Lunar eclipse Saturday
Total Eclipse of the Moon will happen Saturday. Join others at the James A. Gaston Visitor Center, 163 Dam Overlook Lane, Bull Shoals, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The dark shadow of the Earth will fall across the moon tonight, creating a total lunar eclipse.
The James A. Gaston Visitor Center will provide a superb location for viewing this event. Join a park interpreter on the back deck of the visitor center to observe this stellar event. Dress for the weather and bring a comfortable lawn chair. The park will provide binoculars and a telescope for viewing the moon. Viewing will be subject to inclement weather or heavy cloud cover.
Admission is free. For more information call 870-445-3629 or e-mail bullshoalswhiteriver@arkansas.com.
Kayak tour Saturday at Cane Creek
Full Moon Kayak Tour is set for Saturday at Cane Creek State Park in Star City. Participants will meet at the visitor center. Full moon tours at Cane Creek State Park take on a special magic as the lake, the surrounding landscape, and the sky above are bathed in moonlight. A park interpreter will be your guide. Kayaks, paddles, and lifejackets are provided. Contact the park for exact tour times.
Admission is $10 adults, $5 children under 12. For more information call 870-628-4714.
Music of Ray Charles set to be performed
I Can’t Stop Loving You- The Music of Ray Charles at the Robinson Music Hall will be held March 6-8. For details call 501-376-4781.
Art Walk is March 9
Argenta Art Walk is will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. March 9. Held monthly on the second Friday of the month. Participating Studios are the AR Art Gallery, the Arts Scene Gallery and Art Market, Pennington Studios, AM Architecture, Galaxy Furniture and the Baker House. For details contact Ashley at the AR Art Gallery at 501-687-5959 or email at ashley@arkansasartgallery.com.
Daffodil festival slated for March 9-10
15th Camden Daffodil Festival is set for March 9-10, at Camden. Tour four beautiful daffodil gardens featuring millions of daffodils. Take a tour bus to gardens, historic homes, Oakland Cemetery Walk, Civil War re-enactors on the bank of the Ouachita River. 100 arts & crafts, food vendors, annual quilt show and art show.
Championship Steak Cook-off Saturday night with live entertainment on the new River Walk. Admission is free, except for tours. For more information visit www.camdenfestival.com
Thursday, March 1, 2007
COMMENTARY>> Keeping a positive attitude in changing times
By Chief Master Sgt. Steve Arnold
189th Airlift Wing command chief master sergeant
I recently had a young Airman ask me how he could continue to maintain a positive outlook regarding his career with all of the personnel and budget cuts that are taking place in the Air Force. It’s a fair question. Change usually brings about a degree of uncertainty in our lives, and if we’re not careful, it is easy to allow uncertainty to have a negative impact on our attitude.
My response to his question might best be summed up in the words of an ancient prayer: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.” Things such as cuts in manpower, training and funding for new weapons systems are decisions that are largely out of my control.
As Airmen, NCOs, or even officers who operate at the wing or squadron level, it is not likely that most of us will have any direct impact on those kinds of decisions. We would do well to place such matters within the category of “things I cannot change,” and press on.
There are, however, a number of things over which I have a good deal of control during changing times. The first is attitude itself. Over the years, I have come to realize that there are basically two kinds of people when it comes to attitude: those who control their attitude, and those who allow their attitude to control them.
In other words, there are some people who tend to allow their feelings, circumstances and people around them to dictate their whole approach to life. Other people seem to rise above such things, and simply choose to engage the circumstances of life with a sense of purpose, determination and optimism. Learning to manage my attitude will go a long way in enabling me to deal effectively with decisions and policy changes have the potential to adversely affect my career.
So how should we respond when faced with the realities of job cuts, loss of benefits, or reduced promotion opportunities? Allow me make a few practical suggestions:
Become a member of a professional organization that will promote your interests and concerns. Guard organizations such as EANGUS (Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the US), NGAUS (National Guard Association of the US), and AFSA (Air Force Sergeants Association) all work to promote and protect our interests and benefits.
