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AF emergency managers emphasize planning during National Preparedness Month

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TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) — September is National Preparedness Month and the Air Force Civil Engineer Center is leading the charge for servicewide participation.

With a theme of “Don’t wait. Communicate. Make your emergency plan today,” this year’s focus is on emergency planning, to include development of evacuation plans and family communication plans in the event of separation.

“Preparedness is the shared responsibility of our entire nation,” said Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert Work. “Preparing individuals, families, components and installations for disasters and emergencies — from flooding to an active shooter — ensures the strength of our workforce and our ability to continue to safeguard U.S. security.”

During the month, each week will be focused on planning for a specific hazard: flooding in week one, wildfires in week two, hurricanes in week three and power outages in week four. The month culminates in National PrepareAthon Day Sept. 30.

“September 1 through 29 is more for passing out information through pamphlets or commander’s calls or other avenues bases might use,” said James Martin, the emergency management education and training analyst in AFCEC’s Readiness Directorate. “On National PrepareAthon Day, Sept. 30, we want to see bases actually conducting an activity. It could be table top exercises, drills or a wide range of other activities.”

To lessen the workload on base-level emergency management offices, emergency management experts at AFCEC put together a marketing guide with links to social media posts, graphics and techniques to disseminate information effectively throughout the month.

“The emphasis should be to increase the comprehensiveness of your campaign, engaging all members of your community and highlighting the importance of preparedness, not just during National Preparedness Month, but year round,” said Harley Connors, the AFCEC emergency management division chief.

All Air Force bases are encouraged to participate during National Preparedness Month and National PrepareAthon Day.

“It’s important to have time set aside that focuses on preparedness because when people have the right information, they generally do the right thing when the real emergency happens,” Martin said. “It literally translates into saving lives.”

Labor Day 2015: Shared Prosperity for a Stronger America

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The theme for this year’s Labor Day is “Shared Prosperity for a Stronger America.” The Labor Department’s Website (dol.gov) states that “Shared prosperity is not just about economic fairness, but also national strength. We are a stronger nation when we field a full team. On Labor Day, and every day, we’re about building shared prosperity for a stronger America.”

The site’s posted stories include fair and equal pay, education and training, merging your job and family duties, opportunities for all, and the worker’s voice.

Some may only know Labor Day as just another day off and a good reason to travel, barbeque, party, visit friends and family, partake in fun activities, or find other relaxing ways to enjoy the long weekend. Although the origin of the upcoming holiday may be a little vague to some, many understand the labors of those before us who helped build that shared prosperity.

So, what does Labor Day mean and how did it come about?

According to the United States Department of Labor, the first Monday in September is designated as Labor Day, and is a creation from the labor movement that began in the formative years of the American nation.

The labor movement grew out of the need to protect common interest of workers; better wages, reasonable hours, and safer work conditions. The movement led efforts to stop child labor, give health benefits and provide aid to workers who were injured or retired (history.com).

In order to honor the social and economic achievements of American workers, Labor Day was created and has been in observance for more than 100 years. It constitutes an annual national tribute because of the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country (dol.gov).

So when you celebrate Labor Day, keep in mind all the hard work American workers put into building our great country.

Labor Day weekend marks the last holiday weekend of the summer. So if you’re planning to travel, don’t expect to be alone. According to American Automobile Association, there were 32.3 million Labor Day travelers in 2011, and that number has been steadily increasing over the years, reaching an estimated 35.1 million in 2014. This year AAA forecasts about 35.5 million travelers during Labor Day weekend. Though only a 1-percent increase from the previous year, it is considered the highest number of expected travelers since the Great Recession.

Enjoy the fruits of their labor (and yours) and be safe!

Flu Season – That time of the year again!

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Just another month and it will be that time of the year again, the dreaded Flu Season. The flu, which is highly contagious, can be deadly and has resulted in nearly 50,000 deaths annually.  Help us serve you to protect yourself, your family and fellow by obtaining your annual flu vaccination as required per Air Force policy.

The seasonal flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses that can cause mild to severe illness and in some cases can lead to death. You can acquire and spread the virus to other unit members, friends, and family.  In addition to serious illness, the flu can significantly decrease unit readiness and impede mission accomplishment.

The 452 AMW Vaccination Team, supported by all medical units on base, will strive to serve you in obtaining your flu vaccination in a timely manner. Our goal is to provide flu vaccinations to 95 percent of participating personnel base-wide by the end of the December Unit Training Assembly. In addition to the usual 452 AMDS clinic hours, the 452 AMW Vaccination Team will be hosting the annual Mass Immunization Site and a Wing Commander’s Call Mobile Shot Team. Times and locations will be announced as they become available.

