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Reservist deploys to Nepal as civilian Urban Search and Rescue Specialist

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Courtesy photo

Maj. Glenn ‘Tony’ Wright, 452nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron, March Air Reserve Base, recently returned from a deployment to Nepal. Although he departed from March Field, he was not in military status. Wright is an engineer, and an Urban Search and Rescue Specialist (USAR) for the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s (LACoFD) California Task Force 2 (CA-TF2), one of only two international USAR teams deployable from the U.S.

  “I received the phone alert about 8 o’clock on Saturday of the April UTA,” Wright said. “I had already arranged to reschedule Sunday, so I was available to respond.”

During the team’s prior deployments to Japan, Haiti, New Zealand and other places, Wright said his military obligations prevented him from going. As his squadron’s medical readiness officer, Wright is responsible for ensuring the readiness of his members.

   With 33 years of military experience, some of which was as an enlisted security policeman and a KC-135 boom operator, this citizen Airman is no stranger to rearranging schedules and getting things done.

   He left the base after his Saturday drill on April 25, 2015 at 6 p.m. and proceeded directly to the LACoFD USAR headquarters in Pacoima, California, where he and the rest of CA-TF2 members bedded down for the night. By 5 a.m. Sunday morning they had received their official orders and from that point on things moved quickly, Wright said.

  “We typically have most of our rescue equipment loaded on pallets in order to expedite our departure.”

   They left Pacoima at noon and headed to March Field, their designated initial point of departure, to board a C-17 Globemaster III with their equipment, bound for the earthquake-stricken country of Nepal.

  “We departed March as a medium rescue team of 57 members about 9 p.m. on Sunday,” Wright said. “Our route included stops in South Carolina, Ramstein (Air Base, Germany), then directly to Katmandu Airport in Nepal.”

  Upon their arrival in Nepal, they were prepared to immediately conduct rescue operations, but followed the directions of the United States Office of International Development (USAID) by establishing communication with their teammates from Fairfax County Fire Department (FFCoFD), Virginia, to establish search and reconnaissance sectors with other responding nations, Wright said.

  There were more than 77 USAR teams deployed to the region and many of those teams were not officially sanctioned by their host nations, so one of the main functions of CA-TF2 was to verify the search finding of other teams, Wright said.

  “We conducted numerous search operations within the first few days,” Wright said. “However, we discovered and ultimately rescued our first victim on the fourth day, a 15-year-old young man.”

  Unfortunately, due to the magnitude of the earthquake coupled with building standards in the country, it would be more than two weeks before they had another live rescue.

  The most dramatic part of the deployment for Wright was when the second earthquake, a 7.3 magnitude, hit on May 13 at approximately 12:30 p.m. He admitted to never having been in a quake that strong and being a little scared.

  “The teams had already packed all of our rescue equipment and we were in the process of demobilization,” Wright said. “Immediately after the second quake, we went back into rescue mode. We were responsible for rescuing several people who were trapped and treating (their) injuries.”

  In addition to being an engineer, USAR and firefighter/paramedic with the LACoFD, Wright is also a hazardous material technician, medical specialist and rescue specialist with CA-TF2.

  Wright is the best example of a citizen Airman serving with integrity, putting service before self, and providing excellence in everything he does.

Living the Air Force Core Values

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The Air Force Core Values of Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence in All We Do, are not just a way to support our country and the U.S. Air Force, but more importantly a framework for approaching life and all of our different roles to be better men and women and support those we love and care about. We all have many different jobs, roles, and responsibilities, such as being a father or mother (or brother or sister or son or daughter), Air Force Reserve Airman, civilian job, community activities (coach, Boy Scout leader, church member), friend or family member, etc. We all try our best, within our limitations, to do a good job in all of those different roles. Keeping in mind the Air Force Core Values inside and outside our roles as Airmen can help us do a better job in all of those roles and ultimately can help all of those different communities and our entire country be stronger.

Integrity, or having the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, is the fabric that holds together all other aspects of our jobs and lives. Regardless of our title or position in life, we are all mentors and leaders for everyone around us, including those above us, those having a similar status, and those subordinate to us. Another way to describe integrity is having strong character. When I was young, one of my Boy Scout leaders described character as “doing the right thing when nobody is looking.” Whether you think so or not, everyone around you is always looking at you, so being honest in your daily life, trustworthy, reliable, and moral are vital to being a good person, mentor, and leader.

As a good person, mentor and leader, it helps to put others needs before your own.

