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Combat Camera documents integrated training exercise

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U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Juan A. Duenas

U.S. Marine Master Sgt. Madden assigned to the Tactical Training Exercise Control Group (center) observes U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Christopher Hibben a Photojournalist (left) and Master Sgt. Sam Ameen a Broadcast Journalist, assigned to 4th Combat Camera Squadron, navigate a DJI Inspire 1 Drone while documenting U.S. Army exercise operations during Integrated Training Exercise 3-15, at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, Calif., May 20, 2015. MCAGCC conducts relevant live-fire combined arms training, urban operations, and joint/coalition level integration training that promotes operational forces readiness.

“A Brush with Kindness”

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U.S. Air National Guard photo/Master Sgt. Julie Avey

Tech Sgt. Nick Hulsey, 163rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, California Air National Guard, March Air Reserve Base, volunteers with other 163rd Reconnaissance Wing members the first weekend of spring to give back to his community. The Airmen helped paint a mobile home with Habitat for Humanity Riverside’s A Brush with Kindness program.

Army National Guard recruits visit March Field

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

The Army National Guard (NG) held its first ever “Buddy Day” for its Recruit Sustainment Program, at March Air Reserve Base’s Hangar 452, May 16.

The goal of the all-day event was to attract NG recruits by allowing newly enlisted recruits, known as “warriors,” to bring a friend on base for the day and see life inside the Guard, said Sgt. 1st Class Andres Viveros, NG marketing specialist.

As part of the event, current Army Guardsmen led instructional stations for the new and potential recruits. The warriors learned about weapons handling and safety, how to wear gas masks, marching techniques, reporting statements and facing movements.

“We basically prepare them for basic training,” said Viveros.  “We have a lot of honor grads come back from basic training, and I believe that has a lot to do with this program.”

The recruits also toured a 336th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker, a refueling aircraft, where they were able to ask the air crew and maintainers questions.

While the Guardsmen mentors are usually tough on the warriors, to better prep them for basic training, Buddy Day was more for enjoyment and showing the recruits and their friends the exciting aspects of being in the military, said Viveros.

“This is a fun opportunity for the kids and a different way to recruit,” he said. “We are hoping some of the friends see the things they could be doing and decide to join the National Guard.”

The Recruit Sustainment Program plans to hold this event annually, said Viveros.

Joint Task Force 505 begins drawdown in Nepal

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(U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Isaac Ibarra/Released)

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AFNS) — Joint Task Force 505 is drawing down its earthquake relief operations as the Nepalese government and international aid agencies have postured for long-term recovery and reconstruction efforts.

Nepal announced its transition from relief operations to the recovery phase of disaster response May 19.

“We are grateful for the essential contributions of Operation Sahayogi Haat to the post-earthquake relief efforts,” said Peter Bodde, the U.S. ambassador to Nepal. “The joint relief missions conducted by the U.S. and Nepalese militaries brought life-saving aid to those who needed it most and reinforced the United States’ close partnership with Nepal and its people.”

The redeployment of JTF 505 units in the coming days is able to occur quickly because the capacity of Nepal and the international community to meet the needs of the relief effort continues to grow and “together they are able to meet the requirements the U.S. joint task force would otherwise provide,” said Bill Berger, the U.S. Agency for International Development’s disaster assessment response team leader.

Emergency food and supplies

During the operation, JTF 505 delivered about 114 tons of emergency relief supplies, including plastic sheeting, shelter kits, blankets, water, medical supplies, and emergency and supplemental food in support of USAID. In addition to delivering aid, the task force transported 534 personnel and conducted 63 casualty evacuations.

Demand has decreased for unique JTF 505 capabilities in further recovery efforts, said Marine Corps Lt. Gen. John Wissler, the JTF 505 commander.

Aid stockpiles are no longer backlogged because of the logistical expertise of the 36th Contingency Response Group, a uniquely qualified Air Force unit out of Guam specializing in airfield management. The 36th CRG have trained members of the Nepalese army and airport personnel during their ongoing operations.

