1 174th Fighter Wing - Hancock Field Air National Guard Base

174th Fighter Wing1

Table of ContentsCol. Anthony B. Basile174th FW CommanderCol. Kevin W. BradleyVice CommanderChief Master Sgt.Mark AtkinsonCommand Chief Master Sgt.Public Affairs OfficeCapt. Sandi VanWormer1st. Lt. Anthony Bucci,SrA Cheryl StrongEditorial TeamLt. Col. Mary Jo TimpanoLt. Col. Carey MerrittTSgt. Colleen WeedSSgt. Sue SouthPublication TeamTSgt. Kevin Brody(Team Leader)TSgt. JD MartinTSgt. Sandi McAllisterCiv. Terri Scanlin3 Commander’s Comments4 Chaplain’s CornerFamily Readiness5 Entitlements UpdateHealth Promotion Article6 Section Spotlights7 Award Recipients8 Recruiter Sets Benchmark9 AMXS10 African-American History MonthEnlistments/Retirements11 Education Announcements12 Base Announcements14 Twenty Great Reasons to Stay Past Twenty15 AlumniThe EnGarde is a funded AirForce newspaper and is anauthorized publication for membersof the US military services.Contents of the EnGarde are notnecessarily the official viewsof , or endorsed by, the USGovernment, the Department ofDefense, the Department of theAir Force, or the Air NationalGuard. The editorial content isedited, prepared and providedby the Public Affairs Office ofthe 174th Fighter Wing.The EnGarde174th Fighter Wing6001 E. Molloy RoadHancock FieldSyracuse, New York 13211-7099Comm: (315) 454-6651DSN: 489-9651FAX: (315) 454-6145DSN: 489-9145About The CoverMSgt. Brad Addison 174th FWrecruiter created a new AFRISScontinuity, which is depictedon the cover. He is shown herewalking TSgt. Joe Call throughthe AFRISS program.Vision StatementOur Vision is a world class fighter wing comprised of diverse individuals powered to meet all challenges,and win. We accept nothing less.Mission StatementProvide combat ready personnel, aircraft, and equipment prepared for world wide deployment.Todeter or attack and destroy enemy surface and airborne forces in support of joint operations; and to supportcivil authorities at the direction of the governor.2 1-800-883-448421-800-883-4484

COMMANDER’S COMMENTSwould like to use this Commander's Comments article to introducemyself to 174th Fighter Wing team and the I extendedHancock Field Air Guard family. My immediate predecessorsColonel Tom "Spider" Webster and Colonel Joe "Boomer"Bulmer were well known to all of you, having come over fromthe 174th to lead the transition for the 152nd Air OperationsGroup into the newest Air Force Weapon System the Falconer AirOperations Center.My background is all Air National Guard. I was fortunateto serve with the 136th FIS at Niagara Falls and 141st FS atMcGuire AFB, NJ. When the Air Force retired the F-4 Phantomwe moved onto the KC-135 at McGuire and later at Niagara Falls.Over the years I have seen the Air Force transition from the ColdWar checkered flag fixed base model to the Expeditionary AirForce construct and the Global War on Terror. I have seen AirNational Guard units filling national defense requirements fromair defense alert intercepting Russian Bear bombers probing ourdefenses to fighter caps over our Homeland for Operation NobleEagle. I have seen Guard units deploying to the Balkans, the Hornof Africa, the Middle East, and Southwest Asia meeting challengesfollowing the Cold War and the rise of international terrorism.Each time the Guard was called to duty, through volunteerismand activations, the Guard was there for Our Country.I know all the 174th FW has been called on to do sincethe Cold War, beginning with Desert Storm. On September 11,2001, I dropped my kids at school and started for work. I waslistening to the news on the car radio wondering how anyonecould hit the World Trade Center on such a clear day when thesecond plane hit. I literally spun my car around to get back to ourhouse in Liverpool and call the base. At home, I called in to theunit and turned on the television. On the news the Pentagon wasENLISTED LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT LEVELSBy Chief Master Sgt. Mark Atkinson, 174th FW, Command Chiefhe three leadership and developmentT levels in the Air Force are the Tactical,Operational, and Strategic levels.These levels directly correlate the scopeof an enlisted person's duties and primaryresponsibilities to mission requirements aswell as the type of development needed toserve at this level. These levels applyacross the entire spectrum of the enlistedforce structure.Tactical Level: This level of leadership normally appliesto Airman Basics through Technical Sergeants. At the tacticallevel, Airmen and NCOs perfect their primary skills. They aretrained, attend Professional Military Education (PME), andachieve their 5- and 7-skill levels. They strive to become the besttechnicians and team members they can be. As they increase inrank, they also begin to train others and serve as first line supervisorsand NCOICs of sections (Note: Only NCOs and SeniorNCOs may serve as NCOICs). The primary focus at the tacticallevel is accomplishing all assigned work as efficiently as possibleusing the personnel and resources available.Operational Level: This level normally applies to MasterSergeants through Chief Master Sergeants who typically work atthe Numbered Air Force (NAF) level and below. This is wherenow on fire. That is when I heard from the174th-as the first two F-16's from HancockField screamed off the runway and rose overmy house in defense of Our Country. Thatwas one of the most reassuring sounds I haveever heard and I knew then and there it wasonly the first mission of many to come. Iknew the Guard would be called on as neverbefore and I knew we would answer that call.Lt. Col. Kevin J.Brown, 152 nd AOG,CommanderToday, the 152nd is the leading ARC unit in the AOCbusiness. Hell, we deployed to Enduring Freedom, Noble Eagleand Iraqi Freedom before we even came out of conversion. Wecould never have done that without the support we receive fromthe 174th FW. Facilities, personnel, training, finance, recruiting,medical, supply, communications, you name it; you probably supportus with it. We thank you.For us, the 32nd Wolfhounds (a.k.a. Slobbering Dogs),USAFE's Air Operations Group, are counting on the 152nd. Thecertification of the USAFE AOC could not have happened without152nd augmentation. The 152nd is up on Eurowatch--USAFE's standing C2 for its AOR. Now, as we establish connectivitythe 32nd needs us to work towards real time support andfloor exercises to meet training requirements for both units.The 174th Weapons and Tactics shop and the 152nd arealso exploring training opportunities on AOC functions such TimeSensitive Targeting. So we may have more interaction at the operationslevel, as well as mission support level.From me, thanks to everyone at the 174th for helping us runsmoothly. See you around the patch.Quick DrawSenior NCOs transition from being experttechnicians and first line supervisors to leaderswith broader operational leadership, supervisory,and managerial responsibilities.They continue to develop their ability to use their expertise, experience,management skills, and leadership skills to convert directionfrom their superiors into mission accomplishment. Themajority of our enlisted force will spend their entire careers at thetactical and operational levels. This is where their naturalstrengths – the technical skills, experience, and day-to-day missionfocus of the enlisted force – are most required.Strategic Level: This level normally applies to ChiefMaster Sergeants, and a few other Senior NCOs, assigned tohigher headquarters. These leaders serve in key leadership positionsat the Department of Defense, Headquarters Air Force, MajorCommands (MAJCOM); direct reporting units, and selectagencies and headquarters. They continue to develop their knowledgeof Air Force institutional management processes, challenges,and vision to improve their ability to advise senior leaders, participatein top-level decision making processes, draft policies,manage career fields, and lead far-reaching programs. The primaryfocus at this level is the strategic leadership and managementof the force to best meet current and future requirements.174th Fighter Wing174th Fighter Wing 3

