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Innovation: Never stop improving

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CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN AIR FORCE STATION, Colo. (AFNS) — “Another article on innovation?” you say. I don’t have to tell you that there are more challenges across the Air Force than any time that I can recall: manning reductions, reduced budgets, infrastructure we can no longer afford, new requirements; response to advanced cyber threats, and the cherry on top, sequestration. As a result, our leaders navigate the Air Force through and around the turbulent air these challenges create. However, maintaining the best Air Force on the planet, through these challenges, isn’t solely the job of our leaders, nor is it a one-time thing. We must continually innovate.

The Air Force is renowned for innovation. There are historical markers at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, where the Wrights innovated flight controls. At the end of the last century, the Air Force developed technology that made aircraft virtually invisible to radar. Your Air Force developed and maintains global precision navigation and timing that not only assures the accuracy of weapons and maintains the ability of networked computers to communicate, but has permeated our daily lives. The Air Force has been innovating since we were born from the Army Air Corps 68 years ago, and we keep innovating, at all levels.

This year, the Air Force is innovating by consolidating mission support under the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center. Major commands are innovating by consolidating staff functions; wings are finding innovative ways to prioritize missions and resources. At the unit level, each of us can be innovative in the areas within our span of control. A civil engineer squadron might develop processes for leveraging infrared imaging technology to reduce the number or frequency of hands-on inspections, disassembly and reassembly they would have done in the past. Maintenance squadrons are leveraging technology for electronic technical orders. Logistics readiness squadrons have streamlined supply and deployment processing. However, none of us should settle on these things or ever think there are no more improvements to be made.

Effective innovation starts in the areas you know and can control. For example, all of us may have a good idea on how to shorten the wait at the pharmacy, but only those in the medical field understand all that has to go into filling your prescription in compliance with the law and Air Force instructions. You will be able to find more ways to improve within your own work center than the pharmacy.

Second, challenge the way it’s always been done. There may be a valid reason that put into place the instructions, procedures, tech order, manual or Air Force instruction to do things a certain way, but there is probably a better way.

Third, run innovative ideas past your coworkers, supervisors or leaders, and benefit from their experience. They can help refine and improve upon your proposal.

Fourth, there are various ways to put innovation in place. An Air Force Technical Order Form 22 can improve a tech order or exceptions to manuals and instructions are possible.

Over the last few years, our wing successfully used a wing-developed Requirements Assessment and Compliance Tool and achieved nearly $500 million in cost savings and avoidance, mitigated more than 200 manpower billet cuts and shortfalls, and advocated for and received more than $300 million in funding. The program was highlighted as the best by secretary of the Air Force, SecAF/Headquarters Air Force organizations, Air Force Space Command, 14th Air Force commanders and AFSPC/Inspector General. It is a “highly effective” Strategic Planning Process and Continuous Process Improvement program. ReACT helped achieve 48 Air Force-level best practices and has high impact for the 21st Space Wing. In fact, here at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, we are pursuing some of those ReACT benefits in our communications and civil engineer squadrons.

The best Air Force-wide resource is the Airmen Powered by Innovation program. It enables ideas, vets and validates them through experts, leverages Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century where needed, provides a process for implementation, and tracks the best ideas to completion. API, released in 2014 and codified in AFI 38-402, “Manpower and Organization” seeks input from every Airman on how to make our Air Force more effective or more efficient.

The bottom line is that you are the key to innovation. Together, each one of us has the knowledge to improve ourselves and our mission. We must figure out how to do the mission with less people and fewer dollars, yet maintain the best Air Force on Earth. Each of us can play a part. The tools are available to help us get better. With your help, we will always improve. Never stop innovating!

March Inn’s management celebrates with staff

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U.S. Air Force photo/Steve Rosales

On September 18, 2015, the 452nd Force Support Squadron’s March Inn held its first ever Employee Appreciation Day with a Lodging Olympics theme. The entire staff participated in a full day of lodging-related games, prizes, music, catered food, and relaxation from their working every down day and holiday.

