LEARNING TO LEAD Airman Appreciation

16 Pages·2017·47.53 MB·English

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from deployment
A
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LEARNING
TO LEAD
Initiative takes
Airman
ALS grads to
visit helping
Appreciation
agencies
Summer kicks off with free
Page 5 activities, food at Otter Lake
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PHOTO FEATURE
Long-awaited return
Maj. Ruben Otero is greeted by his wife, Courtney, and their son, Gavin, at Joint Base
Elmendorf-Richardson’s Hangar 1 May 13. Nearly 300 paratroopers from U.S. Army
Alaska’s 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, were
returning from a nine-month deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Free-
dom’s Sentinel. (U.S. Army photos/John Pennell)
LEFT: Brittany Rimgale looks for her husband, Staff Sgt. Tim Rimgale, among the nearly
300 returning paratroopers.
ABOVE: Paratroopers stand in formation at Hangar 1 for a brief cer-
emony before being released to friends and family.
LEFT: Kelsey Foster and her daughter Claire anticipate the arrival of
husband and father Sgt. Ashton Foster.
ON THE COVER: Sgt. Anton Foster and his wife Kelsey embrace.
A W
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson/ RCTIC ARRIOR JBER Public Affairs Chief
673d Air Base Wing Commander Maj. John Ross (USAF)
Col. George T.M. Dietrich III (USAF)
Public Affairs Operations Chief
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson/ The Arctic Warrior is published by Wick Communica- available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, Dana Rosso
tions, a private firm in no way connected with the Department color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status,
673d Air Base Wing Vice Commander
of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or the Department physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit
COL. Adam W. Lange (USA) of the Army, under exclusive written contract with the Joint factor of the purchaser, user or patron. Public Affairs Superintendent
Base Elmendorf-Richardson Public Affairs Office. To advertise in the Arctic Warrior, please call (907) Master Sgt. Joshua Jasper
This civilian enterprise newspaper is an authorized pub- 561-7737. Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson/
lication for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of by the Arctic Warrior staff.
673d Air Base Wing Command Chief the Arctic Warrior are not necessarily the official views of, or Editorial office and mailing address: JBER Public Affairs, Arctic Warrior staff
Chief Master Sgt. endorsed by, the U.S. government, Department of Defense, the 10480 Sijan Ave., Suite 123, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richard- Chris McCann - editor
Charles C. Orf Department of the Air Force or the Department of the Army. son, AK 99506; telephone [phone]. Jeremiah Erickson - managing editor
The appearance of advertising in this publication, includ- Send emails about news stories and story submissions
ing inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by to [email protected]. Deadline for article and Justin Connaher - photo editor
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson/ U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the Department photos is 4:30 p.m., Monday, for the week of publication. Ed Cunningham - webmaster
673d Air Base Wing Sergeant Major of the Air Force, the Department of the Army, or Wick Com- Articles and photos will be published on a space-available
munications of the products or services advertised. basis and are subject to editing by the Arctic Warrior staff.
Sgt. Maj. Jerry H. Byrd Jr.
Everything advertised in this publication shall be made Submission does not guarantee publication.
2 VOLUME 10 • NO. 19 • MAY 18, 2018
NEWS
673d MDG units, personnel take service-level awards
By SENIOR AIRMAN respective specialties.
CURT BEACH These Airmen reflect the
JBER Public Affairs extraordinary quality of Air
Force medics, and their ac-
A host of 673d Medical complishments exempli-
Group units and personnel fied expertise, leadership
were recognized as the 2017 and commitment across the
Pacific Air Forces Medi- full breadth of support they
cal Service Award Winners, provide to the Air Force
representing the best in the mission and the joint team,
command. said the Air Force Surgeon
“Wow, what an awesome General.
job competing against all the The 673d Medical Sup-
military treatment facilities, port Squadron medical lo-
units and medics across PA- gistics flight was named the
CAF,” said Air Force Col. Air Force Large Medical
Tambra Yates, 673d MDG Logistics Team of the Year.
