By Master Sgt. Gary Moon
714th Training Squadron first sergeant
As a young boy, I was given chores around the house to accomplish. One of those chores was washing the nightly dinner dishes by hand. We had a perfectly good dishwasher so it’s understandable that at 10 I would find this chore a complete waste of time.
On one particular night, in a fit of righteous indignation, I complained about how unfair this was. My mother, ever calm, said,
“It’s good for you, it builds character.” Over the course of my childhood this became my mother’s mantra. I often thought to myself, who needs this much character?
Now many years later, I ask myself, was mom right? Did the dishpan hands I received from the hours spent scrubbing pots actually succeed? Do I have character? What does it mean to be a person of character? For me good character is distinguished by three major components: having integrity, giving your best effort and taking responsibility for your actions.
Have the integrity to do what is right, every time, no matter who is or isn’t watching. All too often we cut corners or take shortcuts because it is faster and easier. Other times our own desires get in the way of doing what is required. Unfortunately these habits are insidious and each time we allow them to happen they become easier to repeat, and before long we have lost sight of what is expected and blurred the edges between right and wrong. Unfortunately, taken to the extreme this can lead to jail time, or worse, the loss of life.
Hand-in-hand with integrity is giving your best effort. We all have our strengths and weaknesses and rarely are we only asked to do tasks we perform well. More often we are charged with assignments for which we have little skill. When these situations occur we have to overcome our limitations, rise to the occasion and give our best effort. Many times we will surprise ourselves with hidden talent; other times we will fail. If we are secure in the knowledge that we gave the task our best effort, we need not feel embarrassment for failure. Instead, we learn from our failure and build our experience. A wise man once told me, “It is okay to be wrong. Learn from your mistake then don’t repeat it, and try not to be wrong very often.”
This leads directly to the last attribute I use when measuring character. Accept responsibility for your actions - no excuses, no equivocations. Make a decision and stand by it. If you are wrong, learn from it and move on. This is one of the hardest lessons to learn and it becomes more difficult as a person’s scope of influence increases. It is always easy to accept responsibility when you are being congratulated for a job well done, but when the results of a decision you made do not go quite as planned you must have the strength of character to account for your actions. A former commander gave me this piece of advice, “You will never have more than 80 percent of the information you need to make a decision, so be prepared to explain yourself.”
I’ve had a long career in the military and have had many great mentors who helped me build my character, but none as influential as my mother. She pushed me down the right path by teaching me the principles of integrity, giving my best effort and how to take responsibility for my actions. She did this by simply repeating her mantra, “It’s good for you; it builds character.” So let me take this chance to say - thank you mom, for your words of wisdom - and ask those of you reading this, do you have character?
Thursday, August 26, 2010
COMMENTARY>>COMMENTARY New 314th leader sets pillars for Center of Excellence foundation
By Airman 1st Class Rochelle Sollars
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Five pillars will set the foundation for the C-130 Center of Excellence, its new commander said at his change-of-command ceremony Aug. 20.
“Mission--standards--partnerships--innovation--focus,” said Col. Mark G. Czelusta, 314th Airlift Wing commander. “Let us continue to keep these five simple words in our minds as the world’s C-130 Center of Excellence.”
During the ceremony, the 19th Air Force commander let everyone in attendance know that he was leaving them in good hands.
“Colonel Czelusta is a perfect leader for the 314th Airlift Wing with an outstanding career record,” said Maj. Gen. Mark S. Solo, 19th Air Force commander. “Colonel Czelusta’s extraordinary career has prepared him well for this day and his extensive experience in combat operations makes him the perfect fit to meet the training of tomorrow’s warriors.”
Colonel Czelusta is excited to lead the nation’s premier C-130 training wing.
“You have my good word and solemn promise that I will do everything I can to be the commander this wing and its Airmen deserve,” Colonel Czelusta told General Solo at the ceremony.
After taking command of the 314th AW, Colonel Czelusta addressed the community dignitaries in attendance.
“The 314th Airlift Wing and Team Little Rock are the envy of the Air Force when it comes to community involvement and support,” he said. “This was obvious when I was here as a copilot trainee in 1995, as a squadron commander in 2005, and not surprisingly, it hasn’t changed a bit.”
Colonel Czelusta now leads a team of approximately 1,200 military and civilian professionals who form the C-130 “Center of Excellence” for tactical airlift. The wing trains C-130 aircrew members from across the Department of Defense, Coast Guard and 38 nations, as well as C-21 aircrews through the 45th Airlift Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.
“As we press on and grow from where we are today, I expect that we will continue to be guided by a few key principles. In fact, they’re the same ones that make Combat Airlift the warfighter’s capability of choice,” said Colonel Czelusta. “The first is a mission that we own and take personally. The second are standards that are unapologetically high. Third, we know that our mission is both pointless and impossible without partnerships. And while it’s partnerships within our wing, across Team Little Rock, and through the Total Force that make the mission possible, it’s through an attentive and responsive ear to our joint and global customers that we will be worthwhile. Fourth, we will continue to be innovative ... and for the better. And finally, we have the good sense to focus on what matters, and to leave behind the distracters.”
The former commander of the 463rd Operations Support Squadron, assigned to the base in 2005, has returned to “The Rock” for the third time during his career to command the largest C-130 training wing in the Air Force.
Col. Charles K. Hyde, the wing’s previous commander, received the Legion of Merit during the ceremony and is now assigned to Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.
The 314th AW works in concert with the 19th Airlift Wing, 189th Airlift Wing and U.S. Air Force Weapons School in all aspects of C-130 training.
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Five pillars will set the foundation for the C-130 Center of Excellence, its new commander said at his change-of-command ceremony Aug. 20.
“Mission--standards--partnerships--innovation--focus,” said Col. Mark G. Czelusta, 314th Airlift Wing commander. “Let us continue to keep these five simple words in our minds as the world’s C-130 Center of Excellence.”
During the ceremony, the 19th Air Force commander let everyone in attendance know that he was leaving them in good hands.
“Colonel Czelusta is a perfect leader for the 314th Airlift Wing with an outstanding career record,” said Maj. Gen. Mark S. Solo, 19th Air Force commander. “Colonel Czelusta’s extraordinary career has prepared him well for this day and his extensive experience in combat operations makes him the perfect fit to meet the training of tomorrow’s warriors.”
Colonel Czelusta is excited to lead the nation’s premier C-130 training wing.
“You have my good word and solemn promise that I will do everything I can to be the commander this wing and its Airmen deserve,” Colonel Czelusta told General Solo at the ceremony.
After taking command of the 314th AW, Colonel Czelusta addressed the community dignitaries in attendance.
“The 314th Airlift Wing and Team Little Rock are the envy of the Air Force when it comes to community involvement and support,” he said. “This was obvious when I was here as a copilot trainee in 1995, as a squadron commander in 2005, and not surprisingly, it hasn’t changed a bit.”
Colonel Czelusta now leads a team of approximately 1,200 military and civilian professionals who form the C-130 “Center of Excellence” for tactical airlift. The wing trains C-130 aircrew members from across the Department of Defense, Coast Guard and 38 nations, as well as C-21 aircrews through the 45th Airlift Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss.
“As we press on and grow from where we are today, I expect that we will continue to be guided by a few key principles. In fact, they’re the same ones that make Combat Airlift the warfighter’s capability of choice,” said Colonel Czelusta. “The first is a mission that we own and take personally. The second are standards that are unapologetically high. Third, we know that our mission is both pointless and impossible without partnerships. And while it’s partnerships within our wing, across Team Little Rock, and through the Total Force that make the mission possible, it’s through an attentive and responsive ear to our joint and global customers that we will be worthwhile. Fourth, we will continue to be innovative ... and for the better. And finally, we have the good sense to focus on what matters, and to leave behind the distracters.”
The former commander of the 463rd Operations Support Squadron, assigned to the base in 2005, has returned to “The Rock” for the third time during his career to command the largest C-130 training wing in the Air Force.
Col. Charles K. Hyde, the wing’s previous commander, received the Legion of Merit during the ceremony and is now assigned to Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.
The 314th AW works in concert with the 19th Airlift Wing, 189th Airlift Wing and U.S. Air Force Weapons School in all aspects of C-130 training.
TOP STORY > >New leader tosses gauntlet for Black Knights
By Staff Sgt. Nestor Cruz
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
The new 19th Airlift Wing commander is honored to be back among the Black Knights and call Little Rock Air Force Base his home.
Col. Michael Minihan, the 19th AW commander, is on his second assignment here and is excited to witness the Little Rock AFB Combat Airlift legacy in motion.
“It’s truly amazing to watch the Airmen of Little Rock accomplish the mission on a daily basis,” said Colonel Minihan.
As the new commander, Colonel Minihan is focused on providing worldwide deployable C-130 aircraft, aircrews, support personnel and equipment for Air Mobility Command and Air Expeditionary Force taskings while providing for the health and welfare of more than 12,000 Airmen and families at Little Rock AFB.
“The Black Knight priorities will continue to be mission, people and fun,” he said. “I especially want to emphasize taking care of each other and our families.”
Part of that emphasis on taking care of Airmen and families is ensuring the availability of world-class housing and education.
“Hunt Pinnacle has done an incredible job taking housing privatization and turning it into a success story,” Colonel Minihan said. “Team Little Rock and Hunt Pinnacle cannot let up when it comes to our desire for excellence. Our Airmen and their families deserve nothing less.
“When you move to a new base, housing and schools are at the top of the list on what families care about,” he continued. “Our local community is committed to providing our children the best education possible. I need Airmen and their families to be involved at every level of public education to voice their concerns and be a part of the solution.”
Colonel Minihan stressed the importance of developing Airmen as a means to developing airpower.
“I want to emphasize how we develop Airmen and airpower: equipping them and training them, so when it comes time to do our combat mission they have everything they need to be successful,” Colonel Minihan said. “[We need to do] it in manner that retains their service so we can send them to war, bring them home, reconstitute them and get them ready to do it again in a way they’re happy, well-equipped and motivated.”
The commander charges all Little Rock Airmen to practice personal accountability and be a good wingman to one another when it comes to physical fitness.
“A healthy lifestyle is a condition of employment in the U.S. Air Force,” said Colonel Minihan. “I want Airmen to look at physical fitness like they do with every other aspect of their professional life. At the end of the day, it’s hard work and sweat that makes us successful.”
Colonel Minihan reminded wing members three keys to success.