Greetings From Your ChaplainFebruary is upon us, which means that winteris half over. But around here that doesn'tmean a whole lot. If you recall, last year itsnowed in May, so whenever winter ends, it ends. In the meantime,we do as we have always done; we live one day at atime. Speaking of one day, Valentine's Day is just around thecorner. Now if you're a married guy, this means you had betterbuy the Mrs. some flowers and chocolates. If you are not marriedand want to be, flowers and chocolates definitely help. Some ofyou emotionally challenged insensitive male types might be asking'how does flowers and chocolate help'? Well I am glad youasked. They are what I call Relationship Builders.There are things, which are true for both guys and gals, that canbuild up a relationship and there are things that can destroy a relationship.And I do not have to list any of them because each of usknows from experience what helps and what hurts. What we oftenforget though is that there are limits and breakingpoints. Guys are guilty here, but it isn't gender specific. Howoften have we not paid attention to our relationships, or worse,purposely done things that we know will hurt or even destroyhe American Red Cross distributes aT pamphlet titled “Get to Know Us BeforeYou Need Us”. The pamphlet lists the servicesthey offer to military members and theirfamilies. Red Cross services are not just foractive duty military personnel – you, as an Air National Guardmember, and your family members are entitled to their services –get to know them before you need them. Copies of their pamphletsare available in the Family Readiness Office – please stopby and pick up a copy or call me and I will be happy to mail oneto you.Additionally, the Red Cross responds to more than 67,000 disasterseach year. Red Cross disaster relief focuses on meeting people’simmediate emergency disaster-caused needs. Disasterstrikes quickly and without warning. You may be forced toevacuate your neighborhood or be confined to your home. Whatwould you do if basic services – water, gas, electricity or telephones– were cut off? One way you can help yourself is to havea disaster supply kit prepared in advance. Below is a list of itemsthe Red Cross and the Department of Homeland Security recommend.These items are the basic necessities, so add extra comfortitems as you see fit.Water, 1 gallon per person per day (recommended three day supply)Chaplain’s CornerBy Lt. Col. Timothy Bejian, 174 FW, Chaplainthem? If things have gotten to this point, flowers and chocolatesare not going to help.I do not know about you, but this is getting to be a rather dismalmessage. So what am I trying to say? What I'm trying to say isdo not give up. If your relationship is good, it can get better. If itis broken, it can be healed - if you're willing to do what ittakes. Taking out of context some of the words of the ApostlePaul who said; "but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behindand reaching forward to what lies ahead."Valentine's Day may be a nice opportunity to do something nicefor that special person in your life. But a good and growing relationshiprequires more than flowers and chocolates. It takes commitment,care, work, a lot of patience and love.Family Readiness NewsBy Terri Scanlin, 174 th FW Family Readiness CoordinatorMay God grant youall of these and more!Chaplain TimFood, non perishable, canned items (recommended three day supply)Radio and extra batteriesFirst Aid Kit: Gauze, band-aids, hand sanitizer, antiseptic wipes,cold pack, scissors, tweezers, bandagesWhistleDust masks or cotton t-shirtsBaby wipes for sanitationCan openerPlastic sheeting and duct tapeGarbage bags and tiesSpecial needs items for babies such as diapers and formulaBeddingClothing - think about climate in your hometownMatchesPersonal hygiene itemsSignal flareFlashlightImportant documents like insurance paperwork, willsCashPaper plates, plastic wear, paper towelsToilet paperBooks, toys etc…Visit the Red Cross website, www.redcross.org/services/disaster/,for more information.NOTE: The Family Readiness Office has moved to Bldg. 641, Room 129. Please feel free to stop by and visit the new office. There aremany informational booklets, useful websites and benefit pamphlets available for you and your family!Phone: 315-454-6577, Fax: 315-454-6578, Email: terri.scanlin@nysyra.ang.af.mil4 1-800-883-4484

