934th Airlift Wing (AFRC) Minneapolis-St. Paul IAP Air Reserve Station, Minn. February 2006 Vol. 28, No.02VIKING FLYERVIKING FLYER

APS respondsto the need

2

Around the Wing

This funded Air Force newspa-per is an authorized publication formembers of the U.S. military services.The content of the Viking Flyer isnot necessarily the views of or en-dorsed by the U.S. government, theDepartment of Defense or the De-partment of the Air Force.

The editorial content is edited,prepared and provided by the 934thAirlift Wing Public Affairs Office(U.S. Air Force Reserve Command),Minneapolis-St. Paul InternationalAirport Joint Air Reserve Station,760 Military Highway, Minneapolis,MN 55450-2100. For more informa-tion, call (612) 713-1217.

The Viking Flyer is mailed to re-servists’ homes. Copies of the Vi-king Flyer are also available atvarious locations on base.

All photos are Air Force photo-graphs unless otherwise indicated.

The deadline for all submissionsis the Sunday of the UTA one monthprior to publication.

EDITORIAL STAFF934th Airlift Wing commanderCol. James J. Muscatell Jr.

Chief of Public AffairsLt. Col. Margaret McGlinn

EditorMSgt. Paul Zadach

NCOICTech. Sgt. Jeffrey S. Williams

Staff writersStaff Sgt. Nicholas Olson

PhotographersStaff Sgt. John HerrickStaff Sgt. Josh Nason

VIKINGVIKINGVIKINGVIKINGVIKING FLYERFLYERFLYERFLYERFLYER

The Services Squadron held their bi-annual retirement, promotions andawards ceremony hosted by the “20-yearClub” on the January UTA. The Follow-ing people received unit awards: MasterSgt. Kenneth Krueger, Senior NCO of theYear; Tech. Sgt. Scott Braski, NCO of theYear Senior Airman Michael Hotter,Airman of the Year. Other awards werehanded out as well, including awards tothe group that returned from their 120-day deployment to Manas AB,Kyrgyzstan. Meritorious Service Medalsto Senior Master Sgt. Michael McGuire,Master Sgt. Ruth Duffy, and many otherawards.

Also Congratulations to thefollowing unit members who werepromoted:

Tech. Sgt Dennis Shaw, SeniorMaster Sgt Michael McGuire, and ChiefMaster Sgt Lee Traxler-Siehndel.

On the Cover

Security ForcesSecurity Forces welcomes four

personnel. They are Staff Sgts. RonaldBlackledge, Craig A. Schuh, Charles J.Smisek, and Airman 1st Class LanceW. Rusert.

Congratulations to Airman 1stClass Ryan M. St. John, Joshua E.Goetze, and Samuel J. Klein, who wereall promoted to Senior Airman.

Senior Airman Kevin R Graf andRyan M. St. John were recognized asDistinguished Graduates from the USAFSecurity Forces Academy.

Senior Airman Andrew G. Halldinwas selected for the MEO Officerposition vacancy under the deservingairman commissioning program.

1st Lieutenant Leo Morenoreceived the AFRC Outstanding Full-timeSecurity Forces Company Grade Officerof the Year award for 2005.

Master Sgt. Donald W. Scott wasselected as the 934

AW First Sergeant of

the Year for 2005.Congratulations to 934

th Security

Force members Staff Sgt. Christian A.Hermanson and Senior Airman AngelaM. Ramirez on their engagement.

Aerial Port SquadronMaj. Susan L. Maki will be joining

the unit from the 934th Command Postand Senior Master Sgt. Robert Clukawill be taking a chief master sgt. positionwith the Logistic Readiness Squadron.Two new personnel joined the 27

APS;

Airman 1st Class Chris Borneturn andAirman Basic Jasmine Ewing.

At the 27 APS Christmas party,approximately $2,200 was raised afterexpenses for local charities. For theupcoming Red Flag exercise at NellisAFB, the 27 APS will be sending twodifferent teams of personnel, a Stair CaseTruck, and a 10K Adverse Terrain Forklifton a C-5. Additionally, the 27

APS has

several members currently deployed toAli Al-Salem AB, Kuwait, Manas AB,Kyrgystan and Incirlik AB, Turkey.

Master Sgt. Stephen W. Lindbergfinished his MSM(Master of Science inManagement)--Master's in BusinessManagement from Cardinal StritchUniversity--Edina, Mn. Campus Dec. 12

with a GPA of 3.83.Staff Sgt. James Kiecksee was

awarded a wing coin from ColonelMuscatell for his role in creating anoperational plan for a 27 APS exercisecompleted over the November AncillaryTraining weekend. Staff Sgt. JesseWerner, Senior Airman Roger Falnes,Senior Airman Dave Montanez, and A1CJoshua McGuire were all promotedduring the January UTA.

Civil Engineer SquadronWe said farewell to TSgt Jeffrey

Sommerfield who retired after 22 years ofservice to his country. TSgt James Palodeployed to Bolling AFB for 140 days toassist the Roads and Grounds depart-ment. We added some more warriors toCE: TSgt Thomas Junker (HVAC), SrAKyle Bode (Fire Dept), AMN JamesSchultz (Electric), AB John Staub (PowerPro)

Services

Col. James J. Muscatell, 934thAirlift Wing commander, visits witha reservist and his family before anAerial Port Sqadron Deployment inJanuary. For more see page 5.

Photo by Master Sgt. Paul Zadach

The hotline provides wing members with a direct link to the wing com-mander to relay kudos, concerns or suggestions on wing matters.

To reach the hotline, call (612) 713-4685. Remember to leave yourname and telephone number.

