By 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Col. Patrick Rhatigan, 19th Airlift Wing and installation commander, hosted Little Rock Air Force Base’s third Facebook town hall July 22 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Dozens of Team Little Rock community members attended the event, addressing issues on the topic of construction and base infrastructure. Questions were answered by the base commander as well as leaders from the civil engineer squadron, security forces and the force support squadron.
The commander opened the event with some remarks regarding recent activities on the installation and the format of the town hall.
“The base is undergoing several construction projects this summer to update our infrastructure and enhance our quality of life,” said Rhatigan. “With this much going on, there will undoubtedly be some delays and short-term inconveniences. But these modernization projects will posture Little Rock AFB for the future and ensure we can continue to answer our Nation’s call.”
A dozen questions were posted, and base leaders answered most, if not all, concerns during the one-hour event. Questions that were not answered were staffed and addressed within three business days. Here are the questions and answers from the event:
Q1: Issue – Base pool closure timeline
A1: I was also upset to learn that the pool was damaged.
We discovered that the lining had multiple tears and that the support piping has multiple leaks that occurred due to the particularly harsh winter and the age of the system. The pool is actually part of the original construction of the base. It was built in 1957, and its foundation has never been upgraded. At this time it is closed because the severity of damage will take some considerable funding to upgrade.
With an uncertain budget environment, we are targeting what funding we do have to complete critical projects and updates. Our construction and infrastructure modernization projects are posturing our base for the mission and the future.
The base pool supported more than 6,000 people last summer, so we understand this impacts many families. However, we have spoken to many community pools that offer comparable pricing and even military discounts. This includes the Jacksonville Community Center, Splash Zone for Kids, Cabot Public Pool and Sherwood Public Pools. Additionally, Outdoor Recreation at (501) 987-3365, even offers a FREE shuttle to Jacksonville. Thank you for your patience as we work to provide the best service and facilities to our Airmen and families.
Stay tuned for other summer activities and trips by checking www.rockinattherock.com and the 19th Force Support Squadron Facebook page.
Q2: Issue – Construction impact on water quality
A2: Water quality is important to me and it just so happens that the 19th Medical Group along with the Arkansas Department of Health released the Annual Drinking Water Quality Report earlier this month. It can be found here http://www.littlerock.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123416661. Bottom line, our base water is safe to drink!
We do not anticipate construction having any effect on the water quality on base. In recent years, we replaced the majority of our drinking water distribution system. According to my Civil Engineer experts, prior to being placed into service, any new/replacement connections are isolated before connecting to the existing water system, charged with chlorinated water, tested for safety and flushed in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations. In addition, our construction contractors comply with local, state, and federal regulations regarding the protection of our storm water which feeds local streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes through permitting, plan implementation, and plan enforcement.
Q3: Issue – Timeline for water and electric upgrades
A3: Water Upgrades - There are no water projects currently in progress, however the government is in negotiations with a local water company for future recapitalization. We have an upgrade project for the main base area forecasted for Fall 2014, but it is still pending funding; no water projects are forecasted for Privatized Housing.
Sewer Upgrades - We do have an ongoing sewer upgrade project in Privatized Housing (Ridgecrest Estates) that replaces the sewer mains; it is currently 60 percent complete. We have a major sewer upgrade project for the main base area forecasted for this fall but it is still pending funding; no additional sewer projects are forecasted for Privatized Housing this year.
Electrical Upgrades - The primary power overhead to underground conversion project is in progress. The project runs east to west along Chief Master Sgt. Williams Drive to the intersection of Arnold Drive and is scheduled to be complete in late 2015. The remaining power lines will be placed underground sometime future years as funds become available.
Q4: Issue – Funding to dorm maintenance
A4: Regarding the dorm lighting, we have some challenges with our hall lighting due to the numerous types of bulbs we must keep in stock; however, we have received the bulbs and are in the process of replacing them. Regarding bathroom lighting, these bulbs are readily available. If you need replacement bulbs, please contact your dormitory manager and he/she will provide them.