here are several recent entitlements changes, which impactT many members. The Financial Services Office would like toshare the following information with you.Combat Tax Exclusion and Inactive DutyInactive Duty (UTA, PT, AFTP, TPPA) performed during themonth that Combat Tax Exclusion applies is no longer taxexempt.Until a few months ago there was conflicting guidancewithin the Department of Defense Financial Management Regulation,which has now been clarified.UTA Make-up PolicyEntitlements UpdatesBy Maj. Charles Hutson, 174FW, ComptrollerThe Air National Guard Bureau’s UTA Make-up policy previouslyreported to you is null and void. RUTAs, BUTAs, and SU-TAs can be made up any time within the fiscal year. In otherwords, the policy stands just as it did in FY04.station are no longer reimbursable per theJoint Federal Travel Regulations (JFTR).Therefore members who may not have beenusing Thruway passes (hopefully everyonewas) should start doing so. Tolls associatedwith TDY travel away from home-station are still reimbursablevia DD 1351-2 travel voucher.Reimbursement for TDY Internet ConnectivityCharges for computer internet connections used for official Governmentbusiness while TDY away from home-station is reimbursableon the DD 1351-2 travel voucher. The Approving Officermay approve these charges after the TDY when appropriate,just as long-distance business-related telephone calls are approved.Reimbursement for TDY Laundry ServicesAccrued Leave on Long-ToursThere is a rule that members can only be paid for up to 60 days ofaccrued leave in their career. There are two exceptions to therule:1. Leave earned in a combat zone /contingency operation does notcount towards the 60-day career maximum.2. Leave earned on a 365-day tour or less can be cashed-in andnot count towards the 60-day career maximum. (However, oncethe leave is carried over to a new tour beyond 365 days, it countstoward the 60-day career maximum.)Tolls for Home-station TravelExpenses for laundry/dry-cleaning while on a CONUS TDY awayfrom home-station, for at least seven consecutive nights are reimbursableup to an average cost of $2 / day. This does not apply tolaundry/dry-cleaning immediately before or following the TDY.Just a ReminderThere are two charges to claim when you use the GovernmentTravel Card for an ATM advance:1. Claim the fee charged by the ATM machine; usually $1.00 -$2.50.2. Claim 3 percent of the amount of your ATM advance. This isinterest charged by Bank of America on the cash advance.Tolls on mileage-only claims for guardsman commuting to home-Fun Fact for Chocolate Lovers…Chocolate: You may not have to be sparsewith your “KISSES”By Maj. Janice Priester-Bradley, 174FW, Health Promotions Educatorsually when asked to choose between a piece of fruit or a …U yummy creamy milk chocolate bar; the chocolate prevails.Wait! Good news, this is not necessarily a bad choice.Chocolate comes from a plant like your fruits and vegetables.These plants contain an antioxidant called polyphenols. Polyphenols,as reported by the Journal of Science, can help reduce therisks of heart disease, cancer, and help enhanceimmune function.When comparing a piece of fruit to milk chocolatebar…CHOCOLATE wins hands down! Forall those dark chocolate lovers…the news is evenbetter. Dark chocolate has twice the hearthealthypolyphenols.Do not ditch your fruits and vegetables just yet. There is anaughty side to chocolate. It remains high in saturated fats andweighs heavily in the calorie department as well.It is OK to indulge; it actually has some positive benefits. A HersheyKiss a day may keep that doctor away!!174th Fighter Wing5

“Section Spotlights”MEDICAL GROUPSPOTLIGHTMAINTAINERSPOTLIGHTName: Edmund DaleyRank: MajorAFSC & Title: 46N3/Nursing ServicesHometown: Oneida, New YorkName: Brent R. ForbesRank: Staff SergeantAFSC & Title: 2A772 / Non DestructiveInspector (NDI)Hometown: Baldwinsville, NYMajor Ed Daley maintains numerous roles at the 174 th FighterWing. He has been a member since March of 1976. He is aclinical nurse assigned to the Medical Group and has an additionalduty as the Officer in Charge of staff development fornursing services. In addition, he has been a full time firefighterat Hancock Field for the past 15 years and has been a nursinginstructor at BOCES since 1998. Major Daley has participatedin many deployments. His most recent include time in SaudiArabia during 2000-2001, 9 months of active duty after9/11/01, and deployments in support of Iraqi Freedom to bothKirkuk, Iraq in 2003 and Aludeid, Qatar in 2004. His hobbiesinclude: playing the guitar, skiing, and spending time with hisfamily. Major Daley credits his nursing expertise and professionalqualities to his vast experiences with the Air NationalGuard.SSgt. Brent Forbes is assigned to the 174FW MXS Non DestructiveInspection (NDI) shop and has been a member of the174 FW for the past 12 years. He has participated in numerousdeployments to include Operation Northern Watch, CoronetNighthawk, Operation Enduring / Iraqi Freedom, CombatArcher, and Air Warrior. SSgt. Forbes has been assigned tothe Aircraft Structural Repair shop as a temporary Air Technicianfor the past year and half, and most recently he has becomea fulltime Air Technician in the Non-Destructive Inspectionshop. In his off duty time, SSgt. Forbes enjoys snowmobiling,snowboarding, fishing and spending time with his family,daughter Isabella and wife Heidi.OPERATIONS GROUPSPOTLIGHTName: Ryan S. BleyleRank: Senior AirmanAFSC & Title: 1W051 / WeatherTechnicianHometown: Brockport, NYSUPPORT GROUPSPOTLIGHTName: John J. KempistyRank: Staff SergeantAFSC & Title: 2E6X3 -Telephone SystemsHometown: Clay, NYSrA. Ryan Bleyle is a Weather Technician and has been amember of the 174 FW for eight months. He was also servedin the active duty Air Force as a weather technician under theAFSOC MAJCOM, stationed at Hurlburt Field, FL for fouryears. He has participated in numerous deployments to includeOperation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.SrA. Bleyle attends SUNY Brockport enrolled as meteorologymajor. His hobbies include: Playing basketball, soccer,football, and tennis. He also likes to lift weights, traveland fish. Some of the things that SrA. Bleyle likes about theNYANG: it allows you to serve this great country while attendingcollege so I better your education and achieve the jobyou want in the civilian world.SSgt. John Kempisty recently moved from the Command Postto become a Telephone Systems Technician for the 174thFighter Wing Communications Flight. He has been a memberof the 174 FW for eight years. Previously, he was an Avionics,Guidance and Control Systems Specialist while on active duty.While on active duty, he was stationed at RAF Woodbridge,UK and Randolph AFB, TX. Prior to becoming a full-timetechnician, SSgt. Kempisty worked for several telecommunicationsand networking companies in New York State. Hishobbies include: hunting, fishing and spending time with hisdaughters Jordan and Kalysta, his son T.J. and his better half,Veronica. Some of the things that SSgt Kempisty likes aboutthe NYANG: working with great people like MSgt. LouisBruno, TSgt. Bruce Fong and MSgt. Todd Sargent.6 1-800-883-4484

174 th Fighter WingOutstanding Airman, Noncommissioned Officer, andSenior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year for 2004Airman of the YearSrA. Bradford R. Hunter174 th AMXS/MXAANCO of the YearSSgt. Melissa E. Forsyth,174 th FW/FMSrNCO of the YearSMSgt. David M. Lathrop174 th MXG/MXMF174 th Fighter WingOutstanding Airman, Noncommissioned Officer, andSenior Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarterfor the period of 1 July – 30 September 2004Airman of the QuarterSrA. Timothy S. Reinhardt174 th MSG/SFS174th Fighter WingNCO of the QuarterTSgt. Vidda S. Serrato174 th OG/OSFSrNCO of the QuarterMSgt. Mark D. Graham174 th MXG/MXS7