Before relaying problems, be sure to use your chain of command or callthe responsible agency first so it can have the chance to help you.

Wing Commander’s Hotline

3February 2006February 2006February 2006February 2006February 2006

Commentary

By Capt. Julie Wokaty-Kozma777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron

1/5/2006 - ALI BASE, Iraq —Descending into Baghdad, my C-130Hercules crew prepares for landing.

The copilot coordinates with airtraffic control while the navigatorensures we follow desired ground trackto the field. The flight engineer runschecklists and theloadmasters scanfor threats. We keepour speed up aslong as possible,configure close tothe airfield and theplane settles ontothe runway.

Through all themaneuvering,coordinating andflying I have asense of deja vu —with a twist. I’vedone all this before,but never with thisgroup of people. It’s the same, yetdifferent.

I arrived at Ali Base the last weekin December and soon set out on myfirst Operation Iraqi Freedom mission inmore than a year. While it was far frommy first time flying in combat, it was myfirst time flying in combat with thiscrew. In fact, it was my first time flyingwith this crew — ever.

I knew little more about them thantheir name, rank and crew position.This will change over the duration ofthe deployment, of course. But onemight wonder: What enables a crew ofpeople who haven’t flown together

before to successfully maneuver anaircraft to accomplish a combatmission?

I believe the answer boils down tothe professional integrity of thecrewmembers and the support Airmenon the ground. This professionalintegrity comes from knowing your job,performing your duties to the best of

your ability and constantly striving toimprove your skills.

From my perspective as a C-130pilot, I know that each crewmember istrained in specific duties and must beable to perform those duties profi-ciently. The training and checklists arestandardized. Everybody knows whatto expect and what’s expected fromthem, regardless of whether they’veflown together or not.

Each piece of the puzzle is impor-tant, unique and irreplaceable.

My part of the puzzle (and yours)fits into the overall puzzle: Each AirForce Specialty Code having its own

unique pieces and each AFSC irreplace-able to the total mission. Professionalintegrity allows us to trust that othersare doing their jobs correctly, and toaccept their product as flawless. Icount on the professional integrity ofmaintenance Airmen, intel Airmen andair terminal operations center Airmen inmy job — to name a few. Being able to

trust in their abilities andintegrity saves crucial time ina combat zone. This trust isvital to mission accomplish-ment.

Professional integrityalso involves challengingyourself to stay at the top ofyour game and never growingcomplacent. The enemy andtheir weapons are constantlychanging. Every Airman muststay ahead of these changesto win the war. Staying in thebooks and keeping up tospeed on latest tactics,techniques and procedures

keeps our skills sharp and up to date.Knowing that you work hard to be

your best at your job and trustingothers to do the same, that’s theprofessional integrity that allows us toshow up in a combat zone and com-plete a mission with people we havenever worked with. It distinguishesprofessional warfighters from ordinarycitizens.

No matter how your duties fit intothe puzzle, you are vital to the AirForce mission. Wherever your piece ofthe puzzle fits, work hard to bring theentire picture together for missionaccomplishment.

Every part counts in the Air Force puzzle

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Unit News

Military members assigned to orvisiting the 934th

tAirlift Wing who are

the victims of sexual assault on baseor while on duty now have the optionof making a confidential report andreceiving medical assistance withoutinitiating a military investigation.

A new Department of Defensepolicy allows the establishment ofsexual assault response coordinatorsat all military installations, includingAir Force Reserve Command baseslike the 934

AW.

“SARC is a brand new position inthe Air Force Reserve and provides anew alternative means for victims andtheir advocates to report and deal withsexual assaults and rapes that occuron base or while the military member ison duty in a confidential manner,” saidEli Pollinger, the newly hired 934

AW

SARC representative.The Air Force reported 456 sexual

assaults in 2004 either committed by oragainst its members. Officials estimatemore than 80 percent of the sexualassaults go unreported and that one inthree women and one in six men will be

sexually victimized during their lifetime.“This new system will provide the

victims services, confidentiality andempowerment to make their owndecisions about what they want to do,”said Mr. Pollinger.

Either the victims themselves ortheir advocates can contact the SARC.A process is then set in motion togather information and contact medicaland counseling services to support thevictims while they decide whether theywant to pursue legal options,” heexplained.

Mr. Pollinger emphasized thatsexual assault and rape reportsreceived by him and other SARCs donot prompt military investigations ornotifications to commanders.

Here at the 934th, committees anda panel including wing and unitleaders, a psychologist and medicalprofessionals were assembled to studyand establish policies regarding sexualassault and rape issues on base, headded.

“We used a multi-disciplinary teamapproach and tapped numerousresources to establish the SARC

position on base,” said Mr. Pollinger.“We are going to have a voluntary staffof advocates who can help victimsthrough this process by standing withthem and/or referring them to hospitalpersonnel, counselors and othercaregivers.”

Mr. Pollinger, who has extensiveexperience working at VeteransAdministration hospitals and in theprivate sector, said people should beconcerned about sexual assaults andrapes at the 934

tAW because they

undermine the mission of the Air Force.“It’s a criminal offense that can

have tragic results for the victim andthe perpetrator. We want to make itvery easy for the victim and very toughfor the perpetrator. There is zerotolerance against sexual assault andrape in the Air Force Reserve.”

All wing military members arestrongly encouraged to report rapesand sexual assaults to Mr. Pollinger atthe Chapel, Ext. 1220. Mr. Pollinger canalso be contacted via his e-mailaddress at:eli.pollinger@minneapolis.af.mil.

