Day on the Job: Vehicle Operations

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

5/15/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- A vehicle operator from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing returns home and as he makes his way to the gym, he notices several Airmen at the bus stop waiting for their ride to work. He feels a sense of pride, for it is this bus and many like it across the wing, that provide Airmen a cool ride 24/7 to and from their work centers."Logistics is the real key to air power," said Chief Master Sgt. David Belcher, the 379th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle operations manager deployed here from Luke Air Force Base, Ariz. "Whether it's cargo, crews or passengers, we move it."Vehicle operations provides shuttle service to the aircraft for aircrew on their way to either "put bombs on target or perform aerial reconnaissance and refueling as well as other missions at the wing," said Staff Sgt. Roque Solis, 379th ELRS vehicle operator deployed here from Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash."We're constantly doing something to support the flying squadrons on base, that's our primary mission," Solis added. "We're also in charge of providing transportation for transient aircrews either on their way deeper into the area of responsibility or coming home to their family and friends."Showing support for these family and friends stateside, many distinguished visitors passing through the region also require transportation to and from the airport."We're their first impression of the wing," Solis said. "It's important to me to be able to provide this service to the DVs as it not only makes the wing commander look good, but what we do directly reflects everyone's image of us. So we're always ready for the call."The chief and his team operate, clean and service motor vehicles; plan and schedule vehicle operation activities and transportation support requirements; maintain records and logs; perform fleet management functions; negotiate support agreements and manage the Air Force On-Line Vehicle Interactive Management System program for the installation's vehicle fleet."The thing I love most about my job is that we've come 360 degrees from the convoy days to now," said Senior Airman Carlos Cassano, 379th ELRS vehicle operator deployed here from Luke AFB. "When I deployed deeper in theater, I was the guy receiving the supplies and thankful when they showed up. Now, I'm the one making sure our troops downrange receive the supplies they need to complete the mission."With some of the wing's largest vehicles, these Airmen sure can move a 'ton' of cargo and supplies and, according to Solis, their favorite piece of equipment is the 50K Rough Terrain Container Handler."The RTCH is pretty much our moneymaker," said Solis. "With the capacity to move 50 tons and Conex boxes stretching 40 feet, there's little we can't move."Per their regulations, Solis said they're required to have vehicles capable of towing the largest vehicle assigned to the wing. Massive "moneymakers" aside, these Airmen also ensure servicemembers going home on emergency leave depart the AOR safely and securely."With our leased vehicles, we drive individuals going home on emergency with transportation from the wing to the local airport," Solis said. "Whatever the mission calls for, our vehicles are equipped to support."

Celebrating five decades of service: USS Enterprise CVN 65

As a tribute to the "Big E's" five decades of service, from the Cuban Missile Crisis to Operation Enduring Freedom, Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) has illustrated her deployments and milestones through this infographic.

Operational cyber warriors maintain information systems

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

5/9/2013 - SOUTHWEST ASIA -- For more than a decade, U.S. servicemembers deploy in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM with troops completing their mission on the ground, by sea and in the air.Airmen from the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing can't support these operations without the information provided by the RC-135V/W Rivet Joint and the Airmen who maintain its information systems. Since joining the 379th in August 2003, these specialists, assigned to the 763rd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, are known as electronic warfare maintainers."It's very rewarding to know the system you maintain may save someone's life," said Tech. Sgt. Michael Sequin, 763rd ERS electronic warfare maintenance NCO in charge.These technicians are unlike what people typically refer to as maintainers. Deployed from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb., Sequin and his crew are assigned to an operations squadron, while their counterparts are generally assigned to a maintenance squadron. Maintained operationally since January 1964, these technicians instead of working directly on the aircraft's mechanical parts, they sustain the information systems on board.As with most computer equipment, the systems on board this 135-foot-long airframe must be cooled before their maintainers can begin their diagnostics and complete their checklists. Air conditioners are placed outside the aircraft with large yellow tubes connected to ports on the sides and underneath, pumping 40-degree-temperature air into the jet to ensure the computers, which generate a substantial amount of their own heat, maintain an average of 75 degrees."This is very important," said Senior Airman Thomas Toy, 763rd ERS electronic warfare maintainer. "After the jet is adequately cooled, we insert the hard drives in their bays and start the main processing unit and temperature monitor."With miles of wires and networking cables running from tip to tail, the RC-135 is key to air superiority and finds its home here with the 379th AEW. This airframe is the 379th's primary intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance platform; picking up real-time information on the coalition's enemies."Air crews have told us before that lives would have been lost if our systems weren't performing as they should, that we would not have collected all the necessary information that saved a convoy or prevented an ambush," said Senior Airman Ross Lemp, electronic warfare maintainer.RC-135s supported operations in Vietnam, Operation EL DORADO CANYON in the Mediterranean, Operation URGENT FURY in Grenada, and Operation JUST CAUSE in Panama. The Rivet Joint has maintained a constant presence in Southwest Asia since August 1990 supporting operations DESERT SHIELD, DESERT STORM, ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM. More recently, RC-135s also supported Operation ALLIED FORCE in Kosovo and Operation ODYSSEY DAWN/UNIFIED PROTECTOR in Libya."Our information systems maintainers are absolutely critical to this platform - our jets don't fly without their support," said Lt. Col. Sean Coveney, 763rd ERS commander. "Everything they do keeps the mission going. These cyber warriors maintain an intelligence collection platform critical in specialty to the Air Force and DoD."All RC-135s are assigned to Air Combat Command permanently based at Offutt AFB and are operated by the 55th Wing using various forward deployment locations worldwide.