Overall, our dormitory maintenance team does a bang up job of maintaining facilities which are 1950s era, especially with the limited funds to maintain them.
Q5: Issue – Redirecting funding for pool repair to other upgrades
A5: We appreciate the question and think you bring a great perspective. As discussed in response to Question 1, we work hard to balance mission needs with the needs of Airmen. Not unexpectedly, the two often intersect. We always strive to seek the right balance and spend our taxpayers’ dollars efficiently.
Additionally, we are also looking for innovative ways to work with local community partners in both the public and private sector for projects to sustain and support our mission as well as maintain the quality of life for our Airmen and families.
We are currently working on many mission essential projects. Have you seen our video on base construction?
http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=ldUOOWQKJAw&list=UUj
WS9zJCTJFgCmGfnwoInJg
Q6: Issue – Runway and airfield construction & impact to mission
A6: That’s a great operational question! As of now, we still don’t have funding for the runway construction. But rest assured, if we do get it, the mission will continue! We simply can’t afford mission degradation due to any construction projects, so we will definitely have enough runway available to meet our mission and training objectives. Stay tuned!
Q7. Issue – A/C unit out in dorms since July 1
A7. Thanks for your detailed question, we appreciate your concerns. Our CE folks were made aware of the broken thermostat July 1. The building HVAC is indeed under warranty and, as a result, the contractor responded to the thermostat call.
They determined the thermostat was not a warranty issue; rather, the damage was determined to be caused by an occupant. The repairs are in progress but we don’t have a completion date. We have surplus dorm rooms available, so when we encounter rooms with issues, we offer occupants alternate accommodations as an interim solution. This was the case with all occupants impacted by this broken thermostat. I hope that helps your son!
Q8. Issue – Renewable energy initiatives
A8. That’s a really forward thinking question; I like it! We are pursuing renewable energy initiatives on Little Rock AFB despite the fact that we are not in an optimal location to harness all renewable sources. For example, wind energy is not a viable solution for Little Rock AFB because wind velocity and space for turbines are insufficient. However, we are currently operating our base giant voice system using solar panels. In addition, we have a project postured for potential funding at the end of the fiscal year that will provide solar panels on our Fitness Center roof to supplement its power requirements. We are in a good location to take advantage of geo-thermal energy and are pursuing an innovative project in the next few years as a means to heat and cool our dormitories. We are always looking for Airman’s ideas. Be sure to bring your initiatives to leadership!
Q9. Issue – Contact & turnaround times for CE requests
A9. Please contact your facility manager. If he or she is unable to assist you, please contact CE Customer Service at (501) 987-6553. Once they know the nature of the issue, our CE Customer Service Desk can provide you with a specific timeline to resolve your issue.
Q10. Issue – Plans to fix intersection of Vandenberg and Thomas Avenue
A10. Our base construction is being prioritized by the worst, high traffic areas first, such as base entrances. We do not currently have a project for this intersection, but we will have our Traffic Safety Working Group investigate further to determine if this is where we need to focus our efforts.
Q11. Issue – Innovative construction initiatives
A11. Thanks for the thought-provoking question. Winston Churchill once said, “Gentlemen, we have run out of money. Now we have to think!” Some ways we are saving money include the energy initiatives I discussed in a previous post as well as integrated energy management control systems to remotely operate our air conditioning and heating systems to maximize energy efficiency. You’re absolutely right in this era of constrained resources; we must be innovative and make every dollar count to support our important mission and the Airmen doing the mission. With those objectives in mind, we have recently established a Cost Efficiency Council to brainstorm creative, cost-saving ideas. One of the initiatives we are exploring is Public-Public/Public-Private (P4) partnerships to provide potential funding avenues to support our community facilities and programs. Conference centers and community pools are two such examples of potential P4 initiatives.
