Thursday, January 27, 2011

COMMENTARY>Former 19 MXG deputy commander passes away

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – The commander of the 6th Maintenance Group at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., died Jan. 20, from natural causes.

Col. David Haar previously served at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., October 2008 – July 2009 as the 19th Maintenance Group deputy commander.

Colonel Haar is survived by his wife, Teri; and two daughters, Melissa and Elizabeth.

(Compiled by 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs)

COMMENTARY>Enlisted supplemental promotions announced

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- More than 250 Airmen have been selected for promotion to the next higher rank as part of the January enlisted supplemental promotion process.

The enlisted supplemental promotion release announces those Airmen selected for promotion who tested outside of their required cycle due to an extended temporary duty or deployment in support of a contingency around the world.

Airmen selected for promotion achieved an overall score above the cutoff mark in their respective Air Force specialty. The score is a composite of other factors under the Weighted Airman’s Promotion System, which includes time in grade, time in service, enlisted performance reports, decorations, promotion fitness examination and specialty knowledge test scores.

Members of Team Little Rock selected for promotion are:

Senior Airman Sean Burke, 19th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron;

Tech. Sgt. Joshua Johnson, 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron;

Senior Airman Mitchell Mann, 19th Component Maintenance Squadron and

Senior Airman Dong Yi, 19th LRS.

(From compiled reports)

COMMENTARY>Med Group improves appointment access

By Airman 1st Class Rochelle Sollars

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Changes to the 19th Medical Group appointment line should help lower the blood pressure of those frustrated by the current system.

The 19th MDG is improving the process of booking appointments Jan. 28 with new calling hours for all beneficiaries of 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.

“These changes are being made solely to improve the access our beneficiaries have to the clinic for appointments and communicating with our provider teams,” Lt. Col. Bruce Woodford, 19th Medical Operations Squadron commander. “Providing compassionate care to our beneficiaries is the mandate we have for ourselves and improving services with our appointment line is one way we can be more compassionate.”

The 19th MDG incorporates a first call resolution to decrease wait times and provide the callers with faster service.

“There will be many changes as the appointment line is incorporated and managed by the clinics, but the goal is for the wait time for talking with the appointment clerk to be reduced and improve appointment access and question resolution,” said Colonel Woodford. “The appointment line call in time will start at 7 a.m. versus the 6 a.m. time, but there will be more personnel answering the phones especially at a time when other clinic staff is present to answer questions.”

All patients are still able to take advantage of on-line bookings by visiting www.tricareonline.com and following the instructions for easy access and convenient booking.

“There may be some hurdles for our staff to climb as we work to improve our service so we ask for your patience, and we ask for your feedback,” said Colonel Woodford.

The nurses triage service is still available, but the hours have changed from 4 p.m. - 7 a.m. Monday to Friday. If a beneficiary has a medical emergency of life, limb or eye sight they should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room as circumstances dictate.

“We always welcome your suggestions and comments and encourage every patient to fill out our customer comment cards located throughout the 19th Medical Group,” said Col. David Stanczyk, 19th Medical Group commander. “This helps us identify not only where we excel, but improvement areas and other concerns from our patients.”

COMMENTARY>Team Little Rock Stars

Members of Team Little Rock recently received awards for their outstanding accomplishments and professional achievements supporting C-130 Combat Airlift:


The 314th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron won the 2010 Air Education and Training Command Maintenance Effectiveness Award for the medium maintenance category.


The 19th Airlift Wing Safety Office won the 2010 Air Mobility Command Distinguished Flying Unit Safety Award, the Distinguished Ground Safety Award for a large composite wing and the Safety Office of the Year Award.


Richard Myers, 19th AW Safety Office, won the 2010 AMC Outstanding Safety Civilian of the Year Award.

COMMENTARY>New Reserve unit stands up at base

By Capt. Joe Knable

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

In alignment with the Air Force’s Total Force Integration plan, Air Force Reserve Command is standing up a new unit here to augment the C-130 legacy training mission.

As active-duty C-130E-models are retired, borrowed Guard and Reserve C-130Hs are flowing in from around the Air Force, the C-130H fleet will be upgraded and active-duty units will transition to an all J-model fleet. The Reserves provide the legacy C-130 training community with flexible capability while shoring up active-duty aircrews to deploy and fight the nation’s wars.

However, this change may have gone unnoticed so far because the unit currently employs only two people -- the unit commander and the director of personnel -- but the unit expects to grow to 706 Reservists over the next few years.

Beginning last October, the 314th Airlift Wing began retiring its aging C-130E fleet. In its place, the Reserve component training unit will stand up to train legacy C-130 aircrews, provide flightline maintenance and internal support functions.

As part of the Total Force Integration plan, Air Force Reserve Command will bring in 10 C-130Hs and the Air National Guard will add an additional eight C-130Hs to meet initial and requalification C-130 programmed flight training requirements.

The new Reserve unit commander, Col. Archie Frye, huddled with Col. Mark Czelusta, 314th Airlift Wing commander; and Col. Jim Summers, 189th Airlift Wing commander; the two commanders he will work most closely with to discuss game plan for the unit’s standup and its impact on their missions and the base.

The 314th Airlift Wing currently has 14 E-models remaining in its inventory and plans to retire them at a rate of approximately one and a half per month until they’re gone. The planes are flown to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base’s 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, the aircraft retirement “bone yard,” in Arizona, where they are resold, stored or scrapped.

The 314th AW’s remaining C-130Es are assigned to the 62nd Airlift Squadron, whose rich heritage dates back to World War II. There are no plans to deactivate the 62nd, however, Colonel Czelusta said. Air Force leaders have not yet determined what the squadron’s role will be after its E-models are retired.

