Thursday, February 24, 2011

COMMENTARY>>Lorenz on leadership: Preventing violence

SAN ANTONIO (AFNS) — Air Force Leadership must collect isolated bits of information, like disparate points of light, to concentrate into a single beam focused on preventing violence.

The other night I was watching the evening news when they reported the story of the 50-year-old wife of a deployed U. S. service member stationed at CENTCOM Headquarters at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. The report stated the military spouse had been arrested for allegedly shooting and killing her two teenage children for "mouthing" back to her.

A TV cameraman filmed the mother being escorted by local police to the waiting patrol car. She was in a white jumper and stood stiff as a board while shaking like a leaf. As the camera focused on her face, her eyes were wide open and she had a thousand-yard stare.

The reporter interviewed a couple of neighbors who talked about how nice a person the mother was and that she even shared in carpool duties while taking local children to sporting events.

Later, it was reported that, several weeks prior to the shootings, the daughter had called police telling them that her mother had hit her twice before and, on another occasion, the mother had been in a car accident and "shown signs of drug impairment."

This tragic story touched me greatly. In 1967, my family had similar issues. That year my father, an Air Force officer, went off to serve in combat in Vietnam for a year. No one died in my family while my dad went off to war, but he had to leave my mother, who had known medical and mental issues, and three children, ages 15, 12, and 8.

In those days there was no e-mail, Twitter, Facebook or Skype, so communication between service member and family was infrequent. To call to Vietnam from the states was very difficult and time consuming. A letter took almost three weeks to make a round trip to Vietnam. My mother was under the strain of taking care of our family and she worried a lot about my dad in Vietnam. At times she took prescription drugs and self-medicated with lots of alcoholic beverages. Several times she made suicide gestures and took many of her frustrations out on us three children.

I was the oldest at 15, so many of the responsibilities of helping keep our household running and taking care of my younger siblings fell on my shoulders. I remember when my 70-year-old grandfather died, my grandmother and mother were so distraught that I had to go to the funeral home, pick out the casket and make the funeral arrangements.

My mother, now deceased, was a good person but was very ill. In those days there was some support for military members and their families, but not like today. We are much better off as a military in taking care of our families, but as recent events have shown, we can and should do better.

During the last year of my active-duty Air Force career, I had the privilege to serve on the DOD Independent Review into the 2009 Fort Hood shootings and then on the Air Force Follow-on Review, or AFFOR, titled, "Lessons Learned from Fort Hood: Preventing Violence...Enhancing Response". We reviewed more than 20,000 pages of documents and surveyed more than 2,000 total-force military and civilian leaders and ended up making 151 recommendations. To view the complete AFFOR report, click here: http://www.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-100930-060.pdf.

While all of the recommendations in the AFFOR are important, one stands out above the rest: the importance of information sharing. With so many deployments in the last 10 years, internal violence bares many faces. These include radicalization, harassment, sexual assault, domestic and workplace violence, and suicide.

Today we have many outstanding people at various venues who are working these issues, like those at installation-level working groups, Community Action Installation Boards and Threat Working Groups.

However, as more stress is put on the force, we have to do better. We have to be able to connect information from many different entities in a timely fashion that shines a light on those people who need help and assistance. We need a process that forces increased discussions among unit leaders, care providers, lawyers, chaplains, law enforcement and intelligence personnel.

The AFFOR recommended establishing a new installation-level forum called the Status of Health and Airmen Resilience Exchange, which would be linked to the CAIB. This forum would better support local commanders and leaders in identifying those experiencing difficulties. We need better ways to build a family and whole-person picture. We need a faster process to get the right information to the right person -- commander, doctor, chaplain, etc. -- at the right time.

I realize that, even if we implemented all 151 recommendations of the AFFOR, we will not stop all violence. However, we must continue to improve our systems. If we just stop one violent act in our Air Force through these recommendations, then we will have been successful in building a better and safer service.

I can still picture the mother in Tampa and her two dead children, the victims at Fort Hood, and I remember vividly my mother trying to hold it all together while my dad was in combat some 44 years ago. We owe it to our military members and families to do everything possible to ease the strain and the violence.

COMMENTARY>>To the servicemembers, civilians of log nation

From Afghanistan to Iraq and in many other places around the world, the U.S. Armed Forces embody and represent our nation’s courage, commitment and resolve. While visiting bases at home and abroad, seeing our servicemembers’ successes first hand reminds me that our strength is inexorably linked to the unwavering and determined work of our talented logisticians.