SARC A new alternative forreporting sexual assaults

934 AW Public Affairs

12/23/2005-ROBINS AIRFORCE BASE, Ga. --Maj. Gen.David E. Tanzi, Air ForceReserve Command vicecommander, will retired in aceremony Jan. 11 after 37 yearsof service.

Maj. Gen Allan R. Poulin,former commander of AFRC's10th Air Force, becomes vicecommander and assumesresponsibility for the dailyoperation of the headquarters.

"The past year has been extremely busy for ourcommand," said General Tanzi. "Reservists have reallystepped up to the plate. They've volunteered for deploy-

by 1st Lt. Mattie FullerAir Force Reserve Command PublicAffairs

AFRC vice commander retiresments around the world, in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well asin our own backyard during the hurricane relief efforts. Ithas been my privilege to serve with them."

General Tanzi began his military career in the Ohio AirNational Guard in 1968, earning his pilot wings in 1970 atReese AFB, Texas. As a command pilot, he accumulated morethan 4,500 hours in the F-100, F-105, F-4, A-10 and F-16 andhas flown combat missions over Iraq for Operation ProvideComfort II.

During his career, the general has had numeroussupervisory and command positions at the squadron,group, wing and numbered air force levels.

This assignment closes out General Tanzi's second tourat AFRC headquarters. He served as the director of plansand programs from February 1999 to March 2002.

General Tanzi is a graduate of Ohio State University,where he earned his master of science degree in education.He also earned his bachelor of science degree in the sameprogram at the State University of New York, Cortland.

Maj. Gen. Tanzi

5february 2006february 2006february 2006february 2006february 2006

News

Twenty-four members of the 27th

Aerial Port Squadrondeployed to Southwest Asia last month for yet anothermission in the squadron’s storied history since Sept. 11,2001.

Set to last for a total of a year, the voluntary deploymentby unit members involves three rotations of similar size andduration to a location in the Central Command area-of-responsibility, where the members will be working passengerand cargo transportation issues.

This will be the first deployment for many of theyounger members, including Senior Airman RobertMcDonough, air terminal operations specialist, who hasbeen in the Air Force for nearly four years.

“Other people have volunteered and gone on AEFrotations,” Airman McDonough said. “I figured it’s time tojump in and do it, so I can gain the experience to bring backto the unit.”

He is looking forward to the challenges of his first

deployment, along with gaining the hands-on experience andteamwork building that comes from working in a deployedenvironment.

Despite the positive outlook Airman McDonough has,he still has a bit of anxiety and apprehension, especially withleaving a wife and two young children behind.

“My wife is pretty positive, but it will be a challenge,”he said. “I’m just ready to get it done so I can get back tomy family.”

Still, he feels, the mission has benefits.“The anxiety and apprehension is there, but it’s part of

being there. It will be nice to see what we have in front ofus. You won’t really learn the real world mission unlessyou’re touching it,” he said.

Not only does this give younger airmen a chance toprove their meddle, Airman McDonough believes this givessome of the seasoned members a deserved break.

“Others have done their AEF tours,” he said. “Ifsomeone doesn’t volunteer they’ll be tasked again. We needto share the load.”

APS deploys overseas againBy Tech Sgt. Jeffrey S. Williams934 AW Public Affairs

Left, goodbyes and best wishes are exchangedbefore the deployment. Above, Lt. Col. Craig Bogan,27th Aerial Port Squadron commander, talks with histroops aboard the commercial airliner that wouldshortly start them on their journey.

Photos by Master Sgt. Paul Zadach

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AFRC News

Senior Airman Kristi Heil934th

tSecurity Forces

Squadron

What are your plans for Valentines Day? Photos by Staff Sgt. Nicholas Olson

Master Sgt. Ben Burgeson934th

Aeromedical Staging

Squadron“I’m going to spend itwith my girlfriend. We’llprobably go out todinner and a movie.”

“I’m going to spend itwith the love of my life…my daughter”

Tech. Sgt. Shane Graham934th

tAircraft Maintenance

Squadron

“Probably go toStillwater to the ZephyrStation and get flowersand be romantic.”

Staff Sgt. Jessica Studemann27th

tAerial Port Squadron

“I will be in class thatnight but maybe I’ll goout afterward.”

WASHINGTON (AFPN) — The2006 National Defense AuthorizationAct signed into law Jan. 6 providesnew or enhanced benefits for NationalGuard and Reserve members, a seniordefense official said.

President George W. Bush signedthe legislation Jan. 6, providing avariety of benefits designed to bringreserve-component compensation moreon par with what the active componentreceives, Chuck Witschonke, theDOD’s deputy director for compensa-tion, said.

The package provides otherbenefits that affect all forces, bothactive and reserve, including betteroverall compensation and improvedquality of life, while promoting overallrecruiting and retention, he said.

The law also provides a variety ofbenefits specifically targeting membersof the reserve components. Theseinclude:

— Full housing allowancepayments for reserve members called to

Reserve benefits from 2006 defense authorizationactive duty for more than 30 days,versus the previous 140-day require-ment;

— Income replacement benefits tohelp offset the pay loss some reserv-ists and guardsmen experience whencalled to active duty, based on specificguidelines to be established within thenext six months;

— Accession and affiliationbonuses of up to $20,000 for enlistmentin the Selected Reserve, and anincrease for officers for service in theSelected Reserve, from $6,000 to$10,000;

— A bonus of up to $100,000 formembers with a designated critical skillor who volunteer to serve in a desig-nated high-priority unit; and

— Extension of eligibility for aprior-service enlistment bonus toinclude Selected Reserve members whopreviously received one.

