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Therapy dog touches the hearts of Airmen at the 163rd Attack Wing

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courtesy photo

Therapy dogs are a common sight in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes and disaster areas but are not normally found at work on military bases.  Jax, a German shepherd who is completing training as a certified therapy dog, is making his rounds through squadron work spaces at the 163rd Attack Wing on March Air Reserve Base. It is not the typical scene you find at work although it is a welcomed change at the Wing.  Jax belongs to David Cunningham, the 163rd Attack Wing Director of Psychological Health (DPH).

“After a veterinarian visit I happened to bring him out to the unit and the response was incredible just in the short time he was here,” said Cunningham, “We talked about it and spoke to the command about his coming to the wing as a therapy dog. He has two observations left to complete his certification.”

Cunningham added “As far as we know, the 163rd is the first unit to have a full time therapy dog.”

Jax has been visiting the unit since October 2015. His visits are limited to two buildings at a time due to the time it takes for interaction.

“One, it allows me to engage with them on a one on one level but it also opens that door for their willingness to approach me,” said Cunningham. “If they have something going on it increases their awareness of who I am. Jax is the middle man and a bridge.”

Once they interact with him they start talking about what is going on with their family playing ball this weekend and other times there may be something more serious going on. It allows me the inside road to let me know there is something we can address and help keep them operational.

Cunningham finds Jax brings out people from their work centers. He often finds people who may not necessarily like dogs but they respect Jax and open up to him.

“My favorite day was when the chaplain and I went over to the 452nd Air Mobility Wing pilots to pick up a donation left there for the chaplains,” Cunningham shared. “We walked in and everyone looked with stoic faces but when they saw Jax they were a bunch of kids making a circle with him on the floor. That’s when I realized how much of a big impact he can have as far as interactions and opening those doors for me to access more people and get them to interact with me more frequently.”

Jax has been requested by commanders to come out to their units. He is making his rounds at the wing’s geographically separated unit (GSU) locations such as the 147th Combat Communications Squadron in San Diego and Southern California Logistics Airport in Victorville.

“I’m very fortunate as some places you may be able to bring therapy dogs on occasion but here Col. Hessheimer and Col. Ward have been totally on board with him,” said Cunningham. “They both understand the response you can get from animals and how people interact with Jax. They understand the impact they can have on people and the social wellbeing.”

There is a difference between therapy dog and service dog. The service dog provides services to an individual depending on their need such as PTSD, seizures, balancing, retrieval of items etc. A therapy dog serves others and is an outreach in taking care of everyone.

Jax is nine years old and was a military service dog. His story is unique as he was found at a shelter by Cunningham by mistake. He was retired and his handler had left him with a family member while deployed and they put him up for adoption.

“I was petting him and rolled him over to find a tattoo on his stomach,” said Cunningham. “I then looked up his handler on the national registry and found his owner to learn the story. Jax had once been in training to be a military working dog although did not pass due to a huge fear of thunder. His previous owner was close to Jax although he knew he had a good home.”

Jax is a hometown hero back in Oklahoma where Cunningham is from. One night while relaxing in his back yard an intruder hopped the wrong fence and Jax cornered him.

“Turns out Jax had cornered a fugitive for the police and still had it in him to be a working dog,” said Cunningham. “His story can be found online by the local news at KFOR, just type in Jax, police dog, Norman and the video will come up.”

Let your “Madness” be purposeful

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This is not a reference to our Wing but to the phenomenon of the college basketball tournament that begins this week and will culminate in the Final Four and championship game in April.  It’s mad, not in the sense of anger but intensity. Sixteen games on Thursday, sixteen more on Friday, a gradually shrinking field each week until only one is victorious.

Whether you’re a fan of basketball or not: the reality is, we as Americans spend a “mad” amount of time engaged in some kind of media whether it’s entertainment, news, or sports. Estimates vary but the latest I’ve seen say the average person watches about 5 hours of TV alone each day. That averages out to about 9 years of one’s lifetime.  For most of us, 9 years will be more than 10 percent of our lives. In that amount of time Michelangelo could have painted two Sistine Chapels, John Milton could have written two Paradise Losts, and Lewis and Clark could have trekked across North America four times. 

The question then becomes, am I making the most of my time and engaging in what’s truly important?  In the book of Psalms in the Old Testament, David asks God to “teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.’ When we understand and reflect on how much time we truly have in this life and see how we use it, we become aware that we need to invest in the time we have wisely. Does my schedule truly reflect those things that are most important to me? How we live is a good indicator of what we believe.  An examination of our outward life provides us with a view of the beliefs we operate from.

Faith, family and friends are often the most important and meaningful relationships and activities in our lives.  How much time are you investing in these? In my faith tradition Easter is approaching, a huge event in the Christian calendar. We normally hit record attendance at church that weekend. But I often wonder where everyone is the other 51 weekends of the year. Where we spend our time says a lot about what we value.

March Madness is not bad. TV is not all bad. It’s often beneficial and provides needed downtime in our busy lives. But it’s an example of how we can spend unproductive time if we are not careful. I’ve read it takes 10,000 hours of practice for someone to become an expert in their craft. That’s over a year of nonstop practice. Imagine becoming an expert in 8 or 9 different things in the amount of time you spent watching TV over your lifetime. Let your “madness” be purposeful.  One more thing: Go Aztecs!