In times of uncertainty and change it is vitally important that policy makers are made aware of our concerns. These and similar organizations provide the best avenue for you and me to ensure that our voice is heard. Prepare for change. Change is not always a bad thing. Along with change you may find some unexpected opportunities. If you are prepared in advance, you will have a “leg up” on your peers to take advantage of those opportunities when the time comes.
Make education a priority. Enroll in a professional military education course. If not, make sure you complete the non-residence version. Far too many Guardsmen have missed an opportunity for promotion simply because they failed to complete their PME in a timely manner. Make sure that you have met all the requirements necessary for promotion, even when the opportunity for promotion seems unlikely. You never know when the situation will change.
Be flexible. When circumstances change, we need to be willing to change as well. Once decisions are made at senior leader levels, it does little good to try to “buck the system.” Seek to embrace new missions, and be willing to let go of the old ones.
If your old job is being eliminated, look for opportunities to cross-train into a new career field. You might discover that you enjoy the new job as much or more than the old one. On a final note, I just can’t resist letting all of you know that I recently became a grandfather for the first time (photos available upon request!)
The fact is, though, that this event once again served to remind me of the real reason we do what we do in the military. It really isn’t so much about you and me personally as it is about passing on to a future generation the great opportunities of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
The stated goal and purpose of our enemies is to rid the world of these ideals. Our job is to ensure that they never succeed in their efforts. Each one of you plays a vital role in that process, and I thank you for your service.
189th Airlift Wing command chief master sergeant
I recently had a young Airman ask me how he could continue to maintain a positive outlook regarding his career with all of the personnel and budget cuts that are taking place in the Air Force. It’s a fair question. Change usually brings about a degree of uncertainty in our lives, and if we’re not careful, it is easy to allow uncertainty to have a negative impact on our attitude.
My response to his question might best be summed up in the words of an ancient prayer: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.” Things such as cuts in manpower, training and funding for new weapons systems are decisions that are largely out of my control.
As Airmen, NCOs, or even officers who operate at the wing or squadron level, it is not likely that most of us will have any direct impact on those kinds of decisions. We would do well to place such matters within the category of “things I cannot change,” and press on.
There are, however, a number of things over which I have a good deal of control during changing times. The first is attitude itself. Over the years, I have come to realize that there are basically two kinds of people when it comes to attitude: those who control their attitude, and those who allow their attitude to control them.
In other words, there are some people who tend to allow their feelings, circumstances and people around them to dictate their whole approach to life. Other people seem to rise above such things, and simply choose to engage the circumstances of life with a sense of purpose, determination and optimism. Learning to manage my attitude will go a long way in enabling me to deal effectively with decisions and policy changes have the potential to adversely affect my career.
So how should we respond when faced with the realities of job cuts, loss of benefits, or reduced promotion opportunities? Allow me make a few practical suggestions:
Become a member of a professional organization that will promote your interests and concerns. Guard organizations such as EANGUS (Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the US), NGAUS (National Guard Association of the US), and AFSA (Air Force Sergeants Association) all work to promote and protect our interests and benefits.
In times of uncertainty and change it is vitally important that policy makers are made aware of our concerns. These and similar organizations provide the best avenue for you and me to ensure that our voice is heard. Prepare for change. Change is not always a bad thing. Along with change you may find some unexpected opportunities. If you are prepared in advance, you will have a “leg up” on your peers to take advantage of those opportunities when the time comes.
Make education a priority. Enroll in a professional military education course. If not, make sure you complete the non-residence version. Far too many Guardsmen have missed an opportunity for promotion simply because they failed to complete their PME in a timely manner. Make sure that you have met all the requirements necessary for promotion, even when the opportunity for promotion seems unlikely. You never know when the situation will change.
Be flexible. When circumstances change, we need to be willing to change as well. Once decisions are made at senior leader levels, it does little good to try to “buck the system.” Seek to embrace new missions, and be willing to let go of the old ones.
If your old job is being eliminated, look for opportunities to cross-train into a new career field. You might discover that you enjoy the new job as much or more than the old one. On a final note, I just can’t resist letting all of you know that I recently became a grandfather for the first time (photos available upon request!)