Service before self is both a military and a personal moral obligation. My role as a military physician is my personal way to live this core value: my father was in the Korean War, my grandfather was in World War II, and three of my older cousins were in the Air Force, so accepting a USAF scholarship to pay for medical school was very important for me to honor my family and all those who have served, and to pay back the country and the service that paid all of my medical school tuition. I got out of the Air Force briefly before September 11, 2001, and like many of us, promptly signed back up to serve again shortly after that infamous day in history. I remind my four young boys that the United States is the only country on Earth where you can decide at any time in your life, regardless of age or station in life, to study, advance your education or career, or follow any dream you want – we truly live in the land of opportunity.  Finding a way to live service before self can take many forms, such as serving in the military, working in a career to serve others, community volunteering, or anything that puts the good of others before your own.

Whether performing the mission or serving others, take pride in doing the best job you can do.

Excellence in all we do is a mindset of giving it your best, striving to continually improve yourself, and expecting the same from others.  This value overlaps with the two other values of integrity and service.  Equally important is helping others around you to improve by training them appropriately, mentoring them, giving them chances to fail and learn from their mistakes, and being kind and empathic in your daily interactions. As a physician and Air Force officer, excellence pertains to obvious skills of accurate diagnosis and documentation, but also excellence in providing compassionate and kind care to patients as well as colleagues. I see mentorship and teaching as essential components to individual excellence. Teaching others the art and craft of my role as a physician and military officer is both vital to maintaining Air Force and healthcare excellence, but it is also a moral and service obligation: the Hippocratic Oath says, “I will respect the [knowledge and experience] of those physicians in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow.” I love teaching new or younger Air Force officers, medical students, residents, nurses, physician assistants, and all other professionals with whom I have the honor to work on a daily basis. We are ALL professionals regardless of our job. It is a tremendous honor to be a physician and also to serve in the U.S. Air Force, and I look forward to many more years of integrity, service, and excellence.

June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month

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Diversity is one of our nation’s greatest strengths. During Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride month, we celebrate our rich diversity and renew our enduring commitment to equity. The dedication and contributions of our Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual (LGB) service members and Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) civilians have had immeasurable impact on our National Security and the Department of Defense (DOD).

Our nation was founded on the principle that the individual has infinite dignity and worth. The DOD, which exists to keep the nation secure and at peace, must always be guided by this principle. In all that we do, we must show respect for the serviceman, the servicewoman, the civilian employee, and family members, recognizing their individual needs, aspirations, and capabilities.

This month we acknowledge the painstaking labor of Americans—sung and unsung—whose personal sacrifices and determination were instrumental in the struggle for civil rights.

On June 2, 2000, President Clinton issued Proclamation No. 7316 for the first Gay and Lesbian Pride Month. “This June, recognizing the joys and sorrows that the gay and lesbian movement has witnessed and the work that remains to be done, we observe Gay and Lesbian Pride Month and celebrate the progress we have made in creating a society more inclusive and accepting of gays and lesbians.”

June was selected as Pride month to commemorate the events of that month in 1969, known as the Stonewall riots—an event that lasted three days. The Stonewall riots were recognized as the catalyst for the Gay Liberation movement in the United States. Patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, New York, resisted police harassment of the LGBT community, although the struggle for civil rights in the LGBT community actually began much earlier.

Dr. Frank E. Kameny fought for gay rights more than a decade before the Stonewall riots. He served in World War II, and later as a civil service astronomer with the U.S. Army Map Service. According to the Library of Congress, Kameny was fired and banned from federal employment in 1957 because he was gay. Not only was he released, but more than 10,000 gay and lesbian employees were forced out of their jobs during the 1950s and 1960s.

He decided to sue and lost. He appealed and lost again. He brought the first civil rights action regarding sexual orientation to the Supreme Court of the United States, arguing that the government’s actions toward gays were “an affront to human dignity.”

The Court denied his petition.  He persevered and continued to fight for civil rights for 18 years, until the U.S. Civil Service Commission reversed its policies excluding homosexuals from government employment.

Fifty years after he was fired, the U.S. Civil Service Commission issued Kameny a formal apology for being fired solely on the basis of his sexual orientation. Before his death in 2011, he said, “All I can say is from the long view, 50 years, we have moved ahead in a way that would have been absolutely unimaginable back then.”

