8 The Cargo CourierDec. 6, 2003

123rd Airlift Wing, Kentucky Air National Guard, Louisville, Ky. Vol. XIX, No. 12 • Dec. 6, 2003

123rd Airlift WingPublic Affairs OfficeKentucky Air National Guard1101 Grade LaneLouisville, KY 40213-2678

OFFICIAL BUSINESS

AIR FORCE NEWS

By Capt. Dale GreerWing Public Affairs Officer

A Kentucky Air National Guardsman re-ceived the Silver Star from the secretary ofthe Air Force here Nov. 1 in recognition ofthe airman’s heroic acts while deployed toAfghanistan during Operation EnduringFreedom.

Tech. Sgt. Keary Miller, a pararescuemanin the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, waslauded by Dr. James G. Roche for his brav-ery under fire during a mission on a remoteAfghan mountain in 2002.

“When faced with the well-entrenchedand committed enemy force, when facedwith the reality that men around him werereceiving mortal wounds, when confrontedwith the prospect that he, too, might sufferthe unfortunate fate that others endured onthat 10,000-foot mountain, he courageouslystepped into the breach to risk his life to savehis fellow warriors,” Roche told an audienceof nearly 450 who gathered in the Base An-nex.

“Because of the actions of this intrepidairman, Keary Miller, with his teammates onthe mountain, 10 gravely wounded Ameri-cans came home — home to their units,home to their families and home to an ever-grateful nation.

“Our nation is so very blessed to haveprofessionals of his character and courage.”

Miller, the first Kentucky NationalGuardsman to receive the honor while as-signed here, distinguished himself by gal-lantry in connection with military operationsagainst al-Qaida and Taliban forces nearMarzak, Patkia Province, Afghanistan, onMarch 4, 2002.

On that date, Miller was the Air Forcecombat search and rescue team leader as-signed to a Quick Reaction Force tasked withrecovering two American servicemen evad-ing capture in austere terrain.

Ky. airman receives Silver Star from SECAFMiller first state Guardsman to get medal while serving in unit

Just before landing, his MH-47E helicop-ter received rocket-propelled grenade andsmall-arms fire, disabling the aircraft andcausing it to crash land.

Miller and the remainder of the assaultforce formed a hasty defense and immedi-ately suffered four fatalities and five criti-cal casualties, according to Miller’s awardcitation.

Despite intense enemy fire, Miller movedthroughout the battlefield, crossing open

danger areas on numerous occasions in or-der to assess and care for critically woundedservicemen.

As the battle drew on, Miller removedammunition from the deceased and, in mul-tiple acts of extraordinary courage, pro-ceeded through some of the day’s heaviestrocket-propelled grenade, mortar and small-arms fire while distributing the ammunition

Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche pins the Silver Star on Tech. Sgt.Keary Miller during a ceremony held Nov. 1 in the Kentucky Air National Guard BaseAnnex. Miller, a pararescueman in the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, received themedal for his bravery under fire during a rescue mission on a remote Afghan moun-tain in 2002.

Chief Master Sgt. Terry Lutz/KyANG

See MILLER, Page 5

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas — A one-stop customerservice phone number and Web page are up and running, linkingseveral call centers and online resources Air Force people use whenmanaging personnel and pay information.

A single phone number and a companion Web site now make iteasier for Air Force active-duty and reserve-component militarypersonnel, as well as U.S. appropriated-fund civilian employees, tofind what they need quickly, Air Force Personnel Center officialssaid.

Customers can find answers to questions by calling toll free (800)616-3775 or visiting www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/cst. Until now theburden had been on Air Force people to determine which agencyhandles a particular issue before contacting customer service byphone or via the Web. Customers will be able to access any of thefollowing support services by using the new number and Web site:

—Air Force Contact Center for general military personnel in-quiries, including discrimination and sexual harassment concernsand assistance in navigating the virtual military personnel flightapplication

—Air Reserve Personnel Center in Denver for Air Force Reserveand Air National Guard personnel inquiries

—Defense Finance and Accounting Service’s Cleveland ContactCenter for Air Force military pay inquiries and assistance with themyPay application

—AFPC Technical Assistance Center for technical support forapplications such as vMPF, assignment management system, AFPCSecure and PC-III

—AFPC Recruiting Service Center for civilian job openings

‘One click, one call’ arrives for pay, personnel issues—AFPC Benefits and Entitlements Service Team for civilian

appropriated-fund benefits and entitlements.This latest evolution in customer self-service is the product of

cooperation between different agencies inside and outside of the AirForce, officials said.

“A substantial partnership between military and civilian person-nel, Air Force financial services (military pay) and Defense Financeand Accounting Service — years in the making — is making one-stop customer service possible,” said James Short, the Air Force’sdeputy assistant secretary for financial operations.

“It goes beyond just a phone number and a Web page,” said RogerBlanchard, assistant deputy chief of staff for personnel. “What ourcustomer service transformation team is beginning to do is actuallycombine customer service efforts behind the scenes to serve cus-tomers faster and more efficiently.”

Several of the linked call centers reside at the personnel center,where leaders have been facilitating the consolidation of Air Forcecustomer-service operations.

“We are making sure that customer service is a lot more than a 1-800 number,” said Maj. Gen. Tom O’Riordan, personnel center com-mander. “Our focus is making sure we meet the needs of the field,and that we accelerate those changes which make life simpler forthe commander and our airmen.”

Customers calling from international locations and hearing-im-paired employees should continue to dial the number they currentlyuse to access support for personnel or pay matters, officials said.The new toll-free number should begin accommodating foreign areacalls early next year, officials said.

2 7The Cargo CourierDec. 6, 2003

The Cargo CourierDec. 6, 2003

H

COMMANDER’S CALL AIR FORCE NEWS

Col. Michael Harden123rd Airlift Wing Commander

Wing Commander..............................Col. Michael HardenWing Public Affairs Officer.....................Capt. Dale GreerEditor.............................................Tech. Sgt. Amy MundellStaff Writer......................................Staff Sgt. Mark Flener

This funded Air Force newspaper is an authorized pub-lished for members of the U.S. military services. Contentsof The Cargo Courier are not necessarily the official viewsof, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department ofDefense or the Air Force.

