TOP STORY >> LRAFB observes Police Week 2015

By Senior Airman Harry Brexel 

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs 

The men and women of the United States Air Force Security Forces safeguard the gates of bases all around the world 24/7, as well as conduct missions behind enemy lines and care for others around them.

Little Rock Air Force Base, along with multiple police community partners, honored those who serve in law enforcement during National Police Week May 11-15. 

National Police Week is held every year in conjunction with Peace Officers Memorial Day, which was first designated by President John F. Kennedy on May 15, 1962. This year’s Police Week included a series of morale-building and commemorative events with eight local, state and federal police agencies.

“I have been in law enforcement for a little over ten years and I love every bit of it,” said Staff Sgt. Alphonso Price, 19th Security Forces Squadron supply noncommissioned officer in charge and Police Week organizer. “One thing that is continually on my mind when working patrol is whether my fellow defenders or I will make it home at the end of our shifts.” 

The 19th Security Forces Squadron hosted multiple events, including a multi-agency police display, golf tournament, 5K “Blue Line” run and 9mm combat arms shooting competition. More than 350 total Little Rock AFB Airmen participated in the events to show support.  

The display at the BX included multiple law enforcement agencies from the local area including Cabot, Jacksonville, Little Rock, Lonoke County and Pulaski County. The entire Team Little Rock community was invited to view the demonstration of various police vehicles as well as horse patrols. 

“The media’s coverage of law enforcement all over the United States has been less than favorable,” said Price. “Our mission for 2015 National Police Week was to show the community who we are as a professional organization, what we do as police officers and most importantly to honor the fallen who have made the ultimate sacrifice.” 

The week closed with a wreath-laying ceremony that remembered fallen law enforcement heroes as well as honored those who serve today. The event provided an opportunity for 19th SFS Airmen to connect with local police partners and reflect on the dangers and sacrifices of a career in law enforcement. 

TOP STORY >> Black Knights welcome new commander

By Arlo Taylor

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The 19th Airlift Wing and Little Rock Air Force Base welcomed their new commander, Col. Charles Brown Jr., during a change of command ceremony May 27.

The ceremony’s presiding officer, Lt. Gen. Carlton D. Everhart II, 18th Air Force commander, accepted the wing’s guidon from Col. Patrick Rhatigan and passed it to Brown, symbolizing the beginning of his command of the Black Knights.

“It is my honor to be back at Little Rock Air Force Base… the Home of Combat Airlift,” said Brown.  “The leading edge of tactical airlift, Team Little Rock has been in the Joint fight, defending the Homeland and decisively taking the fight to the enemy on foreign soil for decades… providing it in a manner that cannot be duplicated by any other country, fellow service, or any other airlift wing in the United States Air Force.”  

The 19th Airlift Wing works in concert with the 314th Airlift Wing, 189th Airlift Wing, the 913th Airlift Group and 29th Weapons Squadron in all aspects of C-130 operations and training.  As commander, Brown will lead the world’s largest fleet of C-130 aircraft and is responsible for providing worldwide deployable C-130 aircraft, aircrews, expeditionary combat support personnel and equipment for Air Mobility Command and Air Expeditionary Force taskings.

The new commander’s priorities for the base can be distilled into three words: Trust, Teamwork and Training. As the 62nd Airlift Squadron commander here from 2009-2011, Brown knows the importance of those three ideals to the base’s tradition of teamwork.

“The secret to our success lies in the seamless integrated and interdependent relationships with our teammates in the 314th Airlift Wing, our Air National Guard partners in the 189th Airlift Wing, our Reserve partners in the 913th (Airlift Group) and, to round out us out, our teammates in the 29th Weapons School.

That tradition of teamwork extends beyond the base fence line where unrivaled community support buoys base Airmen and their families.  

“None of this would be possible without the love, support and leadership that the Little Rock Air Force base surrounding communities have provided us for 60 years.  This has been the true core of our excellence,” Brown said. “We will continue this legacy and excel in the future by continuing to foster a climate of trust and teamwork all the while continuing to train to provide our great nation the finest Combat Airlifters in the world.”

Finally, Brown thanked the Airmen of Team Little Rock and their families for their unwavering support that fuels the success of the base’s mission.

‘I’d like to say thank you to you and your families who have sacrificed so much for this great nation, this great Air Force and this great community,” the colonel said. “I owe all of you a tremendous amount of gratitude as I stand here in awe of all of your amazing accomplishments and will continue to provide you the resources to be effective in our mission, a safe work environment from which to conduct it and a quality of life for you and your family that you deserve.”  

