CLASSIFIEDS >> 092717

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.

SERVICES

DIVORCE WITH OR WITHOUT children $125.00 to start. Balance of $25.00 when divorce is final. Property settlement, alimony, child support, fee waiver INCLUDED. Call 800.835.1314.**

DISH Network Satellite Television Service. Now Over 190 channels for ONLY $49.99/mo! FREE Installation, FREE Streaming, FREE HD. Add Internet for $14.95/mo! 1-800-511-6322.**

HELP WANTED

NOW HIRING. Base pay $300-$600 per week. Commissions available.* Full/part-time jobs. Call (501) 605-1303 or text (501) 259-6430 for more information.

BECOME A  HOME INSPECTOR IN 30 DAYS OR LESS - Class starts soon! We offer: Home & Commercial Inspection Training, & Continuing Ed  Inspection classes.  For details, info:   Call 501-796-3627 or email abc@tcworks.net for details or visit:, www.abchii.com.**

DIESEL MECHANIC – NLR LOCATION! Full-time M-F, 7am-5pm. Must be able to Weld, perform PM’s & maintenance. Must provide your own tools. Benefits include: Retirement, paid holidays, company paid insurance. We furnish uniforms also! Call Chuck 501-945-1433.**

CDL Flatbed Drivers - Needed – Regional Family-Oriented Workplace. $600.00 Sign on Bonus. NORTH LITTLE ROCK LOCATION Great pay, Earn $50,000.00, to $65,000.00 Yr., Health/Dental/Vision, 100% paid.. Retirement Plan w/company partial match, Vacation, Holiday Pay, Home Weekly, 90% No-Tarp, Uniforms & Jackets Provided.. Late Model Trucks! Call Chuck or Jeremy 501-945-1433 Apply in person, 5007 E. Broadway, NLR. 72117.**

NOW HIRING OTR TEAM DRIVERS - Little Rock Carrier for major retail store currently seeking to fill one Team Truck. Team will split total miles @ $.645/mi. Paid drop & hook, No touch freight. Run terminal to terminal plus retail stores. Assigned Equipment. Company offers Quarterly safety incentive, Monthly fuel incentive, and Flexible home time. Available Health insurance, Dental, Vision & Matching 401K to 6%. Requires: Class A CDL w/doubles endorsement. Must be 23 years of age, Verifiable 2 yrs OTR exp., No more than 2 moving violations in last 3 yrs. Contact Fort Worth Carrier @ 501-455-6416.**

TEAMS – NEED ASAP! Harrison, LR & Memphis. TOP PAY - 55cpm , HOME 2 days per week, 4 weeks of vacation after 10 years • Signing Bonus Day One! CLASS A CDL TEAMS, DRIVE FOR FedEx GROUND Contractor! Great benefits! Must have 1 yr. of exp. and able to get doubles endorsement. 870-754-5100. DriveGTI.net.**

AUCTIONS

FALL FARM, RANCH, RECREATION, EQUIPMENT AUCTION - SATURDAY, Sept 30, 9:00 A.M., 1401 HWY 5, ROMANCE, AR., Misc. on Trailers @ 9 a.m.., Large items begin at Apx. 10 a.m.. Will be held in Events Center Rain or Shine! For pics, Terms, & Directions VISIT auctionzip.com ID 19078 Davis Auctioneers nealdavisauctioneers.com, PB 6564, Neal Davis, AAL #1 501-940-2138, Jason-SA, #1202, 501-454-3382.**

FALL EQUIPMENT CONSIGNMENT AUCTION - Sunday, Oct 1st @ 10:00 AM @ SW Auction Pavilion,  Wheaton, MO. 151 State Hwy 76, Taking Consignments NOW on Farm Machinery, Trucks, Trailers, Outdoor, Shop, Tools, Sporting goods & More! Southwest Auction Service (417) 652-7540 www.swaauction.com AR LIC# 1392.**

YARD SALES

YARD SALE, 9/30, 8 am-4 pm, 18 Francis, Cabot. Western men’s clothes, fabric, upholstery material, clothes of all sizes.

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) 681-1833.

RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

DUCK HUNTING or fishing boat, 14’ HD all weld alum., w/Yamaha 9.9 hp., 4-stroke, elec. slant motor, both new w/factory warranties. Also, excellent Minkota trolling motor & trailer. (501) 843-2187.

ITEMS FOR SALE

RESTORED & functional claw foot tub, dated 1913, completely reglazed in white, $1,500 obo. Text: (870) 550-6724 or (870) 692-2964.

Attn: Hunters! CAMPING SHED for ATV - All galvanized steel, $749 delivered, Call 501-766-6900.**

WANTED 10 HOMES- In your county Needing METAL ROOFS, SIDING OR WINDOWS For our Before and after picture brochure. Upon being selected receive free $300 gift certificate. SAVE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS We are opening a branch office and will be using these homes for our  brochure. No money down financing. Payments $89/Mo.* Free estimates* Senior/Military discounts. wac. CALL NOW!! 866-668-8681.**

HOUSES FOR RENT

COZY, ONE room studio apartments in Jacksonville. Bed pulls down from wall in Living Room in front of wood burning fireplace. Includes appliance filled kitchen. Starting at $325 plus utilities, deposit $200. No children or pets. Camp Construction, (501) 982-0434.

HOUSE OUT in country & down private drive at 8806 Hutchins Rd., Jacksonville. 2 bedroom, 1 bath, central heat & air, ceiling fans. No pets, $450 month, $300 deposit. Call (501) 837-0264.

