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Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American memories

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Black History Month, or National African American History Month, is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role they have played in U.S. history.

The story of Black History Month begins in 1915, half a century after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States. Few could have imagined African Americans’ future contributions to music, art, and literature that would be recognized by the global community.

Credit for the evolving awareness of the true place of African Americans in history can, in large part, be attributed to one man: Carter G. Woodson.

In 1915, Woodson established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. He wanted to change the world’s perception of African Americans and recognize their contribution to American society and culture.

This, the second of a three-part presentation, provides facts that briefly cover the last ten decades and some of the African Americans who advanced civil rights or made major impacts in science, government, sports, or entertainment.

The 1950s

– Ralph J. Bunche wins the Nobel Peace Prize for mediating the 1949 Armistice in the Arab-Israeli conflict in the Middle East.

– Gwendolyn Brooks becomes the first African American to win a Pulitzer Prize, which she receives for her poetry collection Annie Allen.

– In Brown v. Board of Education, the Supreme Court rules unanimously against school segregation, overturning its 1896 decision in Plessy v. Ferguson.

– Chuck Berry records “Maybellene.” A true showman, Berry will go on to write numerous rock and roll classics. He is also responsible for one of rock’s most recognizable stage moves, the duckwalk.

– Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun is the first Broadway play by an African American playwright. The title comes from the poem “Harlem” by Langston Hughes.

– Berry Gordy Jr., with an $800 loan from his family, establishes Motown Records in Detroit, Michigan. Motown’s distinctive music will play an important role in the racial integration of popular music.

– For the first time since Reconstruction, the federal government uses the military to uphold African Americans’ civil rights when soldiers escort nine students to desegregate a school in Little Rock, Arkansas.

– Althea Gibson becomes the first African-American tennis player to earn a major title, winning both women’s singles and doubles championships at Wimbledon.

The 1960s

– Four African-American college students hold a sit-in to integrate a Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, launching a wave of similar protests across the South.

– Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gives his “I Have a Dream” speech to more than 200,000 people in Washington, D.C.

– Four African-American girls are killed in the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. The bombing elevated worldwide sympathy for the civil rights cause.

– Sidney Poitier becomes the first African-American actor to win an Oscar for Best Actor, which he won for his role in Lilies of the Field.

– Thurgood Marshall becomes the first African-American Supreme Court justice. His distinctive tenure of service will last 24 years.

– Shirley Chisholm becomes the first African-American woman to be elected to Congress. She will serve for seven terms.

– Tennis player Arthur Ashe is the first African American to win the U.S. Open. He wins both the amateur and professional open national championships in the same year.

– The passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965 marks a significant step toward equality for African Americans.

– With the full engagement of the U.S. in the Vietnam War, African-American service members continue the tradition of serving with distinction.

The 1970s

– Fifteen African-American members of Congress form the Congressional Black Caucus to present a unified African-American voice.

– Hank Aaron breaks Babe Ruth’s record for career home runs. Aaron continues to hold many of baseball’s most distinguished records today, including runs batted in (2,297), extra base hits (1,477), total bases (6,856), and most years with 30 or more home runs (15).

– The Jefferson’s, one of the first sitcoms about an African-American family, premieres. It will run for ten years, becoming one of television’s longest-running and most watched sitcoms.

– Alex Haley receives a special Pulitzer Prize for his novel Roots, showing the impact of slavery on American society. The miniseries is aired the following year, achieving the highest ratings for a television program.

– Barbara Jordan of Texas becomes the first African-American woman from the South to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. She will serve three terms.

– Addie Wyatt becomes the first African-American woman elected International Vice President of a major labor union. In 1975, she and Barbara Jordan become the first African-American women named Person of the Year by Time magazine.

Air Force Reserve Command crowns public affairs champ

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Courtesy photo/Mrs. Chris Mahaney

MARIETTA, Ga. — The commander of the Air Reserve Personnel Center, Brig. Gen. Samuel “Bo” Mahaney, was presented the Air Force Reserve Command Public Affairs Champion Award by Maj. Gen. Michael Kim, mobilization assistant to the AFRC commander at the AFRC PA Leadership Symposium in Marietta, Georgia., Feb. 9.

