TOP STORY >> 314th Airlift Wing: Where C-130 training takes flight

By Senior Airman Kaylee Clark

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The 314th Airlift Wing, Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., is the nation’s tactical airlift “Center of Excellence” and trains C-130 aircrew members from the Department of Defense, Coast Guard, and 47 allied nations. 

The 314th Airlift Wing is aligned under Air Education and Training Command, reporting to the Director of Intelligence, Operations, and Nuclear Integration at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. 

“The 314th Airlift Wing is the C-130 ‘Center of Excellence;’ however, the partnerships with the 19th Airlift Wing, the Arkansas Air National Guard, the AF Reserve, and the people of Arkansas make up a village to produce Airman,” said Col Scott Brewer, 314th Airlift Wing commander. “Together this village not only produces Airman, but develops these Airmen into combat airlifters.”  

The wing flies 12,600 hours annually and utilizes two local drop zones, two local assault landing zones, 10 regional airfields and 81 flight simulators/training devices to train more than 1,800 students annually, including more than 250 international students in DoD’s largest international flight training program.

The wing’s mission is to train the world’s best C-130 combat airlifters to fly, fight, and win. The wing’s vision is to build the foundation of America’s combat airlift capability by instilling a combat airlift culture and warrior ethos, and developing the skills to successfully operate in an operational unit. 

The 314th Airlift Wing consists of approximately 1,200 military and 25 civilian personnel. The instructor force in the C-130 formal training unit, consisting of 314th and 189th AWs, is the most experienced cadre of C-130 flight instructors in the world. Students receive training in all five crew positions--pilot, copilot, navigator, flight engineer, and loadmaster. Military training leaders assigned to the 714th Training Squadron provide continuous professional development for non-prior service loadmaster students in the initial training pipeline.

The 314th Operations Group and the 314th Maintenance Group operate and maintain the world’s largest training fleet of 22 C-130 aircraft. The 62nd Airlift Squadron flies the C-130H and the 48th Airlift Squadron flies the C-130J to accomplish the wing’s mission.

The 714th Training Squadron manages the $1.1 billion C-130 Aircrew Training System and C-130J Maintenance and Aircrew Training System contracts and oversees 45 training syllabi covering 79 specialized graduate-level flying training courses. The 314th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron provides flight line maintenance for assigned aircraft and the 314th Maintenance Operations Flight oversees maintenance programs.

“The Team Little Rock concept is the foundation for the 314th Airlift Wing’s success,” said Brewer. “The airspace, terrain, drop zones, landing zones, and local airports here in Arkansas are excellent venues for training. The relationship the base has with Arkansas affords us the resources to execute our mission.”

TOP STORY >> SAPR support avenues: Where do I go for help?

By Senior Airman Regina Agoha

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Being a victim of sexual assault carries different emotions for different people. Some become angry and want revenge. Some people shut down emotionally, wanting to forget about it as quickly as possible, and others just want to talk about it to ease their mind.

No matter how a person handles their grief, there are avenues of support for all. Knowing these avenues and understanding that each one has different obligations can better determine where a person should go for help. 

Supervisors, first sergeants and anyone in your direct chain of command are all appropriate channels to use when coming forward with a sexual assault matter. However, be mindful that once any of these individuals are notified of a sexual assault, they are mandated to report it to the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and the Office of Special Investigations.

“If an Airman comes to me and states that they’ve been sexually assaulted, I must report that,” said Master Sgt. Eric Pelican, 19th Comptroller Squadron first sergeant. “Even if he or she does not want an investigation to take place, once I know, I have to go to the SARC and OSI.”

Talking to any of these people will lead to help and support for a victim, so don’t be afraid to come forward.

“No one can help you if your issues remain a secret,” said Pelican. “The sooner you address the issue, the less impactful that traumatic event will be on your life. Our goal is to make sure each military member is healthy in every aspect of their life.”

Be mindful that a sexual assault report can be restricted or unrestricted. A restricted report does not trigger an investigation. The person’s command is notified that “an alleged sexual assault” occurred, but is not given the victim’s name or other personally identifying information. 

Restricted reporting allows sexual assault victims to confidentially disclose the assault to specified individuals (SARC, SAPR Victim’s Advocate or health care personnel) and receive health care treatment and the assignment of a SARC and SAPR VA.  

An unrestricted report triggers an investigation, command notification, and allows a person who has been sexually assaulted to access medical treatment and counseling.  

There are sexual assault victims who prefer to leave what happened in the past but still want someone to talk to. There are groups available to do just that.

Chaplains, the SARC, victim’s advocates, and Military One Source are all people who have an obligation to confidentiality. So if getting the issue off your chest is all you want to do, these resources are available. Mental health is another office that is not obligated to report a sexual assault.  

“An Airman may come at any time and speak with a chaplain,” said Capt. Garrell Calton, a 19th Airlift Wing chaplain. “That conversation is 100 percent privileged communication. An individual who has been sexually assaulted has 100 percent confidentiality when speaking with a chaplain. The chaplain does not and cannot give this information away to anyone including the commander and/or first shirt.” 

But also be mindful that while these avenues for help are not mandated to report anything spoken in a confidential atmosphere, if there is a confession of harming one’s self or another person, they become obligated to take action and inform the proper authorities.  

Linda Benjamin, sexual assault victim’s advocate, said, “When in doubt call me. That way you will keep your options of restricted or unrestricted reporting. No avenue is better than the other; there are just different outcomes, and I can help you decided which one is best for your situation.”

Not dealing with the grief, shame, embarrassment and rage of being a victim of sexual assault can cause more than emotional harm. Regardless if you want to pursue a case or verbally release the pain, confronting the issue and talking about it gives other people an opportunity to help you and get you the support you need.

Pelican also urges Airmen to speak out and ask for help because doing that begins a journey of mental, emotional, physical and spiritual healing.  

“Sexual assault affects you in all the domains of the Comprehensive Airman Fitness categories, which in turn affects your readiness,” said Pelican. “There are many avenues to get you the help you desire.”  

Help is available. You can reach the SARC or a victim’s advocate at (501) 987-7272. A chaplain can be reached during the normal duty day and after hours by the command post at (501) 987-1900, and remember your chain of command is always available as well.

TOP STORY >> IDMT: The jack of all trades

By Airman 1st Class Harry Brexel

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Out of all the Airmen who work at the 19th Medical Group, few have the job of an independent duty medical technician.

 “There are approximately 500 IDMTs in the Air Force,” said Tech. Sgt. Tiffani Cook, 61st Airlift Squadron, independent duty medical technician. “We are a very small career field.” 

Though there are a small number of IDMTs in the Air Force, Cook stressed that their level of importance is anything but small.

“We are specifically trained to operate in deployed locations,” Cook said. “Along with that, we are able to work in many different fields of medicine.”

Independent duty medical technicians are knowledgeable in dentistry, pharmaceuticals, blood work, logistics, assessments, diagnostics, public health and bio environmentalism.

The IDMT career field is only available to enlisted Airmen. An Airman must be a medic for four years before they can apply for the position. Though one can volunteer to become a technician, the job is not guaranteed. As for technician training, many describe it as rigorous and extensive.   

“I recently came back to Little Rock after graduating IDMT school,” said Staff Sgt. Shannon Tedford, 48th Airlift Squadron independent duty medical technician. “It was rough. We studied every single day to learn how to be providers. It wasn’t easy, but I like being a jack of all trades.”

