56th RQS Pararescuemen 48th Medical Group ... - RAF Lakenheath

56th RQSPararescuemenReady to answer the callVol. 33 No. 43 FRIDAY, NOV. 3, 2006RAF LAKENHEATH, UK www.lakenheath.af.mil48th MedicalGroup teamContinuing excellent care downrangePLUS: Weather notificationMilitary child coalition

AT AGLANCE$270,000Liberty Wing CFC goalJET 48 Vol. 33 No. 43Friday, NOV. 3, 2006HOW TO REACH USSubmissionsEmail: jet.48@lakenheath.af.milDSN: (314) 226-2151Fax: 011 44+(1638) 525637Phone: 011 44+(1638) 522151Editorial office: Jet 48, Unit 5210 Box 215, APO AE 09461All correspondence should include the writer’s full name, addressand telephone number and may be edited for clarity and space.Deadline for submissions to the Jet 48:“Anywhere, Anytime ...Whatever needs done.”Brig. Gen. Robert P. Steel48th Fighter Wing commanderCapt. Beth Kelley HorinePublic affairs chief1st Lt. Aaron HenningerPublic affairs deputy chiefMaster Sgt. Renee KirklandPublic affairs superintendentStaff Sgt. Nicholasa ReedInternal information NCOICJET 48 STAFFSenior Airman Eric DonnerEditorSenior Airman Kristi EmlerStaff WriterRacheal MarionInternNoon Wednesday, 10 days prior to publicationNoon Monday prior to publication for weekendevents with advance notice to editor the weekprior.Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the publicaffairs office of the 48th Fighter Wing. All photographs are Air Forcephotos unless otherwise indicated. The public affairs office reservesthe right to edit all material submitted for publication.48th Fighter Wing Public AffairsMail: 48FW/PA, Unit 5210 Box 215, APO AE 09461Email: 48fw.pa@lakenheath.af.milPhone: 011 44+(1638) 522151AdvertisingFor advertising rates and information, call011 44+(1295) 738674The Jet 48 is published by Forest Publishing (E.A.) Ltd., a private firm inno way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contractwith the 48th Fighter Wing. This civilian enterprise Air Force newspaper isan authorized publication for members of the U.S. military servicesoverseas. Contents of the Jet 48 are not necessarily the views of, orendorsed by, the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, or theDepartment of the Air Force. The appearance of advertising in thispublication, including inserts or supplements, does not constituteendorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the AirForce or Forest Publishing (E.A.) Ltd., of the products or servicesadvertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be madeavailable for purchase, use, or patronage without regard to race, color,religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, politicalaffiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.Current CFC pledges$169,071COMMANDERS FORUM4 Deployed troops, families thrive with supportNEWS7 Military Child Education Coalition helps families8FEATURES1112-1314Flu shots in short supplyCOMMUNITY21 Discover Britain: Wear your poppy with pride22Winter weather information made easy48th Medical Group saves lives downrangeSPORTS AND FITNESSPERSPECTIVE17 Deployments great for self-improvementCommunity briefsLast DUI: 12:47 a.m., Sept. 1656th Rescue Squadron ready for the callSquadron: 48th Aircraft Maintenance SquadronDUI condition: YELLOW18dui statisticsCourtesy of the 48th Fighter Wing Safety Officepercent contributionrateThe Combined Federal Campaign-Overseas runs through Dec. 2.AADD Hours: 10 p.m. to6 a.m. Thursdays throughSaturdays and Sundayson three-day weekends.Call 226-4800 or (08003)280 178.ON THE COVER:Aerial Gunner Tech. Sgt. Mark Godwin, 56th Rescue Squadron, conducts a pre-flight check on an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter, here.The check helps identify hazards and potential problems before the mission Oct. 18.(Photo by Airman John Easterling)NOV. 3, 2006JET 48 MAGAZINE PAGE 3

CommandersForumDeployed troops, families thrive with your supportBy Brig. Gen. Robert P. Steel48th Fighter Wing commanderFor those of us not already marking off each calendar day until ourdeployed Airmen return home, the Liberty Wing is almost halfwaythrough our current Air and Space Expeditionary Forcecycle. With over 800 of our co-workers, spouses, friends and parentsdeployed in support of AEF 3/4, there’s a noticeable absence in our offices,on the flightline and at our dinner tables. With November already here andthe holiday season kicking off with Thanksgiving preparations and plans, Iknow the upcoming two months will be tough on many of us who havefriends and family members deployed.Just as we prepare care packages, send holiday greetings and mailChristmas gifts to our deployed troops, we also support our families whoare on their own during the holidays. If you’re new to the Air Force, orthis is your first time experiencing the holiday season without your militarymember, I hope you know there is a cornucopia of resources, supportprograms and events designed to help ease the separation during the nextfew months.First of all, I enjoyed meeting many of our Liberty Wing spouses andchildren two weeks ago at our monthly deployed family members’ dinner,hosted by RAF Lakenheath’s Chiefs Group. Our deployed family memberdinner is offered the third Thursday of every month for families ofdeployed military members, and sponsored by different groups within theCombined Liberty Councils. The next dinner is Nov. 16, hosted by theOfficers and Civilians Spouse Club. I look forward to sharing a meal withmany more of you at the Knight’s Table dining facility, 5 – 6 p.m.Next, Project Care offers all of us a chance to not only support Airmendownrange, but also programs to connect families with their loved onesand assist in day-to-day issues that may arise while their family member isdeployed. Project Care programs provide families with many resources,like Army and Air Force Exchange Service and 48th Services Squadroncoupons, car care oil change vouchers, morale call pin numbers to call loveACTION