose the network tovulnerabilities. The SDC also establishesWindows XP as the standard operatingsystem and provides a core set of officeautomation tools such as Office 2003,Internet Explorer, Acrobat Reader, ActiveCard Gold, ICS Viewer, SymantecAntivirus, and many more. Every PCwill have the same look and feel makingsharing of information and deployments/ reassignments less complicated. TheSDC will allow the Air National Guardto quickly adopt next generationapplications of Windows and Officesoon after public release, bringing thelatest IT tools to everyone’s fingertips.Here at the 111th Fighter Wing, we planto begin implementing the SDC on our

Duty, Honor,CountryBy CMSgt. Brian G. Woodburn111th Civil Engineering Squadron

It has been my distinct pleasure toserve twenty-one years in the 111thFighter Wing as a member of the CivilEngineer Squadron. As my military careercomes to an end, I can now reflect onthe many experiences during those yearsand my prior active duty in the late 1960s.Of course there were the deploymentsfor training, the numerous inspections,and the monthly drills. But above it all,it’s the people, both past and present. Asa traditional Guardsman, I’ve made a lotof friends over these years, even thoughwe only see each other one weekend amonth. It’s the Guard and our serviceabove self that creates this comradeship.As most of us know, it is hard to duplicatethis in the civilian world on a long termbasis.

As the 111th moves forward in theBRAC process, keeping our unit intactremains a major concern for all members.Considering the world situation and theshrinking size of our military, we all mustcontinue to train and work to maintainthe excellence in all we do. I have faith inthe future of the 111th Fighter Wing andyou, its members. Continue to treat eachother with honesty and integrity. GoodBye and Good Luck.

CMSgt Brian G. Woodburn

ANG locks down allgovernment computers!

unclassified network during the monthsof Aug through Dec 2006.

For most users, the transition to theSDC will be simple and straightforward.Many of the changes will be installedover the network at night. Somecomputers will require a new installationof the SDC software to replace what iscurrently on the computer. There maybe some initial inconveniences in orderto enhance our cyber-security. Forexample, some older software applicationsmay not initially function properly, fileand printer sharing will be disabled, theworkstation’s configuration will becontrolled and you may not be able toaccess some websites. As well, onlyClient Support Administrators (CSA’s)will be allowed to install software. Also,the desktop appearance may changeslightly, including the background, icons,etc. although these changes will be minor.Most of the differences will be noticeablein the first eight hours of use. These cannormally be resolved by your ClientSupport Administrator (CSA). You canfind a list of all 111th CSA’s on the 111th

Intranet here: https://137.14.176.129/UnitPages /Comm/IM/csa_f i les /CSAListing.xls

There is always the possibility of userdata loss in transitions like this, so westrongly encourage everyone to backuptheir data to a shared network or CD priorto the change. If you regularly use agovernment laptop, some changes inprocedure will also be necessary. If youexperience any problems that negativelyimpact your ability to accomplish yourmission, please contact your CSA or (ifyour CSA is not available) contact the111th Helpdesk at X1679. We will workclosely with you to resolve any issuesquickly and appropriately.

Information for this article was providedby MSgt Michael Davis of the 105thCommunications Flight, NYANG.

Thanks for your support in making our network operatingenvironment more secure for everyone.

5

MANDATORY REQUIREMENT:Airman and NCO Performance FeedbackBy MSgt. Jeffrey Olavarria270th Engineering Installation First Sergeant

At one time or another, we all drivein a car and suddenly become uncertainof exactly where we are—did I miss myturn, or where’s my landmark? How doyou feel about stopping to ask fordirections? Sometimes we’re too proudto ask for guidance and as such, we wastetime and energy trying to find our ownway. But if we have a passenger whoknows the way, we willingly accept theirguidance! With that in mind, have youasked your supervisor “How am I doing?Where do I need to be? How am I goingto get there?” Are your subordinatestrying to find their way for themselves?The Airman and NCO PerformanceFeedback System (PFS) is like a“roadmap” to get us on course and keepus there. In accordance with ANGI 36-2627, it’s a MANDATORY requirementfor all Air National Guard enlistedpersonnel.

When used properly, the PFS is asimple, yet powerful tool for guiding anddeveloping people. It’s a means tofacilitate honest, straight forwardcommunication between subordinates andsupervisors.Prior to meeting for thefeedback session, the rater and ratee eachfill out an assessment worksheetdescribing how they feel the ratee metexpectations in specific categories. Yourgoal is to define a clear sense of directionby reaching a mutual understanding inthree focus areas, Performance,Expectations and Career developmentplan. In fact, you’ve already focused on

performance and expectations inpreparing for the ORI.

