BRIEFS >> 121115

Dads 101

A Dads 101 class, taught by dads for dads, will be from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday at Family Advocacy. Call 501- 987-7377 to register.

College registration underway

Registration is underway for classes at the University Center. Stop by Bldg. 1490 or call 501-987-3417 for more informaion.

Tickets and tours

Information, tickets and tours are now available at the Walters Center and is open Mondays-Fridays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Call 501-987-5105 for more information.

Parents Night Out

The Youth Center sponsors Parents Night Out from 7 - 11 p.m. Dec. 11. Registration ends Wednesday. Cost is $20 for Youth Center members and $40 for nonmembers. For more information, call 501-987-6355 for more details.

TOP STORY >> Program helps TLR civilians deal with everyday stress

By Tammy Reed

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Life can get pretty tough on a regular basis between juggling work, family, bills, health care, higher education, home and car repairs and relationship issues – just to name a few.  Throw in additional stress from the holidays and a meltdown is a possibility, totally throwing off one’s quality of life at home and work.

For federal employees working for Air Mobility Command, the Federal Occupational Health-provided Employee Assistance Program can help address that stress in a number of ways and help employees find balance and harmony. 

Lisa Bemrich, 19th Force Support Squadron civilian personnel and labor relations officer, explained the EAP is a confidential assessment, referral and short-term counseling service for any personal problem negatively impacting work performance.  AMC civilian employees can refer themselves, or be referred informally by management, although participation is completely voluntary.

“This is a professional service also available to supervisors. The EAP is a proactive management tool that can be used for a myriad of situations.  It offers a private source of expert consultation quickly and conveniently,” Bemrich said. “Managers can utilize the EAP if they encounter a work situation that makes them wonder:  ‘How should I handle this?  When should I talk to this employee?  What is the most appropriate action for this personal situation that is affecting their job performance?’”

All EAP services are convenient and confidential. And the initial counseling sessions are free.  A confidential assessment will be provided for the initial number of counseling sessions and any follow-up services hereafter. 

Licensed counselors are available to help with difficult personal issues, and these are just some of the services that are available:

Confidential Counseling; 

Financial Counseling;

Legal/Financial Services;

Crisis and Stress Management;

Health and Wellness Coaching;

Web Resources - www.FOH4You.com;   

Assist Supervisors in access to services for employees; and

Drug and alcohol-related problems.

Counseling sessions can cover all types of life-unbalancing issues such as depression, marital problems and dealing with a bad work environment. Employees can participate in couples counseling and work with their children and a counselor on family matters. Those heavily in debt can work with a financial advisor on a debt-reducing plan. All are things that can take a toll on an employee’s mental health and create a difficult day at the office.

To make a confidential EAP appointment with a licensed counselor, call 1-800-222-0364 (or 888-262-7848 if hearing impaired). Call anytime as they are available 24/7. Employees are offered assistance or given an appointment to meet with a counselor. Meetings with a counselor are confidential within the guidelines of the law.

Although this particular service is available for AMC civilian employees only, information is provided on the Civilian Personnel Office web page for all employees at http://www.rockinattherock.com/Civil_Service.shtml.  

TOP STORY >> With great heritage comes great responsibility

By Senior Airman Scott Poe

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Members of the 61st, 62nd, and 50th Airlift Squadrons and the Center for Naval Aviation Technician Training Marine Detachment here remembered the Battle of Chosin Reservoir with a number of activities Dec. 7, celebrating the life-saving contributions of Combat Airlift.

The Combat Airlifters marked the day with a wreath laying ceremony, a remembrance social and a remembrance flight and airdrop. Aircraft from the three squadrons performed air drops with pallets symbolizing the bridge sections that were dropped during the Korean War battle.

In November 1950, the 1st Marine Division along with Army units were positioned at Chosin Reservoir plateau, North Korea, and the Chinese Army forces destroyed the only feasible path; a bridge leading in and out of the area. Enemy forces closed in on the confined Marines and Soldiers. 

The 61st and 62nd Troop Carrier Squadrons were tasked to deliver eight bridge sections to the trapped troops. The 2,200-pound bridge sections had never been dropped by parachute before. The first attempt failed with the chute failing to open and the bridge section smashing into the earth. After some modifications to the parachute rigs, the C-119s were sent to deliver the bridge sections. Only four sections were needed, but six out of the eight sections made it to the target. In hours the bridge was serviceable and the troops made their way out of the area.

The mission marked an important day in Green Hornet and Blue Baron history; one that is still being written today.

“Our history is the thing that connects us all together,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Seth Ehrlich, a 61st AS assistant flight commander. “Combat Airlift has a lineage that goes back into the very first air drops during World War II and even prior to that. Chosin is not just for the Marines, it is for us as well, which is why we are taking the day to remember.”