commander. “These awards Staff Sgt. Travis McAd-
highlight the top-notch, pa- ams, 673d Medical Sup-
tient-centered work each and port Squadron, was named
every one of you delivers on the Air Force Diet Therapy The Air Force recognized many Airmen and units of the 673d Medical Group as best
a daily basis. I am so proud Noncommissioned Officer in the Air Force recently. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Crystal A. Jenkins)
of all of you.” of the Year and Staff Sgt. possible without the flight yesterday was the worst day leased, and rent is due every
After their excellent Michael Keely, Jr., 673d leadership and dedication to of your life or the best day. day.’ A positive attitude and
showing at the command Surgical Operations Squad- patient care my coworkers Tomorrow is a new day. A strong work ethic will get
level, the units and individu- ron, was named Air Force demonstrate each and every quote that resonates with you far in life,” Keely said.
als competed at the Air Force Diagnostic Imaging Airman day. me, and I continue to use it For a complete listing of
level, where one of the units of the Year. “I think the most import- to motivate myself comes the Air Force Medical Ser-
and two of the individuals “Earning this award is ab- ant thing for anyone to re- from J.J. Watt, Houston Tex- vice 2017 Award Winners,
were selected as the best in solutely a team effort,” Keely member is that every day is ans defensive end, who said, visit www.airforcemedicine.
the entire service in their said. “It wouldn’t have been a new opportunity. Whether ‘success is never owned, it’s af.mil/.
MAY 18, 2018 • VOLUME 10 • NO. 19 3
NEWS
Airman Appreciation Day will feature free food, activities
By SENIOR AIRMAN
this summer.” suit soccer, inflatable darts,
CURT BEACH
Planners are asking all volleyball, horseshoes, video
JBER Public Affairs
noncommissioned officers games and card games.
Joint Base Elmen- to get involved to demon- “The intent is to provide
dorf-Richardson will host strate appreciation for their an opportunity to socialize
an Airmen Appreciation Day Airmen. in an environment that is
at Otter Lake at 2 p.m. June 1. “It can be easy to take safe, consistent with Air
More than 20 service for granted all the hard work Force core values and offer
members and supporters they do, and it’s important an opportunity to meet some
across JBER have come to keep in mind their contri- new folks or coworkers rare-
together to create the event, butions to mission accom- ly seen outside work and
Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson will host an Airman
which invites senior airmen plishment,” Cole said. “The establish relationships and Appreciation Day at Otter Lake at 2 p.m. June 1. (U.S. Air
and below, plus a guest each, significance of showing our friendships,” said Air Force Force photo/Senior Airman Christopher Morales)
to participate in an afternoon appreciation is to instill the Master Sgt. Jeremy Bostock nefarious, unethical or illegal “Provided [the event] is
of free food and activities. fact that the Air Force’s mis- of the 673d Air Base Wing behavior,” Bostock said. successful, we have every
“It’s one thing to tell sion truly takes a team effort. Legal Office. Cole encourages Airmen intention of making this a
our Airmen how much they If we don’t show our appre- The event can help Air- to attend not only for the fel- joint venture going forward,”
mean,” said Air Force Mas- ciation, esprit de corps may men manage stress and help lowship, free food and activi- Cole said. “A very import-
ter Sgt. Christopher Cole, suffer and positive attitudes them make positive choices ties, but also for the high-end ant Department of Defense
673d Communications may take a downward spiral. that may help them down the prizes they’ll be giving away. objective is well-integrated
Squadron cyber surety sec- This can lead to us losing our road when they need avenues “Don’t be late because we joint operations. This event
tion chief, “But it’s another most valuable resource – the to cope, Bostock said. have a hunch there will be a will transfer well with fos-
thing to actually show them. Airmen who make it possible “The hope is maybe they door buster prize giveaway,” tering joint relationships that
As we approach summer, to fly, fight and win.” will find a passion for an ac- Cole said. benefit multiple branches.”
we want to provide Airmen Activities include paint- tivity that will be available to While this is the first iter- For information, visit
an opportunity to see and ball, kayaking, paddle boats, them through the rest of the ation of the event, the coor- https://jber.eis.pacaf.af.mil/
experience first-hand many stand-up paddle boards, in- summer to let off steam ver- dinators want to expand it in CommunitySites/TAA/SiteP-
of the activities they can do flatable jousting, bubble ball sus engaging in some other the future. ages/Home.aspx.
