21 STS NCO to receive AF Cross Tuesday - Pope Field - Home

Military 

Saves Week 

Air Force 

Assistance 

Fund 

Ruck March 

Competition 

— Pages 6-7 

— Page 3 

— Page 9 

If you have 

questions/comments 

about this program at 

Pope, e-mail 

thatguy@pope.af.mil 

Up Next 

AFAF 

The Air Force Assistance 

Fund runs through 

April 10. For more information, 

see page 3. 

Scholarship 

applications 

The deadline to apply 

for the Pope Scholarships 

is today. For applications 

and more information, see 

the EIM Web site or 

www.pope.af.mil/news. 

Pope Tax 

Center 

The Pope Tax Center is 

open from 9 a.m. to 

3 p.m., Monday through 

Friday and is free to all 

Pope members. Call 

394-1934 for an appointment. 

Blood drive 

The next Pope Blood 

Drive is March 17 from 9 

a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pope 

Club Ballroom. Military 

and civilians donors are 

authorized up to four 

hours off to include the 

donation process. For 

more information, call 

Senior Airman Adam 

Crown 

at 

394-1677. 

Jr. Olympics 

The Pope Youth Sports 

and Fitness program is 

hosting a free Jr. Olympic 

Skills Competition from 

noon to 6 p.m. March 21 at 

the Pope Fitness Center. 

Children must be between 

the ages of 8 to 13. For 

more information, call Bob 

Talley at 394-2869 or 797- 

4517. 

PSA 

The Pope Spouses 

Association is having a 

“green” evening of fun 

March 10 at 6:30 p.m. at 

the Airman and Family 

Readiness Center. Local, 

organically grown goodies 

will be served and everyone 

who attends will learn 

ways to reduce, recycle 

and receive a plan for their 

very 

own 

vegetable garden. 

DUI tracker 

DUI tracking is current 

as of Wednesday 

Days since last DUI . . . . . .10 

2009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 

2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..20 

AADD Saves 

This week . . . . . . . . . . . ..4 

This year . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 

For a free, anonymous 

ride home midnight 

to 6 a.m. Friday 

to Sunday, call Airmen 

Against Drunk 

Driving at 

394-AADD. 

Vol. 13, No. 10 Pope Air Force Base, N.C. • www.pope.af.mil Friday, March 6, 2009 

21 STS NCO to receive 

By Capt. Laura Ropelis 

Air Force Special Operations Command 

Public Affairs 

An Air Force Special Operations 

Command Air Commando 

will receive the Air Force Cross 

here Tuesday at 1 p.m. in Hangar 

4 for his actions that saved lives 

during a lengthy battle in 

Afghanistan April 6, 2008. The 

event is open to military ID cardholders. 

Staff Sgt. Zachary J. Rhyner, 

21st Special Tactics Squadron 

combat controller, was deployed 

to Operation Enduring Freedom 

as the primary joint terminal 

attack controller while attached to 

a special forces team. 

Then a Senior Airman, 

Sergeant Rhyner was part of a 

100+-man combined assault force 

Spectator, players revive unconscious basketball opponent 

By Airman 1st Class 

Mindy Bloem 

Staff writer 

The time is roughly 8:30 on a 

Wednesday night. It is five minutes 

into an intramural basketball 

game where two Pope teams are 

competing for victory. Suddenly 

the focus shifts from a battle for 

victory to a battle to save a fallen 

opponent’s life. 

When a player from the 

opposing team collapsed at the 

Pope Fitness Center’s basketball 

court Feb. 18, two players from 

the 43rd Medical Group team, 

and a team spectator, were quick 

to act. 

Staff Sgt. Monique Holloman, 

a former Pope member now stationed 

with the 60th Medical 

Operations Squadron, Travis Air 

Force Base, Calif., was watching 

from the stands when she 

AF Cross Tuesday 

COURTESY PHOTO 

Staff Sgt. Zachary J. Rhyner, 21st Special Tactics Squadron 

combat controller, receives the Jewish Institute for National 

Security Affairs Grateful Nation Award from Adm. Michael 

Mullen, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, during the 

Grateful Nation Award Ceremony Dec. 8, 2008. 

whose mission was to enter Shok 

Valley and capture a high-value 

target who was funding the insurgency. 

Sergeant Rhyner is credited 

with saving the10-man team from 

being overrun twice in a six-and-ahalf-hour 

battle. 

Air Force Capt. Stewart Parker, 

special forces commander at 

Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, was 

the command-and-control link to 

the JTACs on the ground as they 

went into Shok Valley. 

“This was the first time U.S. 

special operations forces entered 

the territory,” said Captain Parker. 

“These were extraordinary conditions 

and the situation was 

dynamic.” 

Shok Valley is located below 

60-foot cliffs. The mission objective 

was at the top of the mountains 

surrounding the valley. 

“Initial infiltration began that 

day with snow on the ground, 

jagged rocks, a fast-moving river 

and a cliff,” said Sergeant Rhyner. 

“There was a 5-foot wall you had 

to pull yourself up. The ridgeline 

trail was out of control.” 

The expectation was to 

encounter fire from about 70 

insurgents. One Air Force JTACqualified 

combat controller was 

attached to each team to call in air 

strikes, if needed. 

“We were caught off guard as 

200 enemy fighters approached,” 

said Air Force Staff Sgt. Rob 

Gutierrez, a combat controller 

with the second team in the fight. 

“Within 10 minutes, we were 

ambushed with heavy fire from 50 

meters. The teams were split by a 

river 100 to 200 meters apart, 

north to south.” 

Sergeant Rhyner was in charge 

of coordinating the air assets. 

“I have never seen a situation 

this bad,” said Captain Parker, 

who was monitoring the situation 

back at the base. “The intel said 

the enemy was 40 feet away from 

Zach and his team at one point. It 

was dangerous.” 

Within the first 15 minutes of 

fire, Sergeant Rhyner was wounded 

along with three team members. 

“I was pulling security when I 

got shot in the leg,” he said. “The 

rounds hit my left thigh and went 

through my leg and hit another 

guy in the foot.” 

He immediately felt pain and 

adrenaline. 

“There was nowhere to go. I 

grabbed the wounded guys, but 

we were trapped by the enemy,” 

he said. “I was calling in air strikes 

and firing, while moving the 

wounded down [the cliff].” 

Sergeant Gutierrez could see 

insurgent fire coming from the 

buildings on the hilltops above 

them and was trying to get across 

the river to meet up with Sergeant 

Rhyner. 

“Zach and I were in constant 

radio contact,” he said. “I could 

hear the ammunition, sniper fire 

and rocket-propelled grenades 

with multiple blasts. We tried to 

push to the north to collocate 

with Zach’s team, but every time 

we pushed up river, it put us in an 

open line of fire.” 

“My team ran across the freezing 

river. The water came off the 

noticed the player fall head first 

to the floor. 

“I first thought he had 

tripped, but then realized he 

needed help when I noticed he 

couldn’t get back up,” Sergeant 

Holloman said. “I went out to see 

if he was okay. After a minute or 

so, the player’s eyes dilated and 

he stopped breathing, so I ran 

and got the Automatic External 

Defibrillator as the other two 

started cardiopulmonary resuscitation.” 

The other two responders 

were Senior Airmen Nathaniel 

Hardaway, recently transferred to 

Kunsan Air Base, Korea, and 

Freddy Rengifo, 43rd Medical 

Operations Squadron. 

Airman Rengifo’s first reaction 

was to assess the extent of 

the player’s injuries. After checking 

his airway, breathing and circulation, 

he stated that the member 

needed CPR and began performing 

chest compressions. 

The three responders pulled 

together as a team, providing lifesaving 

techniques in order to 

revive the unconscious player. 

This team effort came as no surprise 

to Sergeant Holloman, who 

had worked with these other Airmen 

previously. 

“I used to work with them at 

the Pope clinic, and we worked 

very well together,” she said. 

“They performed CPR (on the 

injured player) while I used the 

AED. They responded just as I 

knew they would.” 

The rescuers also agreed that 

the training they receive is crucial 

in moments like this one. 

