Up to the challenge

Vol. 74, No. 17

Gen. Robin Rand, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command, visited Tinker this week. See next week’s paper for full coverage.

Tinker Air Force Base, Okla.

Friday, April 29, 2016

Up to the challenge

INSIDE General Goldfein nominated as 21st CSAF Page 2

Spring CCAF graduation set for May 5 Page 4

AFMC’s Wingman Intervention program still going strong Page 1a

Tinker Events Calendar Page 1b

Visit us online at www.tinker.af.mil

Air Force photo by Kelly White

Col. Stephanie Wilson, 72nd Air Base Wing commander, speaks to cadets from six Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps units from the surrounding areas at the April 22 Tinker JROTC Community Outreach Event, hosted by the 349th Recruiting Squadron. Colonel Wilson encouraged the cadets to dream big. “The future is yours,” she said. “We’re cheering you on as the future of this nation.” The six participating JROTC units were from Carl Albert High School, Edmond North High School, Southeast High School, John Marshall High School, Midwest City High School and Choctaw High School. (See more photos on pages 8-9)

KC-46 public meeting held

Local resident Phyllis Klein is greeted by Tim Taylor, an environmental health specialist with the 72nd Air Base Wing Civil Engineer Environmental Compliance Office, at the KC-46A public scoping meeting April 21 at the Sheraton Reed Conference Center in Midwest City.

507th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

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Air Force officials held a KC-46A scoping meeting April 21 in Midwest City, where the public and interested state and federal agencies were invited to ask questions and provide feedback regarding the process of choosing a Reserve-led KC-46A third main operating base, or MOB 3. The preferred alternative location for the KC-46A MOB 3 mission is Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., while the three reasonable alternative locations See Meeting page 7.

Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Lauren Gleason

2 — www.TinkerTakeOff.com — April 29, 2016

General Goldfein nominated as 21st CSAF Staff Sgt. Alyssa C. Gibson Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Air Force photo by Scott M. Ash

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III thanks Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody and members of the mess during the Order of the Sword dining-in, April 22 in Montgomery, Ala. The Order of the Sword is bestowed to those who have made significant contributions to the Air Force enlisted corps, and during his speech Welsh shared experiences in his career that shaped his opinion of the enlisted corps.

Enlisted corps bestows highest honor upon General Welsh Airman 1st Class Alexa Culbert 42nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFNS) — Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III was inducted into the Air Force Order of the Sword during a ceremony April 22 in Montgomery, Ala. An ancient tradition adopted by the Air Force in 1967, the Order of the Sword is the highest level of honor and tribute the enlisted corps can give its leaders. The sword symbolizes honor, truth, justice and power, and the induction distinguishes a leader among leaders. Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody presented the sword to Welsh, and he explained that the Order of the Sword is for those leaders who have made significant contributions to the enlisted corps. “Tonight, the entire Air Force is honoring you, all of the enlisted Airmen that you have helped,” Chief Cody said. “They are all thinking of you and saying, ‘What a great leader.’ And I can say that you have redefined what it means to be a good leader among leaders and what it means to know an Airman.” Before the ceremony, a juniorenlisted Airman had an encounter

with Welsh that exemplified the reason why the general was being honored. While standing and waiting for General Welsh’s arrival, Airman Andrew Dang, a 42nd Contracting Squadron contracting specialist, admitted to the surrounding chief master sergeants that he wanted to shake General Welsh’s hand. The chiefs thought this was a great idea, so when General Welsh walked by, they nudged Airman Dang toward him. The Airman quickly shook his hand but was shocked when General Welsh invited him to walk into the venue with him. “It was such a privilege, because of all the people in the room, he chose me, an Airman to walk with him,” Airman Dang said. “I was awestricken, it was amazing. I am truly thankful.” General Welsh has gained the reputation of reaching out and connecting with Airmen wherever he goes, and the Order of the Sword ceremony was no different. Before presenting General Welsh with the sword, Chief Cody commended the general for his concern and care for Airmen. “This is a significant way to honor you and there is no better example of a leader who should have it, but it almost pales in comparison to what you have

given us as an Air Force,” he said. In his remarks, General Welsh shared a story from his career that shaped his opinion of the Air Force’s enlisted corps. While deployed during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, General Welsh said he had lost a pilot from his squadron. In his grief, he went to the chaplain’s tent where he sat alone until an Airman came in and put his arm around him and just sat with him. “He didn’t have to check on me to see if I was OK,” General Welsh said. “He certainly didn’t have to sit there and grieve with me, and he somehow had the brilliance to not say anything or to interject his feelings about how bad he felt; he just felt it with me. I’ll never forget him, but that’s what the enlisted corps does. They do what’s necessary, and they do it when it’s necessary and they do it until it’s time to move on to the next task. They always take care of their own.” General Welsh concluded his comments with a charge and a debt of gratitude to all Airmen. “I do love you. Take care of each other. Lead our Airmen. Keep standing for what you stand for, and if any of you ever need help, find me. I’d be honored if you called,” he said.

WA S H I N G TO N (AFNS) — Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced April 26 that the president has nominated Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein to be the 21st chief of staff Gen. David L. Goldfein of the Air Force, succeeding Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, who has served in the position since 2012. “I’m extremely humbled by the nomination to serve as the Air Force’s 21st chief of staff. If confirmed, I pledge to serve our Airmen and their families unwaveringly and honor our remarkable heritage and legacy of integrity, service and excellence,” General Goldfein said. “I also look forward to joining my fellow service chiefs as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. General Mark and Betty Welsh continue to be exceptional stewards of our service, and Dawn and I are honored to follow in their footsteps.” General Goldfein entered the Air Force in June 1983 as a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. He has been assigned to numerous operational, command and staff positions. He currently serves as the vice chief of staff, where he presides over the Air Staff and serves as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Requirements Oversight Council and Deputy Advisory Working Group. “I am pleased to support the nomination of General David Goldfein as our next chief of staff,” said Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James. “General Goldfein possesses the experience and vision needed to address dynamic global challenges and increasing military demand. He knows how to build and sustain key partnerships, has important warfighting experience, and will exercise the critical judgement required to balance our manpower and resources as we shape tomorrow’s Air Force. There is not a better person to lead our Airmen into the next century of airpower dominance.” Prior to his current position, General Goldfein was the director of the Joint Staff at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., where he assisted the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in fulfilling his responsibilities as the principal military adviser to the president and secretary of defense. “Dave Goldfein is an Airman who epitomizes warrior leadership, and that’s exactly what our Air Force deserves,” General Welsh said. “He connects deeply with Airmen, he supports their families relentlessly, and he absolutely recognizes the criticality of our service’s mission. Most importantly, he and Dawn understand the remarkable privilege they’ve been afforded in serving the nation.” General Goldfein is a command pilot with more than 4,200 flying hours in the T-37 Tweet, T-38 Talon, F-16C/D Fighting Falcon, F-117A Nighthawk, MQ-9 Reaper, and MC-12W. He has flown combat missions in operations Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Allied Force, and Enduring Freedom. Goldfein has received numerous awards for his military service including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster, the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross with Valor device and oak leaf cluster.