As with past conflicts, you are among the unsung heroes of this generation – the selfless servants who are converting national resources into combat power, delivering every day and sustaining our military at war. Your seamless execution of the responsible drawdown of U.S. forces from Iraq and the simultaneous increase in combat forces in Afghanistan are a testament to your skill. While concurrently supporting full-spectrum combat operations, this unprecedented transition was an absolute success and by any measure due to the efforts of our entire logistics enterprise.

While the mission in the Middle East and around the world is far from finished, I thank you for your continued support and dedication to duty. You are the muscle that moves, sustains, builds, and heals our nation’s most precious resource – the men and women of our Armed Forces.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff and I join all Americans in paying tribute to you. May God bless our country and all of you who serve.

TOP STORY > >Little Rock Airmen demonstrate massive airdrop, teamwork in joint exercise

Nine Little Rock Air Force Base C-130s and twice as many aircrews, along with maintainers and planners from the base, participated in the most recent Joint Operation Access Exercise Feb. 9-12 at Pope Air Force Base and Fort Bragg, N.C.

JOAX is a two-week exercise to prepare the Air Force and Army to respond to worldwide crises and contingencies.

“It takes a team to execute this mission set … operators, maintainers, mission support, joint users, military, civilian. When the team comes together, no matter what uniform they are wearing, it is awesome to behold,” said Col. David A. Kasberg, Little Rock AFB’s 19th Operations Group commander.

Participants included the 82nd Airborne Division; Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft; and various other Air Force support assets such as maintenance, security forces, contingency response group and tactical air control party members.

The full Air Force team, comprised of 15 C-130s and 13 C-17s from several bases, executed more than 150 sorties which included dropping 7,569 troops, 29 container delivery systems drops, 10 improved CDS drops, 27 heavy equipment drops, 29 air-land missions to dirt or semi-prepared landing zones and one aero-medical evacuation mission.

The Air Force was primarily exercising the Global Response Force, a scaled-down adaptation of what was formerly known as the Strategic Brigade Airdrop. Together, the joint partners met all of their training objectives, helped one brigade combat team achieve jump currency and prepared another BCT for its upcoming Operation Enduring Freedom deployment, said Maj. Marty Smith, 50th Airlift Squadron chief of standardization and evaluation and the lead C-130 planner for the exercise.

“The four annual JOAX exercises allow the Air Force to train in one of the most demanding mission sets we must be able to execute: large formation airdrop,” said Colonel Kasberg.

Airdrop enables the Air Force to interact and work with its joint partners, refine its requirement-driven processes, and to drop many paratroopers in a single pass.

“Airdrop in the current war is limited to primarily single ship operations, and we are very good at that,” the colonel said. “However, this tried-and-true large formation combat insertion mission set is of vital importance as an option to our senior leadership, so we must embrace the opportunity to practice it. Our friends and enemies around the world should take note of this incredible capability, one that only the United States possesses … truly amazing.”

JOAX is an opportunity for the division and its units to get back to the basics of the parachute assault that might have lost some focus after almost ten years of deployments. For the first time since 2008, the entire 82nd Airborne is back home at Fort Bragg, N.C., all at the same time.

A lot of planning and coordination goes into synchronizing the many moving pieces such as the division headquarters, four brigade combat teams, a combat aviation brigade, a fires brigade, support transportation units, and the many Air Force aircraft. Other nations have also been involved, such as paratroopers from the 3rd Royal Canadian Regiment.

The exercise exposes the aircrews to the way the Army operates so working with them is more familiar in the deployed environment, said Airman 1st Class Marcus Kraatz, a 61st Airlift Squadron loadmaster.

The exercise is “… important because it shows that we can deploy at a moment’s notice and also sustain the fight,” said Staff Sgt. Craig Neeley, a flight engineer from the 50th Airlift Squadron. “It shows that (the Army) can deploy their troops and get their troops to wherever they need to be,” anywhere in the world.

Compiled by 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs. Army Staff

Thursday, February 17, 2011

COMMENTARY>>AF ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ repeal training detailed

By Maj. Joel Harper

Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

WASHINGTON – Little Rock Air Force Base officials will soon begin training Airmen in anticipation of the repeal of the law and policy commonly known as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

This training will help Airmen understand what is expected in a post-repeal environment, said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz.

“I know our Airmen will approach this issue professionally, and will continue to adhere faithfully to our core values of integrity, service before self, and excellence in all we do,” General Schwartz said. “Implementing this change while fighting a war is challenging, but I have no doubt that the Air Force will do this in a way that minimizes operational impact and successfully accomplishes the important task of training our force.”

The first tier of training will focus on Air Force experts responsible for implementing policy changes and personnel providing repeal-related services to Airmen. This group includes several functional communities including chaplains, judge advocates and benefit counselors. This training explains guidance for implementing policy changes, and includes tools and information to help these experts answer Airmen’s questions about the repeal.