The editorial content is edited, prepared and providedby the public affairs office of the 123rd Airlift Wing, Ken-tucky Air National Guard, Louisville International Airport,Louisville, Ky. 40213-2678.

Our office is located in room 2118 of the Wing Head-quarters Building. Deadline for the next issue is Dec. 12.

How to contact us:Phone: (502) 364-9431Fax: (502) 364-9676E-mail: amy.mundell@kyloui.ang.af.mil

An electronic version of the Cargo Courier is available at the Kentucky Air Guard’s Web site — www.kyloui.ang.af.mil

123rd Airlift Wing Editorial Staff

ard to believe, but theyear is just about over —and what a year it hasbeen.

Members of our greatorganization have been

involved in every aspect of our wartimestruggle to make our homeland safe by rid-ding the world of all those who seek to de-stroy our American way of life.

Your service has been honorable, and Iknow that at times it has been frustrating andcaused many hardships for you and yourfamilies. For that and more, you have mythanks and admiration.

All of you in the Thoroughbred Expresshas done your job in a superb manner,whether you deployed to the desert, to Eu-rope or stayed home and supported thosewho did deploy.

We can all think of things that went well,and of other things that didn’t go so well.

We all have war stories to tell — somegood, some bad — but all of you need toknow that what you’ve done this past yearis important, and will pay big dividends inour quest to keep America safe and secure.

The longer we have people deployed toIraq the more we will hear some folks saythat we have no business being there, that itis all about oil and lining the pockets of richcorporate executives.

They will say that we have no plan, thatit will become a quagmire like Vietnam.

I even read an article the other day say-ing we are getting our rear handed to us by

the Iraqis. But the facts are: This is not aboutmoney or oil. It is about the security of theUnited States of America.

The regime of Saddam Hussein was —and notice I said “was” — a sworn enemy ofthe United States. Think of how many timeshe jerked our chain by massing troops at theKuwaiti border. Think of how many timeshe defied demands for inspections. Think ofhow many times he violated United Nationsresolutions requiring him to do this or that.

It is not about oil or money, it is about

accountability. Hussein had many chancesto comply. He didn’t, and he is paying theprice.

The notion that we don’t have a plan isequally misguided. It’s as simple as this:We take down the regime, neutralize the op-position, stabilize the infrastructure and setup a government with democratic principlesrun by the Iraqis.

We then leave them to govern themselvesand become valued members of the worldcommunity.

The problem is that some folks want in-stant results. We have already taken downthe regime and are well on the way to neu-tralizing the opposition and stabilizing theinfrastructure.

It will take some time to get it all ac-complished, and those who say we shouldbe out by now simply have no idea of thecomplexity and difficulty of what we aretrying to do. War is a dirty, grimy and deadlybusiness. People get hurt and die — eventhe good guys.

About getting our heads handed to us: Isubmit that Uday and Qusay would notagree to that, nor would members of thevaunted Republican Guard, who either diedor simply quit in the face of our troops.

Any American casualty is unfortunate,but we must remember that even at thepresent daily casualty rate, it would takeyears before it added up to the 3,000 folkswho died in the attack on Sept. 11.

Rebuilding a country is complex,difficult and takes time

See REBUILDING, Page 4

Air Force Print News

WASHINGTON — In a Nov. 14 memorandum, PresidentGeorge W. Bush directed executive departments and agenciesto grant five days of uncharged, administrative leave fromcivilian duties to federal employees returning to reserviststatus from active-duty.

“The federal government will continue to be the model foremployer support to the Guard and Reserve,” the presidentwrote in the memorandum. “We are the guarantors of therights of returning (servicemembers) under the UniformedServices Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, and Iam personally committed to providing each of them with our

Federal govt. grants leave to demobilized reservistsfull support, recognition and assistance.”

Kay Coles James, director of the U.S. Office of PersonnelManagement, issued guidance to department and agencyheads on implementing the president’s order.

“Many of our employees have endured great disruption totheir families and their normal lives as a result of their servicein the war against terrorism,” James said.

“Therefore, I join the president in urging that agencies doeverything possible to ease their return to civilian life.”

The five work days of excused absence covers employeeswho were activated for military service in connection withoperations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and IraqiFreedom.

By K.L. VantranAmerican Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON — Part of the $87.5 bil-lion supplemental appropriations bill formilitary operations in Iraq and Afghanistansigned last month by President George W.Bush will go toward improving quality oflife for servicemembers there.

“We want people to have air condition-ing,” said Dov S. Zakheim, undersecretaryof defense (comptroller) and chief financialofficer. “We want them to have running wa-ter. We want them to have decent facilitiesto sleep in.”

Zakheim, speaking here Nov. 17, said theservicemembers who deployed to Afghani-stan started out in “pretty miserable condi-tions.”

He said he has visited the country sev-eral times and can testify that things areimproving every day.

“We want to do the same for our forcesin Iraq,” he said.

“They’re going to be there. We don’tknow for how long. We need to ensure that,given the very difficult environment they’refunctioning in, they at least have the decentstandards of living in terms of basics: wa-ter, electricity, heating and air conditioning.”

The bill provides $64.7 billion for mili-tary operations in Iraq, in Afghanistan andelsewhere.

Of this, about $51 billion is for Opera-tion Iraqi Freedom and $10 billion for Op-eration Enduring Freedom.

The remaining funds will cover costs of

Operation Noble Eagle and support for al-lies in the war on terror.

Besides providing pay and benefits forservicemembers, the bill will pay for suchthings as spare parts and flying hours —things that keep day-to-day operations go-ing.

It also assigns funds for force-protectionmeasures.

This includes protective vests and ceramicinserts for the vests, as well as upgrades forHumvees and sensors that will allow detec-tion of attacks, Zakheim said.

“It’s a whole array of programs that aregeared (toward) protecting our forces,” hesaid.