Brown’s previous assignment was as assistant deputy director, Joint Strategic Planning, Strategic Plans and Policy, Joint Staff, the Pentagon, Washington, D.C.  He advised the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on all Global Defense Posture emerging requirements, as well as Strategy Development and Joint Operational War Planning for the Department of Defense.

He is a senior pilot with more than 1,600 hours flying F-15E, C-130E and C-130H aircraft.

TOP STORY >> USAF 50 Summit Challenge: Air Force Leading the Way

By Senior Airman Stephanie Serrano

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Beginning in 2005, a group of Air Force members set out to hike to the top of the highest peaks on all seven continents and display the Air Force flag. After conquering the Seven Summit challenge in May of 2013, members created the 50 Summit challenge. Airmen, along with family and friends, are invited to hike to the highest point in each of our 50 states, carrying the Air Force flag and proudly flying it at the top. The challenge was designed for Airmen to have fun, expand personal boundaries and get outdoors.

After hearing about the challenge during a safety conference, Senior Master Sgt. Michael Francis, 188th Wing ground safety noncommissioned officer in charge, approached Chief Master Sgt. Ronald Redding, 188th Civil Engineer Squadron installation emergency manager, with the idea of hosting the Arkansas High Point Mount Magazine 50 Summit Challenge.

The two decided to take on the project and became team leads, organizing the May 8, 2015 event. The event was open to all Air Force members, families and friends.

The morning of the hike started out a bit gloomy with scattered thunderstorms forecasted throughout the day. However, the weather didn’t deter the approximate 75 Air Force members and families who met at Cove Lake in Paris, Arkansas to hike the 10.5 miles to the top of Mount Magazine.

“I think the turnout was remarkable considering the severe weather threat,” said Redding.

After a quick safety briefing, a short message from the chaplain and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, members divided into teams to begin their strenuous hike to the top.

The hike definitely had many challenges along the way, apart from being so long. Airman crossed streams, climbed steep hills, and hiked a good couple of miles in the rain.

Due to the conditions of the hike, there were two opt-out points along the way. At mile three and mile seven, Airman were able to get water from the volunteers as well as if needed, obtain a ride to the rally point. 

The trek went on for more than four hours.

“Seeing how everyone was enthusiastic and being great wingmen helping and encouraging each other was great,” said Redding. 

Slowly as all the Airmen made it to the rally point, the group gathered once more to make its final trek to the peak as a team.

Once at the top, the group gathered around the Mount Magazine “Highest Peak of Arkansas” sign, posed for a group photo with the Air Force, P.O.W/M.I.A, American, Sheep Dog and Arkansas Flags, and sang the Air Force song.

“Hiking the highest peak in Arkansas with fellow Airmen and their families on a less than perfect day; muddy trails, swift creeks and rain was awesome. There was a great sense of accomplishment when we made it to the top of the mountain with our entire team,” said Master Sgt. Greg Qualls, 188th Mission Support Group command support staff secretary.

After completing the hike, volunteers drove the Airmen back down the mountain for a much-earned free lunch.

“It was a total success in my eyes,” said Redding. “The Arkansas High Point Challenge has set the bar very high for the other states to follow. We are looking at future possible events and hoping to make it more challenging and open it up to the other military branches and first responder agencies.” 

TOP STORY >> Airman stops suicide, saves friend’s life

By Senior Airman Regina Edwards

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Editor’s note: Some names in this article have been changed to respect the privacy of the individuals mentioned.

Intervene.

It’s something military members hear all too often. “Be a wingman.” “Step up.” “Do the right thing in the wrong situation.”

But when we are faced with that all-or-nothing chance to do so, how many are brave enough to answer the call?

Senior Airman Derrick Dotta, 314th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron dual rails specialist, was faced with this decision from the outside of a locked closet door when he stopped his friend’s suicide attempt.

“Oct. 10, 2014, my wife and I went to Sam’s house to barbecue with him, his son and girlfriend, Amber,” said Dotta. “When we arrived, we could tell Sam had been drinking, but he seemed fine. After dinner, he got up to put his son to bed. But when he appeared from his son’s room, instantaneously, he seemed distraught.”

Sam began to display behavior that immediately caused concern for Dotta and the other adults present.