“We will continue to work closely with our Nepalese partners and USAID to ensure we meet the needs that may emerge during the coordinated transition and retrograde of our military capabilities as long as we remain in Nepal,” Wissler said. “Once we have returned to Okinawa, we will reset our ability to respond to any future disasters requiring our support. We stand with Nepal.”

This experience has forged a stronger relationship, Wissler said. “I look forward to future training opportunities to further improve our interoperability, refine our bilateral and multilateral processes, and continue to learn from our experiences working side by side,” he added.

Air assets

JTF 505 contributed three Marine Corps UH-1Y Hueys and four Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys to the relief effort throughout Nepal. Additionally, four Air Force C-17 Globemaster IIIs, four Air Force C-130 Hercules and two Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules, as well as various ground and aviation command and control assets, contributed to the effort.

About 900 U.S. military and civilian personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps contributed to the Nepal relief efforts under the joint task force’s auspices. About 300 task force personnel worked in Nepal, 320 others worked in the main headquarters in Japan, and 280 worked at the intermediate staging base in Thailand.

JTF 505 initiated Operation Sahayogi Haat — meaning “helping hand” in Nepali — to limit further loss of life and human suffering in response to the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck central Nepal April 25, and continued the response after the 7.4-magnitude earthquake that struck May 12. More than 8,600 people died, and more than 16,000 were injured as a result of the earthquakes, according to latest official numbers.

“We people, are men and women of the armed forces,” said Maj. Gen. Binoj Basnyat, the commandant of the Nepalese army’s command and staff college. “We understand each other; we know what the need is. So it has been a tremendous help for us while you were here, and helping us to get things in the proper direction. It’s been a great help.”

Test you fitness knowledge

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What do you know about the ins and outs of exercise?

1. Which is the most balanced exercise plan?

Walking, weight lifting, and yoga

Running, weight lifting, and tennis

Running, kick-boxing, and yoga

Running, weight lifting, and cycling

2. You should always do cardio exercises before strength training.:

True

False

Do what feels best for you

3. You can improve your fitness by:

Shopping

Doing laundry

Mowing the lawn

All of the above

4. It’s better to do 30 straight minutes of exercise than 10 minutes 3X a day

True

False

  5. Will you get the same fitness benefit – in half the time – if you play a game of singles tennis instead of mowing the lawn?

Yes

No

6. Warm up before and cool down after you exercise – every time.:

True

False

7. What should your target heart rate be during exercise?

2X your resting heart rate

3X your resting heart rate

50 – 85% of your maximum heart rate

None of the above

8. How much water should you drink before you work out?

4-8 oz.

12-16 oz.

16-20 oz.

25-28 oz.

  9. Sports drinks are always better than water for rehydration after a workout.:

True

False

10. When strength training, do each exercise until it’s hard to do more.:

True

False

Answer Key

1. Walking, weight lifting, and yoga; 2. Do what feels best for you; 3. All of the above; 4. False; 5. Yes; 6. True; 7. 50 – 85% of your maximum heart rate; 8. 25-28 oz.; 9. False; 10. True

News Briefs 04/24/2015

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CONSTRUCTION AT CACTUS AVE AND 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.

NORTON-MARCH REUNION

Former 452nd Air Mobility Wing commander, Tim Wrighton, announces the Norton-March reunion at March Field from June 18-20, 2015. Visit www.norton-marchaircrew.org to learn more and to register. Access from government computers may be limited, so you may have to go to the site from a computer that is not on the base network.

FREE RESILIENCY/BULLY PROOFING TRAINING

The Airman and Family Readiness Center, through the Military Child Education Coalition, will host a free U.S. Air Force Resilience and Bully Proofing Webinar Wednesday, April 29, 8 a.m. for all DOD personnel assigned to Air Force installations and their family members.

The training will help parents understand the importance of raising resilient children and how to help children cope effectively with new challenges. Parents will learn more about what to do to promote social skills, values and behaviors that “bully proof” children. To register for remote viewing, go to https://cc.readytalk.com/r/5kvplz51xshp&eom.

BE PART OF AMERICA’S PREPARATHON!