MOBILE HOMES

Have a title to your Car, Boat, or Mobile home? Get a new home with any trade-in! Call 501-653-3205.**

VERY CLEAN 3 BED 2 BATH Singlewide for sale! call 501-653-3202.**

TOP STORY >> LRAFB develops acting troupe to combat improper behaviors

By Tammy L. Reed

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Three Little Rock Air Force Base helping agencies are working together to develop the Little Rock Improv Troupe, with the mission of combatting inappropriate behaviors across the base with improvisational theater. 

Representatives from the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response, Equal Opportunity and Family Advocacy offices are the core group of the acting troupe who will perform short skits loosely based on real- world scenarios these representatives have faced in their work.  

“Its purpose is prevention and awareness,” said Karen Hubbard, SAPR victim advocate.  “Our idea is to put out real scenarios and how to intervene if necessary, or who to help you intervene if you have to.”

LIT will stop mid-skit and ask the audience questions such as:  Do you think this is harassment? Do you think this is sexual assault?  What would you do? Who would you go to?

“That way the audience can tell us what they think,” said Tech. Sgt. Tahlia Robinson, 19th Airlift Wing Command Post. “And we can tell them, ‘You are on the right track,’ or ‘No, we understand why you came to that conclusion, but this is actually what it is.’ They can also ask us questions, too.”

“Even though we have scripts, the skits are loosely based off the script,” Robinson said.  “We definitely have to touch our key points in the scripts. For example, if we are talking about sexual assault sexual harassment or domestic violence, we have to touch on those particular points to make you think; but the beautiful part of this is that it’s not going to be the same thing over and over again.”

The troupe idea came from Robinson seeing the same type of show in Korea called “Stop Light.”  She worked with the other agencies to make the troupe Team Little Rock’s own.

To put their spin on it, SAPR included the Family Advocacy and EO programs, as other troupes usually only involved the SAPR program.

“We wanted to make it broader, so we could reach a multitude of people with three different topics at once,” Hubbard said.

“The vice wing commander got a chance to preview what we are doing, and he highly endorsed it,” added Charles DeSaussure, Equal Opportunity installation director.  “He said it’s real and in your face, it may make you uncomfortable, but it’s designed to give you a glimpse of what victims actually go through.”

Right now, victim experiences come from scripts that the core group representatives put together.  This group is nine members from the three agencies, but they are looking to expand with more actors, script writers, and support help.  

“Anyone wanting to volunteer can email us, we have an application process, then we’ll have to clear it through their supervisor, then they’ll meet with our core members,” Hubbard said.

If someone wants to book the group for a show they can also email Hubbard, Robinson or DeSaussure to work with the group to schedule a skit.

The group’s first show is at Camp Robinson on Oct.2, with the next circuit Wingman Day on Dec. 15, at the Walters Community Support Center.  

If you would like more information about the troupe call the SAPR Office at 987-2685, or email Tech Sgt. Tahlia Robinson at tahlia.robinson@us.af.mil, or Charles DeSaussure at charles.desaussure.1@us.af.mil.  

Do you like to act? Are you a wiz at the planning and coordination of theatrical shows? Then come audition to be part of the Little Rock Improv Troop. Volunteers will not only have a chance to perform, but also create skits that will be viewed by multiple on- and off-base agencies and partners. If this is something you, or any one you know, would be interested in, please stop by the SAPR office, Build 1260, Oct. 5, from 1-2:30 p.m., and Oct. 12, from 10 - noon, to show us what you got! If you have any questions please contact the SAPR office at 987-2658. 

TOP STORY >> Four-legged friend fosters faith

by Airman Rhett Isbell

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

A member of the chapel staff pads down the aisle in between pews as the sanctuary lies still. He’s tired, but cheerful, after getting up early to support the Combat Airlift mission of Little Rock Air Force Base.

Shaking a sense of wakefulness into his stride, he readies himself to visit different squadrons on base and add a level of charisma that only he can.

“We had some Airmen helping us with something and when I looked around I saw an Airman tearing up as he pet him,” said Staff Sgt. Kolton Rottinghaus, 19th Airlift Wing NCO in charge of plans and programs. “I’m sure that Airman shared some thoughts with him, which no one else had been allowed to hear, until then. There are times when people are going through their own personal issues and while I may not be able to support them too much, he’s able to connect with them almost instantly.”

Milo, 19th Airlift Wing morale dog, assists the chapel staff in taking care of Team Little Rock members through his extensive training and the guidance of his handler.

Epiphany

“As chapel staff, we’re charged with taking care of Airmen – not just the spiritual side, but the mental and social sides as well,” Rottinghaus said. “I was at home thinking of ways to do just that, while I was playing with Milo and I realized something. I’m having fun right now. I’m having fun and I know tons of people that would have fun doing this too.”

After his epiphany, Rottinghaus knew a morale dog was missing from the base chapel staff and that he’d have to jump through a few hoops himself to get one. The process involved having to send Milo away for three and a half months for obedience training, and Rottinghaus went to Louisiana for a week of handler training. Afterward, he started pushing for the implementation of a morale dog program.

Making a Vision Reality

“It’s a creative way to provide that bridge between members of the chapel and the Airmen we’re trying to help,” said Chaplain Lt. Col. David Knight, wing chaplain for the 19th Airlift Wing. “Our role is providing for the spiritual fitness of Team Little Rock, and Milo really helps people open up and tell us how we can best do that.”

Being able to reach Airmen who may be emotionally inaccessible to the chapel staff is one way Milo has shown himself to be a key member of the team.

“He can help you connect with pretty much anybody,” Rottinghaus said. “He’ll put his paws on someone’s lap and open himself up to appreciation or attention from individuals he senses may be having a hard time.”

Milo serves as a resiliency tool for the chapel staff and a friend to the other members of Team Little Rock performing feats incapable of his fellow team members.