“I have three simple words for Black Knight leaders, supervisors and Airmen: ownership, leadership and attitude,” the commander said. “I need Airmen to own the mission, own what’s happening around you and take accountability.
“Leadership: I value bold, decisive in-your-face leadership, and I expect our Airmen to lead,” Colonel Minihan added. “Finally, there’s attitude. I value positive attitudes that make coming to work a joy.”
The wing commander also values Team Little Rock’s strong relationship with the local community.
“We enjoy the warm embrace of an award-winning community,” Colonel Minihan said. “The service of our community to our nation is just as important as those who wear the uniform. Our Airmen and their families rely on the community to live, thrive and prosper. When our community won the Abilene Trophy, it simply affirmed what those of us who experienced the local hospitality knew, and it’s that our community support is the best.”
Colonel Minihan is a command pilot with more than 3,200 hours in the C-130 Hercules and KC-10 Extender.
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
The new 19th Airlift Wing commander is honored to be back among the Black Knights and call Little Rock Air Force Base his home.
Col. Michael Minihan, the 19th AW commander, is on his second assignment here and is excited to witness the Little Rock AFB Combat Airlift legacy in motion.
“It’s truly amazing to watch the Airmen of Little Rock accomplish the mission on a daily basis,” said Colonel Minihan.
As the new commander, Colonel Minihan is focused on providing worldwide deployable C-130 aircraft, aircrews, support personnel and equipment for Air Mobility Command and Air Expeditionary Force taskings while providing for the health and welfare of more than 12,000 Airmen and families at Little Rock AFB.
“The Black Knight priorities will continue to be mission, people and fun,” he said. “I especially want to emphasize taking care of each other and our families.”
Part of that emphasis on taking care of Airmen and families is ensuring the availability of world-class housing and education.
“Hunt Pinnacle has done an incredible job taking housing privatization and turning it into a success story,” Colonel Minihan said. “Team Little Rock and Hunt Pinnacle cannot let up when it comes to our desire for excellence. Our Airmen and their families deserve nothing less.
“When you move to a new base, housing and schools are at the top of the list on what families care about,” he continued. “Our local community is committed to providing our children the best education possible. I need Airmen and their families to be involved at every level of public education to voice their concerns and be a part of the solution.”
Colonel Minihan stressed the importance of developing Airmen as a means to developing airpower.
“I want to emphasize how we develop Airmen and airpower: equipping them and training them, so when it comes time to do our combat mission they have everything they need to be successful,” Colonel Minihan said. “[We need to do] it in manner that retains their service so we can send them to war, bring them home, reconstitute them and get them ready to do it again in a way they’re happy, well-equipped and motivated.”
The commander charges all Little Rock Airmen to practice personal accountability and be a good wingman to one another when it comes to physical fitness.
“A healthy lifestyle is a condition of employment in the U.S. Air Force,” said Colonel Minihan. “I want Airmen to look at physical fitness like they do with every other aspect of their professional life. At the end of the day, it’s hard work and sweat that makes us successful.”
Colonel Minihan reminded wing members three keys to success.
“I have three simple words for Black Knight leaders, supervisors and Airmen: ownership, leadership and attitude,” the commander said. “I need Airmen to own the mission, own what’s happening around you and take accountability.
“Leadership: I value bold, decisive in-your-face leadership, and I expect our Airmen to lead,” Colonel Minihan added. “Finally, there’s attitude. I value positive attitudes that make coming to work a joy.”
The wing commander also values Team Little Rock’s strong relationship with the local community.
“We enjoy the warm embrace of an award-winning community,” Colonel Minihan said. “The service of our community to our nation is just as important as those who wear the uniform. Our Airmen and their families rely on the community to live, thrive and prosper. When our community won the Abilene Trophy, it simply affirmed what those of us who experienced the local hospitality knew, and it’s that our community support is the best.”
Colonel Minihan is a command pilot with more than 3,200 hours in the C-130 Hercules and KC-10 Extender.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
COMMENTARY>>Little Rock AFB chaplain officiates wedding ceremony in AOR
By Staff Sgt. Jeremy Larlee
380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) – Chaplain (Capt.) Sean E. Randall, deployed from Little Rock Air Force Base’s 19th Airlift Wing, performed a wedding ceremony for Senior Airman Sheri Nolen and Senior Airman Donald Nolen Aug. 4 at his deployed location in Southwest Asia.
“Over 130 maintainers were in attendance and the energy level was explosive,” Chaplain Randall wrote from his deployed location. “The level of expectancy erupted when I asked, ‘Who gives this woman to be married to this man?’ The entire warehouse exploded with ‘We do!’”
Airman Nolen recalls the journey that led her and her groom together in such an unlikely setting.
Young girls often dream about what their perfect wedding will be like. They dream of the perfect dress, cake, ring and who their dashing groom will be.
Senior Airman Sheri Nolen spent her childhood in Denver more interested in playing in the dirt and running around.
“I never really thought about a wedding when I was a kid.” she said. “I was too busy blowing things up and playing with Barbie dolls.”
As she got older, she thought a wedding on a cruise would be ideal. But, Airman Nolen was skeptical that she would ever find the right person with whom to spend her life.
Then she met Senior Airman Donald Nolen.
Airman Donald Nolen is a communications navigation maintainer in the KC-10 Extender and Airman Sheri Nolen is a crew chief on the same airframe.
Although both were assigned to the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here at the time of their marriage, the path to their meeting and marriage was an interesting one.
The two met at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., in April 2008, and became fast friends. In October of that year, they started to see each other romantically.
Airman Nolen said she knew early on she had met the person she could spend her life with.
“His smile and his eyes are amazing,” she said. “He is always willing to help anybody in need. He will literally give you the shirt right off his back.”
Airmen Nolen was equally smitten with his future bride.
“She is the kindest and most amazing person I have ever met,” he said. “She has the most amazing energy and I look forward to spending the rest of my life with her.”
In 2010, he started to plan out his proposal to his future bride. He thought of doing it adventurously while the two were skydiving.
Then, the needs of the Air Force changed their plans.
In April, Airmen Nolen was given five days of notice that she would be deploying to Southwest Asia. Fortunately for the couple, her future groom had a planned deployment to the same location in June.
The two Airmen quickly went to plan B and discussed options of how to get married.
After some research, the couple found out that they could do a double proxy marriage through the state of Montana. A double proxy marriage is one where two proxies stand in for the absent parties. Neither the bride nor the groom needs to be present for the ceremony. Montana is the only state in the U.S. that allows this type of marriage.
The marriage became official July 12.
“The Air Force is a family and when we heard of their plight we responded,” said Chaplain Randall. “I met with their commander then I met with the couple. In the (deployed location), a couple can’t make this happen; only leadership can. I followed up by writing a ceremony based on what they had always wanted in a wedding, traditional vows and the exchange of rings.”
Airman Nolen said it was a unique experience for her.
“We pretty much just emailed a couple of certificates,” she said. “It really felt more like we were applying for credit cards than getting married.”
So the new couple would have some type of ceremony, their coworkers planned a wedding ceremony here Aug. 4.
“The ceremony itself is being called an Air Force first, ” said Chaplain Randall.
The ceremony had a few touches that reminded the attendees of the fact that it was in a deployed location. The bride had a train made out of Airman battle uniform material and the groom had a boutonniere made of pink tissue paper pinned to his uniform.
“(Airman Nolen) will never forget her wedding and neither will we,” said Chaplain Randall. “A small interruption in the battle rhythm of war is a gift from God. This ceremony was our gift to the Nolan’s but the interruption was God’s gift to us.”
The couple did not get to honeymoon yet, as the bride returned to McGuire AFB due to the end of her deployment here.
Airmen Nolen said that even though it has been a strange and twisting road to marriage, she wouldn’t change a thing.
“If I had the chance to do this differently, I would choose to do it the same way all over again,” she said.
This ceremony exemplified social and spiritual health, two pillars of Comprehensive Airman Fitness, which Airmen can learn more about on www.amc.mil/caf.
The 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs staff contributed to this article.
380th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFNS) – Chaplain (Capt.) Sean E. Randall, deployed from Little Rock Air Force Base’s 19th Airlift Wing, performed a wedding ceremony for Senior Airman Sheri Nolen and Senior Airman Donald Nolen Aug. 4 at his deployed location in Southwest Asia.
“Over 130 maintainers were in attendance and the energy level was explosive,” Chaplain Randall wrote from his deployed location. “The level of expectancy erupted when I asked, ‘Who gives this woman to be married to this man?’ The entire warehouse exploded with ‘We do!’”
Airman Nolen recalls the journey that led her and her groom together in such an unlikely setting.
Young girls often dream about what their perfect wedding will be like. They dream of the perfect dress, cake, ring and who their dashing groom will be.
Senior Airman Sheri Nolen spent her childhood in Denver more interested in playing in the dirt and running around.
“I never really thought about a wedding when I was a kid.” she said. “I was too busy blowing things up and playing with Barbie dolls.”
As she got older, she thought a wedding on a cruise would be ideal. But, Airman Nolen was skeptical that she would ever find the right person with whom to spend her life.
Then she met Senior Airman Donald Nolen.
Airman Donald Nolen is a communications navigation maintainer in the KC-10 Extender and Airman Sheri Nolen is a crew chief on the same airframe.
Although both were assigned to the 380th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron here at the time of their marriage, the path to their meeting and marriage was an interesting one.
The two met at McGuire Air Force Base, N.J., in April 2008, and became fast friends. In October of that year, they started to see each other romantically.
Airman Nolen said she knew early on she had met the person she could spend her life with.
“His smile and his eyes are amazing,” she said. “He is always willing to help anybody in need. He will literally give you the shirt right off his back.”
Airmen Nolen was equally smitten with his future bride.
“She is the kindest and most amazing person I have ever met,” he said. “She has the most amazing energy and I look forward to spending the rest of my life with her.”
In 2010, he started to plan out his proposal to his future bride. He thought of doing it adventurously while the two were skydiving.
Then, the needs of the Air Force changed their plans.
In April, Airmen Nolen was given five days of notice that she would be deploying to Southwest Asia. Fortunately for the couple, her future groom had a planned deployment to the same location in June.
The two Airmen quickly went to plan B and discussed options of how to get married.
After some research, the couple found out that they could do a double proxy marriage through the state of Montana. A double proxy marriage is one where two proxies stand in for the absent parties. Neither the bride nor the groom needs to be present for the ceremony. Montana is the only state in the U.S. that allows this type of marriage.
