507th Air Refueling Wing - 513th Air Control GroupTinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma

ATSO

July 2005Vol. 25, No. 7

Master Sgts. Gary Brown and Ken Daley

Here comes the judge.See page 6 for more details.

507th Civil Engineers buildschool in El Salvador

-- see Page 4.Senior Master Sgt. Dave Liszeski

On-final EDITORIAL

PAGE 2 “Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority” JULY 2005

507th ARWCommander’s Column

By Col. Dean Despinoy

Understanding the Fit to Fight ProgramThere have been a lot of questions lately regarding the Fit to

Fight program as the Reserves reaches the end of the two yearphase-in program. I wish to applaud everyone’s efforts in tak-ing their initial assessment. The vast majority of the wing haveassessed to a passing level. There are, unfortunately, still a couplehundred who have not obtained a passing score. I encouragethose who still have a score less than 75 to continue with yourconditioning program.

It is important to realize that the program requires an annualassessment. I know that the people we currently have listed inthe overdue category is largely due to the bad weather we hadon our last couple UTAs making the assessments impossible. Iask all those who are currently overdue; which includes thosewho passed but have exceeded one year since their assessmentand those who had to be reassessed within six months becausethey obtained a score less than 75, make every effort to updatetheir assessment this UTA.

Starting Jan. 1, 2006 (that’s just six months away) the Re-serves will be required to comply with all portions of the Fit toFight program. In short, a score below 75 could negatively im-pact on you. This program is here to stay and already has gonea long way in changing the culture of the Air Force. The pri-mary point to keep in mind is that the program is not a test but away to make sure that everyone wearing the Air Force uniformincorporates fitness into their daily routine. If you do not find away of doing this, you will continue to struggle to pass the as-sessment each year.

I want to take this opportunity to explain exactly what willhappen on Jan. 1, 2006. We will continue to do assessments asindividuals come due between now and then. On Jan.1, all cur-

rent scores will become the individual’s official score as long asthat score has not expired. (Within one year for those with ascore above 75, within six months for those with a score below75). If the score has expired, the individual will be overdue andwill have to assess at the earliest possible time.

If on Jan.1, a person is not happy with their current score andit has been at least 45 days from their last assessment, they maytake the assessment again. The score they receive from the newassessment will become their official score.

Of course, the significant change that will occur on Jan. 1 isthe negative repercussions for individuals who do not have acurrent passing score. AFI 10-248 is the governing regulationfor the Fit to Fight program, but more important is the AFRCSupplement 1. Commanders and individuals should become veryfamiliar with that supplement. It clearly defines the mandatoryand minimum actions a commander must take and is specific toAFRC members.

Adverse action will start with Letters of Counseling for the 1st

assessment a person fails to score 75 or better and continues forsubsequent failed assessments every six months with increased ac-tion including Letters of Reprimand, withhold of promotion, anddenial of training as well as statements in OPR/EPRs.

Inability to progress to a passing score can eventually lead todischarge. As a commander’s program there is latitude depend-ing on each individual’s particular situation. I am interested inworking with individuals who are truly attempting to improvetheir physical fitness. I encourage commanders to employ unit-level activities promoting and encouraging improvement toeveryone’s score. However, those who refuse to try, will soonrealize that this program does have teeth.

I decided to “tell it like it is” in this article, not to scare any-one, but to make sure that everyone has a clear understanding ofthe Fit to Fight program. The successes of the Okies have al-ways been attributed to the way we pull together and care forone another as family. I am sure that the same will happen withthis program and we will become the first wing in AFRC tohave all members achieve a passing score.

By Air Force Safety OfficeMore airmen die from preventable

accidents during the ‘101 CriticalDays of Summer’ — the period be-tween Memorial Day and Labor Day— than at any other time of the year.

So that everyone returns safely fromtheir summer activities, keep thesesafety tips in mind as you enjoy the

warm-weather days:* Seat belts: Use them.* Travel: Be sober and well rested.* Swimming: Don’t swim alone or

in unknown waters.* Athletic activities: Stretch to

warm up; don’t overexert yourself.Drink plenty of water; if you arethirsty, you are already dehydrated.

Today’s Message:

101 Critical Days of Summer* Alcohol: Don’t drink and drive.* Wingman: Be a good wingman

by intervening when your buddy hashad too much to drink and about tomake a bad decision.

The Air Force can replace aircraft,buildings and vehicles, but our peopleare our greatest asset, and they can-not be replaced. Be safe!

“Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority”

On-final

PAGE 3JULY 2005

507th ARW Mission: Man, train, equip, and sustain an Expeditionary Reserve Force in support of DoD peacetime and wartime taskings.513th ACG Mission: Citizen-airmen extending America’s Global Power operating the world’s best airborne battle management, warning and control platform.

NEWS TO USE

By Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Mike JonesCHAPLAIN’S CORNER

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

507th Air Refueling Wing Editorial Staff507th ARW Commander- Col. Dean DespinoyChief of Public Affairs- Maj. Rich CurryDeputy Chief of Public Affairs- Capt. Bill PiercePublic Affairs Officer - Capt. Jeffrey WhiteOn-final Editor - Tech. Sgt. Melba KochPublic Affairs Specialist - Tech. Sgt. Tyrone YoshidaPublic Affairs Specialist - Senior Airman Bryan Axtell

513th Air Control Group Editorial Staff513th Air Control Gp. - Staff Sgt. Andy Stephens

Unit Public Affairs Representatives507th Civil Engineer Sq.- Tech. Sgt. George Proctor507th Combat Logistics Spt. Sq.- Vacant507th Logistics Support Sq. - Master Sgt. Paul Victorian72nd Aerial Port Sq.- Tech. Sgt. Robert Shahan507th Services Flt. - Senior Airman Stephanie Heath507th Aircraft Maintenance Sq.- vacant507th ARW Civilian Employees- Marilyn Trask507th Medical Sq.- Tech. Sgt. Lonnie Royal507th Security Forces Sq.- Master Sgt. Donald Cantrell465th Air Refueling Sq.- Master Sgt. Scott Wilson507th Maintenance Group- Master Sgt. Jeff Tyler513th Aircraft Generation Sq. - Tech. Sgt. James Stratton513th Operations Support Flt. - Capt. Terry Brennan970th AACS - Capt. Scott Wilson507th Communications Flt. - Krista Gaston

This funded Air Force Reserve Command magazine is anauthorized publication for members of the U.S. military ser-vices. Contents of On-final are not necessarily the official viewsof, or endorsed by the U.S. Government, the Departmentof Defense, or the Department of the Air Force. The editorial content is edited, prepared, and providedby the 507th Air Refueling Wing’s Public Affairs Office,7435 Reserve Road, Suite 7, Tinker AFB, OK., 73145-8726 All photographs are Air Force photographs unless other-wise indicated. Copy deadline is NOON on UTA Sundayfor the next month’s edition. This is your news source. Take it home with you to sharewith family, friends, and employers.

Volume 25, No. 7 JULY 2005

Have you ever made a stupid mistake and then had toapologize for it? Oh yeah, me too! Truth is it happens toeveryone. I read about a parts manager for a small elec-tronics shop who ordered a part from a factory. This spe-cific item was Part No. 669. But when he received it henoticed that someone had sent Part No. 699 instead. Furi-ous at the factory’s incompetence, he promptly sent theitem back along with a letter giving them a piece of hismind. Less than a week later, he received the same itemback with a letter containing just four words: “TURN THEPART OVER.”

How we handle our mistakes will tell others a lot aboutus and our character. Do we look for someone else toblame? Do we come up with excuses? Or do we admit ourmistakes and take responsibility for them?

Look at it another way. Who do you respect more, theperson who blames others and makes excuses for their mis-takes, or the person who owns their mistakes? It is easyto take credit for the good things we’ve accomplished butit says more about us if we also take credit for the mis-takes we’ve made. It keeps us honest and humble beforeboth God and those around us.