Sam entered the kitchen and slammed the refrigerator door before heading back to his son’s room, and this time Amber followed behind him. After a few moments she returned to the table, but Sam went into his bedroom in silence.

“His girlfriend came from his son’s room and said, ‘Sam told his son he was never going to see him again, how much he loved and meant to him,’” said Dotta. “We went to Sam’s room to find out what he was talking about and make sure he was okay. When we went into his room his bathroom door was locked. After knocking on the door and him not responding, we heard the sound of what appeared to be a gun slide.”

Dotta instructed his wife and Amber to leave the room, go outside and see if anyone could help. They found some neighbors across the street and instructed them to call 911. While trying to get Sam to open the door, Dotta heard 2-3 gun shots, which he later found out where from a small caliber rifle.

“Once I heard the gun fire, I immediately kicked open the bathroom door expecting the worst” he said. “Then I heard him in his walk-in closet, where he had previously put a lock on the door because that is where he kept all his guns. I saw a pair of toe nail clippers on the counter and used that to open the door.”

When Dotta found Sam, he was sitting on the floor loading a shotgun. He tried talking to him, but Sam didn’t initially respond.

“He finally began to talk about how his father died by suicide and his friends died while deployed. He said there was no point for him to be here, and he didn’t have a family anymore. I told him his son needed him, and if he did what he was thinking of doing, his son would be just as upset as he was.”

Dotta continued talking to him in hopes of de-escalating the situation and raising Sam’s awareness for reasons to live. He asked Sam to hand over the gun so they could go to the bedroom and talk. He said Sam hesitated for a while, but eventually gave Dotta the gun.

Moments later, the police arrived along with paramedics. Sam was taken to the hospital where he was evaluated and treated.

Looking back, Dotta said he now realizes the risks associated with intervening in that moment, but the possible outcome of not stepping up would have been more devastating.

“Although it was a risky situation, he was my friend,” he said. “I didn’t want to see him hurt himself. He has a young child that I know needs him.”

Little Rock Air Force Base along with the Air Force have undertaken several initiatives to improve resilience, encourage help-seeking, improve identification of Airman at risk for suicide, pinpoint self-destructive behaviors and involve everyone in reducing and preventing suicide.

Commanders’ calls, face-to-face supervision discussions, as well as squadron briefings, are all tools used to raise awareness for the risk of suicide, enforce the seriousness of suicide, encourage Airmen to seek help, challenge wingmen to intervene, and ultimately reduce the risk and occurrence of suicide. The same message is delivered in several avenues to ensure Airmen know they are not alone, but when faced with a suicidal situation, the information is embedded in the Airmen and they remember how to respond.

“In all honesty, one of the most memorable briefings I’ve had about suicide prevention is from computer based training,” he said. “Most Airmen dread CBTs, but it should be taken seriously. You never know who is being affected by depression or other related issues, and you could put your knowledge learned into action to help.”

Today, Dotta said Sam is seeking counseling and doing much better coping with his issues.

All wingmen have two key responsibilities. The first is to keep themselves physically and mentally fit to perform the mission and seeking professional help, when necessary to efficiently get the job done. The second is to identify the early warning signs in the Airmen around them and intervene to ensure others seek help when needed.

“As members of the military we have higher chances of knowing someone being affected by depression or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,” said Dotta. “Don’t think you won’t ever know anyone that might be having trouble. Learn to recognize the signs, and take any training received on the subject seriously as it could save someone’s life someday.”

If you or someone you know is hurting, mentally or physically, there are several helpful resources: you can make an appointment with the Mental Health Clinic at (501) 987-7338, a Military and Family Life Consultant (501) 366-7703, Military One Source (800) 342-9647, your PCM (501) 987-8811, someone in your chain of command or call the Military Crisis Line, toll-free at (800) 273-TALK (273-8255). It is available 24/7 and can be used anywhere in the United States and connects callers to a certified crisis center near where the call is placed. More information can be found at their website, http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/.

CLASSIFIEDS >> 080715

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.

