BY JENNY GORDONjenny.snider.ctr@us.af.mil

A little science could make a bigdifference, and Robins is using it toconduct business more productivelyand sustainably.Put simply, the business leadership

model – dubbed “The AFSC Way” –is a scientific method which is show-ing success across the Air ForceSustainment Center.It provides a way of examining

and solving daily challenges usingstandardized processes and estab-lished methodologies focusing onpeople, processes and resourceswhile still supporting the tenets ofspeed, safety, quality and cost effec-tiveness.The model provides leaders with a

roadmap for developing their peopleto ensure they have the right skills,standardized processes and the properresources to achieve mission success– not just today, but for the long haul.“Under the AFSC way, we believe

there’s a premium in process disci-pline, a scientific way of doing anywork you do,” said Brig. Gen. CedricGeorge, Warner Robins Air LogisticsComplex commander.“Nothing we see seems brand new,

but this is designed to put a simpli-fied model in place that focuses onhow we’re going to do the work,” he

added. “The difference is thatnow each of the three depotswill operate the exact sameway.The major difference is that

this is a process, not a programthat will come and go in anoth-er few years, George said.“Walk into any other AFSCdepot, and the way we dobusiness is standardized.”Doug Keene, a 27-year

civilian who started his careeron the shop floor, said the newapproach is exciting.“When every Team Robins

member believes the processcan and will work, the sky isthe limit,” he said. “Thisprocess will produce results ifwe follow the rules and do itthe right way.”It’s also a corporate approach to

how we conduct business.“I believe we have a culture –

all the way up and all the waydown – that’s saying we’re goingto do it the right way,” Keene added.“If you do it the wrong way, and getresults – that’s just not acceptable.”Keene said he believes civilian

employees have to own the processto be successful and “not wait onleadership to make us get better. Thisis your production machine, notleadership’s.”

Col. Chris Hill, Installation com-mander, agreed.

“The AFSC Way will be enabledby a leadership culture,” said Hill.“Every member of this installation isresponsible for leading in their ownteam. In order to move ahead usingthis model, it’s crucial all employeesare engaged. We’re in a natural posi-

tion to collaborate and we needeveryone on board.”As a world-class depot in the busi-

ness of maintenance, repair and over-haul of advanced weapon systemssuch as the C-5, C-17, C-130 and

Sexual AssaultAwareness monthbrings serious topic

to forefront

Page 7

FSS TEAMGETS AIR FORCERECOGNITION

Page 2

In their boot steps: Fourth-generation Airman carries long legacyBY BRIAN SHREVE

Staff Writer

With anAirman BattleUniform on her back and a lotof history on her shoulders,serving in the military isn’t justa family tradition for Tech. Sgt.Jessica Fordham – it’s “every-thing.”Fordham, 32, has served the

USAF for nearly 12 years, rep-resenting her own link of achain that goes back four gen-erations.“It’s our heritage. It’s in our

blood,” she said. “With every-thing about us, it’s about themilitary.”Though her family’s legacy

with the military stretches backto the Civil War, the consistent

line of those who have servedbegan with her great grandfa-ther who fought alongside hergrandfather, retired ChiefMaster Sgt. Charlie Sibert, inWorldWar II.Amember of theArmyAir

Corps, Sibert was held by theGermans as a prisoner of warand later went on to serve in theKoreanWar.Fordham’s father, John

Sibert, and her uncle bothserved the Navy in Vietnam.An only child, Fordham

added her own unique place inthe family record books bybecoming the first woman toserve.Her grandmother, however,

was a real-life Rosie the RiveterduringWorldWar II, working

at a military factory.“She did the same job I do,

working with sheet metal,” saidFordham. “That’s a really bigthing for me, and I didn’t findthat out until three or four yearsago.”Fordham is a member of the

402nd Expeditionary DepotMaintenance Flight and hasbeen stationed at Robins for thepast nine years, something sheconsiders the highlight of hercareer.“I’m in an amazing unit,”

she said. “It’s very small, andwe’re very tight knit. It’s beenan honor to be here with them,and they’re like family now.”Born in Missouri, Fordham

BY JENNY GORDONjenny.snider.ctr@us.af.mil

Urban search-and-rescueteams from the U.S. Agencyfor InternationalDevelopment’s Office of U.S.Foreign Disaster Assistancemade a stop at Robins for thefirst time March 24.The two teams, VirginiaTask Force One andCalifornia Task Force Two,were in town for weeklongexercises at the GuardianCenters in Perry. But firstthey checked in at the 78th

Logistics ReadinessSquadron’s PassengerTerminal in Bldg. 127 to sim-ulate a deployment in-coun-try processing line prior toproviding humanitarian assis-tance in the field.“For the first time, Robins

Air Force Base had theopportunity to train side-by-side with a FederalEmergency ManagementAgency team and USAID.This exercise showcased ourAirmen’s ability to partner

Courtesy photoTech. Sgt Jessica Fordham is a 402ndExpeditionary Depot MaintenanceFlight sheet metal technician.