“There’re times when no words will suffice to help bring someone into the state of mind that they can open up to you. Milo helps break that barrier with a wag of his tail or a lick of the hand,” Rottinghaus said. “He’s a lifesaver.”

TOP STORY >> Base pharmacy ensures Airmen readiness, health

By Airman Rhett Isbell

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The 19th Medical Group pharmacy team works day in and day out to ensure they equip Little Rock Air Force Base Airmen with the medication they need to remain mission ready and capable.

Making sure a prescription is filled out correctly is key to protecting Little Rock Airmen from the ill effects of any preventable sicknesses or long-lasting ailments, as well as improving the lives of service members, dependents and retirees.

Pharmacy staff members focus on ensuring that Team Little Rock is ready to execute the mission they’re given at a moment’s notice, including deployments and temporary duty assignments (TDY) by providing them and their families the assistance they need. 

“Our everyday mission is to make sure those planes keep moving,” said Staff Sgt. Nicholas Winnert, 19th Medical Support Squadron pharmacy technician. “We take special care to make sure we get deployed members their medication to prevent them from getting sick while they’re away.”

When Airmen go on deployments or TDYs, it’s up to the base pharmacy to ensure Airmen have the medication needed to last them for the entire time the Airmen are away. If a Little Rock Airman runs out of or misplaces his medication, he can use the mail order pharmacy system or attempt to use the facilities at their current location to receive a refill.

All of the work and time spent on the men and women on the front lines doesn’t stop the pharmacy team from taking care of the rest of Team Little Rock on base. With a noticeably reduced wait time average, the pharmacy keeps the mission moving.

“In July, 55 percent of our customers checked-in in five minutes or less,” said Maj. Rachel Copeland, 19th MDSS pharmacy flight commander. 

The pharmacy team puts this emphasis on a speedy customer service to ensure sick Airmen and their families get the medication they need to get healthy again.

“The base pharmacy knows leaving behind loved ones who have medical conditions is one of the hardest things an Airman can do,” said Staff Sgt. Zachary Nordstrom, 19th MDSS pharmacy technician. “The pharmacy makes sure to take care of those family members as if they were our own flesh and blood.”

The deployed member can then focus on the mission. We just want them to know that if their family members get sick, they have that service there to take care of them, said Nordstrom.

All of these efforts are put forward with the desire to further the Little Rock Air Force Base mission of Combat Airlift and always staying mission ready.

“We help maintain mission readiness by making sure everybody is fit to fight,” Winnert said.

For more information, call the base pharmacy at 501-987-7446. 

CLASSIFIEDS >> 092217

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.

SERVICES

OXYGEN - Anytime. Anywhere. No tanks to refill. No deliveries. The All-New Inogen One G4 is only 2.8 pounds! FAA approved! FREE info kit: 844-397-2688.**

DISH Network Satellite Television Service. Now Over 190 channels for ONLY $49.99/mo! FREE Installation, FREE Streaming, FREE HD. Add Internet for $14.95/mo! 1-800-511-6322.**

HELP WANTED

NOW HIRING. Base pay $300-$600 per week. Commissions available.* Full/part-time jobs. Call (501) 605-1303 or text (501) 259-6430 for more information.

DIESEL MECHANIC Full-time M-F, 7am-5pm. Must be able to Weld, perform PM’s & maintenance. Must provide your own tools. Benefits include: Retirement, paid holidays, company paid insurance. We furnish uniforms also! Call Chuck 501-945-1433.**

LITTLE ROCK AREA JOB FAIR - September 27th, 2017 -  9:00 am- 4:00 pm. Marquette Transportation NOW HIRING - ALL POSITIONS! Deckhands, Cooks, Engineers, Wheelhouse, Wyndham Riverfront, 2 Riverfront Place • North Little Rock, AR 72114. Please apply online prior to arriving at Job Fair! www.marquettetrans.com • Walk-ins welcome!**

TEAMS – NEED ASAP! Harrison, LR & Memphis. TOP PAY - 55cpm , HOME 2 days per week, 4 weeks of vacation after 10 years • Signing Bonus Day One! CLASS A CDL TEAMS, DRIVE FOR FedEx GROUND Contractor! Great benefits! Must have 1 yr. of exp. and able to get doubles endorsement. 870-754-5100. DriveGTI.net**

TRUCK DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED! Become a driver for TMC Transportation! Earn $800 per week! Local CDL Training! 1(501)557-6171 DRIVEDDA.com**

AUCTIONS

PONDERS LARGE PUBLIC ESTATE AUCTION – F INEST FRENCH AUCTION WE’VE HAD Sunday, September 24th • Special 9 A.M. START TIME, 1504 S. Leslie Street, Stuttgart, AR 7216 Over 800 lots of the finest quality items you will see at auction! Featuring French, American, English, & designer classic. Over 500 photos at: www.pondersauctions.com.  TERMS: Cash & checks with a 10% buyer's premium. All major credit cards accepted with additional 5% transaction fee. All sales are final, & sold as-is. Call J.E. Ponder 870-673-6551 or 870-672-1731 (cell). AALB #787. Preview: Sat., Sept 23rd 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., Sept. 24th 8 a.m. until sale.**

YARD SALES

YARD SALE, 9/23, 913 W. Cleland Rd., Cabot.

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

DUCK HUNTING or fishing boat, 14’ HD all weld alum., w/Yamaha 9.9 hp., 4-stroke, elec. slant motor, both new w/factory warranties. Also, excellent Minkota trolling motor & trailer. (501) 843-2187.

LAWN & FARM

FALL PRICING - Bermuda $1.45/sq. yd., Meyers Z-52 Zoysia $2.50/sq. yd. Call 800-458-4756. tiptopturf.com (Double Springs Grass Farm) Prices are COD on full truck loads in the LR area.**

ITEMS FOR SALE

RESTORED & functional claw foot tub, dated 1913, completely reglazed in white, $1,500 obo. Text: (870) 550-6724 or (870) 692-2964.