The enemy’s use of improvised explosivedevices has been a concern, Zakheim said.To help counter this, funds will be used forunmanned aerial vehicles that can track whenthe devices are being placed.

The bill also includes about $19 billionfor reconstruction projects in Iraq. The ba-sic objective is not just to transfer sover-eignty to Iraq but also to “put them on theirown economic feet,” Zakheim said.

This includes funding various securityforces — civil defense forces, facilities pro-tection forces and the new Iraqi army.

“We want to build up the judicial system,”Zakheim said. “We want to build up the con-stitutional system. We want to build up aprison system.

“We want to create the environment of se-curity that is so important for an everydayIraqi to live in and function in.”

Billions of dollars will be spent on elec-

Supplemental bill to improve quality of lifetricity, water and health initiatives, as wellas getting the oil industry “up to speed,” hesaid.

“If they are to recover economically,” hesaid, “they’ve got to have some kind ofwherewithal to do it with. That is what we’refocusing on — the most urgent infrastruc-ture needs and, of course, security.”

If the average Iraqi sees that the new en-vironment will create a better future for himor her, then he or she will buy into the largerideas for a democratic future for Iraq,Zakheim said.

Another $1.2 billion is for rebuilding Af-ghanistan. It will go toward the Afghan na-tional army and police, as well as some in-frastructure such as schools, roads and hos-pitals.

Afghanistan is a mountainous countryand is “tough to get around,” Zakheim said.

Thus, one project has been the road fromKabul to Kandahar. It used to take 30 hoursto get from one city to the other. Now it takessix, he said.

“We want to get it to two,” he added.“This is the way the country gets on its owneconomic feet.”

Zakheim acknowledged there are stillsome internal difficulties in southeasternAfghanistan, but added, “People may notrealize that Afghanistan has its most stablegovernment in 30 years.”

“For the average Afghan to have peace(and) not have their cities blown up by theirown people is new.

“It’s novel, and we’ve done that for theAfghan people.”

The Cargo CourierDec. 6, 2003 3The Cargo Courier

Dec. 6, 20036

By Capt. Kirk HilbrechtKyANG State Headquarters PAO

The Kentucky Air National Guarddedicated five memorial plaques to theunit’s 725 retirees during a ceremonyhere Nov. 14.

The plaques, which list the names ofevery individual who retired from theunit between 1960 and 2002, wereunveiled in front of a crowd of morethan 400.

“This is a great way of publiclyrecognizing and thanking those who havesacrificed and served in the Kentucky AirNational Guard,” said Chief Master Sgt.James Turpin, a board member of the50th Static Group, which was created tohonor individuals who represent thecollective heritage of the Kentucky AirNational Guard.

The memorial is, he said, a fittingtribute to the airmen who served theCommonwealth and their country 20years or more, sacrificing time awayfrom their families and civilian jobs.

Col. Michael Harden, commander ofthe 123rd Airlift Wing, agreed.

“This memorial is a visible andpermanent way to recognize the airmenwho made this a great organization overthe years ... those airmen who wentbefore us and selflessly served theKentucky Air National Guard,” Hardentold the crowd just prior to the unveiling.

“This day is a culmination of a processstarted over six years ago when Gen.(Verna) Fairchild and I decided that weneeded a way to recognize the accom-plishments of not only the unit as awhole but also its individual memberswho turn the wrenches, fly the jets,cook the meals, publish the orders, paythe bills and do all of the millions ofother things necessary to make the unitgreat.”

Four of the plaques were donated bythe 50th Static Group, whose member-ship includes current Kentucky Guards-men and retirees.

The other plaque was donated by theLouisville Monument Co., which createdall five of the etched, black granitememorials.

Names of subsequent retirees will beadded to the plaques each year.

KyANG dedicates memorial to retirees

TOP: Guestsview the names

of the 725retirees listed

on the plaques.Four of the five

plaques weredonated by the

50th StaticGroup, while

the otherplaque wasdonated by

LouisvilleMonument Co.

RIGHT: TheKyANG color

guard presentsthe flag at the

dedicationceremony here

Nov. 14. Morethan 400

attended theceremony,including

retirees,current Guardmembers and

guests.

Photos by Master Sgt. Charles Simpson

KyANG NEWS

Hail to the chief

Col. Howard Hunt, commander of the 123rd Maintenance Group, and Col. MichaelHarden, commander of the 123rd Airlift Wing, promote Mark Hall to chief mastersergeant during a ceremony here Nov. 2. Hall is the superintendent of the 123rdAircraft Maintenance Squadron and has served in the unit nearly 32 years.

Tech. Sgt. Dennis Flora/KyANG

The following individuals have beenpromoted to the rank indicated

as members of theKentucky Air Guard

and reservistsof the United States Air Force:

Promotions, retirements & separations Kentucky Air National Guard

The following individualshave separated from

the Kentucky Air Guard:

•Derek Cummins,123rd Logistics Readiness Sq.

•Stephen Kirkpatrick,123rd Maintenance Sq.

•Michael Moore,123rd Maintenance Sq.

•James Sneed,123rd Logistics Readiness Sq.

•Jonathan Stanley,123rd Maintenance Sq.

SENIOR AIRMAN (E-4)

•Theodore Bothur,123rd Mission Support Flt.

•Kevin Kaufman,123rd Civil Engineers Sq.

•Eric Mills,123rd Special Tactics Sq.

STAFF SERGEANT (E-5)

•Amanda Blackburn,123rd Airlift Wing

TECHNICAL SERGEANT (E-6)

•Dana Corbin,123rd Medical Sq.

•Norma Kern,123rd Mission Support Flt.

•Cary Mendelsohn,123rd Special Tactics Sq.

•James Powell Jr.,123rd Civil Engineers Sq.

•Carla Quarles,123rd Airlift Wing

•George Burke Jr.,123rd Logistics Readiness Sq.

•Derek Dye,123rd Logistics Readiness Sq.

•Charles Harley,123rd Maintenance Sq.

•Roscoe Hobgood,123rd Medical Sq.

•Kevin Roy,123rd Security Forces Sq.

•Anita Young,123rd Security Forces Sq.