Be prepared when disaster strikes. Join America’s Preparathon to learn how. March’s point of contact for the national emergency preparedness program is Senior Airman Jennifer King at 951-655-3024 or jennifer.king.20@us.af.mil.

COMMISSARY CASE LOT SALE MAY 1 – 4

The March Commissary’s next case lot sale is scheduled for May 1 – 4. Sale hours will be Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and Monday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Save the dates and stay tuned for more details as they become available.

RETIREE ACTIVITIES   OFFICE RELOCATED

The March Field Retiree Activities Office has moved to Bldg. 441, Rm. 25. The address is 1920 Graeber St., March Air Reserve Base, Calif. 92518. Their hours remain 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The RAO would like to thank the Civil Air Patrol-March Field Composite Squadron 45, for their help with the move.

FSS UPDATES SOCIAL MEDIA

The 452nd Force Support Squadron has updated and merged its Facebook page and combined all upcoming events into one, easy-to-find location. Visit them at www.facebook.com/MarchFSS to keep up on events and outings.

VOLUNTEER TO PACE RUNNERS

The Rising 6 is looking for volunteers to be part of its Fit to Fight Pacing Program for Airmen. Their mission is to help people improve F2F test run times. To volunteer you must score 90 percent or better on your last two F2F tests and have the confidence to pace at the desired time requested by the tester. You don’t have to be a fast runner to be a pacer. For more information or to volunteer, contact Tech. Sgt. Ygnacio Garcia at ygnacio.garcia04@gmail.com or 714-721-7683.

E-MAGAZINE FREE TO MILITARY, FAMILIES

Chronicling Greatness has just finalized its first issue of an E-Magazine, “The American Heroes of War World War II History From Those Who Lived It.” In conjunction with the non-profit International Urban Exchange Center (IUEC), they are offering the E-Magazine to all military personnel and their families for free. This E-Magazine presents first-person accounts from veterans and civilians who lived during, and participated in, the most monumental event of the 20th century, World War II. The accounts are from personal interviews by Adam P. Kennedy. You can access the EMagazine by visiting http://online.3dpageflip.com/wjhm/oxhr.

YELLOW RIBBON APRIL EVENT

The Air Force Reserve Command Yellow Ribbon Program invites you to a Regional Yellow Ribbon Training event to be held in Orlando, Fla., May 15-17. This event will include activities, referral information, education, vendor booths and interactive breakout sessions that span the concerns and issues faced by reservists and their loved ones before and after a deployment, including: Tricare, Airmen & Family Readiness, ESGR,  legal assistance for wills & powers of attorney, Military Family Life Consultants, Personal Financial Consultants, and more. For information on the event and the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program, contact the 452 AMW Yellow Ribbon Representative, 2nd Lt Shelley Lawrence at 951-655-4615 or shelley.lawrence@us.af.mil.

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. The first class scheduled is a virtual spin class at 12:15 p.m. on Wednesdays. Contact the Fitness Center at 951-655-2292 for a schedule of upcoming classes or more information.

April’s 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

Other activities include: 

April – Extramural golf begins, Gen. Olds Golf Course

May 7 – May Fitness Month 5K Run/walk 7 a.m., base track

May 8 – May Fitness Month 5×5 Basketball Tournament, Fitness Center, 5 p.m.

May 8 – May Fitness Month Zumbathon, Fitness Center, 10 a.m. – noon

May 12 – Intramural softball begins (letters of intent available at the Fitness Center)

May 27 – May Fitness Month Racquetball Tournament, 5, single elimination

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

2015 CIVILIAN TSP CONTRIBUTION LIMITS

   Calendar year 2015 has 27 pay periods since the last pay day falls on Jan. 1, 2016 (a Federal holiday), which means you will be paid one day earlier on Dec. 31, 2015. 

If you are under the Federal Employees Retirement System and you wish to receive the maximum agency matching contributions for 2015, you must ensure you do not reach the $18,000 contribution limit before the last pay day of the year.  If you reach the contribution limit before the last pay period you will not receive matching contribution for the pay period (s) that no contributions were made.