The ORI inspectors out-briefindicated that attitudes were excellentand performance was exceptional.Could there be a better time than rightnow to reflect on these focus areas andreinforce performance with appropriatefeedback? Your people’s confidenceand motivation are soaring. By investingrelatively little time and effort you canrealize enormous returns and maintaintheir momentum. Where will you findthe time to invest this effort?

We’re already spread thin with vasttraining requirements and day to dayworkload. As Guardsmen, our time isone of our most precious resources.Today’s Air National Guard is gettingleaner; we’re already doing more withless and we haven’t hit bottom yet. Ibelieve our best option is to worksmarter. I suggest using theExpectations and Career DevelopmentPlan areas of PFS as an opportunity tosolve this problem. If just one or twoof our responsibilities are identified andassigned to capable subordinates, it willfree up valuable time and allow you tofocus on your PFS requirements.Delegation is the easiest way to worksmarter, plus it offers dual benefits.

Delegating can lighten your loadand provide growth opportunities to

your subordinates; however, it takessome forethought. Look at yourmembers, identify their specific strengthsand try to match the right person to eachtask you’re delegating. Equip yourmembers with ample training and thetools to succeed in the task. It’s alsoimportant to delegate the authorityassociated to the task. For example, ifyou delegate TSgt Smith supervisoryresponsibilities over Airman Jones, sheshould have the authority to counsel himor recommend him for promotion. Alongwith authority comes accountability.This can be difficult; try to allow yourpeople flexibility and autonomy. Havetrust in them, but don’t forget to follow-up. If they don’t perform according toyour expectations, go back to the PFSprocess.

By taking advantage ofperformance feedback and delegatingresponsibi l i ty well , you wil l beworking smarter and providing the keydevelopmental ingredients to yourmembers. Consider yourself apassenger in their car; you can seewhere they’re going. You know theirdestination and how to get there. Arethey on the right road? Guiding themwill unleash their potential and createan environment that promotesfeedback as an investment in our AirNational Guard future.

First Sergeant OpeningsThe 111th Logistics Readiness Squadron and 111th FIghter Wing firstsergeant positions are open to applicants. A third opening may also beopen shortly. For more information or to apply, contact CMSgt BobWilliams, 111MPF Superintendent. To be considered, your packagemust be received by CMSgt Williams by Sunday, Nov. 19 (UTA).

The Airman and NCO Performance Feedback System is like a“roadmap” to get us on course and keep us there.

6

Rushed into service by the U.S. AirForce during the Vietnam War, the A-37was the only aircraft to undergooperational testing in actual combat.

The aircraft’s moderate speed gaveit much greater accuracy than otherfighters of the time. It also causedexperienced enemy gunners to over leadthe aircraft and shoot in front of it. TheA-37’s small size also reduced itsvulnerability and increased survivability. Itdidn’t go through the war without losses,but its survivability surprised many.

The original attack version of theaircraft started life as a re-make of theCessna T-37 trainer and was known asthe A-37A. The Air Force continued toevolve the attack aircraft and a secondversion was introduced as the A-37B.Next, a forward air control version of theaircraft was developed and it becameknown as the OA-37B. Although given adifferent mission, the OA-37B wasessentially unchanged from the A-37B.

Our new era began in April 1981when the 111th Tactical Air SupportGroup here began to fly the OA-37Bversion. By July, we had 13 OA-37Baircraft in inventory and approximately

The Dragonfly A-37“Last of the Sports Models”MSgt Ralph J Perrie111FW Historian

Specifications:

Driving themessage homeA lot of people don’t remember how advertisments used tobe painted on old barns. 111FW CCMSgt Michael Vastadoes. “I have this neat barn on my property that can beseen from the road and wanted a way to put it to gooduse.” So last month he posted the Wing’s “We’re Staying,We’re Hiring” banner on his barn. “I thought it wasimportant for me to do my part.” But is it effective? Vastasays people are taking notice. “I’ve seen people slow downand even back up to read it.”

twenty of our aircrews had completedPhase I, Initial Qualification Training onthe aircraft. By December of the sameyear, the wing had 21 OA-37B’s in theirpossession and 48 pilots had completedPhase I Training and 23 pilots hadcompleted Phase III Training.

