12 Aug, 05 - Vandenberg Fire Department

Vandenberg AFB, Calif.
Friday, Aug. 12, 2005
Vol. 15, No. 31
“This was an important return-toflight mission. It was important
things proceeded smoothly. We
wanted to ensure we provided the
support that NASA requested.”
SELECTS PARTY
The Vandenberg
Enlisted Action Team will
hold a celebration to
congratulate Team V’s
newest staff sergeant
selectees and welcome
them into the NCO ranks
at 4 p.m. today in the
Pacific Coast Club
ballroom.
MAJ. PELL THOMPSON
2ND RANGE OPERATIONS SQUADRON
Wesley Fleming, a
mission control
supervisor with
Indyne Inc., and 1st
Lt. David Rodriguez,
a range control
officer with the 2nd
Range Operations
Squadron, pull an all
nighter at the
Western Range
Control Center
Tuesday to ensure a
successful landing of
the NASA Discovery
space shuttle.
AADD MEETING
There will be a mandatory meeting for all AADD
unit representatives held
3 to 4 p.m. today at GI
Java. For more information or to join AADD, call
Senior Airman David
Brown at 606-8483.
CLOSURE
The 30th Space Wing
Staff Judge Advocate
office will be closed from
11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
today for an official
function. For emergency
legal assistance, call
588-2822.
READINESS
A family readiness
training seminar will be
held at noon and 7 p.m.
Wednesday at the base
theater. Elaine Dumler,
author of “I’m Already
Home”, will speak of
connection strategies for
military families to
exercise before, during
and after deployments.
For more information, call
606-5773.
WARRIOR DAY
The next Team
Vandenberg Warrior Day
will begin at 7 a.m.
Thursday at the parade
grounds. Participants
are required to bring all of
their individual protective
equipment, Airman’s
Manuals and lunch. For
more information, call
Master Sgt. Michael
Messersmith at 6064022.
HERITAGE MONTH
Vandenberg welcomes
volunteers interested in
serving on the Hispanic
Heritage Month planning
committee. Weekly
meetings are held at
noon Thursdays in the
base library. For more
information, call Capt.
Dizzy Murphy at 6051820.
CLOSURE
The 30th Medical
Group will close from 12
to 5 p.m. Aug. 19 for an
official function. For
medical assistance,
contact the on-call
physician at (888) 2523299.
PHOTO BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS STEPHEN CADETTE
Vandenberg aids in shuttle landing
BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS STEPHEN CADETTE
Staff Writer
The 30th Space Wing supported the reentry and landing of the NASA Discovery
space shuttle at Edwards AFB, Calif.
Tuesday through Western Range
operations, 76th Helicopter Flight support
and emergency landing availability.
Normally on standby and ready to
support a shuttle landing on a moment’s
notice, the 2nd Range Operations Squadron
supported the landing after weather
conditions brought the Western Range up
to full operations, said Maj. Pell Thompson,
operations officer for the 2nd ROPS.
“This was an important return-to-flight
mission,” he said. “It was important things
proceeded smoothly. We wanted to ensure
we provided the support that NASA
requested.”
The Western Range’s radar and optical
tracking instrumentation were the first assets
available to track the shuttle as it re-entered
the atmosphere, Major Thompson said.
“Manned space flight is a priority for the
nation,” he said, “and it is a privilege to be a
part of it. Lots of people provided support.”
More than 50 people from Vandenberg
were involved in the Western Range
operations, from tracking the shuttle at the
different instrumentation sites along the
Central Coast, to processing the data coming
in from those sites at the Western Range
Control Center, and transmitting the data to
NASA.
1st Lt. David Rodriguez, a range control
officer with 2nd ROPS, pulled his second
all-nighter at the WRCC in support of the
Discovery’s return.
“We watched over our instrumentation
to ensure public safety,” he said. “The
outcome was flawless; all instrumentation
was green.”
Also weary after his second night spent
in the WRCC, Wesley Fleming, a mission
control supervisor with Indyne Inc., was
very pleased with the outcome.
“Everybody was enthralled that the space
shuttle landed at Edwards,” he said. “I’m
honored and proud of the part we played in
making sure the shuttle returned.”
Major Thompson said he was pleased
with the cooperation involved in the return
of the shuttle.
“This operation demonstrates a big part
of the way we operate at Vandenberg,” he
said. “Range operations is a mix of blue
suiters, civilians and contractors who work
together to ensure the success of the
mission.”
Support was also provided by the 76th
HF.
“A crew from the 76th Helicopter Flight
went to Edwards to provide security and be
on standby to lend support in case a
contingency arose,” Major Thompson said.
Three Team V crewmembers and an aircraft
were the primary security for the shuttle, said
Maj. Ronald Frantz, 76th HF commander.
“Our crew flew out the day before,”
Major Frantz said. “Before dawn they flew
a support mission to secure the landing
range and area within the restricted zone,
which encompassed a huge space. They
used forward looking infrared to sweep the
area.”
Maj. Dona Harris, Capt. Steve Katsaris,
and Tech. Sgt. Wes Simpson of the 76th HF
deemed the area as secure.
“Once we gave the thumbs up, then we
went into a stand-by and acted as backup
medical evacuation for any emergency that
happened with the shuttle,” the major said.
The flightline at Vandenberg was also
on standby, Major Thompson said. In the
event that the shuttle could not land in
Edwards, the flightline here was ready to
receive it.
30th SW focuses on family with readiness seminar
BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS STEPHEN CADETTE
Staff Writer
The first Family Readiness Training Event, sponsored by
the 30th Space Wing Chapel, 30th Services Division and the
family support center, takes place at noon and 7 p.m.
Wednesday in the base theater.
Author Elaine Dumler will offer practical, fun, and
inexpensive suggestions that can help to keep loved ones
of military families constantly connected before, during and
after deployment.
Her book, “I’m Already Home,” expresses her desire to
share what she experienced in her own life, she said.
“I had a job that kept me on the road one-third to onehalf the time,” Mrs. Dumler said. “I raised my family
keeping that in mind and creating ways to keep in touch
while I was gone.
Being away from home was hard, but I realized I needed
to stop feeling sorry for myself and start making memories
for the family.”
She originally wrote a manuscript primarily for business
travelers about many ways she came up with to stay
connected with her family while on the road, she said.
