On May 1, the Air Force Financial Services Center at Ellsworth Air Force Base began experiencing significant downtime with the Enterprise Information Management System. The EIM system transfers travel and military pay documents from local Financial Services Offices to the Air Force Financial Services Center for processing and payment. As a result of limited system operation, the Financial Services Office is unable to transmit documents through EIM. Currently, there is no estimated “get well” date for EIM.
This impacts Little Rock AFB in two major ways. First, all non-defense travel system travel vouchers, such as permanent change of station, deployment and formal training travel will see processing delays. The center has implemented a contingency plan to ensure priority documents are processed. Priority documents include TDY advances for airfare, travel accrual payments and TDY settlements to prevent government travel card delinquencies. Travelers should closely monitor their GTC accounts and request additional attention if they are approaching 45 or more days of delinquency.
Second, AFFSC processes all military pay documents for Little Rock AFB including one-time payments, separations, retirements, BAH, PCS advances, etc.
Air Mobility Command Comptroller Headquarters directed the 19th FSO reassume this responsibility. Because the FSO has not had this responsibility in more than a year, it will take a week to train personnel and gain system access again. There will be a delay in military pay processing initially. However, in the long run, this will speed up the processing of pay entitlements since the FSO will regain control of this function from AFFSC.
For those who have filed a non-DTS travel voucher or a document for military pay in the last three weeks, your document may not have been processed in a timely manner. The FSO is ready to help anyone with questions. Call Finance Customer Service at 987-8294 for more information.
(Courtesy of the 19th Comptroller Squadron)
Friday, May 29, 2009
COMMENTARY >> Take time on Memorial Day
By Lt. Col. Phil Everitte
714th Training Squadron commander
Take time this weekend to reflect on the real reason we have Memorial Day, it is not just another federal holiday aimed at allowing us a three day weekend to kick off the summer.
Memorial Day, also called Decoration Day for the tradition of decorating soldiers’ graves with flowers, has been around since just after the Civil War. It was proclaimed as a day to honor those on both the Union and Confederate sides who had lost their lives in the war.
While the holiday was not popular across the entire country for many years due to the ill feelings between the North and South after the Civil War, it became much more endeared as we began to honor the sacrifices made by servicemembers in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, South West Asia and everything in between.
These were real sacrifices of our brothers and sisters in arms, hundreds of thousands of men and women who came before us and paid the ultimate price in the name of freedom and everything we believe; leaving behind mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, sons and daughters.
Most of these heroes did this during the prime of their lives in situations you and I can’t even imagine. While I am sure they did not ‘want’ to give their lives – they fought and won the wars, battles and conflicts that allowed our nation to persevere through the darkest hours of our age and ensured our freedom.
So while you are out at your Memorial Day cookout or enjoying time at the lake, I encourage you and your family to take a moment and remember those Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who gave all so that you and I could have so much.
714th Training Squadron commander
Take time this weekend to reflect on the real reason we have Memorial Day, it is not just another federal holiday aimed at allowing us a three day weekend to kick off the summer.
Memorial Day, also called Decoration Day for the tradition of decorating soldiers’ graves with flowers, has been around since just after the Civil War. It was proclaimed as a day to honor those on both the Union and Confederate sides who had lost their lives in the war.
While the holiday was not popular across the entire country for many years due to the ill feelings between the North and South after the Civil War, it became much more endeared as we began to honor the sacrifices made by servicemembers in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, South West Asia and everything in between.
These were real sacrifices of our brothers and sisters in arms, hundreds of thousands of men and women who came before us and paid the ultimate price in the name of freedom and everything we believe; leaving behind mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, husbands and wives, sons and daughters.
Most of these heroes did this during the prime of their lives in situations you and I can’t even imagine. While I am sure they did not ‘want’ to give their lives – they fought and won the wars, battles and conflicts that allowed our nation to persevere through the darkest hours of our age and ensured our freedom.
So while you are out at your Memorial Day cookout or enjoying time at the lake, I encourage you and your family to take a moment and remember those Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who gave all so that you and I could have so much.
COMMENTARY >> Reaching beyond yourself
By Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Brinkley
19th Airlift Wing command chief
One of the things that makes us unique as a nation is our ability to provide assistance to those who are less fortunate. A key component to combat airlift is our collective ability to provide humanitarian relief when called upon. Last summer, we relocated hundreds of our own citizens from the Gulf Coast during Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.
The mindset of reaching beyond ourselves is crucial in being the best teammates possible. Each day, all of us possess the opportunity to assist others who may appreciate a random act of kindness. I am starting to understand that it’s not the big things that make a difference in the lives of those around us, but the little things that make a huge impact.
So I want to offer a couple of suggestions of how we can reach out to make someone’s day better. Start off each day with a purpose to maintain a positive attitude, no matter what comes your way. If you are in a leadership position, this is vital. When is the last time you have contacted a deployed member or their family? It only takes a few moments to send a note or make a call, but it can have a huge impact on someone who may feel disconnected or isolated.
Our Air Force Sergeants Association regularly visits the local VA hospital to meet those who have served our country, to say “thank you” and provide cheer. If you are interested in visiting, please let me know. How about greeting a new person and their family on our base? Are we doing all we can to let them know we’re happy to have them here?
These are few thoughts I would like you to consider. You see, our mission and focus is not about us, but about making things better for others. If we do this right, we’ll see while we are looking out for others, others will be looking out for us.
Combat Airlift!
19th Airlift Wing command chief
One of the things that makes us unique as a nation is our ability to provide assistance to those who are less fortunate. A key component to combat airlift is our collective ability to provide humanitarian relief when called upon. Last summer, we relocated hundreds of our own citizens from the Gulf Coast during Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.
The mindset of reaching beyond ourselves is crucial in being the best teammates possible. Each day, all of us possess the opportunity to assist others who may appreciate a random act of kindness. I am starting to understand that it’s not the big things that make a difference in the lives of those around us, but the little things that make a huge impact.
So I want to offer a couple of suggestions of how we can reach out to make someone’s day better. Start off each day with a purpose to maintain a positive attitude, no matter what comes your way. If you are in a leadership position, this is vital. When is the last time you have contacted a deployed member or their family? It only takes a few moments to send a note or make a call, but it can have a huge impact on someone who may feel disconnected or isolated.
Our Air Force Sergeants Association regularly visits the local VA hospital to meet those who have served our country, to say “thank you” and provide cheer. If you are interested in visiting, please let me know. How about greeting a new person and their family on our base? Are we doing all we can to let them know we’re happy to have them here?
These are few thoughts I would like you to consider. You see, our mission and focus is not about us, but about making things better for others. If we do this right, we’ll see while we are looking out for others, others will be looking out for us.
Combat Airlift!
Friday, May 15, 2009
CLASSIFIEDS>>05-15-09
ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE COMBAT AIRLIFTER CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT will take ads by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 982-9421, or you may mail your ad to 404 Graham Rd., Jacksonville, Ark. 72078. You may also email them to combatairlifterclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in Friday's 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
GARAGE SALE, 276 Pleasant Meadows Cv. (Hwy. 89S to Old Stagecoach Rd. to Beascon Rd. to Pleasant Meadows Cv.), follow the signs. Everything must go. Fri., 9 am-2pm, Sat., 7 am until everything is gone.
YARD SALE, huge assortment of craft supplies & kits. Also, books, clothes, games, & much more. 1501 Pine Crest Dr., Jax., 5/15 & 16, 8 am-4 pm.
Multi-family Yard Sale, 5/15 & 16, 7 am- 2 pm, 104 Montana Cir., LRAFB. Rain or Shine. All kinds of items for sale!
HUGE Garage Sale, toys, clothes, furn. & appliances! PCSing overseas, all must GO! 5/16, 7-noon. RAIN OR SHINE, 173 Ohio Cr., LRAFB. No early birds please!
SERVICES
Lawn Service/Cleaning Service. Available on & off base. 15 years experience. Rates depend on condition of home. 100% guarantee on all inspections. Call today for appointment. (501) 838-3625, Rex Woods.
Country Air Flight Training, Grass Runway & Personalized Instruction. The most affordable option anywhere! $65 Aircraft, $40 Instruction, Military Discount & Finish-up programs available. www.countryairflight.com, (501) 676-0320.
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
Three friendly ferrets, 1 multi-story cage & 1 large cage, all supplies included, $400 obo. (501) 259-1445.
Free to good & loving home. 4 yr. old male, short-hair tuxedo cat. De-clawed, neutered, up-to-date shots & great w/children, dogs & other cats. Bowls, litter box & crate included. (501) 626-0388.
Free to loving family. 2 yr. old female, small, short hair cat. De-clawed, spayed, up-to-date shots & great w/children, dogs & other cats. Bowls, litter box & crate included. (501) 626-0388.
Free to good & loving home. 3 yr. old male, black lab mix. Neutered, up-to-date shots & great w/children, cats & other dogs. Bowls, bed, leashes & crate included. (501) 626-0388.
LOST & FOUND
LOST: Small, 5 mo. old, long haired, black & brown puppy. Answers to Peanut Butter. Lost 4-22 off Kiehl Ave., Sherwood, 259-5699 or 681-6435.
AUTOS/ACCESSORIES
2004 10' Carion enclosed cargo trailer. Side door, $1,400 obo. (501) 554-0541, Travis.
2004 CHEVY Trailblazer LT, sunroof, leather, blue, runs great. Must sell due to PCS. (501) 772-8538 or (501) 658-3551.
2008 Ford Edge SEL, red, 10,000 miles, 5 year warranty. Seats 5, V6, DVD player, Microsoft Sync, much more. $25,500 obo. PCSing, must go! (205) 382-7867.
2000 Nissan Altima GXE, less than 123,000 miles, $4,500. (573) 578-0917, Cabot.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
2005 HONDA 400EX 4-wheeler, yellow/black, great cond., runs great! Wheel spacers, performance exhaust, K&N air filter, nerf bars, 909 handle bars, good tires. Includes ramps, $3,000 obo., PCSing, must go! (804) 402-0358.
2002 Keystone Sprinter trailer, 29' loaded, slide out, see pics at http://photos.cabotcomponents.com, $10,500 obo. (501) 514-3489, Steve.
1998 NITRO 18' w/trailer, 125 hp. w/power trim, less than 400 hrs., see pics at ht/p://photos.cabotcomponents.com, $7,049 obo. (501) 514-3489, Steve.
1992 EBBTIDE Dyna-Trak 181STE fiberglass bass boat, 120 hp. Johnson, trolling motor, live wells, fish & depth finder, $2,400 obo. (501) 554-0541, Travis.
8' FLAT-BOTTOM alum. Weldbuilt boat, $350 obo. (501) 749-3169, leave msg.
2006 Kawasaki KDX200, well maintained & garage kept. Less than 20 hrs. on motor. Renthal bars, moose hand & eng. guards. Runs great! $2,500 firm. (912) 288-1913, Mike.
2006 Yamaha TTR50, well maintained & garage kept. Oil changed every 30 hrs. & air filter cleaned after every ride. Runs great, needs new battery. $700. (912) 288-1913, Mike.
2006 SUZUKI GSX-R600. Garage kept, 1 owner, immaculate cond., after-market upgrades, 5,000 mi., $6,300. (501) 350-3134.
Yamaha 2006 Road Star 1700 cc., new cond., new tires, new drag bars, dark blue w/flames, w/icon riding gear, $7,000. 940-0819, Beebe.
LAWN & FARM EQUIPMENT
2006 10' Big Tex Landscape Trailer, 30LS, $1,200 obo. (501) 554-0541, Travis.
ITEMS FOR SALE
NATURAL GAS dryer, $35 obo. (501) 847-1545, Bryant.
BLACK YAMAHA clarinet, like new, $450. (501) 259-8579 for details.
COLOR LASER printer, network ready, $200. (501) 259-1445, Brian.
SAILBOAT INFANT comforter set, $10; Graco Assura Carseat, $10; Graco SnugRide Pooh Infant Carrier w/2 car bases, $50. All in excellent condition, 982-1077.
New cell phone accessories, compatible with: Samsung a637, a737, a747, a513, a517 also w/Propel A676, a777. Skin, car charger, 2 phone cases, USB cable, headset & earbuds, $30 obo for all. (501) 438-2549.
WHITE WATER Kayak & gear, $750. Email or call for pics & details. jeffwgailey@hotmail.com, or (501) 773-7014.
GE WASHER & dryer, both look & run great, $300 for both. (501) 650-5097.
Upright Hotpoint Freezer, older unit but icy cold. Stands about 5' tall, $50 obo. (501) 438-2549.
Hydraulic motor lift, great condition, $100 obo. (740) 818-9695.
FISHER-PRICE RAINFOREST open-top cradle swing, swings side-to-side or front-to-back, plug-in option, 6 soothing speeds w/12 songs, overhead mobile, snack tray, 2 recline positions. Exc. cond., $85. (501) 749-3152.
KENMORE WASHER & dryer, work wonderfully, PCSing overseas, must go. $100 for pair. (501) 240-7365.
SHED, 8'x10', $50 and you move it. On LRAFB. (501) 240-7365.