Since IDMTs are prepared to work in deployed locations, at least one of the five IDMTs at The Rock is deployed at any given time. 

 “When we deploy, we play medic and doctor roles when they are unavailable to deploy with a unit,” Cook said.  “We get to do almost any job you’d see in a hospital.”

The medical technicians are educated on a variety of career fields in the Air Force. The job that they perform depends on the base or mission. 

“One deployment, I ran an entire pharmacy,” Cook said. “But we could also do a job that requires looking for environmental hazards or conducting food inspections. I’ve also had to provide counseling to troops for mental issues.”

Here at Little Rock Air Force Base, a technician is assigned to each active-duty flying squadron. 

“Normally we don’t function in a medical group,” said Cook. “But being versatile is kind of a must for our job. For instance, my next assignment will be at Lewis-McChord Joint Base, Wash. I will be the only IDMT to ensure combat controllers are ready to leave at any second.”

The technicians are unique in more ways than one. 

“Unlike most jobs in the Air Force, we don’t get to perform superintendent roles. When we rank up, we perform the same tasks that we would have done before. We provide the same service regardless of rank,” said Cook. 

“Our job is one of a kind,” said Cook.  “It can be stressful with the deployments, but I love it.”

When deployed, IDMTs use their wide range of knowledge to monitor the health of Airmen and other troops. Airmen cannot deploy unless they are healthy, nor can they operate in deployed locations unless the care from providers is ensured. Independent duty medical technicians play a vital role in ensuring mission readiness both locally and abroad. 

TOP STORY>>LRAFB supports Green Flag exercise

U.S. Air Force article and photos by Senior Airman Kaylee Clark, 19th Airlift Wing

Three base squadrons conducted the first-ever Extracted Container Delivery System (XCDS) airdrops during the Green Flag Little Rock exercise June 16, 2014.

Crews from the 34th Combat Training Squadron, 41st Airlift Squadron and 61st AS exercised techniques and tactics to employ combat airlift’s newest air delivery system during a capabilities demonstration at the Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Polk, Louisiana.

The XCDS bundles are engineered to allow the cargo loads to the exit the aircraft in a matter of seconds to reach ground forces faster and more accurately. Increased accuracy during airdrops means safer and efficient resupply on the battlefield. The XCDS is also safer for aircrews because it changes the angle and approach aircraft can use to deliver cargo.

The method of extraction is the biggest difference between the two delivery systems. Unlike the traditional Container Delivery System bundles, the speed an XCDS hurtles from an aircraft facilitates fast and accurate delivery while limiting ground forces exposure to enemy targeting.

Because of the quick delivery and tight dispersal pattern on a drop zone, ground forces can swiftly recover the loads.

“One of the essential parts of the C-130 combat airlift mission is to deliver supplies to coalition troops on the ground and to do it safely and accurately. The XCDS allows us to do this,” said Lt. Col. Steve Smith, 34th Combat Training Squadron commander. “Traditional CDS bundles leave the aircraft via gravity and their dispersal patterns are variable due to exit times and friction. XCDS bundles are pulled out of the aircraft with an extraction parachute and are banded together to reduce dispersion. This decreases the exposure to ground forces during the recovery of critical supplies. These airdrops were a first for Green Flag Little Rock and the Joint Readiness Training Center. The aircrews from the 41st and 61st Airlift Squadrons performed exceptionally well.”Green Flag Little Rock is a mobility air forces exercise that provides training for aircrews in support of Army exercises in Fort Polk, Louisiana, as part of the JRTC. This exercise teamed Little Rock aircrews with the Vermont National Guard’s 86th Mountain Division.

Tech. Sgt. Marcos Garcia, 41st Airlift Squadron instructor loadmaster, served dual purposes during the exercise, training and certifying a 61st AS loadmaster and also assisting with the airdrops.

“The exercise went very well,” said Garcia. “The Army was pleased with how close the XCDS landed to target so that the troops could get in, pick up the equipment and get out.”

It takes a time and technique to perform a successful XCDS airdrop, but the overall product is a great, effective system said Garcia.

TOP STORY>>Multiple construction projects affect base traffic

By Airman 1st Class Cliffton Dolezal
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Little Rock Air Force Base will undergo three elements of cosmetic modifications enhancing the quality of work and life on base starting mid-June.

“I want to make sure that all members of Team Little Rock and visitors to the base are aware of the improvements we are making,” said Col. Patrick Rhatigan, 19th Airlift Wing commander. “During our Facebook Town Halls we received concerns about potholes, gate wait times and general traffic issues. Rest assured, we hear you! There will be major construction occurring on base in the upcoming months. Please be safe in these areas, and we appreciate your patience throughout the construction. “

The projects are scheduled to be complete October 2015, with a total cost of more than $5 million. The first of the three projects to kick-off will be a five-phase plan filling potholes located around the base.

Phase 1: will begin mid-June and will focus on potholes in front of the Hercules Dining Facility and in the Hangar 1080 parking lots and the Thomas Community Activities Center exit onto Arnold Drive.

Phase 2: will begin at the end of June through the first two weeks of July and will be the resurfacing of Avenue A, between the fire station and building 234 as well as the exit lanes of the base lake shoppette.

Phase 3: will take place in mid-July and will consist of resurfacing the rear parking lot of the DFAC and the dumpster enclosure facilities.

Phase 4: will start at the end of July and carry over into August. This phase will consist of the resurfacing of CMSgt Williams Drive as well as Fire Lane Boulevard near the Airman Leadership School.

Phase 5: the final phase of the project will begin mid-August and take place on CMSgt Williams Drive.

“With a limited budget, we have had to make hard decisions when allocating funds to help modernize the base’s infrastructure, but we’re excited for the projects we can support and sustain this year,” said Rhatigan. “Additionally, we are partnering with our community to ensure the base infrastructure is postured for the future.”

However, the resurfacing of roads this summer will not be the only construction taking place.

The three main base gates, Vandenberg, Harris and Arnold, will be receiving some updates in summer 2014; additionally the base utility company, Entergy, will be burying their power lines.

The new, modernized gates will help optimize base access, safety and security procedures, while improving traffic flow. However, there will be some delays and traffic congestion during these improvements.

“We are updating our existing infrastructure to meet our new and current stringent guidelines,” said Lt. Col. Rockie Wilson, 19th Civil Engineer Squadron commander.

The construction of the power lines project started June 16 and is expected to be finished mid-October 2014. This project will consist of burying the overhead power lines along the flightline on CMSgt Williams Drive.

“This will help the power from going out during storms and allows us to sustain the mission more effectively,” said Wilson.

Over the course of the five phases, this construction project will start near buildings 208 and 213 then progress down CMSgt Williams Drive, ensuring that all our airfield and industrial maintenance complexes are up to par and running evenly through the toughest of storms.

“All of this is only a portion of the overall project,” said Wilson. “There are two more parts that have not been awarded yet that will encompass the entire base in later years.”

While leadership understands construction can be an inconvenience at times, Wilson noted that mission effectiveness and readiness were taken into account.

“Certainly our intent is not to degrade the mission,” said Wilson. “So we are committed to doing this the most logical and efficient way we can.”

Editor’s note: The base improvements will be a short-term inconvenience, so please prepare and plan accordingly for potential traffic delays. PA will post additional information concerning gate delays two weeks prior to construction in the Combat Airlifter, www.littlerock.af.mil, and www.facebook.com/LRAFB.