4 VOLUME 10 • NO. 19 • MAY 18, 2018
NEWS
Initiative shows ALS grads base resources
By AIRMAN 1ST CLASS
CRYSTAL JENKINS
JBER Public Affairs
More than 80 Airman
Leadership School gradu-
ates from Joint Base Elmen-
dorf-Richardson took part
May 10 in a new Pacific Air
Forces-wide initiative for all
ALS graduates to reinforce
information obtained in Ini-
tial Supervisor Resiliency
Training.
At the forefront of this
initiative is a bus tour the
day after graduation, which
offers an opportunity for the
graduates to interact with
programs and resources dis-
cussed during the course.
“About halfway through
ALS, an Emergent Leader-
ship Issues lesson is taught,”
said Air Force Master Sgt.
Darrell Delacruz, 673d Air
Jason Pressler, Polar Express Arts and Crafts woodcraft instructor, speaks to Airman Leadership School graduates
Base Wing Professional about the Woodcraft Shop May 10. The graduates interacted with resources discussed during the course. (U.S. Air
Military Education instruc- Force photos/Airman 1st Class Crystal Jenkins)
tor. “Our goal is to provide perspective on the very real “Taking this tour has defi- However, being able to use that can help assist their
our first-line supervisors chance we will run into po- nitely broadened my view for our sister service’s programs troops during hard times,”
the information about re- tential issues these agencies opportunities for utilizing can greatly increase our ef- Delacruz said. “Knowing
siliency services offered on can help with.” base resources,” said Coast fectiveness.” where services are and the
our base so they can help Military members all go Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class For noncommissioned resources they can offer will
their subordinates in times through tough times, but not Christopher Reed, of the Sec- officers of all branches of better them as a person and
of need.” all supervisors have experi- tor Anchorage engineering service, working together to as a supervisor.
ALS is a mandatory enced situations their troops division. “Sector Anchorage positively impact the lives of “We need to be able to
course that senior airmen might be facing. has a few of its own smaller subordinates and one another support our Airmen, to be
typically must attend before Having knowledge of versions of programs such is a high priority. there for them and help them
pinning on staff sergeant. available resources can help as SAPR, EO, and Morale, “This tour gives each become resilient so they can
It is a leadership course them assist everyone. Welfare and Recreation. graduate critical knowledge perform their best.”
which provides the founda-
tion of how to be an effective
leader and supervisor.
Agencies visited includ-
ed Sexual Assault and Pre-
vention, the Warrior Zone,
the Equal Opportunity of-
fice, Behavioral Health and
the Outdoor Recreation Cen-
ter.
“Today’s tour was ex-
tremely beneficial in a lot of
ways,” said Senior Airman
Larry Brown, 673d ABW
Judge Advocate General of-
fice paralegal. “Many of us
heard acronyms of agencies
we could send our troops
to, but it didn’t really click
until we were standing in the
offices, talking to the mem-
bers who run them. I think
we all have an improved
understanding of not only
what agencies are available Tyler Glen, Outdoor Recreation director, speaks to speaks to Airman Leadership School graduates at Joint Base
Elmendorf-Richardson May 10. The graduates took part in a new Pacific Air Forces-wide initiative for all ALS grad-
on base, but how they can
uates to reinforce information from Initial Supervisor Resiliency Training. At the forefront of this initiative is a bus
help. It also gave me a better tour which offers an opportunity to see and interact with the programs and resources discussed during the course.
