ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE DROP ZONE 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, AR 72078. You may also email them to dropzoneclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in Friday issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday.
THRIFT SHOP open to the public. MWF, 10 am to 2 pm, first Saturday monthly. Great bargains. All revenues used to support mission. Volunteers and donations welcome. Jacksonville Care Channel, 201 Elm, 982-4647.
YARD SALES
2 FAMILY Yard Sale, 131 Louisiana Dr., Saturday, February 2, 8am - ? Kid's clothes, toys, baby stuff, and lots more.
SERVICES
Tired of low-carb diets? Lose weight the healthy way with ShapeworksTM. Free Body analysis. 1-800-299-6309
HELP WANTED
Maintenance/Skilled Laborers for large mobile home park in Jacksonville. Pay from $7-15 an hour based on experience. Basic tools required. Must pass drug test. Call (501) 835-3450
PETS
1 JACK RUSSELL female, 4 yrs old, 1 Jack/Rat terrier female, 2 yrs old, free to good home 405-694-1716
FREE: VERY playful young cat that appears to be blind. Rescued from roadside and needs loving home. (501)941-5839
FREE BLACK Lab to great home. Please call 501-944-7183
CAT TREEHOUSE Condo, 72" high, $40. 501-416-3380
FREE TO Good home, sweet loving, female kitten, about 3 months old. 501-259-2952
FURNITURE
OAK PUB Table, 36x42" high, 4 bar stools, $150, NLR 501-812-4208
BLACK LEATHER Sectional Sofa, 1 year old, good condition, $450 obo. 501-993-6517
C-130 HAND-CARVED mahogany & marble bar ,4 swiveling padded chairs, Multiple drawers and storage areas, Bar disassembles into 3 pieces Bar Glasses incl., $475. 501-835-0178
ELECTRIC LAY-Z-BOY heated lift chair, Like New, fuchsia corduroy, ideal for people w/mobility problems- paid over $1000 asking $700 Firm (501) 835-7094
QUEEN MATTRESS and box springs set, $200 obo, like new. 454-0614
SOLID OAK Computer Armoire. $350. Two bi-fold doors, 3 drawers, pull-out keyboard tray, CPU & CD storage, printer shelves & more. 58"T x 48"W x 22"D. Great cond. 988-0255 or 786-9110
OAK TABLE w/4 chairs, entertainment center, 19 in. color TB, 2 oak barstools, all for $350. (501) 983-1445
PROFESSIONALLY DECORATED Living Room, Gorgeous, seven piece wicker living set. Natural, green accent. Complete w/pillows & floral arrangements. $650. 501-843-9143 Bill Gundaker
WALL UNIT from Germany (Schrank) w/solid carved oak doors. H 7'/W 11'/D2', $800 obo. Call 501-542-4045 (Cabot)
ENTERTAINMENT CENTER, New, $50. Comp. Desk, glass top, new, $50, Matching Sofa & Loveseat, brown micro-fibre, new, $550. 258-1273
32" PANASONIC TV, $180. 501-985-8154.
CREAM ENTERTAINMENT Center with twin towers and floating top, $150. 501-416-3380
Ceiling fan, $20, Med. Wooden Floor Shelves, $25 ea., Must Sell. (501)-343-8517
OAK GLASS top end tables, $75, Oak Glass front table lamps, $35, Daybeds, black metal, $80 each. Must Sell. (501) 343-8517
CHILD SIZE Recliner, maroon, $40, Girl's White Nightstands, $25 ea., Large Wooden Wall Shelf, $30. Must Sell. (501) 343-8517
WANTED
WANTED: PATIO table with chairs, good condition, well priced. (501) 681-0832
ITEMS FOR SALE
PIANO: CABLE-Nelson with bench, dark finish, Spinet, $300. 985-8420
MOVING BOXES, Paper, Special Packing Garment Boxes, enough for 1,500 to 2,000 sq. ft. house, $200 firm. 819-0161
3 BOYS bicycles, 2 Stingray by Schwinn & regular boys bike (20") Great Condition! 210-488-7577
3 BOYS Bicycles, 2 Schwinn Stingrays (20" & 16") & reg. boys bike (20"), great condition little wear. 210-488-7577
61" SONY projection TV w/PIP, $475 Call Greg at (501) 940-7282
GAZELLE FITNESS machine, $45 firm. 835-7094
NON-WORKING whirlpool washer, free, will bring to base. 405-694-1716 Mike
25 YRS. of National Geographic magazines, free will bring to base. 405-694-1716
LOTS OF Kids stuff, treadmill, $75. Adam 436-4860
MATERNITY CLOTHES, 15 shirts, 4 pants, 2 overalls, 3 dresses. sizes small and medium. $45. 501-983-9807
HOME GYM, $100 obo, like new. 454-0614
200 AMP Breaker box for inside, $150. (501) 983-1445
MEN'S MESS dress, size 42, two bow ties, cuff links, cummerbund, has MSgt stripes, exc. cond.. $100. Call afternoon 982-1882.
10 BAGS of boy clothes, newborn - 1 yr., Ask for Sam or Jessica, 545-3330 or 258-1273.
MICROWAVE W/Turntable, $25, Baby gates, $10 ea., Umbrella Stroller, $10, kid's bowling ball w/bag, $15. Must Sell. 343-8517
GRACO DOUBLE Stroller, like new, Ivy League print. $65. 843-2162
LAWN & FARM EQUIPMENT
YARD EQUIPMENT, mower, weedeater, leaf blower/vac, all under 1 yr. old, packaged to sell at $250. 229-300-4701, on base.
AUTOS/ACCESSORIES
2-HORSE TRAILER, older model bumper pull, straight load. Beebe. Good condition, great buy at $800. Can e-mail pics. Call (501) 690-2540
1997 GRAND PRIX GTP, $3400.00; White w/white wheels; auto.; cruise/power; Clean and adult-driven. Cabot; Call 501-605-8946 after 5:00 pm
1984 PORSCHE 994, original miles 87k, excellent condition, power steering, power brakes, sunroof, $6,800. 501-882-5959
2000 SILVER Camaro, 102k miles, great condition, V8, all automatic, T-tops, asking $10,000. 501-838-7168
WHITE CAMPER Shell that fits 98-98 Short Bed Chevrolet trucks, good condition, $350 obo. 501-993-6517
72" WHEEL and tires, 5 lug universal, like new, $1,500 obo. 454-0614
1997 FORD RANGER XLT, extended cab, 4x4, V6, 4.0 liter, red, 106k, CD/Tape, auto., bed liner, cruise. $4,900. Call 540-230-8742.
1990 TOYOTA 4x4, needs engine, lift kit, roll bar w/lights, nerf bars, new mudders, $3,500. (501) 983-1445
1980 CORVETTE, Rally Sport. $8,500 or best offer. 501 554 4402.
2003 FORD Pickup F150 XLT Triton V8, 62,000 mi., LWB, Auto., A/C, P/W, P/DL, Outside Temp. Display, CD, P/S, Bed liner. Call 912-2239 aft. 4:00
1999 JEEP Wrangler Sport Hardtop, Blk., 5 spd, 6cyl, 116k mi, Well maintained, 4 in. susp. lift, 33" BFG A/T, Winch, Alarm, C/D, $9,200 obo. (501)554-4181
2001 HONDA Shadow Aero 1100 Stage 2 jet kit, saddle bags, windshield, backseat, backrest. 18,000 mi., Perfect shape! $5,000 OBO Jon 413-358-3117
RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
1978 HONDA CX500 Motorcycle, New Tires, New Battery, New Carb Rebuild, exc. cond. w/windshield. $1500 OBO Call 501-743-6575
1985 Honda 200X 3-wheeler. Runs great. Needs some work done. $600 obo., 501-259-2693
WOOD PIROGUE boat, camouflaged and completely fiber glassed great for hunting and fishing, $175. 501-960-4791
HOUSES FOR RENT
FOR RENT: nice 2 & 3 Bedroom Mobile Homes on large lots in Quiet safe park close to LRAFB. New carpet and appliances. Starting at $300 per month plus deposit. HUD accepting. Call today and get TWO WEEKS FREE RENT. (501) 835-3450
CLOSE TO AIRBASE- 3 Bedroom 2 Bath, living room with fireplace, eat-in kitchen, den, covered parking, fenced yard. Pets allowed with deposit. $800 month and deposit. (501) 664-0440 or (501) 529-7624.
Vilonia - Dove Creek Subdivision- 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 2 car, brick, 2,600+ sq. ft, split floor plan, tile, carpet floors, very large corner lot, privacy fenced. 1 mile to schools, 20 minutes to back gate. $1,000 month. (501) 514-0909/5253. Email: pilot1326cfi@yahoocom
For Rent: $530 monthly or lease to purchase. 14x70 mobile on 1.5 acres. Newly remodeled. 2 Bedroom, 2 Full Bath with open floor plan. Cabot Schools with privacy & lots of room. (501) 605-7200
For Sale of Lease! Several new 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath houses in Austin to choose from. Split floor plan, convenient to freeway. Available now & ready to move in. $950 month + deposit. (501) 941-9417.
For Rent: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 2,200 sq. ft. home in Sherwood. $950 monthly, Call 978-269-4453 or 978-269-4425 for info.
FOR RENT, JAX., 42 WRIGHT CIR., 4 BR., 1.5 BA, Equip. kitchen, ceiling fans, with W/D, $790. 609 PAMELA, 3 BR., 1.5 BA, Equip. kitchen, ceiling fans, large living room, family room, new carpet, with W/D, $780. 501-985-1177
Completely remodeled 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath home with garage & storage. Eat-in kitchen. Fenced yard. $560 month. By appointment only. 605-7200
Cabot home for rent: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, Cabot Schools, 1,580 sq. ft., remodeled kitchen, privacy fenced, large backyard, corner lot, desirable neighborhood. $950 month, $950 deposit. No Smoking. (501) 606-9576
3 Bedroom, 1 1/2 Bath on 5 acres, big trees, Central Heat & Air, very quiet, 4 miles north of Air Base near 107, $425 rent + $425 security. References required. No pets. 988-5187. Ask for Ed.
For Rent: Nice 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath remodeled home. Central Heat & Air. Large fenced-in backyard. Cabot city limits. Call (501) 425-2008
3BR/1BA with carpet, all appliances including W/D, large fenced yard. Deposit $300, Rent $595, Available now. Call 454-0831
Very nice: completely remodeled 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath house. 1417 North James, Jacksonville. Washer/Dryer connections. Close to Base & Elementary schools, $600 month, $600 deposit. (501) 749-6963
House for Rent: 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath, carport, fenced backyard, storage sheds, close to base, $525 monthly, $525 deposit, no pets. Call 501-416-8107
3 Bedroom brick home, newly remodeled. Cabot city limits. 2 Bedroom with walk-=in shower & jacuzzi in other, 2 car garage, on 2 1/2 acres, storage building in back. $850 month + $250 deposit. (501) 843-3016m (501) 940-2715
For Rent: 1,600 sq. ft., 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath house in Jacksonville. 10 minutes from base. Privacy fenced backyard, large storage shed, 2 car garage. $850. Renter pays utilities. Call (501)985-9696
For Rent: 1,650 sq. ft., 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, large kitchen, large backyard, single carport. 106 West College, Beebe. $850 month, $400 deposit. No Pets (501) 288-2861
Very nice remodeled 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath on 1 acre lot. 292 Lowry Lane, Jacksonville. Ceramic tile, washer/dryer connections, storage building, everything's new! $750 + deposit. Call John at (501) 912-7976
2 Bedroom with carport & storage building, ceiling fans, carpet, stove & refrigerator. 5 minutes to back gate. $450 month + deposit. (501) 837-0264.
HOUSES FOR SALE
FORECLOSURES for SALE: $14,000 to $199,000 wholesale - Bank owned homes to public, Cabot, Jacksonville, LR, NLR, Lonoke, Sherwood, Vilonia, Pine Bluff & Searcy. www.masonandco.com. Call Mason Realty, Jacksonville, (501) 985-0755,
Must See! Sherwood, 4140 Austin Lakes Circle. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,684 sq. ft., wood-burning fireplace, 2 car garage, fenced backyard with shed, $167,000. Call (501) 350-2761
House for Sale: Sherwood, 4 Bedroom, 2,230 sq. ft., good School district, quiet cul-de-sac. Military Retiree. Ready to Move Into! $179,500. Call (501) 310-3792 or (501) 520-0858
Available now! Several new 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath houses in Austin to choose from. Split floor plan, convenient to freeway, ready to move in. $104,900. (501) 941-9417
2 Miles from back gate, 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 1,475 sq. ft., new siding, windows, carpet, marble bathroom, 1.13 acres, workshop, barn. Great Schools. 493,900. Call 831-5200 or 988-2798
FSBO: Cabot, 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, Approximately 1,100 sq. ft., vaulted ceiling, open floor plan, updated bathrooms & kitchen, stainless steel appliances in kitchen included. $99,000. Call (501) 259-8490
Home for Sale: Red Oak Airpark, Cabot. 2,688 sq. ft., 3 Bedroom, 2 full bath, large playroom/4th Bedroom, Private Airstrip!! Not busy, upscale area, 1.8 acres. $210,000 firm. (501) 941-7101 or (501) 628-4490.
House for Sale: 200 3rd Street, Ward. 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath, completely remodeled, on large corner lot. (501) 590-2438, (501) 843-9883
FSBO - Vilonia, Dove Creek, Great Neighborhood, easy access to back gate. 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 1,600 sq. ft., 1/2 acre lot, split floor plan, $130,000. (501) 626-4337.
Retirement or Getaway: 1,132 sq. ft., 3 Bedroom house in Sharp Co., 3 miles to 18,859 acre game land. 6 miles to boat ramps on Spring & Strawberry Rivers. Updated Electricity, kitchen & siding. See online www.PaulGarnerRealty.com
FSBO: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 1,659 sq. ft., near Base, large rooms, vaulted living room, tri-level deck, exterior building (15x21), large lot, 2 car attached garage. Asking $129,995 (501) 413-9309.
Gap Creek - The Ridge in Sherwood. 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath, alarm system, sprinkler system, privacy fence, many upgrades. A must see! $255,000. Call Donna at 501-837-4715 or 501-834-7255
Beebe, 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath, 2,164 sq. ft., 3.25 acre lot in residential subdivision, many trees, bonus room, gas fireplace, paved streets, city water, 2 car garage, many extras, builder sale. (501) 843-2774.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
TOP STORY >> NCO introduces cutting-edge training
A staff sergeant with the 714th Training Squadron here was part of a team that is helping to place Little Rock Air Force Base on the leading edge of training technology.
Staff Sgt. Todd Kohler, C-130 loadmaster subject matter expert, worked with a team from Air Education and Training Command and Lockheed Martin, in conjunction with Patherfinder Systems, Inc., to develop a new loadmaster augmented reality training device.
“This device takes advantage of the tactile environment of an aircraft fuselage and incorporates and augmented view to simulate aircraft malfunctions,” Sergeant Kohler explained.
These malfunctions are then incorporated into scenarios that operate in near-real time. This allows students to accomplish normal training while experiences errors at any time.
“This type of training greatly reduces the price tag associated with flying actual aircraft and increases aircrew safety,” the loadmaster said. “Students can train using in-flight scenarios without ever leaving the ground.”
He went on to explain that the simulator can provide rapid, repeatable training sequences designed to enhance the students’ performance during emergency and airdrop procedures.
“Most of the emergency training they receive can not be recreated in flight,” Sergeant Kohler said. “By generating multiple scenarios and malfunctions, the students learn to handle these situations safely.”
The end result means a more realistic training environment for future C-130 loadmasters.
The device is expected to be in use by early next year. And, as Sergeant Kohler explains, at a time when flying programs are being reduced, the simulator will be much-needed.
“With the reduced reduced flight program we are pushing as much training as possible to lower level devices,” he said. “The great thing about a device like this is it develops basic proficiencies in procedures in a shorter time due to student accomplishing in-flight procedures prior to actually flight training.”
