November 2008 - Texas Air Force Association
Transcription
November 2008 - Texas Air Force Association
Inside this issue: Oktoberfest 2008 217th Training Squadron Garland support during IKE “Without courageous families there would be no courageous Airmen. -- General David C. Jones 1 November 2008 November 2008 Vol. 8, Issue No. 11 Texas Air National Guard, Camp Mabry November 2008 Texas Air National Guard, Camp Mabry Headquarters Headlines is a funded newsletter published by the Texas Air National Guard Headquarters Public Affairs, Camp Mabry, Building 9, 2210 W. 35th Street, Austin, Texas 78703-1222. Contents of Headquarters Headlines are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U. S. Government, the Defense Department, or the Department of the Air Force. Direct questions to the public affairs chief at (512) 782-5050 or DSN 954-5050. Texas Air National Guard Commander Maj. Gen. Allen R. Dehnert Public Affairs Chief Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada Newsletter Editor Chief Master Sgt. Norm King Historian NCO Staff Sgt. Jim Levine, Jr. 2 Officer follows dad’s blueprint CAMP MABRY, Austin, Texas (Oct 15, 2008) -- Some people stumble into a career and love it, others set out to follow their dream job and are ultimately disappointed, and then there is the group of people who passionately follow their guiding principles and become trailblazers. Meet Lt. Col. James. W. Marrs, second generation Total Force officer and commander of the newly stood up 217th Training Squadron at Goodfellow Air Force Base. Colonel Marrs lives and works by eight guiding principles, his passion for the total force concept and the advice of his dad who was called the Architect of the Total Force in the On Guard issue of January 2003. His father, Theodore Marrs served as the deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force in the 60s and in 1970 President Nixon appointed him as assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs. During President Nixon’s administration, significant cuts in the Department of Defense budget resulted in the Total Force concept and strengthening of the Guard and Reserve. Before Secretary Laird approved the concept, Dr. Marrs encountered stiff resistance but as history has shown, the concept that had worked well in the Air Force, would ultimately be very successful across all branches of service. Fast forward to today and it becomes clear that the son lives and works the Total Force Concept. One of the publications prominently displayed in the colonel’s library is the Commanders Integration Guide. There are several models within the integration concept and the 217th Training Squadron is a perfect example of how an Air Guard unit can function and thrive on an active duty base with the full support and cooperation from the active duty component. The mission of the 217 Training Squadron is to provide Air National guard instructors for the basic, intermediate and advanced intelligence courses to the Intelligence schoolhouse at Goodfellow. Colonel Marrs will command a staff of 40 full-time instructors and an additional 14 traditional guardsmen when all positions have been filled. 3 Continued from page 3 One hundred percent of all intelligence career fields are being taught at Goodfellow with a student body of 80% Army, Navy and Marines and 20% Air Force or Air Guard. As to why the Air National Guard was chosen for this mission, Colonel Marrs replied: “The Guard has received 30 new Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions as a result of BRAC and Air Force restructuring and we provide more buck for the money than a fighter or bomber unit.” Alongside Colonel Marrs is another key figure, Chief Master Sgt. Pedro Tambunga, who in the words of Colonel Marrs “provided the good roots in the community.” Colonel Marrs came by way of West Virginia, but the chief has lived in the area all his life and has introduced the colonel to many of the local and state emergency workers. Within the first week of his command, the colonel visited with Mr. Ron Perry, the regional director of homeland security, the mayor, the regional liaison officer and with officials from the Department of Public Safety. Another plus for the local community is that the colonel served as the senior intelligence officer for a joint Army/Air National Guard NBC terrorism enhanced response force serving FEMA Region III and the National Capital Region. This is pertinent because like every other Air Guard member, his instructors can and will be called away from their primary duties to perform Disaster Support to Civilian Authorities (DSCA). Most recently, Governor Rick Perry activated the National Guard during Hurricane IKE and ten of his instructors had to support relief efforts in Galveston. When asked whether that impeded instruction he said: “Not at all, because my active duty instructors immediately filled in.” He added: “The close working relationship we have here at the