Patriot | page - Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass

Deployers face new PTstandards before CSTRANDOLPH AIR FORCEBASE, Texas (AFNS) -- Airmenpreparing to attend Army-taughtCombat Skills Training prior todeploying to a joint expeditionarytasking in direct support ofcombatant commander or jointtask force ground componentmissions are now required topossess a current and passingfitness assessment, according tonew Air Education and TrainingCommand guidance.The new standards, which alreadyapply to Air Force-taughtCombat Airman Skills Training,took effect Feb. 1.“Joint expeditionary trainingcourses can range from 21 to 70days, and are very physically demanding,”said Lt. Gen. DouglasH. Owens, the Air Educationand Training Command vicecommander.“Due to the physical demandsof the courses, and requestsfrom Air Expeditionary Groupcommanders, Airmen will berequired to have a passing fitnessassessment on record before atbyCapt. Omar VillarealAir Education and TrainingCommand Public AffairsPATRIOT | PAGE 5Patriot Wing commanders serve four Article 15s to AirmenFour Airmen in the 439th Airlift Winghave received Article 15 punishmentswithin the past sixmonths.One Airman was drivingunder the influence ofalcohol and was reduced inrank two stripes from thegrade of senior airman toairman.Another Airman misusedhis government travel cardand was reduced in rank from the grade ofsenior airman to airman first class.tending CST.”If a wing wishes to deploy anAirman to CST without a currentor passing fitness assessment,the Airman must provide a lettersigned by a medical provider andthat letter must be endorsed bythe wing commander or equivalentcertifying the Airman cancomplete specific physical tasksperformed during training.Airmen who attend CST areput through an intense simulationof what they may experiencewhile deployed and must bephysically fit to complete therigorous training, said Col.Chuck Douglass, the 602ndTraining Group (provisional)commander.“Airmen who arrive at CSTafter Feb. 1, not in compliance,will be eliminated from trainingand returned to home station asdirected by AETC leadership,”Colonel Douglass said.For more information on JET,visit jetairmen.af.mil, facebook.com/jetairmenfanpage or keesler.af.mil/units/2ndairforce.asp.Westover reservists with questionsshould contact their unitdeployment monitors.A technical sergeant misrepresented hisprescription drug useto the base clinic andwas also derelict in hisduties to disclose suchuse.He received a suspendedreduction in rankto the grade of staffsergeant.Another technical sergeantwas derelict inthe performance of his official duties andreceived a suspended reduction in rank andWestover fitness policyflexes to Air Force standardsby Master Sgt.Andrew BiscoeWith Westover’s fitnesspolicy paralleling Air Forcestandards requiring reserviststo stay in shape, Airmenwho fail the fitness test willface a four-step process beforepossible discharge.“Being physically fit allowsAirmen to properly supportthe Air Force mission,” saidCol. Robert Swain, 439thAirlift Wing commander,in a recent memorandum tounit commanders.In order to provide consistencythroughout the wing,Colonel Swain directed thefollowing guidance when anAirman has failed the fitnesstest:First failure: Letter ofcounselingSecond: Letter of admonishment/reprimandThird: Additional letter ofreprimand and/or demotionin rankFourth: Demotion in rank,involuntary reassignment, oradministrative discharge.The base fitness policyalso applies to Airmen requestingattendance to anin-residence academy or ProfessionalMilitary Education,reenlistment extensions andpromotion eligibility.PME: Applications forattendance to the followingrequire a current fitnesstest score of 80 percent orgreater to PME includingAirmen Leadership School,Noncommissioned OfficerAcademy, Squadron OfficerSchool, Air Commandand Staff College, Air WarCollege and First SergeantAcademy.Any commander who desiresto approve reenlistmentof a member who is in anunsatisfactory fitness statusmust submit justification inwriting to Colonel Swain.EDITOR’S NOTE: AFI36-2905, C h a p t e r 9 a n dAttachment 19 provide supervisorsextensive guidelines foradministrative and disciplinaryactions.The Air Force Portal Fitnesslink is www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/affitnessprogram/index.aspa suspended forfeiture of pay.EDITOR’S NOTE: Publication of Article 15punishments is intended to serve as a deterrentto members of the 439th Airlift Wing .This article covers four Article 15s, which arenonjudicial punishments under the UniformCode of Military Justice. An Airman whois served with an Article 15 has the option toaccept the Article 15 with punishment imposedby the commander or turn down the Article 15and request a trial by court-martial.All of these Airmen accepted their Article 15sand the punishments below were imposed bythe individual’s commander.