The Air Force has announced re-sumption of the Anthrax VaccinationImmunization Program (AVIP) underconditions of an Emergency Use Au-thorization through 27 July 05.

These conditions will allow unitsto offer anthrax vaccinations to thosedeploying to high-risk areas.

The resumption comes after amemorandum signed April 29 allow-ing military commanders to resumethe vaccination program using theemergency use authorization condi-tions issued by the Food and DrugAdministration.

This will allow active duty and re-servists to provide the immunization

to its members deploying to U.S. Cen-tral Command (USCENTCOM) orKorean peninsula area for 15 or moreconsecutive days.

AVIP requires commanders to fol-low EUA conditions very carefully,providing members of the reservesboth education about the program andthe option to refuse the vaccinationwithout fear of disciplinary measures,initiation of separation actions or lossof entitlements if they elect to declinevaccination. Members electing to de-cline the anthrax vaccination underEUA remain fully deployable. Also,ordering or forcing a member to re-ceive the anthrax shot is a violation

of EUA conditions.Reservist will receive education

and training offered through an FDA-approved brochure that outlines thevaccines advantages and side effectsbefore making an informed decisionabout the vaccination.

The emergency use authorization(EUA) expires at close of business 27July 05 and units must halt adminis-tration of shots after this date pend-ing release of additional guidance.

For additional information, visitwww.anthrax.mil; e-mailvaccines@amedd.army.mil or call 1-877-GET-VACC.

AF resumes Anthrax vaccinations through July 27

On-final

PAGE 4 JULY 2005

On-final FEATURE

“Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority”

New Horizons ’05

507th CES members, right, lay theconcrete floor for the three-classroomschool during Joint Task Force Para LosNinos (for the children) exercise.

CE rotates to El Salvador ‘for the children’

Staff Sgt. Angela Kimble utilizesher masonry skills in El Salvador.

Maj. Douglas Benton helps withroof framing during Rotation #3.

Staff Sgt. Dennis Kasgnoc taps ina block during Rotation #2.

Story by Tech. Sgt. Ty YoshidaPhotos by 507th CE Squadron members

When talking to the members of the 507th Civil EngineerSquadron upon their return from St. Vincente, El Salvador, itseemed unanimous -- they will always remember the smil-ing, happy faces of the kids, and the community’s show ofgratitude.

“To say the community graciously appreciated the schoolis an understatement to say the least – they overwhelmed the507th CES members with their gratitude,” said Maj. DougBenton, 507th CES Deployment Officer in Charge. “Theschool construction project at La Esperanza provided mean-ingful training for the 507th CES troops as well as gave themembers a sincere sense of pride for what they did for thepeople of El Salvador.”

FEATURE

PAGE 5JULY 2005 “Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority”

On-final

Senior Master Sgt. MatthewDiggs, above, rotated in thefirst group to La Esperanza,and thus did not see thecompleted project, right.

At the end of Rotation #2, the foundation, watersupply, sanitation system, and six courses of blockwere completed. Senior Airman Justin Tubbs andMaster Sgt. Troy Siler, far right, worked on theproject through all six rotations.

The civil engineers were part of the annually-sponsored U.S.Southern Command New Horizons exercises. The 507th par-ticipated in this year’s Joint Task Force Para Los Ninos (for thechildren) in El Salvador.

“This year’s exercises provide excellent opportunities forU.S. and El Salvadoran personnel to refine engineering andmedical skills while helping improve the quality of life for thepeople of El Salvador,” said Major Benton. “We constructed aschool consisting of three classrooms, an administrator’s officeand a nine-stall latrine in the community of La Esperanza nearthe San Vincente, El Salvador Base Camp – a community strug-gling in the aftermath of a recent earthquake, civil war and dif-ficult economic conditions. The school will support about 400students in the community.”

Deployed from Feb. 11 to May 7, 54 members from the 507th

CES worked in six two-week rotations to construct the three-classroom school with nine-stall latrine, including five mem-bers who remained in El Salvador until May 21, to wrap upminor details at the school and assist with breaking down thebase camp at San Vicente. The squadron members also donatedand shipped approximately $250 worth of school supplies tothe children at the school. And deployed members purchased

various toys for the children’s playground. Also several othersmaller projects were performed on the existing school acrossthe street from the 507th’s project which included repair of awater tower and pouring several concrete slabs.

Also from the 507th Air Refueling Wing at the San Vicentebase camp were members of the 507th Services Flight.

“We had 10 personnel there from Feb. 26 to Mar. 26. Theyprovided meals from both “A” rations (real food) and UnitizedGroup Rations (UGRs),” said Senior Master Sgt. Terry Tunender,507th Services Flight (ART). “Senior Master Sgt. Clyde Hankinswas the team leader who did all sorts of extra stuff to make eventhe UGRs palatable. He made the supply runs into town and, forexample, he bought real parmesan cheese for the UGR spaghetti;that went over big with the troops.”

“In spite of the language barrier, an extraordinarily rich andpositive relationship was built between the La Esperanza com-munity and the 507th CES,” said Major Benton, “in addition tounprecedented good will in the San Vicente area and surround-ing community.”

When viewing the photos taken by the 507th members whorotated to El Salvador, it appeared unanimous - smiling facescaptured to last a lifetime.

On-final

PAGE 6 JULY 2005“Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority”

NEWS

By Tech. Sgt. David A. Jablonski Air Force Print News

WASHINGTON — Blue and green tiger stripes are out;the digitized pattern with subdued green, tan, blue and grayis in.

After reviewing more than 150,000 bits of feedbackthroughout the initial seven-month wear test of the proposedutility uniform, Air Force leaders recently decided to elimi-nate the original color scheme and conduct a limited fieldtest of the new pattern.

Special operations and survival, evasion, resistance andescape Airmen were scheduled to conduct a limited wear testof the new design at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Hurlburt Field,Fla., and Fairchild AFB, Wash., last month.

“The sole purpose of the test will be to see if we can addany features to the uniform to make it a better uniform in thefield and to determine if the new colors (and) pattern providecamouflage protection they need in the field,” said SeniorMaster Sgt. Dana Athnos, Air Force uniform board superin-

Air Force finalizes new utility uniform

If put into law, Air Force ReserveCommand will close three installationsand move people from a dozen locationsto two dozen sites throughout the UnitedStates. The 507th ARW will increase itsnumber of KC-135 aircraft by gainingfour KC-135s from AFRC’s 939th ARW,Portland International Airport, Ore. TheAir National Guard will form an associ-ate unit with the 507th ARW.

Although command officials antici-pate keeping roughly the same troop

level authorizations, AFRC will expandsome existing missions such as air op-erations center, space, unmanned aerialvehicle and associate-unit flying.

These and other changes are amongthose recommended by the Departmentof Defense to the Base Realignment andClosure Commission. DOD announcedthe recommendations May 13.

The BRAC process is simple, DODofficials said. The military services andjoint cross-service groups develop clo-

sure and realignmentrecommendat ions .Military value is theprimary consideration.

Also, the law man-dates that departmentofficials use a 20-yearforce-structure plan informing their recom-mendations.

The services exam-ine each base’s “ser-vice-unique” function.

In a difference this year, cross-servicegroups analyze functions that cross ser-vice lines. For example, all serviceshave warehouses. So a joint group ana-lyzes warehouse functions for all theservices.

Cross-service groups examinedseven functional areas: educational andtraining, headquarters and support ac-tivities, industrial, intelligence, medical,supply and storage, and technical.

The commission is holding hearingsand examining the recommendations, aprocess that runs through September.The commission sends an “all-or-noth-ing list” to the president, meaning thepresident can approve all of the closuresand realignments on the list or disap-prove the entire list. If he approves, thelist goes to Congress.