TOP STORY>>‘Nobody asks for this’

By Airman 1st Class Cliffton Dolezal
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Editor’s note: The name of the victim in this article has been changed for the protection of the individual’s privacy as well as the privacy and integrity of the case. Be mindful that no two sexual assault stories are the same.

Rebecca woke up with the memories of last night scattered in her mind. The details of what happened were obscured. After drinking at a friend’s dorm, she could only recall little details. Stepping outside for fresh air, being unwittingly put into her “friend’s” bed, being too incapacitated to resist her “friend’s” sexual advances, fading to black. When the details were pieced back together, the obscure picture gained clarity: she had been sexually assaulted.

As the seconds were winding down in the final minutes of work on a Friday afternoon in May, a group of Airmen gathered to conceive plans for their weekend. After a quick discussion, it was settled. A night consisting of going to dinner with a few friends followed by some drinks at a friend’s house was the course of action.

It was a typical start for what would become a night that will haunt Rebecca for the rest of her life.

She and her friends went out to dinner, followed by a few drinks. After dinner, Rebecca returned to her dorm to grab her laptop before heading to anotherAirman’s room, where a party was taking place. Rebecca consumed several more alcoholic beverages throughout the night.

Rebecca said she wanted some fresh air and went outside, accompanied by her friends that she worked with and started up a conversation. After only a few minutes, Rebecca complained about being dizzy and had a seat on the ground.

“I remember sitting down outside, and the next thing I remember I was talking to a friend, not knowing what I was saying, but knowing I was moving my mouth,” said Rebecca.

Moments later, she said she remembered the warm muggy summer air suddenly dissipate and the cool refreshing breeze come over her from an air conditioner, instantly realizing she was no longer outside.

“I felt weightless for a moment,” she said.

Someone had carried her to a room and laid her down in a bed.

The lights were off, and her eyes closed as she passed out. She woke up several minutes later to find that she was in a different position than the way she had fallen asleep. Her legs hanging off the bed, she noticed someone between them. Too incapacitated to move, she fell back into the darkness.

Waking up later, she noticed her boots on the ground and she remembered someone leaning in for a kiss; she quickly turned away, dodging it. “Is this ok, is this ok?” her perpetrator asked. By the sound of his voice she recognized it was someone she knew - a “friend.”

She fell back into an unconscious state and woke up again in the morning.

Not knowing exactly what had happened the previous night. Rebecca quickly gathered her things and stumbled to her room accompanied by her perpetrator. She asked him to leave and went back to sleep, not waking up until late afternoon. Attempting to connect the fuzzy memories and broken pieces to the puzzle of what happened the previous night, Rebecca talked with friends who were also at the party with her.

She asked a friend to help her remember everything from that night. Her friend remembered carrying her. The perpetrator suggested that the friend put Rebecca in his room because it was closer. The friend had a bad feeling about it but left her there. Later on that night the friend went to check on Rebecca. The perpetrator answered the door with his shirt off insisting that everything was fine. He said Rebecca had thrown up but was sleeping it off. The friend did not intervene any further.

She started realizing that night she had become a victim of sexual assault. She had been taken advantage of and a fellow Airman violated her trust. She had been sexually assaulted.

Rebecca’s first reaction was disbelief.

“I was stuck in the whys: why me? Why am I going through this? Why did I have to be his victim?” Rebecca said.

Rebecca spent the rest of the weekend trying to process what happened. Several times she unsuccessfully called and texted her perpetrator for answers. He eventually texted her back admitting that they had sex, but she said she knew it wasn’t consensual.

“It took me a while to put myself together and figure out what I had to do,” she said. Rebecca reported to work the following Monday.

She discussed what she knew about the events that took place that weekend with a friend at work. After Rebecca had given the details to a co-worker, he took her straight to their section chief who in turn took her to the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator.

The SARC told Rebecca she had done the right thing by coming in and immediately began working on her case, assigning her a victim’s advocate.

A victim’s advocate is a person trained to support victims of sexual assault. It is not mandatory for a victim to be assigned an advocate, however, it is encouraged.

“It was hard to trust anybody, but my victim’s advocate understood that,” said Rebecca.

Before the trial process began, she was offered a Special Victims’ Counsel. An SVC provides confidential legal advice to develop victims’ understanding of the investigation and justice processes. He or she also provides advocacy by protecting the rights afforded to victims in the military justice system and empowering victims by removing barriers to their full participation in the justice process. The SVC program is new and a regionally based program that is offered across the Air Force as a program aimed specifically at victims’ rights.

After several meetings and court hearings, accompanied by her SVC, Rebecca’s perpetrator was prosecuted. He was found guilty of four violations of Article 120. His sentence was seven years of confinement and reduction in grade to E-1.

After this grueling process, life returned to normal but not for Rebecca. There is only a new normal for victims of sexual assault.

“I couldn’t be alone with any one male,” Rebecca said. “If a guy is behind me, I’m like, ‘Why is he behind me? What is he doing over there? Why does he keep looking at me? Why is he coming over here?’”

With one battle coming to a close, another took its place, changing Rebecca forever.

“Traumatic events never leave you,” said Capt. Christina Weathers, a 19th Medical Operations Squadron psychologist.

Since the assault Rebecca was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

According to the 19th Medical Operations Squadron PTSD is diagnosed by meeting criteria from a specific diagnostic statistic manual.

“Successful PTSD treatment is defined when a victim can fully engage in the present moment of everyday life with minimal symptoms thereby improving the quality of life for a patient,” Weathers said.

The hardest parts of recovery, Rebecca said, have been denial and having a support system.

“You’re going to need support. Look for someone. There is someone out there,” Rebecca said.

Rebecca has a long way to recovery, but she said with the help of her leadership, the SARC, her Special Victims’ Counsel, her friends and herself, she aims high to overcome misfortune.

“I have to be strong because no one is going to do it for me,” said Rebecca.

Remember that if you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, contact the SARC office 24/7 at (501) 987-7272.

“No one can help if they don’t know. Don’t ever say you’re at fault; they have a choice. They always have a choice.”

CLASSIFIEDS >> 071014

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE COMBAT AIRLIFTER CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT will take ads by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 982-9421, or you may mail your ad to 404 Graham Rd., Jacksonville, Ark. 72078. You may also e-mail them to combatairlifterclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in Friday's issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday.

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BRIEFS >> 071014

Squadron changes of commands

Today, 19th Civil Engineer Squadron, 2 p.m., B-239 base fire department.
Monday, 19th Communications Squadron, 2 p.m., Hangar 1080.
Wednesday, 19th Contracting Squadron assumption of command, 9 a.m., Hangar 1080.
Wenesday, 19th Maintenance Squadron, 11 a.m., Thomas Community Activity Center.
July 21, 19th Medical Support Squadron, 3:30 p.m., Hangar 1080.

Town Hall scheduled for July 22

Col. Patrick Rhatigan, 19th Airlift Wing and installation commander, will be hosting a town hall from 6:30-7:30 p.m. July 22 via the Little Rock Air Force Base Facebook page. This town hall will be topic focused and cover construction and base infrastructure concerns. Visit www.facebook.com/LittleRockAirForce to join the event.
A full description and list of Rules of Engagement can be found on the base website www.littlerock.af.mil.
At this time, town hall questions can be posted in advance on the event wall. If you have any questions regarding the event, contact Public Affairs at (501) 987-5855.