PATRIOT | NEWSPractical ORIby Lt. Col. James BishopThe 439th Airlift Wing Public Affairs office recently called itsfunctional inspector at the Inspector General's office at Scott AirForce Base, Ill.Our inspector spent about 30 minutes on the phone with us.He offered numerous suggestions that are useful to any player inthe Operational Readiness Exercise and Operational ReadinessInspection.Here are a few:>> First off, this underscored the importance of calling IG counterparts.Our contact was helpful, appreciative, and gave us sometips that people who had been on multiple ORIs didn't know.>> He emphasized asking the inspector any question you have andnot being intimidated, including confirming that you are finishedwith your Mission Essential Tasks.>> He recommended having a copy of your METs with you andchecking each off as you go along.>> He said the shifts will run from 6 to 6. The 439th AW willbe on day shift. The outgoing shift can share information with theoncoming shift, but they can't do their work for them. Both wingsneed to accomplish all METs.>> He recommended keeping an inventory of key equipment andchecking it each day.>> The number one problem he sees during inspections is "not beingproactive. It's easy on day 1 or 2..." but people need to continuethinking ahead throughout the ORI, planning for a backup to thebackup, etc.>> Finally, he recommended that people show their competenceand explain what they're doing to the inspector rather than silentlydoing their work and making him guess. Talk the inspector throughthe process.TROOP TALK | What lessons did youlearn from the last ORI to pass along?EDITOR’S NOTE: Patriot editor Master Sgt. Andrew Biscoeinterviewed several senior enlisted members of the 439th AirliftWing who passed along some important lessons learned fromtheir previous Operational Readiness Inspections.“Have a backup plan; ifthe inspector see’s somethingworking well they willprobably take it away -- beready; fight the enemy notsaid retired Col. Mary Hill, the chief IG, of the the inspectors Yellow are RibbonProgram for the Air Force Reserve.invisibleAwayevaluators,from homefocuscouldon solving the problem;mean you were activated in place maintain at Westover a sense of and urgencyand stay positive.you liveoutside the commuting area.It will be over before you“Each wing makes the decision know about it.” who is eligible” withinestablished guidelines, Colonel-- SeniorHill said.Master Sgt. KeithKeynote speaker for the weekend, Bodley, author 439th Maintenance and counselorSquadronKristy Tubbs, told the crowd that the biggest challengespeople returning from deployments faced included depression,marriage and money.She gave three time- and research-tested steps toward“When in doubt, open yourchoosingAirman’sto avertManual;depression:have- Believe a sense that you of urgency deserve but to be happy.don’t panic!- Behave Carry like out every you already scenario are happy. (Smiling when youare depressed to completion actually or until increases the your body’s endorphin lev-IG tells you to stop;communication andaccountability are key tosuccess.”-- Chief Master Sgt. NicoleRemy, 439th SupplySquadronPATRIOT PUNS“Try your hardest ... if aninspector sees you have agood attitude and you aretrying they will take thatinto consideration. If youhave any questions don’tbe afraid to ask. Be prepared- go in with all yourequipment and checklistsin order.”-- Senior Master Sgt. AlanDedinas, 439th CivilEngineering Squadron

PATRIOT | PAGE 7OperationReadiness InspectionORI command structureels, Tubbssaid.)- Belong to a group.Deployments add stressto a marriage.Fifteen years ago, during anargument between one of his 27 deployments,Tubbs’ husband told her, “I can’t believe I marriedyou.” They could have let the marriage disintegrate andgotten divorced, she said. Instead, they went to counselingand worked hard at reunion.“Spouses often come back from a deployment to a divorce,”Tubbs said, but added that some simple relationship andmoney management tips can rescue a relationship.She handed out her book, Love Notes from Home,which included tips for staying connected to eachICC:The Installation ControlCenter at the deployed location is led bythe Air Expeditionary Wing Commander,with the support and recommendationsfrom the Maintenance, Mission Supportand Operations Group Commanders. TheICC is the focal point for installation-widewarning, notification, and operations. TheICC directs and informs the EmergencyOperations Center (EOC).EOC:The Emergency OperationsCenter has functional representativesfrom across the wing to direct, monitor andsupport the installation’s actions and supportingactivities throughout the on-goingthreats and base attacks. The EOC updatesthe ICC with ongoing incident status andseeks support through the ICC when wartimerequirements surpass the installation’sinherent capability. The EOC directs andinforms the Unit Control Centers (UCCs).SOC:The Squadron OperationsCenter is the operations focal point for thebase and takes command when the ICC isunable to perform its mission.DCC:The Disaster Control Centeris the Civil Engineering Operations focalpoint for the base and takes control when theEOC is unable to perform its mission.UCC:The Unit Control Centersare the functional focal point for relaying informationto the EOC (i.e. tracking hazards,limitations in movement, accountability ofresources/personnel/equipment and postattackinformation).