MAY 18, 2018 • VOLUME 10 • NO. 19 5
COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
Friday rior? Visit Hangar 5 at 1 p.m. for this class on building a JBER Library to experiment
Food trivia night and show JBER on the battle 3-D wooden bear from 6:30 and think about science from Chapel
Test your culinary knowl- rig. For information, call to 9:30 p.m. Safety certifica- 6:30 to 7 p.m. For informa-
edge at the Arctic Oasis start- 552-5353. tion is required before class; tion, call 384-1640. services
ing at 6 p.m. For information, open to ages 16 and older.
call 552-8529. Thursday – Friday For more information, call Library Story Times
Catholic Mass
End of School bashes 384-3717. The JBER Library hosts
Sunday
Pet fun run JBER School-Age Cen- Story Times on Tuesdays
9 a.m. – Arctic Warrior Chapel
Eagleglen Fitness Park ters celebrate the end of the Anchorage Market and Thursdays from 10 to 11 Monday and Wednesday
hosts this event starting at year. Illa’s bash is Thursday Starting May 12, the a.m. and Tuesdays 6:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Arctic Warrior
Chapel
6 p.m.; all pets participating from 4 to 5 p.m.; Kennecott downtown market is open 7 p.m.; Toddler Story Time
Tuesday
get a goodie bag. For infor- hosts their bash from 1 to 4 at the 3rd Avenue and E is Wednesdays from 10 to Noon – JBER hospital chapel
mation, call 552-5353. p.m. Friday. Street parking lot. More than 10:30 a.m. Friday
Noon – JBER hospital chapel
Also Friday, Ketchikan 300 vendors bring fresh pro- For more information on
Saturday SAP hosts their bash from 11 duce, exotic goods and Alas- this and other library events,
Paws to Read a.m. to 1 p.m., and 2Rivers ka products, plus live music call 384-1640. Confession
Head to the JBER Library, celebrates from 3 to 6 p.m. and food. For more informa- Confessions are available any-
time by appointment or after
where children in Kinder- For information, contact your tion, visit anchoragemarkets. Model railroading
any mass. Call 552-5762.
garten through 5th grade can child’s youth center. com. The Military Society of
read to a service dog from 10 Model Railroad Engineers Protestant Sunday
a.m. to noon. For informa- May 28 Civil Air Patrol meets at 7 p.m. Tuesday worship services
tion, call 384-1640. Anchorage Remembers Adult members of the and 1 p.m. Saturday in the Liturgical
9 a.m. – Heritage Chapel
Anchorage remembers the Civil Air Patrol meet at the basement of Matanuska Hall.
Gospel
Armed forces color run mem and women who gave Aero Club Hangar the first Anyone interested in model 9:30 a.m. – Midnight Sun Chapel
The Warrior Zone is the their lives in service of the and third Tuesdays of each railroading is invited. Contemporary
11 a.m. – Arctic Warrior Chapel
hub for this 5K run starting at country with this Memorial month. Cadets meet every They also host an open
10:40 a.m. with a burger burn Day ceremony at the Delaney Saturday. For information, house every third Saturday
Religious Education
after the race. Costumes are Park Strip from 9:30 to 10:30 call 350-7951. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For schedules, call the
encouraged. For information, a.m. For information, call For more information, call Religious Operations Center at
call 552-2266 or 384-1508. 720-3923. Thursday science club 552-4353, or visit trainweb. 552-5762.
Youth are invited to the org/msmrre.
Tuesday June 4 through 8
Bear awareness Vacation Bible School Military Spouse Appreciation
Learn how to deal with – The Arctic Warrior Chap-
or avoid dealing with – bears el hosts this event from 9 a.m.
at this class from 5:30 to 6:30 to noon each day for children
p.m. at Building 4414. Learn who will be going into first
to be more comfortable while through sixth grades. For
recreating in Alaska. For information, call 552-5762
information, call 552-2023. or visit facebook.com/JBER-
Chaplain.
