Thursday, June 27, 2013

CLASSIFIEDS >> 06-28-13


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.

PIANO COACH wanted for in-home lessons, 2x weekly for a 12 & 8 yr. old. Starting Aug. Must have base access! (325) 864-8597 or (325) 864-8617, Phillip or Kiley.


HELP WANTED

DRIVERS: $1200 Orientation Completion bonus! Make $63,000 year or more! Ask about $2500 driver referral bonus! CDL-A OTR experience required. Call now 1-888-993-0972.


YARD SALES

YARD SALE, 6/22, 7 am-1 pm, 14 Oakwood, Cabot. Furniture, bedding, clothes, lots of kitchen items, dishes, pots & pans.

YARD SALE, 6/21, noon-8 pm & 6/22 7:30 am until its gone. 12 Danbury Ln. Jax. Lots of household items, big & small. EVERYTHING must go!

3-FAMILY extra large yard sale, 6/29, 7 am-7 pm, 910 Brewer St., Ward. Lots & lots of stuff.


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.


AUTOS/ACCESSORIES

2010 MUSTANG Convertible, torch red, black top, V-6, 5-spd. automatic, 37,000 miles, like new condition with excellent miles per gallon & fun to drive. Price reduced for quick sale to $15,500. (501) 231-6184.

2012 GMC Sierra Crew Cab SLE, V8, Z71, 4WD, $29,901. 1-866-639-5337.

2012 NISSAN Altima 2.5 SL, auto., 4-cyl., leather, sunroof, Bose stereo, navigation, $22,958. 1-866-639-5337.

2006 TOYOTA Avalon XLS, auto., leather, sunroof, loaded, $15,335. 1-866-639-5337.

2010 TOYOTA Corolla, auto., 4-cyl., great gas saver, $11,492. 1-866-639-5337.

2012 NISSAN Armada SV, auto., V8, alloys, third row rear, only 3K miles, $30,545. 1-866-639-5337.

2009 NISSAN Murano SL, auto., V6, alloys, all power, $16,932. 1-866-639-5337.

2007 DODGE Grand Caravan SXT, V6, rear air, third row, power doors, $6,902. 1-866-639-5337.

2008 DODGE Avenger R/T, auto., V6, sunroof, alloys, 42K miles, $14,463. 1-866-639-5337.

2008 NISSAN Sentra 2.0SL, auto., 4-cyl., sunroof, alloys, 50K miles, $12,298. 1-866-639-5337.

2002 PONTIAC Firebird Convertible, auto., V8, leather, only 80K miles, $9,736. 1-866-639-5337.

2011 NISSAN Maxima SV, auto., V6, leather, sunroof, 1 owner, $25,385. 1-866-639-5337.

2010 NISSAN Rogue SL, auto., 4-cyl., alloy wheels, power seat, $17,340. 1-866-639-5337.

2012 NISSAN Juke SL, auto., leather, sunroof, nav. loaded, 14K miles, $23,950. 1-866-639-5337.

2011 NISSAN FRONTIER SL, 4WD, auto., V6, leather, sunroof, Rockford Fosgate, 17K miles, $26,973. 1-866-639-5337.

2012 NISSAN QUEST SL, auto., V6, leather, third row, rear air, loaded, $26,940. 1-866-639-5337.

2003 HYUNDAI Elantra, auto., 4-cyl., alloys, sunroof, $5,150. 1-866-639-5337.

2008 FORD Mustang GT, V8, Shaker 500, leather, only 24K miles, $21,250. 1-866-639-5337.

2008 GMC Yukon XL SLT 4WD, auto., V8, leather, DVD player, $26,940. 1-866-639-5337.

2013 HYUNDAI Veloster, auto., Infinity stereo, panorama sunroof, only 3K miles, $21,830. 1-866-639-5337.

1987 Mercedes Benz, blue, 420 SEL, big block V8. Serious inquiries only. Call for price. 908-1477 or 908-1194.

TIRES, RIKEN Raptor, 215/35ZR18, 2 good condition, 1 fair condition, $90 for all 3. (501) 985-2387.


RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

2008 HONDA CBR600RR, 8,700 miles, $7,000 obo. (918) 978-5012.


LAWN & FARM EQUIPMENT

CRAFTSMAN RIDING lawnmower, 16.5 hp., Kohler 42" rear bagger, excellent condition, $350. (501) 902-9243.


ITEMS FOR SALE

STAINLESS STEEL kitchen sink, dual basin, complete w/mounting hardware, chrome faucet w/sprayer & garbage disposal connection, excellent condition, $60. (501) 258-9924.

SUIT, Yves St. Laurent, blue/gray, size 42 reg., 33 waist, $30. 985-2387.

DR. DRE brand new headset, Monster brand from Best Buy, $175 obo. Call/text: (715) 212-2625 or (501) 352-0345.

BRAND NEW iPhone 4 for Sprint, new case, all accessories, $150 obo. Call/text: (715) 212-2625 or (501) 352-0345.

GRACO STROLLER w/car seat, some sun damage on stroller, $80 obo. (501) 786-3803.

500 GAL. propane tank, like new, $1,000. (501) 733-3947.


FURNITURE

CHERRY WOOD kid's bedroom set, sleigh bed w/mattress, 5-drawer chest, bookshelf w/2 drawers, 3 drawer - 2 door armoire, $400. (501) 615-4765, Sherwood.


HOUSES FOR RENT

3 BEDROOM, 2 bath, living room, den with fireplace, kitchen with stove, refrigerator & dishwasher, laundry area, 2-car garage, fenced backyard, pets considered with nonrefundable pet deposit. Close to air base, Stonewall subdivision, on cul-de-sac. $975 plus deposit. Call (501) 529-7767 or (501) 529-7624.

CABOT, LIKE new, all brick 3/2 with 2 car garage, double vanity with his & her closets in master bath. No smoking, no pets. $1,025 month, $1,000 deposit. Call (501) 628-1225.

JACKSONVILLE: $0 dep. MH in park. 3BR/2BA. $500-$575 per month. (501) 744-4668.

BEEBE: $0 deposit, MH subdv., 3 BR/2BA on 1/2 acre lot, $550 per month. (501) 744-4668.

NLR: 3 bedroom/2 bath MH in park on large lot, $575 month with deposit. (501) 744-4668.

JAX: Camper/RV Lot, $300 month with water, sewer, trash & electric paid. (501) 744-4668.

LOVELY 3 bedroom, 2 bath manufactured home, super clean, handicapped access, stand alone country living. NO PETS, NO SMOKING, references a must, $425 month, $425 deposit. Mt. Vernon. (501) 849-3350.

3 BEDROOM, 2 bath house, fenced backyard, Cabot, $700 deposit, $950 month. No pets. Call 843-7553.

1 BEDROOM apartment, 704 North Third Street, Cabot, gas & water paid but you pay electric. $425 month, $300 deposit. (501) 605-7120.


HOUSES FOR SALE

3 BEDROOM, 1 1/2 bath home on 1 acre, partly fenced. 3710 Carrington Road, Cabot. AS IS. $29,000. (501) 912-0424 or (501) 912-8487.

BRIEFS >> 06-28-13

Firing range off limits
The Combat Arms (small arms) firing range complex and encompassing areas on Little Rock AFB are “Off limits” to all unauthorized personnel. Unexploded ordnance and live-fire makes trespassing dangerous in addition to illegal. The Combat Arms rifle, pistol, machine gun, and grenade ranges are located on the East end of the base, east of the Civil Engineer Squadron Readiness Area and North of the horse stables and archery range. All roads leading into the range complex will be closed and locked after duty hours. Anyone requiring access to the ranges or surrounding areas during and after duty hours must contact the range office prior to entry. For more information, contact the Combat Arms section in building 1393 or call 987-6861.

Closures scheduled
The Military Personnel Section will be closed June 28 for mandatory training. An alternate location for ID cards/DEERs updates is Camp Robinson, building 5130, Phillips Armory (501) 212-5037.
The 19th Medical Group will be closed from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 9.
Hangar 1080 will be closed Thursday and Friday. For holiday hours, visit Rockin’ at the Rock website. 

Protestant choir director
Little Rock AFB Chapel Seeking a choir director for two Sunday morning Protestant Worship Services. The individual must have a demonstrated ability to read music as well as lead and direct choir and the congregation. Interested bidders must have a minimum of two years experience, with obvious knowledge of musical tradition for Protestant worship (i.e., traditional, and contemporary music). Background checks will be required as directed by DoDI 1402. The award of this contract will be based upon the best value to the government. An audition is required. Further descriptions of the duties and responsibilities associated with this contract position can be obtained by contacting Tech. Sgt. Juan Santoy, Master Sgt. Jose Gomez or Maj. Randall Jamieson at 987-6014. Please contact the above POCs for a copy of the Statement of Work, criteria of selection, bid documents, and general provisions. All bid submissions must be turned into the Base Chapel by noon Monday.

FEATURE >> Part 1: The Burden of Service

By Staff Sgt.Russ Scalf
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Lugging his bags to the curb, contemplating innumerable what ifs, Tech. Sgt. Aaron Drain pauses for a moment and reassures his wife Heather that everything will be all right. Holding back her tears, she whispers softly that she loves him.