Day on the Job: Nurse, medical technician

by Senior Airman Benjamin Stratton379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

Synonyms: Superman and Doolittle Raider

Another amazing story I couldn't help but share...by Staff Sgt. David SalanitriAir Force Public Affairs Agency - Pentagon5/8/2013 - FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. (AFNS) -- Looking around the auditorium, legends fill the room.A Tuskegee Airman subtly takes his seat in the crowd. Medal of Honor recipient George "Bud" Day strolls in on his wheelchair and takes a seat near the front. And on the stage stand three men who hundreds came to honor.This was one of the many recognitions Lt. Col. Dick Cole, Lt. Col. Ed Saylor and Staff Sgt. David Thatcher, all three Doolittle Raiders, received during their last official reunion, April 17 to 20, 2013, on the Florida Northwest coast.During this handful of days, thousands of people, young and old, came out to show their support.The DoolittleRaiders started with 80 airmen in their unit, but 71 years later, only four remain, the youngest being in his early 90s.These Raiders did something extraordinary April 18, 1942 -- they delivered the first blow to Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor.Seventy-one years is a long time. Who won the World Series 71 years ago? For that matter, who won the Super Bowl two years ago? Things that seem important in the moment, but are forgotten easily, rarely make for impactful moments to be written in the history books of our children and our children's children. But an event who's impact can be lived today through a country's freedom is something few can say they've been part of.The Doolittle Raiders can say this. All 80 of them. And America hasn't forgotten it. This can be said in confidence.For four days, the Raiders were treated like the heroes they are.People lined walls by the hundreds, waiting in line up to two hours just to shake a Raiders' hand, and to get an autograph. Airmen of Hurlburt Field and Eglin Air Force Base filled auditoriums in hopes to ask these Raiders a question.A popular question asked throughout the week - what was going through your mind knowing you're going to take off on a mission that you may not return from?Though the responses slightly varied, the message was consistent - their only thought was on the mission. The feeling of fright fell to the way side to their task at hand - send a message to Japan that we can hurt them at home.And that's exactly what they did.Under the command of then Lt. Col. Jimmy Doolittle, 80 men flew 16 aircraft off of a carrier in the Pacific, dropping bombs on oil storage facilities, factory areas and military installations.When news of the raid reached the low-morale Americans, spirits rose through the roof. Up until this point, America was getting their tails kicked overseas.The raid was considered a huge psychological win. It raised morale for Americans all over and it sent a loud message to Japan -- we're coming for you. Be afraid.Many things have changed during the past 71 years. Our freedom is not one of those things.Watching folks interact with the Raiders reminds me of how folks would react to meeting superman. Children jump at the chance to take a picture with a Raider, prodding at mom and dad until they get their face time with one of the heroes.Fellow World War II veterans don their old uniforms, which is as squared-away as a military training instructor on graduation day. And shall we not forget the ladies. Cut in front of a lady who's on line to get an autograph from a Raider, and your health becomes at risk - I learned this while maneuvering through the line to interview folks. Not good.It's a warm site to see how these veterans are treated today. This wasn't always the case. Pull aside any person wearing a "Vietnam" ball cap, and they'll tell you that first hand. But first they will thank you for your service, since few have done the same to them.Knowing that because of men like Lt. Col. Dick Cole, Lt. Col. Ed Saylor and Staff Sgt. David Thatcher, America has a strong Air Force, and freedom to enjoy. Here doesn't do these men justice. All 80 of them.Aim high, Raiders. Fly, fight, win.