Women’s History Month Spotlight: Major Nicci S. Rucker, 954th RSS

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SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. —  Major Nicci S. Rucker is currently serving as the Air Force Element Officer in Charge, 954th Reserve Support Squadron, United States Transportation Command Joint Transportation Reserve Unit, Intelligence, Joint Intelligence Directorate, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

As the Air Force Element Joint Intelligence Officer-in-Charge, she is responsible for time-dominant intelligence in support of the United States Transportation Command Deployment Distribution Operations Center. She also serves as Joint Senior Watch Officer, focusing senior leaders on strategic level threats and impacts to global deployment and distribution operations.

A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Rucker earned her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Communication Studies in 2000.

She entered active duty February 2001. Graduating from Intelligence Officer training in 2002, she has had a broad range of intelligence assignments ranging from an operational tour in the Republic of Korea, to serving as Distributed Common Ground Station-4 Mission Operations Commander, Deputy Flight Commander, Imagery Operations, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany.

She deployed in support of ongoing operations in Southwest Asia and Europe as a Geospatial Manager and Executive Officer to the Director of Intelligence for Air Forces Central, and as an Air Mobility Command Senior Intelligence Officer.

Rucker’s final assignment on active duty was as the chief of Unit Support at AMC Air Intelligence Squadron, Scott AFB. She led a 17-person branch providing 24/7 global threat warning and ISR support to 104 Active/Air National Guard/Reserve AMC units.

Rucker separated from active duty in 2011 and joined the reserves later that year.

As a civilian from 2011 to 2015 she served as the Threat Working Group Coordinator for AMC, providing force protection and threat mitigation recommendations to 18th Air Force commander.

Her awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and Air Intelligence Squadron Civilian of the Year (Cat III), 2012, 2014.

Air Force continues to pursue total force integration

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WASHINGTON (AFNS) — The Air Force continues to make strides toward total force integration, according to an annual report submitted to Congress March 4.

The report is based on recommendations from the National Commission on the Structure of the Air Force and focuses on how the force structure should be modified to best fill current and future mission requirements, an area Air Force senior leaders have been vocal about, expressing their desires to continue to expand total force integration.

“We are one Air Force,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III. “We’re committed to this idea and it’s foundational to the way we present our capabilities. We’re not going to be operationally successful any other way.”

The service recently completed an intensive analysis of all Air Force primary mission areas. The analysis provided active and air reserve component force-mix options and reliable data to inform future acquisition decisions. As a result, more than a dozen force-mixing recommendations were carried into the fiscal year 2018 strategic planning process.

More than 78 total force integration proposals are being pursued, including 41 recommended by the NCSAF. In fact, the Air Force has launched a series of initiatives designed to break down existing barriers to a total Air Force.

“The Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve provide the nation a vital capability that is functionally integrated and operationally indistinguishable from the active force,” said Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James. “This maximizes our total force and secures (our) top priorities of taking care of people, balancing today’s readiness with tomorrow’s modernization, and making every dollar count.”

An important part of integration is having and employing the same equipment. The fielding of the KC-46 Pegasus and F-35 Lightning II is one example of the service’s commitment to concurrent and proportional fielding of new equipment and technology. A 2016 revision of Air Force Policy Directive 10-3, Air Reserve Component Forces, will capture this practice.

Changing policies is just one step toward incorporating cross-component interoperability into Air Force culture. Processes and systems must support this interoperability as well. To this end, the service has undertaken initiatives aimed at supporting total force Airmen.

For example, by expanding the Career Intermission Program to allow members receiving retention bonuses and those under an initial service obligation to apply and removing the statutory participation limits, more Airmen are eligible for this opportunity which allows Airmen the ability to transfer out of the active component and into the Individual Ready Reserve for up to three years while retaining certain benefits.

Also, total force Airmen transitioning from the active to reserve component will soon be afforded the ability to ship household goods to their reserve duty location versus their home of record.

Other significant interoperability initiatives surround the streamlining of cross-component personnel and pay systems. These changes include the standing up of base-level total force support squadrons at select locations, and the launching of a Total Force Virtual Personnel Center to facilitate electronic processing of common awards and decorations. Together these efforts are aimed at providing more effective and consistent support to Airmen from all components.

“We are proud of our total force accomplishments, which are increasingly leveraging the unique skills and experience of the reserve component, and creating the strategic agility required to meet the challenges emerging to our Air Force,” said Lt. Gen. James F. Jackson, the chief of Air Force Reserve.

Another example of how the Air Force is leveraging the air reserve component is the service’s pursuit of a legislative change to allow air reserve component instructors to train, as a primary duty, active component students. The Air Force has 2,400 instructor pilots, 600 of whom are from the air reserve component. However, current law prohibits active guard and reserve personnel and technicians from training active component students as a primary duty.

While Congress granted temporary and limited relief in the fiscal 2016 National Defense Authorization Act, the Air Force is pursuing an extension of that temporary authority while continuing to pursue multiple solutions to facilitate total force training.

The service’s consistent and measured move towards efficiency and effectiveness can be seen in the Integrated Wing Pilot Program. The program, recommended by the NCSAF, aligns Air Force associations under a single, integrated chain of command. The program will begin in fiscal 2017 with the 916th Air Refueling Wing at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina.

This Integrated Wing Pilot Program will help the Air Force determine if it’s possible to improve upon the existing association construct. If successful, the Air Force could apply the lessons learned from the program to other organizations.

Total force integration is also reflected at the leadership levels. The Air Force plans to fill key leadership positions with cross-component Airmen. Currently, three Air Force Reserve officers are set to command active component units, including two maintenance squadrons and a fighter wing. Those reserve officers will parallel the four active component officers who are currently serving in wing or vice wing command positions in both Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units. Similarly, the Air Force Chiefs’ Group actively considers chief master sergeants from both the active and reserve component for certain senior enlisted billets.

