4th SOS... Nights just got Spookier - Hurlburt Field

Embracing DiversityAfrican-American heritage celebratedby Tech. Sgt. Karen LewisAFSOCAfrican-Americans have playedcentral roles in some of the most triumphantand courageous momentsin our nation’s civil rights history.These contributions have not beenlimited to the social arena, but haveextended onto the battlefield. StaffSgt. Terrance Jones of the MilitaryEqual Opportunity office notes that,“From the heroism of the BuffaloSoldiers to the fearless flights of theTuskegee Airmen, African Americanmen and women have courageouslysacrificed for this great society.”During African-American HistoryMonth, we honor the rich heritage ofAfrican Americans and pay tributeto their many contributions to ournation.This year’s national theme is“From Slavery to Freedom: TheStory of Africans in the Americas.”The purpose is to remember civilrights and the pioneers of this greatmovement and to build for the futureby continuing efforts to ensure equality.The Air Force realizes that everyAirman is vital in this effort, and,with that attitude in mind, MEO“helps educate and train militaryindividuals on the importance of apositive and healthy human relationclimate,” Sergeant Jones said.African Americans reflect a proudlegacy of courage and dedicationThe Air Force has completeddeployment of anew computerized travelsystem at all of its majorinstallations, marking theend of a nearly three-yeardeployment of the systemto bases in both the UnitedStates and overseas.The new system, usedby all branches of the military,makes it easier forAirmen to create orders forcommon business travel.With Defense TravelSystem, a process that usedto take days to complete onpaper and required multiplein-person trips to thefinance office, can now bedone online.Airmen can create atravel authorization, andbook airline tickets, lodgingand rental cars fromone location.Once they digitally signthe documents with theirCommon Access Card, theauthorization is electronicallyrouted to approvingofficials.The system allows theuser to either scan in theirin the area of civil rights which hashelped guide our nation’s successand prosperity. Visionary leaderslike Fredrick Douglass, ThurgoodMarshall and Dr. Martin Luther KingJr., possessed clarity of purpose andwere instrumental in exposing andaddressing the issues that threatenedour founding principles. As a nationand as individuals, we must furthertheir legacy by fighting againstdiscrimination wherever we find it.Sergeant Jones points out that MEOgoes beyond the gates of the baseand ensures that the local communityand business are treating everymilitary member, their spouses andemployees with the proper respect.By promoting diversity, understandingand opportunity, we will continueto transform society into a placewhere every person of every race canrealize the promise of America.Every month, not just February,should be used as an opportunity tocontinue the African-American legacyby sharing information and bridgingthe gap between generations.(Editor’s Note: 2nd Lt. Jesse Brannencontributed to this article)DTS ends 3-year start-upby Staff Sgt. C. ToddLopezAFPNMaj. James A. Ellison returns the salute of Mac Ross as he passes down the lineduring review of the first class of Tuskegee cadets. U.S. Air Force photo.receipts and upload themto DTS, or fax them to theDTS system, which thenscans and uploads themto a user’s DTS account forthe intended voucher.As with any new system,there are growing pains.“It was tough in thebeginning with DTSbecause it was new andHurlburt used fundcites for travel paymentsinstead of the governmenttravel card,” said JenniferJohnson, 1st SpecialOperations ComptrollerSquadron.“But all of the problemshave been corrected, and itworks great.”DTS makes paying forand being reimbursed fortrips a streamlined process.“With the exception ofPCS or deployment travel,all travel orders can now bedone online,” Ms. Johnsonsaid. “DTS has cut out themiddle man; it’s faster.”For additional information,contact your localorganizational DTS administratoror call the DTS helpdesk at 884-5854.(Editor’s note: Jamie Haigcontributed to this article)AirCommandoSaluteStaff Sgt.ElizabethSweeneyStaff Sgt. Elizabeth Sweeney,Air Force Special OperationsCommand Headquarters is fromSellervilles, Pa.Her hobbies include spendingtime with her family, shoppingand scrapbooking. She is also anavid runner and enjoys participatingin 5K races.Sergeant Sweeney is an incrediblecommand force multiplier.She brings an infectious, positiveattitude to arguably the toughestjob in the Air Force rightnow – enlisted assignments. Sheprovides expert analysis andbrilliant foresight to Air ForceSpecial Operations Commandsenior leaders grappling withthe command’s largest growthperiod ever. Her keen insightand management skills led to thestand-up of five new operationalsquadrons in record time toenhance AFSOC’s Global War onTerrorism engagement capability.She is a selfless, quiet professionalwho actively participatesor resides over blood drives, theA1 booster club, the Asian/PacificAmerican Heritage Committeeand the Parental AdvisoryCommittee for the HurlburtChild Development Center.Sergeant Sweeney’s favoritepart about being stationed atHurlburt is the close proximityto the beaches.Her advice to Airmen is,“Share the knowledge you gainwith others.”Photo by Jamie Haig. COMMANDO Feb. 2, 2007