Officials expect this training device to have far reaching effects.
It is expected that this device will be able to be incorporated into any aircraft in the Air Force’s inventory with little additional development.
(Article compiled by 314th Airlift Wing public affairs)
Staff Sgt. Todd Kohler, C-130 loadmaster subject matter expert, worked with a team from Air Education and Training Command and Lockheed Martin, in conjunction with Patherfinder Systems, Inc., to develop a new loadmaster augmented reality training device.
“This device takes advantage of the tactile environment of an aircraft fuselage and incorporates and augmented view to simulate aircraft malfunctions,” Sergeant Kohler explained.
These malfunctions are then incorporated into scenarios that operate in near-real time. This allows students to accomplish normal training while experiences errors at any time.
“This type of training greatly reduces the price tag associated with flying actual aircraft and increases aircrew safety,” the loadmaster said. “Students can train using in-flight scenarios without ever leaving the ground.”
He went on to explain that the simulator can provide rapid, repeatable training sequences designed to enhance the students’ performance during emergency and airdrop procedures.
“Most of the emergency training they receive can not be recreated in flight,” Sergeant Kohler said. “By generating multiple scenarios and malfunctions, the students learn to handle these situations safely.”
The end result means a more realistic training environment for future C-130 loadmasters.
The device is expected to be in use by early next year. And, as Sergeant Kohler explains, at a time when flying programs are being reduced, the simulator will be much-needed.
“With the reduced reduced flight program we are pushing as much training as possible to lower level devices,” he said. “The great thing about a device like this is it develops basic proficiencies in procedures in a shorter time due to student accomplishing in-flight procedures prior to actually flight training.”
Officials expect this training device to have far reaching effects.
It is expected that this device will be able to be incorporated into any aircraft in the Air Force’s inventory with little additional development.
(Article compiled by 314th Airlift Wing public affairs)
EVENTS >> 02-01-08
Tax center opens
Beginning today, the tax center will be opened. The tax center is located in the Billy G. Looper conference room of the TMO section in Bldg. 1255. To better assist you, make an appointment with the tax center by calling 987-1040.
State residents age 60 plus offered free classes
Arkansas residents age 60 and over may be eligible to audit or enroll in college on-base classes free with ASU-Beebe on a space available status. Residents must have proof of age and Arkansas resident status of a minimum of six months. For details, call 988-4151.
Civilian registration dates for courses slated
Civilian registration for March through May 2008 on-base college classes will be conducted off-base at the Jacksonville Community Center from 2:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 21 and 26. Registration is only for individuals who do not have a valid ID to enter the Base. For details call the universities: ASU-Beebe at 988-4151, Park University at 988-5624, Southern Illinois at 988-1391, Embry-Riddle at 987-5550, UA-Fayetteville at 988-2522 and Webster University at 988-5331.
Retirements
The retirement ceremony for Master Sgt. George Owens is scheduled for 2 p.m. Feb. 8 at Bldg. 216. Contact Tech. Sgt. Gregory Shadman at 987-6528 for more information.
The retirement ceremony for Chief Master Sgt. Keith Morris is scheduled for 10 a.m. Feb. 8 at the Little Rock AFB Conference Center Ballroom. Contact Master Sgt. Tracy Sisco at 987-6654 for more information.
Immunization clinic hours
The 314th Medical Group Immunizations Clinic hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. You are required to wait in the facility 15 minutes after receiving any vaccines. You must be signed in no later than 4:10 p.m. For more information, please call Staff Sgt. Savoy at 987-7312.
Civilian retires after 30+ years
Joseph W. Elkins, 314th Airlift Wing Public Affairs, will retire in the 314th AW Headquarters Conference Room (Bldg. 1250) at noon Feb. 8. Mr. Elkins has served as a base graphic artist for more than 37 years. For more details, call 987-6744 or 987-3601.
Quarterly BBQ set
Quarterly Dorm Residents BBQ is set for 1 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Thomas Community Activities Center. The barbecue is open to all base dormitory residents. There will be free hot dogs, hamburgers, sodas and chips. Mission Support Group senior NCOs are needed to help set up, serve food and drinks, and clean up. E-mail Master Sgt. Karl Mecca at karl.mecca@littlerock.af.mil to volunteer. Set up will take place at 11 a.m. Feb. 15.
Orientation for new AF spouses Feb. 8
A Heart Link orientation for spouses new to the Air Force will be held at 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8 at the Health and Wellness Center, Bldg. 827. Presenters will share information about the Air Force mission, customs, traditions, and protocol.
Attendees will learn about entitlements and resources available and will also meet other spouses and your unit’s key spouse.
A Heart Link coin will be presented to all attendees by Brig. Gen. Wayne Schatz, 314th Airlift Wing commander. A continental breakfast and light lunch will be served. If child care is required please contact the LRAFB Family Child Care coordinater at 987-3156. Child care will be paid for from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. by Heart Link. Please call 987-6801 to RSVP.
Prayer Breakfast Feb. 19
Little Rock AFB will celebrate the 2008 National Prayer Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19 at Hangar 1080.
The guest speaker this year is AETC Command Chaplain, Col. Howard Stendahl. Tickets cost $5 for E-5 and below, and $7 for all others. Tickets are available through the First Sergeants and the Base Chapel and must be purchased by close of business Feb. 13.
The breakfast buffet menu includes scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausage, biscuits with gravy, fruit, and pastries.
Vegetarian and kosher options are available on request. Dress for military is Uniform of the Day. For more information, please contact the Base Chapel at 987-6014.
Free college credit
Free computerized exams for college credit are available for active duty military members. Exam results are immediate. ASU-Beebe, Embry-Riddle, Southern Illinois and Park Universities accept many of these CLEP and DANTES exams. Frequently, Airmen are able to CLEP their entire CCAF degree for free. For details, call ASU-Beebe at 988-4151, ERAU at 987-5550 or Park University at 987-8894. For an appointment with your CCAF counselor, call 987-3417.
Services openings
Current job openings for Services are: Skills Center, recreation assistant, NF-II, regular hours; Hangar 1080, club operations assistant, NF-II, flexible hours; Marketing, visual information specialist, NF-III, regular hours; IT, information technology assistant, NF-III, flexible hours and Outdoor Recreation, recreation specialist, NF-II, regular hours. Services employees are required by Public Law 104-134 to have salary payments made by electronic funds transfer/direct deposit. For more information, call 987-6440.
Tuskegee Airmen Inc. social scheduled
The Tuskegee Airmen Inc-Judge Decatur Chapter, from Little Rock AFB, will host their second annual social giving honor to the original Tuskegee Airmen from Arkansas Feb. 22. This event will take place at the Robinson Center Exhibition Hall, in downtown Little Rock. Guest speakers will include three original Tuskegee Airmen, whom are native Arkansans. The social will include a silent auction with autographed Tuskegee Airmen artwork, a P-51 aircraft signed by the attending original Tuskegee Airmen and more. The social will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the program will start at 7 p.m. Cost is $35 per person. Contact Master Sgt. Alicia Roberts at 987-1176 or 1st Lt. Saheba DeHenre (662) 832-1774 for additional information.
Beginning today, the tax center will be opened. The tax center is located in the Billy G. Looper conference room of the TMO section in Bldg. 1255. To better assist you, make an appointment with the tax center by calling 987-1040.
State residents age 60 plus offered free classes
Arkansas residents age 60 and over may be eligible to audit or enroll in college on-base classes free with ASU-Beebe on a space available status. Residents must have proof of age and Arkansas resident status of a minimum of six months. For details, call 988-4151.
Civilian registration dates for courses slated
Civilian registration for March through May 2008 on-base college classes will be conducted off-base at the Jacksonville Community Center from 2:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 21 and 26. Registration is only for individuals who do not have a valid ID to enter the Base. For details call the universities: ASU-Beebe at 988-4151, Park University at 988-5624, Southern Illinois at 988-1391, Embry-Riddle at 987-5550, UA-Fayetteville at 988-2522 and Webster University at 988-5331.
Retirements
The retirement ceremony for Master Sgt. George Owens is scheduled for 2 p.m. Feb. 8 at Bldg. 216. Contact Tech. Sgt. Gregory Shadman at 987-6528 for more information.
The retirement ceremony for Chief Master Sgt. Keith Morris is scheduled for 10 a.m. Feb. 8 at the Little Rock AFB Conference Center Ballroom. Contact Master Sgt. Tracy Sisco at 987-6654 for more information.
Immunization clinic hours
The 314th Medical Group Immunizations Clinic hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. You are required to wait in the facility 15 minutes after receiving any vaccines. You must be signed in no later than 4:10 p.m. For more information, please call Staff Sgt. Savoy at 987-7312.
Civilian retires after 30+ years
Joseph W. Elkins, 314th Airlift Wing Public Affairs, will retire in the 314th AW Headquarters Conference Room (Bldg. 1250) at noon Feb. 8. Mr. Elkins has served as a base graphic artist for more than 37 years. For more details, call 987-6744 or 987-3601.
Quarterly BBQ set
Quarterly Dorm Residents BBQ is set for 1 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Thomas Community Activities Center. The barbecue is open to all base dormitory residents. There will be free hot dogs, hamburgers, sodas and chips. Mission Support Group senior NCOs are needed to help set up, serve food and drinks, and clean up. E-mail Master Sgt. Karl Mecca at karl.mecca@littlerock.af.mil to volunteer. Set up will take place at 11 a.m. Feb. 15.
Orientation for new AF spouses Feb. 8
A Heart Link orientation for spouses new to the Air Force will be held at 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8 at the Health and Wellness Center, Bldg. 827. Presenters will share information about the Air Force mission, customs, traditions, and protocol.
Attendees will learn about entitlements and resources available and will also meet other spouses and your unit’s key spouse.
A Heart Link coin will be presented to all attendees by Brig. Gen. Wayne Schatz, 314th Airlift Wing commander. A continental breakfast and light lunch will be served. If child care is required please contact the LRAFB Family Child Care coordinater at 987-3156. Child care will be paid for from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. by Heart Link. Please call 987-6801 to RSVP.
Prayer Breakfast Feb. 19
Little Rock AFB will celebrate the 2008 National Prayer Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19 at Hangar 1080.
The guest speaker this year is AETC Command Chaplain, Col. Howard Stendahl. Tickets cost $5 for E-5 and below, and $7 for all others. Tickets are available through the First Sergeants and the Base Chapel and must be purchased by close of business Feb. 13.
The breakfast buffet menu includes scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausage, biscuits with gravy, fruit, and pastries.
Vegetarian and kosher options are available on request. Dress for military is Uniform of the Day. For more information, please contact the Base Chapel at 987-6014.
Free college credit
Free computerized exams for college credit are available for active duty military members. Exam results are immediate. ASU-Beebe, Embry-Riddle, Southern Illinois and Park Universities accept many of these CLEP and DANTES exams. Frequently, Airmen are able to CLEP their entire CCAF degree for free. For details, call ASU-Beebe at 988-4151, ERAU at 987-5550 or Park University at 987-8894. For an appointment with your CCAF counselor, call 987-3417.
Services openings
Current job openings for Services are: Skills Center, recreation assistant, NF-II, regular hours; Hangar 1080, club operations assistant, NF-II, flexible hours; Marketing, visual information specialist, NF-III, regular hours; IT, information technology assistant, NF-III, flexible hours and Outdoor Recreation, recreation specialist, NF-II, regular hours. Services employees are required by Public Law 104-134 to have salary payments made by electronic funds transfer/direct deposit. For more information, call 987-6440.
Tuskegee Airmen Inc. social scheduled
The Tuskegee Airmen Inc-Judge Decatur Chapter, from Little Rock AFB, will host their second annual social giving honor to the original Tuskegee Airmen from Arkansas Feb. 22. This event will take place at the Robinson Center Exhibition Hall, in downtown Little Rock. Guest speakers will include three original Tuskegee Airmen, whom are native Arkansans. The social will include a silent auction with autographed Tuskegee Airmen artwork, a P-51 aircraft signed by the attending original Tuskegee Airmen and more. The social will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the program will start at 7 p.m. Cost is $35 per person. Contact Master Sgt. Alicia Roberts at 987-1176 or 1st Lt. Saheba DeHenre (662) 832-1774 for additional information.
TOP STORY >> Top 10 ways to dazzle IG: No. 6 Appearance
By Lt. Col. Nate Allerheiligen
314th Airlift Wing director of readiness
Look people in the eye, pop that sharp salute, and exceed those standards for uniform, boots and hair!
—Maj. Gen. Mark Zamzow,
TIG Brief, Sept.-Oct. 2004
Appearance. Appearances do matter. Part of the pride and tradition of the military service is the fact that we strive to be the best dressed and best looking members of society.
Our military uniform and sharp haircuts are a beacon to society that reflects the heart of character of the American Airman.
As supervisors, demanding high standards of dress and appearance is a no-brainer: set your standards high, ensure everyone knows those standards, and then constantly exceed them yourself as an example to the rest of the unit.
Dress and appearance are strong indicators of what is within.
Those who take pride in their dress and appearance are usually those who exhibit pride in their job, which equals outstanding performance.
Anyone who comes to our base or sees us in public will immediately judge us based upon our appearance. Live up the high standard of Little Rock and the Air Force.
As an American Airman, take pride in who you are; show it in your customs, courtesies, and personnel appearance.
314th Airlift Wing director of readiness
Look people in the eye, pop that sharp salute, and exceed those standards for uniform, boots and hair!
—Maj. Gen. Mark Zamzow,
TIG Brief, Sept.-Oct. 2004
Appearance. Appearances do matter. Part of the pride and tradition of the military service is the fact that we strive to be the best dressed and best looking members of society.
Our military uniform and sharp haircuts are a beacon to society that reflects the heart of character of the American Airman.
As supervisors, demanding high standards of dress and appearance is a no-brainer: set your standards high, ensure everyone knows those standards, and then constantly exceed them yourself as an example to the rest of the unit.
Dress and appearance are strong indicators of what is within.
Those who take pride in their dress and appearance are usually those who exhibit pride in their job, which equals outstanding performance.
Anyone who comes to our base or sees us in public will immediately judge us based upon our appearance. Live up the high standard of Little Rock and the Air Force.
As an American Airman, take pride in who you are; show it in your customs, courtesies, and personnel appearance.
TOP STORY >> DeCA: More than groceries
Internet support, gifts, savings and going “green” – not the typical things you would think about when making out your shopping list. But that’s exactly some of the benefits you will get by filling your cupboards with the help of the Commissary.
Run by the Defense Commissary Agency, the commissary provides groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families at a savings of an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings worth about $3,000 annually for a family of four, according to DeCA officials.
But recently DeCA officials have made an upgrade on their Web site that will help customers not only find those and other savings, but also other benefits.
Some of the new features are:
• The single biggest addition is its “Ask the DeCA Dietitian,” a nutrition forum hosted by Army Reserve Maj. Karen Fauber, a registered dietitian. Customers can exchange questions, comments and experiences on nutrition topics with the DeCA dietitian and other users.
• The site also helps customers make healthy financial choices by listing what’s on sale in the Savings Aisle under the “shopping” tab. Customers can print a list of all items on sale at their local commissary, and find Internet coupons on the “Links” page.
• For those shoppers that like bigger savings, the comprehensive case-lot sale page is available every May and September. This Web page is particularly popular with authorized shoppers who live a long distance from a commissary, but are willing to make a special trip, where savings can run as high as 50 percent, compared to commercial prices, announced Commissary officials.
• Customers can purchase or donate commissary gift certificates through “Gift of Groceries;” select from more than 100 gift baskets through “Virtual Commissary;” and sign up for commissary news via e-mail through “Commissary Connection.”
• Last, but certainly not least, you will find “Kay’s Kitchen” online. If you’re stumped about what to prepare for dinner, look for inspiration here, where you’ll find lots of quick, easy and nutritional recipes using both classic and diverse ingredients from apples to zucchini.