“The relationship between the Air Force and Air National Guard has never been better in my memory and I attribute it to the leadership of Secretary James, Gen. Welsh, Gen. Grass, and the adjutants general. We are a total Air Force and will continue to integrate active duty and Air National Guard where it benefits the nation,” said Maj. Gen. Brian G. Neal, the Air National Guard acting director.

Neal’s remarks echo that of other total force leadership, showing the service’s commitment to cross-component integration as the Air Force continues to explore options on how to better support all Airmen, regardless of component.

Credit Education Month: Be in charge of your credit cards

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Credit cards can offer numerous benefits to consumers, including a convenient way to pay for purchases, the ability to build a credit history, and the potential for rewards. But to make the most of your credit cards, it helps to be an informed consumer. First, remember that any purchase you make with your credit card is a loan that must be repaid. And as with any loan, it’s important to select the right product for you and to use it wisely.

To help you maximize the benefits and avoid the potential pitfalls, here are our latest tips for choosing and using credit cards.

Choosing a Credit Card

Maximize your ability to get a good credit card by ensuring that your credit report is accurate. Correcting inaccuracies may help you improve your credit history and credit score, which card issuers will consider when deciding whether to offer you a card and how they will determine your interest rate and credit limit. You also can find out if an identity thief has opened credit cards or other accounts in your name.

By federal law, you are entitled to one free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three major nationwide consumer reporting agencies (also called “credit bureaus”) — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Each company issues its own report, and because some lenders do not furnish information to all three of them, it’s useful to request your report from each one in order to get a comprehensive view of your credit history. Go to www.AnnualCreditReport.com or call toll-free 1-877-322-8228 to order free credit reports or for more information.

If you find errors, each reporting agency provides ways to ask for an investigation and a correction. In addition, you can request a correction directly from the entity that supplied the incorrect information.

Determine what type of card best meets your needs. First, think about how you will use the card. In particular, do you expect to pay your card balance in full each month or carry a balance from month to month?

If you don’t pay your card balance in full each month, the best card for you will likely be one with a low Annual Percentage Rate (APR). But if you do plan to pay in full each month, you might instead focus on whether there is an annual fee, rewards or other features, such as a waiver of foreign transaction fees (helpful for international trips or purchases).

Shop around and compare product terms and conditions. Although you may receive credit card offers, don’t assume these are the best deals for you. If you decide you need to apply for a card, compare multiple products from several lenders. Various Web sites can help you compare product offerings from different institutions, but be aware that some sites list only companies that pay to advertise there.

What factors should you consider? Federal law requires creditors to disclose important rate and fee information to you before you apply. “This enables you to make apples-to-apples comparisons for the most important factors,” pointed out Elizabeth Khalil, an FDIC Senior Policy Analyst.

Here is additional guidance on how to compare key terms and conditions:

Annual Percentage Rate: The APR represents the annual cost of the credit. In general, there are three types of APRs that might be applicable to your card: those for purchases, for balance transfers from another card, and for cash advances. Also pay attention to introductory rates. Some credit offers, such as balance transfers, come with special low interest rates that will increase after the promotional period.

Fees: These can include annual fees, balance transfer fees and cash advance fees (in addition to any interest you might pay), foreign transaction fees, and penalties for late payments or returned payments. Determine if fees can change over time, as many cards will waive an annual fee for the first year but will charge it in later years.

Rewards: These programs can be complicated, with specific eligibility rules. Know what you need to do to qualify for rewards, which might include meeting spending requirements, and how much you would have to spend to accumulate enough points or miles to get what you want. Also understand what you need to do to maintain your reward points, since they can sometimes expire if an account is closed or considered inactive.

Do your homework before signing up for promotional offers or additional products. Some credit cards come with promotions that are enticing but may cost you more money in the long run. For instance, some credit cards marketed by retail stores offer “no interest” on balances for a certain period of time, such as the first 12 months after purchase. But if you don’t pay off the entire purchase balance by the end of the timeframe that was disclosed, you may be charged all of the interest that accrued since the date of purchase.

Additionally, credit card companies might offer other credit-related products, such as credit protection and identity theft protection.

Using a Credit Card

Carefully review your card statements for billing errors and other problems, and report them quickly.

If you notice a billing error, such as an unauthorized charge on your statement, contact the card issuer as soon as possible. Checking your account periodically also can help you monitor your spending.

Review all communications from your lender. Keep a copy of your cardholder agreement and look at all other mailings from your lender because they may include notices about adjustments to the important terms of your card.

Pay on time to limit late fees and protect your credit history. If you miss a payment, you’ll likely be charged a late fee. Late payments are also reported to the major consumer reporting agencies, which can harm your credit history.

Pay as much as you can to avoid or minimize fees and interest charges. While it may sound like a bargain to pay the minimum amount due, the long-term costs can be staggering. You will generally be charged interest on the unpaid portion of your balance at the beginning of a new billing cycle and your credit card issuer may start charging you interest from the time of purchase. If you can’t pay the full amount, paying even slightly more than the minimum amount due can reduce your interest costs.

If you add an “authorized user” to the account, set rules and monitor transactions. Adding an authorized user can be a way to jointly manage your finances or to help someone else establish a credit history. But remember that you will be liable for any charges the authorized user makes with the card, so it’s best to have a mutual understanding about your expectations as the account owner. Also consider asking your card issuer to place a spending limit on the card assigned to the authorized user. And, of course, be sure to regularly monitor the account and take appropriate action, if necessary.