schoolhouse with our active duty counterparts affords us this flexibility. Instead of the active duty instructors being peeved about the double shifts, they were actually very appreciative of the opportunity to backfill and allow us to do our jobs.” With pride showing on his face, he added: “We manned Points of Distribution (PODs) and distributed 200,000 meals. One of our active duty instructors said: ‘You guys had a real cool mission during IKE,’ and we felt that love and maybe a bit of envy when we got back.” Training for the intelligence career field is long and tough. “The washout rate is considerable, but we redouble our efforts and provide special attention to those students who need it,” he said. 4 Continued from page 4 “We are exceeding recruiting goals and our methods of reaching a broader recruiting base are going well. The chief and I accept every opportunity to reach conference audiences. Our focus is on recruiting a full-time staff and we are very pleased with the support we are receiving from Col. Charles Monroe, at the 149th Fighter Wing, Col. Bob Waters and Col Malesky at Headquarters. We are well funded and very well taken care of,” and he added: “that support is very important because we are fully immersed in an active duty AETC base and a student body that ranges from pipeline students to prior service personnel. It is a different environment with unique challenges, and that support structure is crucial.” Living mom and dad’s dream is obviously also a huge plus. Dr. Marrs saw the total Force concept from a military perspective and his wife and Colonel Marrs’ mom saw it from a family and community perspective. The combination of working together and a sense of family and being able to plant roots are in his view a recipe for success. Colonel Marrs continued: “Our instructors bring a wealth of experience when they start teaching. When Senior Master Sgt. Kevin White, a loadmaster, was interviewed by the board, one active duty board member said: ‘We want him.’” He added: “These highly accomplished senior non-commissioned officers bring that real-world experience to the school house. It is not merely theory. Chief Tambunga for example will never forget his experience of having to lug a mortar base plate around and that is real insight into reality. That type of diversity is the key to our success.” Every graduating class imprints its own stamp on the classroom by decorating a ceiling tile. Some of the symbolism used in this creation are students listening to Homer Simpson discussing the nuclear capability of a well-known dictator. Photo: Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada 5 Continued from page 5 Another instructor is Lt. Col. Edward Stamper Jr. an F-4 Wild Weasel backseater, who when he crossed the border of Iraq during the Gulf War was looking for trouble. That practical experience is interjected in the curriculum. “The folks who leave here are not typically going to a plush assignment. They are going to critical areas, and some maybe pulling the trigger and that is when intelligence is critical.” He said: “There is a little double 0 seven in all of us and of course this job is not for the timid, but we can only be successful when nobody hears about us or our triumphs.” And what are Colonel Marrs’ eight guiding principles? He answers: “The universal answer for what it takes to make a great general or a great leader or manager can be found in the book, American Generalship - Character is Everything: The Art of Command, by Edgar F. Puryear. The author interviewed 26 generals and they all followed the same core principles: Patience, Kindness, Respect, Selflessness, Forgiveness, Honesty and Commitment. He says that he is on his second edition because the first one wore out. Colonel Marrs, his wife of 29 years Claudia and high school sweetheart, live in San Angelo. They have three sons, Daniel 28, Jeremiah 27, Michael 23, and two daughters Jamie 17 and Stephanie 10. Before the interview concluded, Colonel Marrs said: “The quality of intelligence correlates directly to destroying less,” and that is obviously something everybody can agree on. For more information about the career field and recruiting opportunities call Tech. Sgt. Monica Trevino at 210-925-5825 Ranks in an intelligence classroom range from Airmen to Senior NCOs, but the common denominator is the fervent desire to graduate from the course. Photo: Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada 6 Continued from page 6 Photo: Dr. Ted Marrs, once called “The architect of The Total Force. Photo provided by Lt. Col. C James Marrs To-Go Bags are never far from a desk or the trunk of a car. Photo: Chief Master Sgt. Moncada 7 IKE evicts students By Sgt First Class Kenneth Walker CAMP MABRY, Texas (Oct. 14, 2008) – Cadets and faculty at the Texas ChalleNGe Academy are quickly adjusting to the West Texas environment. Cadets attending the Texas ChalleNGe Academy (TCA) are adjusting to new facilities, teachers