April 29, 2016 — www.TinkerTakeOff.com — 3

Air Force photo by R. Nial Bradshaw

An F-35C Lightning II arrives April 15 at Hill Force Base, Utah. The aircraft is the first Navy variant to arrive at the base where it will undergo depot modifications through this summer. The aircraft is assigned to the Navy’s Strike Fighter Squadron 101 at Eglin AFB, Fla.

Hill depot facility becomes first to work on all F-35 variants Alex R. Lloyd Ogden Air Logistics Complex HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah (AFNS) — The Ogden Air Logistics Complex here became the first depot facility to perform modifications on all three F-35 Lightning II variants after it inducted a Navy F-35C carrier version April 15. The F-35C was flown in from Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, by Navy Capt. Mark Weisgerber, the 33rd Fighter Wing vice commander. “Hill has the capacity to accomplish the needed modifications and it is important to optimize the workflow within the Air Logistics Complex,” Captain Weisgerber said. The first F-35 arrived at Hill AFB for modifications in September 2013. Since then, the depot has performed modifications on the Air Force’s fleet of conventional takeoff and landing F-35As. It also has completed work on four Marine Corps F-35B short takeoff/ vertical landing aircraft, helping the Marine Corps reach initial operational capability. For the Navy’s carrier variant, the complex’s 570th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, along with Lockheed Martin, will perform structural upgrades, lowobservable restoration and system modifications that will enhance performance across the aircraft’s service life. “The men and women of the 570th (AMXS) have risen to the challenges of supporting the dynamic changes in this program

CURRENT TRAFFIC ADVISORIES Gate closure: Tinker Gate (Gate 1) on Air Depot Boulevard will be closed from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. May 1 to allow contractor personnel to conduct required inspections and maintenance. Those needing to access the base during that time are asked to use the Eaker Gate (Gate 2) at Town Center Boulevard. Bridge closure: The bridge on Cook Avenue between Rawlings and Mitchell Avenues is closed until 5 p.m. Sept. 2 to allow the contractor to repair the spillway at the bridge. Parking space closure: 27 parking spaces against the north end of Bldg. 2211 closed until 5 p.m. June 6 for the contractor to replace EIFS siding on north face of Bldg. 2211. Lane, road and parking space closures: S. Staff Drive and Entrance Road “A” until 5:30 p.m. June 30 to install duct bank for new sub-station along Staff Drive and Entrance Road “A.” Road closure: Rapcon Road from Reserve Road to Patrol Road Phase II until 4 p.m. June 15. Parking space closure: 226 parking spaces in the parking lot surrounding Bldg. 3333 until July 1. The closure is needed to construct a new electrical sub-station in the southeast corner of the lot. Parking space closure: 21 parking spaces first row next to Bldg. 240 (18 assigned spaces to be relocated during closure) until 5 p.m. June 12 to allow the contractor to install a new fire water main. Road and parking closure: First Street from “D” Avenue to “B” Avenue and all parking lots on the south side of the street from 4:30 p.m. today until 6 a.m. May 2. The weekend-only closure is needed to allow the contractor to restripe all parking spaces to make them diagonal parking and turn First Street into a one-way street heading eastbound only. CONFIRMED UTILITY OUTAGES HVAC Outage: Bldg. 9001 (2SW39 - 2SW42) until 4 p.m. May 16 for Honeywell to replace RTU5 on the roof above the center mezzanine, which feeds the second floor comfort air

Air Force photo by Alex R. Lloyd

Navy Capt. Mark Weisgerber, the 33rd Fighter Wing vice commander, is greeted by Greg Hoffman, the 570th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron director, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, April 15. Captain Weisgerber flew an F-35C Lightning II to the base where it will be modified at the Ogden Air Logistics Complex. The complex is the first to work on the entire fleet of F-35 variants, which also includes the Air Force’s F-35A model and the Marine Corps’ F-35B model.

and take great pride in being the first depot to work on all three variants of the F-35,” said Greg Hoffman, the 570th AMXS director. With the program’s everevolving requirements, exact numbers of how many aircraft will be worked on this year is not yet available. The squadron’s main focus will center on completing work on the Air Force fleet of F-35A models and Navy’s F-35C models, and returning the aircraft to the warfighter better than they arrived. “We were able to support the U.S. Marine Corps with critical modifications on the F-35B to

meet their initial operational capability (IOC) milestone,” Mr. Hoffman said. “Today, we are working closely with the 388th Fighter Wing to provide modifications that will ensure they are able to meet their IOC target with the F-35A and are proud to support the Navy with work on the F-35C.” The complex had been planning for the arrival of the C-model for months and expects work on the fighter jet to last through early September as workers train with the aircraft and perform verification and validation on the new modifications.

T A X I Vehicle Operations provides a taxi service — for official business — from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. To request taxi service, call vehicle dispatch at 734-2803. For questions or concerns pertaining to official use, call Dave Derrick, Vehicle Operations manager, at 7342941.