The fact is, though, that this event once again served to remind me of the real reason we do what we do in the military. It really isn’t so much about you and me personally as it is about passing on to a future generation the great opportunities of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
The stated goal and purpose of our enemies is to rid the world of these ideals. Our job is to ensure that they never succeed in their efforts. Each one of you plays a vital role in that process, and I thank you for your service.
TOP STORY >>New adjutant general to assume command March 3
By Maj. Keith Moore
Arkansas Air National Guard Public Affairs
CAMP JOSEPH T. ROBINSON, NORTH LIT-TLE ROCK, Ark. — Maj. Gen. William D. Wofford assumes command of the 10,200-member strong Ark-ansas National Guard at a 1 p.m. ceremony March 3.
The assumption of command ceremony will be held at the Davis Auditorium on the second floor of the Professional Education Center at Camp Joseph T. Robinson in North Little Rock. A reception will follow for the new adjutant general downstairs in the lobby of Patriot Hall right below the auditorium.
A representative group of Soldiers and Airmen will be in formation in the auditorium for the ceremony. The assumption of command ceremony differs somewhat from a change-of-command ceremony in that Maj. Gen. Ronald S. Chastain, the state’s outgoing adjutant general, will not be present to hand off command and exchange the colors. The ceremony will simply involve General Wofford assuming command of the troops from the governor.
Newly elected Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe appointed General Wofford to the post in January. General Chastain took command of the Arkansas National Guard in July 2006 after he was appointed to the position by former Gov. Mike Huckabee. The adjutant general is a state political appointee. Whoever fills the position serves at the pleasure of the governor.
General Wofford will be the state’s 51st TAG since 1836.
Arkansas Air National Guard Public Affairs
CAMP JOSEPH T. ROBINSON, NORTH LIT-TLE ROCK, Ark. — Maj. Gen. William D. Wofford assumes command of the 10,200-member strong Ark-ansas National Guard at a 1 p.m. ceremony March 3.
The assumption of command ceremony will be held at the Davis Auditorium on the second floor of the Professional Education Center at Camp Joseph T. Robinson in North Little Rock. A reception will follow for the new adjutant general downstairs in the lobby of Patriot Hall right below the auditorium.
A representative group of Soldiers and Airmen will be in formation in the auditorium for the ceremony. The assumption of command ceremony differs somewhat from a change-of-command ceremony in that Maj. Gen. Ronald S. Chastain, the state’s outgoing adjutant general, will not be present to hand off command and exchange the colors. The ceremony will simply involve General Wofford assuming command of the troops from the governor.
Newly elected Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe appointed General Wofford to the post in January. General Chastain took command of the Arkansas National Guard in July 2006 after he was appointed to the position by former Gov. Mike Huckabee. The adjutant general is a state political appointee. Whoever fills the position serves at the pleasure of the governor.
General Wofford will be the state’s 51st TAG since 1836.
NEWS BRIEFS >>3-02-07
Women's health classes offered
This class is offered to all young women who want to know more about female health issues including sexually transmitted infections, hygiene issues, HPV vaccine, sexual assault awareness, birth control and tips for deployment health. It will be offered by one of the Medical Group’s Women’s Health nurse practitioners at the Health and Wellness Center from noon to 1 p.m. every second Tuesday of the month. To sign-up for the class, please call the Women’s Health Clinic at 987-7366.
Dumas relief effort underway
Donations are being sought for victims of Saturday’s tornado in Dumas. Non-perishable food items, toiletries and any other usable items can be dropped off from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at the conference center. Items will be collected until March 10. For more information, contact Nancy Franchek at 501-259-6330.
Fishing permit price raised
The price of base fishing permits have increased to $5.00. Twenty percent of the fee goes to Services and the rest goes to the base Fish & Wildlife Account. This money is used to improve the fisheries in the base lakes.
NAF jobs available
The following non-appropriated-fund jobs are available Youth Center, School Age Program assistant CC-01, flexible; Personnel, human resources assistant, NF-I, regular hours and Club, waiter, NA-02, flexible hours. For more information call 987-6440.