As midnight approaches, one of the military’s oldest rituals is renewed as Drain kisses his wife and their two sons goodbye and leaves for war.

“Saying goodbye is a hard emotion to capture,” said Drain, “especially because there is always the chance that it could be your last one. That goodbye hurts for at least a month. The first time I deployed, once Heather was gone, I cried for at least 15 minutes. I hid that emotion from her, I guess to try to be the strong one, but I think it might have hurt more than anything.”

For this rotation Drain widened his outlook on preparation, making a concerted effort to provide every resource available to his recently expanded family.

Just three weeks prior to his departure, the couple celebrated the arrival of their second child, Everett.

“She just had a baby; she’s still healing,” said Drain. “If I put myself in her shoes, I’m basically abandoning her. I’m still here financially, but what good is that sometimes?”

Situations like Drain’s present a clear illustration of the resiliency that Airmen exhibit every day in service to the nation. Regardless of length or location, the men and women fulfilling these deployment obligations have given up some measure of normalcy to do so.
“The hardest part about deploying is most definitely leaving your family,” said Drain.

“Everett, my newest son, is 3 weeks old; he’ll never remember this, but leaving her with that responsibility, by herself, should not be like that. I’m going to potentially miss his first smile, probably, him sitting up, things like that. Possibly crawling, those are big milestones in a young child’s life, and I’m going to miss probably all of them. Ayden, he’s 4, so he gets that I’m leaving, but he doesn’t get exactly what’s going on or where I’m going. We try to explain it to him, war. It might be a little much for him at 4 years old, but what else do you tell him, work? You just do the best you can to explain it to him.”

For Drain, a flight engineer with the 53rd Airlift Squadron, this deployment represented an opportunity to improve on several missteps made during his first deployment.

Early in the life of his eldest son, Ayden, Drain was tapped for a deployment to Iraq.

“The first time I went, I had maybe a month’s notice,” said Drain. “I said ‘hey honey, I’ve got to deploy.’ It was good for my career, but I failed to see where it was good for my family, or make it good for my family by discussing it with her. I failed big time. That was one thing I knew I would not let happen this time.”

He attributes undue stress on the relationship during the deployment to a lack of communication. 

“One of the biggest things is communication,” said Drain. “The first time, in Iraq, we just didn’t talk about anything. I went over there, and it all just blew up because we never talked about it. We got it solved, we figured it out, but some couples don’t and they never recover. Communication is number one; everything will fall apart otherwise.”

Another focal point for Drain was the comfort of his family during his absence.

“During this deployment my preparations started much earlier,” said Drain. “It really started at the first hint of the possibility of deploying. The first step was talking with Heather. We knew the baby was coming, so making sure she could handle it was important. After that, we started looking around the house to see what needed to be fixed or could potentially go bad. We replaced some appliances, made some repairs and took care of finances. I wanted her to be happy. The last thing you want on the road is to worry about their comfort.”

As dawn approached, the Airmen sat quietly. Crammed into the darkest corners of the base passenger terminal, the fatigue of preparation had set in.  Some made small talk, however, most spent their final moments on station in muted meditation. Some had embraced the expedition at hand; while others were adrift, transfixed by familiar reflections.
For Drain it was both.

“There are so many things that could go wrong,” said Drain. “All I could think about is how I could have prepared my wife and family better. There comes a point, though, where you have to focus energy on what is in front of you and what you are doing. For me it was that point. I was sad for leaving my family. They are the most important thing to me, but if you can’t or don’t shift gears to the task in front of you, you could really get people hurt, or worse.”

To see a video clip of this story, visit the Little Rock Air Force Base YouTube page.

FEATURE >> TLR Airmen lend a helping hand

By Airman 1st Class Cliffton Dolezal
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The country watched as tornadoes ravaged Oklahoma, May 20. The deadly F5 twister ripped through central Oklahoma, causing close to 13,000 homes to be disintegrated Memorial Day weekend, had a record breaking width of 2.6 miles, according to the National Weather Service.

“When you lose everything in a natural disaster, I couldn’t imagine what that must be like, so I had to do something,” said Staff Sgt. Creighton Cope, a 19th Operations Support Squadron air traffic control watch supervisor.

This was not Cope’s first encounter with devastation caused by a natural disaster.

In 2011, a tornado touched down in northern Alabama killing 238 people and causing $2.2 billion worth of damage. Cope, who had a close friend from Alabama, wanted to help with the relief efforts. Cope along with several volunteers took up donations and delivered more than 9,000 pounds of goods equaling over $20,000 to the victims of the Alabama tornadoes.
When he saw the effects of the tornado in Oklahoma he felt compelled to do the same thing for the people there who have lost everything.

“It was a great experience and something that I immediately thought of when this incident happened in Oklahoma, so I decided to see where it would go,” said Cope. “I sent emails to my 1st Sgt. and group emails searching for volunteers and it was a huge success.”

After numerous emails and phone calls, Cope set up a collection table at the Base Exchange. Manning it the first day he collected canned goods, diapers, toys, bottled water, first-aid kits and animal food.

The collection ran from Wednesday May 29 to Sunday June 2 and was run by base volunteers who worked the table, accepting donations from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for a grand total of $3,600 and more than 4,000 pounds of goods for the people whose homes were ravaged by the deadly tornadoes that ripped through Oklahoma.

“It was great to see how many people wanted to help,” said Cope.

Cope does these things not for bragging rights or awards but rather for people who are in need of a helping hand, asking nothing in return. Cope humbly said that he has a heart to help people who are struggling.

For more information about volunteering or donations please visit www.tinker.af.mil/relief.asp.

NEWS >> LRAFB SAPR Stand-Down Day: Inculcating a Zero-Tolerance Culture

By 1st Lt. Mallory Glass
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs


The base is scheduled to conduct a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Stand-Down Day June 28.

The Secretary of Defense and top Air Force leaders have mandated this day, which is required for all Airmen, and will include four interactive commander’s calls, a Street-Smart presentation and small-group training sessions.

Col. Brian S. Robinson, 19th Airlift Wing and installation commander, looks forward to addressing all Team Little Rock Airmen. He said, “During the all call, I will stress the importance of professionalism, and that our responsibilities as Airmen and wingman do not stop at the end of the duty day.  The Air Force is a lifestyle and culture, not a job. The time for a culture change is now.  All TLR members are held to a standard, and that standard is living the core values all day, every day.”  

The day’s activities will reinforce accountability, the military’s foundation of dignity and respect, and that sexist behavior, sexual harassment and sexual assault injures lives, careers, the mission and the military’s solidarity.

The stand-down day is meant to spread awareness, camaraderie and mutual respect. “Every Airman, every single one of you, deserves to be treated with respect,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III. “All of us are responsible for creating a climate where that’s the expectation.”

The goal of the day is to ensure that all Airmen and civilian personnel are reminded and fully understand that sexual assault is a crime; dignity, trust and respect are values all Airmen must live by; and bystanders should intervene because offensive or criminal conduct is neither tolerated nor condoned.    

“No one asks to be sexually harassed or assaulted. However, it is an equal opportunity crime, no one is immune,” said Frank Cope, the base’s Sexual Assault Response Coordinator, to Airmen at a small-group facilitator’s training course. “Care for our victims is paramount, as well as, holding everyone accountable for their conduct and behavior.”
Cope said he is looking forward to the SAPR Stand-Down Day.

“There is a reason the SAPR training is an alternate duty location,” Cope said. “It is everyone’s duty to be a leader in sexual harassment and assault prevention.”

Friday, June 21, 2013

CLASSIFIEDS >> 06-21-2013


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.

PIANO COACH wanted for in-home lessons, 2x weekly for a 12 & 8 yr. old. Starting Aug. Must have base access! (325) 864-8597 or (325) 864-8617, Phillip or Kiley.


YARD SALES

YARD SALE, 6/22, 7 am-1 pm, 14 Oakwood, Cabot. Furniture, bedding, clothes, lots of kitchen items, dishes, pots & pans.

YARD SALE, 6/21, noon-8 pm & 6/22 7:30 am until its gone. 12 Danbury Ln. Jax. Lots of household items, big & small. EVERYTHING must go!


HELP WANTED

DRIVERS: $1200 Orientation Completion bonus! Make $63,000 year or more! Ask about $2500 driver referral bonus! CDL-A OTR experience required. Call now 1-888-993-0972.


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

3 YR. old Catahoula/Golden Retriever mix & 4 yr. old Beagle/Shepherd mix, free. (616) 485-0019.


AUTOS/ACCESSORIES

2010 MUSTANG Convertible, torch red, black top, V-6, 5-spd. automatic, 37,000 miles, like new condition with excellent miles per gallon & fun to drive. Price reduced for quick sale to $15,500. (501) 231-6184.

