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New grants for veteran housing and support in California

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(usvetsinc.org)

U.S.VETS and other members of the California Association of Veterans Service Agencies (CAVSA) have been awarded first round Proposition 41 funding for six projects totaling more than $22 million in Sacramento and Los Angeles that will provide 392 units of housing and extensive supportive services for homeless low-income veterans.

“This first round of awards is a historic investment by the State of California in efforts to end veteran homelessness in California,” said Steve Peck, president and CEO of U.S.VETS and president of CAVSA. “These grants will dramatically enhance our efforts to provide housing and intensive supportive services such as case management, drug and alcohol counseling, health clinics, disability benefit advocacy, mental health support as well as family and childcare services.”

U.S.VETS is the development partner and service provider in two of the projects: March Veterans Village in Riverside, which will provide 150 units of permanent supportive housing and 50 transitional housing beds; and Liberty Lane in Redlands, which is 40 units of permanent supportive housing.

CAVSA is a consortium of six non-profit veteran service providers. CAVSA’s geographic diversity facilitates the delivery of direct services in both urban and rural regions throughout the state, stretching from Eureka to San Diego.

CAVSA’s mission is to address and promote the employment, training, education, housing, medical and business development needs of veterans and their families.

Team March loses family member

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“It is with a sad heart that I inform you of the loss of Nancy Ferrick’s husband, Ron,” said Col. Russell Muncy, 452 AMW commander. “As many of you know, Nancy has been a fixture here at March for many years and has been the wing commander’s secretary for more than 20 years.” 

Ron Ferrick passed away unexpectedly Friday, July 17.  He retired from the Air Force and started a second career in the defense industry, from which he also retired. More recently, Ron was a volunteer with the Salvation Army.

Services for Ronald P. Ferrick will be held at the Salvation Army Chapel, Sunday, July 26th at 3 p.m.  The Salvation Army Chapel is located at 24201 Orange Ave, Perris, Calif., 92570. 

The family is requesting donations in lieu of flowers be made to one of the following:

1) An animal shelter or animal rescue group of your choice.

2) Any charitable organization supporting diabetes research and/or care for those with diabetes.

New Briefs 07/17/2015

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SPECIAL OLYMPICS VOLUNTEERS

Special Olympics USA will be holding a four-day Pre-World Games Training Camp in Riverside, from July 21-24, and is in need of volunteers to support the team. To volunteer, email Dan Epstein at sports@specialolympichawaii.org.

MILITARY DENTIST FOR UTAS

The 452nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron will provide a military dentist available each Friday prior to the A and B UTAs through the September joint UTA. The dentist’s hours are 8 – 11 a.m. and 1 – 3 p.m. If you or anyone in your squadron needs a military dental examination, please go to the dental clinic during the hour of operation. Individuals must be on military status to be seen.  No appointments accepted. Walk-ins will be seen on a first come, first served basis.

TEN STEPS TO FEDERAL JOB WORKSHOP

The March Airman and Family Readiness Center is holding a Ten Steps to a Federal Job Workshop on Friday, July 17, 8 a.m. – noon in the 452nd Mission Support Group Conference Room, Bldg. 2313, 1261 Graeber Street. Call 951-655-5350 for more information and to register.

BONANZA BINGO AT CLUB

The Hap Arnold Club invites you to play Bingo for prizes. Visit the cashier’s cage or a bartender at the club or call 951-655-4920 for details. Winning numbers for the week of July 13-17 are B4, I17, N41, G58, O71. (Winning numbers are displayed weekly on the information screen in the lobby next to the Grande Ballroom.) Good luck!

FREE SUMMER OUTDOOR MOVIE SERIES

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.