PATRIOT | NEWSRememberEDITOR’S NOTE: Look for vital ORI prep information to befeatured in Patriot editions through June.Patriot on line: westover.afrc.af.milModes ofCommunication:1. Giant Voice/Base Siren: Used only to increaseALARM/MOPP/FPCON; broadcast tool used to notify everyonesimultaneouslyWavering Tone >> ALARM RED (Air/Missile Attack)Bugle Call >> ALARM RED (Ground Attack)2. Telephones: Used for all Alarm/MOPP/FPCONchanges; two-way communication to relay and acknowledge messages3. Land Mobile Radio (LMR):Two-way communication when telephone is unavailable4. Defense Connect Online (DCO)/Shared Drives:Used by ICC to push information, directives, and annotate Alarm/MOPP/FPCON Conditions5. Fax:Used as a back-up when DCO/shared drive unavailable6. Runner: When all else fails, runners will be requestedto disseminate information7. Closed Circuit Television (CCTV):Used to inform personnel of Alarm/MOPP/FPCON conditions atwork and for personnel coming onto shift; used to inform base on otherevents/items as directed by the ICCORE schedule highlightsSATURDAY, 19 MARCH:Mobilization beginsSUNDAY, 20 MARCH:Cargo buildup and passenger processing beginsADVON team departsMONDAY, 21 MARCH:EmploymentBase buildupMain body of reservists departsTUESDAY, 22 MARCH:Continue base buildupWEDNESDAY-THURSDAY 23-24 MARCHWarEnd exerciseBase teardownFRIDAY-SATURDAY, 25-26 MARCHRedeploy main bodyREMINDERS:-- The ORE is not complete until the redeployment iscomplete.-- People with questions should consult their supervisorsor unit deployment monitors.-- Don’t leave the base without your Airman’s Manual.

PATRIOT | PAGE 9New security system greets Westover populaceby Airman 1st ClassAlexander BrownPulling up to the base gates will sooninvolve new scans of ID cards, and not justunder the eyes of Westover security forcesmembers.Westover is the first of two Air Force Reservebases to have the Defense BiometricIdentification System, orDBIDS, installed at entrycontrol points and at thevisitor control center.Security officers, usinghand-held scanners, scancommon access card barcodes. The devices show animage of the person tryingto gain access and whetheror not they are allowed onbase. If any issues arisewith the identity of theperson, security forces willalso be able to scan theperson’s fingerprints, usinga separate scanner.“The system is extremely accurate andvalidates data against the Defense EnrollmentEligibility Reporting System,” saidMaj. Robert R. Durand, Chief of Policeand Investigative Services, 439th SecurityForces Squadron.During regular operations at Westover,the system will also be very helpful bymore accurately validating personnel comingon to base, Major Durand said.The new system is for all base employeesincluding active-duty service people,reservists and civilians. Individualbase units and tenantorganizations will registerthroughout this year. Registrationwill also occur at thevisitors center and the militarypersonnel flight. Its use atWestover shows how thebase’s scope of operations andcontinued prominence withinthe Air Force.“The Department of Defenseand the Air Force are usingthis process at numerousinstallations. Westover wasselected as the initial reserveinstallation due to its large size, and ourpeople’s demonstrated ability to interactwith technological changes,” Major Durandsaid. The other DBIDS test-base isSCAN PLAN >> Staff Sgt. Matthew Carrollscans a visitor’s ID at the Westover Roadgate using the DBIDS system. (photo byAirman 1st Class Alexander Brown)Dobbins ARB, Ga.For more information, call Mr. Durandat 557-2306.A message from the new Westover Inspector GeneralColonel Greeneby Col. John GreeneHello, Westover!It’s great to be back as your new InspectorGeneral. I commanded the 42nd Aerial PortSquadron from 2005 to 2009. Outside ofthe 42nd, I’m best known on base as theEnglish teacher who hates clichés. (Peopleare always telling me, “it is what it is.”)As your IGs, my superintendent, MasterSgt. Charlene Deslesline, and I are ready toassist you in any way we can.The IG’s main job is complaints resolution.We are not substitutes for your chainof command and encourage you to attemptto resolve issues at the lowest possible level.Remember, the further away from yourunit that you go, the longer the resolutiongenerally takes.If you need our help, however, SergeantDelesline and I will do whatever we can toassist you.If you come to me with a problem, I willfollow the Air Force’s Complaint ResolutionProcess. It’s important to note thatmy customer is the Air Force. In any givencase, I do not represent the subject or thecomplainant. My goal is to seek the correctresolution path.The final points I want to make are thatno one can prevent you from seeing an IGfor any reason and that no one can takeany adverse action against you because youtalked to an IG. These actions are respectivelyknown as restriction and reprisal, andboth are violations of AFI 90-301, “InspectorGeneral Complaints Resolution.”Should you need assistance, call SergeantDelesline or me at (413)557-3137 or at DSN589-3137. Our IG e-mail is 439aw.ig@us.af.mil.Thanks for your attention, and, again, it’sgreat to be back.