On June 1, 2009, President Barack Obama issued Proclamation No. 8387 for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month. In this proclamation the President pointed to the contributions made by LGBT Americans both in promoting equal rights to all regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. He ended the proclamation by calling upon the people of the United States to “turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it exists.”

Effective March 27, 2015, the Family and Medical Leave Act, or FMLA, extended coverage to all legally married same-sex couples to take FMLA leave to provide care for their spouse.

In addition to serious health conditions of the employee, qualifying events include the care of a spouse or child with a serious health condition, and leave due to a spouse’s covered military service.

Previously, the definition of “spouse” under FMLA was defined by the state law where the employee resided. In February 2015, the Department of Labor issued a Final Rule to revise the definition to encompass legally married same-sex couples, regardless of where they live or work. The definition is no longer focused on an employee’s “state of residence” but instead the “place of celebration,” which is the location where the marriage was entered into.

The new rule will also extend coverage to allow eligible employees to take FMLA leave to care for the children or parents of the employee’s same-sex spouse. The rule does not extend coverage to civil unions, whether between a man and woman or a same-sex couple.

For information about the military family leave provisions of the FMLA, visit:

http://www.dol.gov/whd/fmla/finalrule/MilitaryFAQs.pdf.

Distance learning PME demands greater commitment

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ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. — The Air Force’s new enlisted professional military education distance learning courses are demanding and require more study time.

That’s according to a memo from the Air Force Barnes Center of Distance Education at Maxwell AFB, Alabama.

“The new EPME is a game changer,” said Chief Master Sgt. Cameron Kirksey, command chief for Air Force Reserve Command. “Distance learning courses are intentionally more rigorous than previous courses. We know our Citizen Airmen our up for that challenge.”

The memo helps enrollees gauge the commitment required by providing a guide of the time courses may take to complete. It also stresses adjusting as individual needs dictate to “master the material before taking the test.”

“Allow yourself plenty of time to study and digest the material before you test,” said Senior Master Sgt. Thomas Lohsandt, Headquarters AFRC first sergeant.

Lohsandt attended an early in-residence Airmen Leadership Experience at the Senior NCO Academy and accomplished version 6 during the built-in, eight-day window to complete the prerequisite.

“Our Airmen are now being offered DL courses earlier in their career, and the concepts they are introduced to are built on and applied during the in-residence portion of PME.”

Chief Master Sgt. Imelda Johnson, AFRC Enlisted Force Development chief, agrees.

“What Airmen are getting out of the DL course before the in-residence course is a familiarity with the actual content of the new courses,” Johnson said. “It’s more of a strategic-type level of thinking more than the tactical-level thinking. Most of our members are going earlier in their career, and they’re not quite as prepared if they would go to the course without doing the DL first.”

In addition to the increased rigors of DL courses, there are also changes in the onus of responsibility for attendance and enrollment in the courses.

“Enrolling in the proper time-in-service window and completing courses on time is the member’s responsibility,” said Eric Devoursney, AFRC PME program manager.

“However, the biggest challenge may be … and really it’ll be more for the NCO Academy and SNCO Academy … is that there used to be individuals who had a hard time with the DL and they had the fallback of going in-residence.

“Now, you have to complete the DL if you’re going in residence,” Devoursney said. “That’s going to hinder some people. ALS has remained the same. Airmen can do either DL or go in residence.”

These EPME DL courses are intentionally more rigorous than previous ones and reflect the increased leadership challenges and expectations for enlisted leaders. Students are encouraged to approach these courses as they would a college course.

“I would say treat it just like any other distance learning course, like an online bachelor’s degree,” Johnson said. “Give it the same amount of time and energy and focus you would an advanced degree. It will require the same kind of effort.”

Airmen can get more information from their career assistance advisor, education office, Air Force Guidance Memorandum to Air Force Instruction 36-2301, or www.aueducationsupport.com.

June is National Men’s Health Month

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Men can make their health a priority. Take action daily to live a stronger and healthier life.

Each year, National Men’s Health Week is celebrated the week leading up to and including Father’s Day, which is June 15-21, 2015. During this week, individuals, families, communities, and others work to raise awareness of ways to promote healthy living and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.

What Men Can Do

Lead by example. Eat healthy, be physically active, have regular checkups, get vaccinated, be smoke-free, prevent injuries, sleep well, and manage stress.

Wear Blue to remind men of the importance of staying healthy.

Get checkups, and be seen for health problems before they become serious.

Stay up on the latest about men’s health at CDC by signing up for e-mail updates in the top right corner of the Men’s Health website.