Let’s all do our part at making this year’s Flu Campaign a huge success. Please take the time to obtain your flu vaccination, thus protecting yourself and others around you.

Eleven Blue Eagles graduate at March Field

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The March Field Blue Eagles Total Force Honor Guard graduated 11 new members at a formal ceremony here August 21, 2015, where Class HG-1, fiscal year 2015, was introduced to distinguished guests, Team March members, family and friends.

“Today’s ceremony recognizes a total of 11 new graduates who have completed 80 hours of basic protocol, honors and ceremonies training,” said Staff Sgt. John Hicks, the unit’s NCOIC. “This course was established to provide training and procedural guidance for rendering proper military funeral honors.”

The ceremony began with class HG-1 demonstrating a mock military honors funeral service that was narrated by Master Sgt. Darryl Willingham, training flight NCO, 452nd Aeromedical Staging Squadron.

“They have accomplished something that many people cannot do,” said Willingham. “And today each one of our young champions that are graduating will be reminded of the light (honor, precision, attitude, and discipline) that was placed inside of them the day that they walked on.”

Class HG-1’s flawless performance is a reflection of the Honor Guard’s primary mission toward honoring those who have served our nation.

“What I saw out there was unbelievable precision among the group,” said Maj. Alan Tornay, deputy commander, 452nd Mission Support Group. “What the Honor Guard does on a daily basis to represent March (ARB) is truly outstanding.”

Every movement, notable in their performance, was perfected individually and as a team.

“This is a direct result of their hard work, commitment to excellence, and a strong desire to serve and honor our Air Force heroes,” said Hicks.

Becoming an Honor Guard member is more than just the precise drill movements and immaculate uniform appearance. It’s about being entrusted to uphold the standards of all Airmen and be the epitome of perfection, Hicks said.

The ceremonial guardsmen is an individual of good reputation, having integrity, ethical conduct and exhibiting standards which merit respect; responsible for protecting and overseeing the maintenance of standards on and off duty, Tornay said.

The team’s primary mission is to provide military funeral honors for active duty, retiree and veteran members who served honorably in the United States Air Force and Army Air Corp. The secondary mission is to perform military changes of command, retirements, retreats and other special functions.

Their area of responsibility extends from the Ventura County border to the Arizona and Mexico borders, and from the Pacific Ocean to the Nevada border, covering nearly 50,000 square miles.

“This is not something you just put on a uniform Monday through Friday to do,” Tornay said when he addressed the class. “This is a 24/7 job and I thank you (HG-1) and your family for your level of commitment.”

The Blue Eagles Total Force Honor Guard includes personnel from March ARB, Los Angeles and Edwards Air Force Bases, all in southern California, and is comprised of all three components; Regular Air Force, Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard.

“It is truly an occupation which requires outstanding devotion and commitment to duty,” said Tornay. “By maintaining our history and exceptionally high standards, Honor Guards will continue to remain an icon of excellence.”

Congratulations to the HG-1, FY15 graduating class: Senior Airman Miguel Aguirre, 56th Aerial Port Squadron; Senior Airmen Nicholas Avise, Amy Coleman and Airman Diana Torres-Cervantes, 452nd Force Support Squadron; Staff Sgt. Emerald Diehl, 163rd Force Support Squadron; Senior Airman Justin Martinez, 752nd Medical Squadron; Senior Airman Rene McKinney, 452nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron; Senior Airman Noe Munoz, 452nd Maintenance Squadron, March ARB; and Staff Sgt. Johnathan Sabat-Figueroa, 412th Force Support Squadron, Edwards AFB.

New Briefs 08/28/2015

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BEACON CORRECTION

The picture on the front page of the August 21, 2015 issue of the Beacon was taken by Staff Sgt. Heather Cozad-Staley.

LEGAL OFFICE MOVES TO BLDG 470

The 452nd Air Mobility Wing Legal Office has moved to the Wing Headquarters, Bldg. 470, Room 209 (2nd floor), 2145 Graeber St. The office phone numbers will remain the same. They are 452 AMW/JA on UTA’s at 951-655-4454; 951 RSPTS/JA on weekdays at 951-655-4479.