Sports/School Physicals

The 19th Medical Group is currently scheduling Sports/School Physicals for the summer and upcoming school year. Call the appointment line at (501) 987-8811 to schedule your appointment. Due to high demand, appointments typically are filled quickly. Call soon to guarantee your appointment!

Harris Road gate closure

A contract was awarded for gate construction June 16, beginning with the Harris Road Gate. Work is scheduled to commence 45 days thereafter on the Arnold Drive Gate. Work has not started at this time. Keep checking the Combat Airlifter or Facebook page for updates.
During construction on the Arnold Drive Gate, the entire gate will be closed to inbound and outbound traffic. During this time, traffic will be directed to the Vandenberg Road Gate and the Harris Road Gate, which will assume 24-hour operations until completion of the work at Arnold Drive. Following the completion of Arnold Drive, work will begin on Vandenberg. During this time traffic will be reduced to one lane inbound and one lane outbound until completion of the construction work.

Base Pool Closure

The Little Rock Air Force Base pool will be closed until further notice. For more information, contact Outdoor Recreation at (501) 987-3365.

Program application change

The Base Education Service Offices no longer assist active-duty enlisted Airmen who want to apply to the Basic Officer Training Program. Instead, Airmen must apply to BOT through the Air Force Portal page managed by Air Force Recruiting Service.
AFRS also announced that they will no longer accept waivers for not achieving the minimum grade point average and Air Force Officer Qualifying Test scores for both civilian and active-duty members.
Active-duty members applying for a commission through the BOT Program, please review your eligibility status and if eligible, submit your application through sharepoint.
The Education Center will no longer sign-off on AF Form 56; that portion may now be signed by the member’s supervisor, first sergeant, or commander.

Pediatric Clinic space available

The 19th Medical Group has current openings in Pediatrics due to patient capacity realignment.
If your children are TRICARE Prime beneficiaries assigned to an off-base provider and you would like to enroll them to the Little Rock AFB Pediatric Clinic, please call HUMANA at (800) 444-5445.
Choose the option to change Primary Care Managers.

Property tax payments

Effective Jan. 1, 2015, the Southwest Office and Jacksonville Office will no longer accept property tax payments. Please contact the Pulaski County tax collection division at (501) 340-6040 or visit www.pulaskicountytreasurer.net

TOP STORY >> Growing friendships and hardy plants

By Airman 1st Class Scott Poe

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Have a green thumb? The Little Rock Family Housing has a community garden for all base housing residents to use.

The garden currently consists of 16 beds, and eight more beds will be available if enough members are interested. Plots can be shared as well. If a whole plot is too big for one individual, he or she can share with a friend or a neighbor. 

“Gardening is quite a learning experience,” said Emily White, a Little Rock Family Housing administrative assistant. “Our hope for the community garden is that it brings residents together and yields much more than just flowers and vegetables.”

White said that the beds, dirt, fertilizer and water are provided by Little Rock Family Housing and explained the only thing potential gardeners will need are seeds or plants and a little patience. 

“We ask that the plots be well tended,” said White. “If they are neglected or unused after a period of time, we will re-assign the plot to another gardener.”   

The community garden is one of many amenities that the Little Rock Family Housing offers to their residents. They also host family events and offer multiple recreational areas such as the dog park, volleyball court and the swimming pool. 

“The community garden gives families an opportunity to get together, learn and grow healthy food all with a little effort and a lot of fun,” said Sgt. 1st Class Randall Timmerman, a family housing resident. 

Timmerman started a Facebook page for the Little Rock Family Housing community garden.  This gives the gardeners a chance to talk and share tips, tricks or even find someone to water their plot if they have to leave for an extended period of time.   

To reserve a plot, go to the Little Rock Family Housing welcome center and sign the gardening agreement. If you have any questions or want more information contact family housing at (501) 983-9044.

TOP STORY >> SAPR Program Elements

By Staff Sgt. Jessica Condit

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The Department of Defense along with Sexual Assault  Prevention and Response Office officials have developed a strategy for promoting a safe working environment for Airmen by creating a program that teaches awareness and support through many different types of learning scenarios. The different avenues of education on sexual assault awareness provides  information needed to aid in preventing a sexual assault from happening.

The SAPR office at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark., encourages leadership involvement, peer to peer mentorship and community involvement for victims of sexual assault. Through the use of these elements, victims can find comfort and safety during one of the most difficult times of their lives. 

Leadership involvement includes leaders at all levels. The involvement of leadership is key for the prevention of sexual assault. Leaders are responsible for the morale and welfare of their subordinates. Without providing the opportunity for victims of sexual assault to get help or have somebody to talk to, leaders endanger these aspects of a successful unit. 

“Little Rock AFB leadership promotes sexual assault prevention,” said Linda Benjamin, a 19th Airlift Wing SAPR victim’s advocate. “Through commander’s calls, leading by example, enforcing zero tolerance and any other type of avenue that becomes available, leadership at all levels recognizes the need to communicate SAPR messages to the Team Little Rock community.”

They also obtain and utilize the resources necessary for running or promoting a successful SAPR program. The chain of command is vital in establishing the climate of safety and trust among coworkers. If leadership encourages this type of environment and active use of the SAPR program, studies show members will potentially feel more comfortable coming forward with issues and reports of incidents.  

Peer-to-peer mentorship is also an important aspect of recovery for victims of sexual assault. This type of mentorship does not limit itself to supervisors and subordinates, but promotes healthy relationships between peers, partners, family and friends and provides the opportunity for people to get to know each other’s personalities and characteristics. 

“Knowing your friends, partner and family members is important because you will notice a change if something is wrong,” said Benjamin. “When a person’s mood changes or they seclude themselves from the people they care about, a cause for concern is warranted.”

Peer-to-peer mentorship also encourages a healthy command environment and aids in the prevention of potential sexual assaults through open communication and advice. 

According to the 2014 SAPR campaign materials guide, the following are all part of successful peer-to-peer mentorship and reinforce core military values and professional standards: victim empathy, bystander intervention against any unacceptable behavior, healthy relationships, moderate and responsible alcohol use and ensuring consent for sexual activity.

Community involvement also assists in the recovery process for a victim of sexual assault. Leaders and SAPR coordinators partner with resources throughout the community to enhance unit welfare. Incorporating prevention and response efforts such as advocacy groups, assistance from base health care providers and guidance from subject matter experts are incorporated into the SAPR program and build a resilient, sensitive and supportive community for victims of sexual assault. 

“We offer many different recovery options for victims of sexual assault,” said Benjamin. “From mental health to trained victim’s advocates located in units throughout the base, we provide opportunities to take care of victims of sexual assault. Building relationships with off-base law enforcement, crisis centers and health care providers is also key to effective community involvement.”

Through elements such as leadership involvement, peer-to-peer mentorship and community involvement, victims can seek guidance and help that is needed to push through hard times. The strategies, through consistent utilization are also important to prevent sexual assault. 

For more information on the Air Force SAPR program, visit www.sapr.mil, or contact the Little Rock AFB SAPR office at (501) 987- 2685. Team Little Rock’s sexual assault hotline is (501) 987-7272.

TOP STORY >> Police jurisdiction: Where to draw the line

By Staff Sgt. Jessica Condit

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Driving throughout Little Rock Air Force Base, it is common to see a member of the 19th Security Forces Squadron patrolling the streets, checking identification at the base gates or responding to emergency calls. While security forces patrols all areas of the base and enforces base regulations and laws inside the gate, their jurisdiction does not end there. 