What Communities Can Do

Hold an educational event or presentation about men’s health issues, healthy living, and health care.

Plan a men’s health fair and be sure to cover topics such as heart health, injury prevention, cancer, and workplace safety. Check out Tips for Planning Health Events.

Encourage men to celebrate National Men’s Health Week by seeing a doctor about health problems or getting a thorough checkup.

Encourage men and boys to have a healthy lifestyle and seek regular medical care and early treatment for disease and injury.

What Women Can Do

Encourage everyday actions to promote good physical and mental health.

Be a role model for him on how to live healthy.

Recruit male friends or relatives with good health habits to help reinforce lifestyle messages.

Encourage the males in your life to get medical attention when needed.

Remind him that his “influence by example” may help form healthy behaviors in others.

Help raise awareness of health issues important to men. For more information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/men/nmhw.

Airman volunteers to help those less fortunate

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Courtesy photo

Thousands of miles away in remote Philippine villages there are families who lack access to medication and basic health care. The medical needs of the people in the Philippines are tremendous, especially in the rural areas, where many suffer from treatable ailments.

Every January for the past five years, Master Sgt. Cesar Jurilla, 163rd Communications Squadron, California Air National Guard, March Air Reserve Base, and his wife Cora travel to these remote locations. They are part of a team of 25-50 doctors, nurses and non-medical assistants who volunteer with the Filipino Ministry of the Diocese San Bernardino in cooperation with Bishop Gerald Barnes Diocese of San Bernardino.

“A goal of the medical mission trip is to discover and rediscover Filipino roots through indigenous people in the Philippines – to know their health situation and to respond to their medical needs,” said Jurilla.

Most of the patients are kids, mothers and senior citizens because the adult men are working out in the rice fields. However, the volunteers have previously treated 12-year-olds for back pains from working in the rice fields before going to school.

The team sets up in one location for a couple of days then moves to another location. About 500 patients are treated each day for anything from infections, headaches, stomachaches and even malnutrition. At one location, people from four or five villages will seek treatment, with some walking very far distances.

A typical day begins with Jurilla loading all the medicines in the vehicle and driving to the location to set up the different stations so when the doctors, nurses and pharmacy staff arrive everything is ready. 

“In the mornings, there is a lot of preparation. Non-medical people like me are in charge of logistics and setting up. I help calm the patients and assure them that everyone will be seen. I tell them not to rush and not to push,” he said. “After they’re seen by the doctor and get their prescriptions, they crowd the pharmacy because they’re afraid they won’t get their medicine. If we run out of medicine for patients, we will donate our personal stuff like aspirin because it’s difficult to refuse villagers who walk two to three hours to get to us, but they arrive late so most of the medicine is gone.”

An inventory of medication is conducted at the end of every day to help determine what will be needed for the next mission.

“After the pharmacy collects the prescriptions we account for what medicine we passed out. At the end of our hot wash we know what was exactly in demand. For example, if high blood pressure meds are not in demand, we can lower the amount for next time. If there was a medicine in short supply, we can buy more the next time. There are always lessons learned,” said Jurilla.

Jurilla has to expect the unexpected sometimes and works with local security to ensure the process runs smoothly and safely. On their first trip, while the volunteers went out to take a group photo, someone stole their antibiotics.

“I have to be aware for safety and security as well. I keep accountability of our doctors, nurses and non-medical people. At the same time I work with the local people, local security and local volunteers because they speak the dialect. I let them know what is needed,” said Jurilla.

Through the assistance of contacts in the Philippines, the team decides where they will set up before making the journey overseas. Local priests survey the locations most in need and assign numbers for the patients to show up at a designated time.

“We don’t want to deal with the red tape and waste time,” said Jurilla. “It is not for us to…choose who can or can’t be seen.”

The medical expenses all come from donations and fundraisers. The expenses for the team members are all out of pocket.

“We pay our own way to the Philippines,” said Jurilla. “Cora and I spend about $2,100 each, including airfare, lodging and meals.”

As if this is not enough, Jurilla and Cora also purchase additional items to pass out to the patients, such as vitamins, toothpaste, toothbrushes and flip flops for people who don’t have shoes. “One time we saw some kids going to school carrying their flip flops. They didn’t want them to get dirty or broken in the mud so they would carry them and then wash their feet and put on their new sandals once they arrived at school.”

The Jurillas provide a 30-day supply of vitamins for children and adults due to the lack of vitamins in their diets and some are malnourished.