National FEMA reps make stop at Robinsas part of weeklong search, rescue exercise

� see FEMA, 3

� see TENETS, 5

BY HOLLYLOGAN-ARRINGTONholly.logan-arrington@us.af.mil

Sexual assault is a crimethat can leave psychologicaland emotional scars for life.According to the Rape

Abuse & Incest NationalNetwork, more than 200,000Americans are victims eachyear.April is National Sexual

AssaultAwareness Month,and Robins is doing what itcan to educate folks about thewidespread problem.LisaMatney, a base sexu-

al assault response coordina-tor, said this year’s SexualAssaultAwareness Monththeme is “Live Our Values:Step Up to Stop SexualAssault.”Survivor T-shirt painting

will take place in Bldg. 707,April 7 through 11 from 2 to4 p.m. Call 327-7272 tosign up.Other activities include:�April 10: “Walk aMile

in Their Shoes,” will begin at11 a.m. at the base gym’soutdoor track.

�April 16: “iT”Leadership Training, 1 to2:30 p.m., Bldg. 761 onNinth StreetFor more information, call

the SARC Office at DSN327-7272. � see GENERATIONS, 5

Fiscal 2014civilian workforce

shapingPage 4

ThePATHForwardSpeedSpeed isn’t about cutting cor-

ners. Instead, it’s enhanced byour ability to quickly identify,elevate and eliminate con-straints.

QualityWhile speed is important,

quality is paramount. Defectsin our products have thepotential for disastrous effectson our warfighter. Mistakes willhappen, but we have tools toidentify and prevent repeats.We build trust and confidenceby doing our jobs right the firsttime.

Cost EffectivenessThe defense environment is changing and a heightened awareness of cost is forcing Air Force

leadership to take an ever-mindful look into our spending. To understand where we can reducecost, we must first have a firm grasp on what it costs to produce our products and services.Then we must identify areas to reduce costs, eliminate wastes. The taxpayer and our warfightercustomers are counting on us to provide available, affordable and capable weapons systems ontime, on cost. Our ability to reduce cost and sustain weapons systems will affect our ability todefend our nation.

SafetyWorkforce safety is the priority.

We need to ensure everyone whocomes to work in the morninggoes home at night ready to givetheir best the next day. Safety isabout taking care of our people,and ensuring their work environ-ment and processes keep themsafe at all times. A strongVoluntary Protection Program isessential. Keeping the most val-ued members of our team safe iscritical to the success of ourorganization.

‘Not just today, but for the long haul’

U.S. Air Force photo byMISUZU ALLEN

Urban search-and-res-cue teams from theU.S. Agency forInternationalDevelopment's Officeof U.S. ForeignDisaster Assistancevisited Robins for thefirst time March 24 toperform in-processingprocedures at the 78thLogistics ReadinessSquadron’s PassengerTerminal in Bldg. 127.

March 28, 2014 Vol. 59 No.12

Base MilitaryJustice Actions

2 � The Robins Rev-Up �March 28, 2014

Second Front

STAFF SGT.ROCKSAN JACKSONJob title: Supply and

Logistic chiefHometown: Bronx, New

YorkYears in federal service:

14 years

What does your work involve? “I serve as theactive duty Supply and Logistics chief contributingsupport to the Marines in order to accomplish anymission that’s been tasked. I’m also the squadron’sUniform VictimAdvocate.”

What are some of the challenges you havefaced being a woman in your career field? “Thelargest challenge that I am faced with is being awoman in a male-dominated force. As a womanyou always have to prove yourself and prove thatyou are able to accomplish any mission to the stan-dard of your male counterparts.”

When is a time that you had to show‘Courage, Character, Commitment’ for the mis-sion? “In my occupation and career, there havebeen many times I’ve had to lead male Marines byexample, although they’re generally not accus-tomed to women leaders. So I must muster up thecourage and commitment in order to accomplishany mission even if that means knocking down agiant to do so.”

What woman has inspired you and why?“Master Sgt. Ramona Dervin is the woman who hasinspired me. I’d been a single mother for four yearswhen I met her. I thought in order to be a greatmother, my career had to fail. She taught me that itis possible to be a great mother and a great Marineat the same time. Without her, I would have neverknown what I’m fully capable of achieving.”

If you could give any advice to future womenwarriors, what would it be? “I would let themknow that although times can become very difficult,their dreams and desires are obtainable no matterthe obstacles that are set before them. Set a goaland obtain your goal. You’re the only person whocan wake you up from your dreams or take awayyour goals.”

Women WarriorsIn recognition of Women’s History Month,

the Robins Rev-Up is spotlighting some ofthe installation’s “Women Warriors” eachweek during the month.