Mr. Witschonke emphasized thenew law does not guarantee that allservicemembers will qualify for thesepays and benefits, or that those whodo will receive the highest amountsauthorized. Rather, the law gives

defense and service leaders theflexibility they need to tailor the forceto meet operational, recruiting andretention goals.

One big change in the new law is aprovision that shortens the duty timebefore a reserve-component memberqualifies for the full housing allowance.Reserve and Guard members called toactive duty for more than 30 days willnow get the full allowance, just asactive-component troops do, Mr.Witschonke said.

Another benefit, the critical-skillsretention bonus, will be “a very goodtool” in helping keep members withimportant experience and training in theforce and in maintaining readiness inhigh-priority units, Mr. Witschonkesaid.

The 2006 authorization act alsoincreases recruiting bonuses for theReserve and Guard, Mr. Witschonkesaid. The new law authorizes accessionand affiliation bonuses of up to$20,000, to be offered as needed by theservices, he said.

BY: Donna MilesAmerican Forces Press Service

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7february 2006february 2006february 2006february 2006february 2006

News

For reserve-component members who experience paycuts when called to active duty, the new provision forincome replacement will help reduce the strain militaryservice places on the family, he said.

“It can be difficult for a family that has been living on acertain income to now have less money, particularly at a timewhen they’re stressed by a change in their lifestyle” due toa military deployment, Mr. Witschonke said.

The income-replacement program won’t be instituted forsix months, in accordance with the law. At that time, specificguidelines and qualifications will be issued, he said. Thisauthority will end in December 2008.

These enhancements in reserve-component pay andbenefits are particularly critical during the global war onterror, when members of the Guard and Reserve are playing amajor role in U.S. national defense, he said.

More information about pay and benefits is posted onthe DOD’s military compensation Web site atwww.defenselink.mil/militarypay/.

BenefitsContinued from page 6Continued from page 6Continued from page 6Continued from page 6Continued from page 6

Women in Aviation convention, Nashville, TN23-25 Mar 06

League of United Latin American Citizens(LULAC), Milwaukee, WI 26 Jun – 1 Jul 06

Tuskegee Airman International convention,Phoenix, AZ 1-4 Aug 06

HRDC Workshop, Colorado Springs, CO 23-25Oct 06

The second annual Airmen’s panel, MarchUTA

The second annual NCO panel, May UTASpeaker’s Brown Bag lunch, TBD

For more information contact Colonel Rudinat ext 1298. Remember, TDYs are unit

funded.

Human Resources DevelopmentCouncil (HRDC) sponsored

events for 2006:

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A girl hugs the new teddy bear shereceived at the Christmas party.

Fea

“No amount of video, powerpoints or briefings canprepare you for the sights and smells of the experience,” acalm yet resolute 2

nd Lt. Dennis Davis said while explaining

his most recent assignment. “It was by far the most difficultthing in my career, but it will be the most honorable andrewarding experience.”

From the tragic losses on the battlefields in distantlands, to their final resting places all across our country,fallen warriors from Operations Iraqi Freedom and EnduringFreedom arrive in a small east coast city to receive their lastuniforms and decorations before going home.

As one of his first experiences as a newly commissionedofficer, Lieutenant Davis along with Tech. Sgt. KristenMaloney, Senior Airman Joseph Cervantes and SeniorAirman Robert Schaaf of the 934th

tServices Squadron

deployed to the Charles C. Carson Center for MortuaryAffairs at Dover Air Force Base, Del., to process the remainsof fallen warriors from today’s battlefield, including those ofcivilian contractors. The four squadron members had toursof various lengths that began in Sept. 2005 and concludedaround Christmas. “The Charles C. Carson Center forMortuary Affairs holds an extraordinary life experience andis filled with great emotion.,” said Sergeant Maloney. “We

are the last hand in fulfilling honor to our fallen comrades’glory before returning home to family and to their finalresting place. It’s a priceless and heroic mission to completeand holds the highest praise of importance.”

“You can never be prepared,” Lt. Davis said. “We dowhat we can, but until you’re there the first morning, youjust have to do it. We process the remains of Soldiers,Sailors, Airmen and Marines. It’s what we do there. But

everything we do is done withthe thread of dignity, honorand respect.”

Lieutenant Davis has seena lot of things in his six-yearmilitary career. After spendingfour years active duty as agunners mate with the Navy, hejoined the 934th

tSecurity

Forces Squadron in April 2003before receiving a DeservingAirman selection in July 2004.He was commissioned as a new2nd Lieutenant in the 934th

th

Services Squadron in February2005.

Those three words –dignity, honor and respect.They can sum up practicallyanybody’s service career, butfor those who served at theCarson Center, the meaning hasa connotation that few otherscan understand.

As an operations officer, Lt. Davis was responsible forthe organization of “dignified transfer ceremonies,” when theflag-draped transfer cases were carried off the aircraft.

“I’ll never forget getting on an aircraft and there were17. As we were checking the flags, occasionally we wouldfind one that was dirty. Each time we worked a ‘dignitytransfer,’ we made sure we had extra flags to replace the dirtyones out of respect, regardless of how someone died,” hesaid.

“One transfer is just as bad as 17. It means that some-one died,” he continued. “You can be out on the flightlinefor two hours during a transfer. It gives you time to thinkabout how this is one of the last times a fallen warrior will besaluted and dignified in that way.”

Lieutenant Davis said October 2005 was the fourthdeadliest month in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He arrived inDover Oct. 1 and started working the next day. His team

Dignity, honor, respectDignity, honor, respectDignity, honor, respectDignity, honor, respectDignity, honor, respectMortuary Affairs returns from humbling experience at DoverBy Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey S. Williams934 AW Public Affairs

Photo by William M. Plate Jr.