“Because of my prior training, 

performing CPR was second 

nature,” Airman Rengifo said. “I 

felt confident and prepared to 

help.” 

mountains and we were 100 to 

200 feet beneath the enemy, like 

fish in a barrel,” said Sergeant 

Gutierrez. 

As the enemy surrounded 

them, Sergeant Rhyner, who was 

being treated for his injuries by 

Capt. Kyle Walton, the special 

forces team leader, directed multiple 

rockets and gun runs from AH- 

64 helicopters against enemy positions. 

“Zach was coordinating 

tremendous amounts of fire on 

both villages simultaneously,” said 

Sergeant Gutierrez. “Zach was in 

charge of the air strikes, since he 

was closest to the fight and could 

see even what the F-15 pilots 

could not.” 

Forty-five minutes to an hour 

had gone by since the fight began. 

“We were pinned down and I 

could see the enemy all over the 

hills running around,” said 

Sergeant Gutierrez. There were 

no stable targets. I kept the Apaches 

and the Hellfire missiles 

pressed to the north.” 

Accurate sniper, machine gun 

and rocket-propelled grenade fire 

poured down on the assault force 

in a complex ambush initiated 

simultaneously from all directions 

as the team ascended the near-vertical 

terrain. He called in more 

than 50 close air strikes and strafing 

runs. 

Three hours into the fight, 

Sergeant Gutierrez reached 

Sergeant Rhyner’s position. 

“Sergeant Gutierrez and I met 

on the cliff during the battle 

briefly. We shared a laugh, but it 

was a busy, bleak situation,” 

Sergeant Rhyner said. 

Sergeant Rhyner had been 

calling in air strikes for three 

hours while he was injured, however 

he still felt responsible for the 

others who had been hurt. With 

disregard for his own life, he tried 

to get the injured to safety, still in 

the open line of fire. 

“I left injured personnel in a 

house and I had to get over there,” 

he said. “I was frustrated being 

wounded. I tried to get the bombs 

there fast and talk to the pilots 

who didn’t see what I saw on the 

ground.” 

Five or six hours into the fight, 

as it was getting dark, intelligence 

informed the JTACs that enemy 

reinforcements were 10 kilometers 

away carrying enemy rockets 

Sergeant Holloman agreed. 

“Training helps tremendously, 

and working in the emergency 

room has helped me a lot too,” 

she said. “I just did what I was 

trained to do; it was my job to 

respond. I couldn’t just sit by and 

not do anything.” 

Fortunately for the injured 

player, his responders’ training 

paid off, and he is alive to play 

another game – something that 

makes a big difference to his rescuers. 

“I felt uplifted knowing that I 

had saved someone’s life – knowing 

that he could go home to his 

family another day,” Airman 

Rengifo said. 

Sergeant Holloman said it’s 

important for those who might 

find themselves in a similar situation 

to stay calm, confident and 

remember the basics: airway, 

breathing and circulation 

and missiles. 

“We continued to fight our 

way up the hill and the [helicopters] 

came,” said Sergeant Gutierrez. 

“Zach was talking to the helos 

and gave the coordinates to lay 

the bombs on the village, while I 

kept the A-10s and the Apaches 

out of the way.” 

Sergeant Rhyner called in a 

total of 4,570 rounds of cannon 

fire, nine Hellfire missiles, 162 

rockets, 12 500-pound bombs and 

one 2,000-pound bomb, constantly 

engaging the enemy with his M- 

4 rifle to deter their advance. 

“Zach acted fast and shut 

down the fighting,” said Sergeant 

Gutierrez. “The wounded were 

taken out on medevac.” 

Back at command and control, 

Captain Parker heard that the 

helicopters were on the ground 

with the wounded but he could 

not move the helicopters due to 

terrain and weather conditions. 

“Radio transmissions would 

block the signal due to terrain and 

vertical cliffs,” he said. “Helicopters 

were vulnerable and there 

was pressure to do everything we 

could to get the teams out quickly.” 

Fog started rolling into the valley. 

“The helicopter couldn’t fly 

[due to altitude] and the situation 

called for ‘aggressive patience,’” 

said Captain Parker. “More than 

50 percent of the U.S. forces were 

wounded and it was pretty grave.” 

Toward the end of the fighting 

40 insurgents were killed and 100 

wounded. 

Sergeant Rhyner was directly 

credited with the entire team’s 

survival due to his skill and poise 

under intense fire. 

“Sergeant Rhyner is out of 

training less than a year and is in 

one of the most difficult situations” 

said Captain Parker. “It is an 

absolute testament to his character 

and the training these guys 

take. It tells me we are doing 

something right.” 

“If it wasn’t for Zach, I wouldn’t 

be here,” said Sergeant Gutierrez. 

Sergeant Rhyner, who also 

received the Jewish Institute for 

National Security Affairs Grateful 

Nation Award, is awaiting presentation 

of the Purple Heart for the 

injuries he suffered during the 

battle. 

(pulse). 

“Always remember to grab the 

AED; you never know when you 

are going to need it,” she added. 

It’s a good thing she did 

because that player would not be 

here today otherwise. He 

stopped breathing nearly three 

minutes before once again gaining 

a pulse and becoming coherent. 

“This was a once in a lifetime 

situation, and I am glad I was 

around friends who could help 

me perform to the best of my abilities,” 

Airman Rengifo said. “It was 

an honor to assist the member in 

his time of need, and I wish him 

nothing but the best. 

The saying goes, “It does not 

matter whether you win or lose; 

it’s how you play the game.” 

Well, based on that maxim, 

it’s easy to conclude that both 

teams won that night.

2 March 6, 2009 CAROLINA FLYER 

The ‘New AMC’ – It’s Full of Wow! 

By Col. John McDonald 

43rd Airlift Wing Commander 

It is apparent through the 

history of military service, 

the importance of being 

both mentally and physically 

strong is continually emphasized. 

And through my 26 years of 

service, I’ve seen the Air Force go 

from a non-existent physical 

training program to one which is 

focused on ensuring we are able 

to execute our missions daily, 

especially while supporting 

combat operations. 

Additionally, I’ve seen the 

importance of and opportunities 

for military members to 

pursue advanced levels of both 

PME and civilian education 

increase exponentially. 

These are fantastic 

developments, ones which 

improved the warfighting 

capabilities and morale of our 

force. And while I know many of 

you have taken advantage of 

these developments and the 

subsequent opportunities, I want 

you to consider the importance 

of supplementing your physical 

and mental well being, by 

developing your spiritual health 

as well. 

Our Pope Chapel staff is one 

of the best in the Air Force, and 

they have recently kicked off a 

great program focused in 

bringing together our base 

populace while all the time 

providing some “Wow” to Team 

Pope with fun, off-duty social 

opportunities each week. The 

Pope Airman Ministry Center 

opened last month and has put 

on several “Friday Night 

Alternative” events, which 

consists of a dinner and afterevent, 

such as the Sub Night and 

Xbox/Wii Challenge Feb. 27. 

The “AMC,” as it is called, 

aims to serve as a place where 

Airmen can connect with their 

faith, connect with one another 

and connect with our great team 

from the Chapel. 

You’ll also have an 

opportunity to work with the 

staff as they promote their four 

primary pillars in support of our 

Air Force Core Values. These 

pillars promote a community 

among Airmen with the chance 

to serve others and develop as 

leaders of moral character in a 

unique and engaging 

environment. 

Please take advantage of this 

program, participate in the 

planned events, invigorate 

thoughts and ideas which will 

serve all Airmen and generate a 

sense of community which 

benefits everything we do. Be a 

person who “PIGs out” and has a 

positive impact towards making 

things better! 

I hope you’ll take the 

opportunity to attend an 

upcoming AMC event; I trust 

many of you will establish new, 

great relationships with your 

peers. For more information, 

contact Chaplain Jason Botts at 

394-2677, or stop by and visit 

him in the AMC! 

