Airstream Magazine - Youngstown Air Reserve Station

YARS welcomes Col. DignanKubli gets honorary star910th conducts aerial spray course76th APS sends humanitarian cargoAirman uses training, saves life1st quarter 2013Integrity First • Service Before Self • Excellence in All We Do

Story by Tech. Sgt. Brenda CosolaAirstream Magazine, 1st Quarter, 20133www.youngstown.afrc.af.milU.S. Air Force Reserve Maj. Gen. Wallace W. “Wade”Farris, commander of 22nd Air Force, prepares for achange of command ceremony March 2, 2013 at YARS,while 910th Airlift Wing interim commander, Brig. Gen.Brian Dominguez, incoming 910th AW commander Col.James D. Dignan and 910th AW command chief Troy K.Rhoades salute him. Photo by TSgt. Brenda Cosola.

Col. James D. Dignan becamecommander of the 910th AirliftWing during a change of commandceremony at YARS on March 3as Maj. Gen. Wallace W. “Wade” Farris Jr,commander of the 22nd Air Force, passedthe guidon representing the unit to him.Dignan comes to the 910th AW fromJoint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., wherehe was the commander of the 446thOperations Group.“The 910th has a great reputation,always has,” said Dignan. “I remember weused to bring our 130s here to get themfixed... this is one of the places we countedon. It’s an honor to be here.”As commander of the 910th AW,Dignan is responsible for the training andreadiness of more than 1,600 Air ForceReservists and has operational control ofthe C-130H Hercules tactical cargo aircraftassigned to the wing.Dignan received his commissionthrough U.S. Navy Aviation OfficerCandidate School in 1990 and has heldnumerous staff positions and commandedat the group level.“I knew [Dignan] from back when weflew C-130s together down at Keesler,” saidFarris during the ceremony. “He’s a propguy. He’s flown [more than 100 hurricanepenetration missions] ... he’s familiar withspecial missions and you guys have a spraymission. He knows how to deal with thepeople that oversee those special missions,another reason why I selected him. He’sproven his leadership ability in severalplaces. He knows how to take care ofpeople.”Dignan replaced Brig. Gen. BrianE. Dominguez, vice commander of the22nd Air Force, who served as interimcommander for the 910th AW for the pastfour months.The 910th AW is home to the DoD’sonly aerial spray capability to controldisease-carrying insects, pest insects andundesirable vegetation and disperse oilspills in large bodies of water on DoDinstallations, in combat areas or in responseto disasters and emergencies as declared bythe president of the United States.Airstream Magazine, 1st Quarter, 20134www.youngstown.afrc.af.milTop: U.S. Air Force Reserve Maj.Gen. Wallace W. Farris Jr. (left),commander of 22nd Air Force,returns a salute to U.S. Brig. Gen.Brian Dominguez, former 910thAirlift Wing commander as Col.James D. Dignan, new 910thAirlift Wing commander, watchesand 910th Airlift Wing CommandChief, Chief Master Sgt. TroyRhoades holds the guidon duringa change of command ceremonyMarch 2, 2013 here. U.S. AirForce photo by Tech. Sgt. MattMatulkaBottom left: U.S. Air ForceReserve Maj. Gen. Wallace W.Farris Jr., commander of 22ndAir Force, presents Col. JamesDignan with the 910th AirliftWing guidon during a changeof command ceremony March2, 2013 here. U.S. Air Forcephoto by Senior Airman RonDombkowskiBottom right: A local mediarepresentative films a changeof command ceremony March2, 2013, here. U.S. Air ForceReserve Col. James Dignanassumes command of the 910thAirlift Wing from interim wingcommander, Brig. Gen. BrianDominguez. U.S. Air Forcephoto by Senior Airman RonDombkowski