The second tier will focus on Air Force leaders, and will assist commanders, senior NCOs, and civilian supervisors in preparing for and implementing repeal. The final tier will train and prepare the broader force while reinforcing expectations of professional and personal conduct through engagement by experts and leaders at all levels. The training for all tiers will commence on the same date, and training will occur concurrently.

“We need to ensure our changes in policy happen in a professional, deliberate manner,” said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Roy. “This training is an important part of making the transition, and it should answer many questions that Airmen at all levels have been asking.”

Airmen will have ample training opportunities, said Col. Jeff White, the leader of the education and training working group for the Air Force repeal implementation team. The training is a standardized program developed by armed services officials working in conjunction with the Office of the Secretary of Defense repeal implementation team.

“This training explains the new policies and provides information about specific behaviors, statements and actions to our Airmen, ensuring a consistent understanding grounded in an organizational climate of dignity and respect,” Colonel White said. “When local conditions or mission requirements demand additional training, commanders may supplement accordingly. However, they must include, at a minimum, the information in the Air Force-approved briefings.”

Face-to-face training is the Air Force-preferred training method, but in the event that this is not possible, computer-based training is authorized to facilitate training completion.

Additionally, a ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ repeal site will open on the Air Force Portal and will include informational resources for leaders at all levels to include lesson plans and slide presentations, frequently asked questions, vignettes, guiding principles, and the “Top 10 Things You Need to Know,” Colonel White said.

“The Air Force will accomplish this training expeditiously, in the disciplined, professional manner our nation expects from its Airmen,” Colonel White said.

Repeal of the policy was set into motion Dec. 22, 2010, when the president signed legislation that set conditions that must be met prior to the repeal of title 10, United States Code, section 654, “Policy Concerning Homosexuality in the Armed Forces.” The current law and policy remains in effect until 60 days after certification by the president, the secretary of defense, and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

“By following our core values, we will successfully implement this change with the same unparalleled professionalism we have demonstrated with every transformation we have undertaken, in both peace and war,” General Schwartz said.

COMMENTARY>>AF enlisted supplemental promotions announced

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – Five Airmen from Little Rock Air Force Base were among more than 200 Airmen selected for promotion to the next higher rank as part of the February 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.

Team Little Rock members selected for promotion are:

Senior Airman Michael Bouvier, 19th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron

Senior Airman Nicholas Camino, 50th Airlift Squadron

Senior Airman Gabriel Griggs, 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron

Senior Airman Erica Norgren, 19th LRS

Senior Master Sgt. Monika Schorer, 314th AMXS

The full list of promotions can be found at http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-110208-029.pdf. Airmen can also access their score notices at the same time on the Virtual Military Personnel Flight at https://w20.afpc.randolph.af.mil/afpcsecurenet20/ and Air Force Portal at https://www.my.af.mil/faf/FAF/fafHome.jsp.


For more information, visit the AFPC public website at http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil or contact the Total Force Service Center at (800) 525-0102.

(From compiled reports)

COMMENTARY>>International training increases at Little Rock

Little Rock Air Force Base is the home of C-130 combat airlift, and the mission of the 314th Airlift Wing is to train the world’s best C-130 and C-21 combat airlifters to fly, fight and win. This mission is achieved by our experienced maintainers, operators and aided by a strong partnership with our contractors and host wing. In fact, the rest of the world is aware of our excellence in building C-130 combat airlifters that they too, want to be trained at Little Rock. You may have noticed more international students at the dining facility, BX, commissary, turning wrenches on the flightline, or getting strapped into an aircraft for a training sortie.

International training has continued to dramatically increase throughout the last five years. In 2007, we trained 48 international students, and this year, there are 275 operators and maintainers programmed for training, and the projections for 2012 will continue to increase. In fact, Little Rock Air Force Base has been the temporary home for some 42 different partner nations as they train to maintain and operate the most versatile aircraft in the inventory, the C-130 Hercules. We have and will continue to see increased training requirements as more countries purchase the newly produced C-130J aircraft.

But operator and maintainer training is not all that our international students are exposed to while at Little Rock. Our International Military Student Office leads our benchmarked Field Studies Program, which provides a balanced introduction to the U.S. government, society, culture, democratic institutions and respect for common human rights principles. This Field Studies Program concentrates on 11 objectives that are set forth in Department of Defense policy and is carried out in numerous ways. To highlight our local community, the first trip students take are planned to downtown Little Rock to see the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, Central High School, and the USS Razorback. Other trips extend to Hot Springs to provide international students the opportunity to visit the National Park, Bathhouse Row and the Mountain Tower. We’ve also partnered with International Friendship Outreach, a local Little Rock organization to foster community relations with our international students.