In addition to changes to the Internet, patrons can do their part in conserving the Earth’s natural resources by purchasing and using reusable cloth bags.
The bags, which cost 70 cents each, were introduced into commissaries in October and since then customers have purchased nearly 270,000 at stores worldwide.
“Commissaries have long been good stewards of taxpayer funds,” said Rick Page, DeCA’s acting director, “and with reusable shopping bags, we’re applying the same sort of thrifty approach to how we use the earth’s natural resources."
DeCA’s reusable bag is made of sturdy mesh, sewn together from 100-percent polypropylene.
They are strong enough to hold 30 pounds of groceries and approximately three-quarters of the bulk amount of a paper bag. The reusable bags are machine washable and can be recycled when no longer usable. Customers can find these bags on racks near the checkout at the commissary.
So, whether you are trying to save money or save the environment, the Commissary is your ticket to success.
(Courtesy of Defense Commissary Agency)
Run by the Defense Commissary Agency, the commissary provides groceries to military personnel, retirees and their families at a savings of an average of more than 30 percent on their purchases compared to commercial prices – savings worth about $3,000 annually for a family of four, according to DeCA officials.
But recently DeCA officials have made an upgrade on their Web site that will help customers not only find those and other savings, but also other benefits.
Some of the new features are:
• The single biggest addition is its “Ask the DeCA Dietitian,” a nutrition forum hosted by Army Reserve Maj. Karen Fauber, a registered dietitian. Customers can exchange questions, comments and experiences on nutrition topics with the DeCA dietitian and other users.
• The site also helps customers make healthy financial choices by listing what’s on sale in the Savings Aisle under the “shopping” tab. Customers can print a list of all items on sale at their local commissary, and find Internet coupons on the “Links” page.
• For those shoppers that like bigger savings, the comprehensive case-lot sale page is available every May and September. This Web page is particularly popular with authorized shoppers who live a long distance from a commissary, but are willing to make a special trip, where savings can run as high as 50 percent, compared to commercial prices, announced Commissary officials.
• Customers can purchase or donate commissary gift certificates through “Gift of Groceries;” select from more than 100 gift baskets through “Virtual Commissary;” and sign up for commissary news via e-mail through “Commissary Connection.”
• Last, but certainly not least, you will find “Kay’s Kitchen” online. If you’re stumped about what to prepare for dinner, look for inspiration here, where you’ll find lots of quick, easy and nutritional recipes using both classic and diverse ingredients from apples to zucchini.
In addition to changes to the Internet, patrons can do their part in conserving the Earth’s natural resources by purchasing and using reusable cloth bags.
The bags, which cost 70 cents each, were introduced into commissaries in October and since then customers have purchased nearly 270,000 at stores worldwide.
“Commissaries have long been good stewards of taxpayer funds,” said Rick Page, DeCA’s acting director, “and with reusable shopping bags, we’re applying the same sort of thrifty approach to how we use the earth’s natural resources."
DeCA’s reusable bag is made of sturdy mesh, sewn together from 100-percent polypropylene.
They are strong enough to hold 30 pounds of groceries and approximately three-quarters of the bulk amount of a paper bag. The reusable bags are machine washable and can be recycled when no longer usable. Customers can find these bags on racks near the checkout at the commissary.
So, whether you are trying to save money or save the environment, the Commissary is your ticket to success.
(Courtesy of Defense Commissary Agency)
VIEW FROM THE TOP >> Celebrating our 'Rock Stars'
By Chief Master Sgt. Brooke McLean
314th Airlift Wing command chief
Today, through our annual awards ceremony, we celebrate a year of extraordinary achievements and accomplishments at both the individual and unit level.
The theme of tonight’s 2007 Annual Awards Banquet is “I am an American Airman…and I will not fail” and it’s a terrific testimony to our nominees and their units. It’s fitting since we have answered the call to service for our nation and, for the most part, decided not to seek individual recognition. Our nominees represent the best in all of us.
Tonight we honor the best of the best for Base; our “Rock Stars,” if you will. Each nominee has displayed a unique variety of skills and talents to be selected by their units but all have three common characteristics that set them apart…discipline, determination, and dedication.
Our service survives on discipline; it’s the foundation for trust and respect in our chain of command and it’s required of both leaders and followers.
Determination is the unwavering commitment we call on to finish our task, objective, goal, or mission. It’s what keeps us going when it would be easier to quit.
And, each of our nominees displays dedication.
They display dedication to protect our country, our way of life, and our future; to place mission priorities above personal interests and satisfaction; and to be a part of the greatest air force in the world.
We honor individuals tonight but we celebrate our success as a unit, too.
So when you see someone being recognized, remember they didn’t do it alone. We all work together as a team. We make sacrifices together, occasionally grieve together, win together, and always stick together. Congratulations nominees and Team Little Rock…combat airlift!
314th Airlift Wing command chief
Today, through our annual awards ceremony, we celebrate a year of extraordinary achievements and accomplishments at both the individual and unit level.
The theme of tonight’s 2007 Annual Awards Banquet is “I am an American Airman…and I will not fail” and it’s a terrific testimony to our nominees and their units. It’s fitting since we have answered the call to service for our nation and, for the most part, decided not to seek individual recognition. Our nominees represent the best in all of us.
Tonight we honor the best of the best for Base; our “Rock Stars,” if you will. Each nominee has displayed a unique variety of skills and talents to be selected by their units but all have three common characteristics that set them apart…discipline, determination, and dedication.
Our service survives on discipline; it’s the foundation for trust and respect in our chain of command and it’s required of both leaders and followers.
Determination is the unwavering commitment we call on to finish our task, objective, goal, or mission. It’s what keeps us going when it would be easier to quit.
And, each of our nominees displays dedication.
They display dedication to protect our country, our way of life, and our future; to place mission priorities above personal interests and satisfaction; and to be a part of the greatest air force in the world.
We honor individuals tonight but we celebrate our success as a unit, too.
So when you see someone being recognized, remember they didn’t do it alone. We all work together as a team. We make sacrifices together, occasionally grieve together, win together, and always stick together. Congratulations nominees and Team Little Rock…combat airlift!
VIEW FROM THE TOP >> Team Little Rock at top of our game
By Brig. Gen. Wayne Schatz
314th Airlift Wing commander
Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, recently released the Air Force’s weapon system roadmap. This roadmap is a long-term plan for providing Air Force capabilities well into the 21st century. Gen. Moseley’s roadmap, in short, outlines where future advanced weapon systems could potentially be based in the continental U.S., Hawaii, Alaska and U.S. territories. The plan basically calls for Air Force officials to evaluate installations which currently house legacy weapon systems forecasted for replacement by future systems.
Although Little Rock AFB was not on the Chief’s list for new weapon systems/aircraft, our future here in the great state of Arkansas, I assure you, is exceptionally secure for the long haul. Team Little Rock has a bright and stable future with a growing C-130 mission, both in training and in real-world operations, coupled with the fantastic support of our local communities.
With the plan to integrate C-130 domestic training here, we have truly become a total force, teaming up with active-duty, Guard and Reserve components. We are no longer just the C-130 Center of Excellence – we are now the “C-130 center of the universe.” Combat airlifters are using their skills and our airframes every day to fight and win the Global War on Terror and provide humanitarian relief efforts anytime, anyplace, and yes, anywhere. This is all rooted right here, from aircrew and maintenance initial training to upgrade training and maintenance efforts, along with all the supporting elements making the mission happen every day. Little Rock Air Force Base has a proud track record of service and support. As the chief of staff guides our service toward the future, we can expect that track record to only grow stronger.
We have a lot to be proud of across our base. I see evidence of individual and unit accomplishments on a daily basis. Just recently announced, Team Little Rock received the 2007 Air Force Outstanding Unit Award from July 1, 2006, to June 30, 2007. Great work, Team Little Rock! Additionally, tonight, we will honor the “best-of-the-best” as we announce the Little Rock Air Force Base 2007 Annual Award Winners. Let’s ensure we all give a warm welcome to Maj. Gen. Irving L. Halter, Jr., 19th Air Force commander, and his wife, Judy Halter, all the way from Randolph AFB, Texas. We take time tonight to acknowledge the incredible hard work and accomplishments of combat airlifters from all corners of the base.
This event will recognize the enlisted and officer corps and our civilian counterparts from 314th Airlift Wing and the 463rd Airlift Group – again showcasing how two commands and three diverse groups of individuals can work together to achieve a common goal.
Congratulations, too, to the 314th Logistics Readiness Squadron, who were selected for the 2007 AETC Roy Bateman Award, recognizing readiness units who provide outstanding logistics support for the command. They will represent Team Little Rock at the Air Force level.
This means we have cause for celebration! Let me personally invite you to celebrate this Saturday night as the Air Force’s Tops in Blue entertains Team Little Rock at the sports and fitness center.
We will welcome home one of our very own – Master Sgt. Clayton Johnson, a communications computer systems operations craftsman with 314th Communications Squadron.
He is the troupe’s first sergeant and a trombonist. And a hearty congratulations goes out to Airman 1st Class Quentin Thomas, 463rd AMXS, who was hand-picked as one of only 25 selected for Tops in Blue 2008 tour. The Tops in Blue concert this Saturday is a great opportunity for Team Little Rock to truly come together as a base and as a community.
Bring your family and friends and enjoy the music and fun. Take a well-deserved break from the hard work you do for your country every day. Kim and I look forward to seeing you there!
Combat airlift!
314th Airlift Wing commander
Gen. T. Michael Moseley, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, recently released the Air Force’s weapon system roadmap. This roadmap is a long-term plan for providing Air Force capabilities well into the 21st century. Gen. Moseley’s roadmap, in short, outlines where future advanced weapon systems could potentially be based in the continental U.S., Hawaii, Alaska and U.S. territories. The plan basically calls for Air Force officials to evaluate installations which currently house legacy weapon systems forecasted for replacement by future systems.
Although Little Rock AFB was not on the Chief’s list for new weapon systems/aircraft, our future here in the great state of Arkansas, I assure you, is exceptionally secure for the long haul. Team Little Rock has a bright and stable future with a growing C-130 mission, both in training and in real-world operations, coupled with the fantastic support of our local communities.
With the plan to integrate C-130 domestic training here, we have truly become a total force, teaming up with active-duty, Guard and Reserve components. We are no longer just the C-130 Center of Excellence – we are now the “C-130 center of the universe.” Combat airlifters are using their skills and our airframes every day to fight and win the Global War on Terror and provide humanitarian relief efforts anytime, anyplace, and yes, anywhere. This is all rooted right here, from aircrew and maintenance initial training to upgrade training and maintenance efforts, along with all the supporting elements making the mission happen every day. Little Rock Air Force Base has a proud track record of service and support. As the chief of staff guides our service toward the future, we can expect that track record to only grow stronger.
We have a lot to be proud of across our base. I see evidence of individual and unit accomplishments on a daily basis. Just recently announced, Team Little Rock received the 2007 Air Force Outstanding Unit Award from July 1, 2006, to June 30, 2007. Great work, Team Little Rock! Additionally, tonight, we will honor the “best-of-the-best” as we announce the Little Rock Air Force Base 2007 Annual Award Winners. Let’s ensure we all give a warm welcome to Maj. Gen. Irving L. Halter, Jr., 19th Air Force commander, and his wife, Judy Halter, all the way from Randolph AFB, Texas. We take time tonight to acknowledge the incredible hard work and accomplishments of combat airlifters from all corners of the base.
This event will recognize the enlisted and officer corps and our civilian counterparts from 314th Airlift Wing and the 463rd Airlift Group – again showcasing how two commands and three diverse groups of individuals can work together to achieve a common goal.
Congratulations, too, to the 314th Logistics Readiness Squadron, who were selected for the 2007 AETC Roy Bateman Award, recognizing readiness units who provide outstanding logistics support for the command. They will represent Team Little Rock at the Air Force level.
This means we have cause for celebration! Let me personally invite you to celebrate this Saturday night as the Air Force’s Tops in Blue entertains Team Little Rock at the sports and fitness center.
We will welcome home one of our very own – Master Sgt. Clayton Johnson, a communications computer systems operations craftsman with 314th Communications Squadron.
He is the troupe’s first sergeant and a trombonist. And a hearty congratulations goes out to Airman 1st Class Quentin Thomas, 463rd AMXS, who was hand-picked as one of only 25 selected for Tops in Blue 2008 tour. The Tops in Blue concert this Saturday is a great opportunity for Team Little Rock to truly come together as a base and as a community.
Bring your family and friends and enjoy the music and fun. Take a well-deserved break from the hard work you do for your country every day. Kim and I look forward to seeing you there!
Combat airlift!
Friday, January 25, 2008
EVENTS >> 01-18-08
TRICARE Town Hall meeting Tuesday
A TRICARE Behavioral Health Town Hall meeting at 3 and 5 p.m. Jan. 22 at Hangar 1080. The meeting will discuss TRICARE behavioral health services available for active duty family members in the Little Rock AFB community.
Representatives will be on site to host the meeting, answer questions and hear feedback.
The town hall meeting is jointly sponsored by Humana Military Healthcare Services, ValueOptions, and the 314th Medical Group.
Dinner for family members of deployed
On Feb. 12 there will be a free dinner for families of Little Rock AFB service members who are presently deployed, on remote tours of duty, or on an extended TDY. The event starts at 6 p.m. at the Thomas Community Activity Center and will also include family activities and door prizes. Please contact the Chapel at 987-6014, the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 987-6801 or your First Sergeant to sign up. Deadline to sign up is Feb. 7.
AMU representative on base Tuesday
A representative from American Military University will be at the Education Center, 840 Leadership Drive, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, to meet with interested students. On-line classes are also available from on-base universities located in the same building. For more information, call 987-3417.
Cancer support sew-in scheduled for Jan. 25
Area volunteers are planning another community “sew-in” to be held at the Little Rock Air Force Base chapel from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 25. The workshop is open to all interested in sewing, cutting, pinning, ironing and packaging colorful kerchief-like head coverings. Known as “care caps,” they are for free distribution to balding chemotherapy patients in the ARKLATX.
Recently, Care Caps went online at www.ccvols.org. Featured in many of the site’s photos are members of the base’s project volunteers and text explaining the charitable activity.
Mary Philips, director of Care Cap Connections, will lead participants in her step-by-step “assembly line” method of group operation.
Through December, 615 volunteers produced 6,068 caps.
Major cancer centers joining in the effort are Mayo Clinic, M.D. Anderson, St. Vincent, Arkansas Children’s, St. Jude, Baptist Health, Christus Health and UAMS. Care Cap Connections™ is a division of Volunteer America – 1776, a public charity, 501(c)(3), under the Internal Revenue code. Its operations in Arkansas and the surrounding states are supported through individual donations and corporate grants. All sewing materials are donated to the work and Janome sewing machines are available for use during the sew-in. There is no cost to join and no solicitation. For more information, contact Ora Brown at 982-7667, or Mary Philips at 884-3046.
Mentoring group to meet
The LRAFB Women’s Mentoring Group will be holding its first meeting at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22 in the Conference Center.
Phase II of FY08 announced
Air Force officials have announced Phase II of the FY08 NCO retraining program targeting approximately 502 airmen (staff sergeant, tech sergeant, and master sergeant) for retraining from AFSCS with overages to AFSCS with NCO shortages. The involuntary phase (Phase II) of the program runs Dec. 10, 2007 through March 31. Contact your local MPE's separation office (room 100) for complete details and a list of available retraining-in and retraining-out AFSCS.
Contract position open
The chapel is seeking to hire a piano/keyboard accompanist to play during the 6 p.m. Protestant Contemporary Service.
A resume and a sealed bid will need to be turned in to the chapel no later than 4:40 p.m. Jan. 25.
All interviews and a skills demonstration will be conducted NLT Monday, Jan. 27. Selection criteria will be based upon the “best value” of the government. Please contact Ch. (Capt.) Jeffery Scott or Staff Sgt. Terry Mueth at 987-6014 with additional questions. A copy of the Statement of Work can be picked up at the base chapel.