Story by SSgt. Megan TomkinsFour years ago,Fred KubliJr. receivedthe rare anddistinguishedrecognition ofbecoming anhonorary coloneland commanderof the 910thAirlift Wing, basedat Youngstown AirReserve Station,Ohio.Newly promoted Brigadier Gen. (Hon) Fred Kubli, Jr., shares afew words with the crowd after recieving his rank. Kubli waspromoted to the honorary rank for his selfless efforts at YARSand the Mahoning Valley over the past 30 years.Brig. Gen. Brian Dominguez, 910th Airlift Wing Commander(left) and Brig. Gen. Karl McGregor, USAF Military DeputyDirector of Strategic Planning, pin brigadier general rank onFred Kubli Jr. during a ceremony here Feb. 3, 2013. Kubli waspromoted to the honorary rank for his selfless efforts at YARSand the Mahoning Valley over the past 30 years.TSgt. Brenda CosolaKubli was recognized again andpromoted to honorary brigadier generalby Brig. Gen. Brian E. Dominguez, 910thAirlift Wing Commander, Feb. 3, 2013.“I can’t believe I get the privilege andhonor of promoting a true hero, Fred KubliJr., to honorary brigadier general,” saidDominguez.Ninety-three-yearold Kubli, a World WarII U.S. Army veteranand holocaust liberator,has been a part of theYoungstown family sincethe early 1980s.After retiring froma more than 30-yearcareer at a local titaniummanufacturing plant, he has continued hissupport of the YARS Base-CommunityCouncil, other 910th activities such as thePilot for a Day Program and more than twodozenlocal organizations for the past threedecades. Kubli continues to put others firstand does not seek the limelight for what hedoes.“He gave andgave andgave andcontinues togive and giveand give.”TSgt. Brenda Cosola“The past 30 years he hasn’t worked fora paycheck,” said Dominguez. “He gave andgave and gave and he continues to give andgive and give. From the bottom of my heartI want to thank you.”Dominguez recognized that Kubli wasnot able to accomplish all he has without thesupport of his wife of 69years.“The reason Fred hasbeen so successful is becauseof you, LaVerne,” saidDominguez. “You’re his soulmate and teammate.”Kubli expressed histhanks and appreciation forthe 910th family and hisjoy for getting to work withthe Air Force community for more than 30years.“I’m honored beyond any expectations,”said Kubli. “I will do my best to honor thisposition, so help me, Lord. It’s been a greatexperience and I will continue to enjoy itand will make this my number one project.”Courtesy PhotoThis courtesy photo shows a young Fred Kubli, jr., with his wife,LaVerne. Kubli was recently promoted to the rank of honoraryBrigadier General for his more than 30 years of selfless service toYoungstown Air Reserve Station.Airstream Magazine, 1st Quarter, 20135www.youngstown.afrc.af.mil

Left: Air Force Reserve membersassigned to the 76th Aerial PortSquadron (APS) place a shoringsystem next to a C-17, here,February 2. A shoring system isa ramp APS built to help put aschool bus into the aircraft.Top right: Air Force ReserveTech. Sgt. Brian Farmintino, aloadmaster assigned to 437thOperations Group, Charleston AirBase, South Carolina, directs thedriver to continue backing up thebus, here, February 2.Bottom right: Air Force ReserveMaster Sgt. Steve Kelley, aloadmaster assigned to 437thOperations Group, CharlestonAir Base, South Carolina, helpsdirect a driver to put a school busin place, here, February 2.Story and photos by Tech. Sgt. Valerie SmockThe 76th Aerial Port Squadron(APS) helped add another chapterto the story of love during theFebruary Unit Training Assemblyhere. The story is the Mission of Love andthe chapter is another shipment of cargosent to a place in need.The non-profit Mission of LoveFoundation was established in 1989by founder, director and Youngstownlocal, Kathleen Price. The organizationprovides humanitarian aid to those in needworldwide and provides basic human rightsto the children who have none, accordingto the Mission of Love Foundation.Airmen with 76th APS have been apart of the mission in the past. They havehelped build pallets of supplies and sentthem to different countries.“We loaded a C-5 last summer for theDenton Program,” said Technical Sgt. BrianE. Mitchell, an air transportation craftsmanwith 76th APS. “We’re loading, you know,whatever. You don’t think about it. Then[Kathy Price] kept thanking us. It makesyou think, it meant a lot to her so it mustbe a good cause.”This time around the items were thesecond half of items, which includedsurgical supplies, delivered to Guatemalain December. The cargo on the secondtrip included corn, which will be used tohelp feed families, and a school bus. SomeMission of Love volunteers bought a busfrom Poland schools in Ohio and donatedit. The bus will be used for Mayan childrenwho are orphans, blind, deaf, homeless orsick and in need of an education.Service members from Charleston AirForce Base, South Carolina, provided theC-17 aircraft to fly the supplies to CentralAmerica. The Airmen from Charlestonand 76th APS worked together to load theaircraft, which included driving the busonto the plane.Volunteers from the Mission of Lovesaid seeing the Airmen put the bus ontothe plane was interesting. They said it wasimpressive to see the task get completed.“The process was thought out wellin advance to ensure everything wentsmoothly,” said Technical Sgt. Keith L.Lenkner, an air transportation craftsmanwith 76th APS. “Our Airmen built ashoring system, which is basically a rampto drive the bus into the plane. It’s like amathematical equation.”Multiplication and division aside, theonly part of the process that could havebeen better, according to many of theAirmen battling the snow while loading theaircraft, would have been the subtractionof snow and addition of warmer weather.However, to some people, the wintryconditions were just another day on the job.“The perk of the job is you get towork outdoors in all kinds of weather,”said Master Sgt. Christopher Hornick,Air Transportation Craftsman noncommissionedofficer in charge with 76thAPS.To help out or become involved withthe Mission of Love Foundation, check outtheir website at:http://www.missionoflove.org.Airstream Magazine, 1st Quarter, 20136www.youngstown.afrc.af.mil

STORY AND PHOTOS BY MASTER SGT. BOB BARKO, JR.Airstream Magazine, 1st Quarter, 20137www.youngstown.afrc.af.milMSgt. Bob Barko, Jr.