On longer weekends, our International Military Student officer schedules overnight bus trips to Memphis to see Graceland, the National Civil Rights Museum, the National Sciences Museum and a tour of the Gibson Guitar Factory, all in an effort to provide a solid introduction to our society and our institutions.

Lastly, international student career officers are afforded the opportunity to take a four-day trip to Washington, D.C., where they tour Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon, the National Archives and the Capitol building. The purpose of this tour is to give the student a deeper understanding and appreciation of the United States and to acquaint them with some of the functions of our national government and the salient aspects of governmental activities that exist in Washington, D.C.

As you can see, international students at Little Rock are given ample opportunity to develop an understanding of the United States’ society and culture as well as being trained in C-130 operations and maintenance. And what better place to get their training than at Little Rock Air Force Base, the foundation of America’s combat airlift capability, where we train the world’s best C-130 combat airlifters.

TOP STORY > >ANG provides community support during snow storm

By 2nd Lt. Chris Nelson

189th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Fifteen Airmen from the Arkansas Air National Guard’s 189th Airlift Wing Rapid Augmentation Team Charlie deployed Feb. 9 to help motorists in emergency situations on Central Arkansas interstates.

RAT Charlie is one of three 50-person teams comprised of drill-status Guardsmen. It’s a volunteer force the wing developed to more efficiently respond to state natural disasters.

“We’re doing all of this while we’re also deploying Airmen to support the overseas war effort, while our day-to-day C-130 training mission continues uninterrupted,” said Col. Jim Summers, 189th Airlift Wing commander. “This is a prime example of how flexible our Air National Guard is, but it takes the support of those external influencers – employers and a Guardsman’s family – for it to continue to work. I can’t say enough about how employers and families have stepped up to the plate to support their Guardsmen when they’re needed most.”

The team assisted local authorities by patrolling the highways and went into action helping 23 people and checking on 62 total people and more than 100 vehicles. Three teams of two members each worked around the clock from 10 a.m. Feb. 9 until 1:30 p.m. Friday, ensuring that motorist along I-40, I-430, and I-630 were safe and had necessary provisions.

The team provided safe operating distances and lookouts for oncoming traffic, assisted with calling of medical or emergency personnel, delivered food, water, blankets and small amounts of gasoline to prevent cold exposure issues for those in stranded or stopped vehicles.

The RAT officer in charge commented on the team’s deep commitment and capabilities.

“The outstanding endeavor of the men and women of Rapid Augmentation Team Charlie began long before the snow storm. We have been preparing and training to respond for situations such as this,” said Maj. Mark Hart, officer in charge.

The RATs receive extensive training to include two hours of refresher training once they are notified and before they deploy.

Select Charlie team members who had volunteered as Humvee drivers for initial response were contacted on the evening of Feb. 8 for anticipation of the forecasted storm. They were called to action and at 6 a.m. everyone arrived on base eager to do whatever was necessary.

“The attitude of all team members was magnificent,” said Major Hart. “It is an honor to work alongside such professionals and it’s also a privilege to give back to the community who supports us in so many ways.”

Traditionally, the Arkansas Army National Guard has been responsible for deploying first responders for natural disasters. Now the Air National Guard also has the opportunity to help Arkansans in their time of need.

“This is the second opportunity I have had in being a part of an emergency response and they are both the highlights of my career,” said Major Hart. “Other missions cannot compare to the teamwork, dedication and passion associated with disaster response.”

The origin of the RAT team concepts roots evolved from a 189th AW Guardsman’s experience of being called to state active duty under similar circumstances and seeing room for improvement.

Teams are rotated seasonally which allows for some members to deal with snow, ice, heat or whatever issues a season may bring. This means that no one person will be out of their duty section for the whole year.

RAT members recently deployed to support relief efforts in East End, Ark., for tornadoes that hit the town.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

COMMENTARY>>Supporting the Little Rock Nine dream

The C-130 Hercules, known for performing a variety of missions, began its career supporting a dream of nine black students seeking a brighter future.

“It was a humanitarian mission of the highest order,” said Chief Master Sgt. Mark Marson, 314th Airlift Wing command chief, during a Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. remembrance event at the base theater recently. “It was not a difficult mission, but it was a significant one. It was significant to the 314th AW, to the City of Little Rock, and it was most assuredly significant to nine black students wanting to better themselves by attending Little Rock’s Central High School in 1957.”