2012 GMC Sierra Crew Cab SLE, V8, Z71, 4WD, $29,901. 1-866-639-5337.

2012 NISSAN Altima 2.5 SL, auto., 4-cyl., leather, sunroof, Bose stereo, navigation, $22,958. 1-866-639-5337.

2006 TOYOTA Avalon XLS, auto., leather, sunroof, loaded, $15,335. 1-866-639-5337.

2010 TOYOTA Corolla, auto., 4-cyl., great gas saver, $11,492. 1-866-639-5337.

2012 NISSAN Armada SV, auto., V8, alloys, third row rear, only 3K miles, $30,545. 1-866-639-5337.

2009 NISSAN Murano SL, auto., V6, alloys, all power, $16,932. 1-866-639-5337.

2007 DODGE Grand Caravan SXT, V6, rear air, third row, power doors, $6,902. 1-866-639-5337.

2008 DODGE Avenger R/T, auto., V6, sunroof, alloys, 42K miles, $14,463. 1-866-639-5337.

2008 NISSAN Sentra 2.0SL, auto., 4-cyl., sunroof, alloys, 50K miles, $12,298. 1-866-639-5337.

2002 PONTIAC Firebird Convertible, auto., V8, leather, only 80K miles, $9,736. 1-866-639-5337.

2011 NISSAN Maxima SV, auto., V6, leather, sunroof, 1 owner, $25,385. 1-866-639-5337.

2010 NISSAN Rogue SL, auto., 4-cyl., alloy wheels, power seat, $17,340. 1-866-639-5337.

2012 NISSAN Juke SL, auto., leather, sunroof, nav. loaded, 14K miles, $23,950. 1-866-639-5337.

2011 NISSAN FRONTIER SL, 4WD, auto., V6, leather, sunroof, Rockford Fosgate, 17K miles, $26,973. 1-866-639-5337.

2012 NISSAN QUEST SL, auto., V6, leather, third row, rear air, loaded, $26,940. 1-866-639-5337.

2003 HYUNDAI Elantra, auto., 4-cyl., alloys, sunroof, $5,150. 1-866-639-5337.

2008 FORD Mustang GT, V8, Shaker 500, leather, only 24K miles, $21,250. 1-866-639-5337.

2008 GMC Yukon XL SLT 4WD, auto., V8, leather, DVD player, $26,940. 1-866-639-5337.

2013 HYUNDAI Veloster, auto., Infinity stereo, panorama sunroof, only 3K miles, $21,830. 1-866-639-5337.

1987 Mercedes Benz, blue, 420 SEL, big block V8. Serious inquiries only. Call for price. 908-1477 or 908-1194.


LAWN & FARM EQUIPMENT

CRAFTSMAN RIDING lawnmower, 16.5 hp., Kohler 42" rear bagger, excellent condition, $350. (501) 902-9243.


ITEMS FOR SALE

PENTAX OPTIO M30 digital camera, 7.1 mp., 3x optical zoom, lithium ion battery w/2 chargers, USB cable, CD-ROM & case, $90. (918) 649-5164.

ADULT BIKE, $50. (501) 658-5213 after 7 pm.

STAINLESS STEEL kitchen sink, dual basin, complete w/mounting hardware, chrome faucet w/sprayer & garbage disposal connection, excellent condition, $60. (501) 258-9924.


FURNITURE

VINTAGE PIANO, Jesse French, handsome furniture piece, needs tuning, $50; brown leather couch, Flex-steel, excellent, non-smoking house, $200. 843-7398, Cabot.

TRIPLE DRESSER, matching night stands, real bamboo, brass pulls, vintage, $400 obo. (501) 835-3135.

CHERRY WOOD kid's bedroom set, sleigh bed w/mattress, 5-drawer chest, bookshelf w/2 drawers, 3 drawer - 2 door armoire, $400. (501) 615-4765, Sherwood.


HOUSES FOR RENT

STUDIO APARTMENTS - Jacksonville. Cozy 1 bedroom apts. Bed pulls down from wall in living room. Wood burning fireplace. $275 mo. & util. Military discount available. No children, no pets. Camp Construction, 982-0434.

3 BEDROOM, 2 bath, living room, den with fireplace, kitchen with stove, refrigerator & dishwasher, laundry area, 2-car garage, fenced backyard, pets considered with nonrefundable pet deposit. Close to air base, Stonewall subdivision, on cul-de-sac. $975 plus deposit. Call (501) 529-7767 or (501) 529-7624.

HOUSE FOR Sale or Rent: 35 Wagon Wheel Cove, Austin, AR. Cabot School District, 2080 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 2 bathrooms. Sale price $178,000. Rent $1,350 monthly. More details on www.militarybyowner.com, listing number MBO266845. Contact Justin (210) 787-0401.

CABOT, LIKE new, all brick 3/2 with 2 car garage, double vanity with his & her closets in master bath. No smoking, no pets. $1,025 month, $1,000 deposit. Call (501) 628-1225.

LOVELY 3 bedroom, 2 bath manufactured home, super clean, handicapped access, stand alone country living. NO PETS, NO SMOKING, references a must. Mt. Vernon. (501) 849-3350.

JACKSONVILLE: $0 dep. MH in park. 3BR/2BA. $500-$575 per month. (501) 744-4668.

BEEBE: $0 deposit, MH subdv., 3 BR/2BA on 1/2 acre lot, $550 per month. (501) 744-4668.

NLR: 3 bedroom/2 bath MH in park on large lot, $575 month with deposit. (501) 744-4668.

JAX: Camper/RV Lot, $300 month with water, sewer, trash & electric paid. (501) 744-4668.


HOUSES FOR SALE

LISTING: 4 bedroom, 2 bath house in Austin, built 2007. 1,577 sq. ft., fenced yard, Jacuzzi tub & 2-car garage. Cabot school district. $145,000 negotiable. (304) 389-3556.

REMODELED GRAVEL Ridge home near air base. 2 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath, large living area, deck, 12x16 multi-use building with air & also, 2nd small building, large fenced yard. (501) 551-6465.

BRIEFS >> 06-21-2013

Firing range off limits
The Combat Arms (small arms) firing range complex and encompassing areas on Little Rock AFB are “Off limits” to all unauthorized personnel. Unexploded ordnance and live-fire makes trespassing dangerous in addition to illegal. The Combat Arms rifle, pistol, machine gun, and grenade ranges are located on the East end of the base, east of the Civil Engineer Squadron Readiness Area and North of the horse stables and archery range. All roads leading into the range complex will be closed and locked after duty hours. Anyone requiring access to the ranges or surrounding areas during and after duty hours must contact the range office prior to entry. For more information, contact the Combat Arms section in building 1393 or call 987-6861.

Retirement slated
A retirement ceremony for Tech. Sgt. Troy A. Schaffer is scheduled for 1 p.m., June 24, in the 48th Airlift Squadron’s auditorium at building 234.

Tech sergeant release party planned
A tech sergeant release party will be held at 2 p.m. July 3 at Hangar 1080.

Medical Group Closure
The 19th Medical Group will be closed from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 9.

Closure
The Military Personnel Section will be closed June 28 for mandatory training. An alternate location for ID cards/DEERs updates is Camp Robinson, building 5130, Phillips Armory (501) 212-5037.

Protestant Choir Director
Little Rock AFB Chapel is seeking a choir director for two Sunday morning Protestant Worship Services. The individual must have a demonstrated ability to read music as well as lead and direct choir and the congregation. Interested bidders must have a minimum of two years experience, with obvious knowledge of musical tradition for Protestant worship (i.e., traditional, and contemporary music). Background checks will be required as directed by DoDI 1402. The award of this contract will be based upon the best value to the government. An audition is required. Further descriptions of the duties and responsibilities associated with this contract position can be obtained by contacting Tech. Sgt. Juan Santoy, Master Sgt. Jose Gomez or Maj. Randall Jamieson at 987-6014. Please contact the above POCs for a copy of the Statement of Work, criteria of selection, bid documents, and general provisions. All bid submissions must be turned into the Base Chapel by noon on July 1.

SPORTS >> 314 AMXS ruthless in softball victory over AAFES

By Senior Airman Regina Agoha
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The 314th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron softball team obliterated the Army and Air Force Exchange Service’s team after only three innings 26–4 June 18 during an intramural softball game at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. The only thing that stopped the onslaught was when the game was called after the refs referred to the “mercy rule.”

The trampling got off to a quick start in the 1st, after AAFES put up two runs in the top of the inning as the 314th AMXS batted through their lineup several times en route to amassing an astonishing 25-2 lead. Their lineup hit several home runs and smacked around the softball with ease, shocking the AAFES squad.

Facing a daunting deficit, the AAFES team tried to respond, but mustered only two runs in the top of the second inning. Although it may have been some consolation they were able to hold the 314th AMXS to only one run in the bottom of the 2nd.  

Just that quickly the game was over. The referees invoked the mercy rule in the third inning. The 314th AMXS notched an early season victory and AAFES was sent home smarting from the thrashing they got.

FEATURE >> Travel: Bentonville, Ark.

By Staff Sgt. Jake Barreiro
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Although I wouldn’t say I’m a cosmopolitan, I do think of myself as an avid traveler. From the time, as a 4-year-old lad, I frightened my mother by wandering out of my backyard in Penn Hills, Penn., in search of a local park, the idea of discovering new places, things and experiences on my own excited me. And it was with this desire to find something new that I, equipped with nothing but a large stick I cribbed from a tree in my backyard, joyfully sauntered up and down the many hilly streets of my neighborhood, seeking a new place to play, a local park I’d seen from the car earlier.