The management staff coordinated the event and volunteers came from every department, including the Inn’s reserve partners. Assigned reservists t maintained front desk operations in order for the full-time staff to participate in their event.

“(It was) by far well deserved and an amazing idea,” said Col. Timothy McCoy, commander, 452nd Mission Support Group, who attended the event with Maj. Christopher Torres, 452 FSS commander.

The March Inn management and staff strives to provide quality lodging facilities and services to authorized personnel in order to maintain mission readiness and quality of life. Their goal has always been mission and guests first.

ESPYs honor retired Army Master Sgt. King

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U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Rob Harnden

When retired Master Sgt. Cedric King came to watch the professional athletes arrive on the Red Carpet of ESPN’s Excellence in Sports Performance Awards (ESPYS) in Los Angeles, California, little did he know he would be joining the stars on the crimson ribbon of honor.

It all started when the American Forces Network’s (AFN’s) Air Force Staff Sgt. Rob Harnden and Marisa Gaona saw King in his dress blues watching the stars arrive on the Red Carpet. It was easy to pick King out from the crowd. He was the only one in his Army Service Uniform, with a chest full of ribbons and in a wheelchair.

After AFN interviewed Master Sgt. King, two Los Angeles TV stations came over to interview the former Soldier and the ESPN staff gave him a place of honor on the Red Carpet.

King, formerly with the 82nd Airborne Division, an infantryman and Airborne Ranger, lost his legs to an improvised explosive device during his third deployment while on patrol July 25, 2012 in Afghanistan.

“Today we are coming out and supporting all of the ‘challenged athletes’ doing great things,” said King. “Coming back from the battlefield and showing people it’s not about what happens to you, it’s what you do about it.”

What King has shown people is losing your legs doesn’t mean you’ve lost everything. He puts on his artificial limbs and runs.   

“I’ve completed the Boston Marathon twice, finished the New York Marathon and I finished my first Iron Man Half-Marathon,”  said King.

ESPN honored athletes such as King in its award ceremony, not just on the Red Carpet.  The Best Male Athlete with a Disability Award went to Triathlon competitor Krige Schabort. The Best Female Athlete with a Disability Award went to swimmer Becca Meyers.   

Athletes walking down the Red Carpet acknowledged King too. They shook his hand. They posed for photos. They thanked him for service and sacrifice. But the star athletes were honoring far more than just King. He was the visible, unofficial representative of his uniformed brothers and sisters who have served, or still serve.   

Scores of athletes, such as former boxers Laila Ali and Evander Holyfield, took time on camera to give AFN messages of support for U.S. military personnel now serving their country.    But it was a former Soldier whose thoughts resonated just as strongly.

“Life dealt me a bad hand of cards,” said Master Sgt. King, “but it doesn’t give you an excuse to play a bad game.”

Mandatory Flu vaccine

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The 452 AMW Flu Vaccination Campaign will begin on the October A Unit Training Assembly and will continue through the December’s UTAs.

The Flu vaccination is mandatory for all Airmen unless exempted by medical staff.

Airmen no current with their Flu vaccination after the December UTAs will potentially be placed in a no point no pay status.

Please remind your fellow Airmen to attend our mass immunization site at Bldg. 355 (2355 Graeber St.) during the October and November UTAs.

Schedule for October/November UTAs is: Saturdays 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Sundays 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Additionally, there will be a mobile vaccination site at the Wing Commander’s Call during the November UTAs.

Starting in December, all Flu vaccinations will be given at the base clinic.

All Airmen, Unit Health Monitors and leaders are asked to get their annual Flu vaccination at the earliest convenience, and to encourage others to do the same. Help make this year’s Flu Campaign a success.

There is no vaccine available for civilians at this time. For questions or concerns, email Maj. David Haupt at david.haupt.7@us.af.mil.