MSgt. Bob Barko, Jr.Citizen Airmen from the Air ForceReserve’s 910th Airlift Winghighly-specialized Aerial Spray unitare involved in the Departmentof Defense’s (DoD’s) Aerial Spray Course,Jan. 14-17, 2013. The course is being heldat the new state-of-the-art Lee CountyMosquito Control District Training Centerin Lehigh Acres, Fla., just outside of Ft.Myers.The purpose of the course is toacquaint participants with the theoryand practice of the aerial applicationof pesticides, especially as it relatesto the U.S. military. Upon graduating,participants receive a certificate of trainingdocumenting successful completion ofthe course. A letter is also sent to thegraduate’s certifying official recommendingcertification in DoD Category 11 AerialApplication Pest Control. Then, graduatesof the course, that are also certified bytheir respective commands, are ableto be ground supervisors of aerialspray operations, monitor pest controlcontracts using aerial spray and, if they areCommand Pest Management Professionals,also approve DoD aerial spray projects.Among many other subjects, the coursetopics include aerial spray theory, mappingand math, C-130 operations, publicaffairs, aerial spray contracting and more.Participants in the course also viewed staticdisplays of aerial spray aircraft as well asequipment and were involved in a fieldexercise.Events in recent years have nowmade the 910th’s 757th Airlift Squadronhome to DoD’s only aerial spray mission.So, this team, based at Youngstown AirReserve Station, Ohio, is uniquely qualifiedto present the course material to thoseattending.“The 910th’s role is to train DoDpersonnel and also give them an overviewof civilian aerial spray aspects. We havea great relationship with the FloridaMosquito Control Association and it’s anexcellent opportunity to cross-train withthem,” said Lt. Col. Karl Haagsma, one ofthe 910th’s two full-time entomologists,affectionately known as ‘bug docs.’Haagsma and Lt. Col. Mark Briedenbaugh,the unit’s other full-time entomologist areco-facilitators of the course.(continued on next page)MSgt. Bob Barko, Jr.PhotosTop: A participant of the Department of Defense Aerial Spray Course gets an up-close look at the mountingboom and nozzles of a Modular Aerial Spray System mounted aboard one of the Air Force Reserve 910th AirliftWing’s specially-modified, aerial spray capable C-130 aircraft on the flightline at Page Field, Fla., Jan. 15, 2013.MSgt. Bob Barko, Jr.Middle: U.S. Air Force Reserve Maj. Pat Fassnacht (right), an aerial-spray qualified pilot, assigned to the 910thAirlift Wing’s 757th Airlift Squadron, talks with a participant of the Department of Defense Aerial Spray Courseon the flight deck of one of the wing’s specially-modified, aerial spray capable C-130 aircraft on the flightline atPage Field, Fla., Jan. 15, 2013.Bottom: U.S. Air Force Reserve Capt. Jonathan Blackann and U.S. Air Force Sr. Airman Thomas Davis work onan aerial spray mapping exercise together during the Department of Defense Aerial Spray Course at the LeeCounty Mosquito Control District Training Center, Lehigh Acres, Fla., Jan. 14, 2013.Airstream Magazine, 1st Quarter, 20138www.youngstown.afrc.af.mil