If you want to distribute your TSP contributions over the remaining pay periods in 2015, update your election in the Employee Benefits Information System (EBIS).  If you decide to change your election, take into consideration the effective date of your election and how many pay periods remain in the year.    

For additional information on contribution limits and effective dates, visit the MyPers website and search “Thrift Savings Plan contribution limit”.

FY15 UTA RESCHEDULE GUIDELINES

Col. Muncy has determined that the following FY 15 Unit Training Assemblies may only be rescheduled if the reschedule date is for the alternate UTA during the same month of the A and B UTAs for the months of February, May and August 2015. The wing commander will authorize reschedules outside of the same month, if absolutely necessary, on a case-by-case basis.

TAP VIRTUAL CURRICULUM POLICY

Implementation of the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act of 2011, under H.R. 2433, and the Veterans Employment Initiative (VEI) under Executive Order 13518, has driven a host of new requirements for transitioning personnel. The VOW Act made service-member participation in the re-designed TAP program mandatory as of Nov. 21, 2012.   This re-designed program expands counseling and guidance for active and Reserve members separating from the military after serving at least 180 days on active duty. Reservists going on or coming off of 180 consecutive days of orders due to school, BMT, deployments, TDY’s, etc. are required to comply with the following requirements:  pre-separation counseling at the A&FRC, VA Benefits briefing (parts I and II), CAPSTONE (DD Form 2958) and five-day TAP workshop.   

The VA Benefits brief can be completed in person at March ARB or online, You can attend the five-day TAP workshop at any active duty installation, or online (it takes four days and includes the VA Benefits briefing). For more information please contact the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 655-5350.

NOTIFICATION OF DEATH

Colonel Russell A. Muncy, 452nd Air Mobility Wing commander, regretfully announces the death of Tech. Sgt. Anthony E. Salazar, 452nd Civil Engineer Squadron.  Anyone having claims against or indebtedness to the estate of Tech. Sgt. Salazar should contact Maj. Tricia Betts at tricia.betts@us.af.mil or 951-655-6786.

‘Retired Air Force Reservist finds inspiration through loss’ addendum

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Angela Alexander was a member of the 56th Aerial Port Squadron, March Air Reserve Base and on annual tour in Japan when she was notified that her family had been in a severe car crash. She was told her husband, Suri and two daughters, Angela and Angelina were injured, yet okay, but her two young sons, Murice and Roger did not survive.

Inexplicably, Alexander was able to find immediate peace with what had happened. The peace she felt was further solidified as she recalled two letters her oldest son Murice had written shortly before his death. She felt the letters were Murice’s way of comforting her and letting her know he was okay, she said.

A week later, Alexander realized she needed something from youngest son Roger to verify that he too, was okay. As soon as she thought about it, a voice inside her told her to search. She searched her home for hours without finding anything and decided to take her two daughters to their open house for some normalcy.

It was at the open house where Alexander discovered artwork Roger created for open house and without a doubt she knew he was okay too and that her two sons, “were joyfully jamming with Jesus,” Alexander said.

The deaths of her sons and the miracle of the letters left behind became a book, a ministry and a documentary about seeking out the miracles in life. During the time Alexander was writing her book she stopped being a full time foster parent and opted for emergency respite care, which is short term care, often times with short notice.

Three years after the car crash, Alexander received a phone call from Child Protective Services asking if she could take in a young child because of an emergency.

Alexander was very busy with her ministry and hesitant to accept, she said. Her hesitance turned to “no, no, no,” when she found out the child was only 14 months old.

Because of her hectic schedule she insisted she could not take in a child that young. But after the case worker pleaded and promised the child would only be there two days, Alexander did what she had done so many times in the past and surrendered. She said she’d take the child in, for two days.

“Then the lady (CPS case worker) said, ‘Great! I’ll bring Angela over tomorrow!’ and I said, ‘Excuse me? Angela?’” Alexander said. The case worker replied back asking if she had forgotten to mention the little girl’s name was Angela.

Fourteen-month-old Angela was placed in Alexander’s home on the third anniversary of her sons’ deaths and the very next day she and her husband, Suri, began the adoption paperwork.

