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Pro vs. GI Joe program at the E3 Expo allows deployed troops to play video games with celebrities

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U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Michael Quiboloy

When deployed to the AOR there typically is some downtime between shifts.  Entertainment and the comforts of home are in high demand in these situations.  Video gaming is easily one of the most direct ways to obtain the entertainment and a touch of home deployed troops crave while carrying out their missions. 

Enter an organization called Pro vs. GI Joe.

The not-for-profit organization sets up real-time video game competitions between professional athletes and celebrities with military personnel deployed all over the world, via the Internet and in person, as a means of support in a morale boosting, interactive way.

“Just trying to break the monotony from day to day operations, gaming helps accomplish that.  To see celebrities take time out of their schedule to play deployed troops really goes a long way in helping morale,” said Technical Sergeant Hai Ho, 412 AMXS Assistant Flight Chief.

At this year’s E3 Expo, Pro vs. GI Joe will have several stations set up within their military themed booth, enabling attendees of the Expo to play troops overseas and compete in various challenges to win prizes.  The event is set up to raise awareness, and to show support.

“E3 Expo is the perfect platform for Pro vs. GI Joe to connect with the gaming community in a truly fun and interactive way,” said Greg Zinone, co-founder and president of Pro vs. GI Joe. “We are thrilled to be part of the Expo to showcase that our organization is about more than just playing video games; it’s about the connection we are making through the games, something the troops absolutely love. We are honored to show the gaming community that through Pro vs. GI Joe, they now have a way to support those troops by simply doing what they already do – play video games.”

Pro vs. GI Joe has hosted several hundred events since its inception at arenas and expos like E3 across the country, helping to raise the morale of thousands of deployed troops and their families.

“I wish I had something like this to look forward to when I was deployed.  This event lets our troops that are in harm’s way know that America has not forgotten that you are still out there,” said Staff Sergeant Daniel Goodman, 412 Suitability Evaluator.

C-17 call sign SLAM 86 – 14 total flyovers:

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6:10 PM      

#1)  Huntington Beach Pier, South East to North West

6:15 PM

#2)  San Pedro (Cabrillo Beach), East to West

6:30 PM  

#3)  Woodland Hills, East to West

6:51 PM  

#4)  Simi Valley, West to East

6:53 PM       

#5)  Porter Ranch, West to East

7:00 PM      

#6)  Rose Bowl, North to South

7:04:40 sec PM

#7)  La Verne, West to East

7:07 PM

#8)  Rancho Cucamonga, West to East               

7:12 PM    

#9)  Redlands, West to East

7:30:30 sec PM

#10) Yucaipa, East to West

7:40 PM        

#11) Big Bear Lake, East to West

7:45 PM      

#12) Lake Arrowhead, East to West

7:57 PM

#13) La Habra, South to North

8:03 PM           

#14) Corona, West to East

Local Briefs 06/26/2015

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BASE FOD WALK SCHEDULED FOR JULY 1

The next Base Foreign Object Walk is scheduled for Jul 1 with a show time of 7:15 a.m. sharp at the old Air Passenger Terminal building on the flight line side. Please bring a plastic trash bag, like the one in your shop/office trash can. The walk will begin at 7:30 a.m. Be on time.

Carpooling is encouraged. Safety first! Thank you for your support!

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE FESTIVAL

*The March Commissary, Fitness Center and Base Exchange are partnering to present a Healthy Lifestyle Festival from July 1-3. There will be a free BBQ at the commissary between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily, as well as healthy food demonstrations and samples. Holly the calf will be the star at the commissary’s free petting zoo all three days. They will also sponsor a watermelon-eating contest at 1 p.m., Friday, July 3.

*The Base Exchange will feature sports-related apparel and athletic shoes as well as items such as fitness monitors. There will also be items to help you cook healthier, like BBQ grills.

*The Fitness Center will offer fitness demonstrations on July 1, for Core & More, fitness bands, fitness ball, spin, as well as sponsor some giveaways that day.

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.

CCAF GRADUATION CEREMONY

Please join us in celebration as the next group of Community College of the Air Force graduates receive their diplomas. The event will be at the Cultural Resource Center on base, July 12, 2015 at 10 a.m.