174 th FW Recruiter SetsAir National Guard Benchmark1 st Lt. Anthony L. Bucci, 174 FW, Public Affairs OfficerA n Air National Guard Recruiter from the 174th Fighter Wingcreated a new continuity guide that has been adopted by theAir Force Education Training Command for future training of allAir National Guard recruiters.MSgt. Brad Addison of the 174 th FW recruiting office condenseda continuity guide for utilizing the Air Force Recruiting InformationSupport System from 134 pages to 18 pages including screencaptures to better illustrate the procedures required to navigatethrough this new system.MSgt. Addison has been in the 174 th FW for over 10 years, thelast five in the recruiting office. Hestarted his career in personnel beforemaking the switch to recruiting in1999. He was born and raised inSyracuse and was recently namedthe “Flying Unit Recruiter of theYear” for Region 5, which is madeup of New York, New Jersey andthe New England States.“I am not at all surprised by MSgt.Addison’s creation of a continuityguide for the AFRISS program. Asthe resident expert for Region 5 conductingtraining and attending workshopshe has been the go to guy forsimplifying and enhancing this program.MSgt. Addison is an exceptionalemployee with a strong commitmentto his work, I am confidentthat he can do anything he sets hismind to!” said Col. Harvey Vanwie174 th FW Mission Support GroupCommander."In addition to MSgt. Addison's directimpact on recruiting to ourANG units in Central New York, hehas also had a direct impact on allANG recruiting offices through hisefforts at AFRISS training, the developmentof the AFRISS trainingguide, and in training the ANG Recruiting Instructors. The activeduty Recruiting school has recognized his skills and has requestedthat he advise them on developing similar tools for active dutyrecruiters and Military Support Flight. MSgt. Addison is knownnationally for his support to ANG recruiting efforts" said Maj.Barbara Hisel 174 th FW Director of Personnel.The Air National Guard had been using a tailored version of theAFRISS system for approximately three years, and this continuityguide was designed to aid in manipulating the system. The systemallows recruiters to track every detail about a potential recruitfrom the beginning to the end of the process, while retaining flexibilityin allowing current data to be available at the fingertips ofthe recruiter. This continuity guide was newly created for the AirNational Guard with a one-year probationary period, after whichthe guide would become mandatory.MSgt. Addison was given the new continuity guide to serve as atest person for the Air National Guard, an additional task forwhich he volunteered. “It took me a good four months to learnthis continuity guide inside and out. I wanted to feel comfortableoperating AFRISS without using the guide”, said Addison. However,when MSgt. Addison was done assimilating this informationhe knew there had to be a more effective way of explaining thecontinuity guide so as to better utilizethe AFRISS program.When the continuity guide proved tobe cumbersome and not as userfriendlyas it could be, MSgt. Addisondecided to do something about it.“I just decided there had to be aneasier way to do it”, said Addison.One of his first thoughts was to includevisual cues within the continuityguide so the person using it couldsee what it was supposed to look like.However, he did not want to increasethe size of the continuity guide in facthe wanted to create an abridged version.After he determined what it was hewas looking to accomplish, he realizedhe would need someone to helphim with the editing, layout andeventual testing of the continuityguide’s effectiveness. MSgt. Addisonasked MSgt. Gregory Giamas 174 thFW Personnel Systems Manager forhelp in revising this continuity guideso as to ensure it flowed properly andwas user-friendly. MSgt. Addisonhad noticed various continuity guidesthat MSgt. Giamas created for variousfunctions within personnel usingthe Military Personnel Data Systems, which were helpful andvisually pleasing.MSgt. Giamas has been a member of the 174 th FW since 1994after spending 10 years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force. Duringhis career he has acquired a wealth of knowledge to includeadministration functions, computer skills, and a talent for layoutdesigns. “Since being in personnel I have always tried to create aproduct that is simple enough for anyone to follow regardless oftheir proficiency with the process. My focus when creating thesecontinuity guides is the traditional guardsman who is only hereone weekend a month”, said Giamas.8 1-800-883-4484

MSgt. Addisson began collecting all of the necessary informationto include screen snapshots with explanations for creating thiscontinuity guide. He then forwarded the material to MSgt. Giamaswho began to lay it out in MILPDS, with the whole process onlytaking a few weeks.“Working with MSgt. Addison was a smoothcollaborative effort, he is a total professionalwho is very dedicated to his profession andthe Air National Guard”, said Giamas.Even though MSgt. Giamas was not a recruiterhe would serve as the tester for thecontinuity guide’s readability and ease inmanipulating the AFRISS program. MSgt.Addison’s desired goal was to create a continuityguide that could be used by any recruiterregardless of their familiarity with theAFRISS program. This is exactly the reasonwhy he wanted MSgt. Giamas to test the continuityguide.“If someone who was not a recruiter and had never been exposedto the AFRISS program could navigate through this system withonly the help of the continuity guide I created then I knew itwould be an effective tool”, said Addison. However, it was morethan an effective tool for using AFRISS. It changed the way potentialrecruiters were taught at the Air National Guard RecruiterCourse located at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.“We built the ANG Recruiter’s course around the continuity guidemodified by MSgt. Addison, in addition to givingeach graduating recruiter a copy to takeback to their unit”, said MSgt. Mynor CastilloANG Recruiter Course Instructor. I have seenmany continuity guides that were developed toassist in using the AFRISS program, but nonewere as user-friendly and concise as MSgt. Addison’sversion, said Castillo. “For him to taketime out of his schedule and go above and beyondhis job description is a testament to hisdedication to the recruiting field and the AirNational Guard”, said Castillo.“When I heard about MSgt. Addison’s impacton the AFRISS system I was impressed but notsurprised. MSgt. Addison is an outstandingrecruiter; he won the 2004 ‘Flying Unit Recruiterof the Year’ award. He is a very knowledgeable professional.This attribute is visible through his demonstrated actionsand exceptional military bearing. He is the epitome of an Air Forcerecruiter”, said MSgt. Danielle Brentson 174 th Mission SupportGroup First Sergeant.IAircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMXS)By MSgt. Joe Healey, 174FW, Crew Chiefam MSgt. Joe Healey, I am a full time technician and workon the flight line as a dedicated crew chief. I am the AircraftMaintenance (AMXS) First Sergeant. My Air Force career startedin Nov. 1963. I joined the 174th Fighter Wing in May of 1987.The Aircraft Maintenance Squadron (AMXS) is primarilycomprised of 150 individuals spread through three differentelements (Avionics, Weapons, and Flight line). These elements’mission in life is to train our assigned personnel and generate/regenerate, employ, turn and repair our assigned aircraft. TheAircraft Maintenance Flight Chief is Chief Mike Will. TheProduction Supervisor is MSgt. Jeff Drake, through our expeditor.MSgt. Ed Begel and our Element Supervisors, make all thishappen. Each element contributes in different ways along each ofthose processes. I will quickly touch on each of these elements.SMSgt. Curtis Metzger is in charge of the Avionics Element.This element is responsible to ensure the aircrafts’ communication/navigation,instrument/ flight controls, offensive and defensivesystems among others, are all serviceable and in workingorder for the pilots to use during their sorties. This element is constantlyupgrading various systems throughout the aircraft throughsoftware and hardware upgrades and the use of a good deal of testequipment. If you think it sounds like a lot, you are right. Thesepeople are the technical gurus of AMXS and deal with the mosttroubleshooting and repair of the aircraft systems and wiring.The Weapons Element is supervised andrun by SMSgt. John Fortino. To the nakedeye, these are the people who put thebombs and missiles on the aircraft so thepilots can do their job. They are responsibleto maintain the items on the aircraft(launchers & pylons) that suspend thebombs and missiles, and troubleshoot theaircraft when there are problems with the stores management system(SMS). Behind the scenes is where a good deal of this elementswork takes place. Training is really the name of the gamewhen it comes to this element. In fact, there is an entire chapter inANGI 21-101 dedicated to their responsibilities and training requirements.Last, but certainly not least are the Flightline Elements. That isplural, because we have two elements; we refer to them as "A" &"B" Flight Elements. SMSgt. Martin Brady and SMSgt. DarrylNielsen manage these. These elements contain the aircraft dedicatedcrew chiefs. Dedicated meaning that each crew chief is responsiblefor one particular aircraft. They are the people whocheck the entire aircraft over prior to, during and after every singlesortie. These people are the epitome of the "jack of all trades"phase. They are ultimately responsible for clearing that particularaircraft for flight everyday and are charged with an enormousamount of responsibility.174th Fighter Wing9