Services jobs available
Current job openings for Services are: loding, custodial worker, NA-02, flexible hours, lodging clerk, NF-I, regular hours; Skills Center, wood worker, NA-08, flexible hours; Hangar 1080, club operations assistant, NF-II, flexible hours, waiter, NA-01, flexible hours; marketing, publicity assistant, NF-II, regular hours. All federal NAF employees are required by Public Law 104-134 to have salary payments made by electronic funds transfer/direct deposit. For more information call 987-6440.
A TRICARE Behavioral Health Town Hall meeting at 3 and 5 p.m. Jan. 22 at Hangar 1080. The meeting will discuss TRICARE behavioral health services available for active duty family members in the Little Rock AFB community.
Representatives will be on site to host the meeting, answer questions and hear feedback.
The town hall meeting is jointly sponsored by Humana Military Healthcare Services, ValueOptions, and the 314th Medical Group.
Dinner for family members of deployed
On Feb. 12 there will be a free dinner for families of Little Rock AFB service members who are presently deployed, on remote tours of duty, or on an extended TDY. The event starts at 6 p.m. at the Thomas Community Activity Center and will also include family activities and door prizes. Please contact the Chapel at 987-6014, the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 987-6801 or your First Sergeant to sign up. Deadline to sign up is Feb. 7.
AMU representative on base Tuesday
A representative from American Military University will be at the Education Center, 840 Leadership Drive, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, to meet with interested students. On-line classes are also available from on-base universities located in the same building. For more information, call 987-3417.
Cancer support sew-in scheduled for Jan. 25
Area volunteers are planning another community “sew-in” to be held at the Little Rock Air Force Base chapel from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 25. The workshop is open to all interested in sewing, cutting, pinning, ironing and packaging colorful kerchief-like head coverings. Known as “care caps,” they are for free distribution to balding chemotherapy patients in the ARKLATX.
Recently, Care Caps went online at www.ccvols.org. Featured in many of the site’s photos are members of the base’s project volunteers and text explaining the charitable activity.
Mary Philips, director of Care Cap Connections, will lead participants in her step-by-step “assembly line” method of group operation.
Through December, 615 volunteers produced 6,068 caps.
Major cancer centers joining in the effort are Mayo Clinic, M.D. Anderson, St. Vincent, Arkansas Children’s, St. Jude, Baptist Health, Christus Health and UAMS. Care Cap Connections™ is a division of Volunteer America – 1776, a public charity, 501(c)(3), under the Internal Revenue code. Its operations in Arkansas and the surrounding states are supported through individual donations and corporate grants. All sewing materials are donated to the work and Janome sewing machines are available for use during the sew-in. There is no cost to join and no solicitation. For more information, contact Ora Brown at 982-7667, or Mary Philips at 884-3046.
Mentoring group to meet
The LRAFB Women’s Mentoring Group will be holding its first meeting at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22 in the Conference Center.
Phase II of FY08 announced
Air Force officials have announced Phase II of the FY08 NCO retraining program targeting approximately 502 airmen (staff sergeant, tech sergeant, and master sergeant) for retraining from AFSCS with overages to AFSCS with NCO shortages. The involuntary phase (Phase II) of the program runs Dec. 10, 2007 through March 31. Contact your local MPE's separation office (room 100) for complete details and a list of available retraining-in and retraining-out AFSCS.
Contract position open
The chapel is seeking to hire a piano/keyboard accompanist to play during the 6 p.m. Protestant Contemporary Service.
A resume and a sealed bid will need to be turned in to the chapel no later than 4:40 p.m. Jan. 25.
All interviews and a skills demonstration will be conducted NLT Monday, Jan. 27. Selection criteria will be based upon the “best value” of the government. Please contact Ch. (Capt.) Jeffery Scott or Staff Sgt. Terry Mueth at 987-6014 with additional questions. A copy of the Statement of Work can be picked up at the base chapel.
Services jobs available
Current job openings for Services are: loding, custodial worker, NA-02, flexible hours, lodging clerk, NF-I, regular hours; Skills Center, wood worker, NA-08, flexible hours; Hangar 1080, club operations assistant, NF-II, flexible hours, waiter, NA-01, flexible hours; marketing, publicity assistant, NF-II, regular hours. All federal NAF employees are required by Public Law 104-134 to have salary payments made by electronic funds transfer/direct deposit. For more information call 987-6440.
VIEW FROM THE TOP >> Team Little Rock: Air Force is a ‘Diverse City’
By Chief Master Sgt. Brooke McLean
314th Airlift Wing, command chief
Maria and I recently attended a TobyMac concert and his band was called Diverse City. Perfectly named, the band represented a diverse collection of gifted male and female musicians of different ages from a variety of different racial, social and economic backgrounds that blended perfectly to produce a heart-pounding uplifting experience.
Each member of the band was unique and different. Each member contributed equally and significantly. Each member became part of something larger and greater than the sum of the members added together.
Our Air Force is like the “Diverse City” band. We serve together as unique and different members on our team; each of us contribute individually and significantly to defend our nation.
And we do it with an extraordinary balance of people who respect one another regardless of race, color, creed, origin, sex or religious beliefs.
Could we perform our mission with a less diverse group? Probably, but just imagine how boring it would be if everyone looked and acted like you.
Today, our diverse force mirrors our diverse nation and embraces the strength and power of diversity.
As you celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. day Monday take the time to remember the ideals he stood for and celebrate the diverse nation that his ideals enabled.
314th Airlift Wing, command chief
Maria and I recently attended a TobyMac concert and his band was called Diverse City. Perfectly named, the band represented a diverse collection of gifted male and female musicians of different ages from a variety of different racial, social and economic backgrounds that blended perfectly to produce a heart-pounding uplifting experience.
Each member of the band was unique and different. Each member contributed equally and significantly. Each member became part of something larger and greater than the sum of the members added together.
Our Air Force is like the “Diverse City” band. We serve together as unique and different members on our team; each of us contribute individually and significantly to defend our nation.
And we do it with an extraordinary balance of people who respect one another regardless of race, color, creed, origin, sex or religious beliefs.
Could we perform our mission with a less diverse group? Probably, but just imagine how boring it would be if everyone looked and acted like you.
Today, our diverse force mirrors our diverse nation and embraces the strength and power of diversity.
As you celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. day Monday take the time to remember the ideals he stood for and celebrate the diverse nation that his ideals enabled.
TOP STORY >> One team, one fight
By Lt. Col. John W. Powers III
314th Medical Support Squadron commander
“One Team, One Fight” is an often-used term, used to either describe cooperation between armed services or the integration of Guard, Reserve and active forces into our nation’s defense. “One Team, One Fight” takes on a totally new meaning at the 314th Medical Group.
It integrates a force of less than 200 active-duty members, another 50 government civilian employees, 75 contract employees, teamed with a volunteer contingent 40-plus strong into a high-performing, cohesive team of health care professionals.
You can tell by my words how proud I am to be a part of this team. When I walk down the halls at the clinic and I encounter my teammates, I don’t see a military member, a civilian employee, contractor or a volunteer – I see a valued member of our health care team.
While civilians have been an integral part of our military team throughout our Air Force's 60-year history, the reliance on contractors and volunteers to meet our mission continues to grow.
In fact, I contend we could not accomplish our mission without them.
The most obvious evidence is when you drive through the base gate and you are greeted by contract gate guards. Who would have imagined that 10 years ago?
From the time you make your appointment, to the time you pick up your prescription at the pharmacy, more than likely you will have been served by a military, civilian, contractor and volunteer through the process. I will also bet you never gave it a thought – it’s transparent. For that, we’re fortunate.
Our Air Force today is half the size it was when I joined in 1986, but our operations tempo has not diminished.
Without our civilian, contract and volunteer teammates we could not accomplish what we take for granted each and every day.
My squadron was approximately two-thirds military and one-third civilian, contractors and volunteers when I arrived in January 2005. During that same time period, our medical deployments have grown two and one-half times.
When I relinquish command, that mix will have flip-flopped to one-third military and two-thirds civilian, contractors and volunteers. More than likely, you never noticed the transformation.
Think about that when you drive through the gate, when you make your medical appointment, when you see your doctor, when you get your lab tests accomplished and when your head hits the pillow each night. Though the rules, recognition programs, pay and benefits vary among our team, the dedication, patriotism and commitment to service does not.
“One team, one fight!”
314th Medical Support Squadron commander
“One Team, One Fight” is an often-used term, used to either describe cooperation between armed services or the integration of Guard, Reserve and active forces into our nation’s defense. “One Team, One Fight” takes on a totally new meaning at the 314th Medical Group.
It integrates a force of less than 200 active-duty members, another 50 government civilian employees, 75 contract employees, teamed with a volunteer contingent 40-plus strong into a high-performing, cohesive team of health care professionals.
You can tell by my words how proud I am to be a part of this team. When I walk down the halls at the clinic and I encounter my teammates, I don’t see a military member, a civilian employee, contractor or a volunteer – I see a valued member of our health care team.
While civilians have been an integral part of our military team throughout our Air Force's 60-year history, the reliance on contractors and volunteers to meet our mission continues to grow.
In fact, I contend we could not accomplish our mission without them.
The most obvious evidence is when you drive through the base gate and you are greeted by contract gate guards. Who would have imagined that 10 years ago?
From the time you make your appointment, to the time you pick up your prescription at the pharmacy, more than likely you will have been served by a military, civilian, contractor and volunteer through the process. I will also bet you never gave it a thought – it’s transparent. For that, we’re fortunate.
Our Air Force today is half the size it was when I joined in 1986, but our operations tempo has not diminished.
Without our civilian, contract and volunteer teammates we could not accomplish what we take for granted each and every day.
My squadron was approximately two-thirds military and one-third civilian, contractors and volunteers when I arrived in January 2005. During that same time period, our medical deployments have grown two and one-half times.
When I relinquish command, that mix will have flip-flopped to one-third military and two-thirds civilian, contractors and volunteers. More than likely, you never noticed the transformation.
Think about that when you drive through the gate, when you make your medical appointment, when you see your doctor, when you get your lab tests accomplished and when your head hits the pillow each night. Though the rules, recognition programs, pay and benefits vary among our team, the dedication, patriotism and commitment to service does not.
“One team, one fight!”
TOP STORY >> AF announces captain selections
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas – Ninety-five Little Rock Air Force Base members have been selected to become O-3s. The Air Force selected 3,569 first lieutenants for promotion from 3,594 officers considered during the calendar year 2007C captain selection process.
The results of the board are as follows:
314th Airlift Wing: James Hodges and Evan Epstein
314th Comptroller Squadron: Suzanne Overstreet
314th Mission Support Group: Steven Fletcher
314th Communications Squadron: Aaron Tripi
314th Contracting Squadron: Johnemma Alfred-Ockiya
314th Logistics Readiness Squadron: Sean Kreps and Greg Willey
314th Mission Support Squadron: Harvey Catchings Jr., Deltrise Hall and John Riley
314th Maintenance Group: Charles Schulz
314th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron: Jeffrey Burch and Jason Purcell
314th Maintenance Squadron: Jason Carney and Mitchell Foy
314th Maintenance Operations Squadron: Joel Cartier
314th Operations Support Squadron: Daniel Blackledge
53rd Airlift Squadron: Andrew Keil
373rd Training Squadron: Francis Schillinger
30th Airlift Squadron: Jason Banquer, Todd Beales, Marci Hoffman, Sarah Towler and Ryan Walker
41st Airlift Squadron: Jarrod Jones, Steven Massie II, Rikki Smith, Daniel Walton and Charles Whitehead
50th Airlift Squadron: Justin Ballard, Christopher Beatty, Brent Beck, Matthew Boyd, Bradley Buinicky, Christopher Cersovski,
Christopher Clinton, Kevin Coughlin, Fray Doyle, Kathrine Dreyer, Kevin Eley, Charles Erickson, Jonathan Feucht, Devon Fitts, Scott Grigg, Kenneth Guinto, Laura Haverty, Stefan Ivanescu, Terry Jackson, Michael Leclair, Philip Lorenzini, Steven Martina, Matthew Mills, Terry Nail, William Pahn, Young Park, Shane Regoli, Ryan Sanders, Jared Sorensen, Andrew Talbert, Ryan Teel, Jaefen Thielker, Marci Walton, Daniel Wassmuth, Christopher Whitaker and Lawrence Wilson
61st Airlift Squadron: Andrew Baker, Justin Ballinger, Steven Burton, Gary Ford, Sarah Fortin, William Herbert, Brian Huston, Clifton Johnson, Donavan Laskey, Heather Lendrum, Timothy Lendrum, Leonard Livingston, Matthew Macfarlane, Gordon Marty, Shelley Munson, Caleb Ritland, Brandon Roth, Gary Ruehs, Shane Saum, Seth Schwesinger, David Sleeper, Sierra Smith, Jason Spaulding, Matthew Vogel and Joseph Yasunaga
463rd Operations Support Squadron: Erica Herris
463rd Maintenance Operations Squadron: Jeffrey Westerman
29th Weapons Squadron: Samuel Spiwak
Air Force selection statistics in-the-promotion zone:
Line - 3,447 selected from 3,457 for a 99.7-percent select rate; Chaplain - Two selected from two considered for a 100-percent select rate; LAF-Judge Advocate - 15 selected from 15 considered for a 100-percent select rate; Nurse Corps - 67 selected from 68 considered for a 98.5-percent select rate; Medical Service Corps - Seven selected from seven considered for a 100-percent select rate; and
Biomedical Sciences Corps - 26 selected from 27 considered for a 96.3-percent select rate.
Air Force selection statistics above-the-promotion zone: Line - Five selected from 16 considered for a 31.3-percent select rate.
The entire list of promotion selects is posted on the Air Force Personnel Center’s public Web site.
The results of the board are as follows:
314th Airlift Wing: James Hodges and Evan Epstein
314th Comptroller Squadron: Suzanne Overstreet
314th Mission Support Group: Steven Fletcher
314th Communications Squadron: Aaron Tripi
314th Contracting Squadron: Johnemma Alfred-Ockiya
314th Logistics Readiness Squadron: Sean Kreps and Greg Willey
314th Mission Support Squadron: Harvey Catchings Jr., Deltrise Hall and John Riley
314th Maintenance Group: Charles Schulz
314th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron: Jeffrey Burch and Jason Purcell
314th Maintenance Squadron: Jason Carney and Mitchell Foy
314th Maintenance Operations Squadron: Joel Cartier
314th Operations Support Squadron: Daniel Blackledge
53rd Airlift Squadron: Andrew Keil
373rd Training Squadron: Francis Schillinger
30th Airlift Squadron: Jason Banquer, Todd Beales, Marci Hoffman, Sarah Towler and Ryan Walker
41st Airlift Squadron: Jarrod Jones, Steven Massie II, Rikki Smith, Daniel Walton and Charles Whitehead
50th Airlift Squadron: Justin Ballard, Christopher Beatty, Brent Beck, Matthew Boyd, Bradley Buinicky, Christopher Cersovski,
Christopher Clinton, Kevin Coughlin, Fray Doyle, Kathrine Dreyer, Kevin Eley, Charles Erickson, Jonathan Feucht, Devon Fitts, Scott Grigg, Kenneth Guinto, Laura Haverty, Stefan Ivanescu, Terry Jackson, Michael Leclair, Philip Lorenzini, Steven Martina, Matthew Mills, Terry Nail, William Pahn, Young Park, Shane Regoli, Ryan Sanders, Jared Sorensen, Andrew Talbert, Ryan Teel, Jaefen Thielker, Marci Walton, Daniel Wassmuth, Christopher Whitaker and Lawrence Wilson
61st Airlift Squadron: Andrew Baker, Justin Ballinger, Steven Burton, Gary Ford, Sarah Fortin, William Herbert, Brian Huston, Clifton Johnson, Donavan Laskey, Heather Lendrum, Timothy Lendrum, Leonard Livingston, Matthew Macfarlane, Gordon Marty, Shelley Munson, Caleb Ritland, Brandon Roth, Gary Ruehs, Shane Saum, Seth Schwesinger, David Sleeper, Sierra Smith, Jason Spaulding, Matthew Vogel and Joseph Yasunaga
463rd Operations Support Squadron: Erica Herris
463rd Maintenance Operations Squadron: Jeffrey Westerman
29th Weapons Squadron: Samuel Spiwak
Air Force selection statistics in-the-promotion zone:
Line - 3,447 selected from 3,457 for a 99.7-percent select rate; Chaplain - Two selected from two considered for a 100-percent select rate; LAF-Judge Advocate - 15 selected from 15 considered for a 100-percent select rate; Nurse Corps - 67 selected from 68 considered for a 98.5-percent select rate; Medical Service Corps - Seven selected from seven considered for a 100-percent select rate; and
Biomedical Sciences Corps - 26 selected from 27 considered for a 96.3-percent select rate.
