Friday, June 25, 2010

What’sInside...

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AAFB AirmanLeadership SchoolGraduation held

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FCC hosts VHStapes recycle drive

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Hargis shoots perfect 300 game

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IMA program tohire 1,600 by Sept.

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Medical MysteryCamp held

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AAFB CivilEngineers createconservationsystem

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Push up/crunchchallenge smashed

All enlisted airmen andtheir families are invited toa free luncheon held at theFreedom CommunityCenter on the first Thursdayof each month. It is spon-sored by the ArmedServices YMCA.

For more informationcall 481-6523.

Free luncheon heldmonthly for enlistedAltus AFB families

Freedom FlyerSupplement to the Altus Times, Altus, Oklahoma

The

ALTUS — Western Oklahoma StateCollege hosted members of Altus AirForce Base leadership team yesterday,Wednesday, June 23. The meeting washeld in the new Regents Room wheremembers of Western’s staff presentedbasic history and facts about the col-lege, with an emphasis on its growthand adaptation to supporting the needsof Air Force personnel and their fami-lies.

Western Oklahoma State Collegeoffers a variety of degrees and courseformats to fit the needs of various stu-

dents. WOSC offers traditional cours-es in 16 week, 8 week, and 4 week for-mats and online courses in 16, 8, and 4week formats, as well as 10 day inter-sessions. All courses, both traditionalsemester classes, accelerated andonline courses are offered with thesame rigor and transferability.

Members of the base were given atour of the new Higher LearningCenter facilities and lunch as apprecia-tion for their partnership with both thecommunity and WOSC.

Members of Altus Air Force Base

present were Colonel Jon Thomas,Commander, 97th Air Mobility Wing;Lieutenant Colonel James Durbin,Director of Wing Staff; Colonel JohnOates, Commander, 97th OperationsGroup; Colonel Sharon M. Hunter,Commander, 97th Medical Group;Chief Master Sergeant Robert Austin,97th Air Mobility Wing CommandChief; Donald Sprague, Chief,Education and Training; LaurenceBrooks, Force Development FlightChief; and James Kelly, Director, 97thMaintenance Directorate.

Western hosts AAFB command

PAGE 2 FREEDOM FLYER FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2010

The Freedom Flyer is a product of, and a supplement to, the Altus Times,218-220 W. Commerce, Altus, OK 73521. (580) 482-1221, Fax (580) 482-5709 or visit www.altustimes.com.

DAN TAYLORPublisher

MICHAEL BUSHManaging Editor

EDITORIAL STAFF

Paula Peterson

Damon McGuire

ADVERTISING SALES

Adam Saavedra

Lacy Miller

For more information, call 580-482-1221

The Freedom Flyer

by Senior AirmanLeandra D. Hernandez

97 Air Mobility WingPublic Affairs

ALTUS AIR FORCEBASE, Okla.--TheFreedom CommunityCenter is collecting VideoHome System tapes duringthe month of June for recy-cling.

After June 25, the tapeswill be sent to the DigitalAudio Disc Corporation inTerre Haute, Ind., a centerspecifically for all CD,DVD, date cartridges, digi-tal audio, video tapes andfloppy disks.

"The recycling of VHStapes came to Altus by wayof the Live Green Air Forceprogram for CommunityCenters," said Jill Wolfe,

the point of contact forVHS tapes recycling."These programs are toincrease awareness of thecommunity's actions on theenvironment and how com-munities can help. Anytimeyou recycle you are helpingthe environment. It takes along time for plastic tobreak down in a dump siteso the recycling centers canbreak it down and reuse it."

According to theEnvironmental ProtectionAgency, the amount ofplastics generation inmunicipal solid waste(MSW) has increased fromless than one percent in1960 to 12 percent in 2008.

Plastics, as well as tapes,are collected from the baserecycling center or in thiscase, the FCC's drop-off

site. The waste then goes toa material recovery facilitywhere they are sorted fromother recyclables. Theresulting mixed plastics aresent to a reclaimer. At thereclaiming facility, thescrap plastic is passedacross a shaker screen toremove trash and dirt, andthen washed and groundinto small flakes. Flakes arethen dried, melted, filtered,and formed into pellets.The pellets are shipped toproduct manufacturingplants, where they are madeinto new plastic products.

The recycling and reuseof plastics decreases theamount of plastics that endup in landfills. When peo-ple recycle, fewer naturalresources are used to pro-duce virgin plastic.