In 2014, Alexander and Suri celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary, her oldest daughter Angela has graduated from Wesley College, Angelina has a family of her own and youngest daughter Angela is 13 years old now and taller than her mother.

“So now I’m still waiting on a movie and we truly believe the exposure from the Cayman Islands International Film Festival will lead to it,” Alexander said. “I’m so glad the world is going to know even on my darkest day God is good, all the time.”

News Briefs 05/22/2015

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RIVERSIDE NATIONAL CEMETERY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND EVENTS

American Flag Placement – Saturday, May 23, 8 a.m.

Several thousand Southern Californians will converge on Riverside National Cemetery with the goal of placing an American Flag on each of the nearly 180,000 gravesites. To volunteer, be at RNC at 8 a.m. tomorrow.

The Roll Call Project – Sunday, May 24, 9 a.m.

For the sixth consecutive year, selected volunteers will gather at the cemetery flagpole plaza to read aloud the names of the more than 5,000 Veterans who have been interred between June 1, 2014 and May 24, 2015. All are welcome to attend.

Memorial Day Ceremony – A Salute to Fallen Heroes, Monday, May 25, 11 a.m.

Introductions will be followed by Bradley Phillips, executive director of the National Cemetery Administration’s Memorial Service Network 5 as the keynote speaker. There will be a special presentation by American Legion high school oratorical scholarship program two-time winner, Amir Shahatit, who will read his award-winning essay. Musical accompaniment for the program will begin at 10:30 a.m. by the Riverside Concert Band. Military honors will be provided by the California National Guard.

AMERICAN RED CROSS MOBILE APPS

The American Red Cross offers free mobile apps to help you and your loved ones be better prepared for and to respond to emergencies, big and small. To download, visit redcross.org/apps, test ‘APPS’ to 90999, or search ‘American Red Cross’ in your mobile app store.

AMERICAN RED CROSS   HELPS YOU RECONNECT

The American Red Cross offers a free, confidential program to help service members and their families cope with the aftermath of deployment when they are facing readjustment and engagement issues, redefined roles and possibly health issues. The program includes one-on-one counseling and small group sessions on communication, stress and trauma, relating to children and anger. To learn more, visit redcross.org/reconnectionworkshops or contact the local chapter at 714-481-5327 or matilde.gabriela@redcross.org.

AMERICAN RED CROSS TRACES FAMILIES

The American Red Cross offers free personnel tracing for families who still do not know what happened to their loved ones from previous wars and the Holocaust. Contact the local chapter at 714-481-5327 or matilde.gabriela@redcross.org.

FREE CAMP FOR MILITARY/VETERAN FAMLIES

Military/Veteran families: Free Family Camp is June 8-12 in Texas. Eligibility requirements are that children must be at least 8 years old and that one member of the immediate family must be military (active, Reserve, Guard or veteran). Activities include rock wall, zipline, games, swimming, kayaking, family bonding, challenge course, archery, rifle shooting and more. To register, visit https://campscui.active.com/orgs/Texas4HConferenceCenter# and look for “SESSION TYPE” along the left column of the page the click on “Family Camp Registrations.”  Hurry – it fills up fast!!

EXCHANGE TO REWARD MILITARY PETS WITH $900 IN SHOPPING SPREES

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is “throwing a bone” to military pets and their owners in the Patriot Pet contest. Through May 29, authorized Exchange shoppers can submit a photo of their pet along with a short description of their four-legged friend. Submissions will be judged on creativity, uniqueness, quality and effectiveness in conveying the loyalty and companionship of pets belonging to military members. The grand prize winner will “fetch” a $500 Exchange gift card. Additional prizes include a $100 gift card for two runners up and four third place winners will receive a $50 gift card. To participate in the Patriot Pet contest, military shoppers can visit www.shopmyexchange.com/patriot-family and submit a photo of their pet (or pets) along with a 50-word or less description. Entries must include name, address, phone number, date of birth and pet’s information (name, breed or type of pet).

