Operation Dragon Foundation - Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson

More documents

Recommendations

Info

A-2 Arctic Warrior April 8, 2011 Word on the street By DAVID BEDARD What military leader inspired you early in your career and why? “Chief (Master Sgt.) Evan Godwin because he took me under his wing and paid attention to my career progress.” Senior Master Sgt. Jeff Collins, 3rd Equipment Maintenance Squadron “(Air Force) Col. Deborah Van de Ven because she was so positive, energetic, hard working and kind. She led me to believe that if you work hard enough, you can accomplish anything” Air Force Capt. Pamela Nuila, 673d Air Base Wing “(Air Force) Staff Sgt. Vu because he took care of his Airmen and set the example.” Air Force Staff Sgt. Dustin Porter, 673d Logistics Readiness Squadron “(Army) Staff Sgt. Brewer because he took care of me and I like the way I was treated: fairly and equally.” Army Staff Sgt. Johnleo Valenzuela, 793rd Military Police Battalion “Tech. Sgt. Gayle because of how he teaches you to balance your family life and your Air Force career.” Air Force Staff Sgt. Ray Hernandez, 3rd Operations Group Editorial & Opinion The Chief: Your charge is to serve others Commentary by Air Force great to get a chance to visit with war was soon in sight. The Chief Brig. Gen. Joseph S. Ward Jr. the Chief. completed his service and was Office of the Assistant Secretary He still loves to tell stories discharged at the end of the war. of the Air Force for Financial about his days serving our great Like many of our returning service Management and Comptroller nation. He still likes to mentor his members, the Chief returned son-in-law who is now a general to his hometown where he found a The Chief was in charge of a officer, but who, in his mind, has job that paid 25 cents an hour. large maintenance unit as the senior much to learn and plenty of room After a couple of years back enlisted member. He had several for improvement. home in Mississippi, the Chief ran hundred young Airmen serving While visiting with the Chief into one of his friends who had with him. this past summer, he reminded me heard about a brand new service The Chief lived a life of servant of why he served for 28 years, 6 that was looking for a few recruits. leadership, always looking out for months and 4 days. The Chief had A quick trip to the Air Force his troops and always willing to planned on serving 30 years, but recruiter’s office, and as the saying lend a hand to his fellow Airmen. the day he was not able to help one goes, the rest is history. The Chief The Chief was proud of his of his troops would be his very last was back serving his country; this reputation as being approachable day on active duty. time as an Airman. The year was and Airmen always felt at ease in He has told me repeatedly, 1947. seeking his sage advice and assistance. “When you are through helping By chance, the Chief was as- others, you are through period.” signed to Wheeler Field in Hono- On one particular day, an Airman There is no reason to lulu and he was back serving in asked the Chief for some help. continue serving if you the Pacific. That would be the very last day the are not willing and/or Life was good as a Chief served on active duty. able to help others. young Airman. He It was a gut-wrenching feeling, On that fateful was a crew chief in not being able to help a fellow day, the Chief charge of repairing Airman. The Chief has never told simply went to P47s, an airplane me what the Airman asked for, but visit the orderly he still loves today. for whatever reason, the Chief was room and asked He met his not able to help the young Airman. to put in his letter lovely bride in Ho- The Chief knew in his heart that of resignation. nolulu and they he could not continue to serve our The clerk put together got married the great Air Force if he was not able the form day after the Air to help others. and the Chief Force’s first anniversary, I met the Chief some 26 years went directly to Sept. 18, ago when I was a young lieutenant his commanding 1948. They have and I was dating his daughter. officer to ask for been married for 62 The Chief’s daughter caught his permission to retire years. my eye and quickly captured my that very day. The Chief had several heart. Soon thereafter, I asked the The Chief drove through successful assignments in the Chief for permission to marry his the gates of the base for the last years to follow and served in the daughter and the Chief gave me his time as an active-duty Airman. Korean conflict as well as Vietnam. blessing and offered some advice He did not have a ceremony to He enjoys sharing his stories of that has served me well throughout honor his service. There would be what it was like to serve in the 40s, my 27 years of service. no parade. 