The unit continued to fly and evolvewith the aircraft through 1988. InSeptember 1988 the unit traveled toSavannah, Georgia for an OperationalReadiness Exercise. This was the lastexercise our pilots would fly the“Dragonfly, completing itsmetamorphosis with the 111th.

Span: 35’ 10”

Weight: 11,700 lbs. maximum

Length: 29’ 4”

Engines: 2 GE - J85’s of2,400 lbs thrust each

Armament: Max of 3,000 lbsincluding one GAU-2/A 7.62mm“Gattling Gun”, plus additionalgun pods, high explosive bombs,fire bombs, rocket, grenades /missiles.

# Built:

A Model = 39

B Model = 577

Max Speed: 485 mph

Cruising Speed: 425 mph

Range: 270 mi with 3,000 lbload

7

By SMSgt Alice E. JenkinsNCOIC, Force Sustainment

TRICARE Select Reserve (TRS) recently expanded its optionsto allow all Select Reserve members to purchase healthcoverage. Three plans are now available: TIER 1, the originalplan for member and their families who are eligible due to arecent deployment; TIER 2, for members who are unemployed,self employed or have no coverage with their civilian employer;or TIER 3, for any members who not qualify for TIER 1 or

EANGUS 35th Annual Conference The 35th AnnualConference of the EANGUS (and the 33rd Annual Conferenceof the EANGUS Auxiliary) was held 20-23 August 2006 inSalt Lake City, Utah at the Salt Palace Convention Center.The Utah National Guard hosted this year’s conference withclose coordination from the Mississippi National Guard. Theconference was originally schedule for Mississippi, howeverdue to last years’ hurricanes, Utah graciously accepted thehost task.

Although the conference was officially called to order onAug. 20, early attendees were invited to a free concert in saluteto the military by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the AirForce Reserve Band. It was an awesome display of talentedvoices and musicians. In fact, the concert was recorded to beshown to deployed troops this upcoming Christmas holiday.

States and territories were represented with 308 totaldelegates along with Command Chief Master Sergeants,Command Sergeant Majors, Adjutant Generals, first timeattendees, award winners and retirees. The business of theAssociation was conducted via various committee meetings(History, Resolutions, Legislative, Awards and Scholarship,Building Fund, Air and Army National Guard, etc) followed bysubmission of reports by the committees, Area Caucus breakoutsand various speakers for the four days. EANGUS officerelections were also conducted during the conference.

Social events for the evenings included a welcome night atthe Union Pacific Railroad Depot and the always popular “AllArea Hospitality Night” when each of the seven areas (“areas”are a composite of the State Associations) brings a variety offoods and state pins are exchanged. The final night was the AllStates banquet which started with a touching tribute to all thefallen comrades and ending with various presentations andawards. The conference for 2007 will be held in OklahomaCity, Ok August 12-16, 2007.

SMSgt Alice JenkinsEANGUS Pennsylvania Delegate

What is EANGUS?It’s a non-profit organization which increases the voice

of enlisted persons in the National Guard, both Air and Army.It champions your interests as a National Guard member, inpartnership with the National Guard Association of the UnitedStates (NGAUS), the officer’s association and the AdjutantGenerals Association of the United States (AGAUS). Itenables members to enjoy benefits such as the new TRICARESelect Reserve, reenlistment bonus eligibility for memberswith 16-20 years of service, and increase pay raises.

If you are interesting in learning more about thisassociation, please see SMSgt. Jenkins or visit the websiteat https://www.eangus.org.

Remember: Professional people belong to professionalorganizations. EANGUS is definitely a professionalorganization.

Need a health plan? New options from Tricare Select

ENANGUS - Professional people,a professional organization

TIER 2 coverage but are interested in purchasing Tricare.Certain requirements must be met and the premium for eachplan varies. The initial enrollment for TIER 2 and TIER 3 isOct.1. Applications must be submitted to the appropriate officewith the first month’s payment no later than Sept. 25, to beeligible for coverage from Oct. 1, 2007 through Dec. 31, 2007.Applications postmarked after Sept. 25 will have coveragebeginning Jan. 1 2007. For more information, visit the 111FWMPF, review information on HogNet or visit the TRICAREweb site at http://www.tricare.osd.mil/.

Family Readiness news and events

Kicking off the Mid-Summer Classic

Above: Lt. Col. Mike Shenk, Lt. Col. Ed Fink, CarrieUnderwood, Lt. Col. Bill Griffin and Lt. Col. Chip Eissler at the2006 Major League Baseball All Star Game, Jul. 11 at PNC Parkin Pittsburgh, Pa.