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Eric Westby, 61st AS commander, hoped the day’s events raised awareness of the legacy of the Green Hornets and Blue Barons, and the enduring importance of Combat Airlift. 

“I wanted to host an event where we could raise esprit de corps and pride in the units,” Westby said. “We need to remember who we represent, it’s not just ourselves; it’s those that have come before us. It is a huge honor to be a part of this squadron but it is also a huge responsibility to uphold our reputation.” 

CLASSIFIEDS >> 120415

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.

HOLIDAY SHOWCASE! 37th Annual AR Craft Guild, Dec 4th, 5th, 6th. Statehouse Convention Center, Hall 4. Fri, 10 am-8 pm, Sat. 8 am-6 pm, Sun. 10 am-4 pm. www.facebook.com/ChristmasShowcase, www.arkansascraftguild.org.**

WANTED 10 HOMES - Needing METAL ROOFS, SIDING OR WINDOWS for our FINAL 2015 brochure. Save Hundreds of $$$!! No money down. EZ Financing, only $59/mo. Call NOW! for a Free Estimate and receive a FLAT SCREEN TV with every completed job. 1-866-668-8681 Senior/Military discounts wac.**

SERVICES

NOW ENROLLING  - children ages 6 wks - 5 years. Integrity Offers:, Well trained staff, with low teacher/child ratios, Developmental testing, preschool & early intervention services. OT/PT & speech/language therapy. At Integrity we believe all children can learn and provide services for all of your child’s needs. Contact , (501) 614-7200, www.IntegrityInc.org, facebook, or visit our center at 6124 Northmoore, Little Rock, AR.**

HELP WANTED

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

IMMEDIATE OPENINGS for artistic stylists & barbers LRAFB exchange. Flexible schedules, commission base, management opportunities. Contact Rosa, (501) 988-1900 or apply online at www.ginomorena.com. Base located off 167 N, exit 11, turn left. 787 6th St., Jax., AR 72099.

ARMED SECURITY OFFICERS – LITTLE ROCK AREA -  Full-time & Part-time. SIGN ON BONUS: $250!!! (Pd. after 30 days on the job) Requirements: At least 21 years old, No Past Felony Charges, no Class A misdemeanors, Reliable communication &transportation, HSD/GED · MUST work flexible shifts and able to obtain AR State Commission Card. Military or 2 yrs  Law enforcement exp.  a plus! Call: 501-221-1011 for interview time. Or Apply in person: 200 W. Capitol Ave. Suite 1620, LR, AR, www.SecuritasJobs.com EOE/MF/D/V Regulated by: Dept. of Arkansas State Police, 1 State Police Plaza Drive, LR  AR 72209. 501-618-8600 CMPY.0001241.  If you have a current Credential (Guard Card) issued by Arkansas State Police, there is a $200 sign on bonus after 90 days.**

FedEx Ground - *STARTING PAY 50 CPM* NEED ASAP! TEAM RUNS! FedEx Ground Contractor is currently looking for Class A CDL drivers for team runs. SIGNING BONUS ON DAY ONE. Will receive premium mileage pay and great benefits for these positions. HOME 2 DAYS PER WEEK. Apply today. Must have 1 yr. of experience, and be able to get doubles endorsement. Call/ text for more info. 870-754-5100.**

CDL DELIVERY DRIVER - El Paso, Ar - Qual. incl. a HS Diploma or equiv. Class A or B CDL w/Hazmat, tanker, air brake endorsements, clean driving record. Strong team player w/excellent CSR, propane gas delivery exp.  Pref., flex.  schedule w/afterhours call-outs, heavy lifting requ. Suburban offers a competitive salary w/incentive potential and comprehensive benefits inc. 401K and tuition reimbursement. For add’l info or to apply: www.suburbanpropane.jobs. Click Career Opportunities, Sort by “location” and scroll to Arkansas job opening ID 12695.  DOT physicals, background checks and pre-employment drug tests are performed.  EOE/AA/M/F/D/V.**

TRUCK DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED! Learn to drive for Maverick Transportation! EARN $800 PER WEEK! No Experience Needed! Local CDL Training! Call for details! 1-888-407-7168.**

25 TRUCK DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED! Become a Driver for Stevens Transport! No Experience Needed! New Drivers Earn $800+ PER WEEK! PAID CDL TRAINING! Stevens covers ALL costs! 1-888-528-8863. Drive4stevens.com.**

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.