“The bad thing is the kids’ vitamins come in Gummy Bears and sometimes they take them all in one day, thinking the vitamins are candy. Some of the kids came back the next day asking us for more vitamins,” he said.

The volunteers often stay with local host families due to very few lodging facilities in the remote areas. Some of the places they visit have been severely damaged from typhoons or earthquakes over the years, destroying some crops.

“We brought canned goods to our host families. We carry our own stuff so I brought canned Vienna sausages which is lighter. They were so happy – It was like Christmas for them. This family was so nice they shared it with other relatives. They appreciate the little things in life. You wouldn’t think it was much, but to them it is,” said Jurilla.

The volunteers often share their snacks and on one trip Jurilla shared beef jerky. Jurilla said “To my surprise one of the kids saved it to share with his family to have meat with their dinner. This is how much they appreciate.”

Jurilla was born in the Philippines. His father moved the family to the U.S. in order to have a better life.

“Every time we go back we see how fortunate we are. That’s why rediscovering our roots and giving back to the community is important – we feel grateful,” he said. “Some of the people are afraid to approach us but I explain to them that I was born there and grew up there. I tell them anything is possible. My dad grew up here on a farm.

“It feels good giving back. People approach me and say, ‘Thank you for being here for us. Now, instead of buying medicine we can buy food.’ It feels good.”

Team March pays respect to fallen

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

More than 60 people from March Air Reserve Base placed roughly 1,000 U.S. flags at the graves of all the service members buried at Evergreen Memorial Historic Cemetery in Riverside May 23 to honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of this country.

John Morris, chief, 452nd Air Mobility Wing special security office, and his colleague, retired Chief Master Sgt. Mike Emett, began the tradition of placing flags at Evergreen Cemetery for Veteran’s Day 2001 and then again for Memorial Day 2002.

The project has been going strong ever since with Morris at the helm. He calls the project a labor of love and has only missed one year, due to a deployment to Iraq in 2006. He’s even used his own funds to purchase flags and has since created a flag fund to ensure there are always flags available to honor the fallen and remind the public of the real meaning of the holiday.

“I think we as a nation have forgotten about what Memorial Day is all about,” Morris said. “It’s about honoring our fallen warriors who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”

The volunteers who participated haven’t forgotten the meaning, and many brought significant others and children with them to share the experience of remembering military members who died in service to their country.

“I took my daughter to lay flags on the graves of the heroes who died serving our country because I wanted her to know that the day was  about more than just having a day off school, barbeques or spending time at  the beach,” said Jennifer Anderson, personnel security specialist, 452 AMW information protection office. “It’s a time to honor those who have defended and preserved our way of life in the United States of America.”

Maj. Gen. John C. Flournoy, commander, 4th Air Force, and Chief Master Sgt. Brian C. Wong, command chief, 4th Air Force, attended the event and Flournoy brought his children with him to pay tribute.

Flournoy said he enjoyed taking his kids to events like the flag placement because it’s important to expose young people to the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Staff Sgt. Brian Caskie, aircrew flight equipment supervisor, 912th Air Refueling Squadron, has been an avid participant for the last several years because he feels remembering those who came before he is the right thing to do.

“It feels good to be here, like I’m doing my part and making sure they aren’t forgotten, Caskie said”

Morris said this year’s turnout was probably the largest yet and it took a little more than an hour to place all the flags.

Evergreen is the oldest cemetery in Riverside, and is the final resting place for troops going as far back as the Civil War. Others buried there fought in the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, Vietnam and Iraq.

After all the flags had been placed and all the volunteers had left, Morris could be found roaming the grounds, checking on some of the harder to locate graves to ensure no one was overlooked.

“You recognize your fellow warriors, you put flags on their graves to honor their service and say thank you,” he said. “And I’m hoping someday when I’m gone someone does the same for me.”

Taming the TDY beast of single parenting

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Courtesy photo

Greetings my fellow service members. I have just come from the belly of the beast and I would like to share my experience with everyone. You may be wondering what ‘beast’ I’m referring to. It is an experience that many of you have probably had— one that many have successfully survived with much more grace than I.

Temporary Duty Assignment or TDY is usually not a big deal. I’ve been on many a TDY without issue. But TDY is not the ‘beast’ I’m referring to. I’m talking about staying home with the kids, while your spouse goes on TDY. For all my dual-military parents out there, you know exactly what I’m talking about. I have never been on the ‘at home’ end of a TDY but let me tell you, I have a new found respect for the spouses who stay home to take care of the day to day operations.

