TOP STORY >> The four domains all Airmen should know

By Senior Airman Regina Agoha

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The Air Force released Air Force Instruction 90-506 in April 2014 in order to enhance the comprehensive development and resilience of all Airmen, whether military, civilian and their families.

This instruction supports the Comprehensive Airman Fitness program. And though it is not a new program, some components have changed. For instance, the mental, social, physical and spiritual aspects of the program that were once called pillars are now domains.

“Comprehensive Airman Fitness focuses on the individual person, whether an Airman or a family member,” said Stephanie Wynn, 19th Airlift Wing community support coordinator. “It encompasses the “whole person” concept with the four domains.  Think about yourself as a link in the chain of either your family or your unit.  The four domains make up the quadrants of that link or circle.  If any quadrant is weak then your link in the chain will be weak.  The goal is to maintain strength in all four domains to insure overall strength in your life.”

At Little Rock Air Force Base maintaining each domain is reinforced and encouraged through numerous forms of training and education as well as a whole day each year dedicated to ensure that Airmen are aware of the resources available to assist them with any or all domains they may need help with. This day is called Wingman Day.

Though there are suggestions throughout the training on how Airmen may partake in sustaining their resilience, the CAF program is only a tool; and Airmen should express their own creativity when doing so. For example, the spiritual domain is not limited to only discussing religion, nor does the physical domain necessitate you must join a gym. 

“The physical domain deals with your physical self,” said Wynn. “It encompasses areas such as your fitness, nutrition, sleep, relaxation, energy/time management, and your physical health.  Many people immediately want to go straight to physical training when discussing this domain; however, this domain covers much more than that.  Sit down and think of how you need to improve your physical health.  When you find your weak or weaker areas, find a resource, i.e. a Leadership Pathways class or visiting with your physician or other provider, to help you improve in that area.”

However the individual sees their spirituality or physical fitness is how they can express it. The main goal is that all Airmen remain healthy in all facets of their life, which will in turn also help ensure mission readiness.

“The CAF domains directly affect mission readiness,” said Master Sgt. Eric Pelican, 19th Comptroller Squadron first sergeant. “Maintaining the domains is a discipline we all must have, and when any one of them is unbalanced, you cannot be accurately productive. If there isn’t some kind of balance with all four domains, in some way, the mission can suffer.”

Pelican said depending on everyone’s own specific life experiences, one domain may hold more significance to a person than others, but in the end they all bleed together to produce a comprehensively healthy and mission-ready Airman.

For this quarter, (July – September), the focused domain is physical. There are many ways Airmen can strengthen this area. Whatever way a person chooses, remember to be safe and remain resilient. For those wanting more information in growing in the physical domain, there are Leadership Pathways classes offered by a variety of agencies such as the Health and Wellness Center, Fitness Center, Mental Health, Outdoor Recreation, Airman & Family Readiness Center and more!

To learn more about Comprehensive Airman Fitness and the resources to help you build resilience, visit www.littlerock.af.mil/comprehensiveairmanfitness. You can also register for Leadership Pathways – a program where agencies across the installation offer classes that pertain to the CAF domains and provide tools to enhance your personal and professional development.

TOP STORY >> One family’s first deployment

By Airman 1st Class Cliffton Dolezal

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Spending their last few moments together on the couch, Ashley Smith, wife of Senior Airman Nathan Smith, sits on her husband’s lap and quietly sheds a tear as she buries her head into his shoulder.  

Bags of deployment gear are scattered around the living room, and the couple’s one-month notice of Smith’s deployment had come and gone. They only had a little bit of time left until one of the oldest military rituals would be renewed and Smith would grab his bags to leave for war.

“I’m going to miss him like crazy,” said Ashley. “But I think the biggest challenge is going to be running the house by myself.”

There are many burdens that come along with being a military spouse. Many hardships often go unnoticed until the time comes, and the Airman is called upon to serve their country, leaving the spouse to fill both roles.