hat are we celebrating each FebruaryW during Black History Month? We arerecognizing, honoring and celebrating theaccomplishments of those African Americanswho throughout history have sacrificed somuch to advance a cause that Americans ofall races seem to take for granted… Freedom.In 1619 the first African slaves arrive in Virginia, a trend thatwould continue for more than 240 years until the ThirteenthAmendment abolished slavery in the United States in 1865. Forthe next 89 years, African-Americans led what some would call asecond-class existence with the exception of the sciences, medicineand mechanics with notable advances from people likeGeorge Washington Carver, Thomas Jennings, Sarah Boone, andscores of others.The tide for civil rights began turning in 1954 with the Brown vs.Board of Education case. This case found “separate but equal”education was not equal and led to the eventual desegregation ofpublic schools. Thurgood Marshall, who was the attorney for theNAACP, would become the Supreme Court’s first black justice13 years later.In 1955, Rosa Parks, a 43-year-old black seamstress, was arrestedin Montgomery, Alabama for refusing to give up her seat at thefront of the “colored section “ of a bus to a white passenger, defyinga southern custom at the time. The ensuing bus boycott,which lasted for more than a year, resulted in bus desegregation.Little Rock Central High School was desegregated in Septemberof 1957, but not without controversy. Governor Orval Faubusordered the Arkansas National Guard to bar the nine black studentsfrom entering. Even after an injunction was issued and thenine went back to the school, a mob of 1000 townspeople preventedthem from remaining at school. Finally, President Eisenhowerinterceded on behalf of the nine. With 1000 paratroopersand 10,000 National Guardsmen to ensure their safety, on Sep-Enlistments and Retirements for October to December 2004EnlistmentsAB Owens, Adam STUFLTA1C Bullock, James STUFLTA1C Hodson, Ryan STUFLTA1C Keegan, Bronwen STUFLTA1C Keegan, Travis STUFLTA1C Labarr, Adam SFSA1C Meaney, Heather CESA1C Miller, Michael STUFLTA1C Peterson, James, C STUFLTA1C Schmitt, David STUFLTSrA Fulmer, Brandon, S MXSSrA Maugiri, Kelly MDGSrA Murdock, Michael AMXSSrA Space, Jonathan AMXSSSgt. Chrysler, Sean AMXSAfrican-American History MonthBy SMSgt Eugene Roberts, 174FW, Human Resource Advisortember 25, the school was desegregated.1960 marked the lunch countersit in at Woolworth’s inGreensboro, NC, where JosephMcNeill, a black college student,was refused service. Heand three other students returnedthe next day, and everyday thereafter. In two weekstime there were similar protestsin 11 cities in the Deep South.Despite beatings, heavy courtfines, and imprisonment, the“sit-ins” continued, and becauseof the national publicity,the lunch counters were finallydesegregated. The original 4protesters were served lunch at the same Woolworth’s counter sixmonths after the protests started.President Kennedy in 1962 ordered Federal Marshals to escortJames Meredith, the first black student to enroll at the Universityof Mississippi, to campus. A riot broke out and before the NationalGuard could arrive to reinforce the marshals, two studentswere killed.I feel that the turning point for civil rights in America began inAugust 1963 with the March on Washington, where Dr. MartinLuther King Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech to a crowd of200,000. This speech galvanized the movement and led to theestablishment of laws that further define and guarantee the rightsof all Americans. Even though our resolve is tested constantlywith challenges to Affirmative Action and other policies, BlackHistory Month is a time to look back at where we’ve been, andtruly marvel at our accomplishments.SSgt. Devito, William SFSSSgt. Hancock, Jason AMXSSSgt. Hillhouse, Nicholas 274ASOSSSgt. Mencel, Christopher CESSSgt. Stickel, William MDGTSgt. Carrabba, James CESTSgt. Jackson, Donna FWMSgt. Maclean, Bernadine MDGMaj. Meyer, Michele 138 FSRetirementsMSgt. Darrigo, April MDGMSgt. Mertens, Michael 138FSMSgt. Varre, Michael MDGCongratulations!10 1-800-883-4484