Let’s set the stage, shall we. I am an Air Force reservist with the mighty 452nd Air Mobility Wing. I am your public affairs officer. My wife is in the 163d Reconnaissance Wing as a force support officer. We are both captains and we both love our organizations. Often times we argue about which wing is best, but let’s save some time for purposes of this commentary and agree that the 452 AMW is the best. So, a few weeks ago my wife finds out that she has to go to Germany for two weeks for some training. We were sitting at the dinner table and she asks me if I’ll be okay with the kids while she’s gone. I scoff and assure her that I am more than capable of taking care of our two young daughters while she is gone. I even playfully insinuate that I am better suited to take care of the kids than she is. She nodded, knowingly, and said, “Okay, we’ll see.”

That was that.  A few days later, she left and I was in charge of the whole enchilada. No problem. That night I made lunches, laid out clothes, and prepared everything for the next day of school for the kids and work for myself. I went to bed proudly, knowing that I was completely prepared, possibly even over prepared.

The next morning I awoke and I was slapped with the harsh reality that there was definitely a problem for which I was definitely not prepared. As I was waking up my six-year-old and three-year-old, I realized that sometime in the middle of the night, my youngest daughter took the clothes I laid out for them and threw them in the toilet. I tried my best to shrug off the setback but then as we continued to get ready it dawned on me that I had to do their hair. Don’t get me wrong, I can tie up a ponytail with the best of them, but what I didn’t anticipate the pure anger and rage my daughters could display as I was trying to comb out the knots of the tangled bed hair. Flustered, we jump in my van and I got them to school with minutes to spare.

As we walked up to their classroom, I am greeted by their teacher with a disapproving look. “Looks like Daddy did your today, huh girls?” she said sympathetically. I sighed and took the dig.  “Yes, I did their hair,” I say guiltily. Mrs. Teacher nodded and smiled mockingly. I got in my car, face the daily traffic and barely made it to work on time. That was two hours into day one of my time with my girls alone while Mom was away on a TDY.

As the days passed, I got better, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I really had no idea how much it takes to run a household alone. My hat’s off to all the single parents, military families, and anyone else who takes on the herculean task of running a family without a partner around to help. You all will forever have my respect. To the dads out there with daughters, if you’re looking on a tutorial on hair styling, YouTube has some great ones!

101 Critical Days of Summer reminders

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With summer vacations just around the corner, we have entered the 101 Critical Days of Summer. No matter what your choice of recreation is, planning it ahead of time and taking some basic precautions will keep you safe and make your time much more enjoyable during these 101 Critical Days of Summer! Following are tips to help keep you and your family safe in various situations.

Planning for Safety

Driving – Before you go your car should be in safe operating condition.

BRAKES/TIRES: Test-drive the vehicle for brake response and feel. Listen for noises (high pitched squeal, clunking). Have your brakes checked by a competent mechanic. Be sure the mechanic removes the wheels and checks the brake lines and fittings. Check your tires for tread depth. Smooth tires can result in a blowout at high speeds or loss of control of your car on wet pavement or in other high-risk situations. Be sure your tires are adequately inflated. Tires low on air will have less grip on the road and can have excessive sidewall flexing that increases tire wear and possibly lead to a blowout. Make sure each tire has a valve cap. The cap prevents dirt from entering the valve stem, which can cause air leakage. The cap also serves as a second seal on the valve stem to maintain correct tire pressure. Don’t forget to check the spare tire for the inspection items above. It’s also a good time to ensure you have the tools you need to change a tire; i.e. jack, lug wrench, and tire chalks.

WIPERS: Examine the wiper blades looking for cracks or missing pieces of rubber. While the engine is running, turn on the wipers and washer to see if both are operating properly. Good blades shouldn’t leave streaks. In the summer, bugs can build up on the blade leaving streaks. Simply take a wet rag and run it along the blade. Don’t operate the wipers if a blade is missing—you may scratch the glass.

EMERGENCY KIT: Having an emergency road kit can get you out of a jam when stranded on the side of the road. You can easily create a good kit by putting these items in a box: two quarts of oil, two quarts of radiator coolant, a small funnel, a tire pressure gauge, a pocket knife, matches, rags, an assortment of wrenches, sockets, and screwdrivers, a flashlight, roadside flares, a first aid kit, electrical tape, jumper cables, and a “help” sign window banner.

