PATRIOT | PAGE 1 - Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass

PATRIOT | NEWSVolume 36No. 3-4March-April2010UTA SNAPSHOT |This funded, Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services.Contents of the PATRIOT are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government,the Department of Defense, or the Department of the Air Force. The content is edited, prepared andprovided by the 439 th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office, Westover Air Reserve Base. All photographs areAir Force photographs unless otherwise indicated.439Patriot.Editor@westover.af.mil(413) 557-2063www.westover.afrc.af.mil439 th Airlift Wing commanderCol. Robert Swain Jr.Chief of Public AffairsVacantWing Public Affairs OfficerMaj. Wilson CameloAir Reserve Technician / EditorTech. Sgt. Andrew BiscoeStaffTech. Sgt. Brian BoyntonTech. Sgt. Troy ThibeaultStaff Sgt. Timothy HuffmanSenior Airman George CloutierBriefs |Homestead missions |Westover Portal page |pg. 3pg. 4pg. 5A pilot’s impression |pg. 9Patriot Praises |pg. 11Commander’s Cup |pg. 12ON THE COVER >> Social networking and itspowerful and efficient information flow officiallyjoins Westover. Turn to pages 3 and 6 tosee more about these changes taking placeat Westover and throughout the Air Force.MOBILITY MARCH >> The mobility folder above joins the list of logistical tasks and challenges as part of the 439th Airlift Wingreadiness posture. Patriot Wing preparation for the flagship of all Air Force exercises -- the Operational Readiness Inspection --has begun. About 300 reservists participated in a February mobility exercise and ability to survive and operate (ATSO) training.Reservists will head to Wisconsin in March 2011 for the Operational Readiness Exercise (ORE), followed by the ORI, scheduled forJune 19-26, 2011. Patriot Wing aircrews will host an Air Mobility Command team at Westover April 7-14 for the Aircrew Standardizationand Evaluation Visit. (photo by Tech. Sgt. Brian Boynton)

EDITORIAL | Base launches into social media worldCan u blieve it?Westover has a FBpage & will tweet& RT 2!C h a n c e s a r eyou know exactlywhat this means,sort of know whatthis means, or areasking someone,“What the heckMajor Camelodoes this mean?”If you don’t knowwhat this means, please continue to readas we have fully entered the world of socialmedia, and there is no turning back.What is “social media?” First, don’tconfuse social media with specific socialnetworks like Facebook or MySpace. Socialmedia is defined as, “tools and platformspeople use to publish, converse and sharecontent online.”The “tools” thus are sites like Facebook,MySpace, YouTube, Twitter, Flikr as wellas blogs, wikis, bookmarks, etc.The benefits (as well as the dangers) ofsocial media is that it is collaborative, uncontrollable,real-time and global. The factthat many in the military don’t understandwhat social media is or how to leverage itfor our military purposes, has led some towant to ban it or prohibit access.Some want to simply hide behind theveil of Operational Security (OPSEC)to prohibit bases from establishing socialmedia sites. However, social media is nodifferent than any other media -- we needto practice security at the source and complywith OPSEC.Yet, senior military leadership -- to theircredit -- has quickly realized that a “headin the sand” position on social media isnot only unsustainable due to its rapidglobal growth, it is actually detrimentalto the mission.Detrimental because open communicationwith people strengthens Airmen’smorale and readiness, enhances publictrust and support for our mission, andachieves global influence and deterrencewhile enhancing our credibility.Detrimental also because we would beneglecting the fastest-growing meansof communicating and interacting withpeople both inside and outside our gates.Here are some statistics:• Facebook has 400 million users. Collectively,Facebook’s population would bethe 3rd largest country in the world.