The AFRC PA Champion award recognizes commanders who provide exceptional leadership and support to their public affairs office and the career field as a whole. The competition was open to all AFRC. Nominations were submitted by their respective PA Office and judged by leadership at the command level.

During his acceptance speech Mahaney thanked the audience of more than 140 Reserve PA professionals from around the command. “When one gets an award from outside one’s career field, it’s a big deal. I have always said that my two most trusted advisors, as a commander, are my PA and my judge advocate.”

As commander of ARPC, Mahaney is responsible for personnel support to nearly 1 million Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and retired members, ensuring they are ready to deliver strategic Total Force war fighting capability for the Air Force. From initial entry to retirement,  the center provides world-class support for “Generations of Airmen” throughout their military careers.

In addition, Headquarters Individual Reservist Readiness and Integration Organization reports directly to Mahaney. Headquarters RIO is responsible for the readiness, accountability, personnel and administrative servicing of more than 8,500 Individual Reservists worldwide. The center is a major command direct reporting unit of Air Force.

“I believe that units with a great relationship between PA and CC are the strongest in the Air Force…why? Communication! Communication is the key. And without a strong PA, chances are that effective communication will not take place,” Mahaney said.

While the general was eager to point out that PA professionals provide critical guidance during strategic and change management planning, the general shared that he finds working with PA on internal messaging the most enjoyable.

“I’ve worked with ARPC PA to present a vision, complete with strategic goals and objectives, and my tenets of leadership. We have had loads of fun creating both serious and humorous videos, emails, voice messages, strategic documents, snapshots, Commander’s Calls, Porch calls, road shows, etc.,” said Mahaney.

“My favorite part of each week is the time I get to meet with PA. When I see that meeting on my schedule I get excited. My expectations sky rocket! I know that when that meeting is over something will have been created: an idea, a concept, a storyboard, an outreach plan. I love to innovate, create, and envision a future that works. That’s my common ground with PA.”

Mahaney went on to praise individual public affairs people and units reflecting what effect they have had on his work as a commander.

“Public Affairs professionals think in a way that awakens that part of me. You facilitate mission accomplishment at a different level and in a way that brings human experience and perception into the mix.

“I have a great deal of respect for the PA career field. Because of PA I have built wonderful relationships with members of the community. I get to introduce amazing celebrities like former Colorado Rockies pitcher Jason Hirsh and the Big Bang Theory actress Kaley Cuoco to the Air Force Reserve,” he said, smiling. “Because of PA, I have jumped from a perfectly good aircraft with the Canadian Parachute team. Because of PA, I have been on stage with Brad Paisley in concert. Because of PA I have built relationships with organizations like the USO and Sweethearts for Soldiers. And all the while we tell the stories of our amazing Citizen Airmen.”

The general wrapped up his speech commenting on what the award meant to him personally. “I do this as a labor of love, because you all have done so much for me especially those whom I have served as their commander. As I look out on this crowd, I see many that I have served with. I just want to say thanks to those people and to you all. When I was notified I had been selected for this award, I jumped at the opportunity to come before you all. Not to accept the award for myself, but as an opportunity to tell you all what you mean to me and what you mean to the Air Force. May God bless you all as you continue to move our Air Force into the future! Thank you very much.”

452 AMW’s annual award winners – 2015

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Congratulations to these outstanding individuals!

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AF officials announce FY 2017 budget force structure changes

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WASHINGTON (AFNS) — Air Force officials released force structure changes resulting from the president’s fiscal year 2017 budget Feb. 12.

This year’s budget request continues the momentum gained from the recovery provided by the 2015 Bipartisan Budget Act, but still reflects the tough choices the Air Force was forced to make as the demand for Air Force capability continues to increase as the Budget Control Act looms in fiscal 2018.

The fiscal 2017 budget leverages the total force — active duty, Guard and Reserve — to maintain the service’s ability to support ongoing operations while ensuring the service is ready to face future threats. The budget keeps the active-duty force at 317,000 while posturing the force for future growth. Guard and Reserve manning will remain constant, but the Air Force will continue plans to transfer aircraft and flying missions to Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve locations that would otherwise have no mission due to fleet divestments.