Q12. Issue – Base access issue/question from May 20 town hall
A12. Thank you for the opportunity to clarify the requirements for installation access. Your identification card is not a common one at Little Rock AFB. We have reviewed our Air Force Instruction pertaining to base access and have found that your level of authorization does not permit access to DoD Installations unescorted. The DoD Instruction authorizes Exchange privileges for U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. So how can you get to the exchange if you can’t get on base? Easy! Have someone with installation access privilege who can sponsor you onto the installation.
For full questions visit www.littlerock.af.mil.
Thursday, July 31, 2014
TOP STORY>>Airmen kept safe from hazards by BEE flight
By Senior Airman Kaylee Clark
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Whether home or downrange, the mission of the BEEs, bioenvironmental engineers, is the same, to keep Airmen safe from a swarm of hazards and enable them to accomplish the mission.
The 19th Aerospace Medicine Squadron bioenvironmental engine-ering flight mission identifies and analyzes chemical, biological, radio-logical, nuclear and physical threats.
“Bioenvironmental engineering’s mission is to provide operational health risk assessment expertise to Little Rock Air Force Base commanders in order to enhance decision making and health service support capabilities,” said Capt. James Reilly, the 19th Medical Group occupational health element chief.
Reilly said the BEF performs its mission through the completion of key capabilities, which include but are not limited to: installation water and toxic chemical vulnerability assessments; identifying, analyzing, and controlling occupational environmental health threats within all industrial work centers for each wing and documenting related OEH exposures as part of each service member’s “life-time” exposure record.
The 14-person team puts in time and effort day-in and day-out to ensure Airmen are mission ready so they can perform duties with limited exposure to the hazards they may encounter.
“Everything we do downrange is very similar to what we do here at home,” said Airman 1st Class Emery Coleman, a 19th AMDS bio-environmental engineering member. “We still do health risk assessments; we still do sampling. Some of the equipment we use may differ, but overall they are very closely related.”
These threats can travel through the air, water or ground. The flight assesses associated risks to human health and recommend courses of action to eliminate or control the hazards The courses of action that are taken can prevent casualties and enhance performance in both deployed and home base environments.
The bioenvironmental engineering flight provides operational health risk assessment expertise to enhance commander decision making and health service support capabilities.
The flight conducts occupational and environmental health reviews for industrial shops on a consistent basis.
“Essentially, we identify hazards, assess risks, analyze controls and make decisions on what controls to recommend,” said Coleman.
All of the preventative measures that the flight practices protect workers from over-exposure to potential hazards in their work area and environment.
There really is no “typical” day in bio said Coleman. One day the team could be doing gas mask or respirator fit testing or water sampling, the next day they could be doing noise, air or ventilation surveys or be called out for an emergency response.
“Every day is a mystery, which is why this job is so amazing,” said Coleman.
Though this team is small in numbers, they are large in mission success.
“We protect military and civilian employee health while enhancing combat and operational capabilities,” said Reilly. “Essentially, we keep the warfighters fit and enable this wing to provide combat airlift on a global scale.”
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Whether home or downrange, the mission of the BEEs, bioenvironmental engineers, is the same, to keep Airmen safe from a swarm of hazards and enable them to accomplish the mission.
The 19th Aerospace Medicine Squadron bioenvironmental engine-ering flight mission identifies and analyzes chemical, biological, radio-logical, nuclear and physical threats.
“Bioenvironmental engineering’s mission is to provide operational health risk assessment expertise to Little Rock Air Force Base commanders in order to enhance decision making and health service support capabilities,” said Capt. James Reilly, the 19th Medical Group occupational health element chief.
Reilly said the BEF performs its mission through the completion of key capabilities, which include but are not limited to: installation water and toxic chemical vulnerability assessments; identifying, analyzing, and controlling occupational environmental health threats within all industrial work centers for each wing and documenting related OEH exposures as part of each service member’s “life-time” exposure record.