July 25: Survivor (PG-13) – A Foreign Service Officer in London tries to prevent a terrorist attack set to hit New York, but is forced to go on the run when she is framed for crimes she did not commit. Stars: Paddy Wallace, Parker Sawyers, Bashar Rahal

Aug. 8: Woman in Gold (PG-13) – Maria Altmann, an octogenarian Jewish refugee, takes on the Austrian government to recover artwork she believes rightfully belongs to her family. Stars: Helen Mirren, Ryan Reynolds, Daniel Brühl

Aug. 22: Insurgent (PG-13) – Beatrice Prior must confront her inner demons and continue her fight against a powerful alliance which threatens to tear her society apart with the help from others on her side. Stars: Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Theo James

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 

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE TRIPS JULY

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

July 18 – zipline and fly board in Big Bear for $52 per person

July 18 – trampoline, minuture golf and go kart in Redlands for $12 per person

August 1 – Hang Glide in Devore for $45 per person

August 15 – Couples hot air balloon rides in Temecula for $20 per person

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.

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.

BACK STREET CAFÉ UTA SCHEDULE

The Back Street Café has begun renovation of the dining area. Food operations have relocated to the Wright Brothers Bar located on the east side of the Hap Arnold Club. Entrances from Adams Ave. can be used as well as available parking across from the Ballroom entrance.

Monday – Friday there will be buffet style food service in the Wright Brothers Bar at 6:30 – 10 a.m. for breakfast and 11-1:30 p.m. for lunch. No dinner will be served during the week.

All UTA food operations will continue throughout the renovation. A limited menu will be available with most of your favorite items, excluding pizza. An express food service will be available in the Atrium as well as breakfast, lunch and dinner in the dining room. The UTA operating hours are 5:30-9 a.m. for breakfast; 11-1 p.m. for lunch, 4-8 p.m. for dinner.

In addition, Sally’s Alley and Aces Sports Bar will be open on UTA Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.

The newly renovated state-of-the-art facility will feature new lighting and furniture, an improved serving line, digital menu boards, a revamped menu, and new stations such as a self-serve salad bar and Starbucks coffee stations.

We appreciate your patience during this renovation and are committed to continue to provide quality service and support to the Team March community. Visit MarchFSS.com or “Like” them on Facebook at “MarchFSS” to stay up-to-date.

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

Daily activities include: 

For more information, visit the Fitness Center or call 951-655-2284.

CONSTRUCTION AT CACTUS AVE & RIVERSIDE DR:

The City of Moreno Valley has removed the “No Right Turn” sign at Cactus/Riverside (east bound) and will see how it goes. They warned that during construction, the turn radius is not enough for tractor trailer/delivery trucks and it will be a problem for those vehicles. Please have your delivery trucks use the Heacock/Meyers entrance to the area to avoid problems with the construction crew. If a problem arises with the vehicle traffic while the construction crew is relocating the traffic signal and installing traffic modifications at the Riverside/Cactus intersection the “No Right Turn” sign will be put up again and enforced. Hopefully this will make things easier for all while the street widening project is going on. If you have any questions contact the March Community Planner and Liaison at 951-655-2236.

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.

MOTOWN REVIEW AUGUST 29

The Hap Arnold Club presents The MoTown Review dinner and show, featuring the Men of Motown, Saturday, Aug. 29, 6 p.m. Call the club at 951-655-2121 for more information.

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 have dropped to $60 per person. See your first sergeant to purchase tickets or contact SMSgt. Griffin at 951-655-3999. There are 40 rooms available at the Marriott for $110 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.

163rd Attack Wing stands up at March Field

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U.S. Air National Guard photo/Senior Airman Michael Quiboloy

The California Air National Guard’s Moreno Valley-based 163rd Reconnaissance Wing has become the 163rd Attack Wing (ATKW). The wing received the official orders to re-designate its name on July 1, 2015, by the order of the Secretary of the Air Force. The name change was made formal during a ceremony at March Air Reserve Base, Saturday, July 11, 2015.

“Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to both the mission and the people of the 163rd Attack Wing,” said Col. Dana Hessheimer, wing commander. “I am proud to serve with each and every one of you.”

Members of the 163 ATKW took to the flight line and stood proudly in military formation next to their wingmen as the historical orders were announced. The unfurling of the new wing flag took place for all to see as a part of the momentous occasion. Hessheimer took a moment to share the history of the wing’s previous missions to remind the wing members of their heritage.