The House and Senate have 45 “leg-islative days” to disapprove the list. Ifthey do nothing, the list automaticallyis approved and has the “force and ef-fect of law,” officials said.

tendent.The uniform is scheduled to be procured in mid-2005, offi-

cials said. Airmen can expect to purchase the uniform sometime in

fiscal 2007. The proposed uniform will be phased in over fouror five years.

BRAC recommendations affect 22 states

On-final

PAGE 7JULY 2005 “Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority”

NEWS

The 507th Air Refueling Wingcommander Col. Dean Despinoy hasannounced the selection of Col.Randall C. “Arlo” Guthrie as the newwing vice commander.

Colonel Guthrie will arrive for hisfirst drill weekend with the 507thARW this month.

Prior to this assignment, ColonelGuthrie was serving as the SeniorIndividual Mobilization Augmentee(IMA) to the Director of the GlobalReach Directorate, Office of the As-sistant Secretary of the Air Force forAcquisition, Headquarters U.S. AirForce, Washington, DC. The Glo-bal Reach Directorate is responsiblefor acquisition programs involvingstrategic airlift, tactical airlift, VIPairlift, air refueling, trainers, Spe-cial Operations Aircraft, and airliftsupport systems.

Colonel Guthrie graduated from

the University of Tennessee in 1979.For the next three years he workedas a secondary school teacher andcoach at Forest Hill High School,West Palm Beach, Fla. He enteredOfficer Training School in 1982 andreceived his commission in Marchof 1983.

Entering active duty service, heattended Undergraduate Pilot Train-ing, Fighter Lead-In, F-15 RTU,Survival Schools, and served over-seas for three years at Bitburg AirBase, Germany. He returned state-side in 1987 where he served as aT-37 Instructor Pilot and Life Sup-port Officer at Columbus AFB,Miss. He entered the Air Force Re-serve in 1991 as a C-5 aircraft com-mander with the 512th Airlift Wingat Dover AFB, Delaware, held vari-ous leadership positions in the wing,culminating in command of the

512th OperationsSupport Flight.

C o l o n e lGuthrie is a com-mand pilot withover 3,000 mili-tary and 7,000 ci-v i l ian f ly inghours . He hasf lown combatsupport missionsto Southwes tAsia and mis -sions in supportof operations inBosnia, Somalia,Hai t i , and Af-ghanistan.

C o l o n e lGuthrie holds aBachelor of Sci-ence degree inEducat ion wi thhonors from the

New 507th ARW vice commander named

University of Tennessee and a Mas-ters in Business Administration inManagement from Mississippi StateUniversity. His military educationincludes completion of SquadronOfficer School, Life Support OfficerCourse, Air Command and Staff,Squadron Commander Course andAir War College (all via correspon-dence).

He is a recipient of the Air ForceMeritorious Service Medal, Com-mendation Medal , AchievementMedal, Outstanding Unit Award,Combat Readiness Medal, ArmedForces Expeditionary Medal, South-west Asia Service Medal, KosovoCampaign Medal, and Kuwait Lib-eration Medal (Kuwaiti govern-ment) among others. He was pro-moted to the rank of full colonel inMay of this year.

In civi l ian l i fe he works forAmerican Airlines as a First Officer.

Col. Randall C. “Arlo” Guthrie

PAGE 8 JULY 2005

On-final513TH AIR CONTROL GROUP

By Lt. Col. Steve Mittuch

970th AACSDirector of Operations

By Staff Sgt. Andy Stephens513th ACG Public Affairs

Members of the 970th Expedition-ary Airborne Air Control Squadronwho supported Operation IRAQIFREEDOM from March 19, 2003through April 16, 2003 may be eligiblefor an Outstanding Unit Award with a“V” device for Valor.

The Valor device, also known as aV-device, is a military attachment tocertain awards and decorations that in-dicate the wearer was awarded the deco-

ration as a result of direct combat withan enemy force. It may also denote ac-complishment of a heroic nature or val-orous acts in direct support of operationsagainst an enemy force.

Special Order G-3586, generatedby U.S. Central Air Force Command,awarded the V-device to personnelcommitted to ongoing operations dur-ing the early days of Operation IRAQIFREEDOM in an amendment to a pre-existing order.

The expeditionary element of the

Reserve associate unit was activatedshortly after Sept. 11, 2001, and re-mained on active duty for two yearsas part of the Presidential SelectiveReserve Activation.

Lt. Col. John E. Trnka, 513th ACGvice commander, said the accomplish-ments of the group’s expeditionary forcewere unique, attributing much of theirsuccess to teamwork between elementsat Tinker, Incirlik Air Base in Turkey,and forward deployed assets that en-gaged regularly in combat operations.

Today’s Air Force is bound by a great moral code, acode of which many in today’s world are deprived. TheAir Force’s moral code is embodied in our core valuesand gives us guidance when we follow others, a model forhow we should strive to perform and counsel when wefind ourselves as leaders. Every branch of the armed forceshas a moral code and a common theme weaves amongstall four branches, to establish a set of core values whichact as an anchor and expression of the ethics of today’smilitary professional. For the Air Force member our corevalues of integrity, excellence and service before self arecrucial traits for personal and professional success.

Integrity is essential. It’s the inner voice, the source ofself-control, that is the basis for the trust that is impera-tive in today’s military. It is doing the right thing whennobody is looking; honesty is still the hallmark of the mili-tary professional. Service members must know the rightthing to do and must have the moral fortitude to do it.

Military service is not just another job. It’s an uncom-mon profession that calls for people of uncommon dedi-cation. When people forget that basic tenet, careerism andself-interest can emerge, there is no room for personalagendas at the expense of the institution.

This brings us to the third core value: excellence. In today’s

society, some people resign themselves to just getting by.Because we’ve been entrusted with our nation’s securityand a good portion of the national treasury— because weare authorized to act on behalf of our entire society—theobligation to excel is a moral obligation for members ofour professional military force.

Not everyone will share this viewpoint in your career.Some will say our core values are simply a slogan anddismiss them as mere words. Others will ridicule you forechoing such concepts. In this world of “me first” and rela-tive ethics, you’ll remind them of the path they didn’t takeand they will privately envy the dignity and resolve yourmoral code has given you.

Our core values require we take the high road; we mustbypass short-term rewards and “do the right thing,” know-ing that long term the team will be stronger. Yes, our corevalues define who we are both individually and as an in-stitution.

The men and women of the 513th have consistently dem-onstrated integrity first, service before self and excellencein all we do. As such, our nation has called on us duringperilous times and our core values directed us down theright path and kept us anchored on firm ground. The fu-ture holds challenges as we take on new endeavors to de-fine who we are as “Thumper in reserve.” I have no doubtthe Air Force core values which we embrace will continueto guide our decisions and remind us of the importance ofthe path we’ve chosen, oath taken and demands placedupon us. Keep up the good work and continue to excel asthe provider of America’s best Command and Controlwarriors.

Our values

970th EAACS earns unit award‘V’ is for Valor

TRAINING PLANNER A1TRAINING PLANNER A1

HOT TOPICS : CDC Testing is accomplished at 0750on Sundays of the (main) UTA. You donot have to schedule it, just be there NLT0750 at Bldg 460 (the active duty HQ),Room 215. You need to enter through theMPF main door ( in the back near theramps), turn right and take the stairs. Ifyou cannot make it, our Education officealso tests on Wednesdays at 0800 and1300. You DO need to schedule this one24 hours in advance. Important note: Ifyou are retaking a test, make sure you bringthe Commander's evaluation/authorizationletter with you or you will not be allowedto test.If you are taking computer-based tests, callDPMT at 734-7075 at least two days priorto the UTA. Computer-based tests are alsogiven Tues at 0800, Wed at 0800 & 1300,and Thurs at 1300. Call for appointment.