The marriage became official July 12.
“The Air Force is a family and when we heard of their plight we responded,” said Chaplain Randall. “I met with their commander then I met with the couple. In the (deployed location), a couple can’t make this happen; only leadership can. I followed up by writing a ceremony based on what they had always wanted in a wedding, traditional vows and the exchange of rings.”
Airman Nolen said it was a unique experience for her.
“We pretty much just emailed a couple of certificates,” she said. “It really felt more like we were applying for credit cards than getting married.”
So the new couple would have some type of ceremony, their coworkers planned a wedding ceremony here Aug. 4.
“The ceremony itself is being called an Air Force first, ” said Chaplain Randall.
The ceremony had a few touches that reminded the attendees of the fact that it was in a deployed location. The bride had a train made out of Airman battle uniform material and the groom had a boutonniere made of pink tissue paper pinned to his uniform.
“(Airman Nolen) will never forget her wedding and neither will we,” said Chaplain Randall. “A small interruption in the battle rhythm of war is a gift from God. This ceremony was our gift to the Nolan’s but the interruption was God’s gift to us.”
The couple did not get to honeymoon yet, as the bride returned to McGuire AFB due to the end of her deployment here.
Airmen Nolen said that even though it has been a strange and twisting road to marriage, she wouldn’t change a thing.
“If I had the chance to do this differently, I would choose to do it the same way all over again,” she said.
This ceremony exemplified social and spiritual health, two pillars of Comprehensive Airman Fitness, which Airmen can learn more about on www.amc.mil/caf.
The 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs staff contributed to this article.
COMMENTARY>>Feels like coming home
By Col. Mark Czelusta
314th Airlift Wing commander
No, I’m not from Arkansas. I wasn’t born here, and I am not a state resident. But that doesn’t change the fact that my wife, Susan, daughter Madison and I feel like we’re home again at Little Rock Air Force Base.
Like every other Herk driver in our Air Force, I completed several aircrew qualification courses here. I’m an Air Force Weapons School graduate through the program now executed by the 29th Weapons Squadron. And from 2005 through 2007, I was a squadron commander here as part of Air Mobility Command’s 463rd Airlift Group.
The org charts have changed over the years, and the base’s parent Major Command is now different. But the core of Team Little Rock is as steady as ever. We’re the end-to-end, total force home of Combat Airlift, and I’m beyond honored to command the wing that represents an early step in the development of the tac airlifter’s warrior ethos.
From my vantage point, the 314th Airlift Wing–America’s C-130 “Center of Excellence”–has always been about five simple principles. And you can expect them to continue to remain preeminent in our perspective:
A mission that we take personally.
Standards that are unapologetically high.
Partnerships that make our mission worthwhile and possible.
An insatiable appetite for innovation.
An unrelenting focus on what truly matters.
Mission–Standards–Partnerships–Innovation–Focus. We’ll talk more about each of them over the next few months. Let there be no doubt: They matter to every member of our team. And we will take them to the next level.
I do, however, want to say a few words about partnerships right now. For partnering with the 19th and 189th Airlift Wings is an utmost privilege. In a single stroke, they make our mission both possible and worthwhile. The same can be said for the communities of Central Arkansas, which possess unparalleled hospitality, generosity and patriotism.
To the Hyde family, thank you for your leadership and sacrifice ... Godspeed as you press on to San Antonio and Randolph AFB.
To the men and women of the 314th Airlift Wing, Team Little Rock and to the people of Central Arkansas, Susan, Madison and I thank you for the warm welcome. We have indeed come home.
314th Airlift Wing commander
No, I’m not from Arkansas. I wasn’t born here, and I am not a state resident. But that doesn’t change the fact that my wife, Susan, daughter Madison and I feel like we’re home again at Little Rock Air Force Base.
Like every other Herk driver in our Air Force, I completed several aircrew qualification courses here. I’m an Air Force Weapons School graduate through the program now executed by the 29th Weapons Squadron. And from 2005 through 2007, I was a squadron commander here as part of Air Mobility Command’s 463rd Airlift Group.
The org charts have changed over the years, and the base’s parent Major Command is now different. But the core of Team Little Rock is as steady as ever. We’re the end-to-end, total force home of Combat Airlift, and I’m beyond honored to command the wing that represents an early step in the development of the tac airlifter’s warrior ethos.
From my vantage point, the 314th Airlift Wing–America’s C-130 “Center of Excellence”–has always been about five simple principles. And you can expect them to continue to remain preeminent in our perspective:
A mission that we take personally.
Standards that are unapologetically high.
Partnerships that make our mission worthwhile and possible.
An insatiable appetite for innovation.
An unrelenting focus on what truly matters.
Mission–Standards–Partnerships–Innovation–Focus. We’ll talk more about each of them over the next few months. Let there be no doubt: They matter to every member of our team. And we will take them to the next level.
I do, however, want to say a few words about partnerships right now. For partnering with the 19th and 189th Airlift Wings is an utmost privilege. In a single stroke, they make our mission both possible and worthwhile. The same can be said for the communities of Central Arkansas, which possess unparalleled hospitality, generosity and patriotism.
To the Hyde family, thank you for your leadership and sacrifice ... Godspeed as you press on to San Antonio and Randolph AFB.
To the men and women of the 314th Airlift Wing, Team Little Rock and to the people of Central Arkansas, Susan, Madison and I thank you for the warm welcome. We have indeed come home.
TOP STORY > >Combat Care-lifter
By Ashley Mangin
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs volunteer
Little Rock AFB needs more FCC providers.
The Family Child Care Program is a program designed to augment the care given to children at the Child Development Center.
“If you love children, [being an FCC provider] allows you to work with children in your own home while spending time with your own children as well,” said Jacque Johannes, 19th Force Support Squadron family child care coordinator.
“We also give our providers the opportunity to work toward accreditation or their Child Development Associate’s Degree,” Ms. Johannes continued.
While providing the same outstanding quality of care, there are some distinct differences in the style of care provided.
“The ratios are definitely smaller,” said Ms. Johannes. “Some children benefit from smaller groups.
“There are also different age groups together,” Ms. Johannes added. “I think that makes it a more home-like environment.”
There are some other benefits to using a home-based child care provider.
“More one-on-one care is a big thing,” Ms. Johannes said. “There is also a flexibility of the hours of care. Sometimes parents have a day when they have to drop-off early or pick-up late, and our providers can accommodate that.”
Little Rock Air Force Base’s FCC Program has nine active providers currently providing approximately 5,000 hours of care per week including 500 hours of care through special programs.
“We offer a variety of programs through our expanded childcare program that are paid for by the Air Force,” said Ms. Johannes.
“We have extended duty care for those who work outside their normal duty hours and have no other options for care, we have returning home care for members coming home from a deployment, and home community care for people who don’t live on base but have to stay for a drill weekend or some other work related event.
“We also have two wonderful programs that we offer in conjunction with the Airman and Family Readiness Center: PCS care for before and after a PCS and the volunteer program where we offer up to 20 hours per week of childcare for anyone interested in volunteering on base.”
Potential providers must have a love of children, a desire to work with children and good communication skills. Becoming a provider is a big decision that should be discussed with the whole family, but is a rewarding experience.
“I love being able to watch the kids grow and develop into the people they are meant to be,” said Malissa Kaye, family child care provider. “I was looking for care and I couldn’t find any that was the quality that I was looking for. I thought, if I was looking then other people were too.”
The FCC office tries to ease some of the burden of starting a new business.
“All of our providers go through extensive training before they are licensed,” said Ms. Johannes. “We try to update their training throughout the year as well. We also have a lot of base agencies available to help our providers with any problems they might have. We even have toys and equipment, safety and health items and various supplies so they don’t have to spend a lot at first.”
Anyone providing more than 10 hours of childcare per week on base on a regular basis is required to be licensed by FCC.
Anyone interested in becoming a family child care provider and enriching the lives of Little Rock AFB’s little Combat Airlifters should contact Jacque Johannes at the Family Child Care Office at 987-3156.
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs volunteer
Little Rock AFB needs more FCC providers.
The Family Child Care Program is a program designed to augment the care given to children at the Child Development Center.
“If you love children, [being an FCC provider] allows you to work with children in your own home while spending time with your own children as well,” said Jacque Johannes, 19th Force Support Squadron family child care coordinator.
“We also give our providers the opportunity to work toward accreditation or their Child Development Associate’s Degree,” Ms. Johannes continued.
While providing the same outstanding quality of care, there are some distinct differences in the style of care provided.
“The ratios are definitely smaller,” said Ms. Johannes. “Some children benefit from smaller groups.
“There are also different age groups together,” Ms. Johannes added. “I think that makes it a more home-like environment.”
There are some other benefits to using a home-based child care provider.
“More one-on-one care is a big thing,” Ms. Johannes said. “There is also a flexibility of the hours of care. Sometimes parents have a day when they have to drop-off early or pick-up late, and our providers can accommodate that.”
Little Rock Air Force Base’s FCC Program has nine active providers currently providing approximately 5,000 hours of care per week including 500 hours of care through special programs.
“We offer a variety of programs through our expanded childcare program that are paid for by the Air Force,” said Ms. Johannes.
“We have extended duty care for those who work outside their normal duty hours and have no other options for care, we have returning home care for members coming home from a deployment, and home community care for people who don’t live on base but have to stay for a drill weekend or some other work related event.
“We also have two wonderful programs that we offer in conjunction with the Airman and Family Readiness Center: PCS care for before and after a PCS and the volunteer program where we offer up to 20 hours per week of childcare for anyone interested in volunteering on base.”
Potential providers must have a love of children, a desire to work with children and good communication skills. Becoming a provider is a big decision that should be discussed with the whole family, but is a rewarding experience.
“I love being able to watch the kids grow and develop into the people they are meant to be,” said Malissa Kaye, family child care provider. “I was looking for care and I couldn’t find any that was the quality that I was looking for. I thought, if I was looking then other people were too.”
The FCC office tries to ease some of the burden of starting a new business.
“All of our providers go through extensive training before they are licensed,” said Ms. Johannes. “We try to update their training throughout the year as well. We also have a lot of base agencies available to help our providers with any problems they might have. We even have toys and equipment, safety and health items and various supplies so they don’t have to spend a lot at first.”
Anyone providing more than 10 hours of childcare per week on base on a regular basis is required to be licensed by FCC.