CCAF

2016 Spring

4 — www.TinkerTakeOff.com — April 29, 2016

graduation set for May 5

The Spring Community College of the Air Force graduation will take place at 2 p.m. May 5 in the Tinker Club Ballroom. Graduates are: Aerospace Ground Equipment Technology

Tech. Sgt. Jason Bierema, 552nd MXS Airman 1st Class Ryan Chounard, 552nd MXS Tech. Sgt. Thomas Coomes, 355th EMS Master Sgt. Jody Dessicino, 552nd MXS Staff Sgt. Thomas Pennington, 552nd MXS Master Sgt. Erik Strawn, 507th MXG Air and Space Operations Technology

Staff Sgt. Benjamin Ackiss, 970th AACS Senior Airman Daniel Propst, 966th AACS Staff Sgt. Idris Rett, 552nd TRS $LU7UDI¿F2SHUDWLRQVDQG7HFKQRORJ\

Master Sgt. Danny Bumb, 72nd OSS Aircraft Armament Systems Technology Staff Sgt. Stephen Davarich, 373rd TRS Staff Sgt. James Xiong, 963rd AACS Aircraft Structural Maintenance Technology Master Sgt. James Gasaway, 513th MXS Senior Airman Daniel Mauricio, 552nd MXS

Aircrew Safety Systems Technology Tech. Sgt. Ryne Miller, 10th FTS

Staff Sgt. Jordan Wright, 513th AMXS Staff Sgt. Brian Yarbrough, 552nd MXS

Allied Health Sciences Senior Airman Joshua Grijalva, 965th AACS

Aviation Operations Tech. Sgt. James Coward, 965th AACS Staff Sgt. Thomas Dumesnil, 966th AACS Staff Sgt. Adam Enyeart 966th AACS Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Jeansonne, 966th AACS Staff Sgt. Jair Mednoza Vargas, 963rd AACS Staff Sgt. Kevin Meredith, 965th AACS Staff Sgt. Luke Rasch, 963rd AACS

Aviation Maintenance Technology Tech. Sgt. Eric Brambila, 552nd AMXS Chief Master Sgt. Albert Cantu, 513th AMXS Staff Sgt. Jeremy Garrett, 76th AMXG Staff Sgt. Jason Giordano, 966th AACS Senior Airman Adam Hall, 552nd AMXS Senior Airman Matthew Holt, 552nd AMXS Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Jeansonne, 966th AACS Staff Sgt. Christopher Longueira, 552nd AMXS Master Sgt. Jonathan Mackey, ACC Staff Sgt. William McPhillips, 552nd MXS Tech. Sgt. Jason Orr, 507th MXG Tech. Sgt. Michael Payne, 1st ASF Tech. Sgt. Vincent Peralta, 507th AMXS Staff Sgt. Adam Price, 964th AACS Tech. Sgt. Tan Riley, 552nd AMXS Senior Airman Christine Sharp, 552nd AMXS Tech. Sgt. Tony Sharp, 507th MXG Senior Master Sgt. Mark Smith, 507th MSG Tech. Sgt. Christopher Strawn, 552nd AMXS Tech. Sgt. Charles Velaquez, 552nd AMXS Senior Airman Morgan Whalen, 552nd MXS

Avionic Systems Technology Master Sgt. Bob Begay, 513thMXS Tech. Sgt. Jerad Fritze, 507th AMXS Senior Airman Thaddeus Atwell, 552nd AMXS 6HQLRU$LUPDQ/DUU\&RI¿HQG AMXS Senior Airman Cesar Cuadra, 550th CMXS Staff Sgt. Luke Rasch, 963rd AACS Airman 1st Class Thomas VanHooser, 552nd MXS Staff Sgt. Brittany Wilson, 552nd MXG Computer Science Technology Staff Sgt. Jesse McQuillan, 552nd ACNS Senior Airman William Tino, 552nd ACNS Criminal Justice SA Rachel Brodie, 1st FIR Senior Airman Nicholas Gerity, 72nd SFS Staff Sgt. Kathy Hernandez, 72nd SFS Staff Sgt. Letrelle Hunter, 72nd SFS Tech. Sgt. Maurice Mack, 349th AFRS

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Tech. Sgt. Joseph Osborne, 72nd SFS Master Sgt. Basilio Ruiz, 137th FSS Master Sgt. Christopher Shady, 72nd SFS Senior Airman Jennifer Stirling, 72nd SFS Dental Assisting Senior Airman Jessica Castro, 72nd DS Tech. Sgt. Beniot Lerma, 72nd DS Dietetics and Nutrition Staff Sgt. Eric Roberts, 507th SFS Education and Training Management Tech. Sgt. Joel Edwards, 72nd APS Electronic Systems Technology Staff Sgt. Charles Norden, 552nd ACNS Tech. Sgt. Stephen Stallings, 349th AFRS Emergency Management Staff Sgt. Edward Ford, 552nd ACW Tech. Sgt. Jerred Sevold, 552nd ACW Finanacial Management Senior Airman Marcus Burrell, 349th AFRS Fire Science Senior Airman Ryan Swaim, 507th CES Health Care Management Tech. Sgt. Barbara Gough, 72nd MDSS Senior Airman Jody Lee, 72nd MDSS Human Resource Management Master Sgt. Christopher Barnes, 349th AFRS Tech. Sgt. Bahati Brown, 507th AMXS Tech. Sgt. Mark Curry, 349th AFRS Staff Sgt. Aaron Darden, 349th AFRS Tech. Sgt. Michelle Del Rosario, 552nd ACW Tech. Sgt. Victor Garcia, 349th AFRS Staff Sgt. Jenna Goodall, 513th ACG Master Sgt. Kenneth Green, 552nd OSS Tech. Sgt. Corey Ketchum, 349th AFRS Staff Sgt. Benjamin Knight, 349th AFRS Master Sgt. Kimberlee Koldste, 507th AMXS Master Sgt. Thomas Lord, 507th LRS Tech. Sgt. Maurice Mack, 349th AFRS Tech. Sgt. Joshua McFerrin, 349th AFRS Tech. Sgt. Ryne Miller, 10th FLT Tech. Sgt. Arellano Morales, 349th AFRS Senior Airman Maria Murillo, 72nd FSS

See Graduation page 5.