Air Force selection statistics above-the-promotion zone: Line - Five selected from 16 considered for a 31.3-percent select rate.
The entire list of promotion selects is posted on the Air Force Personnel Center’s public Web site.
TOP STORY >> Top 10 ways to dazzle the IG: No. 4 Readiness
By Lt. Col. Nate Allerheiligen
314 Airlift Wing Readiness director
“Ensure your personal bags are packed, mobility requirements are current, the paperwork and processes in your work section are in perfect order, and you have trained effectively so you can infallibly perform your duties in peace and war!”
– Maj. Gen. Mark Zamzow,
Air Education and Training Command, Air Space and Information Operations director
Readiness. Preparation for what lies ahead is a critical component of performing well in any endeavor. There are many aspects to getting ready and all of them are important to ensure you are poised to execute your mission efficiently and effectively. Certainly, we are all aware of the need to have your bags packed and mobility requirements up to date, but there is more.
Don’t overlook the subtle aspects of readiness. A previous article has already explored the need to have your family affairs ready.
But what about your office affairs? The rotational nature of the air expeditionary force has created a culture of constant change. The best way to prepare for that change is to take the time and effort to develop strong, lasting and thorough programs.
Analyze your processes, training habits and continuity books to verify they are “ready” for your departure. A good continuity book will allow a new person to execute the basics of your job with minimal training or overlap.
Develop good processes, record those processes and follow those processes! If that becomes your normal pattern, then excelling above the standard will be second nature, and you will be ready for whatever comes!
314 Airlift Wing Readiness director
“Ensure your personal bags are packed, mobility requirements are current, the paperwork and processes in your work section are in perfect order, and you have trained effectively so you can infallibly perform your duties in peace and war!”
– Maj. Gen. Mark Zamzow,
Air Education and Training Command, Air Space and Information Operations director
Readiness. Preparation for what lies ahead is a critical component of performing well in any endeavor. There are many aspects to getting ready and all of them are important to ensure you are poised to execute your mission efficiently and effectively. Certainly, we are all aware of the need to have your bags packed and mobility requirements up to date, but there is more.
Don’t overlook the subtle aspects of readiness. A previous article has already explored the need to have your family affairs ready.
But what about your office affairs? The rotational nature of the air expeditionary force has created a culture of constant change. The best way to prepare for that change is to take the time and effort to develop strong, lasting and thorough programs.
Analyze your processes, training habits and continuity books to verify they are “ready” for your departure. A good continuity book will allow a new person to execute the basics of your job with minimal training or overlap.
Develop good processes, record those processes and follow those processes! If that becomes your normal pattern, then excelling above the standard will be second nature, and you will be ready for whatever comes!
VIEW FROM THE TOP >> My goal for you
By Brig. Gen. Wayne Schatz
314th Airlift Wing commander
Congratulations on another phenomenal ROCKEX! Last week, we asked that you work hard to ensure that we were headed in the right direction for April’s Operational Readiness Inspection and Team Little Rock delivered!
It’s been a busy week of events, but at every turn, Airmen from across the Rock stepped up and met the challenges set forth. Each night, as I drive home, I am reminded again of how great our Combat Airlifters are and of how proud I am to serve along side them.
Our success in this ROCKEX by no means indicates that we’re 100 percent ready to go, but it is a good start.
Work areas identified area that need work base-wide; within the next week you can all expect feedback from your chain of command about what you’re doing and what you can do better.
If you aren’t getting the feedback you need, seek it. Ask your supervisors for feedback – early and often. I truly believe that the only way to get better is to seek advice. As supervisors, we all need to ensure we are passing information down the chain and that our troops are educated, equipped and prepared for whatever comes next.
We’ll be switching gears a little as we head into a four-day weekend. This time off is your reward for a successful 60-day run without any incidents involving driving under the influence. But as you head out the gate tonight, take a look at the signs.
The DUI trend has started to swing up – we had three Airmen arrested for alcohol-related instances while behind the wheel of a car in the past four weeks. Enjoy your time off, but please remember: drinking and driving is wrong. It will not be tolerated. We can not let our guard down. Sixty days is a short-term goal we set. But we need to work together to get past the 60-day mark and keep going.
Our goal for this four-day weekend is to ensure we get some rest, return to duty safely on Tuesday and stay DUI free.
We have a zero DUI goal for the holiday weekend. I’m confident we can achieve it! You have shown me time and again that you can step up to and exceed any challenge we set, and I’m proud to know that this weekend will be no different! Combat Airlift!
314th Airlift Wing commander
Congratulations on another phenomenal ROCKEX! Last week, we asked that you work hard to ensure that we were headed in the right direction for April’s Operational Readiness Inspection and Team Little Rock delivered!
It’s been a busy week of events, but at every turn, Airmen from across the Rock stepped up and met the challenges set forth. Each night, as I drive home, I am reminded again of how great our Combat Airlifters are and of how proud I am to serve along side them.
Our success in this ROCKEX by no means indicates that we’re 100 percent ready to go, but it is a good start.
Work areas identified area that need work base-wide; within the next week you can all expect feedback from your chain of command about what you’re doing and what you can do better.
If you aren’t getting the feedback you need, seek it. Ask your supervisors for feedback – early and often. I truly believe that the only way to get better is to seek advice. As supervisors, we all need to ensure we are passing information down the chain and that our troops are educated, equipped and prepared for whatever comes next.
We’ll be switching gears a little as we head into a four-day weekend. This time off is your reward for a successful 60-day run without any incidents involving driving under the influence. But as you head out the gate tonight, take a look at the signs.
The DUI trend has started to swing up – we had three Airmen arrested for alcohol-related instances while behind the wheel of a car in the past four weeks. Enjoy your time off, but please remember: drinking and driving is wrong. It will not be tolerated. We can not let our guard down. Sixty days is a short-term goal we set. But we need to work together to get past the 60-day mark and keep going.
Our goal for this four-day weekend is to ensure we get some rest, return to duty safely on Tuesday and stay DUI free.
We have a zero DUI goal for the holiday weekend. I’m confident we can achieve it! You have shown me time and again that you can step up to and exceed any challenge we set, and I’m proud to know that this weekend will be no different! Combat Airlift!
TOP STORY >> AETC says farewell to unit with rich heritage
By Senior Airman Chris Willis
314th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
After 65 years of airlift support and history, the 53rd Airlift Squadron Blackjacks have closed their doors as an Air Education and Training Command unit.
At a ceremony here Jan. 11, Lt. Col. Thomas Glister, 53rd AS commander, stood with the men and women of the squadron as their unit flag was retired and cased.
And as he saluted, Colonel Gilster spoke the final words of a 53rd member.
“Sir, I relinquish command.”
The squadron, which was activated under the 314th Airlift Wing Oct. 1, 1993, was inactivated as a part of 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission and 2006 Site Activation Task Force recommendations.
“It is difficult to walk into a building that used to be alive with more than 150 combat airlifters training the next generation but is now eerily silent,” said Col. Rudolph Byrne, 314th Operations Group commander and presiding officer.
“On a positive note, in just four short months, the 53rd will once again come alive this time as an (Air Mobility Command) squadron and continue the proud legacy in the tactical airlift community.”
Officials from AETC accomplished a manpower analysis resulting in 70 to 75 percent of the 53rd moving to the 62nd Airlift Squadron. The rest of the members transferred to new bases or units, separated or retired.
The inactivation of the 53rd AS has made an impact on many members of its squadron, according to unit officials.
“What I’ll miss the most about the 53rd AS is the great people and the great commander,” said Airman First Class Dennis Early, 53rd AS information support manager. “I wish I could have spent more time with them.”
For others, the change is just another opportunity to excel.
Master Sgt. Gary Moon, the 53rd AS interim first sergeant, is one of those members.
“I am looking forward to working with the 62nd since most of us have known each other from prior C-130 (units) and work well together,” he said. This merging of units will also benefit Little Rock Air Force Base.
“The consolidation of two squadrons into one … helps since we don’t have to have so many instructors fill in … squadron duties,” said Colonel Gilster. “That allows more instructors to stay in the operational field teaching our younger Airmen.”
Since 1942 the 53rd has been located at 19 different bases and has been lead by 63 commanders.
The Blackjacks have been awarded 16 campaign streamers from the European theaters, returning the first prisoners of war from Vietnam during Operation Homecoming, performing numerous humanitarian missions within the continent of Africa and participating in every major conflict around the world.
Over the past 14 years, the 53rd has lead the way at the C-130 Center of Excellence training and graduating 4,925 aircrew across four crew positions spanning all U.S. Armed Forces, as well as allied nations around the world.
In recent years, crew members have supported the Global War on Terrorism and Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
The 53rd has earned several wing, numbered Air Force and major command honors. The unit's honors include being named the top operations squadron in AETC, the 19th Air Force top operations squadron and the 314th AW top operations squadron. Unit members have helped the unit become a three-time winner of the AETC valiant award and receive multiple excellent and outstanding ratings during several operational readiness inspections. But even with all this history only one thing remains: The people.
“I was recently asked if I was ready for this inactivation,” said Colonel Gilster. “After a few months, I responded ‘Why, yes I am.’ The last 12 months would have been considered the most challenging in the Blackjacks' history if it were not for a group of the most dedicated leaders and true friends I have had the honor to work with.”
314th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
After 65 years of airlift support and history, the 53rd Airlift Squadron Blackjacks have closed their doors as an Air Education and Training Command unit.
At a ceremony here Jan. 11, Lt. Col. Thomas Glister, 53rd AS commander, stood with the men and women of the squadron as their unit flag was retired and cased.
And as he saluted, Colonel Gilster spoke the final words of a 53rd member.
“Sir, I relinquish command.”
The squadron, which was activated under the 314th Airlift Wing Oct. 1, 1993, was inactivated as a part of 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission and 2006 Site Activation Task Force recommendations.
“It is difficult to walk into a building that used to be alive with more than 150 combat airlifters training the next generation but is now eerily silent,” said Col. Rudolph Byrne, 314th Operations Group commander and presiding officer.
“On a positive note, in just four short months, the 53rd will once again come alive this time as an (Air Mobility Command) squadron and continue the proud legacy in the tactical airlift community.”
Officials from AETC accomplished a manpower analysis resulting in 70 to 75 percent of the 53rd moving to the 62nd Airlift Squadron. The rest of the members transferred to new bases or units, separated or retired.
The inactivation of the 53rd AS has made an impact on many members of its squadron, according to unit officials.
“What I’ll miss the most about the 53rd AS is the great people and the great commander,” said Airman First Class Dennis Early, 53rd AS information support manager. “I wish I could have spent more time with them.”
For others, the change is just another opportunity to excel.
Master Sgt. Gary Moon, the 53rd AS interim first sergeant, is one of those members.
“I am looking forward to working with the 62nd since most of us have known each other from prior C-130 (units) and work well together,” he said. This merging of units will also benefit Little Rock Air Force Base.
“The consolidation of two squadrons into one … helps since we don’t have to have so many instructors fill in … squadron duties,” said Colonel Gilster. “That allows more instructors to stay in the operational field teaching our younger Airmen.”
Since 1942 the 53rd has been located at 19 different bases and has been lead by 63 commanders.
The Blackjacks have been awarded 16 campaign streamers from the European theaters, returning the first prisoners of war from Vietnam during Operation Homecoming, performing numerous humanitarian missions within the continent of Africa and participating in every major conflict around the world.
Over the past 14 years, the 53rd has lead the way at the C-130 Center of Excellence training and graduating 4,925 aircrew across four crew positions spanning all U.S. Armed Forces, as well as allied nations around the world.
In recent years, crew members have supported the Global War on Terrorism and Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
The 53rd has earned several wing, numbered Air Force and major command honors. The unit's honors include being named the top operations squadron in AETC, the 19th Air Force top operations squadron and the 314th AW top operations squadron. Unit members have helped the unit become a three-time winner of the AETC valiant award and receive multiple excellent and outstanding ratings during several operational readiness inspections. But even with all this history only one thing remains: The people.
“I was recently asked if I was ready for this inactivation,” said Colonel Gilster. “After a few months, I responded ‘Why, yes I am.’ The last 12 months would have been considered the most challenging in the Blackjacks' history if it were not for a group of the most dedicated leaders and true friends I have had the honor to work with.”
Thursday, January 10, 2008
OFF DUTY LIFE >>01-11-08
Pinch Pot Workshop Jan. 19 at Des Arc
Become a pioneer settler for a day by attending the Pinch Pot Workshop on Jan. 19. The event will be held at the Lower White River Museum State Park in Des Arc.
Trappers, traders and settlers along the Lower White River made small cups, which were called “pots,” by pinching clay with one hand. Learn this easy and fascinating way to make pinch pots for home decorations or gifts.
Participants take home a finished product. The class size is limited; reservations are required. Admission is $10 with materials and instruction provided. The museum is located at 2009 in Des Arc. Call 501-256-3711 or e-mail lowerwhiterivermuseum@arkansas.com for more information.
Cutest pet contest deadline Feb. 15
The Arkansas State Chapter of Dog Cat Lovers of America in partnership with IPOC is proud to announce that many cash and prizes are up for grabs including a $1,000 cash grand prize in the 2008 Spring Cutest Pet Photo Contest.
Ten entrants will also be selected to have their photo grace the cover of an internationally distributed pet book.
Pet owners from the Jacksonville area are welcome to win a share of the prizes. The deadline for the contest is Feb 15. The contest is open to everyone and entry is free.
Dog and cat photos are welcome. The photo may contain one pet or several and may include different pet types in the same photo. There is a strict limit of one photo per household to avoid disqualification.” The preferred method of entry is to enter directly online at www.CutestPetContest.com
Photos may also be submitted by postal mail. Please send one photograph full color or black and white of any size. All photo entries must include the photographer’s name and address on the back.
Photographs should be sent to: AR 2008 Spring Cutest Pet Photo Contest, P.O. Box 4470, Olathe, KS 66063. Entries must be postmarked by Feb. 15.
Dog Cat Lovers of America is an organization dedicated to bringing pet owners from around the world together for fun and fellowship.
Membership in the organization is not required to participate and the entry is free. Past winners are listed at www.cutestpetcontest.com
Performance Jan. 18 at The Rep in Little Rock
Rep@the Rep is set for Jan. 18 and 19 at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre in Little Rock. Rep@the Rep is a mixed repertoire ballet performance by Arkansas Festival Ballet, featuring legendary ballerina Patricia Barker of Pacific Northwest Ballet in Act II of Swan Lake.
Saturday, Jan. 19 gala performance includes pre-performance reception and silent auction and post-performance reception. Admission: Friday $25/$20 student; Saturday $50. For more information visit www.arkansasdance.org.
Murder at MacArthur Park is set for Jan. 18.
Enjoy an evening of murder, mayhem, and mischief written especially for tour groups inside an authentic pre-civil war arsenal...also one of the most haunted places in the South. This is an audience participation one of a kind show.
Admission: $42 per person. The event takes place at McArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History in Little Rock. For more information visit www.littlerocktours.com.
Open mic night
The Airmen's Council will be presenting an open mic night to the entire base from 7 p.m. to midnight Jan. 25 at the TCAC.There will also be a a Guitar Hero battle the same night.
