July - Westover Air Reserve Base, Mass

PATRIOT | NEWSAFRC commander visits Westoverby 1 st Lt. Andre BowserAs the leader of the Air Force Reserve Commandtoured the Patriot Wing June 4, thethree-star general made it a point to shake as manyhands as possible, connecting with troops in moreways than perhaps even he knew.Making his way through a group of Airmen, Lt.Gen. James Jackson shook the hand of one particularlynervous Airman who dropped a ballpointpen after greeting the general.Lt. Gen. Jackson could have moved on. Hecould have made his way to greet others in line,especially given the thunderstorm that was fastapproaching Westover and the fact that his aircraftmight be grounded before he could returnto his headquarters in Georgia. But he stopped.Kneeling down to the retrieve the pen, Lt. Gen.Jackson, in that smallest of gestures, exhibitedthe second core value that every Airman shouldcarry: Air Force Core Values: 1. Integrity First, 2.Service before self, 3. Excellence in all we do.Lt. Gen. Jackson said he traveled to Westover because there isno better way to connect with Airmen than to travel to wherethey are.“I love my job at thePentagon, and my staffat my headquarters,” hesaid, but he added thatthose environments areinsulated by several layersfrom the needs of theeveryday Airman. “WhenI go on the road and meetthe units - that’s the bestway to learn where theproblems are.”The main problems heis finding are related tofunding availability - or the lackthereof - for many Air ForceReserve initiatives across thecountry, he said, including military construction lags, as well asfunding for aircraft upgrades and training for personnel, amongothers. However, he said, the solution rests in the Airmen hemeets and the endurance they display by doing more with less.“Every member knows they are a valued member of the team,”Lt. Gen. Jackson said, adding that it is up to the members towork efficiently in order to “make the best choices for the AirForce Reserve.”TOUR TALK >> Lt. Gen. James Jackson, commander of Air Force Reserve, meetsSrA. Christopher Whelihan, 439 th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, during his tourof Westover. Also pictured from left are are Lt. Lt. Col. Col. Luis Luis Nunez, maintenance MXG deputy group commander,commander, AFRC Command AFRC CMSgt. Command Cameron CMSgt. Kirksey, Cameron and Col. Kirksey, Kerry and Kohler, Col. Kerry 439 thdeputyMXG Kohler, commander. 439 th MXG commander. (photo by SrA. (photo Kelly Galloway)by SrA. Kelly Galloway)RANGE OF RANK >> Lt. Gen. James Jacksonshakes the hand of 1 st Lt. Matthew Borowski, 439 thAirlift Control Flight, while Col. Michael Miller, 439 thOperations Group commander looks on. (photoby SrA. Kelly Galloway)Touring several squadrons on base, accompanied by the newAFRC Command CMSgt. Cameron Kirksey, Lt. Gen. Jacksonlearned about the functions of different shops in keeping ouraircraft in the air and the base running smoothly.In a word, the general said he was “impressed.”His visit came in the middle of a tough fiscal climate,and he said no matter the challenges ahead, puttingAirmen first would always be his mandate becausewithout them there wouldn’t be an Air Force Reserveto lead.“It’s going to be a difficult time,” he said, referring tocuts mandated by Congress that would see Westoverwith half the aircraft it currently has by 2014, as wellas furloughs presently facing many civilians and airreserve technicians. “We can work our way throughthe turbulence,” he assured.Lt. Gen. Jackson said tours of bases likeWestover only affirm what he already knows.“We have an outstanding group of Airmenhere: Great teams, great leaders, great Airmen,”he said of Westover.“The problem we’refacing is funding, but we’ll make our way just fine.”In parting, just minutes before he boarded the small aircraftdestined for Georgia, the storm clouds fast approaching, he offereda unique bit of advice to the Patriot Wing to help ensurethat we continue to be “Leaders In Excellence” in the future:“Don’t be afraid to look for better ways of doing business… tomake the best choices for the Air Force Reserve.”