www.TinkerTakeOff.com — April 29, 2016 — 5

Graduation

continued from page 4

Master Sgt. Anthony Sayers, 960th AACS Master Sgt. Wesley Sirmoms, ANGR Tech. Sgt. Timothy Smith, 552nd AMXS Tech. Sgt. Stephen Stallings. 349th AFRS Staff Sgt. Travis Workman, 349th AFRS Information Management Staff Sgt. Fallon Carte, 507th CES Tech. Sgt. Cindy Holloway, 970th AACS Information Systems Technology Senior Airman Michael Campbell, 960th AACS Senior Airman John Castillo, 552nd OSS Senior Airman Alexander Banachowski, 960th AACS Senior Airman Miguel Barahona, 966th AACS Senior Airman Steven Beaupierre, 966th AACS Senior Airman Joseph Belden, 960th AACS Staff Sgt. Jodie Brimmer, 552nd TRS Master Sgt. Jeffrey Caswell, 507th FSS Senior Airman Jerry Costanzo, 961st AACS Senior Airman Curtis Cox, 963rd AACS Staff Sgt. Nicole Drury, 966th AACS Tech. Sgt. Joel Eason, 966th AACS Staff Sgt. Emilio Garza, 552nd TRS Staff Sgt. Matthew Grasham, 966th AACS Senior Airman Josef Hoffarthharper, 960th AACS Senior Airman Michael Lancaster, 965th AACS Senior Airman Ernest Leggs, 966th AACS Staff Sgt. Randoph Lenn, 960th AACS Tech. Sgt. Bryan McCharen, 966th AACS Master Sgt. Matthew Odell, 965th AACS Senior Airman Alanna Ostrowski, 960th AACS Master Sgt. Dillon Poole, 552nd TRS Senior Airman Matthew Randolph, 966th AACS Staff Sgt. Stephen Sharp, 552nd TRS Staff Sgt. Jacob Sibley, 552nd OSS Staff Sgt. Everitt Smith, 966th AACS Staff Sgt. Aaron Stelzer, 970th AACS Senior Airman Amanda Stelzer, 966th AACS Senior Airman Victoria Thompson, 963rd AACS Staff Sgt. Dakota Vanparys, 966th AACS Tech. Sgt. Travis Wickenhauser, 963rdrd AACS Senior Airman Evan Wilson, 963rd AACS Senior Airman George Wise, 963rd AACS Tech. Sgt. Robert Wolfe, 966th AACS Senior Airman Justin Zeringue, 966th AACS Instructor of Technology and Military Science Tech. Sgt. Alexis Ballester Martinez, 966th AACS Senior Airman Miguel Barahona, 966th AACS Senior Airman Steven Beaupierre, 966th AACS Staff Sgt. Jodie Brimmer, 552nd TRS Senior Airman Christopher Callaway, 966th AACS Staff Sgt. Nicholas Cotter, 966th AACS Senior Airman Christopher Davis, 552nd TRS Staff Sgt. Thomas Dumesnil, 966th AACS Tech. Sgt. Joel Eason, 966th AACS Staff Sgt. Adam Enyeart, 966th AACS Staff Sgt. Emilio Garza, 552nd TRS Staff Sgt. Jason Giordano, 966th AACS Staff Sgt. Matthew Grasham, 966th AACS Staff Sgt. Ryan Harvey, 966th AACS Staff Sgt. Jeremiah Jeansonne, 966th AACS Senior Airman Daniel Journell, 966th AACS Staff Sgt. Stanley Joyce, 966th AACS Master Sgt. Bobby Kazmir, 72nd FSS Senior Airman Ernest Leggs, 966th AACS Senior Airman Rachel Miller, 966th AACS Staff Sgt. Theodore Muenster, 373rd TRS Staff Sgt. Cory Odell, 966th AACS Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Peters, 966th AACS Senior Airman Daniel Propst, 966th AACS Staff Sgt. Idris Rett, 552nd TRS Staff Sgt. Everitt Smith, 966th AACS Staff Sgt. Jonathan Smith, 966th AACS Senior Airman Amanda Stelzer, 966th AACS Senior Airman Deshaun Thompson, 966th AACS Intelligence Studies and Technology Staff Sgt. Joshua Joseph, 552ndnd OSS Senior Airman Jessica Krist, 960th AACS Senior Airman Jonathan Luna, 552nd OSS Senior Airman Manuel Rivera, 552nd OSS Tech. Sgt. Christopher Strawn, 552nd AMXS Airman 1st Class Frederick Thomas, 552nd OSS

Logistics Tech. Sgt. Trinette Crockam, 552nd MXG Staff Sgt. Aaron Darden, 349th AFRS Staff Sgt. Danielle Drahman, 72nd AMDS Senior Master Sgt. Gary Kirby, ARPC Senior Airman Sophia Snapp, 72nd MDOS Staff Sgt. Ryan Sydney, 72nd MDSS

Nondestructive Testing Technology Staff Sgt. Morgan Marriott, 507th MXS Opthalmic Technician Master Sgt. Darrin Oglesby, 35th CCS Practical Nursing Technology Tech. Sgt. William Mitchell, 349th AFRS

Maintenance Production Management Senior Master Sgt. Christopher Shamiyeh, 507th MXS Senior Airman Shalay Stancle, 507th LRS

Public Health Technology

Mass Communications Staff Sgt. Caleb Wanzer, 513th ACG

Safety

Medical Laboratory Technology Senior Airman Corina Garrison, 507thMDS Master Sgt. Darrin Oglesby, 35th CBCS Mental Health Services Senior Airman Patrick Allen, 72nd MDOS

Staff Sgt. Danielle Drahman, 72nd AMDS Staff Sgt. Brashad Erskine, 72nd AMDS Tech. Sgt. Allen Patrick, 507th ARW Survival Instructor Tech. Sgt. Jacob Schmidt, 552nd OSS Transportation Master Sgt. Joseph Melichar, 72nd APS