“I’m not used to making sure the bills are paid on time, normally he does that,” said Ashley. “Taking out our dog for runs and walks; mowing the lawn; changing the oil in the car; these are everyday things that I’m going to have to add to my daily schedule, and they are things that I’ve never had to worry about.”

This is the Smith’s first deployment. More than a week prior to his deployment, the couple celebrated their third wedding anniversary.

“I remember when Nathan brought home his deployment uniforms, and for the first time, it kind of hit me like this is getting real,” said Ashley.

 The couple made plans to connect via Skype and other means of social media while Nathan is deployed. They also made the most of their last few weeks together by going out and enjoying each other’s company.

“The last couple of weeks we have just been doing things that I know we’re going to miss,” said Nathan Smith, a 61st Airlift Squadron aviation resource manager. “I’m going to miss Ashley more than anything while I’m deployed.”

As the morning of the inevitable approached, the couple woke early and made the most of their last morning together. While enjoying their pancake breakfast, they laughed and talked about things they were going to miss and things that they looked forward to once Smith returned.

With Smith’s bags packed, a last hug and farewell were in order for his dog Kuzco. 

“Nathan loves that dog more than me,” said Ashley jokingly.

It was a somber moment between a man and his best friend.

With their Toyota Camry packed and ready to go, they headed to the base passenger terminal.

Once Smith arrived at the terminal, the weariness of preparation had set in.  Many Airmen chatted in small groups trying to keep their minds off of their destination while others took the opportunity to relax or meditate. Although Smith knew this was his last stop, he was ready for what was ahead. 

An Airman walked into the room and announced that the busses were ready to load.

Not knowing what lie ahead of him, Smith expressed that he was looking forward to taking the next step in his Air Force career. Although distressed about leaving his wife, he wanted to make the most of the deployment opportunity that was tasked to him.

“I’m going to miss coming home and just having someone to talk to,” said Ashley. “I love him and I don’t know what I’d do without him.” 

Smith is scheduled to be deployed on a six-month tour to support contingency operations in Afghanistan. 

CLASSIFIEDS 090514

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.

GUN SHOW - 99th Arkansas Oldest & Largest, September 13th & 14th, Little Rock State Fairgrounds, W. Roosevelt Rd. 9-5 Sat, 9-4 Sun. Adm. $10.00 - Adult AGCCC-Club Show 501-833-8064.**

WANTED 10 Homes in your county needing SIDING, WINDOWS or ROOFS. We are  opening a branch office and will use these homes for our new brochure. If selected you can save hundreds of dollars. Call now to see if you qualify. 100 % Financing. Home Owners Only. 1-866-668-8681.**

DO YOU LOVE ANIMALS? TRAIN TO BE a Veterinary Technician, 800-383-4959, www.ChangeLives.com. Heritage College, 1309 Old Forge Dr. LR,  Heritage has applied for accreditation by the AVMA-Committee on Veterinary Tech Education and Activities. For important program info: please visit www.heritage-education.com/disclosures.**

TEXAS HUNTING LEASE - 22,000 ACRES. Mule, deer, whitetail, hogs, quail, dove. Year-round access. Limited members, guest tags, house, RV space, (501) 350-1606.**

SERVICES

Delete Bad Credit in 30-days! Raise your credit score fast! Results Guaranteed! A+ Rating with BBB Enroll Today. Call Now! 855-831-9712.**

Bundle & Save on your TV, Internet, Phone!!! Call Bundle Deals NOW. Compare all Companies, Packages and Prices! Call 855-419_5096 TODAY!!**

REDUCE YOUR CABLE BILL! Get a whole-home Satellite system installed at NO COST and programming starting at $19.99/mo. FREE HD/DVR Upgrade to new callers. CALL NOW 1-800-474-0423.**

DISH TV Retailer. Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) & High Speed Internet starting at $14.95/month (where available.) SAVE! Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 1-800-393-5829.**

HELP WANTED

DRIVERS: CLASS A. Get home more. On five days/off two days. Earn more if you drive more. (866) 374-8487.

$350.00 A WEEK PLUS! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Local company has 10-15 entry level positions, 2nd shift in Cabot. Must have dependable transportation and start immediately. Call Mon.-Fri., 9 am-5 pm. (501) 605-1377.