ART creates furloughsurvival tipsby MSgt. Andrew Biscoe“People say I might be nuts forsaying this, but I’m embracing thefurloughs.”MSgt. Ellen Moore is an air reservetechnician assigned to the 42 ndAerial Port Squadron, and a singlemom with one son.“We had enough notice, so I’veplanned financially,” she said. “I livewithin my means anyway. I hide mymoney, not forgetting where I put it,of course, but so I won’t spend it.”MSgt. Moore has been at Westoverfor 18 years. She’s well-knownthroughout her squadron and recentlytook part in getting APSARTs together to figure out how todeal with the furloughs.“I’ve bulked up on food, paperproducts and cleaning products. Mycellar looks like a grocery store,” shesaid. “Clipping coupons takes time,but it saves so much money.”As does breaking other habits thateat up budgets.“Think about the $12 or so youspend each week getting that coffeeat the drive-through,” she said. “Youcan save so much by cutting down onthat alone. You can make your lunchat home before you come to work.”“Shop wisely,” MSgt. Moore said.“Follow the flyers. Save your ATmoney.”She was referring to annual tourmoney, which MSgt. Moore depositsin a separate bank account.“I came up with a savings in mybudget that amounted to $3,300 duringthe year,” she said. “I could spendthat in a year on scratch tickets.”The Department of Defense isscheduled to begin the furloughsJuly 8. More than 750 civilians andARTs at Westover will take 11 daysof unpaid leave through the end ofSeptember.PATRIOT | PAGE 5New aircraft fuel systemlanding at Westoverby TSgt. George CloutierGassing up planes at Westover is aboutto get a big improvement, thanks to a recentlyawarded $24.5 million fuel hydrantsystem funded by the Defense LogisticsAgency.The military construction contract wasawarded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,New England District. The Corpsof Engineers will manage and supervisethe project which will be accomplishedby Structural Associates, Inc. of EastSyracuse, N.Y.“We’ve been working with the samefueling infrastructure that has beenhere since the days of the Strategic AirCommand when B-52s were flying outof Westover” said Col. Steven Vautrain,439 th Airlift Wing commander. “A C-5can hold 323,000 pounds of fuel. Thisnew system is going to greatly increaseour ability to deliver that fuel to aircraftas quickly and safely as possible, which isabsolutely mission essential.”“This project is going to totally replacethe C-5 fuel hydrant system and supportinfrastructure on the ramp,” said Capt.Brett Bailey, 439 th Civil EngineeringSquadron. He also serves as a civilianPOPE’S PUNS |with base civil engineering as chief ofdesign. “The project will construct apressurized hydrant fuel system with 14hydrant outlets and two 210,000-poundabove-ground fuel storage tanks,” hesaid. “Work will include modifying theexisting pumphouse, and constructingnew truck fillstands, a hydrant hose truckcheckout, product recovery system, andmodifying the existing transfer pipeline.Upgrading this system will be a hugebenefit to the 439 th AW in continuing tomeet its mission.”Upgrading the existing fueling infrastructureon the aircraft parking ramp isno small feat and comes with a huge coordinationeffort between many Westoverorganizations.“With the project scheduled to startin September and take about two yearsto complete, that impacts a lot of operationsand requires close coordinationwith many agencies here on base,” Capt.Bailey said. “CE, Corps of Engineers, aircraftmaintenance, airfield management,security forces, and fuels are all tirelesslyworking to ensure the project goessmoothly. We’re going to be conductingan elephant ballet out there for two yearsand we have a world-class team doing it.”by W.C.Pope