The Atrium at the Charles C. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs, Dover AirForce Base, Delaware gives visitors, as well as workers, a place to rest andrelax peacefully.

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9february 2006february 2006february 2006february 2006february 2006

ature

processed 10 peoplethat day, and heworked over 300 casesduring the next threemonths.

“We’ve been atwar. The biggest thingis that we are not in thedesert and being shotat,” he said. “A lot ofthe kids were proud towear the uniform andproud to serve. Seeingthat makes me want tocarry on for thembecause they made thatsacrifice.”

Occasionallysomething will happento a member of the staffto create a connectionbetween those who areserving and those who have fallen. Lt. Davis was noexception.

“One time I was asked by a Marine officer to tie aneckerchief for a Navy casualty, since I was prior Navy,” hesaid. “I hadn’t tied one in 14 years. To know I did that, andthat it will remain forever, was quite emotional. While we didthat for everyone, that experience was a connection for me.”

During his downtime, Lieutenant Davis organized a tripto Washington, D.C., which included a visit to the WhiteHouse where he and 30 others from the Carson Center metprivately with Vice President Cheney. He also took a day tripto New York City. The trips and maintaining a sense ofhumor served as coping mechanisms during the time he wasseparated from his family.

“The experience was a reality check. It put things intoperspective. I got to come home to my family. They camehome but will never be with family again,” he said.

“If similar sights, smells and sounds make me emotional,

Photo by William M. Plate Jr.

The Wall of Fallen Heroes greets each visitor as they walk into the impressive CharlesC. Carson Center for Mortuary Affairs, Dover AFB, Delaware. Each tragedy is engravedinto the glass for remembrance of the date and number fallen heroes.

at least I have emotions.”While working at the Carson Center was tough, it was

still rewarding.“The highlight of the trip was doing my job due to the

honorable nature of that job, tough though it may be,” Lt.Davis said. “Knowing that you helped pay respect tosomeone who made the ultimate sacrifice, and just knowingthat you are paying respect by getting the fallen warrior backhome to the family as quickly as we can, it’s an honor to bepart of that process.”

Other members of the 934thtServices Squadron’s Port

Mortuary team have served at the Carson Center previously.Members of the team were there in 2000 to assist with theprocessing of remains from the V-22 Osprey crash and theU.S.S. Cole bombing, in 2001 after the Sept. 11 attacks and in2003 after the Space Shuttle Columbia broke apart on reentry.This is also the second tour of duty at the Port Mortuary for934

th Services squadron members in support of OIF/OEF.

DeliDeliDeliDeliDelivvvvvering the ering the ering the ering the ering the ‘J’‘J’‘J’‘J’‘J’Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley, commander of Air Force ReserveCommand, sits in in the cockpit before takeoff in a new C-130JHercules from the Lockheed-Martin facility in Marietta, Ga.General Bradley helped ferry the Herc from Marietta to the403rd Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The flight tookabout one hour

U.S. Air Force Photo

DignityContinued from page 8

News

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Thirty-two members of the PortMortuary staff had an opportunity tovisit the nation’s capital Nov. 16 and17, where they saw the White House,Pentagon, Capitol and ArlingtonNational Cemetery.

The trip for the staff, including AirForce personnel, spouses, and liaisonsfrom the Army and Marine Corps, wasplanned for two separate days, so partof the staff could attend each day andstill keep things running efficiently atthe mortuary.

The 436th Services Squadronmortuary operations officer, 2nd Lt.Dennis Davis, explained that he wantedto coordinate this trip as a way ofboosting morale and getting a much-needed thank you to those who worktirelessly to carry out the mortuary’smission.

“I wanted to give the troops anopportunity that they wouldn’totherwise get, probably,” LieutenantDavis said.

Although the extent of whatindividuals can see during a Washing-ton, D.C. trip does depend on theavailability and flexibility of thenation’s leaders, planning in advancecan result in a trip with similar high-lights as the mortuary staff’s trip.

Both days the group received aWhite House tour, including a visit tothe West Wing to meet Vice PresidentRichard B. Cheney.

In addition, the groups received aprivate “meet-and-greet” with Sen.Norm Coleman of Minnesota and Sen.James Inhofe of Oklahoma, as well aswith staffers from the offices of severalother senators.

A reservist from Minnesota,Lieutenant Davis made initial contactwith Sen. Coleman from his home state.According to Lieutenant Davis, afterthat initial request, Sen. Coleman’soffice basically arranged everything forthem, including a tour of the capitolbuilding, guided by staffers from the

senator’s office. While there, they alsohad the opportunity to see the senatein session.

After organizing the trip, Lieuten-ant Davis is knowledgeable on how toplan this type of event and offerswisdom to pass on to other units onbase that might be interested in doingthe same.

“It was such a great experience. I’dlike others to do this,” LieutenantDavis said.

According to the Lieutenant, thefirst step in organizing this type ofevent should be to make contact withthe White House office of schedulingone to two months in advance of thetrip, by faxing a letter of purpose, withall of the details and information.

The fax number for the president’sscheduling office is 202-456-6208 andthe vice president’s number is 202-456-2971.

Their offices recommend that theletter of purpose be as thorough aspossible, fully explaining the group’sreasons for wanting to visit, exactlywho the group is and what they do,potential questions they would like to

ask the president or vice president andtheir desired dates to visit.

According to the president’s officeof scheduling, a group has a betterchance of being accepted for a meetingif their request is extremely thoroughand detailed and if their request ismade well in advance.