78TH FORCE SUPPORT SQUADRON

The 78th Force Support Squadron hasbeen named the 2013 Air ForcePersonnel Operations Program of theYear.The award recognizes teams, pro-

grams and flights which make outstand-ing contributions to the Air Force andPersonnel community.“To be recognized as the best of the

best is a humbling honor,” said MichaelSzymanski, FSS director. “The 78th FSSOperations Branch is usually behind thescenes supporting our deploying Airmenas well as the families of our deceasedmilitary members. We’re very proud oftheir exemplary accomplishments.”The 78th FSS Operations Program

provides support to all mission partnerson base and consists of Installation

Personnel Readiness; Personnel Deploy-ment Function; Honor Guard; MortuaryAffairs; and Unit Deployment and UnitTraining Managers.The program is also responsible for

deployment processing for more than5,000 military members at Robins. Lastyear as the primary collection point foraccountability on the installation, IPRaccounted for more than 19,000 military,civilians, and contractors in real worldand exercise events. The Honor Guardparticipated in more than 1,000 eventsin an area of responsibility more than70,000 miles in Georgia and Tennessee.Mortuary Affairs served eligible Air

Force military and civilians throughoutthe state. The unit deployment and unittraining managers provided readinessand training support to more than 850FSS military and civilian members.

78th FSS claims Air Force honor

Col. Chris Hill, Installation commander, and David Tucker (far left), Trustee Local 987, present aFostering Leadership in People award to the 461st Maintenance Squadron Propulsion FlightMarch 21. Master Sgt. David Roden (far right), Propulsion Flight chief, and Senior Master Sgt.Tony Boland, Propulsion Section chief, accepted the award on behalf of the flight.

Fostering Leadership in Peopleawards are given to those who makecontributions to improving labor andmanagement relations here at Robins.The latest recipients are:�Troy Andrews, 638th SCMG�Brenda Collier, 638th SCMG�Geraldine Phillips, 638th SCMG

�Michael Hatcher, 638th SCMG�Harold Eady, 638th SCMG�Joyce Scott, 638th SCMG�Adam Saunders, 580th SMXS�461st MXS Propulsion Flight�Ryan Beard, 461st MXS�Ryan Bijak, 461st MXS

Fostering Leadership in People awardsU.S. Air Force photo by RAYMOND CRAYTON

Energy reduction contestDuringApril the Base Energy Office is

sponsoring an Earth Day Energy Conserv-ation contest.“We need all Robins organizations and

their employees to make energy conserva-tion a routine part of their daily practice,”Terry Landreth, Energy Office supervisor,said.The contest will include base organiza-

tions and mission partners with the goal ofachieving the lowest use of electrical ener-gy during the month.Each facility with a discrete electric

meter will be ranked in terms of thelargest reduction percentage of electricityconsumption.Determination will be made in connec-

tion with the 78th Civil Engineer Group’snormal monthly billing procedures. The78thAir BaseWing commander will rec-ognize the facility and associated organi-zational occupants who achieve the largestpercentage of decrease in electricity dur-

ing the month with a trophy.

CGOC scholarshipThe deadline is Monday for a $500

scholarship to local high school seniorswho have a parent currently working atRobins.The scholarship, from the Robins

Company Grade Officers’Council, isdesigned to reward outstanding academicachievement and leadership by assisting asenior who plans to attend a four-year col-lege or university.To enter, students must complete the

application packet and all of the requiredattachments. That includes a one-pageessay, a one-page resume with schooltranscript attached and a letter of recom-mendation.Scholarship packets can be obtained

from school counselors. The applicationand all attachments must be converted to.pdfs and submitted to robins.cgoc.scholar@us.af.mil.

PROGRAM OF THE YEAR

March 28, 2014 � The Robins Rev-Up � 3

Army tests ability to maneuver in water

U.S. Air Force photos by TOMMIE HORTONClockwise from top, Sergeant 1st Class George Simms (left) and StaffSgt. Eric Harder (right), Airborne Target Surveillance supervisors, use aponcho raft to move through the pool at the base fitness center onMarch 14.

Capt. Donald Beal, Military Intelligence Company commander, paddlesatop the poncho raft he constructed.

Maj. Will Vogan, Deputy Mission Crew commander, swims with a rub-ber M-4 firearm and a rucksack during water survival training.

BY JENNY GORDONjenny.snider.ctr@us.af.mil

Twenty members of theArmy’s 138th MilitaryIntelligence Company

here recently spent time train-ing their ability to maneuver inwater conditions at the base fit-ness center.Soldiers spent the morning ofMarch 14 constructing ponchorafts outdoors, then taking themto the pool inside to test theirability to float.The rafts included two 30-plus pound rucksacks, packedwith uniforms, boots, sleepingbags, wet weather gear andother items.The more tightly andsmoothly those items werepacked in the ponchos, the bet-ter the rafts floated.That allowed two-man teams,and sometimes a single mem-ber, to swim either beside oron top of the rafts.