Become a pioneer settler for a day by attending the Pinch Pot Workshop on Jan. 19. The event will be held at the Lower White River Museum State Park in Des Arc.
Trappers, traders and settlers along the Lower White River made small cups, which were called “pots,” by pinching clay with one hand. Learn this easy and fascinating way to make pinch pots for home decorations or gifts.
Participants take home a finished product. The class size is limited; reservations are required. Admission is $10 with materials and instruction provided. The museum is located at 2009 in Des Arc. Call 501-256-3711 or e-mail lowerwhiterivermuseum@arkansas.com for more information.
Cutest pet contest deadline Feb. 15
The Arkansas State Chapter of Dog Cat Lovers of America in partnership with IPOC is proud to announce that many cash and prizes are up for grabs including a $1,000 cash grand prize in the 2008 Spring Cutest Pet Photo Contest.
Ten entrants will also be selected to have their photo grace the cover of an internationally distributed pet book.
Pet owners from the Jacksonville area are welcome to win a share of the prizes. The deadline for the contest is Feb 15. The contest is open to everyone and entry is free.
Dog and cat photos are welcome. The photo may contain one pet or several and may include different pet types in the same photo. There is a strict limit of one photo per household to avoid disqualification.” The preferred method of entry is to enter directly online at www.CutestPetContest.com
Photos may also be submitted by postal mail. Please send one photograph full color or black and white of any size. All photo entries must include the photographer’s name and address on the back.
Photographs should be sent to: AR 2008 Spring Cutest Pet Photo Contest, P.O. Box 4470, Olathe, KS 66063. Entries must be postmarked by Feb. 15.
Dog Cat Lovers of America is an organization dedicated to bringing pet owners from around the world together for fun and fellowship.
Membership in the organization is not required to participate and the entry is free. Past winners are listed at www.cutestpetcontest.com
Performance Jan. 18 at The Rep in Little Rock
Rep@the Rep is set for Jan. 18 and 19 at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre in Little Rock. Rep@the Rep is a mixed repertoire ballet performance by Arkansas Festival Ballet, featuring legendary ballerina Patricia Barker of Pacific Northwest Ballet in Act II of Swan Lake.
Saturday, Jan. 19 gala performance includes pre-performance reception and silent auction and post-performance reception. Admission: Friday $25/$20 student; Saturday $50. For more information visit www.arkansasdance.org.
Murder at MacArthur Park is set for Jan. 18.
Enjoy an evening of murder, mayhem, and mischief written especially for tour groups inside an authentic pre-civil war arsenal...also one of the most haunted places in the South. This is an audience participation one of a kind show.
Admission: $42 per person. The event takes place at McArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History in Little Rock. For more information visit www.littlerocktours.com.
Open mic night
The Airmen's Council will be presenting an open mic night to the entire base from 7 p.m. to midnight Jan. 25 at the TCAC.There will also be a a Guitar Hero battle the same night.
NEWS BRIEFS >>01-11-08
Briefing scheduled
Active duty airmen who are interested in applying for Commissioning programs should attend the briefing at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11 at the LR Education Centers. For more information, call 987-3417.
AMU representative to be on base Jan. 22
A representative from American Military University will be at the Education Center, Bldg 840 Leadership Drive, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, to meet with interested students. On-line classes are also available from on-base universities located in the same building. For more information call 987-3417.
Samurai Sword Ban — United Kingdom
If you are PCSing to the United Kingdom, then you cannot ship your Samurai Sword. Staring early in 2008, the UK intends to add Samurai Swords to the list of offensive weapons whose importation is prohibited. The UK may allow exemptions for authentic swords in collections or for cultural uses; but, at this time, the exemption information is not known so it’s best to leave them in storage. For more information on prohibited items, please contact the Traffic Management Flight at 987-3582.
Cancer support sew-in Jan. 25
Area volunteers are planning another community “sew-in” to be held at the Little Rock Air Force Base chapel from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 25.
The workshop is open to all interested in sewing, cutting, pinning, ironing and packaging colorful kerchief-like head coverings. Known as “care caps,” they are for free distribution to balding chemotherapy patients in the ARKLATX.
Recently, Care Caps went online at www.ccvols.org. Featured in many of the site’s photos are members of the base’s project volunteers and text explaining the charitable activity.
Mary Philips, director of Care Cap Connections™, will lead participants in her step-by-step “assembly line” method of group operation. Through December, 615 volunteers produced 6,068 caps.
Major cancer centers joining in the effort are Mayo Clinic, M.D. Anderson, St. Vincent, Arkansas Children’s, St. Jude, Baptist Health, Christus Health and UAMS. Care Cap Connections™ is a division of Volunteer America – 1776, a public charity, 501(c)(3), under the Internal Revenue code. Its operations in Arkansas and the surrounding states are supported through individual donations and corporate grants. All sewing materials are donated to the work and Janome® sewing machines are available for use during the sew-in. There is no cost to join and no solicitation. For more information, contact Ora Brown at 982-7667, or Mary Philips at 884-3046.
Job openings
Current job openings for Services are: CDC, child development program assistant, CC-03, flexible hours; Lodging, custodial worker, NA-02, flexible hours and lodging clerk, NF-I, flexible hours; Skills Center, picture framer, NA-05, flexible and Hangar 1080, club operations assistant, NF-II, flexible hours. All federal NAF employees are required by Public Law 104-134 to have salary payments made by electronic funds transfer/direct deposit. For more information call 987-6440.
Spouses' Club to host event
The Little Rock Spouses’ Club invites all spouses of any Active Duty, Retiree Guard, or Reserve member of any Branch of Service to its first event of 2008: “Heroes of the Home Front,” at the LRAFB Conference Center on January 17th. Not yet a member of the LRSC? Now is a great time to join: membership dues beginning January are HALF-OFF! “Heroes of the Home Front” social time and playgroup begins at 10:30 a.m.; the function begins at 11 a.m. The menu will consist of fresh tossed green salad, New York strip, potatoes, mixed vegetables, peach cobbler, and iced tea and coffee. The cost to attend for 314 Services Club members is $11 and for non-Services Club members, $12. The children’s playgroup will be available for this function at the TCAC. To reserve places for your children in the playgroup and your meal at the function please visit www.littlerockspouses.com or contact Rachel Kreps at 501-765-0316.
Phase II of FY08 announced
Air force officials have announced Phase II of the FY08 NCO retraining program (ncorp) targeting approximately 502 airmen (staff sergeant, tech sergeant, and master sergeant) for retraining from AFSCS with overages to AFSCS with NCO shortages.
The involuntary phase (Phase II) of the program runs Dec. 10, 2007 through March 31. Contact your local mpe’s separation office (room 100) for complete details and a list of available retraining-in and retraining-out AFSCS.
Chapel contract position open:
The chapel is seeking to hire a piano/keyboard accompanist to play during the 1800 Protestant Contemporary Service. A resume and a sealed bid will need to be turned in to the chapel by 25 January 2008, NLT 1630. All interviews and a skills demonstration will be conducted NLT Monday, Jan. 27. Selection criteria will be based upon the “best value” of the government. Please contact Ch, Capt, Scott or SSgt Mueth at 987-6014 with additional questions. A copy of the Statement of Work can be picked up at the base chapel.
Active duty airmen who are interested in applying for Commissioning programs should attend the briefing at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11 at the LR Education Centers. For more information, call 987-3417.
AMU representative to be on base Jan. 22
A representative from American Military University will be at the Education Center, Bldg 840 Leadership Drive, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, to meet with interested students. On-line classes are also available from on-base universities located in the same building. For more information call 987-3417.
Samurai Sword Ban — United Kingdom
If you are PCSing to the United Kingdom, then you cannot ship your Samurai Sword. Staring early in 2008, the UK intends to add Samurai Swords to the list of offensive weapons whose importation is prohibited. The UK may allow exemptions for authentic swords in collections or for cultural uses; but, at this time, the exemption information is not known so it’s best to leave them in storage. For more information on prohibited items, please contact the Traffic Management Flight at 987-3582.
Cancer support sew-in Jan. 25
Area volunteers are planning another community “sew-in” to be held at the Little Rock Air Force Base chapel from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 25.
The workshop is open to all interested in sewing, cutting, pinning, ironing and packaging colorful kerchief-like head coverings. Known as “care caps,” they are for free distribution to balding chemotherapy patients in the ARKLATX.
Recently, Care Caps went online at www.ccvols.org. Featured in many of the site’s photos are members of the base’s project volunteers and text explaining the charitable activity.
Mary Philips, director of Care Cap Connections™, will lead participants in her step-by-step “assembly line” method of group operation. Through December, 615 volunteers produced 6,068 caps.
Major cancer centers joining in the effort are Mayo Clinic, M.D. Anderson, St. Vincent, Arkansas Children’s, St. Jude, Baptist Health, Christus Health and UAMS. Care Cap Connections™ is a division of Volunteer America – 1776, a public charity, 501(c)(3), under the Internal Revenue code. Its operations in Arkansas and the surrounding states are supported through individual donations and corporate grants. All sewing materials are donated to the work and Janome® sewing machines are available for use during the sew-in. There is no cost to join and no solicitation. For more information, contact Ora Brown at 982-7667, or Mary Philips at 884-3046.
Job openings
Current job openings for Services are: CDC, child development program assistant, CC-03, flexible hours; Lodging, custodial worker, NA-02, flexible hours and lodging clerk, NF-I, flexible hours; Skills Center, picture framer, NA-05, flexible and Hangar 1080, club operations assistant, NF-II, flexible hours. All federal NAF employees are required by Public Law 104-134 to have salary payments made by electronic funds transfer/direct deposit. For more information call 987-6440.
Spouses' Club to host event
The Little Rock Spouses’ Club invites all spouses of any Active Duty, Retiree Guard, or Reserve member of any Branch of Service to its first event of 2008: “Heroes of the Home Front,” at the LRAFB Conference Center on January 17th. Not yet a member of the LRSC? Now is a great time to join: membership dues beginning January are HALF-OFF! “Heroes of the Home Front” social time and playgroup begins at 10:30 a.m.; the function begins at 11 a.m. The menu will consist of fresh tossed green salad, New York strip, potatoes, mixed vegetables, peach cobbler, and iced tea and coffee. The cost to attend for 314 Services Club members is $11 and for non-Services Club members, $12. The children’s playgroup will be available for this function at the TCAC. To reserve places for your children in the playgroup and your meal at the function please visit www.littlerockspouses.com or contact Rachel Kreps at 501-765-0316.
Phase II of FY08 announced
Air force officials have announced Phase II of the FY08 NCO retraining program (ncorp) targeting approximately 502 airmen (staff sergeant, tech sergeant, and master sergeant) for retraining from AFSCS with overages to AFSCS with NCO shortages.
The involuntary phase (Phase II) of the program runs Dec. 10, 2007 through March 31. Contact your local mpe’s separation office (room 100) for complete details and a list of available retraining-in and retraining-out AFSCS.
Chapel contract position open:
The chapel is seeking to hire a piano/keyboard accompanist to play during the 1800 Protestant Contemporary Service. A resume and a sealed bid will need to be turned in to the chapel by 25 January 2008, NLT 1630. All interviews and a skills demonstration will be conducted NLT Monday, Jan. 27. Selection criteria will be based upon the “best value” of the government. Please contact Ch, Capt, Scott or SSgt Mueth at 987-6014 with additional questions. A copy of the Statement of Work can be picked up at the base chapel.
CLASSIFIEDS >>1-11-08
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE DROP ZONE 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, AR 72078. You may also email them to dropzoneclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in Friday issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday.
THRIFT SHOP open to the public. MWF, 10 am to 2 pm, first Saturday monthly. Great bargains. All revenues used to support mission. Volunteers and donations welcome. Jacksonville Care Channel, 201 Elm, 982-4647.
YARD SALES
Huge PCsing Sale. 102 Oklahoma Ave, Fri-Sun, 8-12. Clothes, housewares, swing, furniture, toys, baby clothes, strollers, picnic table, patio swing. Bad weather/sale inside. 501-256-6143.
HELP WANTED
MAINTENANCE GENERAL Laborer's wanted for large mobile home park in Jacksonville. Pay ranges from $7.00 an hour to $12 BOE. Basic tools required. Must pass drug test. Call (501) 835-3450.
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
BLACK LAB - 1 1/2 years old, shots, housebroken, great with kids; w/kennel and dog house $150. Call 501-253-7200.
CUTE 8 week old kittens free to good home. Leave a message at 501-941-5839.
FREE TO a good home, 2 male guinea pigs 6 mo. old, with XL cage, food, and bedding. (501) 240-9908.
PUPPY, 6 mo. old American Eskimo male, reg., house trained and kennel trained. Great with kids! $100 o.b.o., Call 501-940-3078
FREE BLACK & White Rabbit with Food, Cage, & Accessories. 501-993-6517
FREE CHOCOLATE Lab/Golden Retriever dog. Named Rose,a little over one yr. old, current on all shots. Call 501-796-3898 if interested.
FREE: FEMALE, 5 yr. old dog, calm,sweet temperament. Good with dogs,cats, children. Must find a home ASAP, going overseas. Call 850-758-7045
Deploying for 6 mos., need home by 2/20 for 1 yr old black, neutered, declawed, housecat. Awesome/well behaved. Will provide essentials, pay food/care. 702-480-6128.
KENNEL, Chain linked, 10'L X 10'W X 6'H w/roofing system, only used 2 weeks. $150, Ward, (225) 485-1167 or (501) 843-0745.
FURNITURE
CREAM ENTERTAINMENT Center with Twin Tower and floating top, oak curio cabinet with 4 glass shelves and sliding front loading glass doors. 416-3380
PINE COMPUTER desk/ chair, 40" L, 20" D, 29 1/2 H. $40.00. Bunk bed, red metal frame, no mattress for top, excellent cond. $45.00. Call 256-3002.
CHERRY OAK crib, changing table,$150.00. 8x10 oak entertainment, $400.00. White, microfiber sofa,180.00. Baby swing, $35.00. Stroller, Carseat, $35.00. Call Jessica Davis 501-258-1273.
ENTERTAINMENT CENTER, cream with twin towers & floating top, $200. Call Brian (501) 658-8911.
SONY TRINITRON picture-in-picture TV, 36", $150. Call Brian at (501) 658-8911.
PULASKI CURIO Cabinet, cherry oak, $350. Call Brian (501) 658-8911.
SOLID OAK Computer Cabinet $150, Leather Office Chair $50, Dining table/4 chairs $100, Medela Electric Breast Pump $125, 501-743-8242
HUGE ENTERTAINMENT center 400.00 obo. 2 cream colored microfiber sofas.Wooden standing mirror 35.00. TONS of Beautiful 'New' curtains! Call Jessica Davis at 501-258-1273.
LEATHER COUCH & Loveseat, 4 years old, good condition, paid $2600, asking $300. (501) 628-8037.
TV STAND. Perfect for plasma and LCD TV's up to 50". Exc. cond. (glass/silver). $100 o.b.o Call 501-786-1137
LOST & FOUND
BLONDE LABRADOR Retriever w/ black collar. Lost 11-20-07 in the Swinging Bridge Rd. area of Beebe. His name is Miller. Very friendly. Please call Micah. 501-454-3154 or Carol 501-454-3490.
LOST AT Base Commissary, Men's 56 yr. wedding band with small diamonds, heartbroken, reward offered. Please call (501) 920-2689.
FOUND: TODDLERS 'Dora the Explorer' tricycle. Found by side of the road on Texas Blvd, LRAFB near the construction. Call 501-542-4151 to claim.
WANTED
LOOKING FOR a Little Tikes sports car twin bed, reasonably priced in boy color contact 247-8130 leave a message.
ITEMS FOR SALE
40,000 BTU Heater, natural gas 3 ft. X 2 ft., push button ignition. Ventless, $125. Wall/floor mount heater, never used, $100. Hair Connections for both. Call 501-882-2142.
ALL the baby items you will need, at a low price! Good condition! Call 501-454-3330.