FCC hosts VHStapes recycle drive

Altus AFB Airman LeadershipSchool GraduationCol. Ty Thomas shakes hands with Airmen at the most recentAirman Leadership School graduation June 11. ALS preparesAirman for becoming non-commissioned officers for the Air Forceby instructing them on how to be responsible and respectablesupervisors. (U.S. Air Force photo / Senior Airman Cherice Bryant /97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs)

Need to talk? Call 649-9218A Military & Family Life Consultant is now available to

listen and help. Consultations are free and anonymous.No records are kept.

by Tech. Sgt. Christian MichaelAir Force Reserve

Component Public Affairs

DOBINS AIR FORCEBASE, Ga. -- TheIndividual MobilizationAugmentee program is setto hire 1,600 Airmen bySeptember in positionsopening worldwide in allcareer fields.

Recent attrition rates andthe rise of new positionshave created a great need togrow the program. Unlikeany other Air Force servicemember, IMAs have flexi-bility when they work andwhere.

"We're hiring and that isterrific news on severalfronts," said Col. NancyZbyszinski, commander,Readiness ManagementGroup. The RMG overseesthe Air Force's 8,700 IMAsand 1,500 ParticipatingIndividual ReadyReservists. "The IMA pro-gram offers a unique oppor-tunity to serve in Reservestatus for those who are notlocated near a traditionalGuard or Reserve unit, for

anyone who cannot committo one weekend everymonth, or for anyone whowants to participate in newAir Force missions."

Designed under one ofseveral Reserve categories,IMAs do not serve inReserve organizations, butinstead are assigned toactive component units -either Air Force or joint.Rather than serving oneweekend a month and twoweeks a year, IMAs haveflexibility in schedulingtheir annual trainingrequirements. They coordi-nate with their active com-ponent supervisors toarrange duty dates accord-ing to the needs of the AirForce and the IMA's civil-ian schedule.

"IMAs are fully integrat-ed into operations of theactive component -assigned to more than 40major commands, combat-ant commands and defenseagencies," said Lt. Gen.Charles Stenner, command-er, Air Force ReserveCommand. "We want tomaintain the right peoplewith the right skill sets in

the right places, and theIMA program allows us todo that, along with ourother Reserve categories."

Flexible duty dates andthe chance to work in activeduty organizations are just afew advantages of the IMAprogram. There is also thechance to participate inemerging, cutting-edge AirForce missions.

Like other Reserve orGuard members, IMAs canvolunteer for manday toursor deployments. Base IMAprogram management staffs

IMA program to hire1,600 by September

FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2010 FREEDOM FLYER PAGE 3

Hargis shoots perfect 300 gameAaron Hargis, 15-year-old son of Chief Master Sergeant GailHargis and retired Senior Master Sergeant Chris Hargis, shot aperfect 300 game during his youth league April 10 at Town &Country Lanes. His games consisted of a 231, 300, and 240 for anice 771 series. Because the league is sanctioned, Aaron will bereceiving a "300" ring from the United States Bowling Congress,along with a 750 series award. Just five weeks earlier, Aaronbowled a 299, leaving a solid 8-pin on his last shot in which he'llreceive an 11 strikes-in-a-row trophy.

1900 Robin Hood (PG-13)

1400 Iron Man 2 (PG-13)

1900 Robin Hood (PG-13)

1330 Iron Man 2 (PG-13)

Continued on page 5

PAGE 4 FREEDOM FLYER FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2010

by Airman 1st ClassMelanie Holochwost

56th Fighter WingPublic Affairs

LUKE AIR FORCEBASE, Ariz. -- The LukeAir Force Base Chapelraised more than $4,200 tohelp with relief efforts inHaiti during January andFebruary. But, money alonewasn't enough for one chap-lain.

Chaplain (Capt.) CarlosBrito, 56th Fighter Wingprotestant chaplain, decidedhe wanted to donate histime and help the people ofHaiti in person.

"I searched for officialtemporary-duty assign-ments, but there weren't anyavailable for me," he said."So, instead of going in uni-form, I went to Haiti as acivilian from April 30 toMay 7."

The week was spentbuilding a house for a fami-ly who lost their home inthe earthquake, distributingfood and medication, andvisiting with patients at a

clinic, Chaplain Brito said."The Baptist Haiti

Mission identified morethan 1,100 homes that weredestroyed in the earth-quake," he said.