BOOK AND PAPER SHOW – 30th annual, Rare & Collectible Books, August 8-9, 2015 Postcards, Maps, Documents & Photos, Arkansas Ephemera, Saturday 9am - 5pm, Sunday 10am - 4pm . Admission $5.00, Students $2.00. Call 501-985-1663 or email mcintrcoll@aol.com for more info.**

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MACHINE OPERATORS (EXPERIENCED) -  If you have at least one year of experience in Operating Industrial Machines in a manufacturing setting, Sage V Foods in Little Rock wants to talk to you! Growing company, Competitive pay and full benefits! Please send resumes to: jobs@sageVfoods.com. no phone calls, EOE.**

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‘07 HARLEY Davidson Ultra Classic, FLHTCU, exc. cond., suede blue pearl/vivid black, 19k miles, foldable front pegs, cruise, radio/CD player (4 spkrs.), hard bags & luggage box w/rails, intercom jacks, 96 ci. (1,584cc), 6-spd., HD maintenance manual, extras, $11,900 obo. (501) 658-3216.

2001 SUZUKI SV650S, 13,884 miles, good condition, needs new back tire, pics. available, $2,500. (315) 778-0258.

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2 MOTORCYCLE helmets & small bike jacket, $70 ea. obo. (501) 605-7859.

HOUSES FOR RENT

2 BEDROOM Duplex, $650 month, all appliances, washer, dryer & lawn care furnished, 3 miles north of back gate of air base, quiet neighborhood. West Republican Road, Jacksonville. (501) 988-2929.

4 BEDROOM, 2 bath located at 19 Stacy, Cabot, $750 month. (501) 843-3449 or (501) 259-8163.

CABOT: 3 bedroom, 2 bath house. $900 month, $700 deposit, no pets. Call (501) 843-7553 or (501) 605-3648.

GRAVEL RIDGE, 3 bedroom, 1 bath, CH/A, fireplace, no pets, refs. & credit check. Rent to own option, $575 mo., $575 dep. (501) 350-8611.

NEWLY REMODELED house for rent/sale: 1750 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 2 bath, office, den, living room, fireplace, atrium/bonus room, 2-car garage, school bus stop. 5 miles to back gate of base. Near Kellogg Valley area, nice place for kids, no pets, $800 month. References required. Call (501) 400-4727 or (501) 615-4933.

RENT/SALE: Gravel Ridge, newly remodeled 3 bedroom, 2 bath in good neighborhood. Living room, kitchen/dining room, bonus room, big closets, fenced, large storage shed, garden spot. $800 month, $750 deposit. 3 miles to back gate of base. Close to schools, on bus route. (501) 615-4933 or (501) 400-4727.

MOBILE HOMES

LENDERS OFFERING GOVT. PROGRAMS. Manufactured/ Modular Homes. 501-653-3204.**

TOP STORY >> C-130 maintainers keep the mission going

By Tech. Sgt. Joseph Swafford

455th Air Expeditionary Wing

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Every day, maintainers deployed from Little Rock Air Force Base work round-the-clock to maintain a fleet of combat-ready C-130J Super Hercules Aircraft.

Without these highly trained Airmen the C-130 flying mission at Bagram would come to a standstill.

"Maintenance is everything, a plane cannot fix itself," said Tech. Sgt. Andrew Fargo, 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief. "From engine changes to switching out avionics, maintenance is needed."

The role maintenance Airmen play keeping the aircraft mission ready is critical to the 455th AEW being able to deliver decisive airpower in support of NATO's Resolute Support mission and Operation Freedom's Sentinel, as well as other requirements in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

"Recently we have been doing a lot of trips to Al Udeid Air Base, swapping out F-16's," Fargo said. "Right now we are the main aircraft here delivering cargo to all the forward operating bases to resupply them."

"We support operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom's Sentinel flying missions throughout Afghanistan and to Iraq," said 1st Lt. Matthew Carrowan, C-130J Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit officer in charge. "If we didn't have the ability to maintain the aircraft, none of these missions would get accomplished."

Being in a deployed environment can bring different obstacles not faced at home station.

"We have more challenges in the ATO (Air Tasking Order), a lot of times things here are not planned and we have to do whatever is needed to complete the mission," said Carrowan. "We have people ready to go at all times to meet whatever challenges may arise. Deployed, we do not get to see a long range of what is required of us like we do back home. Here we have a smaller window to meet the aircraft requirements and repair downed aircraft to ensure continual support of multiple real world operations."

Even though the deployed environment brings challenges to maintainers at BAF they are always ready to support combat airpower.

"Every day we launch, recover, repair and maintain aircraft," said Carrowan. "We make sure they have the proper equipment and ensure they are maintained and configured to meet all the mission's needs. We set that airplane up so that mission can happen. The Air Force stands on maintainers, without us airplanes would not be able to fly."