CHRISTMAS ICICLE Lights, 14 sets of 100 extra bulbs, fuses, hangers, like new, $50 for all. (501) 796-8057.
POOL TABLE!! Solid Oak, Like New. Leather pockets & Dragon Claw legs. All equip., incl.light. Asking $1500.00. (501)882-0032
MAYTAG DRYER, good cond., gas power. $100, must pick up. 501-676-6475.
NAME BRAND Jeans like new 30 pr. and 20+ shirts $70 Searcy, 501-593-6132.
GIRLS CLOTHES and boy's bedroom furniture . Stuffed animals and much more. 803-795-3351 anytime!
AUTOS/ACCESSORIES
PCSING must sell, 2005 Mitsubishi Gallant GTS, 4 door sedan, dark grey, black leather interior, $14,000, 15,700 miles. 658-8911.
1999 OLDSMOBILE Alero, A/C good, mechanically sound. $1,250 obo. Call Jesse (501) 987-8150 or (501) 941-0945.
2003 FORD Pick-up F150 XLT Triton, V8, 62,000 mi., LWB, Auto., A/C, PW, PL, PS, Outside Temp. Display, CD, Bed Liner, Call 912-2239 After 4.
2005 MITSUBISHI Gallant GTS, dk. grey, fully loaded, lthr. int., 15,000 mi., asking $13,500. Call Brian (501) 658-8911.
1988 MAZDA Pickup 160,000 Miles. $800 OBO. Call Anytime 501-961-9150 OR 501-944-5815.
1973 VOLKSWAGEN Super Beetle, Runs good and needs a good home. 2000 O.B.O (501)366-5183
1999 JEEP WRANGLER Sport Hard-top, Blk., 5 spd, 6 cyl, 116k mi., Well maintained, 4 in. susp. lift, 33" BFG A/T, Winch, Alarm, C/D Player, $9,950 obo. (501)554-4181.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
2006 20' Tahoe Ski Boat. 190 HP w/swim platform. Bucket seats, 2 sun decks. Very fast. $18,000. Always garage kept and maintained @ dealer. Mark, 501-366-3625
2004 PREDATOR 500 Troy Lee Addition, Like New Approx 10hrs stored indoors, 501-607-1660 .
LOTS & ACREAGE
LAND WANTED- Very serious buyer is looking for 3 to 10 Acres in Cabot School district. Land must perk have access to City water and not be in flood plain. We Prefer Country Setting with trees and no low land. Planning to build 2500++ sq. ft. home on it plus shop. Call Matt Robinson 501-412-8055.
HOUSES FOR RENT
FOR RENT: nice 2 & 3 Bedroom Mobile Homes on large lots in Quiet safe park close to LRAFB. New carpet and appliances. Starting at $395 per month plus deposit. HUD accepted. Call today and get TWO WEEKS FREE RENT. (501) 835-3450.*
For Rent, Sherwood area: 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1410 sq. ft. $875 monthly plus all utilities. (501) 952-1802.
FOR RENT: nice 2 & 3 Bedroom Mobile Homes on large lots in Quiet safe park close to LRAFB. New carpet and appliances. Starting at $300 per month plus deposit. HUD accepting. Call today and get TWO WEEKS FREE RENT. (501) 835-3450
CLOSE TO AIRBASE- 3 Bedroom 2 Bath, living room with fireplace, eat-in kitchen, den, covered parking, fenced yard. Pets allowed with deposit. $800 month and deposit. (501) 664-0440 or (501) 529-7624.
GREAT LOCATION from back of Air Force Base (off Hwy. 107). 10 Cardinal Valley Dr., Sherwood. 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bath, 2 Car Garage, Storage, Basketball Court. $500 dep., $725 mo., (501) 247-1609 or (501) 833-8526.
NORTH PULASKI Country Living 20 minutes to city, 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath, central air & heat, new carpet/vinyl, fenced backyard, storage building, dead end street, good neighborhood. $525 mo., $525 security deposit. (501) 988-5187.
FOR RENT: 1,600 sq. ft., 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath house in Jacksonville, 10 minutes from base. Privacy fenced backyard, large storage shed, 2 car garage. $850. Renter pays utilities. Call (501) 985-9696.
2 BEDROOM with carport & storage building, ceiling fans, carpet, stove & refrigerator. 5 minutes to back gate. $450 month plus deposit. (501) 837-0264 or (501) 988-5586.
LUXURY TOWNHOUSE for rent in Sherwood. 2 Bedroom, 2 1/2 Bath, 1,200 sq. ft., 2 story, fireplace, new carpet & tile, washer/dryer connections, outside storage, designated parking. Call Mary (501) 343-6279.
FOR RENT: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 2,200 sq. ft. home in Sherwood. $950 monthly. Call 978-269-4453 or 978-269-4425 for info.
CABOT: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, like new 14x80 mobile home, 10 minutes from LRAFB. Low utility bills, water paid. Rent starts $525. Deposit & references required. Limit 3. No smoking, no pets. Call Justice 680-7190.
VERY NICE remodeled 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath on 2 acre lot. 292 Lowry Lane, Jacksonville. Ceramic tile, washer/dryer connections, storage building, everything is new! $750 plus deposit. Call John at (501) 912-7976.
VILONIA: QUAIL Hollow, 13 Kimberly, 3/2/2, 1,887 sq. ft., gas fireplace, breakfast bar, covered patio, fenced, 12x20 shop, lease $995. (501) 941-1996.
GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD, Gap Creek, Sherwood, 2,400 sq. ft., 4 Bedrooms plus office, 2 bath, 2 car garage, washer/dryer, walking trails & neighborhood park, covered back porch, partially fenced. $1,425 mo., Call Sam (505) 442-3894.
FOR RENT: $530 monthly or lease to purchase. 14x70 mobile on 1.5 acres. Newly remodeled 2 bedroom, 2 full bath with open floor plan. Cabot schools, with privacy & lots of room. (501) 605-7200.
4 ACRES WITH A POND! OPEN HOUSE THIS SUNDAY - 1pm til ?? You've got to see this one! Beautiful 3 BD, 2 BA, 1,866 sq. ft. home sitting on a picturesque 4 acres. Right on the edge of town in the Cabot school district is where you will find this beauty. Built in 2003, All Electric, Hardwood, Ceramic, Carpet, Separate dining, 2 car garage, gas log fireplace. Ph. (479) 216-4360 or (501) 519-5938. 1 1/2 miles South of the Hwy. 321/89 Jct. on 89 South, turn right on Russell Rd., 75 Russell Road. $185,900.
VILONIA: QUAIL Hollow, 13 Kimberly. 3/2/2, 1,887 sq. ft., gas fireplace, breakfast bar, covered patio, fenced, 12x20 shop, lease. $995. (501) 941-1996.
HOUSES FOR SALE
FORECLOSURES for SALE: $14,000 to $199,000 wholesale - Bank owned homes to public, Cabot, Jacksonville, LR, NLR, Lonoke, Sherwood, Vilonia, Pine Bluff & Searcy. www.masondandco.com. Call Mason Realty, Jacksonville, (501) 985-0755,
FSBO - Sherwood, Stonehill Subdivision, Great Neighborhood w/access to Hwy. 67/167, Schools & LRAFB. 3BR/2BA, 1,817 sq. ft., split floor plan, large lot, $179,900. (501) 804-8951.
JUST 5 Minutes from back gate. Beautiful country living on 10 acres. Large spacious rooms 2,350 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bath, built in 2002. Asking $279,900. Call Jay (501) 701-0432.
VILONIA SCHOOLS, New Construction, 3BR/2BA, gas/rock fireplace, accent lighting, corian countertops, tile in wet areas. $149,000. Call Jill at Vilonia Realty (501) 472-6158 or (501) 796-8530.
2400SF BRICK home in Sherwood, 2 car garage, 1000SF shop, 3bed, 4bath, 1acre lot, sprinklers, hot tub, garden tractor, $245,000. (501) 837-1561
THE DROP ZONE 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, AR 72078. You may also email them to dropzoneclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in Friday issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday.
THRIFT SHOP open to the public. MWF, 10 am to 2 pm, first Saturday monthly. Great bargains. All revenues used to support mission. Volunteers and donations welcome. Jacksonville Care Channel, 201 Elm, 982-4647.
YARD SALES
Huge PCsing Sale. 102 Oklahoma Ave, Fri-Sun, 8-12. Clothes, housewares, swing, furniture, toys, baby clothes, strollers, picnic table, patio swing. Bad weather/sale inside. 501-256-6143.
HELP WANTED
MAINTENANCE GENERAL Laborer's wanted for large mobile home park in Jacksonville. Pay ranges from $7.00 an hour to $12 BOE. Basic tools required. Must pass drug test. Call (501) 835-3450.
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
BLACK LAB - 1 1/2 years old, shots, housebroken, great with kids; w/kennel and dog house $150. Call 501-253-7200.
CUTE 8 week old kittens free to good home. Leave a message at 501-941-5839.
FREE TO a good home, 2 male guinea pigs 6 mo. old, with XL cage, food, and bedding. (501) 240-9908.
PUPPY, 6 mo. old American Eskimo male, reg., house trained and kennel trained. Great with kids! $100 o.b.o., Call 501-940-3078
FREE BLACK & White Rabbit with Food, Cage, & Accessories. 501-993-6517
FREE CHOCOLATE Lab/Golden Retriever dog. Named Rose,a little over one yr. old, current on all shots. Call 501-796-3898 if interested.
FREE: FEMALE, 5 yr. old dog, calm,sweet temperament. Good with dogs,cats, children. Must find a home ASAP, going overseas. Call 850-758-7045
Deploying for 6 mos., need home by 2/20 for 1 yr old black, neutered, declawed, housecat. Awesome/well behaved. Will provide essentials, pay food/care. 702-480-6128.
KENNEL, Chain linked, 10'L X 10'W X 6'H w/roofing system, only used 2 weeks. $150, Ward, (225) 485-1167 or (501) 843-0745.
FURNITURE
CREAM ENTERTAINMENT Center with Twin Tower and floating top, oak curio cabinet with 4 glass shelves and sliding front loading glass doors. 416-3380
PINE COMPUTER desk/ chair, 40" L, 20" D, 29 1/2 H. $40.00. Bunk bed, red metal frame, no mattress for top, excellent cond. $45.00. Call 256-3002.
CHERRY OAK crib, changing table,$150.00. 8x10 oak entertainment, $400.00. White, microfiber sofa,180.00. Baby swing, $35.00. Stroller, Carseat, $35.00. Call Jessica Davis 501-258-1273.
ENTERTAINMENT CENTER, cream with twin towers & floating top, $200. Call Brian (501) 658-8911.
SONY TRINITRON picture-in-picture TV, 36", $150. Call Brian at (501) 658-8911.
PULASKI CURIO Cabinet, cherry oak, $350. Call Brian (501) 658-8911.
SOLID OAK Computer Cabinet $150, Leather Office Chair $50, Dining table/4 chairs $100, Medela Electric Breast Pump $125, 501-743-8242
HUGE ENTERTAINMENT center 400.00 obo. 2 cream colored microfiber sofas.Wooden standing mirror 35.00. TONS of Beautiful 'New' curtains! Call Jessica Davis at 501-258-1273.
LEATHER COUCH & Loveseat, 4 years old, good condition, paid $2600, asking $300. (501) 628-8037.
TV STAND. Perfect for plasma and LCD TV's up to 50". Exc. cond. (glass/silver). $100 o.b.o Call 501-786-1137
LOST & FOUND
BLONDE LABRADOR Retriever w/ black collar. Lost 11-20-07 in the Swinging Bridge Rd. area of Beebe. His name is Miller. Very friendly. Please call Micah. 501-454-3154 or Carol 501-454-3490.
LOST AT Base Commissary, Men's 56 yr. wedding band with small diamonds, heartbroken, reward offered. Please call (501) 920-2689.
FOUND: TODDLERS 'Dora the Explorer' tricycle. Found by side of the road on Texas Blvd, LRAFB near the construction. Call 501-542-4151 to claim.
WANTED
LOOKING FOR a Little Tikes sports car twin bed, reasonably priced in boy color contact 247-8130 leave a message.
ITEMS FOR SALE
40,000 BTU Heater, natural gas 3 ft. X 2 ft., push button ignition. Ventless, $125. Wall/floor mount heater, never used, $100. Hair Connections for both. Call 501-882-2142.
ALL the baby items you will need, at a low price! Good condition! Call 501-454-3330.
CHRISTMAS ICICLE Lights, 14 sets of 100 extra bulbs, fuses, hangers, like new, $50 for all. (501) 796-8057.
POOL TABLE!! Solid Oak, Like New. Leather pockets & Dragon Claw legs. All equip., incl.light. Asking $1500.00. (501)882-0032
MAYTAG DRYER, good cond., gas power. $100, must pick up. 501-676-6475.
NAME BRAND Jeans like new 30 pr. and 20+ shirts $70 Searcy, 501-593-6132.
GIRLS CLOTHES and boy's bedroom furniture . Stuffed animals and much more. 803-795-3351 anytime!
AUTOS/ACCESSORIES
PCSING must sell, 2005 Mitsubishi Gallant GTS, 4 door sedan, dark grey, black leather interior, $14,000, 15,700 miles. 658-8911.
1999 OLDSMOBILE Alero, A/C good, mechanically sound. $1,250 obo. Call Jesse (501) 987-8150 or (501) 941-0945.
2003 FORD Pick-up F150 XLT Triton, V8, 62,000 mi., LWB, Auto., A/C, PW, PL, PS, Outside Temp. Display, CD, Bed Liner, Call 912-2239 After 4.
2005 MITSUBISHI Gallant GTS, dk. grey, fully loaded, lthr. int., 15,000 mi., asking $13,500. Call Brian (501) 658-8911.
1988 MAZDA Pickup 160,000 Miles. $800 OBO. Call Anytime 501-961-9150 OR 501-944-5815.
1973 VOLKSWAGEN Super Beetle, Runs good and needs a good home. 2000 O.B.O (501)366-5183
1999 JEEP WRANGLER Sport Hard-top, Blk., 5 spd, 6 cyl, 116k mi., Well maintained, 4 in. susp. lift, 33" BFG A/T, Winch, Alarm, C/D Player, $9,950 obo. (501)554-4181.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
2006 20' Tahoe Ski Boat. 190 HP w/swim platform. Bucket seats, 2 sun decks. Very fast. $18,000. Always garage kept and maintained @ dealer. Mark, 501-366-3625
2004 PREDATOR 500 Troy Lee Addition, Like New Approx 10hrs stored indoors, 501-607-1660 .
LOTS & ACREAGE
LAND WANTED- Very serious buyer is looking for 3 to 10 Acres in Cabot School district. Land must perk have access to City water and not be in flood plain. We Prefer Country Setting with trees and no low land. Planning to build 2500++ sq. ft. home on it plus shop. Call Matt Robinson 501-412-8055.
HOUSES FOR RENT
FOR RENT: nice 2 & 3 Bedroom Mobile Homes on large lots in Quiet safe park close to LRAFB. New carpet and appliances. Starting at $395 per month plus deposit. HUD accepted. Call today and get TWO WEEKS FREE RENT. (501) 835-3450.*
For Rent, Sherwood area: 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1410 sq. ft. $875 monthly plus all utilities. (501) 952-1802.
FOR RENT: nice 2 & 3 Bedroom Mobile Homes on large lots in Quiet safe park close to LRAFB. New carpet and appliances. Starting at $300 per month plus deposit. HUD accepting. Call today and get TWO WEEKS FREE RENT. (501) 835-3450
CLOSE TO AIRBASE- 3 Bedroom 2 Bath, living room with fireplace, eat-in kitchen, den, covered parking, fenced yard. Pets allowed with deposit. $800 month and deposit. (501) 664-0440 or (501) 529-7624.
GREAT LOCATION from back of Air Force Base (off Hwy. 107). 10 Cardinal Valley Dr., Sherwood. 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bath, 2 Car Garage, Storage, Basketball Court. $500 dep., $725 mo., (501) 247-1609 or (501) 833-8526.