Unbeknownst to many members of Team Little Rock, the 19th SFS jurisdiction proceeds far beyond the Vandenberg gate as well as beyond the Arnold Road gate. The jurisdiction extends all the way to the frontage road of Highway 167 outside of the Vandenberg gate and to Highway 107 outside of the Arnold Road gate, taking the installation rules of Little Rock AFB with it. 

While security forces has the legal ability to patrol the portion of Vandenberg Boulevard between the traffic light and the front gate, the Jacksonville Police Department are the consistent monitors of the roadway from the light to the end of the boulevard. 

“We have a professional under-standing with the Jacksonville P.D., which affords them primary responsibility for the roadway,” said Staff Sgt. Limuel Beltran, a 19th Security Forces Squadron patrolman. “We are, however, the primary responding agency to the base education center using the Jacksonville Police Department’s assistance when required.”

Jurisdiction details for security forces are not limited to outside the base gates. The 19th SFS also has specific jurisdiction when dealing with the Little Rock Family Housing. The specific instances throughout the housing community determine whether or not security forces respond and dispatch personnel. 

“We have jurisdiction in base housing when the incident involves anyone that falls under the Uniform Code of Military Justice Title 10 USC,” said Beltran. “Jacksonville P.D. handles any incident involving civilians where they are the suspect of a crime.”

According to Beltran, the jurisdiction for incidents involving military members and civilians applies throughout the installation due to the proprietary jurisdiction on Little Rock AFB. 

Little Rock AFB also carries the point system and applies it to members who are pulled over inside the installation throughout the base. The points added to a military member’s base driving record vary depending on the citation. If a service member accrues 12 points on their base driving record within a year, he or she will have their base driving privileges revoked for six months. 

 Any individual pulled over by civilian law enforcement is faced with the point system along with a citation of monetary value. 

Through the collaborative efforts of the 19th SFS and Jacksonville P.D., consistent law enforcement is exercised to enforce laws and protect personnel on and off base.

“The relationship between the agencies is strong and gets stronger every day,” said Beltran. “The police departments have quick response times and are always willing to provide assistance when requested.”

The 19th SFS exercises all measures possible to ensure that Team Little Rock is provided a safe living and working environment.

Remember, though, that while you are driving away from the gate and leaving the installation, the 19th SFS remains within their jurisdiction to pull you over for talking on your cell phone, texting or failing to wear your seatbelt. They also have the authority to issue an installation citation.

For more information on police jurisdiction or any other questions for the 19th SFS, call the law enforcement desk at (501) 987-3221.

CLASSIFIEDS>>060614

ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE COMBAT AIRLIFTER CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT will take ads by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 982-9421, or you may mail your ad to 404 Graham Rd., Jacksonville, Ark. 72078. You may also e-mail them to combatairlifterclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in Friday's issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday.

OWN YOUR Medical Alert Company. Be the 1st and Only Distributor in your area! Unlimited $ return. Small investment required. Call toll free 1-844-225-1200.

DO YOU LOVE ANIMALS? TRAIN TO BE a Veterinary Technician, 800.383-4959, www.ChangeLives.com. Heritage College, 1309 Old Forge Dr. LR, Heritage has applied for accreditation by the AVMA-Committee on Veterinary Tech Education and Activities. For important program info: please visit www.heritage-education.com/disclosures.

Medical Billing Trainees Needed! Become a Medical Office Assistant Now! Online job training gets you ready. Job placement when program completed. HS Diploma/GED & Internet Required. Ayers.edu/disclosures 1-888-734-6717.


HELP WANTED

$350 plus a week. No experience. Entry level positions, 10-15 openings. Must be 18 and have reliable transportation. Paid weekly. Call for interview, Mon.-Fri., 9 am-5 pm. (501) 605-1303.

Accepting applications for full time stylist at The Tropical Hair Hut. Clientele helpful, but not necessary.  Please call Tina at 501-834-2204.

RV PARK Camp Host needed. Central AR. Onsite only. (501) 945-5380, Joe.

MINI STORAGE onsite manager needed. (501) 945-5380, Joe.

TRUCK DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED! Stevens Transport wants to pre-hire you now! EARN $750 PER WEEK! No Experience Needed! We will get you trained! 1-888-778-0459.

15 TRUCK DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED NOW! Become a driver for Empire Express. NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! New Drivers can earn $800+ per week! Call for details! 1-888-778-0465.

Need ONE GOOD OTR Driver - $52,000. If you aren't making this much where you are; call us. Regional routes. Class A CDL required. Paid every Friday. (870) 613-4646 or (870) 612-0905, AR Trucking, Batesville.

DRIVERS - Regional Drivers $500 Sign-On! Great Home Time & Benefits. Up to $.40 Per Mile, Weekly Pay, Late Model Equipment. CDL-A Required. Arnold Transportation 888-742-8056. www.DriveArnold.com.

DRIVERS - DEDICATED Runs Available in your area NOW. Wkly. HOME TIME, 100% Customer Dedicated Freight. TOP PAY & BENEFITS; Mthly BONUSES & more! CDL-A, 1 yr Exp. Req'd. EEOE/AAP. LIMITED POSITIONS AVAILABLE. 866-370-4476. www.Drive4Marten.com.

DRIVERS - Owner Operators and experience OTR drivers needed for expanding fleet. Call USA Truck today. 866-545-0078.

DRIVERS - AVERITT EXPRESS New pay Increase For Regional Drivers! 40 to 46 CPM + Fuel Bonus! Also, Post-Training Pay Increase for Students! (Depending on Domicile) Get Home EVERY Week + Excellent Benefits. CDL-A req. 888-362-8608. Apply @ AverittCareers.com Equal Opportunity Employer - Females, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

DRIVERS - "Partners in Excellence" - OTR Drivers APU Equipped. Pre-Pass, EZ-pass, passenger policy. 2012 & Newer equipment. 100% NO touch. Butler Transport 1-800-528-7825. www.ButlerTransport.com.


SERVICES

DIVORCE WITH OUR WITHOUT children $125.00. Includes name change and property settlement agreement. SAVE hundreds. Fast and easy. Call 1-888-733-7165, 24/7.


YARD SALES

CHURCH RUMMAGE sale, Friday & Saturday 6/13 & 14, 7 am-2 pm, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 2413 Northeastern, Jacksonville.

MULTI-FAMILY YARD sale, 6/6 & 7, 112 Jarry Ln., Jax.

YARD SALE, 6/7, 1914 April Ln., Beebe, lots of like new name brand boy's clothes & shoes (toddler/youth sizes), like new jogging stroller.

MOVING SALE, 6/7, 8 am-? 625 Paul Place, Jax. Household goods, small furniture, etc.

YARD SALE, 6/7, 314 W. Center St., Beebe. Furniture, kitchen items, books, golf clubs, glassware, little bit of everything. Rain cancels.


HORSES

HORSES: LUCKY Acres Boarding Stable, TLC for your horse, box stalls and paddocks, clean pastures, indoor and outdoor arenas, riding instruction and training program. Dressage our specialty. (501) 988-2458.