Once a date is scheduled for aWhite House tour and possible meet-and-greet with the president or vicepresident, Lieutenant Davis recom-mended contacting a senator toschedule a visit to the Capitol.

Lieutenant Davis said it is a goodidea to have the person organizing thetrip contact a senator whom they’re aconstituent of, so that that senator’soffice can help organize the visit.

Lieutenant Davis said that a similarletter of purpose should be sent to thesenator’s office, also containing thehome state and city of each groupmember, so that other senators can bealerted of their visiting constituents.

Anyone on base can plan a triplike this to Washington, D.C.

Lieutenant Davis can be reached atdennis.davis@minneapolis.af.mil.

By 2nd Lt. Nicole Langley436th AW Public Affairs

Mortuary staff visits D.C., others can do same

Courtesy photo2nd Lt. Dennis Davis, 934 SVS, shakes hands with Vice President DickCheney in Washington D.C.

11february 2006february 2006february 2006february 2006february 2006

News

AEF rotations, Fit to Fight,worldwide qualified; all are terms thathave recently come to define today’smobile combat-ready Air ForceReserve. An area of readiness that isbeing looked at more and more closelyby AFRC leaders is dental readiness.

During the first Gulf war, it wasdiscovered that a significant number ofReservists arrived at deployedlocations in need of serious dentalcare. These conditions prevented theReservists from performing theirwartime missions and decreased thereadiness levels of the deployed units.“Many people were aware that theyhad dental issues that needed atten-tion before they deployed, but wereunder the mistaken assumption thatthere would be dental clinics andproviders available to treat theseconditions at their deployed loca-tions,” said Lt. Col. Neil Anderson, 934AW chief of dental services.

As a result of these findings, AirForce Reserve Command looked at

ways to correct the problem withoutsignificantly increasing the workload ofReserve dentists and technicians. Theprogram that has evolved requiresreservists to receive a dental examina-tion every year and goes in to effectFeb. 1. Every third year, the Reservist isseen by an Air Force Reserve dentist inconjunction with their long physical.In the two years in between, Reservistsmust have DOD form 2813, ActiveDuty/Reserve Forces Dental Examina-tion, completed by their civilian dentistwithin a six month window prior to theirbirthday.

Reservists will not be given dentalexams by Reserve dentists during shortphysicals. The form must be turned inwithin the six month window to theDental Clinic or can be faxed to 612-713-1149. The form provides anassessment of the Reservist’s dentalhealth to the unit and is used todetermine the Reservist’s status forworldwide deployments.

“It is highly recommended thatreservists have the form completed asearly as possible in the six month

window,” said Colonel Anderson.“This way, if there are problems, therewill be time to correct them and turn ina form that indicates the Reservist is ingood dental health.” If a Reservistdoes not turn in the form by their birthdate they will be placed on a profileplacing them on a no-pay, no pointsstatus. If the form is turned in showingmajor problems causing the Reservistto lose world wide qualification, theywill still be able to participate locallybut will not be able to deploy or attendschools until the problem is corrected.

“The six month window is the mostimportant thing to remember,” addedColonel Anderson. “If you visit thedentist a few weeks earlier than sixmonths before your birthday, the visitwon’t count.”

For those who don’t have dentalinsurance, it is available at a veryreasonable cost through the Tricareprogram. The program also coversorthodontics as well. To learn moreabout the insurance and to enroll on-line visit www.ucci.com. Forms are alsoavailable at the dental clinic.

New program ensures dental readinessBy Master Sgt. Paul Zadach934 AW Public Affairs

A tuition assistance workshop will be heldJanuary 11th

tand 12th

tRoom 220, 5905 34th

tAve So, Air

Force Reserve Base in the Navy and Marine Reserve Center.Workshop starts 8:15 AM and ends 4:30 PM both days.

Feb 9thtand 10th

the workshop will be held at the

Education Center at Camp Ripley. Workshop starts 8:15 AMand ends 4:30 PM both days.

Transition Assistance Program (TAP) Workshops arebeing offered to the returning veterans and their spouses.Participants will learn how to write effective resumes andcover letters, proper interviewing techniques, and the mostcurrent methods for successful job searches. Information willbe provided on current labor market conditions, assessingindividual skills and competencies, information regardinglicensing and certification requirements, and local contactinformation on veteran’s benefits.

Dress is Casual. Rank is left at the door.Prior registration is required. Class is limited to 25

participants. Return this information to Dean Eichelberger viae-mail at dean.eichelberger@state.mn.us or by calling 320-231-5174 ext 7520. You can also mail this to Willmar WorkForceCenter, 2200 23rd

rSt. NE Suite 2040, Willmar, MN 56201.

Registration Information forDate:_____________________________________

Name: ________________________Rank:________Spouse: ______________Address:_________________________________________________________

City: _______________________________State:____________Zip:—————________E-mail______________

Phone:_______________________

Unit Name:_______________________________________________________Address:_________________________________________________________City: ________________________________State:___________Zip:_________Commander:__________________________Phone:________

Transition Assistance Program available

News

12 VIKINGVIKINGVIKINGVIKINGVIKING FLYERFLYERFLYERFLYERFLYER

Lt. Col. Mark Vijums, (right) 96thAirlift Squadron commander,speaks to his new troops afterassuming command from Lt. Col.Robert Ross during the JanuaryUTA. Colonel Ross took commandof the 96

tAS in June 2004 during

the current Operation EnduringFreedom and was deployedalmost immediately to Ali AlSalem Air Base, Kuwait tocommand the 386th

tAir

Expeditionary Squadron. ColonelRoss will be retiring in March ofthis year.The ceremony was presided overby Lt. Col. Allan Swartzmiller,934th

tOperations Group

commander. Colonel Vijums hadcommanded the 934

tOSF and

had brought about severalpositive changes to the flight.