LINEones down range and childcare assistance, to name a few. Starting thismonth, the Early Development Intervention Service, Life Skills andFamily Advocacy have formed a partnership to offer a weekly educationaland support group designed to help parents and relatives of our deployedmembers with parenting issues and/or questions. The group will meetweekly on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Pediatric clinic.Also, the “Give Parents a Break” program will provide five hours offree daycare Nov. 18 for spouses of deployed Airmen to get some holidayshopping done or take an afternoon for themselves without the kids. Inaddition, the Airman and Family Readiness Center is offering a Movie-Maker class Nov. 4, 10 – 11 a.m., helping preserve family moments capturedon film or camera to share with deployed loves ones for years tocome.Finally, our unit commanders, first sergeants and key spouses arehere to help out with any situation that may arise while a member oftheir unit is deployed. From working base access issues for family careplan providers and assisting with emergency medical notification, toproviding information about financial assistance and coordinating withhelping agencies, our Liberty leadership is trained and dedicated tosupporting families of deployed Airmen. If you don’t know your firstsergeant already, make it a point to seek him or her out, and introduceyourself. If you haven’t met your unit’s key spouse, give your orderlyroom a call and get a name and number. Also, the more involved youare with unit, wing and community events, the larger your supportstructure grows. Your unit commander, first shirt and key spouse canensure you receive information about upcoming events, programs andopportunities to assist with separation, crisis, deployment, and evenjust day-to-day living challenges. Take advantage of these resources.Let me close this week’s article by saying thanks to all family membersfor your dedication and sacrifice to our nation. Like your deployed familymember, you diligently serve our Air Force with honor, patience and hardwork. I salute you, and assure you that you are all in my family’s thoughtsand prayers this Thanksgiving.The Action Line is your direct link to me for complaints, suggestions or comments. It’s not intended to replace thechain of command. When normal command agency channels haven’t been able to resolve your concerns, call 226-2324,fax 226-5637, e-mail (Action.Line@lakenheath.af.mil), send through distribution (48 FW/PA), mail (48FW/PA, Unit5210 Box 215 APO AE 09461-0215) or hand carry your Action Line to the public affairs office (Building 1085). You mayremain anonymous; however, to receive a reply, please leave your name, unit, duty or home phone number and full APOmailing address. Names are confidential.Q:A:I would like to know the procedures for setting gas prices.The U.S. national average continues to drop, however we see nochanges at the pump. If the prices are based on a quarterly purchaseprice why do they rise to coincide with U.S. national averages?If prices go up to match the national average, why can’tthey lower as well? Thanks for any information that would clearup this issue.Your question allows me to clarify the Army Air ForceExchange Services gas pricing policy and procedures. Our retailgasoline prices change the first of every month based on theDepartment of Energy’s average prices during the previous monthat over 900 continental U.S. gas stations. Since the average weuse is the previous month’s stateside average, it is rare our priceswill line up exactly with current stateside prices. At overseas locations,AAFES must add a dispensing cost, varied by country, todeliver the gas. The good news is, AFFES just announcedNovember fuel prices decreased by average of 23 cents a gallon.The AAFES overseas gas policy is a balance between meetingthe needs of service members and our obligation to generate earningsfor morale, welfare and recreation programs. All over theworld, servicemembers and their families enjoy inexpensive orfree MWR programs because of the subsidy AAFES profits provide.If you have further questions concerning this matter, pleasecontact Mr. Rick Mora at 226-7368. For information on gas pricesyou can visit www.eia.doe.gov.PAGE 4 JET 48 MAGAZINE NOV. 3, 2006

Jet48NewsLibertySFS blotterThe 48th Security Forces Squadronhandled the following incidents fromOct. 27 to Wednesday:Oct. 25: An NCO was apprehendedfor larceny for driving off without payingfor gas at the shopetteOct. 25: An NCO was invovled in aminor vehicle accident with a localnational in MethwaldOct. 25: An Airman was apprehendedfor violating escort procedures atBldg. 917Oct. 26: Two cilivians were involvedin a minor vehicle accident in the laundromatparking lotOct. 26: An NCO reported her personalproperty stolen from her vehicle inWeetingOct. 28: An NCO, civilian and officerwere involved in a major vehicleaccident at the junction of C602 andB1112Oct. 30: A civilian reported vandalismin RAF FeltwellOct. 30: A civilian was involved in amajor vehicle accident on the A1101If you have any information concerningany incident, call the security forcescontrol center at 226-2333, (01638) 522333 or 226-4800, or call your first sergeant.For an emergency on base call911, and for an emergency off base call999.Military Child Education Coalition:helping military families during transition1st Lt. Aaron Henninger48th fighter Wing Public AffairsIn a time when workdays becomelonger, deployments more frequentand PCS’s sneak up quickly, one ofthe most important and challenging issue forfamilies is ensuring a smooth transition fortheir children. Providing stability and continuityin quality of life helps ensure militarychildren have the same opportunities andadvantages as non-military children.One organization that can benefit militaryfamilies and children isthe Military ChildEducationCoalition. Thecoalition is aneducational,non-profit,tax-exemptorganizationdedicatedtoformingpartnershipsandprovidingnetworks ofmilitary installationsand theirsupporting schooldistricts. The coalitionhelps address transition andeducational issues related to the militarychild. Membership is open to all militarymembers, installations, their supportingschools, concerned organizations and caringindividuals.One of MCEC’s biggest supporters atRAF Lakenheath is Dee Steel.