FURNITURE
Glider Rocker w/ottoman, $50; Entertainment Ctr., $50; 590-2695, Judy or email for Pics: judy.willett@hotmail.com
BEDROOM SET, queen bed frame w/headboard, 4-drawer dresser, 2-drawer nightstand, occasional table, med. brown, $200. Pick up in Cabot. (203) 692-5152 for pics & details.
3-seater Italian leather sofa, dark brown, $300. Pick up in Cabot. (203) 692-5152 for pics & details.
FULL-SIZE BED in box, $100; Ashley sectional, cappuccino brown w/full-size sofa bed, $500; Ashley entertainment center, $150. Must sell, make offer. (646) 299-2788.
HOUSES FOR RENT
For Rent: Sherwood/Jacksonville areas. Beautiful 2, 3 & 4 Bedroom Mobile Homes. Pool, extra large lots, in quiet safe park, close to LRAFB. Newer carpet and appliances. Clean, quiet, & safe park. $300-$575 plus deposit. Get TWO WEEKS FREE RENT. (501) 835-3450.
3/4 ACRE lot for rent in Ward. Ready to hook up to your mobile home - city water/sewer, large storage building, large circle drive. $280 per month. Call (501) 266-0045.
1 ACRE lot for rent in Cabot area. Ready to hook up to your mobile home. Cabot schools, large shade trees, great area. $280 per month. Call (501) 266-0045.
3 bedroom, 2 full bath, living room, game room, 1950 sq. ft., 4 car garage, 1 acre. Graham & Loop Road area of Jacksonville. $1100 month, 1 month's deposit (negotiable). Pets okay, smokers okay. (501) 658-0833.
Three bedroom houses, $725, fully equip. kitchen, washer & dryer units, blinds, ceiling fans and new windows. Jax. 513 Lehman, 609 Sorrells, (501) 985-1177.
Newly remodeled house for rent near LRAFB. New wood floors, fireplace and appliances. 3 bedroom, 2 bath. Washer & dryer. Central AC/Heat. $750 month. Call (501) 247-4556.
Beautiful 4 bedroom/3 full bath home located in popular Greystone golf community. $249,900 assumable to qualified buyer at 4.5% fixed. Rent $1,450. Call Eric at (501) 628-1533.
HOUSES FOR SALE
HOUSE FSBO. 4 bedroom, 2 bath on 1.25 acres. 2 miles from LRAFB. 1780 sq. ft., gas fireplace, formal dining room, 2 car freestanding garage & additional storage. Call Ted at (501) 749-6917.
Newly Remodeled House for sale. Close to AFB. $65,000. Great for 1st time home buyers or investment property, rented for $750 month. Fireplace, wooden floors, new roof, tile bathroom. (501) 247-4556.
3 bedroom, 2 bath in Cabot. 1564 sq. ft. Built in 2000. 12x16 shed, covered patio, corner lot. A steal at $145,000 neg. (501) 680-2833.
For Sale: 121 Lonsdale Circle, Jacksonville, 1500 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 2 baths, fireplace, great extra room, nice, big, fully fenced yard. Asking price $92,900 but negotiable. Call (501) 240-5013 or (501) 985-1235.
THE COMBAT AIRLIFTER CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT will take ads by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 982-9421, or you may mail your ad to 404 Graham Rd., Jacksonville, Ark. 72078. You may also email them to combatairlifterclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in Friday's 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
GARAGE SALE, 276 Pleasant Meadows Cv. (Hwy. 89S to Old Stagecoach Rd. to Beascon Rd. to Pleasant Meadows Cv.), follow the signs. Everything must go. Fri., 9 am-2pm, Sat., 7 am until everything is gone.
YARD SALE, huge assortment of craft supplies & kits. Also, books, clothes, games, & much more. 1501 Pine Crest Dr., Jax., 5/15 & 16, 8 am-4 pm.
Multi-family Yard Sale, 5/15 & 16, 7 am- 2 pm, 104 Montana Cir., LRAFB. Rain or Shine. All kinds of items for sale!
HUGE Garage Sale, toys, clothes, furn. & appliances! PCSing overseas, all must GO! 5/16, 7-noon. RAIN OR SHINE, 173 Ohio Cr., LRAFB. No early birds please!
SERVICES
Lawn Service/Cleaning Service. Available on & off base. 15 years experience. Rates depend on condition of home. 100% guarantee on all inspections. Call today for appointment. (501) 838-3625, Rex Woods.
Country Air Flight Training, Grass Runway & Personalized Instruction. The most affordable option anywhere! $65 Aircraft, $40 Instruction, Military Discount & Finish-up programs available. www.countryairflight.com, (501) 676-0320.
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
Three friendly ferrets, 1 multi-story cage & 1 large cage, all supplies included, $400 obo. (501) 259-1445.
Free to good & loving home. 4 yr. old male, short-hair tuxedo cat. De-clawed, neutered, up-to-date shots & great w/children, dogs & other cats. Bowls, litter box & crate included. (501) 626-0388.
Free to loving family. 2 yr. old female, small, short hair cat. De-clawed, spayed, up-to-date shots & great w/children, dogs & other cats. Bowls, litter box & crate included. (501) 626-0388.
Free to good & loving home. 3 yr. old male, black lab mix. Neutered, up-to-date shots & great w/children, cats & other dogs. Bowls, bed, leashes & crate included. (501) 626-0388.
LOST & FOUND
LOST: Small, 5 mo. old, long haired, black & brown puppy. Answers to Peanut Butter. Lost 4-22 off Kiehl Ave., Sherwood, 259-5699 or 681-6435.
AUTOS/ACCESSORIES
2004 10' Carion enclosed cargo trailer. Side door, $1,400 obo. (501) 554-0541, Travis.
2004 CHEVY Trailblazer LT, sunroof, leather, blue, runs great. Must sell due to PCS. (501) 772-8538 or (501) 658-3551.
2008 Ford Edge SEL, red, 10,000 miles, 5 year warranty. Seats 5, V6, DVD player, Microsoft Sync, much more. $25,500 obo. PCSing, must go! (205) 382-7867.
2000 Nissan Altima GXE, less than 123,000 miles, $4,500. (573) 578-0917, Cabot.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLES
2005 HONDA 400EX 4-wheeler, yellow/black, great cond., runs great! Wheel spacers, performance exhaust, K&N air filter, nerf bars, 909 handle bars, good tires. Includes ramps, $3,000 obo., PCSing, must go! (804) 402-0358.
2002 Keystone Sprinter trailer, 29' loaded, slide out, see pics at http://photos.cabotcomponents.com, $10,500 obo. (501) 514-3489, Steve.
1998 NITRO 18' w/trailer, 125 hp. w/power trim, less than 400 hrs., see pics at ht/p://photos.cabotcomponents.com, $7,049 obo. (501) 514-3489, Steve.
1992 EBBTIDE Dyna-Trak 181STE fiberglass bass boat, 120 hp. Johnson, trolling motor, live wells, fish & depth finder, $2,400 obo. (501) 554-0541, Travis.
8' FLAT-BOTTOM alum. Weldbuilt boat, $350 obo. (501) 749-3169, leave msg.
2006 Kawasaki KDX200, well maintained & garage kept. Less than 20 hrs. on motor. Renthal bars, moose hand & eng. guards. Runs great! $2,500 firm. (912) 288-1913, Mike.
2006 Yamaha TTR50, well maintained & garage kept. Oil changed every 30 hrs. & air filter cleaned after every ride. Runs great, needs new battery. $700. (912) 288-1913, Mike.
2006 SUZUKI GSX-R600. Garage kept, 1 owner, immaculate cond., after-market upgrades, 5,000 mi., $6,300. (501) 350-3134.
Yamaha 2006 Road Star 1700 cc., new cond., new tires, new drag bars, dark blue w/flames, w/icon riding gear, $7,000. 940-0819, Beebe.
LAWN & FARM EQUIPMENT
2006 10' Big Tex Landscape Trailer, 30LS, $1,200 obo. (501) 554-0541, Travis.
ITEMS FOR SALE
NATURAL GAS dryer, $35 obo. (501) 847-1545, Bryant.
BLACK YAMAHA clarinet, like new, $450. (501) 259-8579 for details.
COLOR LASER printer, network ready, $200. (501) 259-1445, Brian.
SAILBOAT INFANT comforter set, $10; Graco Assura Carseat, $10; Graco SnugRide Pooh Infant Carrier w/2 car bases, $50. All in excellent condition, 982-1077.
New cell phone accessories, compatible with: Samsung a637, a737, a747, a513, a517 also w/Propel A676, a777. Skin, car charger, 2 phone cases, USB cable, headset & earbuds, $30 obo for all. (501) 438-2549.
WHITE WATER Kayak & gear, $750. Email or call for pics & details. jeffwgailey@hotmail.com, or (501) 773-7014.
GE WASHER & dryer, both look & run great, $300 for both. (501) 650-5097.
Upright Hotpoint Freezer, older unit but icy cold. Stands about 5' tall, $50 obo. (501) 438-2549.
Hydraulic motor lift, great condition, $100 obo. (740) 818-9695.
FISHER-PRICE RAINFOREST open-top cradle swing, swings side-to-side or front-to-back, plug-in option, 6 soothing speeds w/12 songs, overhead mobile, snack tray, 2 recline positions. Exc. cond., $85. (501) 749-3152.
KENMORE WASHER & dryer, work wonderfully, PCSing overseas, must go. $100 for pair. (501) 240-7365.
SHED, 8'x10', $50 and you move it. On LRAFB. (501) 240-7365.
FURNITURE
Glider Rocker w/ottoman, $50; Entertainment Ctr., $50; 590-2695, Judy or email for Pics: judy.willett@hotmail.com
BEDROOM SET, queen bed frame w/headboard, 4-drawer dresser, 2-drawer nightstand, occasional table, med. brown, $200. Pick up in Cabot. (203) 692-5152 for pics & details.
3-seater Italian leather sofa, dark brown, $300. Pick up in Cabot. (203) 692-5152 for pics & details.
FULL-SIZE BED in box, $100; Ashley sectional, cappuccino brown w/full-size sofa bed, $500; Ashley entertainment center, $150. Must sell, make offer. (646) 299-2788.
HOUSES FOR RENT
For Rent: Sherwood/Jacksonville areas. Beautiful 2, 3 & 4 Bedroom Mobile Homes. Pool, extra large lots, in quiet safe park, close to LRAFB. Newer carpet and appliances. Clean, quiet, & safe park. $300-$575 plus deposit. Get TWO WEEKS FREE RENT. (501) 835-3450.
3/4 ACRE lot for rent in Ward. Ready to hook up to your mobile home - city water/sewer, large storage building, large circle drive. $280 per month. Call (501) 266-0045.
1 ACRE lot for rent in Cabot area. Ready to hook up to your mobile home. Cabot schools, large shade trees, great area. $280 per month. Call (501) 266-0045.
3 bedroom, 2 full bath, living room, game room, 1950 sq. ft., 4 car garage, 1 acre. Graham & Loop Road area of Jacksonville. $1100 month, 1 month's deposit (negotiable). Pets okay, smokers okay. (501) 658-0833.
Three bedroom houses, $725, fully equip. kitchen, washer & dryer units, blinds, ceiling fans and new windows. Jax. 513 Lehman, 609 Sorrells, (501) 985-1177.
Newly remodeled house for rent near LRAFB. New wood floors, fireplace and appliances. 3 bedroom, 2 bath. Washer & dryer. Central AC/Heat. $750 month. Call (501) 247-4556.
Beautiful 4 bedroom/3 full bath home located in popular Greystone golf community. $249,900 assumable to qualified buyer at 4.5% fixed. Rent $1,450. Call Eric at (501) 628-1533.
HOUSES FOR SALE
HOUSE FSBO. 4 bedroom, 2 bath on 1.25 acres. 2 miles from LRAFB. 1780 sq. ft., gas fireplace, formal dining room, 2 car freestanding garage & additional storage. Call Ted at (501) 749-6917.
Newly Remodeled House for sale. Close to AFB. $65,000. Great for 1st time home buyers or investment property, rented for $750 month. Fireplace, wooden floors, new roof, tile bathroom. (501) 247-4556.
3 bedroom, 2 bath in Cabot. 1564 sq. ft. Built in 2000. 12x16 shed, covered patio, corner lot. A steal at $145,000 neg. (501) 680-2833.
For Sale: 121 Lonsdale Circle, Jacksonville, 1500 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 2 baths, fireplace, great extra room, nice, big, fully fenced yard. Asking price $92,900 but negotiable. Call (501) 240-5013 or (501) 985-1235.
EVENTS>>05-22-09
Submission of purchase requests cutoff dates
In preparation for fiscal year end, the 19th Contracting Squadron has established the following cutoff dates for submission of Requests for Purchase.
• Annual Recurring Services with Options and Annual Maintenance Agreements are due by June 1. Requirements over $100,000 for Open Market, non-GSA, are due July 15 and GSA Purchases are due July 31.
