bioenvironmental airmen ensure safe working conditions

16 Pages·2017·5.9 MB·English

314 AW MXG
th

chAnGe of coMMAnd
Col. John Frazier, right, assumes
command of the 314th Maintenance
Volume 65 • Number 19 • Friday, June 9, 2017
Group after taking the unit’s guidon
June 5 at Little Rock Air Force Base.
Page 2
IMSo Af
eArnS level AWArd
The 714th Training Squadron International
Military Student Office was recognized
as the 2016 U.S. Air Force IMSO Team
of the Year in the small activities category
for their service to more than 100
international students.
Page 5
bioenvironmental
t
herApIStS Stretch lIMItAtIonS
airmen ensure safe
A
of IrMen
By pushing and pulling Airmen both
working conditions
Pages 8-9 physically and mentally, Little Rock Air
Force Base physical therapy technicians
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kevin Sommer Giron stretch Airmen to a better state of health.
19th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Bioenvironmental Engineers are scientists and chemists as well as microbiologists who specialize in identifying and
evaluating potential health hazards in the workplace and surrounding areas. Tools they use are to survey ventilation systems for proper airflow, check water Pages 6-7
pH levels for contaminations and equip deploying service members with lifesaving gas masks.
2 FROM THE TOP
Combat Airlifter • June 9, 2017
Civilian hiring resumes 314th MXG change of command
after freeze lifted
By Richard Salomon
Air Force Personnel Center Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH – The Air
Force Personnel Center is partnering with customers with
the goal of resuming normal “first-in, first-out” operations
since the government-wide hiring freeze ended in early
April.
Based on Air Force priorities, AFPC personnel are first
working all pending firm job offers where tentative offers
have already been made and actions where selections
have been made but no tentative job offer has been issued.
They are currently working more than 12,000 requests for
personnel action.
“We are continuing to work with leadership from the
major and combatant commands regarding critical hires
and actions already in the works here at AFPC,” said
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Mercedes Taylor
Christine Armstrong, the AFPC’s civilian sustainment Col. John Frazier, right, assumes command of the 314th Maintenance Group after taking the unit’s guidon June 5 at Little Rock Air Force
Base. The 314th MXG is tasked with repairing aircraft from the 314th Airlift Wing and trains C-130 aircrew members from the Depart-
and transitions programs division chief.
ment of Defense, Coast Guard and 47 partner nations.
In addition to the lifting of the hiring freeze, an Office
of Management and Budget memorandum directs each
S : 314 a W
corEcard th irlift inG c- 130 S
government agency to develop a reform plan as part of chool
a broader effort to reform the government and reduce
The 314th Airlift Wing is the nation’s C-130 “Center of G
raduatES
the size of the federal civilian workforce. As a result, Air Excellence.” The wing is responsible for training C-130
Force leaders have been directed to scrutinize recruit- aircrew members from across the Department of Defense,
Number of combat
to include the Coast Guard and 46 allied nations. Some
ment actions that are being sent to AFPC to make sure the
of the ways the 314th AW tracks its successes are aircrew members sent
positions accurately reflect mission needs.
through measured aircraft availability and mission-ca-
To explore jobs with the Air Force civilian service, go to to the fight beginning
pable rates. Those metrics as of Tuesday are:
afciviliancareers.com. Mission capable rate Feb. 20, 2017:
For more information about Air Force personnel C-130J: (standard 80 percent): 79.1%
C-130H: 257
programs, go to myPers. Individuals who do not have Aircraft availability
C-130J: 143
a myPers account can request one by following these C-130J: (standard 8.4): 6.0
instructions.