“We are using the strengths of our total force team while we continue to balance readiness today and tomorrow,” said Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James. “In this budget, we will transfer some strategic airlift capability from active-duty to Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve locations, maintaining critical surge capability in the Reserve component.”

The budget rephases divestment of the A-10 Thunderbolt II to coincide with fielding of follow-on capabilities and will delay retirement of the first A-10s until fiscal 2018 to align with F-35 Lightning II bed down, keeping the A-10 in the inventory until fiscal 2022.

“Rephasing the retirement of the weapons system until later in the Future Years Defense Program ensures critical capability is retained in the near term to support ongoing operations, as well as any potential changes in the geopolitical environment,” said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III. “This plan will allow us to maintain vital fighter capacity as we transition to the F-35 and deal with a resurgent Russia and a protracted counterterrorism war in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria.”

The Air Force also plans to grow the tanker force over the next several years to the required 479 tanker aircraft before it considers divesting tankers as it receives KC-46A Pegasus aircraft to replace them.

The fiscal 2017 plan also maintains all 14 of the current EC-130H Compass Call fleet through fiscal 2018, while retiring 28 C-130H Hercules aircraft between fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2019 to reduce excess capacity and free up resources to invest in enterprise requirements. Additionally, a small number of F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft will be transferred to formal training units to help increase the rate of pilot production to help fill critical fighter pilot shortages.

“The actions in this budget represent our best plan to balance readiness for the warfighter today and into the future, but we need to ensure our Air Force stands ready for any unseen challenge of tomorrow,” James said. “Our (fiscal 2017) budget continues the recovery and gives us a larger and better equipped force. However, we still had to make tough choices in modernization, infrastructure and people to live within Bipartisan Budget Act limits. We need to continue the recovery, repeal sequestration in FY18, and give America the Air Force it deserves … now and in the future.”

News Briefs 02/12/2016

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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 SOCIAL MEDIA

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for AirFest updates. On Facebook, find us at March Field AirFest: Thunder Over the Empire, on Twitter we are @MarchAirFest, and on Instagram we are @MarchFieldAirFest. Join the conversations!!

452 AMW SCAVENGER HUNT RACE MARCH 5

The 452nd AMW is hosting a scavenger hunt race, Saturday, March 5, 2016. Start time is 3 p.m. at the Education and Training (Bldge 441) parking lot. Registration is filling fast so register soon! Squadrons must have 10-15 Airmen (no more, no less) per team. Choose your fastest Airmen and carry your squadron guidon. Distance is 3.2 miles and participating teams must wear squadron morale shirts (AF PT shirts if no morale shirts available) and Air Force PT shorts. Donations are $10 per person or $100 per team. All proceeds will benefit the First Sergeant’s Airman’s Relief Fund. R.S.V.P. by 4 March 2016 to darryl.willingham@us.af.mil, 951-858-3246, or marinewithwings@gmail.com, 951-858-3246.

INCLUDE THE 1095B/1095C WHEN YOU FILE YOUR TAXES

Here is some need-to-know information about the DFAS-issued 1095-B and 1095-C, documents required when you file your taxes. The 1095-B is for reservists who are not activated. The 1095-C is for federal civil service employees and activated reservists. Air Reserve Technicians would use both because of their split Reserve/civil service duty. According to DFAS, dependents do not show up on the DFAS-issued 1095-B or 1095-C. Your dependent information will show up on the 1095-B, issued by your medical insurance carrier. According to information received by H&R Block from the IRS, 1095-Cs will not be issued until late March 2016, and tax returns can be filed without the 1095-Cs. For further details or to correct information on either the 1095-B or 1095-C, contact the following:  civilians call 703-882-5197; Reservists call 800-642-1386.

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.

SEEKING VOLUNTEER EMERGENCY SERVICES SUPPORT TEAM MEMBERS

The March Field Emergency Management Working Group is looking for volunteers who are interested in being part of the Emergency Services Support Team (ESST). Following a disaster, these volunteers are crucial to successfully recovering our base and assisting members who need help. Your efforts can make a big difference. If you have questions or want to become an integral part of the March ESST, contact Emergency Management at 951-655-3024.

