Healing deployed wounded warriors

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs7/31/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Established in 2008, the 379th Expeditionary Medical Group's Intra-Theater Care Program here ensures no service member is sent home from the U.S. Central Command's area of responsibility before having a chance to get back in the fight."We're here to ease the workload of our forward operating hospitals so they can focus on the critically ill patients, and in turn, ITCP takes care of the non-emergent combat and non-combat related injuries," said Staff Sgt. Shannon Maynard, the program's NCO in charge deployed from Beale Air Force Base, Calif. "Our goal is to fix these soldiers and return them to duty within 30 days without them having to leave the AOR."On average, ITCP cares for 15 wounded warriors a month, returning 98 percent of patients to their units down range. The program's patient make-up usually consists of 80 percent Army, 10 percent Air Force and 10 percent Navy and Marines."The benefit of this program is pretty significant," Maynard said. "Patients who would normally go home and probably never return to the AOR, have the ability to come here, recover, relax and get the care they absolutely need before returning to duty without leaving their unit one man behind."This in turn saves the Department of Defense thousands of dollars that would have otherwise been used to locate another service member to take their place, no-notice, while they recover at hospitals in places like Germany and stateside."For me it was encouraging because we were told if you went to Germany that usually means you're going home or if you're home, you're just not going to come back from certain types of injuries or ailments," said U.S. Army Spc. Demetrius Payton, an ITCP patient who injured his foot while on convoy duty in Afghanistan. "It was encouraging for me because I wasn't ready to leave; I was so short in my deployment. But when the doctors at Bagram Air Base told me I was coming here, my hopes rose."Payton said he didn't want to leave his unit a man short and can't wait to get back to them, but said he couldn't have recovered as quickly as he has without the ITCP and the medical group's staff.The program affords patients access to fully qualified medical personnel 24/7. These patients are able to partake in all base activities going on pending it isn't harming their recovery. ITCP is capable of housing up to 20 patients at any given time. Behind the scenes, Maynard works hand-in-hand with the patient's units coordinating with the Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility for their movement back down range and their direct line to the surgeons."Basically I am here to provide the best care and welfare I can for my patients, ensuring they make every appointment and adhere to their profile restrictions," she said.Maynard said this program benefits the warfighter by giving them a safe place to come and recover. They are given the care they need and a place to relax and decompress while they are here. Patients have access to all other services on base that wouldn't be available down range."Since being here I've had nothing but success as far as battling the infection on my foot," Payton said. "The infection could have invaded the bone and found its way into the blood system. But they settled my fears and treated me very well. Now the infection itself is basically beaten and I'm just going through the physical therapy process to get back in the fight."However, physical recovery isn't Maynard's only concern as she's also looking out for their mental recovery."They get to participate in absolutely everything here," she said. "When celebrities come by this is one of the first stops they make and I think it's good for their morale."ITCP also provides patients with a weekly pizza night, Sunday brunch in bed and numerous other activities throughout the week. Patients are also encouraged to make themselves at home and participate in other morale, wellness and recreation events here, like Karaoke night at Memorial Plaza, among others."You don't really feel like you're isolated from the regular personnel here or even from the other patients," Payton said. "It really feels good and makes you feel normal -- not just like a patient.""They've made me feel so special," added Marine Lance Cpl. Matt Zager, an ITCP patient. "I'm very appreciative for everything they've done to help me get better and back in the fight, not just physically, but emotionally as well."Maynard said she feels like the patients form bonds with other patients really helping in their recovery efforts."Even though they are from all different branches of the military, they form their own unit," she said. "It's nice to actually stand back and watch them bond and find out about different branches of the armed forces."As Payton completes his final steps to recovery he said he's so grateful for everything ITCP, Maynard and the hospital staff has done for him."They really make you feel like part of a family," Payton said. "You feel like you're cared for here and not just another number."From the moment patients, like Payton, get off the plane to the moment they head back to the fight, ITCP is with them every step of the way."I think the patients respond well to the program; there's always somebody there to take care of them," Maynard said. "We have a mission here to get them better and back in the fight as soon as possible."

