wing elite honor guard shows colors at nyc veteran’s day · wing elite honor guard shows colors...

Vol. 13, No. 5, November-December 2005

AF climate survey here,full wing participationencouraged

Sergeants make unithistory, receive firstNCO induction tradition

See Page 7See Page 3 See 2

514th security forcemembers deploy tohelp hurricane victims

Wing elite honor guard showscolors at NYC Veteran’s Day

This funded Air Force Reserve news-paper is an authorized publication formembers of the U.S. military services.Contents of the Beacon are not neces-sarily the official views of, or en-dorsed by, the U.S. Government, theDepartment of Defense or Depart-ment of the Air Force. Editorial con-tent is edited, prepared, and providedby the public affairs office of the 514thAir Mobility Wing, McGuire Air ForceBase, N.J. All photos are courtesy ofthe U.S. Air Force unless otherwisenoted.

The deadline for submittingBEACON articles is the firstday of the month for publi-cation in next month’s issue.Submit the article on disk inMicrosoft Word, and includeyour name and phone num-ber. Articles can also be

submitted via e-mail to:[email protected].

Call (609) 754-3487 formore information.

November-December 2005

EDITORIAL STAFF

Col. James N. StewartWing Commander

MSgt. Donna T. JeffriesEditor

SSgt. Monica DalbergStaff Writer

Photo Processing305th Communications Squadron

Visual Information Services

BEACON November-December 20052

FROM THE COMMANDER

BEACON

By Lt. Gen. John A. BradleyCommander of Air Force Reserve Command

WASHINGTON – As the holiday season and another year approach, let us taketime to consider what is really important – family and friends.

During this time of year, we tend to hold our families a little closer, realizing thatwhat we take for granted can change in an instant. We need to remember our friendswho have endured great sacrifices or those who have suffered great loss on theGulf Coast.

It is your realization of what is important, coupled with your dedication to duty, thatenables you to serve our great nation so well. You know the price of freedom and youare willing to pay it. I salute those who have deployed in harm’s way and supportedthe Global War on Terrorism, as well as those who have worked so hard to assist withhurricane rescue and relief.

As in the past, we face new challenges in 2006 – aircraft conversions, participa-tion in air and space expeditionary force deployments and mission changes to namea few. I am confident you will once again do our country proud.

Jan and I wish you and yours happy holidays and a safe, joyous New Year. Weare proud of you and what you do for America.

AFRC News Service

Holiday season messagehighlights importance of life

Thank you all for taking the time to pre-pare for our Operational Readiness Inspec-tion and putting forth your best effort to de-liver “outstanding” results. I am proud ofeach and every one of you. As the “quietprofessionals” you worked long, hard hourspreparing for the challenge and then ex-ecuted using your superb training with greatefficiency and with a sense of urgency thateven the inspectors noticed. Working side-by-side with both our active duty partnersand our Air National Guard counterparts, wetruly showed the Inspector General whatthe “Freedom Wing” can do!

Col. Stephen King, the Air MobilityCommand IG Team Chief, stated that he was“impressed with the professionalism andpositive ‘Can Do’ spirit” of our folks. Healso mentioned that our folks did “a marvel-ous job in the area of safety.” I agree! How-ever, now that we’ve completed our inspec-tion, I urge all of you not to forget yourOperational Risk Management training.

During the holiday season, which is rap-idly approaching, I expect you to unwindand spend some time with your family andfriends. But in the midst of your holiday cel-

ebrations, just as youdid during the ORI,remember to makesafety paramount!We need everyone toreturn healthy and re-freshed to begin theNew Year so we canface the challengesahead.

As you know, wewill begin the NewYear with Air Expeditionary Force obligations.We also will be faced with the challenges ofimplementing the National Security PersonnelSystem, and adapting to the new Joint Basingconcept that joins McGuire Air Force Base,Fort Dix and Lakehurst Naval Station to forma superbase. Look for more information onboth of these initiatives when information be-comes available.

Again, I thank the entire 514th Air Mobil-ity Wing for your loyalty to the mission andto each other. This is an exceptional wing,filled with exceptional people! I’m proud to beyour commander and look forward to facingdifficult issues with you in the future!

Stewart thanks all, recommends rest

Col. James N. Stewart

BEACON November-December 2005 3

Vol. 13, No. 5, November-December 2005

CONTENTS

On the cover

Departments

Briefs 4

Promotions 5

Air Force News 10

Features

New Orleans floods render514th reservist homeless 6

ORI wrap up 8

Aerial port members usemedical skills during realworldaccident 9

Photo by Denise Gould

Photo by Scott Sptizer

INSPECTION READY — Team McGuire member, MSgt. Emilio M. Figueira,boards a KC-10 bound for Alpena, Mich., Oct. 25. More than 300 514th AirMobility Wing members took part in the joint operational readiness inspec-tion which tested the base’s war capabilities.