E P
ditorial olicy
How to reach us Published by North Pulaski Printing, Inc., 404-B Graham Road, Jack- dorsement by the Department of the Air Force or North Pulaski Printing, Editorial staff
404 Graham Road, sonville, AR 72076, phone number [phone], a private firm in Inc. of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in
Jacksonville, Ark. 72076
no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written con- this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage Col. Charles E. Brown Jr. Garrick Feldman
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone] tract with the 19th AW. This civilian enterprise Air Force newspaper is without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital 19th Airlift Wing Editor and Publisher
E-mail: an authorized publication for the members of the U.S. military services. status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit Commander
[email protected] Contents of Combat Airlifter are not necessarily the official views of, factor of the purchaser, user or patron. Editorial content is edited, pre- 1st Lt. Margaret Kealy Christy Hendricks
Advertising:
or endorsed by, the U.S. government, the Department of Defense or pared and provided by the Public Affairs Office of the 19th Airlift Wing. Chief of Public Affairs Managing Editor
[email protected]
Deadline the Department of the Air Force. The appearance of advertising in this All photos are U.S. Air Force photos unless otherwise noted. Combat Content provided by 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Noon Fridays. Submit articles through e-mail. publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute en- Airlifter reserves the right to edit all items. Contact [email protected]
INSIDER LOOK 3
Combat Airlifter • June 9, 2017
C a W
ombat irlifter of the eek
RANK/NAME
Staff Sgt. Darryl McRae
UNIT
19th Maintenance Squadron
DUTY TITLE
aircraft structural maintenance
journeyman
HOMETOWN
Fayetteville, North Carolina
TIME ON STATION
4 years
TIME IN SERVICE
4 and half years
HOBBIES
Sports
GOALS
Achieve rank of master sergeant
WHAT CORE VALUE DO THEY
PORTRAY AND HOW?
Excellence in All We Do.
Two of Team Little Rock’s aircraft were
caught in a hail storm in Colorado,
damaging the flight controls and other
skins. McRae is currently leading a
team to document the damage on one
of the aircraft, totaling more than 8,000
dents. He met with and was trained by
a Lockheed Martin structural engineer.
He took this unique training and taught
his team. His dedication to the Air Force
core values and especially Excellence
in All We Do was made evident during
the process and is why he personifies
the Combat Airlifter.
U.S. Air photo by Airman 1st Class Grace Nichols
MSG C Wing photo June 16
orner
n Construction on CMSgt
The 19th Airlift Wing photo will take
Williams Drive between Vanden-
berg Blvd. and Avenue A East has place at 9:30 a.m. Friday, June 16 at Base
begun. Avenue A East will still
Ops, Bldg. 120.
be accessible from the west side.
n Arnold Drive will be Military members must wear tan shirts
n Think before you throw this
closed between Texas Blvd. and
and civilians should wear usual work attire.
paper away – recycle all paper,
Arkansas Blvd. for road repairs
bottles, cans, etc., for a cleaner No sunglasses will be worn in the formation.
beginning Monday, June 12
Little Rock AFB. Call the base
through August, prior to school
Call Master Sgt. Eric Lacroix at 501-987-
resuming. CMSgt Williams Drive recycling center at 501-987-6611
4194 for more information.
is the approved detour route. for more information.
4 NEWS
Combat Airlifter • June 9, 2017
NEWS 5
Combat Airlifter • June 9, 2017
U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jeremy McGuffin
Royal Canadian air force pilot Capt. Daniel Ebisuzaki briefs 41st and 61st Airlift Squadron pilots on that
days mission and routes as part of Canadian exercise Fanatic Pegasus on April 21 in Alberta, Canada. This
is the first time American forces have participated in this exercise which establishes air and ground forces
in unfamiliar terrain to work on communication and rapid deployment of those resources.
Little Rock AFB IMSO
earns AF level award
By Airman 1st Class Kevin Sommer Giron to their morale and understanding of the
$1,000
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs American culture.
Dealer
“We are the first and last people they
The 714th Training Squadron Cash
see at the airport,” Holland said. “We
International Military Student Office was
have a really big impact on how they feel
recognized as the 2016 U.S. Air Force
about Americans as a whole and that is
IMSO Team of the Year in the small
2017 HONDA ACCORD 2017 HONDA CIVIC
ultimately our big picture: to make them
activities category for their service to MILITARY DISCOUNT
feel comfortable with being in America, 0.9% 0.9%
more than 100 international students.
ON EVERY
so they can enjoy their experience.”
“This is the first time the office has
Winners of the IMSO Team of the Year NEW VEHICLE
won an award like this,” said Master Sgt. for
award show exceptional job performance 60 mos.
Larry Holland, 714th Training Squadron at Russell Honda
or 1.9% for for 60 months
and support to international students 72 mos.