Attn: Hunters! CAMPING SHED for ATV - All galvanized steel, $749 delivered, Call 501-766-6900.**

WE SHOP, YOU SAVE on your Medicare Supplement Insurance! Call 888-982-3775 today to compare Medicare benefits and costs from up to 20 top-rated carriers. Receive the best option for you.**

WANTED 10 HOMES- In your county Needing METAL ROOFS, SIDING OR WINDOWS For our Before and after picture brochure. Upon being selected receive free $300 gift certificate. SAVE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS We are opening a branch office and will be using these homes for our  brochure. No money down financing. Payments $89/Mo.* Free estimates* Senior/Military discounts. *wac. CALL NOW!! 866-668-8681.**

HOUSES FOR RENT

COZY, ONE room studio apartments in Jacksonville. Bed pulls down from wall in Living Room in front of wood burning fireplace. Includes appliance filled kitchen. Starting at $325 plus utilities, deposit $200. No children or pets. Camp Construction, (501) 982-0434.

HOUSE OUT in country & down private drive at 8806 Hutchins Rd., Jacksonville. 2 bedroom, 1 bath, central heat & air, ceiling fans. No pets, $450 month, $300 deposit. Call (501) 837-0264.

MOBILE HOMES

Have a title to your Car, Boat, or Mobile home? Get a new home with any trade-in! Call 501-653-3205.**

VERY CLEAN 3 BED 2 BATH Singlewide for sale! call 501-653-3202.**

TOP STORY >> Retiree Appreciation Day is Sept. 23

Little Rock Air Force Base Retiree Activities Office will host the 39th annual Team Little Rock Retiree Appreciation Day event honoring Arkansas’ military retirees in the Walters Community Center Sept. 23, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event will boast an array of informational booths open to all Team Little Rock in support of Arkansas’s retiree community. 

Retirees will have the opportunity to learn about travel, health care, banking options, becoming and remaining healthy and educational opportunities manned by community business leaders, health professionals, base personnel and numerous military and retiree organizations members. At each booth, retirees were provided one-on-one briefings about their benefits and how they could take advantage of numerous other available services.

The Retiree Activities Office, located in the Consolidated Support Facility, building 1255, offers services to more than 57,000 military retirees residing in Arkansas. For more information, call the Little Rock AFB Retiree Activities Office at (501) 987-6095.

TOP STORY >> Operation Market Garden remembered 73 years later: A jump to remember

by Airman 1st Class Codie Collins, 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Freedom isn’t free; the price isn’t paid by one country alone.

Allied troops wearing different uniforms, originating from different countries were transported on a C-47. Sitting shoulder to shoulder, they prepared to jump from side doors of the aircraft into the unknown. Confident their mission would be a success, they had no idea the majority of paratroopers were about to fall to their deaths. 

Allied troops rallied Sept. 18th, 1944, to execute Operation Market Garden. Comprised of approximately 41,700 American, British and Polish service members, it was the largest airborne operation of World War II.

The plan was to secure the bridges over the rivers Maas, Waal and Rhine in the Netherlands from the Axis powers. This would enable the Allies to outmaneuver the Axis’ defenses on the Siegfried line, ensuring a swift advance toward Berlin, Germany. 

Operation Market Garden was a two-part airborne operation in which paratroopers were inserted into enemy terrain to seize an object of value, later ground troops would move in and secure the objective.

Allied commanders constructed the operation hopeful it would end World War II by December 1944, however, Axis forces were much stronger than anticipated.

What was supposed to be the turning point of the war, became a failed operation creating approximately 17,000 Allied casualties.

To honor those service members who fought for freedom, the Royal Netherlands Army hosted a memorial parachute jump Sept. 16 on the Ginkelse Heid Drop Zone, Netherlands, near the city of Ede.

Aircraft and service members from the United States, the Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom, France and Germany partook in the memorial jump. 

One aircraft flying in the memorial jump belonged to the 314th Airlift Wing from Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark, whose lineage dates back to World War II. Their predecessor, the 314th Troop Carrier Group, took part in both the Normandy Invasion and Operation Market Garden.

“We did this because it is our history,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Benjamin Spain, 314th Operations Group C-130J evaluator pilot. “The 314th and 62nd were units participating during Market Garden in 1944. It’s important for us to come back and remember what the guys in our unit did back then.”

While Little Rock AFB aircrew flew the C-130J over the historical drop zone, paratroopers from the six countries sat in the belly of the aircraft and prepared to conduct the same jump that their predecessors did in 1944.

“Although we all come from different nations with our own languages, we all speak the same tongue when it comes to being a paratrooper,” said the Netherlands Royal Air Force Brigadier H.G.J.A. Smits, 11 Air Assault Brigade Commander. “The memorial jump brings together paratroopers from various nations to share knowledge and work on their interoperability.” 

United by the powerful ideal of securing freedom for all, Operation Market Garden erased cultural barriers between those who participated in the operation during World War II.

 “I saw men who were hungry, exhausted and hopelessly out numbered. Men by who all the rules of war could gladly have surrendered and had it all over with, men who were shelled until they could’ve been hopeless psychopaths and through it all they laughed, they sang and they died. They kept fighting because they knew they were told that this battle would shorten the war, for others,” an account from an U.S. service member stated.

The memorial jump was followed by a wreath laying ceremony, where multiple wreaths were laid in honor of the bravery of the men who sacrificed their lives.     

“Only in unity can we live in freedom,” said the mayor of Ede, Netherlands. “The memorial jump reminds us freedom cannot be taken for granted. Let us follow the example of every veteran and every soldier of then and now. Let us remember them, honor them and respect them so that we never forget.”