In May 1954, the Supreme Court ruled racial segregation was unconstitutional in public schools in the case Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, Kan. A year later, the Little Rock School board adopted the Blossom Plan, which called for gradual integration, starting at the high school level in the fall of 1957 and trickling down to the lower grades during the next six years, according to a National Park Service website listing historic places of the civil rights movement.

“In 1957, Central High was a segregated all-white school, despite the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision outlawing forced segregation,” said Chris Rumley, 314th AW historian. “When Earnest Green and his black classmates attempted to attend their first day of school on that warm, sunny morning of Sept. 4, 1957, National Guardsmen, on order from the state governor, stood in their path and prevented them from entering school.”

Elizabeth Eckford, one of the Little Rock Nine, tried to walk through the front door of the school but National Guardsmen turned her away.

“Walking alone, surrounded by a threatening and jeering crowd, this young teenage girl made her way to the bus stop, sat down on the bench and waited for a bus to take her to her mother’s work place,” said Mr. Rumley, citing historical information from his research. “[Miss Eckford] later recalled, ‘I tried to see a friendly face somewhere in the mob - someone who maybe would help. I looked into the face of an old woman and it seemed a kind face, but when I looked at her again, she spat on me.’”

Ten days later, Arkansas Gov. Orval Faubus met with President Dwight D. Eisenhower and agreed to use the National Guard to protect the Little Rock Nine. When Governor Faubus returned to Little Rock, though, he dismissed the Guardsmen, “leaving the nine students exposed to an angry mob,” according to the U.S. NPS website.

The Little Rock Nine was finally able to enter Central High School on Sept. 23, 1957, under escort by Little Rock police. Unable to control the crowds outside the school, police evacuated the nine and brought them back to their homes, said Mr. Rumley.

In response to this, President Eisenhower federalized the Arkansas National Guard, removing them from the governor’s control and ordered federal troops into Little Rock to escort and protect the nine students. Enter C-130 airlift support.

Airlifting the 101st Airborne Division was considered one of the first operational missions for the C-130, said Mr. Rumley. “C-130s flown by crews from the 314th Airlift Wing (then the 314th Troop Carrier Wing) flew from Sewart Air Force Base, Tenn., to Fort Campbell, Ky., where they loaded up 1,200 troops from the Army’s 101st Airborne Division and transported them right to Central Arkansas.

“When the nine went back to school two days later, this time with escorts from the 101st Airborne armed with M-1 rifles, bayonets attached, no one stood in their way, no unruly mobs heckled, jeered at, spit-on or otherwise threatened them,” Mr. Rumley added, citing information from his research.

Earnest Green, the only senior of the nine, graduated with the class of 1958. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. attended his graduation ceremony, said Mr. Rumley.

“In 1999, all of the nine received our country’s highest honor, Congressional Gold Medals, and all were invited to the inauguration of President Barack Obama in 2008,” Mr. Rumley said.

Although the C-130 flew in a non-combat capacity, the Hercules aircraft fulfilled a noble mission.

“That first C-130 mission was to support a dream, the dream of nine black students to better themselves and to have the right to live in an integrated society that lived up to its own ideal that all men and women are created equal,” said Chief Marson. “I am proud that the C-130’s first mission came here to Little Rock AFB and brought the forces needed to protect those dreams.”

(Compiled by 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs)

COMMENTARY>>Trust: The foundation of who we are

By Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr.

Air Mobility Command commander

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. – Standing for hundreds of years as a symbol of strength and resolve, the Great Wall of China extends for a formidable 3,948 miles as the world’s longest man-made structure.

That’s pretty impressive, but what does the Great Wall of China have to do with trust and the United States Air Force?

It all comes down to the foundation. In the 5th century BC, when construction first began, the wall was primarily built of mud, stone and wood. These materials failed to provide a lasting foundation and over time, much of the structure crumbled away. Several hundred years later, bricks and mortar became the materials of choice. Today, portions of the wall built on the stronger foundation remain standing as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

The lesson learned from the Great Wall is simply this: Start with a solid foundation. The foundation supports everything else and enables the structure to remain strong over time.

Like any enduring structure, our Air Force continues to thrive because it, too, is built on a solid foundation. That foundation is not comprised of brick and mortar, but of trust-- the essential building block of our individual Airmen and organizational success. Without it, the Air Force wouldn’t survive. It’s just that important.

Our nation depends on us and entrusts us with an incredible amount of responsibility. Whether you’re an Airman Basic or General Officer, part of that responsibility is to always live up to the trust of those who count on us to do the right thing. This timeless truth was forever reinforced early in my career as a young Captain stationed at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey.