IMSO NCOIC. “It goes to show that we
might be a small office but we have a by effectively managing any issues the $300
$250
gigantic footprint.” students and their dependents face. Dealer Dealer
Cash
As leaders of the largest international They also take initiative in implement- $900 Cash
2017 Honda
training program, the 714th TRS IMSO ing the field studies program. A program Dealer
2017 Honda Fit Odyssey 2017 Honda HRV
plays a vital role in the 314th Airlift designed to immerse students into Cash
0.9% 0.9% 0.9%
Wing’s Center of Excellence, a C-130 American culture through events and
training school, where students learn outings on base and in the local area.
career-specific fundamentals of Combat The office of three may be small, for for
60 mos. 60 mos.
Airlift. but their support reaches hundreds
or 1.9% for or 1.9% for for 60 months
While international students learn of students from all around the globe 72 mos. 72 mos.
technical skills at the school house, the annually, helping strengthen partner- W.A.C. Restrictions may apply. See dealer for details. Valid through 7/5/2017.
IMSO is tasked with easing the transition ships with more than 47 allied nations.
Family Owned!
from their respective countries to the “The IMSO award let us know that
Family Values
United States. we were successful in trying to make
www.russellhonda.com
Holland, along with Maj. Jonathon the students feel at home,” Erskine
501-835-8996
Ferricher and Master Sgt. Stephanie said. “Partnerships are what makes us a
Erskine, facilitated everything from the cohesive unit at home and in contingency
student’s transportation and documents operations.”
6 FEATURE
Combat Airlifter • June 9, 2017
Therapists stretch limitations of Airmen
By Airman 1st Class Codie Collins heal and promote overall wellness
by helping restore function, improve
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
mobility and relieve pain.
Flexibility is the key to Combat Martinez Cruz’s approximate 50
Airlift in more ways than one. By patients a day are ensured the best
pushing and pulling Airmen both care the Air Force can provide.
physically and mentally, Little Rock “I have had patients with their
Air Force Base physical therapy knees completely broken and swollen
technicians stretch Airmen to a better to the point where it looks like you
state of health. shouldn’t even touch it,” Martinez
Senior Airman Hessen Martinez Cruz said. “They start out on crutch-
Cruz, 19th Medical Operations es, not being able to put weight on
Squadron physical therapy techni- a knee and we get them to the point
cian, works to ensure every patient where they are able to walk.”
who comes into the physical therapy From identifying problems to
clinic is rehabilitated to the best of his developing and implementing a care
ability. plan, physical therapy specialists like
When Airmen suffer from illness Martinez Cruz work with patients as
or injury, their motor functions can long as necessary so they can resume Senior Airman Hessen Martinez Cruz, 19th Medical Operations Squadron physicUa.Sl .t Ahire Froarpcey p theotcoh bny Aicirimaann, 1 wst oCrlkasss Ctood eie nCsolulrines
often be adversely compromised. healthy, active lifestyles. every patient who comes into the physical therapy clinic is rehabilitated to the best of his ability. When Airmen suffer
“The Little Rock Air Force Base
Physical therapy technicians work from illness or injury, their motor functions can often be adversely compromised. Physical therapists work closely with
closely with patients to help them See Therapists, Page 7 patients to help them heal and promote overall wellness by helping restore function, improve mobility and relieve pain.
CHRISTIAN 1st Pentecostal Church
ABUNDANT LIFE
SCIENCE CHURCH Family Worship Center
100 Southeastern Ave., Jacksonville
802 South Claremont Ave.
501-241-0210
NLR, AR 72116
501-835-0646 A fellowship of Christian believers devoted
ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND! to spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
SUNDAY – 10 A.M. • SERVICES •
WED. – 6:30 P.M. Sunday School ........................10 am
(Church services and SS are held at the same time)
Or call our Morning Worship Service .....11 am
NLR Reading Room Sun. 10:30 a.m. & 7 p.m.; Tues. 7:30 p.m. Children’s Church ..................11 am
3722 JFK Blvd, NLR, AR 72116 J.N. Holmes Bible Study-Wednesday ......7:30 pm
501-791-0664 for Information.