 My voyage was unsuccessful as I couldn’t figure out which direction the park was in, and I  was soon interrupted and  found out I was in trouble when my mother, nearly 8-months pregnant with my little sister, came over one of the hills screaming at me, demanding I return home. My adolescent brain, probably in fight or flight mode, elected to flee, and I started running. My mother told me how she tried to commission the help of some local boys in catching me, but they demurred because of the large stick I was swinging around while I ran. So, burdened with my nearly born little sister, my mother tracked me down through the numerous hills and caught me. Twenty minutes later I was forcibly returned to my home and received a spanking. When I was asked why I “ran away” and didn’t stop when ordered to, the only thing I could say was “I was looking for the park.” I never found the park, and never forgot the thrashing I got either.

So why talk about my poor sense of direction and genetic disobedience at the beginning of a travel story about Bentonville, Ark.? Because, 23 years later, while in my eyes arguably a little more mature and self-sufficient, I still get excited about the idea of discovering something new. The discovery need not be epic in scope either, simply stumbling upon an unexpected experience is enough to satisfy me most of the time. For me traveling is primarily about sensory experiences, entertainment, discovery, companionship and above all, novelty because why travel anywhere if you’re not going to try and experience something new?

That’s why, when my boss threw out a remark about a piece of artwork by Andy Warhol on display at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Ark., regarded as a “must see” museum in Arkansas, I wanted to look into traveling there. It didn’t hurt that my wife, far more than me, is an art fanatic and Warholic. When I broached her with the suggestion she happily wanted to go along for a weekend trip.

Still, I knew very little about Bentonville, had never heard of it before, so I looked up some information about it. I found in addition to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville’s notoriety was in housing the headquarters of Wal-Mart and the Wal-Mart’s Visitor’s Center, an old fashioned shop with displays and artwork chronicling the history of the retail giant. While I’m not big into consumerism, my interest was peaked in seeing how a local business could become a global giant, and really because I’m always happy to go somewhere new, so we decided to go.

 So, equipped with a GPS, (my sense of direction is still nothing to boast of,) a couple changes of clothes and my superlative travel companion, wife Cecelia Guadalupe Ortiz-Barreiro (Cece to friends), I headed out to Bentonville on a Saturday evening.

The drive wasn’t extremely long, but a bit of a trek, taking nearly three and a half hours from my Cabot home to the steps of our hotel in downtown Bentonville. The scenery on the way out there is relatively commonplace for Arkansas, gorgeous views of the outdoors full of local color and such, but views of the Ozark Mountains especially nice at dusk. I enjoyed the pretty views and quiet while Cece (as is typical) caught a nap.

We arrived at 9:30 p.m. Saturday evening, so we weren’t able to explore much of the town. Bentonville, with all of its attractions, isn’t host to a lively night life, so we decided to lounge around our hotel, have dinner, cocktails and relax before beginning our exploration the next day.

We stayed at the 21C Museum Hotel, in the middle of downtown Bentonville, and it was easily one of the more audacious hotels I’ve stayed at with art-themed décor and room set-up. Priced at $149 a night, it wasn’t the cheapest lodgings in Bentonville, but is closely located to all of the major attractions and a unique place to stay (there are two other 21C Hotels, in Louisville and Cincinnati.)

 The bottom floor hosts dozens of art exhibits, including an entire section showcasing short films. Most of the art is contemporary, featuring plenty of avant-garde photography and exhibits. When we arrived, there were droves of people perusing the exhibits throughout the hotel or chatting together in the bar.

After we dropped our baggage off in the room, Cece and I were famished and elected to eat at the hotel’s restaurant: The Hive. It wasn’t the most frugal option, but we enjoyed a good meal. I had pan-seared snapper ($21) and Cece had roasted duck soup ($22). The restaurant, like the rest of the hotel, was decorated in art displays, including hoards of wax green penguins, which the wait staff placed at tables throughout the restaurant. Cece loved her meal, and I thought the snapper was good. After our pie and ice cream desert, we headed back to the room to rest.

The next morning we got up early, excited to explore and discover the small town of Bentonville. Since we were out of the hotel at 9 a.m. and nothing around town really gets rolling until 11 (it was Sunday so I surmise a majority of the town residents were in church,) we took a leisurely walk around town.

The town square, located directly down the street from our hotel, is a compact, quaint and picturesque area populated by numerous stores and small restaurants, with a park and Civil War Confederate Soldier monument in the middle. The weather was perfect for more walking so we explored some of the pathways and walking trails, also close to our hotel, and enjoyed the beautiful weather and scenery before finding a place for lunch.

Finding good or unique food can always be a challenge when traveling. I know a lot of friends who lean on ratings from sites like Yelp or Urbanspoon, but I find this antithetical to the spirit of discovery, as there’s no credentials necessary to rate a restaurant on those sites. Of course a lot of areas have signature styles too. For Arkansas people might think of barbecue; I try, whenever I can while traveling, to find something out of the way and unexpected.

 In our search we found a small gem right outside the doors of our hotel, which we might have overlooked had we not seen a large line forming in front of it. The place was a food trailer parked across the street called Crepes Paulette, advertised as an authentic French creperie.

The owner, Fred, French-born, and his wife both worked in the shop and were taking orders and making crepes while we stood in line. The line was long, and while we waited we heard nothing but great things about the creperie, which only opened a couple of years ago.

Customers talked about how it’s a Sunday tradition for them to grab a crepe or how they always take their visiting family members to come out and try one with them.

Once again, I don’t fancy myself an expert on food, or many things, but I’ve been to Paris and eaten crepes on the Rue du Montparnasse, and Fred’s were as good as the others I’ve had. Fred was speaking French with some of the customers, but I didn’t have the gall to force my appalling, poorly accented and grammatically bankrupt attempts on him.

I got a chicken, spinach and feta cheese savory crepe while Cece got a turkey, spinach and cheese, each wrapped in whole-grain buckwheat. The crepes cost $7 a piece, were large enough to be a meal and, most importantly, delicious. So delicious that my wife yearned to get another one before we left Bentonville Monday, only to be despondent to find the shop was closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

With freshly made and devoured crepes digesting, we headed to our next destination in Bentonville, the big attraction, the one we came all the way out there to see: Crystal Bridges. 

Getting to the museum was an enjoyable trek from our hotel. Less than a block from the 21C Museum Hotel are the Compton Gardens, 6.5 acres of open to the public woodlands and walking trails, which lead directly to Crystal Bridges. We sojourned around the walking trails and took in the atmosphere in Compton, meandering around for an hour or two before coming straight out to a view of the museum.

The Crystal Bridges permanent collection is free, with temporary exhibits occasionally touring to the museum viewable for a charge. A Norman Rockwell exhibit was on display when we visited, but we decided to stick to the free permanents, which is just as well since there were more than 400 works of art on display, enough to fill up hours of viewing.

For the next two, three hours or so, we strolled through American history in the form of artistic expressions, including portraits, avant garde displays, statues and other dramatic displays of art beginning with colonial America up to present day. Some key artists included Andy Warhol, Jackson Pollock, Georgia O’Keefe, Kara Walker, Norman Rockwell, Francis Grey and Gilbert Stuart. There weren’t a lot of controversial or radical works of art, but the range of selection and sheer amount on display (for free too) was excellent.

I have a tendency to not like sitting or standing around in one place for long so we took a little less than three hours in the museum, but could have easily spent a couple more hours perusing and talking about the art. For art lovers in Central Arkansas, Crystal Bridges makes Bentonville a must-stop destination.

Our Sunday concluded with a small dinner while we rested from walking around in the warm sun all day. Waking up Monday, we had one more destination to see in Bentonville before heading home: The Wal-Mart Visitor’s Center/historical museum. The set up consists of an old fashioned general store, with a milkshake shop next store, but in the back is a small museum of videos, text, displays and memorabilia chronicling the history of America’s biggest retail chain.

The visitor’s center reaches back from the early days of the retail chain, originally a small general store, and culminates with its modern day status as a global giant. There’s a lot of information for the interested guest, although the canonizing of founder Sam Walton can be a bit over the top, it’s a great stop which tells the fascinating story of how a tiny shop on a small street in Bentonville, Ark., would go on to dominate global retail.

We emerged from the Visitor’s Center with healthy appetites, so we stopped to get some food before hitting the road. We stopped at a Latin bistro-style restaurant in town square. I got a portabella mushroom melt ($9) and my wife got the enchiladas ($8).

Satiated and satisfied with our visit, we headed back home, both happy with our little trip. While we saw what we came to see, we also stumbled upon a few surprises and, above all, we had a great time together, which is really the key to enjoying travel anywhere.

Bentonville does have an impressive museum of American art, available for free, which is, along with the surrounding gardens and resplendent walking trails, the biggest reason to visit. We were also delighted to be able to have authentic French crepes right on the street. We didn’t always select the most frugal options, but there are numerous affordable locations for lodging and food in the area. Anyone interested in American art, classical or contemporary and seeking a place to spend a nice weekend in Arkansas, should check the weather and head to Bentonville.














TOP STORY >> AETC commander tours, praises the Rock

By Staff Sgt. Jake Barreiro
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The Commander and Command Chief of Air Education and Training Command toured Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., June 18 – 19, and talked to Airmen personally and in mass about contemporary issues and challenges in the Air Force.