TOP STORY >> May is Mental Health Awareness Month

By Senior Airman Stephanie Serrano

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs 

People are the most important assets of the military. When there are issues going on at home or someone is struggling with something that has happened to them emotionally, a person is less likely to complete the mission correctly.  

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, and everyone is reminded that there are resources available no matter their situation. Mental health affects all Americans whether military or civilian in many ways.  Common mental health issues include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder and more.

One way Air Force members can improve their mental fitness is by using the Comprehensive Airman Fitness model.  The purpose of the CAF mental domain is to help Airmen and their families live balanced lives and help them cope with the stressors and changing demands of military life. 

At Little Rock Air Force Base, Airmen can take classes and seek help for any obstacles they might face.

“The Leadership Pathways program hosts a number of classes that teach members how all base members become more resilient, adapt to military life and maintain a positive attitude,” said Stephanie Wynn, 19th Airlift Wing community support coordinator. “The key to mental health is always getting help early.”

Some of the classes offered in the mental domain include Healthy Thinking, Brief Mindfulness, a four-part Relaxation Class and Sleep Enhancement. Many other classes fall into the mental domain; these classes are taught by the mental health clinic. 

Sign up for classes by going to http://www.littlerock.af.mil/leadershippathways/

There are multiple avenues to take when searching for help. Some other useful resources from base helping organizations include: Mental Health Clinic 501-987-7338, Chaplain Service 501-987-6014, Military Family Life Consultant 501-366-7703 and Airman and Family Readiness Center 501-987-6801

CLASSIFIEDS>> 050815

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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HELP WANTED

Immediate Hire - $725 a week. Are you self-motivated? Are you looking for a new career? Local company has 10-15 openings for air quality testers. No experience necessary. Call for an interview at (501) 605-1303.

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TRUCK DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED! Learn to drive for Stevens Transport! EARN $800 PER WEEK! No Experience Needed! We will get you trained! 1-888-778-0459.**

DRIVER TRAINEES! Drive for Schneider! Local, OTR & Tanker jobs at Schneider National! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! EARN $800+ PER WEEK! Local CDL Training! 1-888-528-5548.**

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Route Drivers: In-state routes. No overnights. Requires CDL A $11-$14/hr plus benefits. Apply online @ CSSAR.COM & call 501-801-8061.**

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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.

RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

2007 VULCAN 500, 3,254 miles, new tires & battery 10/13, $2,800 obo. (405) 795-9294.

HOUSES FOR RENT

COZY STUDIO apartment with wood burning fireplace in Jacksonville. Appliance filled kitchen. Starting at $345 plus utilities. No children or pets. Military discount available. Camp Construction, (501) 982-0434.

BEAUTIFUL LAKEFRONT 3 bedroom, 2 bath house with deck & 1 acre of land. Indianhead, Sherwood. Available 5/1. Military discount. Contact (501) 847-2160, keith56@mac.com

CABOT - MUST See! 3 bedroom, 2 bath, all brick home, freshly updated. $1,000 monthly with $1,000 deposit. Call (501) 628-1225.

Jax. - 1 bedroom campers, all utilities, $450 month. Also, 2 & 3 BR MH $450-$600 month + deposit. All located in a quiet park. (501) 472-4100.

CABOT, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 13 Barker, Cabot. All electric, tile throughout, garage, 1350 sf., no pets, 1 yr. lease, $750 mo., $750 dep. (501) 951-8096.

HOUSES FOR SALE

HOME FOR Sale: 1215 Melrose Dr., Jacksonville. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, new carpet, new flooring throughout. FSBO. (501) 425-7549.

MOBILE HOMES

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TOP STORY >> Hugs, high-fives send off deployers

By Senior Airman Kaylee Clark

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The 61st Airlift Squadron was filled with Airmen cherishing their final moments with their children, parents, spouses and friends before deploying to Southwest Asia May 4 at Little Rock Air Force Base.  

More than 70 Airmen from the 61st AS were apart of nearly 100 who headed downrange in support of combat airlift missions. Airmen from the 19th Operation Support Squadron, 50th Airlift Squadron and 19th Medical Group were also part of this deployment rotation.

With the help of a number of Team Little Rock units, the 61st AS was able to focus their pre-deployment training for the challenges of flying in Afghanistan. The 19th Logistic Readiness Squadron helped provide engine offload training and also training with loading and unloading fuel trucks onto the aircraft which are common tasks downrange. 