WINNING DESIGN — TSgt. John Lacomia, wing historian, receives a cashaward from Col. James N. Stewart, commander, for having his design se-lected as the winner of the 514th Air Mobility Wing Patch Redesign Contest.The winning design was unveiled Nov. 6 during the wing commander’s callat the base theater. See page 4 patch details.

Photo by Kenn Mann

Airmen with of the 514th Air Mo-bility Wing Elite Honor Guardmarch down 5th Ave. in the 87thannual New York City Veteran’sDay Parade held Nov. 11.

Page 4

Page 8


Record numbersreceive CCAF degree

BRIEFS

Annual awards banquet setTickets are available for the 514th Air Mobility Wing Sixth Annual Awards

Banquet scheduled for Jan. 7 at the McGuire Enlisted Club. The event kicksoff at 6 p.m. with the social hour. Dinner begins at 7 p.m. Meal choices areLondon broil, chicken francaise or vegetable platter. Uniform is mess dress orsemiformal dress for military members and formal wear for civilians. Cost is$25 for E-1 through E-6; $30 for E-7 through E-8; $35 for E-9 through 0-3 and$40 for 0-4 and above. Contact the unit first sergeant or designated air re-serve technician for tickets no later than Dec. 11. Base service station closes for renovation

The McGuire Service Station located near the 24-hour gate is tentativelyclosing in January for renovation. The service station will be down for aboutone year. Once closed, Army and Air Force Exchange Service urges all cus-tomers to use the Fort Dix Service Station located on First Street between 6a.m. and 6 p.m. daily.

Enlisted Temporary HYT Program discontinuedAs of Sept. 1, the Air Force Reserve Command no longer has in effect a

Temporary High Year Tenure Program for enlisted members. The program,initiated in 1999, was recently reviewed by Lt. Gen. John A Bradley, Com-mander, United States Air Force, who subsequently determined to discontinueits use. AFRC commanders and program managers can continue to recom-mend enlisted members to have their HYT date extended when mission needsdemand. Each request will be considered using the provision of Air Force In-struction 36-2612, Chapter 8. Reserve members with HYT dates previouslyextended for three years, whether it was via the Temporary Program or in ac-cordance with provisions allowed for in AFI 36-2612, are not eligible for anyfurther extension to their HYTD. For more information contact MSgt. LindaDavis at (609) 754-5232.

Commissary changes phone numberThe McGuire Commissary changed it’s commercial number to (609) 754-

2153. The change enables patrons to contact the person or department oftheir choice. All other direct numbers have been disabled.

BCC spring term registration openBurlington County College is now accepting registration for Spring 1 and 2

terms. Spring 1 term runs from Jan. 23 to March 13. Registration deadline isJan. 13. Spring 2 term is March 20 to May 4, with a registration deadline ofMarch 10. For more information call (609) 754-2577.

Nineteen 514th Air Mobility Wing membersearned their Associate’s Degree from the Commu-nity College of the Air Force in October. Wing edu-cation representatives say this is a record numberin wing history. The CCAF graduation ceremonywas held Oct. 20 at 2:30 p.m. in the Enlisted Club’sBall Room.

TSgt. Michelle Addison, 76th ARSMSgt. Elizabeth Arniella, 35th APSSSgt. Christopher Burress, 514th CSSSgt. Tara Butler, 514th ASTSTSgt. Kelly Carney, 514th CSMSgt. Juan Claudio, 732nd ASSSgt. Carmine Giangeruso, 514th CESMSgt. Robert King, 732nd ASSSgt. Vincent Majors, 514th CSSrA Sinia Mejia-Quiroz, 514th CESSSgt. Shaheen Mozaffari, 514th CSSSgt. Hugo Murillo, 514th ASTSMSgt. Roxanne Nicholas-Stringer, 514th AESMSgt. Scott Owens, 514th AESMSgt. Christopher Ramos, 514th AESMSgt. Alex Saharig, 714th AESSMSgt. Tracy Tyler, 514th ASTSSrA Michael Vaught, 714th AMXSMSgt. Edward Whittle, 514th CS

Patch contest winner announcedTSgt. John Lacomia, historian for the 514th Air Mobility Wing,

was presented $250 on Nov. 6 at wing commander’s call for hav-ing the winning design in the 514th AMW Patch redesign con-test. The historian’s package was one of 18 submitted.