The 14-person team puts in time and effort day-in and day-out to ensure Airmen are mission ready so they can perform duties with limited exposure to the hazards they may encounter.
“Everything we do downrange is very similar to what we do here at home,” said Airman 1st Class Emery Coleman, a 19th AMDS bio-environmental engineering member. “We still do health risk assessments; we still do sampling. Some of the equipment we use may differ, but overall they are very closely related.”
These threats can travel through the air, water or ground. The flight assesses associated risks to human health and recommend courses of action to eliminate or control the hazards The courses of action that are taken can prevent casualties and enhance performance in both deployed and home base environments.
The bioenvironmental engineering flight provides operational health risk assessment expertise to enhance commander decision making and health service support capabilities.
The flight conducts occupational and environmental health reviews for industrial shops on a consistent basis.
“Essentially, we identify hazards, assess risks, analyze controls and make decisions on what controls to recommend,” said Coleman.
All of the preventative measures that the flight practices protect workers from over-exposure to potential hazards in their work area and environment.
There really is no “typical” day in bio said Coleman. One day the team could be doing gas mask or respirator fit testing or water sampling, the next day they could be doing noise, air or ventilation surveys or be called out for an emergency response.
“Every day is a mystery, which is why this job is so amazing,” said Coleman.
Though this team is small in numbers, they are large in mission success.
“We protect military and civilian employee health while enhancing combat and operational capabilities,” said Reilly. “Essentially, we keep the warfighters fit and enable this wing to provide combat airlift on a global scale.”
TOP STORY>>How to NOT skewer your grilling plans
By Airman 1st Class Cliffton Dolezal
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
With more Americans lighting up their grills than ever before, it’s important to remember the key to a successful cookout is safety. There are certain measures of precaution that must be taken in order to enjoy a hot summer night around the barbecue.
Accidents happen every year, leaving people severely injured and homes badly damaged because of a lack of attention to detail. Many safety measures must be taken into account before tossing that match into a pile of coals or pushing the ignition to ignite the fumes of propane.
When heating up, a grill will surpass temperatures of 450 degrees. It only takes a split second for something to ignite at those temperatures. With that in mind, grill masters must be aware of children and animals within the vicinity of the open flames.
“When planning the next barbecue, ensure the grill is at least 10 feet away from all structures,” said Rick Myers, 19th Airlift Wing ground safety manager. “You never want to barbecue in a garage or breezeways, overhangs, porches or low hanging trees, especially with the weather being dry the last few years. And also be mindful of any burn bans that are in place.”
Setting up a designated grilling area with a fire extinguisher nearby is also a quick tip for quelling small fires.
Another enemy of the grill master is carbon monoxide, or the “invisible killer”, because it is colorless, odorless and poisonous. According to the Unites States Fire Administration, carbon monoxide takes the lives of more than 150 people every year. All grills that use charcoal as a fuel source produce this toxic gas and could potentially be fatal if the grill is not located in a well-ventilated area.
After giving the grill sufficient time to cool down, the next step is scrubbing the grill racks and emptying the plate after every use. Doing this prevents the chances of starting a grease fire and ensures a safe grilling experience.
One of the most ignored and underused safety procedures is the disposal of coals.
“Little Rock AFB had one serious fire about two years ago that was a result of charcoal being poured into a plastic trash can,” said Myers. “To properly dispose of charcoal, you must let the coals cool down completely and place them in a metal container afterwards.”
For more information about safety, contact the base safety office at (501) 987-3599.
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
With more Americans lighting up their grills than ever before, it’s important to remember the key to a successful cookout is safety. There are certain measures of precaution that must be taken in order to enjoy a hot summer night around the barbecue.
Accidents happen every year, leaving people severely injured and homes badly damaged because of a lack of attention to detail. Many safety measures must be taken into account before tossing that match into a pile of coals or pushing the ignition to ignite the fumes of propane.