Service members and federal civilians may visit the Air Force Legal Assistance Website at https://aflegalassistance.law.af.mil for wills and Powers of Attorney (POA) and follow these steps:

1. Go to legal worksheets tab and complete wills and/or POAs.

2. Save the ticket number(s). Hint: Use your smart phone to take a screen shot of the ticket number(s).

3. Provide legal office with the ticket number(s) and last name(s) via email at 452AMW.JA@us.af.mil or telephone (listed above).

Any feedback for the March ABR legal offices is greatly appreciated. Complete a client feedback survey at https://aflegalassistance.law.af.mil.

452 AMW EQUAL OPPORTUNITY MOVES TO BLDG 470

Please be advised that the 452nd Air Mobility Wing’s Equal Opportunity office for EO (military) and EEO (civilian) services has moved and is now located on the second floor of the Wing Headquarters, Bldg 470, Room 207, 2145 Graeber St. Phone numbers will remain the same and are: EO Specialists (EO/EEO) (military staff):  951-655-4782; EEO Counselor (civilian staff):  951-655-7402; FAX: x2066.

All individuals are to be provided the opportunity to reach their full potential, free from unlawful discrimination and harassment regardless of race, color, national origin, religion and sex (gender, sexual harassment, sexual orientation).

Civilian protected categories also include:  disability (physical & mental), age (40+ years), genetic information and reprisal (for EEO activity).

Services offered are:

– Discrimination and Sexual Harassment Complaint Assistance

– Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) through Mediation and Facilitation

– Human Relations Education (Newcomers, First Duty Station, Key Personnel Brief, Sexual Harassment Awareness, TDY Brief, EO Refresher)

– DEOMI Equal Opportunity Climate Assessments (DEOCS)

– Advisor for Special Observances recognizing minorities and women

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. 

SINGER/EMCEE AUDITIONS SEPT 12

Auditions for national anthem singers and master/mistress of ceremonies for the Nov 21, 2015 military mall will be Sept 12, 9-11 a.m., inside Sally’s Alley on base. Stop by and strut your stuff for an opportunity to be an integral part of the annual event. All are welcomed!

HELP DECORATE THE BACK STREET CAFÉ

You are invited to be part of the Back Street Café’s transformation. The Hap Arnold Club is looking for “Team March” specific items/memorabilia to decorate the walls of the new Back Street Café. Bring items to Bldg. 434, the administrative office by Sep 15, 2015. Any unused items will be returned. Call 951-655-2801 for more information.

ANNUAL KID’S RUN AND ADULT 5K

The 452nd Force Support Squadron Fitness Center’s Annual Kids & Adult 5K Run, in conjunction with the 1st Sgt’s  Council, is scheduled for Sept. 12, 2015 at 7 a.m. across from the air traffic control tower. Check-in time is 5:30 a.m. This one event includes a kids’ and adults’ 5K run, and a 1st Sgt’s unit formation run. Kid’s age groups are:  5-6, 7-8, and 9-13. Medals and T-shirts will be awarded along with a unit trophy. Sign up at americaskidsrun.org.

66ERS BASEBALL AND HOMETOWN HEROES

The Inland Empire 66ers (minor league baseball) are looking for military Hometown Heroes to recognize during their August and September home games. Included with your recognition is a free game ticket for you and three guests, seats next to the home team dugout, free parking, and hot dogs, chips and soft drinks for you and your three guests. The ballpark is located at 280 South E Street, San Bernardino, Calif. 92401. If interested in signing up for a game, please email Megan Crusher at megan.crusher.1@us.af.mil with your name, rank, contact number and the date you’d like to attend. Dates are Aug. 26, and Sep. 1. All games are at 7:05 p.m. with a 6:30 p.m. show time.  Uniform is ABUs and it does not require any public speaking. You may also change clothes after the recognition. First come, first served.

VIRTUAL AIRMAN’S ATTIC

Did you know March ARB has a virtual Airman’s Attic? Log on to Facebook and search “March ARB Airman’s Attic” to like it. The site is where all Team March members can post things they are in need of and/or offer items (for FREE) that they would like to donate to help someone at March in need. The site is NOT for selling or advertising. All items offered must be completely FREE. The link is as follows: https://www.facebook.com/marchairmansattic?ref=tn_tnmn#!/marchairmansattic. Please share the site with your family and friends so we can help some of our own.

REGISTER FOR YELLOW RIBBON EVENT

The September 25-27 Yellow Ribbon event is 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.

HOUSEKEEPER JOBS

The March Inn has non-appropriated funds job vacancy announcements listed at www.NAFJobs.org for housekeepers. Applications being accepted on website.