Judges were looking for simplicity as the overall affect of theproposed patch. Other criteria limited designers to putting a maxi-mum of three elements within the patch shield. Designs were alsonot to include specific types of aircraft, maps or geographicallandmarks, nor numbers or letters in the shield area. Cartoon-typecharacters were also prohibited.

Set against a red, white and blue background, TSgt. Lacomiaprovides the following explanation for the design elements hechose: The globe stands for the wing’s global mission and reach.The four stars signify excellence in the 514th AMW’s Operations,Maintenance, Mission Support and Medical Care. The final ele-ment, depicted by the two shooting arrows, represent the KC-10Stratotanker and C-17 Globemaster III, both aircraft assigned tothe wing.

The winning design will now be sent to higher headquartersfor final approval to become the official 514th AMW patch.

Thanks you yourcontribution

Sept. 1 -Dec. 15


It’s going to be aharsh winter. I’mexpecting a lot ofsnow, therefore, toprepare myself, I’llbundle up with a lotof layers of clothing.

I expect us to have avery severe winter thisseason. I have startedto prepare byreplacing and addinginsulation to myhouse. I have alsostarted to load myfamily with vitamin C.

My prediction for thewinter is cold andsnowy. Winters havebeen getting harsher. Iplan to ensure my caris equipped with coldweather tools, i.e.deicer and maintainmy car service.

What is your prediction for the northeast winter weatherand how do you plan to prepare for the upcoming season?

MSgt. Mike Hamilton514th AMXS

TSgt. Tammy Kisamore514th CS

Maj. Elizabeth Costanza714th AES

Capt. Andrea Haylock514th ASTS

SrA Manuel Carela514th CS

My predictions forthe northeast is bittercold and snow. I’mplanning to dopreventivemaintenance on myvehicle and to startwinterizing early.

I believe we will begetting a lot of snownext year. I will beunearthing my snowshovel and I will putin storm windows.

VIBES:

PROMOTIONS

The following 514th Air MobilityWing members were recently promoted tothe following grade:Airman First ClassRonald Ragbir, 514th ASTS

Senior AirmanBasheerah Bey, 514th ASTSPatrick Benjam Callahan, 732nd ASStephen John Gallik, 514th AMDSStanley Grimes Jr, 35th

APS

Dilshan Chamin Keragala, 514th CSPorshia Martin, 514th ASTSMarjorie Negron, 88th APSVictor Manuel J. Oquendo, 514th MXSBesley Jefferson Sarazin, 514th AMDSWesley Samuel Sime, 514th MXSSamantha Marie Thompson, 88th APS

Staff SergeantSheila L. Baker, 514th ASTSEric R. Covington, 514th AMXSAnthony John Ciletti, 514th CSPhilip W. Curtis, 514th ASTSJosecarlos Francisco, 514th ASTSAngel Theodore Gomez, 78th ARSAdam Craig Harrison, 514th MXSSheila Irby, 35th APSLuc D. Dorin Jean, 514th ASTSElizabeth Leadenham, 514th CESJoel Ira Lieberman, 35th APSCCraig Anthony Taylor, 514th CSRamon Eduardo Tello, 88th APSMichael R. Vaught, 714th AMXSJackelin Rodriguez, 514th ASTSBrian R. Wallace, 514th ASTSJkeera N. White, 514th ASTS

Wing selectsquarterly winners

Master SergeantFrank Albert Bruno Jr, 514th CESDaryl Francis Donnell, 514th SFSTracy Laverne Frank, 35th APSTyneta Lachell Heath, 35th APSAntonia Chemene Weaver, 514th AMW

Technical SergeantJorge Luis Acevedo, 714th AESKimberly Lyn Asewicz, 76th ARSAlbert George, 35th APSTerry Adame Bethel, 514th AMDSLois Marie Black, 35th APSDouglas Keith Graham, 714th AMXSCorby Cash Ingram, 514th SFSJoseph Louis Jackson, 714th AMXSDavid Michael Jordan Jr, 514th CESWilmer Ruben Morejon, 714th AMXSJorge Luis Pacheco, 514th CESKevin Lee Phillips, 35th APSCharles Puchakjian, 76th ARSJohnny D. II Ross II, 514th MSGIris Celia Torres, 35th APSThomas Joseph Valentino, 714th AMXS

The following 514th Air Mobility Wingmembers were selected as the wing’sFourth Quarter Airman, NoncommissionedOfficer and Senior Noncommissioned Of-ficer award winners:

A1C Thalha Choudhury, 732nd ASTSgt. Christopher Parrott, 714th

AMXS andSMSgt. Ronald Colaninno, 514th SFS

From left, SSgt. Miriam Carpio-Hospidallas, SSgt. Claude Rhoneand SMSgt. Ronald Colanninopose with Brig. Gen. Mary Hertog,commander, 37th Training Wing,Lackland Air Force Base, Texas,while holding trophies they wonin their respective age-group forthe “Hurricane Hustle” charity raceheld Oct. 22. More than 3,000 par-ticipants raised over $19,000 forfamily members of Keesler AirForce Base, Miss., who were ad-versely affected by Hurricane Kat-rina in August.