MASTER SERGEANT (E-7)

•Tech. Sgt. James Adams,123rd Security Forces Sq.

•Senior Airman Elizabeth Byars,123rd Aerial Port Sq.

•Staff Sgt. Robert Ellis,123rd Special Tactics Sq.

•Tech. Sgt. Christopher Middleton,123rd Security Forces Sq.

•Senior Airman Andree Mitchell,123rd Communications Sq.

•Staff Sgt. Alexandra Roof,123rd Aerial Port Sq.

2004 Drill DatesNext year’s unit training assem-

bly dates for the Kentucky AirGuard:

All KyANG members mustparticipate in scheduled UTAsunless attending a split or resched-uled UTA as authorized by theircommanders.

January 10-11February 7-8March 6-7April 24-25May 15-16June 12-13July 17-18August 14-15September 18-19October 2-3November 6-7December 4-5

The Cargo CourierDec. 6, 2003

The Cargo CourierDec. 6, 2003 54

KyANG NEWS

from position to position.Shortly thereafter, another

attack erupted, killing onepararescueman and compro-mising the casualty collectionpoint.

Miller braved the barrage offire in order to move thewounded to better cover andconcealment.

His courageousness andskill led to the successfuldelivery of 10 gravelywounded Americans to life-saving medical treatment andto the recovery of sevenservicemen killed in action, thecitation said.

“If we are to prevail in thisglobal war on terrorism, it willbe because of the bravery andselfless sacrifice of soldiers,sailors, airmen and Marineswho are cut from the samecloth as Keary Miller and hiscolleagues in the 123rd STS,”Roche said.

“And we will prevail.”Kentucky’s adjutant general,

Army Maj. Gen. D. AllenYoungman, expressed hisappreciation for what hecalled “the personal valor andprofessional excellence of agreat warrior.”

Youngman also praised theother members of the 123rdSpecial Tactics Squadron,which has been activelyengaged in Operation IraqiFreedom and combat opera-tions in Afghanistan.

“What you do and whatyou have done, and thesupport and sacrifices of yourfamilies, makes more of adifference to most Americansthan they will ever know,”he said.

To date, the Air Force hasapproved just 18 Silver Starsfor airmen who participated inoperations Enduring Freedomand Iraqi Freedom.

Miller receives Silver Star for actions in OEFContinued from Front Page

TOP: Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and Tech. Sgt. Keary Millerascend the stage for Miller’s award ceremony, which was held Nov. 1 in the BaseAnnex. Miller received the Silver Star for his heroic acts in Afghanistan, where hedistinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against al-Qaida and Taliban forces.

Photos by Chief Master Sgt. Terry Lutz/KyANG

BOTTOM: Among those joining Roche and Miller for the ceremony were (left to right)Col. Michael Harden, commander of the 123rd Airlift Wing; Maj. Gen. D. AllenYoungman, the adjutant general of Kentucky; Miller’s wife, Gina; Kentucky Air GuardChief of Staff Col. Robert Yaple; and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force GeraldMurray.

Civil engineers depart for Iraqi FreedomBy Tech. Sgt. Amy MundellCargo Courier Editor

More than 50 members of the KentuckyAir Guard’s 123rd Civil Engineers Squad-ron departed here Nov. 11 for the PersianGulf region in support of Operation IraqiFreedom and the Global War on Terror.

The airmen, who deployed on a KentuckyC-130, include firefighters, electricians,carpenters, plumbers, heavy equipment op-erators and land surveyors.

Col. Tom Marks, commander of the123rd Support Group, said he is extremelyproud of the unit’s members and the workthey do.

“This is just another trip in a long linefor these professionals,” Marks said. “I’mconfident they’ll do a great job.

“They are always willing to go and dotheir mission without complaint.”

Since Sept. 11, 2001, the Kentucky AirNational Guard has deployed more than 500airmen around the world, many more thanonce.

Senior Airman Philip Speck/KyANG

More than 50 members of the Kentucky Air Guard’s 123rd Civil Engineers Squadrondeparted the base Nov. 11 for the Persian Gulf region. The troops, who deployedaboard a Kentucky C-130, include firefighters, electricians, carpenters, plumbers,heavy equipment operators and land surveyors. They will support Operation IraqiFreedom and the Global War on Terror.

The holiday season beacons us togo back to our childhood days whenlife was simpler. We anticipated goodthings to come from the red-suitedguy. He always looked like my dadwith a beard and was alittle over the maxi-mum weight allowed.

The cold did notdampen our dreams ofwarm nights, hot choco-late and time off from school.

Still today, fir trees, bakedturkey and the aroma of freshbread are quick reminders of holidaysat home long ago. This year ourholiday dreams can come true again,even if but for a day or two.

Home is not just a place where weused to live. Home is where you makefriends and family feel welcomearound the hearth of good will.

Warmth, laughter and time off withgood friends make the holidays feellike home again.

As children we thrilled to gift-getting, but now we rejoice in gift-giving. So, what are your plans for theholidays? Avoid the holiday blues andinvite someone over.

Put on some favorite music and getlost in the holiday sounds.

Clean out your closetand take something toGood Will.

Put some coins in theSalvation Army bucketat Kroger. Volunteer for

a day at the V.A. hospital. Send a cardto someone you haven’t heard from inyears.

Bake something you really like andshare it with friends. Hershey’schocolate is always a holiday hit.

The holiday spirit you enjoyed as achild was God’s gift to you. Keep itgoing for others.

—Lt. Col. Tom CurryWing Chaplain

We are winning this war but itwill take some time to complete thetask of setting up a democratic Iraq,and we will be engaged there forsome time to come.

You and our entire military haveperformed superbly and haveproven once again the we are themost powerful force the world hasever known.

The only way we can lose is ifwe somehow show a lack ofpolitical will to stay the course andget it done. I don’t think that willhappen, so stay ready and knowthat your efforts are important andgreatly appreciated.

Have a safe and joyfulholiday — and thanks loads!