The new Reservists will work primarily with the 314th Airlift Wing over the next two to three years as the 314th maintains the lead for legacy C-130 training and the Reserve unit grows. The Reserve unit, expected to be a group, plans to grow 18 full-time crews and 18 part-time crews, all of which will be instructor-qualified. Their manning numbers, which will be reconsidered yearly, are driven by the needs of the 189th Airlift Wing, which will lead the legacy training on base. The Reserves are inherently flexible, designed to serve as the mission’s “shock absorber,” Colonel Frye said.

The 314th AW currently has seven C-130Hs assigned, and the 10 Reserve and eight Guard planes are arriving commensurate with the retiring of the wing’s E-models, Colonel Czelusta said. By October, there will be 18 legacy C-130Hs possessed by the 314th but still owned by their respective home Reserve or Guard units. These 18 planes will continue to transfer between Little Rock AFB and their home bases according to maintenance schedules and operational needs.

The new Reserve unit will ultimately be associated with Arkansas Air National Guard’s 189th Airlift Wing here. In fiscal year 2013, when the Reserve unit is at or near full strength, the 314th will “hand the baton” to the 189th as the lead wing for C-130 legacy training, alongside the Reserve unit. The 189th will primarily train students in the C-130H-AMP variants -- C-130s upgraded by Boeing’s Avionic Modernization Program, which includes the installation of a modern digital glass cockpit akin to that found in a commercial 737-800 -- while the Reserves will primarily handle training in the legacy models that haven’t been modified. However, mixed Guard and Reserve instructor crews will be a common sight, Colonel Summers said. By 2020, all 221 legacy combat-coded C-130s will be modified.

The active duty will no longer have the manning to populate the schoolhouse, so standing up the Reserve unit and transferring the legacy training to the Guard and Reserve was a “common sense solution” as they “gracefully degrade the active-duty presence in the legacy schoolhouse” said Colonel Czelusta. The active-duty Airmen aren’t out of the legacy business yet; in fact, the 314th is still hiring legacy crews for the next several months.

The active-duty force will go to “almost a pure J-model operation,” said Colonel Czelusta. The Guard and Reserve would then be the only components flying the legacy aircraft, and since their manpower pool is more stable than the active duty, fewer crews will need to be trained and fewer instructor crews will be needed to train them.

Therefore, the long-term solution is to give the eight Guard planes back to their units and the 189th and Reserve unit will operate the 19 remaining legacy aircraft here. The 314th AW will still have a hand in training the legacy aircrews who are getting their initial qualification, as they will start at the wing’s 714th Training Squadron for classroom instruction and simulator training.

All three commanders agreed that the impact of these changes to the students for whom all three units exist will be negligible.

“The bottom line is that if we do this right, it’s totally transparent to the student,” said Colonel Summers. It won’t make a difference to the student whether the student is flying with an active-duty, Guard or Reserve instructor, because all three components train to the same high standards.

“We are going to have a seamless presentation of C-130 Combat capability to the war-fighting units in the shape of combat-ready crews,” said Colonel Czelusta.

There will be a number of other changes on base. Most noticeably for many will be infrastructure. To make the partnership with the 189th work, Colonel Frye’s unit will have share resources with the 189th AW on the ANG campus, he said.

There will be no changes to 19th Airlift Wing aircrew operations. However, there will be a temporary influx of personnel as the Reserve unit stands up faster than other base personnel are reassigned. The 19th Airlift Wing, the base’s host wing, will provide support for increased air traffic, additional parking around base, more customers at meals -- especially on drill weekends, and initially there will be a significant increase in the workload for the personnel office as they hire the remaining 704 Reservists.

Colonel Frye has requested augmentees to help with the influx and eventually the Reserve unit will have its own personnel, medical and finance elements, as well as its own flight line maintainers. However, it will rely on the 19th AW for back-shop maintenance, as the 314th currently does. Colonel Frye said he is very pleased with the welcome he has received already from Team Little Rock.

These legacy model transitions all take place while the 314th AW beefs up its C-130J fleet, which will roughly double in size. The final 314th AW fleet will be smaller than its original fleet because the newer-model training program will utilize simulators more and therefore require fewer airplane flights to qualify the student, which yields a significant savings to the taxpayer.

While the Reserve unit will be new to the base, the base’s C-130 Combat Airlift mission is new to Colonel Frye, who has never flown a C-130. He is a command pilot with more than 4,000 hours in the A/OA-10 Thunderbolt II, B-52H Stratofortress, KC-135R Stratotanker and C-141C Starlifter, but the C-130 is one plane he’s always wanted to fly yet has never had the chance until now, he said.

Colonel Frye started his Air Force career in 1977 as an enlisted crew chief, flight engineer and aerial repair specialist. He has commanded three operations groups and most recently the 931st Air Refueling Group at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. He was planning to retire this month, he said, but he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to stand up this new unit when they asked him because he loves recruiting. An additional benefit of his new job is that he will finally live with his wife, the Arkansas Air National Guard director of staff, after being stationed apart from her for several years.

So, instead, he plans to finish his career at Little Rock AFB. “My plans are to retire after this assignment,” Colonel Frye said, “This assignment’s very important to me because it’s the last game I’m going to play in, and I definitely intend on winning.”

Capt. Michael Ueda contributed to this report.

TOP STORY > >Charter school ready for takeoff at base

By Arlo Taylor

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Local families have a new educational option with the recent approval of a charter school located on Little Rock Air Force Base.