(continued from page 8)Haagsma, Breidenbaugh and the unit’sthree Traditional Reservist ‘bug docs’ bringa wealth of knowledge for the benefit ofthose attending the event. In addition to theentomologists, the 910th aerial spray teamalso includes spray-qualified pilots, aircraftloadmasters, who double as Modular AerialSpray System (MASS) operators, duringthe aerial spray missions and specializedmaintenance personnel, who take care ofthe modified C-130 ‘spray’ aircraft and theMASS equipment that carry the product or‘ammunition’ in the air war on the targetedpests.“Since the Army and Navy stoppeddoing small-area aerial spraying withhelicopters and small planes, we are nowU.S. Air Force Reserve Lt. Col. Tom Janousek, anentomologist assigned to the 910th Airlift Wing,studies sample cards, recently sprayed with water,simulating a pesticide solution, by one of the wing’shighly-modified C-130 aircraft during a field exercisethat is part of the Department of Defense Aerial SprayCourse at the Lee County Mosquito Control Districtflightline, Lehigh Acres, Fla., Jan. 16, 2013.MSgt. Bob Barko, Jr.DoD’s only aerial spray unit. Just recentlythey even turned in their equipment sowe’re it,” said Lt. Col. Don Teig, one ofthe unit’s Traditional Reservist ‘bug docs,’the Air Force’s pest control subject matterexpert and chairman of the Armed ForcesPest Management Board, based at WalterReed Medical Center, Md.For many years, the 910th was knownas the DoD’s only ‘large-area, fixed-wing’aerial spray unit, meaning they would usetheir C-130 aircraft to spray areas largerthan 5,000 square acres from altitudesabove the ground of 100 to 150 feet,depending on the type of spraying beingdone. Teig indicated that private enterprisetakes care of smaller areas that would notbe practical or cost-effective for the unit’slarge planes to handle.“Any small areas that used to be coveredby the other branches of service are nowdone by contractors,” said Teig.While this information may seeminvolved and other parts of the curriculummay seem complicated to ‘Joe or JanePublic,’ the course’s whole purpose is toeducate and certify the participants in aerialspraying and how it can be used at theirinstallations across the country and in somecases around the world to protect U.S.troops and the public from disease-carryingpests. In addition to the course fulfillingDoD certification requirements, Lt. Col.Mark Breidenbaugh said it is vital forparticipants to get the latest informationabout aerial spraying as often as possible.“Ultimately, this course is about thejudicious use of aerial spray products ineliminating pests and protecting troops. Weare very careful when it comes to pesticides,we don’t want to use too much or too little,just enough to accomplish the missionwhile protecting the environment as muchas possible,” said Breidenbaugh.Although the idea and practice ofprotecting troops on the ground bydestroying disease-carrying insects fromthe air has been around since 1946, thetechnology and aircraft involved haschanged over time. The opportunity tosee these ‘weapons’ in the aerial spray‘arsenal’ up close and personal as wellas the requirement for certification orrecertification brought approximately 30pest control professionals to the event.In addition to Florida and Ohio,these specialists came from California,Kansas, Maryland, North Dakota, Texasand more from across the United States.They represented the Army, Air Force,Navy as well as the DoD’s civilian branch,contractors and vendors. Sr. AirmanThomas Davis, a pest managementspecialist at Barksdale Air Force Base, La.said the knowledge and capabilities thatthe 910th team bring to the field of pestmanagement would be helpful to him in thefuture.“Prior to attending this course, I didnot know aerial spray was at our disposal.If we can use this capability in the future,it will be much more efficient than foggingwith trucks and it may help give the public(and our troops) a positive view of whatwe’re doing (to protect them from diseasecarryingpests),” said Davis.While the 910th team may be the uniqueexperts in the DoD when it comes to aerialspraying, Teig indicated that sometimes theteachers may pick up something from thecourse’s students.“This is the best place for us to traintoo. These are the best of the best (in thefield of pest management) in the U.S. Weall learn from each other’s talents,” saidTeig.Lt. Col. Tom Janousek, the 910th’s thirdTraditional Reservist entomologist and apest consultant based in Omaha, Neb. inhis civilian work, agreed, noting that thecourse is a good place for sharing ideas andexperience.“The course is a good way to meetthe people that we work with across thecountry. It’s also a great environment toexchange ideas,” said Janousek.In addition to being the facilitators ofthis course, the 910th’s unique missionhas taken the aerial spray team all over thecountry to not only eliminate mosquitoes,sand fleas, filth flies and other pest insectson DoD installations but to also eliminateunwanted vegetation on bombing rangesas well as assist during the response to theworst oil spill in U.S. history.The only thing the team has not beencalled upon to do is part of its mission thatdates back to the early days of the military’saerial spray concept, protect U.S. troopsfrom disease carrying insects in combatzones. However, Capt. Kirk Mundal, oneof the unit’s newest Traditional Reserve‘bug docs,’ a U.S. Navy veteran, livingin Valley City, N.D., is ready for thatassignment should it ever happen. As aveteran of Operation Enduring Freedom,he had the opportunity to help protecttroops from disease-ridden creatures onmany bases across Afghanistan.“I look forward to that challenge shouldit ever arise. I love this mission. It’s a greatmission... to protect the troops and peoplelike we do,” said Mundal.So, whether it is informing otherspecialists about the skill set the membersof their team bring to the fight againstpests and more across the country, sprayingproducts to make combat ranges safer andmore effective or to battle against natural,and in some cases, man-made disasters, the910th’s aerial spray unit is ready and ableto carry out their unique mission whereverand whenever the call of duty may takethem.MSgt. Bob Barko, Jr.U.S. Air Force Reserve Chief Master Sgt. Don Cutrer(right), a loadmaster and aerial spray system operatorassigned to the 910th Airlift Wing’s 757th AirliftSquadron, talks with a participant of the Department ofDefense Aerial Spray Course on the cargo deck of oneof the 910th’s specially-modified, aerial spray capableC-130 aircraft on the flightline at Page Field, Fla., Jan.15, 2013.Airstream Magazine, 1st Quarter, 20139www.youngstown.afrc.af.mil

Since 2009, the 910th AirliftWing color gaurd has performedalmost 1500 details includingmilitary funerals, weddings,parades, colors presentations, andretirement ceremonies.They are looking for a few goodAirmen to help represent the AirForce and the Wing with pride anddignitity.Contact MSgt. Lafayette Smith at609-1893 for more information.Airstream Magazine, 1st Quarter, 201310www.youngstown.afrc.af.mil