“MCEC benefits parents, children, counselors,educators and school administratorsto name a few. There are programs to educateeveryone on the unique transitionissues kids face,” said Mrs. Steel.Military children generally move six tonine times during their K-12 school years.Many make multiple moves during highschool years alone, some even during theirsenior year. Academic standards, courses,access to programs, promotion and graduationrequirements, programs for childrenwith special needs, and transfer and acceptanceof records vary greatly from state tostate and even from school to school. Thesefrustrations, in addition to giving up friendsand associates with whom a rapport hasbeen established, cause further anxiety.Separation from a deployed parent (or parents)raises an additional issue.MCEC’s role is to help families,schools and communitiesbetter prepare tosupport military childrenduring frequentmoves and difficultimes in the life ofmilitary families.MCEC offersmany unique programsthat canassist parents inensuring a smoothtransition fromschool to school.“There are so manypublications, including‘Chart your Course,’ thatexplain from middle school on,what steps need to be followed inreaching a college educational goal. Nothingis left out,” said Mrs. Steel.“The Web site, and even joining theorganization for a mere $35 per year, arevaluable tools to finding out what MCEChas to offer. New initiatives seem to pop upevery year as enthusiasm and support continuesto grow. Over 600 people attendedtheir annual national conference this pastJuly,” added Mrs. Steel.If you would like more information onthe MCEC, visit www.militarychild.org.(Editors note: MCEC information andgraphic courtesy of www.militarychild.org.)Mail ballotsThe elections for the House of Representatives, 36governors and 33 senators will be Nov 7. If you havean absentee ballot or official write-in ballot please mailyour vote.NOV. 3, 2006 PAGE 7 JET 48 MAGAZINE

Jet48NewsWinter weather info quick, easyBy Capt. Beth Horine48th Fighter Wing Public AffairsWaking up to thick fog, icy roads or even a snow covered vehiclemay cause some logistics and safety challenges for Liberty Wing commutersand students. However, resources are available to easily accessweather delay or closure information for RAF Lakenheath personnel.Weather information lineCommand posts at both RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhallupdate the base weather information line every day. If there is a baseclosure or delay, or a school closure or delay, the weather line will provideup-to-date information.“Each morning the command post calls the weather shop to see ifthere is any adverse weather that could affect the base or commuters,”said Staff Sgt. Tricia Showers, 48th Fighter Wing Command Post emergencyactions controller. “If so, we notify wing leadership of theweather conditions and let them make a decision on base or schooldelays or closure.”The command post then updates the weather line, which is doneevery duty day between 4 and 4:30 a.m., Sergeant Showers said. “Itallows people to call in and get a brief description of whether it’s a normalduty day or if there’s any inclement weather that could cause adelay in getting to work or school,” she added.The numbers to call for the RAF Lakenheath weather line are226-3541 on base or (01638) 523 541 off base; for RAF Mildenhall,238-3541 on base or (01638) 543 541 off base.Telephone recallIn addition to the weather line, RAF Lakenheath employees shouldreceive a telephone call at home from their unit or supervisor, relayingbase and school closure or delay information. This is executed via atelephone recall. To ensure telephone recalls are effective, each membermust ensure their contact information is correct and updated regularlyon unit recall rosters, and members must keep a copy of the mostcurrent version of their unit recall roster readily available at home.“The biggest challenge with any type of wing telephone recall isthat people don’t update their information with their unit when theymove or change phone numbers,” said Tech. Sgt. Kenry Peart, 48thFighter Wing assistant to the command chief. “It’s in your best interestto ensure your unit can reach you, if only so you can crawl back in bedand sleep through the snowstorm.”On the WebAnother resource Team Liberty members can use to check weatherupdates is the World Wide Web. Both the public Web site, www.lakenheath.af.mil,and the intranet site, https://48fw.lakenheath.af.mil/default.aspx, provide weather information and/or the numbers for theweather line. The public site is accessible from anywhere; the intranet sitecan be accessed from a government computer or through a family portalaccount. Contact your unit computer support administrator to set up afamily portal account.On the newsPublic Affairs also contacts local news stations (television and radio), tonotify them of base weather closures or delays. Tune to local stations forinformation and more detailed weather forecasts for your area. For TeamLiberty members with an Armed Forces Network satellite, AFN U.K.Prime is coming online soon. This new, U.K.-specific AFN channel will beavailable in early-to-mid 2007, according to Air Force News officials. Thechannel will allow weather notifications to run at the bottom of the screenduring AFN Prime programming for all AFN users, both on base and off,as well as provide U.K.