• Requirements under $100,000 for Open Market, non-GSA, are due July 31 and GSA Purchases are due Aug. 14. Contracting customers should begin planning their year-end purchases.
• Requirement packages must be complete, with adequate purchase descriptions and statements of work, and must include all necessary supporting documentation, if applicable.
For more information call Ms. Betty Rosewaren at 987-8123.
Road closure
Contractors will be resurfacing 6th Street from Thomas Avenue to Arnold Drive. Construction will occur in phases, beginning with Phase 1 in front of the bast fitness center and continuing west to half of the Auto Shop's front parking area. Phase 2 will continue from the Auto Shop to just past Burger King. During each phase, the sections mentioned will be closed to through traffic. The preferred entrance to the fitness center will be via Leadership Drive off of Thomas Avenue. If you have any questions please contact Senior Airman Nathaniel Johnson, 19th Civil Engineering Squadron construction management, 987-7683
Federal civilian vacancies anticipated at LRAFB
Jobs that are listed (sent to Air Force Personnel Center to recruit or fill) may take an extended period of time to be advertised. A hiring priority may prevent advertising the position. The Web site for internal applicants (current permanent Air Force civil service) to apply is http://ask.afpc.randolph.af.mil/civemploy. The Web site for external applicants (individuals who are not current permanent Air Force civil service employees) to apply is http://www.usajobs.opm.gov. For more information call their toll-free number at 1-800-525-0102. Recent civil service job openings sent to AFPC for recruitment: Electrical Engineer, YD-0850-02; Contract Specialist, YA-1102-02; Computer Assistant, GS-0335-09.
Immunizations clinic closed for lunch daily
The immunizations clinic will be closed from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays. Contact the Family Practice reception desk for emergency immunization requirements. For more information contact the immunization clinic at 987-7312 or 987-2927.
Registration for summer college ends soon
Park University classes start Monday and enrollments will be accepted through today for in-class courses and May 29 for internet courses (987-8894). Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University begins June 1. Deadline to add or drop classes is June 7 (987-5550). Webster University masters courses begin June 1 and the sign up deadline is no later than the 2nd class in June (987-8257). Southern Illinois University has openings for June and July courses. For more information call 987-8258.
Individualized Degree Plans Required for AF TA
Air Force members must have detailed degree plans to quality for Air Force Tuition Assistance. For Fall 2009 classes contact your college immediately. For more information call 987-3417 or your university.
Chief’s Group Fun Run
On June 5, there will be a Chief’s Fun Run beginning at the Small Base Lake family camp. All participants are welcome. Registration begins at 11 a.m. and runners should bring pledge sheets and collected money. For more information contact any Little Rock AFB Chief.
Base Fitness Center has new exercise classes
The fitness center has a new exercise class which combines Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi into one session. The classes cost $3 each. Classes are held at 11 a.m. Tuesdays and 9:45 a.m. Thursdays. The fitness center also has a Silver Steppers exercise class from 2 to 2:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in the aerobics room. This class is designed for older adults who desire light weight training, low impact exercise and mild stretching. For more information contact the fitness center at 987-3283.
Legal office closed today
The 19th Airlift Wing Legal Office will be closed today for wing down day, except for emergencies. For emergencies, contact an on-call JAG, through the command post at 987-1900.
Pool opens Tuesday
The Town Hall pool in base housing opens Tuesday. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Wireless internet is available at the Town Hall.
Chapel hosts Marriage Seminar Thursday
The base chapel will sponsor a free Marriage Seminar from 9 a.m. to noon May 28 at the Presidential Holiday Inn. Lunch is provided. For more information call the chapel at 987-6014.
Golf Tournament May 29
Little Rock First Sergeant’s Council will host a Shirt Wood Golf Tournament scheduled for May 29. Open to all military and civilian golfers. Register by Tuesday. For more information contact any First Sergeant or call Master Sgt. Robertson at 258-8239.
Memorial Ride, Poker Run June 6
The Seventh Annual Jimmie W. White II Memorial Ride Poker Run is set for June 6. The event starts at 9 a.m. at the Jacksonville High School parking lot and finish at M and M Cycles in El Paso around 11:30 a.m. Cost is $15 per bike and proceeds will benefit the Jimmie H. White II Scholarship Fund. For more information, contact Jimmie White at 982-7876 or 690-1299 or Mary at M and M Cycles at 501-796-7070.
Chapel hosts Vacation Bible School program
The base chapel hosts Vacation Bible School scheduled for 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. June 8 to June 12. Kids ages four through those completing sixth Grade are invited for a fun filled week where fearless kids shine God’s light. For more information, contact the chapel at 987-6014.
Ball slated for June 13
The 19th Mission Support Group Ball is scheduled for 6 p.m. June 13 at the Fitness Center. The ball is open to the 19th MSG and the Little Rock Spouses Club members. Tickets go on sale until June 1 and costs $15 for E-5 and below and $20 for E-6 and above. Attire is mess dress, semi-formal wear, formal wear or ballroom gowns. For more information, call Capt. Kazimir Kostrubala at 987-3950.
In preparation for fiscal year end, the 19th Contracting Squadron has established the following cutoff dates for submission of Requests for Purchase.
• Annual Recurring Services with Options and Annual Maintenance Agreements are due by June 1. Requirements over $100,000 for Open Market, non-GSA, are due July 15 and GSA Purchases are due July 31.
• Requirements under $100,000 for Open Market, non-GSA, are due July 31 and GSA Purchases are due Aug. 14. Contracting customers should begin planning their year-end purchases.
• Requirement packages must be complete, with adequate purchase descriptions and statements of work, and must include all necessary supporting documentation, if applicable.
For more information call Ms. Betty Rosewaren at 987-8123.
Road closure
Contractors will be resurfacing 6th Street from Thomas Avenue to Arnold Drive. Construction will occur in phases, beginning with Phase 1 in front of the bast fitness center and continuing west to half of the Auto Shop's front parking area. Phase 2 will continue from the Auto Shop to just past Burger King. During each phase, the sections mentioned will be closed to through traffic. The preferred entrance to the fitness center will be via Leadership Drive off of Thomas Avenue. If you have any questions please contact Senior Airman Nathaniel Johnson, 19th Civil Engineering Squadron construction management, 987-7683
Federal civilian vacancies anticipated at LRAFB
Jobs that are listed (sent to Air Force Personnel Center to recruit or fill) may take an extended period of time to be advertised. A hiring priority may prevent advertising the position. The Web site for internal applicants (current permanent Air Force civil service) to apply is http://ask.afpc.randolph.af.mil/civemploy. The Web site for external applicants (individuals who are not current permanent Air Force civil service employees) to apply is http://www.usajobs.opm.gov. For more information call their toll-free number at 1-800-525-0102. Recent civil service job openings sent to AFPC for recruitment: Electrical Engineer, YD-0850-02; Contract Specialist, YA-1102-02; Computer Assistant, GS-0335-09.
Immunizations clinic closed for lunch daily
The immunizations clinic will be closed from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays. Contact the Family Practice reception desk for emergency immunization requirements. For more information contact the immunization clinic at 987-7312 or 987-2927.
Registration for summer college ends soon
Park University classes start Monday and enrollments will be accepted through today for in-class courses and May 29 for internet courses (987-8894). Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University begins June 1. Deadline to add or drop classes is June 7 (987-5550). Webster University masters courses begin June 1 and the sign up deadline is no later than the 2nd class in June (987-8257). Southern Illinois University has openings for June and July courses. For more information call 987-8258.
Individualized Degree Plans Required for AF TA
Air Force members must have detailed degree plans to quality for Air Force Tuition Assistance. For Fall 2009 classes contact your college immediately. For more information call 987-3417 or your university.
Chief’s Group Fun Run
On June 5, there will be a Chief’s Fun Run beginning at the Small Base Lake family camp. All participants are welcome. Registration begins at 11 a.m. and runners should bring pledge sheets and collected money. For more information contact any Little Rock AFB Chief.
Base Fitness Center has new exercise classes
The fitness center has a new exercise class which combines Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi into one session. The classes cost $3 each. Classes are held at 11 a.m. Tuesdays and 9:45 a.m. Thursdays. The fitness center also has a Silver Steppers exercise class from 2 to 2:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in the aerobics room. This class is designed for older adults who desire light weight training, low impact exercise and mild stretching. For more information contact the fitness center at 987-3283.
Legal office closed today
The 19th Airlift Wing Legal Office will be closed today for wing down day, except for emergencies. For emergencies, contact an on-call JAG, through the command post at 987-1900.
Pool opens Tuesday
The Town Hall pool in base housing opens Tuesday. Hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Wireless internet is available at the Town Hall.
Chapel hosts Marriage Seminar Thursday
The base chapel will sponsor a free Marriage Seminar from 9 a.m. to noon May 28 at the Presidential Holiday Inn. Lunch is provided. For more information call the chapel at 987-6014.
Golf Tournament May 29
Little Rock First Sergeant’s Council will host a Shirt Wood Golf Tournament scheduled for May 29. Open to all military and civilian golfers. Register by Tuesday. For more information contact any First Sergeant or call Master Sgt. Robertson at 258-8239.
Memorial Ride, Poker Run June 6
The Seventh Annual Jimmie W. White II Memorial Ride Poker Run is set for June 6. The event starts at 9 a.m. at the Jacksonville High School parking lot and finish at M and M Cycles in El Paso around 11:30 a.m. Cost is $15 per bike and proceeds will benefit the Jimmie H. White II Scholarship Fund. For more information, contact Jimmie White at 982-7876 or 690-1299 or Mary at M and M Cycles at 501-796-7070.
Chapel hosts Vacation Bible School program
The base chapel hosts Vacation Bible School scheduled for 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. June 8 to June 12. Kids ages four through those completing sixth Grade are invited for a fun filled week where fearless kids shine God’s light. For more information, contact the chapel at 987-6014.
Ball slated for June 13
The 19th Mission Support Group Ball is scheduled for 6 p.m. June 13 at the Fitness Center. The ball is open to the 19th MSG and the Little Rock Spouses Club members. Tickets go on sale until June 1 and costs $15 for E-5 and below and $20 for E-6 and above. Attire is mess dress, semi-formal wear, formal wear or ballroom gowns. For more information, call Capt. Kazimir Kostrubala at 987-3950.
Top Story>>May is Military Spouse Appreciation Month
By Ashley Mangin
Volunteer Contributor to the Combat Airlifter
Most people know the bravery it takes for military members to serve their country, but few realize the amazing courage military spouses display every day.
Spouses are a very diverse group of people from all across the country as well as the world. Some are prior military, some work outside the home, some work at home and others work to keep up the home. Some are men, others women and some have children, but the one thing they all have in common is adjusting to the military lifestyle. They quickly learn the meaning of “hurry up and wait” while waiting for orders, amendments, housing and movers. They adapt to living without their servicemember during deployments, temporary duty assignments and long work days. They are faced with unique challenges that they meet head on.
May is Military Spouse Appreciation Month, but Little Rock Air Force Base has been showing it’s gratitude to these brave women and men who stand behind the brave men and women of the United States Military for years.
The Airman and Family Readiness Center frequently holds classes and events geared toward spouses such as Bundles for Babies, resume writing classes and many programs for spouses of deployed service members.
“Almost everything we have is open to spouses. Any of our quality of life programs,” said Ms. Pat Pope, community readiness consultant. “We just had our Military Spouse Day Friday and that was a big success. We had over 50 people [that we treated to] a day of pampering.”
Family Advocacy is another organization designed to help spouses and families with more serious issues. They sponsor the New Parent Support Program that offers activities for mothers and children as well as help for some of the issues new mothers face. There are also scholarships, job search help and volunteer opportunities available to spouses through various base organizations, although it has not always been this way.
Mrs. Jean Strole remembers, “They didn’t have anything like that for wives, not back in 1954. We didn’t really have a lot of connection with the other wives. It was kind of lonely.”
Things have certainly changed over the years. The Air Force has seen to its need to accommodate this vital part of the Air Force mission. Spouses are truly the backbone of the Armed Forces.
Volunteer Contributor to the Combat Airlifter
Most people know the bravery it takes for military members to serve their country, but few realize the amazing courage military spouses display every day.
Spouses are a very diverse group of people from all across the country as well as the world. Some are prior military, some work outside the home, some work at home and others work to keep up the home. Some are men, others women and some have children, but the one thing they all have in common is adjusting to the military lifestyle. They quickly learn the meaning of “hurry up and wait” while waiting for orders, amendments, housing and movers. They adapt to living without their servicemember during deployments, temporary duty assignments and long work days. They are faced with unique challenges that they meet head on.
May is Military Spouse Appreciation Month, but Little Rock Air Force Base has been showing it’s gratitude to these brave women and men who stand behind the brave men and women of the United States Military for years.
The Airman and Family Readiness Center frequently holds classes and events geared toward spouses such as Bundles for Babies, resume writing classes and many programs for spouses of deployed service members.
“Almost everything we have is open to spouses. Any of our quality of life programs,” said Ms. Pat Pope, community readiness consultant. “We just had our Military Spouse Day Friday and that was a big success. We had over 50 people [that we treated to] a day of pampering.”