Base scrapbooking night March 17
Little Rock Air Force Base scrapbooking night will be held from 5:30 p.m. to midnight March 17 at the base town hall on base. For more information contact Kelli Ford at 479-806-1284.
Spouses' Club hosting auction
The Little Rock Spouses’ Club presents “the Pot o’ Gold Auction for Education” at 5 p.m. on March 16, 2007 at the Consolidated Club. Come bid on some great items in all price ranges in our silent and live auctions. Some of the one of a kind items include vacation packages, homemade quilts, art, event tickets and experiences, hotel and restaurant packages, homemade desserts and jewelry. This event is open to all base personnel and dress is casual or uniform of the day. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door and include appetizers and drinks. Tickets are available at the Thrift Shop. All funds raised go to support the LRSC Scholarship program. For more information or tickets, please see our website: www.littlerockspouses.com or call Kathy Awe at 241-0148.
This class is offered to all young women who want to know more about female health issues including sexually transmitted infections, hygiene issues, HPV vaccine, sexual assault awareness, birth control and tips for deployment health. It will be offered by one of the Medical Group’s Women’s Health nurse practitioners at the Health and Wellness Center from noon to 1 p.m. every second Tuesday of the month. To sign-up for the class, please call the Women’s Health Clinic at 987-7366.
Dumas relief effort underway
Donations are being sought for victims of Saturday’s tornado in Dumas. Non-perishable food items, toiletries and any other usable items can be dropped off from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday at the conference center. Items will be collected until March 10. For more information, contact Nancy Franchek at 501-259-6330.
Fishing permit price raised
The price of base fishing permits have increased to $5.00. Twenty percent of the fee goes to Services and the rest goes to the base Fish & Wildlife Account. This money is used to improve the fisheries in the base lakes.
NAF jobs available
The following non-appropriated-fund jobs are available Youth Center, School Age Program assistant CC-01, flexible; Personnel, human resources assistant, NF-I, regular hours and Club, waiter, NA-02, flexible hours. For more information call 987-6440.
Base scrapbooking night March 17
Little Rock Air Force Base scrapbooking night will be held from 5:30 p.m. to midnight March 17 at the base town hall on base. For more information contact Kelli Ford at 479-806-1284.
Spouses' Club hosting auction
The Little Rock Spouses’ Club presents “the Pot o’ Gold Auction for Education” at 5 p.m. on March 16, 2007 at the Consolidated Club. Come bid on some great items in all price ranges in our silent and live auctions. Some of the one of a kind items include vacation packages, homemade quilts, art, event tickets and experiences, hotel and restaurant packages, homemade desserts and jewelry. This event is open to all base personnel and dress is casual or uniform of the day. Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door and include appetizers and drinks. Tickets are available at the Thrift Shop. All funds raised go to support the LRSC Scholarship program. For more information or tickets, please see our website: www.littlerockspouses.com or call Kathy Awe at 241-0148.
TOP STORY >>Two Airmen convicted of assault in courts martial
Two 714th Training Squadron Airmen were convicted in summary courts martial for their parts in a assault on commissioned officers.
Airman Basic Cory D. Sliker was charged with one charge and two specifications of assault upon a commissioned officer. He pled and was found guilty Jan. 22 of a lesser offense of assault consummated by a battery in violation of Article 128 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The summary court martial sentenced him to 21 days confinement, forfeiture of $867 pay and hard labor without confinement for 13 days.
Airman Basic Michael A. Andreozzi was charged with one charge and specification of assault upon a commissioned officer, he pled guilty to the lesser offense of assault consummated by a battery but was found guilty of the charged offense Jan. 31. He was also charged with one charge and specification of wrongful use of an identification card to which he plead guilty. The summary court martial sentenced him to 30 days confinement and forfeiture of $876 pay.
The incident occurred outside an off base drinking establishment. Airmen Andreozzi used a fake ID card to gain entry into the establishment. At the end of the evening, both members were with a group of Airmen who were standing around waiting for a ride when a brief conversation commenced with two Air Force officers which led to the officers being assaulted without provocation. All members were wearing civilian clothes.