-specific news, advertisements and spots.Still not sure about the weather?If all else fails, RAF Lakenheath personnel should contact theirsupervisor directly to confirm weather conditions and base status.Often, weather in one area may be quite different from weather aroundthe bases.“When in doubt, or if weather in your neighborhood is unsafe, callyour supervisor or commander to determine the best course of action,”said Sergeant Showes. “Safety is paramount and communication withyour chain-of-command is key.”CARs to assist Airmen with TSGLI benefitsBy Pauline Madison48th Mission Support SquadronThe Casualty Assistance Representatives are the primary point ofcontact for assisting potentially eligible members with Traumatic InjuryProtection Insurance applications in coordination with the base militarytreatment facility.TSGLI coverage is a tax free lump sum payment ranging from$25,000 to $100,000 depending on the extent of the injury. Membersinsured under the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance policy areautomatically covered at an increase in their premiums of only $1 permonth.The coverage also includes a retroactive provision for Airmen whosuffered a qualifying loss as a direct result of injuries incurred inOperations Iraqi Freedom or Enduring Freedom from Oct. 7, 2001through Nov. 30, 2005. Enrollment in SGLI is not a requirement toreceive the retroactive TSGLI benefits.“The intent of TSGLI is to provide qualifying injured Airmen with animmediate source of income,” said Mr. Tom Perry, Chief of the CasualtyMatters Division at Air Force Personnel Center. “Our casualty assistancerepresentatives will play an active role in counseling eligible Airmenand assisting them with the certification process.”Certification forms for TSGLI benefits are available at base MPFsand should be submitted at the earliest opportunity.For more information on the TSGLI benefit, eligibility or processingrequirements for retroactive benefits contact RAF Lakenheath’s casualtyassistance representative at 226-3070 or call the AFPC CasualtyServices Branch at DSN 665-3505 or (800) 433-0048.Worried about the weather?For information on base and school weather delays or closure, call 226-3541 or off base (01638) 523541 for RAF Lakenheath; and 238-3541 or off base (01638) 543 541 for RAF MildenhallPAGE 8JET 48 MAGAZINENOV. 3, 2006

Jet48 NewsSaving lives, right here, right nowBy Tech. Sgt. Gene Lappe506th Air Expeditionary Group Public AffairsThe men and women of the 506th Expeditionary Medical Squadronhave an advantage when it comes to treating casualties—they are alldeployed here from the 48th Medical Group at Royal Air ForceLakenheath, England.The doctors, nurses and technicians have spent the last six months trainingtogether and forging working relationships that translate to better medicalcare.“It is unique that all 44 members of the 506th Expeditionary MedicalSquadron are all from (RAF) Lakenheath,” said Col. Robert Miller, 506thEMEDS commander. “We were the lead wing for Air ExpeditionaryForces 3/4, so the tasking fell to us to fill the required positions by default.“It doesn’t happen very often, but it is a great opportunity for our hospitalbecause being an AF medic is a great job and being able to do what youare trained to do, it just doesn’t get better than that,” he added.He said he had no problem filling those positions, because he had severalvolunteers for the limited number of slots.Deployment and training“As we were gearing up for this deployment, it was a huge advantage toget to train together for the last four to six months and start to make thoseprofessional relationships,” said Colonel Miller, commander of the 48thMDG . “The closer you are a team, the better you are able to communicate,the more effective you are and the better care you can provide.”Part of the training for this deployment included EMEDS basic trainingat Brooks City-Base, Texas. He added that his crew hit the ground runninghere and didn’t have to spend days, weeks or months trying to get spun-upand develop as a team, the team was already there.That feeling of unity and cohesion was echoed by the unit staff.“We generally had a knowledge of who each of us are, so we bondedtogether as a team a lot faster that most people would,” said Tech. Sgt.Duane Keel, emergency room assistant NCO in charge. “When you have alot of people from different bases, there is a feeling-out process learningwho everyone is and what they have to offer. We didn’t; we figured thatout before we deployed and came together as a team very quickly.”Senior Airman Kari Wehr, an operating room technician, is on herfirst deployment. She said her short time here had been a real eyeopeningexperience, but the training was paying off.“The training teaches you to move at a faster pace, how to planPhoto by Tech. Sgt. Gene LappeThe 506th Expeditionary Medical Squadron staff cares for twopatients who were injured by an improvised explosive device while onpatrol Oct. 18.Photo by Senior Airman Jeff AnrejcikCapt. Ian Rybczynsk, Staff Sgt. Mark Frayser, and Majors LayneBennion and Brandon Smith, 506th Expeditionary Medical Squadron,offload a patient from an Army helecopter for treatment at theemrgency room Sept. 22. Litter teams consist of public health,administrative, life skills, bioenvironmental, logistics, dental, any otheravailable EMEDS personnel at the time of the incident.ahead and anticipate what the doctor wants,” said Airman Wehr. “Also,I have worked with two of the doctors for two years and I know whateach expects in the operation room, and this results in better care forthe patient.”One of three trauma surgeons for the 506th EMEDS, Maj. PattonDavis said it was a big comfort factor to deploy as a group.