An Unforgettable Flight

One of the responsibilities I had as a C-141 Aircraft Commander was to transport nuclear material. During a mission to Europe, the wing commander of the installation wanted to come aboard the aircraft to see what was going on. The trouble was he was not on the controlled entry list. I respectfully explained to the Colonel that to come on board he would need to be added to the list. This was not what he wanted to hear. I’ll never forget his next words to me, “I am the wing commander, and I am going to enter the aircraft.” I proceeded to tell him, “Sir, you can’t do that; I’ll be forced to use the duress word.” Well, that did not go over well. He said some words I’d rather not repeat and briskly walked away.

After that, I was certain I’d be in trouble. But, as uncomfortable as the situation was, I still had to fly the mission. The entire flight, I worried that my once promising career was now in jeopardy. Sure enough, upon landing, I received a yellow sheet of paper telling me to call my squadron commander at home station. And as you can imagine my mind went wild.

As it turns out, that wing commander did call the Numbered Air Force Commander, who called the USAFE Commander, who called the Mobility Airlift Command Commander, which led to a round-robin call back down the chain to my squadron commander. In short, my name was mud. Yet when I talked to my squadron commander, Lt. Col. Joe Patrazio, he said, “Ray, you did the right thing.” I said, “But, Sir” and he cut me off saying, “Ray, I trust you.”

Those four simple words had a lasting impact. I learned that in the end, it all boiled down to the unequivocal trust my commander had placed in me to make the right decisions, no questions asked. His trust empowered me to safely execute a nuclear mission, standing up to do the right thing at all costs. It made me realize that while it’s easy to trust yourself, as a leader, it’s critically important to trust others, too.

In the Air Force, trust is implied because of who we are. I have always told my Airmen, “I will give you the keys to my car and let you drive my children downtown because I trust you.” I know that because you’re an Airman you will act with integrity at all times - and I wouldn’t want to operate any other way.

By trusting our subordinates, we empower them to do the right thing, backing them up with a solid foundation that strengthens their resolve. Today, that foundation of trust is more important than ever. We trust our Explosives Ordinance Disposal technicians to execute their mission by the book and keep our forward operating bases safe across the AOR. We trust Security Forces to remain alert and focused 24-7. We trust that our Intelligence Analysts, Tacticians, and Weather Forecasters will accurately assess mission conditions and prepare our crews. We trust our Maintainers and Aircrews to operate safely and effectively on every single sortie. The list could go on and on because every single Airman is entrusted to be ready whenever our Nation calls.

Trust is that powerful. By trusting others - and living up to the trust others place in us - we enable our Air Force to withstand the test of time. Trust is the foundation of everything we do, it’s just that simple.

(Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of leadership articles written by Gen. Raymond E. Johns Jr., AMC commander.)

TOP STORY > >Deployed total force C-130 unit shatters airdrop record

By Senior Airman Melissa B. White

451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – A total force integrated C-130J Hercules unit broke their squadron’s monthly airdrop record Jan. 28 and then went on to shatter that record by the month’s end at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.

The 772nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, which has been in place at the airfield since March 2009, had a previous record of 40 airdrop missions in a one-month period that the squadron soared past in January by completing 51 airdrop missions.

“It feels good to be setting records, but what you’ll find with most of the guys here is that it doesn’t matter if you break a record, it matters that you complete the mission and get the supplies where they need to go so we can help those guys on the ground,” said Lt. Col. Walt Ord, 772nd EAS aircraft commander who was the leader of the crew that completed the 41st airdrop.

The record-breaking airdrop consisted of 20 bundles of water, meals ready-to-eat and fuel being dropped to support forward operating bases in the heart of Afghanistan.

“It feels good knowing we’re supplying the troops on the ground and allowing them to perform their missions more effectively with these much-needed supplies,” said Tech. Sgt. David Pirie, 772nd EAS loadmaster. “It’s also great knowing we’re contributing to the warfighting effort.”

Airdrop missions take about 4 to 5 hours apiece of advanced planning by the tactics team to ensure no conflictions with other missions in execution. Then once the cargo is bundled and ready for flight, the loadmasters load the bundles, joint airdrop inspectors ensure the load is rigged properly, and the aircraft is ready for airdrop. The crew then flies to one of many drop zones where the back of the aircraft is opened up for the bundles to be released at a different altitude depending on location. The bundles are then released and float down to earth with assistance from attached parachutes. This month, the bundles were 99 percent recoverable and undamaged - exceeding the Army’s planned expectations of estimating for only 90 percent of the bundles to be usable.

In addition to successfully completing 51 airdrops weighing more than 1.1 million pounds, the 772nd EAS also moved close to 4,000 passengers and flew more than 420 sorties with approximately 400 flight hours during the month of January.