In addition, the Pope 

Chapel’s annual premier event, 

the National Prayer Luncheon 

is March 26, and it’s back with a 

twist! This year, there will not 

only be a lunch from noon to 

1:30 p.m. (headlined by the guest 

PHOTO BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS MINDY BLOEM 

Col. John McDonald, 43rd Airlift Wing Commander, and Col. Donald Kimminau, 43rd Operations 

Group Commander, act as judges during a chili cook off in the dental clinic as part of a 

43rd Medical Group event Monday. 

speaker, the Air Force Chief of 

Chaplains, Ch. (Maj. Gen.) Cecil 

Richardson), there will also be a 

concert at 7 p.m. featuring the 

Brentwood, Tenn. 

Christian/Rock/Pop band 

SONICFLOOd. Both events will 

take place on the Pope Softball 

Field, so contact the Pope Chapel 

at 394-2677 for more 

information. 

Pope continues to bring 

home 2008 Annual Awards from 

Air Mobility Command! This past 

week it was announced Tech. 

Sgt. Holly Todd from the 43rd 

Operations Support Squadron 

was recognized as Air Mobility 

Command’s Air Traffic Control 

Training Achievement Award 

winner! Sergeant Todd shined 

during the 2008 ATSEP, building a 

perfect ATC training program that 

was found to have zero write-ups 

by AMC! This award speaks to the 

dedication and commitment to 

excellence of Sergeant Todd; 

she’s deployed, so make a note 

to congratulate her next time you 

see her, or send her an email to 

the AOR! 

I appreciate the opportunity 

to visit with you today during 

Commander’s Call, but I don’t 

want to do all the talking, I want 

to hear from you. It should be 

apparent, how much I appreciate 

what you do each day — thank 

you! Your ceaseless commitment 

and dedication to Service makes 

you Popetastic! And the 

commitment and sacrifices of 

your families are equally 

impressive. You are all Wingmen, 

Leaders and Warriors! I have 

every confidence you’ll continue 

to do great things for our Team 

and our Nation, because I know 

as Airmen of Pope we will 

absolutely always do our best and 

always do what's right ... always 

understand your Individual 

Actions Matter. The pledge is 

important as part of who you are 

and what you represent … I AM 

responsible, I AM accountable, 

and I AM going to make a 

positive difference! 

Have a Popetastic week, 

continue to focus on safety, 

look for opportunities to be 

Airmen with impact — Airmen 

with Wow! 

Commander’s 

Helpline 

394-HELP (4357) 

commanders.helpline1 

@pope.af.mil 

The Commander’s Helpline is 

your direct link to Col. John 

McDonald, 43rd Airlift Wing 

Commander. 

If you have worked through 

normal channels and aren’t satisfied, 

Helplines are an opportunity 

to ask questions, compliment 

someone or make suggestions. 

You must include a 

name and phone number for a 

response. 

Helplines of general interest 

will be published in the Carolina 

Flyer, others will be answered 

by letter or phone call. 

Remember, the most efficient 

way to solve a problem is to talk 

directly to the responsible office 

or follow your chain of 

command. 

You can call the Commander’s 

Helpline at 394-4357 or e- 

mail to commanders.helpline 

@pope.af.mil. 

Helpful numbers 

Emergency 

(Base Phone/home phone) . . . . . . . . . 911 

Cell Phone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 394-0911 

Law Enforcement Desk . . . .394-2800/2808 

Helping Hand Hot line . . . . . . . . .394-2777 

Crime Stop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 394-4111 

Pope Clinic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .394-4258 

Pass and Registration . . . . . . . . . . .394-2694 

Security Forces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .394-2800 

Legal Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .394-2341 

Chapel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .394-2677 

Military 

Personnel Flight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .394-2276 

Pope Club, 

collocated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .497-4031 

TRICARE 

Customer Service . . . . . . . . . . .1-877-TRI-CARE 

Civil Engineers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .394-2821 

Inspector General . . . . . . . . . . . . . .394-2302 

Family Support 

Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .394-2538 

Child Development 

Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .394-4323 

Kitty Hawk Inn 

Dining Facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .394-4377 

Housing Management . . . . . . . . . . .394-4867 

Bowling Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .394-2891 

Fitness Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .394-2671 

Finance (Military Pay) . . . . . . .394-1410/1412 

AAFES Shoppette . . . . . . . . . . . . . .497-8181 

Public Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .394-4183 

Deployment Preparation Comes In Different Shapes, Sizes 

Wingman of the Week 

By Staff Sgt. Stacia Zachary 

Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., 

Public Affairs 

Deployments have 

become 

synonymous with 

putting on the uniform. As a 

combat-ready Airman, our 

training must always be up-todate, 

bags ready and your 

personal affairs need back up 

plans. We must deploy 

prepared and focused on the 

mission at hand. 

Whether leaving the 

country or not, every Airman 

experiences the burden of a 

deployment. Some take on the 

extra burden of the workload 

when a person deploys while 

others trade in their home life 

for an extended stay in places 

not typically found on any list 

of vacation "hot spots." 

Whatever the situation is, 

Airmen need to be ready to 

step up and do their part. 

When I was notified in 

September I would be 

deploying just before 

Christmas, I was devastated. 

This would be the second 

Christmas in three years that I 

would miss with my family. 

I went into reaction mode 

and began making lists, 

updating my will and getting 

new powers-of-attorney. I 

needed to know my children 

would be taken care of and my 

husband had the authority to 

handle any issue without delay. 

I began my training, 

accomplishing computer-based 

training and going through 

local and advanced combat 

skills training — requirements 

necessary to be combat ready. 

On my last few days of 

ACST — six weeks before 

report date — the rug was 

ripped out from under me. A 

new line remark was added to 

my deployment tasking - my 

report date was moved to 

March. To top it off, a new 

requirement forced Airmen to 

complete their deployment 

training within 90 days of 

leaving. 

I came back frustrated and 

angry. Now even more time 

would be taken away from my 

family. It took my husband 

reminding me that I wear the 

uniform, and part of the 

commitment of the uniform is 

flexibility. 

This rationale allowed me 

to calm my nerves, refocus my 

thoughts and accept this 

challenge. I realized I had an 

opportunity to be even more 

prepared for a deployment full 

of unknowns. 

By all accounts, this 

deployment will be easier. 

Although I will be gone for a 

longer period of time, I won't 

be leaving a 5-month-old with 

my parents because my 

husband is deployed as well. 

This time I have peace of mind. 

I already know that should 

anything happen to me, my 

husband will comfort my 

children. I already know the 

bond between mother and 

child cannot be broken — only 

tested. 

One month before I come 

home, my husband deploys 

and my father will be raising 

my children. That's where my 

Air Force family comes in and 

my need to control the 

situation is calmed a little. I 

know they will be there not 

because some Air Force 

instruction says so, but 

because they care. 

In the month I have left at 

home, I'll do whatever I can to 

ensure my children know why 

I'm leaving and that I will come 

home. For my daughter who is 

turning 3, I have books from 

the Child Development Center 

that explains to her where I 

am. I made a pillowcase with 

our picture on it and a "Who 

Loves You" book. It won't help 

the emptiness I feel while I'm 

gone, but I know all her 

milestones will be recorded on 

her "My Special Moments" 

calendar. 

My teenage stepson is 

easier because he understands 

this is part of my life as a 

servicemember. By the same 

token, I need to ensure his 

world remains as normal as 

possible. Plans still need to be 

made so his education doesn't 

suffer, he still gets to play golf 

and football, and he is 

enrolled into a summer 

program. In many ways, I'm 

trying to predict the future 

and account for it 

appropriately so my family 

doesn't need to sacrifice any 

more than necessary. 

I also need to make plans 

to help my husband take on 

the responsibilities that are 

inherently mine. When I leave, 

he will be mom, dad, maid 

and financier and I must make 

that transition as seamless as 

possible. My husband will 

need a support system so he 

can have breaks, and I will 

make sure he has options. I've 

recruited my neighbors, lined 

up babysitters and begged 

friends to help out. Although 

my husband is my very own 

Superman, he can't do it all 

and hopefully my village of 

people will help raise my 

children while I am gone. 

As for work, I have a 

responsibility to ensure 

continuity is maintained. I 

need to make sure all my 

duties and responsibilities are 

transferred. It's also my 

responsibility to ensure my 

Airmen will be well taken care 

of. 

Preparation is key. These 

little twists and turns have 

forced me to look at potential 

problems and have helped me 

create contingency plans. 