LIGHTS/HORN: Start the vehicle in order to visually check all of the lights. If you have someone available, have them check the backup lights, brake lights, and turn signals. Make sure your assistant is not directly behind you when you put the vehicle in reverse. Check all reflectors and lenses to ensure that they are not cracked, broken, or missing. It’s also a good idea to have a mechanic check your headlights for proper alignment. Check the horn.

STEERING: Excessive steering play can make your vehicle less responsive. For non-power steering check for excessive play by turning the steering wheel back and forth. Play should not exceed 10 degrees (or about two inches on a 20-inch wheel.) To check power steering play, you’ll need someone to help you. With the engine running, check for excessive play by turning the steering wheel back and forth. Play should not exceed 10 degrees (or about two inches on a 20-inch wheel) before the front wheel barely moves. Have your assistant tell you when the wheel starts to move. If you do have excessive steering play, take your vehicle to a professional mechanic.

UNDER THE HOOD: Ensure the hoses are not cracked or leaking, and that each hose is clamped tightly. If you find a leaking hose, wrap the damaged area with the electrical tape from your emergency road kit and take the vehicle to a professional mechanic. Check all belts for fraying or cracking. Replace the belt if either frayed or cracked. Check the belt tension by depressing the belt between the two pulleys with your thumb. It should deflect from ½ inch with reasonable pressure. Wear eye protection whenever checking the battery. Check to see if the battery is clean and free of corrosion. To remove corrosion from the posts, remove the cables and scrub the posts with a solution of baking soda and water. The battery cables should be fastened tightly. Check the battery’s water level. If low, fill the battery with distilled water. Performing this small maintenance activity will ensure optimum performance from the vehicles electrical system during your vacation.

FLUID LEVELS: Check the engine oil to ensure it is neither over nor under filled. If it is low, add oil. If the oil level is too high, take your vehicle to an oil change center to have the excess oil removed. Top off the power steering and brake fluid if necessary. On some older vehicles, you must remove the radiator cap to check the coolant level. Don’t remove the radiator cap if the radiator is hot. Allow the radiator to cool before removing the cap. On newer models, you can check the level in the overflow container. The overflow container is usually marked to indicate “warm” and “cold” levels. Ensure the radiator cap has a good seal and there are no cracks in the reservoir. Normally, only check transmission fluid if a leak is found. If you must check the transmission fluid, read the dipstick while the engine is running. Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir if low.

TUNE-UP: Make sure your car has been tuned –up properly. Checking the electrical system should be a part of this inspection.

GAS/CHARGE: And finally, don’t forget to fuel-up/charge up!

While on the Road

– Know how to get where you’re going.

– Write or phone ahead and reserve a place to stay to avoid driving around after dark looking for accommodations.

– Take along duplicate keys, your driver’s license, vehicle registration, hospital insurance card, medical information card, auto insurance card, motor club card, names and addresses of next of kin.

– Pick up a good map before you start. They aren’t so easy to find when you’re traveling these days.

– Don’t try to drive too far too fast in anyone day.

– Be sure everybody has their safety belt fastened at all times, and that smaller children are protected by the proper child restraints.

– Never mix drinking and driving.

– Keep in mind that it’s strictly a myth that black coffee has sobering-up powers. Ditto for cold showers or a few whiffs of fresh air. The only antidote for alcohol is time.

– Reduce speed in rain or fog.

Remember that a little rain can cause a lot of trouble. It doesn’t take much rain to mix with oil and grease residue and create a slippery film on the road.

Take a break when you get tired of driving.

– Always expect the other driver to make a mistake.

– Be quick to yield the right of way.

– If you’re pulling a trailer, make sure it’s in good working condition.

Keep in mind that with the extra length and weight of the trailer you’ll need extra time to stop and you’ll have less maneuverability.

– Allow extra seconds-at least one extra second for each 10 feet you’re pulling.

When you arrive – Around Water

– Acquire a suntan gradually

– Remember that water-reflected rays of the sun burn faster than direct rays.

– Use a suntan or sunscreen lotion before venturing out in the sunlight.

If you’re starting from scratch, increase your exposure to the sun a little each day.

– Never swim alone unless there’s a lifeguard on duty.

– Use the buddy system-go swimming with a friend.

– Know your swimming ability and stay within its limits by not swimming too far from shore.

If you have small children with you, keep checking on them frequently, whether they’re on the beach or in the water.

Always wear a life preserver or personal flotation device when you’re in a boat.