The Arkansas Board of Education in a 7-0 vote Jan. 14 cleared the way for Lighthouse Academies to open a new middle school on the base and to expand its existing Jacksonville campus. The new middle school will house approximately 175 students in the fifth to eighth grades.

“It’s so wonderful that base families have another educational option for their children,” said Terry Shaw, 19th Force Support Squadron school liaison officer. “It’s been about a two year process, but the local community and base leadership have persevered to make this school a reality for families in our community.”

The Air Force is preparing to turn over the former Conference Center building to Lighthouse Academies for renovations. Construction will cost nearly $1 million and was made possible by a $600,000 pledge from the Hunt-Pinnacle Group which is responsible for 1,000 homes on the base. The Wilson family, long-time supporters of Little Rock AFB, pledged another $200,000 for the renovation. Base officials expect construction to begin in late spring and be completed in time for the 2011-2012 school year.

“This is a great opportunity for families with middle school students in the Jacksonville and Little Rock Air Force Base area,” said Col. Andy Coggins, 19th Mission Support Group commander. “We’re excited for our children and what this new school means to our base and local community. It’s another great example of the unmatched community support we receive and I couldn’t be prouder of everyone who helped pave the way for the new school.”

Applications are now being accepted for the 2011-2012 academic school year. By law, all Arkansas charter schools are open to all eligible students, both military and non-military students. As a result, base children are not automatically guaranteed enrollment at the new school. Interested parents can submit on-line applications for their students at www.lighthouse-academies.org/JLCS.htm or can pick up paper applications at the Lighthouse Academies office at 251 North First Street in Jacksonville. The lottery drawing is slated for April 1.

Charter schools are publicly funded schools that operate outside of the control of a local school district but are still held to the state’s academic standards by the state’s board of education.

For more information on Lighthouse Academies charter schools, visit www.lighthouse-academies.org

EVENTS >> 5-6-11


RETIREMENT CEREMONIES

A retirement ceremony for Chief Master Sgt. Frankie McGriff, 19th Equipment Maintenance Squadron, is scheduled for 10 a.m. today at the Hangar 1080 ballroom. For more information, call Master Sgt. William Jernigan at 987-6983.

A retirement ceremony for Col. James Summers, 189th Airlift Wing commander, is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. May 14 at Hangar 207. For more information, call Chief Master Sgt. Gary Wynn at 987-7640.

BASE HOUSING INSURANCE 

Hunt-Pinnacle offers minimal insurance to base housing residents as part of their monthly rent. Affected residents may claim up to $20,000 for personal property, moving expenses and hotel costs. For more information, call 983-9044.

SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Parents of 7th and 8th grade students: Flightline Academy Charter School, which will be located on base, still has openings in its 7th and 8th grade classes for the 2011-2012 school year. Enrollment is open for both military and civilian families. Call 985-1200 or visit their website for details. www.lighthouse-academies.org

Parents of Arnold Drive Elementary students: On-base families who have moved this year from Arnold Elementary attendance zone to the Tolleson Elementary attendance zone must get a transfer permit from Pulaski County Special School District in order to attend Arnold Drive Elementary next year. Call Yolanda Richards, PCSSD Department of Equity and Pupil Services, at 490-6215 for more information.

EFMP SUPPORT GROUP

The Exceptional Family Member Program support group will meet 5 p.m. Thursday at building 101 inside the conference room. A guest speaker will discuss various issues including guardianship and legal issues. For more information, call Connie Oxford at 987-1256 or Stephanie Koonst at 987-8480.

CLASSIFIEDS >>5-6-11

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE COMBAT AIRLIFTER CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT will take ads by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 982-9421, or you may mail your ad to 404 Graham Rd., Jacksonville, Ark. 72078. You may also e-mail them to combatairlifterclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in Friday's issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday.

THRIFT SHOP open to the public. MWF, 10 am to 2 pm, first Saturday monthly. Great bargains. All revenues used to support mission. Volunteers and donations welcome. Jacksonville Care Channel, 201 Elm, 982-4647.

A  free one-year membership in Military Officers Association of America is available for active, reserve, & national guard officers who are  not prior members. Contact  Central Arkansas Chapter Secretary (cacmoaa@aol.com). 


YARD SALES

YARD SALE, Sat., 5/7, 8 am-noon. Rugs, wicker furniture, bedding, kitchen items. 107 Alabama. 


HELP WANTED

Veteran owned company looking for military spouses or adult dependents as part-time child care teachers for a child activities program on an as-needed basis, typically evenings & weekends. Requirements are passing a criminal background check, a current TB skin test, CPR certification & a history of providing child care services. For more information, please e-mail: redhawksolutions@att.net. 


BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 


SERVICES

LOVE YOU Forever Photography. Professional photography specializes in family & graduations. Affordable prices! Indoor/outdoor locations. Military discounts and summer specials available. loveyouforeverphotography.webs.com. (682) 553-5655, Christina.

LOVE YOU Forever Child Care. In-home day care. Military discounts, meals provided, with curriculum, reasonable rates. loveyouforeverchildcare.webs.com. (682) 553-5655, Christina. 


HORSES

HORSES: LUCKY Acres Boarding Stable, TLC for your horse, box stalls and paddocks, clean pastures, indoor and outdoor arenas, riding instruction and training program. Dressage our specialty. (501) 988-2458. 


PETS

FREE TO loving home, (2) 6 yr. old Basset mix males, neutered, shots, housebroken, in/outdoor, great w/kids. PCSing soon. (501) 580-7816.

2 CUTE 3 yr. old Dachshunds, brothers, need good home. Wife has allergies, must go. Neutered, paper-trained, great cuddlers! Prefer they stay together, but will separate if necessary. Ernest.hesterly@us.af.mil or (501) 837-0861.