While I still feel the anguish of 

leaving my family, my mind is 

focused. As a Warrior Airmen, 

it is my obligation to make 

certain aspects of my personal 

and professional life are 

squared away. After all, life has 

to go on even if I'm not here. 

PHOTO BY EMILY FARRINGTON-SMITH 

Tech. Sgt. Mitchell Polu, 14th Air Support Operations 

Squadron, performs an inspection on GRC–6 Radio Pallet 

that is used on emergency operations. 

Tech. Sgt. Mitchell Polu 

14th Air Support Operations Squadron 

Job description: Tactical 

Air Command and Control 

Specialist 

Date entered military: Jan. 

28, 1998 

Reason entered military: I 

can’t pinpoint one reason, 

but I know why I re-enlisted: 

I felt I needed to do more — 

to be out there with the guys 

to my left and right. 

Who has been the most 

influential person in your 

career My friends and family 

— I measure my success 

through them. 

Short term goals: To continue 

being proficient at my 

job and continue schooling. 

Long term goals: I’m newly 

wed, so I want to try to keep 

the Mrs. happy. 

What is your favorite 

thing about Pope, and 

why We’re a small community. 

When it comes to 

career progression and 

things of that nature, networking 

helps out when you 

can put a face to a name. 

If you could change one 

thing about Pope, what 

would it be, and why I’ve 

been here a little over five 

months and the going has 

been good. I’m not sure if 

that will change in the near 

future, but being optimistic 

has worked out for me so 

far. 

Published every Friday by Fayetteville 

Publishing Co., P.O. Box 329, Fayetteville, 

N.C. 28302, (910) 323-4848, a private firm in 

no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, 

under exclusive contract with the 43rd Airlift 

Wing. This commercial enterprise Air Force 

public.pope.amc.af.mil 

newspaper is an authorized publication for 

members of the U.S. military services. 

Contents of the Carolina Flyer 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 the Department 

of Defense, Department of the Air Force or 

Fayetteville Publishing Co., of the products or 

services advertised. 

Everything advertised in this publication 

shall be 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 nonmerit 

factor of the purchaser, user or patron. 

The editorial content is edited, prepared 

and provided by the public affairs office of Pope 

Air Force Base, N.C. All photos in this publication 

are Air Force photos unless otherwise indicated. 

Pope Air Force Base Editorial Staff 

Commander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Col. John McDonald 

Chief, Public Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . Capt. Beverly Mock 

Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tech. Sgt. Todd Wivell 

Staff Writer . . . . . . . . . . . .Airman 1st Class Mindy Bloem 

Staff Writer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Emily Farrington-Smith 

Layout/Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Irvin Gourdine 

The deadline for all new material, stories and pictures 

to be considered for publication is noon, Friday the week 

before publication to the 43rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs 

Office, 5453 Reilly Street, Pope AFB, N.C., 28308-2391. 

The public affairs office staff reserves the right to edit 

all submissions. 

Visit the Carolina Flyer Web site at 

public.pope.amc.af.mil. 

How To Reach Us: 

Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . .394-1723 

E-mail . .carolina.flyer@pope.af.mil 

Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .394-4266 

Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . .678-9000

CAROLINA FLYER March 6, 2009 3 

Slower driving: one way to save 

PHOTO BY TECH. SGT. STEVEN KENNEDY 

Staff Sgt. Chris Petterson, 43rd Security Forces Squadron, issues a ticket to an individual for 

speeding in base housing. There is a zero tolerance policy for speeding violations in the housing 

areas and school zones. The 43rd SFS has issued a record number of speeding tickets 

this year. Pope members are reminded to slow down and pay attention to traffic signs. 

By Tech. Sgt. Tamara Kissinger 

43rd Security Forces Squadron 

During these hard economic 

times, everyone is looking for 

ways to save a little money. 

One way to save some money 

is to slow down and pay more 

attention while driving. Some 

people may be wondering how 

this simple action can save them 

money. 

In 2009, the 43rd Security 

Forces Squadron has issued 112 

U.S. District Court Violations, and 

it’s only February. The average 

cost for each of those citations 

was approximately $100 to $150. 

Most would agree that it be much 

better to take their family out to a 

nice dinner or buy a nice outfit 

than to pay a traffic fine. 

The following violations are 

the most common on Pope: 

Speeding, failure to stop, failure 

to stop at crosswalks and talking 

on a cell phone without a handsfree 

device. 

There is a zero tolerance policy 

in the housing areas and 

school zones. What that means is 

if people are caught speeding in 

these areas they WILL receive a 

citation and a possible suspension 

of installation driving privileges. 

Exceeding the speed limit by 

five miles per hour in base housing, 

to include Armistead Street 

from the Shoppette to the gate, 

will result in a temporary sevenday 

suspension of driving privileges. 

The following are additional 

suspensions for exceeding the 

posted speed limits on the installation: 

■ 10-19 mph = 30 days suspension 

■ 20-29 mph = 90 days suspension 

■ 30-39 mph = One year suspension 

■ 40 or more mph = Two years 

suspension. 

Failure to stop for pedestrians 

at a crosswalk could cost a 

person a $100 traffic citation. 

Speeding one to 15 mph above 

fixed limits will cost an individual 

$75, plus $25 for court processing 

fees. No one wants to end up 

taking the citation to the commander; 

the thought alone is 

painful. 

Air Force Commanders and 

First Sergeants are responsible 

for returning Armed Forces citations 

to Security Forces Reports 

and Analysis section with the 

commander’s action on the back 

within 14 days, outlining the 

action taken against the military 

member. Points are added to the 

driver’s record that could ultimately 

cause the driver to lose 

base driving privileges. Think 

about that penalty for a minute. 

Driving just one to 10 mph over 

the posted speed limit costs the 

driver three points added to his 

base driving record. 

For civilians the cost could be 

greater with increased insurance 

rates and points against their official 

driving record. It’s not worth 

the cost. Please take the time to 

slow down and pay attention. 

The 43rd SFS is asking for 

help in keeping Pope roadways 

safe by asking its people to comply 

with the posted traffic regulations. 

For more information on 

Pope traffic policies, refer to AFI 

31-204, Pope Supplement 1 or 

call Police Services at 394-2264. 

AFAF: annual drive begins 

By Capt. Nicholas Whritenour 

AFAF Wing Project Officer 

After a week of being bombarded 

with Air Force Assistance 

Fund pop-ups, unit project officer 

requests for donations and a 

Popetastic Wing Commander’s 

call, many of you are wondering 

‘what is this AFAF thing’ 

The AFAF is an annual effort 

to raise funds for the charitable 

affiliates that provide support to 

the Air Force family (active duty, 

retirees, reservists, guard and 

their family members, including 

surviving spouses) in need. 

These organizations are the Air 

Force Enlisted Village Foundation, 

the Air Force Village Foundation, 

the Air Force Aid Society, 

and the General and Mrs. Curtis 

E. LeMay Foundation. These 

organizations provide Air Force 

people with help in an emergency, 

with educational needs, 

or retirement home needs for 

widows or widowers of Air Force 

members in need of financial 

assistance. 

The Air Force Enlisted Village 

Fund helps enlisted surviving 

spouses of the Air Force, Air 

National Guard, and Air Force 

Reserve who are in dire-need. 

The Fund also helps active duty. 

It provides temporary housing 

and services to spouses and 

adult dependents of enlisted 

members who die on active 

duty. In addition, it provides 

emergency assistance and temporary 

housing during natural 

disasters for active duty or 

retired Airmen and their families. 

The Air Force Enlisted Village, 

located near Eglin Air Force 

Base, Fla., and Hurlburt Field, 

Fla., provides a home at Bob 

Hope Village, Teresa Village and 

Hawthorne House for more 

than 1,625 widows and surviving 

spouses since 1975. 

The Air Force Village Fund 

provides widows of career 

retired Air Force officers with 

dignified, appropriate and costeffective 

living options. Through 

a confidential disclosure application, 

the identities of widows 

receiving financial assistance are 

kept in the strictest confidence 

to preserve their dignity and 

security. This fund also helps 

active duty members; it provides 

a Health Care Center available to 

military members of all ranks 

and their dependents. Families 

of Air Force officers killed on 

active duty are offered living 

accommodations at the Villages 

for up to a year while putting 

their lives back together following 

their tragic loss. 