NORTH PULASKI Country Living 20 minutes to city, 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath, central air & heat, new carpet/vinyl, fenced backyard, storage building, dead end street, good neighborhood. $525 mo., $525 security deposit. (501) 988-5187.
FOR RENT: 1,600 sq. ft., 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath house in Jacksonville, 10 minutes from base. Privacy fenced backyard, large storage shed, 2 car garage. $850. Renter pays utilities. Call (501) 985-9696.
2 BEDROOM with carport & storage building, ceiling fans, carpet, stove & refrigerator. 5 minutes to back gate. $450 month plus deposit. (501) 837-0264 or (501) 988-5586.
LUXURY TOWNHOUSE for rent in Sherwood. 2 Bedroom, 2 1/2 Bath, 1,200 sq. ft., 2 story, fireplace, new carpet & tile, washer/dryer connections, outside storage, designated parking. Call Mary (501) 343-6279.
FOR RENT: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 2,200 sq. ft. home in Sherwood. $950 monthly. Call 978-269-4453 or 978-269-4425 for info.
CABOT: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath, like new 14x80 mobile home, 10 minutes from LRAFB. Low utility bills, water paid. Rent starts $525. Deposit & references required. Limit 3. No smoking, no pets. Call Justice 680-7190.
VERY NICE remodeled 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath on 2 acre lot. 292 Lowry Lane, Jacksonville. Ceramic tile, washer/dryer connections, storage building, everything is new! $750 plus deposit. Call John at (501) 912-7976.
VILONIA: QUAIL Hollow, 13 Kimberly, 3/2/2, 1,887 sq. ft., gas fireplace, breakfast bar, covered patio, fenced, 12x20 shop, lease $995. (501) 941-1996.
GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD, Gap Creek, Sherwood, 2,400 sq. ft., 4 Bedrooms plus office, 2 bath, 2 car garage, washer/dryer, walking trails & neighborhood park, covered back porch, partially fenced. $1,425 mo., Call Sam (505) 442-3894.
FOR RENT: $530 monthly or lease to purchase. 14x70 mobile on 1.5 acres. Newly remodeled 2 bedroom, 2 full bath with open floor plan. Cabot schools, with privacy & lots of room. (501) 605-7200.
4 ACRES WITH A POND! OPEN HOUSE THIS SUNDAY - 1pm til ?? You've got to see this one! Beautiful 3 BD, 2 BA, 1,866 sq. ft. home sitting on a picturesque 4 acres. Right on the edge of town in the Cabot school district is where you will find this beauty. Built in 2003, All Electric, Hardwood, Ceramic, Carpet, Separate dining, 2 car garage, gas log fireplace. Ph. (479) 216-4360 or (501) 519-5938. 1 1/2 miles South of the Hwy. 321/89 Jct. on 89 South, turn right on Russell Rd., 75 Russell Road. $185,900.
VILONIA: QUAIL Hollow, 13 Kimberly. 3/2/2, 1,887 sq. ft., gas fireplace, breakfast bar, covered patio, fenced, 12x20 shop, lease. $995. (501) 941-1996.
HOUSES FOR SALE
FORECLOSURES for SALE: $14,000 to $199,000 wholesale - Bank owned homes to public, Cabot, Jacksonville, LR, NLR, Lonoke, Sherwood, Vilonia, Pine Bluff & Searcy. www.masondandco.com. Call Mason Realty, Jacksonville, (501) 985-0755,
FSBO - Sherwood, Stonehill Subdivision, Great Neighborhood w/access to Hwy. 67/167, Schools & LRAFB. 3BR/2BA, 1,817 sq. ft., split floor plan, large lot, $179,900. (501) 804-8951.
JUST 5 Minutes from back gate. Beautiful country living on 10 acres. Large spacious rooms 2,350 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bath, built in 2002. Asking $279,900. Call Jay (501) 701-0432.
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TOP STORY>> Top 10 ways to dazzle the IG: #3 Attitude
By Lt. Col. Nate Allerheiligen
314 Airlift Wing Readiness director
“Display a positive attitude, recognize that enthusiasm is contagious and that problems always arise in the ‘fog of war’ and can be overcome!” – Maj. Gen. Mark Zamzow, Air, Space and Information Operations director.
Attitude. How are you feeling today? Did you have a good holiday rest? Are you ready to ROCKEX?!
Time for a gut-check for all of Team Little Rock: This week starts the first of our final dress rehearsals in preparation for our operational readiness inspection. The base leadership will be paying close attention to the impression of the exercise evaluation team, especially with regards to everyone’s attitude.
If you go into these exercises with the mental thought that they are a waste of your precious time, that they aren’t worth the effort or that giving it your best really isn’t necessary, then you’ve got a poor attitude.
If you focus on preparing yourself and your unit for any problem you may face, if you do all your actions as if it were a live simulation, and if you put forth the effort and focus as if you were really going to war—then you have an “Outstanding” attitude.
Our best performers are consistently those who have positive mental attitudes, who attack the day with optimism and zeal, and who are prepared to give their best at any task. We all witnessed college bowl teams who forgot to “show” for the game and subsequently got squashed by their opponents.
Conversely, those teams who were pumped for the game, even those who were outmatched physically, emerged the victors because they took the challenge with optimism and passion, then accomplished the task with vigor and zeal.
Combat airlift!
314 Airlift Wing Readiness director
“Display a positive attitude, recognize that enthusiasm is contagious and that problems always arise in the ‘fog of war’ and can be overcome!” – Maj. Gen. Mark Zamzow, Air, Space and Information Operations director.
Attitude. How are you feeling today? Did you have a good holiday rest? Are you ready to ROCKEX?!
Time for a gut-check for all of Team Little Rock: This week starts the first of our final dress rehearsals in preparation for our operational readiness inspection. The base leadership will be paying close attention to the impression of the exercise evaluation team, especially with regards to everyone’s attitude.
If you go into these exercises with the mental thought that they are a waste of your precious time, that they aren’t worth the effort or that giving it your best really isn’t necessary, then you’ve got a poor attitude.
If you focus on preparing yourself and your unit for any problem you may face, if you do all your actions as if it were a live simulation, and if you put forth the effort and focus as if you were really going to war—then you have an “Outstanding” attitude.
Our best performers are consistently those who have positive mental attitudes, who attack the day with optimism and zeal, and who are prepared to give their best at any task. We all witnessed college bowl teams who forgot to “show” for the game and subsequently got squashed by their opponents.
Conversely, those teams who were pumped for the game, even those who were outmatched physically, emerged the victors because they took the challenge with optimism and passion, then accomplished the task with vigor and zeal.
Combat airlift!
TOP STORY>> It takes a team … Team Little Rock!
By Lt. Col. Thomas Anderson
714th Training Squadron commander
On Dec. 17, 1903, seven men witnessed the first powered airplane flight, 20 feet above the dunes at Kitty Hawk, N.C. The flight lasted less than 20 seconds, and covered a little more than 120 feet, but opened the pages of history to the advent of aviation.
More than 100 years later, it’s still a phenomenal sight to witness formations of C-130s taking flight, like the 21-ship formation last month (see pages 18-19 for a look at this awesome sight).
This feat would not be possible without the skill and commitment to excellence of numerous organizations dedicated to supporting the 314th Airlift Wing’s mission.
Organizations such as:
• The maintainers from the 314th Maintenance Group pre-flight, launch and recover aircraft, providing unprecedented mission capable rates for the Air Force’s oldest and newest fleet of combat airlift aircraft.
• The 314th Medical Group members who maintain a watchful eye over the Air Force’s most precious resource – our personnel. The dedicated care for the human fleet is an accomplishment in itself.
• Members of the 314th Mission Support Group provide logistics, personnel, base security, contracting, financial, services, civil engineering and communications support to keep the wing’s mission humming along.
• Airmen of the 314th Operations Group train and sustain the flow of Combat Airlifters to operational units from every branch of service and 31 allied countries.
• The men and women of the 189th Airlift Wing and 463rd Airlift Group who support our missions, as well as their own – a feat that truly is an example of the “Total Force” concept.
From pre-mission planning to post-flight recovery, the organizations aligned under the 314th AW, the 189th Airlift Wing and the 463rd Airlift Group put the team in Team Little Rock!
714th Training Squadron commander
On Dec. 17, 1903, seven men witnessed the first powered airplane flight, 20 feet above the dunes at Kitty Hawk, N.C. The flight lasted less than 20 seconds, and covered a little more than 120 feet, but opened the pages of history to the advent of aviation.
More than 100 years later, it’s still a phenomenal sight to witness formations of C-130s taking flight, like the 21-ship formation last month (see pages 18-19 for a look at this awesome sight).
This feat would not be possible without the skill and commitment to excellence of numerous organizations dedicated to supporting the 314th Airlift Wing’s mission.
Organizations such as:
• The maintainers from the 314th Maintenance Group pre-flight, launch and recover aircraft, providing unprecedented mission capable rates for the Air Force’s oldest and newest fleet of combat airlift aircraft.
• The 314th Medical Group members who maintain a watchful eye over the Air Force’s most precious resource – our personnel. The dedicated care for the human fleet is an accomplishment in itself.
• Members of the 314th Mission Support Group provide logistics, personnel, base security, contracting, financial, services, civil engineering and communications support to keep the wing’s mission humming along.
• Airmen of the 314th Operations Group train and sustain the flow of Combat Airlifters to operational units from every branch of service and 31 allied countries.
• The men and women of the 189th Airlift Wing and 463rd Airlift Group who support our missions, as well as their own – a feat that truly is an example of the “Total Force” concept.
From pre-mission planning to post-flight recovery, the organizations aligned under the 314th AW, the 189th Airlift Wing and the 463rd Airlift Group put the team in Team Little Rock!
TOP STORY>> Personnel information files no longer required
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas — Unit commanders are no longer required to maintain or establish personnel information files on Air Force members in their command, said officials at the Air Force Personnel Center.
According to Air Force Instruction 36-2608, the only time a PIF is mandatory is when an officer receives either a letter of admonishment or letter of counseling and the commander does not create an unfavorable information file. Squadron commanders use PIFs to file all documents relating to a member. Some examples of PIF documents are separation actions, newcomers letters, line-of-duty determinations, assignment and sponsorship correspondence, local clearance actions, promotion actions, credit information, counseling records, additional duties and duty roster information.
Although they are no longer mandatory, PIFs CAN be kept at the squadron level and may contain any document the commander deems necessary in the day-to-day management of the unit’s personnel. If a commander elects to no longer maintain a PIF, it should be provided to the affected member.
If PIFs are maintained, Air Force members can access their PIFs at any time. Contents must be made available to commanders, raters, first sergeants, senior raters, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and staff judge advocate personnel as warranted. PIFs should be kept current and safeguarded in a locked cabinet or drawer to prevent unauthorized access.
“Due to the loss of commander support staff personnel who administer the PIFs,” said Capt. Ronald Bell, chief of Personal Services Delivery Operations at AFPC, “commanders can now decide not to maintain PIFs, so they can channel their time and energy into other significant programs and issues impacting their units.”
Captain Bell added that PIFs often contain redundant information that can be obtained through other means, such as the Automated Records Management System and the Military Personnel Data System.
As Air Force bases transition to the new Base Level Service Delivery Model, individuals supporting commanders in the field will move from the units to military personnel flights to provide centralized personnel service. BLSDM will provide commanders a data retrieval mechanism, or Dashboard, that will help commanders access personnel information from their computers.
According to Air Force Instruction 36-2608, the only time a PIF is mandatory is when an officer receives either a letter of admonishment or letter of counseling and the commander does not create an unfavorable information file. Squadron commanders use PIFs to file all documents relating to a member. Some examples of PIF documents are separation actions, newcomers letters, line-of-duty determinations, assignment and sponsorship correspondence, local clearance actions, promotion actions, credit information, counseling records, additional duties and duty roster information.
Although they are no longer mandatory, PIFs CAN be kept at the squadron level and may contain any document the commander deems necessary in the day-to-day management of the unit’s personnel. If a commander elects to no longer maintain a PIF, it should be provided to the affected member.
If PIFs are maintained, Air Force members can access their PIFs at any time. Contents must be made available to commanders, raters, first sergeants, senior raters, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and staff judge advocate personnel as warranted. PIFs should be kept current and safeguarded in a locked cabinet or drawer to prevent unauthorized access.
“Due to the loss of commander support staff personnel who administer the PIFs,” said Capt. Ronald Bell, chief of Personal Services Delivery Operations at AFPC, “commanders can now decide not to maintain PIFs, so they can channel their time and energy into other significant programs and issues impacting their units.”
Captain Bell added that PIFs often contain redundant information that can be obtained through other means, such as the Automated Records Management System and the Military Personnel Data System.
As Air Force bases transition to the new Base Level Service Delivery Model, individuals supporting commanders in the field will move from the units to military personnel flights to provide centralized personnel service. BLSDM will provide commanders a data retrieval mechanism, or Dashboard, that will help commanders access personnel information from their computers.
TOP STORY>> It's time to step it up
By Brig. Gen. Wayne Schatz
314th Airlift Wing commander
Welcome back! I hope that everyone had a safe and restful holiday break. By now, everyone should be back to work and back into the swing of things.
The holiday break provided us time to rest and recharge. But now it’s time to shift gears.
The next several months will be busy for Team Little Rock. We are poised to kick off the first ROCKEX of 2008.
This exercise will provide us each a chance to hone our already sharp skills. We will use the exercise as an opportunity to identify which areas we can improve on as we speed toward April’s ORI.
It’s important to remember during the course of the next three and a half months that this is a marathon and not a sprint. We need to pace ourselves and make sure that we’re making the right decisions for the right reasons.
Exercises are not meant to have people jump through hoops. They are designed to test our readiness and as a means to ensure that we are conducting business in a way that makes sense and works best.
This isn’t a time for band-aids and pencil whipping.
Now is the time to identify those areas that are broken – or aren’t working as well as they can – and put processes in place to fix them. And those fixes should be permanent.
Doing the right thing when no one is looking is a pure sign of integrity. That same integrity applies to the upcoming exercises.
We need to make sure our processes are in place and correct regardless of who is being inspected and who the inspectors are.
I have been consistently impressed by the integrity and attention to detail displayed by our Combat Airlifters every day. I know that the practices we have in place now would be strong with or without an impending ORI.
I ask of you now to buckle down, step up the pace and prepare for the long road ahead. I’m confident that you will impress the inspection teams in the same manner that you have always used to impress me. Combat Airlift!
314th Airlift Wing commander
Welcome back! I hope that everyone had a safe and restful holiday break. By now, everyone should be back to work and back into the swing of things.
The holiday break provided us time to rest and recharge. But now it’s time to shift gears.
The next several months will be busy for Team Little Rock. We are poised to kick off the first ROCKEX of 2008.
This exercise will provide us each a chance to hone our already sharp skills. We will use the exercise as an opportunity to identify which areas we can improve on as we speed toward April’s ORI.
It’s important to remember during the course of the next three and a half months that this is a marathon and not a sprint. We need to pace ourselves and make sure that we’re making the right decisions for the right reasons.
Exercises are not meant to have people jump through hoops. They are designed to test our readiness and as a means to ensure that we are conducting business in a way that makes sense and works best.
This isn’t a time for band-aids and pencil whipping.
Now is the time to identify those areas that are broken – or aren’t working as well as they can – and put processes in place to fix them. And those fixes should be permanent.
Doing the right thing when no one is looking is a pure sign of integrity. That same integrity applies to the upcoming exercises.
We need to make sure our processes are in place and correct regardless of who is being inspected and who the inspectors are.
I have been consistently impressed by the integrity and attention to detail displayed by our Combat Airlifters every day. I know that the practices we have in place now would be strong with or without an impending ORI.
I ask of you now to buckle down, step up the pace and prepare for the long road ahead. I’m confident that you will impress the inspection teams in the same manner that you have always used to impress me. Combat Airlift!
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