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, french toast, 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.

FINAL, FREE, SUMMER  OUTDOOR MOVIE

Outdoor Recreation is pleased to announce their summer movie series. All movies are free and start at dusk on the “A” and “B” UTA’s.  Bring your own chairs, blankets, snacks, etc., and join us on the lawn behind the Outdoor Recreation/Tickets and Tours – Bldg. 434. Be sure to take all of your belongings and properly dispose of your trash before you leave. Movies are open to anyone with base access. For more information, call Outdoor Recreation at 951-655-2816.

Sep. 12: McFarland USA (PG-13) – A cross country coach in a small California town transforms a team of athletes into championship contenders. Stars: Kevin Costner, Maria Bello, Ramiro Rodriguez 

LEARN TO FLY AT 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:

August 29 – Bungee jump of the Bridge to Nowhere in Azusa for $32 per person

September 5 – Three-hour couples sunset sail in San Diego for $35 each

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.

ODR 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.

RIDE A BIKE ON UTAs

Outdoor Recreation, in conjunction with the Fitness and Sports Center, offers FREE bike rentals to UTA members from now through September. Male and female beach cruisers, including helmets and locks will be located in front of the Fitness Center and issued by Force Support Squadron fitness personnel. Due to a limited supply, only 10 bikes will be made available each UTA weekend. Mountain bikes are available by special request only through Outdoor Recreation. For more information, call ODR at 951-655-2816 or the Fitness Center at 951- 655-2292.

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.

SALLYS ALLEY GRILL NIGHT

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.

RETIREE ACTIVITIES OFFICE SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

The March Retiree Activities office is looking for volunteers to work a three-hour shift each week. This is a great opportunity to continue serving fellow retirees while learning about benefits available. For more information or to volunteer, call 951-655-4077 or 4079. Current openings are Mondays and Wednesdays, noon – 3 p.m.

Team March maintainers refurbish KC-135 Stratotanker in record time

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U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Tiffany Lindemann

March aircraft maintainers recently completed a full interior refurbishment on a KC-135 Stratotanker ahead of schedule, an accomplishment that was not an easy task, said Master Sgt. Brad A. Rosario, the Aircraft Structural Maintenance Refurbishment Supervisor from the 452nd Maintenance Squadron.

While March has accomplished several tanker refurbishments since 2011, this one is particularly memorable in light of the fact that an average aircraft refurbishment takes approximately 30 days. However, Stratotanker 3533 took this March team 23 days, finishing an entire week early.

“This is a serious job that requires a lot of work, and it’s nice to see everything come together at the end,” said Rosario.

The jet began its complete interior facelift July 27 with a hard-working crew of maintainers. Walking through the newly painted and upholstered jet, one would think the aircraft was fresh off the production line.

“These airplanes are well over 50-years-old and look like they are brand new after being refurbished,” said Staff Sgt. Caleb Meyer, an active duty crew chief assigned to the 752nd Maintenance Squadron, who worked on the refurbishment detail. 

Interior refurbishments include repainting, replacing and resurfacing any interior parts that require it.

Painting is done by aircraft structural maintenance personnel, which requires extra training by maintainers, said Rosario. “The paint is highly toxic, so all of our people are required to be respirator certified.”

All aircraft floorboards had to be unscrewed and removed for resurfacing and repainting, which Rosario said was the most time-consuming task of the refurbishment. Additionally, all wall seats and other hanging objects had to be either removed and replaced or taped for the walls to be painted.

The crew cockpit is completely restored with all new carpet and newly-labeled decals, a tedious task that requires perfect precision, since the decals mark all pilot controls.

“It looks like a different plane entirely when we are finished,” Rosario said.

As Total Force Integration is becoming the model approach for March, this refurbishment was an example of the program’s success, said Meyers. The refurbishment team included traditional reservists, Air Reserve Technicians and active duty personnel.

“It’s important to have people who really care on your team when doing a refurbishment,” said Rosario who went on to talk highly of his TFI team members. “This is a good group of guys. It’s definitely a team effort, and it’s neat to see other shops and AFSCs (Air Force Specialty Codes) come together to accomplish one mission.” 

Although there are currently none scheduled, aircraft get refurbished as needed and as mission schedules allow.

For a period of time, March was part of the Regional Refurbishment program, completing all 4th Air Force tanker refurbishments. This included taking in jets from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, and Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, said Rosario. However, due to stringent fiscal restraints, the program has since drawn down.