At the end of their visit Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr. and Chief Master Sgt. Gerardo Tapia held an all-call at the Hercules Hall where they talked about their visit and answered several questions from the audience. At the all-call Rice praised the base’s mission of managing the largest training center for C-130s in the world as well as carrying out real-world missions around the clock.

“We had a great visit here,” Rice said in his opening comments at the all call. “We had a great chance to see the mission here at Little Rock and we know how important the work you do is to AMC, AETC, the U.S. Air Force and our international partners around the world. I am very impressed with the way you all operate on the operational and training side.”

One thing Rice and Tapia got to do on their visit to the Rock was sit down and personally talk with small groups of Airmen on base in order to get a personal perspective on the issues Airmen here face.

“Talking to the Airmen was great,” said Rice. “It helps me look at the issues I have to talk about in Washington in a different way.”

Tapia praised Team Little Rock’s noncommissioned officer corps.

“I don’t always see this when I go places, but you all have some great NCOs here,” he said. “Judging from the talks I had with junior Airmen, your NCOs are concerned with their issues, personally and professionally and involved with them like they need to be.”

During the all-call, the duo took questions from the audience. Rice and Tapia answered questions about possible changes to tuition assistance, changes to professional military education and sexual assault.

Tapia told the audience he doesn’t anticipate a lot of stark changes to tuition assistance, but there may be minor amendments to the benefit in the future.

“Bottom line is we’ll find a balance,” Rice added to Tapia’s comments.

On the topic of PME Tapia said there are experiments with transforming some curriculums, with the aim to shorten TDY and in class time, but stressed the Air Force will not lose sight of ensuring their enlisted and commissioned force get the best possible educational experience they can via PME.

“In the future, you may see some more long distance learning,” he said. “Long distance learning is going to be critically important and I can envision NCO Academy, for example, still having a brick and mortar classroom, but only having 10-14 days of in-class education as opposed to six weeks or so right now.”

The last statement Rice made was on the topic of sexual assault in the Air Force, and he stressed the importance of not only acknowledging sexual assault as a problem, but working together to build a culture that makes sexual assault intolerable.

“First we have to accept we have a serious problem with sexual assault,” he said. “Then we have to commit to doing something about it, which means taking appropriate actions to address the problem.”

Rice highlighted the importance of looking out for each other as wingmen and said there needs to be a zero-tolerance culture in the Air Force for sexual assault.

“Sexual assault is a crime and it’s unacceptable,” he said. “There’s a different between a zero-tolerance policy and a zero-tolerance culture. We need to walk the walk with this. This is something that’s happening and we as a force need to find the people who are doing it and hold them accountable.”

Rice ended his visit with words of praise and encouragement for Team Little Rock. He expressed confidence in the base’s ability to adapt to upcoming challenges and overcome obstacles.

“We’ve had a fantastic visit,” he said. “Thank you for your hard work, living our core values and serving our great nation. I’m very pleased with what I’ve seen and I look forward to visiting again.”



Friday, June 14, 2013

CLASSIFIEDS >> 6-14-13


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.

PIANO COACH wanted for in-home lessons, 2x weekly for a 12 & 8 yr. old. Starting Aug. Must have base access! (325) 864-8597 or (325) 864-8617, Phillip or Kiley.


HELP WANTED

DRIVERS: $1200 Orientation Completion bonus! Make $63,000 year or more! Ask about $2500 driver referral bonus! CDL-A OTR experience required. Call now 1-888-993-0972.

SOLID GROUND Lawn & Landscaping is looking for an energetic and motivated individual. Previous experience is not necessary. Must have valid driver's license. 765-2647.


YARD SALES

GARAGE SALE, 6/15 & 16, 7 am-5 pm, 20234 North Hills Dr., Cabot. Lots of stuff, futon, TVs, etc. Come while it lasts.

MULTI-FAMILY YARD sale, 6/15, 7 am-? 3103 W. Cleland Rd., Cabot. Collectibles, furniture, children's clothes, toys, DS games, luggage, lawn equip. kitchen ware.


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

3 YR. old Catahoula/Golden Retriever mix & 4 yr. old Beagle/Shepherd mix, free. (616) 485-0019.


AUTOS/ACCESSORIES

2010 MUSTANG Convertible, torch red, black top, V-6, 5-spd. automatic, 37,000 miles, like new condition with excellent miles per gallon & fun to drive. Price reduced for quick sale to $15,500. (501) 231-6184.

1968 CHEVY C10 project truck, SWB/fleet side, metal bed, lg. back window, comes w/extra hood, doors, rocker panels, cab corners, grill, etc. No motor or trans., $1,650 obo. (501) 773-7741.

2003 FORD F150 King Ranch, runs but will need a new 5.4L, $7,300. (501) 773-7741.

2012 GMC Sierra Crew Cab SLE, V8, Z71, 4WD, $29,901. 1-866-639-5337.

2012 NISSAN Altima 2.5 SL, auto., 4-cyl., leather, sunroof, Bose stereo, navigation, $22,958. 1-866-639-5337.

2006 TOYOTA Avalon XLS, auto., leather, sunroof, loaded, $15,335. 1-866-639-5337.

2010 TOYOTA Corolla, auto., 4-cyl., great gas saver, $11,492. 1-866-639-5337.

2012 NISSAN Armada SV, auto., V8, alloys, third row rear, only 3K miles, $30,545. 1-866-639-5337.

2009 NISSAN Murano SL, auto., V6, alloys, all power, $16,932. 1-866-639-5337.

2007 DODGE Grand Caravan SXT, V6, rear air, third row, power doors, $6,902. 1-866-639-5337.

2008 DODGE Avenger R/T, auto., V6, sunroof, alloys, 42K miles, $14,463. 1-866-639-5337.

2008 NISSAN Sentra 2.0SL, auto., 4-cyl., sunroof, alloys, 50K miles, $12,298. 1-866-639-5337.

2002 PONTIAC Firebird Convertible, auto., V8, leather, only 80K miles, $9,736. 1-866-639-5337.

2011 NISSAN Maxima SV, auto., V6, leather, sunroof, 1 owner, $25,385. 1-866-639-5337.

2010 NISSAN Rogue SL, auto., 4-cyl., alloy wheels, power seat, $17,340. 1-866-639-5337.

2012 NISSAN Juke SL, auto., leather, sunroof, nav. loaded, 14K miles, $23,950. 1-866-639-5337.

2011 NISSAN FRONTIER SL, 4WD, auto., V6, leather, sunroof, Rockford Fosgate, 17K miles, $26,973. 1-866-639-5337.

2012 NISSAN QUEST SL, auto., V6, leather, third row, rear air, loaded, $26,940. 1-866-639-5337.

2003 HYUNDAI Elantra, auto., 4-cyl., alloys, sunroof, $5,150. 1-866-639-5337.

2008 FORD Mustang GT, V8, Shaker 500, leather, only 24K miles, $21,250. 1-866-639-5337.

2008 GMC Yukon XL SLT 4WD, auto., V8, leather, DVD player, $26,940. 1-866-639-5337.

2013 HYUNDAI Veloster, auto., Infinity stereo, panorama sunroof, only 3K miles, $21,830. 1-866-639-5337.


ITEMS FOR SALE

KENMORE WASHER & dryer, work well, $300. (443) 243-7583.

PENTAX OPTIO M30 digital camera, 7.1 mp., 3x optical zoom, lithium ion battery w/2 chargers, USB cable, CD-ROM & case, $90. (918) 649-5164.

ADULT BIKE, $50. (501) 658-5213 after 7 pm.

STAINLESS STEEL kitchen sink, dual basin, complete w/mounting hardware, chrome faucet w/sprayer & garbage disposal connection, excellent condition, $60. (501) 258-9924.


FURNITURE

VINTAGE PIANO, Jesse French, handsome furniture piece, needs tuning, $50; brown leather couch, Flex-steel, excellent, non-smoking house, $200. 843-7398, Cabot.

TRIPLE DRESSER, matching night stands, real bamboo, brass pulls, vintage, $400 obo. (501) 835-3135.

CHERRY WOOD kid's bedroom set, sleigh bed w/mattress, 5-drawer chest, bookshelf w/2 drawers, 3 drawer - 2 door armoire, $400. (501) 615-4765, Sherwood.


HOUSES FOR RENT

STUDIO APARTMENTS - Jacksonville. Cozy 1 bedroom apts. Bed pulls down from wall in living room. Wood burning fireplace. $275 mo. & util. Military discount available. No children, no pets. Camp Construction, 982-0434.

3 BEDROOM, 2 bath, living room, den with fireplace, kitchen with stove, refrigerator & dishwasher, laundry area, 2-car garage, fenced backyard, pets considered with nonrefundable pet deposit. Close to air base, Stonewall subdivision, on cul-de-sac. $975 plus deposit. Call (501) 529-7767 or (501) 529-7624.

FOR RENT: 3/2 house, very nice, 31 Park View, Cabot. $850 month, $550 deposit. Call Richard (870) 329-0019.

HOUSE FOR Sale or Rent: 35 Wagon Wheel Cove, Austin, AR. Cabot School District, 2080 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 2 bathrooms. Sale price $178,000. Rent $1,350 monthly. More details on www.militarybyowner.com, listing number MBO266845. Contact Justin (210) 787-0401.