• About 500,000 people join FacebookPATRIOT | PAGE 3and MySpace daily• There are about 185,000 new blogs createdper dayIn the Air Force:• About 50 percent of Airmen get theirnews from social media networks• More than 60 percent of Airmen say theyuse MySpace• About 96 percent of Airmen -- rankingfrom airmen to technical sergeants -- useYouTubeBefore you rush out and get a Facebookpage and start “friending” your subordinatesto know what they are doing, remember thatcredibility, transparency and collaborationare important in social media. Turn to page8 for more guidance on using social medianetworks.While yielding a sense of control is difficultand seems to run counter to our militarytraining and culture, it is important if weexpect to recruit and retain the nation’s bestand maintain a trusting relationship with ourcommunities.TTYL!Maj. Wilson CameloWing Public Affairs OfficerBRIEFS |Pullover sweaterThe Air Force Chief of Staffapproved the wear of the new 50percent acrylic/50 percent woolpullover, v-neck sweater availablein the Base Exchange MilitaryClothing Sales Stores (MCSS).Airmen do not wear name tagson the 50/50 pullover sweater.Name tags are no longer worn onthe 100 percent wool sweater.The phase-out date for the woolpullover sweater is Oct. 1.For more information, call 557-2037.Tours to resumePublic affairs will resume toursthe third and fourth Wednesdaysof each month, beginning in Apriland running through December.For more information, e-mail PAat 439aw.pa@westover. af.milWing earns Outstanding Unit AwardLt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr., commander, Air Force ReserveCommand, recently announced that the Patriot Wing was one of 15units to receive the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for 2009. Formore on this award, click on the expanded story on Westover’s website at www.westover.afrc.af.milIG reminds Airmen of proceduresCol. Patricia Evans, 439th Airlift Wing Inspector General, remindsthat Air Force members have the right to file a complaint at any levelwithout going through their supervisory channels.“Members may also file an IG complaint without fear of reprisal;submit complaints anonymously; and submit a complaint even if themember is not the wronged party or the alleged violation did not affecthim or her,” Colonel Evans said.The IG program may not be used for matters normally addressedthrough other established grievance or appeal channels, unless there isevidence that those channels mishandled the matter or process.Meredissatisfaction or disagreement with the outcome or findings of analternative grievance or appeal process does not suffice to warrant anIG investigation, the colonel said.For more information, call Colonel Evans at (413) 557-3137 or e-mail439aw.ig@westover.af.milAnnual workshopThe Patriot Wing’s fourth annualenlisted workshop is scheduledto begin the Sunday of the JuneA UTA (June 6) at the WestoverConference Center.The theme of the 2010 workshopis, “I Am An Airman, I Am AWarrior.” It wraps up June 8.Airmen interested in attendingshould contact Chief Master Sgt.Kathy Wood at 557-2876.Space A flightsSpace A f lights are availablefrom Westover as Air Force airliftmissions dictate.Passengers report to the Hangar3 passenger terminal at leastthree hours before the scheduledtakeoff. For more information,call the Space A hotline at (413)557-2549.

PATRIOT | NEWSNEWS |HELP FOR HOMESTEAD >> A Westover C-5 crew unloads a 24,000-pound Westover-based fire truck, airlifted to Homestead Air Reserve Base as part ofOperation Unified Response, Jan. 17. The Patriot Wing flew two other missions to Homestead as partof the massive humanitarian relief effort that helpedHaiti recover a massive earthquake that struck the country Jan. 12. (photo by Staff Sgt. Timm Huffman)Patriot Wing dispatches base fire engine to Homesteadby Staff Sgt.Timm HuffmanAfter a magnitude 7.0 earthquakedevastated Haiti Jan. 12,Westover Airmen answered thenation’s call to provide support toOperation Unified Response.A 439th Airlift Wing C-5B deliveredmanpower and equipmentto Homestead Air Reserve Base,Fla., which is the staging area fordisaster relief operations. In addition,Westover’s chief of safetyvolunteered for a four-monthdeployment to Port Au PrinceAirport in Haiti in February. Lt.Col. David Heroux arrived inHaiti in mid-February to assumeduties as chief of safety at thebusy airport.Just three days after the earthquake,a Westover aircrew pickedup a tactical airlift control element(TALC) from Dover AirForce Base, Del., and deliver itto Homestead Air Reserve Base.That TALC served as the centraloperations hub on the ground atHomestead.