Tuesday – Wednesday
Entrepreneurship class Ongoing
Considering starting a Live healthy, save big
business? Visit the Air Force The JBER Commissary
Transition Assistance Pro- is participating in the Healthy
gram office from 8 a.m. to 4 Lifestyle Festival through
p.m. each day for this two- early July. Keep an eye out
day workshop and learn what for sidewalk sales of pro-
it takes. For information, call duce and fitness gear, as well
552-6619 or 384-4943. as events, at commissaries.
com.
Kate Thompson, 673d Force Support Squadron recreational assistant, reviews opportu-
Thursday
nities with spouses about the Outdoor Adventure Program and Women in the Wilder-
Alpha Warrior Woodshop class ness during the Military Spouse Appreciation Expo at the Arctic Warrior Event Center
Think you have what it Every Friday in May, head on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson May 10. The Women in the Wilderness program
includes activities such as tubing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, safety training
takes to be the Alpha War- to the Arts and Crafts Center
and more. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Caitlin Russell)
6 VOLUME 10 • NO. 19 • MAY 18, 2018
MATTERS OF FAITH
Learning to ‘abide’ is an antidote to busy life
By AIR FORCE CHAPLAIN It does not work to ignore our so deeply in another, we are absorbed draw life from an outside source
(CAPT.) MARK HILL children for 50 weeks and then take a into their life. to be productive and fruitful. But
673d ABW Chaplain two-week vacation and try to rekindle Even if only for a few minutes at even plants need to draw water and
a relationship. a time, learning to abide in someone minerals; they don’t make them
During a leadership development The absurdity may be obvious to will impact us tremendously. themselves.
course on time management, we many of us, yet there are folks who The investment of abiding in an- Making a small investment of
studied the value of “Compounding attempt this method. other takes considerable intentional- time each day will better prepare
Minutes.” Healthy and vibrant relationships ity and commitment. us for whatever our day holds. The
Pastor Andy Stanley emphasized simply cannot be nurtured without Today, intimacy and relationships compounding investment of time
small investments of time have a regular contact. are constantly under threat by har- spent abiding or drawing life through
cumulative effect over a long period; The principle of compounding ried schedules, digital devices, and a variety of spiritual practices or dis-
even a little time given to a particular minutes has profound ramifications the stresses of our careers. We are ciplines each day will have profound
activity over a span of time will com- for our spiritual lives as well. restless people and often struggle to effects on our lives in ways we cannot
pound, like interest in an investment Just two days before hearing this slow down. comprehend.
fund. lesson, I had preached a message Saint Augustine famously wrote Those spiritual practices may
An example of this principle per- from John 15 where Jesus teaches in his Confessions, “You have formed vary, depending on your spiritual
tinent to all of us in the military is his followers to abide in him. As I us for yourself, and our hearts are or religious background, but I am
physical exercise. told the congregation, “abiding” is restless till they find rest in you.” thinking about things like prayer,
If we put in a little time two or not something we are particularly Sadly, a frantic and stressed life meditation, solitude, and reading
three days each week, we will be bet- familiar with these days. Most of us translates into a stressed spiritual from your faith’s sacred book.
ter prepared when we have a fitness are more comfortable abiding with life as well. All of these practices involve
assessment. our smartphones than we are with The concept of abiding, in my slowing down and taking time to
The alternative is not a plan for another person or even the source of experience, is the antidote to an over- draw refreshment from a well outside
success – a mad rush to get in shape our spiritual strength. whelmingly busy life and disconnect- of ourselves.
just before a test is downright scary. Abiding is the deliberate and un- ed relationships. In John 15:4-11, If you are looking for an alterna-
This principle is true for so many hurried investment in a relationship there is a connection between abiding tive to the chaos of our busy lives,
parts of our lives. As parents, we with another. It involves a thoughtful (drawing life from) and then bearing and want to add depth to your spiri-
know children need regular, small cultivation of trust and the patient fruit or being productive. tual life, make the commitment to in-
investments of our time every day listening to the needs and desires of This may seem counterintuitive vest a few minutes each day learning
if possible. the other person. To abide is to rest to us – that we must slow down and what it means to abide.