Vijums to leadflying squadron

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. - The Air Force’s mostadvanced weapon system is ready for combat, Air Forceofficials here announced Thursday.

In reaching initial operational capability, the F-22ARaptor has been certified ready for employment.

Declaring the transformational fighter IOC meansthe Raptor’s proven capabilities are now available for use incombat around the globe and are supported by a properlytrained and equipped force. It also means the aircraft isqualified to perform homeland defense missions whenrequired. In the words of Gen. Ronald E. Keys, Air CombatCommand commander, “If we go to war tomorrow, the Raptorwill go with us.”

“F-22A IOC means our warfighters now have anunprecedented lethal mix of air-to-air and air-to-groundcapabilities at their disposal,” General Keys said. “TheRaptor’s cutting-edge technology brings us continued jointair dominance despite advancing enemy threats.”

Reaching the IOC milestone culminates a collaborativeeffort between Air Force organizations and the service’sindustry partners over the past 25 years. The road to IOCincluded the F-22A System Program Office turning Air Forcerequirements into a successful acquisition program; devel-opmental flight test and evaluation, simulation and groundtesting at Edwards AFB, Calif., and Eglin AFB, Fla.; enginetesting at Arnold AFB, Tenn.; missile testing at HollomanAFB, N.M., and over the Pacific Test Range; tactics develop-

ment at Nellis AFB, Nev.; pilot and maintenance training atTyndall AFB, Fla.; and deployability here.

“The F-22A fulfills a long quest to bring fifth-generationcapabilities of stealth, supercruise and precision to thewarfighter today and 30 years from today,” General Keyssaid. “Now that we have met our first promised milestone ofa fully capable, multi-mission platform ready for combat, weare already focused on furthering our integrated tacticsdevelopment, refining our deployability, and growing andtraining our force. To add to what we learned on oursuccessful first operational deployment to the Utah Test andTraining Range to drop (joint direct attack munitions), flyagainst double-digit (surface-to-air missiles) at Nellis, andwork (close air support) with F-16 FAC-As, we will conductour first routine peacetime exercise deployment by taking 12Raptors to Alaska in June for Northern Edge.”

“As I told (Air Force Chief of Staff) Gen. (T. Michael)Moseley, he and I have spent our lifetime executing,instructing, and providing air dominance for the joint force.Lamentably, we have never been privileged to hold aweapon like this in our hands. After reviewing our testresults, seeing our operational deployment performance, andtalking to the pilots that will go to war with it, I am confidentthat the F-22A joins the combat force at a far more matureand capable level than any of our previous great aircraft,and will take its rightful place in a long line of U.S. Air Forcelegends of the air,” General Keys said.

Air Force declares F-22A operationalPhoto by Staff Sgt. John Herrick

Promotions

13february 2006february 2006february 2006february 2006february 2006

Lt. Col. David Olafson 934th Operations Support FlightMaj. Peter Draheim 934th Operations Support FlightMaj. David N. Hanten 934th Airlift WingSenior Master Sgt. Michael L. Gilbert 934th Operations GroupSenior Master Sgt. John L. Skarhus 934th Operations GroupMaster Sgt. Steven P. Priebe 934th Logistics Readiness SquadronMaster Sgt. Paul J. McCann 934th Airlift WingMaster Sgt. Roxanne L. Steffen 934th Aeromedical Staging SquadronTech. Sgt. Jeffery H. Sommerfield 934th Civil Engineer SquadronTech. Sgt. Charles B. Nowicki 934th Aeromedical Staging Squadron

Promotions and Decorations

SergeantS Upp & adamSergeantS Upp & adamSergeantS Upp & adamSergeantS Upp & adamSergeantS Upp & adam

By Senior Master Sgt. Doug Johnson

UTA ScheduleFiscal Year 2006

Feb. 4-5Mar. 4-5Apr. 1-2May 6-7June 3-4July 15-16Aug. 5-6Sep. 9-10

Air Force Commendation MedalCapt. Robert E. Jackson Jr. 934th Aeromedical Staging SquadronTech St. Jody K. Knight 934th Airlift WingTech Sgt. Scott A. Lewis 934th Maintenance Operations FlightTech Sgt. Stephen L. Tainter 934th Logistics Readiness SquadronTech. Sgt. Michael C. Bauch 934th Aircraft Maintenance SquadronTech. Sgt. Troy B. Huna 934th Maintenance Operations FlightTech. Sgt. Julie Carie 934th Civil Engineer SquadronTech Sgt. Steven Robinson 934th Airlift WingStaff Sgt. Thomas Murphy 934th Airlift WingStaff Sgt. Nathan Dillner 934th Airlift WingStaff Sergeant Rodney A. Schaffer 934th Airlift WingStaff Sergeant James A. Rudh 934th Aeromedical Staging Squadron

Lieutenant Colonel Selina E. Petaros 934th Mission Support GroupCaptain Daniel M. Johnson 934th Logistics Readiness SquadronStaff Sergant Anna M. Barlett 934th Airlift WingStaff Sgt. Jonah P. Scarset 96th Airlift Squadron

Meritorious Service Medal

Air Force Achievement Medal

Air MedalCapt. Jeffery N. Prochnow

Firing Rangeoff limits

The 934th Airlift Wingfiring range, located on FortSnelling grounds, is off limitsto unauthorized people.Trespassing is illegal anddangerous. For additionalinformation, contact 934thCombat Arms, Master Sgt.Gamboni at 612-713-1815

14

Activities

VIKINGVIKINGVIKINGVIKINGVIKING FLYERFLYERFLYERFLYERFLYER

Viking VibesViking VibesViking VibesViking VibesViking VibesChill Out Lounge & Pizza

Thoughout February, buy 1 largepizza, get a medium pizza for half price.