Story and photo by Mr. Eric M. whiteIn the early morning, you’redriving through the city when you seetwo men pushing a stalled vehicle.You stop to see if they need help,and another vehicle strikes the twomen against their car, fracturing oneman’s leg and severing the other’sbelow the knee. The victim with thesevered leg is bleeding profusely andshowing signs of shock. What do youdo?The morning of Feb. 5, 2013, U.S.Air Force Reserve Senior AirmanSteve Cresanto, anair transportationjourneyman withYoungstown AirReserve Station’s76th Aerial PortSquadron, wasdriving throughYoungstown, Ohiowhen this scenariobecame reality,forcing him to makesuch decisions.JawkwanRudolph, one ofthe victims, had themost serious injuries.“His leg was amputated. Youwant to stop the hemorrhaging, so Iapplied a tourniquet,” said Cresanto.Without a medical tourniquet,Cresanto had to make one.“I didn’t have a tourniquet there,so I made one. I made the tourniquetout of the individual’s belt and awindshield wiper from the car thatstruck them,” said Cresanto.Cresanto then fashioned a splintfor the second victim’s fractured legusing an ice scraper and another belt.When first responders arrived atthe scene of the accident, they askedCresanto where he learned to dowhat he did, stating that his actionslikely saved Rudolph’s life. Cresantocredited the Self Aid Buddy Care“This is justanotheramazingexample ofthe Airmenthat we havehere and thetie that wehave to thecommunity,”(SABC) training he receives annuallyas an Air Force Reservist.“We do it every single year, do thetraining, and I never thought I wouldactually use it in the field. It turnsout I did, and I am glad I had thetraining,” said Cresanto.SABC training includes basic lifesupport and limb-saving techniquesto help injured persons survive untilmedical help arrives.Charles Sammarone, Youngstowncity mayor, presented Cresanto withan award on behalfof the city at a citycouncil meetingMarch 6.Detective/Sergeant PatriciaGarcar, one of thefirst respondersto the accident,recommendedCresanto for theaward and presentedat the councilmeeting her accountof what unfoldedthe morning of theaccident.“I was just so impressed withwhat he did. He did not have to stopand didn’t have to offer the assistancethat he did, and it just amazed me,”said Garcar.Cresanto is one of more than1600 Citizen Airmen stationed atYoungstown Air Reserve Station whohave answered the nation’s call tofulfill the Air Force’s core values ofintegrity first, service before self andexcellence in all we do.“This is just another amazingexample of the Airmen that wehave here and the tie that we haveto the community,” said Col. JamesD. Dignan, 910th Airlift Wingcommander. “There’s a sense offamily here at the 910th Airlift Wing.”Airstream Magazine, 1st Quarter, 2013Youngstown City Mayor Charles Sammarone (left) reads the citation accompanying an award presented to Air Force ReserveSenior Airman Steve Cresanto (right) March 6 at Youngstown City Hall, Ohio.910th 2012 Of the Year winnersThe 2012 “Of the Year” award winners:Airman of the YearSenior Airman Matthew WilcoxSecurity Forces SquadronNCO of the YearTech. Sgt. John LucasSecurity Forces SquadronSNCO of the YearMaster Sgt. Michael BullardSecurity Forces SquadronFirst Sergeant of the YearMaster Sgt. Robert FisherCommunications SquadronCompany Grade Officer of the YearCapt. Casey Stedman773rd Airlift Squadron11www.youngstown.afrc.af.milThe quarterly and yearly awards are open to allenlisted personnel and Company Grade Officers.The nominees are selected by their supervisorsand commanders to represent their units at awing level board.Col. Patrick Slattery, 910th Airlift Wing ViceCommander, said the Airman’s efforts show theirtrue commitment to the wing.“So much of what we do; we ask you to dothings with no promise of reward,” Slatterysaid. “We can say, ‘we need this done’ and you’rehere because you did it. That is really a trulyremarkable thing.”“Remember, we are only as good as we areas a team,” said Slattery. “So when we take timeto recognize people who are doing outstandingwork, it makes this all better.”Congratulations on a job well done to thedeserving Airmen recieving Of the Year awardsfor 2012.

STORY by Technical Sgt. Valerie SmockThis 2012 file photo shows the910th Airlift Wing MaintenanceGroup in formation with 910thAirlift Wing C-130H Herculesaircraft in the background. US AirForce Col. David C. Post assumedcommand of the 910th MaintenanceGroup on March 2, 2013. US AirForce photo by Technical Sgt. MattMatulkaAirstream Magazine, 1st Quarter, 201312www.youngstown.afrc.af.mil