EDUCATION REMINDER:This is just to remind everyone who

wishes to update their Education Records,officer and enlisted, that we needOFFICIAL transcripts to send oraccomplish any updates. This means thatit CANNOT say "ISSUED TOSTUDENT." You may have the college/university send it, we can request it, or youmay bring it in as long as it is in a sealedenvelope with a SEAL on the flap AND itdoes not say "ISSUED TO STUDENT."

Pass and ID Hours of Operation:1200-1600 on Saturdays of the UTA. IEU open from 1200-1500 on Saturdayof the main UTA. Nomination packages for AMN, NCO, orSNCO of the quarter are submittedquarterly. Packages are due by 1400, onSaturday of the UTA after the end of thequarter. (Apr, Jul, Oct, Jan)

FY2005 UTA SCHEDULE

06-07 Aug 05 10-11 Sept 05 01-02 Oct 05 05-06 Nov 05

03-04 Dec 05 07-08 Jan 06 04-05 Feb 06 04-05 Mar 06 01-02 Apr 06 06-07 May 06 03-04 June 06 08-09 July 06 05-06 Aug 06 09-10 Sept 06

As of 28 June 2005

FREE COLLEGE TESTINGAir Force Reserve members, spouses and civilian employees may take DANTESSubject Standardized Tests (DSSTs) or College-Level Examinations Program(CLEP) or Excelsior College Examinations (ECE) FREE! (Military Only forExcelsior examinations). These examinations test college-level knowledge you mayhave gained through your job, reading, travel, or hobbies. You must test at yourReserve DANTES approved test center. Testing at another DANTES test center willbe on a case-by-case basis. The third Tuesday of each month at 0800 has been setaside for testing. You must call us four weeks prior to test date to ensure we will haveyour test. For more information contact Chief Master Sgt. Sharlotte Epps in theMPF Education and Training Office at 734-7075.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONBecome a certified professional in a field related to your military training. DANTESand AFRC funded certification examinations are available for certain career fields.Go to http://www.dantes.doded.mil and click on certification programs, MOSmatching and USAF Matrix which identifies the eligible AFSCs, certification examsavailable and internet addresses for more info. If you desire to take an exam, contactChief Master Sgt. Sharlotte Epps in the MPF Education andTraining Office at734-7075.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TUITION ASSISTANCEReserve members are eligible to apply for TA for Distance Learning and In-Resi-dence courses to further their education up to a Master's Degree. The basic enrollment requirements are that you must: Be a participating member in good standing (no UIF, Article 15, etc.). Retainability: Officers - two years; Enlisted - ETS after course completion. Enrollment form must show course number/title, credit hours and cost of tuition.Complete TA forms in our office PRIOR to class start date.HQ AFRC will approve/disapprove based on funding.Payment occurs after satisfactory course completion. TA reimbursement amountsare set at 75 percent ($3500) per FY (Masters) or 100 percent ($4500) per FY(Bachelors). For more information contact Chief Master Sgt. Sharlotte Epps inthe MPF Education and Training Office at 734-7075.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AFRC NCO LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COURSEThe succcess of the Air Force Reserve NCO corps depends on their ability to applyleadership and management skills learned primarily in a civilian setting to a militaryenvironment. Not all of today’s mid-level NCOs have extensive first-hand supervisoryexperience in a reserve environment; therefore, the instruction in this course is intendedto improve the students’ military supervisor capabilities and understanding of their po-sitions as related to the USAFR. We focus on individual improvement which is ulti-mately the real source of organizational excellence and success. Upcoming class datesare Oct. 24-Nov. 4, 2005 and July 24 - Aug. 04, 2006.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FAMILY CAREIf you need to be on the Family Care Plan, notify your first sergeant ASAP - IAWAFI 36-2908. Single parents and dual military couples with children must have aFamily Care Plan completed within 90 days of in-processing or family status change. VIRTUAL MPF1. Address Changes - You no longer have to go to 4 different screens/areas toupdate your address!!!2. Point Summarys - Point Summarys can also be viewed and printed.3. Record Review RIPS - You will now be notified via e-mail, on your birthday, tolog on to vMPF to review your RIP.4. Awards and decorations - You can also get a picture display of your awards anddecorations.

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TRAINING PLANNER A3

Editor: CMSgt. Sharlotte A. Epps, Chief, Education & Training (ART)Assistant Editor: MSgt. Sharon Lochman, Asst. Chief, Education & Training (ART)Contributing Editors: TSgt. Chris Rogers, Education and Training Advisor

TSgt. Jimmy Talley, Education and Training AdvisorSSgt. Jeremy Hudson, Education and Training Advisor (ART)Ms. Kimberley Silkwood, Testing and Education Advisor

If you need assistance or have suggestions on how we can improve our service to you, please call us at (405) 734-7075, or stop by our office in Building 1043, Room 213.

Ethics Briefing:All reserve personnel are required tohave the DOD Ethics Briefing within 90days of reporting for duty. This briefingis held in conjunction with the UCMJbriefing during Phase II of the monthlyNewcomers Ancillary Training at 0830 onSunday of the UTA in Bldg 1030, Room214.

UCMJ Briefing:All enlisted personnel are required to havethe UCMJ briefing within two UTAs of theirfirst reenlistment. This briefing is heldduring Phase II of the monthly NewcomersAncillary Training at 0830 on Sunday ofthe UTA in Bldg 1030, Room 214.

Newcomers Ancillary Training Phase I & II are conducted monthly in Bldg1030, Room 214. Unit training managers are responsible for ensuring theirnew personnel are scheduled to attend within 90 days of their first UTA. If youhave any questions, contact the MPF Education & Training Office at 734-7075.Day Time Subject OPR

Phase ISaturday 1300-1315 Air Force Fitness SVFSaturday 1315-1400 Information Assurance CFSaturday 1400-1500 Drug and Alcohol, Suicide/

Workplace Violence Prevention SGSaturday 1500-1530 Local Conditions-Traffic SESaturday 1530-1600 OPSEC Training OG

Phase IISunday 0800-0815 Base Populace CEXSunday 0815-0830 IG Briefing IGSunday 0830-1000 UCMJ/Ethics JASunday 1000-1030 Counter Intel/Awareness SFSunday 1030-1100 Human Relations MESunday 1230-1545 First Duty Station ME

Newcomers Ancillary Training

BAQ RecertificationDeadlines

If Last Then Forward Recertifica-Digit of Listing to Unit tion due inSSAN is: Commander in: by end of

month in:

1 November January

2 December February

3 January March

4 February April

5 March May

6 April June

7 May July

8 June August

9 July September

0 August October

Disaster Preparedness:Unit Training Managers must scheduleChemical Warfare Training, by name, atleast one UTA prior to the requesteddates by calling CEX at 734-5249. Allpersonnel must bring a complete trainingground crew ensemble (GCE) includingthe mask and its hood to all classes.Those attending Initial must be preparedto process through a tear agent chamber.Wear of contacts is prohibited in allclasses. Anyone arriving late, without acomplete GCE with mask, or wearingcontacts, will be released back to theirunit and reported as a no-show.Drug Testing: You must reportwithin two hours of notification.

OCCUPATIONAL SURVEYSThese surveys provide information essential for developing personnel programs,classifying occupations, and developing trainning programs. The Wing Survey ControlMonitor (SCM) works with the Unit Training manager (UTM) to ensure surveys arecompleted. AFI 36-2623, paragraph 2.7 makes completion of these surveys mandatoryfor all Air Force Reserve members. It is extremely important these surveys are com-pleted by the suspense date. If you have any questions, contact Staff Sgt. JeremyHudson at 734-7075 or your UTM.