Protect your card from fraud. Never provide your credit card numbers — including the account number and expiration date on the front and the security code on the front and/or back — in response to an unsolicited phone call, e-mail or other communication. When using your credit card online, make sure you’re dealing with a legitimate company.

Also, take precautions at the checkout counter and gas pump, watching for card reading devices that look suspicious, such as a plastic sleeve inside a card slot or other possible signs of tampering.

If you have lost your card or are the victim of identity theft, contact your credit card company as soon as possible.

To try to resolve a complaint, first contact your card issuer. Before calling, think through and summarize what the problem is and what you’d like done about it. This will help you remember the key points of the issue. In case the financial institution doesn’t agree to your solution, think about other alternatives you might propose or accept.

The FDIC and other banking regulators can’t settle contract disputes between a bank and a consumer, but they often can assist consumers in other ways, such as helping people understand confusing information, contacting the issuer and initiating a formal review process, or taking supervisory actions if the institution is in violation of a law or regulation. To find the regulator for an FDIC-insured institution, you can use our online directory at http://research.fdic.gov/bankfind or call the FDIC toll-free at 1-877-ASK-FDIC (1-877-275-3342).

For more tips and information, start at the FDIC Web page “How to Choose and Use a Credit Card” at www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/ccc/choose.html.

News Briefs 03/11/2016

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COMMUNITY 5K/10K RUN TO PREVENT VETERAN HOMELESSNESS

Vets 4 Veterans is holding the 1st Operation Restart 5K/10K Run/Walk and Mini Patriot Mile to support veterans and prevent homelessness in the veteran community. Vets 4 Veterans, a local 501(c)3 organization, is in its 7th year of supporting veterans through scholarships, immediate needs assistance and the planning of a temporary housing solution for at-risk veterans and their families. The homeless veteran population in Los Angeles County has risen by 6% over last year.  The warriors who defend our country deserve access to all programs that may assist them to live better. Veterans, Veteran Supporters, Families, Children, Social Welfare Groups, Sports Trainers, Runners, Joggers, Military, 1st Responders and anyone else who wants to participate is invited. Operation Restart 5K/10K Run Walk and Mini Patriot Mile will be held on Saturday, April 2, 2016 from 7 to 11 a.m. at the Antelope Valley Mall, 1233 Rancho Vista Blvd, Palmdale, California 93551. Registration and the starting line is in the Sears parking area. Online registration is atwww.avvets4veterans.org. For info, contact Michael Campbell at 714-919-6709 or michael.campbell@avvets4veterans.org.

DON’T FORGET TO SET YOUR CLOCKS AHEAD ONE HOUR SUNDAY

Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 13. The official start is 2 a.m., don’t forget to adjust all the analog clocks in your home ahead one hour before you go to bed on Saturday. Most digital devices adjust automatically. The seasonal change of the clock is also a good time to change the batteries in smoke alarms carbon monoxide detectors.

APRIL MONTH OF MILITARY CHILD EVENT

Announcing the 3rd Annual April, Month of the Military Child event in Los Angeles on Sunday, April 17 from 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. This event held at the Los Angeles Public Library – Downtown, is a collaborative effort by members of the Los Angeles Veterans Collaborative – Families & Children Working Group. There will be activities and goodies for children up to age 12 years, but all are welcome to attend. Share this invitation with your military-connected families. Last year they hosted children from throughout the Southern California area. Complete the online registration to assist with planning for this event. Children registered by March 4 will receive a certificate from the Office of Mayor Eric Garcetti. Registration closes on April 10th. For more information or to register, contact Deborah J. Hayes, dejhayesconsulting@gmail.com. You may also donate items in support of this event, (children’s books, gift cards, small toys, etc

RETIREE ACTIVITIES OFFICE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

The March Retiree Activities Office is in need of volunteers who can donate just three hours of their time weekly to help fellow retirees and their families. To volunteer or for more information, call 951-655-4077/4079.

DOD-WIDE CHANGES TO MATERNITY LEAVE

The Defense Secretary has approved a change to Air Force policy authorizing an additional six (6) weeks of Maternity Leave for Air Force Active Duty Airmen as well as Reserve and Guard Airmen on active duty orders (pursuant to AFI 36-2619, Military Personnel Appropriation (MPA) Man-Day Program and AFI 36-2254, Volume 1, Reserve Personnel Participation) who give birth, effective Feb. 5, 2016. This leave is non-chargeable and the 12-week period must be taken continuously.  For those who are already on maternity leave effective Feb. 5, 2016, they will be granted a 6-week extension. Additionally, Airmen who extended their current 42-day maternity leave and are currently on ordinary leave may convert the chargeable ordinary leave to the new non-chargeable Maternity Leave. In the case of dual-military couples, Maternity Leave may not be transferred to create any kind of shared benefit, and in all cases, unused Maternity Leave will be forfeited if not used. Commanders will grant Maternity Leave in all cases where Airmen are eligible. Furthermore, no Airmen shall be disadvantaged in her career, including limitations to assignments, evaluations, or selection for PME because she has taken Maternity Leave.

ATTENTION ALL 3As (3A1X1s)

Senior Master Sgt. Cynthia Villa has been selected by wing leadership to serve as the 3A Functional Manager. She is very excited for this opportunity and is ready to go to work! In an effort to get to meet every 3A personally, Villa will hold a 3A All Call on Sunday, March 6 and March 20 at 1 p.m. in the Cultural Resource Center. This will give each of you the opportunity to meet her and have a two-way discussion regarding the wing’s current 3A situation, to include personnel moves, loss of positions, other pertinent information, or anything else you may want to discuss as a 3A. Maximum participation of all 3As is highly encouraged. It’s a team effort.