Anyone interested in becoming a family child care provider and enriching the lives of Little Rock AFB’s little Combat Airlifters should contact Jacque Johannes at the Family Child Care Office at 987-3156.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
COMMENTARY>>19th Airlift Wing activates its third active associate squadron
By Capt. Joe Knable
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. – The 345th Airlift Squadron was officially reactivated here Aug. 6, making it the third active associate squadron to fall under Little Rock Air Force Base’s 19th Airlift Wing.
As part of the Air Force’s Total Force Integration initiative, the 345th AS, commanded by Lt. Col. Craig L. Williams, will fully integrate 112 aircraft maintenance, operational and support personnel with the 403rd Maintenance Group and 815th Airlift squadron.
As an active associate unit to the Air Force Reserve Command’s 403rd Wing, the 345th AS’ active-duty personnel will work alongside their Reserve counterparts to maximize the capabilities of both missions while minimizing operational cost to taxpayers. The two squadrons will initially share eight and soon 10 Reserve C-130Js, the Air Force’s newest tactical airlift platform, said Colonel Williams.
“We have three goals: to create a new and outstanding squadron, to seamlessly integrate with the 403rd Wing, and then execute the mission for which we’ve trained so many hours,” Colonel Williams said upon assuming command here today.
Speaking to his Reserve partners, he said, “Our commitment to you is that as we work together to accomplish this challenge – this change in the Air Force mission – the men and women of the 345th AS will respect and appreciate your culture. We’re getting huge strides from your experience for sure. We’ll take care of your facilities and your airplanes while we strive to build our own unique squadron identity and continued legacy.”
The new commander was recently stationed at Little Rock AFB until 2006, where he was a 48th Airlift Squadron assistant director of operations and then worked in the 19th Airlift Wing Plans and Programs office. Before arriving at Keesler in January, he was the director of operations for the 37th Airlift Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, where that unit transitioned from the venerable C-130E to the brand-new C-130J in approximately one year. Between hisassignments at Little Rock and Ramstein, he was assigned to Air Mobility Command, 19th AW’s parent command at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., where he started as the C-130J program manger and became the chief, Combat Delivery Branch for the C-130J, C-130 Avionics Modernization Program and C-27J.
His C-130J experience at AMC and Germany made him the ideal choice to lead the Air Force’s first C-130J active associate squadron, said Lt. Col. Pat Curtis, 19th Operations Group deputy commander, in an interview with a reporter.
“I’m intimately familiar with J-model operations,” said Colonel Williams in that interview.
The commander said he’s been building relationships since he arrived at Keesler. “This is a huge paradigm shift for them, welcoming the active duty into ‘their house’ ... Relationship building is the number one goal for total force integration units,” he said.
TFI is about “access to iron and experience,” said Colonel Curtis, speaking of the active-duty members, many of whom are new to the C-130J, working alongside the experienced reservists. It presents many new training opportunities. “There’s a lot of energy from the infusion of youth and experience,” he told the reporter.
“You’re building a much stronger baseline of experience to be injected back into the ‘J’ community,” Colonel Williams added.
The individual aircrews are often a mix between active duty and Reserve flyers, said the new commander. “It’s been mixed since day one – if you were walking around in (airman battle uniforms) without patches, you couldn’t tell the difference. We have the same checklists, training and standards. The mission completion is seamless,” he said.
The 30th Airlift Squadron works with the Wyoming Air National Guard’s 187th Airlift Squadron at Cheyenne Regional Airport, Wyo., and is the 19th AW’s first TFI squadron and the first active-duty associate unit to an Air National Guard unit, according to Wyoming National Guard Public Affairs. The squadron flies C-130Hs and employs 190 active-duty personnel.
The 52nd Airlift Squadron, partnered with the Reserve’s 302nd Airlift Wing at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., was activated in October, making it the 19th AW’s second TFI squadron. The C-130H squadron is still in the building stage, but fully manned will have 173 active-duty personnel, said Colonel Curtis.
Every TFI unit is different, said Colonel Curtis. There are differences working with the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command, who each have their own unique cultures, and the different geography in the different states presents different flying training opportunities. An additional benefit of TFI is to have this diversity of experience among the aircrews, he said.
The 345th has fewer personnel because the crew of the C-130J only requires two pilots and one loadmaster for a basic mission.
The legacy model C-130s also have navigators and flight engineers, positions made obsolete by the modern avionics of the C-130J. The C-130 AMP model eliminates the navigator position but retains the flight engineer.
The heritage of the 345th dates back to June 1949, when it was activated as the 345th Troop Carrier Squadron, flying C-46 Commandos and then C-119 Flying Boxcars out of Memphis, Tenn., according to squadron officials. In subsequent reactivations at various locations, the squadron flew aircraft including H-19 Chickasaw and H-21 Workhorse/Shawnee helicopters, C-123 Providers, and finally the C-130 Hercules for the first time in 1961. The squadron was last stationed at Yokota Air Base, Japan, where it was last inactivated July 1, 1993.
Members from the 403rd Wing public affairs office contributed to this article.
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. – The 345th Airlift Squadron was officially reactivated here Aug. 6, making it the third active associate squadron to fall under Little Rock Air Force Base’s 19th Airlift Wing.
As part of the Air Force’s Total Force Integration initiative, the 345th AS, commanded by Lt. Col. Craig L. Williams, will fully integrate 112 aircraft maintenance, operational and support personnel with the 403rd Maintenance Group and 815th Airlift squadron.
As an active associate unit to the Air Force Reserve Command’s 403rd Wing, the 345th AS’ active-duty personnel will work alongside their Reserve counterparts to maximize the capabilities of both missions while minimizing operational cost to taxpayers. The two squadrons will initially share eight and soon 10 Reserve C-130Js, the Air Force’s newest tactical airlift platform, said Colonel Williams.
“We have three goals: to create a new and outstanding squadron, to seamlessly integrate with the 403rd Wing, and then execute the mission for which we’ve trained so many hours,” Colonel Williams said upon assuming command here today.
Speaking to his Reserve partners, he said, “Our commitment to you is that as we work together to accomplish this challenge – this change in the Air Force mission – the men and women of the 345th AS will respect and appreciate your culture. We’re getting huge strides from your experience for sure. We’ll take care of your facilities and your airplanes while we strive to build our own unique squadron identity and continued legacy.”
The new commander was recently stationed at Little Rock AFB until 2006, where he was a 48th Airlift Squadron assistant director of operations and then worked in the 19th Airlift Wing Plans and Programs office. Before arriving at Keesler in January, he was the director of operations for the 37th Airlift Squadron at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, where that unit transitioned from the venerable C-130E to the brand-new C-130J in approximately one year. Between hisassignments at Little Rock and Ramstein, he was assigned to Air Mobility Command, 19th AW’s parent command at Scott Air Force Base, Ill., where he started as the C-130J program manger and became the chief, Combat Delivery Branch for the C-130J, C-130 Avionics Modernization Program and C-27J.
His C-130J experience at AMC and Germany made him the ideal choice to lead the Air Force’s first C-130J active associate squadron, said Lt. Col. Pat Curtis, 19th Operations Group deputy commander, in an interview with a reporter.
“I’m intimately familiar with J-model operations,” said Colonel Williams in that interview.
The commander said he’s been building relationships since he arrived at Keesler. “This is a huge paradigm shift for them, welcoming the active duty into ‘their house’ ... Relationship building is the number one goal for total force integration units,” he said.
TFI is about “access to iron and experience,” said Colonel Curtis, speaking of the active-duty members, many of whom are new to the C-130J, working alongside the experienced reservists. It presents many new training opportunities. “There’s a lot of energy from the infusion of youth and experience,” he told the reporter.
“You’re building a much stronger baseline of experience to be injected back into the ‘J’ community,” Colonel Williams added.
The individual aircrews are often a mix between active duty and Reserve flyers, said the new commander. “It’s been mixed since day one – if you were walking around in (airman battle uniforms) without patches, you couldn’t tell the difference. We have the same checklists, training and standards. The mission completion is seamless,” he said.
The 30th Airlift Squadron works with the Wyoming Air National Guard’s 187th Airlift Squadron at Cheyenne Regional Airport, Wyo., and is the 19th AW’s first TFI squadron and the first active-duty associate unit to an Air National Guard unit, according to Wyoming National Guard Public Affairs. The squadron flies C-130Hs and employs 190 active-duty personnel.
The 52nd Airlift Squadron, partnered with the Reserve’s 302nd Airlift Wing at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., was activated in October, making it the 19th AW’s second TFI squadron. The C-130H squadron is still in the building stage, but fully manned will have 173 active-duty personnel, said Colonel Curtis.
Every TFI unit is different, said Colonel Curtis. There are differences working with the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Command, who each have their own unique cultures, and the different geography in the different states presents different flying training opportunities. An additional benefit of TFI is to have this diversity of experience among the aircrews, he said.
The 345th has fewer personnel because the crew of the C-130J only requires two pilots and one loadmaster for a basic mission.
The legacy model C-130s also have navigators and flight engineers, positions made obsolete by the modern avionics of the C-130J. The C-130 AMP model eliminates the navigator position but retains the flight engineer.
The heritage of the 345th dates back to June 1949, when it was activated as the 345th Troop Carrier Squadron, flying C-46 Commandos and then C-119 Flying Boxcars out of Memphis, Tenn., according to squadron officials. In subsequent reactivations at various locations, the squadron flew aircraft including H-19 Chickasaw and H-21 Workhorse/Shawnee helicopters, C-123 Providers, and finally the C-130 Hercules for the first time in 1961. The squadron was last stationed at Yokota Air Base, Japan, where it was last inactivated July 1, 1993.
Members from the 403rd Wing public affairs office contributed to this article.
COMMENTARY>>Farewell, Little Rock AFB
By Col. Charles K. Hyde
314th Airlift Wing commander
As most people who know me will tell you, I am passionate about our Air Force and the Airmen who defend our nation.
As Jodie, Robert, George and I leave, we are grateful for the opportunity to have served with the 314th Airlift Wing, the men and women of Little Rock AFB, and our community partners who make up Team Little Rock. In our two years at “The Rock,” our appreciation for our Airmen, their service and their commitment to excellence has only grown and renewed our zeal for our Air
Force and its mission. You have inspired us.