Hispanic Heritage Month: Sept. 15 – Oct. 15

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Army Master Sgt. Roy Benavidez

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from 15 September – 15 October to celebrate the contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America.

This year’s theme, “Hispanic Americans: Energizing Our Nation’s Diversity,” was chosen by the National Council of Hispanic Employment Managers and invites us to reflect on Hispanic Americans’ vitality and meaningful legacy in our Nation’s cultural framework.

America’s diversity has always been one of our nation’s greatest strengths. Hispanic Americans have long played an integral role in America’s rich culture, proud heritage, and the building of this great nation.

The Beacon recognizes and honors a long and proud heritage through the years. In this issue, the 1980s and 1990s.

1980s

– Lieutenant Olga E. Custodio becomes the first Latina to complete U.S. Air Force military pilot training and the first woman T-38 Talon flight instructor. After retiring, she will become the first Latina commercial airline captain.

– Gloria Anzaldua publishes her nonfiction book Boderlands/La frontera: the New Mestiza.  It becomes one of the most influential books written by a Latina for the next 25 years.

– Stand and Deliver is the first Hollywood feature film where the entire film—scripting, producing, financing, directing, and acting—is conducted by Hispanics. The film is the true story of Jamie Escalante, a Bolivian math teacher, in East Los Angeles, who prepares poor, inner city students for college.

– Franklin Chang-Diaz becomes the first Hispanic in space. He speaks in Spanish to TV viewers from the space shuttle Columbia.

– Army Master Sgt. Roy Benavidez is awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his remarkable feats of valor in the Vietnam War. During the presentation, the president remarked, “If the story of his heroism were a movie script, you would not believe it.”

– Richard E. Cavazos, a Korean War recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross makes military history as he is appointed the U.S. Army’s first Hispanic four-star general.

1990s

– Ellen Ochoa becomes the first female Hispanic astronaut. She will fly on two more NASA Space Shuttle flights, and log over 719 hours in space.

– Antonia Novello becomes the first Hispanic and first female Surgeon General. During her tenure, she concentrated on AIDS prevention, underage smoking, and women’s health.

– The Presidential Medal of Freedom is posthumously awarded to William “Willie” Velasquez, founder of the Southwest Voter Registration Education Project.  His efforts empowered thousands of Hispanics to  participate in the electoral process.

– The guided missile destroyer Sergeant Alfredo Gonzales is the first U.S. Navy ship to be named for a Hispanic service member (a Medal of Honor recipient who was killed in Vietnam).

– Oscar De La Hoya, at the age of 19, wins a gold medal for boxing at the Olympics.  He will go on to win ten world titles in six weight classes, and become one of the most popular boxers in the history of the sport.

– Gigi Fernandez becomes the first Puerto Rican professional women’s tennis player to rank in the world’s top 20 best players.  She will go on  to win six Grand Slam women’s doubles titles and become the first Puerto Rican to win Olympic gold.

In the ‘spirit’ of Halloween

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Courtesy photo/Mathieu Beaulieu

‘Twas All Hallows Eve

and throughout March Field

the spirits were restless,

not wanting to yield.

This was their night,

the one time each year

that they could come out

to wreak havoc and fear.

Creeping through rooms

at the Hap Arnold Club,

you can feel their energy.

The place is their hub.

The finance building

has a ghost that’s quite rare,

a little girl in a white dress

coming up from downstairs.

The March Inn has had rumors

of various guests

encountering ‘something’

that won’t let them rest.

The 4th Air Force basement

is empty and old.

But, spirits appear there,

or so it is told.

Hap Arnold House tales

have been told by some there,

of noises and shadows

that have caused quite a scare.

March Field is historical.

Most buildings are old.

Have you heard that it’s haunted?

Or so it’s been told.

(Editor’s note: It’s been a tradition to include a “ghost” story in each October edition of The Beacon for the past two years. It cannot be done without your help. So, let us hear your stories.  Email us at 452amw.paworkflow@ us.af.mil or call 951-655-4137 to share your experiences. Or you can contact us on Facebook at facebook.com/TeamMarch.)