"Can You Dig It?" Heavy Equipment Operator Training! 3Wk Hands On Program. Bulldozers, Backhoes, Excavators. Lifetime Job Placement Assistance w/National Certifications. VA Benefits Eligible! 1-866-362-6497.**

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OTR DRIVERS! There's a new truck in town! Starting Pay .39CPM. Major Medical Health Insurance. All new trucks &  trailers. Plenty Miles, Home often. Small company, Headquarter /dispatched out of Little Rock. Dee Garrison, 501-492-2306.**

DRIVERS- TRUCK DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED! Learn to drive for Stevens Transport! EARN $750 PER WEEK! No Experience Needed! We will get you trained! 1-888-778-0459.**

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YARD SALES

GARAGE SALE, 9/6, 7 am-1 pm, 10 Shady Ln., Jax. Houseware, sports equip. & much more.

YARD SALE, 9/5 & 6, 7:30 am-? 104 Honeysuckle Ln., Lonoke. Something for everyone. Cancel if rain.

YARD/MOVING SALE, 9/6, 7:30 am-? 1946 S. Kerr Rd., Lonoke.

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 NISSAN Versa hatchback, excellent condition, 81,500 miles, 34 mpg hwy./27 mpg city, new tires, cruise, non-smoker, $7,300 cash only. (501) 533-8588.

RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

2007 VULCAN 500, 3,254 miles, new tires & battery 10/13, $2,800 obo. (405) 795-9294.

ITEMS FOR SALE

UNIFORMS W/TAGS, 3 sets of 40R tops & 34R bottoms, winter Apex set, med./long top, lg./long pants. (501) 554-4564.

HOUSES FOR RENT

JAX. - SUMMER Special - $0 Deposit on all 3 bedroom, 2 bath mobile homes in park. $500-$575 per month. Call (501) 744-4668.

CABOT: 3 bedroom, 2 baths, approx. 1800 sq. ft. All new stainless steel appliances in kitchen. New fixtures & ceiling fans. Master bath has his & hers closets and vanity sinks. $1275 mo., $1275 dep. No smoking, pets negotiable. (501) 628-1225.

2 BEDROOM house, 1 bath, down private drive, central heat & air, ceiling fans, lots of shade trees, $400 month, $300 deposit, no pets. (501) 837-0264.

HOUSES FOR SALE

Cabot/Pulaski county - 3 bedroom 2 bath HOUSE with SHOP on 1 acre, handicap ramp, newly remodeled, 1754 sq. ft., $128,500. Minutes from LRAFB. Call (501) 658-7277.

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BRIEFS 090514

Patriot Day ceremony Sept. 11

Every year Little Rock AFB holds a Patriot Day ceremony to remember the events of Sept. 11. The event consists of readings by wing leadership and a small ceremony. This year’s Patriot Day ceremony will be held in building 430 at 8 a.m. 

Airman’s Attic moved

The Airman’s Attic has moved to The Crossroads Café, building 864. Open to active-duty Airmen and spouses E-6 and below, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays. Free items include dishes, pots, beds, cots, clothing, furniture, small appliances among many other things. Visit the Cinderella Closet where military dependents can borrow formal dresses for special occasions such as military balls and prom, free of charge. The only requirement is the dress must be dry cleaned before it is returned. To shop or donate, please stop by the new location.

Estate claim

Col. Patrick J. Rhatigan, 19th Airlift Wing commander, regretfully announces the death of Staff Sgt. Dylan E. Blevins, 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron. Anyone having claims against or indebtedness to the estate of Staff Sgt. Dylan E. Blevins should contact 1st Lt. Matthew Hemenway, 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron, at (501) 987-3013 or matthew.hemenway.4@us.af.mil.

Gate closures until October

Due to construction, the Arnold/107 Gate is closed and will remain closed until approximately the beginning of October. To assist with traffic, the Harris Road (School) Gate will continue 24-hour operations and the Vandenburg Gate will remain open.