and team leaders in Sheffield, Texas. About 90 Seaborne Challenge Corps cadets made the move last week to facilities formerly occupied by the Texas Youth Commission in Sheffield, TX because of the severe flooding of their previous facilities in Galveston. The facility has the capacity to house 128 cadets and in time, will receive new paint and upgrades to soften the image and feel of the former juvenile facility under the control of Texas Youth Commission. For some it has been a huge transition. Many of the current cadets are from innercity communities and have never been to West Texas or even seen a mountain. The desire to go and “climb the mountain” visible from the facility is a great temptation. Unlike the former tenants, the cadets at the TCA are high school drop-outs who now have a second opportunity to earn a GED or a high school diploma from Sheffield High School. The TCA is not a boot camp, but a facility where Texas youth can regain control of their lives and become productive citizens. All team leaders and staff at the TCA are trained professionals and part of the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe program. A program designed to help at-risk youth sort out their lives. The National Guard Youth ChalleNGe program’s mission is to intervene and reclaim the lives of at-risk youth to produce program graduates with the values, skills, education and self-discipline necessary to succeed as adults. “Our cadets are here voluntarily, said TCA Director Michael Weir. “These young men and women have come to the realization that their life needs an adjustment.” This transition begins with discipline and a focus on education. The ChalleNGe High School, a part of the Iraan Sheffield Independent School district is located at the TCA facility. The school focuses on four core academic studies: Math, Science, Social Studies and English. ChalleNGe High School has ten full time instructors and one on-call substitute teacher. Ms. Candra Cade is the school principal. Several staff members and team leaders relocated to Sheffield after Hurricane IKE damaged the Galveston Seaborne ChalleNGe Corps facility on Sept. 13. These dedicated professionals have helped ensure continuity of the program during the transition. 8 Continued from page 8 Area residents are encouraged to contact the Academy for job information and applications. There are approximately 50 positions at the Academy and many jobs are still vacant. Mr. Weir said the TCA is looking for qualified individuals in a variety of positions and skill sets who are committed to helping the TCA and the cadets achieve success. “Moving from Galveston to Sheffield after Hurricane IKE was not an easy task,” said Col Tony West, Joint Counterdrug Task Force commander. “However, it is well worth the effort for our cadets’ sake.” Col West has oversight of the Texas ChalleNGe Academy. “This relocation effort has truly been an awesome display of teamwork – community leaders, school administrators, Galveston’s Seaborne ChalleNGe Corps employees, the Sheffield workforce, Texas Joint Military Forces Soldiers, Airmen and military leaders, as well as state agencies – Texans working together to continue the outstanding legacy of the Texas National Guard ChalleNGe Program,” Col West continued. The adjustment to the remote area was difficult for some cadets, several decided to return to their family after visiting the facility. The remaining cadets show great determination and desire to continue the program and graduate December 20. “We appreciate and thank the hard work and dedication of the staff, the facility and the communities of Iraan and Sheffield,” Mr. Weir commented. “The community has come forward and graciously provided several homemade hot meals, purchased pizza and cooked hamburgers for the cadets. The cadets really appreciated the show of community interest and involvement.” The cadets attending the Texas ChalleNGe Academy have many mountains to climb, not just the ones visible from Sheffield. Whether it is academic, overcoming bad choices, hasty decisions or even just running around with the wrong crowd, each individual cadet is determined to overcome their personal challenges and “climb their mountain” toward a successful and rewarding future. The ChalleNGe High School point of contact is the campus secretary, Ms. Shelly Hartman. The Texas ChalleNGe Academy and ChalleNGe High School can be reached at (432) 836-4690. Cadet Julio Arredondo stands still as Cadet Kerry Hackemack pins a black fourragere on Cadet Arredondo signifying his progression to Level II status. Texas ChalleNGe Academy in Sheffield, TX offers the opportunity for five levels of merit and achievement. Level two status is a reward for exceptional behavior. Texas ChalleNGe Academy is an initiative of the National Guard. Students who are at risk of dropping out of high school (ages 16-18) may apply for the 17.5 month program. Photo: SFC Kenneth Walker 9 Garland Air