Photo by SMSgt. Victor Dempsey

Senior Master SergeantOswaldo F. Cabrera, 514th MXSThomas C. Clayton, 732nd AS

MSgt. Tyneta L. Heath,35th Aerial Port Squadron


Hurricane floodsOrleans home o

Postman provides postal protectionduring post-hurricane recover efforts

Squadron co-workers give supp

Photo and story by MSgt. Donna T. Jeffries514 AMW Public Affairs

Photo courtesy of US Postal Service

By MSgt. Donna T. Jeffries514 AMW Public Affairs

Oftentimes reservist answer the callto duty from their units in times of na-tional crisis. But sometimes that callcan come from their civilian employers.

Such was the case for SMSgt. DarrylWallace, an operations superintendentwith the 88th Aerial Port Squadron andan inspector with the U.S. Postal In-spection Service based out of Philadel-phia, who spent two weeks in an areahe described as a “war zone.”

In the aftermath of HurricaneKatrina’s destruction, SMSgt. Wallacewas handpicked by the postal serviceto join the first team of 40 postal in-spectors from around the country toprovide security and assessment sup-port for the New Orleans region thatwas devastated by massive flooding.

“My first week I was there with mybulletproof vest and shotgun, the nextweek I had a clip board and was work-ing the computers in dispatch,” saidthe inspector.

“I was notified Sept. 1 that ouragency was going to send some in-spectors down to Louisiana to sup-port our post offices, postal inspectorsand police officers that were devas-tated by the hurricane,” said SMSgt.Wallace. “We had some inspectorswho were uprooted and basicallyweren’t capable of going through theirdaily routines,” he said.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Serviceis the oldest federal law enforcementagency chartered with providing pro-tection for the postal service, its as-

sets and personnel and ensuring thesecurity of the mail system from crime.

“I was chosen because I had a mili-tary background and had spent time(working) in New York after 9/11,” saidWallace.

The task force met in Chicago,gathered resources to include food,water and ammunition and formed aconvoy to Baton Rouge, La., where acommand post was established.

“When we first arrived local gangswere shooting at people, hamperinglaw enforcement’s progress and therewas a lot of looting,” said SMSgt.Wallace. “We had about 900 postal fa-cilities to reach and recover resourcesfrom, determine if anything was sal-vageable, then securing the property.”

While some areas were easily ac-cessible, others proved more challeng-ing and still others were completelygone, according to SMSgt. Wallacewho reported some areas were literallyunder 20-30 feet of water.

“We saw bodies in the street, sew-age, stray animals and destruction,”

Amidst the chaos, the task forcewas able to provide needed help.

“We were able to get into certainareas that other people couldn’t. Thenwe’d come out and let them know ifthere was passage for certain opera-tions,” he said.

SMSgt. Wallace says everyone whoworked the rescue mission had thesame thought.

“When you get into situations likethis, it doesn’t matter what agencyyou work for, we’re all one team work-ing toward the same thing.”

In August flood waters rose as high as 20 feet in the aftermath of Hurri-cane Katrina when levies in the New Orleans area broke, leaving somesections of the city inaccessible to emergency and rescue units for days.

The well-known saying, “It’s a small world,”Aug. 29 along the Louisiana, Mississippi athousands, to include a 514th Aerospace Mhere in New Jersey.

Born and raised in New Orleans and living thereamongst thousands that were flooded when levies brhis housing area was possibly under up to 12-feet ofFortunately his family was not among those looking

TSgt. Forthner, of the 514th Aerospace Medical Stown two days before the hurricane hit. His family ninto one to include his wife, daughter, elderly parent

“Living in New Orleans, you get used to preparingit’s just for the weekend and now it turns out totechnician.

“We were all initially okay when we heard aboufamily had left New Orleans prior to Katrina hitting,” assistant, 514th AMDS. “But, when it set in that theyit felt more real and we immediately started collectin

“I’m thankful and blessed for the support, prayefrom my unit,” said TSgt. Forthner. “And comparedbeen fortunate.

TSgt. Forthner’s home wasn’t the only family howith his parents was also damaged. Additionally, hedisplaced as a result of the storm.