Bernese Mountain Dog puppies for sale. 2 females, perfect markings, $1,000 each. Ready now if interested. Call (501) 951-5204 or visit www.arkansasbernesemountaindogs.com

FREE 6 mo. old female Australian cattle dog mix. Has city & rabies tags. (850) 499-2964. 


LOST & FOUND

LOST: GUITAR, Schecter, black, not worth a lot but holds great sentimental value. Was autographed for my son. Last seen on a deploying aircraft here! Any info. is appreciated. (530) 300-7624. 


AUTOS/ACCESSORIES

1991 Pontiac Sunbird, 87,000 miles, maroon, runs, needs A/C & interior work, $1,000. (501) 606-0144.

2001 MERCURY Cougar, gray, 2-Dr., 1 owner, 102,000 miles, excellent condition, $3,370. (501) 766-2096.

RUNNING BOARDS, aluminum, new in box, fit '87-'10 reg. cab F150, $50. (501) 259-8023, Brian.

2006 FORD F150 4x4 XLT crew cab, bedliner/cover, custom grill, built-in nav./XM/bluetooth/more, elec. tow pkg., 22" rims, much more! 72K miles, $18,500 obo. (501) 551-9637.

WINDOWS, black, new, one with frame, $75; 2 tail lights, $25 & dust cover, $25, all to fit '87-'95 Jeep YJ. 773-7741.

2009 Acura TL, silver, excellent condition, fully loaded, Tech Pkg., backup cam., nav., blu-tooth, 31K miles, $26,900. (501) 650-0516.

2007 NISSAN Titan 4x4 Crew Cab, great for towing, new tires & brakes, $22,500. (501) 425-5654 or (501) 225-6113.

2006 BUICK Lucerne CXL, leather, alloys, V6, $13,995. (501) 258-9603.

2006 NISSAN Pathfinder, 4WD, auto, V6, alloys, 3rd row, 50K miles, $17,995. (501) 258-9603.

1999 CHEVROLET Tahoe, 4X4, LT, auto, leather, V8, must see, $7,300. (501) 258-9603.

2000 BUICK Lacrosse, 1 owner, leather, alloys, extra clean, $6998, will pay sales tax. (501) 258-9603.

2007 NISSAN Sentra, 49k miles, auto., 4 cyl, all power, up to 40 mpg, $11,995. (501) 258-9603.

2008 CHEVROLET HHR LT, auto., 4 cyl., all power, save thousands at $10,973. (501) 258-9603.

2007 NISSAN Quest, auto., V6, 3rd row, rear A/C, room for the family, $16,950. (501) 258-9603.

2008 NISSAN Xterra S, auto., V6, alloys, $15,995. (501) 258-9603.

2009 NISSAN Versa, auto., 4 cyl., all power, up to 40 mpg, $13,995. (501) 258-9603.

2008 HYUNDAI Tucson, auto., V6, alloys, all power, one owner, extra clean, $15,995. (501) 258-9603.

2010 FORD Fusion SE, auto., 4.cyl., very sporty, very clean, $19,348.(501) 258-9603.

2010 CHEVROLET Malibu LT, auto., 4 cyl., very sporty w/chrome wheels, gas saver, $18, 685. (501) 258-9603.

2009 FORD Ranger, super cab XLT, 4X4, auto., V6, all power, $19,972. (501) 258-9603.

2010 DODGE Charger SXT, V6, auto., alloys w/spoiler, 14k miles, $19,962. (501) 258-9603.

2004 GMC Envoy, extra clean SLT, 4X4, leather w/all the buttons & moonroof, $9,995. (501) 258-9603.

2007 JEEP Liberty, only 42k miles, auto., V6, extra clean at $15,956. (501) 258-9603.

2005 CHEVROLET Silverado, EXT CAB LS, auto., V8, all power including factory installed 20s, $12,963. (501) 258-9603.

2005 DODGE Magnum, auto., leather, moonroof, 1 owner, yep - its got a Hemi! $10,979. (501) 258-9603.

2002 HYUNDAI Sante Fe, leather, auto., alloys, all power, must see at $5,997. (501) 258-9603.

2009 DODGE Ram 1500 Quad Cab, 18K miles, black, asking KBB value at good condition @ $25,855. (956) 648-7283. 


RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

2008 SUZUKI Blvd. M50 motorcycle, 800 cc, black, only 800 miles, garage kept, extras, mint condition, $5,800 obo. (501) 680-2381.

2007 HONDA VTX1300C cruiser, chrome pkg., windshield, midnight blue metallic, under 1,000 miles, garage kept, $6,300. (501) 985-0969, Dave.

COACHMAN 27' 5th wheel camper w/upper level queen bed, slide out for sofa & table area, unladen wt. 5,925 lbs., clean, non-smoking, everything works, $5,500. (501) 517-3372. Pics. avail.

1999 HONDA Shadow VT1100CT, 37K miles, windshield, hard case saddlebags, luggage rack, back rest, Vance & Hines pipes, new tires, $4,599. (501) 590-5142.


ITEMS FOR SALE

PAINTBALL GEAR: Freak kit barrels, $90; pod packs w/pods, $20; Proto elbow pads, $15; knee pads, $10; gear bag, $10. (785) 317-4904.

CERAMIC TILE & iron coffee table & end table set, very nice, $150. (501) 551-4299.

BOWFLEX EXTREME 2 complete gym, excellent condition. Moving, must sell, $650. 834-0284, Sherwood.