Rejoice in holiday gift giving RebuildingContinued from Page 2

Chaplain’s

olumnC

The Cargo CourierDec. 6, 2003

The Cargo CourierDec. 6, 2003 54

KyANG NEWS

from position to position.Shortly thereafter, another

attack erupted, killing onepararescueman and compro-mising the casualty collectionpoint.

Miller braved the barrage offire in order to move thewounded to better cover andconcealment.

His courageousness andskill led to the successfuldelivery of 10 gravelywounded Americans to life-saving medical treatment andto the recovery of sevenservicemen killed in action, thecitation said.

“If we are to prevail in thisglobal war on terrorism, it willbe because of the bravery andselfless sacrifice of soldiers,sailors, airmen and Marineswho are cut from the samecloth as Keary Miller and hiscolleagues in the 123rd STS,”Roche said.

“And we will prevail.”Kentucky’s adjutant general,

Army Maj. Gen. D. AllenYoungman, expressed hisappreciation for what hecalled “the personal valor andprofessional excellence of agreat warrior.”

Youngman also praised theother members of the 123rdSpecial Tactics Squadron,which has been activelyengaged in Operation IraqiFreedom and combat opera-tions in Afghanistan.

“What you do and whatyou have done, and thesupport and sacrifices of yourfamilies, makes more of adifference to most Americansthan they will ever know,”he said.

To date, the Air Force hasapproved just 18 Silver Starsfor airmen who participated inoperations Enduring Freedomand Iraqi Freedom.

Miller receives Silver Star for actions in OEFContinued from Front Page

TOP: Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche and Tech. Sgt. Keary Millerascend the stage for Miller’s award ceremony, which was held Nov. 1 in the BaseAnnex. Miller received the Silver Star for his heroic acts in Afghanistan, where hedistinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against al-Qaida and Taliban forces.

Photos by Chief Master Sgt. Terry Lutz/KyANG

BOTTOM: Among those joining Roche and Miller for the ceremony were (left to right)Col. Michael Harden, commander of the 123rd Airlift Wing; Maj. Gen. D. AllenYoungman, the adjutant general of Kentucky; Miller’s wife, Gina; Kentucky Air GuardChief of Staff Col. Robert Yaple; and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force GeraldMurray.

Civil engineers depart for Iraqi FreedomBy Tech. Sgt. Amy MundellCargo Courier Editor

More than 50 members of the KentuckyAir Guard’s 123rd Civil Engineers Squad-ron departed here Nov. 11 for the PersianGulf region in support of Operation IraqiFreedom and the Global War on Terror.

The airmen, who deployed on a KentuckyC-130, include firefighters, electricians,carpenters, plumbers, heavy equipment op-erators and land surveyors.

Col. Tom Marks, commander of the123rd Support Group, said he is extremelyproud of the unit’s members and the workthey do.

“This is just another trip in a long linefor these professionals,” Marks said. “I’mconfident they’ll do a great job.

“They are always willing to go and dotheir mission without complaint.”

Since Sept. 11, 2001, the Kentucky AirNational Guard has deployed more than 500airmen around the world, many more thanonce.

Senior Airman Philip Speck/KyANG

More than 50 members of the Kentucky Air Guard’s 123rd Civil Engineers Squadrondeparted the base Nov. 11 for the Persian Gulf region. The troops, who deployedaboard a Kentucky C-130, include firefighters, electricians, carpenters, plumbers,heavy equipment operators and land surveyors. They will support Operation IraqiFreedom and the Global War on Terror.

The holiday season beacons us togo back to our childhood days whenlife was simpler. We anticipated goodthings to come from the red-suitedguy. He always looked like my dadwith a beard and was alittle over the maxi-mum weight allowed.

The cold did notdampen our dreams ofwarm nights, hot choco-late and time off from school.

Still today, fir trees, bakedturkey and the aroma of freshbread are quick reminders of holidaysat home long ago. This year ourholiday dreams can come true again,even if but for a day or two.

Home is not just a place where weused to live. Home is where you makefriends and family feel welcomearound the hearth of good will.

Warmth, laughter and time off withgood friends make the holidays feellike home again.

As children we thrilled to gift-getting, but now we rejoice in gift-giving. So, what are your plans for theholidays? Avoid the holiday blues andinvite someone over.

Put on some favorite music and getlost in the holiday sounds.

Clean out your closetand take something toGood Will.

Put some coins in theSalvation Army bucketat Kroger. Volunteer for

a day at the V.A. hospital. Send a cardto someone you haven’t heard from inyears.

Bake something you really like andshare it with friends. Hershey’schocolate is always a holiday hit.

The holiday spirit you enjoyed as achild was God’s gift to you. Keep itgoing for others.

—Lt. Col. Tom CurryWing Chaplain

We are winning this war but itwill take some time to complete thetask of setting up a democratic Iraq,and we will be engaged there forsome time to come.

You and our entire military haveperformed superbly and haveproven once again the we are themost powerful force the world hasever known.

The only way we can lose is ifwe somehow show a lack ofpolitical will to stay the course andget it done. I don’t think that willhappen, so stay ready and knowthat your efforts are important andgreatly appreciated.

Have a safe and joyfulholiday — and thanks loads!

Rejoice in holiday gift giving RebuildingContinued from Page 2

Chaplain’s

olumnC

The Cargo CourierDec. 6, 2003 3The Cargo Courier

Dec. 6, 20036

By Capt. Kirk HilbrechtKyANG State Headquarters PAO

The Kentucky Air National Guarddedicated five memorial plaques to theunit’s 725 retirees during a ceremonyhere Nov. 14.

The plaques, which list the names ofevery individual who retired from theunit between 1960 and 2002, wereunveiled in front of a crowd of morethan 400.

“This is a great way of publiclyrecognizing and thanking those who havesacrificed and served in the Kentucky AirNational Guard,” said Chief Master Sgt.James Turpin, a board member of the50th Static Group, which was created tohonor individuals who represent thecollective heritage of the Kentucky AirNational Guard.

The memorial is, he said, a fittingtribute to the airmen who served theCommonwealth and their country 20years or more, sacrificing time awayfrom their families and civilian jobs.