Family Advocacy is another organization designed to help spouses and families with more serious issues. They sponsor the New Parent Support Program that offers activities for mothers and children as well as help for some of the issues new mothers face. There are also scholarships, job search help and volunteer opportunities available to spouses through various base organizations, although it has not always been this way.
Mrs. Jean Strole remembers, “They didn’t have anything like that for wives, not back in 1954. We didn’t really have a lot of connection with the other wives. It was kind of lonely.”
Things have certainly changed over the years. The Air Force has seen to its need to accommodate this vital part of the Air Force mission. Spouses are truly the backbone of the Armed Forces.
Top Story>>Air Force values and driving while drunk
By Maj. Scott Krebs
28th Medical Operations Squadron
Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D.
The Air Force Core Values are no secret: integrity first, service before self, excellence in all we do. We have also heard many times “do not drink and drive.” We’ve heard that mantra so many times that we’ve probably become numb to it and stopped listening.
We begin to believe “that will never happen to me.” Yet, arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol and referrals to the base ADAPT program come in at a regular pace, and it’s not just young Airmen who get DUIs. DUIs are an equal opportunity crime, and yes they are a crime.
DUIs are not just a bad decision. Every drunken person on the road is a danger to everyone else who is on the road at the same time.
Do I sound bitter? Yes. Frustrated? That too. As the ADAPT program manager, I see every Airman who gets a DUI; and frankly, it gets old. It’s the same old story. “I felt fine.” “I didn’t think I was that drunk.” “That cop should not have pulled me over to begin with.” The excuses go on and on. The bottom line is it is an issue of living the core values and taking personal responsibility for our actions.
Is there an Airman on base who has not been briefed many times about alternatives to drinking and driving? Have they not been reminded about having a plan ahead of time if they are going to drink? Have Airmen not been lectured about taking care of each other and being good wingmen? We’ve all heard this before. Are the people who get DUIs bad people? Are they all alcoholics? Are they all dirt-bags? Are they all just too stupid to figure it out? No, they are not. The vast majority are not any of the above, although occasionally an individual who truly is an alcoholic finally gets arrested for a DUI after a long pattern of problematic drinking. The vast majority of DUI referrals received at our office are from individuals who are misinformed about the effects of alcohol or simply fail to take personal responsibility for their actions.
Informing people about how alcohol affects them is easy. Getting people to be responsible (i.e. living the core values with regard to alcohol use) is the difficult part.
Filling the information void is simple. The only safe amount of alcohol to drink and still drive totally unimpaired is none. Zero. Nothing. How difficult is that to figure out? As soon as you begin to drink, you begin to become impaired, ever so slightly at first, increasing in severity as you consume more alcohol over time. It’s that simple. Once you reach a “peak” level of alcohol in your system, only time will sober you up. Often times, (depending on how much you drank, your gender, your weight, and how fast you drank,) it takes many hours to become sober.
Here are some common myths that need to be squashed immediately.
“If I have one drink per hour over the evening and then wait an hour or two, I will be okay to drive.” No. Don’t do this. This is a recipe for a disaster. There is no way to guess how drunk you are once you have more than one drink total, so don’t try.
“If I feel okay to drive, I probably am.” Wrong. People are terrible at guessing how drunk they are. Just because they “feel” sober enough to drive doesn’t mean anything and ultimately is irrelevant. Try telling a judge, your commander, or the family members of a DUI victim, “uh sorry, I really felt okay to drive.”
“I can have several beers over dinner and be okay to drive home.” Wrong! You can have one beer or one glass of wine over dinner and not get a DUI.
This is because the legal definition of a DUI is a blood alcohol level of .08. It is impossible to have a BAL of .08 if you have one regular-sized drink. So if you have one drink, you may be okay. One drink. But, we need to make sure it is really one drink.
Many mixed drinks have several shots of alcohol in them, therefore, even though you may drink one cup of beverage, in reality you are drinking two or more alcoholic drinks. Also, a 40-ounce beer is not one drink. It is 3 ½ drinks. Know what you are drinking and keep in mind that although you may not meet the legal criteria for a DUI, you’re still impaired.
“If I follow the 0-0-1-3 guideline, I can still drive home safely.” Wrong Again. The 0-0-1-3 guide is only a rule of thumb for responsible alcohol consumption. The first zero means zero underage drinking. The second zero means zero drinking and driving. The one and the three are references to paced drinking instead of binge drinking. This means having one drink per hour and no more than three drinks over the entire evening or event.
This does not mean that after a night of drinking three drinks, you can drive home. Wrong. You are likely impaired and can still get a DUI if you drive after having three drinks.
It really is simple. Do the right thing. Know your limit, plan ahead to have a sober ride to get safely home and apply the core values with regard to alcohol use. In other words, take personal responsibility for your actions.
28th Medical Operations Squadron
Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D.
The Air Force Core Values are no secret: integrity first, service before self, excellence in all we do. We have also heard many times “do not drink and drive.” We’ve heard that mantra so many times that we’ve probably become numb to it and stopped listening.
We begin to believe “that will never happen to me.” Yet, arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol and referrals to the base ADAPT program come in at a regular pace, and it’s not just young Airmen who get DUIs. DUIs are an equal opportunity crime, and yes they are a crime.
DUIs are not just a bad decision. Every drunken person on the road is a danger to everyone else who is on the road at the same time.
Do I sound bitter? Yes. Frustrated? That too. As the ADAPT program manager, I see every Airman who gets a DUI; and frankly, it gets old. It’s the same old story. “I felt fine.” “I didn’t think I was that drunk.” “That cop should not have pulled me over to begin with.” The excuses go on and on. The bottom line is it is an issue of living the core values and taking personal responsibility for our actions.
Is there an Airman on base who has not been briefed many times about alternatives to drinking and driving? Have they not been reminded about having a plan ahead of time if they are going to drink? Have Airmen not been lectured about taking care of each other and being good wingmen? We’ve all heard this before. Are the people who get DUIs bad people? Are they all alcoholics? Are they all dirt-bags? Are they all just too stupid to figure it out? No, they are not. The vast majority are not any of the above, although occasionally an individual who truly is an alcoholic finally gets arrested for a DUI after a long pattern of problematic drinking. The vast majority of DUI referrals received at our office are from individuals who are misinformed about the effects of alcohol or simply fail to take personal responsibility for their actions.
Informing people about how alcohol affects them is easy. Getting people to be responsible (i.e. living the core values with regard to alcohol use) is the difficult part.
Filling the information void is simple. The only safe amount of alcohol to drink and still drive totally unimpaired is none. Zero. Nothing. How difficult is that to figure out? As soon as you begin to drink, you begin to become impaired, ever so slightly at first, increasing in severity as you consume more alcohol over time. It’s that simple. Once you reach a “peak” level of alcohol in your system, only time will sober you up. Often times, (depending on how much you drank, your gender, your weight, and how fast you drank,) it takes many hours to become sober.
Here are some common myths that need to be squashed immediately.
“If I have one drink per hour over the evening and then wait an hour or two, I will be okay to drive.” No. Don’t do this. This is a recipe for a disaster. There is no way to guess how drunk you are once you have more than one drink total, so don’t try.
“If I feel okay to drive, I probably am.” Wrong. People are terrible at guessing how drunk they are. Just because they “feel” sober enough to drive doesn’t mean anything and ultimately is irrelevant. Try telling a judge, your commander, or the family members of a DUI victim, “uh sorry, I really felt okay to drive.”
“I can have several beers over dinner and be okay to drive home.” Wrong! You can have one beer or one glass of wine over dinner and not get a DUI.
This is because the legal definition of a DUI is a blood alcohol level of .08. It is impossible to have a BAL of .08 if you have one regular-sized drink. So if you have one drink, you may be okay. One drink. But, we need to make sure it is really one drink.
Many mixed drinks have several shots of alcohol in them, therefore, even though you may drink one cup of beverage, in reality you are drinking two or more alcoholic drinks. Also, a 40-ounce beer is not one drink. It is 3 ½ drinks. Know what you are drinking and keep in mind that although you may not meet the legal criteria for a DUI, you’re still impaired.
“If I follow the 0-0-1-3 guideline, I can still drive home safely.” Wrong Again. The 0-0-1-3 guide is only a rule of thumb for responsible alcohol consumption. The first zero means zero underage drinking. The second zero means zero drinking and driving. The one and the three are references to paced drinking instead of binge drinking. This means having one drink per hour and no more than three drinks over the entire evening or event.
This does not mean that after a night of drinking three drinks, you can drive home. Wrong. You are likely impaired and can still get a DUI if you drive after having three drinks.
It really is simple. Do the right thing. Know your limit, plan ahead to have a sober ride to get safely home and apply the core values with regard to alcohol use. In other words, take personal responsibility for your actions.
Commentary>>Be humbled by power, not corrupted
By Senior Master Sgt. Mark Misewicz
62nd Airlift Squadron operations superintendent
“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
– Lord Acton, 1887
Many of us, if not all, serve in a position to exercise power; it is the manner in which we use this power that determines how effectively we influence the behavior of others. If you’ve been through any Professional Military Education course or simply studied Management classes in college, you know that there are essentially five bases of power, three categorized as formal power and two as personal power. Being in the military, it is understood that we have a hierarchy and as you progress through the ranks your formal power increases. This means you have the ability to exert your authority through coercive, reward, or legitimate power.
Coercive power is dependent on fear, and the reaction of the person based upon the negative results that may occur for failing to comply. Reward power is seen as the opposite of coercive power in that a person complies with your wishes because of the positive benefits for doing so. Legitimate power is simply based on one’s position of authority and the acceptance of subordinates of that authority.
These formal power bases are often the area where we stagnate in our ability to lead others, and in our quest to be better leaders we have to remain versatile. Research also suggests that personal sources of power are normally more effective. With these sources of power you don’t have to have a bunch of stripes on your sleeve or shiny shoulder boards, this power comes from an individual’s unique characteristics.
One is expert power, which is the influence you possess as a result of expertise, special skills or knowledge. I’ve found in my many years of military service that this expert power is not mutually exclusive to our senior leaders. Quite the contrary, it’s normally our junior enlisted and young officers that demonstrate the knowledge and ability to be considered experts in their fields. Lastly, there is referent power which is based on a person’s personal traits. This power develops out of admiration of another and a desire to be like that person. This is the kind of power that many of us strive to achieve and one way of doing so is through charismatic leadership. This style of leadership involves creating a self-image so powerful that people are naturally drawn to you.
Now, I’m certainly not saying that we must strive to be liked by everyone, but we can apply honest and consistent leadership and still have an emotional effect on the Airmen we influence. The situation will dictate what your desired source of “power” will be. Chief Master Sgt. Daran Adams, my mentor and friend, once told me that you must find what motivates each Airman in order to effectively influence them, and normally all it takes is observation, patience and empathy. Leaders achieve goals, and power is merely a means of facilitating goal achievement.
As you continue the journey throughout your military career, be careful not to allow the power you possess to corrupt you, but be humbled by it and use it effectively.
62nd Airlift Squadron operations superintendent
“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
– Lord Acton, 1887
Many of us, if not all, serve in a position to exercise power; it is the manner in which we use this power that determines how effectively we influence the behavior of others. If you’ve been through any Professional Military Education course or simply studied Management classes in college, you know that there are essentially five bases of power, three categorized as formal power and two as personal power. Being in the military, it is understood that we have a hierarchy and as you progress through the ranks your formal power increases. This means you have the ability to exert your authority through coercive, reward, or legitimate power.
Coercive power is dependent on fear, and the reaction of the person based upon the negative results that may occur for failing to comply. Reward power is seen as the opposite of coercive power in that a person complies with your wishes because of the positive benefits for doing so. Legitimate power is simply based on one’s position of authority and the acceptance of subordinates of that authority.
These formal power bases are often the area where we stagnate in our ability to lead others, and in our quest to be better leaders we have to remain versatile. Research also suggests that personal sources of power are normally more effective. With these sources of power you don’t have to have a bunch of stripes on your sleeve or shiny shoulder boards, this power comes from an individual’s unique characteristics.
One is expert power, which is the influence you possess as a result of expertise, special skills or knowledge. I’ve found in my many years of military service that this expert power is not mutually exclusive to our senior leaders. Quite the contrary, it’s normally our junior enlisted and young officers that demonstrate the knowledge and ability to be considered experts in their fields. Lastly, there is referent power which is based on a person’s personal traits. This power develops out of admiration of another and a desire to be like that person. This is the kind of power that many of us strive to achieve and one way of doing so is through charismatic leadership. This style of leadership involves creating a self-image so powerful that people are naturally drawn to you.
Now, I’m certainly not saying that we must strive to be liked by everyone, but we can apply honest and consistent leadership and still have an emotional effect on the Airmen we influence. The situation will dictate what your desired source of “power” will be. Chief Master Sgt. Daran Adams, my mentor and friend, once told me that you must find what motivates each Airman in order to effectively influence them, and normally all it takes is observation, patience and empathy. Leaders achieve goals, and power is merely a means of facilitating goal achievement.