Equal Opportunity: “Bridging the gap by building bridges”

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs6/4/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Air Force Equal Opportunity strives to accomplish its mission by promoting an environment free from personal, social or institutional barriers that could prevent Air Force members from rising to their highest potential."Our greatest strength is our diversity," said Master Sgt. Carlos Barter, the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Equal Opportunity director deployed here from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo. "[The wing commander] constantly emphasizes that people should be treated with dignity and respect. These words I echo in just about every brief I give."Barter has had his hands in the equal opportunity world for most of his life. Growing up in Panama City, Panama, he moved to the U.S. in search of a better life, and in 1995, at 22 years old, he joined the Air Force."That was one of the best decisions I've ever made," he said. "And after nearly 18 years of service, I wouldn't change a thing."Barter began this "life-changing experience" as a logistics troop. He said while his initial career field was fun, he always felt a calling to do something more, to help people."One day the Air Force called me giving me the option to retrain and I jumped at the chance to better help people on a personal level," he said. "I absolutely love working with people."Barter said cross-training to equal opportunity has given him the chance to really see just how diverse the Air Force is.The Air Force broadly defines diversity as a composite of individual characteristics, experiences and abilities consistent with the Air Force Core Values and the Air Force Mission. Air Force diversity includes, but is not limited to: personal life experiences, geographic background, socioeconomic background, cultural knowledge, educational background, work background, language abilities, physical abilities, philosophical/spiritual perspectives, age, race, ethnicity and gender."The greatest strength of our Air Force is our Airmen," said Gen. Mark A. Welsh, Air Force Chief of Staff, according to the Air Force Diversity public website. "The greatest strength of our Airmen is their diversity. Each of them comes from a different background, a different family experience and a different social experience. Each brings a different set of skills and a unique perspective to the team. We don't just celebrate diversity ... we embrace it!"But these strengths and this diversity don't just happen. Barter said maintaining a professional environment is key to mission success."We need to sustain an atmosphere where people can feel comfortable approaching leadership when they feel they've been treated unprofessionally," said Barter. "If someone's not 100 percent focused on their job, their mission -- the effectiveness of our overall mission would significantly diminish."As a result of this mission impact, the Air Force enforces a ZERO tolerance policy for all equal opportunity concerns."What I bring to the team is unique in that I help others find resolution in their concerns," Barter said. "I like to be out talking to this wing's Airmen, getting to know their issues and providing assistance where I can. If the issue isn't something I can assist with, I will find the appropriate agency to take care of that individual."Barter said his job allows him to gain insight into a unit's climate, thus providing the commander insight he may not have had before."Equal opportunity supports the mission by breaking down barriers," he said. "We bridge the gap by building bridges."For more information or to attain equal opportunity assistance, call 437-2512.

Listen to your buds: Preventing hearing loss

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs5/28/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- After a long day of work, the last thing you might want to hear is your neighbor's favorite screaming rock band, but when fellow Airmen use their earbuds on the highest volume setting, no one gets to enjoy the silence.Music technology came a long way since Edison's first phonograph -- from loud, crackly records all the way to inner-ear buds. While these conveniences are a part of everyday life, they can also be detrimental to your health and possibly career ending."In the military, many people are exposed to dangerously loud noises on a regular basis due to our jobs, especially personnel that work on the flight line," said Senior Airman Jamie Miller, a 379th Expeditionary Medical Group public health journeyman. "Exposing ourselves to excessively loud noise or loud noise for long periods of time will cause noise-induced hearing loss. Any type of loud noise can cause this hearing loss; even listening to music that's too loud can cause permanent damage."Servicemembers understand how essential it is to wear their personal protective equipment while performing the mission in situations requiring extra hearing protection, but what most don't realize, Miller said, is hearing loss can occur at any time."Listening to loud music on an iPod is just like being exposed to any other loud noise," he said. "One thing that many do is turn the volume of their music up when they're in a place that is loud itself, like the gym. The best thing for that is simply to police ourselves; it will be well worth it."According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, hearing loss can come from a variety of factors, but the number one source for hearing loss in America is exposure to very loud noise. In a campaign ASHA initiated for May as part of "Better Hearing and Speech Month," "Listen to your buds" focuses on educating people, helping them communicate and promoting treatment aimed at improving quality of life.ASHA officials say listening to loud noise for long periods of time can damage the hair cells in the inner ear. Noise-induced hearing loss usually develops gradually and painlessly. A single exposure to an extremely loud sound such as an explosion can cause a sudden loss of hearing. This is called acoustic trauma.In the Air Force, NIHL is an important matter and it's the number one cause for disability. To help combat the damage done by dangerous amounts of noise, personnel at risk take annual audiograms as well as get fitted for earplugs to make sure the correct size is worn and worn correctly."Correctly wearing earplugs and earmuffs will greatly reduce the amount of noise to a reasonable level," said Miller.Preventing high environmental noise from getting in is preferable, but many servicemembers purposely play their music at dangerous volume levels, and are at significantly increased risk for injury."Hearing loss is permanent, so there is no recovery that can happen once the damage is done," Miller continued. "Without hearing, there would be communication barriers between you and your coworkers, giving orders and being aware of your environment. At home it's much more difficult to have a conversation with your loved ones or call your family far away."People with hearing loss may have:- Difficulty speaking and understanding verbal communication- Problems in academic achievement; feelings of isolation, exclusion, embarrassment, annoyance, confusion and helplessness- A reluctance to participate in activities with others- Significant problems following directions- Numerous physiological changes, sleep difficulties, digestive problems, delayed emotional development, stress related disorders, behavioral problems, body fatigue and possible immunological effectsThere is hope, however, and all these symptoms can be avoided."The positive is that NIHL is 100 percent preventable," Miller said. "As long as everyone does their part, NIHL won't be a reason for anyone to have to leave their workplace."Visit www.asha.org/public for more information on how to prevent hearing loss.