National Guard Station deploys to support Hurricane Ike. By: 1st Lt. LaDonna Singleton GARLAND, Texas – Before Airmen of the 221st CBCS and the 254th CCG could unpack from their Hurricane Gustav deployment, they were tasked and off and running to provide Hurricane Ike communications support. One team provided communications support to the Joint Task force that was organized with five ground transportation companies to provide humanitarian assistance to the civilian population within the disaster area encompassing approximately 2000 square miles of southeast Texas. Task Force 4 operated 16 points of distribution areas and seven mass care strike sites (MCST) in twenty cities dispersed across Galveston, Brazoria and Harris counties. The Four-person Joint Incident Site Communications Capability (JISCC) Heavy team supported Task Force 4 of the 136th Army Field Artillery Battalion which was made up of approximately 400 Army, 115 Air National Guard, 50 Navy, and 50 Marine personnel. They provided eight laptops, eight Voice over Internet Protocol phones, a network printer, four Morale, Welfare and Recreation Ethernet drops for an Internet Café and a wireless Ethernet connection. “We are there to serve and when called on, we will be there.,” stated SSgt Gil Galvan, team chief for the fourperson Interoperable Communications Extension Systems (ICE-S) team and communications NCO from the 221CBCS. The ICE-S team deployed to La Marque, TX (10 miles north of Galveston) and provided support to the 141st Infantry Regiment and two elements of JIATF – Texas Military Forces consisting of approximately 140 members. According to SSgt Galvan, they provided data support for the Galveston Task Force Forward Area Refueling and Supply Point and offered standby and relief for other ICE-S packages that were deployed in the area. SSgt Galvan stated that in reflecting back on this team, they were a very enthusiastic team who were eager to serve and dedicated to the mission. “The Airmen who were involved in providing support as the Communications Staff Officers for the Texas Military Forces Communications Office did an outstanding job. They handled everything from coordinating equipment coming into Texas and numerous other states to deploying hundreds of personnel from home stations through staging and returning them back safely”, stated Lt Col Peter Harris, a 254 CCG communications staff officer. In summary, Garland Air National Guard Station provided a four-person JISCC team to the HoustonGalveston area, a four-person ICE-S team to the Houston-Galveston area, six communications staff officers to support the TXMF Joint Operations Center in Austin, two communications officers in support of the Continuity Of Operations Plan relocation, and one chaplain to the Austin and Houston/Galveston areas. “During times of an emergency need like this, we as Citizen Airmen feel most gratified to provide sup- 254 CCG Comm Officers - Lt Col Peter Harris, Maj Don Ngyuen, 1stLt. LaDonna Singleton and Maj Sm McGlynn, port to our great state”, stated Col Will Allen, commander of the 254th CCG. 254 CCG Communications Officers at the Joint Operations Center/J6 (JOC) Camp Mabry, TX - coordinating Hurricane10Ike communications support. Continued from page 10 Providing Data support for the Galveston Task Force Forward Area Refueling and Supply Point, Standby/Relief ICES package for sites downrange 11 Texas Military Forces bring Oktoberfest to Bastrop County Story and photos by Master Sgt. Brenda Benner Texas Military Forces Public Affairs CAMP SWIFT, Texas – Local residents said the sight of vintage U.S. and foreign military vehicles and tanks being trucked and trailered in on highways 290 East and 95 had stirred their interest. Some of them had noticed the fliers posted in the windows of Elgin and Bastrop businesses and knew a battle was on the horizon. Others were left to wonder what the sky invasion and booming thunder of weapons were all about. More than 1,100 Bastrop County residents visited historic Camp Swift during the 2nd Annual Partners Across Texas Oktoberfest & Volksmarch Saturday, Oct. 18. They were entertained by Texas Military Forces paratroopers who showcased their current airborne capabilities and also by dozens of WWII battle re-enactors who demonstrated the rigors of low-tech combat from decades past with their Salerno, Italy “battle.” A wide range of activities included confidence course and rappelling demonstrations by Soldiers of the Camp Mabry-based 136th Regional Training Institute (RTI), pony rides and a petting zoo for the children, numerous displays of vintage WWII equipment, plus music by the 36th Infantry Division Band and many other local music groups. One of the main events was the 5 and 10K folksmarch and everybody including Soldiers, Airmen and citizens were invited to participate. Texas Military Forces recruiters offered opportunities to climb a rock wall or Sumo wrestle in huge puffy suits for those willing to “muscle it up.” Brigadier General Donald Harvel, Deputy Commander Texas Air National Guard said: “It is a beautiful day to spend with great Americans and walk this beautiful trail.” Elgin mayor Marc Holm said he recognized many Elgin residents enjoying their day of physical fitness, live music performances, food and a little military education. A Bastrop grandfather protects his grandsons ears from the noise of the helicopters and artillery fire. Photo: Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada 12 Continued from page 12 “A walk through the pines … it’s a wonderful way for families to get together for healthy activities,” said Holm. “I think Camp Swift’s presence is taken for granted because this a great place for our community to connect with the military.” Bastrop County area businesses, vendors and service organizations set up temporary sites to raffle off items and provide food and refreshments for visitors. As expected, the famous Elgin sausage and barbeque treats were a hit. While adults marveled at either the simplicity or the surprising complexity of a particular military relic, children enjoyed the chance to wear military uniforms of the era and sit in or on vintage equipment from Allied Forces or the German military. A favorite was a weapon-toting German military motorcycle with a side-car. “Besides the official sanctioned folksmarch, this is a fun event for history buffs too,” Mayor Holm added. “Seeing all of the old military equipment gives us a tangible connection to the past, something we can see and touch.” After watching Soldiers rappel from a 45- foot tower, Elgin residents Melissa Ramsey, her husband and her son, said they enjoyed the activities more than last year’s inaugural Oktoberfest. “I’m glad there are more demonstrations to watch than last year,” Ramsey said. “Our favorite was watching the paratroopers jump this morning. Last year, my son George got to sit inside a helicopter. We’ll be back next time.” Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Locklear of the 136th RTI said he and his fellow infantry Soldiers entertained twice as many spectators than he expected. “Civilians usually don’t get to come out here and see this,” Locklear said while referencing the confidence course and tower. “They have no idea how hard it is for Soldiers to earn their air assault badges. They’ve been asking lots of questions about our training.” Many organizations that support military members and their families were on hand to share information about their services. Texas Military Forces members informed visitors regarding the many specialized jobs in the National Guard and the various ways Texas citizen-Soldiers support their communities ranging from mentoring and anti-drug programs to providing emergency assistance in times of natural disasters. The Oktoberfest activities provided an excellent opportunity for the community to learn more about their military neighbors both near and far and most visitors departed a little more aware than when they arrived. 13 Images from Oktoberfest 2008 Photos: Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada Four-legged marchers were equally welcome Too late to turn back 14 Proof of Participation If patting a goat or donkey is too predictable, how about petting a snake. Oktoberfest 2008 offered something for everybody. Photos Chief Master Sgt. Gonda Moncada More proof 15 Safety Notes 16 17 Air Guard has 'turned the corner' after BRAC Three years after the Base Realignment and Closure rulings, the Air National Guard is finally starting to settle down said the director of the Air National Guard, Lt. Gen. Craig R. McKinley. "Our main task right now ... is to recapitalize our force, to design a 21st century Air National Guard that makes sense, that works well with its governors and that integrates sufficiently with the U.S. Air Force," he said. 90-day records review starts for IMAs Airmen who are individual mobilization augmentees or are in the Participating Individual Ready Reserve category have 90 days to review their electronic personnel records. Paper versions of the field records, technically called the Unit Personnel Record Group, have been scanned into the Automated Record Management System. Records should be reviewed to ensure they are complete. Records are available at http://wwa.afpc.randolph.af.mil/redirector/afpcsecure/default.htm Once logged in, Airmen can click on the "ARMS Member" link to review their individual records. Airmen, who are having problem logging into ARMS, can call DSN 497-2391 or commercial 478-327-2391 for assistance. If documents appear to be missing or Airmen believe an item shouldn't be in their record, they can call the Reserve Personnel Contact Center at 800-525-0102 for assistance. Once the 90-day window closes, the paper copies of the records will no longer be kept or necessary. Unit records are being scanned now, and Airmen will be notified individually by their military personnel flights when theirs are ready for review. Airmen share information via new blog In an effort to open up online conversations with Airmen, families and the public, officials in the Secretary of the Air Force's Office of Public Affairs are launching a new blog called Air Force Live. Air Force Live is an official presence in the blogosphere which will offer perspectives and news products different that those currently offered on the Air Force's public Web site. However, due to local firewall restrictions, some Airmen may not be able to access the blog from on base. The blog is located at www.airforcelive.blogspot.com. . 