“We had to think both short and long term when is now certain his family will not return to New Orleana rental.

At first TSgt. Forthner’s family went to Houston, “I visited them there and was reassured they wer

Atlanta, we came across my former pastor who offeris housed in Harrisburg, PA, through the Bethel Afri

The first seven weeks after the levies broke,information about the condition of his house. “I knextent of the damage,” he said. “I called the insuranable to access the Upper 9th Ward to make an evalua

Not knowing was the hardest part said the quiet-dthe structure was still standing, mold would set in.

All his questions were answered Oct. 17, when hadjustor and a representative from the Federal Emclaim. Forthner discovered the structure to be sounsome 3 feet down to 15 inches above the baseboard. what was salvageable had already been taken, as hlooters.

The sergeant spent the next week gutting his prbeen restored to his section of the Upper 9th Ward.

At press time, TSgt. Forthner is still waiting forcompany before he can hire contractors to put his ho“There is no set time for the damage assessment resare many like me,” said TSgt. Forthner. “It will be alate as June, before the insurance company completeget a contractor to even begin work on my propertyYet, despite life’s temporary setback TSgt. Forthner“I’m glad I kept paying my flood insurance no mattemy family is okay.”


s destroy Newf 514th member

port with supplies and prayers

d,” proved true as Hurricane Katrina touched groundi and Alabama coastlines, and affected the lives of

Medical Squadron member hundreds of miles away

ere with is family, TSgt. Desaray Forthner’s home is broke in the hurricane’s aftermath. The TSgt. learnedt of water by watching initial television news reports.ing for help to escape the rising floods.al Squadron, said his family heeded warnings and lefty now consists of two households temporarily joinedents, great nephew and brother who is on dialysis.ing for evacuations, so you pack a few things thinking to be a lifelong disaster,” said the dental service

out TSgt. Forthner’s situation because we knew his,” said MSgt. Cheryl Ruff, health service managementey were all homeless and that he had to relocate themting money and buying the goods they needed.”

ayers, clothing, gifts and basic supplies we receiveded to a lot of other folks affected by the storm, we’ve

home affected by the flood. The house he grew up in he has two other brothers and their families who were

en considering our living options,” said Forthner whoeans permanently, but will fix the property and use it as

n, Texas, and stayed nearly two weeks in a hotel.ere alright,” said TSgt. Forthner. Then on our way to

fered us housing up north. So for short term the familyfrican Methodist Episcopal Church.e, TSgt. Forthner said he still could not get any

knew the structure was there, but I didn’t know theance company to file a claim, but the adjustor wasn’tluation,” he said.t-demeanored sergeant who is concerned that even if

n.n he traveled from New Jersey to meet an insurancemergency Management Agency to help him file his

ound and water lines on the walls had receded fromrd. He lost six rooms of furniture to water damage ands his house was one-of-four on his block targeted by

property during daylight hours since power has notd.or the damage assessment report from the insurance house back in order .results to be made and I’m not a priority since theree at least until the end of February, and perhaps asletes my paperwork. Then will come the long wait torty.”er said he has much to be thankful for.

atter what and, most importantly, I’m okay as long as


By SrA Ashley DiTeam McGuire P

Photo by SSgt. Monica Dalberg

Members of Teadays; they can alsspection held Oct

More than 1,200week-long inspecti

The ORI evaluamission to perform

It was the first ifirst the 305th Air M

Airmen from Mwere prepared to slearned.

“A huge effort 305th Mission SupTeam McGuire havhave been conductto Alpena in order

In addition, McGulfport, Miss. andexercises, battle-axsaid.

The 514th AMWert Kownacky, com

PRECIOUS CARGO — Members “get comfortable” just after midnight for the ride home toMcGuire AFB after October’s five-day operational readiness inspection held in Alpena, Mich.

Team McGuire proves to b

A Team McGuireing the cargo tsponse portion 500 short tons o


iFalcoPublic Affairs

Team McGuire have more to celebrate this season than the upcoming holi-also celebrate passing the Inspector General’s Operation Readiness In-ct 22-30. The ORI results were given Nov. 10 at the base theater.200 Airmen from McGuire and surrounding support bases took part in thection held at a Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Mich.luated the ability of units with a wartime contingency or force sustainmentrm assigned operational missions.st inspection the 514th Air Mobility Wing underwent since 1996 and their Mobility Wing has had in five years. McGuire and the other participating bases have practiced for months, andto show the Air Mobility Command Inspector General team what they

rt has been undertaken by everyone on base,” said Col. Robert Dubek,upport Group commander. “Over the last year, the men and women of

have gone the extra mile in preparing for this inspection. Weekly meetingsucted with reps from each functional area and a site visit was conducteder to familiarize ‘key players’ with the facilities and available resources.”

cGuire has also participated in two-fly away mobility exercises (one inand the second in Savannah, Ga.), held a local MOBEX , multiple tabletop-axe training and base-wide Ability To Survive and Operate quizzes, he

MW isn’t scheduled for another ORI for four years according to Col. Rob-ommander, 514th Logistics Readiness Flight.