50s, and 60s. He said, when he was He said, “Son, take good care of He simply decided after 28 serving, there was only one shift in my daughter and take good care of years, 6 months and 4 days, it was those days. the young Airmen you serve with. time to pass the torch and allow It didn’t matter if the planes You have a wonderful opportunity someone else an opportunity to were flying day or night, he was should you decide to make the Air help others while serving this great on the flight line with his tool box Force a career. Take advantage and nation. in hand to make sure the airplanes go out and help others.” The Chief left school at age 14. were fit to fly. He often slept in Pretty straight-forward advice At the time, the world was at war. the hangars when the unit was from a wise chief. Most of the Chief’s older preparing for a major exercise or What I didn’t realize then friends had left the small rural town preparing for combat. was how much I would I grow to of Laurel, Mississippi to join the He didn’t mind. He was living respect, appreciate and learn from war effort. To the Chief, this was a his dream, and he was enjoying his my father-in-law. great adventure waiting to happen; time in the Air Force. When I met the Chief, he had he desperately wanted to join and Although it has been four been retired from the Air Force for begin serving. decades since the Chief retired, a number of years, but his love for The Chief lied about his age his love of service continues. His service continued to burn inside when he was 15 and was denied message and example of helping and that fire is still burning today. entry into the Navy. others is timeless. My wife and I recently celebrated The next year, he lied again at He never looked for credit. He our 25th wedding an- age 16 and was once again denied. was only interested in serving. His niversary while I was TDY at The following year at age 17, the sole purpose was to help his fellow the Naval Postgraduate School. Navy finally agreed to let him join, Airmen. Fortunately, my wife was able to and off he went to basic training. For those who struggle with join me in Monterey to celebrate Soon thereafter, the Chief found knowing when to retire, take a lesson the big event. himself serving on an aircraft carrier from the Chief: keep serving as Coincidentally, my wife’s parents in the Pacific as a mechanic in long as you can and are willing to reside in Sacramento, where the ship’s engine room. The Chief help others. the Chief retired from active duty. found his “calling;” he loved serving We can learn so much from the The ride from Monterey was in the Navy. Chief. I am glad to share his story. only about three hours. It was It was 1944 and the end of the Please pass it on. Military youths serve too The Arctic Warrior is published by Wick Communications, a private firm in no way connected with the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or the Department of the Army, under exclusive written contract with the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson Public Affairs Office. This civilian enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of the Arctic Warrior are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or the Department of the Army. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force, the Department of the Army, or Wick Communications of the products or services advertised. Alaskan Command/ 11th Air Force Commanding General Lt. Gen. Dana T. Atkins (USAF) U.S. Army Alaska Commanding General Brig. Gen. Raymond P. Palumbo (USA) Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson/ 673d Air Base Wing Commander Col. Robert D. Evans (USAF) Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson/ 673d Air Base Wing vice Commander Col. Timothy R. Prior (USA) Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. To advertise in the Arctic Warrior, please call (907) 561-7737. Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Arctic Warrior staff. Editorial office: Building 10480, Suite 123; Mailing address: JBER Public Affairs, 10480 22nd St., Suite 123, Elmendorf AFB, AK 99506; telephone (907) 552-8918. Send emails about news stories to Arctic.Warrior@elmendorf.af.mil and luke.waack@elmendorf.af.mil. Deadline for article and photos is 4:30 p.m., Monday, for the week of publication. Articles and photos will be published on a space-available basis and are subject to editing by the Arctic Warrior staff. Submission does not guarantee publication. JBER Public Affairs Officer Maj. Joseph Coslett (USAF) JBER Deputy Public Affairs Officer Bob Hall Internal Information Chief John Pennell Arctic Warrior staff Luke Waack - senior editor Chris McCann - community editor Air Force Staff Sgt. Jeremy Larlee - sports editor David Bedard, Air Force Staff Sgt. Joshua Garcia and Airman 1st Class Jack Sanders By Robert L. Gordon III Military Community and Family Policy Military children continually amaze us as they rise to the challenges of military life. It’s a life of frequent moves, changing schools, leaving friends and making new friends. During April, the Month of the Military Child, we applaud their character and