Survival tip for deployed moms on Mother's Day

I stumbled upon this article as I was reading through the news today and found it very good reading. Hope you like it as well!Commentary by Capt. Natassia CherneAir Forces Centrral Public Affairs5/8/2013 - UNDISCLOSED LOCATION, Southwest Asia -- I told myself to be strong. I told myself that tears won't change the fact that I was leaving my son for six months. Moments later, my husband pulled up to the airport for the final goodbye, but the Hoover dam couldn't hold back my tears or drown out the sound of my sobs. My head told me to get it together, I was in uniform, but heart was having none of it. How was I going to survive being away?This is my second deployment, but my first as a mother. I love my husband, but the love for my child is nothing I have ever experienced. Thoughts of holding him in my arms for the first time, and hearing him laugh, swarm my mind every day.I often hear, "at least you have Skype or Face Time," but I'm a selfish mommy. I want to hold my baby, kiss him and watch him sleep. When I would go away for two weeks, it felt like a lifetime; six months feels like eternity. And to think, I'm one of the lucky ones, it could have been a year away.I dealt with leaving by taking time off work, enjoying every moment with him, and by eating a lot of chocolate, but once I got to my undisclosed location, chocolate couldn't turn my attitude around.My second week deployed was my breaking point. I walked into my friend's office and totally broke down. She closed the door and tried to talk me down. We talked about how she was dealing with being away from her son, when she gave me some great advice.She said that when she's home, she is a mom 100 percent of the time. There isn't a moment that goes by that she isn't getting her child ready for school or taking him to practice. What she doesn't get is time to herself. Time away is hard, but time away means a little more me time.Here's my survival tip, you can't fight time or make it go quicker. All you can do is embrace the time you have for yourself.Read that book you always get interrupted reading. Sleep into the middle of the afternoon on the weekend, because when you go home, let's be honest, it won't happen again. Go to the gym, try yoga, or treat yourself to pedicure or a massage. For once, enjoy the time you have for you, without feeling guilty about it or worrying about what the kids need.There isn't a day that goes by where I don't think of my son. When I talk to him, every part of me aches to bring him close, hold him and show him how much I love him, but I can't pretend that my deployment isn't happening. Being in the military is a calling, one I'm proud to answer. Others may call embracing time away selfishness ... I just call it survival.Happy Mother's Day to the all the mothers out there; especially, my deployed sisters in arms.

Fairchild Airman receives Bronze Star

A Fairchild physician was awarded the Bronze Star Medal here recently for her service during Operation Enduring Freedom at Provincial Reconstruction Team Zabul from June 2011 to March 2012.When asked about her medal, Capt. (Dr.) Leslee Kane, a Bozeman, Mont., native humbly said, “I was just doing my job like everyone else.”The captain was recognized as the senior medical officer on-site during a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attack. Kane helped coordinate traumatic brain injury screenings for more than 75 people in response to the attack and returned them to duty within 72 hours. She led three medics, a physician’s assistant and numerous others during the triage and treatment of mass casualties and including 17 local national patients and coordinated evacuation of two U.S. military and three local national casualties to medical treatment facilities.She was also the female engagement team lead responsible for mentoring Zabul’s Department of Women Affairs line director. The captain helped lecture a medical series for 10 Afghan female medical providers, which fostered working relationships between the Afghan health sector and people of Zabul.“My main job was to work with the regional directors advocating for the women in the cities we would tour,” she said. “As our team traveled through these cities, I would take time to talk with the women of the city to get a feel for how well their city leaders were spreading the medical care among all the villagers.”The captain also organized and oversaw long-term, culturally-appropriate economic projects directly benefiting more than 150 women and their families in the Zabul area.“She’s an excellent performer,” said Col. Blake Ortner, who was a member of her leadership team while deployed. “Captain Kane went well beyond her normal duties. Her contributions to the … programs were outstanding.”While she excelled down range, the captain missed her family no less. She said online video chatting was a welcome tool they used to keep in touch, but due to the nature of her mission, internet was not always available and 13 months away from her family was difficult.“Family aside, I would do it again in a heartbeat,” the wife and mother of two said. “But only if I were a single Airman. I’d have a hard time being away from my family for that long again.”Not only did she miss her family, but back home, her family and unit missed her.“We are very excited to have her home,” said Maj. Marc Weishaar, 92nd Medical Operations Squadron commander. “It is awesome to see the great care she provides her patients here at Fairchild is the same great quality of care she provided to her patients while deployed.”[Editor’s Note: The Bronze Star Medal is a U.S. Armed Forces individual military decoration that may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit or meritorious service.]

