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U.S. Vet breaks ground for new homes

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U.S. Air Force photo/Linda Welz

Ground was broken November 9, near the March Main Exchange for the March Veteran’s Village, a low or no cost housing complex for homeless and in-need veterans.

Plans for a 138-unit permanent housing apartment complex include a 60-unit transitional housing facility, computer lab, community rooms, tot lots, classrooms and services provided by U.S. Vets, according to John Mealy, Coachella Valley Housing Coalition.

“These units will be comfortable, attractive, moderate apartments for U.S. Vets, all of whom are in need, some homeless,” he said.

The March Joint Powers Authority donated the land and $10 million to the U.S. Vets, and has been with the project through many years of leadership, planning, patience and persistence, said Chairman Andy Melendrez, councilmember, City of Riverside, and chairman, 2015 March Joint Powers Commission.

“Riverside County has the 8th largest homeless veteran population in the country,” he said. “This new facility will provide housing for homeless and single vets.”

Those involved with the project are doing the best they can to reduce the numbers of homeless vets, which rounded out at approximately 2,000 in the Inland Empire this year, said Steve Peck, U.S. Veterans Initiative.

“Our goal is to end veteran homelessness and create services that go beyond that,” he said. “We will keep doing this until we get all of them off the street.”

Peck talked about the “Resident Council” set up at each U.S. Vets housing facility, the first of which was established in 1993 in Inglewood, California. “It’s important for the residents (of these facilities) to have a voice,” Peck said.

Thanking everyone involved in the “team effort” to see this project through, U.S. Congressman Ken Calvert said, “Our veterans have fought hard and sacrificed. Ensuring they have housing is the least we can do.”

Team March 101: 163rd Attack Wing

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(This series, from the 452nd Air Mobility Wing public affairs staff, will introduce you to the many mission partners on and around March Air Reserve Base.)

The 163rd Attack Wing is one of five California Air National Guard units, and is headquartered here, making them one of the largest mission partners in the Team March family. Known as the ‘Grizzlies,’ the 950-member unit conducts flight operations with the MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aerial (RPA) system. The wing has both federal and state missions, resulting in an operation that is diverse and challenging. 

The 163 ATKW’s federal mission includes providing rapid combat support in times of war, as well as providing assistance during national emergencies. The wing’s wartime mission also includes maintaining support and combat-ready units assigned to most Air Force major and combatant commands to carry out missions compatible with training, mobilization readiness, humanitarian and contingency operations.

When the 163 ATKW is not mobilized or under federal control, it reports to the California governor. The wing is supervised by the adjutant general of the state or territory. Under state law, the wing provides protection of life, property and preserves peace, order and public safety. These missions are accomplished through emergency relief support during natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes and forest fires; search and rescue operations; support to civil defense authorities; and maintenance of vital public services.

“We have to stay flexible at all times. Our mission is two-fold, federal and state,” said Capt. Cody Lange, officer-in-charge, 163rd Force Support Squadron. “At any given moment we can be deployed overseas to support wartime efforts or we can be asked to assist in support efforts during a natural disaster here in our home state of California.”

The 163rd Attack Wing’s units are staffed primarily by dual-status military technician and guardsmen on active duty, who perform day-to-day management, administration and maintenance of the wing’s various functions. Its technicians train with the unit and are mobilized with it when it’s activated. Active-duty members serve under the command authority of the state unless mobilized for federal duty. The majority of the wing’s personnel are drill status guardsmen, reporting for Unit Training Assemblies every month to maintain their career-specific knowledge and skills.

“The assortment of skill sets that our people bring from their civilian careers is paramount in the success of our wing,” said Capt. Jennifer Covington, officer-in-charge, 163rd Sustainment Services Flight. “That type of experience is vital to what we do here.”

The 163rd Attack Wing’s primary wartime mission is to provide commanders and war fighters, who are engaged in combat operations around the world, with real-time intelligence, surveillance and strike support against fixed and perishable targets determined to be of a time-sensitive nature. Using the Reaper, the wing is able to provide clear battlefield assessments and responsive firepower where and when commanders need it.

Steeped in a rich military history, the wing traces its roots to the Army Air Corps’ 411th Fighter Squadron during World War II. Originally the 196th Fighter Squadron the unit was federally recognized on Nov. 9, 1946 and was located at the former Norton Air Force Base, California. Initially, the unit was comprised of 12 officers and 28 Airmen, but no aircraft. In December 1946, the unit received two Stinson L-5G and two T-6 Texan trainers. Afterward, as the unit began to grow, it received a C-47 Dakota and a B-26 Invader, until the arrival of the P-51D Mustang in February 1947.