AUCTIONS

FARM & CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AUCTION - Fri, Dec. 18th • 9AM 2408 Hwy 64 West Wynne, AR 72396 -Equipment to sell at this auction? Equip. Accepted through Wed. Dec 16. 10% BP on first $2500 ea. item sold, $250 max BP per item. Live Online bidding @proxibid.com Details:  www.witcherauctions.com. 870-238-1400 AALB#’s 2100, 2101.**

AUTOS/ACCESSORIES

2013 Ford Focus SE Hatchback, 47K miles, red w/black interior, 6 speed manual/automatic, pwr. windows/locks, cruise, SYNC, Priced to Sell $11,400. (501) 351-4583.

RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

2005 Honda TRX400FGA5 FourTrax Rancher (automatic) ATV, works great, low miles, $2,500. (501) 773-5946.

ITEMS FOR SALE

PANTHER CREEK CARPORTS - FACTORY DIRECT - 10'x20'x7', $598. Delivered and Installed! Rated for 90 mph winds & 20 lb. snow loads. Offer Extended to 11-30. Call 501-835-7222, O.D. Funk Manufacturing, Sherwood, AR. Since 1976.**

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

JACKSONVILLE: APPROX. 1,000 sq. ft. commercial property, downtown, eye view of post office, $650 month. Call (501) 743-0766.

HOUSES FOR RENT

HOUSE OUT in country, down private drive at 8810 Hutchins Dr., Jacksonville. Small 3 bedroom, 1 bath, CH&A, ceiling fans. No dogs. $500 month, $300 deposit. (501) 837-0264.

JACKSONVILLE: 2 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath townhouses, $350 deposit, $595 month. Move-in specials available. Call (501) 743-0766.

HOUSE FOR rent, center of Cabot. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, over 1400 sq. ft. Recently updated. Big yard, privacy fence, close to schools. Pets allowed. $875 mo. Available now. For details (501) 743-9107.

APARTMENTS FOR rent: 1 bedroom on Lake Conway at Mayflower, all utilities paid, $200 week. (501) 730-3835.

MOBILE HOMES

Doublewide for Sale Reduced! $20,000 Call 501-653-3202.**

BRIEFS >> 120415

Dads 101

A Dads 101 class, taught by dads for dads, will be from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday at Family Advocacy. Call 501- 987-7377 to register.

College registration underway

Registration is underway for classes at the University Center. Stop by Bldg. 1490. Call 501-987-3417 for more information.

Skills center holiday open house

The skills development center will host a holiday open house from noon - 4 p.m. Wednesday. The event offers free refreshments, hourly drawings for prizes and holiday crafts.

Tickets and tours

Information, tickets and tours are now available at the Walters Center and is open 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Mondays - Fridays and 9 a.m. - noon Saturdays. Call 501-987-5105 for more information.

Parents Night Out

The Youth Center sponsors Parents Night Out Dec. 11 from 7 - 11 p.m. Registration ends Wednesday. Cost is $20 for Youth Center members and $40 for non-members. Call 987-6355 for more details.

Holiday party at Deer Run

Deer Run Golf Course will hold a holiday party from 4 - 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10. The event offers games, finger foods and other activities. Call 501-987-6825 for more information.

COMMENTARY >> Local Air Force legend lost

By Senior Airman Harry Brexel

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Before there was a U.S. Air Force, modern civil rights movement or an African-American president, there were the trailblazing Tuskegee Airmen.
Milton Pitts Crenchaw was one of those historic Airmen. Crenchaw served his country while simultaneously breaking down barriers by training hundreds of African-American pilots and cadets throughout his life. 

Born in 1919 as the grandson of a slave in Little Rock, Crenchaw overcame extreme adversity to become a renowned American aviator. 

The well-known Arkansan recently passed away Nov. 17 at the age of 96. During his lifetime, he visited Little Rock Air Force Base several times and spoke with Airmen, sharing his exceptional story. 

I never had the chance to meet Crenchaw or hear him speak, but his journey inspires me regardless. 

Not only was Crenchaw the first Arkansan who was successfully trained by the federal government as a civilian licensed pilot, he served his country during World War II as a flight instructor who trained hundreds of cadet pilots.

His accomplishments are even more remarkable when you take into account that less than 75 years ago, the military was segregated. African Americans were not allowed to perform jobs that whites felt they weren’t good enough for, such as a pilot. 

For that reason, an African-American pilot was a rarity during the 1940s. But Crenchaw went on to become much more than a black pilot. He became a pilot training officer at Alabama’s Tuskegee Institute. More than 900 African Americans completed training and qualified as pilots at Tuskegee Institute. A vast number of them fought overseas during World War II. The tenacious men were dubbed the Tuskegee Airmen. 

Crenchaw’s work also contributed to the creation of the first successful flight program at Philander Smith College in Little Rock from 1947 to 1953. 

His groundbreaking federal service record lasted more than 40 years from 1941 to 1983 with the U.S. Army Air Corps which transitioned to the U.S. Air Force. Toward the end of his career, Crenchaw worked as an equal opportunity officer in the Department of Defense and as a race relations officer at Fort Stewart, Georgia. 