“In 2002, someone who knew about the original
draft asked me to write about military separation,” the author
said. “That person told me we needed to do more than write
a will before our loved ones left. We needed a message to
send them off with, to give people ways to become proactive
and be active with each other no matter how long they are
apart.”
Elaine interviewed more than 400 people, from every
branch of the U.S. military, and their spouses, she said.
“I put what’s working for them into this book,” Mrs.
Dumler said.
The training event brings to Vandenberg the lessons
she shares in her book.
“The talk is based on the book,” she said. “It’s fun, it
has stories, and it’s easy to listen to. It brings ideas out of
the book and explains how they can be adapted and
applied.”
The idea is that people who attend the training will come
away with tools they can use to strengthen family bonds
during separation.
“I want to encourage people to be proactive and pick
one or two exercises that will work for your lifestyle and
family’s lifestyle,” she said. “I want people to say to
themselves, we’re going to do this for the entire time we’re
apart and try to make this the best experience that we can.”
Mrs. Dumler will offer her suggestions on how to make
the most of time together and show reminders of love when
away from home. The training also offers ideas for those
parents who work.
“It’s in their hands,” she said. “I’m just there to light
the fire.”
Mrs. Dumler has shared her knowledge on 46 radio
interviews, 9 TV segments including FOXNews and
MSNBC, and her story was the subject of a feature article
in the October 2004 issue of Ladies Home Journal.
For the noon event, concessions will be available, or
bag lunches are permitted. Concessions will also be
available for the 7 p.m. event. Children’s programs are
available. Registration is required for children’s programs
by close-of business today. For more information or to
register, call Chaplain Services at 606-5773.
ACSC SEMINAR
The Air Command and
Staff College Seminar
holds its first seminar at
4:30 p.m. Aug. 22. in the
Professional Military
Education building. For
more information or to
sign up, call Jerry Hert at
605-5903.
BARBECUE
All Vandenberg officers
are invited to attend the
Military Officer’s Association Annual Barbecue at
11 a.m. Aug. 27 in Los
Alamos County Park. It
will be an “all you can eat
event” with free beverages. Reservations must
be made by Aug. 24. For
more information or to
See BRIEFS, Page A2
In this issue of the
Also view
The Space & Missile Times at
www.vandenberg.af.mil and click
the News button.
Congratulations to Team V’s staff sergeant selects
Ephraim Advincula, 30th Civil
Engineer Squadron
Milton Cargill, 30th CES
Froylan Flores, 30th CES
Derek Gagneaux, 30th CES
Donald Gow, 30th CES
Kevin Guy, 30th CES
Karstan James, 30th CES
Laura Johnson, 30th CES
Jason Kupski, 30th CES
Jason Metz, 30th CES
Kakhramon Pulatov, 30th CES
Joy Pyles, 30th CES
Jose Vazquez III, 30th CES
Anthony Velazquez, 30th CES
Tanikie Barrett, 576th Flight Test
Squadron
Tristin Eubank, 30th Mission
Support Squadron
Cristina Gutierrez, 30th MSS
Princess Lloyd, 30th MSS
Jessica Alcaraz, 30th Space
Communications Squadron
Derik Burke, 30th SCS
Vanessa Chase, 30th SCS
Eric Craft, 30th SCS
Antonio Cruz, 30th SCS
Alicia Flores, 30th SCS
Jamie Lessard, 30th SCS
Justin Baschab, 614th Space
Intelligence Squadron
Eric Chanmysay, 614th SIS
Ross Jette, 614th SIS
Marie Grace Manabat, 614th SIS
David Alfonso, 30th CES
Nathaniel Darnell, 532 Training
Squadron
Duschek Juarez, 30th Security Forces
Squadron
Nicole Gill, 614th SIS
Cire Clarke, 532nd TRS
Timothy Fuller, 30th SFS
The 30th Medical
Group’s new
pediatrician explains
why he loves the job
and the military.
See Page A5.
Isidoro Jovero, 576th FLTS
Keri Embry, 30th SFS
Gerald Edwards, 345th TRS
Jose Olivera, 30th CES
Paul Garcia, 30th SFS
Erika Rivera, 30th SFS
Jennifer Apps, 30th SCS
Lindsay Brenden, 30th CES
Marjorie Moore, 392nd TRS
Marcus Wiggins, 532nd TRS
Jeremy Winchester, 30th CES
Andrew Cox, 30th SFS
John Smith, 30th SFS
Brian Reed, 614th SCS
Matthew Jones, 532nd TRS
Henry Lee, 532nd TRS
Jennifer Libby, 532nd TRS
Crystal Trbovich, 381st
Training Group
David Brown, 381st Training Support
Squadron
Yubelka Torres, 381st TRSS
Adrian Lashore 533rd TRS
Norberto Marin, 533rd TRS
Crystal Walker, 533rd TRS
Zacheriah Blazon, 345th TRS
Darren Esannason, 345th TRS
Robert Welch, 345th TRS
Jennifer Hartford, 14th Information
Squadron
Michael Tiangco, 2nd Range
Operations Squadron
Adrian Jackson, 614th Space
Operations Group
Tracy Nosekabel, 30th Space Wing
Donald Weber, 30th SW
Doretha Blair, 30th Logistics Readiness
Squadron
Thomas Chadwell, 30th LRS
Anthony Cruz Jr., 30th LRS
Destinations Central
Coast takes on the
great outdoors with a
camping trip to
Yosemite.
See Page B1.
See STAFF, Page A2
Weekend forecast
Mostly cloudy Saturday and mostly
sunny on Sunday.
Low/High
52/69
For a full Vandenberg weather
report, visit
www.vandenberg.af.mil/~OG/
weather/docs/5dayfcst.ppt
Aug. 12, 2005
A2 SPACE & MISSILE TIMES
381st TRG earns ‘Excellent’ score
BY MASTER SGT. PETER CAPUTO
381st Training Group historian
The 381st Training Group earned an
“Excellent” rating from the Headquarters
Air Education and Training Command
Inspector General Team which completed
an Operational Readiness Inspection of the
group at Vandenberg July 18 through 26.
“The 381 TRG performed tremendously,
as reflected in a phenomenal 109
‘Strengths’ and a mere 3 ‘Answerable
Findings,’” said Col. Michael Morgan,
381st TRG commander. “Every major
program received high praise, with each
one rated ‘Satisfactory,’ ‘Excellent,’ or
‘Outstanding,’” the colonel said. Neither
“Marginal” nor “Unsatisfactory” ratings
were cited anywhere in the report.