MAY 18, 2018 • VOLUME 10 • NO. 19 7
BRIEFS ANNEDW ASNNOUNCEMENTS
Community assessment 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays For information, call 353- process can be initiated. For programs. The Equipment
The Community Strengths through Fridays for civilian 6507. information, call 552-3595. Management Solutions Pro-
And Themes Assessment prescriptions and refills, and gram provides devices to
provides a voice for commu- Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 iSportsman enrollment Pothole repair print, scan, copy and fax.
nity members about quality p.m. for refills only. Anyone choosing to rec- The 773d Civil Engineer They also offer Document
of life. Fill out the survey at reate in JBER training areas Squadron encourages all Automation and Content Ser-
https://usaphcapps.amedd. Special victim counselor must obtain an iSportsman Joint Base Elmendorf-Rich- vices, a service for building
army.mil/Survey/se.ahx- The victims of sexual permit and sign in and out ardson personnel to report digital libraries of content.
?s=251137455DDCC5A4. assault are entitled to legal using the iSportsman system potholes. For holes in hous- The facility is open 7 a.m. to
assistance services. Commu- prior to recreating. ing areas, contact Aurora 3:30 p.m. Monday through
Disposition of effects nication is protected by attor- A pass costs $10; $5 for Housing at 753-1051. Other Friday. For information,
Army 1st Lt. Peter Kelch- ney-client privilege. The SVC those 60 and older and dis- requests will be tracked by visit documentservices.dla.
ner, 3rd Battalion (Airborne), ensures the victim’s rights are abled persons. 773d CES. mil, visit the office at 984
509th Infantry Regiment, 4th protected. These include be- Passholders may also Note the location, includ- Warehouse Street, or call
Brigade Combat Team, 25th ing treated with fairness and need an installation access ing cross-streets or build- 384-2901.
Infantry Division, is autho- respect; being reasonably pass. For information, visit ing numbers. Then email
rized to make disposition protected from the accused isportsman.jber.net, or call 773ces.ceoh.potholerepair@ OTC pharmacy counter
of personal effects of Spc. offender; being notified of 552-8609 or 384-6224. us.af.mil or call 552-2994 or The pharmacy at the
Gabriel Conde, 3-509th INF, court proceedings; being 552-2995. Include your JBER hospital has over-the-
as stated in Army Regulation present at all public court Reserve ‘Scroll’ contact information in case counter medication for DoD
638-2. proceedings related to the Officers wanting to transi- crews need to follow up. beneficiaries from 7:30 to
Any person or persons offense; being able to confer tion to the Air Force Reserve 10:30 a.m., Monday through
having claims for or against with the prosecutor; receiv- must have their commission DLA Document Services Friday. Flyers and those on
the estate of the deceased ing restitution; and receiv- transferred to a list called Defense Logistics Agency personnel reliability program
should contact Kelchner at ing information about the “the Scroll” and approved Document Services dupli- status, pregnant, or under the
[phone]. conviction, sentencing, im- by the Secretary of Defense. cates and prints documents, age of 2 are not eligible.
prisonment and offender re- The process averages 120 including color, large-format The clinic offers pain re-
Main Pharmacy hours lease. Eligible clients include days, but can take longer, photographic prints, engi- lievers; cough, cold and al-
The main JBER pharma- active duty of all branches and must be approved before neering drawings, sensitive lergy medications and nasal
cy, on the first floor of the of service, mobilized Re- participating in the Reserve, materials, technical manuals sprays; ointments; constipa-
JBER hospital near the Bear serve Component members, which may mean a break and training materials. tion and diarrhea medica-
entrance, is open from 7:30 retirees (and dependents of in service. Even if you’re They design, print and tions, and others. For infor-
a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The phar- these sponsors) who report unsure about transitioning distribute business cards, mation, visit www.facebook.
macy at the Exchange is open sexual assault. to the Air Force Reserve, the letterhead, invitations and com/JBERPharmacy.