Rescue ORI35th APS members assist in real world caraccident using military readiness skillsBy Maj. Richard J. Bellshot35th Aerial Port Squadron

Twenty-nine 35th Aerial Port Squadron members who weredeployed to the forward operating base at Beaufort MarineCorps Air Station, SC during the recent Inspector General Exer-cise demonstrated a sense of urgency, safety awareness and at-tention to detail outside the boundaries of the IG’s realm.

While enroute to their lodging Oct. 28, the team encoun-tered a two-car collision. They parked their vehicles and beganthe EMS system. Team members performed self-aid buddy carefor the three accident victims, isolated the accident scene toprevent further collisions and performed crowd control opera-tions at the request of the local first responders.

The team of aerial port professionals had several memberswith that aided in this crisis response effort. TSgt. Tyneta Heathis a registered nurse and performed self-aid, buddy care. Sheassisted the most severely injured of the accident victims. Like-wise, TSgt. Mitchell McClain is a Philadelphia firefighter andemergency medical technician. He, along with TSgt. Heath andTSgt. Michael Timmins, a Jersey City police officer, extractedthe victim from her vehicle thus protecting her from the trafficon the major highway that was bearing down on the accidentscene.

As the intersection was unlit, and neither accident vehiclehad headlights operating, approaching drivers were forced toreact at the last moment to avoid impacting the collision site.Other 35th APS members, all equipped with their reflectivebelts, recognized the danger and worked to direct traffic aroundthe accident.

Members of the aerial port group report it took about 15 min-utes after performing SABC and diverting traffic for the first res-cue squad to appear on scene. SSgt. James Vigilante reposi-tioned the ambu-lance to block twolanes of highwaytraffic and providean additional mea-sure of safety tothe rescue opera-tion.

Ten members ofthe seriously in-jured victim’s fam-ily arrived and wit-nessed the assis-tance from the35th APS mem-bers.

Local policeasked the 35thAPS members tohelp contain the crowd. Once the situation was secure, law en-forcement thanked the porters for their assistance and the ORI-bound team continued on to their quarters knowing that thesense of urgency, safety awareness and attention to detail fa-cilitated this team effort and prevented further catastrophe.

Photo by Scott Spitzer

TSgts. Mitchell McClain and TynetaHeath, both of the 35th Aerial PortSquadron, were directly involved inhelping victims of a two-car colli-sion while deployed Oct. 28 inSeabrook S.C.

Photo by Denise Gould

be war ready

e aerial port member reviews a unit’s paperwork before accept-o process through the marshaling yard during the initial re-of the Operational Readiness Inspection held Oct. 22-30. Aboutof cargo was deployed and then redeployed.

NEWS


By Bonnie PowellDefense Commissary Agency

Money for college is “what’s cooking” at 268 military commis-

saries worldwide as the Scholarships for Military Children pro-gram begins its sixth year of rewarding academic excellence. Ap-plications are now available online and must be returned to theMcGuire Commissary by close of business Feb. 22, 2006, ac-cording to store director John Zoubra.

Since its inception in 2000, the program has awarded $1,500scholarships to nearly 2,500 military children through the gener-osity of manufacturers and businesses that sell groceries incommissaries.

Applications, eligibility and other information for the 2006 SFMCprogram are available online at http://www.militaryscholar.org orthrough a link at http://www.commissaries.com, the Defense Com-missary Agency’s customer Web site. At least one $1,500 scholar-ship will be awarded at every commissary location with qualified ap-plicants.

Applications, which also includes an essay on why the appli-cant admires a great military leader (past or present), must beturned in at a commissary by close of business Feb. 22, 2006, eitherby mail or in person. FAX or e-mail applications are not accepted.

The program is open to unmarried children under the age of

2006 ‘Scholarships for MilitaryChildren’ applications available

21 (23 if enrolled in school) of active duty personnel, Reserve,Guard and retired military. Eligibility will be determined using theDefense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) data-base. Applicants should ensure that they, as well as their spon-sor, are currently enrolled in the DEERS database and have acurrent ID card.