Col. Michael Harden, commander ofthe 123rd Airlift Wing, agreed.

“This memorial is a visible andpermanent way to recognize the airmenwho made this a great organization overthe years ... those airmen who wentbefore us and selflessly served theKentucky Air National Guard,” Hardentold the crowd just prior to the unveiling.

“This day is a culmination of a processstarted over six years ago when Gen.(Verna) Fairchild and I decided that weneeded a way to recognize the accom-plishments of not only the unit as awhole but also its individual memberswho turn the wrenches, fly the jets,cook the meals, publish the orders, paythe bills and do all of the millions ofother things necessary to make the unitgreat.”

Four of the plaques were donated bythe 50th Static Group, whose member-ship includes current Kentucky Guards-men and retirees.

The other plaque was donated by theLouisville Monument Co., which createdall five of the etched, black granitememorials.

Names of subsequent retirees will beadded to the plaques each year.

KyANG dedicates memorial to retirees

TOP: Guestsview the names

of the 725retirees listed

on the plaques.Four of the five

plaques weredonated by the

50th StaticGroup, while

the otherplaque wasdonated by

LouisvilleMonument Co.

RIGHT: TheKyANG color

guard presentsthe flag at the

dedicationceremony here

Nov. 14. Morethan 400

attended theceremony,including

retirees,current Guardmembers and

guests.

Photos by Master Sgt. Charles Simpson

KyANG NEWS

Hail to the chief

Col. Howard Hunt, commander of the 123rd Maintenance Group, and Col. MichaelHarden, commander of the 123rd Airlift Wing, promote Mark Hall to chief mastersergeant during a ceremony here Nov. 2. Hall is the superintendent of the 123rdAircraft Maintenance Squadron and has served in the unit nearly 32 years.

Tech. Sgt. Dennis Flora/KyANG

The following individuals have beenpromoted to the rank indicated

as members of theKentucky Air Guard

and reservistsof the United States Air Force:

Promotions, retirements & separations Kentucky Air National Guard

The following individualshave separated from

the Kentucky Air Guard:

•Derek Cummins,123rd Logistics Readiness Sq.

•Stephen Kirkpatrick,123rd Maintenance Sq.

•Michael Moore,123rd Maintenance Sq.

•James Sneed,123rd Logistics Readiness Sq.

•Jonathan Stanley,123rd Maintenance Sq.

SENIOR AIRMAN (E-4)

•Theodore Bothur,123rd Mission Support Flt.

•Kevin Kaufman,123rd Civil Engineers Sq.

•Eric Mills,123rd Special Tactics Sq.

STAFF SERGEANT (E-5)

•Amanda Blackburn,123rd Airlift Wing

TECHNICAL SERGEANT (E-6)

•Dana Corbin,123rd Medical Sq.

•Norma Kern,123rd Mission Support Flt.

•Cary Mendelsohn,123rd Special Tactics Sq.

•James Powell Jr.,123rd Civil Engineers Sq.

•Carla Quarles,123rd Airlift Wing

•George Burke Jr.,123rd Logistics Readiness Sq.

•Derek Dye,123rd Logistics Readiness Sq.

•Charles Harley,123rd Maintenance Sq.

•Roscoe Hobgood,123rd Medical Sq.

•Kevin Roy,123rd Security Forces Sq.

•Anita Young,123rd Security Forces Sq.

MASTER SERGEANT (E-7)

•Tech. Sgt. James Adams,123rd Security Forces Sq.

•Senior Airman Elizabeth Byars,123rd Aerial Port Sq.

•Staff Sgt. Robert Ellis,123rd Special Tactics Sq.

•Tech. Sgt. Christopher Middleton,123rd Security Forces Sq.

•Senior Airman Andree Mitchell,123rd Communications Sq.

•Staff Sgt. Alexandra Roof,123rd Aerial Port Sq.

2004 Drill DatesNext year’s unit training assem-

bly dates for the Kentucky AirGuard:

All KyANG members mustparticipate in scheduled UTAsunless attending a split or resched-uled UTA as authorized by theircommanders.

January 10-11February 7-8March 6-7April 24-25May 15-16June 12-13July 17-18August 14-15September 18-19October 2-3November 6-7December 4-5

2 7The Cargo CourierDec. 6, 2003

The Cargo CourierDec. 6, 2003

H

COMMANDER’S CALL AIR FORCE NEWS

Col. Michael Harden123rd Airlift Wing Commander

Wing Commander..............................Col. Michael HardenWing Public Affairs Officer.....................Capt. Dale GreerEditor.............................................Tech. Sgt. Amy MundellStaff Writer......................................Staff Sgt. Mark Flener

This funded Air Force newspaper is an authorized pub-lished for members of the U.S. military services. Contentsof The Cargo Courier are not necessarily the official viewsof, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department ofDefense or the Air Force.

The editorial content is edited, prepared and providedby the public affairs office of the 123rd Airlift Wing, Ken-tucky Air National Guard, Louisville International Airport,Louisville, Ky. 40213-2678.

Our office is located in room 2118 of the Wing Head-quarters Building. Deadline for the next issue is Dec. 12.

How to contact us:Phone: (502) 364-9431Fax: (502) 364-9676E-mail: amy.mundell@kyloui.ang.af.mil

An electronic version of the Cargo Courier is available at the Kentucky Air Guard’s Web site — www.kyloui.ang.af.mil

123rd Airlift Wing Editorial Staff

ard to believe, but theyear is just about over —and what a year it hasbeen.

Members of our greatorganization have been

involved in every aspect of our wartimestruggle to make our homeland safe by rid-ding the world of all those who seek to de-stroy our American way of life.

Your service has been honorable, and Iknow that at times it has been frustrating andcaused many hardships for you and yourfamilies. For that and more, you have mythanks and admiration.

All of you in the Thoroughbred Expresshas done your job in a superb manner,whether you deployed to the desert, to Eu-rope or stayed home and supported thosewho did deploy.

We can all think of things that went well,and of other things that didn’t go so well.

We all have war stories to tell — somegood, some bad — but all of you need toknow that what you’ve done this past yearis important, and will pay big dividends inour quest to keep America safe and secure.