“Our wing members are part of the unit’s history,” said Hessheimer.  “They are experienced and dedicated to our United States Air Force mission.”

“Attack” is the term the active duty Air Force has adopted for its units that fly the MQ-9 Reaper. The 163rd converted aircraft, flying its first MQ-9 flight in August 2014. The wing converted from the remotely piloted MQ-1 Predator to the MQ-9 Reaper and the name change reflects the unit’s switch in operating the MQ-9 remotely piloted aircraft. 

The 163rd is a proven choice supporting overseas, operating remotely piloted aircraft since August of 2006 when they converted from an Air Refueling Wing to the Reconnaissance Wing.  In only 19 months the wing reached 500,000 flying hours with 85 percent being combat hours, 31 CAPS and 4,400 weekly combat hours on mission with the MQ-1 Predator.

The wing was recently awarded two significant awards. First is the Winston P. Wilson trophy that is presented to the most outstanding Air National Guard Unit equipped with fighter or reconnaissance aircraft. From January 1 to December 31, 2014, the wing flew 658 sorties and more than 10,900 combat flying hours including 10 troops in contact and 17 air-to-surface engagements in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The wing was also presented the Excellence in Aviation Award from the Flight Test Historical Foundation for supporting civil authorities in emergency disaster relief efforts during the third largest fire in California’s history, the Rim Fire. The wing provided more than 80 hours of real-time, full motion video in support of CAL FIRE operations.

The new163 ATKW started its legacy with its predecessor’s from the 411th Fighter Squadron, consisting of personnel from the 373rd Fighter Group. The 411 FS sailed from New York aboard the “HMS Duchess of Bedford” to Woodchurch, Kent, England, to prepare for combat missions during WWII. The 411th supported General Patton’s Third Army and played an integral part in the famous “Battle of the Bulge” by flying attack after attack, causing the Germans to retreat and eventually surrender in May 1945.

The unit launched its last flight of MQ-1 aircraft on April 1, 2015 after eight years, 230 days, nine hours and 30 minutes of consecutive flights without a break supporting our warfighters overseas. The wing flew 1,070 sorties totaling 6,240.5 hours in support of training. Along with the daily missions overseas, these Airmen supported civil authorities during fires and floods stateside, conducted search and rescue exercises and simultaneously supported their flying training unit school house.

“The added value of the enhanced RPA will expand the Air National Guard’s support in its search and rescue, firefighting, and other capabilities,” said Col. Dana Hessheimer, commander of the 163d Attack Wing. “The dedicated Airmen of the 163d Wing team are seizing the future and are remaining steadfast on duty.”

Airman shares Honor Flight with grandfather

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Courtesy photo

The Honor Flight, a great way to honor veterans for the sacrifice and service they made many years ago,  is an opportunity to take them to visit Washington, D.C. war memorials and spend the day with them, reflecting on their past achievements and learning about their military history.

For Capt. Malia M. Hoffmann, logistics readiness officer, 56th Aerial Port Squadron, March Air Reserve Base, this was the perfect chance to bond with her grandfather, Oscar Hoffmann, over his World War II memories.

“I just really felt like this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Capt. Hoffmann. “He’s getting up there in age and he doesn’t have much time left. The fact that he and I share the military experience, that history together, is really special to me.”

The Honor Flight took off from Wisconsin, which is where Capt. Hoffmann grew up, at around 6 a.m. with roughly 84 veterans and their dependents. After arriving in the nation’s capital, they boarded a bus to visit the memorials and other sites the city has to offer.

“Our first stop was the World War II Memorial. All the vets got a group picture in front of the fountain there,” Capt. Hoffmann said.

Other stops included the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial Wall and the Air Force Memorial, Capt. Hoffman said.

“They’ve really done a nice job making these memorials,” Oscar Hoffmann said. “They are very impressive.”

At Arlington they observed the changing of the guard and walked through the final resting place for those who have served.

“There is just so much land here, as far as the eye can see, and it is filled with Soldiers,” Oscar Hoffmann said.