The Air Force Aid Society is 

the official charity of the Air 

Force. It is chartered to assist in 

relieving financial emergencies 

faced by active duty members 

and their families. It also assists 

Reserve and Guard personnel 

who are on extended active duty 

or face unique emergencies. On 

a case-by-case basis, Air Force 

retirees and widows can also be 

considered for assistance. Qualifying 

members are given interest-free 

loans or grants during 

personal and family emergencies. 

Aid can be given for such 

purposes as food, rent, utilities, 

essential car repair and certain 

medical and dental care. 

Respite care is also available to 

families in need. 

The General and Mrs. Curtis 

E. LeMay Foundation has 

cared for widows of retired Air 

Force personnel of all ranks who 

are left to survive with little or 

no financial resources. The 

LeMay Foundation provides 

financial aid to spouses who 

supported the careers of Air 

Force officers and enlisted personnel 

during duty station 

changes, changing schools 

midterm, raising the children in 

the absence of the spouse on 

temporary assignment and other 

hardships. 

Many widows were left nearly 

destitute because their spouses 

retired before current Survivor 

Benefit Plan was started. 

Others did not know the military 

member had not elected to participate 

in the plan. Whatever 

the reason, General and Mrs. 

LeMay wanted those who were 

left behind to be able to live out 

their years safely and with dignity. 

Whichever one of these four 

amazing charities – Air Force 

Enlisted Village Foundation, the 

Air Force Village Foundation, the 

Air Force Aid Society and the 

General and Mrs Curtis E LeMay 

Foundation – you chose to 

donate, you should know that 

you are being a wingman for all 

Air Force members. Be a good 

wingman and take care of our 

Air Force Family as you would 

want them to take care of you. 

The Air Force Assistance 

Fund has the following fundraisers 

available in March and April: 

■ 43rd Security Forces 

Squadron hosts a jail and bail 

March 16. 

■ 43rd Operations Group hosts 

Penny War March 24 to 27. 

■ The Wing staff hosts a bake 

sale March 27. 

■ 43rd Civil Engineer Squadron 

hosts a chili cook-off March 

30. 

■ The Company Grade Officer’s 

Council hosts the 

Endurance Run April 2 to 3. 

■ The Medical Group hosts a 

bowling tournament April 10. 

For more information on 

these events or the AFAF, call 

Capt. Nicholas Whritenour at 

394-6466. 

Eye safety in 

the workplace 

Why is eye safety at work 

important 

Eye injuries in the workplace 

are very common. 

More than 2,000 people 

injure their eyes at work 

each day. About one in 10 

injuries require recovery 

time which translates to 

employees missing work. Of 

the total amount of workrelated 

injuries, 10 to 20 

percent will cause temporary 

or permanent vision 

loss. 

Experts believe that the 

right eye protection could 

have lessened the severity 

or even prevented 90 percent 

of eye injuries in these 

accidents. 

What are the common 

causes of eye injuries 

Eye injuries have several 

common causes: 

■ Flying objects (bits of 

metal, glass) 

■ Tools 

■ Particles 

■ Chemicals 

■ Harmful radiation 

■ Any combination of these 

or other hazards 

What is the best defense 

against an eye injury 

There are three things 

people can do to help prevent 

an eye injury: 

■ Know the eye safety dangers 

at work — complete 

an eye hazard assessment 

■ Eliminate hazards before 

starting work. Use 

machine guarding, work 

screens or other engineering 

controls. 

■ Use proper eye 

protection. 

When should people protect 

their eyes at work 

Individuals should wear 

safety eyewear whenever 

there is a chance of eye 

injury. Anyone working in or 

passing through areas that 

pose eye hazards should 

wear protective eyewear. 

What type of safety eyewear 

is available to individuals 

Safety eyewear protection 

includes: 

■ Non-prescription and prescription 

safety glasses 

■ Goggles 

■ Face shields 

■ Welding helmets 

■ Full-face respirators 

What type of safety eye 

protection should be 

worn 

The type of safety eye 

protection people wear 

depends on the hazards in 

their workplace. 

If working in an area that 

has particles, flying objects or 

dust, individuals must at least 

wear safety glasses with side 

protection (side shields). 

If working with chemicals, 

individuals should 

wear goggles. 

If working near hazardous 

radiation (welding, 

lasers, or fiber optics), individuals 

must use specialpurpose 

safety glasses, goggles, 

face shields or helmets 

designed for that task. 

For more information, 

visit www.preventblindness.org/safety/worksafe.html. 

(Courtesy of the 43rd 

Airlift Wing Safety Office)


Pope talks 

Airman 1st Class Mindy Bloem 

Staff writer 

What is a financial goal you made 

during Military Saves Week 

“To work on being debt 

free.” 

—Staff Sgt. 

La’Mont Hargraves 

2nd Airlift Squadron 

Pope celebrates Women’s History Month 

By Capt. Ericka Comer 

43rd Medical Support Squadron 

Throughout history, women 

have made significant contributions 

both in the past and present. 

Women’s History Month 

officially began in March 2000 

by order of President Bill Clinton 

when he signed a presidential 

proclamation highlighting 

women of the past and future. 

Throughout the year, it is 

important to remember the 

many contributions courageous 

women have made to make this 

nation strong. 

Some of women’s greatest 

accomplishments include Alice 

Paul’s fight for women to vote 

and the passing of the 19th 

Amendment in 1920, to as 

recent as in 2008 with Hillary 

Clinton becoming the first 

woman to win a presidential 

primary contest and Sarah Palin 

becoming the first woman to 

run for vice president on the 

Republican ticket. 

This year’s theme is 

“Women Taking the Lead to 

Save Our Planet.” This theme 

encourages the recognition of 

the important work of women 

in the ongoing “green movement.” 

The 2009 Honorees include 

scientists, engineers, conservationists, 

teachers, community 

leaders and others whose lives 

show exceptional vision and 

leadership to save our planet. 

Honorees include Wendy 

Abrams, founder and president 

of Cool Globes, a non-profit 

organization established to 

raise awareness of global warming 

and to inspire individuals 

and community leaders to 

embrace solutions. 

Another honoree, Stephanie 

Avery, Director of Special Projects, 

Young Women’s Christian 

Association of the Lower Cape 

Fear and “Leave No Trace,” 

developed ECO CAMPS on 

YWCA property. 

She personally built nature 

trails throughout the wetlands 

using the best practices of 

“Leave No Trace,” spearheaded 

the identification of the flora 

and fauna and created a tent 

classroom. 

To see a full list of all 2009 

Honorees, visit the Web site at 

www.nwhp.org. 

“To start a three–to–six 

months emergency savings 

fund.” 

—Senior Airman 

Kettia Green 

440th Mission Support 

Group 

“To pay off my credit cards 

in a year.” 

—Airman 1st Class 

Randy Nelson 

43rd Logistics Readiness 

Squadron 

“To save a certain amount 

of money before I separate.” 

—Staff Sgt. 

Michael Gudger 

43rd Operations 

Support Squadron 

March promotees 

The following individuals were promoted 

March 1. 

2nd Airlift Squadron 

Tech. Sgt. Nathan Dickey 

Staff Sgt. Cravenkeo Khamone 

3rd Aerial Port 

Squadron 

Tech. Sgt. Tiffany Croskey 

Staff Sgt. Elliott Huddleston, Jr. 

Staff Sgt. Octavia Swinson 

43rd Aeromedical 

Evacuation Squadron 

Tech. Sgt. Haven Smith 

Staff Sgt. Danny Au, Jr. 