PATRIOT | NEWSEDITOR’S NOTE: SrA. Kelly Galloway interviewed Chaplain(Capt.) Matthew Zimmerman to find out more about Westover’s fulltimechaplain. Chaplain Zimmerman’s office is in Bldg. 1100 on WalkerAvenue.Why or what made you decide to or inspired you to join themilitary?I’ve always had a bit of a superhero complex. Ihave always felt compelled to make a difference...to save the world. That was part of it. However,when you ask this question to a chaplain, theanswer better have something to do with God!Seriously, though... for me, I believe the militarywas and is a part of God’s plan for me. As Iwrapped up high school, it was very clear to methat West Point was the path for me to take.How long have you been in?I joined the Army June 15, 1997 when I tookthe oath entering West Point. I transitionedfrom active duty in December 2004 to go to theseminary. I switched from the Army Reserve tothe Air Force Reserve in 2008.Tell me a bit about your experiences at West Point - a memorablemoment/life experience?West Point taught me a lot about me: my values, my priorities,and my resolve. My freshman year was extraordinarily difficult(even by West Point standards). I became THE target of the wrathof all three upper classes for about three months. I nearly failedout during my first semester. However, I eventually overcame andgraduated. I learned my breaking point, the strength of my faith,and the true depth of our need to be connected to people aroundus. As a senior, I was on the command staff and repeatedly spokeand represented the Corps of Cadets to people on the outside. Inshort, it grew from near disaster to an experience I am quite proudof. I was on the rowing (crew) team, served as director of the CadetRadio Station, helped facilitate the annual military skills competitionbetween West Point, Sandhurst (the U.K.’s version of WestPoint), and countless ROTC teams.What did you do before you became a chaplain?I was an Army armor officer. I commandedtanks and scouts.Have you ever deployed?I was stationed at Camp Casey, Korea asa tank platoon leader from 2002 to 2003.I was deployed to Iraq during OperationIraqi Freedom from 2003 to 2004. In Iraq,I served as a scout platoon leader. We wereactive in the hunt for Saddam, apprehendinghigh value targets, and the collectionof weapons. We were involved in missionsacross Western Iraq in which my guys andI conducted countless raids resulting in thedetention and arrest of about 30 knowninsurgent leaders and the discovery/seizureof two of the largest weapons caches to date.We were engaged in several direct conflictsand my Bradley Fighting Vehicle struck a land mine during a nightpatrol. I’m pleased to say that every one of my guys made it home.I received the Bronze Star primarily because I had some incrediblepeople and we took care of each other and the mission.What made you decide to become a chaplain?As I hinted above, I live and orient my life by asking God whathe would have me do...when I was in Iraq, I believe that he gave mevery clear instructions that this is what I am to do. I simply choseto listen and do it.What do you love most about being a chaplain?TROOP TALK |What is your favorite summertime vacation destination?“Some place Tropical like an island or Hawaii. Ihave always wanted to visit Hawaii.”>>Amn. Christopher Sayre439 th Maintenance Squadron“ M y i d e a ls u m m e rvacationdestinationi s a l w a y ssomewherein the Carribean.I’ve been thinking about the Bahamasbecause I haven’t been there yet. It would beone of the quieter islands.”>>SrA. Aida Tellado439 th Communication Squadron“I love going home to St. Thomas.Anytime I get to leaveConnecticut, it’s a vacation.”>>SrA. Kia Chapman42 nd Aerial Port Squadron