The member’s commander determined that this case was best served by going to a summary court-martial. A summary court-martial is a option for a commander who is looking at a minor offense that is in the gray area between an Article 15 and a special court-martial.
A commander determines whether the alleged misconduct is a “minor offense” based upon several factors, including: (1) the nature of the offense and circumstances surrounding its commission; (2) the offender’s age, rank, duty assignment, record, and experience; and (3) the maximum sentence authorized for the offense if tried by a general court-martial.
Ordinarily, an offense is “minor” if the maximum sentence possible would not include a dishonorable discharge or confinement for longer than one year if tried by a general court-martial. Summary courts-martial are courts of limited jurisdiction. The Rules for Court-Martial limit who may be brought before the court, the offenses that may be the subject of such a court, and what punishment may be judged based upon the rank of the accused. A defining jurisdictional limitation, which is similar to nonjudicial action under Article 15, is an accused may not be brought before a summary court-martial over his or her objection.
Moreover, an accused must be given “a reasonable period of time” to decide whether they want to submit to the jurisdiction of a summary court-martial. Court-martials are open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend. For information on upcoming court-martials, call the Legal Office at 987-7886.
Airman Basic Cory D. Sliker was charged with one charge and two specifications of assault upon a commissioned officer. He pled and was found guilty Jan. 22 of a lesser offense of assault consummated by a battery in violation of Article 128 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The summary court martial sentenced him to 21 days confinement, forfeiture of $867 pay and hard labor without confinement for 13 days.
Airman Basic Michael A. Andreozzi was charged with one charge and specification of assault upon a commissioned officer, he pled guilty to the lesser offense of assault consummated by a battery but was found guilty of the charged offense Jan. 31. He was also charged with one charge and specification of wrongful use of an identification card to which he plead guilty. The summary court martial sentenced him to 30 days confinement and forfeiture of $876 pay.
The incident occurred outside an off base drinking establishment. Airmen Andreozzi used a fake ID card to gain entry into the establishment. At the end of the evening, both members were with a group of Airmen who were standing around waiting for a ride when a brief conversation commenced with two Air Force officers which led to the officers being assaulted without provocation. All members were wearing civilian clothes.
The member’s commander determined that this case was best served by going to a summary court-martial. A summary court-martial is a option for a commander who is looking at a minor offense that is in the gray area between an Article 15 and a special court-martial.
A commander determines whether the alleged misconduct is a “minor offense” based upon several factors, including: (1) the nature of the offense and circumstances surrounding its commission; (2) the offender’s age, rank, duty assignment, record, and experience; and (3) the maximum sentence authorized for the offense if tried by a general court-martial.
Ordinarily, an offense is “minor” if the maximum sentence possible would not include a dishonorable discharge or confinement for longer than one year if tried by a general court-martial. Summary courts-martial are courts of limited jurisdiction. The Rules for Court-Martial limit who may be brought before the court, the offenses that may be the subject of such a court, and what punishment may be judged based upon the rank of the accused. A defining jurisdictional limitation, which is similar to nonjudicial action under Article 15, is an accused may not be brought before a summary court-martial over his or her objection.
Moreover, an accused must be given “a reasonable period of time” to decide whether they want to submit to the jurisdiction of a summary court-martial. Court-martials are open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend. For information on upcoming court-martials, call the Legal Office at 987-7886.
TOP STORY >>Command chief celebrates trained, skilled Airmen
By Tech. Sgt. Mike Hammond
Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AETCNS) — As a young staff sergeant in 1982, Chief Master Sgt. Rodney Ellison got his first real experience of a hostile environment while serving at Operating Location Foxtrot in Turkey. Today, as Air Education and Training Command’s command chief prepares to retire, he’s confident that the Air Force he leaves behind now prepares every Airman to effectively function in any wartime environment.
“When I came in, we really had a hollow force,” Chief Ellison said. “Post-Vietnam, we just really weren’t ready to go to war. But today, it’s ‘Any time, any place.’”