Staff Sgt. Tamara Bailey 

43rd Aircraft Maintenance 

Squadron 

Staff Sgt. Dustin Burgess 

Staff Sgt. Joshua Wells 

43rd Airlift Wing 

Tech. Sgt. Tara Lane 

43rd Civil Engineer 

Squadron 

Tech. Sgt. Michael Heath 

Tech. Sgt. Jayce Reinoso 

Staff. Sgt. Casey Videtto 

Staff Sgt. Jedidiah Pearson 

43rd Force Support 

Squadron 

Staff Sgt. Demetrius Vines 

43rd Logistics 

Readiness Squadron 

Tech. Sgt. Audrey McCoy 

Tech. Sgt. Sharonda Rockins 

43rd Medical Support 

Squadron 

Staff Sgt. Christie Steimle 

AFELM SOCOM AVTAG 

Tech. Sgt. Justen Malott 

Joint Support 

Operations Command 

Staff Sgt. Timothy Vierling 

Network Warfare 

Squadron 

Staff Sgt. Jathan McBride 

Undisclosed Squadron 

Tech. Sgt. 

Edward 

O’Grady 

Tech. Sgt. Mary 

Lou Merrills 

Above and beyond 

The following individuals scored 

exceptionally high in their Career 

Development Course. 

43rd Aerospace 

Medicine Squadron 

Staff Sgt. Lindsey Merriman, 

93 percent 

43rd CES 

Airman 1st Class Alexander East, 

90 percent 

Airman 1st Class Taylor Crocker, 

91 percent 

Senior Airman Casey Videtto, 

91 percent 

Airman 1st Class Christopher Zayas, 

100 percent 

Staff Sgt. Steven Haberstroh, 

100 percent 

43rd LRS 

Airman 1st Class Allen Paquette, 

90 percent 

43rd Operations 

Support Squadron 

Staff Sgt. Jessica Walker, 92 percent 

43rd Security Forces 

Squadron 

Airman 1st Class David Confer, 

94 percent


News 

Editor’ s note: To maintain 

the newsworthiness and timeliness 

of the Carolina Flyer, briefs 

will run for a maximum of four 

weeks or until the event occurs, 

whichever comes first. If there’ s 

a need to extend the publication 

of the brief, call the editor 

at 394-1723. 

■ Quarterly inputs for 

March: Individuals must have a 

amily care plan if they fall into 

ny one of the following cateories: 

Single Member Sponsor: An 

Air Force member who has no 

spouse but has family members 

who are incapable of selfcare 

residing in their household. 

Military Couples With Family 

Members: Service members 

who are married to each 

other are jointly responsible 

for non-military family members 

who physically reside in 

the household with the military 

members. 

❐ Other: People determined by 

the commander who have special 

circumstances that would 

necessitate a family care plan 

in the absence of the military 

sponsor. 

For more details, contact your 

First Sergeant. 

■ Art Exhibition: All military 

ID holders are invited to 

showcase their art in a Fine Art 

Exhibition April 19 through 21 

from 11 to 2 p.m. at the Pope 

Frame and Design building. People 

interested in participating, 

may register beginning April 4 at 

Bldg. 454, located across the 

street from the Shoppette. The 

entry fee for the maximum of two 

entries is $15. For more information, 

call 394-4192. 

■ POPELIST: 43rd Airlift 

ing Smart Operations 21 has 

nstalled a new feature on its EIM 

ite, entitled “POPELIST.” This 

eature is much like Craigslist, 

nd is designed to help Pope 

rganizations advertise and share 

overnment items they no longer 

eed in their workcenters. This 

oncept originated from an idea 

nputted into the Idea Program by 

Staff Sgt. Everett Smith, 43rd Aircraft 

Maintenance Squadron. 

Sergeant Smith was awarded 

$200 for his idea. POPELIST 

works by giving Pope users the 

ability to post items they no 

longer need in their offices and 

facilities, and also browse for 

items they may be looking for. 

Users provide information about 

their items and may also upload 

pictures. POPELIST provides a 

local link between organizations 

with surplus government materials 

and those who could use 

them, before the surplus material 

is properly dispositioned through 

appropriate channels, like DRMO. 

Any government material may be 

advertised on POPELIST, from staplers 

to furniture and computers, 

but users are reminded to follow 

appropriate regulations when 

transferring government materials. 

POPELIST is for government 

items only and will be a very 

important tool as the 43rd AW 

implements its AFSO21 6S plan 

and transitions through the BRAC 

timeline. To post material, or just 

to browse, follow the link to 

POPELIST 

at 

https://eim.amc.af.mil/org/43so 

/Lists/POPELIST/AllItems.aspx . 

For more information, call the 

Smart Ops 21 office at 394-2225. 

■ Spread the word: An 

electronic version of the Spread 

the Word briefing is now available 

online at https://ask.afpc.randolph.af.mil/pubaffairs/word/w 

ord.asp. Briefing topics range 

from the assignment cycle and 

tempo banding to upcoming uniform 

changes and civilian hiring 

procedures. Questions can be 

sent to stw.workflow@randolph.af.mil. 

■ MTIs needed: The 

influx of new Airmen entering the 

Air Force and recent BMT program 

expansion to 8.5 weeks 

means more trainees are in the 

BMT pipeline at any given time, 

thus requiring additional instructors. 

More than 200 MTIs are 

needed to fully man BMT and 138 

are needed just to get manning 

levels to 85 percent. Leadership at 

all levels are evaluating several 

options to alleviate these shortages. 

Intense recruiting efforts are 

being employed. In addition, MTI 

Recruiting Teams will continue to 

visit bases in order to educate Airmen 

on the MTI special duty 

requirements/benefits in an effort 

to recruit more volunteers. For 

more information, call Senior 

Master Sgt. Joe Laursen, career 

assistance advisor at 394-7829. 

■ ALS graduation: Airman 

Leadership School Class 09- 

C graduates with a banquet at the 

Pope Club March 27. Individuals 

who received an invitation from a 

student should RSVP directly to 

that student or leave a message at 

394-4366. Individuals who 

received an invitation from the 

ALS staff should RSVP to the staff 

at 394-4417. Please respond only 

if planning to attend. 

Due to the expected number 

of personnel wishing to attend 

and the limited number of seats 

available, RSVPs will not be 

accepted after March 18. Military 

uniform is semi-formal or mess 

dress and “black tie” attire for 

civilians. For more information, 

call the ALS at 394-2455/4370. 

■ Total Force Service 

Center: In an effort to improve 

service to Airmen, AFPC has established 

one toll free number for 

regular Air Force, Guard, and 

Reserve military and civilian Airmen 

to share when calling the Service 

Center. The new Service Center 

number is 1-800-525-0102; the 

commercial phone number 210- 

565-5000 and DSN 665-5000 

remains the same. This Service 

Center number replaces the current 

Air Force Customer Service 

Center phone number. The 

AMC/A1 POC is Senior Master Sgt. 

Jonathan Houtz, DSN 779-8003. 

■ Prayer Luncheon: 

Pope is having a National Prayer 

luncheon March 26 from noon to 

1:30 p.m., and SONICFLOOd, a 

Christian alternative band, will 

perform from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at 

the Pope softball field, weather 

permitting. The alternate location 

is the “Wash Rack” hangar. There 

will also be food available and various 

guests speakers. For more 

information, call the Pope Chapel 

at 394-2677. 

■ AF March Madness: 

AF Services is offering the 2009 

March Madness On-Line NCAA 

Tournament promotion and will 

involve all NAF Food & Beverage 

activities serving fountain drinks. 

The goal is to provide customers 

an exciting opportunity that fosters 

friendly competition. Grand 

prize is a trip for four to a 2010 

Final Four Game for 3 days/2 

nights. Second, third, and fourth 

place prizes are $5,000, $2,500, 

and $1,000 respectively. The 

AMC/A1 POC is Scott Black, DSN 

229-7546. 

■ Tax tip of the week: 

The names and Social Security 

numbers on your tax return 

should be exactly as they are on 

your Social Security card. If you 

are recently married and have 

not yet changed your name on 

your Social Security card, you 

should use the name on your 

Social Security card even if you 

use your married name on other 

documents.

6 March 6, 2009 CAROLINA FLYER CAROLINA FLYER March 6, 2009 7 


‘Building wealth, not debt’ 

By Airman 1st Class Mindy Bloem 

Staff writer 



In these times of economic turmoil, what better way to spend a week than to learn about 

how to save a buck or two…or thousands The military certainly is putting its “money 

where its mouth is” by educating the base populace on various money saving 

techniques. 