As you continue the journey throughout your military career, be careful not to allow the power you possess to corrupt you, but be humbled by it and use it effectively.
Commentary>>Leadership, like wine, gets better over time
By Maj. Andrew Moore
19th Civil Engineer Squadron commander
Whenever the topic of leadership is brought up, the same old question is always asked, “Are leaders born, or is leadership a trait that can be learned?”
The answer to that question will probably be debated until the end of time, but in my humble opinion, I believe we are all born with certain leadership traits.
Every one of us, no matter what rank, has the innate ability to lead. I’m sure if you ask somebody to name a leader within their organization; they will probably come back with the name of their commander, chief or maybe a senior NCO in the squadron. I doubt you’ll ever hear the name of some Airmen First Class within an organization who is regarded as one of that unit’s leaders.
Why is that?
Maybe it is because most of us are not given opportunities to lead early on in our careers or possibly because we don’t believe we possess the needed traits to become a great leader. Some individuals will go their entire careers or lives without uncorking their proverbial leadership bottle. I use this analogy to illustrate, that like wine, an individual’s leadership abilities will get better over time.
However, unlike that bottle of wine, where you tuck it away in a cellar for years to allow it to age and improve, a person’s leadership bottle should be uncorked at the earliest opportunity to allow the maturing process to begin.
We must start this process early on in a person’s career; otherwise they will lack the necessary leadership skills needed when they enter a position that requires them to lead. Promotions are somewhat inevitable and along with those promotions will come expectations to know how to lead. I guarantee you that you will not wake up one day and just all of a sudden become a great leader.
This will take time and practice and the earlier you are thrust into leadership roles, the better. I’m not asking you to go out and lead a million-man march the first time you decide to tackle the leadership dummy. You should start off with something small, and gradually increase your level of leadership.
Over time, there is no doubt you will grow more comfortable and be ready for any leadership positions that comes your way. Although we will never fully evolve as leaders, we must continue to challenge ourselves and enable others to uncork their leadership bottles so we can all toast together and celebrate our successes.
19th Civil Engineer Squadron commander
Whenever the topic of leadership is brought up, the same old question is always asked, “Are leaders born, or is leadership a trait that can be learned?”
The answer to that question will probably be debated until the end of time, but in my humble opinion, I believe we are all born with certain leadership traits.
Every one of us, no matter what rank, has the innate ability to lead. I’m sure if you ask somebody to name a leader within their organization; they will probably come back with the name of their commander, chief or maybe a senior NCO in the squadron. I doubt you’ll ever hear the name of some Airmen First Class within an organization who is regarded as one of that unit’s leaders.
Why is that?
Maybe it is because most of us are not given opportunities to lead early on in our careers or possibly because we don’t believe we possess the needed traits to become a great leader. Some individuals will go their entire careers or lives without uncorking their proverbial leadership bottle. I use this analogy to illustrate, that like wine, an individual’s leadership abilities will get better over time.
However, unlike that bottle of wine, where you tuck it away in a cellar for years to allow it to age and improve, a person’s leadership bottle should be uncorked at the earliest opportunity to allow the maturing process to begin.
We must start this process early on in a person’s career; otherwise they will lack the necessary leadership skills needed when they enter a position that requires them to lead. Promotions are somewhat inevitable and along with those promotions will come expectations to know how to lead. I guarantee you that you will not wake up one day and just all of a sudden become a great leader.
This will take time and practice and the earlier you are thrust into leadership roles, the better. I’m not asking you to go out and lead a million-man march the first time you decide to tackle the leadership dummy. You should start off with something small, and gradually increase your level of leadership.
Over time, there is no doubt you will grow more comfortable and be ready for any leadership positions that comes your way. Although we will never fully evolve as leaders, we must continue to challenge ourselves and enable others to uncork their leadership bottles so we can all toast together and celebrate our successes.
Commentary>>Attributes of a good teammate
By Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Brinkley
19th Airlift Wing command chief
One of the keys to how we function as an Air Force is how we relate to those on our or our teammate’s team. As we continue to respond to contingencies nationally and abroad, our ability to look out for each other will enhance everything we do professionally and personally.
Being a good teammate requires seeing yourself as a part of everything your organization does. Col. Greg Otey likes to say, “Your proximity to the flight line does not determine your importance to our mission.” No matter what you do, my hope is you see yourself in every mission we accomplish.
Like a well-seasoned athlete, each of us needs to perfect our professional skills to be able to perform at a peak level when called upon. With dedication and focus, our daily duties can and should become second nature to us. This attitude personifies the mindset of excellence in all we do.
Another attribute of a good teammate is being a good wingman. Wingmen get to know those others assigned to their team. They also take a personal interest in the welfare of others on their team. A good wingman understands that each person is vital to the success of their organization. My hope is each of you are doing all you can to reach out to those around you in a positive way.
At the end of the day, if we understand our place in the mission while daily enhancing our individual abilities and continue to take care of one another, we should expect exceptional results. There is no greater team to be associated with than the U.S. Air Force, and I am honored to be your teammate. So let’s look out for that person to your left and to your right as we all take care of our nation’s business.
Combat Airlift!
19th Airlift Wing command chief
One of the keys to how we function as an Air Force is how we relate to those on our or our teammate’s team. As we continue to respond to contingencies nationally and abroad, our ability to look out for each other will enhance everything we do professionally and personally.
Being a good teammate requires seeing yourself as a part of everything your organization does. Col. Greg Otey likes to say, “Your proximity to the flight line does not determine your importance to our mission.” No matter what you do, my hope is you see yourself in every mission we accomplish.
Like a well-seasoned athlete, each of us needs to perfect our professional skills to be able to perform at a peak level when called upon. With dedication and focus, our daily duties can and should become second nature to us. This attitude personifies the mindset of excellence in all we do.
Another attribute of a good teammate is being a good wingman. Wingmen get to know those others assigned to their team. They also take a personal interest in the welfare of others on their team. A good wingman understands that each person is vital to the success of their organization. My hope is each of you are doing all you can to reach out to those around you in a positive way.
At the end of the day, if we understand our place in the mission while daily enhancing our individual abilities and continue to take care of one another, we should expect exceptional results. There is no greater team to be associated with than the U.S. Air Force, and I am honored to be your teammate. So let’s look out for that person to your left and to your right as we all take care of our nation’s business.
Combat Airlift!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Top Story>>General delivers new C-130J to Team Little Rock
By Airman 1st Class Rochelle Clace
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
A new C-130J Hercules was delivered to Little Rock Air Force Base at a C-130 Arrival Ceremony Wednesday at base operations.
The aircraft was piloted by Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, Air Mobility Command commander, headquartered at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., during its delivery from the Lockheed Martin plant in Marietta, Ga., to the base.
The C-130J is the most recent edition to AMC’s active duty inventory. The 41st Airlift Squadron and the Silver Aircraft Maintenance Unit will be home to the aircraft. They are responsible for employing the C-130J in combat and contingency operations, adding to Little Rock’s proud legacy of providing combatant commanders world-wide tactical airlift capability anywhere, anytime.
During the ceremony, General Lichte and Col. Gregory Otey, 19th Airlift Wing commander, addressed the audience, discussing the importance of the community, servicemembers and the mission of the Air Force.
“As we gather at the home of C-130 Combat Airlift, it’s only fitting this combat aircraft be delivered to the Rock,” said Colonel Otey. “Home to a team of professionals that provide our nation’s Air Force with unrivaled C-130 Combat Airlift.”
“It’s also fitting this J model be delivered to a community that is the finest military community in America; one that truly understands and appreciates our Airmen and Team Little Rock’s contributions and service to our nation. A community that never stops supporting the future of our great Air Force and what’s only the very best for our Airmen,” said Colonel Otey.
“It’s appropriate that you have so many of the civilian community leaders here today because it is a team. Everyone works together to accomplish the mission, none harder than the men and women at Little Rock that spend the time away from home doing the mission that you ask us to do, you the American people. So, today it’s with great pride and respect that I bring this aircraft home,” said General Lichte.
“At the Rock, we have built the foundation to train and deploy the world’s finest C-130 Combat Airlifters and the infrastructure and training programs to provide America unmatched airlift capability well into the future,” Colonel Otey said.
The ceremony celebrated more than the delivery of the aircraft, it also celebrated the Air Force’s number one resource: people.
“They represent generations of hard work, dedication and commitment by a total team; Airmen, retirees, civilians, contractors, central Arkansans and our nation and their sustained effort to bring technology to our war fighting capability. This C-130J will soon be in the hands of our Airmen. Airmen who will provide our Air Force with a capability to remove convoys from the roads of Iraq and Afghanistan, save lives through medical evacuations and support our nation in times of natural disaster,” said Colonel Otey.
During the ceremony, General Lichte presented Mr. Phil Davis, honorary commander of the 19th Airlift Wing and Chief of Staff of the Air Force’s Civic Leader Group with the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award.
He also presented a key to Staff Sgt. Justin Bordelon, 19th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, to symbolize the transfer of ownership of the C-130J to the squadron.
The C-130J is the newest generation of the C-130 Hercules, which primarily performs the tactical portion of the airlift mission. The aircraft is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for air dropping troops and equipment into hostile areas.
“Since the standup of C-130Js at Little Rock, they’ve carried 56,000 people, 3,500 tons of cargo, flown 4,000 hours and some 2,600 combat sorties. Since you have deployed to the desert, under the Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, you’ve flown 900 hours, 521 combat sorties, over 1,300 tons of cargo and 6,000 passengers, with 100 percent mission effectiveness. The C-130J gives us new flexibility and new capability,” said General Lichte.
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
A new C-130J Hercules was delivered to Little Rock Air Force Base at a C-130 Arrival Ceremony Wednesday at base operations.
The aircraft was piloted by Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, Air Mobility Command commander, headquartered at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., during its delivery from the Lockheed Martin plant in Marietta, Ga., to the base.
The C-130J is the most recent edition to AMC’s active duty inventory. The 41st Airlift Squadron and the Silver Aircraft Maintenance Unit will be home to the aircraft. They are responsible for employing the C-130J in combat and contingency operations, adding to Little Rock’s proud legacy of providing combatant commanders world-wide tactical airlift capability anywhere, anytime.
During the ceremony, General Lichte and Col. Gregory Otey, 19th Airlift Wing commander, addressed the audience, discussing the importance of the community, servicemembers and the mission of the Air Force.
“As we gather at the home of C-130 Combat Airlift, it’s only fitting this combat aircraft be delivered to the Rock,” said Colonel Otey. “Home to a team of professionals that provide our nation’s Air Force with unrivaled C-130 Combat Airlift.”
“It’s also fitting this J model be delivered to a community that is the finest military community in America; one that truly understands and appreciates our Airmen and Team Little Rock’s contributions and service to our nation. A community that never stops supporting the future of our great Air Force and what’s only the very best for our Airmen,” said Colonel Otey.
“It’s appropriate that you have so many of the civilian community leaders here today because it is a team. Everyone works together to accomplish the mission, none harder than the men and women at Little Rock that spend the time away from home doing the mission that you ask us to do, you the American people. So, today it’s with great pride and respect that I bring this aircraft home,” said General Lichte.
“At the Rock, we have built the foundation to train and deploy the world’s finest C-130 Combat Airlifters and the infrastructure and training programs to provide America unmatched airlift capability well into the future,” Colonel Otey said.
The ceremony celebrated more than the delivery of the aircraft, it also celebrated the Air Force’s number one resource: people.
“They represent generations of hard work, dedication and commitment by a total team; Airmen, retirees, civilians, contractors, central Arkansans and our nation and their sustained effort to bring technology to our war fighting capability. This C-130J will soon be in the hands of our Airmen. Airmen who will provide our Air Force with a capability to remove convoys from the roads of Iraq and Afghanistan, save lives through medical evacuations and support our nation in times of natural disaster,” said Colonel Otey.
During the ceremony, General Lichte presented Mr. Phil Davis, honorary commander of the 19th Airlift Wing and Chief of Staff of the Air Force’s Civic Leader Group with the Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher Distinguished Civilian Humanitarian Award.
He also presented a key to Staff Sgt. Justin Bordelon, 19th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, to symbolize the transfer of ownership of the C-130J to the squadron.
The C-130J is the newest generation of the C-130 Hercules, which primarily performs the tactical portion of the airlift mission. The aircraft is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for air dropping troops and equipment into hostile areas.
“Since the standup of C-130Js at Little Rock, they’ve carried 56,000 people, 3,500 tons of cargo, flown 4,000 hours and some 2,600 combat sorties. Since you have deployed to the desert, under the Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, you’ve flown 900 hours, 521 combat sorties, over 1,300 tons of cargo and 6,000 passengers, with 100 percent mission effectiveness. The C-130J gives us new flexibility and new capability,” said General Lichte.
Top Story>>Team Little Rock comes together as family on Wingman Day
By Master Sgt. Donald Williams
19th Airlift Wing Ground Safety
superintendent
The foundation of the United States Air Force is its Airmen, you, me, all of us. As Air Force members we have a set of Core Values: integrity, service before self and excellence in all we do.