FREE BASEBALL, MILITARY MONDAYS

Are you a Military Member or do you know one? The Lake Elsinore Storm, baseball affiliate of the San Diego Padres, proudly offers 4 FREE tickets every Monday for military personnel as a huge thank you for your service. Every valid (current or retiree) military ID card presented at the Storm ticket office will receive this honorable deal.

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.

Food operations begin for the A-UTA weekend on June 6 and will continue throughout the renovation. Operating hours will remain the same and 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 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.

FOURTH COMBAT CAMERA TO INACTIVATE JULY 11

March Air Reserve Base’s 4th Combat Camera Squadron is scheduled to inactivate at a ceremony held in Hangar 452 on July 11, 2015 at 10 a.m. Team March members are invited to attend the ceremony and congratulate them on a job well done.

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.

COMMISSARY NEEDS STOCKERS

The March Commissary is looking for vendor stockers to work between the hours of 6:30 p.m. and 1 a.m. nightly. The pay varies for each vendor. Weekend work is a requirement. No experience. On-the-job training provided. Sign up at the ID desk or email your phone number to cyndy.fults@deca.mil for a phone interview with the hiring official.

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.  Tickets are still $65 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.

March Field Emergency Fire Services engineer remains calm at accident scene

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U.S. Air Force photo/Linda Welz

On the morning of June 4, 2015, Engineer Mark Hanenberger, 44, from the March Field Emergency Fire Services, was driving home after roll call when he noticed traffic had stopped. About the time he thought he would turn around to take another route, like the person in front of him had done, it began moving again.

That is when he came across the reason for the jam, a multiple vehicle traffic collision. Without hesitation his 26 years of experience kicked in. Hanenberger, a former sheriff who was trained to never stop in front of a scene but to drive through it and then park and walk back, safely parked his vehicle and began to assess the scene.

“You get a feel for (it), when you see an accident scene, that either it’s not that bad or it’s pretty bad,” he said. “I stopped, put my flashers on and grabbed the gloves I keep in my glove compartment.”

As he approached the scene he observed a woman in a vehicle on her phone. He confirmed that she was on the phone with the 911 operator before moving toward an injured victim being attended to by others on scene.

After checking on that victim, making sure the attendees didn’t need his help, and making sure no other victims needed his immediate assistance, he directed his attention to scene safety.

“I saw a guy on a motorcycle who had stopped and I asked him to help slow the traffic down, and if it didn’t slow down to stop it all together,” Hanenberger said. The bystander complied.

Upon arrival of the Nuview Fire Station 3 (CAL FIRE), the first department to arrive on scene, Hanenberger said he gave them a full report of what he had observed and done, and then continued to assist firefighter/paramedics until they had the scene covered and released him.

“Sounds like he (Hanenberger) made a pretty big impact in maintaining a somewhat calm scene at an extremely chaotic time,” said CAL FIRE Captain Ben Forqueran in an email to his battalion chief.

Because of this accident, Hanenberger said he now carries a pocket mask in his personal vehicle just to be better prepared.

“I’ve always carried gloves. (But) I realized that I really need to keep the pocket mask with me,” Hanenberger said. “My main duty at a scene like this is to try to stay calm and remain in control.”

Things are changing constantly at an accident scene and adaptation is crucial, although he said some things are beyond adaptability.

Although those who stop to help at an accident scene are covered under “Good Samaritan” laws, Hanenberger said they can also become part of the problem.

“The first thing bystanders have to realize is don’t be part of the problem. If you can’t safely stop, and you can’t safely render aid, I wouldn’t stop,” Hanenberger said.

Eligible for retirement, Hanenberger, who has been with the March Field department since 1997, said he will continue because his daughter starts college in the fall.

Saddened by the news that one of the children in the accident was killed despite rescue attempts, Hanenberger said this was one of the toughest calls he has been on in his career.

“They are innocent and haven’t lived yet,” he said thinking about his own daughter. “We can only control so much,” he said. “I do think we made a difference in the eyes of those involved because of what I’ve read on Facebook. That’s the goal.”

How being a military dependent helped me prepare for my future

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“You’re going to be the man of the house now,” are the words one may hear a military father tell his son before deployment. However, it’s different when the mom is the one leaving her daughter because of a deployment. She has to leave her little girl and miss important life moments, while her daughter lives without her mother’s gentle touch.