Sharing the experience with her grandfather, who enlisted in the Navy during World War II, created life-long memories. Capt. Hoffmann, a prior-enlisted veteran of 13 years, cites her grandfather’s service as one of the reasons she joined the military.

“When I was a little kid I remember always looking at his old Navy stuff, like his dog tags and his uniforms. I always wanted his pea coat when I was little,” said Capt. Hoffmann. “He was kind of protective of that stuff. I just sort of admired that in him and I thought it was a really cool thing to do for your country.”

The Honor Flight was a really unique opportunity for Capt. Hoffmann and her grandfather to spend an entire day together without anyone else in the family around.

“I think the best part of the whole experience for both of us was when we came back to Wisconsin. They had a welcome home after we got off the aircraft and all the local people lined the airport,” she said. “They had boy scouts, girl scouts, and people with signs. I think there were about 1,500 people there. Then they had all the vets march through the crowd with people cheering. I looked at my grandpa while it was happening and I could see him tearing up.”

She said the trip is something that everyone should experience, given the opportunity.

Another moment while there really meant a lot to her and her grandfather.

“There was a young man, probably 12 years old, at the World War II memorial,” said Capt. Hoffmann. “He was taking a picture of my grandpa, and walked up to him and said, ‘Thank you for your service. What branch were you in?’ My grandpa was really taken aback by that. It was really cool to see the generational difference.”

According to Capt. Hoffmann, those in charge of the Honor Flight program stated the reason they do this is to give back to the Veterans who didn’t get a welcome back, in a time when supporting our troops wasn’t popular.

Capt. Hoffmann said the application process for the Honor Flight is definitely worth it. All you have to do is visit http://www.oldgloryhonorflight.org and submit a completed application or contact them at 888-635-9838.

“I get chills talking about it,” she said. “It was a really special experience. It’s kind of hard to put into words what it meant to us.”

Don’t get hooked by cyber phishing scams

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WASHINGTON (AFNS) — Fast cash promises on popular social media sites like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are causing major problems for service members.

Phishing scams have continued to evolve in an attempt to keep up with progressing technology. Today, some phishing scams have been using social media outlets to fool users into revealing sensitive and personal information at an alarming rate.

Phishers typically send a short message targeting young adults and, recently, more service members, asking if they would like to make quick cash. Preying on those in need of money, phishers entice victims with the idea of an easy payday. Many service members are sending debit card personal identification numbers or online credentials, only to be left holding a large bill.

One popular scheme involves a phisher depositing a fake check into a willing member’s account and then using the personal information obtained to withdraw funds from that account. For example, an Instagram post with the hashtag #USAA offers a $5,000 deposit to establish dialogue with a potential victim. The victim then provides account information, allowing the phisher to upload a phony check into their account. Since many banks offer immediate withdrawals, the phisher can take the money and run. In some cases, the victim agrees to the scheme and deposits the fake checks themselves with the intention of claiming no knowledge later on. Either way it’s done, the account holder is responsible for the funds.

Recently, a 20-year-old Sailor had a checking account balance of $25 with USAA. After he engaged with a phisher and provided account information, several fraudulent checks were deposited into his account, totaling $17,453. The fraudster withdrew his fee and left the Sailor liable for $6,500. Phishers often deposit large amounts because only a portion of a deposited check is available right away.

While many service members are falling for these fake check phishing attempts, banks aren’t. They also aren’t paying the bills left in the wake.

“USAA is not going to post something like that on social media,” said Brent Mosher, the USAA executive director of financial crimes, investigations and recovery. “Fraudsters ask for things we would never ask for — personal identifiers, debit card information, account numbers — we already have all that.”

A financial woe isn’t the only thing that comes with being a willing, or unwilling, victim. Security clearances, which take financial standing in account, can also be affected. Depending on their level of involvement in the schemes, service members may face legal action and possible discharge.

Phishers aren’t content with just social media sites. They are also crafting emails with company logos from official looking addresses. Phishers send emails from what appear to be trusted establishments.