News Briefs

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NAF SALE OCT. 15-16

The 452nd Force Support Squadron will hold a Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) sale for the March Inn on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 15-16, in the Fitness Center parking lot between Bldgs. 400 and 456, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day (closing from noon to 1 p.m. for lunch). Available items are sofa sleepers, desks, dining chairs, end tables, lamps, pictures, color TVs, DVD players, lounge chairs, TV armoires, dressers, headboards, bed frames (queen), drapes, desk chairs, and much more! The sale is open to all base ID Card holders – CASH ONLY – No sales tax!

VA BENEFITS BRIEFING OCT 4 AND 25

The 452nd Air Mobility Wing’s Airman and Family Readiness office is offering VA Benefits Briefing I and II on the October Unit Training Assemblies, Sunday, Oct. 4 and 25.

They will be held in the 452nd Mission Support Group Conference Room, Bldg. 2313, 1261 Graeber Street. Show time is 7:30 a.m. and the briefing ends at 3:30 p.m. There will be a lunch break included. This briefing is mandatory for all personnel coming off of 180 days of consecutive orders (for any reason). It is also beneficial for all personnel who were prior service and want a “refresher” of their VA Benefits. Reservations are required by calling 951-655-5350. Did you know that if you plan to transfer any or all of your GI bill to dependents, you must do so while you still have at least four years retainability (exceptions may apply) or you will be unable to do so? Learn about this and much more at the briefing. Don’t be left in the dark and miss out on some of your VA benefits because you didn’t think any of this was applicable to you!

KEY SPOUSE INITIAL TRAINING OCT. 24

The 452nd Air Mobility Wing’s Airman and Family Readiness director will conduct Initial Key Spouse Training on Saturday, Oct. 24, in the Mission Support Group Conference room, 1261 Graeber Street, Bldg. 2313, from 8:00 a.m. until noon. Prior to attending, interested volunteers must be interviewed and appointed by their unit commanders. Key Spouses are responsible for assisting families in finding and using available base and community resources. They also provide support to military families during their sponsor’s deployment. Reservations are required. Please call the A&FRC at 951-655-5350 for more information and to reserve your seat.

INSTALLATION VOTING ASSISTANCE OFFICER

With the onslaught of political debates in the news, it’s time to consider your right to vote. Are you registered? Do you understand military and federal employee guidelines for participating in a political rally or event? Are your social media postings getting political? The March Air Reserve Base Installation Voting Assistance Officer, Maj. Jessica Ditson, can help you find the information you need. She can be reached at Jessica.ditson@us.af.mi l or by calling 951-655-4551. Don’t wait until your state’s deadline to register. Choose to make your vote count!

MARCH EQUAL OPPORTUNITY SEEKS COUNSELORS

The March EO office is looking for ARTs/civilians interested in training to serve as Collateral Equal Opportunity counselors. This is an additional duty appointment. The Collateral EO counselors serve as a bridge between civilian employees and management for informal complaints concerning discrimination. Applicants should be at ease with oral and written communication to all pay grades, and have the ability to remain neutral while performing his or her duties. The additional duty will not exceed 20 percent of the counselor’s primary job duties. Applicants range from GS-05 to GS-12 or equivalent. Primary supervisor concurrence required. Training is required, date/time to be determined. If interested, contact Ms Paula Greenhaw, paula.greenhaw@us.af.mil, Maj. Nixomar Santiago, nixomar.santiago@us.af.mil.

HAP ARNOLD CLUB

The Back Street Café is temporarily operating in the Grande Ballroom at the Hap Arnold Club and serving breakfast and lunch.  Most of your Back Street favorites are available, such as breakfast burritos, frenchtoast, fried chicken, March Burger, salmon sandwich and more!  Download the full menu with pricing at MarchFSS.com.Hours of operation are Monday through Friday: 6:30-10 a.m. for breakfast and 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. for lunch.