Some techniques seemed towork better than others, with aperson floating on top of theraft, or two swimming along-side one with one person infront and the other in back.“The whole point of traininglike this is confidence build-ing, and communicating withthe person you may be swim-ming with. It’s also about thefact you can trust your gear –that it will keep you afloat,”said Staff Sgt. Scott Sanger,who has taught a class on thetraining event.Water survival is one type oftraining the Army conducts aspart of its quarterly training.Should members need tocross a body of water down-range, this would be one wayto use equipment they alreadyhave on hand.Along with constructing pon-cho rafts, Soldiers also usedrucksacks and rubber replicaswith the same makeup as the

M-4 rifle to test their ability tofloat.“The majority of the time ifwe have to do this in a combatsituation, we’re talking at leastanother 60 pounds of ammuni-tion,” said Maj. Bryan Green,138th Military IntelligenceCompany executive officer.“They’re actually going toweigh a lot more than the 60or so pounds that are floatingduring this training. Again,this is helping them have theconfidence these rafts will infact float.”The 138th MI is a detach-ment of the U.S. ArmyIntelligence and SecurityCommand.The company supports themission of the Air Force’sJoint Surveillance TargetAttack Radar System atRobins, training and deployingalongside the Air Force in allareas of mission planning andflight coordination.

MMMMAAAAKKKKIIIINNNNGGGG AAAASSSSPPPPLLLLAAAASSSSHHHH

with a national disaster response FEMAteam and support a receptions and depar-ture center in a time of critical need forMiddle Georgia,” said Maj. JeremyPankoski, 78th LRS commander. “Wewere also able to provide critical trainingand realism for FEMA and USAID bysimulating an overseas disaster area air-field arrival,” he said. Each USAR team member passedthrough several checkpoints staffed byRobins personnel, taking several minutesto ensure all proper paperwork – such aspassports – were in order, medicationsdocumented and other proper protocolswere followed. “This was the first time OFDA andFEMA put together an international teamwith domestic teams while respondingtogether,” said Michael Reilly withUSAID. “We perform drills all the time,but this is the first time we’ve donesomething of this magnitude and certain-ly with a private corporation like theGuardian Centers. That site has reallyreplicated some of the big challengeswe’ve had in our 25 years of doing thisbusiness.” The Perry facilities enabled the severalhundred members to perform drills on

building collapses for example, as well asmetro, tunnels and water search and res-cue capabilities, said Reilly.“Robins is our point of entry into the‘country,’” said Reilly. “They are playinga crucial role as far as scanning to ensurewe have the proper credentials to evenoperate inside a foreign country.” The USAR teams are tasked to respondto worldwide humanitarian crises, includ-ing earthquakes, tsunamis, drought and

conflict when needed. In addition toteams who deploy overseas, there are 28FEMA teams in place for nationalresponse within the U.S.As part of this week’s exercises, urbanteam evaluators and site control teamsfrom Maryland and Arizona were pres-ent, along with FEMA evaluators andrepresentatives from the UnitedKingdom, Australia and United ArabEmirates on hand to observe scenarios.

Typically, these exercises can last any-where from seven to 14 days. Each res-cue worker is completely self-sufficientfor 72 hours before re-supplying, andarmed with heavy backpacks containingsleeping bags, clothing, food, first-aidkits, lights, knee and elbow pads, respira-tors, helmets, etc. Experts who took part in this week’sexercises included firefighters fromVirginia’s Fairfax County Fire andRescue Department and California’s LosAngeles County Fire Department. Teamstravelling overseas in response to rescueefforts also includes medical specialists,rescue specialists, structural engineers,and technical personnel who have spe-cialized equipment and canines who per-form searches for live victims. Once teams completed in-processing atRobins, they boarded several buses toPerry to undergo various training scenar-ios at the Guardian Centers. The 800-plus acre complex, located

minutes from I-75 in Houston County,provides a single site to test plans, peopleand equipment, while simulating disas-ters on any scale. Since 2008, USAID’s OFDA teamshave responded to such disasters as the2013 typhoon in the Philippines, the2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan,the 2010 Haiti earthquake, and manyother emergencies that span the globe.

FEMAContinued from 1

U.S. Air Force photo by MISUZU ALLENUrban search-and-rescue teams from the U.S. Agency for International Development'sOffice of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance stopped at Robins before moving to theGuardian Centers in Perry, Ga., to perform a weeklong humanitarian assistance exercise.

4 � The Robins Rev-Up �March 28, 2014

COMMANDERCol. Christopher Hill

HOW TOCONTACT US

Robins Public Affairs620 Ninth Street, Bldg. 905Robins AFB, GA 31098468-2137Fax 468-9597

SUBMISSION GUIDELINESSubmissions must be received by 4 p.m. Wednesday,

the week prior to the requested Friday publication.They should be e-mailed tolanorris.askew.ctr@us.af.mil and

vance.janes@us.af.milSubmissions should be of broad interest to the base

populace. For information, call Lanorris Askew at 472-0806.

DELIVERYTo report delivery issues, call 472-0802.