US Air Force Reserve Col. DavidC. Post assumed command ofthe 910th Maintenance Group(MXG) March 2 during aceremony in Hangar 295 here.Post accepted command from Col.James D. Dignan, 910th Airlift Wing (AW)commander and assumed command fromCol. Don Richie, 910th Operations GroupDeputy commander.The assumption of command ceremonyis deeply rooted in history and tradition,dating back to the time of Frederick theGreat of Prussia. During this period,military organizations developed uniqueand specialized flags. When Soldiersfollowed their leaders into battle, and theflag still waved after the conflict, it was asign of victory.Having this position of great importance,The facts on Col. PostEducation1986 Bachelor of Science, electricalengineering, Wilkes College, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.1991 Squadron Officer School, MaxwellAFB, Ala.1997 Master of Air Mobility, advancedstudy of air mobility, Air Force Instituteof Technology, Headquarters AirMobility Warfare Center, Fort Dix, N.J.1998 Air Command and Staff College,by correspondence2005 Air War College, bycorrespondence2009 Air Force Enterprise LeadershipSeminar, University of Virginia - DardenSchool of Business, Va.Assignments1. November 1986 - March 1987,student, aircraft/munitions maintenanceofficers’ course, Lowry AFB, Colo.2. March 1987 - March 1990, aircraftmaintenance officer, 27th TacticalFighter Wing, Cannon AFB, N.M.3. March 1990 - February 1991, aircraftmaintenance officer, 57th FighterInterceptor Squadron, Keflavik Navalthe flag was incorporated into ancientassumption of command ceremonies. Theceremony remains symbolic today.During the ceremony, Dignanemphasized that Post will lead a group witha tremendous reputation.“[MXG Airmen] have a great reputationto uphold and [MXG Airmen] have a greatofficer here to help get you there,” saidDignan.Post joined the active duty Air Forcein 1986 and became a reservist in 1993.This isn’t his first time leading others. Priorto his current position, he was a reserveadvisor assigned to the Air Force Districtof Washington, Joint Base Andrews, Md.Post traveled around the countryfor many years, serving at Cannon AirForce Base, N.M., Fort Dix, N.J. andSpangdahlem Air Base, Germany. His wife,Air Station, Iceland4. February 1991 - January 1992, aircraftmaintenance officer, 52nd TrainingFighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base,Germany5. January 1992 - December 1992,wing weapons safety/nuclear suretyofficer, 52nd Training Fighter Wing,Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany6. March 1993 - August 1995, air freight/air terminal operations center officer,92nd Aerial Port Squadron, Wyoming,Pa.7. August 1995 - February 1997, student,Air Mobility Warfare Center, Fort Dix,N.J.8. February 1997 - February 1998,maintenance officer trainee, 439th AirliftWing, Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass.9. February 1998 - May 2000, squadronmaintenance officer/senior Air ReserveTechnician, Aircraft GenerationSquadron and Maintenance Squadron,439th Airlift Wing, Westover Air ReserveBase, Mass.10. May 2000 - February 2001, DeputyLogistics Group Commander, 439thAirlift Wing, Westover Air Reserve Base,Airstream Magazine, 1st Quarter, 2013Regina, of 26 years traveled alongside him.“She has been with me since 11thgrade and has continuously supported methroughout my career,” said Post.Post now looks for support from thenew Airmen he will lead. He said it can, attimes, be a job that may not be appreciatedfor all that is accomplished.“Sometimes we feel like we don’t alwaysget the recognition we deserve,” said Post.“I hope you don’t get tired of me sayingthank you. You do make these thingshappen.”Post said when a new commander joinsthe ranks there can be apprehension aboutchanges that could be made. He assuredthe MXG will be business as usual unlessdeemed necessary to change.“I will only make changes if it is neededto improve our organization, if it is anMass.11. February 2001 - March 2003,chief, force management and logisticsprograms, HQ AFRC, Robins AFB, Ga.12. March 2003 - February 2005, chief,aircraft maintenance specialist branch,HQ AFRC, Robins AFB, Ga.13. February 2005 - October 2008,Maintenance Group Commander, 459thAir Reserve Wing, Andrews AFB, Md.14. October 2008 - July 2009, Director,Office of Air Force Reserve ActiveGuard and Reserve Management Office,Pentagon, Washington, D.C.15. July 2009 - present, reserve advisor,Air Force District of Washington, JointBase Andrews, Md.Effective dates ofpromotionSecond Lieutenant Aug. 15, 1986First Lieutenant Aug. 15, 1988Captain Aug. 15, 1990Major July 14, 1999Lieutenant Colonel Sept. 30, 2004Colonel Feb. 7, 2008(Current as of July 2011)13www.youngstown.afrc.af.mileffort to ensure safety or the safety ofthose that fly in our aircraft and if it is toensure we are complying with tech data andAFIs and maintaining the standards ourcountry demands of us,” said Post.With all of those demands, thereremains confidence from the leadershipof the 910th AW that Post will lead theAirman to get the job done.“He’ll take care of you and get you intothe future,” said Dignan.Even though Post has only been atYARS for a short time, he said he has faithin what his group can do.“You can see it in the aircraft, the pridethat you have,” said Post. “What you dohere is important. From what I’ve seen,your work ethic is some of the best that Ihave seen in the command.”U.S. Air Force Reserve Col. James Dignan presents Col. DavidPost with the 910th Maintenance Group guidon during anassumption of command ceremony March 2, 2013 here. Postbegan his tenure as group commander immediately followingthe ceremony. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman RonDombkowski