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: 

May 27 – May Fitness Month 5K Run/walk, 7 a.m., Fire Dept. Route

May 27 – May Fitness Month Racquetball Tournament, 5, single elimination

May 29 – May Fitness Month 5×5 Basketball Tournament, Fitness Center, 5 p.m.

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

FITNESS CENTER INCENTIVE PROGRAM

The March Fitness Center is sponsoring a May Incentive Program. Earn points as individuals or groups by participating in scheduled group classes. The top two individuals to reach the goal will receive medals while the top two groups or squadrons will receive trophies. Registration sheets are available at the front desk. Each WellBeats TM class is worth 50 points. VIBE, Stomp, TKO and Kinetics series are worth an additional 25 points. Goals are 700 points for 1st place and 600 points for 2nd place and must be reached by May 31. It is open to active military, Guard and Reserve, family members, retirees, DOD civilian employees and contractors. Class times are posted in the Beacon and available at www.MarchFSS.com.

TICKETS & TOURS SPECIAL PROMOTIONS

— Medieval Times free Royalty Upgrade – Purchase tickets ($46 adult, $35 child) from the ITT office and receive a free Royalty Upgrade, which includes VIP seating, a commemorative program, a knight’s cheering banner and a behind the scenes DVD.

— Disney 3-Day Park Hopper Military Special – $130 per person, six tickets per person maximum purchase, valid until Oct 1, 2015, blackout dates apply.

— SeaWorld Waves of Honor Special – Free admission for active, Guard and Reserve members and up to three direct dependents annually.

Call the March ARB Tickets & Tours office at 951-655-4123 for more details.  Full updated ticket discount prices available online at  www.MarchFSS.com.

LEARN TO FLY AT AERO CLUB

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

NORTON-MARCH REUNION

Former 452nd Air Mobility Wing commander, Tim Wrighton, announces the Norton-March reunion at March Field from June 18-20, 2015. Visit www.norton-marchaircrew.org to learn more and to register. Access from government computers may be limited, so you may have to go to the site from a computer that is not on the base network.

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.

4TH COMBAT CAMERA  INACTIVATES 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.

Seven little known facts about Memorial Day

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As Americans get ready to observe Memorial Day with travel, family get-togethers and celebrations, let us not forget—it’s not about the BBQ.

Memorial Day is observed specifically to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to the United States of America, and to observe a moment of silence is the law.

Here are seven little known facts about Memorial Day.

What’s in a name?

Decoration Day, the original name for the late May holiday, was created to honor the deceased. Soldiers decorated graves of their fallen comrades with flowers, flags and wreaths. In the 1880s, the official title changed but it wasn’t until 1967 that it officially became Memorial Day.

Save the date!

When the Civil War ended, General John Logan, commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, asked for a holiday to commemorate fallen soldiers to be observed each May 30. When the Uniform Monday Holiday Act took effect in 1971, Memorial Day was moved to the last Monday of May to ensure long weekends. However, some veterans’ groups, like the American Legion, have been fighting to restore the original date to set the day apart and pay proper tribute to the servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives defending the nation.

It’s the law!

Although not common knowledge, In December 2000, Congress passed a law requiring Americans to pause at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day to remember and honor the fallen.

Speech! Speech!

Of course then it was still called Decoration Day, and at the time, Garfield was a Civil War General and Republican Congressman, not yet a President. On May 30, 1868, he addressed the several thousand people gathered at Arlington National Cemetery. “If silence is ever golden,” Garfield said, “it must be beside the graves of 15,000 men, whose lives were more significant than speech, and whose death was a poem the music of which can never be sung.”

More than one Memorial Day?

In addition to the national holiday, nine states officially set aside a day to honor those who died fighting for the Confederacy in the Civil War: Texas, South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama, Virginia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Georgia. The days vary, but only Virginia observes Confederate Memorial Day on the last Monday of May, in accordance with the federal observance of Memorial Day.

A New York state of mind

According to the N.Y. town’s website, in 1966 Congress unanimously passed a resolution to officially recognize Waterloo as the birthplace of the holiday. However, it remains a contentious debate, with other towns, like Boalsburg, Penn., claiming the title of “Birthplace of Memorial Day” as well.