Firing range complex off limits

The Combat Arms small arms firing range complex on Little Rock Air Force Base is off limits to all unauthorized personnel. Anyone requiring access to the ranges or surrounding areas during and after duty hours is required to contact the range control in building 1393 or at (501) 987-6861 prior to entry as per posted guidance at the range entrance. 

Munitions Storage Area closure

The Munitions Storage Area will be closed Sept. 1-26 for the semi-annual 100 percent stockpile inventory. During this time, the MSA will only process emergency requests. Please forward all questions to Master Sgt. Dunlap at (501) 987-6031.

FEATURE >> A legacy to lead

By Senior Airman Regina Agoha

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Lt. Col. Heather Cooley, the 19th Maintenance Squadron commander, was born with the birthright of leadership.

She dates her family’s strong lineage of service back to the Civil War and believes this tradition will continue for generations to come.

“It was always the plan for me to serve,” said Cooley. “Not just because of my mother and aunt, (who were chief nurses in their units), but because our family has a heritage of service. My mom and aunt traced their military heritage back to the Civil War, when brothers, David and Christen Yaney served. Each generation since then has served in the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines.”

Cooley has a double portion of military service instilled in her. Her father’s family shares in the patriotism as well. Both parents made sure their children contributed to serving their country in some way.

“Our history on my father’s side goes back almost as far,” said Cooley. “My mom and aunt both retired as nurses from the Air Force Reserves; my father was an acquisition officer and retired from the Air Force Reserves as well. From the time we were children, we were expected to serve at least a few years in the military and then pursue other goals. And we have.”

Cooley has served 16 years in the Air Force so far, and her twin sister worked as civil service for six years. Her younger sister was trained as an F-16 electro-environmental mechanic in the Air National Guard, and her brother has served more than 16 years as a communications technician in the Air National Guard. 

“My aunt’s son served as a B-2 crew chief and just recently returned to serve in the Reserves as a medical technician,” said Cooley. “I thought for a while that I would just serve my four years and then go back to graduate school. But there was something about this job that keeps you coming back - it’s the drive and commitment of our Airmen, and the chance to be a part of something larger.”

Cooley said growing up with service members and watching her parents throughout the years has taught her that “we are tougher than we think, and we have to leave some time for ourselves so we can take care of others.” 

Taking care of others is one of the reasons why Cooley is particularly excited about being the commander of the 19th MXS.

“This is my second time as a commander, but I am more excited about this one than the first,” said Cooley. “My first command was at a deployed location, so the challenges were a little different. I didn’t get to work with the personnel programs or many of the issues we deal with at home station. We had a lot of turnover in the squadron and the ops tempo was high. This opportunity to command the 19th MXS gives me a chance to be more involved in the personnel side and work together on longer term efforts.”

Cooley’s goal as commander of the newly created 19th MXS, she said, is to leave it better than she found it.  

“Our squadron recently merged from two squadrons, the 19th Equipment Maintenance Squadron and the 19th Component Maintenance Squadron, and there have been many challenges this year which impact our Airmen,” said Cooley. “My intent is for our squadron to accomplish maintenance safely, by the book, and to train our replacements to the best of our ability. Sequestration, workforce management measures, deployments... these can all cause chaos and ambiguity for individuals. It is our responsibility as leaders to provide guidance and direction to move the unit forward.”  

Cooley said the examples of leadership seen throughout the years displayed by her family members have been instrumental to the grooming and shaping of her drive and passion to serve. 

“I have taken the idea of service from my family - our job as leaders is to serve our units and our Airmen to the best of our ability. Service before self is one of our core values, and I take this concept to heart. If I expect all of our Airmen to give their best, then I must set the example. There may be long days, weekend work, midnight phone calls and piles of paperwork, but there is also the opportunity to see our Airmen accomplish the mission on a daily basis.”  

TOP STORY >> Why I became a Victim Advocate for fellow Airmen

 By Anonymous Little Rock  Air Force Base Airman

Editor’s note: This is the story of one Airman’s experience with sexual assault. Be mindful that no two sexual assault stories are the same. If you are anyone you know has been or is currently a victim of any sexual crime, contact the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator or a victim’s advocate at (501) 987-7272.