8 VOLUME 10 • NO. 19 • MAY 18, 2018
NEWS
Force of a different color: Air Force to transition to OCP uniform
ed to transition to the OCP already wearing OCPs or Controller, etc.) will be at- uniform comes in 20 female
NEWS RELEASE
following feedback from equivalent two-piece flight tached to Velcro fabric on the sizes and 37 unisex sizes. Fe-
SECAF Public Affairs
Airmen that it is the best, suits. sleeves. All patches will be in male Airmen currently issued
WASHINGTON, D.C. — battle-tested utility uniform As with the Battle Dress subdued colors; headquarters the unisex uniform ... report
Air Force leaders announced available. It will also elim- Uniform, worn by all ser- patches and the U.S. flag will a better fit and higher morale
the service will move to a sin- inate the need to maintain vices until about 10 years be worn on the right shoulder, as a result.”
gle utility uniform, adopting separate uniforms for garri- ago, the OCP Airmen wear and unit patches and autho- Enlisted Airmen should
the Operational Camouflage son and deployments – and will have distinctive Air rized duty identifiers will be start to see an increase to
Pattern already in use by the it is a visible reminder of the Force features. worn on the left shoulder. their annual clothing allow-
Army and Airmen in combat service’s identity as a joint The name tape and Air Airmen can find guidance ances starting Oct. 1.
zones and certain jobs across warfighting force, Air Force Force lettering will be a for proper wear of the uni- “Many of our Airmen al-
the Air Force. officials said. spice-brown color, and form in the coming months ready have this uniform from
Starting Oct. 1, Airmen “We looked at all utility T-shirts and belts will be via an Air Force Guidance their numerous deployments,
who have serviceable OCPs uniforms currently in our tan. Most rank will also be Memorandum, followed by so they will be able to make
may wear the uniform, and inventory to find the best-of- in spice-brown thread. updates published in AFI the transition easily,” said
Airmen can purchase OCPs breed,” said Chief of Staff of Squadron patches will 36-2903. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air
at Army and Air Force Ex- the Air Force Gen. David L. also be worn on the OCP, Feedback from the force Force Kaleth O. Wright.
change Services at the fol- Goldfein. “We spoke to and said Goldfein. Bringing back indicated Airmen find the “For other Airmen, we must
lowing locations: Aviano Air listened to Airmen on this, squadron patches was among OCP more functional – from provide enough time for their
Base, Italy; Charleston Air and the OCP was the clear the recommendations made the slanted chest pockets to clothing allowance to fund
Force Base, South Carolina; choice.” by Airmen as part of the the easily-accessible shoul- the items to avoid out-of-
Shaw Air Force Base, South “The uniform works in ongoing effort to revitalize der pockets. Female Airmen pocket expenses.”
Carolina; and MacDill Air all climates – from Minot squadrons. have made it clear that this Effective April 1, 2019,
Force Base, Florida. These to Manbij – and across the “Unit patches express uniform is a better fit, as well. Airmen can purchase the
initial locations will allow spectrum of missions we squadron identity and heri- “The Army has done con- uniform at any AAFES store
uniform manufacturers to perform,” Goldfein added. tage – something our Airmen siderable work to make the that carries them and AAFES
produce additional stocks for “It’s suitable for our Airmen are incredibly proud of and OCPs a better-fitting uniform online services will open
other locations, eventually working on a flight line in want to celebrate,” he said. for female service members,” purchases to Airmen around
outfitting the total force in Northern Tier states and for Unit patches and special said Maj. Gen. Bob LaBrut- October 2019.
the coming months. those conducting patrols in functional identifiers (Secu- ta, director of military force The schedule will be up-
The service will fully the Middle East,” he said. rity Forces, Fire, Explosive management policy, deputy dated monthly on the AAFES
transition by April 1, 2021. More than 100,000 Air- Ordnance Disposal, Tactical chief of staff for manpower, and Air Force’s Personnel
Air Force leaders decid- men have been issued or are Air Control Party, Combat personnel and services. “The Center websites.