CABOT, LIKE new, all brick 3/2 with 2 car garage, double vanity with his & her closets in master bath. No smoking, no pets. $1,025 month, $1,000 deposit. Call (501) 628-1225.

LOVELY 3 bedroom, 2 bath manufactured home, super clean, handicapped access, stand alone country living. NO PETS, NO SMOKING, references a must. Mt. Vernon. (501) 849-3350.

JACKSONVILLE: $0 dep. MH in park. 3BR/2BA. $500-$575 per month. (501) 744-4668.

BEEBE: $0 deposit, MH subdv., 3 BR/2BA on 1/2 acre lot, $550 per month. (501) 744-4668.

NLR: 3 bedroom/2 bath MH in park on large lot, $575 month with deposit. (501) 744-4668.

JAX: Camper/RV Lot, $300 month with water, sewer, trash & electric paid. (501) 744-4668.


HOUSES FOR SALE

GREAT 2 bedroom, 2 bath, rock & cypress siding cottage across the road from Little Red River, Heber Springs. 5 1/2 acre pond, fenced, 2 car garage, much more. (501) 590-0963.

4 BEDROOM house on lake. Approx. 3,000 sq. ft., 2 living areas, pool, privacy fence. For sale by owner, $269,000. 920-9480.

BRIEFS >> 6-14-13

Legal Office closure
The Legal Office will be closed from noon to 2:30 p.m. today for an official function.
If you require emergency assistance, please callthe Command Post at 987-1900. We apologize for any inconvenience.

314th MXG assumption of command ceremony today
The 314th Maintenance Group assumption-of-command ceremony is at 10:30 a.m.
today in Hangar 233.

Changes at Hercules Dining Facility and Hungry Herc
Beginning Monday there will be changes occurring at Hercules Dining Facility and the Hungry Herc. There will no longer be a table bussing service at the DFAC. Please place your trays in the carts when you are finished. In addition, the DFAC and POD will be operating under the following new business hours:
DFAC
Monday through Friday
Breakfast: 6–9 a.m.
Grab N Go: 9–10:30 a.m., 1:30–4:30 p.m.
Lunch: 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Dinner: 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Saturday/Sunday/Holiday/UTA
Breakfast: 6:30–8:30 a.m.
Lunch 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Grab N Go: 8:30–10:30 a.m., 1:30–4:30 p.m.
Dinner 4:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
POD
Monday through Friday 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Commissary survey goes live
Through Aug. 1, an online survey will be available on www.commissaries.com by clicking on the “take our survey” link or accessing the survey directly at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DeCA-Shopping-Survey.

Flag Day Ceremony
The Flag Day Ceremony will be at 4 p.m. at Heritage Park by the High Spirit Monument. For more information, contact Chaplain John Weeks at (501) 987-6014 or (901) 378-6368.

Protestant choir director
Little Rock AFB Chapel seeking a choir director for two Sunday morning Protestant worship services. The individual must have a demonstrated ability to read music as well as lead and direct the choir and congregation. Interested bidders must have a minimum of two years experience, with obvious knowledge of musical tradition for Protestant worship (i.e., traditional and contemporary music). Background checks will be required as directed by DoDI 1402. The award of this contract will be based upon the best value to the government. An audition is required. Further descriptions of the duties and responsibilities associated with this contract position can be obtained by contacting Tech. Sgt. Juan Santoy, Master Sgt. Jose Gomez or Maj. Randall Jamieson at 987-6014. Please contact the above POCs for a copy of the Statement of Work, criteria of selection, bid documents and general provisions. All bid submissions must be turned into the Base Chapel by noon on July 1, 2013.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

FEATURE >> Reel Standard — QA chief inspector assures quality catch

By Staff Sgt. Russ Scalf
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs


A ripple on the water breaks the calm of a serene mountain morning. For a brief moment life seems to stop and take notice as man and nature acknowledge the other’s presence on the line.

Master Sgt. Jeff Wade, the 19th Maintenance Group quality assurance chief inspector, is in his element. A standout on the Toyota Bassmaster Weekend Series, operated by American Bass Anglers, he carefully manages the responsibilities of being a sportsman, family man and Airman.

For Wade, professional fishing has been a lifelong pursuit. It has often mirrored the challenges and rewards of his military career. While his passion for fishing may have always taken a backseat to being a professional Airman, don’t let that fool you: he is a champion in both communities.

“My first memories of fishing are in Spokane, Washington, fishing with my dad and brother,” said Wade. “My dad wasn’t a big angler. He talked to his buddies at work, and they told us what to do to catch some of the trout up there. We failed, but we did catch a bunch of sucker fish and it was fun, and that’s kind of where we got hooked. I think we caught about 30, and we kept every one of them.”

Wade first began to consider fishing as something more serious than a hobby during adolescence. He reminisced seeing professionals on television and thinking it could be a possible career path for him.

“Growing up I was watching the pros on TV thinking, I can do that,” said Wade. “I’ve had the desire for as long as I can remember. When I came into the military I was stationed in Georgia, where there were real bass compared to Spokane, and I really cut my teeth there, back in ‘95-‘96. That’s when fishing became something more serious than a hobby.”

In 1998 he made the leap from fisherman to competitor. His journey began in the back of the boat, fishing as a co-angler in small bass club tournaments. At this level, a big win mostly meant trophies and bragging rights. It was far from the bright lights and big paydays of ESPN and the Bassmasters, but it represented the first step of a long journey.

“Back then it was a lot of getting my tail kicked and learning,” he said. “I was pretty thick headed, and you get out on the lake and you have to learn the ropes from these other guys. Some people didn’t really want to show you anything, so a lot of it I had to learn on my own.”
Throughout this learning period Wade was also acquiring an education in aircraft maintenance. He was assigned to Robins Air Force Base, Ga., as a hydraulic technician, and eventually moved up to the quality assurance office.

“I wasn’t exactly mechanically inclined; I guess you can say I learned by fear,” said Wade. “I just kept trying to progress. I was (Senior Airman) below the zone, and I was put up for a few quarterly awards. When a job came open in quality assurance, I decided to apply for it.”
Characteristically modest, he grudgingly conceded that typically the most qualified candidates are selected for the interview process. Wade would spend the next seven years honing his evaluation skills on the flightline, while beginning to excel in the boat.

In 2006 Wade had become exceedingly successful as a co-angler, winning tournaments from the back of the boat. He then took the next step towards achieving his dreams, buying a boat of his own and entering tournaments in the angler division.

“It was a real challenge moving to the front of the boat,” said Wade. “As a co-angler you’re depending on your boater to get you where you need to be. Now it’s all on you. You have no one to blame if you don’t catch a fish but yourself; the pressure was on.”

Just as he was beginning to reel in his responsibilities as an angler, the military moved Wade’s unit, the 19th Air Refueling Group, to Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark. Now a Tech. Sgt., Wade was given second pick of open positions within his career field. Arkansas seemed like a logical choice to continue growing his skills in and out of uniform.

“Fishing played a huge role in where my family and I chose to go,” said Wade. “Because of the base realignment and my rank, I had the unique opportunity to choose where I went next. I definitely wanted to stay in the south and keep progressing in fishing. I’m really fortunate that my wife is so supportive of both of my careers. We have two great kids and we’re always busy, but I definitely couldn’t do any of it without her.”

The balance between family, work and fishing has been challenging at times for the Wade family. But it’s one that’s made easier with support of his wife, Stephanie. Through the ups and downs of his fishing career, she has been there to anchor the family.

“It’s a team thing,” said Stephanie. “We work together as a family or it doesn’t go. Our son, Masen, plays baseball and our daughter, Abi, is in competitive cheerleading, we have to work to balance it all out. There have been times we have talked about stopping (fishing). He is gone a lot of weekends, but there are also a lot that he won’t fish. Sometimes he will practice early in the week just to be able to take the kids where they need to be. There are always going to be ups and downs, but as long as he’s having fun we’ll go as far as he wants to take it. I get just as excited for him at weigh-ins as he does. I enjoy it, it’s almost like he’s one of the kids. I get excited when he does well, and nervous when he doesn’t.”
In 2008, after spending the first 13 years of his career in one location working on KC-135 Stratotankers, Wade found himself in unfamiliar waters at Little Rock Air Force Base. He was inserted as the lead hydraulic technician, but would quickly rise through the ranks again. Within a year he would become the section chief of the legacy C-130 aircraft maintenance unit, and within the next year the production office superintendent. During this time frame Wade would also complete tours of duty in Iraq and Kuwait. Time for fishing had become scarce, but he did not give up on his dreams.

“During my first few years at Little Rock I just didn’t do a lot of fishing,” said Wade. “I would try to get on the water when I could, but my priority was focusing on my career and the needs of the Air Force.”

In 2012, all of the focus began to pay off. Wade interviewed to become the 19th Maintenance Group chief inspector. His hiring affirmed the commitment he made to become a leader in his career field. It also provided him an opportunity to begin selecting and mentoring his own inspectors, who would take his place assuring quality and safety on the flight line. The year was capped off by his selection as the senior non-commissioned officer maintenance professional of the year.

