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.

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.