TOP STORY >> 70 years of air power: One family’s service

By Airman 1st Class Grace Nichols

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The need for unified airpower forged the foundation for the Air Force during World War II. Since its conception, Airmen have served in every major conflict and war requiring air support.

This history is shared by one family in particular.

Faithful to a Proud Heritage

The demands of World War II prompted many people to take up arms. Retired Master Sgt. Fred Thomas joined their ranks, serving as a gunner in the Army Air Corps, later transitioning into the Air Force as aircrew. 

His son, retired Chief Master Sgt. Gary Thomas, followed in his footsteps and became a flight simulator instructor and served in the Air Force Senior Enlisted Council. He pioneered many changes, including improving housing for unaccompanied Airmen.

The call to serve, as well as receiving orders to live in Iceland, led Gary to his wife, Rebecca, who served in the Air Force as a staff sergeant in avionics.

“Our family has been on the greatest team in the world since 1947,” Gary said. “Growing up, I knew without a shadow of a doubt I would join the Air Force.” 

Tradition of Honor

This Air Force family tree grew when they gave birth to their son, Earl.

“Being in the Air Force was something my father was proud of, and I knew I wanted to be part of it early on,” said Maj. Earl Thomas, 19th Medical Group Public Health flight commander.

Earl married and had two children, Karie and Matthew.

No one would have blamed the Thomas’ for ending their military journey; they had collectively served 81 years in the Air Force. For a while, it looked like the last member serving would be Earl; then his daughter had a change of heart.

“I wanted to stay in one place and settle down,” said Senior Airman Karie Thomas, 436th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Public Health technician at Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. “I was working as a waitress and paying for college. I literally woke up one day and said, ‘I want more for my life.’ So I decided the Air Force was the way to go.”

Legacy of Valor

An assignment to Dover AFB, Delaware, challenged Karie to spread her own wings. 

“It’s humbling to be able to serve in the same branch as my family,” Karie said. “Before I was observing from the outside, but now I’m in the Air Force family and sharing the experience. It’s an amazing tradition that we’re part of.”

Karie created her own experiences by making Senior Airmen Below-the-Zone and receiving the Air Force Sergeants Association Airman of the Year Award. 

“I joined to be a part of something bigger than myself,” Karie said. “Now all of us get to celebrate this tradition together by attending the 70th Air Force Anniversary Ball.” 

Gary, Earl and Karie gathered together in uniform during the event to celebrate their history for the first time since Karie’s Basic Military Training graduation. 

“This (is) the first time (we’re) together and fully able to enjoy it and take it all in,” Earl said. “My family heritage and the Air Force heritage is one and the same. I haven’t known anything other than my Air Force family.”

CLASSIFIEDS >> 091517

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.

16th Annual “Off the  Beaten Path” Studio Tour - September 15, 16 and 17, 2017,  a free self-guided driving tour of the private working studio of artists located within 30 miles of the historic Court House square in Mountain View?, Arkansas??.? For  times of showing, events, and more info: Becki Dahlstedt, tour coordinator, at 870-615-4825 www.offthebeatenpathstudiotour.com.**

ATTENTION  RETAIL VENDORS- RESERVE YOUR BOOTH TODAY! PINE BLUFF’s Largest Christmas EXPO!  Nov. 17, 18 and 19, 2017. Pine Bluff  Convention Center - GREAT Opportunity to get your business in front of a captive audience! Contact Jimmy Barrow 870-534-3400 ext 1225 or jbarrow@pbcommercial.com.**

PRIVATE CLUB - Paperwork for sale. Corporation and Documents allows you to apply to sell beer, wine, mixed drinks, even in a dry county in Arkansas. No taxes or fines owed. 870-413-0646.  References available.**

SERVICES

OXYGEN - Anytime. Anywhere. No tanks to refill. No deliveries. The All-New Inogen One G4 is only 2.8 pounds! FAA approved! FREE info kit: 844-397-2688.**

DISH Network Satellite Television Service. Now Over 190 channels for ONLY $49.99/mo! FREE Installation, FREE Streaming, FREE HD. Add Internet for $14.95/mo! 1-800-511-6322.**

YARD SALES

YARD SALE, 9/16, 8 am-3 pm, 3608 Long St., Jax. Vintage liquor bar, locking display cabinet, household items, holiday decor & lots more.

HELP WANTED

NOW HIRING. Base pay $300-$600 per week. Commissions available.* Full/part-time jobs. Call (501) 605-1303 or text (501) 259-6430 for more information.

JOB FAIR - September 27th, 2017 -  9:00 am- 4:00 pm. Marquette Transportation NOW HIRING - ALL POSITIONS! Deckhands, Cooks, Engineers, Wheelhouse, Wyndham Riverfront, 2 Riverfront Place • North Little Rock, AR 72114. Please apply online prior to arriving at Job Fair! www.marquettetrans.com • Walk-ins welcome!**

TEAMS – NEED ASAP! Harrison, LR & Memphis. TOP PAY - 55cpm , HOME 2 days per week, 4 weeks of vacation after 10 years • Signing Bonus Day One! CLASS A CDL TEAMS, DRIVE FOR FedEx GROUND Contractor! Great benefits! Must have 1 yr. of exp. and able to get doubles endorsement. 870-754-5100. DriveGTI.net.**

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.

ITEMS FOR SALE

RESTORED & functional claw foot tub, dated 1913, completely reglazed in white, $1,500 obo. Text: (870) 550-6724 or (870) 692-2964.