18 Air Force officials launch new community Web site Beginning Oct. 1, Air Force officials will introduce a new Web site for Airmen and their families that provides a 24/7 resource for information on topics like relocation, military child education and finances. The new Air Force Community Web site will be located at www.afcommunity.af.mil. It phases out the "AF Crossroads" Web site while assuring most of the services are still available to all users. Programs such as "Plan My Move," spouse employment job sites and scholarship information can be found there, as well as new features like videos and podcasts of Air Force news and events from around the world. Visitors interested in joining chat rooms and discussion boards to communicate with other Air Force family members can do so at www.militaryonesource.com or www.militaryhomefront.com. Also beginning Sept. 30, GI Mail will no longer be available. Tricare supports storm-affected beneficiaries Tricare officials assure beneficiaries and families affected by natural disasters that their health care benefits will be maintained, and that service and support will continue. Beneficiaries can find information to help them prepare before natural disasters, and to seek help after natural disasters through the storm alert page linked from the red icon at the top of the Tricare Web site front page at http:// www.tricare.mil/. Survey Our JFTX-PAO partners have developed a survey to obtain feedback about the monthly magazine The Dispatch. If you routinely read the Dispatch, and wish to participate in the survey please visit the following website: http://www.kwiksurveys.com/online-survey.php?surveyID=NBMI_634661c0 If you have never read the Dispatch but would like to, please visit the following website: http://www.texasnationalguard.us/default.asp. Click on image under “Monthly Publication” for current issue. Archived issues can be found by clicking on Public Affairs Office (left-hand column), next click on Dispatch Newsletter left hand column. 19 20 21 Purple Heart Registration How do I register a Purple Heart Recipient? With your help we are building a registry of Purple Heart recipients from all branches of service, all wars for which the Purple Heart was awarded, and from all across the nation. In order to verify receipt of the medal the following documentation is required: DD-214 or other discharge form listing awards, medical forms, a photograph of the back of the medal bearing the recipient's name, or other supporting materials. We are also looking for photographs, telegrams, letters home, news articles or other materials that help put a face and a story with each recipient's name. Please complete the enrollment form and return to the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor with proper documentation. Where is the National Purple Heart located? The New Windsor Cantonment State Historic Site in New York's Hudson River Valley is the setting for the Hall of Honor. Just sixty miles north of Manhattan and ten miles north of the United States Military Academy at West Point, the cantonment was an extensive military post housing some 7,500 soldiers and 500 civilian dependents in the closing years of the Revolutionary War. Officers met here in a chapel and meeting hall called the "Temple of Virtue" to review candidates for the Badge of Military Merit, the inspiration for today’s Purple Heart. In 1932, 138 veterans of World War I received some of the nation’s first Purple Hearts on Temple Hill near the site of the "Temple of Virtue." For more information please visit: http://thepurpleheart.com/ 22 23 Saturday 1 November 08 -- Duty Hours: 1130-1800 UNIFORM OF THE DAY: Optional TIME ACTIVITIES PLACE OFF/NCO 1130 Roll Call w/slides & Lunch Conf. Room Col Malesky 209 WF Tech Sgt. Leopold (Working Lunch) 1400 Retirement Ceremony Senior Master Sgt. Jose Arroyo 1800 Master Sgt. Aldridge Dismissal Sunday 2 November -- Duty Hours: 0715-1530 UNIFORM OF THE DAY: Optional TIME ACTIVITIES PLACE OFF/NCO 0715-0800 Roll Call Conf. Room First Sgt 0800-0830 Church Services Chapel Chaplain 0900-1000 TFI Briefing Conf. Room Capt. Teekell 1000-1030 CIB Intel Lt. Col. Flannigan 1030-1100 273 Brief Conf. Room Capt. Teekell 1100-1200 Lunch 1300 Immunizations Break Room Lt. Col. Truesdale (HQ and 209WF) 1300-1400 Director’s Meeting 1530 Dismissal Conf. Room 24