6 — www.TinkerTakeOff.com — April 29, 2016

Adapt and overcome Staff Sgt. Lealan Buehrer 182nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs PEORIA, Ill. (AFNS) — My firstborn child recently turned 2 months old. Amidst the irresistible joy of having a new little buddy, I look back over these last eight weeks and wonder how my spouse and I survived. I am a writer, but there are no words I can find adequate enough to describe the terror of sleeplessness that was brought down upon us. Remember doing dorm guard duty in basic training? It was kind of like that but instead of one shift a week, we had to be awake every two hours, every night. No weekends. No sleeping in. Pure torture. There were times — exaggerated by the fog of exhaustion — when I honestly thought my body was going to give out, and I would simply die. Don’t judge. You either know what I’m talking about or maybe someday will be in for the same surprise. There was no option; the little guy

completely depends on his mommy and daddy to survive. That is the mission — to keep him sustained and thriving as efficiently as possible. Military instinct made it clear: I had to adapt and overcome. But how? Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III said the wellbeing and care of ourselves, each other and our families is the focus of Comprehensive Airman Fitness. It’s about mental, physical, social and spiritual wellness. That is where I started. Yes, I referenced an Air Force doctrine to apply at home — because it works. Coping was the first step to everything else. It really helps to just acknowledge that yes, I am going to be beyond tired; no, I am not going to feel rested; and no, it is not going to feel good. When I remember to focus on that situational awareness, it somehow doesn’t burn me out quite as badly when the baby alarm sounds off at o-dark-thirty in the morning. Having that mindfulness helps work through the frustration when the baby

projectile pukes everywhere, hoses down the walls or goes nuclear on a fresh diaper. I do not get it right every time, but every success is a success, and it helps. I am a big cardio person. My day does not feel right if I don’t get a good 45 minutes in at the gym in the morning. In this new world of exhaustion, burning calories at the gym may sound counterproductive. On the contrary, the physical fitness helps keep me mentally fit. Being able to test my endurance while blasting some tunes is my meditation. Getting back into a routine of good nutrition was just as important. It is convenient to pop a carbed-up pizza or lasagna in the oven, but it is not what my body needs. Sometimes the easier option in physical fitness is not the best option. Sustaining those healthy habits post-baby takes extra work and I will never be perfectly consistent, but every good day helps. We had tons of support from family and friends, but I was not expecting my fellow Airmen to ask how the family was doing every time they saw me. When I’m walking the halls like a lost zombie, that simple

communication and connectedness makes a difference. Not only do they let me unload the weight of the struggles, but I also get good advice because most of them have been there and done that. That’s teamwork. It is not just ears to listen and a reminder that they are thinking about my spouse and me. It is a social support from Airman to Airman, and every little bit helps. Spiritual fitness covers such a multitude of areas in this experience. It is the underlying principle that motivates me in all the other areas. Spiritual fitness takes effort and choice just like any other aspect of Comprehensive Airman Fitness. What kind of parent am I going be? I want to be the best parent a baby could ask for, so I try to pay attention to my attitudes and reactions under stress. I try to persevere when weak, because it is all for the kiddo. Perspective is good fuel for a tired mind. It gives me a new sense of purpose to sacrifice my needs for his. I keep reminding myself that the complications of having a newborn are temporary, because it is true. Part of spiritual fitness is finding See Adapt page 7.

Action Line

Col. Stephanie Wilson 72nd Air Base Wing Commander

The Tinker Commander’s Action Line is a communications channel established for personnel to bring problems and observations to the commander’s attention. The Action Line serves as an avenue for effecting positive change across Tinker Air Force Base and has led to improvements in safety, working conditions, quality of life and a better understanding of base programs and processes. When inquiries or comments are forwarded, a direct re-

Base Legal Office.......................................739-5811 Base Safety Office......................................739-3511 Base Restaurants........................................734-3161 Civil Engineering.......................................734-3451

Civilian Personnel......................................739-3334 DOD Fraud, Waste and Abuse Hotline....800-424-9098 Equal Employment Office..........................739-7889 Fraud, Waste and Abuse.............................739-3922

Tinker Take Off Published by The Journal Record Publishing Company, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with the 72nd Air Base Wing commander. This civilian enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of the Tinker Take Off are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the Department of thae Air Force. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or The Journal Record Publishing Company of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs Office of the 72nd Air Base Wing.

sponse should be received in a timely manner. While we hope individuals will seek a more timely resolution of issues through their facility management or unit command channels, an individual may visit the Commander’s Action Line tab on Tinker’s internal home page to submit an action line. Those who don’t have access to the home page can send an email to [email protected].

IG Complaints (for appt.)...........................739-2051 Military Equal Opportunity........................739-2104 Military Pay...............................................739-5768 Public Affairs.............................................739-2026

Tinker Take Off Office (405) 739-5780

How to find us: Enter Tinker Gate off of Interstate-40, turn left at the stoplight on Arnold Street. The 72nd Air Base Wing Headquarters, Bldg. 460, will be on the right. Enter the southwest wing. Once inside the building, turn right and then right down the first hallway. The Tinker Take Off office is in the Public Affairs Office, Room 127, at the end of the hall. Deadlines: The deadline for newspaper submissions is Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. for the next week’s issue. Stories can be e-mailed to [email protected]. Advertising: Call 278-2820 for display ad information. Advertising deadlines: Display ads: Fridays at noon. Classified ads: Classified ads must be turned in to the Journal Record by noon Wednesdays. Classified ads: Free classified ads can be placed online at www.tinkertakeoff.com.

Retirement (civilian)....................... 1-800-525-0102 Security Forces...........................................734-2878 Force Support.............................................734-3566 Alternate Dispute Resolution.....................736-2151

Free ad forms can also be turned in at the Tinker Take Off office in Bldg. 460, Room 127. Call the Journal Record at 278-2866 to place a paid ad. Paid ads cannot be accepted in the Tinker Take Off office on base. Free ads are for current or retired Tinker employees (restrictions apply). Published by the Journal Record Publishing Company, Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Tinker Air Force Base Col. Stephanie Wilson Tinker Installation Commander Ralph Monson Chief, 72nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs Public Affairs Editorial Staff

Ron Mullan................................................................... Managing Editor April McDonald............................................................................. Editor Kimberly Woodruff..............................................................Staff Writer John Parker...........................................................................Staff Writer Kelly White............................................................... Staff Photographer www.tinkertakeoff.com • www.tinker.af.mil