“We’re flying people, some ATOC(aerial port) people, a fire truck,We brought down a K-loader andforklifts -- support equipmentright now,” said Tech. Sgt. PaulTavares, a 337th Airlift Squadronloadmaster, who flew two missionsJan. 16 and Jan. 17.Reservists with the 42nd AerialPort Squadron put a large Halversonaircraft cargo loader ontothe C-5, and a second aircrew flewit to Dobbins Air Reserve Base,Ga., where two forklifts joinedthe load.The 337th AS crew delivered theequipment to Homestead whereAir Force aerial porters used it toload humanitarian aid suppliesonto aircraft flying from Homesteadto Haiti.The crew expected to returnhome Jan. 17, but Air Force plannersre-tasked the C-5 to pick upa Westover fire trucks and take itto Homestead, where its presencewould allow more aircraft to operatesafely from the base.Along with the 12-ton fire truck,about 14 members of the 42ndAPS traveled from Westover toHomestead, where they remaineduntil mid-February.Master Sgt. Daniel Lawlor, whowas in charge of ramp operationsat Homestead, said Westover’sprimary role was to get thingsorganized quickly so cargo can get“This is major and it’s personal. When we got the call Ispoke to my chief and I jumped on the opportunity theminute I could.”-- Airman 1st Class Andrew Riobe, 42nd AerialPort Squadroninto Haiti as fast as possible.“We went to Homestead witha fairly small team compared tothe overall team that is here forloading aircraft,” he said. “Ourrole is to make sure that all of thepeople here get organized in sucha way that the cargo gets movedthrough the base quickly.”The humanitarian mission waspersonally rewarding for Airman1st Class Andrew Riobe. New tothe Air Force, the Airman wasvery familiar with Haiti -- he’sof Haitian decent and has spenttime in the country over the lastfew years building water purificationsystems.“This is major and it’s personal.When we got the call I spoke tomy chief and I jumped on theopportunity the minute I could.I feel priveledged to be out herehelping.”The aerial porters completedtheir duty at Homestead andreturned to Westover in late February.

PATRIOT | NEWSby Staff Sgt. Timm HuffmanIf you check your live feed, tweet, re-tweet and watch the latestviral videos, then you’re among the more than 50 percent of Airmenwho get their news and information from online social media.The Air Force and Air Force Reserve understand this and havelaunched into the world of social media via Facebook pages, itsown YouTube channel called BlueTube, Flickr, and others. NowWestover has “friended” the online community through its newFacebook and Twitter accounts.Anyone who want to keep their finger on the pulse of the base canfriend or follow Westover to get the latest news and information.The public affairs office will regularly post important news andinformation to the Wing’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.“Communicating via social media networks is a way for our Airmento get wing-specific information in a way they are alreadyaccustomed to receiving their information,” said Maj. WilsonCamelo, Westover’s wing Public Affairs Officer. “We are excitedthat the Air Force and Air Force Reserve Command has embracedsocial media.“However, we will only be successful if we provide a two-way street

PATRIOT | PAGE 7that allows us to get the news out and lets our Airmen, civilians,families and the community leave feedback and interact.”This is part of a larger move by the Air Force to communicate witha growing population that no longer relies on traditional mediaoutlets to get their news and information. According to the AirForce’s 2008 Air Force Social Media Survey, 70 percent of Airmenuse YouTube and 50 percent Facebook. Fifty percent also want theAir Force to take a more active voice in the world of online media.The trend toward online media is especially true in the Air ForceReserve, said Paul Bove, a social media strategist with the Air ForcePublic Affairs Agency.“Many sites aren’t accessible on Air Force networks, but mostreservists have the ability to access these sites in their civilian jobsoutside the military,” he said.While Facebook and Twitter are not accessible on the Westoverdot mil network, steps are being taken to give reservists dot comaccess on base. In addition to the free Wi-Fi at the Westovercontinued on page 8photo illustration by Staff Sgt. Timm Huffman