2005 KIRBY vacuum, like new, w/all attachments plus handheld unit. Pd. $2,400 new. (501) 708-7125.

ANTIQUE MOORE register box, $40; antique post office boxes, $300 obo. (870) 565-2189.

WHEELCHAIR, ELECTRIC, great condition, $300. (501) 590-0183.

USED iMac computer, works great! Includes mouse & keyboard, $1,000 obo. Call or text (931) 332-6196 or (931) 332-0084.

TEEN TRENDS Locker Furniture bed set, $800; Kodak Easyshare Z612 camera w/dock, $175; Sony Cybershot DSC F-717 digital camera w/printer, $225. (501) 241-0361, Ernie.


FURNITURE

COUCH & love seat, practically brand new, 7 mos. old, chocolate microfiber, $500 obo. (501) 765-3997.

BEAUTIFUL HANDCRAFTED Tom Seely full-size sleigh bed w/mattress & box springs, $650 obo. Must sell! (785) 317-4903.

FULL-SIZE ANTIQUE Oak Bed w/new mattress/box springs, $250, Avail. 5/7. (501) 766-2096.

QUEEN MATTRESS & box spring, used but in good condition, $75. (501) 239-0078.

QUEEN-SIZE SLEEP number bed, used 1 yr., $1,200 obo.; brown marble kitchen table & 4 chairs, $175. (501) 772-5204, John. 


HOUSES FOR RENT

Sherwood/Jacksonville areas. Beautiful 2, 3 & 4 Bedroom Mobile Homes. Pool, extra large lots, in quiet safe park, close to LRAFB.  Newer carpet and appliances.  Clean, quiet, & safe park. $325-$595 plus deposit. Get TWO WEEKS FREE RENT. (501) 835-3450.

FOR RENT: 3 BR/2 bath, living room, den, bonus rm., sun room, laundry room, nice neighborhood, close to LRAFB, $750 per month, $400 deposit. Contact Tracy @ (530) 329-8010 or tphudson05@comcast.net

2 BEDROOM, 1 bath house, all electric, central heat & air, ceiling fans, storage building, carport, large yard, lots of shade, 5 minutes drive to back gate, $500 month. (501) 837-0264, (501) 837-0268.

1 BEDROOM, Sherwood, central heat & air, washer/dryer connection. $350 deposit, 12 month lease, $385 month. (501) 690-5083.

HOUSE FOR rent: 3 BR, 2 BA, Cabot, fenced yard. Updated kitchen & bath, 1,350 sq. ft., near freeway, $850 mo., $850 deposit. (501) 605-7174.

LOVELY 3 BR/2 bath mobile home, renovated, clean, no pets, no smoking inside, country living, 28 miles from LRAFB. $450 per mo, $450 security deposit. (501) 849-3350. 


HOUSES FOR SALE

FSBO: 1807 Kamak Drive in Beebe. Price $125,000. 3 bedroom 2 bath with double garage. Visit www.littlerock200.com, ref. #180KA. (501) 230-3173. 

Thursday, January 20, 2011

COMMENTARY>>Welcome to the Rock, AETC/IG


By Col. Mark Czelusta
314th Airlift Wing commander

As the 314th Airlift Wing commander, I am proud to welcome you to “The Rock”! Our team here represents America’s -- indeed the globe’s -- total force foundation for combat airlift. Representing three major commands, Air Force Reserve Command and the Air National Guard, we are the world’s only end-to-end team for “Everything Herk.” As you visit and evaluate our units, you’ll find that five leadership themes dominate our perspective, and I would like to share them with you in this venue.

First is the mission. We own our mission and embrace the belief that everyone is an instructor. Nearly every C-130 crewmember across the Department of Defense can attribute her or his “can do” airmanship to ideals that we demonstrate daily. Understanding that every student is an opportunity to set the stage for a generation of combat airlifters, we display an indelible mindset which includes an unmatched operations-maintenance-support relationship that is honest, open and production focused. We want every graduate to leave here knowing how good the airlift mission can be through teamwork, compliance and professionalism.

Second are standards that are high -- and without apology. The minimum is simply not good enough for this team. You will see this in our compliance culture across the wing and this installation. It is reflected in our operations and maintenance metrics, and most importantly in the combat-ready crewmembers we provide to C-130 and C-21 warfighting units worldwide. 

But it doesn’t stop there. Dig deep, and you’ll find a sense of accomplishment that comes from doing what is right vice just getting by.

Our third theme is partnerships. The 314th AW is lean and mission focused, and as such, we understand that our mission is pointless and impossible without true partnerships with both our global customers and host and partner wings. We don’t put large formations of Herks over Central Arkansas without reason, and as such, must be responsive to the needs of our U.S. and international customers. Likewise, the 314th AW cannot accomplish its mission without the platinum-standard support provided by the 19th Airlift Wing’s backshop, operations support, medical and mission support organizations. Pay particular attention to our relationship with the Air National Guard’s 189th Airlift Wing who supplements our student production without a formal operational control or tactical control structure, but through trust, honesty and unquestionably high standards gained through nearly three decades of working together. Finally, the “Cornucopia of Tail Flashes” on our ramp demonstrates the sense of partnership that will ensure the success of our legacy schoolhouse transformation from an active duty led structure to an ANG-AFRC association by fiscal year 2015.

Looking to the future, our fourth theme isinnovation -- and for the better. Just one example is how we leveraged advancements in simulator and computer technology to reduce student time on the flightline and wear-and-tear on our fleet. This advancement alone allowed us to return six C-130 aircraft to “the fight,” and transition an entire squadron to Air Mobility Command without reducing graduate quality or quantity. Air Force Smart Ops for the 21st Century is much more than a series of metrics or analytical structures. It’s a mindset that produces concrete results in this challenging period of operational uncertainty and resource constraints.