For Chief Ellison, his early assignment to Turkey was an eye-opener. “Back then, Turkey truly was a remote assignment. At the time, there was a lot of terrorism in Turkey and we lost a lot of good people to terrorist bombings,” he said. “Turkey was really a turning point in my career — it helped me to have a better appreciation for America and the freedoms we have. It showed me what the military was about and why we do what we do.”
Looking back to those lessons, Chief Ellison drew a parallel to the accomplishments of AETC over the past several years. Recalling recent changes such as putting more combat emphasis in the basic military training curriculum and developing the Basic Combat Convoy Course, the chief expressed confidence that Airmen today can not only survive, but thrive, in roles traditionally assigned to the U.S. Army.
The Basic Combat Convoy Course, an intensive month at Camp Anderson-Peters, Texas (located on Camp Bullis), where Airmen practice ground combat skills and Army-style small-unit tactics, is one example of AETC paving the way to warrior success. At BC3, students practice convoy maneuvers and qualify with M-4 carbines and M-249 machine guns. But more importantly, technical and staff sergeants become truck commanders and convoy commanders — they transform from skilled technicians to leaders.
“It’s amazing! You can ask any Army commander who his best convoy team is and he’ll tell you it’s Airmen,” Chief Ellison said. “It’s a great compliment from people who have trained their whole lives for that environment to recognize the performance of our people who have trained a minimal time at BC3.”
Looking to the future, the chief said the members of AETC must focus on ensuring our people have the best training we can provide. Initiatives include working to continue developing war skills in technical training and further streamlining processes to ensure Army training of Airmen is the best it can be.
He also called upon leaders at every level to help in the difficult task of drawing down while continuing to succeed during a major military operation. “We need to be straight with Airmen,” he said. “Let them know what we’re doing and why — and that we will be a stronger, more capable force on the other side of these changes.”
Chief Ellison’s personal advice to members is to not sacrifice family — rather, sacrifice on behalf of family. “Less than one percent of Americans will ever do what we do... put their lives in harm’s way for people they may never know. We leave our families a lot. When home, we need to make sure we’re home. Go to the soccer games; go to PTA meetings — be there for them, and families will understand those long separations and know how much they mean to you.”
After a career spent largely in advising and mentoring enlisted members of the Air Force, Chief Ellison’s retirement plans call for leading a somewhat different flock. He plans to become a minister to a small congregation in the San Antonio area.
Chief Master Sgt. Mark Luzader will succeed Chief Ellison March 2 as AETC’s top enlisted Airman. He comes to AETC from Fairchild AFB, Wash., where he served as command chief for the 92nd Air Refueling Wing.
Air Education and Training Command Public Affairs
RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AETCNS) — As a young staff sergeant in 1982, Chief Master Sgt. Rodney Ellison got his first real experience of a hostile environment while serving at Operating Location Foxtrot in Turkey. Today, as Air Education and Training Command’s command chief prepares to retire, he’s confident that the Air Force he leaves behind now prepares every Airman to effectively function in any wartime environment.
“When I came in, we really had a hollow force,” Chief Ellison said. “Post-Vietnam, we just really weren’t ready to go to war. But today, it’s ‘Any time, any place.’”
For Chief Ellison, his early assignment to Turkey was an eye-opener. “Back then, Turkey truly was a remote assignment. At the time, there was a lot of terrorism in Turkey and we lost a lot of good people to terrorist bombings,” he said. “Turkey was really a turning point in my career — it helped me to have a better appreciation for America and the freedoms we have. It showed me what the military was about and why we do what we do.”
Looking back to those lessons, Chief Ellison drew a parallel to the accomplishments of AETC over the past several years. Recalling recent changes such as putting more combat emphasis in the basic military training curriculum and developing the Basic Combat Convoy Course, the chief expressed confidence that Airmen today can not only survive, but thrive, in roles traditionally assigned to the U.S. Army.