PATRIOT | NEWSBLUE TUBE >> Visitors can click on this site to view Air Force news. The Department of Defense is responding to the enormous capabilities of the Internet’scommunication reach to millions of people by setting up sites like this for Airmen and their families.continued from page 7Club and the six terminalsavailable at the Airman andFamily Readiness Center, thecommunications squadron isworking to get connectivity inthe lodging facilities, accordingto Capt. Jeremy C. Downer, thebase communications informationsystems officer.For the latest news and information,‘friend’ Westoveron Facebook by searching‘Westover ARB’ and followtweets ‘@439Westover’.Information sitesFor more information aboutusing social media and theAir Force, visit http://www.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-091210-043.pdfand visit http://www.af.mil/socialmedia.asp for links toall Air Force social mediasites. Locally, questions maybe directed to public affairsby e-mail:439aw.pa@westover.af.milTips help reservists avoid problems on lineROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Thousandsof Air Force reservists are among the 350 millionFacebook users. The popular social media sitefacilitates virtual networking and communicationamong like-minded individuals who “friend” eachother, giving Airmen multiple platforms to engagein conversations about their professional and personalinterests.“Compared to their active duty counterparts,reservists are even more likely to use Facebook,LinkedIn, blogs and other social media sites on adaily basis,” said Paul Bove, a social media strategistwith the Air Force Public Affairs Agency. “If reservistsmirror society, they are very likely engaged inthese new communication platforms,” he said.Whether reservists are in an active military statusor civilian status, on or off duty, common sense rulesstill apply when they visit social networking sites.AFPAA recently updated its social media engagementguide, providing useful tips for Airmen whosurf social media sites. The following tips can helpReservists avoid problems:• Don’t give classified info: Operational Security iscrucial to the Air Force Reserve Command mission.Reservists should avoid divulging classified, “ForOfficial Use Only” and other sensitive materials.• Stay in your lane: While Airmen are encouragedto share their reserve story, they should onlytalk and post about information with which theyare familiar. An aeromedical evacuation nurse caninformatively talk about the aeromed mission, butcould be out of line talking about legal issues in theAir Force Reserve.• Don’t lie: Credibility is critical in the Air ForceReserve. Without credibility, no one cares what wehave to say.• Give your opinion: AFPAA encourages Airmento join the discussion in social media settings, butreminds them to clearly indicate that their commentsare their personal opinion, and not that of the AirForce or AFR.• Use common sense: Realize your words and imagesgo out to thousands of people around the world.While it’s OK to have fun, keep in mind your actionsmay reflect upon the Air Force Reserve. Your unitpublic affairs shops can provide additional advice andguidance on social media interactions.• Personal information: Be careful about divulgingtoo much personal information online. Personaladdresses, phone numbers and birthdates could aididentity thieves or the enemy. Keep OPSEC in mindwhen deciding what to share.“Social media offers tremendous opportunity forthe Air Force Reserve,” said Lt. Col. Leslie Pratt,AFRC director of public affairs. “It doesn’t replacetraditional media relations, community relations andface-to-face communications, but social media letsus leverage our existing relationships and tell the AirForce story to millions more people. Social media letsthem tell their story as well as the Air Force storywhich translates into a closer relationship with thepublic.” (AFRC News Service)