According to the Cyber Security Division within the office of Headquarters Air Force Communications, these emails often contain links to fake websites which ask the potential victim to enter their personal and account information. The site then records the information entered giving phishers all they need to wreak havoc on such things as bank accounts and credit cards.

Banks and other financial institutions do not ask for personal information or account information via email. If you suspect an email or social media post is phishing, contact the company directly using information on a recent billing statement.

Let’s Move! supports Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA+) challenge

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Physical activity is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. In combination with healthy eating, it can help prevent a range of chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and stroke, which are the three leading causes of death. Physical activity helps control weight, builds lean muscle, reduces fat, promotes strong bone, muscle and joint development, and decreases the risk of obesity. Children need 60 minutes of play with moderate to vigorous activity every day to grow up to a healthy weight.

If this sounds like a lot, consider that eight to 18 year old adolescents spend an average of 7.5 hours a day using entertainment media including TV, computers, video games, cell phones and movies in a typical day, and only one-third of high school students get the recommended levels of physical activity. To increase physical activity, today’s children need safe routes to walk and bike ride to school, parks, playgrounds and community centers where they can play after school, and activities like sports, dance or fitness programs that are exciting and challenging enough to keep them engaged.

Let’s Move! aims to increase opportunities for kids to be physically active, both in and out of school and to create new opportunities for families to move together.

Active Families: Engage in physical activity each day: a total of 60 minutes for children, 30 minutes for adults.

Active Schools: A variety of opportunities are available for schools to add more physical activity into the school day, including additional physical education classes, before–and afterschool programs, recess, and opening school facilities for student and family recreation in the late afternoon and evening.

Active Communities: Mayors and community leaders can promote physical fitness by working to increase safe routes for kids to walk and ride to school; by revitalizing parks, playgrounds, and community centers; and by providing fun and affordable sports and fitness programs.

Let’s Move! supports the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award (PALA+) challenge, which helps individuals commit to regular physical activity and healthy eating — and rewards them for it. The challenge is for anyone, from students to seniors, but it’s geared toward people who want to set themselves on the road to a healthier life through positive changes to physical activity and eating behaviors.

For kids and teens (that’s anyone between 6 and 17 years), your goals are:

Physical activity: You need to be active 60 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week, for 6 out of 8 weeks. As an alternative, you can count your daily activity steps using a pedometer (girls’ goal: 11,000; boys’ goal: 13,000).

Healthy eating: Each week, you’ll also focus on a healthy eating goal. There are eight to choose from, and each week you will add a new goal while continuing with your previous goals. By the end of the six weeks, you’ll be giving your body more of the good stuff it needs.

For adults (that’s anyone aged 18 and older), your goals are:

Physical activity: You need to be active 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week, for 6 out of 8 weeks. As an alternative, you can count your daily activity steps using a pedometer (goal: 8,500).

Healthy eating: Each week, you’ll also focus on a healthy eating goal. There are eight to choose from, and each week you will add a new goal while continuing with your previous goals. By the end of the six weeks, you’ll be giving your body more of the good stuff it needs.

Learn more about the Presidential Active Lifestyle Award. Sign up for PALA+ at http://www.letsmove.gov/get-active.

Design airshow poster contest

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March Air Reserve Base is holding a design contest for the “March Field AirFest 2016: Thunder Over the Empire” poster. Everyone is eligible to enter. The winning designer will receive a 2016 AirFest package for a family of four. The package includes VIP parking for one vehicle (excluding RVs); four tickets to the pre-show dinner party on Friday, April 29, 2016; four tickets to the show-center, Chalet tent; a guided base tour between June – December 2016 to be scheduled with public affairs a minimum of 30 days in advance.

Keep in mind:

— March Field AirFest 2016 is the name; Thunder Over the Empire is the theme.

–The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds may be the headliner, and there will also be many other air and ground acts.

–March Field’s 452nd Air Mobility Wing is home to the C-17 Globemaster III and the KC-135 Stratotanker.

–March Field is the original name of the base and how it is sometimes referred to today. March Field was established in 1918. The current and complete name of the base is March Air Reserve Base.