For his achievements, Crenchaw and fellow Tuskegee Airmen trailblazers were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress. Crenchaw was also inducted into the Arkansas Aviation Hall of Fame and the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame.

Crenchaw made routine visits to the 314th Airlift Wing, the Air Force’s home of C-130 training, at Little Rock AFB. His visits inspired today’s generation Airmen. He spoke locally and nationally. Crenchaw’s memoir of how a boy from Arkansas learned to fly is a touching call to action. 

There is a lot to be learned from Crenchaw. His life exemplifies the importance of being resilient, attaining your goals and service before self, among many other lessons. Though Crenchaw’s narrative is unlike most, it’s important to remember that his story is one of many.

It reminds me of all the veterans who have served our country — of the extraordinary stories that have yet to be told. Though I will never hear Crenchaw tell his story, his passing compels me to learn from other veterans like him that selflessly served our country and changed history.  

TOP STORY >> Being Navajo: More than a name

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Letyraial Cunningham, a 19th Civil Engineer Squadron engineering apprentice, poses for a photo Nov. 18 at Little Rock Air Force Base. Cunningham, a Navajo Native American grew up in Cortez, Colo. She continues to practice her traditions while she is stationed at Little Rock AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Mercedes Muro)

By Airman 1st Class Mercedes Muro

19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

There are a lot of things to take pride in. Some individuals take pride in something they create or something they participate in. 

Senior Airman Letyraial Cunningham, a 19th Civil Engineer Squadron engineering apprentice, takes pride in who she is every day:  a 100 percent Navajo Native American. 

“I grew up with a very traditional family,” Cunningham said. “They taught me a lot of things about my culture while I was growing up. Like the meanings behind our beliefs and to always stay connected to who we are. They wanted to make sure I knew my heritage.” 

Even Cunningham’s grandmother had some influence on how Cunningham connected to her roots. She used to live on a reservation with her grandparents when she was younger. 

“I lived on a reservation from when I was about two years old until I was in the third grade,” Cunningham said. “My grandparents owned land in Aneth, Utah, which is located within the reservation. In the reservation, they taught me the basics like numbers and the alphabet in Navajo.” 

Cunningham eventually moved off the reservation to Cortez, Colo., to live with her parents and attended public school. She continued to practice her heritage through avenues her school offered. 

“In junior high and in high school, I was pretty involved,” said Cunningham. “We had a Native American Club and I was involved with the American Indian Science and Engineering Society. I also attended Navajo class where I learned more about Navajo culture.” 

Although Cunningham attended a public school, her parents continued to instill the proud traditions to keep her in touch with her heritage.

“My parents made sure I remembered all of the things they taught me growing up,” she said. “A lot of the younger generations won’t practice their culture and lose their language. I appreciate what they did for me because I believe it’s important for people to know where they come from.” 

Cunningham’s childhood has also led her to get in touch her artistic side. 

“My dad is a talented artist and I grew up watching him create his own arts and crafts. I ended up taking an interest and started my own thing,” Cunningham said. “I love doing all kinds of arts and crafts. I draw, sketch, paint and sculpt creations that are a part of my culture.”

Cunningham continues to connect with her culture through art and other aspects. However, being stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base has made it difficult for her to keep in touch with her culture.

Luckily, programs like Diversity Day and Native American Heritage Month have made it easier for Cunningham to associate with other Native Americans. 

“I was looking to connect with people like me last year and I was able to connect with a few during Diversity Day,” Cunningham said. “I’m not used to being around a diverse group. It’s hard to find people to connect with since I’m all the way out here and there aren’t very many like me.” 

In addition to connecting to other Native Americans, Cunningham enjoys participating a variety of activities. 

“I grew up as an outdoorsy person,” Cunningham said. “I enjoy going camping, fishing and hiking. I also like to travel to see new places. I’m a very open person. I like doing anything.” 

Being stationed so far away from home has also given Cunningham a new perspective about the world around her. 

“Back home, my nation is so big and there are people like me, all around me. Being out here is an experience and I have learned a lot about how people think and their perspective toward the Native American people.” 

Her encounters have inspired her to bring more insight about not just the Navajo culture but also other Native American tribes. 

“The experiences here have made me want to bring more awareness about Native Americans,” Cunningham said. “We didn’t disappear, we’re still here. I feel like people really need to know that.” 

In the meantime, Cunningham is expecting her first child. She plans on passing down her Navajo traditions and values to her son. 

“I plan on trying my best to pass down my heritage to my son and future children,” the soon-to-be mother said. “I hope that he learns as much as possible about his culture and who is. I hope he takes interest so that the teachings continue to pass down generation to generation.”