"While I was there I hadthe opportunity to workwith seven others and buildone, 20 x 10 x 12 foothouse."

Chaplain Brito said thateven four months after theearthquake, there was stilltremendous devastation inHaiti.

"There is still a lot ofwork to be done in Haiti,"he said. "I would like to goback next year to buildmore homes and serve atthe clinic.”

Luke chaplin assistsin Haiti relief can provide more infor-

mation about local mandayopportunities. Active dutyfunctional managers andIMA program managementstaff can provide informa-tion on deployment options.

"Travel is a great sidebenefit," said Maj. ChuckPittman, RMG director ofpersonnel. "Imagine livingin Michigan, but doing yourannual tour and IDTs atHickam Air Force Base,Hawaii, in the dead of win-ter. This is an unprecedent-ed opportunity. People arejazzed about it. We haveopenings all over the worldand in the new GlobalStrike, Cyber, and AfricaCommands."

Another benefit is thepotential to get paid for

travel as well as annualduty.

"Inactive duty trainingtravel can be funded,"added Major Pittman. "Wewant to get the word outabout that, since manymembers are used to IDTtravel being at the mem-ber's expense."

"The IMA opportunityjust can't be beat," said

Colonel Zbyszinski."Members of the PIRRhave the chance to comeback to the program and getpaid for their annual duty.Guard or TraditionalReserve members whoneed more flexibility inlocation, duty dates, ortypes of missions, will findwhat they're looking for inthe IMA program."

Anyone interested inlearning more about theIMA program should con-tact their local Base IMAAdministrator or Reserverecruiter. To find vacanciesvisit:

https://w20.afpc.ran-dolph.af.mil/RMVSNet20/SelectVacancies.aspx.

FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2010 FREEDOM FLYER PAGE 5

MedicalMystery CampThe 97th Medical group, from left,1st Lt. Lieuntant Jonathon Jones,Airman 1st Class Amelia Leland,Staff Sgt. Lakisha Mount, and Ms.Debra Curiel demonstrateCardiopulmonary Resuscitation andother important procedures when apatient is rushed in to the hospital.The scenerio was sponsored bylocal civilian and military agenciesfor high school students interested inthe medical field to expose them to awide variety of health careers.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1stClass Christopher Arnold/Release97th Air Mobility Wing- Public Affairs)

IMA Continued from page 3

by Tech. Sgt. JenniferSeidl

97th Air Mobility WingPublic Affairs

ALTUS AIR FORCEBASE, Okla. -- The 97thCivil Engineer Squadron,the "Dirt Boys" of theHorizontal Constructionshop, are dedicated to keep-ing the environment cleanand healthy and haverecently improved a conser-vation system that trapscontaminated water on basefor mitigation and disposal.

"(It's) worth every pennyin so many ways to the baseand the environment.Everyone involved needs toknow how much we appre-ciate efforts and how well itworks," said Dan Staton,environmental compliancemanager.

Recent improvements tothe existing conservationsystem by the 97th CivilEngineer Squadron added aseries of weirs (small over-flow-type dams). The con-crete walls of the systemhouse three valves, whichare opened or shut by hand.If an accident on the flightline should release pollu-tants, a single worker canreach the valves by orbefore the time the materialreaches the weir, and thepolluted water is lockedbehind concrete for cleanup.

With the weir and retain-ing wall system, contami-nation is stopped about halfa mile from exiting thebase. In fact, by turning

three bolts, contaminationis held within concretewalls at the mouth of therunoff, preventing any con-tamination from the indus-trial side of the base,including the flight line,from entering the watersystem at all.

Ms. Cheryl Martin of theOklahoma Department ofEnvironmental Qualityinspected the improved sys-tem on base, and said "Ithink this is going to work.It looks like it's doing agreat job. I don't think any-thing is going to escapethis, and that's very good."

Contamination of waterleaving the base is an envi-ronmental hazard, and thebase is subject to fines andclean up costs. The weirand retaining wall systemcost $69,196; the estimatedcost for a contractor to dothe same work is $202,450.Without this improved con-trol system, an accidentcould mean not only thecost of restoring any equip-ment, but paying for theclean up to the environmentoff base.

"This weir project is yetanother example of the 'cul-ture of innovation' we havehere at Altus Air ForceBase," said Colonel TyThomas, commander of the97th Air Mobility Wing."Our civil engineers saw anopportunity for improve-ment, and just went out anddid it, at lower cost to ourtaxpayers and more quicklythan if we had contractedout the work...and the result

is even better protection ofthe environment and moreeffective mission accom-plishment here at the

Mighty 97th. I'm veryproud of this team."