Meeting

The KC‑46A KC-46A MOB MOB 33 bed The bed down down is is needed needed to to support support the recapitalization of the Air Force’s aging refueling the recapitalization of the Air Force’s aging refueling DLUFUDIWÀHHW aircraft fleet. Representatives from from the the Air Air Force Force Reserve Reserve Representatives continued from from page page 11 continued and Tinker AFB were on hand to explain the and Tinker AFB were on hand to explain the EIAP EIAP process. They They presented presented large large posters posters explaining explaining the service’s global reach for the future. Tinker AFB, Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind., and process. each step step of of the the process, process, as as well well as as information information on on “This scoping meeting is not about presenting each Westover ARB, Mass. the KC-46 Pegasus. UHVXOWV RU ¿QGLQJV´ VDLG 7RP 'DXHV D FRQWUDFWRU The Air Force is projected to receive up to 179 the KC-46 Pegasus. Hamid Kamalpour, Kamalpour, Air Air Force Force program program manager manager working for the Air Force.2017 “Weand are 2028, here to solicit Hamid KC-46A aircraft between with the of the KC-46 MOB 3 EIS from the Air Force feedback from citizens in the local community Civil possibility of 12 tankers coming to one of the four of the KC-46 MOB 3 EIS from the Air Force Civil Engineer Center Center at at Joint Joint Base Base San San Antonio-Lackland, Antonio-Lackland, tonight to Reserve be placed in the draft Environmental Air Force Command unit locations. This Engineer Texas, said said the the draft draft EIS EIS is is scheduled scheduled to to be be completed completed ,PSDFW6WDWHPHQWIRUFRQVLGHUDWLRQ´ is part of an effort to replace the Air Force’s aging Texas, at the end of the summer and will be published online The environmental impact analysis process, or tanker fleet to maintain the service’s global reach for at the end of the summer and will be published online and sent to local libraries in the four communities EIAP, is the Air Force’s program for complying and sent to local libraries in the four communities the future. near the the bases. bases. with the scoping Nationalmeeting Environmental Protection Act. near “This is not about presenting “It’s important to note note that that the the opportunity opportunity to to As part of the process, an EIS assesses the potential “It’s important to results or findings,” said Tom Daues, a contractor provide feedback about the impact to Tinker and the environmental consequences of basing and operating working for the Air Force. “We are here to solicit provide feedback about the impact to Tinker and the VXUURXQGLQJDUHDLVQRWMXVWOLPLWHGWRWKLVWLPH´VDLG the KC-46A tanker aircraft,inassociated area is not just limited to this time,” said feedback from citizens the localinfrastructure community surrounding Mr. Kamalpour, Kamalpour, aa federal federal employee employee with with 25 25 years years of of and manpower at any location. tonight to be placed in the draft Environmental Mr. service. The purpose of the MOB 3 bed down is to provide service. Impact Statement for consideration.” a fully capable, combatimpact operational AFRC and Air The environmental analysis process, or Mobility KC-46A air refueling squadron EIAP, is Command the Air Force’s program for complying to accomplish aerial refueling and related missions. with the National Environmental Protection Act. As part of the process, an EIS assesses the potential environmental consequences of basing and operating the KC-46A tanker aircraft, associated infrastructure continued from page 6 and manpower at any location. The purpose of the MOB 3 bed down is to provide athat fully capable, operational AFRC Air silver lining combat in what looks like only darkand clouds. Mobility Command KC-46A air refueling squadron Obviously, it is not always easy to be spiritually to accomplish aerial refueling missions. solid and I do not always get it and right,related but every little win helps. It may all sound like Parenting 101 to the uninitiated, but I promise it hardly feels that simple in the moment. Life’s challenges That continuednever from do. page 6 is why it is so important to practice mental, physical, social and lining spiritual onlike a regular basis. that silver in wellness what looks only dark clouds. That is whyitthe Air always Force built Comprehensive Obviously, is not easythe to be spiritually Airman doctrine. never ready for solid andFitness I do not always You get itcan right, butbe every little the trials win helps.life throws at you, but you can be prepared. In It themay meantime, you do101 to support all soundwhat likecan Parenting to the your IHOORZ$LUPHQ¶V¿WQHVVGXULQJWKHLUVWUXJJOHV" uninitiated, but I promise it hardly feels that simple in the moment. Life’s challenges never do. That is why it is so important to practice mental, physical, social and spiritual wellness on a regular basis. That is why the Air Force built the Comprehensive Airman Fitness doctrine. You can never be ready for the trials life throws at you, but you can be prepared. In the meantime, what can you do to support your fellow Airmen’s fitness during their struggles?

Adapt

Adapt

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According According to to Mr. Mr. Kamalpour, Kamalpour, the the team team will will return return to Tinker and the other bases selected as reasonable to Tinker and the other bases selected as reasonable alternatives in the the fall fall to to hold hold public alternatives in public hearings, hearings, where where aa general analysis of EIS results will general analysis of EIS results will be be available. available. Although base is is Seymour Seymour Although the the preferred preferred alternative alternative base Johnson, the Air Force is in the early stages of the EIS EIS Johnson, the Air Force is in the early stages of the SURFHVVDQGQRGHFLVLRQKDVEHHQPDGHDVWRWKH¿QDO process, and no decision has been made as to the final MOB MOB 33 bed bed down down location, location, according according to to Air Air Force Force RI¿FLDOV 'XULQJ WKH HQYLURQPHQWDO LPSDFW officials. During the environmental impact DQDO\VLV analysis process, process, all all areas areas need need to to be be analyzed. analyzed. After the hearing in the After the hearing in the fall, fall, comments comments made made by by the the SXEOLFZLOOEHLQFOXGHGLQWKH¿QDOLPSDFWVWDWHPHQW public will be included in the final impact statement to to be be reviewed reviewed by by the the secretary secretary of of the the Air Air Force. Force. 7KH ¿QDO GHFLVLRQ FRQFHUQLQJ WKH ORFDWLRQ The final decision concerning the location RI of WKH the third main operating base will be made in the spring third main operating base will be made in the spring RILQWKH5HFRUGRI'HFLVLRQ of 2017 in the Record of Decision. Members public are are encouraged encouraged to to visit visit Members of of the the public https://www.kc-46a-beddown.com for more https://www.kc-46a-beddown.com for more information information on on the the KC-46A KC-46A bed bed down down and and to to submit submit comments. comments.