The applicant must be planning to attend, or already attend-ing, an accredited college or university full-time in the fall term of2006, or enrolled in a program of studies designed to transfer di-rectly into a four-year program.

The Defense Commissary Agency operates a worldwidechain of commissaries providing groceries to military personnel,retirees and their families in a safe and secure shopping environ-ment. Authorized patrons purchase items at cost plus a 5-per-cent surcharge, which covers the costs of building new commis-saries and modernizing existing ones. Shoppers save an averageof 30 or more percent on their purchases compared to commer-cial prices – savings worth about $2,700 annually for a family offour. A core military family support element, and a valued part ofmilitary pay and benefits, commissaries contribute to familyreadiness, enhance the quality of life for America’s military andtheir families, and help recruit and retain the best and brightestmen and women to serve their country.

WASHINGTON – Maj. Gen. James DonaldBankers, 22nd Air Force commander, receiveda presidential rank award for 2005.

Thirteen senior executive service civiliansfrom throughout the Air Force earned theaward. Air Force Print News announced thewinners Oct. 21 after White House officialsnamed the award recipients.

General Bankers is a dual-status air re-serve technician – a federal employee and areservist – in Air Force Reserve Command atDobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga.

The awards recognize career senior execu-tive service and senior professional individu-als. They are leaders, professionals and sci-entists who achieve results and consistentlydemonstrate strength, integrity, industry anda relentless commitment to excellence in pub-lic service.

General Bankers was one of 10 people toget the meritorious award for sustained ac-complishment. The award includes a lump-sum payment of 20 percent of base pay. It islimited to 5 percent of the career senior execu-tive service, defense intelligence senior ex-ecutive service, or senior level scientific orprofessional government-wide population.

Air Force Print News

Reserve general getspresidential award

CHAKLALA AIR BASE, Pakistan — Airman off-load relief suppliesfrom a C-17 Globemaster III Oct. 17 at Chaklala Air Base in Paki-stan. The Airmen, from the 818th Contingency Response Group atMcGuire Air Force Base deployed to Chakalala AB to support earth-quake relief efforts. Pakistan’s immense Oct. 8 earthquake, mea-sured at 7.6 on the Richter scale.

Photo by TSgt. Jeromy K. Cross

NEWS

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. – Indi-vidual mobilization augmentees have anew way to get military orders.

Air Reserve Order Writing System-Re-serve, a Web-based system, began Oct. 1for IMAs. It allows them to initiate the or-ders process from any computer any-where in the world. Units could start us-ing AROWS-R as early as Nov. 1, said AirForce Reserve Command officials.

“My maiden voyage into AROWS-Rwas a great,” said Col. Rune B. Lillquist,an IMA assigned to 59th MaintenanceSquadron at Lackland AFB, Texas. “It waseasier than my first try at (the Web OrdersTransaction System). I found the multiple-choice selections very helpful.”

WOTS is the previous program usedby IMAs to generate military orders. Theycan continue to access WOTS for pastduty information but must request all neworders through AROWS-R.

The new system combines WOTS andthree existing personal computer-based

Web-based system changes how orders are processedsystems to process reservists’ orders.

“AROWS-R will revolutionizethe way orders are published throughoutthis command,” said Col. Deborah Suski,AFRC comptroller here. “Commanderswill have visibility of their troops’ TDY toinclude the cost and what operationsthey are supporting.”

After a request has been entered intothe system, the program automaticallyroutes it through all the necessary chan-nels. The program also checks for fund-ing and any required waivers at the be-ginning of the process.

The AROWS-R allows reservists, com-manders and people in the base finance of-fice and orderly room to check the status ofthe orders throughout the entire process.

“AROWS will provide the Air ForceReserve Command 100 percent account-ability of our assigned forces while on ac-tive duty,” said Col. Roxane Towner,Readiness Management Group com-mander. “It will integrate the IMAs and

unit reservists into one orders system,giving the command complete visibilityover our reservists.”

Besides giving the command a way toaccount for its reservists, the new systemprovides active-duty commanders andsupervisors visibility into the processwith a report capability.

“Not only did I accomplish the processof transmitting my request for orders morerapidly than with WOTS but I also had adraft copy to validate the process to mysupervisor and to keep in my records,”said Colonel Lillquist.

AROWS is not new to the Departmentof Defense. The Naval Reserve and theMarine Corps Reserve use the system.

If people have questions or need moreinformation about the new system, theycan call the help desk at DSN 497-0522,commercially at 478-327-0522 or toll-free at800-223-1784, Ext. 0522. They can also useExt. 1455 or 1258.