[phone] We Provide Transportation
(M-F, 10 to 2; Sat., 10-1, except Holidays)
Bible Baptist Church First United McArthur Drive
Methodist CHURCH of CHRIST
3301 North First Street
Jacksonville, AR Church Just outside the base
501-982-8826 gate! Take a right on
308 W. Main • Jacksonville
Dr. Mike Files, Pastor Marshall and immediately
8:45 AM
"A Fundamental, Independent Sunday School take a left on McArthur.
Baptist Church" (For all ages)
Bible Study 9:30 a.m. 2413 Northeastern Avenue 9:50 AM Sundays: 9:30, 10:30, 5pm
Sunday Morning 10:40 a.m.
Jacksonville, Arkansas Blended Worship Service Wednesdays: 7pm
Sunday Evening 6:00 p.m.
(Come as you are!)
Wednesday 6:30 p.m.
Please join us!
1807 McArthur Dr.
Nursery provided
Home of: Jacksonville Christian Sunday 8:00 AM & 10:30 AM [phone]
Academy, Bethel Baptist College Wednesday, 6:30 PM www.Jacksonvilleumc.org
and Camp Hope for Children. [phone] www.mcarthurdrcoc.com
It’s A Bible Teaching Church
IMMANUEL FAMILY
Jacksonville Baptist Temple
WORSHIP CENTER
Home of Temple Baptist Academy & Preschool
Bishop Ricky D. Allen, Senior Pastor
M S ...10 & 11
orning ervice aM Now 201 Allen Ln. (cid:127) Jacksonville (cid:127) 982-8789
evening Service ...............6 pM Enrolling www.lmmanuelfwc.org
WedneSday Service ...........7 pM Opportunities for Worship:
“Ministering
Sunday Prayer: 9:00 AM
Ted Patterson, Pastor to the Needs of
Sunday School: 9:30 AM
People, Regardless
Morning Worship: 10:45 AM
Welcome! 520 Marshall Rd. of Race, Ethnicity Mid Week Bible Study
or Economics.”
Jacksonville Wednesday: 7:00 PM
501-982-6433 “SHARE THE EXPERIENCE”
FEATURE 7
Combat Airlifter • June 9, 2017
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Codie Collins
Senior Airman Hessen Martinez Cruz, 19th Medical Operations Squadron physical therapy technician, and Staff Sgt. Ralph Hallmon, 19th Medical Operations Squadron physical therapy
technician, demonstrate an exercise May 2 at the physical therapy clinic on Little Rock Air Force Base. From identifying problems to developing and implementing a care plan, physical therapy
technicians like Martinez-Cruz work with patients as long as necessary so they can resume healthy, active lifestyles.
Therapists Hallmon, 19th Medical Operations
Squadron physical therapy techni-
cian. “He approaches each interperson-
al encounter with immense enthusi-
Continued from Page 6
asm. With his presence, the physical
clinic doesn’t limit you to a certain therapy technician career field has truly
amount of visits,” Martinez-Cruz said. improved. He exemplifies the notion of
“We make sure we’ve helped you as much dedicated Airman and embodies our core
values of Integrity First, Service Before
as we can before we let you go. Once you
Self and Excellence in All We Do.”
are well enough to fulfill the mission and
Martinez Cruz, a Cuban-native, joined
a fitness assessment, we incorporate you
the U.S. Air Force with the intention of
back into normal duties.”
commissioning.
Rehabilitation isn’t only a way to
“I am very grateful to the Air Force
re-accomplish the mission, it’s a way that
for all of the opportunities that I have
gets Airmen back to their lifestyles.
had and also for the opportunities I have
“The clinic is focused on getting
ahead of me and reach for,” Martinez
Airmen not only back to the mission and
Cruz said.
the physical assessment, but also for
Until then, Martinez Cruz will be
them to be able to enjoy things like family,
working diligently as a physical therapy
play with the kids and live a normal life,” technician here.
Martinez Cruz said. The base physical therapy clinic is
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Codie Collins
The dedication Martinez Cruz open Monday through Friday 7:30am to Senior Airman Hessen Martinez Cruz, 19th Medical Operations Squadron physical therapy technician,
has towards his patients does not go 2:30 pm. demonstrates one of the many machines the clinic offers to help rehabilitate Airmen May 2, 2017 at
unnoticed. For information on a referral to the the physical therapy clinic on Little Rock Air Force Base. From identifying problems to developing and
“Senior Airman Martinez Cruz is a physical therapy clinic, contact your implementing a care plan, physical therapy specialists like Martinez-Cruz work with patients as long as
true professional,” said Staff Sgt. Ralph primary care manager. necessary so they can resume healthy, active lifestyles.