“I’m extremely proud of the dedication
and professionalism displayed by every
member in the training group,” Colonel
Morgan said. “We continue to make many
great programs even better, and our
customers are seeing the difference:
course pass rates are up, academic test
scores are up and students are excited
about who they are and where they’re
going. I continually receive positive
feedback from Air Force Space Command
and Air Combat Command regarding the
quality of training we provide and the
attitudes of our graduates. I think the other
training groups will continue to chase our
performance.”
During the inspection out brief, Col. J.
Worth Carter, AETC/Inspector General,
emphasized that his team now follows new
inspection criteria. In spite of the changes,
he praised the training group’s strong
performance, emphasizing the number of
“Outstandings” and “Excellents” compared
to previous inspections. Additionally, he
noted the fact that no program received less
than “Satisfactory,” a testament to the
thoroughness and hard work of the men and
women of the group.
After Colonel Morgan bid farewell to
the IG, he reminded the training group
that the “Excellent” result was a
tremendous score for a premier
organization.
“The group is now scouring the IG’s
report for ways to improve already
outstanding programs,” said Colonel
Morgan. “They want to ensure they
train and educate today’s Airmen for
tomorrow in the best possible manner.
Such commitment and perseverance is
why the 381st Training Group continues
to be the best in AETC!”
BRIEFS:
From Page A1
purchase tickets, call Ned
Rickett at 934-3569 or Joyce
Barker at 733-4051.
OKC
Team Vandenberg is looking
for volunteers and organizations
to coordinate fundraising
activities such as football
tournaments, barbecues and car
washes, in support of Operation
Kids’ Christmas. For more
information, call Erin Bradley at
606-3080.
ALS
STAFF:
From Page A1
PHOTO BY SENIOR AIRMAN JAMIE LASSARD
James Skiffington, a firefighter with the 30th Civil Engineer
Squadron, digs around a controlled fire used to prepare
firefighters to combat wildfires. Skiffington was one of
about 60 Vandenberg Hot Shots, firefighters, and heavy
equipment operators who participated in a controlled burn
on base Wednesday.
Gabriel Louie, 30th LRS
Ronel Maquindang, 30th LRS
Mario Nozawa, 30th LRS
Jeremy Rarang, 30th LRS
Ronaldo Rey, 30th LRS
Sabrina Sarandos, 30th LRS
Javier Zaragoza, 30th LRS
Philip Becker, 30th SFS
Jason Camacho, 30th SFS
Shauna Covell, 30th SFS
Phoenix Ellert, 30th SFS
Jason Espinoza, 30th SFS
Joseph Gills, 30th SFS
Steven Gonzalez, 30th SFS
Jason Hardin, 30th SFS
Alejandrino Herrera, 30th SFS
Patrick Hunt, 30th SFS
Janessa Jeske, 30th SFS
Michele Lacour, 30th SFS
Jason McWilliams, 30th SFS
Michel Miller-Faruq, 30th SFS
Phuchristopher Nguyen, 30th SFS
Joseph Petruzzi, 30th SFS
Justin Raggio, 30th SFS
Tamica Ramirez, 30th SFS
Shawna Richards, 30th SFS
Kimberly Rouse, 30th SFS
Matthew Runkles, 30th SFS
Leticia Tobias, 30th SFS
Timothy Trbovich, 30th SFS
1 14th AF
0
0 614th SOPG 0
30th MDG 0 381st TRG 0 576th FLTS
Col. Jack Weinstein
30th Space Wing commander
Capt. Todd Fleming
Chief, Public Affairs
Staff Sgt. Allen Puckett
Editor
0
A general condition reflecting
responsible alcohol use.
AADD saves: 253
Days since last DUI: 5
DUI totals for the year: 8
2nd Lt. Angela Webb
Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Danét
Senior Airman Bryan Franks
Airman 1st Class Stephen Cadette
Staff Writers
Staff Sgt. Orly Tyrell
Photographer
The 30th Space Wing is
seeking a sharp, conscientious
and highly motivated Master
Sgt. to provide leadership,
guidance and direction to the
faculty and students of the
base’s Airman Leadership
School. Applicant must have
completed Senior NCO professional military education and be
within one year of completing a
two-year degree. The deadline
for turning in applications is
Aug.26. For more information,
call Master Sgt. Kimberly
Messersmith at 606-0728 or
Senior Master Sgt. Brian
Robertson at 606-9815.
PENTAGON CHANNEL
On-base televisions now have
access to the Pentagon Channel on channel 65.
BROCHURE
For information on lawn
watering schedules, and other
policies related to on-base
housing, check the on-line
houcing brochure at http://
www.vandenberg.af.mil/~MSG/
civil_engineers/housing/documents/
Vandenberg_Housing_brochure.pdf
Force Protection Tip: Report suspicious people, vehicles or packages
to authorities.
ALCON: Bravo
30th OG 1 30th SW
30th MSG 6 30th LCG
Shawn Warwick, 30th SFS
Billy Wood, 30th SFS
Maygan Rhodes, 30th SW
Honey Beekhuysen, 30th Operations
Support Squadron
Norman Davis, 30th OSS
Seth Blakely, 576th FLTS
Kevin Byrd, 576th FLTS
Thomas Cox, 576th FLTS
George Foreman, 576th FLTS
Anthony Klatt, 576th FLTS
Terri Moore, 576th FLTS
Anthony Sullivan, 576th FLTS
Steven Vanderbloom, 576th FLTS
Andrew Vranek, 576th FLTS
Vernon Davis, 30th Medical Operations
Squadron
Don Faustino, 30th MDOS
Aaron Gray, 30th MDOS
Bryan Konisiewicz, 30th MDOS
Marcus Laurico, 30th MDOS
Tyrhonda Summers, 30th MDOS
Nikki Windham, 30th MDOS
Gretchen Hopper, 30th Medical Support
Squadron
Denise Huff, 30th MDSS
Janet Mendibles, 30th MDSS
Adam Luke, 595th Space Group
Tracy Owens, 614th SCS
Morgan Riggins, 614th SIS
Jorge Aguirre, 614th SOPS
James Vincent, 614 SOPS
Jahmar Griffin, 76th Helicopter Flight
Call 605-AADD
or 606-2233
Thursday to Sunday,
5 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Call us,
we’ll be
your wingman!