“As a group, we did a lot of problem solving when we first receivednotification of the deployment,” he said. “We are able to balance people’sstrengths and put folks in the right job.The preplanning was fantastic, requiring very little adjustment timewhen we got here.”The medical personnel have treated almost 700 sick call and routinecare cases, as well as more than 35 emergency cases since mid-September.TraumaMost people here have noticed the helicopters that operate in andout of Kirkuk, but what you may not know is some of those helicoptersare transporting wounded personnel to the 506th EMEDS for treatment.Those casualties are rushed into the emergency room for evaluation.If the wounds are severe enough, the surgical team is called in torepair the damage.Sometimes, the injuries are too severe for the staff to completelyhandle, so they move into a different mode – stabilize and prepare fortransport to bigger facilities, either at Balad or over to Germany.Routine stuffWhile the 506th EMEDS’ primary mission is to treat battlefieldinjuries, it isn’t controlled chaos 24/7. The squadron’s personnel havedealt with a variety of ailments: stomach flu, colds, twisted ankles andother sports injuries, rashes, infections and more.They also have a dental staff on hand, Life Skills personnel andother departments such as a pharmacy, radiology and a laboratory. It’sexactly like any hospital in the states – just on a much smaller scale.Colonel Miller said he could sum up the 506th EMEDS mission inits credo—“Expeditionary medics saving lives, right here, right now.”NOV. 3, 2006JET 48 MAGAZINE PAGE 11

A crew from the 56th Rescue Squadronconducts pre-flight checks on an HH-60 GPave Hawk helicopter before the day'straining mission Monday.Story and Photo By Senior Airman Kristi Emler48th Public Affairs Staff WriterPararescuers – or PJs - are a small, elite subset of the overall United States Air Force.There are roughly 360 PJs Air Force wide, in comparison to the Navy’s 1,000 SEALS, and theArmy’s 10,000 Special Forces. This relatively small team has enormous responsibility.The mission of a PJ with the 56th Rescue Squadron here is personnel recovery with emergencymedical response capabilities. They deploy air, land and sea tactics in both peacetimeand combat environments to provide trauma medical care for injured personnel on both fixedand rotary wing aircraft. A mission for the 56th RQS usually requires an HH-60G Pave Hawkhelicopter crew consisting of two pilots, an aerial gunner, a flight engineer, and two PJs. Thenumbers fluctuate depending on the complexity of the mission.“If you like a physical and mental challenge, this is the job for you,” said Staff Sgt. Kipran“Kip” Wise, a PJ with the 56th RQS, referring to the constant physical training in extreme conditionsPJs conduct on a regular basis.No stranger to pain, Sergeant Wise has broken his leg and wrist during training within athree year time span. Operational risk management is a major focus in PJ training. Constantrisk management evaluation, coupled with protective equipment like helmets, goggles andgloves, are some of the ways PJs help prevent injuries and mishaps.Sergeant Wise accomplished his recent training in Spain, the Sierra Nevada mountains andAustria. A seasoned veteran, having previously deployed to Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Iraq andTurkey, this Pasadena, Calif., native has certainly accomplished his share of missions withinthe last ten years. The number of missions a PJ conducts varies upon duty location—being atthe right place at the right time.Maintaining certifications in numerous areas, like emergency traumamedical skills, diving, flying, and jumping from a HH-60G PaveHawk helicopter, requires constant training.“We are trained on the Jaws of Life and had to use them on arecent mission in Iceland during the rescue of two individuals whosecar had fallen 100 feet into a crevasse,” said Sergeant Wise. “It tookthe team five hours to extricate the injured occupants.”“Bringing someone back to their families after having stabilizedthem is one of the most rewarding experiences,” continued SergeantWise.In June the 56th RQS transitioned from the 85th Group at NavalAir Station Keflavik, Iceland, to the 48th Operations Group here.Part of the squadron’s transition includes adapting to the manychanges, like operating in cold weather conditions in Iceland to preparingfor desert environments in upcoming Air and Space Expeditionarycycles. The differences in training include practicing desert tactics inan open terrain, higher altitude operations and high angle rescue capabilities.“Finding new training locations within the United Kingdom for flyingand jumping has proven to be a challenge with the transition,” saidSenior Airman Kristofer Abel, a 56th RQS PJ, who arrived at RAFLakenheath five months ago.Also, as of Oct. 1, the 56th RQS is no longer required to maintainalert duties in Iceland. Sitting alert is a 24 hour, 365 day a year job thatpreviously required on-call members to respond to any emergency rescue.“Last year alone we performed five rescues,” said Master Sgt.Kenneth Howk, the squadron’s pararescue superintendent.Wanna be a PJ?In contrast to other military branches, pararescuers receivespecialty training at the start of their career, instead of over a tenyear duration. Training consists of two years of pipeline training,then an additional eight schools for each specialty in seven locations.The starting point is the pararescue indoctrination course atLackland AFB, Texas, consisting of over 10 weeks of extensiveswimming, running, weight training and calisthenics to preparefor the demands of the PJ lifestyle and follow-on training. Thepass rate for this course is twenty percent.Think you have what it takes to be a PJ? For more information,contact your career field advisor for cross-training opportunities,or call the 56th RQS to talk to a Liberty Wing PJ abouttheir experiences.JET 48 MAGAZINE PAGE 12 NOV. 3, 2006JET 48 MAGAZINE PAGE 13