"Like a boss"

In Christ all things.

Running like a ninja, not like a t-rex

If dinosaurs were better runners, they might not be extinct today.Evidence suggests some dinosaurs ran by planting their heel first and springing off their toes. Many people run this way today. Those who run that way couldn't possibly get out of the way of a meteor fast enough.But you know who might?A ninja.Growing up I learned a lot from my Dad -- like how to drive, throw a football and run. As a Soldier, my Dad ran a lot and shared with me his passion for the sport. While I didn't pick up on everything right away, I have since become quite enthralled with what is called "natural running."Here's an example of what I mean when I say natural running. When walking around the house barefoot, do you walk heel-toe, or do you try to be stealthy and walk around on just the front part of your feet? The stealthy option is actually the healthiest with the least amount of impact on your joints. Now equate this same technique while running and you'll be stealthily flying around like a ninja!Something I learned from a friend, (who may not be a ninja, but is knowledgeable nonetheless) who has been running the mid-strike for years said every time you land on your heel while running, four times your body weight is slamming into your knees and ankles. So imagine you are 150 pounds -- that's 600 pounds of body weight slamming into your leg joints with every heel strike.Another issue many runners face is the question of what to do with their arms? Have you ever noticed people be-bopping along with their arms like a tyrannosaurus rex? These people are over working their legs and not effectively using their arms.According to the Air Force's chief of health promotion, Dr. (Lt. Col.) Dan Kuland, your arms equate to nearly half of a total run. He suggests you swing your arms quickly from relaxed shoulders, elbows bent at 90 degrees, and thumbs and index fingers touching only slightly. Ensure as you run, your arms do not cross your body and remain at your sides. With your hands, you can also grasp at the air as if you were swimming, pulling yourself forward, as a momentum gainer.Kuland also offered other tips:− Fall forward from your ankles in order to enlist gravity.− Run softly by imagining a helium balloon attached to your head.− Look where you are going, not at your feet.− Imagine being reeled in on a big fishing line attached at your belly button.− Expand your lower abdomen like a balloon, then squeeze the air out.− Keep your knees slightly bent, never completely straightening your legs.− Land on the middle of your foot to reduce braking that would occur from crash landing early on your heel.− Imagine running on hot coals with a quick cadence.− Think of your foot slipping backward on a banana peel.− Picture helium balloons lifting your heels.− Move your ankles in little circle as if they are wheels.− Wear minimalist footwear."When we run, our legs swing forward and back like a pendulum, landing on the backswing," Kuland said. "Without shoes, we would land on our mid-foot or toward the front of our foot. But the thick heels of common running shoes catch the ground early with our knee extended and foot out front, inviting knee pain and anterior shin splints. 'Minimalist' shoes with thinner heels allow more natural landings. Once you're on the ground, just lift your heel and gravity will pull you forward. Pushing off wastes energy and promotes posteromedial shin splints and Achilles problems."A great resource for revamping an aerobic workout is found at the Natural Running Center's website:www.naturalrunningcenter.com/. There are videos, blogs, articles, photos, emails, book suggestions -- you name it. Lt. Col. Mark Cucuzzella, Air Force Marathon medical consultant, Efficient Running Program subject matter expert and director of the website, also put together a video on YouTube providing visual cues for extra help: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSIDRHUWlVo.There is a group of runners at Fairchild who meet every Monday afternoon at 4:50 p.m., in the Winner's Circle located at the Funspot. The group usually does a 3.2 mile run around base, but according to their secretary, Staff Sgt. Ceridwyn Wald of the 92nd Air Refueling Wing, they've in the past gone for trail runs on South Hill and at Riverfront Park downtown. She also alluded to special runs including the famed "bikini run," super hero run and various hash runs.Running naturally has improved my run time, increased my endurance and strengthened my leg muscles by leaps and bounds. But if my testimony isn't enough, consider this: no ninja has ever been eaten by a dinosaur.