ARE YOU A FOODIE?

The Beacon is looking for individuals who would be interested in writing a “foodie” column (food review) on a once-a-month or less basis, and as a volunteer. The goal is to have the individuals select an item from the new Back Street Grill menu and write a review about it. The menu items would be rotated so each one gets its moment in the spotlight. The more volunteers we have, the better! If you are interested in contributing, please email the Beacon editor at 452amw.paworkflow@us.af.mil or call 951-655-2862.

VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

If you’re interested in volunteering at any of the schools listed below, please contact Megan Crusher at megan.crusher.1@us.af.mil. All Team March members are welcome to volunteer. Basic details are below and additional information will be given closer to the date of the event.

Event: YEMP (Youth Education Motivation Program)

Date: Thursday, February 18

Start time: 8:15 a.m.

End time: 11:00 a.m.

Location: Corona Fundamental Intermediate School (CFIS)

Address: 1230 South Main Street; Corona, CA 92882   

Purpose: Speaking to middle school students. The focus is to provide opportunities for middle school students to get an early start in exploring their career options and to encourage students to complete their education. 

Event: YEMP (Youth Education Motivation Program)

Date: Friday, February 26

Start time: 7:45 a.m.

End time: 11:00 a.m.

Location: Norco Intermediate School

Address: 2711 Temescal Avenue; Norco, CA 92860   

Purpose: Speaking to middle school students. The focus is to provide opportunities for middle school students to get an early start in exploring their career options and to encourage students to complete their education.

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 Feb 19-21; and Mar 18-20. The December, January and February Yellow Ribbon events are now open for registration for eligible members. For more formation, contact 1st Lt. Shelley Lawrence, your 452nd Air Mobility Wing Yellow Ribbon representative, for details at 951-655-4615.

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

Feb 25 – 12 p.m. – Functional Fitness class

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.)

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.

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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
Feb. 13 – Learn to Ski/Board SAP – $20 $80
Feb. 27 – Learn to Ski/Board RecOn/DE – $20 $80
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. 17 – Deep Sea Fishing RecOn/DE – $25 $102
Sep. 24 – Tandem Hang Gliding RecOn/DE – $50 $199

March C-17 delivers HH-60 helicopter for Korean Air Lines depot maintenance

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(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Drzazgowski)

DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. — A 943rd Rescue Group HH-60 returned to Davis-Monthan AFB Jan. 28 after a year at the Korean Air Lines Joint Depot Level Maintenance facility for its 78-month major overhaul.

This is the first time that the Air Force Reserve Command has sent one of its helicopters to Korea instead of using stateside depots.

“We were the first in the lower 48 to use KAL,” said Chief Master Sgt. Jeffery Hauck, 943rd Maintenance Squadron superintendent. “Pacific Air Forces (including the Air National Guard in Alaska) has been using this facility, but typically we’ve gone to Corpus Christie Army Depot in Texas and Elizabeth City, N.C., for this overhaul.”

The overhaul is essentially a complete refurbishment.

“They strip the airplane down to nothing, fix any corrosion, and then put it back together so that it’s as fresh as the day it came off the assembly line,” said Master Sgt. Alvin Benedict, the maintenance team lead for the project.

“Every aircraft the Air Force has goes through some kind of program depot maintenance,” said Benedict, a 17-year veteran of the career field. “There’s maintenance we can do in the field, and there’s maintenance our technicians aren’t certified to do; [depot] is the most intense form of maintenance, supported by engineers. They can fix anything that is an issue on the helicopter.”

The HH-60 from Davis-Monthan AFB went to Korea in January 2015. It underwent the same processes that stateside depots perform, and took about a year to complete.

“By using KAL, we were able to save both time and money compared to using a stateside depot,” said Maj. Dusty Dossman, 943rd MXS commander.

Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American memories

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Black History Month, or National African American History Month, is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role they have played in U.S. history.

The story of Black History Month begins in 1915, half a century after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States. Few could have imagined African Americans’ future contributions to music, art, and literature that would be recognized by the global community.

Credit for the evolving awareness of the true place of African Americans in history can, in large part, be attributed to one man: Carter G. Woodson.