“The home station training prepares us to help out our brothers and sisters that are on the ground,” said Lt. Col. Eric Westby, 61st AS commander. 

The revolving door of deployments for the 61st AS will continue with another rotation slated to deploy later this year. 

“One of the things I mentioned in the commander’s call is just having pride in this squadron,” said Westby. “This is one of the oldest airlift squadrons in the Air Force.”

Westby spoke of the history of the 61st AS explaining that the squadron dropped troops on the beach on D-day, it dropped a bridge to the Marines in the Korean War, it was involved in the Vietnam War and the squadron continues to make history making its first C-130J deployment.  

With deployments constantly recurring, the squadron’s key spouse program is essential in reaching out to the loved ones that are left behind. The program has enough involvement that one key spouse is assigned to three spouses.

“This is a very family-oriented squadron,” said Westby. “And one of my emphasis points is to take care of the spouses.”

TLR leadership lined the way to the aircraft with handshakes, fist-bumps and high-fives. In true family-oriented fashion, Westby was at the end of the line waiting for all of his Airmen to pass through before boarding the rotator himself to join his Airmen for this deployment. 

BRIEFS >> 062615

School, sports physicals offered

The primary care clinic is now offering 2015-2016 school/sports physicals. Parents can schedule an appointment with their child’s PCM via the appointment line at 501-987-8811, MiCare or Tricareonline.com. 

If the child has obtained a physical within the year, the school/sports form may be dropped off either at the family health or pediatrics clinic front desks without making an appointment and the form will be ready within three business days. 

All immunizations must be current before the form will be accomplished.

CLASSIFIEDS >> 050115

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.

WANTED 10 HOMES To advertise our Life Time Warranty PREMIUM SIDING, WINDOWS OR METAL ROOF For our upcoming brochure. Save Hundreds. Payments $89/Mo. Senior/Military Discounts! CALL NOW!!  866-668-8681.**

MEDICAL BILLING TRAINEES NEEDED! Become a Medical Office Assistant at Ayers! NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED! Online training gets you ready. HS Diploma/GED & Internet Required. 1-888-734-6717 Licensed by ASBPCE.**

Heating And Air Conditioning Technician Training! Fast Track, Hands On, National Certification Program. Lifetime Job Placement. VA Benefits Eligible! 1-877-994-9904.**

HELP WANTED

Immediate Hire - $725 a week. Are you self-motivated? Are you looking for a new career? Local company has 10-15 openings for air quality testers. No experience necessary. Call for an interview at (501) 605-1303.

DRIVERS: DEDICATED, regional, local & OTR. $3,000 orientation completion bonus! Great pay. (New hires minimum $800/wk. guarantee!) CDL-A, 1 yr. experience. Call today 1-855-350-5572.

PERSONAL CARE and HOURLY SUPPORTIVE LIVING STAFF, FT_PT, work with  developmentally disabled adults and children. Applications at www.integrityinc.org or apply at: INTEGRITY, INC. 6214 Northmoore, Little Rock, Ar., 72204 • EOE.**

Diesel Mechanic: Must have tools $16-$23 plus benefits. Apply online @ CSSAR.COM & call 501-801-8061.**

Warehouse: Seeking cert. forklift drivers, shipping/receiving clerks, packagers for multiple locations. Pay DOE plus benefits. Apply online @ CSSAR.COM & call 501-801-8061.**

Route Drivers: In-state routes. No overnights. Requires CDL A $11/hr. plus benefits. Apply online @ CSSAR.COM & call 501-801-8061.**

TMC - 25 DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED NOW! Become a driver for TMC Transportation! Earn $700 per week! No CDL? No Problem! Training is available! 1-888-248-1948.**

DRIVERS - No experience? Some or LOTS of experience? Let's Talk! No matter what stage in your career, its time, call Central Refrigerated Home. 855-610-8784. CentralTruckDrivingJobs.com**

AUCTIONS

REAL ESTATE AUCTION - Sat, 5-2, Noon, 208 Blakely Ln, Beebe, Ar 72012. 7.6 AC m/l, Pole Barn, Fenced! 16x76 MH, 2 Storage Trailers, Details/pics: auctionzip.com ID 19078, Neal Davis Auction and Realty, Cp. PB 6564, AAL#1, 501-940-2138.**

YARD SALES

LITTLE ROCK SPOUSES CLUB THRIFT SHOP, 1 Day Yard Sale, Saturday, May 2nd, 9 am-2 pm. Tables, $5 ea. Sell or shop. Building 864, next to Crossroads Cafe, Thomas Blvd. (501) 988-1191.