MAY 18, 2018 • VOLUME 10 • NO. 19 9
NEWS
Son discusses father’s Medal of Honor
By SENIOR AIRMAN May 7 through 10. in order to not violate any Lima Site 85 were finally
CURT BEACH Cory recalled the moment treaties, Etchberger and his declassified in 1986, and
JBER Public Aff airs he and his family learned of team were discharged from Etchberger’s three sons, and
his father’s death. the military, in order to per- the rest of the world, learned
March 11, 1968. “We were sitting at the form their pivotal mission the truth about their father.
Outnumbered and strand- dining room table in our as civilians working for a “March 11, 1968, was not
ed on an enemy-littered Pennsylvania home,” Cory defense contractor. the fi rst time Dick Etchberger
mountain, he fought for his said. “We had just fi nished The men of the radar bomb ever helped someone,” Cory
life. His entire team lay dead eating dinner, and my mother scoring team and their wives said. “In his senior yearbook,
or injured around him. With had just served us strawberry signed secrecy agreements one-third of the people who
no signifi cant combat train- shortcake when we got the to not speak of the mission. signed it said Dad had helped
ing, he grabbed a rifl e to hold call. About a minute later, she The events that took place at them in one way or anoth-
off enemy forces closing in, broke down crying.” Lima Site 85 were classifi ed er. That same sentiment is
while simultaneously direct- In 1967, when American top secret. placed it in her closet, so she echoed across the small town
ing air strikes. involvement in Vietnam was Steven Wilson, Etchberg- wouldn’t have to go through of Hamburg. Helping people
Without hesitation, Chief reaching its peak, U.S. Pres- er’s eldest son, recalls his the pain of lying about her was who he was, what he
Master Sgt. Richard Etch- ident Lyndon B. Johnson and wife had given birth to their husband’s death. did.”
berger repeatedly exposed U.S. military offi cials sought daughter, Tracy, the day “We didn’t know any of More than four decades
himself to heavy enemy to bring an end to the Viet- Etchberger was killed. the details about what hap- after the fact, Etchberger’s
fire to load his wounded nam War with airstrikes near “We had just left the hos- pened to Dad,” Cory said. heroism was honored when
comrades onto rescue slings the capital of Hanoi. pital with my first baby,” “We didn’t talk about it. We his Air Force Cross was
hanging from a hovering “In order for this to hap- Wilson recalled. “I called my knew better. Nothing was upgraded to a Medal of Hon-
helicopter. pen, the Air Force needed a mother and told her of the ever said. No memorabilia or, which President Barack
With his crew safely radar site within 120 nautical news. About two hours later, or photos were displayed, Obama presented to Etch-
aboard, the chief finally miles of Hanoi, and also an she called me back, and told except for a sole photo that berger’s three sons Sept. 21,
climbed into an evacuation unobstructed line of sight to me Dad had been killed.” mom kept on her bedside 2010.
sling himself, only to be the airspace over the capital,” Nine months after her table. Etchberger is the only E-9
fatally wounded by enemy Cory said. husband’s death, Katherine “The story I was even- in any military service to be
ground fi re. Such a place existed at Etchberger received the Air tually told was that he was awarded the Medal of Honor.
Cory Etchberger and Tra- Phou Pha Thi, a mountain in Force Cross in his honor, killed in a helicopter crash Cory now visits military
cy Megenney, son and grand- Laos west of Hanoi that was though many believed his somewhere in Southeast installations across the coun-
daughter of Richard, visited high enough to give the radar actions warranted a Medal Asia, and I believed that story try, telling his father’s story
Joint Base Elmendorf-Rich- a straight shot to Hanoi. of Honor. for another 18 years.” and said the message he has
ardson to share the story of However, Laos was a Cory said his mother took After 18 years of secrecy, for Airmen is simple: “Look
their loved one with Airmen neutral military location, so the Air Force Cross and the events that took place at after one another.”
10 VOLUME 10 • NO. 19 • MAY 18, 2018