Military PayFile for Receive Directpay by: Deposit by:

Military Pay (405) 734-5016

12 July 18 July14 July 22 July18 July 27 July19 July 29 July20 Jul 01 Aug26 Jul 03 Aug28 Jul 05 Aug02 Aug 10 Aug04 Aug 12 Aug08 Aug 15 Aug11 Aug 19 Aug16 Aug 24 Aug18 Aug 26 Aug22 Aug 30 Aug

A4

NEWS

Mitchell named 4th AF command chiefA former member of the 507th Main-

tenance Squadron has been named the new4th Air Force Command Chief.

Command Chief Master Sgt. Ken-neth A. Mitchell was a member of the507th Fighter Wing, 507th ConsolidatedAircraft Maintenance Squadron here atTinker from February - July 1984. Hislast assignment was as command chiefmaster sergeant, 944th Fighter Wing,Luke AFB, Ariz. As command chief, heis the primary advisor to the commanderon all matters affecting the quality, wel-fare, morale, management, and leader-ship of the enlisted personnel.

Chief Mitchell, a native of Spring-field, Ohio, began his military career byentering service with the Ohio Air Na-tional Guard in July 1974. He has served

in various technical, developmental, andsupervisory roles within the aircraft

maintenance career field. After a breakin service from 1980 to 1982, ChiefMitchell rejoined the military, re-en-listing in the Air Force Reserve andassisted in the activation of the 906thTactical Fighter Group, WrightPatterson AFB, Ohio. While partici-pating in the Reserve forces, ChiefMitchell performed civilian duties asa trooper for the Ohio State HighwayPatrol. He left the patrol in 1984 tobecome an Air Reserve Technicianserving as a crew chief and variousadditional duties until January 1996.While serving as the reserve commandchief at Luke, he was a computer sys-tems analysist with Air Combat Com-mand Training Support Squadron, De-tachment 1, at Luke.

Lt. Col. Ernest (Mony) Goodman makes hisacceptance remarks after being named the new507th CES commander.

Lt. Col. Ernest (Mony) Goodman became the new 507thCivil Engineer Squadron commander in June. He was thesquadron’s operations officer for the last two years.

Goodman enlisted in the Air Force in 1973 and served onactive duty until 1978. He has served as a traditional reservistsince that time except for a five-month presidential activationduring Operation Desert Storm.

Goodman’s last active duty assignment was in the 963rd AirWarning and Control Squadron as an Airborne CommunicationsTechnician on the E-3. He received his commission in 1983through the Deserving Airman Commissioning Program.

Goodman works as a supervisory electronics engineer withinthe Maintenance Directorate at the Oklahoma City LogisticsCenter on base. Goodman is registered as a professional engi-neer with the Oklahoma State Board of Professional Engineersand Land Surveys in the electrical engineer discipline. He is amember of the National Society of Professional Engineers, Okla-homa Society of Professional Engineers, Tinker ManagementAssociation and life member of both the Air Force Associationand Reserve Officers Association.

“I clearly recognize the privilege of this opportunity towalk in footsteps of retired Colonel Ritenour and retiredLt. Col. Lane as the commander of the best CES in AFRCthat they molded and shaped into this second-to-nonesquadron,” said Goodman.

Goodman becomesCES commander

PAGE 9JULY 2005 “Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority”

On-finalNEWS

By Capt. Bill PierceDeputy Chief of Public Affairs

Lt. Col. Renee Lane, 507th Civil Engineer commander, re-tired last month following more than 33 years of service to theUnited States Air Force.

Lane ties to military date back to her childhood. “My dadretired from the Army and the Army Air Force Exchange Ser-vice (AAFES) and my mom retired from federal service. So Igrew up as an Army brat, moving from post to post, attendingDepartment of Defense schools, and working my first summerjob with AAFES,” said Lane

Lane completed her undergraduate degree in 1970 at theUniversity of Oklahoma in teaching. Finding that educationwas flooded with teachers Lane worked for AAFES at Tinker.

In 1972, following her dad’s advice she enlisted into activeduty as one of the last Women in the Air Force (WAF). “I beganat Lackland Air Force Base, Texas as every Airman does when

they attend basic training. My next assignment was at SheppardAir Force Base, Texas to attend the Telecommunications CenterSpecialist technical school,” said Lane.

Following tech school, Lane was assigned to Westover AirForce Base, Mass. as a base telephone switchboard operatorduring Vietnam. “It was very rewarding when I was able to placemorale calls in the middle of the night for Airmen in South EastAsia calling home,” smiled Lane

Soon Lane was selected to work in the Cryptographic Ac-counting office in the Base Communications Center.

From there Lane asked to go to Vandenberg Air Force Base,Calif. and eventually was selected to work in the unit trainingoffice and worked there until retraining into the Public Affairscareer field and eventually becoming the NCOIC for the BasePA office.

Lane joined the 507th in 1978. As a reservist she worked asa carpenter’s helper, public affairs NCOIC, disaster prepared-ness officer, social actions officer, civil engineer staff officer,and finally as a commander.

Wanting to go back to school, Lane went back to OU andfinish what she started 10 years before – her architecturaldegree. “Eventually I received my Master of Architecturedegree and that opened the door for a commission throughthe Deserving Airman Commissioning program,” said Lane.

As she continued to look back over her career Lanereflected on the people that influenced her. “My parentsgave me a solid foundation and work ethic and their suc-cess in working for the military and civil service gave methe means and opportunity to pursue my educational goals.I liked the structure and security of being in the militaryfamily and saw the opportunity to grow and travel. I didn’trealize it at the time, but I was following in my parents’footsteps,” said Lane.

As for advice Lane says, “have a goal and keep strivingfor it—persevere, be tenacious, and never give up. It may bea circuitous path you take, but eventually you’ll realize thatgoal. Once you’ve achieved that goal, realize that you mustkeep setting new ones. Challenge yourself to overcome yourfears—you’ll be surprised how well you can meet those chal-lenges. You cannot do it alone; you have to have your faith,family, friends, and colleagues all working together to achieveany success. Read—be aware of what’s going on in the worldand understand the big picture. Hold your head high, keep asmile on your face, be flexible, do the very best you can, andhave fun.”

Lane’s retirement plans include civil service, retirement,travel and play the amateur photographer. I also want to volun-teer my time to some organizations with which I’m affiliated.

Civil Engineer commander retires

Col. Robert Colyer, 507th Mission Support Groupcommander, presents Lt. Col. Renee Lane herretirement certificate. Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Joe Wade

NEWS TO USE

ASSOCIATE UNIT NEWS

PAGE 10JULY 2005“Readiness Is

OUR Number One Priority”

Tech. Sgt. David Brumley931st ARG Public Affairs

The 931st Air Refueling Group stoodup at McConnell AFB Jan. 1, 1995. Fivemonths later, the Group’s first mission,the refueling of the “Spirit of Kansas,”a B-2 bomber, was complete. Since then,the 931st has accounted for five percentof the total Air Force refueling mission.Group members have traveled all overthe world and been a major force in de-fending the United States. In the air andon the ground, the 931st team has provenit’s a small unit that offers a big value tothe Air Force and the American people.Nov. 1995-Osan Air Base

The first deployment by the 931st’sCivil Engineer Squadron planted theroots for long term success. As the newunit began to get its legs planted, theGroup’s engineers were already beingasked to support the Air Force overseas.In November of 1995, about 60 CESmembers deployed to Osan Air Base,Republic of Korea, in support of the 51stFighter Wing.