Community College of the Air ForceBy MSgt. Rosemarie Murray, 174 FW, Education and training NCOICommunity College of the Air Force (CCAF) is a program toC bring together military and civilian educational experiencesinto associate degree programs directly related to enlisted job specialties.CCAF is a fully accredited institution open to all enlisted membersof the Air Force and Air National Guard. CCAF translatesAir Force technical training and on-the-job training into collegelevel semester hours.• 4 semester hours of physical education earned by completingbasic military training.• A minimum of 15 semester hour of program electivesIf you are interested in pursuing your CCAF degree, please stopby the Education and Training Office, located in the Wing Headquartersbuilding, for more details.Attention AGR’sTo earn an associate’s degree from CCAF, students must have ahigh school diploma (or equivalent) and complete a minimum of64 semester hours of college work, including:• A minimum of 24 semester hours of technical education, normallyearned through Air Force schools affiliated with CCAFor regionally accredited civilian schools.• A minimum of 15 semester hours of general education normallyearned through civilian schools.• A minimum of 6 semester hours in management, usuallyearned through professional military education or civilianeducation courses.If you utilize the tuition assistance program for collegecourses, please be advised that the Base Education and TrainingOffice requires that you submit an official grade report to us.This is IAW AF1227, which indicates that documentation forsuccessful completion of a course must be submitted to updateyour education records.Failure to do so may result in collection of funds to reimburse theAir Force tuition program.If you have any questions, please contact the Education andTraining Office at x147, x148 or x409Education and Training SurveyThe Education and Training Office is currently conducting a survey of our unit members. Please take a moment to answer thequestions below and return this form to your 1 ST Sergeant by 12 noon on Sunday March 6, 2005. Thank you for your assistance!Check any that apply.1. What is your current civilian education level?High School Graduate____3 - 30 College credits ____31 - 60 College credits ____61 - 90 College credits ____Associate's Degree Completed ____Bachelor's Degree Completed ____Master's Degree Completed ____Post Graduate Work # ____credits2. Do you have a Community College of the Air Force Degree?Yes____ No____3. Are you interested in taking CLEP/DANTES tests to earncollege credit?Yes____ No____4. Are you currently enrolled in a CDC course?Yes ____ No____5. If yes to #4, how do you feel your training is progressing?a. I am receiving adequate training. ____b. I am not receiving adequate training. ____(If b, please explain)_________________________________________________________________________6. Are you interested in using the resource center in theEducation and Training Office to search for scholarshipsand other financial aid information?Yes ____ No____7. Are there other Education and Training needs that you feelneed to be addressed? If so, please list below.________________________________________________________________________________________8. If you wish to meet with someone in the Education andTraining office, please fill out your name, phone number andBest time to make an appointment.Name ____________________Phone Number___________Best time for an appointment_________________________174th Fighter Wing11

Scholarship Opportunity Available toMilitary SpousesThe National Military Family Association (NMFA) is excited toannounce that applications are now being accepted for theNMFA’s Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse ScholarshipProgram. The scholarships are awarded to Uniformed Servicesspouses (active, retired, reserve, guard or survivor) to obtain professionalcertification or to attend post secondary or graduateschool for an academic year.Scholarships are normally in the amount of $1,000.00. The scholarshipfunds may be used to assist with tuition, fees, books, andschool room and board, so long as the funds are paid directly tothe educational institution involved. The 2005 Awards were madepossible through a donation from General Dynamics and severalindividual donors. Applications are only accepted online and aredue on March 31, 2005.NMFA recognizes that the military lifestyle presents unique challengesto military spouses. Frequent moves can interfere withmilitary spouses’ ability to complete their post secondary education,thus negatively impacting their professional developmentand long-term career progression. NMFA's military spouse scholarshipprogram is one step toward helping military spouses gainthe education that they need to reach their full career potential.About NMFAThe National Military Family Association is the only nationalorganization whose sole focus is the military family and whosegoal is to influence the development and implementation of policiesthat will improve the lives of those family members. TheAssociation’s mission is to serve the families of the seven uniformedservices through education, information and advocacy.For more than 35 years, its staff and volunteers, comprised mostlyof military family members, have built a reputation for being theleading experts on military family issues.Tax Year 2004 W-2 InformationCivilian employees will automatically receive a mailed copyunless they request "electronic only" by changing the setting inMyPay NLT 1 Dec 04. Any change you may have made last yearis still in effect. Civilian W-2s will be available on MyPay on 6Jan 05. Civilian W-2s will be mailed out NLT 14 Jan 05.If you have an active MyPay account, W-2s will not be mailedunless you change the setting in MyPay NLT 1 Dec 04. Anychange you may have made last year is still in effect. AGR W-2swill be available on MyPay on 10 Jan 05. AGR W-2s will bemailed out NLT 24 Jan 05.If you have an active MyPay account, W-2s will not be mailedunless you change the setting in MyPay NLT 1 Dec 04. Anychange you may have made last year is still in effect. GuardsmanW-2s will be available on MyPay on 27 Dec 04. Guardsman W-2s will be mailed out NLT 5 Jan 05.You can visit MyPay at https://mypay.dfas.mil/mypay.aspx.More information on W-2s is posted on the website.Base AnnouncementsFort Drum Commissary Sale CalendarEmail: Robert.smith02@deca.milPhone: (315) 772-6581LOOK FOR THESE UPCOMING SALES EVENTS THISYEAR AT THE FORT DRUM COMMISSARYMARCH 18 & 19 - March into Savings / Fill Your FreezerSALE - Sale will be held in Warehouse. Great Savings on selectedfrozen food items. Purchase by the case or the unit.STORE OPERATING HOURSSUNDAY 1000 - 1800MONDAY CLOSEDTUESDAY THRU FRIDAY 0900 - 2000SATURDAY 0900 - 1800Early bird shopping 0730 -0900 Tues - Friday (15 items or less)Commissary will be OPEN on Tuesday following Monday Holiday.Call ahead: (315) 772-5294 or 772-7457Visit WEB site: www.commissaries.comCheck out the Bottom of your Register receipt for upcomingevents at your commissary.Cooperative Family Literacy ProgramLiteracy Volunteers of Greater Syracuse (LVGS) teaches peoplehow to read, write and speak English. They do that by trainingtutors for one-on-one or small group instruction; using a collaborativetutoring model, which is student-centered, and providingliteracy services in the workplace. They serve both children andadults functioning at or below the 6th grade level.If you would like to volunteer your services to this worthwhileorganization and be part of "ProLiteracy America” please contactSheila Elmer or Shiann Brown at (315) 471-1300.Additionally, LVGS is launching a new program called the CooperativeFamily Literacy Program. The goal is to assist parents increating an environment for their children to achieve a strongliteracy foundation. Volunteers are needed to tutor these familiesand how to support one another's ongoing literacy development.This program is one of the most significant in our community inmaking a difference in our youth and committing to their future. Iencourage those with the time and desire to consider these programs.If you need any assistance or haveany questions please call ore-mail Lt. Col. Timpano.Free Tax Preparation and E-filingTurboTax is offering military personal free tax preparation and e-filing. Normally this is $30.00 for Federal and $20.00 for state.You have to enter the site at www.statetaxfreedom.com. Thenclick on "Do You Qualify?" to see if you qualify for this free service.12 1-800-883-4484