The Robins Rev-Up is published by The Telegraph, aprivate firm in no way connected with the U.S. AirForce, under exclusive written contract with Robins AirForce Base, Ga.

This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper isan authorized publication for members of the U.S. mili-tary services. Contents of the Robins Rev-Up are notnecessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S.government, Department of Defense, or Department ofthe Air Force.The appearance of advertising, including inserts or

supplements, does not constitute endorsement by theDepartment of Defense, Department of the Air Force, orThe Telegraph.Everything advertised in this publication shall be

made available for purchase, use, or patronage withoutregard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age,marital status, physical or mental handicap, politicalaffiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchas-er, user or patron.

INTERNAL INFORMATIONCHIEFGeoff Janes

EDITORLanorris Askew

PHOTOGRAPHERTommie Horton

STAFF WRITERSJenny GordonBrian ShreveHolly Logan-Arrington

Airmen must revalidate dependentsWASHINGTON (AFNS) – By Dec. 31, every

Airman will be required to provide their servicingfinance office with documentation for all dependents aspart of Air Force audit readiness efforts.This one-time, Air Force-wide recertification process

will allow theAir Force to validate Airmen’s basicallowance for housing entitlements, ensuring every dol-lar of the $5.4 billion theAir Force spends annually onBAH is fully auditable.“When we say theAir Force is not audit compliant,

that doesn’t mean that money is missing or being mis-spent,” said Doug Bennett, the deputy assistant secretaryof theAir Force for financial operations. “Generally, itmeans we lack the required documentation for ourspending to be considered auditable. In the case of BAH,we needAirmen’s marriage certificates, birth certificatesfor children and divorce decrees that require child sup-port properly documented by our finance offices toensure we can audit $5.4 billion inAir Force spending.”To read more, visit www.af.mil.

CMSAF addresses promotion changes,special duty selectionWASHINGTON (AFNS) – Chief Master Sgt. of the

Air Force James Cody spoke of upcoming promotionchanges, the developmental special duty selectionprocess and misuse of social media during his thirdworldwide CHIEFchat at the Defense MediaActivity.CHIEFchat is a recurring initiative, designed to give

Airmen around the world a direct connection to the chiefmaster sergeant of theAir Force. The chief receivedquestions via video message, social media outlets andfrom members of the studio audience.During the open forum, anAirman connecting via

video asked about potential changes to how master ser-geants are selected in the future.“We’re looking at … how we’re going to make this

transition from the current way that we promote (techni-cal) sergeants to master sergeants to what we are evolv-ing to, and that is through a board process,” Cody said.Cody said the board process would include a “hurdle

system.” The first hurdle for technical sergeants will bethe current WAPS system with minor modifications.Airmen who clear this hurdle will be considered under aboard process similar to the way senior master sergeantsand chief master sergeants are selected.To read more, visit www.af.mil.

Developmental educationapplication windows now openWASHINGTON (AFNS) – Eligible active duty offi-

cers and Department of theAir Force appropriated fund

civilian employees can begin applying for intermediateand senior developmental education opportunities, AirForce Personnel Center officials said March 24.According to Maj. Yulanda Bogany, AFPC officer

developmental education chief, officer nominationswith commander endorsements are already beingaccepted.The civilian application window opened March 14

and applications are due to AFPC by May 1.Civilian applicants must be nominated by their local

leadership for CDE.To read more, visit www.af.mil.

Reserve components show net decreasein activations this weekWASHINGTON (AFNS) – The Army National

Guard, Army Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, AirNational Guard and Air Force Reserve announced thisweek a decrease in activated National Guard membersand reservists, while the Navy Reserve and CoastGuard Reserve announced an increase of activatedreservists.The net collective result is 509 fewer activated

National Guard members and reservists in comparison tolast week.At any given time, services may activate some units

and individuals while deactivating others, making it pos-sible for these figures to either increase or decrease.TheAir Force Reserve Command is located at Robins

Air Force Base.To read more, visit www.afrc.af.mil.

GeronimoSenior Airmen Brian Colt Gassa,22nd Special Tactics Squadron com-bat controller, at McChord Air ForceBase, Wash., monitors the air spaceand weather conditions around theGeronimo landing zone March 14, atthe Joint Readiness Training Center,Fort Polk, La. Service members par-ticipating in joint training are educat-ed in combat patient care andaeromedical evacuation.

U.S. Air Force photo by SENIORAIRMANMICHELLE VICKERS

Flight line

U.S. Air Force photo byMASTER SGT. JOHN NIMMO SR.

A flight crew crosses the flight line as maintenanceAirmen work on a MC-130H Combat Talon II at HurlburtField, Fla.