Finally, our fifth theme is focus. We focus on what matters -- namely our mission and our airmen. Since your last visit, we earned over 35 major command and Air Force level awards. 

These awards reflect our ongoing passion for advancing the next generation of Air Force leaders. Sure there are challenges and daily frustrations, but by focusing on what matters and realizing that we are all part of something bigger than ourselves, we achieve successes daily at levels far beyond our collective individual contributions. We are indeed our nation’s Airmen.

Mission-Standards-Partnerships-Innovation-Focus -- “MSPIF” for short. These themes not only inform the present but shape our future. Once again, on behalf of the airmen of Team Little Rock, welcome to our home. We can’t wait to show it off!

TOP STORY > >Student training keeps 48th hopping


By Bob Oldham
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
As C-130J Super Hercules aircraft hop around the countryside of Afghanistan almost daily delivering supplies and troops to the forward operating bases, it’s easy to see why the 48th Airlift Squadron’s “Hoppers” feel such a vested interest in the fight: They’ve been training the Air Force’s C-130J pilots and loadmasters since 2004.

While milestones of cargo airlifted and passengers hauled continue to climb - like a C-130J on takeoff in the Afghanistan area of responsibility - the 48th stays focused, continuing to train the next generation of airlifter in the latest model of the venerable C-130.

With numerous successes on the battlefield for the C-130J, it could be easy to overlook what it takes to get a C-130J war-fighter to the fight.

“It’s a daily challenge. That’s the honest truth,” said Lt. Col. John Vaughn, 48th Airlift Squadron commander, referring to balancing the training needs of his own C-130J crews while producing combat-ready pilots and loadmasters for war-fighting units, such as the 41st Airlift Squadron here on base or for squadrons at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, or Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.

With a 90-percent turnover rate in the last year and a half, he’s got his hands full, but it’s manageable, he said.

“We don’t have all the experience I’d like to have, but part of that is because we’ve had to train nearly all of our own instructor pilots,” said the commander of squadron members who wear unit patches with a giant green grasshopper on them. As with any new weapon system, keeping the schoolhouse viable while trying to stand up units that converted from older E- and H-model Herks to the longer, sleeker C-130J is tough. The converting units require trained bodies. The dilemma is there are really only two sources of trained C-130J pilots and loadmasters: the 48th and the 41st, which was the only active-duty operational C-130J squadron until Ramstein started to convert in 2009.

The C-130J first joined the Air Force’s inventory 12 years ago in February 1999, initially going to the Air Force’s reserve component. There are now two versions of the J in use. The first, called a “stubby,” are similar to its C-130E and H in size and shape and can carry up to six cargo pallets, 74 litters, 16 container delivery system bundles, 92 combat troops or 64 paratroopers or any combination thereof. The stretch version, referred to as the C-130J-30, can haul up to eight pallets, 97 litters, 24 CDS bundles, 128 combat troops, 92 paratroopers or any combination thereof.

One might think the reserve component could be part of the schoolhouse solution, but “the [C-130J] Guard units are busy,” Colonel Vaughn said. In fact, the Maryland Air National Guard C-130Js, which are the shorter version, are headed to the 48th, and the 48th’s stretch planes will shift to Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., as the Air Force shifts to put more of the stretch versions into units that fly operational missions. Maryland’s Baltimore unit is transitioning to the C-27 Joint Cargo Aircraft.

Meanwhile, the schoolhouse must still churn out combat-ready aircrews on time. And it takes a dedicated cadre of instructors to meet that mission.

“You just have to figure out what kind of student you’re getting, making sure you’re giving the right instruction tailored to that student so they can get it,” said Staff Sgt. Leilani McClain, an instructor loadmaster in the 48th.

And the workload has picked up for C-130J loadmasters as they’re now responsible for some systems, such as electrical and hydraulic systems when the aircraft is in use because there are two less crew positions - no flight engineer and no navigator. The pilot and co-pilot are responsible for in-flight navigation.

“It’s more mental now. It’s not as physical as the old E and H,” Sergeant McClain said.

During a previous deployment on a legacy C-130, she said she felt like a flight attendant because of all the passengers her crew would haul compared to cargo. “Pretty much that’s all we did every day, all day was pax,” she said.

That’s changed on the J as crews air drop supplies with pinpoint accuracy throughout Afghanistan’s mountainous regions or via engine running off-loads at forward operating bases.

 “When we were on the J, we were getting 37,000-pound vehicles, and then we would turn around and do an air drop. Our load capacity was just way broader than what the E and H had offered,” she said.

Naturally, the training the 48th provides its student pilots is heavy on airmanship - flying the plane - and aerial delivery of cargo to a drop zone on time. Pilots are trained to the aircraft commander standard, even though astudent may be a brand new lieutenant in the Air Force. It’s that level of training all at once that is the hallmark of the 48th’s syllabus.

Always looking for feedback, select squadron members took the unit on a roadshow to its customers to seek feedback. One area they’re in the process of improving -based on customer feedback - is giving students additional time in the right seat conducting short-field or assault landings. Previously, much of that was done with the student in the left seat, but when the student would arrive at their duty station after graduation, they most likely would be sitting in the right seat. The view and duties are different for each pilot, so allowing students some right-seat time during assault landings will help them become better-experienced aviators more quickly.

Adept, responsive and reliable are words that help describe the 48th’s mission, and their Airmen are ready to hop to it.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

COMMENTARY>>Hammering the point home



“Never use a hammer to swat a fly off someone’s head”
–John C. Maxwell.