Pope kicked off Military Saves Week with a ceremony in the Airman and Family Readiness 

Center conference room by inviting North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper, to give a 

keynote address to its Airmen. 

Mr. Cooper explained why Airmen should watch out for scammers who may be trying to 

target them. 

“Scammers crawl out from under rocks to take advantage of people, and the men and 

women of this base are often targets,” he said. “There are a lot of people out there who want 

to take your money. They can take away the wealth that you are trying to build, and you don’t 

have to be dumb to fall for one of their scams.” 

He further advised Pope members to take the time to educate themselves on their finances 

by attending the various financial classes offered throughout the week and throughout the 

year. 

This year’s Military Saves Week ran from Feb. 23 to 27. Military Saves Week is a communitybased 

program that encourages servicemembers and their families to pay down debt, build 

emergency savings and save for the future one step at a time. Throughout the week, Pope 

members were given the opportunity to attend various classes that provided them with the 

proper tools and information needed to achieve financial success. 

Classes on budgeting, investing, debt recovery, saving, fraud prevention and much more were 

offered at different times throughout the week. 

Staff Sgt. Amberly Crocker, 43rd Aerospace Medicine Squadron, who attended a Homebuyers’ 

Seminar, believes it is crucial to get the information out to people so they can educate themselves 

and therefore protect themselves from financial ruin. 

“A lot of business people know the military are good targets because they make steady money, 

so it’s important to be informed on financial matters so you don’t get ripped off,” she said. 

Since she and her husband will be changing duty stations soon, she wanted to attend the 

seminar in order to prepare them for home buying. 

“I had already researched the topic extensively before attending the class, but it definitely 

helped answer all of my remaining questions,” Sergeant Crocker said. 

Esther Acker, Credit Counseling Services Manager, who taught one of the financial classes 

during Military Saves Week, also makes a point to teach Pope FTAC students about the 

importance of credit and money management. 

“A lot of military people live paycheck to paycheck and have not learned to save,” she said. 

“It’s a decision we all need to make – to put away for the future. I think the reason many do not 

do save is a lack of financial education, and it is very rewarding to know you’ve provided a 

foundation to help them make right choices with their money.” 

Deborah Belin, Pope’s Military Saves project officer and coordinator for the week’s activities, 

agreed. 

“It was an opportunity for members to look at their personal finances and see how they can 

improve them,” she said. “It is so important to establish a financial plan, do something to reduce 

debt and start a savings plan. 

“I’ve seen both ends of the spectrum, and I know financial distress can be very 

overwhelming,” Ms. Belin added. “When I can coach someone about their finances and see the 

clouds of financial stress lift off them, it gives me a good feeling.” 

For more information on how to get financial counseling, call the A&FRC at 394-2538 or visit 

www.militarysaves.org. 




PHOTO BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS MINDY BLOEM PHOTO BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS MINDY BLOEM PHOTO BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS MINDY BLOEM


Keeping patients safe: A celebration 

of National Patient Safety Awareness Week 

By Capt. Iesiah Harris 

43rd Medical Operations 

Squadron 

How many times have you 

been asked by personnel 

assigned to the Pope clinic to 

verify your name and date of 

birth The answer should be 

plenty of times – particularly, 

before a patient receives medication 

or any personal medical 

information. 

This question is just one of 

the many ways the medical 

staff strive to ensure the safety 

of our most valuable consumer 

– the patient. 

The Pope Clinic will continue 

to keep safety first, 

along with numerous hospitals, 

healthcare organizations 

and patient groups across the 

world, as they celebrate 

Patient Safety Awareness Week 

Monday through March 13. 

Patient Safety Awareness 

Week is a call to action that 

promotes patient safety and 

the importance of partnership 

in enhancing safe outcomes. 

Effective communication 

between providers and 

patients is crucial components 

to the type of partnership necessary 

to make safety initiatives 

work. 

Patient safety is now recognized 

as a serious global matter 

with one in 10 patients 

being harmed while receiving 

care at healthcare facilities in 

developed countries. 

A recent Institute of 

Medicine report stated 98,000 

Americans die each year as a 

result of medical errors. Additionally, 

medical errors have 

cost our healthcare system billions 

of dollars each year. 

Here are a few suggestions 

of how individuals can better 

protect themselves as highlighted 

by the National Patient 

Safety Foundation: 

■ Patients should communicate 

their medical history 

and medical concerns with 

their provider 

■ 

Patients should make it 

their goal to understand 

everything about their medical 

care 

■ Patients should ask questions 

about the medical 

care plan, tests and medications 

■ Patients should keep a list 

of all current medications 

and know the name, dose 

and understand its purpose 

■ Patients should dispose of 

any old or expired medications 

■ Patients should periodically 

bring all of their medications 

(including herbal supplements) 

to review with 

their medical provider 

■ Patients should designate a 

family member or friend to 

accompany them during 

appointments. 

■ Patients should complete an 

Advance Directive and discuss 

medical wishes in the 

event they are unable to 

communicate their wishes 

themselves. 

■ Patients should know how 

to care for themselves upon 

being discharged from the 

hospital 

Patients are an integral 

part of our healthcare system 

and it is imperative for 

patients and providers to team 

up and take a pro-active 

approach to enhance outcomes. 

Join Pope’s finest as they 

continue to put patients first. 

Remember, the 43rd Medical 

Group has the right prescription 

for patient safety. 

Honor Guard 

Airman 1st Class William Schneider, a member of the Pope honor guard, judges the uniforms 

of a drill team from the Civil Air Patrol’s North Carolina Wing during the 2009 

cadet competition held Feb. 21 at the North Carolina National Guard Headquarters in 

Raleigh. 

PHOTO BY TECH SGT. JASON WARD 

Air Force Radio News 

Available Toll Free 

The latest Air Force news is available 

as daily five minute broadcasts at 1-877-237-2346. 

100% interest 

Did you know Pope AFB is 

trying to reach the goal of 40 percent 

of all solid waste be recycled Yes and 

we can make it but we need everyone’s 

help. It pays to recycle. 

For more information, contact your 

unit/group environmental coordinators or 

the 43rd CES environmental flight.


Pope team wins 10th Annual Ruck March 

By Emily Farrington-Smith 

Staff writer 

When its cold outside, most 

eople stay inside, bundle up 

nd drink hot cocoa. Few 

ould think of traveling almost 

00 miles to compete in a ruck 

arch competition in the midle 

of a Delaware winter, but 

hat’s just what Pope’s 14th Air 

upport Operations Squadron 

actical Air Control Party team 

id. And they did with big payff: 

a 1st place win. 

Twenty–eight teams of four 

oaded on their 30–pound 

uck sacks and ran the 6.2 

iles to compete in the Dover 

ir Force Base 10th Annual 

uck March Feb. 21. The 14th 

SOS team consisted of Capt. 

tephen McNamara, Tech. Sgt. 

itchell Polu, Airman 1st Class 

ames Demars and Airman 

Benjamin Hutchins. Their winning 

time clocked in at 55 minutes, 

29 seconds. 

The event was hosted by 

the 436th Security Forces 

Squadron to commemorate 

the veterans of the Korean War 

who fought in the Battle of 

Chosin Reservoir. More than 

2,500 servicemembers died 

and 5,000 were wounded in 

the Battle of Chosin Reservoir 

Nov. 26 through Dec. 31, 1950. 

Members of the Delaware 

Korean War Veterans Association 

were present for opening 

ceremonies with retired Master 

Sgt. Theodore Shafer serving 

as the guest speaker. 

Mr. Shafer was drafted into 

the Army and served 14 

months in Korea from March 

1953 to May 1954. He fought 

as an assistant squadron leader 

during the Battle of Pork Chop 

Hill in 1953 and had a friend 

who fought and died at the 

Battle of Chosin Reservoir. 

“I thank all of you for being 

here and for bringing it out to 

the public,” said Mr. Shafer, 

who after serving his Army 

enlistment joined and retired 

from the Air Force as a C-5 

flight engineer. “I think what 

the rucksackers are doing here 

at Dover is one way of saying 

thank you.” 