Fitness Center RulesEnter and Exit through Main entrance only· Entrance facing engine shop is emergency exit only. Do notuse as a short-cut to and from the BX.Must have clean footwear, bring change with you· Do not wear in from outside.Bring a towel with you· Small hand towel will do.· Do not use cleaning clothes to wipe yourself down.Authorized Personnel Only· Military members of the 174 FW, 152 AOG, and 274 ASOS.· Civil Service Technicians, Civilians and State employees atHancock Field.· Other active or reserve members when in direct support ofHancock Field.Unauthorized Personnel· Students· Dependents· Retirees from any branch of service to include 174 th Retirees· Active Military personnel from any other branch of serviceunless in direct support of Hancock Field.The authorized/unauthorized personnel stated above is due toLegal issues. All others request must be approved in writing bythe 174 th FW/CC. To ensure the longest life possible for our newFitness Center we will be mandating several new simple rules.We look forward to everyone’s cooperation. Thank-you!USAA "Coins" for You!“We under- stand and appreciate what itmeans to balance your commitmentto your family, career, communityand coun-try. USAA is offeringyou a free NationalGuard or Reserve coin.Availableexclusivelyfrom USAA- don't miss thechance to add toyour collection".Request your free coin today.Call toll-free (800) 793-8262. RequestGCNAF for National Guard.Partnership for Fiscal Integrity ProgramPFI operates under an Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller)charter to use reserve component personnel on a fee for servicebasis supporting DoD Working Capital Activities when regularactive duty personnel are not available and PFI reservists aremore cost effective than civilian employees or contractor support.All reservists on PFI active duty tours are volunteers who utilizeeither civilian and/or military skills in jobs supporting DefenseWorking Capital Activities. http://www.dtic.mil/pfi/174th Fighter Wing13

Twenty Great Reasons to Stay Past TwentyReprinted with the permission of Lt. Col. Tom Mason, 109 th AW, Director of Personnelets face it: the post 9/11/01 operations tempo and concernsL over deployments have some of our Air National Guardmembers who initially planned on longer military careers, nowmulling over the decision to hang up the uniform and retire assoon as they reach twenty good years of service. However nowmore than ever, the ANG and the 109 th Airlift Wing has a vitalneed to retain our well-trained and experienced mid-career members.Your Air National Guard retirement date is a significant decision,usually influenced by family, employment, and personal aspirations.Or, sometimes unit-level fore management constraints don’tallow everyone to stay in until their mandatory retirement date.However almost anyone in good standing who wants to serve pasttwenty years of service can do so successfully, often times reachinga level of rank and success beyond even their own expectations.There are great reasons to remain part of the Air Guard!Consider these reasons to stay past twenty:1. The pay chart does not top out until 26 years of service.2. Every day served in military status earns another point for retiredpay; two for each UTA day; longer careers equal larger pensions.3. By mentoring our new generation of recruits, you preserve therich legacy of the 174 th and pass along invaluable experience andwisdom that helps shape our future.4. Promotion potential increases with longevity-most senior mastersergeants & chief master sergeants were promoted at 24 yearsor more years of service; Command Chief earned his rank at 30years of service.5. Unparalleled Educational benefits: free credit-bearingDANTES testing for members and spouses, credit toward CCAFAssociate’s degrees; free Professional Military Education that ishighly regarded in the civilian sector. **6. Tuition Assistance for college: G.I. Bill assistance for $282/month and up; State Tuition Assistance of up to $4,350 a year forthe first 4-year degree, certain career fields qualify for StudentLoan Repayment Plans and/or the GI Bill Kicker. **7. Tax deferred savings plan: Uniformed Thrift Savings Plan(TSP) allows you to invest up to 10% of your base pay tax deferredin a 401k to build a considerable nest-egg (www.tsp.gov).8. Special low premiums for life insurance-up to $250,000 SGLIfor member and $100,000 FSGLI for spouse-this is not limited tomilitary status, you are covered 365 days a year!9. Great Morale Welfare & Recreation resort discounts includingFlorida Disney’s Shades of Green, Hawaii’s Hale Koa, discountedevent tickets, and more.10. Family member Educational Scholarships. **11. Secure and regular Paycheck- the monthly drill check canhelp build savings, defray student expenses, or supplement a civilianincome.12. Friendships- Guard work & activities builds rewarding relationshipsand fosters a unique sense of teamwork and belongingremainpart of a winning team.13. Opportunities for mid-career retraining to other critical skills.**14. Employer Support of Guard and Reserve: protects your civilianemployment from adverse impact from your military serviceand highlights you Guard contribution- plus really cool benefitslike getting your boos a C-130 ride!15. Great Family Support Programs- fun social events for familiesand expert advice, assistance and support to help prepare forand cope with family separation. ***16. Extra work opportunities: many sections on base have opportunitiesto serve and earn income beyond just the 48 UTA Periodsand 15 days of annual Training.17. New Your State Patriot Plan provides many Financial, Educationaland Park Access benefits and legal protections while serving.(www.dmna.state.ny.us/members/patriot)18. Medical and Dental care for those on orders over 30 continuousdays; also all Guard members receive free annual medicalcheckups and inoculations.19. Travel opportunities- while TDY you’ve seen and done somegreat things a civilian might never experience; ever deploymentsare personally & professionally rewarding; Guard members alsohave a higher priority for Space- A travel than retirees.20. Because your continued service is highly valued by the citizensof our Nation, our State, and the ANG.And because all the great reasons that brought you into the Guardare still great reasons to seriously consider serving past twenty!**Contact Master Sgt. Oaksford at 454-6161***Contact Terri Scanlin at 454-6577.Retirement Party forMSgt. David PauldineDate: Saturday 5 March 2005Time: 1800 to 2000Place: Barbagallo’sCost: $25.00Cost Includes hot buffet, chesse/cracker/pepperonidisplay & gift. Cash bar.RSVP TO: SMSgt Kathie Hepp 454-6147 orMSgt Sue Threat 454-6148by Tuesday 1 Mar 05Retirement Party forMSgt. Terri ScanlinDate: Friday 1 April 2005Time: 5:30 pmPlace: Damons Place, 8424 Damons Road,off Route 31, Cicero, NYCost: $20.00 pp.RSVP to MSgt Rita Scheirer @ 454-6606 orMSgt Kevin Scanlin @ 454-6819by 25 March 200514 1-800-883-4484