These core values are the basis for the way we interact with each other on a daily basis. As we conduct ourselves day in and day out, we treat others as we would like to be treated ourselves. We treat others with respect and common courtesy. We take care of each other; because that’s what we do…we are natural Wingmen. Being a Wingman is a simple task on most days; training someone on how to do a job related task, driving an Airman to lunch, or helping change a flat tire. Sometimes it can be a little more intense; helping don protective gear or duck for cover when the sirens go off, or being there when that promotion didn’t come through. Whatever the task may be, it is still Airmen taking care of Airmen. It is our culture, our duty and our privilege.
On May 15, Little Rock AFB will set aside time for Wingman Day. This event will be our pre-cursor to the beginning of the 101 Critical Days of Summer.
The 101 CDS begin on May 22, our next Air Mobility Command family day. As Airmen, our first priority is our people; those at home and those we train to fight with. We cannot accomplish our mission without our most important asset. As we move into the most critical time of the year for Air Force-wide mishaps, remember to take care of your Airmen. Everyone has been working shorthanded due to deployments and our ops tempo remains high. Do all that you can to keep your fellow workers and friends safe over the 101 CDS and throughout the year. No one wants to lose a fellow warrior to injury or loss of life. So far this fiscal year we have lost 31 wingmen. In 24 of these mishaps, there were vehicles involved. Automobiles accounted for 15 fatalities, eight involved motorcycles and one was a bicycle fatality. Most were completely preventable. Passing in a no passing zone, speeding or riding a motorcycle recklessly were the root causes. Other fatalities involved sports and recreation. Airmen swimming with family members were carried away by an undertow. One individual was outside in a cold climate without proper clothing. All of these mishaps were preventable.
As we move into the summer months and begin to enjoy the great weather, keep one thing in mind: play to live and live to play. Have a good solid plan. Always remember your personal protective equipment in each situation. If you are boating, wear a life jacket and equip yourself with other life saving gear. When you utilize tools and machinery, don the proper PPE on duty and around the house. Common sense and good judgment are not only a workplace requirement; these attributes belong off the job as well.
To help remind all of us of our Wingman culture and to assist us in kicking off the “101 Days of Summer” Safety Campaign, Team Little Rock will host a popular comedian to entertain us while delivering the Wingman message to our community. Bernie McGrenahan has adopted the Air Force family and has brought his personal story to several bases across the globe.
Bernie’s message, while laugh-out-loud funny, drives home the importance of looking out for our buddies and realizing the impact of poor decisions on family, friends and co-workers. His story includes knee-slapping anecdotes along with the personal tragedy and consequence of substance abuse. He will perform two shows for us at an outdoor venue in front of Base Operations Bldg. 120.
Performances will begin at 7:30 a.m. for the 314th and 189th Airlift Wings with a follow-up show for the 19th Airlift Wing at 10 a.m. The 19th Airlift Wing will precede the 10 a.m. show with a combined Wing FOD Walk and Command Run down the runway. For those of us assigned to the 19th Airlift Wing, the combined event will commence with a Command Run formation along Flightline Road beginning in front and to the east of Bldg. 294 at Alpha Row on the aircraft parking ramp beginning at 9 a.m. Water, Gatorade and orange slices will be available at the conclusion of the run at Base Operations along the DV parking ramp. Unit leadership will pass along details concerning the FOD Walk and parking in the coming days.
This event promises to be both enjoyable and meaningful for our military and civilian workforce community. This will not be the typical military Safety Day. This is about recommitting to one another; joining together both flightline and support activities, officer and enlisted, friend and co-worker; all Airmen on and off duty. We do this, not because we have to, but because we want to. We take care of each other not as if we were family members, but because that is what we truly are…family. We’ve all seen the interview on television with the first responder just after a rescue operation. Inevitably, the rescuer answers the reporter with something to this effect, “I’m not a hero. All those years of training just kicked in!” Although not “training” per say, the Wingman culture should have that same affect. Being a Wingman should kick in automatically when needed. Help us celebrate that Wingman culture by joining your unit on May 15 to listen and share your part of our Air Force Core Values and Wingman heritage.
19th Airlift Wing Ground Safety
superintendent
The foundation of the United States Air Force is its Airmen, you, me, all of us. As Air Force members we have a set of Core Values: integrity, service before self and excellence in all we do.
These core values are the basis for the way we interact with each other on a daily basis. As we conduct ourselves day in and day out, we treat others as we would like to be treated ourselves. We treat others with respect and common courtesy. We take care of each other; because that’s what we do…we are natural Wingmen. Being a Wingman is a simple task on most days; training someone on how to do a job related task, driving an Airman to lunch, or helping change a flat tire. Sometimes it can be a little more intense; helping don protective gear or duck for cover when the sirens go off, or being there when that promotion didn’t come through. Whatever the task may be, it is still Airmen taking care of Airmen. It is our culture, our duty and our privilege.
On May 15, Little Rock AFB will set aside time for Wingman Day. This event will be our pre-cursor to the beginning of the 101 Critical Days of Summer.
The 101 CDS begin on May 22, our next Air Mobility Command family day. As Airmen, our first priority is our people; those at home and those we train to fight with. We cannot accomplish our mission without our most important asset. As we move into the most critical time of the year for Air Force-wide mishaps, remember to take care of your Airmen. Everyone has been working shorthanded due to deployments and our ops tempo remains high. Do all that you can to keep your fellow workers and friends safe over the 101 CDS and throughout the year. No one wants to lose a fellow warrior to injury or loss of life. So far this fiscal year we have lost 31 wingmen. In 24 of these mishaps, there were vehicles involved. Automobiles accounted for 15 fatalities, eight involved motorcycles and one was a bicycle fatality. Most were completely preventable. Passing in a no passing zone, speeding or riding a motorcycle recklessly were the root causes. Other fatalities involved sports and recreation. Airmen swimming with family members were carried away by an undertow. One individual was outside in a cold climate without proper clothing. All of these mishaps were preventable.
As we move into the summer months and begin to enjoy the great weather, keep one thing in mind: play to live and live to play. Have a good solid plan. Always remember your personal protective equipment in each situation. If you are boating, wear a life jacket and equip yourself with other life saving gear. When you utilize tools and machinery, don the proper PPE on duty and around the house. Common sense and good judgment are not only a workplace requirement; these attributes belong off the job as well.
To help remind all of us of our Wingman culture and to assist us in kicking off the “101 Days of Summer” Safety Campaign, Team Little Rock will host a popular comedian to entertain us while delivering the Wingman message to our community. Bernie McGrenahan has adopted the Air Force family and has brought his personal story to several bases across the globe.
Bernie’s message, while laugh-out-loud funny, drives home the importance of looking out for our buddies and realizing the impact of poor decisions on family, friends and co-workers. His story includes knee-slapping anecdotes along with the personal tragedy and consequence of substance abuse. He will perform two shows for us at an outdoor venue in front of Base Operations Bldg. 120.
Performances will begin at 7:30 a.m. for the 314th and 189th Airlift Wings with a follow-up show for the 19th Airlift Wing at 10 a.m. The 19th Airlift Wing will precede the 10 a.m. show with a combined Wing FOD Walk and Command Run down the runway. For those of us assigned to the 19th Airlift Wing, the combined event will commence with a Command Run formation along Flightline Road beginning in front and to the east of Bldg. 294 at Alpha Row on the aircraft parking ramp beginning at 9 a.m. Water, Gatorade and orange slices will be available at the conclusion of the run at Base Operations along the DV parking ramp. Unit leadership will pass along details concerning the FOD Walk and parking in the coming days.
This event promises to be both enjoyable and meaningful for our military and civilian workforce community. This will not be the typical military Safety Day. This is about recommitting to one another; joining together both flightline and support activities, officer and enlisted, friend and co-worker; all Airmen on and off duty. We do this, not because we have to, but because we want to. We take care of each other not as if we were family members, but because that is what we truly are…family. We’ve all seen the interview on television with the first responder just after a rescue operation. Inevitably, the rescuer answers the reporter with something to this effect, “I’m not a hero. All those years of training just kicked in!” Although not “training” per say, the Wingman culture should have that same affect. Being a Wingman should kick in automatically when needed. Help us celebrate that Wingman culture by joining your unit on May 15 to listen and share your part of our Air Force Core Values and Wingman heritage.
Commentary>>A weekend to remember
By Col. Mark Vlahos
314th Airlift Wing vice commander
While Team Little Rock Airmen were participating in Sports Day activities April 17 and the Eagles were beating the Chiefs in softball, two prominent honorary commanders from the base and I were heading out on our own great adventure.
That day, Mr. Phil Davis, honorary 19th Airlift Wing commander, Mr. Paschal Gagliardo, honorary 314th Operations Group commander, and I departed North Little Rock Airport with a destination of Columbia, S.C., to attend the 67th Doolittle Raiders Reunion. There are nine of the original 80 raiders still alive and four of them, plus many family members and descendents, attended the reunion weekend events.
Activities included a banquet in the Raiders honor, a barbecue lunch, mini-airshow and static displays, a World War II era dance on April 18, plus two special autograph signing sessions by the raiders.
Gen. Arthur Lichte, Air Mobility Command commander, was the guest speaker at both the banquet and the barbecue lunch.
On April 18, 1942, the Doolittle Raiders became the first to bomb Japan following the attack on Pearl Harbor. The raid demonstrated that Japan itself was vulnerable to Allied air attack and provided an expedient means for U.S. retaliation for Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
The raid was planned and led by Lt. Col. James "Jimmy" Doolittle. Doolittle would later recount in his autobiography that the raid was intended to cause the Japanese to doubt their leadership and to raise American morale.
Sixteen B-25B Mitchell bombers were launched from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet deep within enemy waters. The daring and innovative plan called for them to hit military targets in Japan, and then land in China, although one B-25 landed in Soviet territory and the crew was interned in the Soviet Union for more than a year. All 16 aircraft were lost and 11 crewmen were either killed or captured. The crews of 14 aircraft, in their entirety returned safely to the United States or to Allied control.
Compared to the devastating B-29 Superfortress attacks against Japan later in the war, the Doolittle raid did little material damage. Eight primary and five secondary targets were struck. At least one bomb from the plane of Lt. Edgar E. McElroy struck the Japanese aircraft carrier Ryuho.
Nevertheless, when the news of the raid was released, American morale soared. Stinging from the attack on Pearl Harbor and Japan's subsequent territorial gains, it was important for the American public to know that a successful military response had been undertaken.
The raid also had a strategic impact, though it was not understood at the time, in that it caused the Japanese to recall some fighter units back to the home islands for defense.
The Japanese Navy also bore a special responsibility for the fact that an American carrier task force had approached the Japanese Home Islands in a manner similar to that on Pearl Harbor, and then escaped unpunished.
The fact that land-based bombers carried out the attack served to confuse Japanese war planners about the source of the attack.
This confusion and an assumption that Japan was vulnerable to air attack strengthened Admiral Yamamoto's resolve to seize Midway Island, resulting in the decisive Battle of Midway.
What these visionary raiders accomplished is incredible. While many age-old principals of war were incorporated in the planning and execution of the raid…objective, offensive, economy of force, security and surprise, these men had no way of knowing that they set the stage for Core Competencies that now serve as the foundation of a our current Service Doctrine…Global Attack…Rapid Global Mobility…and above all the importance of Joint Operations.
Reflecting back on the weekend, I was in awe at actually getting up close and personal to Colonel Richard “Dick” Cole, co-pilot of the no. 1 aircraft with Jimmy Doolittle. At age 93, Dick is still very alert, active and can recall with great precision the raid. I kept thinking to myself this man is a national treasure; I will remember the events of this weekend the rest of my life.
314th Airlift Wing vice commander
While Team Little Rock Airmen were participating in Sports Day activities April 17 and the Eagles were beating the Chiefs in softball, two prominent honorary commanders from the base and I were heading out on our own great adventure.
That day, Mr. Phil Davis, honorary 19th Airlift Wing commander, Mr. Paschal Gagliardo, honorary 314th Operations Group commander, and I departed North Little Rock Airport with a destination of Columbia, S.C., to attend the 67th Doolittle Raiders Reunion. There are nine of the original 80 raiders still alive and four of them, plus many family members and descendents, attended the reunion weekend events.
Activities included a banquet in the Raiders honor, a barbecue lunch, mini-airshow and static displays, a World War II era dance on April 18, plus two special autograph signing sessions by the raiders.
Gen. Arthur Lichte, Air Mobility Command commander, was the guest speaker at both the banquet and the barbecue lunch.
On April 18, 1942, the Doolittle Raiders became the first to bomb Japan following the attack on Pearl Harbor. The raid demonstrated that Japan itself was vulnerable to Allied air attack and provided an expedient means for U.S. retaliation for Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
The raid was planned and led by Lt. Col. James "Jimmy" Doolittle. Doolittle would later recount in his autobiography that the raid was intended to cause the Japanese to doubt their leadership and to raise American morale.