I will always treasure the opportunity to have been associated with the legacy of Col. Clayton Stiles, our wing’s first and most distinguished commander, and the 314th Troop Carrier Group. These first combat airlifters left home in 1942 and didn’t return until World War II’s end in 1945, leaving a legacy of valor, sacrifice and accomplishment that continued through Korea and Vietnam to the present. Their birthright defined us and challenges us today.
I couldn’t be prouder of the current 314th AW team. You exceeded every expectation, raised the standards of professionalism, conquered every challenge and exceeded every goal. You won an Outstanding Unit Award, the Daedalian Award for the best maintenance in Air Education and Training Command, the AETC Vern Orr Award for the most effective use of human resources, and 36 other Air Force and Major Command awards.
You’re still the reigning champions for the best logistics compliance inspection score in AETC, trained over 3,600 combat delivery Airmen and expanded our role as the Air Force’s largest operational international training program. Our partners around the world link procurement of C-130s to training in the 314th Airlift Wing; the common theme is you, the professional Airmen of the 314th–you are the best.
The awards and your global reputation are indicators of your professionalism, but your legacy is more than accolades, it’s the foundation of combat airlift that you build and the commitment you instill in future warriors. The commitment and teamwork for which combat airlifters are known starts in the 314th and extends to every mission flown around the world. I leave with confidence that the asymmetric advantage and operational flexibility your training provides to combatant commanders will produce victory in the current wars and future conflicts. I also leave knowing that future Airmen, Sailors, Marines and Soldiers, like future Army 2nd Lt. Robert Hyde, can depend on the combat airlifters that you have trained.
Military endeavors and warfare are team efforts, and we have great partners at Little Rock AFB. Col. Mike Minihan, Col. Greg Otey and the 19th Airlift Wing team have provided outstanding support. On behalf of the 314th team, thank you for enabling our Airmen and mission–from medical support to logistics, it’s all been first class. The 189th and 314th Airlift Wings share a common mission and make up the world’s best total force training team. We could not have asked for better partners, and Col.
Jim Summers ensured the relationship between our wings set a total force standard–thank you.
Our military derives its ultimate support from the American people, and we have been blessed with outstanding community involvement and support. Our appreciation for our community partners and all you have done for Little Rock AFB and the Airmen of the world’s greatest Air Force has only grown. You provide untold time and resources to support our mission and people, and adopt us as members of your communities and families. It’s an honor to serve in your military.
To the men and women of the 314th Airlift Wing, thank you for your service and commitment to the defense of our county in a time of war. May God Bless you and keep you until we meet again.
314th Airlift Wing commander
As most people who know me will tell you, I am passionate about our Air Force and the Airmen who defend our nation.
As Jodie, Robert, George and I leave, we are grateful for the opportunity to have served with the 314th Airlift Wing, the men and women of Little Rock AFB, and our community partners who make up Team Little Rock. In our two years at “The Rock,” our appreciation for our Airmen, their service and their commitment to excellence has only grown and renewed our zeal for our Air
Force and its mission. You have inspired us.
I will always treasure the opportunity to have been associated with the legacy of Col. Clayton Stiles, our wing’s first and most distinguished commander, and the 314th Troop Carrier Group. These first combat airlifters left home in 1942 and didn’t return until World War II’s end in 1945, leaving a legacy of valor, sacrifice and accomplishment that continued through Korea and Vietnam to the present. Their birthright defined us and challenges us today.
I couldn’t be prouder of the current 314th AW team. You exceeded every expectation, raised the standards of professionalism, conquered every challenge and exceeded every goal. You won an Outstanding Unit Award, the Daedalian Award for the best maintenance in Air Education and Training Command, the AETC Vern Orr Award for the most effective use of human resources, and 36 other Air Force and Major Command awards.
You’re still the reigning champions for the best logistics compliance inspection score in AETC, trained over 3,600 combat delivery Airmen and expanded our role as the Air Force’s largest operational international training program. Our partners around the world link procurement of C-130s to training in the 314th Airlift Wing; the common theme is you, the professional Airmen of the 314th–you are the best.
The awards and your global reputation are indicators of your professionalism, but your legacy is more than accolades, it’s the foundation of combat airlift that you build and the commitment you instill in future warriors. The commitment and teamwork for which combat airlifters are known starts in the 314th and extends to every mission flown around the world. I leave with confidence that the asymmetric advantage and operational flexibility your training provides to combatant commanders will produce victory in the current wars and future conflicts. I also leave knowing that future Airmen, Sailors, Marines and Soldiers, like future Army 2nd Lt. Robert Hyde, can depend on the combat airlifters that you have trained.
Military endeavors and warfare are team efforts, and we have great partners at Little Rock AFB. Col. Mike Minihan, Col. Greg Otey and the 19th Airlift Wing team have provided outstanding support. On behalf of the 314th team, thank you for enabling our Airmen and mission–from medical support to logistics, it’s all been first class. The 189th and 314th Airlift Wings share a common mission and make up the world’s best total force training team. We could not have asked for better partners, and Col.
Jim Summers ensured the relationship between our wings set a total force standard–thank you.
Our military derives its ultimate support from the American people, and we have been blessed with outstanding community involvement and support. Our appreciation for our community partners and all you have done for Little Rock AFB and the Airmen of the world’s greatest Air Force has only grown. You provide untold time and resources to support our mission and people, and adopt us as members of your communities and families. It’s an honor to serve in your military.
To the men and women of the 314th Airlift Wing, thank you for your service and commitment to the defense of our county in a time of war. May God Bless you and keep you until we meet again.
COMMENTARY>>Farewell, Little Rock AFB
By Col. Charles K. Hyde
314th Airlift Wing commander
As most people who know me will tell you, I am passionate about our Air Force and the Airmen who defend our nation.
As Jodie, Robert, George and I leave, we are grateful for the opportunity to have served with the 314th Airlift Wing, the men and women of Little Rock AFB, and our community partners who make up Team Little Rock. In our two years at “The Rock,” our appreciation for our Airmen, their service and their commitment to excellence has only grown and renewed our zeal for our Air
Force and its mission. You have inspired us.
I will always treasure the opportunity to have been associated with the legacy of Col. Clayton Stiles, our wing’s first and most distinguished commander, and the 314th Troop Carrier Group. These first combat airlifters left home in 1942 and didn’t return until World War II’s end in 1945, leaving a legacy of valor, sacrifice and accomplishment that continued through Korea and Vietnam to the present. Their birthright defined us and challenges us today.
I couldn’t be prouder of the current 314th AW team. You exceeded every expectation, raised the standards of professionalism, conquered every challenge and exceeded every goal. You won an Outstanding Unit Award, the Daedalian Award for the best maintenance in Air Education and Training Command, the AETC Vern Orr Award for the most effective use of human resources, and 36 other Air Force and Major Command awards.
You’re still the reigning champions for the best logistics compliance inspection score in AETC, trained over 3,600 combat delivery Airmen and expanded our role as the Air Force’s largest operational international training program. Our partners around the world link procurement of C-130s to training in the 314th Airlift Wing; the common theme is you, the professional Airmen of the 314th–you are the best.
The awards and your global reputation are indicators of your professionalism, but your legacy is more than accolades, it’s the foundation of combat airlift that you build and the commitment you instill in future warriors. The commitment and teamwork for which combat airlifters are known starts in the 314th and extends to every mission flown around the world. I leave with confidence that the asymmetric advantage and operational flexibility your training provides to combatant commanders will produce victory in the current wars and future conflicts. I also leave knowing that future Airmen, Sailors, Marines and Soldiers, like future Army 2nd Lt. Robert Hyde, can depend on the combat airlifters that you have trained.
Military endeavors and warfare are team efforts, and we have great partners at Little Rock AFB. Col. Mike Minihan, Col. Greg Otey and the 19th Airlift Wing team have provided outstanding support. On behalf of the 314th team, thank you for enabling our Airmen and mission–from medical support to logistics, it’s all been first class. The 189th and 314th Airlift Wings share a common mission and make up the world’s best total force training team. We could not have asked for better partners, and Col.
Jim Summers ensured the relationship between our wings set a total force standard–thank you.
Our military derives its ultimate support from the American people, and we have been blessed with outstanding community involvement and support. Our appreciation for our community partners and all you have done for Little Rock AFB and the Airmen of the world’s greatest Air Force has only grown. You provide untold time and resources to support our mission and people, and adopt us as members of your communities and families. It’s an honor to serve in your military.
To the men and women of the 314th Airlift Wing, thank you for your service and commitment to the defense of our county in a time of war. May God Bless you and keep you until we meet again.
314th Airlift Wing commander
As most people who know me will tell you, I am passionate about our Air Force and the Airmen who defend our nation.
As Jodie, Robert, George and I leave, we are grateful for the opportunity to have served with the 314th Airlift Wing, the men and women of Little Rock AFB, and our community partners who make up Team Little Rock. In our two years at “The Rock,” our appreciation for our Airmen, their service and their commitment to excellence has only grown and renewed our zeal for our Air
Force and its mission. You have inspired us.
I will always treasure the opportunity to have been associated with the legacy of Col. Clayton Stiles, our wing’s first and most distinguished commander, and the 314th Troop Carrier Group. These first combat airlifters left home in 1942 and didn’t return until World War II’s end in 1945, leaving a legacy of valor, sacrifice and accomplishment that continued through Korea and Vietnam to the present. Their birthright defined us and challenges us today.
I couldn’t be prouder of the current 314th AW team. You exceeded every expectation, raised the standards of professionalism, conquered every challenge and exceeded every goal. You won an Outstanding Unit Award, the Daedalian Award for the best maintenance in Air Education and Training Command, the AETC Vern Orr Award for the most effective use of human resources, and 36 other Air Force and Major Command awards.
You’re still the reigning champions for the best logistics compliance inspection score in AETC, trained over 3,600 combat delivery Airmen and expanded our role as the Air Force’s largest operational international training program. Our partners around the world link procurement of C-130s to training in the 314th Airlift Wing; the common theme is you, the professional Airmen of the 314th–you are the best.
The awards and your global reputation are indicators of your professionalism, but your legacy is more than accolades, it’s the foundation of combat airlift that you build and the commitment you instill in future warriors. The commitment and teamwork for which combat airlifters are known starts in the 314th and extends to every mission flown around the world. I leave with confidence that the asymmetric advantage and operational flexibility your training provides to combatant commanders will produce victory in the current wars and future conflicts. I also leave knowing that future Airmen, Sailors, Marines and Soldiers, like future Army 2nd Lt. Robert Hyde, can depend on the combat airlifters that you have trained.