PATRIOT | NEWSWESTOVER PATRIOTS |Essay winners reflect on military pride, familiesEDITOR’S NOTE: Steven Naylor, a familymember of a Westover reservist, and MasterSgt. Kara Stackpole, 439th Aeromedical StagingSquadron, recently each won $500 Chiefs’Council scholarships for their essays.Steven is the son of Tech. Sgt. Brian Naylor,42nd Aerial Port Squadron. The following areexcerpts from his essay that answered:“What does it mean to be a family memberof an Air Force reservist?”Sergeant Stackpole’s essay excerpts, whichfollow, answer,“What does it mean to be a part of today’sAir Force Reserve Command?”Honestly, it is hard to put into words whatit’s like to be the son of an Air Force Reservemember. I won’t speak for everyone, but forme, it hasn’t always been easy. Many people,including some military, don’t think it’s a bigdeal to be part of the reserves.I have friends that are in the militarywho refer to reservists as “weekend warriors,”people who drill once a month and only goaway for a maximum of two weeks once ayear.After being a son of a reservist all my life,I can honestly say that reservists, especiallymy father, are just as important as any activedutymember and are far from mere “weekendwarriors.”In the last seven years my father hasbeen deployed twice. The first of which wasDecember 26, 2002. I was in seventh gradeat the time and he left for 11 months. Hemissed my 13th birthday and almost a fullyear of my life. I don’t think people understandor realize what it is like to be part ofa military family until they actually live it.When one of your parents is deployed withWELCOME HOME >> Samantha Stackpole,welcomes home her mom, Master Sgt. KaraStackpole, from a deployment in 2008. SergeantStackpole credits her daughter withhelping her succeed in her military career. (Filephoto by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Biscoe)the military, and the other parent is a citypolice officer, you tend to grow up faster thanyou should.During those 11 months in 2002, I matureda great deal. Even though I was just 13, I feltmuch older. When my mother was workinglate I had to take care of my little brother,make dinner, help him with his homework,and still do all of my work.You’d think it would become easier, thatyou might get used to your father being gonewith the military, but it doesn’t; it was harderthe second time. That second deploymentwas in September 2008. I was 19 and startingmy first year of college at MassachusettsMaritime Academy. Looking at 2010, my fatheris going to deploy for a third time for fourmonths. This time will not be any easier.Sergeant Stackpole’s essay excerpts:Over the past 12 years, I have learned andwitnessed first-hand that I’m part of the greatestteam ever assembled.My team encourages me to succeed, teachesme how to overcome obstacles, educates meon how I fit in, entrusts me with life-changingdecisions, supports me when times are toughand empowers me to do the same for the restof our team.I know I would have never become thewoman I am today if not for the reserve. Iwould have eventually obtained my education,found a job, and ultimately raised a family.I’m sure I may have been happy, but I wouldhave never felt this sense of purpose that isingrained in me. It is a cause that transcendsany job or career I could have envisioned onmy own.Obtaining a nursing degree means I bringstronger skills to our team. When I have thehonor of deploying again, I will have strengthenedand diversified my ability to help ourwounded men and women.I’m also the mother of a beautiful 6-year-olddaughter. When she was born, I wondered ifI would be a good example for her. I alwayswanted to become a nurse and felt she wouldbe proud of me for that. I no longer wonderif I am going to be a good example, or worryif my daughter will be proud of me.This has already been answered.As I arrived back in the United States fromIraq, she was there waiting to jump into myarms.She called me her hero and let me know howproud she was of me.This is why I consider it an honor to writethis for you, to say thank you to my team forgiving my life a higher purpose.Teenagerscan apply tosummitsThe Air Force Reserve/AirNational Guard Teen LeadershipSummits are open to all 14-18year-old dependent teenagers ofcurrent Air Force Reserve or AirNational Guard members.Applicants must completethe summit application for thesession they wish to attend toinclude essay questions, Codeof Conduct and a transportationform.The schedule includes thefollowing: Classic Summit, June13-18, Wahsega 4-H Center,Dahlonega, Ga.; Survival Summit,July 20-25, Colorado YouthPrograms, Boulder, Colo.; AdventureSummit, Aug. 10-15, CheleyCamps, Estes Park Colo.:Information:>> Stacey Young, Stacey.young@us.af.mil, 478-327-0971,DSN 497-0971>> Brandi Mullins, brandi.mullins.ctr@us.af.mil, 478-327-2090, DSN 497-2090