JOINT OFFICER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR

The Defense Education Forum (DEF) in conjunction with the Reserve Officers Association Department of the Golden West with host a Joint Officer Professional Development Seminar (JOPDS) April 22-24, 2016 at the Holiday Inn Bayside, San Diego. The Department Convention is being held concurrently.

The JOPDS is one of the premier professional development opportunities available to our younger officers and is one of the only professional development seminars to emphasize joint service participation. To date, more than a thousand young officers from all services have benefited from these ROA DEF events.

The ROA Chapter #57, at March ARB, is part of The San Diego Chapter which is made up of Reserve Officers of the United States Armed Services. Their geographical area encompasses the greater San Diego area from the Mexican border north to the Orange County and Riverside County areas, and from the Pacific Ocean east to include Imperial County. Membership is open to any federally commissioned officer, warrant officer, of the National Guard, Reserve, Active Component, Former officers or Retired officers and their spouses and recently includes non-commissioned officers. The March ROA chapter Junior Officer Liaison is Capt. Lombardo at 951-655-5722.

Find The ROA Department of the Golden West, which covers California and Nevada, at roa.org/ca.

ENLISTED DEVELOPMENTAL EDUCATION BOARD

Air Reserve Personnel Center officials will release the Invitation to Apply and open the application cycle for the annual Enlisted Developmental Education Board Friday, Feb. 5. The EDEB will convene May 16 at HQ ARPC. All applications are due to ARPC no later than April 15, 4:30 p.m. MT. Call the Total Force Service Center at DSN 665-0102 or 210-565-0102 for questions or further information.

MARCH FIELD AIRFEST ON WEB/SOCIAL MEDIA

The March Field AirFest Website is now live at http://marchfieldairfest.marchfss.com. Also, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for AirFest updates. Find us on Facebook at March Field AirFest; on Instagram @MarchFieldAirFest; on Twitter @MarchAirFest. Join the conversations!!

DESERVING AIRMAN COMMISSIONING BOARD TO CONVENE

Great News! If you are interested in becoming an Air Force Reserve officer at Team March, the next Deserving Airman Commissioning Board will convene on May 21-22, 2016. If you are interested, and meet the qualifications located on the wing INFO drive – X:\MarchBaseInfo, in the DACB pamphlet, please have your completed commissioning packages submitted to the 452 FSS/FSMPD (Career Development) office not later than close of business, Monday, May 2, 2016. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call career development at 951-655-3113.

COMMAND POST NEEDS AIRMEN

The 452nd Air Mobility Wing Command Post is in need of new Airmen. They have several full-time Air Reserve Technician positions and several Traditional Reserve positions available.

Command Post brief job description: The base command post is the central control point for base mission operations and often is in direct communication with the wing commander. Command Post personnel are key facilitators in ensuring optimal Command and Control (C2) operations and communications. Specific tasks depend on the mission and aircraft assigned to that base, which could range from cargo transport to space systems and nuclear operations. If interested please contact Senior Master Sgt. Frank Gomez at frank.gomez.2@us.af.mil.

EDUCATION & TRAINING OFFICE TO PROVIDE MASS BRIEFINGS

Beginning in December, during the Unit Training Assemblies, the March Education and Training office will conduct ongoing, mass briefings for any Tuition Assistance, GI Bill and Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) inquiries. Their schedule is as follows:

CCAF  briefing:

UTA Sundays from 10 to 10:30 a.m. in Bldg. 441, Rm. 12

Tuition Assistance briefing:

UTA Sundays from 1 to 1:45 p.m. in Bldg. 441, Rm. 12

GI Bill briefing:

UTA Sundays from 2 to 22:45 p.m. in Bldg. 441, Rm. 12

In-processing (technical school):

Monday – Friday from 2 – 3 p.m. in Bldg. 441, main office

For more information, contact Master Sgt. Brown at 951-655-4442.

SARC HOSTS FREE MIND BODY RESILIENCY CLASSES

Are you interested in learning more about the Mind and Body connection and how this can promote better overall health? Then come join the interactive and informational series of one-hour classes based on the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine’s Resilient Warrior. Classes are scheduled on the A and B Unit Training Assemblies through September 2016. Topics for the six-part series include

– Stress Reactions and Relaxation Response

– Getting Good Sleep

– Mindfulness and a Positive State of Mind

– Yin and Yang of Resiliency

– Yoga & Journaling

– Social Connections & Communication

Time and Location:

UTA Sundays, 11 a.m. – noon

Bldg. 470, room 205   

Contact frank.pavone@us.af.mil or 655-4551 for more information. No reservation required.

REGISTER FOR YELLOW RIBBON EVENTS

Upcoming dates for Yellow Ribbon events are Mar 18-20, Apr. 22-24, May 20-22, Jun 17-19. For more formation, contact 1st Lt. Shelley Lawrence, your 452nd Air Mobility Wing Yellow Ribbon representative, for details at 951-655-4615.

BACK STREET GRILL HOURS

Hours of operation for the newly renovated Back Street Grill are Monday – Friday for breakfast from 6:30 to 10 a.m., for lunch from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; UTA weekends for breakfast (Sat & Sun) from 5:30 to 9 a.m., for lunch (Sat & Sun) from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., for dinner (Sat only) from 4 to 8 p.m. Additionally, the Back Street Grill proudly serves Starbucks Monday – Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and UTAs (Sat & Sun) from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

GRILL NIGHT AT SALLY’S ALLEY

Every Wednesday night starting at 4 p.m., Sally’s Alley is open for business with Grill Night. For more information, call them at 951-653-2121.