The 772nd EAS is currently comprised of members from the 41st Airlift Squadron from Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., and two squadrons that fall under the 403rd Airlift Wing out of Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The 345th Airlift Squadron active-duty component and the 815th Airlift Squadron comprised of Reservists, make up the Air Force’s first C-130J total force integrated unit, which joined together in August 2010. The active associate units share aircraft while working together to both fly and maintain the C-130s, an initiative that leverages the combined resources of the Reserves and active-duty force.

“Everyone is the same and we all come together in a seamless operation to keep the guys outside the wire safer,” said Lt. Col. Craig Williams, 772nd EAS commander. “Where we can fly in one hour could be a three-day trip through the mountains that subject those drivers to indirect fire, improvised explosive devices and other hazards ... we’re literally saving lives every day.”

TOP STORY > >Deployed total force C-130 unit shatters airdrop record

By Senior Airman Melissa B. White

451st Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – A total force integrated C-130J Hercules unit broke their squadron’s monthly airdrop record Jan. 28 and then went on to shatter that record by the month’s end at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan.

The 772nd Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, which has been in place at the airfield since March 2009, had a previous record of 40 airdrop missions in a one-month period that the squadron soared past in January by completing 51 airdrop missions.

“It feels good to be setting records, but what you’ll find with most of the guys here is that it doesn’t matter if you break a record, it matters that you complete the mission and get the supplies where they need to go so we can help those guys on the ground,” said Lt. Col. Walt Ord, 772nd EAS aircraft commander who was the leader of the crew that completed the 41st airdrop.

The record-breaking airdrop consisted of 20 bundles of water, meals ready-to-eat and fuel being dropped to support forward operating bases in the heart of Afghanistan.

“It feels good knowing we’re supplying the troops on the ground and allowing them to perform their missions more effectively with these much-needed supplies,” said Tech. Sgt. David Pirie, 772nd EAS loadmaster. “It’s also great knowing we’re contributing to the warfighting effort.”

Airdrop missions take about 4 to 5 hours apiece of advanced planning by the tactics team to ensure no conflictions with other missions in execution. Then once the cargo is bundled and ready for flight, the loadmasters load the bundles, joint airdrop inspectors ensure the load is rigged properly, and the aircraft is ready for airdrop. The crew then flies to one of many drop zones where the back of the aircraft is opened up for the bundles to be released at a different altitude depending on location. The bundles are then released and float down to earth with assistance from attached parachutes. This month, the bundles were 99 percent recoverable and undamaged - exceeding the Army’s planned expectations of estimating for only 90 percent of the bundles to be usable.

In addition to successfully completing 51 airdrops weighing more than 1.1 million pounds, the 772nd EAS also moved close to 4,000 passengers and flew more than 420 sorties with approximately 400 flight hours during the month of January.

The 772nd EAS is currently comprised of members from the 41st Airlift Squadron from Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., and two squadrons that fall under the 403rd Airlift Wing out of Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The 345th Airlift Squadron active-duty component and the 815th Airlift Squadron comprised of Reservists, make up the Air Force’s first C-130J total force integrated unit, which joined together in August 2010. The active associate units share aircraft while working together to both fly and maintain the C-130s, an initiative that leverages the combined resources of the Reserves and active-duty force.

“Everyone is the same and we all come together in a seamless operation to keep the guys outside the wire safer,” said Lt. Col. Craig Williams, 772nd EAS commander. “Where we can fly in one hour could be a three-day trip through the mountains that subject those drivers to indirect fire, improvised explosive devices and other hazards ... we’re literally saving lives every day.”

Thursday, February 3, 2011

COMMENTARY>Inspector general tells 314th Airlift Wing during briefing: ‘You’re excellent’

By Col. Mark Czelusta

314th Airlift Wing commander

This past Monday morning, I sat in a video teleconference with Maj. Gen. Mark Solo, 19th Air Force commander, as the Air Education and Training Command Inspector General’s team chief out-briefed him on the results of the 314th Airlift Wing’s unit compliance inspection.

After just five months as the wing commander, imagine just how honored I felt, sitting next to Col. Mike Minihan, 19th Airlift Wing commander, and our two wings’ group commanders and command chiefs to hear the inspection team repeatedly use the word “Excellent” to describe our wing’s strengths, personnel and compliance.

The IG didn’t rate a single category, of the several dozen evaluated, any less than “Satisfactory.” This is a unique achievement, and a direct result of an outlook shaped by our five leadership themes:

1. Mission: We are the foundation of America’s combat airlift capability, as we have been for many years. Acknowledging we shape the perspectives for a generation of combat airlifters, everyone is an instructor. And to that end, the IG confirmed that the 314th’s and Team Little Rock’s climate is exceptionally positive and compliance minded.