Sixteen B-25B Mitchell bombers were launched from the aircraft carrier USS Hornet deep within enemy waters. The daring and innovative plan called for them to hit military targets in Japan, and then land in China, although one B-25 landed in Soviet territory and the crew was interned in the Soviet Union for more than a year. All 16 aircraft were lost and 11 crewmen were either killed or captured. The crews of 14 aircraft, in their entirety returned safely to the United States or to Allied control.
Compared to the devastating B-29 Superfortress attacks against Japan later in the war, the Doolittle raid did little material damage. Eight primary and five secondary targets were struck. At least one bomb from the plane of Lt. Edgar E. McElroy struck the Japanese aircraft carrier Ryuho.
Nevertheless, when the news of the raid was released, American morale soared. Stinging from the attack on Pearl Harbor and Japan's subsequent territorial gains, it was important for the American public to know that a successful military response had been undertaken.
The raid also had a strategic impact, though it was not understood at the time, in that it caused the Japanese to recall some fighter units back to the home islands for defense.
The Japanese Navy also bore a special responsibility for the fact that an American carrier task force had approached the Japanese Home Islands in a manner similar to that on Pearl Harbor, and then escaped unpunished.
The fact that land-based bombers carried out the attack served to confuse Japanese war planners about the source of the attack.
This confusion and an assumption that Japan was vulnerable to air attack strengthened Admiral Yamamoto's resolve to seize Midway Island, resulting in the decisive Battle of Midway.
What these visionary raiders accomplished is incredible. While many age-old principals of war were incorporated in the planning and execution of the raid…objective, offensive, economy of force, security and surprise, these men had no way of knowing that they set the stage for Core Competencies that now serve as the foundation of a our current Service Doctrine…Global Attack…Rapid Global Mobility…and above all the importance of Joint Operations.
Reflecting back on the weekend, I was in awe at actually getting up close and personal to Colonel Richard “Dick” Cole, co-pilot of the no. 1 aircraft with Jimmy Doolittle. At age 93, Dick is still very alert, active and can recall with great precision the raid. I kept thinking to myself this man is a national treasure; I will remember the events of this weekend the rest of my life.
Commentary>>All accidents are preventable
By Maj. Anthony Monnat
314th Maintenance Operations Squadron
Maintenance Operations Officer
I recently had some discussions with personnel from my squadron. We talked about safety incidents that we’d heard of and experienced. We talked about working in industrial areas like the flightline and we discussed accidents that happen on our highways and in our homes. To sort of “stir the pot” and get people talking about safety, I proposed my own personal theory that all accidents are preventable.
I started quite a controversy; most people vehemently disagreed with me. They stated while most accidents are preventable, there are a few that “just happen” and nothing could have been done to stop someone from getting hurt or equipment damaged.
Though studies and statistics exist, I came up with my theory very unscientifically. It’s only based on my own experience. Every incident that I have known about or was involved in, when you “peel the onion back”, was preventable if someone would have used the proper equipment or tool, slowed down, followed directions or warnings or used Operational Risk Management.
My experience includes both personal and professional incidents. For example, I had a friend from high school drown in a boating accident; he was not wearing a life preserver. I had a close family member involved in a serious snowmobile accident; his speed was excessive for the nighttime conditions. To be honest, I too have done some things that could have been thought out better. Sometimes, I got lucky and no one got hurt and nothing got broken. Other times, I got hurt or I broke something. We’re all human, but all of it was avoidable.
Professionally, I’ve investigated traffic collisions and damage to Air Force equipment, and a few years ago I was part of a Safety Investigation Board. Unfortunately, at work, I see people get hurt and equipment get broken. Once, I saw an Air Force spouse, while mowing a lawn, lose her vision in one eye; she was not wearing eye protection. Most of these people were not doing anything overtly stupid. They were doing what we all do, doing their tasks as best they knew how. But they hadn’t really thought about the inherent risks of the tasks. What’s the worst that can happen? What’s the probability that it will happen?
My unit leadership recently started a safety enhancement program. We’re not changing any of the current policies. We’re just trying to highlight safety more and get people thinking about it during their activities. We’re increasing emphasis on accident prevention by learning from others mistakes. Our ultimate goal is to eliminate the incidents. The main prong of attack is communication. Our leadership will be out talking more about safety, our safety representatives will brief senior leadership on trends. And we’ll incentivize our personnel with rewards and passes for 180 days with no incidents. It’s a lofty goal, but achievable. Our people and our equipment are just too valuable to lose and we’ve got to protect both.
Safety is not a “program”. My leadership believes, and I agree, it’s a value and it’s something we need to think about every time we accomplish a task. Be aware of our environment. Be aware of the inherent risks of the task, both on and off duty. Watch out for your Wingman. If you do this, you can break the chain of events that always lead to an accident and ultimately prevent these accidents from happening.
314th Maintenance Operations Squadron
Maintenance Operations Officer
I recently had some discussions with personnel from my squadron. We talked about safety incidents that we’d heard of and experienced. We talked about working in industrial areas like the flightline and we discussed accidents that happen on our highways and in our homes. To sort of “stir the pot” and get people talking about safety, I proposed my own personal theory that all accidents are preventable.
I started quite a controversy; most people vehemently disagreed with me. They stated while most accidents are preventable, there are a few that “just happen” and nothing could have been done to stop someone from getting hurt or equipment damaged.
Though studies and statistics exist, I came up with my theory very unscientifically. It’s only based on my own experience. Every incident that I have known about or was involved in, when you “peel the onion back”, was preventable if someone would have used the proper equipment or tool, slowed down, followed directions or warnings or used Operational Risk Management.
My experience includes both personal and professional incidents. For example, I had a friend from high school drown in a boating accident; he was not wearing a life preserver. I had a close family member involved in a serious snowmobile accident; his speed was excessive for the nighttime conditions. To be honest, I too have done some things that could have been thought out better. Sometimes, I got lucky and no one got hurt and nothing got broken. Other times, I got hurt or I broke something. We’re all human, but all of it was avoidable.
Professionally, I’ve investigated traffic collisions and damage to Air Force equipment, and a few years ago I was part of a Safety Investigation Board. Unfortunately, at work, I see people get hurt and equipment get broken. Once, I saw an Air Force spouse, while mowing a lawn, lose her vision in one eye; she was not wearing eye protection. Most of these people were not doing anything overtly stupid. They were doing what we all do, doing their tasks as best they knew how. But they hadn’t really thought about the inherent risks of the tasks. What’s the worst that can happen? What’s the probability that it will happen?
My unit leadership recently started a safety enhancement program. We’re not changing any of the current policies. We’re just trying to highlight safety more and get people thinking about it during their activities. We’re increasing emphasis on accident prevention by learning from others mistakes. Our ultimate goal is to eliminate the incidents. The main prong of attack is communication. Our leadership will be out talking more about safety, our safety representatives will brief senior leadership on trends. And we’ll incentivize our personnel with rewards and passes for 180 days with no incidents. It’s a lofty goal, but achievable. Our people and our equipment are just too valuable to lose and we’ve got to protect both.
Safety is not a “program”. My leadership believes, and I agree, it’s a value and it’s something we need to think about every time we accomplish a task. Be aware of our environment. Be aware of the inherent risks of the task, both on and off duty. Watch out for your Wingman. If you do this, you can break the chain of events that always lead to an accident and ultimately prevent these accidents from happening.
Commentary>>So that others may be free
By Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Brinkley
19th Airlift Wing command chief
My job at The Rock requires frequent travel, and during my recent travels I began to reflect on the sacrifices our military makes for all of us. Less than one percent of our nation serves in the armed forces; this is a huge responsibility for such a few people.
Last week I ran into people from Little Rock in two different airports as they were transitioning to their deployed locations. Seeing them depart from their families and friends to do what their nation calls them to do was a humbling sight. Searching for the right words to leave with those at home station can be a challenge, yet each of them found something to say to encourage their families as they entered the jet way.
Soon we will take time to reflect on the sacrifices of those in uniform on Memorial Day. Yet, to many citizens, this has come to symbolize the start of summer along with a three-day weekend. Although these are good things, the main point is that this should be a time to honor those who accepted the call to stand at freedom’s forefront. If you could have looked into the eyes of our Combat Airlifters as they departed, I’m sure you would have been reminded that freedom is not free.
One of our core values is service before self, and the men and women of Team Little Rock live this everyday all over the world. A good way to evaluate how well a nation functions is to see how well it takes care of its military. I challenge you never to forget that freedom is not free. So as you enjoy your summer break or long weekend, you can rest assured that the men and women of Team Little Rock stand ready to protect each of your freedom.
Combat Airlift!
19th Airlift Wing command chief
My job at The Rock requires frequent travel, and during my recent travels I began to reflect on the sacrifices our military makes for all of us. Less than one percent of our nation serves in the armed forces; this is a huge responsibility for such a few people.
Last week I ran into people from Little Rock in two different airports as they were transitioning to their deployed locations. Seeing them depart from their families and friends to do what their nation calls them to do was a humbling sight. Searching for the right words to leave with those at home station can be a challenge, yet each of them found something to say to encourage their families as they entered the jet way.
Soon we will take time to reflect on the sacrifices of those in uniform on Memorial Day. Yet, to many citizens, this has come to symbolize the start of summer along with a three-day weekend. Although these are good things, the main point is that this should be a time to honor those who accepted the call to stand at freedom’s forefront. If you could have looked into the eyes of our Combat Airlifters as they departed, I’m sure you would have been reminded that freedom is not free.
One of our core values is service before self, and the men and women of Team Little Rock live this everyday all over the world. A good way to evaluate how well a nation functions is to see how well it takes care of its military. I challenge you never to forget that freedom is not free. So as you enjoy your summer break or long weekend, you can rest assured that the men and women of Team Little Rock stand ready to protect each of your freedom.
Combat Airlift!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Top Story>>Military officials monitor H1N1 flu outbreak
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Services
Defense Department officials are monitoring the H1N1 flu outbreak closely, with their primary focus on protecting the military population, a senior Pentagon official said Monday.
As officials with the Department of Health and Human Services lead the U.S. effort, the military is posturing itself to respond if required, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said.
"We certainly have a number of contingency plans for dealing with health incidences like this, because our primary goal is preservation of the fighting force," he said. "So we obviously have plans and take measures to ensure that we can preserve the fighting strength of the military in the event that there should be a greater crisis with respect to a health situation like this."
Two prescription anti-viral drugs, Relenza and Tamiflu, already are standard stock at U.S. military treatment facilities, and larger quantities are stockpiled at several sites in the U.S. and overseas, Mr. Whitman said.
President Barack Obama told the National Academy of Sciences the emerging incidence of H1N1 flu in the U.S. "is obviously a cause for concern and requires a heightened state of alert, but it's not a cause for alarm."
Representatives at the Centers for Disease Control have confirmed 40 cases of H1N1 flu virus infection in the U.S. in California, Kansas, Ohio and Texas as well as New York City. None have involved members of the military or their families.
Greater cases of infections have been reported internationally, particularly in Mexico.
Obama said HHS officials have declared a public health emergency only "as a precautionary tool to ensure that we have the resources we need at our disposal to respond quickly and effectively." Officials with HHS, the CDC and the Department of Homeland Security will provide the American people regular updates about steps being taken and precautions that may be required, he said.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry distributed CDC guidelines for preventing the spread of H1N1 flu to the federal work force. Mr. Berry also distributed guidance for federal agencies to protect their work forces and the public and to ensure continuity of operations in the event that they must institute their already-prepared pandemic influenza preparedness plans.
CDC specialists recommend the following actions people can take to stay healthy:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
CDC experts also recommend avoiding close contact with sick people, particularly if they are coughing or sneezing, and to stay home if you're sick to avoid infecting others.
American Forces Press Services
Defense Department officials are monitoring the H1N1 flu outbreak closely, with their primary focus on protecting the military population, a senior Pentagon official said Monday.
As officials with the Department of Health and Human Services lead the U.S. effort, the military is posturing itself to respond if required, Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said.
"We certainly have a number of contingency plans for dealing with health incidences like this, because our primary goal is preservation of the fighting force," he said. "So we obviously have plans and take measures to ensure that we can preserve the fighting strength of the military in the event that there should be a greater crisis with respect to a health situation like this."
Two prescription anti-viral drugs, Relenza and Tamiflu, already are standard stock at U.S. military treatment facilities, and larger quantities are stockpiled at several sites in the U.S. and overseas, Mr. Whitman said.
President Barack Obama told the National Academy of Sciences the emerging incidence of H1N1 flu in the U.S. "is obviously a cause for concern and requires a heightened state of alert, but it's not a cause for alarm."
Representatives at the Centers for Disease Control have confirmed 40 cases of H1N1 flu virus infection in the U.S. in California, Kansas, Ohio and Texas as well as New York City. None have involved members of the military or their families.
Greater cases of infections have been reported internationally, particularly in Mexico.
Obama said HHS officials have declared a public health emergency only "as a precautionary tool to ensure that we have the resources we need at our disposal to respond quickly and effectively." Officials with HHS, the CDC and the Department of Homeland Security will provide the American people regular updates about steps being taken and precautions that may be required, he said.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Director John Berry distributed CDC guidelines for preventing the spread of H1N1 flu to the federal work force. Mr. Berry also distributed guidance for federal agencies to protect their work forces and the public and to ensure continuity of operations in the event that they must institute their already-prepared pandemic influenza preparedness plans.