PATRIOT | PAGE 11PATRIOT PEOPLE |Senior Master Sgt. Christopher DoyleNAME: Christopher DoyleRANK: Senior master sergeantAGE: Fifty-fourHOMETOWN: East Longmeadow, Mass.POSITION: Avionics flight chiefFAVORITE FOOD: New York stripYEARS OF SERVICE: Thirty-fiveFAVORITE SPORT: BaseballFAVORITE HOBBY: GolfIDEAL VACATION: BavariaBEST WAY TO RELAX: Golf/remote control flyingPREFERRED ENTERTAINMENT: N.Y. YankeesFAVORITE HERO: My dadFAVORITE MUSIC: Mozart - Lady GaGaFAVORITE MOVIE: The Big LebowskiFAVORITE AIRCRAFT: F-4E Phantom IIPET PEEVE: High year tenureWHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH $1 MILLION?Lobby to build a history museum for the Air Force ReserveAT THE CLUB >> Stage Six performs from 7-11 p.m. March 6.Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, from 5-8 p.m. March 17 with athemed buffet and a DJ. Free for club members and $11.95 fornon-members. New club members may sign up at the doorand enjoy the night for free. Information: 413-593-5531COMMANDER’S CUP >> The Commander’s Cup bowlingcompetitions will take place at 4:30 p.m. March 6 and March20, with teams of two. Cost is $6.75 per person, plus $1 forshoes. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, March 19-20 -- wear greenand bowl for $1 (Friday 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 – 10 p.m.;Saturday 5-10 p.m. )For more information, call 557-3990.SPACE AVAILABLE >> Space available is offered daily at theFlyers Inn excluding UTA weekends. Space available reservationsare accepted up to 120 days in advance. Call 557-2700to make reservations.OUTDOOR RECREATION >> Located near the family campingarea, the outdoor recreation staff may be reached at557-2192.SERVICES CALENDER | www.westoverservices.comRetirementsSenior Master Sgt. Christopher DoyleMaster sergeantRalph KnightJohnny NgElaine PerreaultAirmen and Family ReadinessUpcoming Airman and Family Readiness events include:April 11: Month of the Military Child CelebrationApril 16: Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon.For more information on these events and the Year ofthe Air Force Family, call (413) 557-3024 or visit:www.westoverafrc.orgPATRIOT PRAISES | Reenlistments, promotionsReenlistmentsSenior master sergeantMichael BarnaDavid BerubeSteven HollowayAndrew MartindellSteven SequeiraMaster sergeantMichael BoucherEric BrownMelissa CanarelliLinda ColucciPaul GagnonMichael LatterCharmaine MallettTechnical sergeantJonathan AshSky BenBeth CrothersRichard DeSousaKevin KennedyJoann LafleurDonald MorinShawn QuinnPaul TavaresGeorge VadnaisThomas WarrenStaff sergeantSean BartleyKorey BissonnetteNicole DonovanPeter LucierUlric MusmannobarreraNathan TarletonJason TorresErik TrudeauTerry WintDaniel WoldegeorgisSenior airmanRyan LemmerMyles MuellerPage PolicastroJennifer TorresJesus VillrrealJason VioletteAirman 1st Class David BarnardPromotionsStaff sergeantChristopher PetersonMichele SpellmanSenior airmanNicholas DeHaasGabriel GerenaDustin HallKyle Pitzer

PATRIOT | NEWS| www.westover.afrc.af.mil A UTAs | MAR. 6-7; APR. 10-11 | B UTAs | MAR. 20-21; APR. 24-25439th Airlift Wing100 Lloyd St., Box 49Westover ARBChicopee, Mass. 01022-1825FIRST CLASSUS POSTAGEPAIDAdams DirectMail ServicesPublished monthly for Patriots like SeniorAirman LeeAnn Roy, Adams, Mass.,and 3,053 reservists and civilians of the439 th AW.PatriotPortrait ofthe MonthLAYING IT IN >> Staff Sgt. Gary Latour, 439th Services Squadron captured this Commander’sCup action basketball action at the fitness center in January. The Patriot Portrait of the Monthencourages base photographers to submit their photos for publication to PA. Digital photosmay be e-mailed to 439aw.pa@westover.af.mil. Deadline for the next Patriot is by the end ofthe April A UTA. High resolution digital photos are preferred. For more information e-mail PA orcall 413-557-2020.