2012 also proved to be an exceptional year on the water. Wade entered the Bassmaster Weekend Series, Arkansas division, and began stringing together consistent performances. By season’s end, he had compiled enough points to be named Arkansas Angler of the Year, and earned his first trip to the national tournament. A win would see him achieve his lifelong dream of fishing in the Bassmaster Classic, the sport’s equivalent to the Super Bowl, which boasts a $500,000 first place prize.

In November on Sam Rayburn Reservoir, in Lufkin, Texas, Wade set out with nothing to lose. Virtually an unknown, he fished his way to fourth place going into the final day of the tournament. The win was within striking distance, but this would not be the day he realized his dream.  His four-day total of 50lbs of bass was enough to best 190 competitors for a 7th place finish. 

As close as he came, Wade has not let the disappointment of that final day deter him. He is currently in 3rd place in the 2013 standings in defense of his title.

“I got the money in my head the last day,” said Wade. “I stopped fishing the way that was working for me, and I choked. For me, it makes me want to drive that much harder to never have that feeling again. Inside it burned; it was a horrible, horrible feeling.”

For Wade the future will continue to be a balance of responsibility and opportunity. The same characteristics that have made him a remarkable Airman have been the same ones that have made him an exceptional angler.

“Whatever I do next, I’ll continue to apply the lessons I’ve learned from fishing and the Air Force,” said Wade. “I’d love to fish in the Bassmaster Classic. It would be great if they had a military qualifier. But regardless, I’ll continue to use the discipline I’ve learned in the military to stay with things, like say a strategy on the lake. And I’ll use the patience I’ve learned from fishing, and apply it to my career and just try to continue to improve myself.”



TOP STORY >> Couponing makes cents

By Senior Airman Regina Agoha
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The art of couponing has expanded in the last few years from just clipping one or two coupons out of the Sunday paper to coupon clubs being formed, television shows being produced and shoppers actually making money when they purchase groceries.

Here at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., fellow couponers come together every Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the Family Housing  Welcome Center, where they organize and share coupons as well as learn how to shop smart and get the most from their money.

“Going to the meetings ensures that you are up-to-date with deals that others may know about,” said Tiffany Watts, a member of the coupon club. “It helps set aside a special time to clip and organize, that way we don’t get behind. And plus, it’s nice to hang out with other couponers.”

Watts, who’s been couponing for more than two years now, said after deciding she was going to stay at home and raise her son, needed to feel that she was contributing to the household as well. 

“I like knowing that I’m saving my family money,” she said.

Just like with every hobby, in order to become good at it, one has to dedicate time to the craft. Watts spends two and a half hours a week, (not including shopping), to couponing, which consist of finding coupons, cutting them out, organizing them and placing them in the specific sections of her coupon box. She said she usually spends about an hour and a half in grocery shopping.

Fairly new couponer, Dallas West, spends about four hours a week couponing.

“I got into couponing when I became a new mother and realized that I could be saving money on items I needed to get for the baby,” said West. “I like that I can save some money and that couponing takes up some of my free time.”

Both Watts and West devote one hour of couponing at the welcome center on Tuesdays.
“I try to go to the meetings every Tuesday,” said West. “The trading of coupons that we won’t use is a big help if anyone is looking for something specific. Plus, it is great socially, and others share the week’s best finds at the meeting.”

If one is not able to attend the weekly meeting, Watts said “Try to stay persistent with setting aside a certain amount of time each week to clip. If you continue to put it off, then you can get behind really quickly.”

For couponing beginners, Watts has do’s and don’ts to follow:

“Do’s would be to know your prices, and be willing to break up with your brands,” she said. “Start slow so you don’t get overwhelmed. Buy your Sunday papers so you can start accumulating coupons, and get organized. There are so many sources on the Internet for you to use, [where] websites tell you what you can get for free...you don’t have to spend hours in the store hunting for deals.”

“[The] don’ts would be, don’t buy a product just because you have a coupon for it (unless you need it),” she said. “The best way to get the most out of your coupon is to use the coupon when the product is on sale.”

For the skeptics and those who want to start but can’t seem to get past what they’ve seen or heard, Watts said, “I would tell them to not watch the couponing shows that come on TV because they are very unrealistic. Try keeping a coupon log of your savings, and over time you will see your savings go up and up. Over the past two years, I have saved over $9,600 with coupons and price matching.”

Persistence paid off literally for Watts when she once purchased $619 worth of groceries for only 32 cents.

“My family didn’t have to purchase meat for two whole months,” she said.

Though one may say purchasing hundreds of dollars’ worth of groceries for a few mere cents is extreme, Watts doesn’t consider herself an extreme couponer.

“There have been times when I would have been considered extreme,” she said. “But, you can only really be extreme if the sales and coupons allow you to. If I can save $60 a month couponing, then that’s $60 extra our family can use for anything including a trip to the movies for example. I would consider myself an optimistic couponer...waiting for extreme opportunities.”

For more information or to join the couponing club on base, attend the weekly Tuesday meetings at 10 a.m. located at the Welcome Center on base. One can also call the center at (501) 983-9044.

COMMENTARY >> Traits for successful Airmen

By Chief Master Sgt. Rick Sowell
189th Airlift Wing command chief


It seems to me that we spend a lot of time in our wing talking about mentoring. If we’re spending as much time mentoring as we are talking about it, then we must be doing one awesome job.

I have a feeling that isn’t necessarily so. As a good mentor, we have a responsibility to our subordinates to let them know our expectations to be successful. I was very fortunate to have a great mentor during my tenure as a group first sergeant. My group commander was always sharing his leadership thoughts with me.

One of the best tools he ever gave me was a paper written by a wing commander from Texas, Col. Don Harvel. About once a month, I’d read back through this paper because it’s a great practical guide for leaders at all levels. It always reminds me of what I should be doing in my service to take care of my fellow Airmen. One section of the paper talks about what the colonel respects and admires in people. In my opinion, sharing our expectations of the traits that we respect and admire in our Airmen should be a top priority in our mentoring. I want to share some of these “traits” from my point of view.

I Respect and Admire: 1. Airmen who admit they messed up. We all mess up. Some won’t admit it. No one respects a whiner. When things go wrong, look in the mirror first.

2. Airmen who give honest feedback. We, as leaders, deserve to know. If you don’t like what’s going on, tell me face to face, and have the courage of your convictions.

3. Airmen who use the chain of command but are wise enough to know when “skip echelon” is required.

4. Airmen who are sharp and look sharp.

5. Airmen who take care of their troops. By doing so, the mission gets done.

6. Airmen who know the difference between a mistake and a crime. Honest mistakes are part of learning and being human. We all learn from them and drive on.

7. Airmen who know when to call “knock it off.”

8. Airmen who spend the government’s money like they spend their own (in most cases).

9. Airmen who treat their facilities like their homes (again, in most cases).

10. Airmen who take care of and spend quality and quantity time with their families.

11. Airmen who start meetings on time and limit them to 45 minutes maximum.

12. Airmen who do the right thing, even when no one is looking.

13. Airmen who work hard because it’s the right thing to do.

14. Airmen who use words like “we”, “us” and ”team”…not “I”, “me” and “mine.”

15. Airmen who don’t discriminate, harass or assault.

16. Airmen who are great followers, which is a prerequisite to being an effective leader.
17. Airmen who make a difference in someone’s life every day.

18. Airmen who look for ways to recognize their people for the great work their people are doing every day.

19. Airmen who cultivate a warrior spirit. Being a warrior is not a career field; It’s a condition of the heart.

And last but certainly not least: 20. Airmen who “Lead by Example.”

I hope each of you will take a look in the mirror and see if these “traits” are reflected in what you do as an American Airmen. They apply to all of us, including our civilian Airmen.

If you want the respect and admiration from your leaders or from your subordinates, be the example that these “traits” describe.  We have the distinct honor of serving in the greatest Air Force in the world. Show your pride in all you do.

Friday, June 7, 2013

CLASSIFIEDS >> 06-07-13


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.

PIANO COACH wanted for in-home lessons, 2x weekly for a 12 & 8 yr. old. Starting Aug. Must have base access! (325) 864-8597 or (325) 864-8617, Phillip or Kiley.


HELP WANTED

CDL-A TRUCK driver O/Os. Home nearly every day! Excellent pay! $1.07/mile. Mainstream Transportation. Call today! 866-441-0169.

NEED DEPENDABLE part-time yard & handyman help. Jacksonville area. (501) 416-4783.

BUSY MEDICAL office seeking energetic full-time medical assistant. Xray certification a plus. Mail resume to Office Manager, 1409 West Braden Street, Jacksonville 72076; or fax to (501) 982-0041.

DRIVERS: $1200 Orientation Completion bonus! Make $63,000 year or more! Ask about $2500 driver referral bonus! CDL-A OTR experience required. Call now 1-888-993-0972.


YARD SALES

YARD SALE, 6/8, 8 am-2 pm, 12 Glendale Dr., Cabot.


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

3 YR. old Catahoula/Golden Retriever mix & 4 yr. old Beagle/Shepherd mix, free. (616) 485-0019.


AUTOS/ACCESSORIES

1998 TOYOTA Rav4, tinted windows, cold A/C, good tires, black, 5-spd., CD, aux. hookup, 4WD, 152,000 miles, runs well, $3,300 obo. Call/text (501) 410-2752.