Having my mom deployed taught me to be more mature. I had to learn to do things without her. Homework, school events, cooking, cleaning, shopping was all done with my dad or by myself. I had to take on as much of my mom’s role as I could. When I got upset or stressed I would have to go to my dad, who couldn’t always comfort me like my mom. Taking on her role allowed me to become self-sufficient and independent.

I learned very quickly how to multi-task and be more organized. I got myself up for school and made sure I was ready on time so dad could drive me there. I learned to manage my time better, which resulted in getting my homework done before the due dates and my studying done well in advance of the tests. Without mom there to help, I learned to study on my own by making flashcards. I implemented mom’s idea of making up songs to help me remember important facts. I also became better at communicating. I’m shy to begin with, but having to communicate with teachers and other adults, without my mom, made me open up a little bit more and become better at talking and asking questions when needed.

Learning self-sufficiency, independence, multi-tasking, organization, communication and maturity has, without a doubt, prepared me for college. These traits will not only help me succeed in college, but also in whatever future I choose in the job market and in life itself.

I’ve seen my mom use these traits to handle stressful situations. In watching her, I have learned to remain calm, breathe and handle as much as I can, as quickly and efficiently as possible.

My mom is a huge role model in my life because after serving for 28 years, she still loves her job and does it like a pro. Having had a military mom my entire life, I have learned that giving up or quitting is not an option, even when the going gets tough. It is the only life I know. It is my normal. I hope, someday, to have a job that I am good at and that I love, just like her and I know college will help get me there.

“Service before self” is something she has instilled in me, meaning I should always try to help others with their needs before I focus on my own. It is a value or life trait that has and will continue to help me make friends, accomplish goals and help others. It has prepared me to succeed.

The future

With high school graduation behind me, and having been accepted at a California State University, my life is about to change again. Now, I am the one leaving home. It seems ironic that my growing up lead to my own deployment of sorts.

Like my mother before me, I will be leaving my family and traveling alone to a place unknown to me, yet a place where many have gone before me. I will have many new adventures and create lasting memories. I will laugh and I will cry. I will be glad to be on my own yet, at times, long for those feelings of comfort and safety that I have at home. This time, mom will be the one at home wondering how I am doing and hoping for a card, letter or phone call.

Stress is inevitable and I thought I had to have it all figured out by now, what I want to be when I grow up. But, mom said, I am in the majority, that most high school graduates don’t know yet. About to begin my college orientation, I’m not sure what career path I will choose, but I know that whatever I decide to do, my mom and dad will support me all the way, and I will ‘redeploy’ as a successful, independent woman, just like mom.

Fourth of July fireworks safety tips

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Many cities and communities in or near Riverside County provide spectacular fireworks displays for their residents. The operators of these displays are licensed and have permits issued by the State Fire Marshal.

As a reminder (other than the licensed and permitted operators mentioned above), all fireworks (including sparklers) are illegal in Riverside County because they cause serious injuries and very often, cause fires.

Although fireworks are synonymous with our celebration of Independence Day, the thrill of fireworks can also bring pain. On average, 240 people go the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday.

Remember, fireworks can cause serious burn and eye injuries. You can help prevent fireworks-related injuries and deaths by working with a national, state or local organization where you live to promote fireworks safety in your community.

Better yet, let the experts entertain your family at an event throughout the southland. To locate an event near you, visit www.riversidesheriff.orgt/fireworks/fireworks.asp.

If you are in an area where fireworks are allowed, follow these safety tips when using them:

Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.

Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.

Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don’t realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.

Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.

Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.

Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.

Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.

Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.

Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

Happy Independence Day!  Be safe!

Honor Guard members bury those who served

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The March Field Blue Eagles Total Force Honor Guard History Edwards Air Force Base formed Blue Eagles Honor Guard in 1974, named for the F-15 fighter plane. Moved operation center to March Air Reserve Base in 1999 Territory covers 50,000 square miles, seven counties, including Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange. Total number of funerals since 2001: 22,943 Highest funeral total since 2001: 1,946 in 2013 Lowest funeral total since 2001: 1,112 in 2002 Total funerals in 2014: 1,859 Average number of funerals per week: 37 Breakdown of Honors Active duty killed: 20 honor guard members at service Retired military, 20 or more years of service: 5-7 honor guard members at service Veteran less than 20 years: 2-3 honor guard members Source: March Field Blue Eagles Total Force Honor Guard

(First in a two-part series on honor guard, reprinted with permission)

He was doing it for his grandfather — the man who helped raise him as a kid. The man who taught him how to fix almost anything. Rewiring this to light up that. A screw here to hold the whole thing together there. He showed him his tools — oh so many tools — and how to use each one.