YARD SALE, 5/2, 119 Kenneth Taylor Rd., El Paso. Baby clothes, adult clothing, quilts & misc.

BIG SALE, 5/1 & 2, 7 am-2 pm, 300 Fair Oaks Cv., Jax., off W. Main. Excellent condition clothing & shoes, furniture, books, cookware, tools. Great stuff! Ya'll come!

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.

RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

2007 VULCAN 500, 3,254 miles, new tires & battery 10/13, $2,800 obo. (405) 795-9294.

HOUSES FOR RENT

COZY STUDIO apartment with wood burning fireplace in Jacksonville. Appliance filled kitchen. Starting at $345 plus utilities. No children or pets. Military discount available. Camp Construction, (501) 982-0434.

BEAUTIFUL LAKEFRONT 3 bedroom, 2 bath house with deck & 1 acre of land. Indianhead, Sherwood. Available 5/1. Military discount. Contact (501) 847-2160, keith56@mac.com

CATO/SHERWOOD area. 12 Hula Drive. 3 bedroom, remodeled, fenced yard, central heat & air. $650 month & deposit with references. (501) 825-7110 or (501) 517-8666.

HOUSES FOR SALE

HOME FOR Sale: 1215 Melrose Dr., Jacksonville. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, new carpet, new flooring throughout. FSBO. (501) 425-7549.

MOBILE HOMES

MOBILE HOME - Moulding, $1, Floor Vents, $6, Skirting $7.25, Tubs, $160, Outswing Doors, $169, Combo Doors, $299,  Vent hoods, $30-$60, Porch Lights, $5, Screws, $4 per pound, 501-993-3144.**

Lenders offering Govt. Programs. Manufactured/Modular Homes. 501-653-3204.**

BRIEFS >> 050115

Chapel hosting inter-faith event

The Little Rock Air Force Base Chapel will be hosting an all-inclusive, inter-faith event May 7 at the chapel. This event is open to any individual on base interested in participating. There will be various classes available throughout the day, and you can register through Appointment Plus at www.littlerock.af.mil/leadershippathways. Classes/activities include: Spiritual Triage from 8 - 8:45 a.m., Prayer 101 from 9 - 9:45 a.m., and a Prayer Walk at 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The chapel sanctuary will be open from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Prayer spaces for different faith groups will be provided. Catholic Mass will be offered from 11:30 a.m. - noon. For more information or class descriptions, contact that Little Rock AFB Chapel team at (501) 987-6014. 

Munitions Storage Area closure

 The Munitions Storage Area will be closed Monday to Friday for the Change of MASO 100 percent stockpile inventory. During this time, the MSA will only process emergency requests. Please forward all questions to Master Sgt. Dunlap at (501) 987-6031.

Smoothie bar opens  

The Healthy Herc opened April 16 in the Fitness Center to offer Airmen and families fruit smoothies and other menu items before or after their workouts. The Heathy Herc is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. Call the Fitness Center at (501) 987-3283 for more information.

LRAFB on Instagram

We heard all the cool kids are on Instagram, so we had to join the fun! Follow the official Little Rock Air Force Base Instagram @LittleRockAFB or join the conversation using hashtag #LittleRockAFB. For more information on Little Rock AFB social media, see page 16 or call the Public Affairs Office at (501) 987-3601.

TOP STORY >> Green Flag Little Rock 15-06

By Senior Airman Stephanie Serrano

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

C-130 Aircrew delivered precision airdrops helping Army soldiers sharpen their drop zone security skills. 

The most recent iteration of GREEN FLAG Little Rock used combat airlift to support the Army’s Pathfinder Course. 

The Pathfinder course is a multi-service advanced three-week-course designed to teach military members how to establish and operate helicopter landing zones and drop zones in day and night operations. It also helps hone skills in set up and preparations of sling loads as well as establish and control all three major types of air drops: verbally initiated release system, ground mark release system and computed air release point zones. 

“Today we had our students set up a GMRS drop zone, it’s the most tactically secure of all of our drop signals,” said Tech. Sgt. Bertrand Fitzpatrick, a U.S.  Air Force, U.S. Army pathfinder school operations instructor. “It’s designed to allow personnel to mark the drop zone accordingly to where there is almost no prior communication required with the aircraft.”