When I was in college I had an incident happen to me that I wouldn’t ever wish to happen to anyone, not even my worst enemy. In one night my whole perspective on my life and my world was changed. 

I had just turned 21, and it was the first semester of my junior year in college. Another weekend had rolled around, and I was going to hang out with the girls. A friend of mine, we’ll call her “Amy,” decided instead of going out we could just have a small house party at her apartment. Amy picked me up so I could drink and not have to think about driving my own car.  

About seven or eight guys came over, brought drinks and everything seemed fine. We were all having a good time, playing drinking games, listening to music and dancing. There was one particular guy, who I noticed had taken a real liking to me. At times he had gotten a little too close, but it was a party; we were just having fun.

When the end of the night rolled around, Amy had gotten ridiculously drunk and started yelling and screaming for everyone to leave. She had forgotten the other girls and I were staying with her. She wanted us to leave, but…we had no car. 

The same guy that had been paying me a little too much attention all night spoke up and said he could take us home no problem. We didn’t live too far from each other. My friend, “Kara” and I decided we would both ride with him to “be safe.” While walking to the car, I started to complain about having a headache. After we got in the car, we dropped Kara off first. That’s when I should have noticed something was wrong, because in order to get to her place, we had to pass mine. Instead, I thought to myself, “whatever this headache is killing me.” 

After dropping Kara off, the guy asked me if I wanted to stop by the 24-hour gas station and grab some Tylenol. “Sure. I don’t care; just get me home,” I said. I stayed in the car while he got out for the Tylenol. I felt the alcohol kicking in a little more, but I was still aware of my surroundings. He got back in the car and handed me a pill. I took it without question. 

That’s where everything stopped.

To this day, I don’t know what kind of pill I really took. All I know is when I got to my place and collapsed in bed, all I remember saying was “no.” Even now, writing this, I still have some very explicit flashbacks, and the one clear thing is I remember saying “no!”

A couple hours later I woke up in my bed naked, cold, my arms covered in bruises with blankets and pillows on the floor. I was a mess. I got in the shower, crouched down in the corner and just let the water hit my body. What happened? Why were my arms covered in bruises? When did I get home? And then it hit me… I had been raped. It was all so blurry, but the bruises on my arms didn’t lie. I stayed in the shower for what seemed like hours. I was different now. I was broken. I threw the sheets off the bed and into the trash; I lay on the bare mattress and cried myself to sleep. 

I didn’t remember the name of the guy who took me home that night. He could have walked right past me, and I would have never known it was him. I tried to reach out to a couple friends the next week. I reached out to Amy because she had been the one who invited the guys over. I remember her saying, “You know you weren’t raped; why are you are lying?” I was called a “hoe” and a “slut;” I was told I wanted it. I eventually reached out to a friend I hadn’t spoken to in a while, and she urged me to see a doctor even though it had been a couple days since my rape happened.

I had never been taught about rape; I didn’t know what to do, who to turn to, who to talk to…I was lost.  I tried to forget it all, chalking it up as a life experience, and I made myself forget… or so I thought. 

After graduating college, I joined the Air Force. I was at my first duty station and in my brand new apartment…alone…again. I started having nightmares, and there were nights I could still see the bruises on my arms. I needed help, but I didn’t know how or who to ask. 

I got to work one day and saw an email, “victim advocates needed to work with the Sexual Assault and Prevention Response program.” Great!  This was my chance to get help without really having to tell anyone what happened to me, and maybe, I would have the chance to help someone else too. 

I had never dealt with the situation, and I only blamed myself. I had kept things so far back in my mind that I almost had a nervous breakdown.  I had random crying spells at work before anyone came in, and when I got home, all I could do was cry and cry some more. No one around me was aware; that’s how well I had taught myself to play the part of the “happy girl.”

Once I became a part of the SAPR program and finally told someone what had happened to me, I was finally able to begin to heal; I am no longer broken. I am able to work with other survivors of sexual assault and help them begin to heal, and it feels good. I hope that sharing my story reaches at least one person out there who may have thought they were alone. 