UTA operating hours are 5:30-9 a.m. for breakfast (Sat & Sun); 11-1 p.m. for lunch (Sat & Sun), and 4-8 p.m. for dinner (Fri & Sat).

MARCH TICKETS & TOURS

Water Park Specials

Aquatica:  $36 adult; $31 child

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor:  $31 adult/child

Raging Waters:  $37 adult/child

Knott’s Soak City:  $29 adult; $24 child

Splash Kingdom:  $22 adult; $14 child (ages 3-10)

Helpful links to water park summer schedules available at MarchFSS.com.

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: $130 per person (adult/child)

SeaWorld “Waves of Honor” special: Extended through November 11, 2015. Program provides a one-time, limited, free admission to SeaWorld San Diego per veteran service member and up to three guests. Visit WavesofHonor.com to register for and obtain your free admissions. Additional tickets are available for purchase from the Tickets & Tours office.

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.

LEARN TO FLY WITH THE AERO CLUB

The March Aero Club offers flight training (flying, private license, ground school, instrument training) at very reasonable rates including a pay-as-you-go plan with zero down. Visit Hangar 355 on base or call 951-655-3875 for more information.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE TRIPS

March Outdoor Recreation plans the following trips for the remainder of the fiscal year:

September 19 – Skydive in Perris for $50 per person

September 26 – Three-hour Alpine horseback tour in Big Bear for $42 per person

Call them at 951-655-2816 for further details or to sign up.

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.

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 Fitness Schedule is:

Mondays: 6 a.m. — Virtual Fusion Yoga; 10:30 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. — Intro TRX; 11 a.m. —Virtual Spin

Tuesdays: 11 a.m. — Virtual Strength “Fit for Duty;” 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. — Circuit Training

Wednesdays: 6 a.m. — Virtual Fusion Yoga; 11 a.m. — Zumba; 12:15 p.m. — Virtual Fusion Yoga; 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. — Battle Ropes Circuit Training

Thursdays: 11 a.m. —Virtual Spin; 12:15 p.m. — Virtual Strength “Fit for Duty;” 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. — Circuit Training

Fridays: 10 a.m. — Zumba; 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. — Intermediate TRX; 11:15 a.m. — Virtual Cardio

UTA Saturdays: (A UTA) 5 p.m. — Virtual Strength “Fit for Duty;” (B UTA) 5-7 p.m. — Pick-up Basketball

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

GRILL NIGHT AT SALLY’S ALLEY

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

THE 452ND AIR MOBILITY WING’S 2015 MILITARY BALL

The 452nd Air Mobility Wing’s 2015 Military Ball is scheduled for Saturday, November 21. This year’s location remains the Riverside Convention Center, and this year we will have a Holiday Theme. This will be a fantastic evening and one you do not want to miss. Ticket prices dropped to $60 per person. See your first sergeant to purchase tickets or contact SMSgt. Griffey at 951-655-3999. There are 40 rooms available at the Marriott for $123 each, and 50 rooms available at the Hyatt Place for $105 each (the Hyatt Place price includes breakfast). When you call to make a reservation, mention the 2015 Military Ball to get the correct rate. You can contact The Marriott at 1-800-228-9290 or (951)784-8000 for reservations and The Hyatt Place at 1-888-553-1300 or (951)321-3500. ROOM RATE INCREASE-The Marriott Hotel advises that the room rates for the 2015 military ball were increased from $110 to $123 due to the FY 16 military per diem rate change that was recently released.

March supports Operation Atlantic Resolve

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U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Megan Crusher

A C-17 Globemaster III from March Air Reserve Base returned home from Tallin, capitol of the European country, Estonia, in support of Operation ATLANTIC RESOLVE, after redeploying cargo and personnel from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, Sept. 18.

The operation is designed to reaffirm America’s commitment to European security. The U.S. is demonstrating its continued commitment to collective security through a series of actions designed to reassure NATO allies and partners of America’s dedication to enduring peace and stability in the region in light of the Russian intervention in Ukraine.

