Grand Slam Wing rocks July Fourth

379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs7/11/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Service members deployed to the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing celebrated July Fourth participating in activities throughout the day culminating in a ceremony and rock concert in Memorial Plaza.After posting the colors, a few words of motivation by Brig. Gen. Roger Watkins, the 379th AEW commander, and invocation by the wing chaplain, Col. Steven Keith, event band, The Ringers, put on a "show-stopping" performance putting the "Slam" in Grand Slam Wing.The Ringers are a wedding and event band on tour from Minneapolis, Minn., and are back by popular request. After the first few songs, 379th AEW service members packed the stage, participated in a dance-off, and hung on every note until the band could play no more.Grand Slam service members enjoyed music in genres ranging from Rock and Pop to Country and Rhythm and Blues with titles tailored for celebrating America's freedom.

Deployed coalition forces celebrate Canada Day

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

7/3/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- With Canadian flags strung from corner to corner, maple syrup candies on every table, and Canadian paraphernalia at every turn, Canadian, U.S., Australian, coalition and mission partners celebrated Canada's birthday July 1 during an event hosted by the 71st Expeditionary Air Control Squadron here in what is known as the "Pyramid" morale tent.Canada Day is a federal statutory holiday celebrating the anniversary of the July 1, 1867, enactment of the British North America Act, or what is now referred to as the Constitution Act of 1867. This legislature united three colonies into a single country called Canada within the British Empire.Many communities across the country host organized celebrations for Canada Day, usually outdoor public events, such as parades, carnivals, festivals, barbecues, air and maritime shows, fireworks and free musical concerts.Deployed service members here shared similar activities ranging from a Canadian trivia game, guitar solo and board games. Game prizes were affectionately adorned with red and white maple leafs and included everything from ball caps and t-shirts to Canadian flag pins and tattoos.

Weather warns warriors, saves services silver

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton
379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

6/25/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- As the dust clouds roll in, 379th Expeditionary Operations Support Squadron weather forecasters here analyze the intensity, direction and impact of the impending storm to base assets and the mission.

"Our radar allows us to notify maintenance crews out on the airfield that conditions are unsafe and allow them to take protective shelter from damaging hail and winds," said Senior Master Sgt. Scott Butler, the 379th EOSS weather flight chief deployed from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. "[The radar] is extremely vital to our operations; in the event of a significant dust storm we'd be able to pick that dust up on this system, tell you exactly what the wind speeds are and how long before it hits the 379th [Air Expeditionary Wing] so we can in turn prep the base for emergency response."

Air Force weather forecasters analyze weather conditions, prepare forecasts, issue weather warnings and brief weather information to pilots by means of two duty sets: airfield and mission.

"With airfield, we monitor the 379th and what's going on over us," said Senior Airman Alicia Freedman, a 379th EOSS weather forecaster deployed from Barksdale Air Force Base, La. "We issue weather watches, warnings and advisories, not to mention all the diverts for the base."

Freedman said the mission duty set includes the forecasting for operations.

"This is significantly important for the 379th's mission," she said. "We have several missions taking off daily and we have to make sure those pilots know what is going on weather-wise and make it to their destinations safely without any harm. If pilots don't know what their limitations are, what they encounter out there could be exceptionally fatal."

All this forecasting would not be possible, however, without weather's portable Doppler radar and their airfield sensor.

"Our portable Doppler radar serves an extremely important function as our key tool for reading and understanding the severity of thunderstorms," Freedman said. "We get the timing for when the thunderstorm will be in a specific location so we'll know where it may hit. We then forward this information up to the different wings, missions and flights so they can make an informed decision protecting base assets and personnel."

"Just last week we had a small pattern pushing more than 40 mph for five to six days straight," she added. "These were advisory level winds that potentially impact whether or not an aircrew can fly."

Freedman, Butler and more than 700 weather forecasters across the Air Force, read and interpret weather satellite imagery, climatology reports, computerized weather prediction models and Doppler weather radar imagery; operate a weather radar console and a high-frequency pilot-to-metro radio; analyze and forecast weather elements such as clouds, visibility, winds, atmospheric pressure and many other parameters.

"Our portable Doppler radar uses Next-Generation Radar, or NEXRAD, technology," said Butler. "We can tell you the intensity of the rain showers and their range with exactly where that shower is occurring."

During the thunderstorm months, Butler said his weather forecasters are able to find where the thunderstorms are, determine their direction, how strong they are and whether or not they'll be able to affect the 379th AEW's assets.

"Cost savings comes down to the amount of money we save with the resource protection," Butler said. "This radar increases resource protection for more than $68 billion in base assets not to mention personnel."

The 379th EOSS's weather flight is manned by eight active duty Airmen 24/7.

"We come from bases all throughout the world," he said. "We integrate as one team to provide resource protection and exploit the weather for battle."

Air Force Weather traces its heritage to two centuries of American military weather service. U.S. Army surgeons began recording weather observations regularly in the early 1800s as part of the Army's medical studies.

Today, weather Airmen deliver the highest-quality tailored weather and space environment information, products and services to the Nation's combat forces, anytime, anywhere.

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.

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."