When heating up, a grill will surpass temperatures of 450 degrees. It only takes a split second for something to ignite at those temperatures. With that in mind, grill masters must be aware of children and animals within the vicinity of the open flames.
“When planning the next barbecue, ensure the grill is at least 10 feet away from all structures,” said Rick Myers, 19th Airlift Wing ground safety manager. “You never want to barbecue in a garage or breezeways, overhangs, porches or low hanging trees, especially with the weather being dry the last few years. And also be mindful of any burn bans that are in place.”
Setting up a designated grilling area with a fire extinguisher nearby is also a quick tip for quelling small fires.
Another enemy of the grill master is carbon monoxide, or the “invisible killer”, because it is colorless, odorless and poisonous. According to the Unites States Fire Administration, carbon monoxide takes the lives of more than 150 people every year. All grills that use charcoal as a fuel source produce this toxic gas and could potentially be fatal if the grill is not located in a well-ventilated area.
After giving the grill sufficient time to cool down, the next step is scrubbing the grill racks and emptying the plate after every use. Doing this prevents the chances of starting a grease fire and ensures a safe grilling experience.
One of the most ignored and underused safety procedures is the disposal of coals.
“Little Rock AFB had one serious fire about two years ago that was a result of charcoal being poured into a plastic trash can,” said Myers. “To properly dispose of charcoal, you must let the coals cool down completely and place them in a metal container afterwards.”
For more information about safety, contact the base safety office at (501) 987-3599.
TOP STORY>>Team Little Rock welcomes Col. Dryjanski
By Airman 1st Class Cliffton Dolezal
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Col. James Dryjanski assumed command of the 314th Airlift Wing during a change-of-command ceremony July 31 at Little Rock Air Force Base.
Dryjanski assumed command from Col. Scott Brewer in a ceremony officiated by Maj. Gen. Keltz, the director of Intelligence, Operations and Nuclear Integration, Headquarters Air Education and Training Command.
Major Gen. Keltz talked about the legacy and valor of the 314th AW.
“This is what these ceremonies are all about,” he said.
During his speech Major Gen. Keltz highlighted both Brewer and Dryjanski’s many accomplishments and accolades throughout their careers.
“When we bring you colonels here to Team Little Rock, we don’t bring you “just” a colonel, we bring you the caliber of these two men,” said Major Gen. Keltz.
Colonel Dryjanski received his commission from the United States Air Force Academy in 1992 with military honors. Colonel Dryjanski has deployed and flown more than 150 combat and combat support hours in support of combatant commander objectives in numerous operations, including Operations Allied Forces and Enduring Freedom.
Dryjanksi’s previous assignment was as the commander of the 387th Expeditionary Group in an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.
As the newest members of TLR, Dryjanski was joined during the ceremony by his wife, Celeste, and their six children: Katherin, Alexis, Zoey, Thomas, Joshua and Adam.
After the official change of command, Dryjanski took a moment to comment on his upcoming role as the new 314th AW commander.
“It is a great day to be back in central Arkansas and to be in the business of producing C-130 combat airlift,” said Dryjanski.
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Col. James Dryjanski assumed command of the 314th Airlift Wing during a change-of-command ceremony July 31 at Little Rock Air Force Base.
Dryjanski assumed command from Col. Scott Brewer in a ceremony officiated by Maj. Gen. Keltz, the director of Intelligence, Operations and Nuclear Integration, Headquarters Air Education and Training Command.
Major Gen. Keltz talked about the legacy and valor of the 314th AW.
“This is what these ceremonies are all about,” he said.
During his speech Major Gen. Keltz highlighted both Brewer and Dryjanski’s many accomplishments and accolades throughout their careers.
“When we bring you colonels here to Team Little Rock, we don’t bring you “just” a colonel, we bring you the caliber of these two men,” said Major Gen. Keltz.