Military endeavors and warfare are team efforts, and we have great partners at Little Rock AFB. Col. Mike Minihan, Col. Greg Otey and the 19th Airlift Wing team have provided outstanding support. On behalf of the 314th team, thank you for enabling our Airmen and mission–from medical support to logistics, it’s all been first class. The 189th and 314th Airlift Wings share a common mission and make up the world’s best total force training team. We could not have asked for better partners, and Col.
Jim Summers ensured the relationship between our wings set a total force standard–thank you.
Our military derives its ultimate support from the American people, and we have been blessed with outstanding community involvement and support. Our appreciation for our community partners and all you have done for Little Rock AFB and the Airmen of the world’s greatest Air Force has only grown. You provide untold time and resources to support our mission and people, and adopt us as members of your communities and families. It’s an honor to serve in your military.
To the men and women of the 314th Airlift Wing, thank you for your service and commitment to the defense of our county in a time of war. May God Bless you and keep you until we meet again.
TOP STORY > >New DUI slogan promises zero tolerance
By Staff Sgt. Nestor Cruz
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Team Little Rock has adopted a new DUI slogan, which leaders hope will clearly convey the message of zero tolerance for drinking and driving incidents.
Remember: No DUIs, No Excuses, Drink Responsibly.
Senior Master Sgt. James Populis, 19th Civil Engineer Squadron first sergeant, said the intent behind the new slogan is to eliminate any confusion.
“We wanted to find a slogan that cuts out all the noise and give the bottom line,” Sergeant Populis said. “[The new slogan] should have a message that could not be misconstrued.”
The new slogan conveys three messages to Little Rock Airmen.
“For the new slogan, we wanted to start with the bottom line: our expectation of having no DUI incidents,” Sergeant Populis said. “Then we wanted to add something about our tolerance level for those who get DUIs, so the term ‘No Excuses’ came from that.
“Lastly, there’s the ‘Drink Responsibly’ piece ... it’s a message for everybody regardless of age because you can’t be under the age of 21 and drink responsibly,” he added.
Steps have already been taken to spread the word about the new DUI mindset.
“New signs are already in place at the base gates,” Sergeant Populis said. “[The DUI slogan] is being put out at the First Term Airmen Center and commander’s calls. Also, first sergeants will occasionally go out at base intersections to get the message out and wish people a safe and happy weekend.”
Staff Sgt. Charles Tyler, 19th Security Forces Squadron desk sergeant, says Little Rock Airmen should have a plan before having a few drinks.
“The plan should include how a person gets to where they are going and how to get back,” Sergeant Tyler said. “If you’re not planning on having a designated driver, at least have a cab number or the number for Airmen Against Drunk Driving on hand.”
Sergeant Tyler, who is also the AADD president, hopes the new DUI slogan will help people make wise decisions when they go out.
Sergeant Populis said the new slogan’s message is clear and believes Team Little Rock can reach its goal.
“People say it’s unrealistic [to expect zero DUIs], but I don’t think so,” he said. “Our expectation as first sergeants is it’s another standard we all must work to comply with. This slogan says ‘no excuses’ because there is no good reason to get a DUI. DUI’s have a negative effect on people’s careers and health and that’s what we’re trying to avoid.”
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Team Little Rock has adopted a new DUI slogan, which leaders hope will clearly convey the message of zero tolerance for drinking and driving incidents.
Remember: No DUIs, No Excuses, Drink Responsibly.
Senior Master Sgt. James Populis, 19th Civil Engineer Squadron first sergeant, said the intent behind the new slogan is to eliminate any confusion.
“We wanted to find a slogan that cuts out all the noise and give the bottom line,” Sergeant Populis said. “[The new slogan] should have a message that could not be misconstrued.”
The new slogan conveys three messages to Little Rock Airmen.
“For the new slogan, we wanted to start with the bottom line: our expectation of having no DUI incidents,” Sergeant Populis said. “Then we wanted to add something about our tolerance level for those who get DUIs, so the term ‘No Excuses’ came from that.
“Lastly, there’s the ‘Drink Responsibly’ piece ... it’s a message for everybody regardless of age because you can’t be under the age of 21 and drink responsibly,” he added.
Steps have already been taken to spread the word about the new DUI mindset.
“New signs are already in place at the base gates,” Sergeant Populis said. “[The DUI slogan] is being put out at the First Term Airmen Center and commander’s calls. Also, first sergeants will occasionally go out at base intersections to get the message out and wish people a safe and happy weekend.”
Staff Sgt. Charles Tyler, 19th Security Forces Squadron desk sergeant, says Little Rock Airmen should have a plan before having a few drinks.
“The plan should include how a person gets to where they are going and how to get back,” Sergeant Tyler said. “If you’re not planning on having a designated driver, at least have a cab number or the number for Airmen Against Drunk Driving on hand.”
Sergeant Tyler, who is also the AADD president, hopes the new DUI slogan will help people make wise decisions when they go out.
Sergeant Populis said the new slogan’s message is clear and believes Team Little Rock can reach its goal.
“People say it’s unrealistic [to expect zero DUIs], but I don’t think so,” he said. “Our expectation as first sergeants is it’s another standard we all must work to comply with. This slogan says ‘no excuses’ because there is no good reason to get a DUI. DUI’s have a negative effect on people’s careers and health and that’s what we’re trying to avoid.”
Thursday, August 5, 2010
COMMENTARY>>Returning to the Herk legacy
By Chief Master Sgt. Charles Fletcher
314th Maintenance Group superintendent
We all know what our Air Force’s, wing’s and squadron’s mission statements are, but that’s not what I’m talking about here -- I’m talking about your personal mission statement.
In other words, what are your short, medium and long term goals? Do you want to become the best Airman or NCO you can be?
Do you want to get promoted? Do you want to be the best parent or spouse you can be? Do you want to get in better physical shape?
Are you someone who lets things happen to them, or do you affect your own change? Are you proactive in attaining your goals and have you developed your own mission statement? If you haven’t I would suggest that you do. You are responsible for your future. Only by setting goals and measuring our performance against those goals can we become more effective people.
Steven Covey the author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” states: “A personal mission statement based on correct principles becomes the same kind of standard for an individual. It becomes a personal constitution, the basis for making major, life directing decisions in the midst of the circumstances and emotions that affect our lives. It empowers individuals with the same timeless strength in the midst of change.”
Where do you see yourself in one, three and five years and what do you want to accomplish? Set your goals and then establish the steps for how you are going to get there. Make small achievable goals initially and then progress to bigger more challenging goals. Before you know it, you will have achieved more than you ever thought possible.
The ultimate outcome is to become a well-rounded person for yourself, your family and your service. By affecting your own future and being proactive you can accomplish your mission. But only by first establishing what your mission statement is can you start to set out on your goals. Good luck.
314th Maintenance Group superintendent
We all know what our Air Force’s, wing’s and squadron’s mission statements are, but that’s not what I’m talking about here -- I’m talking about your personal mission statement.
In other words, what are your short, medium and long term goals? Do you want to become the best Airman or NCO you can be?
Do you want to get promoted? Do you want to be the best parent or spouse you can be? Do you want to get in better physical shape?
Are you someone who lets things happen to them, or do you affect your own change? Are you proactive in attaining your goals and have you developed your own mission statement? If you haven’t I would suggest that you do. You are responsible for your future. Only by setting goals and measuring our performance against those goals can we become more effective people.
Steven Covey the author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” states: “A personal mission statement based on correct principles becomes the same kind of standard for an individual. It becomes a personal constitution, the basis for making major, life directing decisions in the midst of the circumstances and emotions that affect our lives. It empowers individuals with the same timeless strength in the midst of change.”
Where do you see yourself in one, three and five years and what do you want to accomplish? Set your goals and then establish the steps for how you are going to get there. Make small achievable goals initially and then progress to bigger more challenging goals. Before you know it, you will have achieved more than you ever thought possible.
The ultimate outcome is to become a well-rounded person for yourself, your family and your service. By affecting your own future and being proactive you can accomplish your mission. But only by first establishing what your mission statement is can you start to set out on your goals. Good luck.
COMMENTARY>>Returning to the Herk legacy
By Chief Master Sgt. Charles Fletcher
314th Maintenance Group superintendent
We all know what our Air Force’s, wing’s and squadron’s mission statements are, but that’s not what I’m talking about here -- I’m talking about your personal mission statement.
In other words, what are your short, medium and long term goals? Do you want to become the best Airman or NCO you can be?
Do you want to get promoted? Do you want to be the best parent or spouse you can be? Do you want to get in better physical shape?
Are you someone who lets things happen to them, or do you affect your own change? Are you proactive in attaining your goals and have you developed your own mission statement? If you haven’t I would suggest that you do. You are responsible for your future. Only by setting goals and measuring our performance against those goals can we become more effective people.
Steven Covey the author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” states: “A personal mission statement based on correct principles becomes the same kind of standard for an individual. It becomes a personal constitution, the basis for making major, life directing decisions in the midst of the circumstances and emotions that affect our lives. It empowers individuals with the same timeless strength in the midst of change.”
Where do you see yourself in one, three and five years and what do you want to accomplish? Set your goals and then establish the steps for how you are going to get there. Make small achievable goals initially and then progress to bigger more challenging goals. Before you know it, you will have achieved more than you ever thought possible.
The ultimate outcome is to become a well-rounded person for yourself, your family and your service. By affecting your own future and being proactive you can accomplish your mission. But only by first establishing what your mission statement is can you start to set out on your goals. Good luck.
314th Maintenance Group superintendent
We all know what our Air Force’s, wing’s and squadron’s mission statements are, but that’s not what I’m talking about here -- I’m talking about your personal mission statement.
In other words, what are your short, medium and long term goals? Do you want to become the best Airman or NCO you can be?
Do you want to get promoted? Do you want to be the best parent or spouse you can be? Do you want to get in better physical shape?
Are you someone who lets things happen to them, or do you affect your own change? Are you proactive in attaining your goals and have you developed your own mission statement? If you haven’t I would suggest that you do. You are responsible for your future. Only by setting goals and measuring our performance against those goals can we become more effective people.
Steven Covey the author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” states: “A personal mission statement based on correct principles becomes the same kind of standard for an individual. It becomes a personal constitution, the basis for making major, life directing decisions in the midst of the circumstances and emotions that affect our lives. It empowers individuals with the same timeless strength in the midst of change.”