Sometimes, after long days repairing an engine or wiring a circuit in the garage, they’d play catch. Grandpa loved baseball and so his grandson, Joseph Trujillo, loved it, too.

Then they’d go inside where the worn-out boy would climb up into the oversize chair and fall asleep in his grandpa’s lap while he watched the History Channel. Or a war movie. The retired U.S Navy man really liked the war movies.

“He was like a second father to me,” Trujillo said. “I loved him.”

But in 2007, while staying with his mom in Illinois, she spoke the words that couldn’t possibly be true. His grandfather was dead. As an 18-year-old, still in high school and three time zones away from him, he was gut-punched.

The funeral would happen at Riverside National Cemetery. Trujillo was unable to get there for the service, which included burial with honors. He felt sadness and some pangs of guilt for not being there. He went and got a tattoo over his heart. It was Gaelic that translated to “Great Warrior” along with the year of his birth and death.

“I was trying to let it sink in, but it wouldn’t,” Trujillo said. “Grandpa was the man and nothing was supposed to happen to that guy.”

His grandfather didn’t teach him how to fix this — the missing him, let alone missing the funeral service honoring him. He decided to enlist at 20. Then, years later at the age of 26, he thought to try something else to honor his grandfather. The U.S. Air Force Reserve senior airman, father of two and full-time electrician, asked earlier this year if he could join the Blue Eagles Total Force Honor Guard at March Air Reserve Base.

His application was accepted. He started training. His first funeral would likely be the week before Memorial Day at Riverside National Cemetery — the place where his grandfather had been buried.

“I’ll get to show my respect for my grandpa,” he said. “Even though I couldn’t go, maybe it will feel like I was there in a sense.”

Aging veterans

From their home at March Air Reserve Base, the 25 members of the guard stationed there cover about 50,000 square-miles stretching from the Ventura County line in the north to the United States-Mexico border in the south and both Arizona and Nevada borders to the east.

There are 30 honor guard members stationed at Edwards Air Force Base and an additional 20 at Los Angeles Air Force Base. Between them, the unit averages 159 funerals per month. Last year, they presided at 1,859 funerals. Through April, they’d already handled 722.

As veterans from the Vietnam War age and those from World War II and the Korean War ranks continue to thin, the honor guard unit is close to doubling the volume of funerals since 2001, when they did just over 1,000.

Master Sgt. Darryl Willingham has overseen the training of airmen in the honor guard for six years. That rotation will end in January after a recent policy required rotating people out of the unit after three years of service and not allowing re-entry until taking a year’s break.

But even then, it’s rare for anyone to do six years like Willingham has.

The former U.S. Marine who was forced to leave the corps with a knee injury brings the drill instructor mindset to the small room where the honor guard trains. A guardsman leaning forward too far with the flag? Willingham starts mockingly humming “Smooth Criminal” — the music video famous for Michael Jackson and a phalanx of dancers leaning impossibly parallel to the ground. Too lax on the rifles? He whistles the theme to “The Andy Griffith Show.”

Willingham wants to mold them into what he believes they need to be: the backbone during a service when a grieving family is at its weakest.

That means no facial expressions during the ceremony. It means the flag gets 13 folds and, by God, that eighth or 10th fold — depending on the style — had better be within inches of the second star. He’d better not see rifle barrels lined up higher than the airman’s nose. If a dry fire of volleys from the rifles is out of sync, he’ll toss a bag of popcorn at the feet of the culprit. The clicks should be in sync, not popping randomly. His ears are trained to hear an out-of-synch click and know where it came from.

Push-ups will follow. They practice again. And again. And again. Until they get it right.

“We do not have bad funerals,” he said. “We are stepping into the family’s pain. You only have one chance to do this.”

Need for perfection

Every morning before 8 a.m. they gather in the room with a large window and lots of mirrors. Two caskets rest on gurneys and a rack of rifles rests against the wall. On the other side of the room are rows of flags.