To volunteer as a driver, call Senior Airman David Brown at 606-8483,
or e-mail david.brown1@vandenberg.af.mil
The Space & Missile Times is published by
Lompoc Record Publications, a private firm in no
way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under
exclusive written contract with the 30th Space
Wing.
This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper
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Contents of the Space & Missile Times are not
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The appearance of advertising in the publica-
tion, including inserts or supplements, does not
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Editorial content is edited, prepared and
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Office. All photos, unless otherwise indicated,
are Air Force photos.
The Public Affairs Office reserves the
right to edit all submissions for style and space.
Deadline for publication is 4:30 p.m. every
Wednesday, nine days prior to publication.
Send submissions to: 30SW/PA, 747
Nebraska Ave., Room A-105, VAFB, CA
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(805) 606-8303; or by
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For information about the Space & Missile
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Aug. 12, 2005
SPACE & MISSILE TIMES A3
Call 606-7850
or
E-mail your message to
actionline@
vandenberg.af.mil
Med Group preps for big inspection
BY COL. JACK WEINSTEIN
30th Space Wing commander
T
he 30th Medical Group is getting
ready for their Super Bowl of
inspections set for next week.
They’ll actually have two inspections
going on simultaneously, one from the Joint
Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare
Organizations and another Health Service
Inspection from the Air Force.
The eleven inspectors from the two
organizations will measure the group’s
healthcare quality and patient safety and ensure
they are meeting their peacetime and wartime
healthcare delivery missions. The inspection is a
comprehensive assessment of every aspect of their
clinical and business operations. These are done on a three year basis
and the group was given a thirty day notice this was coming. This
inspection is a big deal.
In addition to serving their 16,000 patients, the group has been
working tirelessly to prepare for this inspection. I have no doubt they
will ace it and the inspection will reveal the tremendous quality of care
our team provides.
I visited the 30th Civil Engineering Squadron this week. The
squadron executes several important missions that keep this base up
and running and make Vandenberg the nation’s premier Air Force
Base. The squadron builds and maintains base housing, battles
wildfires, responds to unexploded ordnance, manages the base’s
endangered wildlife, handles all construction for the base, and
prepares our Airmen for deployments.
The squadron deployed 126 Airmen to fight the Global War on
Terrorism over the course of the last year. CE is one of the most
heavily tasked career fields in the Air Force. They started a combat
skills training course, taking the lessons learned in the AOR and
teaching them to all our Airmen so they
are ready to hit the ground running
when they show up at hot spots like
Iraq.
During the visit, I met many outstanding
individuals across their many mission areas.
Staff Sgt. Maria Martinez ensures the safety
of our Airmen working in confined spaces and
also ensures water distribution on base. Tech.
Sgt. Tony Kaplan maintains and repairs 260
miles of water lines, 98 miles of sewage
lines, and 85 miles of natural gas lines.
Tech. Sgt. Russell Wells is
responsible for maintaining
Vandenberg’s 574 mile long power
distribution grid and seven electrical substations. Staff Sgt. Brian
Shiles ensures all the Airmen in the squadron receive the
developmental and professional training they need to succeed.
Staff Sgt. Celeste Perry updates and maintains drawings on all the
base’s facilities and utilities, maintaining a vault with over 250,000
prints for over 4,000 facilities and an electronic data base.
The base has the most comprehensive environmental program I’ve
seen, led by Bea Kephart. Nancy Read, a wildlife biologist with the
squadron, keeps account of all the species on Vandenberg Air Force
Base. That’s a big job considering there are 329 wildlife species on
this base, including 14 threatened or endangered species. There are
also 5,000 acres of wetland and 9,000 acres of sand dunes.
Our civil engineers are a key reason why Vandenberg is the best
kept secret in the Air Force. They do incredible work with limited
resources, especially now that so many of their Airmen are deployed
forward.
Both of these fine teams, the 30th Medical Group and the 30th Civil
Engineering Squadron are doing a great job. They are vital to the
success of every organization on this base.
Operation Kids’ Christmas asks for Team Vs support
BY CHARLES LEVER
OKC Chairman
T
eam Vandenberg, Operation Kids’
Christmas needs you! The base’s
largest charity event needs motivated,
dedicated personnel or organizations to head
up OKC fundraisers now through December to
ensure a memorable day for the 200
underprivileged children we have the
opportunity to touch each year. We also have
included an additional goal of increasing the
children we serve to 220.
Your responsibility would be to assemble a
team to plan, coordinate, and staff a
fundraising event. Several ideas include
barbecues, car washes, a golf tournament, a
basketball tournament, or a flag football
tournament. Of course, you can come up with
your own ideas as well.
Corporate donations are lower this year
than previous years. This means that
fundraisers are critical in order to meet our
$35,000 annual fundraising goal. As a
reminder, you cannot conduct fundraisers
during the Combined Federal Campaign, but
OKC is listed on the CFC. Please consider
contributing to OKC in addition to your other
charitable donations.
HAWKS’
Point of View
“What do you like most
about California?”
“It’s warm all year round.
Unlike Idaho which has cold
and snowy winters.”- Senior
Airman Gretchen Hopper,
30th Medical Group
“The life; there’s always
something to do.” - Senior
Airman Kevin Stewart, 61st
Medical Squadron, Los
Angeles AFB
Each organization is allowed two
fundraisers per quarter. Please consider using
one of these to support this worthy event. You
can contact OKC Fundraising POC’s Erin
Bradley at erin.bradley@vandenberg.af.mil or
606-3080, and Armon Lansing at
armon.lansing@vandenberg.af.mil or 606-6801
to volunteer or for more details on how your
organization can support OKC.
Operation Kids’ Christmas is a private
organization and is not an official part of the
United States Air Force or Department of
Defense. Neither the Air Force nor DoD
officially endorses Operation Kids’ Christmas.
Hometown: Brooklet, Ga.—
though I lived in six states
growing up in an Air Force
family!
Time in Service: 18 months
Time on Station: 8 months
Role in Mission: Minuteman
ground technician
How do you contribute to the
base mission? I help to ensure
that the Minuteman missiles’
ground communication is
operational.
What do you like best about
the Air Force? Just knowing
that I’m fortunate enough to
serve my country.
How do you fulfill core
values? I strive for a level of
excellence in all my actions,
from the highly complex to the
mundane.