Johnson assumes command of 56th Aerial Port Squadron

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

The 56th Aerial Port Squadron held an Assumption of Command ceremony at the Cultural Resource Center here on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015.

During the ceremony Col. Timothy McCoy, commander, 452nd Mission Support Group, March Air Reserve Base, passed the guidon to Maj. Mark E. Johnson, who accepted as the new 56 APS commander.

“When we were looking for somebody to take over the 56th APS the list was pretty short,” McCoy explained when referring to Johnson’s leadership attributes. “We [were] looking for somebody who is a leader, an innovator and good tempered.”

McCoy also noted the diverse experience Johnson acquired, with White House support missions, Army exercises and various deployments.

Johnson has served nearly 20 years in the military, including the California Air National Guard and most recently with the Air Force Reserve as the operations officer for the 452nd Logistics Readiness Squadron, March ARB. He has deployed in support of operations SOUTHERN WATCH, NORTHERN WATCH, ALLIED FORCE, NOBLE EAGLE, and ENDURING FREEDOM.

When it was Johnson’s turn to speak, he emphasized the challenges Airmen today face on many fronts such as continued unrest in eastern Europe, issues in the pacific and sequestration domestically. He also explained the resource he believed that would overcome current and future trials.

“Our most valuable asset in the Air Force is…the Airmen who accomplish the mission,” Johnson said. “Those Airmen are all of you.”

Johnson highlighted leadership as being critical for accomplishing the core missions of the U.S. Air Force: air and space superiority, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, rapid global mobility, global strike and command and control. He thanked the Airmen in the audience for allowing him the opportunity to lead as their squadron commander and communicated his goal of fostering an environment of leadership and proper fiscal management.

“I am very confident that [Maj. Johnson] is the right officer at the right time for this job,” said McCoy.

Johnson’s appointment as commander of the 56 APS was effective Aug. 12, 2015.

Airman, Guardsman recognized as ‘heroes’ in Paris

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U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Ryan Crane

PARIS (AFNS) — U.S. Ambassador to France, Jane D. Hartly, recognized Airman 1st Class Spencer Stone for his actions in saving countless lives during a terrorist attack aboard a train headed toward Paris Aug. 21.

“We often use the word hero, and in this case I know that word has never been more appropriate,” Hartley said.

“They are truly heroes. When most of us would run away, Spencer, Alek and Anthony ran into the line of fire, saying ‘Let’s go.’ Those words changed the fate of many.”

Stone and his two friends, Aleksander Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler, were on vacation and headed from Amsterdam to Paris when an armed man entered their cabin.

“It wasn’t a conscious decision,” Skarlatos, an Army National Guard Soldier stationed in Oregon said. “We didn’t even have time to think about it. We just acted.”

The trio had just spent the previous three days enjoying Amsterdam on their vacation. They were excited to make it to Paris so they got up early and made their way to the train station. Their train wasn’t leaving for four hours so they killed time buying souvenirs and, according to them, eating the best ice cream they ever had. They thought their vacation was off to a great start.

Their train arrived and it was time to depart Amsterdam.

“We had first class tickets,” Stone explained, “but we just found a spot we liked somewhere else on the train. Turns out our wagon didn’t have Wi-Fi so we decided to use our first class tickets and moved to another wagon.”

After about an hour on the train they were settled in somewhere in Belgium.

“I was asleep with my headphones on and my friend, Alek, was sitting to the left of me and Anthony was sitting to my right across the aisle,” Stone said. “I wake up and I see Alek moving around saying ‘Oh crap! Oh crap!’”

Skarlatos motioned to the gunman who entered the cabin brandishing an AK-style assault rifle.

“I kinda turn around and see the guy,” Stone said, “and he’s got the AK, he’s trying to charge it. I just throw my headphones off and turn around in my seat, get low and kinda look around.”

At this point the gunman had passed Stone and Skarlatos. It was at that moment their lives changed.

“Alek taps me on the shoulder and says ‘go get ‘em!’ and that’s when I got up and I sprinted at him,” he said.

“It was a long sprint. It felt like slow motion.”

“I heard him charge it (the assault rifle) a few more times, and heard a ‘click.’ It still wasn’t working.”

Stone explained that every time he heard a click, he feared that he would die.

“I heard the ‘click’ and thought, ‘whew! I’m still here,’” he said.

Stone finally made contact with the gunman, throwing his body into him. The two started grappling.