Alumni News By First Sgt (Ret) Maureen McNamara, Alumni PresidentGil Richardson, Medic, 174th Medical Squadronow that we have survived the Holiday Season, made numerous(mostly unlikely to be culminated) resolutions, packedNaway the decorations and we’ve begun the Year 2005. Last yearwas a difficult one with many ups and downs, gains and losses offriends and family. Our world is in turmoil and yet, when I see abunch of us together at events it warms my heart to know that wehave a purpose, one that is far above our comprehension. At ourThanksgiving Dinner we collected a lot of toys, but met with abrick wall when we went to give them to the Chaplain’s office atFt. Drum. Even though this had been set up ahead of time. I amnot sure, even after numerous telephone calls (10 to be exact),why they could not take them. It made me sad but we turned itaround. I contacted the USAF Recruiters in Mattydale and theywere ecstatic. What a carload we had. They went towards OperationGood Things co-sponsored by them and number of othercompanies, such as Channel 9 News. So my bottom line wasthis...a child, any child would enjoy the Season and we wouldhelp our fellow airmen in some way. Thank you to all whohelped make this come true! Remember the motto AIMHigh…..we did and then some!Also in reference to theabove, my husband and I arepart of a Troop Team. We sendpackages to the troops in Iraqand Afghanistan. We sendabout 15 packages every threeweeks. I had my BrownieTroop make up Christmas bags.We have about four local militarymembers of our churchfamily and then we sent tenpackages to the Chaplain stationedover there with the 10 thMountain Division. At our Octobermeeting I was sellingmagnets to help defray the mailingcosts (about $10 – 12 perpkg.). Thank you to everyonewho purchased these and tothose who sent other donations to me for this purpose. Your helpallowed us to mail out 18 packages. for Christmas…yeah! Werecently received a thank you from a Major stationed there. Hetold of how wonderful it was to receive something from home, toknow that they are thought of. Isn’t that the point? In that respect,DoD recently published a website to assist those who wishto do this. Although they do not endorse it, they state that thewebsites are checked periodically to ensure that they are legitimate.Some sites include www.defendamerica.mil/support_troops.html and www.AnySoldier.com. AAFES also hasa program that can send some comfort and joy to the troops.“Gifts from the Homefront” – send $10 and $20 personalized giftcertificate – they use it like cash in the BX’s. “Help Our TroopsCall Home” – check this out at the BX or link towww.memberconnections.com. For more information contact meand I will send you the whole message with other links.OTHER NEWSMany memberships are/or were due Oct – Nov – Dec so many ofyou have received “Have your forgot” letters. This is the busiesttime of the year for membership renewals so your prompt attentionis appreciated. Thanks to those who took the time to correctany errors.If you have a picture, old ones, that you would like to have put inthe EnGarde – either scan it to me or send it to me. I will gladlyreturn it to you when we are done. But please remember to identifywho is in the picture when you send it.TAPS:Boycheck, Catherine, Capt. (Ret.) – 174FW Clinic, passedaway on 2 December 2004. Capt Boycheck accompanied the unitto Phalsbourg, FR having been assigned to the Medical Squadronas a nurse. She retired from the VA Hospital, Syracuse, NY afterthirty years. She is survived by her two children and condolencesmay be sent to 164 Forest Hill Dr, Syracuse, NY 13206.Ziorjen, Adolph, SSgt. (Ret.) died on December 14, 2004. He issurvived by his lovely wife Anna, who resides at 5 Golden BearPath, Ormond Beach, FL 32174,Webb, Walter A., Col. (Ret.) -passed away on January 9, 2005.He was originally assigned to the138FS. He accompanied the unit toPhalsbourg, FR and was also activatedto Canon AFB, NM in 1968.He was the Commander for the174TFW Combat Support Squadron.NEWS:We recently heard from AndyMesser, he says he is doing fine andwould love to hear from some ofhis old friends. His email isamesser@twcny.rr.com. Also hada recent email from USAF Retiree…..Tom Swanson. They currentlyreside in Seaford, VA, he can bereached at TGSwanson@cox.net. First Sergeant(Ret) VinceCoon, recently underwent surgery for a previous shoulder injury.He’s home and will be recuperating for a month or so. Floyd Duforehas also been a little under the weather and did a short stint inthe hospital. Get Up and Get Going Wishes to All!It is the VETERAN, not the preacher who has given us freedomof religion.It is the VETERAN, not the reporter, who has given us freedomof the press.It is the VETERAN, not the poet, who has given us freedom ofspeech.It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer, who has given usfreedom to assemble.It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer, who has given us the right toa fair trial.It is the VETERAN, not the politician, who has given us the rightto vote.It is the VETERAN, who salutes the Flag and serves with theFlag, only to rest under the Flag. -Anonymous174th Fighter Wing15

The Vietnam Wall ExperienceA replica of the Vietnam War Memorial inWashington, D.C. will be on display at TheNew York State Fair Grounds Entrance cornerof Bridge Street on May 6th, 7th and 8th.The display will be open to the generalpublic 24 hours a day during itsstay. The Vietnam Wall Experiencewill be hosted by a variety of volunteersincluding active duty, retiredmilitary personnel, veterans organizations,civic groups and The DignityMemorial Staff along with the Vietnam Veteransof America #103. Volunteers are UR-GENTLY needed beginning at 1700 hrs onMay 3rd through 0800 hrs on May 9th to helperect, program assistance and dismantle thememorial.To volunteer, please call 1-866-677-2273.For more information about the VietnamWall Experience, visit thewebsite atwww.VietnamWallExperience.comENGARDE174th Fighter WingNew York Air National GuardHeadquarters6001 East Molloy RoadHancock FieldSyracuse, New York, 13211-7099PRST STDU.S. POSTAGEPAIDSyracuse, N.Y.Permit Number 107616 1-800-883-4484