AUTOS/ACCESSORIES

2010 CHEVY Impala, V6, 77k miles, good condition, $10,000 obo. (202( 322-7699, Jax.

2002 Dodge SWB forest green camper shell, as is, $20. 773-1002.


RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

2012 SUZUKI GSX-R 750 motorcycle, excellent condition w/brand new Michelin tires, garage kept. Includes 2 helmets & speed/strength jacket, $10,000 obo. (501) 207-2352.

2007 HARLEY Davidson, 1200cc, $5,600 obo. (501) 744-5447.


ITEMS FOR SALE

MAYTAG REFRIGERATOR w/ice maker, GE stove, dishwasher & microwave, white, 1 owner, best deal $800 for all. (501) 605-7859.

WHIRLPOOL HE washer, Ecoboost H2 low water system, 2 yrs. old, $100. (501) 266-3482.

LOOKING FOR A STORAGE SOLUTION - STEEL BUILDINGS PROVIDE THE PERFECT OPTION various styles and sizes available! LOW MONTHLY PAYMENTS and LOW PRICES AVAILABLE CALL 1-800-991-9251.

SAWMILLS from only $4397.00 - MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill. Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info/DVD: 1-800-578-1363 ext. 300N. www.NorwoodSawmills.com.


HOUSES FOR RENT

Sherwood/Jacksonville areas. Beautiful 2, 3 & 4 Bedroom Mobile Homes. Large lots, in quiet safe park, close to LRAFB. Clean, quiet, & safe park. $425-$650 plus deposit. (501) 835-3450.

Jax. - Summer Special - Half Price Deposit on all 3 bd/2 bath mobile homes in park. $500-$550 per month. Call Wendy at (501) 744-4668.

3 BEDROOM, 2 bath, all brick with 2 car garage & fenced backyard, in Westhaven subdivision, Cabot. $1100 per month. Call Tommy at (501) 680-1246.

CABOT: 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage, fresh paint, new laminate floors, gas fireplace, all kitchen appliances available, fenced backyard. $1050 month, $750 deposit. Call (501) 773-7741.


HOUSES FOR SALE

BEAUTIFUL HOME for family in Austin. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, fenced yard, backs up to wooded area. Military friendly neighborhood. (501) 823-0577 or view listing at realtor.com, MLS ID #10375277.


MOBILE HOMES

ONE ACRE fully fenced - FSBO - 2 bedroom, 2 bath mobile home, 2 car garage plus single carport. Austin, AR, $42,500. (501) 944-2081.

BRIEFS>>060614

Sports/School Physicals

The 19th Medical Group is currently scheduling Sports/School Physicals for the summer and upcoming school year. Call the appointment line at (501) 987-8811 to schedule your appointment. Due to high demand, appointments typically are filled quickly. Call soon to guarantee your appointment!

Aerobics Room closed today

The aerobics room of the Fitness Center will be closed for construction today. Classes will be held on the basketball court. The aerobics room will reopen Saturday and classes will resume in that room. Vital 90 classes will either be on the basketball court for inclement weather or outside behind the HAWC or at the WarFit Pavillion. Please consult the Health and Wellness Center Facebook page for information about Vital 90. For more information, contact the Fitness Center at (501) 987-3283 or the HAWC at (501) 987-7228.

Harris Road gate closure

Gate construction will start June 16, 2014 beginning with the Harris Road Gate. Work is scheduled to commence 45 days thereafter on the Arnold Drive Gate. During construction on the Arnold Drive Gate, the entire gate will be closed to inbound and outbound traffic. During this time, traffic will be directed to the Vandenberg Road Gate and the Harris Road Gate, which will assume 24-hour operations until completion of the work at Arnold Drive. Following the completion of Arnold Drive, work will begin on Vandenberg. During this time traffic will be reduced to one lane inbound and one lane outbound until completion of the construction work.

Legal office closure

The Little Rock AFB Legal Office will be closed for an official function from 12-4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 20. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, June 23.

Memorial Service today

There will be a memorial service for Tech. Sgt. David “Doc” Brown, 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron, in the base chapel today at 3:30 p.m. Attire is uniform of the day. Contact Tech. Sgt. Scott Berrier at (501) 987-6497 with any questions.

Estate claim
Col. Patrick J. Rhatigan, 19th Airlift Wing commander, regretfully announces the death of Tech. Sgt. David N. Brown, 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron. Anyone having claims against or indebtedness to the estate of Tech. Sgt. Brown should contact 2nd Lt. Rachael S. Beightel, 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron, at (501) 987-7130 or rachael.beightel.1@us.af.mil.

REAL Talk Classes offered

The next REAL Talk class is scheduled for June 10, at 9 a.m. REAL Talk provides an environment for Airmen to feel empowered to share experiences and learn from their peers. You will return to your workplaces with an enhanced respect for self and others, and a willingness to create positive culture change within your spheres of influence. Classes are open to active duty, Guard, Reserve, GS and civilian employees. Class is held in building 843, room 104 (left of DFAC), bottom floor. Attire is PT gear or ABU/no blouse. Snacks and drinks welcome. Classes are limited to 15 participants. If you have any questions call (501) 987-2697. To register visit: https://booknow.appointment-plus.com/6brvd3tk.

Locker rooms close June 9-11

Due to work needing to occur by male subcontractors, the women’s locker rooms will be closed June 9 - June 11, from 1 - 4 p.m. and June 12- 13 all day long. During these dates and times, the women’s DV locker room will be open for changing purposes.

Base Pool Closure

The Little Rock Air Force Base pool will be closed until further notice. For more information, contact Outdoor Recreation at (501) 987-3365.

Youth Employment Skills program begins June 1

The Youth Employment Skills (YES) Program is an on-base youth volunteer program funded by the Air Force Aid Society and jointly administered by AFAS and the Airman and Family Readiness Center. It offers high school-aged dependents an opportunity to learn valuable work skills while having a positive impact on their base communities. The program will be effective June 1 through May 31, 2015.
The program is incentive based in the form of dollar credits for grant funding. Students may bank up to $1,000 over four years of high school. Participating base youth program will bank base community credits up to a maximum of $10,000 per program year. Students who wish to participate must submit an application and will be notified by AFAS and the base youth director on enrollment. Specific eligibility requirements must also be met.
For more information and application forms, call (501) 987-6355.

Pediatric Clinic space available

The 19th Medical Group has current openings in Pediatrics due to patient capacity realignment. If your children are TRICARE Prime beneficiaries assigned to an off-base provider and you would like to enroll them to the Little Rock AFB Pediatric Clinic, please call HUMANA at (800) 444-5445. Choose the option to change Primary Care Managers.

TOP STORY>>Travel safety during the summer months

By Arlo Taylor
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The summer travel mis-adventures of the fictional Clark Griswold in “National Lampoons Vacation” have achieved legendary status, but safety on the open road is no laughing matter.

The 2014 Critical Days of Summer Campaign that continues through Sept. 2, focuses on risk management for all summer activities. Taking time to plan trips with a safety focus will help Airmen avoid the stark reality of travel woes, according to Rick Myers, 19th Airlift Wing Safety Office ground safety manager.

All the planning in the world won’t work if your car isn’t ready to roll, he said. Safely prepping for summer road trips is as easy as 1, 2, 3:

1. Plan your trip

2. Prepare for the trip

3. Inspect your vehicle

“Prevention and planning is much easier than dealing with the consequences of breaking down,” Myers said. “Plus it is easier to know who to call if you do break down or have an accident when you have a plan.”