“We had two two-week rotationswith approximately 30 people per rota-

tion,” said Senior Master Sgt. TameraAskren, 931st CES operations superin-tendent. “The project was to completephase three of a multi-phase project toremodel the passenger Air Terminal atOsan AB, Korea,” she said. CES re-moved an old boiler, built a concreteblock wall, rewired the lighting in theterminal, upgraded two latrines and re-paired plumbing throughout the facility.March 1997-Pisa

Early missions established the unit’sability to deploy as the first associateKC-135 Stratotanker unit. The 931stprovided support for Operation DecisiveEndeavor, an ongoing mission at thetime that provided air refueling for jointNATO fighters who were enforcing theno-fly zone over Bosnia. According toCol. (retired) Vik Malling, the 931stARG commander at the time, there weredefinite questions whether or not the unitcould support such a full-fledged mis-sion. While deployed in Pisa, the unithad a 100 percent effective rate with nomaintenance delays or cancellations.June 1999-Allied Force/Northern Watch

The 931st was the first Reserve unit

to be activated and deployed for Opera-tions Allied Force and Northern Watch.One of the most significant events in theunit’s history was the support the 931stprovided in 1999 over Kosovo and en-forcement of the no-fly zone over Iraq.While the unit was deployed in supportof this mission, more than 2,300 flyinghours were logged and more than 23million pounds of fuel were off loaded.One first that took place during the de-ployment was the use of the new PacerCRAG configured aircraft. The PacerCRAG upgrade allows pilots to fly theKC-135 without a navigator. Accordingto Col. (retired) Terry Edwards, former931st ARG deputy commander, the931st was the first to fly a three personcrew (pilot, co-pilot, and boom opera-tor) in a combat mission.Training and Inspections

Two visits to Alpena, Mich., for In-spector General Exercises let the 931stmembers shine. The first in May of 2000integrated the unit with more than 500personnel in a simulated deployment toan operating base in Saudi Arabia. Theexercise simulated the rigors of a war-time environment including deploy-ment, employment, mission support, andability of refueling forces to survive andoperate while refueling combat aircraft.The exercise was comprised of person-nel from 24 AMC and AMC-gained AirNational Guard and Air Force Reserveunits.In July 2004, another 80 membersdeployed, this time the simulation wasan operating base in the Republic ofKorea.

In 2003, two 931st units teamed upfor a three-day bivouac near theMcConnell Air Force Base confidencecourse.

The 931st Military Personnel Flightand CES joined in a Counter-ChemicalWarfare Concept of Operations. The biv-ouac gave the MPF and CES a chance

A decade after being reactivated, the 931st celebrates

Ten years of mission accomplishment

Just a few of the Airmen pictured above are still part of the 931stSecurity Forces. Many of the force’s current members are scheduledto deploy this summer in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

PAGE 11JULY 2005 “Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority”

NEWS TO USE

NEWS TO USEASSOCIATE UNIT NEWS

Air Force members have the right to: - File a complaint at any level without go-

ing through their supervisory channel. - File a complaint with an Inspector Gen-

eral (IG) without fear of reprisal. - Submit complaints anonymously. - Submit a complaint even if the mem-

ber is not the wronged party or was not af-fected by the alleged violation.

If you have any questions or concerns,please contact Capt. Mark Vardaro at: (405)556-1745; Toll Free: (877) 225-5928; oremail: mark.vardaro@tinker.af.mil.

OPSEC advisory: Private Website asking for deployed info

There is a private web site asking deployed soldiers to sign upfor mail and packages. We believe the site is a serious OPSEC/Force Protection issue. While this web site seems to provide a well-intentioned, valuable service - assisting deployed military members- the site’s content compromises OPSEC/Force Protection. Thecontent was recently reviewed and the following information wasfound: names, description of unit duties, locations, weapons, unittroop strengths, ratio of men to women personnel, tour of duty ex-tension dates, photographs of deployed US military personnel, etc.

We strongly urge service members to use extreme caution withthis or similar web sites. Always consider OPSEC and minimizethe information you provide. You may be risking other lives be-sides your own by participating. Adversaries can access these sitesand could use the available information to plan attacks against indi-vidual service members, their families, or their military units. Ter-rorists already know enough about US forces and their families tosend anti-US propaganda letters and flyers. NOTE: The name ofthe web site was not released in an attempt to prevent curiosityseekers. The Adversary Has Questions? We’ve Got OPSEC!

Maj. Dolores Bubier, former 18th ARS navigator,conducts pre-flight inspections before flying insupport of Operation Allied Force in 1999. (Lt. Col.Dolores Bubier is now in the Operations/Plans officeof the 507th Operations Group here at Tinker.)

to meet their annual training requirements and learn somenew chemical avoidance techniques. Along with practicingthe ability to avoid nuclear, biological and chemical weap-ons, the training also included checking for unexploded ordi-nance and self-aid and buddy care. In addition, the trainingwas filled with lifelike combat scenarios requiring the train-ees to practice utilizing techniques for searching and repel-

ling attacks from unfriendly forces.2001-War on Terror begins

When the call came for the war on terrorism, the 931stwas already familiar with much of the terrain. After the at-tack in Sept. 2001, the Air Force Reserve was needed morethan ever to support Operation Enduring Freedom. When theconflict started, crews from the 931st were in the sky refuel-ing aircraft for America’s air bridge overseas.Iraq war-2003

The 931st was right there from the beginning of Iraqi Free-dom, refueling bombers out of Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.,as they went on their 36 hour bombing tours dropping up to40,000 pounds of payload. As early as April 12, 2003, deployedmembers of the 18th Air Refueling Squadron had logged morethan 1,865 hours and flew more than 370 sorties.

“Tanker support proved to be invaluable during this con-flict. At both of our deployed locations, our men and womenaccomplished great things,” former 931st commander Col.Jeffery Glass said.

It was for the Group’s many accomplishments that the931stwas awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award four timesin its 10 year history. “The outstanding folks of the 931stearned (the award) with a lot of hard work and dedication,”the former 4th Air Force Commander, Maj. Gen. (retired)Wallace Whaley said. “It is organizations like the 931st thatset the standard for others to emulate.”

931st celebrates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The IG Says…

On-final

PAGE 12 JULY 2005“Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority”

UNIT NEWS

By SeniorAirman Bryan D. AxtellPublic Affairs Office

Who does all of this? Who pays for all of this? Have youever wondered these questions? Who puts together the banquets?Who pays the quarterly award winner cash prizes? How did theairman who had the car crash on the way to UTA get by?

We don’t live in a vacuum, and things just don’t happen bythemselves. Somebody has to care. Somebody has to help. Some-body has to put in the time and effort to make things happen.

One of the groups where “somebody” comes from is the Top3. Top 3 is a senior enlisted association comprised of the topthree enlisted ranks — hence the name. One of their more vis-ible activities is the coordination of the Billy Hughes Award andits associated banquet. They are also involved with Airman,NCO, and Senior NCO of the Quarter awards, as well as contri-butions to other charitable organizations and airmen in need.

The newest Top 3 officers have laid out their goals for theyear and seek to educate members and those they serve aboutwhat being a reservist Top 3 member at Tinker AFB entails.

“Our biggest goal, right now, is to get Top 3 rejuvenated,” saysSenior Master Sgt. Shelia Russell, the 1st Sergeant for the 465th AirRefueling Wing, and the newest president of the Tinker AFB’s re-serve Top 3. And she has a plan. Russell said her three goals toaccomplish for this year are: 100-percent membership – to includeall the reserve units on base. Then she wants to get those membersmore involved in the activities of the group. As a priority, she wantsto inspire a sense of unity across the reserve campus here, regardlessof which group or wing members are in.

Action on all three fronts has already taken place in the timesince the new officers were announced in January. The bylawswere researched and the president found a way to make the 513thsrep a member of the executive officers in an effort to promoteunity. Membership drives are ongoing, however the officers havesome messages they are sending out along with the sales pitchin an effort to get more than just the $10 membership fee.

“I just believe that we are at a crossroad because we seem tobe lacking in the full understanding and spirit of what we areabout,” said Senior Master Sgt. Nathan McGuire, 1st Sergeantof the 72nd Aerial Port Squadron and treasurer for Top 3.