PATRIOT | NEWSWESTOVER PATRIOTS |Teen leadership summitsscheduled for summerLEADING CE >> Maj. Robert Russo took command of the 439thCivil Engineering Squadron Feb. 5 from Lt. Col. Paul Goliber. CE,one of 15 squadrons of the 439th Airlift Wing, comprises about150 reservists.Post-9/11 GI Bill gets betterRecent legislative changes toPost 9/11 GI Bill will enhanceeducation opportunities andmake the program easier to use.These changes will be effectiveAug 1.Changes include:-- Establishing a national cap of$17,500 annually for tuition andfees at a private or foreign school,graduate study and out-of-statestudents--Paying vocation training,apprenticeships, and on-the-jobtraining;includes tuition costsand living stipend.-- Crediting Guardsmen forsome time served on Title 32and Title 32, sec 502f funding.Specifics will be announcedsoon-- Allowing students andspouses on active duty to receivethe stipend for books andsupplies-- Pro-rating housing allowanceto exclude payments when studentsare not taking courses-- Permitting reimbursementfor more than one license andcertification test-- Reimbursing fees for nationaladmission tests, such as the SAT,ACT, GMAT, GRE and LSAT-- Allowing eligible membersparticipating in the VA's VocationalRehabilitation andEmployment benefits to choosebetween the VA's housing allowanceand the VR&E's subsistenceallowanceFor more information, goto gibill.va.gov or contact theTotal Force Service Center at800-525-0102.Westover reservists may alsocall the base education andtraining office at 557-2042.Airman & Family Readiness Center eventsMarch 8: Key Spouse Meeting - 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.;March 12: Joint Force Military Family Readiness GroupGathering - Springfield Technical Community College;April 9 - Month of the Military Child Celebration; April 15 -Volunteer Appreciation LuncheonFor more information, contact Airman and Family Readinessat 413-557-3024 or visit www.westoverafrc.orgROBI NS AIR FORCEBASE, Ga. (AFNS) -- Officialsfrom the Air ForceReserve and Air NationalGuard announced the 2011 AirForce Reserve and ANG TeenLeadership Summit locationsJan. 5.The Air Force Reserve andANG Teen Leadership Summitlocations this summer arein Dahlonega, Ga.; Estes Park,Colo.; and Washington, D.C.The summits combine highadventureactivities withleadership classes to allowteens to tap into their leadershippotential and discoverhidden strengths while developinga sense of belongingto the Air Force community,officials said. Teens with a parentin the Air Force Reserve orANG can attend one of the freesummits. Deadline for applicationsis April 8. Participantsmust be 14 to 18 years old.Application instructions areavailable at georgia4h.org/AFRANGTeenSummit.Teens must answer essayquestions and complete codeof-conductand transportationforms to attend one of thesessions. The first summit isthe Classic Teen LeadershipSummit June 19 through 24 inDahlonega, Ga.During the summit, participantswill take part ingroup activities such as highropes, zip-line canopy tour,white-water rafting, hiking,fishing, archery and survivalclasses. The participants willalso attend leadership classesthroughout the week.A new summit this year isthe Capitol Teen LeadershipSummit July 25 through 29 inWashington. Attendees willfocus on citizenship, characterbuilding and high adventure.Their experience will includeexploring the wonders of thenation's capital, such as monuments,memorials and theSmithsonian museums.They will also have the chanceto meet with their congressionalmember or a member of hisor her staff. The last summit isthe Adventure Teen LeadershipSummit Aug. 9 through14 in Estes Park, Colo.During the summit, participantswill take part indaily adventure activities includinghiking, mountainbiking, horseback riding, horsecolt training, arts and crafts,woodworking, technical rockclimbing, and archery. Leadershipclasses taught throughoutthe week include the SevenHabits of Highly EffectiveTeens.They will gather for programsincluding campfires andsongs, musical performancesand environmental educationclasses. For more information,send an email to Stacey.young@us.af.mil or call 800-223-1784, extension 70971, oremail brandi.mullins.ctr@us.af.mil or call 800-223-1784,extension 72090.(Courtesy of Air ForceReserve Command PublicAffairs)