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, there are many programs available to help you. It doesn’t matter when it happened; the SARC, victim advocates and chaplains, are all here to help you heal and overcome.

There are many things I could have done differently that night. Sometimes I sit and I play the situation over and over in my head. I have finally come to the conclusion that if someone wants to do you harm, they will find a way no matter what you do. It wasn’t my fault, I was a victim, but now I have become a survivor.

TOP STORY >> A day in the life of a pilot

By Airman 1st Class Cliffton Dolezal

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Since 1955, Airmen stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base have developed and cultivated a unique history that has carved out a rich heritage in the history books of the U.S. Air Force. 

Although the base mission has changed over the years, the motivation to achieve air supremacy has not. The men and women of the 19th Airlift Wing soar for success every day; they crave excellence, while ensuring safe, efficient mission execution. 

“We do combat airlift, and we do it better than anyone in the world,” said Col. Patrick Rhatigan, the 19th Airlift Wing commander.

C-130 combat airlift would not be possible at Little Rock AFB without each Airman across the installation, but ultimately relying on the aircrew to execute the mobility mission. However, there’s much more to aircrew than meets the eye, specifically for pilots. 

Being an Air Force pilot involves much more than flying. 

“Flying is only about 20 percent of what we do,” said Capt. Brian Boardman, a 41st Airlift Squadron C-130J pilot.

An incredible amount of work has to be completed before even stepping to the aircraft. 

The day before a flight, the pilots gather and sort out duties to be accomplished before the pre-mission brief. These duties include: gathering information on the weather for the day of the flight, determining how much fuel is needed for their mission, ensuring that there is an emergency plan, as well as collecting the proper charts, cards, and official forms.

The game plan must be accounted for prior to the mission brief; every detail must be addressed.

When the additional duties are complete, the group shows up four to five hours before stepping to the aircraft. The first stop in the squadron is the aircrew flight equipment shop, where they are issued helmets and bags to load up flight logs and maps.  

This is followed by an “intel” brief where the pilots are informed by an intelligence operations manager about simulated threats during their flight. At Little Rock AFB, the threats are all hypothetical but essential for training purposes. 

The group then goes into the mission brief. During the briefing, the group discusses the duties that the individuals were assigned the day prior as well as the mission objective and training opportunities. 

After all briefings have been completed the crew will then step to the flight line. 

Once they reach their assigned aircraft, the crew will perform a walk around; checking for any visible signs of damage or discrepancies with the aircraft that would not allow them to execute their mission.

After the walk around is complete, they will then start up the four-engine, fixed-winged aircraft and taxi to the single busiest runway in the Air Force. Once the crew has been given the “OK” for takeoff by the control tower, the C-130 will go from zero to approximately 120 mph in a matter of seconds to achieve lift off the ground and fly into the wild blue yonder.

Depending on the mission, Airmen can rehearse dropping container delivery systems, heavy equipment, troops or practice flying at low altitudes. 

“I was drawn to the C-130 because of the unique mission sets that it is capable of performing, and I have been fortunate to experience many of these,” said Boardman. “The challenge of performing a variety of missions, especially in a deployed environment that is dynamic and challenging, is incredibly thrilling and rewarding.” 

Once the Herk is on the ground and met by maintainers, the pilots perform another walk around of the aircraft. The crew and maintainers discuss any discrepancies or mechanical failures that were experienced during the flight. 

The group then checks their equipment back in at the squadron and prepares for a detailed debrief, which recalls every event that took place during the mission and determines if the set objectives were met. 

The crew culminates their 10 to 12-hour day by completing any necessary paperwork. While they days may be long, Boardman said the time seems to fly by. 

“When we are in the aircraft, we are functioning at such a high intensity that time seems to go by at a faster pace than normal,” said Boardman. “There are always opportunities to do something different, and experience something you have never done before. The days we are able to fly can be considered a “break from the office,” a chance for us to go out and perform the core job we were all trained to do.”