–The design will be made into posters and post cards for marketing purposes. They will be available to local communities to post. The design will also be posted to the Internet, social media sites and print news, with attribution to the artist.

–The winning design will be selected by vote of the AirFest executive committee sometime in August 2015. Winner will be notified by the committee at that time.

–There is no entry fee and the prize has no value as our airshows and base tours are free and the pre-show dinner is sponsored and by invitation only.

The winning designer must sign a statement giving up all rights and/or residuals to the design forever. The design will become the property of the U.S. Air Force.

–In the event of a cancellation, the contest and prize becomes null and void.

Contest rules:

1. All graphic art/photography used must be your original work. Do NOT use anything that is copyrighted, registered or developed by someone else in part or entirety. You will be required to sign a statement as to the validity of your work.

2. There is no minimum or maximum age to submit an entry. Only one entry per person, so make it your best!

3. All entries must be submitted to 452amwpa.web@gmail.com (Subject: “Entry – AirFest 2016”) and received not later than midnight, August 1, 2015. Your entry MUST include your full name, address, email and phone number. We will respond with the validity of work statement and a request for further information if needed.

4. If you have any questions, please email them to 452amwpa.web@gmail.com (Subject: “Question – AirFest 2016”)

Team March members receive CCAF degrees

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U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Kevin Mitterholzer

Team March members pose for a class photo outside the Cultural Resource Center after receiving their Community College of the Air Force degrees Sunday, July 12, 2015. At least 30 graduates were present for the CCAF ceremony to accept their Associate of Applied Science degrees.

Fourth Combat Camera Squadron inactivates after 19 years of worldwide documentation

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U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. John R. Nimmo, Sr.

There are numerous definitions of family. There are biological families, adopted families, friends who grow to be family. There are work families and military families, and then there is March Field’s 4th Combat Camera family.

As the squadron closed its doors during the flightline, inactivation ceremony Saturday, July 11, 2015, Maj. Hamilton B. Underwood, commander said words that were echoed throughout the combat camera team.

“Fourth Combat Camera is a family,” said Underwood. “Members and alumni traveled from all over the country to be here. It’s a tribute to the close bond we have in the 4th.”

The squadron is inactivating due to a challenging fiscal environment, said Underwood. So, a formal ceremony was held to commemorate the final Unit Training Assembly weekend for the March combat camera team. The ceremony included lowering and properly casing the squadron’s colors.

After standing up in 1996 as the only combat camera squadron in the Air Force Reserve, the squadron documented more than 250 worldwide combat, humanitarian, expeditionary and training missions with still photography and video, said Master Sgt. John Nimmo, one of the squadron’s many award-winning photojournalists.

“Fourth Combat Camera products are unsurpassed anywhere,” said Col. Timothy McCoy, commander, 452nd Mission Support Group. “It’s not just the products that are great though, it’s the people.”

While there were a few tears watching the squadron remembrance video during the inactivation ceremony, there were also smiles and laughs from the combat camera members and alumni, sharing stories and remembering their times in the squadron.

“We fought like a family,” said Chief Master Sgt. Michael Du, former 4CTCS superintendent. “We trained like a family. It’s who we are. Every UTA at the 4th felt like I was going home to a family gathering.”

When news spread of the squadron closing its doors, the Airmen of combat camera had to make a choice. While some members chose to cross-train, others retired and a few chose new career paths.

However, not everyone from combat camera is gone. Forty Airmen and NCOs who are currently assigned to the 4th will go with the squadron to the 3rd Combat Camera Squadron at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, and transition to Individual Mobilization Augmentees (IMA).

The squadron has high hopes of eventually standing back up as an active-associate unit attached to the 3rd Combat Camera Squadron, said Underwood.

“We’re not just inactivating,” he said. “We are reactivating at the same time. We are succeeding at something that’s never been done before in the Air Force Reserve.”

After 19 years of documenting missions abroad and at home, the combat camera doors at March are closing, but the memories made by combat camera members here will remain as lasting snapshots of history, and family reunions are a great probablility.