The four 103rd Fighter Squadron pilots helped kick-off the gamewith an A-10 four-ship flyover at the conclusion of the nationalanthem, sung by American Idol winner Carrie Underwood.

By Jean Moretti111FW Family Program Coordinator

As we head into the fall things arestarting to gear up on the Family Programagenda. In August, the FRG heldelections. The following were appointedand will take office in October:

President: Sarah BlankVice President: MSGT McNevinCo-Vice President: Ruth BradyTreasurer: Lorraine McNevinSecretary: Kris Doyle

The FRG office has been busy overthe last few weeks with deployments. Theunit has had a wonderful outpouring of

support from the USO and VFW fromBellmawr, NJ. These organizations arevery generous with providing carepackages for our deploying members.The volunteers of the USO provideddrinks and snacks to welcome home ourreturning guard members.

One of the local businesses donatedover 100 backpacks to school agechildren of our guard members.

This summer, the American CampAssociation sponsored free weeks for atleast 24 children at various local camps.I received positive feedback from parentsand many of the children are lookingforward to attending next year.

Upcoming events

Book Fair Fund Raiser - Nov. 18,19 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in theDining Hall. The inventory is right onhand – no need to wait for orders to befilled. There will be a variety ofhardcover books from bestsellers,children’s books, cookbooks, and sportsto health, crafts, nature and referencebooks.

Fire Prevention Poster Contest -Watch for details. Contest will start inOctober. The judging will be held inNovember and the prizes awarded at theHoliday Party in December.

FRG Holiday Party - Sunday, Dec.10. The event will kick-off with a BenefitSession starting at 9:00 a.m. and HolidayParty at 10:30 a.m.

Benefit Session – Guests availableto answer your benefits questions,including visitors from the VeteransAdministration, USAA, Veterans ofForeign Wars, Military Officer’s AAssociation, USO, March of Dimes andAmerican Legion.

The VA will speak with veterans andtheir families about eligibility for VAhealthcare. They’ll also discuss somecommon readjustment themes the VA isseeing with returning vets.

A junior member of the 111th creates sandart at the wing family day here in June.

October uniform changesFor senior noncommissioned officers, Oct. 1 is the implementation date for the

deletion of shoulder boards from the blue uniform and from all upper garments,except the optional wool sweaters.

Oct. 1 also marks the mandatory wear of physical training gear. All Airmen

will be required to have one running suit, two T-shirts and two pair of shorts.

Spangdahlemsuccess for111MDGBy TSgt Timothy Knight111th Medical Group

More than 30 111th MedicalGroup personnel deployed toSpangdahlem Air Base, Germanyfor a two week active duty tour,which was deemed anoverwhelming success by the vastmajority of members.

Col Michael Hajatian,111MDG commander, spoke tothe deploying members. He askedthe group to remember who theyare and what they represent. Hestated: “At all times beprofessional, remember that youare Guardsmen and act like it.”

Upon arrival, medical groupmembers appreciated the warmwelcome they received at thehands of the active dutypersonnel. They were dispersedto duty stations according to theirAir Force Specialty Coder(AFSC). Once e at their sections,a program of AFSC-specifictraining began. Airmen adaptedwell and blended seamlesslyalongside their active dutycounterparts.

Many new skills wereacquired, semi-used skills werepolished up and members becameeven more proficient in theircareer skills. The deploymentproved to be a tremendoussuccess in the fact that so muchbeneficial training was provided.Hats off to our deployment hosts!

Once back at home station theplane disgorged many tired butsatisfied guardsmen. Theycertainly were appreciative of theopportunity they were afforded.

Submit and monitor retirement application online

All eligible members of the Air Force Reserve can now submit retirementapplications electronically via the virtual Personnel Center Guard and Reserve, a24-hour, seven-days-a-week customer service Web portal operated by the AirReserve Personnel Center in Denver.

This new Web-enabled service is available at any time from anywhere in theworld and will give Airmen the ability to monitor the status of their applicationfrom start to finish. Reservists can log on to the vPC-GR at http://arpc.afrc.af.mil/support/default.asp to begin the process

Tuition assistance increasedfor full and part-time students

Good News for EAP recipients. On July 7, Governor Edward Rendell signedlegislation that will increase EAP funding for part-time students that do not have abachelor’s degree. Part-time tuition costs could be paid 100% for some membersbased on the number of credits they are taking. Also, the State Board ofGovernors increased the tuition costs for the state schools, which is EAP fundingbase, so the EAP full-time funding cap increased 2.7% to $2,519 per semester. The funding levels are listed below:

• Full-time Grants (12 or more credits per semester) – 100% of the tuitioncharged or $2,519.00 whichever is less per semester.