The longer we have people deployed toIraq the more we will hear some folks saythat we have no business being there, that itis all about oil and lining the pockets of richcorporate executives.

They will say that we have no plan, thatit will become a quagmire like Vietnam.

I even read an article the other day say-ing we are getting our rear handed to us by

the Iraqis. But the facts are: This is not aboutmoney or oil. It is about the security of theUnited States of America.

The regime of Saddam Hussein was —and notice I said “was” — a sworn enemy ofthe United States. Think of how many timeshe jerked our chain by massing troops at theKuwaiti border. Think of how many timeshe defied demands for inspections. Think ofhow many times he violated United Nationsresolutions requiring him to do this or that.

It is not about oil or money, it is about

accountability. Hussein had many chancesto comply. He didn’t, and he is paying theprice.

The notion that we don’t have a plan isequally misguided. It’s as simple as this:We take down the regime, neutralize the op-position, stabilize the infrastructure and setup a government with democratic principlesrun by the Iraqis.

We then leave them to govern themselvesand become valued members of the worldcommunity.

The problem is that some folks want in-stant results. We have already taken downthe regime and are well on the way to neu-tralizing the opposition and stabilizing theinfrastructure.

It will take some time to get it all ac-complished, and those who say we shouldbe out by now simply have no idea of thecomplexity and difficulty of what we aretrying to do. War is a dirty, grimy and deadlybusiness. People get hurt and die — eventhe good guys.

About getting our heads handed to us: Isubmit that Uday and Qusay would notagree to that, nor would members of thevaunted Republican Guard, who either diedor simply quit in the face of our troops.

Any American casualty is unfortunate,but we must remember that even at thepresent daily casualty rate, it would takeyears before it added up to the 3,000 folkswho died in the attack on Sept. 11.

Rebuilding a country is complex,difficult and takes time

See REBUILDING, Page 4

Air Force Print News

WASHINGTON — In a Nov. 14 memorandum, PresidentGeorge W. Bush directed executive departments and agenciesto grant five days of uncharged, administrative leave fromcivilian duties to federal employees returning to reserviststatus from active-duty.

“The federal government will continue to be the model foremployer support to the Guard and Reserve,” the presidentwrote in the memorandum. “We are the guarantors of therights of returning (servicemembers) under the UniformedServices Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, and Iam personally committed to providing each of them with our

Federal govt. grants leave to demobilized reservistsfull support, recognition and assistance.”

Kay Coles James, director of the U.S. Office of PersonnelManagement, issued guidance to department and agencyheads on implementing the president’s order.

“Many of our employees have endured great disruption totheir families and their normal lives as a result of their servicein the war against terrorism,” James said.

“Therefore, I join the president in urging that agencies doeverything possible to ease their return to civilian life.”

The five work days of excused absence covers employeeswho were activated for military service in connection withoperations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and IraqiFreedom.

By K.L. VantranAmerican Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON — Part of the $87.5 bil-lion supplemental appropriations bill formilitary operations in Iraq and Afghanistansigned last month by President George W.Bush will go toward improving quality oflife for servicemembers there.

“We want people to have air condition-ing,” said Dov S. Zakheim, undersecretaryof defense (comptroller) and chief financialofficer. “We want them to have running wa-ter. We want them to have decent facilitiesto sleep in.”

Zakheim, speaking here Nov. 17, said theservicemembers who deployed to Afghani-stan started out in “pretty miserable condi-tions.”

He said he has visited the country sev-eral times and can testify that things areimproving every day.

“We want to do the same for our forcesin Iraq,” he said.

“They’re going to be there. We don’tknow for how long. We need to ensure that,given the very difficult environment they’refunctioning in, they at least have the decentstandards of living in terms of basics: wa-ter, electricity, heating and air conditioning.”

The bill provides $64.7 billion for mili-tary operations in Iraq, in Afghanistan andelsewhere.

Of this, about $51 billion is for Opera-tion Iraqi Freedom and $10 billion for Op-eration Enduring Freedom.

The remaining funds will cover costs of

Operation Noble Eagle and support for al-lies in the war on terror.

Besides providing pay and benefits forservicemembers, the bill will pay for suchthings as spare parts and flying hours —things that keep day-to-day operations go-ing.

It also assigns funds for force-protectionmeasures.

This includes protective vests and ceramicinserts for the vests, as well as upgrades forHumvees and sensors that will allow detec-tion of attacks, Zakheim said.

“It’s a whole array of programs that aregeared (toward) protecting our forces,” hesaid.

The enemy’s use of improvised explosivedevices has been a concern, Zakheim said.To help counter this, funds will be used forunmanned aerial vehicles that can track whenthe devices are being placed.

The bill also includes about $19 billionfor reconstruction projects in Iraq. The ba-sic objective is not just to transfer sover-eignty to Iraq but also to “put them on theirown economic feet,” Zakheim said.

This includes funding various securityforces — civil defense forces, facilities pro-tection forces and the new Iraqi army.

“We want to build up the judicial system,”Zakheim said. “We want to build up the con-stitutional system. We want to build up aprison system.

“We want to create the environment of se-curity that is so important for an everydayIraqi to live in and function in.”

Billions of dollars will be spent on elec-

Supplemental bill to improve quality of lifetricity, water and health initiatives, as wellas getting the oil industry “up to speed,” hesaid.

“If they are to recover economically,” hesaid, “they’ve got to have some kind ofwherewithal to do it with. That is what we’refocusing on — the most urgent infrastruc-ture needs and, of course, security.”

If the average Iraqi sees that the new en-vironment will create a better future for himor her, then he or she will buy into the largerideas for a democratic future for Iraq,Zakheim said.

Another $1.2 billion is for rebuilding Af-ghanistan. It will go toward the Afghan na-tional army and police, as well as some in-frastructure such as schools, roads and hos-pitals.

Afghanistan is a mountainous countryand is “tough to get around,” Zakheim said.

Thus, one project has been the road fromKabul to Kandahar. It used to take 30 hoursto get from one city to the other. Now it takessix, he said.