maturity, and we acknowledge that kids serve too. Our military community includes 1.8 million American children and youth under 18 years old. The Defense Department offers a wide range of programs and services to support military families and their kids. Just a few of the things we’re working on include: – Working with states to minimize school disruption for military children during transition and deployment. The Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children provides common guidelines for participating states to follow in handling issues including initial enrollment age, records transfer, graduation requirements and much more. So far, 35 states have adopted the compact, covering 88 percent of students. – Increasing access to quality, affordable child care for military families. Today’s National Guard and Reserve forces mobilize and deploy at historic rates. Many military children – of all branches and components – live away from military installations, and even when they do live near to one, many locations are unable to meet the demand for care at military child development facilities. The DOD Child Care Expansion Initiative will help answer this growing need by ensuring their access to quality child care in the communities in which they reside. – The Department of Defense Education Activity launched an online preregistration application . Through the site, parents can preregister their children in a DOD school from anywhere in the world, and even while on the move from one installation to another. – A new, 365-page deployment guide is now available. This guide prepares families for deployment and has chapters dedicated to preparing children for deployment, helping them to cope with separation and the adjustment when the deployed parent comes home. Additionally, installations around the world offer a huge range of activities for military kids at child care centers, youth centers, clubs and camps. The professionals at these programs get vital support from volunteers. I see the enormous amount of good done by the hands and hearts of volunteers. Their selfless work changes lives and strengthens our nation. During the Month of the Military Child, I also encourage you to consider volunteering at any of the many organizations dedicated to military kids. From the Boys and Girls Club of America , 4-H Youth Development and the Armed Services YMCA , these and many other organizations provide quality programs to military families and their children. Have you volunteered with youth in your community? Where do you volunteer? What inspired you to get started? What experiences have you had? How would you inspire someone else to serve as a volunteer? We’d like you to share your stories on the Facebook wall of Serve.gov. Is the organization you support listed on Serve.gov? This is a nationwide resource for finding volunteer opportunities in your community and creating your own. Listing the organization on this website allows other people to sign up and join you. It’s hard to imagine a local t-ball league without volunteers. Who would prepare the field, coach the players or call the plays? Children are first in the mind of their parents, and during Month of the Military Child, we hope they become first in the minds of their communities as well. There are many ways to serve, and many reasons. No matter your age or background, your education or interests, your experience or abilities, Serve.gov has a volunteer opportunity that’s right for you.
April 8, 2011 Arctic Warrior A-3 Canadian, U.S. paratroopers trade wings By Army Capt. Chase Spears 4-25th ABCT PAO A group of 198 U.S. Army Alaska paratroopers stood proudly at attention March 23, as a video of former Canadian paratroopers sharing war stories and airborne pride played above. This was the start of a Canadian-American exchange-of-wings ceremony hosted by the 425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division here. The ceremony marked a bilateral friendship jump the night before. The airborne operation qualified BSTB Soldiers to wear the Canadian Parachutist Badge, because it was overseen by Canadian jumpmasters. Friendship jumps give paratroopers from different countries the opportunity to train together and are intended to reinforce the spirit of cooperation between nations by sharing experiences and tactics. They’re also an opportunity for paratroopers to earn foreign jump wings. Sgt. Joseph Hiller and Master Cpl. Marc Andre Asselin, both from the Canadian Forces Land Advanced Warfare Center, served as jumpmasters for the airborne event and presented the Canadian wings at the ceremony. “Congratulations. Wear these wings with pride. You earned them. Stay airborne,” Hiller told the recipients. Hiller and Asselin were both presented with the United States Army Senior Parachutist Badge by BSTB Commander Army Lt. Col. Frank Smith and Command Sgt. Maj. Henry Montoya. The friendship jump honored the Allied paratroopers who jumped into combat on D-Day