• Part-time Grants (3 – 11 credits per semester) for members that do notpossess a bachelor’s degree – 100% of the tuition or $1639.00 whichever isless per semester. (Part-time students must be taking 3 to 11 credits persemester)

• Part-time Grants (3 – 11 credits per semester) for members possessinga bachelor’s degree – One half of the tuition or $839.00, whichever is less persemester.

Reserve income replacement beginsThe Reserve Income Replacement Program became effective Aug. 1, and the

first RIRP payments for eligible service members start Sept. 1.

The RIRP was developed to provide specific payments to eligible members ofthe National Guard and Reserve who are involuntarily serving on active duty andwho are experiencing a monthly active duty income differential of more than $50,as determined by the member’s service secretary.

RIRP payments will be made to an eligible member on a monthly basis. RIRPpayments may not exceed $3,000 per month. For more information, contact theReserve Personnel Contact Center at 800-525-0102.

Jazinski was inducted posthumously, with his wife Vickiand son, Senior Master Sgt. Mark Ericson, accepting the honoron his behalf.

“If my father was here he’d want to thank the families,”Ericson said as he accepted the honor. Remembering andrecognizing families was a recurring theme throughout the day.Lyon said that as he looked out over the military formationfrom the stage, it wasn’t his career or experiences he wasthinking about, it was the families. “I know how hard it is forthe families – my family never a had vacation for years. Thetwo weeks vacation I got was used for ‘summer camp’ (annualtraining). And I think it must be even more challenging forfamilies today,” he added.

Heroism honored

Another highlight of the event was the presentation of theBronze Star to Col. Frank Sullivan, 557th Red Horse Squadroncommander. The Bronze Star is the fourth highest honor awardto members of the armed services.

Sullivan received the award for his leadership in groundoperations against the enemy as Commander of the 732nd MissionSupport Group of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing at Balad AirBase, Iraq from August 2005 to June 2006.

Sullivan is credited with inspiring 1200 airmen to provideunparalleled, combat-essential support to for critical missionsat 58 locations across Iraq. His efforts directly impacted thedefeat of improvised explosive devices, execution of missionsto rescue coalition casualties and flawless management of 2.9million dollars in projects to restore the Iraqi Infrastructure.

Senior Master Sgt. George R. Flick, 201st Red HorseSquadron, was also recognized for being awarded the BronzeStar, however he was not able to attend the ceremony.

A career celebrated

This year’s Flight of Freedom ceremony also marked the endof a long and distinguished military career. Brig. Gen. StanleyJ. Jaworski, Director of Joint Staff, Joint Forces Headquartersfor Pennsylvania, received the Distinguished Service Medal andwas promoted to the rank of Major General before retiring fromservice. As a senior member of the National Guard Bureau’sDomestic Operations Advisory Board, his leadership helpedtarget issues and national strategy essential to homeland defenseand counter drug missions.

Awards and Rememberance

Although the ceremony only lasted a little more than anhour, many others were recognized and remembered beforethe event closed with a 21-gun salute and A-10 four-ship flyover.Those honored include:

Pennsylvania Air National Guard Airmen of the Year

Pennsylvania’s AOY will represent the state in the Air NationalGuard’s AOY competition. If selected, they will go to competeat Air Force level.

• Senior Noncommissioned Officer –Senior Master Sgt.Brian D. Schaub, 171st Maintenance Squadron

• Noncommissioned Officer – Tech. Sgt. James D. Dunn,Jr., 111th Maintenance Squadron

Left: Maj. Gen.James Skiff,Deputy AdjutantGeneral for Airand Commanderof the Pennsylva-nia Air NationalGuard, presents aplaque com-memoratingChief Jasinski’sinduction intothe Hall of Fameto his wife Vickieand son, SMSgt.Mark Ericson. Aduplicate of theplaque will beplaced in the Hallof Fame at thePennsylvania AirNational GuardHeadquarters.