8 FEATURE
Combat Airlifter • June 9, 2017
Airmen ensure Story by Airman 1st Class Kevin Sommer Giron, 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
L
safe working
A
T conditions
N When illness prevention comes to mind,
some people may imagine doctors working
in a lab searching for cures to formida-
ble diseases. However, the 19th Aerospace
Medicine Squadron Bioenvironmental
E
Engineers are unsung scientists, chemists
and microbiologists who specialize in
identifying potential health hazards in the
M workplace and surrounding areas.
“Daily operations can vary from conduct-
ing radiation surveys, testing water and
air samples, to responding to hazard-
ous emergency,” said Senior Airman Ivan
N Monroy, 19th AMDS bioenvironmental
engineer. “In an emergency response, we
drop everything we’re doing and load up our
vehicles to respond to the scene and complete
the mission.”
O
Prevention is their focus and the partner-
ships they have with on and off base agencies
are vital to the health of Team Little Rock.
From the 19th Civil Engineer Squadron
Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Fire
R
Department to local authorities and the FBI,
the Airmen work to eliminate carcinogens
and other harmful illnesses through identi-
I fication, isolation and testing.
A huge part of their job is acquiring the
knowledge needed, and forming an impene-
V
trable bond to protect one another from harm
since they often face dangerous situations.
“We are a family,” said Master Sgt. Peter
Stein, 19th AMDS bioenvironmental flight
N
chief. “When we are fully suited for a hazard-
ous response, there’s only 45 minutes of air
in the tanks; we need to watch out for one
another incase an Airman runs out of air.”
Every tool in the bioenvironmental
E
arsenal is strategically employed for the
detection of various pollutants and radiation
O in the environment. Tools are used to survey
ventilation systems for uncontaminated
airflow, check water potential hydrogen
levels for pollutants and equip deploying
service members with lifesaving gas masks.
I
Their expertise ensures healthy working
conditions so the environment is not adverse-
B
ly affected by harmful resources.
“One thing I stress to my Airmen is how
important they are,” Stein said. “They may
not be the doctor who is treating the cancer,
but they are the technicians who are prevent- U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kevin Sommer Giron
(Above) Senior Airman Velentine Orta-Bartolon, 19th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Bioenvironmental technician, dons a Level A biohazard suit May 18 at Little Rock Air Force Base. The suit protects individuals from contaminants
ing the cancer from happening in the first
such as harmful chemicals and radiation. (Right) Senior Airman Velentine Orta-Bartolon, 19th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Bioenvironmental technician, calibrates a device May 18 at Little Rock Air Force Base. The equipment is
place.”
calibrated by using radiation sources to detect contamination.
FEATURE 9
Combat Airlifter • June 9, 2017
Story by Airman 1st Class Kevin Sommer Giron, 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Grace Nichols
Staff Sgt. Amber Metts, 19th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Bioenvironmental NCO in charge,
checks the pH level in a water sample May 18 at Little Rock Air Force Base. The purpose of the
test is to make sure there are no harmful contaminants in the water.
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kevin Sommer Giron
Airman 1st Class Jajuan Erby, left, 19th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Bioenvironmental technician,
assists Senior Airman Velentine Orta-Bartolon, 19th AMDS technician, right, don a Level A biohaz-
ard May 18 at Little Rock Air Force Base. Every tool in the bioenvironmental arsenal is strategically
employed for the detection of various pollutants and radiation in the environment.
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kevin Sommer Giron
(Above) Senior Airman Velentine Orta-Bartolon, 19th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Bioenvironmental technician, dons a Level A biohazard suit May 18 at Little Rock Air Force Base. The suit protects individuals from contaminants
such as harmful chemicals and radiation. (Right) Senior Airman Velentine Orta-Bartolon, 19th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Bioenvironmental technician, calibrates a device May 18 at Little Rock Air Force Base. The equipment is
calibrated by using radiation sources to detect contamination.
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Grace Nichols
10 NEWS
Combat Airlifter • June 9, 2017
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Little Rock Air Force Base