during World War II, according to Smith. Such events help build bonds and strengthen the camaraderie of the airborne community, he said. The jump gave many new paratroopers an opportunity to earn their foreign wings, according to Montoya, including some who ABOVE: Canadian Forces Sgt. Joseph Hiller presents a 425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion paratrooper with the Canadian Parachutist Badge during a foreign jump wing exchange ceremony, March 23. RIGHT: Sgt. Hiller presents Army Lt. Col. Frank Smith with the Canadian Parachutist Badge. (Photos by Capt. Chase Spears/4-25th ABCT PAO) had only been in the unit a week. “Earning the foreign wings reaffirms their status of being elite,” Montoya said. “It’s good for them and good for the Army.” This was the fourth friendship jump for the brigade since its return from combat operations in Afghanistan in February 2010. The first was in November 2010 when Indian soldiers visited JBER for Exercise Yudh Abhyas, followed by a Canadian jump at JBER in February and a training jump into Thailand the same month. Denali paratroopers practice crater analysis skills By Senior Airman Christopher Gross JBER PAO Much can be gleaned from analyzing an indirect fire crater from an enemy mortar, eld artillery cannon or rocket launcher. Soldiers like Army 2nd Lt. Matthew Luman, 1st Squadron (Airborne), 40th Cavalry egiment, said it’s a lost art, because nowadays radar is depended upon in most cases. However when radar fails or troops are out at a forward operating base this is a skill that an pay dividends. In most cases forward observers, like those of the 1-40th who took part in crater analysis training March 31, would be the ones analyzing craters. Army Capt. Teresa Doerr, 1-40th fire support officer commented on how important this training can be. “It’s valuable in identifying where our threats are, mortars and indirect fire are a uge threat to our (installations),” Doerr said. By telling which direction the projectile came from and knowing approximately how far it was launched or the maximum distance it can go, troops are more likely able to tell where their threat is coming from and can then engage the enemy with artillery. Troops can also use the crater analysis techniques to locate weapon stockpiles left over from the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan Dragons From Page A-1 “Land navigation was the most challenging,” said Pvt. Godfrey Wilson, a member f 5th Platoon. “You are in full battle rattle alking through deep snow with a weapon. ou have a certain amount of time to find our points, so you can get a go,” the Fort mith, Ark., native said. “You don’t want to ail or else you’ll have to go back out there he next day and do it all again.” After the Soldiers completed the course, the same teams moved to the communications lane on FOB Grizzly to practice a equest for a medical evacuation on a SINC- GARS single-channel radio. Once the teams were given a “Go” at that station, hey formed into squads to conduct dismounted movements south on Pole Line Road and to provide support to a squad which ad received small arms re and reported friendly asualties. As the teams patrolled almost two miles down the road, they identified casualties lying on the side of the road. Some of the oldiers set up a perimeter of security, while thers quickly rushed to perform basic lifeaving measures after moving the casualties ut of the kill zone. Shortly after, the patrols ad to fend off an attack from opposing-force ole players. “It opens (the Soldiers’) eyes a little more and offers them a real life scenario,” opposing-force role player Sgt. Chaun auer said. The last event called on the Chemical Corps Soldiers’ particular area of expertise. The chemical, biological, radiological during the the 1970s and 80s. Doerr offered a couple examples of how to locate the threat. She said if they know it was an 82-mm mortar which caused the crater, then its point of origin couldn’t be more than three kilometers away. If they notice for the past three months the firing of the munitions are coming from one direction, then there must be a stockpile of some sort off in the distance. When teams go out to analyze craters they also determine whether or not if it was fired high-angle – fired with an elongated high arc which can clear mountainous terrain – or low-angle – fired with a lower arc better for achieving long ranges. Most mortars are high-angle shells and howitzers can use either of the ballistic profiles. They also determine the grid location of the crater and the time they found the shelling. Troops use crater analysis tools to determine the size of the munitions. If the fuse is visible, it is easier to tell what types of munitions were used and they can determine which direction the rounds came from. Luman noted he felt this is a skill which has faded away over the years. “It’s not something you see very often, crater analysis is kind of a lost art, a lot of places don’t even