Jet48Sports&FitnessInfluenza vaccine shortagesThe flu vaccine has arrived. However, supplies are severelylimited due to a manufacturing problem. Department of Defenseanticipates a shortfall of vaccine until late November. The activeduty flu drives scheduled the next several weeks have been postponeduntil further notice due to this shortage. The 48th MedicalGroup will first vaccinate operational forces critical in conductingthe Global War on Terrorism and to maintaining nationalsecurity. Patients enrolled at the 48th MDG who are at high riskfor complications from influenza are also considered high priorityfor the vaccine.People on long term aspirin therapy and less than 19years of agePregnant womanNursing home residentsCaregiver and household contacts of children less than 6months of ageHealth care worker with direct patient care contactThe following individuals are currently eligible to receive theinfluenza vaccine: Active duty personnel considered mission essential orhave orders to deploy within 60 days Adults 50 years of age or older Children 6 to 59 months of age People with a chronic disorder of the lungs, such asasthma, COPD, and emphysema. People with diabetes requiring insulin or other diabetesmedication not diabetes that is diet and exercise controlled People with kidney disease if the patient is on dialysis orhas end stage renal disease People with a weakened immune system if on longterm oral steroids, have cancer, an autoimmune disordersuch as lupus, are HIV positive, or received an organ transplant People with heart disease, such as history of congenitalheart disease, bypass or heart valve replacement surgery,or heart failurePhoto by Senior Airman Kristi EmlerBeneficiaries who fall into one of the above categories mayobtain the vaccine at their primary care clinic or the immunizationsclinic now. The vaccine will only be given if one of thesecriteria are met.While not everyone is eligible to receive the vaccine at thistime, take an active role in limiting the spread of the disease.Practicing healthy habits will help keep you well during the fluseason and all year long. Get plenty of sleep, be physicallyactive, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, eat nutritiousfood, and wash your hands frequently. When sick or have flusymptoms, stay home, get plenty of rest, and check with a healthcare provider as needed. Remember, keep distance from othersmay protect others from getting sick. Sneezing can spread thevirus up to three feet into the air, so it is important to cover thenose or mouth with a shirt sleeve or tissue when coughing inorder to minimize the spread. Frequent hand washing with soapand water, or with an alcohol based hand cleaner is also important.An update on the vaccine status will be printed in futureissues of the Jet48.(Editors notes: information provided by the 48th Medical Group)JET 48 MAGAZINE PAGE 14 NOV. 3, 2006

By Lt. Col. Bryan Fujimoto48th Fighter Wing Exercises, Inspections and ReadinessMany of the families of the Liberty Wing are approachingthe half-way point in this Air and SpaceExpeditionary Force deployment and are probablyviewing the time left as “two months down, two to go” until theirloved one is home again. I offer you a different perspective toview the remaining time of separation. Take the attitude of “I onlyhave two months left to achieve … (fill in the blank with yourgoal here)!”Take the next two months and fill in the blank above by usingthe time to finally do that “something” you always wanted to do,but never had the time. View the extra time you would typicallyspend time with your loved one as an opportunity to do somethingfun and challenging, and not just as a void to be filled with busywork until they return home. Maybe even learn something differentand even a little impractical, since learning something practicalis not necessarily fun.Self-improvement is easy. Learn a new hobby, one you canenjoy either at home or even better, share with others, like learningto play the guitar or some other musical instrument. Whateveryou decide, do something you enjoy, and can continue to enjoyeven when your loved one returns. A great idea I heard of wasone couple starting a hobby together while apart – one here, onedown range. They both learned at the same time, allowing them tohave fun “together” and stay connected in another way.The best way to make progress in any new endeavor is to set agoal; a goal to accomplish by the end of the deployment such aslearn to play your favorite song on your new instrument or createand finish the wood shop or art project you started.Another way to fill in the blank is simply by getting togetherwith friends. Whether with a church group, a community activitiesgroup, a club that you have always wanted to join or just gettingJet48PerspectiveDeployments great excuse for self-improvementtogether with neighbors, don’t be caught saying “I wish we hadmore time to do things together.” Actually make that time, instead.Go holiday shopping with each other, or simply share a meal. Thelist of activities is endless, so use the next few months to fosterfriendships you’ve always wanted to develop, or have recentlyneglected.Although there are many ways to fill in the selfimprovementblank, my final suggestion is one I feel,personally, is the best option. Commit to making alifestyle change in regards to your physical health. Start thatworkout you have been putting off. Learn and try those newrecipes with healthier ingredients for you and your family to eat.In other words, take that leap to do what you know you should bedoing. I know it doesn’t appear to fit into the blank because mostpeople don’t view working out and eating right as fun. I am by nomeans an expert, but you can easily find something physical to dothat is fun and gets you into shape at the same time. Also, most ofthe fun actually comes from how you feel because or exercise andproper nutrition. You will lower your stress levels and increaseyour energy levels. Lets face it, if you work out and eat right yousimply feel younger and better about the way you look, boostingyour confidence as well. Just like starting a hobby, this