CDC specialists recommend the following actions people can take to stay healthy:
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
CDC experts also recommend avoiding close contact with sick people, particularly if they are coughing or sneezing, and to stay home if you're sick to avoid infecting others.
Commentary>>Renewing our commitment
By Col. C.K. Hyde
314th Airlift Wing commander
Chief Master Sgt. Richard Turcotte, 314th Airlift Wing command chief, and I had the opportunity to review the Basic Military Training graduation at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, April 24. I had not previously had the opportunity to witness the accession of the world’s greatest Airmen, and I was impressed by their professionalism, enthusiasm and the proud excitement of their family and friends in attendance. We often become “professionally jaded” over time and it is instructive to look at our youngest Airmen for inspiration and to rekindle our commitment to our nation and Air Force.
Our newest Airmen marched in front of over 4,000 American citizens. We all need the support of others to be successful and these families and friends provided the foundation, values, and during BMT, some much-needed encouragement to the graduates. We often become cynical when our focus is on us instead of the American people, family and our fellow Airmen who support us. We get caught up in our comparisons to others who got a better deal, a better assignment or received an accolade that we felt we deserved. This is a slippery slope which runs counter to our core value of service before self and selfishly ignores the many people who support us – the American people we serve.
On their march by the reviewing stand, our Airmen passed by a “walk of honor,” which memorializes the heroes who gave our Air Force a legacy of valor. In our daily grind, we often forget that our path was paved by the exertions of audacious patriots who believed that cloth covered air machines could be decisive in warfare and serve as our nation’s shield. The graduates heard about Lt. Ray Knight who earned the Medal of Honor in the skies over northern Italy exactly 65 years ago in World War II. Just as our newest Airmen start their careers by remembering the past, we should remember that we share the title of Airmen with millions who sacrificed and served so that we have the world’s greatest Air Force.
At the end of the ceremony, our Airmen took the oath of enlistment signifying their transition from civilian to professional Airmen, from the ranks of the defended to the responsibility of the defender. Our military’s basic mission is the defense of our great republic. As I looked at the faces of our newest warriors, it was evident they understood the commitment and service required of them to fly fight and win, and they were eager to join our ranks in the cause of freedom. It is up to us to provide the leadership and develop this next generation of Airmen who will be entrusted with our Air Force, its legacy and mission.
I left the BMT graduation with a renewed sense of commitment. I would encourage each Airman at Little Rock AFB to think about their initial enlistment or commission and renew their commitment to selfless service.
314th Airlift Wing commander
Chief Master Sgt. Richard Turcotte, 314th Airlift Wing command chief, and I had the opportunity to review the Basic Military Training graduation at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, April 24. I had not previously had the opportunity to witness the accession of the world’s greatest Airmen, and I was impressed by their professionalism, enthusiasm and the proud excitement of their family and friends in attendance. We often become “professionally jaded” over time and it is instructive to look at our youngest Airmen for inspiration and to rekindle our commitment to our nation and Air Force.
Our newest Airmen marched in front of over 4,000 American citizens. We all need the support of others to be successful and these families and friends provided the foundation, values, and during BMT, some much-needed encouragement to the graduates. We often become cynical when our focus is on us instead of the American people, family and our fellow Airmen who support us. We get caught up in our comparisons to others who got a better deal, a better assignment or received an accolade that we felt we deserved. This is a slippery slope which runs counter to our core value of service before self and selfishly ignores the many people who support us – the American people we serve.
On their march by the reviewing stand, our Airmen passed by a “walk of honor,” which memorializes the heroes who gave our Air Force a legacy of valor. In our daily grind, we often forget that our path was paved by the exertions of audacious patriots who believed that cloth covered air machines could be decisive in warfare and serve as our nation’s shield. The graduates heard about Lt. Ray Knight who earned the Medal of Honor in the skies over northern Italy exactly 65 years ago in World War II. Just as our newest Airmen start their careers by remembering the past, we should remember that we share the title of Airmen with millions who sacrificed and served so that we have the world’s greatest Air Force.
At the end of the ceremony, our Airmen took the oath of enlistment signifying their transition from civilian to professional Airmen, from the ranks of the defended to the responsibility of the defender. Our military’s basic mission is the defense of our great republic. As I looked at the faces of our newest warriors, it was evident they understood the commitment and service required of them to fly fight and win, and they were eager to join our ranks in the cause of freedom. It is up to us to provide the leadership and develop this next generation of Airmen who will be entrusted with our Air Force, its legacy and mission.
I left the BMT graduation with a renewed sense of commitment. I would encourage each Airman at Little Rock AFB to think about their initial enlistment or commission and renew their commitment to selfless service.
Commentary>>Leadership: Accomplish the mission
By Lt. Col. Todd Pavich
48th Airlift Squadron commander
An experienced veteran told me about a welcome he received stepping off a plane at his newly deployed location. As was customary, the deployed commander met arriving personnel. Expecting words of welcome and encouragement, the Airman was surprised by his new commander’s first words. “I’ve given 14 Article 15’s since I’ve been here. Don’t be the next.” Not exactly an inspirational leadership style.
I’m positive all the books and courses on leadership suggest a leader inspires, encourages and respects the people in their charge. I also know leaders must accomplish the mission. Mission accomplishment, in fact, is pass or fail for a leader. What then constitutes an effective leader? My take on this issue: Good leaders accomplish the mission; great leaders inspire others to execute their mission successfully. I believe in four fundamentals to establish effective leadership. First, establish yourself worthy. Second, set the environment. Third, provide vision and direction. Fourth, champion the efforts of your team.
Worthiness is usually yours to lose. Realize quickly you are not special. The desired traits of a leader are no different than the desired traits of all Airmen. Integrity, courage, competence, honesty, self-discipline, etc. are expectations of everyone in the Air Force. They are not unique to leaders and don’t necessarily determine capability. If any are missing or compromised, however, your effectiveness will be limited early. Expect your unit or team to possess these traits. Usually they do, so don’t insult their professionalism. The character of the whole unit establishes the foundation.
The environment you set will last. If you create a team atmosphere, the team will support you until you give them cause to do otherwise. If you establish an aura of distrust, either through micro-management or threats of reprisal, you will be very busy and your team will provide you much less than they are capable. It is relatively easy to dictate or demand action to accomplish the mission, especially for a commander. Leaders who empower the members of the unit will accomplish the mission, create advocates and share ownership for the great things they accomplish. People who buy into the leader will accomplish so much more than just the mission.
The leaders who choose to establish the appropriate environment are free to provide vision and direction. If you chose the dictatorial route, forget about the rest because your team will be reactive for the remainder of your time as “leader.” If a team buys into a leader, it will buy into a leader's vision. If you have made it this far, you possess some of the skills to be an effective leader. Provide vision and direction for what you could be; not what you are. Status quo does not inspire, and you want inspired teammates. Give ownership freely, and you will be amazed by your team’s creativity. You may be good, but collectively your team is so much better than you. Let them soar. They want to and they deserve to.
Finally, recognize the great ideas and initiatives your team provides. Find a way to implement the hard work your team is doing and recognize it's impact. Champion does not mean cheering, so engage as necessary to create and affect change. This is perhaps the most important point. Your support will either eternalize trust or establish ambivalence. The future efforts of your team rest on your perceived desire to support their efforts. Be a proponent of their ideas and give them credit for their efforts.
Leaders have a unique opportunity to build and create. Set the stage early and the team will take care of you. Set it up poorly and your time as leader will be so much more difficult and much less rewarding. Good Luck.
48th Airlift Squadron commander
An experienced veteran told me about a welcome he received stepping off a plane at his newly deployed location. As was customary, the deployed commander met arriving personnel. Expecting words of welcome and encouragement, the Airman was surprised by his new commander’s first words. “I’ve given 14 Article 15’s since I’ve been here. Don’t be the next.” Not exactly an inspirational leadership style.
I’m positive all the books and courses on leadership suggest a leader inspires, encourages and respects the people in their charge. I also know leaders must accomplish the mission. Mission accomplishment, in fact, is pass or fail for a leader. What then constitutes an effective leader? My take on this issue: Good leaders accomplish the mission; great leaders inspire others to execute their mission successfully. I believe in four fundamentals to establish effective leadership. First, establish yourself worthy. Second, set the environment. Third, provide vision and direction. Fourth, champion the efforts of your team.
Worthiness is usually yours to lose. Realize quickly you are not special. The desired traits of a leader are no different than the desired traits of all Airmen. Integrity, courage, competence, honesty, self-discipline, etc. are expectations of everyone in the Air Force. They are not unique to leaders and don’t necessarily determine capability. If any are missing or compromised, however, your effectiveness will be limited early. Expect your unit or team to possess these traits. Usually they do, so don’t insult their professionalism. The character of the whole unit establishes the foundation.
The environment you set will last. If you create a team atmosphere, the team will support you until you give them cause to do otherwise. If you establish an aura of distrust, either through micro-management or threats of reprisal, you will be very busy and your team will provide you much less than they are capable. It is relatively easy to dictate or demand action to accomplish the mission, especially for a commander. Leaders who empower the members of the unit will accomplish the mission, create advocates and share ownership for the great things they accomplish. People who buy into the leader will accomplish so much more than just the mission.
The leaders who choose to establish the appropriate environment are free to provide vision and direction. If you chose the dictatorial route, forget about the rest because your team will be reactive for the remainder of your time as “leader.” If a team buys into a leader, it will buy into a leader's vision. If you have made it this far, you possess some of the skills to be an effective leader. Provide vision and direction for what you could be; not what you are. Status quo does not inspire, and you want inspired teammates. Give ownership freely, and you will be amazed by your team’s creativity. You may be good, but collectively your team is so much better than you. Let them soar. They want to and they deserve to.
Finally, recognize the great ideas and initiatives your team provides. Find a way to implement the hard work your team is doing and recognize it's impact. Champion does not mean cheering, so engage as necessary to create and affect change. This is perhaps the most important point. Your support will either eternalize trust or establish ambivalence. The future efforts of your team rest on your perceived desire to support their efforts. Be a proponent of their ideas and give them credit for their efforts.
Leaders have a unique opportunity to build and create. Set the stage early and the team will take care of you. Set it up poorly and your time as leader will be so much more difficult and much less rewarding. Good Luck.
A View from the Top>>Good pain
By Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Brinkley
19th Airlift Wing command chief
As I debated hitting the snooze button the other day at 5:15 a.m., I began to ponder, was it really necessary to get up and go for an early morning run? I quickly decided to move out versus rolling over and got up and ran. While running around the track I started to ponder the concept of good pain.
Good pain is the things that may not feel good to us at the time, but are good for us down the line. If you go to the fitness center and watch people who are improving their muscle mass while decreasing their fat content, you quickly realize that hard work and dedication go into getting those results. Good pain is something these weight lifters are willing to endure to improve from a health standpoint.
In our professional and personal lives, we have many opportunities to engage in good pain to improve things for us and those around us. As good wingmen, do we take the time up front to ensure newly arrived teammates are properly greeted upon arrival? Maybe a note from their leadership, along with a few snacks in their dorm room or billeting room would help them know we are happy they are here. It may require a little more effort up front, but what a great way to embrace a new person and their families.
Sometimes we may have to invest some extra time and attention to training, yet when we see a decrease in accidents while increasing effectiveness, it will be worth the additional effort up front. Good pain by definition may not be pleasant in the beginning, but in the end it will yield a great result. My question is what are you willing to invest good pain towards? By the way, the track is pretty empty around 5:15 a.m., so if anyone wants to join me in some good pain, there’s always room for a few more.
Combat Airlift!
19th Airlift Wing command chief
As I debated hitting the snooze button the other day at 5:15 a.m., I began to ponder, was it really necessary to get up and go for an early morning run? I quickly decided to move out versus rolling over and got up and ran. While running around the track I started to ponder the concept of good pain.
Good pain is the things that may not feel good to us at the time, but are good for us down the line. If you go to the fitness center and watch people who are improving their muscle mass while decreasing their fat content, you quickly realize that hard work and dedication go into getting those results. Good pain is something these weight lifters are willing to endure to improve from a health standpoint.
In our professional and personal lives, we have many opportunities to engage in good pain to improve things for us and those around us. As good wingmen, do we take the time up front to ensure newly arrived teammates are properly greeted upon arrival? Maybe a note from their leadership, along with a few snacks in their dorm room or billeting room would help them know we are happy they are here. It may require a little more effort up front, but what a great way to embrace a new person and their families.
Sometimes we may have to invest some extra time and attention to training, yet when we see a decrease in accidents while increasing effectiveness, it will be worth the additional effort up front. Good pain by definition may not be pleasant in the beginning, but in the end it will yield a great result. My question is what are you willing to invest good pain towards? By the way, the track is pretty empty around 5:15 a.m., so if anyone wants to join me in some good pain, there’s always room for a few more.
Combat Airlift!
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