“We are, or should be, ‘ambassadors of goodwill respon-sible for taking care of our most valuable resources – members,families, and retirees,’” said McGuire, quoting from the Top 3mission statement.

“I want the Top 3 to be more than ‘Here’s my $10, now leaveme alone,’” McGuire said.

McGuire said one of his current challenges is getting moresenior NCOs to understand that the Top 3 is not about what theTop 3 can do for them, but what they can do for others.

You, as a senior NCO, should not be asking ‘What can theTop 3 do for me,’ said Master Sgt. Tracy L. House, 1st Sergeantfor the 513th Operations Support Flight, and the 513th rep forthe Reserve Top 3.

What does the Top 3 do for the military member? Not asmuch as the Top 3 members themselves, because it’s not aboutthat master sergeant or that senior master sergeant, said House.

It’s about the individuals – the airmen and the junior NCOsthat need them. They need to know that they have an outletwhere they can go to in an emergency, said House. “The Re-serve Top 3 is a safety net for the junior ranks,” said House.

In addition to emergency aid though, members of the Top 3are called to mentor and encourage the ranks that they them-selves passed through.

“Senior NCOs paved the way for us and now it is time forus to pay them back by paving the way for others and for thosewho will one day take our place in the ranks,” said McGuire.“The Top 3 is more than having a large budget handing out dol-lars,” he said.

“The junior enlisted are the foundation,” said McGuire.“They are our proud and rich history. They are our future. Theyare who we are today. Supporting them means great leadershipfor tomorrow’s Air Force.”

“One team united in mentoring, honoring traditions, im-proving quality of life, promotion and enforcement of AirForce Core Values: Integrity First, Service Before Self, andExcellence In All We Do. To some that may sound sappy andcorny, but …I believe in those words with all my heart andsoul,” said McGuire.

So if you are a reservist in the top three enlisted ranks,you should expect to hear from the leaders of the Top 3. Theywill ask for your money, but they will also ask for a commod-ity that a lot of reservists find even more precious: Your time.

We only have 16 hours per month, House said.Despite the time issues, Top 3 continues to strive to meet

its goals. Why? McGuire put it this way: “I see the Top 3mission as being one of the most noble and action principlesto live by. It is the engine, the driving force within the SNCOrank that embraces the values that build and bring togetherstrong family and community ties within the Air Force.”

Top 3 work to rejuvenate visibility, activities

Top 3 meeting scheduledThe Tinker Reserve Top 3 will hold a general membership

meeting on Saturday, July 9, in the AWACS Auditorium at 2 p.m.For additional information, contact Senior Master Sgt. Shelia

Russell, Tinker Reserve Top 3 President, atShelia.Russell@tinker.af.mil.

On-finalFIT TO FIGHT

PAGE 13JULY 2005 “Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority”

By Senior Airman Bryan AxtellPublic Affairs Office

“Ok, ready to go to the gym?”These words and the half-hour following are dreaded by

many. However as Airmen first, we have some responsibilities.Fit to Fight. Everybody has to participate and make sure

that they are physically ready to perform their duties as anAirman first and foremost. Regardless of rank or job title,we all need to be prepared to pick up a weapon, and fight thebattle should ever the need arise. That’s an Airman’s dutyfirst even if their day job is turning a wrench, wrestling ayoke, or driving a computer.

That doesn’t mean an Airman can’t be creative though,right? Tech. Sgt. Roxanne M. Baxter, the wing historian here,was looking for an alternative to running. “I hate running,”said the mother of seven. So one day she was feeling ratherdown, and spied the bicycle shop across the river. On im-pulse she went over and began browsing. She would end upwith a bike, but not one she was satisfied with. She keptadding accessories and hardware. She also started shoppingfor a bike she would like better.

It was one of these excursions to mull over her final decisionthat she ran into a man in the bike shop wearing a bike jerseywith an Air Force logo. Turns out, he had been on the Team AirForce Cycling team the previous year. They began talking.

Baxter had been interested in bike tours. It would seemthat Team Air Force Cycling - 2005 had slots available in oneof the biggest in the business: The Register’s Annual GreatBicycle Ride Across Iowa or RAGBRAI. The event is sopopular that it has been limited to 10,000 registered partici-pants. All 10,000 slots for the 2005 event are currently taken.

The event is known as “Mardi Gras on Wheels” saidBaxter. Which would explain why many more than the reg-istered 10,000 are expected to show up and participate asunregistered tag-alongs, said Baxter. It also makes for a re-cruiting opportunity, which the Air Force plans to capitalizeon with Team Air Force Cycling -2005.

By wearing the jersey as she rides in the event (on hernew bike) she will raise the visibility of the Air Force. Thatlends a hand to the recruiters that will be traveling to thevarious check-points along the path of the seven-day ride.

The Register’s annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa,or RAGBRAI, is a physically demanding experience andshouldn’t be attempted without the benefit of months worthof training, said Steve Storch, Offutt’s team captain.

“If you want to be in good enough shape to complete theride, you should plan on training 200 to 400 miles a month in

both June and July,” Storch said. Ideally, a participant shouldbe a regular bicyclist who’s logged at least 1,000 miles in theprevious 12 months.

Weather conditions and terrain contribute to the difficultyof the ride. Heat indexes reached 123 degrees two years ago,and Iowa is not flat,:” Storch said. “No one should attemptthis without putting in the road work in advance.”

Baxter is aware of the degree of difficulty this event poses.“This is going to be like a marathon for me,” said Baxter.She has been training and recently participated in the Tourd’Cure event from San Antonio, to San Marcos, Texas, dur-ing 95 degree heat as a preliminary to RAGBRAI. Her goalis to cover 150 miles per week in June and July as even morepreparation.

For additional information you can visitwww.teamairforcecycling.com, or www.ragbrai.org.

(Parts of this story care of the Team Air Force Cycling -2005 website)

Unit member has found alternative to running

Roxanne Baxter takes a practice run on her newbike. She will participate in the RAGBRAI, a gruelingride across Iowa, later this month.

Photo by Senior Airman Bryan Axtell

PAGE 14 JULY 2005“Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority”

On-final UPCLOSE

By Tech. Sgt. Ty Yoshida

The following question was asked of members of the 507th CivilEngineer Squadron:“What will you remember most about your annual tour toEl Salvador?”

Staff Sgt. David Jones“The kids always being there

watching us work, what we did forthe kids, and the feeling accomplish-

ment building something from theground up.”

Capt. Paul McCarty“I remember most howthankful the people were tohave us there. I do notremember one of thechildren ever turning downfood the whole time wewere there.The director of the school atLa Esperanza was veryappreciative of the schoolwe built for them. Theexisting school was wayundersized for the 469students that attended.”

Senior Airman VincentJohnson

“Seeing the excitment on thechildren’s faces when handing out

toys to them.”

Senior Master Sgt. Tim Smith“The children and how much the project

meant to the entire community. I willalways remember their smiling faces.”

Tech. Sgt. Darren Kennedy“The big changes we made in the lives of thechildren and the community by giving them abetter facility to expand their education, and

their faces of happiness.”