FITNESS CENTER NEWS

The March Fitness Center has received the Wellbeats Virtual Group Fitness Kiosk. This kiosk allows members to participate in virtual fitness classes.

Daily WellBeats Fitness Schedule is:

Mondays: 10:30 a.m. – REV (spin); 12:15 p.m. – Yoga (closed Jan. 18)

Tuesdays: 12:15 p.m. –  Fit for Duty; 4:00 p.m. – REV

Wednesdays: 6 a.m. – Yoga/Pilates; 11 a.m. – V.I.B.E./Toning; 12:15 p.m. – REV

Thursdays: 11 a.m. – REV; 12:45 p.m. – Fit for Duty

Fridays: 11 a.m. – Core (Jan. 15/29); 11:15 a.m. Pilates (Jan 8/22)

Wellbeats offers many more classes available at the members’ request. 

FIP (Fitness Improvement classes) available through our Wellbeats Kiosk.

Additional opportunities for fitness:

Tuesday, 11 a.m. and Thursday, 12:15 p.m. – Battle ropes training

Monday, 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. – TRX

A & B UTA Saturdays, 7 a.m. – Wellbeats Fit for Duty

A & B UTA Sundays, 7 a.m. – Wellbeats REV

A UTA Saturdays, 5 p.m. – Virtual Strength “Fit for Duty”

B UTA, 5 – 7 p.m. – Pick-up basketball

Coming in 2016: Inter-Services Golf Tournament, Team Cohesion Challenge, Armed Forces 5K Run.

Call the Fitness & Sports center at 951-655-2292 to sign up or for more information on these programs.

Class descriptions:

Circuit Training – a high intensity interval training class that integrated cardio and muscular endurance exercises

Core – various classes from our WellBeats system that focus entirely on working out your core

Fit for Duty – a high-energy, extreme, conditioning workout led by service members with expertise in fitness training

Functional Fitness – A type of high-intensity interval training combining cardio and weight training into one short but intense class with mobility drills, mountain climbers, lunges, push-up, kettlebells, goblet squats duck walk, run.

Fusion – an integration of yoga and Pilates exercises with attention to breath, form, flow and body balance.

Kinetics – a total body, multi-activity class that includes sports-style cardio intervals with resistance training circuits and muscle isolation work

REV – an indoor cycling class that combines sprints, climbs, intervals, drills, terrain, and technique training

Stomp – a total body, cardio-driven step class as it was originally meant to be taught

TKO – a blend of martial arts disciplines that includes a combination of punches, kicks, and strikes

TRX – introductory class that teaches basic exercises to strengthen core and transition into more advanced techniques on the TRX suspension system

V.I.B.E. – multi-dimensional dance exercises ranging from Latin to urban, hip-hop and more

Zumba/Zumbathon – well-known dancing class featuring exotic rhythms set to high-energy Latin and international beats (Zumbathon is a two-hour Zumba class in which participants can win prizes.)

             OUTDOOR REC UPCOMING 2016 TRIPS

The outdoor recreation division has scheduled trips for target audiences of Single Airmen (SAP), Pre/Post-Deployers (RecOn) and Deployed-affected family members (DP). There is special pricing for these members (SAP/RECON/DP column). All others (military/DOD ID card holders and their guests) are invited on a space-available basis at the higher, per-person price listed in the EOE column. Reservations are on a first-come, first-served basis, and can be made by contacting ODR at 951-655-2816.
DATE – TRIP SAP/RECON/DP EOE
Mar. 12 – Snow Tubing RecOn/DE – $8 $35
Mar. 26 – Skiing/Boarding SAP – $20 $64
Apr. 9 – Hollywood Hills Horseback Riding SAP – $15 $75
Apr. 21-23 – Black Canyon Canoe Trip SAP – $35 $112
May 13-15 – Whitewater Rafting DE – $30 $130
May 28 – Deep Sea Fishing SAP- $25 $102
Jun. 10-12 – Spelunking SAP – $40 $110
Jun. 18 – Skydiving SAP – $40 $199
Jul. 16 – Couples Ballooning RecOn/DE – $30 $148
Jul. 30 – La Jolla Kayaking RecOn/DE – $15 $70
Aug. 13 – Catalina Adventure RecOn/DE – $40 $150
Aug. 27 – Bridge to Nowhere Bungee Jumping SAP – $20 $85
Sep. 3 – Skydiving RecOn/DE – $40 $199
SEP. 3 – Zipline/segway tour SAP – $40 $200
Sep. 17 – Deep Sea Fishing RecOn/DE – $25 $102
Sep. 24 – Tandem Hang Gliding RecOn/DE – $50 $199

OUTDOOR REC EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Outdoor Recreation has a variety of equipment for rent such as camping gear, water sports equipment, bicycles, and trailers to carry it all! Special orders for Callaway, Odyssey, Cleveland, Never Compromise, Nike, Bag Boy, Sun Mountain and Staff golf equipment are also available.  Download the full equipment rental price list at MarchFSS.com, call 951-655-2816 or come on by for more information.

MARCH TICKETS & TOURS

Amusement Park Specials

Castle Park: $16 per person includes unlimited rides, water park access, miniature golf and the new Sky Rider.

Disney 3-Day Park Hopper military special: $140 per person (adult/child)

Discount Movie Tickets

Available for only $10 each and valid for Regal Cinemas, United Artists Theatres and Edwards Cinemas.

Hotel Discounts

Receive 10% off any Best Western and 15% off any Choice Hotel

Visit the Tickets & Tours page at MarchFSS.com and download the Discount Ticket Price List for a full list of discounts tickets prices, hotel discounts and special promotions. Call Tickets & Tours at 951-655-4123 for more information.