PersonalityProfileInstallationCommanderColonelJamesDignanStory by Eric M. WhiteAs a four-year-old, a boy namedJames took his first airplane trip,flying on an American AirlinesDC-10 aircraft. He flew from Los Angelesto Detroit to see his grandparents. Thattrip ignited a love for aviation that wouldeventually lead James to become U.S. AirForce Reserve Colonel James D. Dignan,commander of the 910th Airlift Wing,Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio. Asthe commander, he directs the training andreadiness of more than 1,600 Air ForceReservists, manages more than 400 civilianemployees and controls the operation ofnine C-130H Hercules tactical cargo aircraftassigned to the wing.Dignan was looking for an interestingand motivating career. He’d beeninterested in aviation most of his life, sohe searched for the best pilots and trainingopportunities. This led him to the U.S.military.Dignan was commissioned throughthe U.S. Navy Aviation Officer CandidateSchool at NAS Pensacola, Fla., and receivedhis wings of gold at NAS Corpus Christi,Texas. He has served as an officer andpilot in the U.S. Navy, Air National Guardand for the most recent 16 years, the AirForce Reserve. As a command pilot, he hasmore than 6,500 hours in trainer, patrol,reconnaissance and airlift aircraft.According to his official biography,Dignan has flown more than 100 hurricanepenetration missions in the WC-130H. Hehas also flown combat and combat-supportmissions throughout the Balkans, the Hornof Africa and Southwest Asia.For Dignan, coming to YARS is a greatopportunity.“Youngstown always had a greatreputation and getting here and finallygetting to meet the people… I see why,”said Dignan, “It’s a very close close-knitfamily.”As a leader, Dignan sees taking care ofpeople as mission critical, noting that thereare many ways to do that.“We have to help folks with theirreadiness and readiness has many tiers:it’s personal health, mental health, healthyfamilies, healthy work environments,”Dignan said. “We have some greatpeople. It’s my job to help identify andhelp point out and help recognize thoseindividuals that go above and beyond. It’s apretty easy job really.”Accountability is also a paradigm ofDignan’s leadership style.“Each one of us has to be heldaccountable, accountable to the taxpayer,accountable to each other and of courseaccountable to the rules and regulations,the AFIs and the guidance from the AirForce and DoD,” he said. “If we all do thatand live by the mantra ‘treat others as youwant to be treated, it all takes care of itself.I’ll always come back to the bottom line:What do the regulations say, what is theprecedence and what is the right thing todo?”Dignan sees the sense of family asYARS’s greatest asset, and he looks forwardto building upon that during his tenure aswing commander.“I would like to expand that sense offamily beyond so that everyone in theMahoning Valley knows what we all knowinside these gates; that this is the hardestworking group of folks in Eastern OH, andwe’ve got real synergies here,” Dignan said,“I want to draw in more of the communitywhether it’s over in Western Penn. orEastern Ohio to draw on the strengths andcapabilities we have here.”Apart from work, Dignan is a familyman. When he leaves the base each day, hisjob is to just be ‘dad.’ Working a lot is partof the job, but Dignan made a promise tohis three young girls a long time ago that hewouldn’t bring work home. At YARS, he isColonel Dignan; at home, he’s simply ‘dad.’Dignan, in fact, attributes his career asan Air Force colonel and base commanderto his family.“The only reason I’m still serving; theonly reason I’m here today is because mywife continues to support me doing this,”said Dignan. “I reached a point about tenyears ago where I was ready to leave theART program and ready to retire and leavethe Reserve. She enjoys being part of afamily that is involved in something largerthan us, and it’s a big commitment and abig sacrifice on their part.”Despite stepping into a commander roleduring a year when words like sequestrationand furlough are common, Dignan looksforward to continued mission excellenceand building the YARS family.U.S. Air Force Reserve Maj. Gen. Wallace W. “Wade” Farris, commander of 22nd Air Force, prepares for achange of command ceremony March 2, 2013 here, while 910th Airlift Wing interim commander, Brig. Gen.Brian Dominguez, incoming 910th AW commander Col. James D. Dignan and 910th AW command chief Troy K.Rhoades salute him. Dignan comes to the 910th AW from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., where he served ascommander of the 446th Operations Group. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Matt MatulkaAirstream Magazine, 1st Quarter, 201314www.youngstown.afrc.af.mil