In 1915, Woodson established the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History. He wanted to change the world’s perception of African Americans and recognize their contribution to American society and culture.

This three-part presentation provides facts that briefly cover the last ten decades and some of the African Americans who advanced civil rights or made major impacts in science, government, sports, or entertainment.

The 1920s

– The Great Migration of African Americans from the South to industrial towns in the North is underway. Millions of African Americans will have migrated north by the 1960s.

– Organized by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, thousands of African Americans march down New York City’s Fifth Avenue to protest racial violence and discrimination.

– Claude McKay publishes a collection of his early poetry, Harlem Shadows. It becomes one of the most important early works of the Harlem Renaissance.

– A. Philip Randolph organizes the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first successful African-American trade union.

– Jazz trumpeter and vocalist Louis Armstrong forms his band, the Hot Five. He will become a jazz legend and a cultural icon.

– Langston Hughes publishes The Weary Blues, his first book of poetry. A pivotal force in the Harlem Renaissance, Hughes will go on to become one of the 20th century’s most recognized American writers.

The 1930s

– Nine African-American youths are convicted of raping two White women in Scottsboro, Alabama. The “Scottsboro Boys” case later attracts national attention as a miscarriage of justice and helps fuel the civil rights movement.

– Sculptor Augusta Savage establishes the Savage Studio of Arts and Crafts in New York, the largest art center in the nation at that time.

– Track and field athlete Jesse Owens wins four gold medals in the Berlin Olympics, thwarting Adolf Hitler’s plan to use the games to demonstrate “Aryan supremacy.”

– Joe Louis, the iconic “Brown Bomber,” becomes the heavyweight boxing champion of the world by defeating James J. Braddock. He will hold the belt for nearly 12 years, a boxing record.

– Singer Marion Anderson is denied permission by the Daughters of the Revolution to sing at their hall because she is an African American. Instead, Anderson performs at the Lincoln Memorial before an audience of 75,000.

– The Supreme Court ruled in the Norris v. Alabama case that a defendant has the right to a trial by jury of one’s peers. This ruling overturned the Scottsboro Boys’ convictions.

The 1940s

– The first pilot training program for African Americans is established at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. The Tuskegee Airmen serve heroically during World War II.

– Benjamin O. Davis Sr. becomes the Army’s first African-American general. His son, Benjamin O. Davis Jr., commander of the Tuskegee Airmen, later becomes the Air Force’s first African-American general.

– The interracial Congress of Racial Equality is formed in Chicago. It will become famous for organizing the Freedom Rides of 1961.

– Ebony, a magazine about African-American life and achievements, is founded. The magazine presents works by literary figures such as Langston Hughes and Gwendolyn Brooks. It becomes an instant success.

– Baseball legend Jackie Robinson becomes the first African American to break the color barrier when he is allowed to play in the major league.

– President Harry Truman issues Executive Order 9981 desegregating the military, and more than 2.5 million African-American men register for the draft as the U.S. enters World War II. Though they experience discrimination, they continue to rise to the challenge to serve the nation.

Woodson wanted to change the world’s perception of African Americans and recognize their contribution to American society and culture.

Woodson said, “We should emphasize not Negro History, but the Negro in history. What we need is not a history of selected races or nations, but the history of the world void of national bias, race hate, and religious prejudice.”

It was his efforts and those of other champions who broke down daunting barriers, finally allowing African Americans to participate as American citizens and have their stories told.

Subsequently, innumerable African Americans have seized previously unavailable opportunities to contribute to American culture and heroically defend their country during wartime.

A century later, the valuable contributions of African Americans cannot be denied. Their profound impact on America continues in a myriad of areas, including history, education, entertainment, literature, science, sports, politics, culture, and the military.

March Field AirFest Golf Tournament

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New March Airman sworn in by SMC commander

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U.S. Air Force photo/Van Ha

LOS ANGELES AIR FORCE BASE – EL SEGUNDO, Calif.  — On a sunny January afternoon, Jennie Ines was standing outside the Gordon Conference Center, waiting patiently for someone to exit. Specifically, she was waiting for Lt. Gen. Samuel Greaves, commander of the Space and Missile Systems Center and Air Force program executive officer for space, to ask him a question that would normally be out of range for most people: “Would you swear me in to the United States Air Force Reserve?”