The only information the C-130 crew knew in the scenario was the location of the drop zone.  There was no other communication between ground and air. 

A Team Little Rock C-130 flew over the designated release point and delivered a single bundle landing within 25 yards from the designated point of impact making it a success. 

“When you see an aircraft, especially when there’s little coordination between the ground troops and the plane, and it flies over and puts whatever the item is that they’re dropping. It lands within 25 yards of the designated point of impact. It’s awesome. It shows you the inherent capability of the joint force,” said Fitzpatrick. 

One of the most difficult parts of the course is the sling loads hands on training and the drop zones. Sling load training takes place in week one of the course while drop zones are the last portion in week three. In this, trainees are taught to properly rig various items for transport by helicopter, as well as inspect them. Inspecting is critical in making sure it’s safe to fly. The trainees have three chances to pass the test.

“The inspection process is extremely rigorous, this is where we lose 20-30 percent of the class,” said Fitzpatrick.

Drop zones are the last portion of the course before beginning the field training exercise. The drop zone training contains the hardest academic challenges because there is so much data the trainees need to know and account for when directing a plane to drop cargo. 

“This is the hardest course to get into for the Army since it’s the most academically challenging,” said Sgt 1st Class Richard Jackson, a 1st Battalion 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment U.S. Army pathfinder instructor. “Only 50 percent of the students graduate the course.”

The Pathfinder Class 703-15 course began with 55 students and graduated with only 22.

The 34th Combat Training Squadron conducts approximately six GREEN FLAG Little Rock missions a year, four of which are mandatory. 

TOP STORY >> 2015 JROTC Expo

By Senior Airman Harry Brexel 

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs 

Team Little Rock members showed nearly 500 high school students various Air Force career opportunities and available resources at the 2015 Junior Reserve Officer Training Corp Expo April 17. 

The JROTC students traveled from schools across Arkansas and from as far away as Missouri to spend the day experiencing life as an Airman. 

The day included tours of the Airman dormitories, fitness center and the inside of the air traffic control tower. The students also donned bioenvironmental and chemical warfare suits, interacted with an aircrew inside of a C-130 and saw how aircrew flight equipment technicians ensure safety during flight.  

“Seeing all of this changed my opinion. It makes me want to join,” said Little Rock Central High School sophomore Devon Johnson. “I give the expo a ten out of ten.” 

Representatives from the sexual assault and prevention and response office, TRICARE, the base education center and chapel were also set up in hangar 233 for the students to learn about programs that help Airmen through off-duty life.

More than 100 Little Rock Airmen assisted with the event. The JROTC Expo was a learning experience for the students as well as the volunteers.

“I learned a lot today,” said volunteer Airman 1st Class LeeAnne Ogle, a 19th Medical Operations Squadron family health technician. “Showing local high school students around the base made me feel proud to be in the Air Force. I am new to the base so I was able to experience a lot of new things along with them.”  

Despite a tour for nearly 500 JROTC members on base, the event went off without a hitch. Capt. Byron Luckett, a 50th Airlift Squadron C-130H pilot, was in charge of coordinating the event. 

“I think the event went very well,” Luckett said. “It couldn’t have been done without all of the support from the 19th and 314th Airlift Wings, as well as the 913th Airlift Group.”  

TOP STORY >> Exercise tests response and readiness at The Rock

By Senior Airman Harry Brexel

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs 

Team Little Rock demonstrated its first responder capabilities during a major accident response inspection April 22. 

The MARI tested the readiness of Little Rock Air Force Base and off-base emergency response personnel to respond to an aircraft crash.  

This exercise simulated a C-130 accident off-base at the Jacksonville Fire Department Training Facility. Little Rock AFB officials coordinated with emergency responders from the local area, who can be critical during a crisis. 

“During this scenario, our ability to work side-by-side with civilian agencies was successfully demonstrated,” said Master Sgt. Jarrett Blea, the MARI planner and 19th Airlift Wing Inspector General superintendent. “Exercises like these improve how we respond to major accidents or mishaps.” 

Key players from the base included Airmen from the 19th Civil Engineer Squadron, 19th Force Support Squadron, 19th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron and 19th Security Forces Squadron. 

Little Rock AFB Public Affairs also held a mock press conference to address media and concerns of local citizens.

The day-long exercise showed that Team Little Rock is ready to rapidly respond around the clock, no matter the situation at home or abroad.