It’s part military base, part funeral home and part ballet studio. The mirrors allow them to see the precision in their movements. The caskets and urns get them used to the furnishings of death. The Airman’s Creed on the wall reminds them who they are and why they’re there.

The small room also has a big echo.

Willingham’s booming voice washes past the stiff line of the honor guard holding a stretched out flag. Trujillo and Airman 1st Class Brenden Sylvester are with four others as the flag gets crooked. Willingham is unhappy as the flag sags and bends into a slight S-shape. The airmen’s arms burn as they hold it still, not daring to move.

“How do we fix that?” he asks. “I don’t expect an answer. I expect you to just do it. Your concern is how the flag looks. Your concern is not your pain.”

Willingham has done hundreds of funerals. He’s so comfortable holding and folding the flag, he demonstrates that prowess by getting it in a triangle while blindfolded. He keeps pushing the unit harder and harder. The insults can often draw smiles from other trainers watching — though the guardsman on the receiving end doesn’t crack.

“It’s hard to keep a straight face sometimes,” Sylvester said. “He picks on me, I know. I expect it.”

Sylvester was in Afghanistan for six months last year as a military cop. He’s also a new father with a 15-month-old son named Liam (“I’m Brenden with no Irish heritage, so I figured we’d keep up the tradition”) and he admitted the honor guard has been a challenge so far.

Along with Sgt. Anahi Ledezma, he’d heard rumors they might be getting to do their first funeral the week before Memorial Day.

But Willingham, as he gets them ready to go to lift weights in the gym, isn’t so sure.

“We have to perfect all of it,” he said. “If they don’t perfect it, they’re not going on.”

Sick but ready to go

Heading into the weekend, Sylvester is hammered by the flu. Ledezma picks it up, too, and both aren’t sure if they’ll get to do their first funeral the week before Memorial Day. Trujillo escaped the bug.

Trujillo’s problem has been getting his ceremonial uniform together. The shoes he got issued were too big. He still needed the white gloves, too.

But he felt ready to do his first one. The weeks of exacting inches. Lifting weights, running on the treadmill and reciting honor creeds has gotten him into a zone of sorts. He easily passed a written test that focuses on the minutia of uniform precision.

At home, he stands in his house and practices with a dummy rifle while his 3-year-old daughter watches.

“She thinks it’s hilarious,” he said.

On Monday, the rumors bear out.

Trujillo learns he and Ledezma will preside over their first funeral at Riverside National Cemetery. He will fold the flag with Staff Sgt. Zakia Webster. Ledezma, still weakened from the flu, will be on bugle duty off to the side. She doesn’t know how to play taps, but Willingham said very few do. That’s why each bugle is equipped with a music box in the horn that plays the iconic tribute.

He said a family can request taps be played live, but if no request is made, they get the prerecorded version.

A few times during training Monday, Ledezma felt her knees getting weak as she stood stiff and practiced rifle movements. When the uniforms were ready, she carried her water with her and began polishing the sides of her shoes and removing tiny pieces of lint from her jacket.

Trujillo measured with a ruler the place where the ribbons and pins were to go. A back brace was cinched around him — which made the uniform look more trim while protecting the back from lifting heavy caskets.

The room looked like a cross between a military clothing store and the costume department of a movie set. Safety pins and scissors were passed around for adjustments. A cigarette lighter burned off frayed threads. Black polish lined the edges of the shoes.

Willingham had trained them to think of everything. To check out the kind of casket beforehand (“Oak ones are really heavy”) and if it has handles. He asked them what they should do if they got sick during a service. How to handle a swarm of bees (short answer; don’t move) and if a guardsman will be folding the flag and taking steps on sand or uneven ground. Find out who is talking and for how long and to get ready to stand at attention during the speeches. Stare at the middle of the flag to avoid getting dizzy.

The final afternoon briefing before Ledezma and Trujillo do their first funeral, Master Sgt. Harold Padua let the room know the news.

“You ready?” he asked them.

“Yes sir,” Trujillo said.

“Yes sir,” Ledezma said.

“Don’t get nervous,” Padua said.

The honor guard veteran said everyone remembers their first funeral. His was in Lancaster in 2007. He was the middle person carrying the casket. He was nervous.

“My heart was racing,” he said. “Everyone is watching you and you just don’t want to mess up. I did OK.”

Trujillo picked up his gloves.