Colonel Dryjanski received his commission from the United States Air Force Academy in 1992 with military honors. Colonel Dryjanski has deployed and flown more than 150 combat and combat support hours in support of combatant commander objectives in numerous operations, including Operations Allied Forces and Enduring Freedom.
Dryjanksi’s previous assignment was as the commander of the 387th Expeditionary Group in an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia.
As the newest members of TLR, Dryjanski was joined during the ceremony by his wife, Celeste, and their six children: Katherin, Alexis, Zoey, Thomas, Joshua and Adam.
After the official change of command, Dryjanski took a moment to comment on his upcoming role as the new 314th AW commander.
“It is a great day to be back in central Arkansas and to be in the business of producing C-130 combat airlift,” said Dryjanski.
TOP STORY>>Breaking the silence: Freedom after six-year sexual assault
By Senior Airman Regina Agoha
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
If you know her or have ever been around her for a few moments, you know she is neither silent nor shy. She’s a people person.
She greets everyone with a smile and a loud and confident voice, introducing herself, “Cynde Maddox, Public Affairs specialist.” Her distinctive voice and almost 20 years of PA experience at Little Rock Air Force Base has made her a familiar face to the base and community.
To look at her, you’d never guess that 55 years ago, she became a victim of sexual assault, lasting for six years beginning at the age of 6 – a violent crime committed by her brother-in-law.
“I met him in 1959,” she said. “I was 5 years old, and he was dating my 16-year-old sister. He was 22. A year later, they got married, and everything was normal. He was my brother-in-law. The summer after they married, my sister became home sick, so I was sent out to live with them to keep her company.”
It started off innocent, Maddox said. He would do things like tickle her and sit her on his lap. It gradually increased to him insisting to tuck her in at night, and when he did, he would touch her inappropriately as well as sexually take advantage of her.
“He told me that if I told anyone, he would kill my sister and my family,” said Maddox. “Back then, people didn’t talk about things like that.”
Maddox didn’t talk about it for six years.
When she was 12 years old, her brother-in-law tried again to assault her, but this time, she was older, stronger and no longer afraid.
“I told him, ‘this is over,’” she said. “I told him that if he touched me, I would make sure he was no longer a man. I made the threat this time, and he didn’t touch me.”
Seven years passed, and Maddox had put those dark memories away until she was set to travel with her fiancé to meet his parents.
“I was terrified to tell my husband, but I had to,” she said. “He was angry at first and wanted to confront my brother-in-law, but I convinced him not to. He comforted me, and we agreed that it would be my choice to decide when I was ready to tell anyone else.”
Years later, after Maddox was married with a daughter, she received a call from the sister married to her perpetrator. She was inviting Maddox’s family to her 25th wedding anniversary. She and her husband declined. She later got the news that her brother-in-law asked her sister for a divorce shortly after. Once again those dark memories began to resurface. And though Maddox was still not ready to confess to family about her abusive adolescent years, she was about to receive an unexpected nudge of help.
“My brother-in-law ended up raping the niece of the woman he left my sister for, and she called the police,” said Maddox. “They started doing an investigation on him, and I was subpoenaed to testify in court.”
Maddox said it later came out that her brother-in-law molested not only her those years ago but also a male cousin, his own son and daughter, and he physically abused another sister of Maddox’s. None of whom ever told anyone until his trial.
The perpetrator, who is now 75 years old, has been in and out of jail since that arrest for major and minor crimes. He is registered as a sex offender. The first time he was sent to jail, Maddox said she felt like a new person.
“I felt a whole lot better,” she said. “I finally got help. I went to counselling for 10 years, and I’m at peace.”
Maddox said certain things still trigger a reaction out of her. If she sees a man with little children on his lap, she takes a harder, longer look.
“I’ve realized that I am a defender now,” she said. “I cannot and will not ‘stay in my lane.’ If I see something wrong I will address it.”
Addressing it is the advice Maddox’s gives to anyone going through or knows someone that’s going through any type of abuse.