AFRC News Service

The chief of Air Force Reserve announces thefollowing Reserve senior officer retirement andassignments:

Maj. Gen. David E. Tanzi, vice commander, AirForce Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base,Ga., retires Dec. 23.

Maj. Gen. Allan R. Poulin, commander, 10th AirForce, Air Force Reserve Command, Naval Air Sta-

tion JointR e s e r v eBase, FortW o r t h ,Texas, be-comes thenew vicec o m -m a n d e r ,AFRC atR o b i n sAFB.

B r i g .Gen. JackW .Ramsaur II,mobiliza-tion assis-tant to thed i r e c t o r ,Global Op-

erations, J-3, United States Strategic Command,Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., takes on the posi-tion of mobilization assistant to the commander,USSC at Offutt AFB.


Photos by Brian Dyjak

Senior officers makemajor moves soon

ANNUAL RETIREMENT — (2nd from left) Recently retired TSgt.Wayne Vansteenburg of the 514th Maintenance Squadron re-ceived his official retirement certificate during the wing’s annualretirement ceremony held Oct. 1. TSgt. Vansteenburg isflanked by Col. James N. Stewart, commander, 514th Air MobilityWing, Col. (Ret.) Patricia Refsdal, former commander, 714th Air-craft Maintenance Squadron and Command Chief Master Ser-geant Mary Alden, far right.

Maj. Gen. David E. TanziVice Commander, USAFR

*Pay dates are subject to change. For in-formation, contact your unit pay monitor.

Pay days

*Dec. 16

*Dec. 23

DrillDates

UTA

Dec. 3-4

Dec. 10-11

MONEY

514th Air Mobility WingAir Force Reserve CommandMcGuire AFB, N.J. 08641-5218

OFFICIAL BUSINESS

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage Paid

Permit # 04517Philadelphia, PA

Rules explain wear of wing mock undershirt

The holidays are fast approaching and this message is to en-courage all who may be grieving, lonely or feeling depressed.These are some tips to follow if you :

This season, if you are looking to go out and spend a wholelot of money on a person or persons who already have more thanenough, try to refocus your spending on someone who is inneed. For example, a child in need of shoes/sneakers, schoolsupplies, clothing, or even a family without food or shelter.

Many times we become depressed because we feel we donot have enough and just need more. A good way of gettingthrough the depressed mood is to be thankful that you are aliveand well and able to enjoy the day. Just think of all the placesyou could be -- jail or maybe even a hospital.

Many people focus on the grieving process and the loss ofloved ones during the years. We must learn to celebrate life. Tryto focus on the good times that you have spent with your lovedones who have passed on, have a celebration in their memory,write a letter to them expressing your feelings, share their memo-ries with other family members. Sometimes making a picture col-lage of the missed family member or friend can be therapeutic.

Keep in mind family members and friends who you know willspend their holiday season alone and may feel low in spirits. In-vite them over for dinner, or find others ways to get them out ofthe house.

Many military members have made the ultimate sacrifice withtheir lives, particularly in the last couple of years. Remembertheir families as well this holiday.

Holiday blues?Wing chaplain gives tips on ways to handle the season’s doldrumsBy Capt. Rochelle Denise Coles514 AMW Chaplain

In October Col. James N. Stewart, com-mander, 514th Air Mobility Wing, ap-proved wear of the mockneck undershirtswith unit designation affixed to the collarwith the following criteria:

� Undershirt must be black� Undershirt can be worn with the battle

dress uniform or flightsuit uniform only� Unit designators are limited to the

abbreviated form, i.e. 514 AMW

� Unit designations on the collar mustbe one color of blue, gray or gold

� All letters must be capitalized andnot exceed one half inch in height

� Unit designation must be stitchedor embroidered into the collar fabric

The wear of the mockneck undershirtis limited to home station duty only

Wing mockneck undershirts are avail-able at Bldg. 2217, while supplies last. Cost

By being observant and alert we can make a difference ineach others lives. The season that fosters giving is not aboutus individually, but about those we love and those with whomwe come in contact.

Make this holiday meaningful. The heart you touch todaymay be the life you save tomorrow.

Photo by MSgt. Donna T. Jeffries

SMSgt. Edward Will-iams, 514th Air Mobil-ity Wing member, mod-els the new wing mockturtleneck

Studies show informational pamphlets are one way toget the information needed to handle stresses of work,family and finances, encountered by many during theholiday season.

is $20. For moredetails contact Lt.Col. RaymondDouglas at (609)754-5216.

*SMSgt. EdwardWilliams, a 514thAMW member,models the newmock undershirt.

wing elite honor guard shows colors at nyc veteran’s day · wing elite honor guard shows colors...

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