is somethingyou can accomplish together with your loved one downrange. Set intermediate goals for each other to meet during thedeployment and then continue this lifestyle change upon theirreturn.Doing something positive and fun over the next few monthswill not only make the time more enjoyable and allow you togrow, but it will also make the time go by faster. My philosophywhen my wife is deployed is to get so involved in something Ilike to do, that I find myself wishing I had more time to do it.That’s when time starts flying by and the next thing you know,we’re welcoming our deployed warriors home, but as a new,improved, better version of ourselves.Inspection congrats!Congratulations to the 48th Fighter Wing for successfullypassing the recent surety inspection. We salute our LibertyWarriors for receiving the highest possible rating achievable-greatwork!NOV. 3, 2006 PAGE 17 JET 48 MAGAZINE

By Sal Davidson – Community Relations AdviserWear your poppy with pridePoppy historyOn May 3, 1915, an exhausted Canadian doctor, Col. JohnMcCrae, was doing everything he could for the wounded anddying on the battlefields of Flanders. The unimaginable carnagehe witnessed at the front was captured in the moving words of apoem he wrote that day.“If ye break faith with us who die, we shall not sleep, thoughpoppies grow in Flanders fields.”Some months later, his poem, “In Flanders Fields,” was reproducedin print. Moina Michael, an American war secretary withthe Young Mens Christian Association, was deeply moved byMcCrae’s work. She bought some poppies, wore one herself to“keep the faith” and sold the remainder to friends, giving themoney to servicemen in need. From that point on, the poppybecame the emblem of remembrance. The first RemembranceDay in 1921 was a remarkable success, raising £106,000, and sothe tradition of wearing red poppies was born.Nov. 11, 1918 at 11 a.m. the guns of the Western Front fellsilent after more than four years of continuous warfare. We continueto mark this every year in a moment silence to rememberthose who have fallen in conflict.Buying and wearing a red poppy is known as a publicacknowledgement and recognition of the great human sacrificemade by so many.The Royal British LegionThe British Legion brought together the four, then-existingnational organizations of ex-servicemen, created as a result ofWorld War I. Unity was sealed, and the constitution of theLegion was agreed upon and became a national non-party andnon-sectarian organization of ex-servicemen.The Royal British Legion is a multi-faceted organization, butis probably most recoginzed for the annual Poppy Appeal. TheBritish Legion was granted the “Royal” prefix in 1971.Making the poppiesMaj. George Howson, an infantry officer decorated for bravery,was deeply moved by the plight of ex-servicemembers whowere unemployable in peacetime. He formed a society to providedisabled ex-servicemen and women with employment opportunities.Maj. Howson fabricated artificial poppies, which havebecome commonplace, knowing their production could fall to theex-service people. He approached the British Legion and thepoppy factory began production.Where to buy poppiesLeading up to Remembrance Sunday, it is common to seemembers of the Royal British Legion selling the poppies in publicplaces. There is no fixed price for the poppies – you decidethe amount you would like to contribute to the fund.Annual London Remembrance Service Nov. 12The National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph inWhitehall is a unique expression of national homage devoted tothe remembrance of those who have given their lives in war. Itwas originally conceived as a commemoration of the war dead ofWorld War I but after World War II the scope of the ceremonywas extended to focus on the nation’s fallen of both World Wars.In 1980 it was widened once again to extend the remembrance toall who have suffered and died in conflict in the service of theircountry and all those who mourn them.The ceremony is free to watch, but it is essential to arrivewell in advance. The assembly of the military and other participantsbegins at 10 a.m.Commonwealth High Commissioners and politicians join at10:35 a.m. and the Royal Family, led by HM The Queen is inposition just before 11 a.m.There is a wreath-laying service, which lasts approximately25 minutes after which the Royal Family departs. This allowswreaths to be laid by ex-service organizations. There is then amarch past with some 10,000 servicemen and women. The eventis also televised on the British Broadcasting Company.Remembrance Day services and paradesBury St. EdmundsThere is a wreath laying and service at Bury St. EdmundsNov. 12 at 10:40 a.m.. The Civic Procession will leave theBorough offices and proceed to the War Memorial on Angel Hillfor a brief Service of Remembrance and wreath laying.There will be a march past on the southside of Angel Hillafter which the Civic Procession will move to St. Mary’s Churchfor a Service of Remembrance and wreath laying.Kings LynnThere will be a service in Saint Margaret’s Church Nov. 12 at11a.m.LondonThe Royal Albert Hall holds an annual Festival ofRemembrance Nov. 11, also televised on the BBC. For moreinformation on the event, visit www.royalalberthall.co.uk andwww.bbc.co.ukFor more information e-mail 48fw.cra@lakenheath.af.mil.NOV. 3, 2006 PAGE 21 JET 48 MAGAZINE