“My wish for everyone is that you go get help,” she said. “Tell somebody. It brings a freedom in your life knowing that this person doesn’t control you anymore. When you don’t tell, you’re paying the price and not the person who should. You put yourself in a mental prison you don’t deserve to be in. Remove the burden off yourself. Let’s not be silent anymore.”
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
If you know her or have ever been around her for a few moments, you know she is neither silent nor shy. She’s a people person.
She greets everyone with a smile and a loud and confident voice, introducing herself, “Cynde Maddox, Public Affairs specialist.” Her distinctive voice and almost 20 years of PA experience at Little Rock Air Force Base has made her a familiar face to the base and community.
To look at her, you’d never guess that 55 years ago, she became a victim of sexual assault, lasting for six years beginning at the age of 6 – a violent crime committed by her brother-in-law.
“I met him in 1959,” she said. “I was 5 years old, and he was dating my 16-year-old sister. He was 22. A year later, they got married, and everything was normal. He was my brother-in-law. The summer after they married, my sister became home sick, so I was sent out to live with them to keep her company.”
It started off innocent, Maddox said. He would do things like tickle her and sit her on his lap. It gradually increased to him insisting to tuck her in at night, and when he did, he would touch her inappropriately as well as sexually take advantage of her.
“He told me that if I told anyone, he would kill my sister and my family,” said Maddox. “Back then, people didn’t talk about things like that.”
Maddox didn’t talk about it for six years.
When she was 12 years old, her brother-in-law tried again to assault her, but this time, she was older, stronger and no longer afraid.
“I told him, ‘this is over,’” she said. “I told him that if he touched me, I would make sure he was no longer a man. I made the threat this time, and he didn’t touch me.”
Seven years passed, and Maddox had put those dark memories away until she was set to travel with her fiancé to meet his parents.
“I was terrified to tell my husband, but I had to,” she said. “He was angry at first and wanted to confront my brother-in-law, but I convinced him not to. He comforted me, and we agreed that it would be my choice to decide when I was ready to tell anyone else.”
Years later, after Maddox was married with a daughter, she received a call from the sister married to her perpetrator. She was inviting Maddox’s family to her 25th wedding anniversary. She and her husband declined. She later got the news that her brother-in-law asked her sister for a divorce shortly after. Once again those dark memories began to resurface. And though Maddox was still not ready to confess to family about her abusive adolescent years, she was about to receive an unexpected nudge of help.
“My brother-in-law ended up raping the niece of the woman he left my sister for, and she called the police,” said Maddox. “They started doing an investigation on him, and I was subpoenaed to testify in court.”
Maddox said it later came out that her brother-in-law molested not only her those years ago but also a male cousin, his own son and daughter, and he physically abused another sister of Maddox’s. None of whom ever told anyone until his trial.
The perpetrator, who is now 75 years old, has been in and out of jail since that arrest for major and minor crimes. He is registered as a sex offender. The first time he was sent to jail, Maddox said she felt like a new person.
“I felt a whole lot better,” she said. “I finally got help. I went to counselling for 10 years, and I’m at peace.”
Maddox said certain things still trigger a reaction out of her. If she sees a man with little children on his lap, she takes a harder, longer look.
“I’ve realized that I am a defender now,” she said. “I cannot and will not ‘stay in my lane.’ If I see something wrong I will address it.”
Addressing it is the advice Maddox’s gives to anyone going through or knows someone that’s going through any type of abuse.
“My wish for everyone is that you go get help,” she said. “Tell somebody. It brings a freedom in your life knowing that this person doesn’t control you anymore. When you don’t tell, you’re paying the price and not the person who should. You put yourself in a mental prison you don’t deserve to be in. Remove the burden off yourself. Let’s not be silent anymore.”
Thursday, July 24, 2014
TOP STORY >> Living on an Airman’s Dollar
By Senior Airman Kaylee Clark
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
When families have personal financial difficulties or wish to be proactive and develop a family financial plan, the Airman and Family Readiness Center is the place to go.