Sergeant Polu commented, 

“Honoring those who served 

and the sacrifices they’ve made 

make events like these important,” 

he said. “We can all read 

it in books with a sense of awe 

and amazement … just imagine 

what it was like to meet 

these heroes. That’s a feeling I 

can’t put on paper.” 

Meeting real–life heroes 

was icing on the cake to go 

along with their win in Dover. 

Captain McNamara, 

Sergeant Polu, Airman Demars 

and Airman Hutchins get 

assigned to Army combat 

maneuver units all over the 

world, they train with the 

82nd Airborne Division, 

engage in tank assaults with 

the 1st Armored Division and 

operate deep behind enemy 

lines with the 75th Ranger 

Regiment. 

Their conditioning and 

physical prowess leading to the 

winning team’s 1st place finish 

could be attributed to the 

everyday training they experience 

as members of the TACP, 

said Captain McNamara, 14th 

ASOS air liaison officer. 

U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO BY ROLAND BALIK 

Tech. Sgt. Mitchell Polu, with the 14th Air Support Operations 

Squadron Tactical Air Control Party team from Pope runs in 

the Dover Air Force Base 10th Annual Ruck March Feb. 21. 

Each member of the four–person team must complete the 

6.2–mile course while carrying a 30–pound sack on their back. 

“We are all fairly new to the 

TACP world,” Sergeant Polu 

said. “We work on team concept 

on what it takes to complete 

any given task. You alone 

can do good things, but having 

teammates with the same goal 

and drive is amazing.” 

Senior Airman Andria Allmond, 

512th Airlift Wing Public 

Affairs at Dover AFB, contributed 

to this article. 

PHOTO BY 2ND LT. CHRIS HOYLER 

Endurance Run 

2009 

Airmen from the 3rd Aerial Port Squadron sleep outside 

their tent during the 2008 Endurance Challenge. 

This year’s 24–hour event is April 2 starting at 9 a.m. 

and ends April 3 at 9 a.m. and is made up of several 

events. There will be a Strong Airman contest, the 

“Loudest Radio” contest, pancake breakfast and much 

more. For more information, call 1st Lt. David Skiba at 

394-8206 or 2nd Lt. Kristina Sawtelle at 394-4228.

March 6, 2009 

www.pope.af.mil 

POPE SERVICES 

Kitty Hawk Inn 

❏ 394-4377 

UTA weekend Saturday and Sunday: 

Breakfast: 5:30 to 7:30 a.m. 

Lunch: 10:30 a.m to 1 p.m. 

Dinner: 4 to 7 p.m. 

Monday - Friday 

Breakfast: 5:30 to 7 a.m. 

Lunch: 10:30 a.m to 1 p.m. 

Dinner: 4 to 7 p.m. 

Weekends, Holidays and downdays 

Brunch: 7 a.m. to noon 

Supper: 4 to 6 p.m. 

Habanero Mexican Grill 

❏ 394-4580 

Breakfast 

Monday - Friday: 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. 

Lunch 

Daily: 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Information, Tickets and Travel 

❏ 394-4478 

Monday - Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Library 

❏ 394-2195 

Monday - Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Story time: “World Folk Tales”4 p.m. 

Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Wood Shop 

❏ 394-5049 

Tuesday - Thursday: 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

School Age Programs 

❏ 394-2869 

Monday - Friday: 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Auto Hobby Shop 

❏ 394-2293 

Tuesday - Thursday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Community Center 

❏ 394-2779 

Closed for renovation 

Bowling Center 

❏ 394-2891 

Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

Friday: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. 

Saturday: 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. 

Sunday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m 

Willow Lakes Golf Course 

❏ 394-GOLF 

Wednesday - Friday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Fitness Center 

❏ 394-2671 


Saturday and Sunday: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Holidays and family days: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Frame and Design Arts 

❏ 394-4192 

Monday and Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Wednesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Saturday, Sunday and Holidays: Closed 

Butler’s Barber Shop 

❏ 394-4387 


Mack’s Barber Shop 

❏ 436-7718 


Equipment Rental 

❏ 394-4730 

Monday/Wednesday Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Child Development Center 

❏ 394-4323/2724 

Monday - Friday: 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Pope chapel 

315 Ethridge Street 

❏ 394-2677 

Religious 

services 

For bible studies call the 

chapel 

Traditional service: 

Sunday, 8 a.m. 

Contemporary service: 

Sunday, 11 a.m. 

Protestant Combined 

Worship: 

11.a.m. the second Sunday 

of each month with 

potluck following services 

Sunday school (all 

ages): 9:30 a.m. Pope 

Elementary 

Catholic services: 

Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 

5 p.m. 

Daily mass: Monday 

through Thursday, 11:30 

a.m. 

Reconciliation: Sunday 

from 9 to 9:30 a.m. 

or by appointment. 

Choir rehearsal: 

Monday at 7 p.m. 

RCIA: Thursday at 6 

p.m. 

CCD: 11 a.m. at Pope 

Elementary School 

Services offered 

at Fort Bragg 

Catholic service: JFK 

Chapel, Ardennes Street, 

Saturday at 5 p.m. Confessions 

at 4 p.m. 

Muslim or Orthodox 

Christian services: 

Call the Fort Bragg 

Chapel at 396-1121. 

Officers’ Christian 

Fellowship: Bible 

study on leadership, 

Wednesday at 6 a.m. 

Jewish services: 

Contact the Beth Israel 

Congregation Community 

Center on Morganton 

Road at 484-6462. 

Wiccan ceremonies: 

The Watters Center on 

Fort Bragg holds an 

open circle Thursday at 

7:30 p.m. 

Movies 

Tickets are $2 for adults and $1.50 for children 12 and younger. 

Alvin C. York Theater 

Ardennes Street, Fort Bragg 

Tonight: Frost/Nixon (R) 7 p.m. 

For three years after being forced from office, Richard 

Nixon remained silent. But in summer 1977, the steely, 

cunning former commander-in-chief agreed to sit for one 

all-inclusive interview to confront the questions of his time 

in office and the Watergate scandal that ended his presidency. 

Nixon surprised everyone in selecting David Frost 

as his televised confessor, intending to easily outfox the breezy British showman 

and secure a place in the hearts and minds of Americans. Likewise, 

Frost’s team harbored doubts about their boss’ ability to hold his own. 

Saturday: Inkheart (PG) 1 p.m.; Last Chance Harvey (PG-13) 4 p.m.; 

Gran Torino (PG-13) 7 p.m. 

Sunday: Hotel for Dogs (PG) 1 p.m.; Inkheart (PG) 4 p.m. ; The Unborn 

(PG-13) 7 p.m. 

(Courtesy of www.aafes.com) 

Movie Corner: Twilight 

By Emily Farrington-Smith 

Staff writer 

Not since Underworld has the movie–going community been so 

preoccupied with vampires ... that is, until Twilight hit the scene. 

Based on the record–breaking book series by Stephanie Moore, 

females (and males, too, though few by choice I’m sure) of any and all 

ages went in droves to see a movie about a vampire family living among 

humans in Washington state. I went into it expecting an angsty teen 

drama spoken entirely in furtive whispers; however, for all the hype, it 

really wasn’t bad. 

When it comes down to bare bones: Twilight is a love story between 

Edward Cullen (the 100+ year old strikingly handsome vampire–gentleman 

forever enshrined in a 17 year old’s body) and Bella Swan (a 

stubborn yet tender hearted Arizona transplant). Conflict naturally 

arises when Bella discovers Edward’s secret. They’re both fiercely 

devoted to their feelings and must find ways for, as the book puts it, 

“the lion to love the lamb.” 

For a book purist like myself, there were a few instances where the 

movie strayed from the original text but that is to be expected when 

you’ve only got 2.5 hours to portray a book almost 500 pages in length. 

Despite a few foibles, it is a decent watch even if you didn’t like or 

haven’t read the books. I may actually be looking forward to Twilight’s 

sequel, New Moon, slated for release November 20, 2009. 

That Guy.com For more information, contact Capt. John Warburton at 394-4700.

21 STS NCO to receive AF Cross Tuesday - Pope Field - Home

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