Where do you see yourself in one, three and five years and what do you want to accomplish? Set your goals and then establish the steps for how you are going to get there. Make small achievable goals initially and then progress to bigger more challenging goals. Before you know it, you will have achieved more than you ever thought possible.
The ultimate outcome is to become a well-rounded person for yourself, your family and your service. By affecting your own future and being proactive you can accomplish your mission. But only by first establishing what your mission statement is can you start to set out on your goals. Good luck.
COMMENTARY>>Returning to the Herk legacy
By Capt. Joe Knable
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
A former C-130 pilot assigned to the base in 1994 has come home to command the world’s largest C-130 wing.
Col. Michael Minihan, a former 61st Airlift Squadron pilot, took command of the 19th Airlift Wing Black Knights in a change-of-command ceremony here Aug. 2.
“We are Combat Airlift,” he told the audience of military and civilian dignitaries. “Some days our mission is to train, and other days it is to rest and reconstitute. We’re the bus that takes warriors to work, and safely home again. We’re the delivery truck that takes beans and bullets to the front line. And some days we are the ambulance fighting to preserve precious American lifeblood. And some days we are the hearse - some sorrowful days we are the hearse - that flies sacred angels home one last time. It is an honor to be the home of combat airlift.”
Colonel Minihan concluded with a reference to the C-130 engine start-up checklist - the verbiage the pilot calls out before starting the number three engine, the first engine to be started, indicating the start of the mission. “Black Knights, I’m proud to wear your patch. I’m ready to ‘clear number three’ and go to work.”
As commander, Colonel Minihan leads the world’s largest fleet of C-130 aircraft and is responsible for providing worldwide deployable C-130 aircraft, aircrews, support personnel, and equipment for Air Mobility Command and Air Expeditionary Force taskings. Lt. Gen. Robert Allardice, 18th Air Force commander, explained the importance of the 19th AW and the great work accomplished by its people.
“I don’t know if you can possibly appreciate the reach of Little Rock Air Force Base,” General Allardice said. “When virtually anything happens in the world of substance, you’ll have Air Mobility Command there ... and certainly the men and women of Little Rock and the 19th AW are involved. The 19th just delivers a whole range of support to people worldwide and we’re so proud of what they’re doing.”
Because the wing has more airplanes and geographically separated units than any other 18th AF wing, the general regarded the 19th AW as “the most complex, diverse wing in 18th AF.”
The general lauded Colonel Minihan’s ability to perform the important work ahead of him. “The reputation of (Colonel Minihan) is incredibly strong,” General Allardice said.
The new wing commander is a third-generation Air Force officer, whose grandfather flew B-26s and whose father retired as a lieutenant general. “You have someone who understands the Air Force and understand the Air Force mission and is committed to excellence...” said General Allardice.
Col. Greg Otey, the wing’s previous commander, received the Legion of Merit during the ceremony and is headed to the Pentagon to serve as the Headquarters Air Force Senior Air Force Planner for Joint Matters.
The 19th AW is the “Home of C-130 Combat Airlift” and works in concert with the 314th Airlift Wing, 189th Airlift Wing and US Air Force Weapons School in all aspects of C-130 training.
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
A former C-130 pilot assigned to the base in 1994 has come home to command the world’s largest C-130 wing.
Col. Michael Minihan, a former 61st Airlift Squadron pilot, took command of the 19th Airlift Wing Black Knights in a change-of-command ceremony here Aug. 2.
“We are Combat Airlift,” he told the audience of military and civilian dignitaries. “Some days our mission is to train, and other days it is to rest and reconstitute. We’re the bus that takes warriors to work, and safely home again. We’re the delivery truck that takes beans and bullets to the front line. And some days we are the ambulance fighting to preserve precious American lifeblood. And some days we are the hearse - some sorrowful days we are the hearse - that flies sacred angels home one last time. It is an honor to be the home of combat airlift.”
Colonel Minihan concluded with a reference to the C-130 engine start-up checklist - the verbiage the pilot calls out before starting the number three engine, the first engine to be started, indicating the start of the mission. “Black Knights, I’m proud to wear your patch. I’m ready to ‘clear number three’ and go to work.”
As commander, Colonel Minihan leads the world’s largest fleet of C-130 aircraft and is responsible for providing worldwide deployable C-130 aircraft, aircrews, support personnel, and equipment for Air Mobility Command and Air Expeditionary Force taskings. Lt. Gen. Robert Allardice, 18th Air Force commander, explained the importance of the 19th AW and the great work accomplished by its people.
“I don’t know if you can possibly appreciate the reach of Little Rock Air Force Base,” General Allardice said. “When virtually anything happens in the world of substance, you’ll have Air Mobility Command there ... and certainly the men and women of Little Rock and the 19th AW are involved. The 19th just delivers a whole range of support to people worldwide and we’re so proud of what they’re doing.”
Because the wing has more airplanes and geographically separated units than any other 18th AF wing, the general regarded the 19th AW as “the most complex, diverse wing in 18th AF.”
The general lauded Colonel Minihan’s ability to perform the important work ahead of him. “The reputation of (Colonel Minihan) is incredibly strong,” General Allardice said.
The new wing commander is a third-generation Air Force officer, whose grandfather flew B-26s and whose father retired as a lieutenant general. “You have someone who understands the Air Force and understand the Air Force mission and is committed to excellence...” said General Allardice.
Col. Greg Otey, the wing’s previous commander, received the Legion of Merit during the ceremony and is headed to the Pentagon to serve as the Headquarters Air Force Senior Air Force Planner for Joint Matters.
The 19th AW is the “Home of C-130 Combat Airlift” and works in concert with the 314th Airlift Wing, 189th Airlift Wing and US Air Force Weapons School in all aspects of C-130 training.
COMMENTARY>>Returning to the Herk legacy
By Capt. Joe Knable
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
A former C-130 pilot assigned to the base in 1994 has come home to command the world’s largest C-130 wing.
Col. Michael Minihan, a former 61st Airlift Squadron pilot, took command of the 19th Airlift Wing Black Knights in a change-of-command ceremony here Aug. 2.
“We are Combat Airlift,” he told the audience of military and civilian dignitaries. “Some days our mission is to train, and other days it is to rest and reconstitute. We’re the bus that takes warriors to work, and safely home again. We’re the delivery truck that takes beans and bullets to the front line. And some days we are the ambulance fighting to preserve precious American lifeblood. And some days we are the hearse - some sorrowful days we are the hearse - that flies sacred angels home one last time. It is an honor to be the home of combat airlift.”
Colonel Minihan concluded with a reference to the C-130 engine start-up checklist - the verbiage the pilot calls out before starting the number three engine, the first engine to be started, indicating the start of the mission. “Black Knights, I’m proud to wear your patch. I’m ready to ‘clear number three’ and go to work.”
As commander, Colonel Minihan leads the world’s largest fleet of C-130 aircraft and is responsible for providing worldwide deployable C-130 aircraft, aircrews, support personnel, and equipment for Air Mobility Command and Air Expeditionary Force taskings. Lt. Gen. Robert Allardice, 18th Air Force commander, explained the importance of the 19th AW and the great work accomplished by its people.
“I don’t know if you can possibly appreciate the reach of Little Rock Air Force Base,” General Allardice said. “When virtually anything happens in the world of substance, you’ll have Air Mobility Command there ... and certainly the men and women of Little Rock and the 19th AW are involved. The 19th just delivers a whole range of support to people worldwide and we’re so proud of what they’re doing.”
Because the wing has more airplanes and geographically separated units than any other 18th AF wing, the general regarded the 19th AW as “the most complex, diverse wing in 18th AF.”
The general lauded Colonel Minihan’s ability to perform the important work ahead of him. “The reputation of (Colonel Minihan) is incredibly strong,” General Allardice said.
The new wing commander is a third-generation Air Force officer, whose grandfather flew B-26s and whose father retired as a lieutenant general. “You have someone who understands the Air Force and understand the Air Force mission and is committed to excellence...” said General Allardice.
Col. Greg Otey, the wing’s previous commander, received the Legion of Merit during the ceremony and is headed to the Pentagon to serve as the Headquarters Air Force Senior Air Force Planner for Joint Matters.
The 19th AW is the “Home of C-130 Combat Airlift” and works in concert with the 314th Airlift Wing, 189th Airlift Wing and US Air Force Weapons School in all aspects of C-130 training.
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
A former C-130 pilot assigned to the base in 1994 has come home to command the world’s largest C-130 wing.
Col. Michael Minihan, a former 61st Airlift Squadron pilot, took command of the 19th Airlift Wing Black Knights in a change-of-command ceremony here Aug. 2.
“We are Combat Airlift,” he told the audience of military and civilian dignitaries. “Some days our mission is to train, and other days it is to rest and reconstitute. We’re the bus that takes warriors to work, and safely home again. We’re the delivery truck that takes beans and bullets to the front line. And some days we are the ambulance fighting to preserve precious American lifeblood. And some days we are the hearse - some sorrowful days we are the hearse - that flies sacred angels home one last time. It is an honor to be the home of combat airlift.”
Colonel Minihan concluded with a reference to the C-130 engine start-up checklist - the verbiage the pilot calls out before starting the number three engine, the first engine to be started, indicating the start of the mission. “Black Knights, I’m proud to wear your patch. I’m ready to ‘clear number three’ and go to work.”
As commander, Colonel Minihan leads the world’s largest fleet of C-130 aircraft and is responsible for providing worldwide deployable C-130 aircraft, aircrews, support personnel, and equipment for Air Mobility Command and Air Expeditionary Force taskings. Lt. Gen. Robert Allardice, 18th Air Force commander, explained the importance of the 19th AW and the great work accomplished by its people.
“I don’t know if you can possibly appreciate the reach of Little Rock Air Force Base,” General Allardice said. “When virtually anything happens in the world of substance, you’ll have Air Mobility Command there ... and certainly the men and women of Little Rock and the 19th AW are involved. The 19th just delivers a whole range of support to people worldwide and we’re so proud of what they’re doing.”
Because the wing has more airplanes and geographically separated units than any other 18th AF wing, the general regarded the 19th AW as “the most complex, diverse wing in 18th AF.”
The general lauded Colonel Minihan’s ability to perform the important work ahead of him. “The reputation of (Colonel Minihan) is incredibly strong,” General Allardice said.