– Remind everyone else in the boat to do the same.

– Don’t overload a boat.

– Never stand up in a boat.

– Be aware that horseplay in a boat is always taboo.

– Head for shore if you see a storm brewing in the distance.

In the City

– Ask a policeman, the manager of your hotel or motel, a friend or relative who’s a resident of the city if there are certain areas of the city or possibly some streets that it would be wise to steer clear of.

– Have a good map of the city.

– Study the map so you’ll always know about where you are and approximately how to get to where you want to go.

– Have someone mark “taboo” areas on your map.

– Try to be where there are people.

– Avoid areas where you might find yourself alone or isolated.

– Carry traveler’s checks.

– If you should have a large amount of money or other valuables with you leave all or part in the hotel or motel safe.

– Always have an adequate supply of gas so you don’t run out at the wrong time or place.

While visiting others

– If you have small children with you, check to see that there are no poisons of any kind within reach of small curious hands.

– Find out where the fire extinguisher, if any, is located.

– If you don’t have children with you and your host has small children, be sure you don’t leave anything around-a throwaway razor, medicine, nail file, keys, for example-with which the children could harm themselves.

While at a hotel/motel

– Just as soon as you get to your room start planning a fire escape route.

– Walk down the corridor and locate the fire exits.

– Make sure the exits are usable.

– Count the doorways and other features between your room and the exits.

– Find out where the nearest fire alarm is if the place you’re staying has one.

– Check the windows and decide which would be the best to use in an emergency.

– Check outside the window for obstacles or something that could aid you in a possible escape.

– Read the emergency instruction card located on or near the door.

– Put your room key close to where you sleep so you can find it easily in the dark.

Tent camping

– Be aware that tents can burn. If you’re using a fire or stove for cooking be sure you keep it a safe distance from the tent.

– Use only battery lights inside a tent.

Have an escape plan, and be prepared to cut your way out of the tent if a fire occurs.

Sports – Baseball

– Before starting go to the doctor for a physical exam.

– Wear all required safety gear always

– Begin with warm up/stretch. Never play through pain.

– Use breakaway bases.

– Add screens or fencing to the dugout and eliminating the on-deck circle.

Soccer

– Ensure all goals are securely anchored, made of a lightweight material and covered with protective padding.

– Fit shin guards and footwear with professional advice.

– Use only plastic coated balls.

In the Gym

– Evaluate your current fitness level.

Always begin/end with warm up/cool down.

Set reasonable goals, monitor your progress

– A well-rounded workout should include exercises that address five fitness areas: muscle strength, muscle endurance, flexibility, weight control and cardiovascular endurance.

On the Track

– Select the right shoes.

– Pre-stretch at least 5 to 10 minutes.

– Hydrate before you begin running.

– Wear light-weight, wicking shorts and shirt..

– Start with a brisk walk or slow jog and then increase.

– Make it a habit.

Staying Home – Around the house

– Don’t leave BBQs unattended. Keep grill outside 10 feet away from anything flammable

– Never squirt lighter fluid on hot coals. Place the can and matches away from the grill. Never use gasoline.

– Use ladders in good condition and on solid ground. Don’t overreach. More the ladder if needed. Work facing the ladder and hold on with one hand. 

– Store pesticides and other toxic materials out of reach of children. Know and follow all the instructions and precautions on the label. Use protective clothing. When using any flammable substance, refrain from smoking or using open flames.

– Make sure your power tools are either double-insulated or connected to a three-wire ground system. Do not use near flammable materials or wear loose, frayed, or torn clothing while operating power tools. Make sure defective tools are maintained and repaired by authorized personnel only. Read and follow all instructions. If the job’s out of your league, face up to it and call in professional help.

Memorial Day weekend

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Master Sgt. Nathan Huffhines, Armed Forces Network, March Air Reserve Base, and his daughter, volunteer May 23, to place U.S. flags on the graves of military members interred at Riverside National Cemetery as part of the Flag for Every Hero Program. Flags are placed Friday morning of each Memorial Day weekend and removed Tuesday morning.

Canyon Lake, Calif., held a Memorial Day parade which included decorated golf carts as part of a Veteran’s Brigade. March’s entry honored those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and the families who were left behind.

Senior Airman Oliva, 452nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, March Air Reserve Base, and his sons volunteered to place U.S. flags on veteran’s graves at Riverside National Cemetery for the Flag for Every Hero Memorial Day event. Flags remain in place throughout the holiday weekend.