Flight continued from cover.Photo by SSgt Marie Harmon

• Airmen – Senior Airman Jared B. Davis, 193rdLogistics Readiness Squadron

• First Sergeant – Master Sgt Robert J. Shartle, 193rdCivil Engineering Squadron

• Base Honor Guard Program Manager – Senior MasterSergeant Cheryl A. Guandolo, 171th Medical Group

• Honor Guard Member – Master Sgt. Kristofer H.Gacano, 193rd Civil Engineering Squadron

Unit Awards

PaANG HQ – 2006 Air Force Organizational ExcellenceAward

171st Air Refueling Wing – Air Force AssociationOutstanding Flying Unit; National Guard Association of theUnited States Outstanding Flying Unit; National GuardBureau Outstanding Flying Unit; NGAUS StatesDistinguished Flying Unit

193rd Special Operations Wing – Meritorious UnitAward and Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for 2005; AirForce Association Outstanding Flying Unit; NGAUSOutstanding Flying Unit; NGB Outstanding Flying Unit andNGAUS Distinguished

Individual Awards

Staff Sgt. Frank T. Hines, 171st Civil EngineeringSquadron, was posthumously awarded the 2006 Valley ForgeCross for Heroism for his actions responding to a hit and runaccident. A bystander to the accident, Hines was fatally injuredwhile alerting and protecting others from dangerous streetconditions.

Lt. Col. Timothy R. O’Toole, 103rd Fighter Squadronand Tech. Sgt. Richard A. Ward, 171st Logistics ReadinessSquadron were each awarded the 2006 Valley Forge Certificatefor Heroism.

Memorial Roll

1st Lt. Benjamin R. Vaill171st Maintenance Squadron

Chief Master Sgt. Tomas Deffley193rd Maintenance Squadron

Master Sgt. John C. Cass111th Communications Flight

Tech. Sgt. Donald H. Sluyter193rd Special Operations Squadron

Tech. Sgt. Sabrina Skinner111th Logistics Readiness Squadron

Staff Sgt. Frank T. Hines171st Civil Engineering Squadron

Staff Sgt. Joseph E. Williams171st Maintenance Squadron

SrA Barry A. Goslin Jr.ANG Band of the Mid-Atlantic

SrA Kevin J. Jesteadt171st Maintenance Squadron

A member of the Air National Guard Band of the Mid-Atlantic,PaANG performs during the ceremony.

Photo by MSgt Pat Cashin

PENNSYLVANIA AIR NATIONAL GUARD111TH FIGHTER WING (ACC)1151 Fairchild Street

To the Family of:

PennsylvaniaAir National Guard

PRESORTEDFIRST-CLASS

U.S. POSTAGE PAIDPermit No. 4517

FUTURE UTAs:

18-19 November 20069-10 December 200620-21 January 2007

By SrA Ricardo Cruz111FW Public Affairs

Let the race begin! Get the picketsigns and the rally caps ready. But Wait!Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, asservice men and woman there are certainguidelines we must follow before wewrap ourselves up in the political hype.After speaking with some airman of thewing, they seemed somewhatknowledgeable of AFI 51-902, PoliticalActivities by Members of the U.S. AirForce. Still, here’s a quick refresher foreveryone to get caught up on our militarypolitical ethics since the primary electionsare being held in some states and thegeneral elections are right around thecorner.

Now down to business ladies andgentlemen. We as airman, or even asmilitary personnel in general, represent

our branches when we put our uniformon, whether it’s everyday or one weekenda month. That’s why, when it comes topolitical activities, we must stand clearof making speeches, writing articles, orengaging in any campaign activities whenour uniform is one. To keep thingssimple, as long as the uniform is on wemust remain neutral.

You may make contributions to thecampaign of the certain candidate you’refavoring, and write letters of opinions toa newspaper without using your officialauthority.

DOD civilians have more freedomwhen it comes to their politicalparticipation.

DOD civilians who are not involvedwith the Senior Executive Service andact in a private capacity are permitted to

manage political campaigns and speak atpolitical rallies on behalf of any candidatethey choose. DOD civilians may alsoendorse or oppose a candidate in apolitical advertisement. However, no oneis allowed to engage in political activitiesin federal buildings or militaryinstallations.

If we all follow these simple rules wewill find ourselves free from punishmentunder the USMJ, Article 92 Failure toObey a Lawful Regulation.

Remembe,r what we do now pavesthe way for our future. We have to putour foot forward and make the decisionsthat will ultimately improve our youth, ourfuture, and most importantly ourselves.

For more information see AFI 51-902,Political Activities by Members of the U.S.Air Force.

Rules of engagement