Click here for a list ofthe Altus Air Force Base

Civil Engineers and the"Dirt Boys" who made ithappen. For more informa-tion about how Altus Air

Force Base invests in thelocal environment, contactCivil Engineering at 481-7345.

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AAFB Civil Engineers create conservation system

BEFORE, above: site of the Weir & Dam system before construction. See next photos to compare beforeand after. AFTER, below: site of the Weir & Dam system before construction. (U.S. Air Force Photos /Tech.Sgt.Jennifer D. Seidl / Release 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs)

by Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Seidl

97th Air Mobility WingPublic Affairs

ALTUS AIR FORCEBASE, Okla. -- The educa-tion center on Altus AirForce Base offers accessand guidance to a world ofeducation.

The center, located inroom 221 of building 87, isthe base's one-stop shop forthe Community College ofthe Air Force. CCAF,accredited by the SouthernAssociation of Collegesand Schools, awards anAssociate of AppliedScience degree in an indi-vidual's Air Force SpecialtyCode.

The education centeralso hosts WesternOklahoma State College,Embry-Riddle AeronauticalUniversity, and WaylandBaptist University. Theseinstitutions offerAssociates, Bachelors, andMasters of both Arts andSciences, with many pro-grams and specializationsto choose from.

"All 3 local schools areexceptional and regionallyaccredited. Each provides

outstanding support to theAltus community. Allschools offer the flexibilityof learning in the class-room, web-based, distancelearning, or ITV optionswith classes taking placeyear round with multiplestart times," said MarieLaw, Education GuidanceCounselor.

If none of the schools onor off base meet yourneeds, you can always lookat nontraditional learningopportunities, such as tak-ing classes online. The edu-cation center has all theresources needed in orderto find a school whichworks for students, helpingto earn the degree so theycan reach their goals.

"According to the AirEducation and TrainingCommand SeniorEducation Staff, 71% of thetuition assistance providedby the Air Force covers stu-dents earning their degreesthrough distance learningprograms versus in a "brickand mortar" building. Manypeople find this means oflearning beneficial to thembecause of their schedulesi.e., deployments, family, orthe desire to work at their

own pace. However, a per-son must be disciplined insetting aside time to studyon a regular basis to com-plete the course work," saidLaw.

Tuition assistance isanother tool to use. The AirForce pays 100 percent ofyour tuition, with certaincaps on prices, up to a totalof $4,500. You can alsoapply for one-time profes-sional certification throughan accredited institution.

"The tuition assistanceprogram is very useful;over $618,000 was spent sofar this fiscal year for mili-tary and civilians assignedto Altus AFB," said Law.

In order to receivetuition assistance, you musthave a registered degreeplan with the educationcenter or a CCAF progress

report, and you mustchoose a civilian school toattend. Civilians can alsoqualify for tuition assis-tance under some circum-stances. There are also pro-fessional military educationopportunities available forcivilians.

Commissioning pro-grams begin at the educa-tion center. There are sevenprograms which can take anenlisted member into theofficer ranks. All seven pro-grams focus on preparingan applicant educationallyfor a commission in acareer field that serves AirForce needs.

The education center canexplain the complexities ofthe Montgomery GI billand the Post 9-11 b ill. Eachbill has different and sharedbenefits.

"It is extremely worththe effort and time to comein and learn about the GIbills because a personshould make an informed,what is best for them, deci-sion between the two pro-grams of the Montgomery

GI Bill or the Post 9/11 Billas that decision is not revo-cable once it is made. Aperson may make anappointment to discuss thebenefits and differences orthey may visitwww.gibill.va.gov

AAFB Education Center has a lot to offer

FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2010 FREEDOM FLYER PAGE 7

Altus smashes One Millionpush-up/Crunch challengeTeam Voodoo Children arenamed the winners of this year?sannual 1,000,000 push-up andcrunch challenge. The team con-sisted of; Team Captain MellissaGuinan, Annamarie Mason, SamMason, Ron Terry, John Thomas,Amy Abernathy, Jill Richards,Nancy Evans, “LA Ray”, andJordan Abernathy.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman1st Class Myles Stepp/Released97 AMW Public Affairs)

PAGE 8 FREEDOM FLYER FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2010