Oldest jet in AF operated, maintained by youngest crews

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

5/23/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- For more than 50 years Airmen have flown the KC-135 Stratotanker to more places and supported more missions than most people experience in three, even four, life times. One such refueler, "57-1419," recently visited the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing en route to support Operation ENDURING FREEDOM."We have Eisenhower-era aircraft, flown by crews and serviced by maintainers whose grandparents may not have been old enough to vote for President Eisenhower," said Lt. Col. James Zick, the 379th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander.Putting things into perspective even further, Capt. Emma House said her dad was 3 years old when 57-1419 rolled off the assembly line. House is assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron deployed from Scott Air Force Base, Ill., and is currently the jet's aircraft commander.This 56-year-old refueler, assigned to the 190th Air Refueling Wing of the Kansas Air National Guard, is expected to fly through 2040, according to Air Mobility Command officials. Gen. Paul Selva, the AMC commander, has even said the mother of the last crew chief to service this jet has not been born yet.Its age, however, hasn't hindered its usefulness, nor has it dampened its crew's eagerness to throttle up and take to the sky."It's really a source of pride for me," House said. "So many generations of other KC-135 pilots have flown her -- I can't even begin to imagine all the places she's been and the fact I get to fly her on an OEF mission in 2013 is really something special."KC-135s are responsible for roughly 65 percent of air-to-air refueling in the 379th's area of responsibility. With that said, the 340th EARS and AMU are responsible for nearly 40 percent of that."There is literally no way to do what we do over Afghanistan without these old jets and young crews that fly and maintain them," said Lt. Col. Maximilian Bremer, the 340 EARS commander. "Our troops on the ground can count on Air Force and Navy air power overhead within minutes of a request, thanks to the fuel we provide 24/7."But for the crews who fly and maintain these aircraft, it's about much more than how old it is or how much longer the AF plans to fly them."It's definitely an honor for me," said Senior Airman Rich Bradford, 340th EARS boom operator deployed from Scott AFB. "Words can't describe how I feel. My dad was 5 when this jet rolled off the line. I'm just glad I'm able to help support troops on the ground anyway I can."In 1954, the Air Force purchased the first 29 of its future 732-plane fleet. The first aircraft flew in August 1956 and the initial production Stratotanker was delivered to Castle Air Force Base, Calif., in June 1957. The last KC-135 was delivered to the Air Force in 1965."If airplanes could talk, I'd love to hear about the things '57-1419' has seen," said Capt. Neal Brinkworth, 340th EARS mission pilot also deployed from Scott AFB. "I've always wanted to be a pilot and have definitely had the bug since my first flight lesson when I was 13-years-old. So joining the Air Force was a dream come true, but this, this definitely tops the books. I'm 27 and flying the oldest jet in the Air Force -- simply amazing."The mission is two-fold, however, and the aircrew can't complete the mission without the maintainers and crew chiefs who have kept these jets flying for more than five decades.Staff Sgt. Ray Demarco, 340th Aircraft Maintenance Unit crew chief deployed from the 108th Air National Guard Wing at McGuire AFB, N.J., said he has "a great deal of pride as a maintainer.""I've been a guardsman for 12 years, worked on airframes ranging from F-15 Eagles and F-16 Fighting Falcons to heavies like the KC-135, but the Stratotanker is definitely my favorite," Demarco said. "It's amazing that what I do and what those who have come before me have done keeps jets like these flying."Although it may be the oldest jet, this doesn't hinder the passion these Airmen have for the KC-135."This aircraft requires a great deal of flying skills," said House as she ran through her preflight checklist. "We're not passengers, the auto-pilot system is very limited and landing isn't a walk-in-the-park."These aircraft were built before human factors were a significant consideration in cockpit design, Bremer said. This makes them "especially challenging for a generation who grew up with user-friendly devices and trained in modern aircraft."The 27-year-old pilot, House, explained why she'd continue flying the Stratotanker even when its eventual replacement rolls off the production line."We're all excited to see the KC-46, but this jet isn't going anywhere anytime soon," she explained. "I hope we keep flying this airplane for another 50 years."