The Basic Combat Convoy Course, an intensive month at Camp Anderson-Peters, Texas (located on Camp Bullis), where Airmen practice ground combat skills and Army-style small-unit tactics, is one example of AETC paving the way to warrior success. At BC3, students practice convoy maneuvers and qualify with M-4 carbines and M-249 machine guns. But more importantly, technical and staff sergeants become truck commanders and convoy commanders — they transform from skilled technicians to leaders.
“It’s amazing! You can ask any Army commander who his best convoy team is and he’ll tell you it’s Airmen,” Chief Ellison said. “It’s a great compliment from people who have trained their whole lives for that environment to recognize the performance of our people who have trained a minimal time at BC3.”
Looking to the future, the chief said the members of AETC must focus on ensuring our people have the best training we can provide. Initiatives include working to continue developing war skills in technical training and further streamlining processes to ensure Army training of Airmen is the best it can be.
He also called upon leaders at every level to help in the difficult task of drawing down while continuing to succeed during a major military operation. “We need to be straight with Airmen,” he said. “Let them know what we’re doing and why — and that we will be a stronger, more capable force on the other side of these changes.”
Chief Ellison’s personal advice to members is to not sacrifice family — rather, sacrifice on behalf of family. “Less than one percent of Americans will ever do what we do... put their lives in harm’s way for people they may never know. We leave our families a lot. When home, we need to make sure we’re home. Go to the soccer games; go to PTA meetings — be there for them, and families will understand those long separations and know how much they mean to you.”
After a career spent largely in advising and mentoring enlisted members of the Air Force, Chief Ellison’s retirement plans call for leading a somewhat different flock. He plans to become a minister to a small congregation in the San Antonio area.
Chief Master Sgt. Mark Luzader will succeed Chief Ellison March 2 as AETC’s top enlisted Airman. He comes to AETC from Fairchild AFB, Wash., where he served as command chief for the 92nd Air Refueling Wing.
TOP STORY >>Herculean project under way
Special to the Drop Zone
U.S. Congressman Vic Snyder, 314th Airlift Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Kip Self and base officials broke ground for the new Hercules Dining Facility in a ceremony Feb. 23.
“This project is another part of the tremendous investment that has gone into Little Rock Air Force Base," said Congressman Snyder, “...this is an investment into the men and women who make our military work and keep us safe. This is another great day in the history of Little Rock Air Force Base.”
The new $7 million state-of-the-art facility is scheduled to open in Spring 2008 and will replace the current Razorback Inn which was built in 1955. “Today’s ceremony marked a tremendous leap forward for the future dining experience of our Airmen,” said Capt. Daniel Giannavola, the 314th Services Squadron combat support flight commander. “The new facility will greatly increase the quality of life and enhance the morale for all our future customers.”
The new facility will offer a self-serve bakery, a self-serve deli and a free Internet cafe for Airmen. The 18,000 square foot facility will offer a 60 percent increase in seating with a total seating capacity to accommodate 250 customers. The 314th Services Squadron serves nearly 1,000 meals daily and nearly 1,700 meals daily during Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Force drill weekends.
U.S. Congressman Vic Snyder, 314th Airlift Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Kip Self and base officials broke ground for the new Hercules Dining Facility in a ceremony Feb. 23.
“This project is another part of the tremendous investment that has gone into Little Rock Air Force Base," said Congressman Snyder, “...this is an investment into the men and women who make our military work and keep us safe. This is another great day in the history of Little Rock Air Force Base.”
The new $7 million state-of-the-art facility is scheduled to open in Spring 2008 and will replace the current Razorback Inn which was built in 1955. “Today’s ceremony marked a tremendous leap forward for the future dining experience of our Airmen,” said Capt. Daniel Giannavola, the 314th Services Squadron combat support flight commander. “The new facility will greatly increase the quality of life and enhance the morale for all our future customers.”
The new facility will offer a self-serve bakery, a self-serve deli and a free Internet cafe for Airmen. The 18,000 square foot facility will offer a 60 percent increase in seating with a total seating capacity to accommodate 250 customers. The 314th Services Squadron serves nearly 1,000 meals daily and nearly 1,700 meals daily during Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Force drill weekends.
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