What’s the most exciting
experience you’ve had so far
in the Air Force? I’m still
young in my career, so basic
training is still probably the most
exciting thus far. I’m sure there
will be many more to come!
Who is your role model and why?
My father, hands down. He is a very
subtle man, and he always encourages
both accomplishment and humility in
myself, my brother, and my sister.
W
ithout doubt, the
dedicated Airmen
of Team Vandenberg are the 30th Space
Wing’s most valuable
resources. To ensure Team
V Airmen remain motivated
and well informed while
successfully performing the
space mission, a strong
line of communication is
vital.
The Commander’s
Action Line gives Airmen a
direct link to Col. Jack
Weinstein, 30th SW
commander.
The Action Line can be
used to express constructive points of view on the
policies and procedures of
the base, discuss safety
and security issues, as
well as acknowledge Team
V’s peak performers.
Col. Jack Weinstein
commander
Colonel Weinstein wants
input and encourages
Airmen to use this tool in
conjunction with their
chains of command.
He is directly involved with
submission responses.
Completing the mission
is the standard, not the
goal. Whether Team V
performs the mission as
blue suiters, civilians, or
contractor teams, everyone
must have a voice, regardless of rank, to ensure 100percent mission success.
‘Date-rape’ drug danger
dodged by proper use
of wingman concept
BY COMMAND CHIEF MASTER SGT. TIM GORDON
30th Space Wing command chief
W
e’ve received a report from Los Angeles Air Force Base
concerning at least four reported “date-rape” drug cases
during the month of July. The crimes took place in the
entertainment district of Manhattan Beach, which is centered around
the intersection of Rosecrans and Highland Avenues. Three reported
instances occurred at two popular bars.
The “date-rape” drug is a synthetic depressant called Gamma
Hydroxybutyrate, or GHB. It is a colorless, odorless liquid that can
easily be manufactured from commercially available chemicals and
placed into an unknowing victim’s beverage. Depending on the
dosage, victims may become unconscious or remain conscious, but
lose the ability to resist unwanted advances or control their actions,
i.e, become extremely lethargic.
I strongly encourage all of our Vandenberg personnel to use the
wingman concept as a matter of course when patronizing bars, clubs,
and other gathering places. In light of the recent crimes in Los
Angeles area establishments, I ask you to make an extra effort to take
along a wingman, act as a wingman for your friends, and be observant
of the signs of GHB poisoning in those around you.
Team Vandenberg Warrior
Airman 1st Class
Craig Sanders
576th Flight Test Squadron
576th
PHOTO BY MASTER SGT. STEVEN COREY
Who is your favorite leader in history
and why? Winston Churchill—The
conviction in his speeches and writings
is something to aspire to.
Favorite movie/book? “The Godfather I
and II”, and “What’s So Great About
America,” by Dinesh D’Souza
Hobbies: I enjoy playing all sports,
playing poker, and vacationing in any kind
of beach area!
Confronting conflict in marriage
BY CHAPLAIN (COL.) TOM SCHENK
22nd Air Refueling Wing
D
“Being close to my home.
Plus, I love the state and
what it represents.”- Senior
Airman Cedric Baxter, 30th
Operations Support Squadron
“The weather is nice for
living, but not for forecasting.
I like the outdoors, so this
place is almost like
paradise.”- Senior Airman
Thomas Stevens, 30th
Weather Squadron
omestic violence is a continuing
plague in homes across America.
Unfortunately, Air Force homes are
not immune. There is some indication that
domestic violence is increasing among our
Airmen. Undoubtedly, the stress of numerous
deployments has fueled the increase. That
need not be the case, however.
Sacred scripture states that arguing,
especially arguing that descends into
violence, reflects immaturity. Immature people
lack a proper understanding of conflict.
Therefore, they mishandle it, leading to
arguing, fighting and even violence.
As one who has argued more than I
should in my 31 years of marriage, I have
found sacred scripture to be “right on.” I
argue with my spouse not because of conflict,
but because of my immaturity. How does a
mature person understand and handle
conflict?
First, he or she expects conflict. The
Creator has designed spouses differently,
beginning with gender. Beyond gender,
however, internal wiring — our gifts and
abilities, our passions, our personalities, our
life experiences — are different.
One is foolish to think that two very
different people can live closely together
without conflict. Conflict descends into
arguing and violence when one is surprised
and unprepared for it. Mature people are
never surprised by conflict. They expect it.
Second, a mature person respects conflict.
While marriage is full of delight, it is also full
of danger. Part of the danger is conflict. If you
are unprepared and untrained for conflict, it
will erupt into arguing and violence, blowing
up your relationship.
No one would do convoy duty in Iraq
without proper training to deal with
improvised explosive devices. To do so would
be foolish. In the same vein, to drive down
the road of marriage without conflict training
is just as foolish. Mature people expect and
respect conflict, so they make sure they are
trained to defuse it.
Third, a mature person appreciates
conflict. Unlike a roadside IED, there is a
good side to conflict. Both men and women
crave intimacy. They want to love and be
loved, to honor and be honored, to know and
be known — not on a surface level, but down
deep, to the core of their being. Mature
people understand that you cannot achieve
this kind of intimacy without conflict. Conflict
is the price to be paid to become intimate with
another person.
When I reveal my deepest self to my wife,
she will be surprised and shocked by what
she sees in me, and vice versa. Sometimes the
shock comes because what we see is “bad.”
But most often we are shocked because it is
just different.
Mature people are willing to shock and be
shocked in order to be close. To avoid
conflict is to avoid intimacy. Mature people
appreciate conflict, because conflict is the
pathway to drawing close to one’s spouse.
Finally, a mature person utilizes conflict.
While respecting its dangers, the mature
person appreciates its benefits. Therefore, the
mature person utilizes conflict to improve his
or her marriage. He or she does so by learning
to handle conflict in such a way that it
doesn’t blow up, but rather builds up the
marriage.
Proper handling of conflict begins with
communication. The mature person doesn’t
shout to be heard, but becomes silent to hear.
The mature person seeks first to understand
before trying to be understood. The mature
person doesn’t argue a case, but rather seeks
a connection.
Conflict invites DV into your home. If
mishandled, it invites domestic violence,
inflicting hurt on all involved. Properly
handled, however, it becomes a distinguished
visitor that brings a new intimacy into your
marriage. Your maturity determines which DV
will visit your house. How mature are you?