Attn: Hunters! CAMPING SHED for ATV - All galvanized steel, $749 delivered, Call 800-643-8728.**

WANTED 10 HOMES- In your county Needing METAL ROOFS, SIDING OR WINDOWS For our Before and after picture brochure. Upon being selected receive free $300 gift certificate. SAVE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS We are opening a branch office and will be using these homes for our  brochure. No money down financing. Payments $89/Mo.* Free estimates* Senior/Military discounts. wac. CALL NOW!! 866-668-8681.**

WANTED

GUITAR WANTED! Local musician will pay up to $12,500 for pre-1975 Gibson, Fender, Martin and Gretsch guitars. Fender amplifiers also. Call toll free! 1-800-995-1217.**

HOUSES FOR RENT

COZY, ONE room studio apartments in Jacksonville. Bed pulls down from wall in Living Room in front of wood burning fireplace. Includes appliance filled kitchen. Starting at $325 plus utilities, deposit $200. No children or pets. Camp Construction, (501) 982-0434.

HOUSES FOR SALE

SHERWOOD – 3 BR 2 BA  HOME FOR SALE, by owner, Oakridge Subdivision, nice area, close to everything, Sylvan Hills schools,  quiet “no outlet”  road with park. Corner lot, double garage, bay window, large oversized lot with privacy fenced, double gate to back yard. WBFP w/Blowers, double hung windows, low utilities, no maint. exterior. (rock and frame)  Apx. 1500 sf, plus unfinished area over garage, $149,000, call 501-590-1716 for information.**

MOBILE HOMES

Have a title to your Car, Boat, or Mobile home? Get a new home with any trade-in! Call 501-653-3205.**

VERY CLEAN 3 BED 2 BATH Singlewide for sale! call 501-653-3202.**

TOP STORY >> Responding to Irma: Little Rock AFB delivers medical professionals to Florida

 by Senior Airman Mercedes Taylor, 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

The 41st Airlift Squadron transported more than 100 medical personnel to Orlando, Fla., on Sept. 9 to prepare for Hurricane Irma relief efforts. 

The 41st AS flew to Dallas and Houston, Texas, to pick up U.S. Public Health Service Rapid Deployment Force personnel and Disaster Medical Assistance Teams from Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee and Ohio, and their medical equipment. 

“Our mission is to assist in response to Hurricane Irma,” said Ronda Lacey, AL-1 DMAT commander. “We’re here to help the state of Florida and the people who are in need of medical assistance there. It’s an honor to help our country in this critical time.” 

Doctors, registered nurses, mid-level technicians, a dentist and an infectious disease specialist were among the USPHS and DMAT personnel who were pre-staged to support potential relief efforts. The responders brought a variety of skillsets as well as medical equipment such as pharmaceuticals, oxygen tanks, triage kits and basic first aid supplies.

USPHS and DMAT teams prepare in advance to respond to critical events, similar to the 41st AS. 

“We’re ready to respond because of the training we do for this,” said Staff Sgt. Efrain Huereque, 41st Airlift Squadron loadmaster. “Even though we don’t get to do this often, it’s very rewarding; it feels good to help people in need.” 

The relationship between DMAT and USPHS allows them to provide care for those affected by Hurricane Irma. The partnership of these civilian agencies with the U.S. Air Force secures mission success for immediate medical care. 

“It’s a joint effort,” said Jessica Picanzo, TN-1 DMAT nurse paramedic. “We received a notification 12 hours ago, and now we’re in the air. We’re able to respond so quickly because of our military partners.”

TOP STORY >> LRAFB accepts military aircraft in response to Hurricane Irma

By Staff Sgt. Jeremy McGuffin

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Little Rock Air Force Base received various aircraft and their crews assigned to multiple military installations along the east coast in preparation for Hurricane Irma on Sept. 9.

Personnel from Hurlburt Field, Florida, along with U-28As, CV-22 Ospreys, MC-130H Combat Talon II’s and other aircraft bedded down here until the bad weather was over.

Hurricane Irma, which had a potential to increase to a Category 5 storm, threatened a large part of the eastern seaboard and aircraft along the potential path relocated as a precaution to ensure the least amount of damage.

The relocation to Little Rock AFB ensured aircraft and aircrews from those installations were out of harm’s way until they could return to their home station.

“Our military weather professionals continue to monitor Hurricane Irma,” said Col. Christopher Lambert, 19th Airlift Wing vice commander, before the hurricane hit. “We stand ready to support our brothers and sisters in arms and our thoughts and prayers are with the communities affected by the storm.”

Additionally, leadership announced Little Rock AFB is standing by to deploy any assets needed if ordered to the recovery and aid in the wake of Hurricane Irma’s destruction.

Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/LittleRockAirForceBase/.

CLASSIFIEDS >> 090817

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.

BECOME A DRIVER IN LESS THAN 30 DAYS. DRIVER TRAINEES Needed NOW! Classes Start Every Monday! Lodging Provided! Tuition Financing Available. PINE BLUFF TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL, INC. The RIGHT TRAINING for Today’s Trucking Industry. CALL TODAY! 1-800-954-4981. www.pbtds.net. lic. by ASBPCE.**

HELP WANTED

NOW HIRING. Base pay $300-$600 per week. Commissions available.* Full/part-time jobs. Call (501) 605-1303 or text (501) 259-6430 for more information.