PATRIOT | PAGE 11PATRIOT PEOPLE |Senior Airman Terri LussierAT THE CLUB >> Every Friday in March, Trivia Night is held at 6p.m. in the lounge. Championship is scheduled for March 25,(grand prize: Red Sox/Yankee tickets). March 5 (UTA): Trigger(live band), free admission. St. Patrick’s Day: Irish-themed buffetand drink specials 5-7 p.m. in the lounge; members free,non-members $10.95.BOWLING CENTER >> St. Patrick’s Day special, wear green andbowl for $1 (military uniforms do count). Corned beef lunchspecial on Thursday and Friday.FITNESS CENTER >> St. Patrick’s Day 5K Fun Run, 8 a.m. to Dogpatchand back. First 50 people to sign up get a free T-shirt.Prizes awarded to the first three people to cross the line. Signupsfor the Earth Day Fun Run begin March 1. For more information,call 557-3958.OUTDOOR RECREATION >> Call the staff with your ideas forwhat can be offered at outdoor recreation: 557-2192FLYERS INN >> For reservations: space A and TDY: 593-5421, ext0; Groups: 593-5421, Ext 3002.SERVICES CALENDER | westoverservices.comNAME: Terri LussierRANK: Senior airmanHOMETOWN: Fall River, Mass.UNIT: 439th Aircraft Maintenance SquadronPOSITION: Aircraft mechanicFAVORITE FOOD: SalmonYEARS AT WESTOVER ARB: 1 1/2 yearsFAVORITE SPORT: VolleyballFAVORITE HOBBY: Sport shooting/readingIDEAL VACATION: Cabin in the mountainsBEST WAY TO RELAX: ReadingPREFERRED ENTERTAINMENT: Listening to livebandsFAVORITE HERO: Wonder Woman (my Mom)FAVORITE MUSIC STYLES: Country/alt rockFAVORITE MOVIE: The Wizard Of OzFAVORITE AIRCRAFT: C-5 “of course”PET PEEVE: People who suck their teethWHAT WOULD I DO IF I WON $1 MILLION: Buy my5-level. Learn different languages and travel to those countries.RetirementsCaptainKaren LeeSenior master sergeantTimothy CulhaneLouis CurtoMaster sergeantRussell Atkinson Jr.Richard BarklowRobert StansberyTechincal SergeantBrian MartelPATRIOT PRAISES | PromotionsMaster sergeantDouglas ClarkJohnie WatkinsVictor WongTechnical sergeantKyle DietrichsenCrystal HarryJohn KlampeLeon LoweryChase MatovichDoreen MercadoEmily TorrickStaff sergeantJessy BabcockWilliam BodwellDylan GallandKenneth KelleyEric RittlingerSophia RodriguezJobet RoxasJesus VillarrealJason WestSenior airmanNetchari Ortiz AliceaJoshua BlanchetteMichael BooryJulian BruggerAdam BuckleyRobert ChaffeeCorey ChristiansonJason DunnCorey FloydTomothy FoxLeon GambleElizabeth GaryHeather GoodyearSean KenistonKyle LevreaultSamuel NallenEfflong OkebugwuTravis PadgettFelecia PaquinRyan SilvaJanileth SlatteryNathan StaplesNicholas TeboWilliam WeinmannAirman First classGisell AlbanoJamie CzwakielJeffery LafountainKyle Liguori

PATRIOT | NEWS| www.westover.afrc.af.mil|A UTA MARCH 5-6 | B UTA MARCH 19-20439th Airlift Wing100 Lloyd St., Box 49Westover ARBChicopee, Mass. 01022-1825FIRST CLASSUS POSTAGEPAIDPublished monthly for Patriots like Senior AirmanNick Dehass, Newington, Conn. andthe more than 3,600 reservists and civiliansassigned to the 439th Airlift Wing.SNOW TOW >> Master Sgt. Michael Witt, 439th Maintenance Squadron, takes part in the tow of a C-5 in this photo taken by Tech. Sgt.Robert Cirillo, 439th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. Reservists and civilians on base are encouraged to submit high-resolution photosto public affairs for possible publication in the Patriot and on the base web site at westover.afrc.af.mil. Photos may be submitted to439aw.pa@westover.af.mil