Aug. 12, 2005
A4 SPACE & MISSILE TIMES
Seven Airmen
receive Articles
15 for June, July
BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS JENNY BLACKBURN
30th Space Wing Judge Advocate
Seven Vandenberg Airmen received punishment
in June and July, under Article 15 of the Uniform
Code of Military Justice. Their crimes and
punishments are as follows:
An officer from the 14th Information Warfare
Flight violated Articles 92, and 128 of the UCMJ,
for violating a general order and assault and
battery. The officer received forfeitures of $2,000
pay per month for two months and a reprimand.
An officer from the 2nd Range Operations
Squadron violated Article 134 of the UCMJ for
fraternization. The officer received forfeitures of
$1,500 pay per month for two months and a
reprimand.
A sergeant from the 576th Flight Test Squadron
violated Article 92 of the UCMJ for dereliction of
duty. The sergeant received a suspended reduction
in rank to staff sergeant, suspended forfeitures of
$250 pay per month for two months, and a
reprimand.
An Airman from the 30th Comptroller Squadron
violated Article 134 of the UCMJ for
communicating a threat. The Airman received a
suspended reduction in rank to Airman, 30 days
restriction to Vandenberg, and a reprimand.
An Airman from the 30th Space Wing Command
Post violated Article 86 of the UCMJ for failure to
go. The Airman received a reduction in rank to
Airman basic.
An Airman from the 30th Civil Engineer
Squadron violated Article 111 of the UCMJ for
drunken driving. The Airman received a reduction
in rank to Airman basic, forfeitures of $671 pay per
month for two months, and suspended forfeitures
of $617 pay for one month.
An Airman from the 30th CES violated Article
112 of the UCMJ for possession of marijuana. The
Airman received a reduction in rank to Airman basic.
Solvang Gate. The SBSO deputy needed an overwatch and assistance apprehending the subject on a
felony narcotics warrant and arranged for
impoundment of the subject’s vehicle.
BY TECH. SGT. JEFF NUCCETELLI AND STAFF SGT MICHAEL HALL
30th Security Forces Squadron
July 26
5:47 p.m.
Sticky fingers! – Security officers at the base
exchange detained a juvenile for shoplifting. Security
forces personnel recovered the stolen items and
charged the violator with petty theft.
July 27
11:05 p.m.
Total confusion - An individual reported his laptop and
backpack had been stolen from his work center. An
investigation revealed the items were misplaced in the
office.
July 28
7:42 p.m.
Lost dog - An anonymous caller reported a small black
dog running loose in base housing to the law
enforcement desk. The dog was captured and the
owner was issued a “failure to control pet” letter.
8:04 p.m.
Beach crashers - Security forces discovered two
people trespassing on Wall Beach. Fish and Wildlife
personnel responded and cited the violators.
Aug. 2
8:58 p.m.
A little help here? – Security officers responded to a
request for assistance from Santa Barbara Sheriff
during a felony stop on Highway 246 outside of
Aug. 3
7:55 p.m.
Bag the bag thief – Security forces responded to a
report of a theft at the youth center. A youth reported
that he left his bag unattended at the skate park for
about 30-45 minutes while he went inside the youth
center.
Aug. 4
7:59 a.m.
Bumper cars – A police unit responded to an accident
at building 10343. A civilian said she was traveling
east through the parking lot and turned left into a
parking spot when the cars collided. The other driver
said he put a piece of garbage on the floor, looked up
and hit the victim while she was turning. 30th Civil
Engineer Squadron horizontal flight responded to
clean anti freeze and oil. Fire crews and the traffic
investigator were dispatched.
Aug. 6
10:15 a.m.
And the winner is ... – During a traffic stop on U.S.
Hwy-1 and Firefighter Road, a patrolman initiated a
field sobriety tests after he smelled alcohol on the
driver’s breath. The driver failed the FSTs and a K-9
search revealed the presence of marijuana in the car.
The driver’s car was impounded. The driver was cited
with driving under the influence, unlawful possession
of marijuana, speeding and no proof of insurance, and
released to a family member at the main gate.
AF pioneers of the ‘40s
BY CAPT. TONY WICKMAN
Alaskan Command Public Affairs
ACROSS
1. Young men
5. Sinister
8. Affirm
12. Fit to _ ___; perfect
13. 23 ACROSS city
15. Store event
16. Survey
17. Fear of Flying writer Jong
18. Object surface
19. USAF hero Maj. Alston
Glenn ____; USAAF band
leader in WWII
21. Greek capital
23. NW state
24. Bungalow
25. Excited
28. Alcoholic beverage
29. Scientist’s work area
32. Disney Sci-Fi movie
33. Bunny
35. Self-importance
36. Zeus’ spouse
37. USAF hero Lt. Gen.
Benjamin O. ____; first AF
African-American general
38. USAF pioneer Gen. ____
Spaatz; first CSAF in 1947
39. School subj.
40. Actor Ladd
41. Thought
42. 40s siren ___ West
43. Health org.
44. Clamp
45. ... — ...
46. Grocery-store giant
48. USAF pioneer/WWII ace
Charles ____: first to break
sound barrier
51. USAF pioneer Lt. Gen.
William ____; Operation
Vittles commander
55. South American country
56. USAF pioneer Gen. Curtis
____; SAC founder
58. Indian nursemaid
60. British school
61. Cruises the seas
62. Video game manufacturer
63. Leaning tower town
64. USAF hero Col. George
___; Medal of Honor recipient
65. Mil. quick
DOWN
1. Track run
2. Molecule
3. Sandwich shop
4. Peddle
5. Wilkes-____, P.A.
6. The Greatest boxer
7. Mil. commissary org.
8. Benefit
9. Boastful
10. USAF hero Brig. Gen.
Robin ____; rated triple ace
11. Tiny
13. Oracle
14. USAF hero Sgt. Archibald
_____; WWII Medal of Honor
recipient
20. Timber
22. Barbarian
25. Stadium
26. Devour
27. Cat __ _ Hot Tin
Roof
28. Smile
29. Clues
30. Consent
31. South American
rope with weights
attached
32. 1954 James
Whitmore B-movie
33. Angel’s
headgear
34. Actress Gardner
37. Maidens
38. 102 to Cicero
43. Pig
44. Vehicle type
45. Roman bath
46. Axis power
47. _____ and Dolls
48. Abominable snowman
49. Greek god of love
50. Browse
52. Fed. space org.
53. For Your ___ Only
54. Hindu music type
55. Zest
57. Mil. duty status, possibly
59. USAF pioneer Henry
“___” Arnold; only Gen. of
the Air Force
Last Week’s Answers
Aug. 12, 2005
SPACE & MISSILE TIMES A5
30th Medical Group welcomes new
pediatrician to Vandenberg AFB
BY STAFF SGT. ALLEN PUCKETT
Editor
Editor’s note: The following story is the first in a
four part series highlighting the efforts of the 30th
Medical Group, a unit responsible for providing
medical care to the men, women and children of
Vandenberg Air Force Base.
hether they’re crowding in front of
televisions watching cartoons at the base
exchange, helping mom and dad pick out
groceries at the commissary or just running wild in
Cocheo Park, Vandenberg’s children have the
reputation of being friendly, happy and healthy.