After 21 months in active service, 15 of which were spent overseas, the 196th Fighter Squadron returned to the United States and resumed state-controlled Air National Guard status. The unit was moved to Ontario International Airport, California, and transitioned to the F-51 Mustang before transitioning in 1953 to the F-86 Sabre. Years later, in 1982, another move brought the wing to March Field where they assumed a tactical fighter role flying the F-4C and later the F-4E.

On Nov. 28, 2006, the wing became the first Air National Guard unit to employ the MQ-1 Predator RPA. Fast forward to July, 2015, the Wing was re-designated once again, to the 163rd Attack Wing, making it one of the first Air National Guard units to receive the MQ-9 Reaper RPA. Armed with a new mission and a new aircraft, the 163 ATKW is once again poised to distinguish itself as one of the Air Force’s premiere flying units.

MasterChef Junior now casting 8 to 13-year-olds for season five

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MasterChef Junior is casting for their 5th season in Los Angeles in December. The casting call is for all kids, ages 8-13, who like to cook, have an interest in cooking, or just love being in the kitchen.  No particular skill level required! The most important thing is that they have fun, and it’s a great chance to meet other kids who love to be in the kitchen!  If you are not familiar with the show, check out the clip on Facebook at “MasterChef USA” from the 4th season premiere. These kids really seem to have fun, learn a lot, and form strong bonds with each other. Casting Call is Saturday, December 5, 2015 at LOEWS HOTEL, 1755 Highland Ave., Los Angeles. Pre-register to save your spot now at MASTERCHEFJUNIORCASTING.COM.

National Diabetes Month

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National Diabetes Month is observed every November to draw attention to diabetes and its effects on millions of Americans. The National Diabetes Education Program’s (NDEP) 2015 theme Diabetes Education and Support: Everyone Has a Role. What’s Yours? highlights the need for ongoing diabetes education and support among people with diabetes and those who care for them.

Help people in your community learn more about the importance of diabetes education and support with these resources from the NDEP and the National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

If you have just been diagnosed with diabetes, or you have been living with diabetes for a while, diabetes education and support are important to help you stay healthy. Diabetes education is needed throughout your lifetime, not just at diagnosis. Learning to manage your diabetes from the start can help you have fewer health problems from diabetes later. Having a network of support can help you better cope with the day-to-day demands of living with diabetes. To learn more, visit ndep.nih.gov and search diabetes.

Make your holiday meals healthy by including activity to reduce stress

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(photo/U.S. Department of Agriculture)

Thanksgiving marks the start of holiday parties, family gatherings, and the annual temptation to overindulge in delicious food. Make healthy eating and physical activity part of the fun. Great gatherings are easy to do when tasty, healthy foods from all the food groups are offered in a fun, active environment. This holiday season, make the focus enjoying your friends and family. Check out these simple tips to make your holiday season fun and healthy.

Tips for Healthy Holiday Celebrations:

Make foods look festive. Cut vegetables into new shapes, decorate plates with colorful, eye-catching fruits, or add a sprinkle of sliced almonds or green onions to brighten a plain dish.

Offer thirst quenchers that please. Make fun ice cubes from 100% juice or add slices of fruit to make water more exciting. Create a “float” by adding a scoop of fruit sorbet to seltzer water.

Make moving part of every event. Being physically active makes everyone feel good. Dancing, moving, playing active games, wiggling, and giggling add fun to any gathering. Take a group walk around the neighborhood after eating, instead of going straight to the couch!

Try out some healthier recipes. Find ways to cut back on sugar, salt, and fat as you prepare your favorite holiday recipes. Offer naturally sweet fruit instead of multiple desserts, and try seasoning with fresh or dried herbs to add flavor to your meal. For healthy recipes, visit recipes.millionhearts.hhs.gov.

Dog, not diamonds are this girl’s best friend

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U.S. Air National Guard photo/Tech. Sgt. Joseph McKee

They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but Violet Mach, former Airman, favors Penelope, her service dog.

Returning home from deployment can be a difficult journey, both physically and emotionally. Veterans who had traumatic experiences while deployed can feel alienated from family and friends who may not have shared those experiences. In such cases, the companionship of a dog may improve the veteran’s mood and help with stress by providing judgment-free companionship.

Veterans who are diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may especially experience those benefits.

“My service dog allows me to live with my PTSD with less stress,” said Mach. “When I have a trigger, she distracts me, allowing my mind to focus on her and not on the stressfulness of a situation.”

Additionally, the security provided by having a service dog may help those veterans who have a difficult time being in a crowd or unfamiliar place.

“Being able to bring my dog places that dogs wouldn’t ordinarily be allowed allows me to feel more secure and makes me want to go in places that would not feel comfortable without her,” said Mach. “Smelling her, touching her, just being with her makes the stress of situations melt away, a feeling I didn’t have before having my service dog.”