DEERS OFFICE MOVING

The March DEERS office (ID Card office) is moving back to Bldg. 2314, now that the renovation is complete. There will be NO DEERS access or ID cards processed during the scheduled move from March 7-11. The DEERS ID office is projected to re-open March 14.

NCO/SNCO Induction Ceremony

The March Top Three is sponsoring a NCO/SNCO Induction Ceremony on Sunday May 1, 2016 at 1000 in the Cultural Resource Center (CRC).  (see attachments). First Sergeants are asked to provide the names of those eligible members promoted to SSgt or MSgt between 2014 and March 1, 2016, who wish to participate in the ceremony, to MSgt Javier Retamoza at javretamoza@yahoo.com and SMSgt Hellow at tammie.hellow.1@us.af.mil. Once the list of participants is received, additional emails will be provided to those members. Members who participate will receive a coin as well as a certificate presented by Brigadier General Muncy and Command Chief White. The deadline to receive names of participating members will be Sunday April 3, 2016 (combined UTA). In addition, non-participants who wish to volunteer in the ceremony as ushers, proffers or Master of Ceremonies, or who wish to assist by reciting the NCO or SNCO Charge, please contact MSgt Javier Retamoza at javretamoza@yahoo.com.

Civilian bosses attend appreciation flight

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U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Russell S. McMillan

Team March hosted approximately 40 civilian employers during the 452nd Air Mobility Wing Employer Appreciation Day here Saturday.

The event provides an opportunity to thank civilian employers for supporting their citizen airmen, reservists and guardsmen, while also educating employers on the significant role March Air Reserve Base provides in support of national defense. Additionally, employers receive the opportunity to participate in an inflight refueling demonstration aboard an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft.

The day’s activities began at building 2240, where Brig. Gen. Russell A. Muncy, commander, 452nd Air Mobility Wing, March ARB, warmly welcomed the visitors and explained March ARB’s rich heritage and various wing and tenant mission sets.

Muncy also explained the symbiotic relationship each reservist and guardsman faced: balancing the triad of family, military career, and civilian employment obligations. Civilian employers were critical in ensuring that balance, he emphasized.

“We have to remember that each reservist [and guardsman] has the same standards and requirements as an active duty service member but they do it in one weekend a month and two weeks throughout the year,” said Patrick Kuykendall, program support technician, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. “You allowing them to go to their annual training to stay current…thank you so much on behalf of the Department of Defense.”

The event’s inflight refueling demonstration occurred near the Colorado River, where civilian employers aboard the KC-135 Stratotanker had the opportunity to observe Chief Master Sgt. Deborah McGuane, chief boom operator, 336th Air Refueling Squadron, March ARB demonstrate the proper execution of the refueling.

“This is my first time on the flight,” said Senior Airman Carlos Yamamoto, aerospace propulsion technician, 752nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, March ARB. He explained that the aircraft he was flying on was an aircraft he conducts maintenance on a regular basis.

Hugh Smith, engineering division manager and a 26-year employee of the Riverside County Transportation Department, also explained this was his first time participating in the program. “There was a lot of waiting,” he quipped when referring to the multiple transportation and security stops throughout the day’s itinerary.

“We have these two aircraft and more at the I-215 Van Buren Boulevard Interchange,” said Smith as he referred to the recently completed interchange construction project that displayed aluminum silhouettes of C-17 Globemaster III and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft and the ground forms of the AF Thunderbirds.

After the refueling demonstration, civilian employers were released to visit their reservist and guardsmen’s work offices for a closer look at the work conducted during unit training assemblies.

Women’s History Month spotlight: Maj. Christina Hopper, fighter pilot

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(U.S. Air Force photo / David Poe)

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFNS) — March is National Women’s History Month and this year’s theme is “Working to Form a More Perfect Union: Honoring Women in Public Service and Government.”

Women’s History Month started as a national celebration in 1981, when Congress authorized the president to proclaim the week beginning March 7, 1982, as Women’s History Week.

In 1987, Congress designated the month of March 1987 as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as Women’s History

Throughout the month, Air Force Reserve Command will feature Air Force Reserve women whose contributions to the military and community pay homage to this year’s theme.

Today’s Air Force Reserve honoree is Maj. Christina “Thumper” Hopper, a T-38 instructor pilot with the 5th Flying Training Squadron in Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

Career highlights: Hopper graduated with honors and received her commission as the distinguished graduate of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Program at the University of Texas, Austin in May 1998.

In 1999, Hopper entered active duty and was selected to design and implement a new pilot screening program, ensuring the Air Force a qualified pool of candidates ready for flight training. She graduated Undergraduate Pilot Training in April 2000 and was selected to fly the F-16, becoming one of only two African-American females and 50 total female fighter pilots in the Air Force at that time.

Upon completion of F-16 training, Hopper was assigned to the 524th Fighter Squadron, Cannon AFB, New Mexico. Following the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, Hopper flew numerous combat air patrol missions in support of Operation Noble Eagle protecting the U.S. president and critical infrastructure. In 2002-2003, she deployed to Kuwait supporting Operations Southern Watch and Iraqi Freedom.

During those operations, Hopper flew more than 50 combat missions and became the first African-American female fighter pilot to fight in a major war.

While on a combat mission during one of the worst sandstorms in recorded Iraqi history, Hopper’s aircraft was struck by lightning, disabling her hostile threat warning system. Despite possible danger, her formation continued to the target and completed the mission successfully. The bombs she dropped that night impacted a road intersection where U.S. Army forces were engaged in battle with an Iraqi Republican Guard unit.