One of Team V’s newest Airmen will ensure they
remain that way, because it’s his job.
Maj. (Dr.) Ceasar Valle was assigned to the 30th
Medical Operations Squadron in late July and is
eagerly awaiting his chance to begin seeing new
patients as chief of the pediatric element in the base
clinic.
Dr. Valle, a native of Palm Springs, Calif., enjoyed
his last assignment with the 95th Aeromedical
Dental Squadron at Edwards AFB, Calif., but admits
that Vandenberg is right where he wants to be.
“This is a wonderful family atmosphere and I feel
very fortunate to be here,” he said. “In fact,
Vandenberg was at the top of my ‘dream sheet’
when I was commissioned in 1997. I’ve been trying
to get here for a while.”
In his short time here, Dr. Valle has been
thoroughly impressed with the base and its
personnel, particularly his new coworkers, he said.
“There’s a great sense of teamwork and
camaraderie here,” the major said. “The pediatric
element and family practice clinic work together so
that we have more time to spend with our patients.”
The ability to spend more time with patients was,
in fact, a key factor in his decision to practice
medicine in the military, he stated.
“We’re able to spend a lot more time with our
patients in the military,” he said. “Which is why I
believe the quality of our medical care surpasses
that of the civilian sector. It’s a great system and I
knew that I wanted to be a part of it.”
Before receiving his undergraduate degree at the
University of California Los Angeles, his doctorate
degree at Harvard University or his commission in
the United States Air Force, Dr. Valle knew that he
wanted to be a pediatrician because of the patients
he would be able to work for, he said.
“Kids are the best patients,” said Dr. Valle, who
has four children of his own. “Who wouldn’t want
a patient that’s always smiling?”
But when those bright smiles fade, Dr. Valle uses
his training and experience to aggressively pursue
the cause of his patients’ ailments, so that he can
find a solution.
“It can be very challenging when your patient
isn’t able to tell you what’s wrong,” he said. “There
are also factors like age. Treating a one-week old is
W
PHOTO BY STAFF SGT. ALLEN PUCKETT
Maj. (Dr.) Ceasar Valle (left) and Staff Sgt. Michael Cenizal, 30th Medical Group pediatric element, perform a chart review to
ensure the accuracy of a patient’s records.
completely different from seeing a 10-month old.
You have to keep a strong knowledge base and
keep all of these factors in mind when you care for
children. You also have to be very observant and
watch for subtle hints.”
Treating his young patients can be a very
challenging responsibility, but is not without its
rewards, he said.
“Our expectations for a child’s health are usually
higher than that of an adult.” Dr. Valle said. “A
child’s health status is expected to be normal, and
it’s my job to be the first person to pick up on
anything abnormal. But at the end of the day, when
you find a problem, fix it and see improvement, it
makes it all worth while. It’s very challenging and
very fulfilling.”
Dr. Valle is currently familiarizing himself with his
duties at Vandenberg, and is anxious to begin
seeing more patients and continue working for what
he calls “one of the best organizations anywhere,”
he said.
“My goal is to maintain the high standard of
healthcare that Vandenberg has set, by providing
my patients with the best care possible.”
A6 SPACE & MISSILE TIMES
Aug. 12, 2005
Looking for more sports in your
INDOOR CYCLING
Begins at 6 a.m. Monday through Wednesday in the group
fitness room
MENS VARSITY
YOGA FITNESS
BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
Begins at 11:30 a.m. Monday in the group fitness room
Week 3
Tuesday, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Friday, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Week 4
Aug. 22, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 23, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 25, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 26, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
STEP-N-STRENGTH INTERVAL
Begins at 5:30 p.m. Monday in the group fitness room
MOVE & PUMP
Begins at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the group fitness room
3 ON 3 BASKETBALL COMPETITION
Begins at noon Tuesday in the fitness center
BOX AEROBICS
Begins at noon Tuesday in the group fitness room
FULL CIRCLE
Begins at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday in the group fitness room
Submit
stories and
ideas to:
YOGA FITNESS
Begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the group fitness room
TOTAL BODY CONDITIONING
Begins at 5:30 Wednesday in the group fitness room
ROCK CLIMBING CLINIC
Begins at noon Thursday at the outdoor recreation center. For
more details, call 606-3832
Staging flight sees lull in hectic routine
BY LOUIS ARANA-BARRADAS
Air Force Print News
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — The 435th
Contingency Aeromedical Staging Flight’s large, 86bed, open-bay ward was empty, so Staff Sgt. Desiree
Wilson busied herself doing chores.
The brightly lit ward was eerily peaceful, thanks to
an unexpected lull here Aug. 8 in the busy business of
aeromedical evacuation. So, all alone in the ward, the
medical technician donned purple latex gloves and
filled plastic bags with bed linens and towels that
needed laundering.
But such quiet days are not the norm, she said.
Ramstein is a major hub in the aeromedical
evacuation pipeline leading from the battlefields of
Iraq and Afghanistan to U.S. military hospitals. So the
flight’s mixed crew of Airmen, Soldiers and Marines
provide around-the-clock assistance in moving about
330 patients a week.
“We see everything from A to Z,” said Sergeant
Wilson, from New Richmond, Wis. “But we never
know what (kinds of patients) we’re going to get. We
see everything from minor injuries to things that are
absolutely astonishing. Things you’d think would
never happen.”
However, the care providers are well prepared to
deal with any situation, so they stay busy. From midApril through late July, for example, they received or
loaded more than 4,770 patients, flight officials said.