Around the Air Force

Air Force newsFiscal 2014 civilian workforce shaping parallel with military programsWASHINGTON (AFNS )– Air

Force officials announced additionalcivilian workforce shaping initiativesWednesday in compliance with manda-tory funding targets and continuingcivilian workforce rebalance to meetskill demands for fiscal 2014 andbeyond.The programs will run in parallel

with military programs, said Lt. Gen.Sam Cox, the Air Force deputy chiefof staff for manpower, personnel andservices.The initiatives are part of ongoing

military programs designed to main-tain a smaller, more streamlined, readyand capable force in the future, Coxsaid.“We recognize the invaluable con-

tributions of our civilian workforce butmust manage within (Defense)Department fiscal constraints to meetthe mission needs of the years tocome,” he said.The Air Force will continue maxi-

mizing its Voluntary Early RetirementAuthority and Voluntary SeparationIncentive Pay in the second round ofprograms to entice employees who areeligible to leave federal service to doso voluntarily. These programs offerearly retirement for employees who areconsidering life outside of federal serv-ice and up to $25,000 for employeeswhose voluntary separation wouldsave another employee from beinginvoluntarily separated.

“The Defense Department is goingthrough an intense period of budgetarychallenges and we are using everyforce shaping tool available on boththe military and civilian side to lessenthe impacts on our force,” said Col.Brian Kelly, the director of force man-agement policy for the Air Force.“And, while aggressive, the plan toreduce the size of the force provideslong-term stability beyond (fiscal2015).”

Following the same basic criteriafor the earlier round of VERA/VSIPprograms announced in December,surveys will again be distributed to anumber of employees targeting specif-ic occupations and locations.Additionally, these surveys will

expand to reach a broader number ofemployees potentially impacted by theSecretary of Defense-directed 20 per-cent headquarters staff reductions.The Air Force is committed to fully

exhausting all voluntary workforcerebalancing and shaping programs,including the special authorities associ-ated with a reduction in force, to helpavoid involuntary separations, Kellysaid.Reduction-in-force authorities allow

reassignment flexibility for civilians tobe placed at their installations whileretaining their grade or pay or both.The authorities also permit managersand hiring authorities to waive qualifi-cations and expand the number ofpotential placement opportunities foremployees currently assigned to abol-ished positions.Implementing RIF procedures also

permits eligible employees who cannotimmediately be placed in local vacan-cies to be registered in the PriorityPlacement Program to assist in place-ment in other job positions where theyqualify.Kelly noted that the Air Force’s

strategy to meet civilian pay budgettargets does not include a furlough andthat involuntary separations from fed-eral service will only be sought as alast resort, if required.“We simply cannot accomplish the

mission without our civilian Airmen,and that won’t change even afterreductions,” Kelly said.For information about civilian

employment, reduction in force andother personnel issues, visit the myPerswebsite at https://mypers.af.mil.

U.S. Air Force photo by TOMMIE HORTONRaymond Utter, 579th Software Maintenance Squadron electronics technician, troubleshoots and maintains software for an electronic attack pod.

THINK OPSEC!PRACTICE IT

AT WORK,HOME, EVERYWHERE.

March 28, 2014 � The Robins Rev-Up � 5

grew up in California where she was raised by her aunt,who she thanks for convincing her to join the Air Forcein the first place.

“I was looking more towards the Marines or theArmy,” she said. “She reminded me that my grandfatherwould be so proud of me.”

Fordham and her husband, Bryan, have four childrenages 2 to 12. Like so many who serve, she knows first-hand the challenges of being both Airman and mother.

“You just have to find that balance and be open with

your children,” said Fordham. “Speak with them and letthem know what’s going on and why you can’t do certainthings but are able to do other things. The older they get,the more they understand.”

Though she has yet to be deployed, Fordham’s job ofrepairing damaged aircraft calls for her to travel to differ-ent parts of the world, spending time away from her fam-ily for weeks or even months at a time.

Even for someone who loves her work, she added thatthis necessary part of the job can be toilsome.

“The hardest part is leaving my family, leaving myhusband to take care of it all,” she said.

Fordham has often wondered which of her young chil-dren – three of them girls – are most likely to follow in so

many boot steps before them.“I keep saying my oldest is going to because she’s

kind of wild like I was,” she said. “She says she doesn’twant to ever do it, but at her age I would’ve said thesame thing. It’s hard to say.”

According to Fordham, her career in the AF has beenone of mutual service, one that provided her with a sec-ond family during a tumultuous time in her life.

“There was a point in my life when things weren’tgoing well for me. I did a lot of things I probablyshouldn’t have done,” she said. “When I joined, I had adrill sergeant who told me I didn’t have to go down thatroad, that I had potential. And that really struck some-thing in me.”

GENERATIONSContinued from 1

F-15 aircraft, the model outlines a scientificapproach so those same individuals can workas effectively and efficiently as possible.

“Robins must remain competitive, notagainst other depots, but against other servic-es and commercial depots, said Hill. “Wewant to see a steady increase in performance,not cyclical up-and-down production perform-ance that characterizes the recent past atRobins.

“We need to be consistent and perform toour potential,” he added. “We should measureour performance against a world-classstandard. That’s the value of the AFSC Way.”