EXPERIENCED MAINTENANCE Technician needed for quiet upscale apartment community. Duties include: appliance repair, carpentry, basic plumbing & electrical. Call (501) 663-8366 or emal: customerservice@rivercliffapts.com

CNA’s & PCA’s Join the Superior Senior Care registry, Assisting seniors & the disabled in their homes. • Earn the pay you deserve • Work the hours you desire • You tell us what you want Call TODAY! 1-877-854-7707. SuperiorSeniorCare.com.**

DIESEL MECHANIC - Full-time M-F, 7am-5pm. Must be able to Weld, perform PM’s & maintenance. Must provide your own tools. Benefits include: Retirement, paid holidays, company paid insurance. We furnish uniforms also! Call Chuck 501-945-1433.**

Arkansas’ largest foodservice distributor, has an opportunity for: DELIVERY PROFESSIONAL for the Little Rock, AR area. $2,000 Sign On Bonus + COBRA Subsidy Available. In this position, you must provide timely delivery and unloading of grocery products for multi-drop route customers. No Stocking or Rotating Product! Home daily! • H.S. diploma or a GED • 1 year delivery driver exp. and Class A CDL • 3 yrs. clean MVR • Ability to lift up to 90 lbs. • Great benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Life Insurance, Short/Long Term Disability Visit www.PFGC.com and go to the “Careers” tab to apply. Read the position description for specific instructions on how to complete your online application. Night warehouse positions also available. EOE/Vets/Disabled.**

AUCTION

ESTATE AUCTION - SATURDAY SEPT 9, 2017, 2506 Duane Dr., Beebe, AR. SALE STARTS AT @ 10:00 AM. New Queen Adjustable Bed • Huge Entertainment Center • Power Scooter • Flat Screen TV • New Lift Chair • Recliners • Rocker Recliners • Queen Anne Chairs • Wing Back Chairs • Dining Table w/6 Chairs and Large Matching China Cabinet • Sofa • 2 Love Seats • Dressers • Chest of Drawers • Night Stands • Wood Rockers • Grandfather Clock • Pictures • Dishes • Glassware • Home Decor • Deer Mounts and Much Much More! Preview Friday Sept. 8 • Noon to 5 pm. FOR MORE INFORMATION, TERMS, DETAILS & PICTURES www.RonnieGayAuctions.com. 870-613-0387 AALB593.**

YARD SALES

YARD SALE, 9/9, 7 am-1 pm, 205 W. 4th St., Ward. Rain cancels.

3-FAMILY YARD sale, 9/9, 406 N. Cedar St., Beebe. Cheap, cheap, cheap! Cancel if rain.

YARD SALE, 9/8 & 9, 7 am-? 1795 E. Main St., Cabot. Household items, tools, outdoor yard items, a few antiques.

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.

MISC.

S U M M E R  S A V I N G S - Bermuda $1.35/sq yd, Meyers Z-52 Zoysia $2.50/sq yd. Call 800-458-4756. tiptopturf.com (Double Springs Grass Farm) Prices are COD on full truck loads in the LR area.**

10 HOMES In your county Needing METAL ROOFS, SIDING OR WINDOWS. For our Before and after picture brochure. Upon being selected receive free $300 gift certificate.* SAVE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS We are opening a branch office and will be using these homes for our brochure. No money down financing. Payments $89/Mo.* Free estimates* Senior/Military discounts. *wac CALL NOW!! 866-668-8681.**

Attn: Hunters! CAMPING SHED for ATV - All galvanized steel, $749 delivered, Call 800-643-8728.**

WANTED

GUITAR WANTED! Local musician will pay up to $12,500 for pre-1975 Gibson, Fender, Martin and Gretsch guitars. Fender amplifiers also. Call toll free! 1-800-995-1217.**

HOUSES FOR RENT

COZY, ONE room studio apartments in Jacksonville. Bed pulls down from wall in Living Room in front of wood burning fireplace. Includes appliance filled kitchen. Starting at $325 plus utilities, deposit $200. No children or pets. Camp Construction, (501) 982-0434.

MOBILE HOMES

Have a title to your Car, Boat, or Mobile home? Get a new home with any trade-in! Call 501-653-3205.**

VERY CLEAN 3 BED 2 BATH Singlewide for sale! Call 501-653-3202.**

TOP STORY >> One person, seven skillsets

By Airman 1st Class Codie Collins

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

From the flightline to dining facility, Airmen are diligently working to become experts in their specific career fields, however, a select few at the 19th Medical Group are challenged to go above and beyond and become proficient in more than seven skillsets.

Independent duty medical technicians provide full-spectrum of patient care at remote sites or mobile medical units. Services provided include routine and emergency medical care, emergent dental, medical laboratory, pharmacy, bioenvironmental services, public health, health promotions, patient administration, mental health and medical logistics functions.

The length of technical school for an Airman to learn one specific job can range anywhere from two weeks to years. IDMTs are challenged to learn the skills of more than seven different careers in only 13 weeks.

“To be an IDMT means you are essentially a medical group in one person,” said Senior Airman Claudia Sloan, 19th Medical Group IDMT. 

After meeting a long list of prerequisites, Airmen assigned to a medical group attend a 13-week additional training course with an approximate 50 percent failure rate, to become a certified IDMT. 

“The training is very intense because we have to be knowledgeable in almost every clinic in the medical group,” said Master Sgt. Richelle Moen, 19th Medical Group independent duty medical technician. “The anatomy and physiology portion of the course in a normal college setting is taught over several months. IDMT’s in training go through the course in two weeks.”

After passing this extensive training course, IDMTs return to their base and must complete more than 150 hours of training annually to maintain and advance their skills. 

“We are required to see 80 patients under the direction of a physician, spend 16 hours in the dental clinic, 24 hours in immunizations, 4 food and facility inspections and 4 shop visits yearly,” Moen said. “We must maintain Advanced Cardiac Life support, Emergency Medical Technician, Basic Cardiac Life Support instructor and Self-Aid Buddy Care instructor certifications.”

If a catastrophic event were to happen, the Air Force can send one IDMT to a forward location as opposed to sending seven different people.