The mission of the Personal Financial Readiness Program is to help individuals and families meet their financial needs and goals.
“Good financial management is a critical life skill,” said Richard Tomaskovic, an Airman and Family Readiness Center community readiness consultant. “The basic concepts of living within our means, maintaining adequate savings for emergencies, planning for future needs, and understanding investing principles help us live a less stressful and more productive life.”
The A&FRC offers free information, education and personal counseling to help individuals and families maintain financial readiness and stability.
When leaders discover that members are having financial problems, the A&FRC is their first resource.
“Managing money will also provide an Airman the opportunity to more effectively transition from military to civilian life,” said Tomaskovic.
The Personal Financial Readiness Program can help an Airman establish a personal financial plan and develop individualized spending plans to meet specific needs and goals. It provides information to increase knowledge and understanding on various financial topics.
Airman 1st Class Zachary Mooneyhan, a 19th Communications Squadron network infrastructure technician attended a financial readiness class to prepare him for moving out of the dorms.
“Attending the financial class helped me realize that having a solid emergency savings plan will help with the transition of moving out of the dorms,” said Mooneyhan.
Members from the A&FRC can also provide individuals with counseling to discuss and alleviate financial problems and concerns.
“Having a sound financial plan prevents one from having financial crises, accumulating too much debt, and family squabbles over money,” said Tomaskovic.
COMMENTARY >> What awaits in the darkness
By Airman 1st Class Scott Poe
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Screeching tires. Loud screams. Exploding glass. Thoughts of confusion filled my mind. I could not begin to take in what had just happened.
Two days after Christmas, my girlfriend, Brittany, and I were coming back from having dinner with my mom when the unimaginable happened.
We were on an interstate in Missouri, headed to Brittany’s house. We were having a conversation about our Christmas together. It was dark, and the interstate was nearly empty except for a few big rigs behind me that I was passing. I thought to myself, “It’s kind of eerie out here”.
Out in the middle of the highway, I saw a shadowy figure. I didn’t even have time to hit my brakes until after the impact.
The sound of crunching metal, cracking plastic and busting glass filled the car. Brittany screamed. As the car slid into the ditch, I was trying to comprehend what I had hit.
After the car finally stopped, I had images running through my head of the figure, but I didn’t want to believe it.
We got out of the car because the back end was still partially on the interstate.
Brittany was shaken up, crying and stuttered “did we just hit someone?”
I replied back, “yes babe.” I told her to get away from the interstate since traffic was still flying by us.
I flagged down a big rig and told him to call 911.
I had just hit a person.
When I went to find the pedestrian, he was on the side of the interstate. I will never forget that moment. He was wearing a black jacket and camo pants and was face down beside the road. There were clothes scattered all over the road from bags he was carrying. His legs were bent in shapes that were non-human.
I knew not to move him because of possible spinal injuries, so I tried to take his pulse. I could smell the alcohol on him, but I was focused on helping him.
His pulse was very faint. I got frantic because I knew there was nothing I could do. I knew this man was not going to make it. I had just hit him going 70 mph.
It felt like hours before emergency services showed up, but in reality, it was only minutes.
After an hour or so of being questioned and getting four breathalyzers, the troopers decided I was not at fault and let me go.
That night and many weeks thereafter, I would replay the accident over and over again. I knew there was nothing I could have done different to prevent it, and I also knew I didn’t do anything wrong. That’s what helped me move on. I couldn’t imagine how I would have felt if I would have been speeding, texting or drinking. I would have been devastated.
This was my story and I can’t guarantee that it won’t happen to you, but I hope it never does.
Be safe when you are on the roads traveling, you never know what is waiting just ahead.
There are a lot of factors and dangers to be aware of including pedestrians, other motorists, animals, construction areas, weather, etc.
There are some things while driving you can’t prepare for but that should only make you stay more vigilant and focused on what you and the people around you are doing.
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