If you are looking for a service or an emotional-support dog, do I internet search for “service dogs for veterans” and carefully research any organizations you contact. Only get a dog if you are confident it is well trained and you have the ability to care for your companion. You need to be there for your canine battle buddy because he or she will be there for you.

The good news is that although the Veterans Administration does not currently provide service dogs for physical or mental health conditions, including PTSD, it does provide veterinary care for service dogs that are deemed medically necessary. To learn more visit va.gov and search “service dogs.”

Military kids meet TV’s “Supergirl” and cast

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DMA photo/Keren Olsen

Scores of military children at Naval Base Coronado, California, watched the new television hit “Supergirl” and met the stars of the CBS show before its broadcast debut this month. “Supergirl” cast members visited Coronado before the program first aired on American television, and according to Nielsen ratings, episode one had the best ratings of a new show debut this fall.

“I’m stoked,” said one boy.

“It’s not like you get to meet a famous person every day,” explained a smiling, teenage girl.

“Wonder Woman!” shouted a confused four-year-old girl.

“We’re really appreciative of them showing some love to the Sailors and their families. The kids love this and the parents love it,” said Capt. Stephen Barnett, commanding officer, NBC.

More than 500 people showed up to watch the sneak peak of the show and meet “Supergirl” actress, Melissa Benoist, said Brandon Workman, NBC Morale, Welfare and Recreation .

“‘Supergirl’ was the biggest draw (and) there were several younger girls who came in costume and posed for pictures with her,” he said. “Miss Benoist took time for each of them and provided a positive role-model for kids to look up to.”

The American Forces Network’s (AFN) coverage of the sneak preview was a fortunate accident.

“We were driving to another shoot when we saw the theater marquee promoting the sneak peek the next day,” said Robert Sekula, AFN producer. “We made some calls and re-arranged our schedule so we could cover it.”

The AFN Broadcast Center-Riverside, located on the former March Air Force Base, is a mission partner of the current March Air Reserve Base.

“Supergirl” airs on CBS, Mondays at 8 p.m.

November: National American Indian Heritage Month 2015

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National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month celebrates and recognizes the accomplishments of the original inhabitants, explorers, and settlers of the United States.

This presentation reviews the historical milestones that led to the establishment of National American Indian Heritage Month, covers various aspects of American Indian and Alaska Native life, and honors the contributions of our Native Service Members.

The Society of American Indian Government Employees has chosen this year’s theme, Growing Native Leaders: Enhancing Our Seven Generations.

During the Vietnam conflict, more than 42,000 American Indians—90 percent of them volunteers—fought in Vietnam.

The contributions of American Indians in United States military combat continued in the 1980s and 1990s as they saw duty in Grenada, Panama, Somalia, and the Persian Gulf.

It is recognized that, historically, American Indians have the highest record of service per capita when compared to other ethnic groups.

The reasons behind this disproportionate contribution are complex and deeply rooted in traditional American Indian culture. In many respects, American Indians are no different from others who volunteer for military service.

Do you know the new tax requirements under the Affordable Care Act 2015?

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Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the federal government, state governments, insurers, employers, and individuals are given shared responsibility to reform and improve the availability, quality, and affordability of health insurance coverage in the United States.

For the 2015 tax year, Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) is required to furnish a Form 1095 to each employee that worked any full time hours. MyPay has been updated to allow you to elect to receive this tax form electronically. Civilian employees are highly encouraged to log into myPay to turn on electronic delivery. Go to myPay and from the main menu of myPay, select “Turn On/Off Hard Copy of IRS Form 1095.”

Electronic delivery is the fastest and most secure method to receive your 1095 once it becomes available in January of 2016. Please opt in to receive an electronic copy no later than December 31, 2015.

Visit http://www.irs.gov/Affordable-Care-Act for more information on the ACA and tax reporting. For additional details on the tax information you will be receiving from DFAS, visit go.usa.gov/3pQUR.

If you have questions about logging into myPay and/or making changes to your electronic elections in myPay, contact the DFAS Centralized Customer Support Unit at 1-888-DFAS411 or 1-888-332-7411 and select option #5.

Smoking Cessation Month

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Is your life going up in smoke? Do you depend on tobacco? According to the Centers for Disease Control, tobacco use can lead to tobacco/nicotine dependence, a condition that often requires repeated treatments, and other serious health problems. There are helpful treatments and resources to help you quit smoking, which greatly reduces the risk of developing smoking-related diseases. Smokers can and do quit. In fact, today there are more former smokers than current smokers. If you want to learn more about tobacco use and how to quit, visit cdc.gov and search for “tobacco cessation.”

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