The 729th Airlift Squadron was tasked with the airlift mission about a month and a half ago, along with three other Air Force Reserve units, said Lt. Col. Tony Astran, C-17 pilot and current operations, 452nd Operations Support Squadron.

Astran coordinated the schedule for the arrival and departure times of the cargo jets and up-loading and off-loading of cargo and personnel so as not to over-saturate the Amari Air Base airfield, he said.

Charleston AFB, South Carolina, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio, and March ARB airlifted approximately 200 Reservists, Air National Guardsmen and active duty Airmen and their equipment to support eight A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 442nd Fighter Wing at Whitman AFB starting in mid-August.

“Each of the airlift units flew one mission deploying and one mission redeploying the 442nd, with March actually flying two missions on the redeployment end,” said Astran.

Lt. Col. Tim Harris, current operations, 452 OSS, who flew the first C-17 from March in support of the operation, noted the unique aspect of this particular airlift mission.

“It’s very, very rare that an Air Force Reserve fighter squadron deploys overseas and is supported solely, one hundred percent by Air Force Reserve airlift,” he said. “Usually Air National Guard and active duty will help, but this was all Air Force Reserve and that’s pretty awesome.”

While deployed, the 442 FW worked and trained with ANG Joint Terminal Attack Controllers as well as the Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian armed forces in various scenarios, and low-level, close air support flying activities.

In the midst of operations, March was able to offer additional assistance when mid-deployment the 442nd needed critical cargo shipped, but had no way to get the cargo approved for flight because they didn’t have the required personnel, Astran said.

“We at March did, so on very short notice we deployed two additional personnel to assist with creating load plans and certifying the cargo to fly,” he said. “It was great for us to be able to help them.”

With so much collaboration between four airlift units, plus refueling support, the 442 FW and Estonian Air Force support at Amari AB, Astran marveled at how relatively smooth the mission went.

“There were a few hiccups, but we overcame the challenges and the Estonian’s worked with us exceedingly well,” he said. “Their support was great.”

The Estonian Air Force, Air Surveillance Wing Commander, Maj. Hardi Lmmergas, agreed with Astran’s assessment, saying they appreciated the U.S. presence to show their adversaries what’s going on and the level of support they have.

According to the U.S. European Command website, “Operation Atlantic Resolve will remain in place as long as the need exists to reassure our allies and deter Russia from regional hegemony.”

It continues with, “In meeting our global security commitments, the United States must have strong, committed and capable allies, which is why we have fought, exercised and trained with our European allies for the past 70 years.” 

The sweet spot: nutrition, oral health

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CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. — It is a given that good nutrition is important for general health and wellbeing. In today’s day and age, with the abundance of science and dietary research available to us, we are more conscience about what we put into our bodies than ever before.

Most people with a basic knowledge of oral hygiene know that sugar is bad for their teeth. While this is certainly true, the relationship between food and your oral health is a little more complex.

For years, cavities and gum disease has been a nuisance for all. There is evidence that our earliest ancestors had to endure these painful conditions throughout the course of their lives, as there was no way yet to properly treat them beyond extraction.

Dentistry itself has been around for centuries. Everything from jewel fillings to gold bridges shows that many early efforts were quite reliable and effective for their time. Over the years, there has been a steady rise in innovation: silver fillings (amalgams), root canal therapy, crowns, implants, digital radiography and laser dentistry.

So if time indicates we have grown wiser, why then would oral health be getting worse? This is due to the introduction of refined grains and sugars in the human diet—in other words, processed food.

The bacteria in our mouths feed on sugar and refined carbohydrates. Certain bacteria efficient at using refined carbohydrates for fuel are winning out over the friendly bacteria in our mouths, putting us at constant risk for trouble. These specific types of bacteria eat and metabolize refined carbohydrates and secrete acidic byproducts that are responsible for tooth decay.