The story began in December 2015 outside the Exchange at Los Angeles Air Force Base, California. Airman First Class Eric Ines, an Air National guardsman who recently graduated from the Information Management Technical School at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, was shopping with his father and sister Jennie while on leave and en-route to his first duty station. At first sight of Greaves approaching him, the Airman immediately snapped to attention to greet the three-star general.

Following a series of exchanges, the younger Ines asked the general what it is like to serve in the Air Force. Greaves took the time to give his opinion of serving in the military, discussing the positives and the challenges that are faced through maintaining a balance of work and family.

What followed next included a tour of the Schriever Space Complex by the SMC commander with the Ines family. The tour concluded at the new historical display of Gen. Bernard Schriever, considered the father of military space, to try to connect from the past to the present and instill in Airman Ines his new role in the Total Force Concept of today’s military.

Unbeknownst to Greaves, the younger Ines took the tour and conversations to heart and decided to enlist and serve alongside her brother in the Air Force Reserve. She then contacted Master Sgt. Charles Wandzilak, an Air Force Reserve recruiter with the 61st Force Support Squadron at Los Angeles AFB, took the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test and selected Security Forces as her career field of choice.

She received her first assignment to the 452nd Security Forces Squadron at March Air Reserve Base, California. Only one detail remained for her to begin her journey–the enlistment ceremony into the Air Force Reserve.

Ines remembered the conversation with Greaves, his insight and openness in taking the time to discuss the Air Force and decided she wanted him to swear her in on her enlistment. As Greaves exited the Gordon Conference Center following a luncheon, he recognized Ines and walked over to greet her. Much to his surprise, the new recruit asked Greaves to take time out of his busy schedule and do her the honor of enlisting her into the service.

On Jan. 21, the William Maikish conference room was filled with men and women from throughout SMC; enlisted, officers, contractors and civilians gathered together to witness Ines “solemnly swear to support and defend the Constitution of the United States” and become the Air Force’s newest Airman.

“What you’ve done is pledge your support, not to me, not to them … but an oath to defend the Constitution — an oath to do what is right in the interest of the nation,” said Greaves as he explained the purpose of the enlistment oath to Ines.

With some parting words, photos and a new mentor, Ines begins her journey of serving alongside fellow Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors, Coast Guardsmen, and Marines to defend this nation.

March medics run joint-agency medical training

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Aerotech News
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Each January, the collective Team March medical technicians come together for a week-long Emergency Medical Technician refresher training class, which includes familiarization with an ambulance that is active in the 911 system.

“Each year we use AMR (American Medical Response ambulance) and they have been good partners in this, ensuring we have access to the ambulance and crew for as long as we need them,” said. Maj. James Goss, 163rd Medical Group. “It is a great example of joint training that is accomplished every year.”

Goss, who has been functioning as a civilian paramedic for 20 years, has also been an instructor and at Loma Linda University and paramedic instructor cumulatively teaching approximately 10 years.

“One thing I can say with great confidence, based on my experience as a paramedic and a teacher, is that EMS skills are perishable,” Goss said. “If they are not used, they are lost.”

Society expects medical personnel to be able to take care of any patient, at any time, without regard for the age or condition of the patient, an expectation that may not be required of other professions, Goss said.

“EMS personnel work in uncontrolled environments,” he said. “When things are stressful, EMS workers fall back on their training.”

All Air Force medics require a national recertification every two years, Goss said. But the problem is that if they are practicing these skills daily, like many Reserve and National Guard medics, the skills cannot be properly maintained.

This training, aimed at assuring that members retain their knowledge and maintain their skills, is vital. Although the National Registry and the Air Force only require 24 hours of annual retraining, the March team offers an additional week, Goss said. All military medics, who require registry renewal, are welcome.

“Our teachers are paramedics, physicians, nurses, firefighters, and others who are actually doing the job, and we feel that our students really benefit from this,” Goss said. “One of my students recently wrote, ‘In 22 years of being a medic, this is the best refresher course I have ever attended.’  We take pride in the fact that we have one of the best programs going.”

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