2. Standards: The IG labeled our maintenance group “the best seen in the command in the last few years.” Our operations group was labeled “Excellent” in flight training. During the 2010 aircrew standardization and evaluations visit less than two months ago, they had similar words to say. This UCI completes our “trifecta” – three superlative major inspections in the last year-and-a-half.

3. Partnerships: The 314th AW is intertwined with the 19th and 189th Airlift Wings every day. The reason the 314th is known worldwide as the “C-130 Center of Excellence” – why so many other countries come to Little Rock to receive their flight and maintenance training – is because of the partnerships and fraternity that make this base so strong. Both the IG and General Solo acknowledged our “storied” inter-wing cooperation.

4. Innovation: The IG noted that they don’t see many wings leaning so far forward to integrate new technologies and make existing processes better. They also agreed that our relationship with our Aircrew Training System contractors is “superb” – our ATS teammates are a core element of our success.

5. Focus: With all the different concerns each day brings, I’m so thankful for a team of commanders and senior NCOs whose leadership allows us to keep “fighting the right fight.” Always remember, it’s about our Airmen, our mission and our future ... take time to deliberately develop all three.

My heartfelt thanks go out to all of you in the 314th AW who labored these past few months to “water the eyes” of the Inspector General – and also to those key partners in the 19th, 189th and contract ATS so vital to our success. In the end, while this was an AETC inspection, every member of Team Little Rock, regardless of the patches they wear, can take ownership of this success.

TOP STORY > >University Center offers lesson in community support

By Airman 1st Class Rochelle Sollars

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The base and community celebrated the latest of its 50 year-plus partnership at the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Jacksonville - Little Rock Air Force Base University Center Feb.1.

The $15 million education center will allow both communities to seek educational goals from the most basic skill levels to higher education needs.

“We celebrate today the cooperation between the City of Jacksonville and Little Rock Air Force Base,” said Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe. “This is one more manifestation of the long history of the love, support and interaction that exists [between the base and community].”

Combining $5 million from Jacksonville taxpayers with nearly $10 million from the Air Force has resulted in what’s believed to be a first-of-its-kind facility anywhere in the Air Force and demonstrates the support the people of Jacksonville have for the men and women of Little Rock Air Force Base.

“There is a long track record of this community and this base being the first-of-its-kind in virtually every positive thing that integrates the town and the uniform,” said Governor Beebe. “It’s appropriate and fitting that all of Arkansas salute and say thank you to the leadership of Jacksonville, both present and past, and to the leadership of Little Rock Air Force Base, both present and past.”

Located at the corner or Vandenberg Drive and First Street where Jacksonville and the base meet, the University Center is a visual reminder of the storied Jacksonville - Little Rock Air Force Base partnership.

“It’s fitting that this location happens to sit on top of a hill, making it a reminder to all the people who drive along the interstate that education is a top priority for our city, so important that we were willing to tax ourselves $5 million to push a dream into reality,” said Jacksonville Mayor Gary Fletcher.

The facility offers more than 46,000 square feet of educational space including six 32-student classrooms; two 40-student classrooms; 18 24-student classrooms; one 22-student classroom; one 20-student classroom; two 16-student classrooms; two state-of-the-art laboratories and common areas.

“To know the positive impact that this institution will have on students who desire to deepen their knowledge and secure a brighter future for themselves and their families is very exciting,” said Mayor Fletcher.

The University Center is a tremendous educational opportunity to Little Rock Air Force Base and the community of Jacksonville. The new facility will not just offer degrees for military, but also the civilian community.

The University Center idea was hatched by area attorney Mike Wilson, former Jacksonville mayor Tommy Swaim and now-retired Maj. Gen. Paul Fletcher, who was the base’s commander more than 10 years ago. City residents voted to tax themselves $5 million to fund their part.

Col. Mike Minihan, 19th Airlift Wing commander, thanked Arkansas’ Congressional delegation for its support, including Sen. Mark Pryor, former Sen. Blanche Lincoln, Rep. Mike Ross, former Rep. and current Sen. John Boozman and former Reps. Vic Snyder and Marion Berry.

“As great as this building is and as enormous as the sacrifice that the citizens of this community made, it is one chapter in an over 50 year legacy served that has been the benchmark for support for an Air Force base, and we could not be more appreciative,” said Colonel Minihan.

The resident universities include Arkansas State University-Beebe; Park University; University of Arkansas - Fayetteville; Southern Illinois University; Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; and Webster University.