PATRIOT | PAGE 13SouthwestAsia, for six monthsin 2007. He said that deployment was oneof the most memorable times of his careerbecause he learned more about the AirForce then than in the previous 22 years.More than once, people could be hearddescribing him as “the last of the last.”What does this mean?“No one will find anyone like me whohas done these things,” he said. “I guessit’s the old-school flying, the raw datastuff, no GPS, flying the one airframemy whole career and my 22 years here atWestover.”He is the last of his breed. He was thelast of those four lieutenants selected togo to the C-5, has just shy of 8,000 flyinghours, has flown missions for everymajor operation since 1986, has seen anddone just about everything with the C-5,including taking a Christmas tree toSomalia, and is the last of a generationof Westover pilots, including former vicewing commanders Col. Michael Martenand the late Col. PatrickCloutier.“My best friendsin the world comefrom this base andwe do the mission forthe shared experiences,”he said as hetalked about gettingtogether withold friends at an after-workbarbecuescheduled on his lastUTA.“When we get together,we revisit thesestories, and they get embellished overtime, but it’s about the stories. That’s whywe do it,” he said.Lt. Col. Cooke’s retirement ceremonyincluded Maj. Gen. Wade Farris, 22 nd AirForce commander. Maj. Gen. Farris, 439 thAirlift Wing commander from August2003 until June 2008, was the presidingofficial at the ceremony. The nearly 200people who attended the ceremony providedevidence of the quality of Lt. Col.Cooke’s character, the general said.“He worked for me as a pilot and as asafety officer and he is someone I coulddepend on to get the job done with integrityand safety,” Maj. Gen. Farris said.Lt. Col. Cooke’s retirement speechincluded some of those amazing storiesand records - and somepauses. He sought to regain his emotionsas he prepared to close a chapter ofhis life as an Air Force officer.“My whole career at Westover has beengood and I’ll always be a member of the337 th ,” he said, clutching the microphoneand looking out over the audience. “I lovethe airplane, but it’s nothing without thepeople.”-- ENCLOSURE continued from page 8line at Lackland Air Force Base, (part of Joint Base San Antonio)Texas, soon, to build the next one.Not only can this enclosure hold the movable tail stand, ithas its own heating, lighting and fire suppression system. Thecompact fluorescent lights in the new structure provide muchneeded increased lighting for the maintainers.“I think it’s brighter than the existing hangar,” Moore said.Westover is one of only two bases performing isochronalmaintenance for all active duty, reserve, and Air NationalGuard C-5s. Maintenance workers perform this specializedwork in a former B-36 hangar which could not accommodatethe 65-foot high C-5 tail. Over the years, New England’srenowned ferocious winters, which includes wind, snow, andsub-zero temperatures, impacting maintenance schedules.The new structure adds 12,550 square feet of climate controlledworkspace to the regional isochronal hangar. Fourpeople are required to safely open or close each half. Once thedoors are either fully opened or closed there are 10 massive handoperated locks that engage with receptacles in the concrete.This new structure is 80 feet 5 inches tall at its peak, whichis 13 feet taller than the existing hangar it joins. Production ofthe hangar took a crew of seven, plus three separate cranes.Terry Nichols, one of the builders on the project, spoke on thecoordination and effort required to assemble this behemoth.“Picking up big iron like that, you have got to be safe. Positioninga 16,000-pound beam can be tricky,” he said.As busy as the RISO has been over the last few years, competingfor enclosed work space has necessitated the addition of themobile tail enclosure. This is intended to be a temporary fix toa long-term issue in that Westover only has one hangar thatcan enclose the entire C-5. Plans still call for construction of anew maintenance complex which will be large enough to holda C-5’s 247-foot-long fuselage, nose to tail and all.