“We want to get it to two,” he added.“This is the way the country gets on its owneconomic feet.”

Zakheim acknowledged there are stillsome internal difficulties in southeasternAfghanistan, but added, “People may notrealize that Afghanistan has its most stablegovernment in 30 years.”

“For the average Afghan to have peace(and) not have their cities blown up by theirown people is new.

“It’s novel, and we’ve done that for theAfghan people.”

8 The Cargo CourierDec. 6, 2003

123rd Airlift Wing, Kentucky Air National Guard, Louisville, Ky. Vol. XIX, No. 12 • Dec. 6, 2003

123rd Airlift WingPublic Affairs OfficeKentucky Air National Guard1101 Grade LaneLouisville, KY 40213-2678

OFFICIAL BUSINESS

AIR FORCE NEWS

By Capt. Dale GreerWing Public Affairs Officer

A Kentucky Air National Guardsman re-ceived the Silver Star from the secretary ofthe Air Force here Nov. 1 in recognition ofthe airman’s heroic acts while deployed toAfghanistan during Operation EnduringFreedom.

Tech. Sgt. Keary Miller, a pararescuemanin the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, waslauded by Dr. James G. Roche for his brav-ery under fire during a mission on a remoteAfghan mountain in 2002.

“When faced with the well-entrenchedand committed enemy force, when facedwith the reality that men around him werereceiving mortal wounds, when confrontedwith the prospect that he, too, might sufferthe unfortunate fate that others endured onthat 10,000-foot mountain, he courageouslystepped into the breach to risk his life to savehis fellow warriors,” Roche told an audienceof nearly 450 who gathered in the Base An-nex.

“Because of the actions of this intrepidairman, Keary Miller, with his teammates onthe mountain, 10 gravely wounded Ameri-cans came home — home to their units,home to their families and home to an ever-grateful nation.

“Our nation is so very blessed to haveprofessionals of his character and courage.”

Miller, the first Kentucky NationalGuardsman to receive the honor while as-signed here, distinguished himself by gal-lantry in connection with military operationsagainst al-Qaida and Taliban forces nearMarzak, Patkia Province, Afghanistan, onMarch 4, 2002.

On that date, Miller was the Air Forcecombat search and rescue team leader as-signed to a Quick Reaction Force tasked withrecovering two American servicemen evad-ing capture in austere terrain.

Ky. airman receives Silver Star from SECAFMiller first state Guardsman to get medal while serving in unit

Just before landing, his MH-47E helicop-ter received rocket-propelled grenade andsmall-arms fire, disabling the aircraft andcausing it to crash land.

Miller and the remainder of the assaultforce formed a hasty defense and immedi-ately suffered four fatalities and five criti-cal casualties, according to Miller’s awardcitation.

Despite intense enemy fire, Miller movedthroughout the battlefield, crossing open

danger areas on numerous occasions in or-der to assess and care for critically woundedservicemen.

As the battle drew on, Miller removedammunition from the deceased and, in mul-tiple acts of extraordinary courage, pro-ceeded through some of the day’s heaviestrocket-propelled grenade, mortar and small-arms fire while distributing the ammunition

Secretary of the Air Force Dr. James G. Roche pins the Silver Star on Tech. Sgt.Keary Miller during a ceremony held Nov. 1 in the Kentucky Air National Guard BaseAnnex. Miller, a pararescueman in the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, received themedal for his bravery under fire during a rescue mission on a remote Afghan moun-tain in 2002.

Chief Master Sgt. Terry Lutz/KyANG

See MILLER, Page 5

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas — A one-stop customerservice phone number and Web page are up and running, linkingseveral call centers and online resources Air Force people use whenmanaging personnel and pay information.

A single phone number and a companion Web site now make iteasier for Air Force active-duty and reserve-component militarypersonnel, as well as U.S. appropriated-fund civilian employees, tofind what they need quickly, Air Force Personnel Center officialssaid.

Customers can find answers to questions by calling toll free (800)616-3775 or visiting www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/cst. Until now theburden had been on Air Force people to determine which agencyhandles a particular issue before contacting customer service byphone or via the Web. Customers will be able to access any of thefollowing support services by using the new number and Web site:

—Air Force Contact Center for general military personnel in-quiries, including discrimination and sexual harassment concernsand assistance in navigating the virtual military personnel flightapplication

—Air Reserve Personnel Center in Denver for Air Force Reserveand Air National Guard personnel inquiries

—Defense Finance and Accounting Service’s Cleveland ContactCenter for Air Force military pay inquiries and assistance with themyPay application

—AFPC Technical Assistance Center for technical support forapplications such as vMPF, assignment management system, AFPCSecure and PC-III

—AFPC Recruiting Service Center for civilian job openings

‘One click, one call’ arrives for pay, personnel issues—AFPC Benefits and Entitlements Service Team for civilian

appropriated-fund benefits and entitlements.This latest evolution in customer self-service is the product of

cooperation between different agencies inside and outside of the AirForce, officials said.

“A substantial partnership between military and civilian person-nel, Air Force financial services (military pay) and Defense Financeand Accounting Service — years in the making — is making one-stop customer service possible,” said James Short, the Air Force’sdeputy assistant secretary for financial operations.

“It goes beyond just a phone number and a Web page,” said RogerBlanchard, assistant deputy chief of staff for personnel. “What ourcustomer service transformation team is beginning to do is actuallycombine customer service efforts behind the scenes to serve cus-tomers faster and more efficiently.”

Several of the linked call centers reside at the personnel center,where leaders have been facilitating the consolidation of Air Forcecustomer-service operations.

“We are making sure that customer service is a lot more than a 1-800 number,” said Maj. Gen. Tom O’Riordan, personnel center com-mander. “Our focus is making sure we meet the needs of the field,and that we accelerate those changes which make life simpler forthe commander and our airmen.”

Customers calling from international locations and hearing-im-paired employees should continue to dial the number they currentlyuse to access support for personnel or pay matters, officials said.The new toll-free number should begin accommodating foreign areacalls early next year, officials said.