8 — www.TinkerTakeOff.com — April 29, 2016

April 29, 2016 — www.TinkerTakeOff.com — 9

Air Force photos by Kelly White

Cadets from six Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps units stand in formation before the start of the first-ever Tinker JROTC Community Outreach Event. The April 22 event was hosted by the 349th Recruiting Squadron as a way to emphasize citizenship and service. The cadets participated in events at the base track, including holding a plank position, sit-ups, push-ups, a relay race and tug-of-war. After the field events, the teams had a dodgeball tournament in the Gerrity Fitness Center, followed by pizza and drinks. An awards ceremony was held to find out the top teams of the events. The current class in the Airman Leadership School also participated in the event as part of their PT. The event was sponsored by the Tinker First Sergeants Group, the Air Force Sergeants Association and Airforce.com.

Up to the challenge

The Carl Albert High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps team won the travelling trophy during the April 22 outreach event hosted by the 349th Recruiting Squadron. With the team is Lt. Col. Seth Tribett, 349th Recruiting Squadron commander, kneeling front row left. Other top teams were Edmond North High School in second place and John Marshall High School in third.

Members of the John Marshall AFJROTC do as many push-ups as they can in one minute, while other members of other teams watch and cheer them on.

Choctaw Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps members participate in the one-minute sit-ups competition during the 349th Recruiting Squadron’s community outreach event. Cadet Christine Keefe, from Carl Albert High School, held the plank position for 16 minutes, which was longer than every other participant in the challenge. As the number of competitors dwindled, their teammates cheered and shouted encouraging words to those still competing. Cadet Keefe was a key competitor in almost all of the events throughout the day and played a role in her team winning the competition.

Members of Edmond North High School’s AFJROTC unit try their hardest in the tug-of-war event of the April 22 challenge day.

8 — www.TinkerTakeOff.com — April 29, 2016

April 29, 2016 — www.TinkerTakeOff.com — 9

Air Force photos by Kelly White

Cadets from six Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps units stand in formation before the start of the first-ever Tinker JROTC Community Outreach Event. The April 22 event was hosted by the 349th Recruiting Squadron as a way to emphasize citizenship and service. The cadets participated in events at the base track, including holding a plank position, sit-ups, push-ups, a relay race and tug-of-war. After the field events, the teams had a dodgeball tournament in the Gerrity Fitness Center, followed by pizza and drinks. An awards ceremony was held to find out the top teams of the events. The current class in the Airman Leadership School also participated in the event as part of their PT. The event was sponsored by the Tinker First Sergeants Group, the Air Force Sergeants Association and Airforce.com.

Up to the challenge

The Carl Albert High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps team won the travelling trophy during the April 22 outreach event hosted by the 349th Recruiting Squadron. With the team is Lt. Col. Seth Tribett, 349th Recruiting Squadron commander, kneeling front row left. Other top teams were Edmond North High School in second place and John Marshall High School in third.

Members of the John Marshall AFJROTC do as many push-ups as they can in one minute, while other members of other teams watch and cheer them on.

Choctaw Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps members participate in the one-minute sit-ups competition during the 349th Recruiting Squadron’s community outreach event. Cadet Christine Keefe, from Carl Albert High School, held the plank position for 16 minutes, which was longer than every other participant in the challenge. As the number of competitors dwindled, their teammates cheered and shouted encouraging words to those still competing. Cadet Keefe was a key competitor in almost all of the events throughout the day and played a role in her team winning the competition.

Members of Edmond North High School’s AFJROTC unit try their hardest in the tug-of-war event of the April 22 challenge day.

10 — www.TinkerTakeOff.com — April 29, 2016

Free money?

Airmen learn how to get certification benefits through AF COOL program Kimberly Woodruff Staff Writer Air Force photo by Kimberly Woodruff

Want some free money? How about professional

5XVVHOO*UD\$LU)RUFH&UHGHQWLDO2SSRUWXQLWLHV2QOLQHSURJUDPGLUHFWRUWDONVWR$LUPHQDERXWWKHEHQH¿WV credentials to help you further your career? earning their professional credentials through AF COOL. The program will provide Airmen up to $4,500 for Airmen who attended the Air Force Credential credentials to go with their Air Force career.

Opportunities Online, or AF COOL, presentation last week at the Tinker Club learned how to get that free money, capped at $4,500, for credentials to go along with their Air Force career. The Air Force will pay for a professional credential to help active duty military members further their careers not only while they are active duty, but also once their Air Force time is complete. Russell Gray, the COOL program director, was on base to show Airmen how to use the COOL website and to explain how the program works. He said by having professional credentials in the civilian world DIWHU VHSDUDWLRQ LW ZLOO SURYLGH WKH TXDOL¿FDWLRQV often needed to compete for civilian jobs. “Sixty percent of employers say they don’t want to hire veterans because they have no idea about what you do,” said Mr. Gray. “Employers don’t know what a 1206 is or what the acronyms on the EPR are and they have no clue what you do. Licenses and credentials are the wave of the future for the enlisted corps.” Mr. Gray also said credentials could still play an important part in Air Force retention. Because the Air Force is getting smaller, it could come down to keeping just those who are well trained and going above and beyond their day-to-day job. COOL is open to active duty Air Force members of any component — regular Air Force, Reserves and 1DWLRQDO*XDUG²(DQGDERYHZKRSRVVHVVD¿YH skill level in an Air Force Specialty Code mapped to the credential. Members of the Reserves or National Guard must be on Title 10 or Title 32 active orders for the duration of the COOL process. Mr. Gray urged everyone to use the COOL funding ¿UVWEHIRUHXVLQJDQ\*,ELOOIXQGV+HVDLG$LUPHQ ZKRXVHWKHLU*,ELOOWRSD\IRUMXVWRQHGD\RIWHVWLQJ KDYH DOUHDG\ XVHG  GD\V RI WKHLU *, ELOO VR XVH &22/¿UVW The program will pay for administration fees, credentials and licensing, as well as pay for books and study materials. According to Mr. Gray, close to $600,000 has been paid out so far. Don’t leave free money lying on the table. For more information on Air Force COOL, call (334) 6495115, visit https://afvec.langley.af.mil/afvec/Public/ COOL, or email [email protected]. The Tinker HGXFDWLRQRI¿FHFDQDOVRKHOSDQVZHUTXHVWLRQV&DOO 739-7408 for more information.