Offer valid on dine in and take out.Call (612) 713-1672.

Valentine’s Day dinner fortwo

Feb. 14 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at theOfficers’ ClubMenu includes:Salad6 oz. N.Y. steak & shrimp scampiPotatoesVegetableSpecial dessertComplimentary glass of wineMusical entertainment from 6 to 10 p.m.

Members $24.95, Non-members$27.95

Reservations required. Call (612)713-3678.

Boss & Buddy DayFeb. 23 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the

Services ClubBosses, bring your staff to the

club, relax, and enjoy drink specialsand free appetizers.

Stay for Happy Hour starting at4:30 p.m. Discounts on all drinks.

Club barsThe Services Club bar is open

11:30 a.m. Wednesdays.The Officers’ Club bar is open

11:30 a.m. Fridays.

Mug nights Starts 4 p.m. Tuesdays at the

Officers’ Club and 4 p.m. Thursdays atthe Services Club.

Order a custom-made mug from thebartender. Choose from a wide varietyof designs. Until it arrives, bring in amug of your choice.

Enjoy tap beer for $1.75 (up to 20

oz.) and brat, sauerkraut and potatosalad for $3.50. Lounge menu alsoavailable.

Bingo at the Services Club Every Friday starting at 5:15 p.m.Social hour is from 4 to 6 p.m.

Enjoy free appetizers.For more information, call (612)

713-3670.

Birthday specialClub members receive a $15

certificate from the club on theirbirthday.

This is offer good is only duringthe month of the club member’sbirthday.

Check with the hostess or dutymanager, or call (612) 713-3670.

Outdoor Recreation rentalsCheck out all the great things you

can rent from Outdoor Recreation.Choose from a wide variety of

winter sports equipment, includingsnow shoes, toboggans, ice fishinggear and snow tubes.

An array of party equipment isalso available, including tables, chairsand chocolate fountains.

Call (612) 713-1496.

Lodging recycling programThe North Country Lodge is

accepting donations of clean, unripped,dry paper bags with handles. The bagswill be placed in guest rooms, soguests can put their recyclables inthem. Bags can be given anytime to theclerk at the front desk.

Lodging is also looking for acatchy name for the recycling program.Anyone with ideas can call (612) 713-1978.Fitness Center personal

trainingMeet your fitness goals in 2006

with a little help from certified personaltrainers at the Fitness Center!

Designed to help individualsachieve their goals safely and withfaster results, the center’s personaltraining program features one-on-onesessions.

Trainers will help individualsdevelop a personalized exercise andnutrition program that will decreasetheir body fat, increase energy level,improve eating habits amd build musclestrength.

Several price packages areavailable. Call (612) 713-1496.

Officers Spouses ClubFebruary 16, 2006, 11:30am, Spring

Fling Bingo. Bring your magical Bingospirits and karma. Please RSVP to JanOlson (952) 831-2438 or RobertaGronemann (763) 494-3517

Special Activities:Tuesday Bridge: 2nd & 3rd

Tuesday each month at 10 a.m. CallGermaine Reuterdahl for more details at(952) 881-0107

Evening Bridge: 1st & 3rd Wednes-days each month at 7pm. Call DianeLerohl (952) 935-4467 or RobertaGronemann (763) 494-3517

NEW MEMBERSWELCOMED

If you are the spouse of a U.S.Armed Forces officer and a member ingood standing at the Officer’s Club,you may be eligible for membership inthis group.. Call Lee Claar at (952) 831-5252 for more information.

Viking Flyer deadline isSunday of the UTA priorto month of publication.

15

Calendar

February 2006February 2006February 2006February 2006February 2006

Did you know?

Air Force Photo

Air Force Reserve Command aviators will soon be wearing the Attenu-ating Custom Communications Earpiece System, or ACCES. Thecustom fit earpieces help to reduce noise by 40 decibels and providesclearer radio communication in the cockpit. The Air Force ResearchLaboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, developedACCES when Air Force maintenance crews reported problems commu-nicating with each other and with pilots when jet engines were in high-power settings. (U.S. Air Force photo)

934th Airlift WingPublic Affairs Office760 Military HighwayMinneapolis, MN 55450-2100

PRST STANDARDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDHelmer Printing

To the family of:

Discount tickets/couponsTo purchase tickets for Camp Snoopy, Underwater Adven-tures, Minnesota Zoo, Minnesota Children’s Museum andChanhassen Dinner Theater, call the fitness center at (612)713-1496. Discount cards for the zoo and IMAX theater arealso available.

Fitness center hours5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays5 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays8 a.m. to 4 p.m. SundaysClosed on federal holidays

TravelArmed Forces Vacation Club offers time share units. Cost is$264 per week.Go to www.afvclub.com.Use AFVC MLPS-ST. P AFRB Installation #333. BaseMorale, Welfare and Recreation program receives cashwhen installation number is used.

Air Force Travel - www.aftravelonline.comShades of Green Resort, Disney World -www.armymwr.com

Feb. 5 at the Officers’ & Services clubsBring your friends and cheer on your team!

Lounge opens at noon.Free pizza at half time for members

Non-members $3Specials offered on pitchers of beer.

Super Bowl Sunday