More than 225 of those needed critical care during
every mile of their trip to a military hospital.
When wounded are due to arrive, the flight goes
into action, Sergeant Wilson said.
“Depending on the patient load, we break down
tasks by person,” she said.
Helping make those decisions is part of the
sergeant’s job as a day shift leader. She helps decide
which nurses and medical technicians will be on —
and who will drive — the big blue bus ambulance that
brings patients to nearby Landstuhl Regional Medical
Center.
Capt. Mared Beling, a registered nurse deployed
to the flight from Dover Air Force Base, Del., has seen
PHOTO BY MASTER SGT. JOHN E. LASKY
Tech. Sgt. David Voorhies covers a critical patient before he is transported to nearby
Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. He is assigned to the 435th Contingency
Aeromedical Staging Facility here and is deployed from Lackland AFB, Texas.
plenty of action. Since arriving in April, the captain
from Pittsburgh has seen more than 1,500 wounded
pass through the staging facility. Most are what the
staff calls the “walking wounded,” servicemembers
hurt enough so they cannot perform their job at 100
percent. But the staff also sees amputees and patients
maimed by the shrapnel of improvised explosive
devices.
“It’s a hard thing to deal with, and my heart pours
out to them,” Captain Beling said.
But flight members carry on. They must, because
they run a 24-hour operation. The flight coordinates
patient movements with the medics who treat them
and the Airmen who move them. At Ramstein that
includes meeting patients at the plane and bringing
them to the Landstuhl hospital for more definitive care.
Flight members also transport them from the hospital
to the airplanes that will ferry them to a stateside
hospital.
Captain Beling accompanies many patients on the
20-minute ride to and from Landstuhl. She ensures
her patients get their comfort needs. That includes
providing them everything from pain medications, to
a glass of water or someone who will just listen.
“We’re all here to support our patients,” she said.
But providing support can be a tough task. Though
the flight’s mission is vital within the global
aeromedical evacuation system, the extent of the
injuries medics see almost daily can be mentally
tasking.
“It’s a very sobering experience because I’ve never
dealt with anything like this before,” said Senior Airman
Laura Ramirez, a Reserve medical technician from
Lackland AFB, Texas, who is on her first deployment.
But for a brief time Aug. 8, there were no patients
on the ward’s neatly arranged stretcher-like beds. No
doctors, nurses or medical technicians provided care
to wounded troops. No medevac flights to coordinate.
No patients to console.
During the welcomed calm, some Airmen reflected
on the job they do and the people they help.
Captain Beling said many of the wounded are
amputees she finds “very stoic.” Most were injured
less than 48 hours before arriving here. Seeing such
young people lose a limb “is a very hard thing to deal
with” each day, she said.
“After a while you get a little numb to it,” the captain
said. To carry on, “I just try to keep a positive attitude
and help these heroes get back home safely.”
Airman Ramirez, who is from San Antonio, is
bubbly, chatty and ever smiling. She uses her
infectious personality to help her deal with the patients
she helps.
She likes to talk to the patients and make them feel
as at home as possible.
“If they want to talk, I talk,” she said. “And I make
them laugh. After what they’ve gone through, they
just want to see a smiling face and somebody that’ll
listen to them.”
Still, the young Airman has a hard time dealing
with some of the feelings her patients pour out in their
attempt to cope with their injuries. And it surprises
her that many Soldiers are more concerned about their
troops than their injuries.
“Mostly it’s the platoon leaders who had to leave
their guys back there,” she said. “Somebody else is in
charge of their troops and they feel like they’re
abandoning their comrades.”
She said it is also tough hearing the stories about
what some of the men and women she helps face when
they return home. Some have had deaths in the family
while fighting the war on terrorism. Others return to
broken families and divorce. Many return to an
uncertain future.
“Hearing these things kind of gets to you after a
while,” she said. As a form of solace, she keeps in
touch via e-mail with many of her former patients.
Sergeant Wilson has heard a million horror stories
from the troops she has met and helped. But after a
year on the job, she has learned to deal with working
at the staging flight. Today, she shows the maturity
that comes with knowing the turf where she works
and the importance of the job she and her coworkers
must do.
“We’re always there for our patients,” she said.
“They come here and we give them care. Then we
transport them wherever necessary and hope they
make it home safe.”
Historic Cape Canaveral tower toppled
CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE
STATION, Fla. (AFPN) — What took years
to build required only seconds to knock
down Aug. 6 when 171 pounds of
strategically placed explosives toppled a
historic 179-foot mobile service tower here.
The 1,300-ton structure was used to
launch 51 Atlas/Agena space vehicles in
the 1960s and 1970s. The most famous of
those launches were five Lunar Orbiter
missions for NASA in 1966 and 1967.
Those missions photographed about 99
percent of the moon’s surface and helped
pave the way for men landing on the moon
in 1969.
The last launch from the complex was
in April 1978 and then the pad was
abandoned. Mother Nature then whittled
away at the complex and the old tower,
leaving a badly corroded structure in its
wake.
Pieces of the rusty tower, along with
toxic paint chips, fell to the ground over
the years — creating safety and
environmental hazards.
“The demolition of this tower
demonstrates our commitment to safety
and a healthy environment,” said Teresa
Fiorillo, 45th Civil Engineer Squadron
project officer. “Yet, it’s kind of sad to see
this historic structure go.”
“This is where we developed the Atlas
intercontinental ballistic missile,” said Col.
Mark Owen, 45th Space Wing commander.
COURTESY PHOTO
A 1,300-ton structure here is demolished Aug. 6. The 179-foot mobile service tower was used to
launch 51 Atlas/Agena space launch vehicles in the 1960s and 1970s.
“This is where we sent the launches that
NASA used to help map the moon. It is
key to our history. So it is kind of like seeing
an old soldier go. It is sad.”
Dick Ruffe, a retired Atlas systems
engineer who helped build the complex and
was involved with many of the flights, was
on hand to witness the demolition.
“We accomplished a lot at (the
complex),” he said. “Hard to imagine it, but
it’s all gone in a puff of smoke. It came
down a lot faster than it went up.”
The fallen tower will be cut up and taken
to a landfill where it will be buried in a special
cell. It will take about six to eight months
to finish cleaning up the site, officials said.
Once cleaned, it will be available for
industrial reuse.
Our Vision:
America’s
finest
professionals
building the
best
spaceport
and test range
in the world.