Day on the Job: Rivet Joint maintainers

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs5/23/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Airmen from the 763rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit catch a RC-135 Rivet Joint after the aircraft returns from a mission here May 22.This airframe is the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing's primary intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform; picking up real-time information on the coalition's enemies.

Maintenance chaplain makes big impact

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

5/23/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- With the blinding sun baking down on the hot tarmac, maintenance crews strive to keep aircraft strategically poised to support troops on the ground in the area of operations. The work isn't easy, the days are long and nerves can be frayed. That is until the maintenance group chaplain rolls up with a smile, devotion and a popsicle."It's nice to know we have the support of more than just our leadership," said Senior Airman Jonathan Donovan, a 379th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron C-130 Hercules crew chief deployed from Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. "He really connects with us at the most basic levels."That sentiment for Chaplain (Capt.) David Dziolek is carried across the maintenance group here, but as they say, "there's a rhyme for every reason.""He was maintenance like us, so we really feel like we can open up to him because he understands what we're going through day-in and day-out," said Airman 1st Class Paul Basirico, also a 379th EAMXS C-130 crew chief deployed from Peterson AFB.Dziolek, a Freesoil, Mich., native, began his career in 1991 when he enlisted in the Air Force as an F-15E Strike Eagle maintainer. While he had aspirations to play basketball in the NBA, he said he was needed elsewhere."The Lakers wanted me, but I had a calling to serve," he smiled.After completing technical training, Dziolek arrived at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., where he served for five years."I completed Airman Leadership School there," he said. "But I learned at Nellis a lot of what not to do and it wasn't until my next assignment I really felt like I belonged."Dziolek credits his next assignment, the former Naval Air Station Keflavik, Iceland, for turning his life around."The Lord really got a hold of me up there," he said. "I came to him broken. But he got a hold of me through the Gospels and the Navy chaplain took me under his wing and really began to mentor me."Losing his father at 12 years old, Dziolek hadn't had a real mentor or even father figure until meeting this chaplain."He had a huge impact on me," Dziolek said. "He was one of the first to say to me, 'I believe in you.'"It was under this Navy chaplain's spiritual mentorship he began reflecting on what the future had in store."God was doing some major molding in my life," he said. "He would come to me in visions while I was reading the Bible. These were moments of clarity in my life -- I could literally see myself dressed up in a suit and tie preaching God's word."Following his calling, Dziolek left the Air Force in 2000 to pursue the higher education necessary to be a chaplain. He attained his bachelor's degree in Pastoral Ministry in 2003 from Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn., joined the Air Force Reserves in 2005 and completed his master's in Divinity from the Church of God Seminary, also in Cleveland, Tenn., in 2006. From there he went active duty in 2010 as a chaplain and has since been assigned to Wilford Hall Medical Facility at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas.He's served the men and women of the 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Group for the past six months as their chaplain. He said his experience here rekindled "some old energy and passion."These sentiments are rooted in the maintenance career field. He loves going out visiting with Airmen, because not only is he able to share God's message of salvation, he relives the things he grew to appreciate earlier in his career."I absolutely love the smell of the flightline," Dziolek said. "I love the heat baking down on you and to see those awesome planes fly."Maintenance at the core, the chaplain enjoyed reliving his youth here."I remember when the jets would break down hard and we had to troubleshoot the problem to get the aircraft back on the line," he said. "Out here you really feel connected to the mission. But now as a chaplain, I get to do some spiritual troubleshooting and help these guys with their issues -- watch them fly, spiritually."This gives Dziolek the greatest sense of accomplishment because at the end of the day, his work adds to the 379th's maintainer's spiritual readiness. But the chaplain hasn't accomplished all he has here without the guided help of his assistant, Staff Sgt. Bernard Untalan."Working with Chaplain 'DZ' I've experienced profound moments of ministry," Untalan said. "He made it a point to include me in everything he did. From our weekly devotions to simply delivering cold popsicles, I know we made a difference, but I wish we could've done more."Untalan and Dziolek both wished they could've spent more time with the crews, noting 25 or more units visited in a week just wasn't enough."We could never visit long enough," Untalan said. "As the chaplain's assistant you can really tell when your presence isn't welcome, but here, we were always welcome."Untalan feels like this had a lot to do with the chaplain's enlisted and maintenance background."You can't be mad when the chaplain walks in," said Maj. Bryan Webster, the 746th Aircraft Maintenance Unit officer in charge. "People couldn't help but smile when they saw the chaplain because he did a lot to help center us."With unit engagement as his number one priority, Dziolek made a huge impact on the maintenance group, but if you ask the chaplain, it was God working through him."To God be the glory," he said. "For all the great things he has done in my life, I'm just happy to serve."