U.S. ground forces later told Hopper that when her bombs accurately hit their mark, the Iraqi army retreated from the fight. For her service in Operation Iraqi Freedom, she was awarded the Air Medal (third oak leaf cluster), the Aerial Achievement Medal, and the Combat Action Medal.

For her historic contributions to the military and women in aviation, Good Housekeeping magazine named Hopper as one of the 2004 “Outstanding Woman in Government.” She was additionally recognized by Glamour magazine, Ebony magazine, and the 700 Club.

After her first assignment, Hopper served four years at Luke AFB, Arizona, as an F-16 instructor pilot and separated from the active-duty Air Force in 2008 with almost 1,000 hours in the F-16.

Today, Hopper balances a busy schedule as a full-time mother of three, military spouse, and Air Force Reserve T-38 instructor pilot, where she trains, instructs and mentors the next generation of fighter and bomber pilots. In 2015, she launched “Vance Supergirls,” a mentorship group for female aviators. Through this group, Hopper forged lines of communication between female instructors and students to encourage the success of future female pilots.

Understanding the Hatch Act during election season

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This is a big year for federal, state, and local elections.  Caucuses and primaries have already begun for the presidential election and will continue through the November general election.  As the election process continues, please remember that all military personnel and civilian employees in the executive branch are covered by the Hatch Act.  For AGR, ART, and civilian personnel, the Hatch Act applies at all times.  For TR’s, it applies while in a duty status.

The Hatch act restricts political activities by executive-branch employees, and states they may not engage in a number of activities.

Covered employees may not use their official authority or influence to interfere with or affect the result of an election. This “may not” list includes the following:

• Using official titles or positions while engaged in political activity.

• Inviting subordinates to political events or otherwise suggesting to subordinates that they attend political events or undertake a partisan political activity.

• Soliciting, accepting, or receiving a donation or contribution for a partisan political party, candidate, or group. This includes hosting a political fundraiser and inviting others to a political fundraiser.

• For AGR, ART, and civilian employees, being candidates for public office in partisan political elections.  TR’s may be a candidate for public office, but may not campaign while in duty status.

• Campaigning for or against a candidate for partisan political office or a partisan political group while on duty, in any federal office or building, while wearing a uniform or official insignia, or using any federally owned or leased vehicle. This includes things such as distributing, displaying, or wearing campaign materials or items; making contributions to a partisan political party, candidate or group; posting a comment to a blog or a social media site that advocates for or against a partisan political party, candidate, or group; and using any e-mail account or social media to distribute, send, or forward content that advocates for or against a partisan political party, candidate, or group.

So, with such a long list of “may not’s,” what can executive branch employees do?  The Hatch Act allows employees to do the following so long as there is no use of one’s official position and the activity is not taken while on duty, in a federal office or building, or while in uniform:

•  Running for public office in nonpartisan elections.

• Registering and voting as they choose.

• Assisting in voter registration drives.

• Contributing money to political campaigns, parties, or groups.

• Attending political fundraising functions, rallies, and meetings.

•  Having an active membership in political clubs or parties.

•  Holding office in political clubs or parties.

•  Signing and circulating nominating petitions.

•  Campaigning for or against referendum questions, constitutional amendments, or municipal ordinances.

•  Distributing campaign literature in partisan elections.

•  Volunteering to work on a partisan political campaign.

•  Expressing opinions about candidates and issues, subject to UCMJ Article 88 which prevents commissioned officers from using contemptuous words against the President, Vice President, SECDEF, SECAF (and the other service secretaries), the Secretary of Homeland Security, Congress, or the Governor of the state in which the officer is stationed.

If you have any question about the Hatch Act’s “may’s” and “may not’s,” contact Lt. Col. Alan Goodwin at james.goodwin.1@us.af.mil.

VA partners with PGA to support PGA HOPE Program for Veterans with disabilities

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WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is partnering with PGA REACH, the philanthropic arm of PGA of America, to bring a specialized golf program to disabled Veterans. The program, PGA HOPE – Helping Our Patriots Everywhere, is a therapeutic program to aid in the rehabilitation process for disabled Veterans.

The purpose of PGA HOPE is to help Veterans assimilate back into their communities through the social interaction the game of golf provides. Led by PGA professionals – certified in golf instruction for Veterans with disabilities Veterans will learn the rules of the game, and for those already familiar with it, the professionals will help them refine their skills.

“We are grateful to PGA REACH for their commitment to our nation’s disabled Veterans,” said VA Secretary Robert McDonald. “When you think of rehabilitation, golf is not always the first thing you think of, but it can play an integral role in the healing process through social interaction, mental stimulation and exercise. This is a great complement to the care our Veterans may receive at VA. I am confident that our Veterans will use this introduction as a platform to reenergize their competitive spirit, as well as to reengage back into their communities.”

PGA HOPE is a two-step program, beginning with an introductory “Down Range Clinic.” There are currently 50 programs across 20 PGA sections, enhancing the lives of more than 2,000 Veterans nationwide.

“As many Veterans struggle with the transition back into civilian life, the game of golf delivers camaraderie and a new level of enjoyment that provides them with hope,” said PGA President Derek Sprague. “We are thrilled to collaborate with VA to offer PGA HOPE programming nationwide, as the PGA of America is committed to making a more meaningful impact on the lives of America’s Veterans.”

For more information about VA’s adaptive sports program, visit www.va.gov/adaptivesports/index.asp. For information about PGA REACH or the PGA HOPE program, visit http://www.pgareach.com/.

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