Many of my life lessons came from my parents. They would find something I did like getting home after curfew and they would calmly explain their concern for me and how they thought something bad had happened. In the end, everything was alright, but I was stuck with the guilty feeling as I thought about how worried and disappointed they were.

I am sure a few of you have been wearing those shoes and maybe your parents didn’t react in the same way. If their message came across “loud and clear,” it possibly went right over your head. Now, I wasn’t raised as part of the “Brady Bunch,” so I did receive the occasional one-way conversation. Most of the time my parents used a “whisper” to correct me rather than a “shout.” After learning this calm way of dealing with situations, I did find another way to handle things in the military.

When making a point in the Air Force, nothing gets the blood pumping like a training instructor, supervisor or commander barking commands. Forceful words are essential tools to use when the point is clear with no possibility of being misunderstood. If someone must execute a “right face” or be corrected quickly, the words must be sharp and distinct.

I have heard these types of words in formation and coming from a first sergeant’s office on many occasions. They are great to use for return customers who need a firm reminder if they don’t get it the first time. Raising the level is appropriate and effective at times but I have seen this type of leadership misused and it was not good for the unit.

In my case, I had a shift supervisor in my past who was always upset. Every day he would storm into the shop, bark out the orders, then return to his office. I never understood why he was so abrupt or upset. I avoided him as much as possible and my co-workers did also. We moved from task to task as he took care of his office duties. Our job was to get things done without drawing his attention. His brash attitude left us needing a trainer, a boss and a leader. He may have been a supervisor in the unit but he wasn’t leading ... no one was behind him. In the end he did teach me what not to do as a supervisor in addition to prompting me to look for ways to deal with people. I have found that professional military education and reading books are great ways to gain those skills.

The quotation from above came from a book called “Winning with People.” John C. Maxwell writes about the Hammer Principle and how people can build relationships by adhering to a few ideas.
1) Total Picture - get the whole story from all sides before reacting to it. Your hasty action could leave you missing the key piece of the problem.

2) Timing - realize it is easy to find someone to pat you on the back when you do something good but it may be hard to find a friend when you do something bad.

3) Tone - you can spin up a bad situation with harsh words or tone it down with kind ones.
4) Temperature - take the emotion out of the situation. Feelings make a bad situation worse so let time pass before tackling it. As you work through it, you may need to take a couple of breaks along the way.

It seems my parents knew these concepts without ever reading the book. I have seen all four of these qualities in my parents and in the leaders I admire. They were masters at dealing with conflicts and issues. As a leader, how you deal with each situation can enhance a relationship and change a behavior or it can make things worse.

Make a calculated decision on how you take care of issues.

TOP STORY > >Base Airmen visit nation’s capital


A group of 20 officers and enlisted Airmen traveled to Washington D.C. for a three-day professional development trip that connected what they do here to the larger U.S. military and government.

The Airmen were selected from the base’s Rising Six and Company Grade Officers Council to accompany Col. Mike Zick, 19th Airlift Wing vice commander, who mentored the Airmen as they toured national monuments and federal government buildings.

The purpose of the trip was to, “learn more about the profession of arms and reinvigorate that sense of pride in what we do,” said the colonel. “The wing wanted to break some of its warriors out of their day-to-day stovepipes and introduce them to a much broader look at how the department of defense works ... and remind them that what we do on a daily basis really matters.”

2nd Lt. Patrick Daugherty, base CGOC president and a flight commander with the 19th Medical Group, organized the trip and built the itinerary with Colonel Zick. “We built an itinerary that would be relevant to the profession of arms and airpower,” Lieutenant Daugherty said. “I purposely selected a variety of career fields and ranks to make sure we would learn from each other along with the events of the trip.”

The group flew on a C-130J to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., and billeted on Bolling Air Force Base, D.C.

The first evening included visits to the Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, World War I, World War II, Korean War Veterans, and Vietnam Veterans Memorials. At each location, two Airmen shared remarks about the significance of that memorial and the significance air power had on the event it represented.

“When we first arrived it was raining, dark, and cold, and all I wanted to do was get to our room until we came across the Korean War Memorial,” said Lieutenant Daugherty. “It quickly put the entire trip into perspective; there are men and women who have endured suffering and sacrifice to advance freedom, home and abroad. This humbling beginning to the trip set the stage to what would be an eye-opening and insightful series of events that renewed my sense of belonging to something bigger than myself.”

Another group member reflected on the visit to the Korean War Veteran’s Memorial. “When I thought I couldn’t take anymore (walking in the cold),” said Capt. Ben Blanchet, a 41st Airlift Squadron pilot, “I realized they did do much more with a lot less, and I realized I could walk a little more.”

The second day included a visit to Arlington National Cemetery where the group witnessed the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and visited Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial and the Women In Military Service For America Memorial museum.

“To pay our respects to so many of our brothers and sisters that made the ultimate sacrifice to secure our freedoms and liberties, it was truly an honor,” Colonel Zick said. “The coldness of the air that day only seemed to remind us that we must be ready to answer our nations call no matter the day or hour. That is why it is so important to be prepared socially, spiritually, mentally and physically.”

They continued on to the Air Force Memorial and an open afternoon at the National Mall where the Airmen visited Smithsonian museums of their choice. A few made their way up to the observation deck of the Washington Monument.

The third day, the Airmen donned their service dress uniforms for a tour of the Pentagon and visit to the Pentagon Memorial, the permanent outdoor memorial to the 184 people killed in the building and on American Airlines Flight 77 in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

“We are living history and what happens today will be remembered tomorrow,” said 2nd Lt. Hannah Kosirog, a contracting officer from the 19th Contracting Squadron, reflecting on the memorial.