April 29, 2016 — www.TinkerTakeOff.com — 11

Spring cleaning

Air Force photo by Kelly White

Staff Sgt. Richard Razon, with the 966th Airborne Air Control Squadron, helps with the April 22 Earth Day cleanup in the Urban Greenway area around base housing. Nineteen volunteers from the 72nd Air Base Wing Civil Engineering Directorate, Balfour Beatty Communities, base housing residents and employees from Pratt & Whitney helped with the project.

Thomas Alberts and Brian DeKock, from Pratt & Whitney, pick up trash in the Scissortail Trail area of the Urban Greenway on April 22.

12 — www.TinkerTakeOff.com — April 29, 2016

Around Tinker

Wildcatters honored by 72nd ABW commander 72nd Air Base Wing A team and two individuals were recently recognized by Col. Stephanie Wilson, 72nd Air Base Wing commander, with Wildcatter Awards. The 72nd Comptroller Squadron Travel Team is made up of multiple individuals throughout the Comptroller Squadron that support Team Tinker’s $18.8 million travel requirements. Tinker’s Lead Defense Travel Administrators are known across the base for their outstanding help desk support. The team supports 62 DTS organizations, 105 travel administrators and more than 12,000 travelers. They ensure travelers and administrators are kept up to date and in compliance with the ever changing travel policies and procedures, in addition to validating permission levels, auditing vouchers and conducting staff assistance visits. Their superb management of the compliance tool resulted in collection of $25,000 in erroneous or duplicate travel expenses and was lauded by SAF/FM DTA as one of the best in the Air Force. The team has received multiple letters of appreciation and was coined by the LCMC E3 program office for their outstanding support of their short notice international travel requirements. The travel team goes above and beyond supporting deployed warfighters, certifying 625 deployment orders totaling $825,000 and ensuring partial payments were scheduled to avoid overdue GTCs. Furthermore, they’ve briefed more than 600 returning deployers on entitlements and assisted them with filing their travel vouchers so they can promptly begin their R&R. The travel team also approved all deployment vouchers and ensured members were paid $1.05 million in per diem. Tinker military members can rest assured that they are receiving what they are due and nothing more as the team validated 60 reports ensuring that travelers received the correct travel entitlements (Hostile Fire/Imminent Danger Pay, Family Separation Allowance, Combat Zone Tax Exclusion, etc.). The team’s efforts have ensured Tinker is on the flight path to financial improvement and audit readiness. Team members are: Brenda Williams Kathy Bailey Michael Graham Kelly Saxon Shelly Lohan Louis Lesniak Connie Crum Amanda Netwon Tommie Watson Diane Bevers Marty Crofts

Air Force photos

Members of the 72nd Comptroller Squadron Travel Team were recently honored with a Wildcatter Award by the 72nd Air Base Wing commander.

Emanuel Smith 72nd Logistics Readiness Squadron

Senior Airman Matthew McKenna 72nd Security Forces Squadron

Master Sgt. Stephanie Fontenot Se nior Airman Jordan GutierrezLamas Airman 1st Class Pamela Yim Senior Airman Daniel Farlow Senior Airman Darius Lester Senior Airman Eric Patterson Emanuel Smith, with the 72nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, has performed his duties as a traffic management specialist since February 2015. During this time he has interacted one-on-one with the Air Force Sustainment Center, 72nd Air Base Wing and 72nd Mission Support Group commanders, squadron commanders/ directors and all LRS personnel. He epitomizes the “Wildcatter” spirit by leading, encouraging, and mentoring those around him to persevere in the face of any challenges, find appropriate solutions to any problem and, above all, to remain positive. Mr. Smith was instrumental in the development of the Personal Property

Office’s Walk the Wall, the first ever in an ABW and a critical component of the Highly Effective rating during the 2015 UEI. He continues to be a driving force on its “Road to Setting the DOD Standard” as its establishment and processes directly contributes to the 72nd LRS/MSG/ABW’s “Art of the Possible.” Mr. Smith is the handpicked representative of the LGRDF as it establishes its message throughout the Tinker AFB community and the nine counties in Central Oklahoma it makes up. As its customer outreach champion, Mr. Smith has been responsible for reaching 1,382 individuals: active duty and retired military members and their families, Department of Defense civilians and ROTC cadets from the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University. He has given them counsel on their entitlements as they embark from the Tinker community. He is also responsible for ensuring

the accuracy of Personally Procured Moves and allowing for the validated the dispersal of $968,900 in 2015. Senior Airman Matthew McKenna, 72nd Security Forces Squadron, has been a ticket clerk for the 72nd Reports and Analysis Section for the past four months. During this period he revamped the DD FM 1408 ticket program, creating a new PDF form for tracking and converting the current process into a more efficient, synergized flow saving the S5R section 64 manpower hours annually. Airman McKenna processed 604 DD Form 1408’s, 153 DD Form 1805s and six ticket rebuttal requests ensuring swift actions are taken for traffic infractions. He also used his master skill in carpentry and built a shelving unit for the Resource and Logistics section, enabling their ability to properly store and account for high value equipment items. Additionally, he built a customer service area for the Reports and Analysis section, saving the unit more than $4,800 by self-helping the two projects. As a consummate leader, he sets the example for other Airmen by completing six credit hours toward his Bachelor of Science Degree in Entrepreneurship. If that were not enough, he is also involved in his local community and serves as a positive role model, educating and mentoring fouryear-old children as a Sunday school teacher at his local church. Lastly, he is the squadron’s “go-to” Airman, always motivated and determined to excel his professional and personal goals and puts forth 110 percent effort in all tasks at hand.

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Asian heritage month to feature luncheon, food, festivities John Parker Staff Writer $VLDQ$PHULFDQDQG3DFL¿F,VODQGHU +HULWDJH 0RQWK DW 7LQNHU $)% ZLOO NLFNRII0RQGD\ZLWKDIXQUXQZDON 7KH EDVH¶V $VLDQ 3DFL¿F $PHULFDQ Heritage Committee has organized a YDULHW\ RI HYHQWV IRU 0D\ LQFOXGLQJ D7LQNHU &OXE DZDUGV OXQFKHRQ  DP WR  SP 0D\  ZLWK NH\QRWH VSHDNHU /W &RO *HUDOG