“We affect the mission stateside and deployed because of the range of capabilities we have,” Sloan said. “For example, being assigned to the squadron I’ve cut down at least 25 percent of the administrative flow for flight medicine. Instead of waiting on the phone with the front desk taking time away from flyers I can figure it out for them or make their lives easier.”

TOP STORY >> Nighttime ops: Ensuring Combat Airlift never stops

By Airman 1st Class Grace Nichols

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs 

It takes more than leaving the light on to sustain Combat Airlift. 

Air Mobility Command’s mission is 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Although it takes multiple units, three main players of the Black Knight’s mission around-the-clock are the 19th Security Forces Squadron to secure the base, the 19th Operations Support Squadron Airfield Management flight to keep the flightline running, and the 19th Maintenance Squadron Repair and Reclamation Section to ensure aircraft continue to fly. 

19th Security Forces Squadron

Personnel are met by 19th SFS Defenders who operate all entry and exit points, armed and ready to respond to threats even at the darkest hour.

The 19th SFS mission is to provide defense to enable Combat Airlift operations. This is no different when the sun sets.

“Nighttime operations conducted by the 19th SFS are critical for the 19th Airlift Wing and its smaller agencies,” said Phillip Bates, 19th SFS Operations Section police services officer. “The majority of service members are at home during these hours. Our Defenders are tasked with the protection of military assets from any and all criminal activities, which would ultimately go unchecked if not for these brave men and women on call, whenever, wherever to ensure our populace sleeps easy at night.”

19th OSS Airfield Management

Airfield management has a multitude of missions with the sole purpose of maintaining a safe airfield environment. 

Airmen conduct airfield checks regularly by scanning the flightline with a spotlight mounted on a truck, looking for anything that could damage an aircraft such as potholes, foreign objects and debris. The team and multiple bases agencies work together toward a solution after the issue is identified.

Nighttime brings two new obstacles to the flightline: nocturnal wildlife and diminished lighting. The airfield management team works with different units to stop pests before they interfere with operations, and monitors the lighting on the airfield to keep it adequately illuminated.

“The mission doesn’t only occur during the day,” said Senior Airman Joseph Way, 19th OSS Airfield Management shift lead. “It’s our responsibility to oversee and maintain an airfield which supports 24-hour operations.” 

19th MXS Repair and Reclamation Section

Airmen from the 19th MXS Repair and Reclamation section are on call at a moment’s notice to quickly repair major aircraft components so aircrew can return to the fight.

“Our job is ensuring aircraft are 100 percent mission capable at any time,” said Staff Sgt. Craig Carrillo, 19th MXS Aircraft Repair and Reclamation Section supervisor. “We help ensure the crew is safe and the mission is successful by performing needed repairs as soon as possible.”

Whether under the orange glow of flightline lights or the warmth of the day sun, Airmen specialize in repairing landing gear, flight controls and other major components. The repair and reclamation crew is also the crash recovery team, capable of retrieving a downed aircraft.

“You really can’t pick apart day shift from night shift,” Carrillo said. “Our job often takes several hours to do, and the remaining work rolls into the next shift. Regardless of which one you’re on, the work will be done.”

Although the time is different, the mission is the same between night and day shifts.

“It takes more than one shop or an eight-hour day for our mission to succeed,” said Chief Master Sgt. David Morse, 19th AW Command Chief. “It requires Airmen meticulously working together around the clock to provide the readiness that Global Deterrence and Combat Airlift demand.” 

TOP STORY >> Exceptional program gives families extra care

By Airman 1st Class Codie Collins

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

 Imagine you are 20,000 feet in the air transporting important cargo over the Atlantic Ocean. Your focus needs to be on the he mission, but all you can think about is your children.

How is my daughter going to get the medical care she needs?

Is there going to be support at her school for her learning disability? 

The Air Force Exceptional Family Member Program is designed to provide support to military family members with special needs and help eliminate any worry parents struggle with.

“If I can make the quality of life better for even one family, my goal is met,” said Stephen Jones, Airman and Family Readiness Center EFMP coordinator. 

An exceptional family member is a family member enrolled in the defense enrollment eligibility reporting system who has a diagnosed physical, intellectual or emotional-psychological condition which requires ongoing specialized medical or educational services.

At the A&FRC, an EFMP Family Support Coordinator is available to ensure each family receives comprehensive coordinated family support through the military and civilian community.

According to the EFMP website, there are three main aspects to support families: relocation, recreation and respite. 

Relocation

A&FRC’s provide incoming and outgoing relocation services to the total force, which includes civilian and contract employees who are relocating.

A&FRC provides relocation information that includes medical and educational information, along with related community agency referrals, housing, employment, financial management, moving with children skills and a number of PCS-related topics.

One-on-one consultation is available to any Airman, Department of Defense civilian or military family member seeking information to support family members with special needs.

Recreation

Through recreation activities, individuals with special needs can gain new skills, learn what behaviors are accepted and learn how to fit in as a member of a group. Sports, crafts, music, dance, clubs, hobbies and many other types of youth programs are offered through installation, school and community agencies. 

The A&FRC and Youth Programs provide assistance to ensure EFMs have access to installation recreation activities.

Respite

The Air Force recognizes that parents with children with special needs need a break and have created a respite child care program for military families. 

Respite Child Care is designed for active duty, guard and reserve Airmen who have children enrolled in EFMP and diagnosed with moderate or severe special needs. Respite child care is provided to eligible families at no cost to the family. Eligible families may receive up to 12 hours of respite care per month for each eligible child.

“Life can be stressful for military families,” Jones said. “Add other factors to that, it can become overwhelming at times. If we take care of Airmen’s families, they can then relax and focus better on the mission.”

For more information, call Stephen Jones at 501-987-2667 or visit www.afpc.af.mil/Exceptional-Family-Member-Program.