AFSPC Officer awarded the Bronze Star - Colorado Springs Military ...

www.peterson.af.mil
21st Space Wing Commander
Col. Jay Raymond
Chief of Public Affairs
Capt. Toni Tones
Editorial Staff
Chief of Operations Division
2nd. Lt. Jonathan Simmons
Webmaster
Senior Airman Stephen Collier
Staff Reporter
Corey Dahl
Published by Colorado Springs Military Newspapers
Group, 31 E. Platte Avenue, Suite 300, Colorado
Springs, 80903, a private firm in no way connected with
the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract
with the 21st Space Wing. This commercial enterprise
Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for
members of the U.S. military services.
Contents of the Space Observer are not necessarily
the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S.
Government, the Department of Defense or the
Department of the Air Force.
The appearance of advertising in this publication,
including inserts or supplements, does not constitute
endorsement by DoD, the Department of the Air Force,
or CSMNG, of the products or services advertised.
Everything advertised in this publication shall be
made available for purchase, use or patronage without
regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin,
age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation
or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser,
user or patron.
Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided
by the 21st Space Wing Public Affairs Office,
775 Loring Ave., Suite 218, Peterson AFB, Colo.,
80914-1294, (719) 556-4351 or DSN 834-4351, fax
(719) 556-7848 or DSN 834-7848. All photographs are
Air Force photographs unless otherwise indicated.
The Space Observer is published every Thursday.
For advertising inquiries, call Colorado Springs
Military Newspapers, (719) 634-5905. Employees
of Peterson Air Force Base who want to place a free
classified advertisement should call 329-5210.
Articles for the Space Observer should be submitted
to the 21st SW/PAI, Attn: Space Observer. For
submission details call the editor at (719) 556-4351 or
DSN 834-4351 or e-mail space.observer@peterson.
af.mil. Deadline for article submission is noon the
Thursday one week before publication. News brief
items must be submitted on-line at www.peterson.
af.mil and will run on a space available basis. All
articles, copy and announcements submitted will be
edited to conform to AFI Series 35 and the Associated
Press Stylebook and Libel Manual.
ABU Insignia
ESS
Wiley X
Flashlights
Starting at
$11.00
ABU Name Tapes
21st space Wing
Commander’s Corner
Commentary by Col. Jay Raymond
21st Space Wing commander
Recently, Chief Master Sgt. Tim Omdal and
I had the distinct privilege of visiting the men
of the 13th Air Support Operations Squadron
(13th ASOS) at Fort Carson.
The 13th ASOS is tasked with successfully
integrating joint firepower and advanced
weather technology in support of Army operations
worldwide. The 13th ASOS includes
a tactical air control party that provides liaison
and close air support and a weather team
that provides weather forecasting, observing,
and briefings for aviation operations. During
war, or when tasked, this unit deploys with
Army units to provide the combat multiplier
of airpower.
Our visit to the 13th ASOS turned out to
be quite rewarding. We were able to suit up in
individual body armor and witness first-hand
a demonstration of the superb combat support
they contribute to the joint fight. Furthermore,
I had the distinct privilege of presenting three
Airmen — Capt. Jayson Schmiedt, Tech. Sgt.
James Elkins and Staff Sgt. Joel McPherson —
with the Bronze Star Medal for their heroic actions
during Operation Iraqi Freedom, where
they engaged in combat missions in Sadr City.
Of course this visit could not have been pos-
6436 S. Highway 85/87, Suite D
Fountain, CO 80817
(719) 391-8516
Store Hours:
Mon.-Fri. 9AM-7PM
Sat. 9PM-6PM
Closed Sunday
Col.
Jay Raymond
21st Space
Wing
commander
sible without the support of many. I wish to
thank Lt. Col. Roy Fatur, First Sgt. Kevin
Garrett and the entire team of warriors that
made this visit a memorable experience.
This week, here on Peterson AFB, our
Knights pulled together to provide support
to the
Air Force’s top-ranking leaders as we hosted
the first day of Corona. Corona meetings happen
three times per year, and they allow Air
Force senior leaders to come together for open
discussions and decision-making that typically
shapes the future of the Air Force.
Continuing a tradition that has shaped
the service’s leadership since 1947, this wing
proudly demonstrated a selfless degree of support
to the conference’s overall success.
First and foremost, my thanks to Ken Friesz
and his entire protocol team for their tremen-
Space ObServer
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Commander Highlights Recent Events
A Variety of
New Socks
Planners
Get Organized!
Selection of
Planners in Stock!
3
dous work. 21st SW Protocol Office handled
the initial planning and arrangements weeks
ahead of time and were the central point of
contact in handling all distinguished visitor
arrivals while ensuring our wing was prepared
to shine.
Another important aspect of the preparation
and execution of Corona was largely the
unsurpassed installation support provided by
our 21st Mission Support Group. Several personnel
played significant behind-the-scenes
roles in this profound display of excellence,
including 2nd Lt. Paul Wilcox, Staff Sgts.
Dennis Urruchihuaman, Erick Lizarraga,
Lava Plummer, Keith Frisbie, and Melissa
Spoon, Mr. Kyle O’Brien, Mr. Steve Stengel
and Mr. Inocencio San Agustin.
Again, the entire effort was a classic example
of a team pulling together to get the job done,
and I am proud to have been associated with
such a display of teamwork.
Finally, I have had the distinct privilege of
serving along side 2nd Lt. James Harris for
the past four months as he filled in as the wing
executive officer. This Lieutenant is an incredible
Airman and leader. Thanks James for all
of your support. I know the Mission Support
Group will be glad to have you back.
Visit the Space Observer online
at www.csmng.com
With so many choices to complete your degree,
WHY CHOOSE
COLORADO CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY?
Adult Studies program distinctives:
800.44.FAITH • www.ccu.edu
• Take classes at Peterson AFB or online
• Special military tuition rate
• Bachelor’s and master’s degrees available
• Take classes one evening per week
• Five week courses and online courses
for busy adults
• Credit for previous college courses and
life learning experiences
New classes begin soon!
For more information or to apply,
call Tom Boven at 719.596.9235
or via email at tboven@ccu.edu
www.ccu.edu/usaf
Colorado Christian University is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools