Special Operators - Hurlburt Field

Air Force Best Practicesubmissions wanted ASAPby Jamie HaigContract writerWith the impending InstallationExcellence Award assessment teamvisit, the 1st Special Operations MissionSupport Squadron Manpower Officesent an e-mail to units requesting proposalsfor Air Force Best Practices to reinforcethe reasons Hurlburt Field shouldbe given the award.An Air Force Best Practice is definedon the Air Force Manpower Agency Webpage as “a superior method or innovativepractice that contributes to the improvedperformance of the process.”“I’ve e-mailed all of the InstallationExcellence Award points of contact fromeach unit requesting they give us a proposalof one or more best practices,” saidBrenda Smith, 1st SOMSS ManpowerOffice. “The units will submit the proposalsto me, and I will give them to AirForce Special Operations Command forvalidation.”The AFMA Web page lists the rules ofengagement in submitting a best practice.The best practice should be basedon one or more of the six criteria listedin the ROE.There’s a short form that needs to becompleted and instructions on finalizingthe package.“It’s not a long form and shouldn’ttake a lot of time to complete,” Ms. Smithsaid.“Submitting at the Air Force levelshows innovation and leadership,”said Lt. Col. Steven Kimball, 1st SpecialOperations Mission Support Group deputycommander, who is in charge of theIEA visit. “It shows other bases that ourway of doing business is worth emulating.”The form requires a summary of thebest practice and the impact on the processor organizational process. It musthave a staff summary sheet attachedshowing approval throughout the unit.The package should be delivered to the1st SOMSS Manpower Office.AFSOC will then review and validatethe best practice, and if approved, theend results will be listed on the form andon the AFMA Web page.“These are the qualities that the IEAassessment team will be here to observe,”Colonel Kimball said.The IEA team visits Hurlburt FieldJan. 29-31, so submissions must be madeimmediately.“Our competition is tough. Columbusand Mountain Home Air Force Baseshave already submitted and approvedAir Force level best practices,” ColonelKimball said.“We know the Air Commandos cando better.”Submissions may be turned intoMs. Smith anytime between now andTuesday. The forms and instructions maybe found at: https://www.afma.randolph.af.mil/orgunits/MAP/MAPI/awards/6_AF%20Best%20Practices/index.asp.The 1st SOMSS Manpower Office islocated in Bldg. 90210, Room 218. Formore information, call 884-6805.Welcome to the Majors! New year - new majors at Hurlburt FieldCongratulations to thefollowing major-selects:Air Force SpecialOperations CommandShawn BeauchampRhonda CrawfordDavid EmeryJohn FruehRobert LyonsChristopher SchumppAir Force SpecialOperations ForcesAdam FiedlerTravis Woodworth1st Special OperationsWing StaffErin BenderMarilyn Garcia1st Special OperationsComptroller SquadronAllison Chisholm1st Special OperationsGroupAllison Black1st Special OperationsSupport SquadronDavid BaumgartnerRyan BohnerDonald GreeneAndrew JenningsMarc LlacunaJohn MahPhillip Miller3rd Special OperationsSquadronSteven BeattieSteven BetschartWilliam MitchellLichen PursleyKevin QuattlebaumRobin Schaeffer4th SOSCarlos AlvaradoZachary BarkerJoshua HartigKevin HuberWilliam NelsonDerek PriceMeghan RippleLance RosamirandaMichael Shreves6th SOSJames AbbottHartmut CassonMatthew JonesCheree Kochen8th SOSWilliam Julian9th SOSYvonne CarricoJason CrawfordJanelle PercyJosh Rieder15th SOSWilliam AlexanderJustin LewisNathaniel MillerDaniel ThomasChiafei Wu16th SOSDouglas BrownPhilip ForbesJason Mier19th SOSGeorge CundiffWilliam Triplett20th SOSJames BlanchardFrancis CooperLawrence GrahamTimothy MatlockBrian RobertsScott Yeatman73rd SOSAndrew Biro1st Special OperationsEquipment MaintenanceSquadronMarc Walkersee MAJORS, page 17Involuntaryphase forNCO retrainprogrambeginsAFPNAirmen identified asrequired to retrain underPhase II of the Air ForceFiscal 2007 NoncommissionedOfficer RetrainingProgram must submit aretraining application byMonday or separate fromthe Air Force.After meeting the deadline,Phase II eligible’s mustchoose an Air Force specialtycode from a list ofavailable AFSCs and submita completed retrainingapplication by Feb. 28.Depending on whatnumber you are on thelist, if you haven’t submitteda retraining packageby the deadline, the morelikely that you will be separatedfrom the Air Force,said a source at the 1stSpecial Operations MissionSupport Squadron employmentoffice.Many people believe thatif they ignore the listingwith their name on it thatthey will be able to remainin their current career field,which is untrue. Eachindividual is thoroughlytracked through Air ForcePersonnel Center and allof the individual’s effortsto actively participate inthe retraining program arebeing tracked.Any Airman identifiedas vulnerable for retrainingwho fails to submit the initialretraining request willbe determined to have officiallydeclined retraining.“Airmen selected forretraining who have thenecessary retainability cannotdecline retraining,” saidChief Master Sgt. ChristineWilliams, chief of the AirForce Personnel Centerenlisted skills managementSee NCO, page 17COMMANDO

505th redesignates squadronby 1st Lt. Stacey Wiggins705th CTSThe 505th Distributed Warfare Group, partof Hurlburt’s 505th Command and ControlWing, took on the new “Combat TrainingSquadron” designation Dec. 18.The squadron was redesignated from exercisecontrol squadron to combat trainingsquadrons to reflect the true nature of thecombat crew training they provide.Hurlburt was part ofthe first-ever “distributed”redesignation ceremony.The 705th CTS,based at Kirtland AirForce Base, N.M., and505th CTS, located next tothe Hurlburt Air Park held the ceremony viavideo conference. Each squadron read theirown redesignation order, and proceeded todecommission their guidons and commissiona new standard.This unique ceremony fits exactly into themission of the 505th DWG as the only unit inthe Air Force that conducts virtual commandand control training, testing, exercising andexperimentation for joint and coalition warfighters.The 505th CTS is the professional controlforce and focal point for Combined Forces AirComponent Commander team training in thejoint exercise environment and is well knownfor conducting BLUE FLAG, from variousarea of command locations throughout theUnited States.“The change“The change in designation from exercisecontrol squadron to combat training squadronaligns the functions of the 505th CTS...”– Lt. Col. John Morehead505th CTS Commanderin designationfrom exercise controlsquadron tocombat trainingsquadron alignsthe functions of the505th CTS provides at the operational level ofwar under BLUE FLAG with what the otherUSAF combat training squadrons provide atthe tactical level of war,” said Lt. Col. JohnMorehead, 505th CTS commander;(Editors note: Staff Sgt. Kelly Ogden contributedto this article)Air Commando SaluteStaff Sgt. Samuel DykesStaff Sgt. Samuel Dykes, 505th CommunicationsSquadron, is from Plant City,Fla. His hobbies include carpentry andcomputers.Sergeant Dykes is fully dedicated to thewell being of the squadron and does everythingin his power to make the squadron abetter place. He comes in early and leaveslate nearly every day.When something needs to be accomplishedor a question answered, he is theman to ask. COMMANDOJan. 12, 2007Photo by Jamie HaigHis favorite part about being stationed atHurlburt is the people that he has had theopportunity to work with and the wealth ofknowledge that he has found.Sergeant Dykes’s advice to Airmen is notto put things off until tomorrow if it can beaccomplished today.(For information on submitting an Airman forthe Air Commando Salute, call the 1st SpecialOperations Wing Public Affairs Office at 884-7464.)Welcome home!Photo by 1st Lt. Amy CooperA family waits anxiously in Commando Hangar for the rotatorplane from Southwest Asia which arrived early Mondaymorning during Operation Homecoming.Tax season tips for the savyTax season is sooner thanyou think – file early and getyour return sooner!Hurlburt Field is providingin-person assistance inpreparing tax returns beginningJan. 22.The tax center is open to allAir Force personnel includingactive duty, guard, reservist,retirees and family members.It is staffed by volunteerswho are trained and certifiedby the Internal RevenueService and are knowledgeablein answering tax questionsand filing returns.The tax center is locatedin Bldg. 90710, Room A4,otherwise known as the 1stSpecial Operations LogisticsReadiness Squadron building.To find room A4, enterthe foyer and go left, the dooris straight ahead. The tax centerwill open for walk-ins onJan. 22, and will be open byappointment only startingJan. 29.The phone number for thetax center is 884-7542 (availablebeginning Jan. 22).Military members wantingto complete their own returnbeginning Jan. 15 can use afree online program throughwww.militaryonesource.com.Don’t get caught up in theApril 15 rush. File early foran early return.According to the IRS customerswho plan to claimadjustments to income basedon tuition and fees orEducators Expense, or if thoseusing the Sales Tax Deductionon Schedule A cannot e-fileuntil early February.

Air Force makeschanges toBAH policyby Staff Sgt. C. Todd LopezAFPNBeginning in January, theAir Force and the other militaryservices will eliminategeographic rate protection forbasic allowance for housing.Over the last five years,geographic rate protectionmeant BAH rates around militarycommunities could neverdrop, even when estimates formedian housing costs in anarea suggested they should.Under the current system,new arrivals at an installationDOD a common-sense way tofund that allowance.But the policy will createsituations where two militarymembers of the same rankand with the same dependentstatus may receive differentBAH rates. Individual rateprotection allows in-placemembers to keep their BAHrate for a region while BAHrates in the area may fall.“When you signed yourlease, you were locked intoa rate in a housing marketthat had a higher cost, on$ $ $average,” said Capt. Charleswould receive the protected Parada, chief of the Air Force’sBAH rate, even if housing BAH program. “But a newcomercould face a lower-costrates in the area had droppedand adequate housing$was market.”$ $available for them at a lower Captain Parada says whateverBAH rate a membercost.In 2007, BAH rates will receives at a new duty stationfluctuate yearly based on will be fair.housing cost estimates made “The new BAH programto members who are payingcourt-ordered child support.In 2007, the differential willno longer exist for membersresiding off base. Instead,they will receive the BAHwith-dependents rate, even ifthey have no dependents intheir home.Because the BAH withdependentsrate fluctuatesfrom region to region, somemembers in low-cost housingmarkets may receive lessmoney than they had withthe flat-rate BAH differential,though the situation occursin few areas, Captain Paradasaid.The BAH differential ratewill also be eliminated outsidethe United States. But there,members receive an overseashousing allowance, or OHA,instead of the Stateside BAH.Like in the United States,with the elimination of theBAH differential, membersoverseas residing off base willbegin receiving the OverseasHousing Allowance withdependentrate.from data collected regionally will always allow you toby military housing offices. afford adequate housing forThe budget-conscious move$your grade and$dependency$by the Department of Defense status in the current market,”is designed to save money he said.at a time when resources are Captain Parada also saidtight.that all members in a region But unlike in the UnitedUnder the new system, are entitled to increases in the States, overseas members dopeople who remain in an area BAH rate as they occur. not always receive the fullwill never see a lowering of Besides changes to rate OHA. Instead, they receivetheir individual BAH rate. protection,$there are$two only that$amount they spendThat policy, called individual additional changes to BAH on rent.rate protection, is designed coming for the Air Force and For those members, it willto ensure Airmen and other other services in the 2007. be impossible to extract themilitary members who have The first is the elimination extra benefit provided by analready established homesaren’t faced with a cut in theirBAH rate.Individual rate protectionis designed to protect Airmenwhen the median housingrates in an area drop butlandlords don’t lower rents tomatch them. Individual rateprotection ensures Airmenwill always receive amplefunding to remain in thehomes they have established,and at the same time providesof BAH differential for membersliving off base. The secondis a change to in-transitBAH rates for new Airmen.“What members will bepaid now is a BAH rate withdependents, versus the BAHdifferential,” Captain Paradasaid. “In most cases, the newrate will be an increase formembers, though in someareas it may be lower.”The BAH differential is aflat rate, based on grade, paidOHA with-dependent rate touse toward child support.Captain Parada said themove was the best possiblesolution found by DOD toprovide the best benefit to themost members.“All four services had tocome to an agreement onthese issues, to find a solutionmost equitable for the mostmembers,” he said. “This wasthe best solution to benefitmost members.”Military housingrates boosted 3.5percent overallby Gerry GilmoreAFPNPhoto by 1st Lt. Amy CooperI missed youA military spouse awaits her husband’s return Monday morningat the Air Commando hangar during Operation Homecoming.Servicemembers willreceive an average 3.5 percentboost in their basicallowance for housing compensationbenefit in 2007.The BAH increase thatwent into effect Jan. 1 worksout to about $300 millionmore than what was paidin 2006, officials said.“The continued improvementin housing allowancesrepresents our commitmentto the preservation ofa compensation and benefitstructure which will providemembers with a suitableand secure standardof living that will sustaina trained, experienced andready force in the future,”said Cynthia Smith, a DODspokesperson.Officials said militaryhousing allowances arecomputed according tothree key criteria: mediancurrent market rent, averageutilities to includeelectricity, heat and water/sewer costs, and averagerenter’s insurance.BAH rates also are basedon dwelling type and numberof bedrooms in a givenarea and then calculated foreach pay grade, both withand without family members.For servicememberswith family members, averageincreases in the BAHare approximately $44 permonth.For example, a typicalE-4 will receive about $34more in BAH than in 2006,while an E-8 will receiveabout $42 more than 2006.“I think the increase iswell deserved,” said Tech.Sgt. Michael LaVanway, AirForce Special OperationsForces. “Living on theEmerald Coast comes at aprice, and this increase willhelp offset that.”The BAH rate systemhas built-in protections toensure that an individualservicemember in a givenlocation won’t see his or herBAH rate decrease.This provision assuresmembers who have madelong-term lease or contractcommitments are not penalizedif the area’s housingcosts decrease.(Editors note: Staff Sgt.Kelly Ogden contributed tothis article)COMMANDO

Inside the gates...Change of CommandCol. Jerry Harris Jr. takes command ofthe 505th Training Group from Col. PatriciaHoffman at 10 a.m. today in the 505th TrainingSquadron auditorium. Uniform of the dayapplies for military. For more information, call2nd Lt. Eric Kline at 884-9460.AFSAThe Air Force Sergeants Association meetsat 3:30 p.m. Thursday in J.R. Rockers. Formore information, call Senior Master Sgt. MaryGowin at 884-7821.Relay for LifeThe American Cancer Society is recruitingteams for the 2007 Relay for Life. Teamcaptains for the Navarre relay teams meet at 6p.m. Thursday in the St. Augustine EpiscopalChurch in Navarre. For more information, callChief Master Sgt. Darcy Standish at 884-2186or Chief Master Sgt. Rupert Richard 884-4528.MLK celebrationThe base chapel hosts a commemorativeservice honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.8-9 a.m. Jan. 19. For more information, call881-5113.Widow supportA support group for widows of active-dutyspouses, regardless of how they died, meets12-1 p.m. Jan. 19 in the Airman & FamilyReadiness Center. The group focuses on dealingwith grief and gaining support from otherspouses. For more information, call 884-5441.Free child careThe next “Give Parents a Break” day is from9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Jan. 20 in the Child DevelopmentCenter. For more information, call the first sergeant,the base chapel, squadron commanderor the Airman & Family Readiness Center at884-5441.USAFSOS courseThe Middle East Orientation Course convenesJan. 22-26. This course is for personnelpreparing to live in or deploy to the MiddleEast, who work with individuals from thisregion, or have a professional or analyticalinterest in the area.Spouses are welcome to attend on a spaceavailablebasis. For more information, callMaj. Stephanie Kelley at 884-6793 or visit:https://www.hurlburt.af.mil/milonly/tenantunits/jsou.TAP seminarThe next Transition Assistance Program,a three-day workshop, is from 7:30 a.m. –4:30 p.m. Jan. 23-25 in the Airman & FamilyReadiness Center. The program helps separatingand retiring military members transitioninto the civilian sector. For more information,call 884-5441.Newcomers’ briefThe next Commando Connection, a mandatorybriefing for newcomers, is from 8 a.m.- noon Jan. 24 in the base theater. The brief coversbase-required material. Local law enforcementofficials also cover regulations concerningthis area.Hearts ApartThe Airman & Family Readiness Centersponsors the Hearts Apart scrap booking partyfrom 5:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 26. Bring favorite holidayphotographs to be made into scrapbookpages. Supplies and dinner are provided, andchildren are welcome. To R.S.V.P by Jan. 23or for more information, call Tech. Sgt. DianeThomas at 884-6797.USAFA applicationsApplications for the U.S. Air Force Academyand Preparatory School are due by Jan. 31 forclasses starting in June. The programs areavailable to active-duty Airmen and applicationsmust be made online. For more information,call 884-6724 or visit www.academyadmissions.com/admissions/howtoapply/airmen.php.CCAFThe cutoff date for applications for theApril Community College of the Air Forcegraduation is Feb. 23. For more informationon qualifications, call 884-6724. All transcriptsand student documentation must be sent to:CCAF/DFRS130 West Maxwell Blvd.Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. 36112Road closureConstruction on Bedel Street limits trafficto one lane and closes access to the flightlineentrance at Bedel Street. Expect closuresat Bennett Avenue and Cruz Avenue duringconstruction. Emergency vehicles have precedencewhen necessary. For more information,call 884-3815.ToastmastersInterested in improving public speakingand leadership skills? The Hurlburt FieldToastmasters Club meets 12-1 p.m. the secondand fourth Wednesday of each month inClassroom J at the education center. For moreinformation, call Betty Carden at 884-9229.SIUSouthern Illinois University-Carbondaleoffers a 16-month Bachelor of Science degreein industrial technology at Hurlburt Field. Formore information, call 581-9840.Troy UniversityTroy University offers a variety of graduateand undergraduate degrees. For more information,call 884-6616.Man on thestreetWhat is your NewYear’s resolution?Airman 1st ClassRebecca Vacher1st Special OperationsServices Squadron“I want to startschool to becomea dentist andtake some onlinecourses.”Staff Sgt. Sarah Lloyd1st Special OperationsMission Support Squadron“As a member ofCommando PrideAirmen Center,I will mentor asmany Airmen aspossible.”Photos by Staff Sgt. Kelly OgdenAirman 1st ClassBrian Kimbrough1st Special OperationsAircraft MaintenanceSquadron“I want to gain 20pounds of musclethis year.”HappyNew Year!From theCommandostaff COMMANDOJan. 12, 2007

And the winners are :Unit Quarterly Award WinnersThe COMMANDO congratulates the followingHurlburt Field unit-level quarterlyaward winners:3rd Special OperationsSquadronQuarterly awardsAirman 1st Class Aaron CastaldoAirman 1st Class Alan HaileyStaff Sgt. Devon GreeneTech. Sgt. Mike WimmerMaster Sgt. Roger JusticeMaster Sgt. Robert McDonald2nd Lt. Adam YoungCapt. Max BiaginiQuarterly awards15th SOSSenior Airman Chad McClarenStaff Sgt. Brian HolmesMaster Sgt. Daryl BernardCapt. Troy BroskovetzProfessional performersSenior Airman Matthew ChambersTech. Sgt. Jeremy TygrettMaster Sgt. Christopher RinglandCapt. Paul ThorntonQuarterly awards16th SOSSenior Airman PenaTech. Sgt. BrammerMaster Sgt. England1st Lt. William AckmanProfessional performersAirman 1st Class PietschTech. Sgt. G. VasquezMaster Sgt. Robert West1st Lt. Timothy YoungQuarterly awards20th SOSSenior Airman Seamus FeeleyTech. Sgt. James RhodesMaster Sgt. Bob StrongCapt. Chris RichardsonProfessional performersSenior Airman Andrew BickhamStaff Sgt. Dan MannMaster Sgt. Kevin JamesCapt. Tobias Switzer1st SO AircraftMaintenance SquadronQuarterly awardsSenior Airman Jessica CardenasStaff Sgt. Robert MuellerMaster Sgt. William Howell1st Lt. Chris Ryan1st SO ComponentMaintenance SquadronQuarterly awardsSenior Airman Joshua MaherTech. Sgt. Brian HopkinsSenior Master Sgt. Bill McCoach2nd Lt. Ben Self1st SO Civil EngineerSquadronQuarterly awardsSenior Airman Antonio PayneStaff Sgt. Joshua HansonMaster Sgt. David WillisCapt. Krishna SurajballyTravis BrownJames Schuchard1st SO CommunicationsSquadronQuarterly awardsAirman Robyn GrinoldsTech. Sgt. Timothy MilleaSenior Master Sgt. Michael Jackson2nd Lt. Deana PorterSpencer ArmourProfessional performersAirman Kathleen KoenigStaff Sgt. Czontel BaileyMaster Sgt. Terry Miller2nd Lt. Jeremy Coffman1st SO Mission SupportSquadronQuarterly awardsAirman Matthew LehmanStaff Sgt. Eric BarreraMaster Sgt. Virginia SchreitmuellerCapt. Darcy GustafsonSharon MorleyVicki Helton1st SO Security ForcesSquadronQuarterly awardsSenior Airman James TavennerTech. Sgt. Benjamin ReynoldsMaster Sgt. Robert Degennaro2nd Lt.Tyler EppesPatrick CooperProfessional peformersSenior Airman John PhillipsStaff Sgt. Scott HicksNathaniel Lawson1st SO ServicesSquadronQuarterly awardsSenior Airman Kymdra ManessStaff Sgt. ShaErica WatersMaster Sgt. Dary EubanksMichael BaileyNathaniel HarrisPaul NevilleProfessional performersSenior Airman Brett LoganTech. Sgt. Thearsea SmithKaren CataldoGeorge StilesTeam awardMarketing14th Weapons SquadronQuarterly awardsTech. Sgt. Shelton NunezMaster Sgt. Dennis MartinezCapt. Scott MinasCapt. Gary Symon25th InformationOperations SquadronQuarterly awardsSenior Airman Gerson AmayaSenior Airman Sean JureckiTech. Sgt. William CarbaughTech. Sgt. Joshua HustonSenior Master Sgt. Robert O’Dea1st Lt. Casey MeyerQuarterly awards39th IOSSenior Airman Hernan “Gus” DaffaraSenior Airman Kelli EvermanStaff Sgt. Holly MaysStaff Sgt. Spencer VieraTech. Sgt. Ireli HingerMaster Sgt. Layne Nelson505th CommunicationsSquadronQuarterly awardsStaff Sgt. James PriesingMichelle PalmisanoPaul Finley505th Training SquadronQuarterly awardsAirman 1st Class Philip BaileyStaff Sgt. Jake NicholsCapt. Amy FowlerTom BrannonJames EnglandDavid HoperDaniel SevierProfessional performersSenior Airman Christopher BautistaMaster Sgt. Scott Pence705th Training SquadronQuarterly awards2nd Lt. Joshua MooresMs. Rhonda BerryMr. T. Warren Beagle, Jr.COMMANDO

AFSOC announces 1st SOMDG winnersCongratulations to thefollowing winners:Airman Kirk RobertAirman 1st ClassDaniell CovingtonAirman 1st ClassTiffany EwingAirman 1st ClassAlina NessAirman 1st ClassMegan StantonAirman 1st ClassAngelo TafoyaSenior AirmanAngie BelangerSenior AirmanRichard BonsraSenior AirmanErik MelendezSenior AirmanViji VarkeyStaff Sgt.Daniel ChapmanStaff Sgt.Anthony FurloughStaff Sgt. Jason SimmonsStaff Sgt.Matthew ZawlaskiTech Sgt.Cassandra AmosTech. Sgt.Omar HardmanTech. Sgt. Robert KimreyTech. Sgt. Barbra MannTech. Sgt. Stacey PalmerTech. Sgt.Christopher RealyTech. Sgt.Nathaniel SugatanTech. Sgt.Pearcea WitherspoonMaster Sgt. Joseph SoaresMaster Sgt.John Spraglin III1st Lt.Michelle Derochers1st Lt. RachelleImpastato1st Lt. Carist VerrettCapt. Chad BarthCapt. Jane BowieCapt. Melinda CreasmanCapt. Mark NoonCapt. Kenneth PerryCapt. James WhiteCapt. Thuy VoMaj. Karen DeatonMaj. Robert KeseadMaj. Terence MitchellMaj. Gwendolyn LochtMaj. Javier RuizMaj. Sarah SmithLt. Col. Cheryl ScaglioneMs. Patricia PetersARMED FORCES COMM INCCS Edition 02, COMMANDO,5 x 7.0635188, 635188CS/SPACE AVAILABCOMMANDO11

12 COMMANDO Jan. 12, 2007

Babies! Look who’s new pink, blueGirlsBoysNew year’s babyPhoto by Leigh ShirahTrinity Nicole Trudeau was born Jan. 2 to Senior Airman DanielleTrudeau, 1st Special Operations Wing Chaplain Office.Trinity is the first baby born in 2007 for Hurlburt Field.Cali Kailani Blodzinski was born Nov.24 to 2nd Lt. Jason and Tech. Sgt. AnnBlodzinski, 23rd Special Tactics Squadron.Brayanna Nicole Kekai Hala’i Hollandwas born Dec. 8 to Staff Sgt. Rolland andLindsey Holland, Air Force Special OperationsCommandAubrianna Rhey Ament was born Dec. 18to Senior Airman Michael and Tabitha Ament,1st Special Operations CommunicationsSquadronAshley Taylor Sparks was born Dec. 18 toCapt. Jeremy and Jessica Sparks, 16th SpecialOperations SquadronAlexa Natalia Colon was born Dec. 22 toSenior Airman Hector and Barbara Colon,1st Special Operations Aircraft MaintenanceSquadron.Hunter Lane Gibson and Zachary JosephGibson were born Nov. 27 to Tech. Sgt. JosephGibson, 1st Special Operations MaintenanceOperations Squadron and Tech. Sgt. PamelaField, 1st Special Operations EquipmentMaintenance SquadronEthan Elias Franco was born Dec. 3 to Capt.Jose Franco, AFSOC and Karol RodriguezJordan Isaiah Mario Carter was born Dec.8 to Senior Airman Jonathan and DanielleCarter, 1st Special Operations Security ForcesSquadronJamri Deshawn Jones was born Dec. 9 toAirman 1st Class Amber and Windal Jones,1st Special Operations Medical SupportSquadronAaron Jacob Emery was born Dec. 10Capts. David and Denise Emery, AFSOCARMED FORCES COMM INCCS Edition 02, COMMANDO,5 x 7.0635179, 635179CS/LAND HERECOMMANDO13

Fishing –Air Force SpecialOperations StyleSpecial operators perform refreshertraining Monday at Soundside.14 COMMANDO Jan. 12, 2007Photos by Dylan Laurie

WRIGHTBAPTISTCHURCHCSEdition 02,COMMANDO,1 x 2.0633548,JON LOVERI-CHCS Edition02, COM-MANDO,1 x 2.5632584,632584CS/LUXURYNATL NEWSPAPER/SPRINTCS Edition 02, COMMANDO,4 x 10.5634020, 634020CS RHP/EMBARQ TEFIRSTBAPTISTCHURCH/FW-BCS Edition02, COM-MANDO,1 x 3.0635394,635394CS/SUNDAYSHAMP-TON AU-TOMOTIVEGROUPCSEdition 02,COMMANDO,1 x 3.0586444,586444CS/JIMCOMMANDO15

GEORGIA THOMAS ATTYCSEdition 02, COMMANDO,2 x 2.0632869, 632869CS/LAWYERSUNBURST USA BEAU-TYCS Edition 02, COMMAN-DO,2 x 4.0631870, 631870CS/BEAUTY PAGEANARMED FORCES COMM INCCS Edition 02,COMMANDO,3 x 11.66635177, 635177CS/UMUCNEW HORIZONS COMPUT-ER CTRCS Edition 02, COM-MANDO,2 x 4.0634602, 634602CS/NEW YEARS RESCOMMANDO Jan. 12, 2007

Continued from NCO,page 3branch. “All Airmen identifiedas being retraining eligiblemust retrain or faceseparation under guidelinesestablished for the retrainingprogram.”According to AFPC, thesemembers will be forced toseparate on their date of separation/estimatedtime of separationand will be ineligible forpromotions, voluntary assignmentconsideration, as well asany reenlistments/extensionsfor the remainder of their currentenlistment.The individual code that isassigned to each individualwho fails to retrain may alsoprevent them from enlistingin any of the other services.Vulnerability listings bygrade and AFSC are postedand will be updated weeklyon the Air Force PersonnelCenter’s Web site at www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/enlskills/retraining/enlskillasp.asp.Airmen should click on the“Retraining” button to viewcurrent information.Phase I of the retrainingprogram provided 1,113opportunities for retraininginto AFSC’s with shortagesand special duty identifiers.“This phase of the retrainingprogram is necessary tohelp meet the needs of theAir Force by putting Airmenwhere they are needed most,”said Senior Master Sgt. GregMcClain, superintendent ofAir Force Enlisted Retraining.“We will work with thoseAirmen who are selected forretraining, as we would anyretraining case, in order tomake the transition as smoothas possible for the Airmanand his or her family whilestill meeting the needs of theAir Force.”For more information, contactcommand support staffpersonnel, the base careerassistance advisor or the AirForce Contact Center at 800-665-5000.Commando angelsPhoto by Airman 1st Class Joe RiveraThe 2006 Angel Tree project was responsible for providing242 children with holiday presents worth more than $14,000.It was sponsored by the Company Grade Officer Council andchaired by 2nd Lt. Lori Batz, 1st Special Operations LogisticsReadiness Squadron. The 1st Special Operations Wing andthe base tenant units participated, with special recognitionto the 505th Training Squadron, who donated $3,000, and tothe CGOC, who donated $1,300.Cont’d. from MAJORS,page 31st Special OperationsHelicopter MaintenanceSquadronBernabe Whitfield1st Special OperationsLogistics ReadinessSquadronNicole Fuller1st Special OperationsMedical OperationsSquadronDavid Brazeau11th IntelligenceSquadronSteven Rose18th Flight Test SquadronJames BrownStacie Ross720th Operations SupportSquadronPatrick ColletteEdmund LoughranIDEAWORKS/UWFCS Edition 02, COMMANDO,5 x 6.0621998, 621998CS/UWFCOMMANDO17