PATRIOT | NEWSWESTOVER PATRIOTS |New LRS commanderSF exerciseSFS-XRUNNING BASE SECURITY >> Members of the 439 th SecurityForces Squadron hold a stretcher during the annualSquad challenge held on the June UTA. Security forcesdefenders competed in events that tested leadership,teamwork, physical ability, and deployed/home stationjob knowledge. (photo by TSgt. Brian Boynton)LRS CHANGES COMMAND >> Lt. Col. Michael Pirrone addresses theAirmen of the 439 th Logistics Readiness Squadron June 1 in the BaseHangar. Lt. Col. Pirrone assumed command of LRS from Col. MichaelBuoniconti June 1. Lt. Col. Pirrone, a 1993 Air Force Academy graduate,has served in the Air Force for 20 years and is a veteran of fivedeployments, including a six-month deployment in Afghanistan in2012. (photo by TSgt. Brian Boynton)WestoverenlistedworkshopENLISTED WORKSHOP >> One hundred-ten PatriotWing enlisted members gathered in the WestoverConference Center June 3-4. Airmen learnedmore about their careers through team-building,public speaking tips, and mentoring. (photos byTSgt. Brian Boynton)

PROMOTIONSSenior MasterSergeantDavid BerkebileMaster SergeantPaul Baptist IIICecil CalvinRyan ConnollyShawn DominikShannon GrattonSammy KirklandJamie SerranoGary SurozenskiTechnical Sgt.Scott GomesRandy HallGregory HarperJanai LeeJoseph MahoneyPhilip McCarthyAdam PlattBrooke RoseMichael ValentinEric WilcoxStaff SergeantRichard AcevedoJeffrey BaggeRobert Bergendahl IIIStephanie CataldoMargaret GabrielJason MainvilleDavid McMaughTeneisha RaginThomas Rowland IIIWalter SelkirkNathan TetreaultRETIREMENTS |Sgt. Justin ClarkMaster SergeantJon TemplemanSteven WetmorePATRIOT | PAGE 15FACES OF WESTOVERSgt. Justin ClarkMarine Air Support Squadron 6One day before the tragic events of Sept.11, 2001, then-20-year-old Justin Clark,of Chicopee, Mass., officially swore intothe United States Marine Corps.The following day, he was at a friend’shouse when he witnessed the events onlive television. “I remember being veryangry,” he said. He left the house in completeshock. “That morning was beautiful;not a cloud in sight… sunny, warm, nobreeze and two kids playing in the frontyard oblivious to what had happened,” hestated. It was then he realized our lives asAmericans had been changed forever.After a lateral move from his prior careerfield as a machine gunner in 2008,Sgt. Clark currently serves as a small armsrepairman, commonly referred to as an armorer.His responsibilities are to inspect,maintain and conduct maintenance on allweapons and optics within the squadronarmory.-- SrA. Kelly GallowayTechnical sergeantJeffrey SurprenantSteve TraughSenior AirmanErik St. GermainDonna LeonardCody LewisDaniel KingIan WilliamsAirman First ClassJordan DuffyRonald GeronimoMatthew FairbanksCody LuukasikDale NasutaMichael NataleAndrew NorrisWillie PearsonJonathan ZeliskoAirmanElias MartinsSERVICES CALENDER |Submitted by Mollie Anello, services marketing assistantCLUB >> The Grind is now open! Featuring protein shakes, salads, wraps, sandwiches,coffee and much more! Located in the lobby of the Fitness Center, openfrom 6 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and on UTAs.BOWLING >> The Bowling Center is finally re-opening so join the “Have-a-BallLeague” today! Upon completion of the League All Bowlers will receive a ball,bag and bowling towel. Bowlers will also enjoy extra entries into the Summerprogram: “Beat the Heat”!FITNESS CENTER >> Sign up today for the “Gate-to-Gate Fun Run”! Starting at 8a.m., July 18. Can you go the distance?OUTDOOR RECREATION >> Summer weather is upon us! Stop by outdoor rec forcampers, kayaks, canoes, boats and more to enjoy the outdoors!westoverservices.com

PATRIOT | NEWS| www.westover.afrc.af.milA UTA JULY 13-14| B UTA JULY 27-28439 th Airlift Wing975 Patriot Ave., Box 49Westover ARBChicopee, Mass. 01022-1825FIRST CLASSUS POSTAGEPAIDPublished monthly for Patriots like SSgt.Kellie Miller, of Monson, Mass., and morethan 5,500 people assigned to WestoverAir Reserve Base.TOUCHDOWN >> A Patriot Wing aircrew settles some 400,000 pounds of C-5 onto the runway at Westover June 4. Airmenwith the 337 th Airlift Squadron fly local training missions over western Massachusetts, and take to the skies over northernNew England for bi-weekly air refueling missions. (photo by Thomas Overlock, stringer photographer)