1968 CHEVY C10 project truck, SWB/fleet side, metal bed, lg. back window, comes w/extra hood, doors, rocker panels, cab corners, grill, etc. No motor or trans., $1,650 obo. (501) 773-7741.

2003 FORD F150 King Ranch, runs but will need a new 5.4L, $7,300. (501) 773-7741.


RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

2008 HONDA CBR600RR, 8,700 miles, $7,000 obo. (918) 978-5012.


ITEMS FOR SALE

SCHOOL BOOKS, 50 Essays, 3rd edition by Samuel Cohen, $18; Easy Writer, 4th edition by Andrea A. Lunsford, $25. (501) 786-3803.

KENMORE WASHER & dryer, work well, $300. (443) 243-7583.

PENTAX OPTIO M30 digital camera, 7.1 mp., 3x optical zoom, lithium ion battery w/2 chargers, USB cable, CD-ROM & case, $90. (918) 649-5164.

ADULT BIKE, $50. (501) 658-5213 after 7 pm.

STAINLESS STEEL kitchen sink, dual basin, complete w/mounting hardware, chrome faucet w/sprayer & garbage disposal connection, excellent condition, $60. (501) 258-9924.


FURNITURE

VINTAGE PIANO, Jesse French, handsome furniture piece, needs tuning, $50; brown leather couch, Flex-steel, excellent, non-smoking house, $200. 843-7398, Cabot.

TRIPLE DRESSER, matching night stands, real bamboo, brass pulls, vintage, $400 obo. (501) 835-3135.

CHERRY WOOD kid's bedroom set, sleigh bed w/mattress, 5-drawer chest, bookshelf w/2 drawers, 3 drawer - 2 door armoire, $400. (501) 615-4765, Sherwood.


HOUSES FOR RENT

3 bedroom, 2 bath, approximately 1500 sq. ft., LOCATION! Playful cul-de-sac in Cabot. Large rooms, fenced backyard. Pets extra, appliances. Priced to rent fast at $960 month. Call (215) 264-8728.

3 BEDROOM, 2 bath, living room, den with fireplace, kitchen with stove, refrigerator & dishwasher, laundry area, 2-car garage, fenced backyard, pets considered with nonrefundable pet deposit. Close to air base, Stonewall subdivision, on cul-de-sac. $975 plus deposit. Call (501) 529-7767 or (501) 529-7624.

CLEAN 3 bedroom, 2 bath on Jacksonville cul-de-sac, Stonewall. All appliances & washer/dryer, fireplace, deck, HOA pool & T-court, 2-car garage with openers. $955 month. (805) 402-7424.

FOR LEASE: 1700 sq. ft. home in Westhaven subdivision in Cabot. Very clean, pet free, smoke free home with large backyard. $1,000 deposit (nonrefundable to pet owners), $1,100 per month. Call Tommy @ (501) 680-1246.

FOR RENT: 3/2 house, very nice, 31 Park View, Cabot. $850 month, $550 deposit. Call Richard (870) 329-0019.

COZY, NEWLY remodeled one room studio apartment. Wood burning fireplace, tile floors & appliance filled kitchen, $345 & util. deposit $150. No children or pets. Camp Construction, 982-0434.

HOUSE FOR Sale or Rent: 35 Wagon Wheel Cove, Austin, AR. Cabot School District, 2080 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 2 bathrooms. Sale price $178,000. Rent $1,350 monthly. More details on www.militarybyowner.com, listing number MBO266845. Contact Justin (210) 787-0401.


HOUSES FOR SALE

BEAUTIFUL, SPACIOUS 3 BR, 2 1/2 bath, formal dining room, fireplace, storm shelter, close to Beebe schools, vaulted ceilings in LR & master. $175,000. Call (870) 615-9009.

AWESOME HOME, 1 owner, in-ground pool, many updates, including new A/C & heating, roof, pool liner, pump & more, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, fireplace, workshop, security, walk-in closets. $149,900. Call (501) 256-8400.

5508 Aviator Drive, Jacksonville. 4 bedroom, 2 bath, $191,000. Call Marit (501) 366-4714. Open House 6/9, 2-5.

2005 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1425 sq. ft., MLS #10345127. Parkview subdivision in Jacksonville. (501) 681-0207.

BRIEFS >> 06-07-13

Changes at Hercules Dining Facility and Hungry Herc
Beginning June 17 there will be changes occurring at Hercules Dining Facility and the Hungry Herc. There will no longer be a table bussing service at the DFAC. Please place your trays in the carts when you are finished. In addition, the DFAC and POD will be operating under the following new business hours:

DFAC
Monday thru Friday
Breakfast: 6–9 a.m.
Grab N Go: 9–10:30 a.m., 1:30–4:30 p.m.
Lunch: 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Dinner: 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Saturday/Sunday/Holiday/UTA
Breakfast: 6:30–8:30 a.m.
Lunch 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Grab N Go: 8:30–10:30 a.m., 1:30–4:30 p.m.
Dinner 4:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m.

POD
Monday thru Friday 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Auto Hobby Shop closed Saturday
Due to the Cruisin’ at the Rock Car Show being held at the TCAC, the Auto Hobby Shop will be closed June 8.

Vacation Bible School scheduled
Scheduled to take place June 10 - 14, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. at the TCAC. For more information call 987-6014.

Commissary Survey goes live
Through Aug. 1, an online survey will be available on www.commissaries.com by clicking on the “take our survey” link or accessing the survey directly at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DeCA-Shopping-Survey.

Legal Office closure
The Legal Office will be closed from noon to 2:30 p.m. June 14 for an official function.
If you require emergency assistance, please contact the Command Post at 987-1900. We apologize for any inconvenience.

SPORTS >> 314th AMXS capture volleyball championship

By Staff Sgt. Jacob Barreiro
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The 314th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron’s intramural volleyball team smacked down the 19th Civil Engineer Squadron’s team  in the base intramural volleyball championship game, defeating them 25-7 and 25-22 in two consecutive matches to become league cham-pions June 5 at Little Rock Air Force Base.

The 314th AMXS came into the game with a stellar record, only losing once during the entire season. The 19th CES, the challenger in this instance, had to defeat the 314th AMXS twice in order to win the championship.

At the start of the contest the 314th AMXS raced down the road to the championship, laying it on to a disheveled opponent en route to amassing a huge lead. Supporters of the 19th CES watched and cheered their team on in frustration, expressing distress over their team’s chance of victory slipping away.

The 314th AMXS racked up 10 points before the 19th CES was able to respond with one of their own, but it didn’t boost them into competition in this game. The 314th AMXS kept laying it on, with nothing fancy, just traditional sets, bumps and spikes, en route to a 20-3 lead.

Downtrodden and dejected, the 19th CES tried to muster a rally, but couldn’t make up for their early mistakes, and the 314th AMXS easily captured the first match 25-7.

The break in-between marches seemed to give the 19th CES a boost, as they came out sharper in the second game. They kept pace with their opponents early and often, and resiliently rebounded from any mistakes they made, unlike the first game. They displayed this resiliency when, down 13-8, they bounced back to tie up the game.

From then on the game was hotly contested, with ties at 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 points apiece.

Unfortunately for them, the 19th CES was unable to sustain their muster and dropped several points in a row, digging a hole they couldn’t emerge from. The 314th AMXS won the match 25-22 and emerged as base intramural volleyball champions.

TOP STORY >> TLR participates in Operation Joint Forcible Entry

By Senior Airman Rusty Frank
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Little Rock Air Force Base participated and provided aircraft for a joint force exercise with Army units May 31 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

Little Rock was one of more than 10 bases that joined with the 82nd Airborne Division’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team out of Fort Bragg, N.C., for the exercise.

Six aircraft departed from Little Rock AFB and rendezvoused with four more C-130s that departed from Nellis AFB, said Capt. Jason Jones, a 53rd Airlift Squadron assistant chief of training.

There were also numerous C-17 and C-130J models air dropping equipment and personnel in the exercise. Several different aircraft participated in the exercise, to include the F-15, F-16, A-10, HH-60, KC-135 KC-10, RC-135, EC-130, E-8 and U-2 as actual or notional supporting the mission, said Jones.

One of the main reasons Team Little Rock participated was to train and learn how to work with other services while providing tactical airlift.

Maj. Drew Skovran, 53rd Airlift Squadron assistant director of operations, said he believes that this type of an exercise is an opportunity for all aircrew to hone their abilities to employ the aircraft.

“I believe Helmuth Von Moltke is first quoted in saying ‘No plan survives contact with the enemy,’” said Skovran. “It is the same with training! That is part of the reason we do these large-scale exercises. We never get it perfect, but the more we practice the more we can refine and get it right.”

With training and preparation for an operation of this magnitude, every military member is afforded the opportunity to experience how the mission falls into place. “With these large scale exercises, it grows exponentially in complexity,” said Skovran. “Everyone involved, from the Army paratroopers we dropped to the Airmen refueling the planes after the exercise, gains knowledge in how they affect the overall grand strategy.”

Every participant can find something to take away from an exercise of this magnitude.
 “My biggest take away from this exercise is how much planning it takes in order to execute an operation of this scale and the precise timing required for the mission to be successful,” said Jones.

 The purpose of the Operation Joint Forcible Entry was to test the Air Force’s capability to deliver air drops and recover personnel in a war time environment.