“The most ignored step would be that people don’t inspect their vehicles before they head out,” Myers said. “Before leaving for your summer road trip, inspect your vehicle. The important things to inspect are Tires (tread depth and inflation), lights, wiper blades, hoses and belts, battery, fluid levels -- oil, transmission fluid, coolant and windshield washer fluid.”

Travelers should also pack an emergency kit in case of a breakdown. A good start would be a kit of jumper cables, water, flashlight, first-aid kit and non-perishable food like beef jerky or MREs.

Communicating with supervisors is another key aspect of risk assessment for a road trip. The online resource Travel Risk Planning System program, known as TRiPS is available to minimize hazards on longer travels. Log in at https://www. https://cac.trips.safety.army.mil.

“Anyone traveling can and should use the Travel Risk Planning System (TRiPS) program. It is important resource that will help you plan out your trip. It is also good tool for supervisors,” said Myers. “Supervisors can have their Airmen fill out the TRIPS program and it will give them a good risk assessment. This will let the supervisor know what advice to give if it is needed.”

Safety is a mindset and Myers reminds everyone to be ready for the road.

“Practice good risk management,” said Myers. “Get plenty of rest prior to departing; don’t drive long distances at once; take frequent breaks while driving; don’t drink and drive; and most importantly always ensure all occupants properly use seat belts, including the proper child passenger seat for children.”

For the latest summer safety tips, visit www.littlerock.af.mil/news/criticaldaysofsummer .

TOP STORY>>Changing duty stations and leaving a lease? Know your legal rights

Charles Hasberry Jr.,
Chief of Legal Assistance
502nd Security Forces and Logistics
Support Group, JBSA-Randolph

E. Stephanie Hebert,
Legal Assistance Attorney
502nd Installation Support Group,
JBSA-Lackland

Brian Novak,
Chief of Legal Assistance 502nd Force Support Group,
JBSA-Fort Sam Houston

It is almost summer time which means that many service members from across the country will receive orders for a permanent change of station. A common dilemma faced by service members who rent their home is what to do about their lease, especially if they are in the middle of their contract.

The Service-members’ Civil Relief Act allows service members and their families to terminate leases, but only if they enter active-duty after signing a lease, or they sign a lease while on active-duty and then receive orders for a PCS or deployment for a period of 90 days or more. The Department of Justice interprets PCS to include discharge, resignation and separation under honorable conditions.

Most landlords, property managers and apartment complexes around the area are familiar with the SCRA due to the sheer number of military families who reside in this area. Notwithstanding, violations of federal and state landlord-tenancy law happen every day. Therefore, it is very important to educate yourself, your family and your fellow service-members on your legal rights.

If you or your spouse recently received orders for a PCS or deployment, and you plan on terminating your existing residential lease as a result, you should know that the SCRA spells out exactly what you need to do to terminate the lease without facing any penalties for early termination.

Two documents must be delivered to your landlord in order to successfully terminate your lease under the SCRA: a written notification of your intent to terminate the lease and a copy of your military orders confirming your PCS or deployment. Assuming that you deliver these two documents to your landlord, your lease will terminate 30 days after the next rental payment is due.

For example, if you provide written notice and a copy of your orders to your apartment manager on June 6, and your next rental payment is due on the first day of July, your lease will not terminate until 30 days thereafter on July 31. Unfortunately, you are responsible for the rent due in July even if you deploy or PCS in June. Had you given written notice in May, your lease would have terminated at the end of June.

If you know that you will soon receive PCS or deployment orders, plan ahead so that you won’t get stuck paying rent for a residence you’ve already vacated:

Read your entire lease agreement, as well as any attachments, and make sure you understand your obligations and rights under the contract, and the SCRA

Gather all paperwork regarding your lease, your security deposit, pet deposit, requests for repairs and monthly rental payments.

Obtain a draft of a SCRA termination letter from your command or your installation legal assistance office.

Send the notice of termination to your landlord via certified mail with a return receipt requested. Keep a copy of the notice and proof of delivery for your records. If you decide instead to deliver the notice in person, you should have the landlord sign a statement acknowledging receipt of the notice. You should also record the name of the recipient and the address and date of delivery.

Giving proper notice of termination of a lease can sometimes be difficult when you receive verbal notice of your PCS or deployment but you don’t receive your paper orders. When official orders are not available and the PCS or deployment is considered short notice, servicemembers should be provided with a letter or another comparable document from the unit commander or unit deployment manager.

Commanders and UDMs play a crucial role in this process. It is imperative that they assist members in obtaining their official orders as promptly as possible. When official orders are not available and the PCS or deployment is short notice, they should provide service-members with alternative documents.

Without official military orders, service-members may be forced to pay additional rent, risk negative credit reporting, or risk getting sued.

UCs and UDMs can contact the legal office for suggestions if an alternative document template is not available. Many young troops can suffer severe financial hardship due to no fault of their own if they do not receive the proper guidance and support from their units.

If you successfully terminate your lease in accordance with the SCRA, your landlord is required to refund any rent paid in advance as well as your security deposit, and is prohibited from assessing any penalty against your for early termination of the lease. Amounts may be deducted, however, for damages sustained to the property in accordance with the lease agreement.

Because they can’t keep your security deposit when you assert your rights under the SCRA, landlords and property managers may try to find other, more elusive ways to justify keeping your deposit. Landlords know that you may not be coming back to the area for a while. They also know that the likelihood of your contesting charges is low once you’ve already PCSd or deployed.

If you believe that your landlord or your fellow service-member’s landlord has wrongfully retained your security deposit or violated the SCRA in another manner, go to your installation legal assistance office and get help. Don’t forget that active duty personnel, Reservists and Guardsmen on Title 10 orders are entitled to free legal assistance.

When a landlord violates the SCRA, he can be fined or imprisoned, so a phone call from a legal assistance attorney may convince a landlord to abide by state and federal law. You can schedule a legal assistance appointment at your nearest installation.

The Little Rock AFB Legal Office has walk-in legal assistance available Monday from 2-3 p.m. and on Fridays from 9-10 a.m. The office is located in building 1250, suite 222.

TOP STORY>>19th CMS, 19th EMS merge to form 19th MXS

By Senior Airman Kaylee Clark
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

At Little Rock Air Force Base, the maintainers from component and equipment maintenance may be operating under a new name, but their support to the mobility mission continues without change.

In a ceremony May 28, the 19th Component Maintenance Squadron was inactivated, and its personnel merged with the 19th Equipment Maintenance Squadron; the 19th EMS was then redesignated as the 19th Maintenance Squadron.

While the change was a big event for the two squadrons, the Airmen performing the daily operations will continue to perform without changes to the mission.

“The purpose behind the inactivation of the 19th CMS and re-designation of the 19th EMS to the 19th MXS was to consolidate two squadron into one,” said Capt. Wayne Salls, the 19th MXS propulsion flight commander. “The merger changed the command structure.”

The command structure created an environment to ensure all back shops were combined and under a centralized command and control unit. The 19th MXS provides back shop support to all of Team Little Rock, including the 314th Airlift Wing and 189th Airlift Wing.

“A lot of coordination goes into events like this,” said Capt. Brian Humphreys, the 19th MXS maintenance flight officer in charge. “A full team effort is required to pull it off, and a ceremony was a fitting way to exercise the teamwork that’s going to be especially necessary in the first few months of integration.”

This aspect of the merger streamlined the working relationship between Airmen and leadership even faster, creating a stronger bond between the back shops. This unit cohesion will enable the Airmen to continue providing quality service and equipment to the flightline.