“I was feeling for the gun and couldn’t find it,” Stone said. “I felt it a couple times but he kept taking it away. So I just put him in a rear naked choke to protect myself and my friend, Alek, came up and took the AK. But he just kept pulling weapons left and right. He pulled a handgun and it seemed liked he pointed it back at me and I heard it click.”

It is not apparent why the guns malfunctioned so many times, but it gave the trio time to wrestle them away from the gunman.

“I saw him making a slashing motion,” Stone explained. “When I leaned over his shoulder I see he has about a six-inch box cutter blade and I look down and my thumb is hanging halfway off.”

At this point Stone lost his grip on the gunman.

“I let him go and by that point the shooter was in the middle and me, Alek and Anthony are just surrounding him and we just started pounding him,” he said. “I got him in another choke and I choked him out until he went unconscious and my friend kept hitting him in the face with the gun.”

The gunman was down. The trio began assessing any other threats in the area.

“My friend (pointed) out the guy who got hit in the neck,” Stone said. “I don’t know how he got hit but he was spurting blood everywhere. So I yelled out ‘I’m a medic I’m a medic!’ and took the guy and held him down. I just stuck my finger in his neck, found what I thought was an artery and just pressed down. I held that position until authorities came.”

At this point, Stone was pretty badly wounded. His thumb was nearly severed and he had sustained gashes that were dangerously close to major arteries. The nurses later told him that he was lucky that the cuts were not further over.

Despite his wounds he never had a second thought about helping someone else.

“I felt like I was the only person who could help him,” Stone said. “I didn’t really care about my injuries at that point because I thought that guy was gonna die, so I wanted to give him a fighting chance.”

Stone said that he believes everything happens for a reason. Every moment in life leads to the next. He said that there was a reason he and his friends were on that train and that they moved to first class.

“I feel good that we were able to save those people there in that right moment,” Stone said.

Stone, 23, has been in the Air Force for nearly three years. His training as a medic prepared him for how to react in a situation like this, but his family taught him to help those who need help.

“I would say it was more so how I was raised and the Air Force just gave me the tools I needed to be the person I have always wanted to be I guess,” Stone said. “There have been a bunch of influential people in my career so far that have just helped me gain the knowledge that I have.”

When asked about his family, Stone cracked a smile.

“Oh yeah; my family is proud of me. My brother is yelling ‘My brother is an international hero!’ screaming over the phone. My mother, sister, friends, family neighbors — everyone is excited for me.”

The story has been played out in the public light over the past few days and is certainly an intense ride. Many said that it feels like a movie in the making. Jokingly, Stone said that if they ever do make this into a movie, he knows exactly who he wants to play him.

“Denzel Washington, but I don’t think that would ever happen,” Stone joked.

Despite his fairly calm demeanor only days after the attack, Stone was able to reflect on the event as a day that could have gone a lot differently.

“If it wasn’t for Alek and Anthony, I’d be dead,” Stone said. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it by myself. He definitely woulda’ got me.”

The gunman had multiple magazines and almost 300 rounds of ammunition.

“He seemed like he was ready to fight to the end,” Stone said. “So were we.”

Chief Kacsmaryk Retirement

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

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

Chief Master Sgt. Michael Kacsmaryk, superintendent, 752nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, March Air Reserve Base, receives a U.S. flag that was flown over the Capitol, during his retirement ceremony at the Cultural Resource Center here Aug. 22, 2015. Kacsmaryk retires after nearly 40 years of service to the U.S. Air Force, effective Aug. 31, 2015.

The 452nd Air Mobility Wing 2015, 3rd Quarter award winners

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Aerotech News
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150712-F-PN656-0031

Airman of the Quarter – Senior Airman Christian Bojorquez, 452 SFS

150712-F-PN656-0091

NCO of the Quarter – Staff Sgt. Kevin Duffy, 56 APS

150712-F-PN656-032

NCO of the Quarter – Staff Sgt. Kevin Duffy, 56 APS

150712-F-PN656-0231

SNCO of the Quarter – Senior Master Sgt. Winston Demmin, 452 AMXS

(Not pictured)

Civilians of the Quarter – Category 1, Ms. Katherine Howell, 452 CS; Category 2, Ms. Olga “Elaine” Valentine, 452 AMW; Category 3, Mr. Kevin Horowitz, 452 AMXS

NCO Academy Distinguished Graduate, Tech. Sgt. Sweden Lerma, 452 AMDS

March ARB/4AF Outstanding Airman of the Year nominee, Tech. Sgt. Daniel Madden.

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