Jet48CommunityMoviesRAF Lakenheath 226-2139Today6:30 p.m. Accepted, PG-13, starring Justin Long and BlakeLively. High school senior Bartleby “B” Gaines is on his wayto scoring eight out of eight rejection letters from colleges,which isn’t going to go over big with Mom and Dad. At leasthe’s not alone in the exclusion. Several of his crew of outcastfriends are in the same, college-less boat. So how doesa guy facing a bleak career please his parents and getnoticed by dream girl Monica? Simple. Open his own university.9 p.m. Beerfest, R, starring Paul Soter and Erik Stolhanske.When American brothers Todd and Jan Wolfhouse travel toGermany to spread their grandfather’s ashes atOktoberfest, they stumble upon a super-secret, centuriesold, underground beer games competition—”Beerfest,” thesecret Olympics of beer drinking. The brothers receive aless than warm welcome from their German cousins, whohumiliate Todd and Jan cast them out of the event. Vowingto return in a year to defend their country and their family’shonor, the Wolfhouse boys assemble a ragtag dream teamof beer drinkers and gamers. This Magnificent Five trainrelentlessly, using their hearts, minds and livers to drinkfaster, smarter and harder than they ever have before. Butfirst they must battle their own demons—as well as a bunchof big, blond, German jerks who want to destroy the teambefore they can even make it back to MunichSaturday1 p.m. How To Eat Fried Worms, PG,3 p.m. How To Eat Fried Worms, PG,6:30 p.m. Accepted, PG-13,Sunday3 p.m. Accepted, PG-13,6:30 p.m. Running With Scissors, RMonday6:30 p.m. Running With Scissors, R,Tuesday6:30 p.m. Running With Scissors, R,Wednesday6:30 p.m. Running With Scissors, R,Thursday6:30 p.m. Beerfest, R,RAF Mildenhall 238-4955Today6:30 p.m. Material Girls, PG9 p.m. Flags Of Our Fathers, R, starring Ryan Phillippe,Adam Beach. February 1945. Even as victory in Europe wasfinally within reach, the war in the Pacific raged on. One ofthe most crucial and bloodiest battles of the war was thestruggle for the island of Iwo Jima, which culminated withwhat would become one of the most iconic images in history:five Marines and a Navy corpsman raising theAmerican flag on Mount Suribachi. The inspiring photo capturingthat moment became a symbol of victory to a nationthat had grown weary of war and made instant heroes of thesix American soldiers at the base of the flag, some of whomwould die soon after, never knowing that they had beenimmortalized.Saturday3:30 p.m. Material Girls, PG,6:30 p.m. Crossover, PG-13,9 p.m. Flags Of Our Fathers, R,Sunday3:30 p.m. Material Girls, PG,6:30 p.m. Flags Of Our Fathers, R,Monday6:30 p.m. Crossover, PG-13,Tuesday6:30 p.m. World Trade Center, PG-13, starring NicolasCage and Michael Pena. In the aftermath of the World TradeCenter disaster, hope is still alive. Refusing to bow down toterrorism, rescuers and family of the victims press forward.Their mission of rescue and recovery is driven by the faiththat under each piece of rubble, a co worker, a friend or afamily member may be found. This is the true story of JohnMcLoughlin and William J. Jimeno, the last two survivorsextracted from Ground Zero and the rescuers who nevergave up. It’s a story of the true heroes of that fateful time inthe story of the United States when buildings would fall andheroes would rise, literally from the ashes to inspire theentire human race.Wednesday6:30 p.m. Material Girls, PG,Thursday6:30 p.m. Running With Scissors, R,LakenheathChapelscheduleBULLETINBOARDBriefsRoad closureThe B112 Station Rd. between RAFFeltwell and RAF Lakenheath is closed Nov. 9through 10 for resurfacing. The diversion is theC620 Wangford Rd.-A1065 to Brandon-C873Brandon Rd. to Weeting-C873 Brandon Rd.-B112 via Feltwell.Volunteer opportunityThe Native American Heritage Committee isgearing up for Native American Heritage Monthin November. For more information e-mail StaffSgt. Shauna Johnson at shauna.johnson@lakeanheath.af.mil.CGOC general assemblyThe Company Grade Officers Councial willhold a general assembly meeting in the Eagles’Landing Pub on Friday at 3 p.m. All CGOs arewelcome to attend. For more information, callLt. Nicholas Pier at 226-5532.Airmen’s Attic hoursAirmen’s Attic hours have change toMonday through Thursday 6 to 8 p.m. andWednesdays 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For moreinformation, call 226-2140.CatholicSaturday Mass 5 p.m.Sunday Mass 9:30 a.m.Holy Day Mass 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.Weekday Mass Monday, Wednesday,Thursday and Friday 11:30a.m.Reconciliation Saturdays 4 to 4:20 p.m. orby appointment.Veterans Day CeremonyThe Liberty Intermediate School will commemorateVeterans day Nov. 7. Students willraise the Stars and Stripes, recite the Pledge ofAllegiance,and be addressed by a speaker fromthe community. Liberty Wing members are welcometo attend.Yuletide bazaar volunteersVolunteers are needed for the Yuletidebazaar Nov. 17 to 19 at RAF Mildenhall. Tovolunteer e-mail Michelle Wilson, mckwlsn@hotmail.com, or Beth Wray,jbwra@yahoo.com.Professional development centerThe RAF Lakenheath professional developmentcenter offers the following classes:Today - Taming Your Temper 8 to 9 a.m.Monday - Stress Relief 8 to 9 a.m.Tuesday - Air Force Heritage 9 to 10 a.m.Thursday - Studying and Testing 8 to 9 a.m.Nov. 28-30 - NCO SeminarDec. 1 - Manpower 8 to 10 a.m.Dec. 4 - Honor and Ethics 8 to 11 a.m.Dec. 6 - Customs and Courtesies 8 to 11 a.m.Dec. 7 - Human Performance Factors 8 to11 a.m.Airman and FamilyReadiness Center(For more information call 226-3847)Newcomers bus tourThe newcomers bus tour is 8:45 a.m. to2:30 p.m. today and Nov. 17. The tour includestouring Bury St. Edmunds’ cathedral, eatingand shopping.Pre-separation briefingA pre-separation briefing is 9-11 a.m., Nov.7 and 21 and 1-3 p.m. Nov. 14 and 28. Thisclass is a mandatory requirement for all personnelretiring or separating from the military.Sponsor trainingSponsor training is 9 to 11 a.m. Nov. 13.All first time active duty sponsors and thosewho have not had training in over a year arerequired to attend sponsorship training.Pet scoopA pet scoop class is 3 to 5 p.m., Nov. 15. Apet specialists will assist military families toproperly plan for shipping their pets.ProtestantLiturgical services 8 a.m.Traditional Protestant service 11 a.m.Gospel service 12:30 p.m.Contemporary service 4:30 p.m.For more information aboutworship times or other chapelprograms, call 226-3711.PAGE 22JET 48 MAGAZINENOV. 3, 2006