“Based on how well everyone worked together to make the ceremony a success, we are off to a great start,” said Humphreys.

The new squadron will have its share of bumps in the road. While operating as separate units, the 19th EMS contained approximately 440 personnel, and the 19th CMS contained approximately 220. Combining the two separate squadrons, leadership must now manage more than 600 personnel. The merger of the two squadrons resulted in one of the largest squadrons of Airmen on Little Rock AFB.

While change is sometimes difficult, it often provides better results in the end. The two squadrons will be able to work closely with one another in a more integrated environment, producing more camaraderie and Airmanship.

TOP STORY>>D-DAY 70TH ANNIVERSARY

By Staff Sgt. Jessica Condit
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Honor. Valor. Bravery. It’s nearly impossible to reflect on the American armed forces’ heritage without including those words. The events that occurred on D-Day bring to life those words and present images such as men storming the beach and the sky riddled with paratroopers. The latter reminds Airmen that without the efforts made by the allied air forces, D-Day would not have been possible – efforts provided by squadrons here at Little Rock Air Force Base.

On June 6, 1944, several squadrons from Little Rock AFB participated in one of the most significant and turning operations of World War II. Armed with approximately 13-18, C-47 aircraft per squadron, the squadrons of the 314th Troop Carrier Group were significant to the success of the events of D-Day.

Under the watchful eye of the 314th TCG, the 61st Troop Carrier Squadron, 32nd TCS, 50th TCS, and 62nd TCS, all contributed to the success of the invasion of Normandy. The squadrons accomplished more than 100 sorties between them, distinguishing their organization through extraordinary heroism and determination.

According to a citation written to the 314th TCG, the pilots and paratroopers significantly risked their lives in order to obtain the advantage at Normandy.

“The troop-carrier planes moved thousands of Allied troops over the beaches of Normandy, ensuring the Allies had as many men and advantages as possible during the significant battle. While the squadrons from the 314th TCG were accomplishing their mission, they did it selflessly while unarmed and unarmored, flying at minimum altitudes and air speeds over water and into the face of the enemy.”

The following paragraphs give a short description of each squadron and what they contributed to the war effort during D-Day:

61st TCS

D-Day and the preparation events that were necessary for the invasion, gave the 61st TCS the perfect opportunity to utilize the training that they had received since arriving in the United Kingdom. Changes in the daily operations included using black and white stripes as additional identification on all the aircraft, which gave the members of the 61st TCS the nervous anticipation of involvement in the event.

On June 5, 1944, the aircraft departed, carrying many paratroopers ready to open the western front. At 4:45 a.m. the 61st TCS planes dotted the dark sky. After the successful drop of paratroopers, 17 aircraft assigned to the 61st returned with minimal damage to aircraft and no injury to any combat personnel. Only one aircraft suffered severe damage but was flown to England where repairs were made.

The 61st Airlift Squadron is the 61st TCS’s successor. The Green Hornets are now a 19th Airlift Wing unit and transitioning from the C-130H to C-130J aircraft.

50th TCS

D-Day found the 50th TCS trained and ready. Many of the pilots and crew were veterans of the campaign in Italy. The operation began, as all similar operations do, with a restriction; passes were revoked, visitors kept away and outside phone calls diverted. The crews of the 50th TCS were given a preliminary briefing on the night of June 3, 1944 but weather prevented the team from taking action. Knowing that every hour wasted was one hour of opportunity for German forces to get closer to the Allied forces at the demilitarized zone, leadership began to express deep concern and anxiety over the mission to follow.

Finally, after much anticipation, 18 of the 50th TCS’s C-47s took off for France carrying men and equipment from the 82nd Airborne Division. As the paratroopers came closer to the drop zone, they grew increasingly quiet. Arriving at the DZ, each paratrooper jumped out of the back of the C-47, hoping and praying that they would not become susceptible to the bullet-riddled sky. Only one fatality occurred during the late hours of the night. 1st Lt. Sidney Dunagan was fatally wounded from a shot through his chest, running a second pass over the drop zone to drop off the remaining paratroopers.

The 50th Airlift Squadron is the 50th TCS’s successor. The Red Devils are now a 19th AW unit that employ the mighty C-130H3.

62nd TCS

The month of June found the 62nd TCS anxiously awaiting their role in D-Day. The day the entire world had been anticipating for four long years had finally come. This would be the first phase of one of the greatest military operations of World War II. The 62nd TCS supplied 18 aircraft with crew members, 44 officers and 36 enlisted men, for their role in the mission, dropping paratroopers on the Cherbourg Peninsula in the early morning hours, June 6, 1944.

After the drop, only 16 aircraft returned to the base. One aircraft, piloted by Capt. Charles Cartwright, did not return, and it was last reported by pilots of the same element making a second pass over the DZ. The other aircraft was damaged during flight and made an emergency landing at Keevil, England. 1st. Lt. Glemm Grimes and 1st Lt. David Mondt, the pilots of the damaged aircraft suffered head wounds from enemy machine gun fire.

The 62nd Airlift Squadron is the 62nd TCS’s successor. The Blue Barons are now a 314th AW unit that employ the mighty C-130H2.

32nd TCS

The 32nd TCS was furnished with only six planes for the first mission to France with only six crews to participate in what is often referred to as history’s greatest military undertaking. Many questions arose from the troops of the 32nd TCS. The crew members and participants did not know how long the flight would be, whether the mission would be during the night or during the day, where the DZ was, or how long they would be over land. During the briefing just hours before the mission played out, the questions were answered. As the aircraft from the 32nd TCS flew over the water, they could see all the reassuring lights from the Navy vessels at sea.

After jumping, paratroopers recalled seeing parachutes all around them in fields of orange, green, red and white. One crew member recalled that while he saw all the parachutes, he did not notice any people moving and how unreal everything seemed. No paratroopers were shot while leaving the aircraft and the bundles unloaded by the crew chief reached the ground safely, providing much needed supplies for troops on the ground.

The 32nd was inactivated November, 1, 2005, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

Each squadron played a significant role in the success of D-Day. Their actions are recorded through veterans of World War II and through the squadrons at Little Rock AFB who strive to keep the heritage strong. Although the mission was complete, it was done so at a steep cost. Many aircraft were shot down or rendered unflyable due to the extensive amount of damage incurred.

More than 156,000 Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy during the invasion. By the end of June 11, 1944, approximately 326,000 troops, 54,000 vehicles, and 104,000 tons of supplies had successfully entered France.

According to the D-Day Memorial Foundation, the Allied forces lost a total of 4, 413 troops on D-Day alone. Over the course of the Battle of Normandy, the Allies would eventually suffer more than 209,000 casualties.

While the battle took its toll on the 314th TCG and many other forces, numerous instances of individual heroism and collective efforts of the group earned a Distinguished Unit Citation for the second time.

Prior to the invasion, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower sent a message to the troops:

“You are about to embark upon a great crusade, toward which we have striven the many months. The eyes of the world are upon you,” he said. “Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped and battle hardened; he will fight savagely… I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full victory!”

With the help of forces like the 314th TCG, full victory was exactly what the Allies got. The 314th TCG helped the Allies seize a valuable piece of French property providing a turning point to the war.

The history of these Team Little Rock units should resonate with all Airmen. It’s a reminder of rich heritage but also that history is in the making every single day.