The Methodical Approach“It’s paramount we understand this model

is not just about numbers on a board deter-mining aircraft delivery,” George said. “It’snot about aircraft leaving Robins as quicklyas possible … it’s crucial that the productionprocess flows the same way, every time. It’sabout safety and a covenant with our work-force that puts in place measures to mitigateany risks.

“And, it’s about delivering a quality prod-uct to our customers in the most cost-effectiveway possible,” he said. “It makes sure all fouraircraft production lines – and eventually allof our production lines – operate in this scien-tific way.”

Keene agreed.“The process works,” he said. “It’s up to

the workforce to make it their own. It’s theonly way we’re going to survive. If we decidewe want to do well, and we want to be in anarea where we grow and don’t lose workload,then each one of us has to decide this iswhere we want to go.”

TENETSContinued from 1

PLEASERECYCLE THISNEWSPAPER

6 � The Robins Rev-Up �March 28, 2014

From theCommandDownBY KIM BOWDEN

Air Force Materiel CommandPublic Affairs

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIRFORCE BASE, Ohio – For many,“wingman” is just a buzzword or some-thing discussed at stand-down days.However, Airmen across Air ForceMateriel Command are putting thewingman concept into action.

“As AFMC continues to emphasizea culture of respect and resiliency, it’simportant to remember that we all havea responsibility to be accountable forourselves and to be accountable as awingman,” said Jennifer Treat, AFMCCommunity Support Coordinator. “Agood wingman stays alert for signs ofdanger from whatever source – whethersuicide, safety mishaps, alcohol abuse,sexual assault, bullying, or somethingelse; gets involved by knowing theirfellow Airmen; and takes action whennecessary to protect their wingman, onand off duty.”

In one example of successful wing-man intervention, some coworkers andfriends of an Airman received a franticphone call from that Airman’s familysaying the Airman was distressed and

had attempted suicide.They immediately went to the

Airman’s house and discovered theAirman had tried to overdose on pre-scription medication. One wingmaninduced vomiting while another calledemergency services. Thanks to theprompt attention of the wingmen andemergency responders, the Airmanreceived treatment and recovered. And,the Airman’s family was spared theloss of a loved one. Following the dis-tressed Airman’s hospitalization, thewingmen continued to provide support.

In another situation, a vigilant wing-man observed the medical distress of afellow Airman. The Airman’s symp-toms seemed life-threatening, and thewingman’s self-aid and buddy caretraining immediately kicked in.

The wingman instructed others tocall for emergency assistance while hekept the Airman calm and safe.

Because of the life-saving actions ofa concerned wingman, the Airman wastransported to the local hospital andstabilized.

In yet another example, two wing-men were talking to a friend before theweekend, when the individualexpressed thoughts of suicide.

The wingmen stayed in contact withthe distressed Airman throughout theweekend and secured items which theAirman might have used for self-harm.

The following Monday morning, thewingmen escorted their friend to theMental Health Clinic and secured

counseling services. Thanks to thewingmen acting on their concern, thedistressed Airman was connected withthe right helping agencies.

To read the full story visithttp://www.afmc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123402889.

Wingmen in action across AFMC

Wingmen WantedAIRMAN AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING – 335-5218; 335-5236; 335-5238

EAP – 327-7683; 926-9516

Courtesy graphic

March 28, 2014 � The Robins Rev-Up � 7

USE YOUR WITS NOT YOUR WATTS

Robins military justice actionsNonjudicial punishment, pursuant to Article 15,

Uniform Code of Military Justice, provides command-ers an essential and prompt means of maintaining goodorder and discipline and also promotes positive behav-ior changes in service members without the stigma of acourt-martial conviction. The punishments are deter-mined based on the individual facts and circumstancesof each case.

The followingAirmen received NJPs in January:�A78th Medical Operations Squadron staff sergeantoperated a motorcycle while drunk in violation ofArticle 111.For this offense, the staff sergeant received a suspend-ed reduction to the grade of senior airman, a forfeitureof $304 pay for one month, and a reprimand.�AnAir Force Life Cycle Management Center cap-tain didn’t report to work at the required time in viola-tion of Article 86 and was incapacitated for dutybecause of drunkenness in violation of Article 134. Forthose offenses, the captain received forfeitures of$2,558 pay per month for two months, with $1,279 pay

per month for two months suspended and received areprimand.�A53rd Combat Communications Squadron seniorairman did not report to work at the time required onthree occasions in violation of Article 86. For thoseoffenses, the senior airman received a suspended reduc-tion to the grade of airman first class, 30 days extra dutysuspended and a reprimand.�A461st Air Control Network Squadron technicalsergeant misused his government travel card in viola-tion of Article 92. For this offense, the sergeant receiveda suspended reduction to the grade of staff sergeant, 14

days extra duty and a reprimand.