teach it anymore. (Everyone) gets a manual, but sometimes when you actually get to see it, it’s a little bit better.” and nuclear lane consisted of individual and equipment decontamination, detecting chemical agents with M-8 paper and avoiding a Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear, or CBRN, injury with a protective suit called a Joint Service Lightweight Integrated Suit Technology. Army Staff Sgt. Ricardo Cruz, the CBRN lane noncommissioned officer in charge, explained the importance of the training. “It’s a good opportunity for them to refresh on the basics that they are taught in initial entry training and their (advanced individual training),” he said. “Reacting to chemical attack is not only a chemical task, but it’s Army wide, so it’s done from an infantryman to the truck driver,” the McAllen, Texas, native said. “So it’s very important to us as chemical Soldiers to be more than proficient in this in comparison to all our other service members.” Once the Soldiers completed the course, the final step was the maskconfidence portion in the CS gas chamber. After a few minutes in the cloudy chamber, they were then told to remove their masks. After about 10 seconds they were released to the fresh, crisp air outside. Not all of the Soldiers in the unit are CBRN specialists, however. Pvt. Chase Edmonds, a wheeled-vehicle mechanic in Maintenance Platoon, went through the training as well. “It’s good to catch up on (training) just in case anything does happen and we’re prepared for it,“ Edmonds, a native of Garland, Utah, said. “I think it’s easier to learn training out here, because they actually work with you more, so it’s a lot better for you to really understand what’s going on.” Sgt. George Lee, 1st Squadron (Airborne), 40th Cavalry Regiment, analyzes a crater, March 31. Members of the 1-40th did some hands-on training on how to analyze a crater, telling what type of munitions were used, where it came from, whether it was a high-angle or low-angle shot and approximately the distance the round’s point of origin. (Photo by Senior Airman Christopher Gross/JBER PAO) Trailblazers From Page A-1 dren accomplish. This will be the first time my parents have ever seen me receive an award.” Chief Warrant Officer 2 Lanorris Ford Ford, a battalion maintenance officer with the 793rd Military Police Battalion, had never heard of the award until his battalion executive officer informed him he was being recommended for it. After some research he soon learned it was a prestigious award. Ford’s accomplishments over the past year caught the attention of his command. He deployed a company to Iraq, redeployed two companies Iraq, deployed and redeployed two companies to the National Training Center, conducted left-behindequipment induction for two companies, reduced the brigade’s backlog of mechanical services by more than 500 vehicles, assisted in the turn-in of more than $3.5 million worth of excess equipment, personally located mission-essential parts valued at more than $65,000, and ensured the operational readiness of five subordinate companies at two installations separated by 350 miles across Alaska. When the 793rd moved from Germany to Alaska last year, Ford’s brigade executive officer at the time, Lt. Col. Kim Zimmerman, selected him to head up the new battalion’s maintenance program. “Chief Ford is the best maintenance technician in the brigade, and I knew if anyone could accomplish the tough mission ahead, I knew it would be him. He never fails,” Zimmerman said. Ford was the only active duty warrant officer in the Army to win the MacArthur Leadership Award. “It means a lot,” Ford, a Belle Glade, Fla., native, said. “I’m a no-spotlight type of guy and don’t like the attention, however to win a prestigious award like this, and being the only warrant on active duty to win, is in itself an accomplishment.” He said the honor calls to mind this saying: “To whom much is given, much is expected.” “Basically, what that is saying is, I had this great opportunity to receive this great award. Now I have to give back and try to help someone else receive this award,” Ford said. Chief Warrant Officer 2 Lanorris Ford, 793rd Military Police Battalion, walks through the battalion’s motor pool, Wednesday. Ford was one of two MacArthur awardees from the Alaska-based 3rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Jason Epperson/3rd MEB PAO)
Page 1: Operation Tomodachi Firebirds conti
Page 5 and 6: April 8, 2011 Arctic Warrior A-5 Ko
Page 7 and 8: April 8, 2011 Arctic Warrior A-7
Page 9 and 10: April 8, 2011 Arctic Warrior A-9 Cl
Page 11 and 12: April 8, 2011 Arctic Warrior A-11
Page 13 and 14: April 8, 2011 Arctic Warrior A-13 F
Page 15 and 16: Be bear aware and safe with trash t
Page 17 and 18: April 8, 2011 Arctic Warrior B-3 Fr
Page 19 and 20: April 8, 2011 Arctic Warrior B-5 Fa
Page 21 and 22: B-8 Arctic Warrior April 8, 2011 By

Operation Dragon Foundation - Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?