The day continued with a tour of the U.S. Capitol, where the group sat in on sessions of both Houses of Congress.

“I can’t get that worked up about the small things when I see the big picture,” said Tech. Sgt. Tiffany Johnson, the 19th Civil Engineer Squadron noncommissioned officer-in-charge of entomology.

The planned conclusion of the trip was a photo op at the National Christmas Tree near the White House. However, just before the group departed Andrews AFB, they saw Vice President Joe Biden walk across the tarmac from his helicopter, take some photos, return a salute, board Air Force Two and take off.

If an Airman has an idea for a trip like this, he or she should, “Come up with a purpose, cost, and tentative itinerary and you have yourself a proposal,” Lieutenant Daugherty said. “The proposal can first go through one of our professional organizations (CGOC, Rising Six, Top 3, etc.) followed by a presentation to the vice commander and command chief master sergeant.”

There will be more opportunities for other Airmen to take part in trips like this, Colonel Zick said. “When able, the wing plans on doing a professional development trip at least semiannually. It will draw upon the ranks of its professional organizations (such as the Rising Six, Logistics Officers Association and CGOC) to fill the trip slots. If interested in going, become an active member in these organizations. Each of these organizations promotes professional development and esprit de corps of our profession of arms.”

TOP STORY > >Base Airmen visit nation’s capital



A group of 20 officers and enlisted Airmen traveled to Washington D.C. for a three-day professional development trip that connected what they do here to the larger U.S. military and government.

The Airmen were selected from the base’s Rising Six and Company Grade Officers Council to accompany Col. Mike Zick, 19th Airlift Wing vice commander, who mentored the Airmen as they toured national monuments and federal government buildings.

The purpose of the trip was to, “learn more about the profession of arms and reinvigorate that sense of pride in what we do,” said the colonel. “The wing wanted to break some of its warriors out of their day-to-day stovepipes and introduce them to a much broader look at how the department of defense works ... and remind them that what we do on a daily basis really matters.”

2nd Lt. Patrick Daugherty, base CGOC president and a flight commander with the 19th Medical Group, organized the trip and built the itinerary with Colonel Zick. “We built an itinerary that would be relevant to the profession of arms and airpower,” Lieutenant Daugherty said. “I purposely selected a variety of career fields and ranks to make sure we would learn from each other along with the events of the trip.”

The group flew on a C-130J to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., and billeted on Bolling Air Force Base, D.C.

The first evening included visits to the Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, World War I, World War II, Korean War Veterans, and Vietnam Veterans Memorials. At each location, two Airmen shared remarks about the significance of that memorial and the significance air power had on the event it represented.

“When we first arrived it was raining, dark, and cold, and all I wanted to do was get to our room until we came across the Korean War Memorial,” said Lieutenant Daugherty. “It quickly put the entire trip into perspective; there are men and women who have endured suffering and sacrifice to advance freedom, home and abroad. This humbling beginning to the trip set the stage to what would be an eye-opening and insightful series of events that renewed my sense of belonging to something bigger than myself.”

Another group member reflected on the visit to the Korean War Veteran’s Memorial. “When I thought I couldn’t take anymore (walking in the cold),” said Capt. Ben Blanchet, a 41st Airlift Squadron pilot, “I realized they did do much more with a lot less, and I realized I could walk a little more.”

The second day included a visit to Arlington National Cemetery where the group witnessed the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and visited Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial and the Women In Military Service For America Memorial museum.

“To pay our respects to so many of our brothers and sisters that made the ultimate sacrifice to secure our freedoms and liberties, it was truly an honor,” Colonel Zick said. “The coldness of the air that day only seemed to remind us that we must be ready to answer our nations call no matter the day or hour. That is why it is so important to be prepared socially, spiritually, mentally and physically.”

They continued on to the Air Force Memorial and an open afternoon at the National Mall where the Airmen visited Smithsonian museums of their choice. A few made their way up to the observation deck of the Washington Monument.

The third day, the Airmen donned their service dress uniforms for a tour of the Pentagon and visit to the Pentagon Memorial, the permanent outdoor memorial to the 184 people killed in the building and on American Airlines Flight 77 in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

“We are living history and what happens today will be remembered tomorrow,” said 2nd Lt. Hannah Kosirog, a contracting officer from the 19th Contracting Squadron, reflecting on the memorial.

The day continued with a tour of the U.S. Capitol, where the group sat in on sessions of both Houses of Congress.

“I can’t get that worked up about the small things when I see the big picture,” said Tech. Sgt. Tiffany Johnson, the 19th Civil Engineer Squadron noncommissioned officer-in-charge of entomology.

The planned conclusion of the trip was a photo op at the National Christmas Tree near the White House. However, just before the group departed Andrews AFB, they saw Vice President Joe Biden walk across the tarmac from his helicopter, take some photos, return a salute, board Air Force Two and take off.

If an Airman has an idea for a trip like this, he or she should, “Come up with a purpose, cost, and tentative itinerary and you have yourself a proposal,” Lieutenant Daugherty said. “The proposal can first go through one of our professional organizations (CGOC, Rising Six, Top 3, etc.) followed by a presentation to the vice commander and command chief master sergeant.”

There will be more opportunities for other Airmen to take part in trips like this, Colonel Zick said. “When able, the wing plans on doing a professional development trip at least semiannually. It will draw upon the ranks of its professional organizations (such as the Rising Six, Logistics Officers Association and CGOC) to fill the trip slots. If interested in going, become an active member in these organizations. Each of these organizations promotes professional development and esprit de corps of our profession of arms.”