He planned to wash them and dry them so they’d shrink after trying them on and seeing they were too long in the fingers. He planned to go over his role in his head and try to get a good night’s sleep. He’d think of Grandpa then because Tuesday belonged to someone else — someone he’d never heard of or met.

But someone who, after the service, he’d be linked with forever.

The March Field Blue Eagles Total Force Honor Guard History

Edwards Air Force Base formed Blue Eagles Honor Guard in 1974, named for the F-15 fighter plane.

Moved operation center to March Air Reserve Base in 1999

Territory covers 50,000 square miles, seven counties, including Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange.

Total number of funerals since 2001: 22,943

Highest funeral total since 2001: 1,946 in 2013

Lowest funeral total since 2001: 1,112 in 2002

Total funerals in 2014: 1,859

Average number of funerals per week: 37

Breakdown of Honors

Active duty killed: 20 honor guard members at service

Retired military, 20 or more years of service: 5-7 honor guard members at service

Veteran less than 20 years: 2-3 honor guard members

Source: March Field Blue Eagles Total Force Honor Guard

Veteran’s Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014

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There is a recent change in the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 (“Choice Act”) that relates to the GI Bill Resident Rate Requirements. These new requirements will ensure that our Citizen Airmen and their eligible family members will not have to bear the cost of out-of-state charges while using their education benefits.

Section 702 basically says the VA will not pay Post-9/11 GI Bill or Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty payments to schools that charge tuition and fees in excess of the rate paid for resident students for school terms beginning after July 1, 2015.

To remain approved for VA’s GI Bill programs, the legislation states schools must charge in-state tuition and fee amounts to “covered individuals.”

A covered individual is defined in the Choice Act as:

A Veteran who lives in the state in which the institution of higher learning (IHL) is located (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of discharge from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.

A spouse or child using transferred benefits who lives in the state in which the IHL is located (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of the transferor’s discharge from a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.

A spouse or child using benefits under the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship who lives in the state in which the IHL is located (regardless of his/her formal state of residence) and enrolls in the school within three years of the Servicemember’s death in the line of duty following a period of active duty service of 90 days or more.

An individual described above will retain covered individual status as long as he/she remains continuously enrolled (other than during regularly scheduled breaks between terms) at the public IHL.

Public IHLs must offer in-state tuition and fees to all covered individuals with Post-9/11 GI Bill and Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (MGIB – AD) benefits in order for programs to remain approved for GI Bill benefits for terms beginning after July 1, 2015. VA will not issue payments for any students eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill or the MGIB-AD until the school becomes fully compliant.

These new requirements ensure our nation’s recently discharged Veterans, and their eligible family members, will not bear the cost of out-of-state charges while using their well-deserved education benefits. VA is working diligently with state representatives to ensure compliance with the law before July 1, 2015.

For questions regarding Section 702 please contact the Veterans Administration at Section702.Vbavaco@va.gov. They will also provide updates on their website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

March Airman prepares for marksman competition

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

The competition is drawing near and practice is becoming ramped up for the competitors of the 2015 National Rifle Association National Smallbore Rifle Championships.

This is the case for Staff Sgt. Rodger E. Scrivner, communications specialist, 452nd Communications Squadron, March Air Reserve Base.

“For me, right now it’s all about preparing for the competition,” said Scrivner. “I’m just trying to improve my mental focus and really just iron out all the little details that will be important once the competition is here.”

The competition takes place from July 9-22 in Bristol, Indiana. Competitors from all over the world enter the competition every year.

“I’ve been entering small competitions here and there in order to try and prepare myself for the big competition,” said Scrivner. “Sometimes it’s hard to compete with the other guys because all they do is practice shooting. It’s their job and they get more expensive and better equipment because of it.”

Staff Sgt. Scrivner has always had an interest in shooting and going to firing ranges but it wasn’t until recently that he really started to focus on it.

“I took an 18 year break,” said Scrivner. “Then I decided to try and get back into it when a guy mentioned to me that there was an Air Force team.”

For Staff Sgt. Scrivner shooting has become one of the main focuses in his life. He practices at the shooting range multiple times a week and even does mental exercises at home.

“My wife said I better start bringing home some medals and trophies because of all the time I spend shooting and just thinking about competing,” said Scrivner. “I just hope to represent the Air Force the best I can, and maybe beat some Army guys.”

Design The 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”)