PAGE 15 JULY 2005 “Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority”

On-finalNEWS

Campus Sports ScheduleJuly 11

5 p.m. Sand Volleyball Sweetwater’sJuly 14

5:30 p.m. Renegades Softball Field 25:30 p.m. Thumper Softball Champ Field7:30 p.m. CoEd vs. Services Field 3

July 185 p.m. Sand Volleyball 38th EIG

July 215:30 p.m. Thumpers Softball Field 25:30 p.m. Renegades Softball Field 15:30 p.m. Okies Softball Champ Field7:30 p.m. CoEd vs. Ingenium Field 3

July 255 p.m. Sand Volleyball 38th EIG

July 285:30 p.m. Renegades Softball Champ Field5:30 p.m. Okie-Thumper Softball Field 2

Aug 015 p.m. Sand Volleyball 38th EIG

Aug 045:30 p.m. Renegades-Okies Softball Field 27:30 p.m. CoEd vs. FM Softb Field 3

Aug 08TBD Softball Playoffs begin Tinker Fields

Reserve Night Out with the Redhawksre-scheduled for August UTA

The Reserve Night Out with the Redhawks Base-ball game has been rescheduled from the June UTAto Saturday of the August UTA. Redhawks’ oppo-nent will be the Portland Beavers and the game startsat 7:05 p.m.

The adjustment was made to allow more unitmembers the opportunity to say goodbye to Col.Stayce Harris during her farewell event last month.

If you previously had given money to theChaplain’s Office to purchase tickets, hold on to thatticket or see Chaplain Dwight Magnus for a refundif you can’t attend the August game.

The first 2,500 paying fans will receive an OG&EWind Power Pinwheel. As of press time, theRedhawks had a 9-1 win/loss record compared tothe Beavers’ 7-3 record.

For more information, call the 507th ARWChaplain’s Office at 734-5632.

Did you know that mentoring is thebest way to share knowledge, experienceand expertise throughout an organization? If you had an opportunity to work withsomeone that could give you an insidetrack to career advancement, without spin-ning your wheels on irrelevant goals,would you take it? If so, your opportunityhas arrived....

The Enlisted Advisory Council (EAC)is sponsoring the Wing’s first Q&AMentoring Forum in the 513th ACG Audi-torium during the October UTA. All jun-ior enlisted personnel (Airman throughStaff Sergeant) are strongly encouragedto participate. Saturday (Oct. 1) from 11a.m. to noon the panel will consist of fourFirst Sergeants; Sunday (Oct. 2) from 11a.m. to noon the panel will consist of fourChief Master Sergeants. Sign-up will beon a 1st come 1st serve basis with a limitof 30 personnel per forum, and lunch willbe provided. Those interested should con-tact takesha.williams@tinker.af.mil andthe deadline to sign-up is by the end ofthe September UTA.

Mentoring provides you with insightinto knowledge and skills that are REL-EVANT to your professional and personalgoals. It allows you to receive criticalfeedback in key areas, such as communi-cations, interpersonal relationships, tech-nical abilities, and leadership skills. It alsogives you an opportu-nity to gain knowledgeabout the organization’sculture and unspokenrules that can be criti-cal for your success. Basically, it helps todevelop a sharper fo-cus on what is neededto grow profession-ally within the organi-zation. These forumsare only part of ourcommitment to you tohelp shape you as suc-cessful leaders of to-morrow.

The monthly EACmeetings are held Sun-

Enlisted Advisory Council sponsors mentoring forum

EAC President Master Sgt. Takesha Williams,center, poses with several of the EAC members.

day of each UTA at 8:30 a.m. in the 507thARW conference room. All enlistedmembers are invited to attend. For ad-ditional information, contactC o u r t n e y. p e n n @ t i n k e r. a f . m i l ,Neika.jones@tinker.af.mil, orjeremy.scoles@tinker.af.mil.

PAGE 16 JULY 2005“Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority”

Midwest City, OKMaster Sgt. Marvin Greene (SE)Tech. Sgt. Carla Lang (NW)(405) 733-9403

Tinker AFB, OK(In-Service Recruiter)Master Sgt. Nathan Bickle(405) 739-2980

Tulsa, OKTech. Sgt. Richard D. Kozik(918) 665-2300

McConnell AFB, KSMaster Sgt. David McCormick(In-Service Recruiter)(316) 681-2522

Lawton, OKStaff Sgt. Kamala Thigpen(580) 357-2784

Moore, Norman, OKMaster Sgt. Gene Higgins(405) 217-8311

Vance AFB, OKMaster Sgt. David McCormick(316) 759-3766

507th ARW Recruiters

R-News

507th ARWand

513th ACG

NEWS / INFORMATION / FAMILY READINESS

TINKER AFBOKLAHOMA

www.afrc.af.mil/507arw

The Wing will conduct a First Ser-geants Board during the Aug UTA. We have one open position in the 72nd

Aerial Port Squadron. An all-purposechecklist with First Sergeant Qualifi-cation/Requirements can be picked upat the Military Personnel Flight, in

72nd has 1st Sgt. opening

Air Force Reserve Command seniorleaders want reservists to know about theimportance of Servicemembers’ GroupLife Insurance.

A recent tragedy involving a reserv-ist who declined SGLI coverageprompted a call for this benefit to re-ceive more emphasis. In addition to re-quiring reservists to report to their mili-tary personnel flight to decline cover-age in person, command officials arelooking at adding squadron-level coun-seling by the first sergeant or com-mander.

This increased concern comes on theheels of legislation to increase the maxi-mum coverage, to ensure beneficiariesknow when an individual turns down themaximum and to help service memberswho sustain traumatic war injuries.

The $82 billion supplemental legisla-tion signed into law by President BushMay 11 raises maximum SGLI coveragefrom $250,000 to $400,000 and providespayouts of up to $100,000 for people withtraumatic injuries.

In a new twist introduced through thelegislation, troops with dependents mustget their spouse’s approval to purchase lessthan the full amount of SGLI coverage. Inthe case of people who are not married,

the designated beneficiary will receivenotice when the person purchases less thanthe maximum coverage.

Defense and Veteran Affairs officialsare working on the details of the expandedbenefits.

The increased SGLI coverage will startSept. 1, and the so-called “traumaticSGLI” benefit will begin Dec. 1. The leg-islation directs that both benefits will beretroactive to Oct. 7, 2001, said StephenWurtz, the VA’s deputy assistant directorfor insurance.

People enrolled in the SGLI programwill notice an increase in their premiumswhen the increases take effect. The trau-matic SGLI benefit will be rolled into thebasic SGLI program and will likely costabout $1 a month, Mr. Wurtz said.

Troops opting for maximum SGLIcoverage – $400,000 vs. the current$250,000 – will see their monthly premi-ums increase from $16.25 to $26, Mr.Wurtz said.

Because the rates have not changed,people who retain $250,000 or lesscoverage will see no increase in theirpremiums, Mr. Wurtz said, except forthe $1 “traumatic SGLI” premium.

(AFRC News Service from Ameri-can Forces Press Service)

This is to make you aware ofAFIADL Testing Conditions thatWing Training must comply with.This allows all examinees to have thebest testing conditions possible.

Examinees are not allowed to bringthese items into the testing room: Books,briefcases, or electronic devices such aswatches or beepers that may emit asound that could be distracting to the ex-aminees. No cell phones are allowed inthe testing room.

REMINDERS: If you are retaking

Comply with testing rules

Life insurance benefits gain increased emphasis

Time is running out for about 15,000Air Force reservists in the Selected Re-serve to comply with a Department of De-fense directive. Oct. 31 is the deadlinefor reservists to register information abouttheir civilian place of employment. Some60,000 of these Airmen, roughly 80 per-cent of the Selected Reserve, provided thatinformation as of May.

Command officials urge reservists toregister online as soon as possible bygoing to http://www.afrc.af.mil/reserveInfo.htm and clicking on Civil-ian Employment Info Program.

Civilian employment info

a mandatory CDC test, a retake lettermust be on file or you must bring onewith you. You get this from your UnitTraining Manager. We will not test youwithout it.

We have more than one test on filefor some members. It is your respon-sibility to know which course numberyou are testing on.

For more information, call WingTraining at 734-7075.

Building 1043. The point of contactwill be Master Sgt. Deborah Kidd, theMPF First Sergeant, and she can bereached at 734-7494.