The new wing commander is a third-generation Air Force officer, whose grandfather flew B-26s and whose father retired as a lieutenant general. “You have someone who understands the Air Force and understand the Air Force mission and is committed to excellence...” said General Allardice.
Col. Greg Otey, the wing’s previous commander, received the Legion of Merit during the ceremony and is headed to the Pentagon to serve as the Headquarters Air Force Senior Air Force Planner for Joint Matters.
The 19th AW is the “Home of C-130 Combat Airlift” and works in concert with the 314th Airlift Wing, 189th Airlift Wing and US Air Force Weapons School in all aspects of C-130 training.
COMMENTARY>>Returning to the Herk legacy
By Col. Mike Minihan
19th Airlift Wing commander
My name is Mike Minihan. I’m an Airman and a Herk driver. My bride, Ashley, and my three kids, Adair, Mikey and Marley, are honored to once again call Little Rock Air Force Base home. Thank you all for our phenomenal reception and change of command. A special thanks to the Otey family for their leadership and sacrifice as Black Knight Lead ... Godspeed in the next chapter of their Air Force journey.
I’ll frequently share my thoughts with you in the Combat Airlifter ... I will always be brief and to the point. Here we go:
To live in and be a part of the award-winning Jacksonville community is a privilege. To lead the Black Knight operators, maintainers, supporters and medics is also a privilege. And to partner with the 314th Airlift Wing and the 189th Airlift Wing is a privilege.
To employ the Herk in combat and support Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen in harm’s way is an honor. We bring honor to all of our patches ... our flag, our command, our unit and our name.
We walk in the footsteps of giants. Our Tac Airlift founding fathers instilled in us our famous mindset and mission-hacking skills. We will further them.
We are blue collar airlift. We sweat and we rumble. We are wonderfully ugly. We deliver ... always.
We walk with quiet confidence and dominate. We work hard, play hard and, most importantly, we take care of each other.
Thanks, Team Little Rock. I look forward to meeting you all and personally thanking you for your service and sacrifices. You are America’s best.
19th Airlift Wing commander
My name is Mike Minihan. I’m an Airman and a Herk driver. My bride, Ashley, and my three kids, Adair, Mikey and Marley, are honored to once again call Little Rock Air Force Base home. Thank you all for our phenomenal reception and change of command. A special thanks to the Otey family for their leadership and sacrifice as Black Knight Lead ... Godspeed in the next chapter of their Air Force journey.
I’ll frequently share my thoughts with you in the Combat Airlifter ... I will always be brief and to the point. Here we go:
To live in and be a part of the award-winning Jacksonville community is a privilege. To lead the Black Knight operators, maintainers, supporters and medics is also a privilege. And to partner with the 314th Airlift Wing and the 189th Airlift Wing is a privilege.
To employ the Herk in combat and support Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen in harm’s way is an honor. We bring honor to all of our patches ... our flag, our command, our unit and our name.
We walk in the footsteps of giants. Our Tac Airlift founding fathers instilled in us our famous mindset and mission-hacking skills. We will further them.
We are blue collar airlift. We sweat and we rumble. We are wonderfully ugly. We deliver ... always.
We walk with quiet confidence and dominate. We work hard, play hard and, most importantly, we take care of each other.
Thanks, Team Little Rock. I look forward to meeting you all and personally thanking you for your service and sacrifices. You are America’s best.
TOP STORY > >Little Rock Airman earns Tuskegee Airmen award
By Staff Sgt. Nestor Cruz
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
A Little Rock Airman from the 48th Airlift Squadron was recognized July 28 by the Tuskegee Airmen for his excellence in professional and community service.
Maj. James O’Brien, 48th AS scheduling flight commander, earned the Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Jr. Military Award in the Field Grade Officer category. He was presented the award during the 39th annual Tuskegee Airmen National Convention in San Antonio, Texas.
“I’m very honored to even be considered (for this award),” said Major O’Brien.
As the scheduling flight commander, Major O’Brien programed and tailored flying schedules to meet student and instructor requirements while managing a 4,656-hour flying hour program. He instructs combat mission planning, tactical formation, night vision goggle airdrop/airland procedures for Air Force, joint and allied students.
Major O’Brien selflessly gave back to his community, spearheading the Combined Federal Campaign for the 19th Operations Group and raising $249,000. He also acted as team leader for the American Lung Association Stair Climb event, raising more than $500 toward research programs.
The major credits the award to his teammates and coworkers.
“[This award] is really a reflection of all the people I work and fly with,” said Major O’Brien. “Everything I’ve done hasn’t been by myself; it’s always a team effort. Everyone I’ve worked with has been strong and dedicated to doing their job well.”
Major O’Brien also credits his mentors throughout the years for shaping him into who he is today.
“I’ve had a lot of great mentors starting with my parents and my family,” the major said. Drawing inspiration from mentors from the Air Force Academy and his strong Christian beliefs, Major O’Brien said he has been “very fortunate to have those people to look up to and take me under their wing.”
Major O’Brien excelled in education as well, completing a master of business administration degree with a 3.9 grade-point average despite having to juggle deployments and squadron duties.
The major believes the award speaks of Team Little Rock as a whole.
“This is a reflection of Team Little Rock and the C-130 community in general,” said Major O’Brien. “Whether we are fund-raising through the CFC, doing community projects, such as outreach programs to local hospitals, going on deployments (every squadron always has someone deployed) and making the mission happen or training ... all those things are recognized by this award.”
Earning the Air Force-level award sparked pride in Major O’Brien’s leaders.
“Major O’Brien’s commitment to the Air Force core values and professionalism as a combat airlifter were recognized as continuing the character and service of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen,” said Col. C.K. Hyde, 314th Airlift Wing commander. “I can think of no better association or honor.”
Like many Airmen, the major is familiar with the Tuskegee Airmen, what they stood for and is proud to be recognized by them.
“The Tuskegee Airmen were the epitome of Airman and officership,” he said. “Their dedication to country was unquestionable as well as the pride they had in their work. If we could work toward half of their work ethic and dedication, then we would be that much better off in serving this country.”
Major O’Brien had the honor of meeting members of the original Tuskegee Airmen earlier in his Air Force career.
“Several of them made the trip out to Balad Air Base, Iraq, a few years ago while I was deployed and also to Maxwell AFB where I was attending squadron officer school,” he said. “There was a long line to get in there (to meet them) but it was well worth the wait.
“At the time, I held them in such high esteem. And now, several years later, to be recognized by their organization is such a huge honor,” Major O’Brien added.
Major O’Brien believes all Airmen should work toward high goals and not toward earning awards.
“Believe what you’re doing, enjoy what you’re doing and work hard at whatever task you’ve taken on and really try to work as team,” said Major O’Brien. “In the end you’ll have satisfaction from that no matter how it turns out. If you earn recognition along the way, that’s just a bonus, but shooting for individual recognition is not the answer to why you serve.
“If you set out to do what’s right, then you always come out on top as well as the organization.”
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
A Little Rock Airman from the 48th Airlift Squadron was recognized July 28 by the Tuskegee Airmen for his excellence in professional and community service.
Maj. James O’Brien, 48th AS scheduling flight commander, earned the Gen. Benjamin O. Davis Jr. Military Award in the Field Grade Officer category. He was presented the award during the 39th annual Tuskegee Airmen National Convention in San Antonio, Texas.
“I’m very honored to even be considered (for this award),” said Major O’Brien.
As the scheduling flight commander, Major O’Brien programed and tailored flying schedules to meet student and instructor requirements while managing a 4,656-hour flying hour program. He instructs combat mission planning, tactical formation, night vision goggle airdrop/airland procedures for Air Force, joint and allied students.
Major O’Brien selflessly gave back to his community, spearheading the Combined Federal Campaign for the 19th Operations Group and raising $249,000. He also acted as team leader for the American Lung Association Stair Climb event, raising more than $500 toward research programs.
The major credits the award to his teammates and coworkers.
“[This award] is really a reflection of all the people I work and fly with,” said Major O’Brien. “Everything I’ve done hasn’t been by myself; it’s always a team effort. Everyone I’ve worked with has been strong and dedicated to doing their job well.”
Major O’Brien also credits his mentors throughout the years for shaping him into who he is today.
“I’ve had a lot of great mentors starting with my parents and my family,” the major said. Drawing inspiration from mentors from the Air Force Academy and his strong Christian beliefs, Major O’Brien said he has been “very fortunate to have those people to look up to and take me under their wing.”
Major O’Brien excelled in education as well, completing a master of business administration degree with a 3.9 grade-point average despite having to juggle deployments and squadron duties.
The major believes the award speaks of Team Little Rock as a whole.
“This is a reflection of Team Little Rock and the C-130 community in general,” said Major O’Brien. “Whether we are fund-raising through the CFC, doing community projects, such as outreach programs to local hospitals, going on deployments (every squadron always has someone deployed) and making the mission happen or training ... all those things are recognized by this award.”
Earning the Air Force-level award sparked pride in Major O’Brien’s leaders.
“Major O’Brien’s commitment to the Air Force core values and professionalism as a combat airlifter were recognized as continuing the character and service of the legendary Tuskegee Airmen,” said Col. C.K. Hyde, 314th Airlift Wing commander. “I can think of no better association or honor.”
Like many Airmen, the major is familiar with the Tuskegee Airmen, what they stood for and is proud to be recognized by them.
“The Tuskegee Airmen were the epitome of Airman and officership,” he said. “Their dedication to country was unquestionable as well as the pride they had in their work. If we could work toward half of their work ethic and dedication, then we would be that much better off in serving this country.”
Major O’Brien had the honor of meeting members of the original Tuskegee Airmen earlier in his Air Force career.
“Several of them made the trip out to Balad Air Base, Iraq, a few years ago while I was deployed and also to Maxwell AFB where I was attending squadron officer school,” he said. “There was a long line to get in there (to meet them) but it was well worth the wait.
“At the time, I held them in such high esteem. And now, several years later, to be recognized by their organization is such a huge honor,” Major O’Brien added.
Major O’Brien believes all Airmen should work toward high goals and not toward earning awards.
“Believe what you’re doing, enjoy what you’re doing and work hard at whatever task you’ve taken on and really try to work as team,” said Major O’Brien. “In the end you’ll have satisfaction from that no matter how it turns out. If you earn recognition along the way, that’s just a bonus, but shooting for individual recognition is not the answer to why you serve.
“If you set out to do what’s right, then you always come out on top as well as the organization.”
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