Early man rarely had this problem. They ate according to the hunter/gatherer code: fruits, vegetables, nuts and meat when they could get it. Fast forward to the advent of food processing and we start to notice a dramatic increase in dental diseases.

The sugar-laden sports drinks, energy drinks, fruit juices, sodas and sugared coffee we consume on a daily basis to keep up in our fast-paced lives have us fighting a losing battle despite persistent brushing and flossing. Diet also affects the acidity of the mouth. Certain foods eaten in combination can lower or raise this level.

Carbohydrates and sugar raise it significantly, which is why diabetics are at a higher risk for cavities and other dental diseases if the condition is not kept in check. The glucose levels in their blood are higher than someone without diabetes.

From a nutritional perspective, the best thing you can do to avoid cavities and other dental diseases is to follow a balanced diet in accordance with the American Dietetic Association, United States Department of Agriculture Food Pyramid, and avoiding fad diets that eliminate one or more of the essential food groups.

Staying well hydrated is equally as important; saliva is a natural buffer for tooth enamel. If you drink or eat anything with sugar in it, and chances are you will because we do not live in a perfect world, the important thing is to not leave it on your teeth. Sipping or eating such foods over a period of more than an hour can be more detrimental to your oral health than consuming it in less time and rinsing with water after, especially if it’s before bedtime.

Public measures of adding fluoride into water supplies has also aided in the decrease of cavities in the general population. Your dental professionals along with these measures will do everything in their power to help; however, good oral hygiene is primarily an individual effort that includes attention to nutrition.

2015 Military Ball unit ticket representatives

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UNIT RANK / NAME DUTY PHONE

452 Wing Staff (951-655-xxxx or DSN 447-xxxx)

AMW/CSS TSgt Victor Velasco 4522

EO Maj Nixomar Santiago 4782

PC Ms. Elaine Plein (DV Tickets {80}) 3060

452 MSG Units

4CTCS Ms Linda Welz (alumni) 4137/2862

452 CES TSgt Omar Baraza 4369

452 CES SrA Elizabeth Stevens 4369

452 CS MSgt Christine Devin 5945

452MSG/FSS MSgt Michelle Aspeytia 3061

452MSG/FSS TSgt Kameika Embry 3121

Honor Guard MSgt Phillip Powell 3086

Honor Guard MSgt Damon Mazyck 6105

452 LRS TSgt Christina Huerta 3437

452 LRS TSgt Duane Bogard 3437

452 SFS TSgt David House 2985

452 SFS MSgt Darrel Heisser 4355

50 APS MSgt Phil Maffett 4990/4992

50 APS MSgt Brenda Menjivar 4990

56 APS MSgt Anoinette Lewis 7854

452 MXG Units

452 AMXS TSgt Ana Najara 4701

452 MXS TSgt Araceli Saucedo 6704

452 MXS TSgt Jesus Fernandez 3353

452MXG/CSS MSgt Linda Pfizenmaier 2129

752 AMXS SMSgt Cynthia Villa 2039

452 MDG Units

452AMDS CMSgt Timi C. Bilal 2839/2773

452 AMDS SMSgt Stanley-Wolfe 2839/2773

452 ASTS SMSgt Cordova-Martinez 2751

752 MDS SMSgt Tammy Hellow 5628

452 Ops Group Units

336 ARS CMSgt Deborah McGuane 2153

912 ARS Ms Patrica Vegas 3477

452 AES Mrs Rosemary Pena 5282

452 AES MSgt Adriana Cortez 5228

452 ALCF SSgt Amber Lyon 5102

452 OSS TSgt Adelina Quintero 2856/5448

729 AS TSgt Andrew Lucas             4098

Tenant Units

163 MSG MSgt  Lana Miller 3580

163 RW TSgt Ines Jasso 7713

4 AF Ms Sherry Kemper 3432

701 COS SMSgt Christina Dowal 4735

362 RS SMSgt Russell Forsee 3751