Col. James D. Dignan is commander of the 446thOperations Group, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. Heis responsible for the supervision and leadership of a flyinggroup with more than 650 members; the group consistsof three airlift squadrons, an aeromedical evacuationsquadron and an operations support flight. Colonel Dignansupervises the administrative and operations functionsof the group on a daily basis. He is also responsible forall matters pertaining to the group’s operational readinessand combat effectiveness. This group provides worldwidemovement of high priority personnel and cargo; missionsrange from local pilot proficiency training, aeromedicalevacuation and worldwide strategic airlift, to night visiongoggle low level short field assault operations.Colonel Dignan received his commission through theU.S. Navy Aviation Officer Candidate School at NASPensacola, Fla., and received his “Wings of Gold” at NASCorpus Christi, Texas. He has served as an officer andpilot in the U.S. Navy, the Air National Guard, and the AirForce Reserve. Colonel Dignan is a command pilot withmore than 6,500 hours in trainer, patrol, reconnaissanceand airlift aircraft. He has flown combat and combatsupportmissions in the Balkans, the Horn of Africa, andSouthwest Asia. Colonel Dignan has also flown more than100 hurricane penetration missions in the WC-130H.Education1989 Bachelor of Science, psychology and sociology,University of the State of New York, Albany, N.Y.1996 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala.2004 Air Command and Staff College (correspondence)2004 Leaders of the 21st Century, George MarshallEuropean Center for Security Studies2007 Air War College, (correspondence)2009 Industrial College of the Armed Forces, Fort LesleyJ. McNair, Washington, D.C.2009 Master of Science, national resource strategy,National Defense University, Washington, D.C.1. November 1989 - May 1990, aviation officer candidateschool, NAS Pensacola, Fla.2. May 1990 - August 1991, flight training, Naval AviationSchools Command, NAS Corpus Christi, Texas3. August 1991 - Feb 1992, P-3 flight training, PatrolSquadron THIRTY ONE, NAS Moffett Field, Calif.4. February 1992 - October 1995, P-3 pilot, PatrolSquadron SEVENTEEN, NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii5. October 1995 - January 1997, logistics plans andprograms officer, 272nd Combat CommunicationsSquadron, Portland International Airport, Ore.6. January 1997 - July 1998, operations plans officer, 913thAirlift Wing, Willow Grove Air Reserve Base, Pa.7. July 1998 - July 2003, chief, standardization andevaluation, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron,Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.8. July 2003 - January 2005, chief, operations grouptraining, 403rd Operations Group, Keesler AFB, Miss.9. January 2005 - June 2006, director of operations, 403rdOperations Support Flight, Keesler AFB, Miss.10. June 2006 - July 2008, director of operations, 357th AS,Maxwell AFB, Ala.11. August 2008 - June 2009, student, Industrial College ofthe Armed Forces, Washington, DC12. July 2009 - September 2010, deputy commander, 512thOperations Group, Dover AFB, Del.13. October 2010 - May 2011 - deputy chief of plans tothe U.S. Security Coordinator for Israel and Palestine, U.S.Consulate General Jerusalem14. October 2010 - present, commander 446th OperationsGroup, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.Flight InformationRating: Command PilotFlight hours: More than 6,500Aircraft flown: T-34C, T-44A, P-3A/C, C-130E/H/H2/H3, WC-130H/J, C-130J/-30 and C-17AAWARDS AND DECORATIONSDefense Meritorious Service MedalMeritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clustersAir MedalAerial Achievement Medal with one silver and two bronzeoak leaf clustersAir Force Commendation MedalAir Force Achievement MedalJoint Meritorious Unit AwardMeritorious Unit AwardAir Force Outstanding Unit AwardCombat Readiness Medal with one silver oak leaf clusterNational Defense Service Medal with bronze starArmed Forces Expeditionary MedalSouthwest Asia Service Medal with bronze starGlobal War on Terrorism Expeditionary MedalGlobal War on Terrorism Service MedalKorean Defense Service MedalArmed Forces Service Medal with bronze starHumanitarian Service Medal with two bronze starsArmed Forces Reserve Medal with 2 ‘M’ Devices andHourglass DeviceAir Force Overseas Ribbon ShortSea Service Deployment Ribbon with bronze starAir Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold BorderAirstream Magazine, 1st Quarter, 201315www.youngstown.afrc.af.miland bronze oak leaf clusterAir Force Longevity Service with four oak leaf clustersSmall Arms Expert Marksmanship RibbonNavy Expert Pistol Shot MedalNavy Expert Rifle MedalKuwait Liberation Medal (Government of Kuwait)PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPSAND AFFILIATIONSAir Force Association Life MemberAirlift Tanker Association Life MemberMilitary Officers Association Life MemberReserve Officers Association Life MemberEFFECTIVE DATES OF PROMOTIONU.S. NavyEnsign Aug. 1, 1991Lieutenant Junior Grade Aug. 2, 1993Lieutenant Aug. 1, 1995U.S. Air ForceCaptain Oct. 5, 1995Major April 21, 2001Lieutenant colonel Aug. 2, 2007Colonel Feb. 17, 2012

Integrity First • Service Before Self • Excellence in All We DoU.S. Air Force Reserve Tech. Sgt.Donald M. Gonzales, structuralmaintenance technician with the910th Maintenance Squadron here,makes adjustments on a uniqueproject Jan. 16, 2013 at the paintshop here. Gonzales, a native ofValley City and Airman with the910th Airlift Wing for approximately13 years, is building a scale C-130nose mock-up that will hang insidethe C-130 Bar and Grille at theCommunity Activity Center here.U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt.Brenda CosolaAirstream Magazine, 1st Quarter, 201316www.youngstown.afrc.af.mil