Memorial Day: Remember our veterans

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs5/21/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- The Civil War ended nearly 150 years ago on May 9, 1865, marking the beginning to a new era. However, many lives were lost during the more than four-year war; and, as a result, the Grand Army of the Republic established what was then called “Decoration Day” three years later on May 5, 1868.It wasn’t until after World War I the day was expanded to honor those who have died in all American wars. More than a century later in 1971, Congress declared the last Monday in May to be Memorial Day.The federal holiday affords Americans an opportunity to reflect on the lives lost protecting the nation’s interests at home and abroad. For servicemembers deployed to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing in Southwest Asia, it’s a way to be thankful for the freedoms Americans enjoy every day.“For me, it’s honoring those who have served before me, both past and present,” said Tech. Sgt. Ginger Bell, a 379th Force Support Squadron food service contracting office representative, whose father and sister have both served in the military.Family tradition is what brought many to join the ranks. For Petty Officer 3rd Class Andrew Black, he’s continuing that legacy.“My father served in Vietnam,” Black said, who is an aviation electrician with the VAQ-138 Electronic Attack Squadron here. “When your country calls you to do something — to be a part of something bigger than yourself — you proudly stand up and serve. I joined to be that person others learn to rely on, uphold life at all cost and keep others free.”These freedoms do not come without cost — a truth all servicemembers know when they raise their right hand and take the oath.“I think of the guys who, through thick and thin, survived the foxholes, the diseases and bullets flying everywhere to save their friends and family from those who stop at nothing to do us harm,” said Senior Airman David Carter, a 379th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron aircrew ground equipment journeyman, who also comes from a long line of military service. “We are where we’re at as a country because of the sacrifices our military has made.”The origins of special services to honor those who die in war can be found more than 2,400 years ago. The Athenian leader, Pericles, offered a tribute to the fallen heroes of the Peloponnesian War that could be applied today to the 1.1 million Americans who died in the nation’s wars: “Not only are they commemorated by columns and inscriptions, but there dwells also an unwritten memorial of them, graven not on stone but in the hearts of men.”Over the years, Memorial Day evolved into a day Americans remember all those who died.“The day means remembering all those who have passed,” said Senior Airman Caprice Tyler, a 379th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron patrolman. “It’s showing respect for my loved ones regardless of if they’ve served in the military or not.”In December 2000, Congress passed and the president signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act,” which encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. relative local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who died in service to the nation.“Please keep all our veterans in mind,” said Senior Airman Dustin Elliott, a 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle operator. “Remember our prisoners of war and those missing in action. This day embodies everything we enlisted for, so take a moment to remember those who have come before you.”

Servicemembers embrace cultural values during AAPI month

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs5/16/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Servicemembers from across the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with various events spread throughout the month of May."This is very important as it affords us a moment to step back and appreciate the sacrifices everyone has made, regardless of skin color or background," said Master Sgt. Clarissa Piedra, the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron traffic management office customer support section chief and AAPI Heritage Month lead project manager.AAPIs are servicemembers from more than 30 countries and ethnic groups who speak more than 100 different languages. Military members across the globe focus on building leadership by embracing cultural values this month."You never know what a person's background is until you ask them and really start to get to know them," Piedra said. "That's really something we're focusing on this month."The nearly 16-year veteran comes from a "multi-racial and multi-cultural family" and said this is an important part of the woman she is today."I don't know where I'd be without my family," she said. "We'd have huge family get-togethers at our house and everyone would bring something relative to their heritage."Much like the rest of America, Piedra's family comes from many walks of life."My family is a big melting pot of members from every culture out there, and I wouldn't trade them for the world -- love every single one of them," she said.Each May, the United States comes together to recount the ways AAPIs helped forge the country, beginning with a proclamation signed by the president."Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders comprise many ethnicities and languages, and their myriad achievements embody the American experience," said President Barack Obama. "This year, we recognize the 25th anniversary of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 and the 70th anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act's repeal -- milestones that helped mend deep wounds of systemic discrimination."The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese people to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869."It's truly humbling to have worked with the people who came together to make the events we've had this month a reality," Piedra said. "We faced the deployed environment challenges head on, really came together as a group, regardless of ethnic background or descent, and made this one heritage month people won't soon forget."For more information on how to get involved, volunteer or enjoy the myriad of different events and opportunities made available here, call Staff Sgt. Cory Williams at 437-2863.