A weekend getaway!

According to AAA travel, more than 37.2 million Americans will travel over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, the most in a decade, and 4.7 percent more than last year.

So, remember to follow the law and stop wherever you are and whatever you are doing at 3 p.m. on Monday, May 25, to remember those who gave it all for our freedoms.

Happy Memorial Day!

Increased mission requirements open doors for continued military service

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WASHINGTON (AFNS) — The Air Force is introducing several personnel and manpower initiatives to meet increased mission requirements outlined in the fiscal year 2016 President’s Budget.

In order to enhance operational and mission capacity in support of combatant commanders, and to maintain readiness, the Air Force is setting a minimum active-duty force level of 317,000 as established in the fiscal 2016 President’s Budget submission. The Air Force is undergoing a concerted effort to stabilize and grow the force by fiscal 2017, to include addressing key gaps in the nuclear, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and support career fields.

The Air Force is using the most direct way to grow the force by increasing the accessions of enlisted Airmen entering basic military training and the numbers of officers being commissioned. To complement those efforts, the Air Force is also offering opportunities to retain key experience and increase operational manning levels through targeted voluntary high year of tenure (HYT) extensions, Voluntary Limited Period of Active Duty Program affording opportunities to members of the Air Reserve Component to serve an active-duty tour, and Direct Duty Prior Service Enlistment Program opening doors for prior-service enlisted members to return to active duty.

The focus of these programs is to increase the number of experienced Airmen in undermanned specialties such as nuclear, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and special operations. The Air Force specialties covered under these programs were not eligible to participate in any of the targeted fiscal 2014 voluntary or involuntary force management programs. The one exception was the Quality Force Review Board, where all Airmen with some negative quality factors were considered regardless of their specialty.

“While we are working to increase our overall number of Airmen, we particularly focused on adding mid-level experienced Airmen in some of our currently undermanned specialties to help meet mission requirements immediately,” said Brig. Gen. Brian Kelly, the director of military force management policy.

The new programs being launched are designed to meet the need for experienced Airmen in critically undermanned specialties such as nuclear, cyber, intelligence, remotely piloted aircraft and special operations.

Voluntary HYT extensions are being offered to senior airmen, staff sergeants, technical sergeants and master sergeants in targeted specialties; however, Airmen will only be approved if recommended for the extension by their unit commander or civilian leader. The length of the extension can vary depending on each Airman’s situation. Specific details on the fiscal 2015 HYT extension program will be released by AFPC and available via myPers May 18.

Opportunities to serve an active-duty tour for a period of up to three years will be offered to members of the Air Reserve Component in targeted Air Force specialties. The Voluntary Limited Period of Active Duty Program allows the Air Force to increase experience in mid-level grades by leveraging trained Airmen from the Air Force Reserves and Air National Guard. These Airmen will receive the same benefits as active-duty Airmen, such as qualifying for the Post 9/11 GI Bill, while serving a tour on active duty. Further information, such as which grades and specialties are eligible, will also be available in the coming weeks.

Under the Direct Duty Prior Service Enlistment Program, applicants must have separated from the active-duty Air Force, or be separated from or currently serving in the ANG or Air Force Reserve in the grade of senior airman through technical sergeant as a fully qualified 5- or 7-level in one of the designated Air Force specialties. Army, Navy or Marine Corps service members may also be eligible if they served in a career field equivalent to one of the specialties targeted in the fiscal 2015 program. Under this program, applicants are not eligible to receive a reenlistment bonus.

Airmen interested in applying for HYT or the Voluntary Limited Period of Active Duty Program are encouraged to review the additional eligibility details on the myPers website. Prior service members interested in Direct Duty Prior Service Enlisted Program can find information at https://www.airforce.com/contact-us/faq/prior-service.

For more information on active duty opportunities, contact March recruiter, Tech. Sgt. April Silveira, at 909-890-4647 or 951-757-6039.

Eligible AFSCs for Direct Duty Prior Service Accession Program

Eligible AFSCs for HYT Extensions