The followingAirmen received NJPs in February:�A staff sergeant from the 78th Logistics ReadinessSquadron did not report to work at the time required inviolation of Article 86 and made a false official state-ment in violation of Article 107. For those offenses, thestaff sergeant received a suspended reduction to thegrade of senior airman and a reprimand.�A senior airman from the 78th Security ForcesSquadron did not report to work at the time required inviolation of Article 86. For this offense, the senior air-man received a reduction to the grade of airman firstclass and a reprimand.�A senior airman from the 12thAirborne Commandand Control Squadron wrongfully used Temazepam, aSchedule IV controlled substance. For this offense, thesenior airman received forfeitures of $500 pay permonth for two months and a reprimand.

– Courtesy 78th Air Base Wing Legal Office

BY ROBINS OFFICEOF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

When an employee with a disabilityinsists that teleworking is the only effec-tive accommodation but the essentialfunctions of the job can’t be done fromhome, he or she is not a qualified indi-vidual with a disability. The EqualEmployment Opportunity Commissionrecently reiterated that point.The complainant was a public utilities

specialist with asthma. Her job was tomanage the contract with the companythat operates the Hanover nuclear powerstation. Her duties consisted of budgetmanagement, cost control, resource over-sight, performance management, riskassessment and resource integrationcoordination, among other things.When her physician suggested the

desert climate in which she workedmight aggravate her condition, she relo-cated and requested reasonable accom-modation in the form of teleworking.The agency offered accommodation

in the form of telework two days perweek from a closer location and waswilling to explore other offsite accom-modations. The agency also told her shecould seek reassignment. The com-

plainant was unwilling to accept thosealternatives and insisted her longstandingrelationship with the contractor wouldallow her to perform her duties offsite.The agency contended that a relation-

ship of trust between the complainantand contractor was an essential part ofthe job. Even though the agency conced-ed the longstanding relationship with thecontractor, it maintained she could not dothe job in a location that would permitonly infrequent visits to the worksite.The commission found the com-

plainant was not a qualified individualwith a disability because the only accom-modation she said was effective wouldnot have allowed her to perform theessential functions of the job.By insisting there is only one effec-

tive accommodation and rejecting otherpossibilities, employees may take them-selves outside the definition of a quali-fied individual with a disability andbecome ineligible for accommodation.

78thABW/EO706 Ninth Street

Bldg. 936RobinsAFBGA. 31098

926-2131DSN: 468-2131

Lessons learned from EEOCounselor Connection

8 � The Robins Rev-Up �March 28, 2014

A Better YouBY HOLLY

LOGAN-ARRINGTONholly.logan-arrington@us.af.mil

When it comes to nutrition, the Health andWellnessCenter is always whipping up a heaping serving of infor-mation to satisfy Team Robins’ appetite for healthier liv-ing tips.The HAWC is conducting the Military Nutritional

Environmental Assessment.“This assessment is a Department of Defense tool that

looks at how the installation supports a healthy eatingenvironment by grading whether or not our base foodvendors provide healthy choices for those that desirethem,” Stuart Bapties, HAWC flight commander, said.“The assessment will be completed in March and briefedto local commanders before being forwarded toHeadquarters, Air Force.”

Bapties said the latest Air Force data shows unhealthyhabits are costingAirmen and Defense Department civil-ians’ in terms of health and wealth.“The latest statistics from theAir Force Corporate

Health Information Processing Service show that wehave a high prevalence of overweight and obesity,” hesaid. “Only 41 percent ofAirmen are classified as beingin a healthy weight rangeAir Force wide and that ratefalls to 36 percent for RobinsAir Force Base; additional-ly, data gathered through ourAir Force MaterielCommandWellness site shows that 50 percent of ourcivilian workforce fall into the overweight category.“The latest DOD Health Behavior Survey among

Military Personnel reveals the economic impact on DODis $1.1 billion annually for medical care of active dutymilitary members with obesity/overweight health prob-lems,” Bapties added. “Finally, concern for ‘PhysicalHealth’was identified as an issue for bothAirmen and

civilians in the Robins results from the 2013Air ForceCommunityAssessment.”The HAWC helpsAirmen and DOD civilians start

with nutritional basics to build a firm foundation for ahealthy lifestyle.“A key part of all Health andWellness Center nutri-

tion initiatives is to educate our population on the basicsof nutrition before advancing any further,” Bapties said.“We ensure that our participants have a firm grasp ofhow to read nutrition labels and understand how to deci-pher them as they are often very confusing and can beoverwhelming.“We also teach appropriate portion control and how to

track caloric intake and expenditure to assist with what-ever nutrition goals our clients have.”

Editor’s note: For more information, contact theHAWC at 497-8480 or visit the center in Bldg. 827.

HAWC teaches nutrition basics for healthier living

Walk-in services at the 78th MedicalGroup TRICARE Service Center willend Tuesday. The closure will happen atall Department of Defense military treat-ment facilities.Find out more at www.tricare.mil/TSC.Medical Group patients still have

secure, customer service options availablethrough www.tricare.mil.Beneficiaries who want to get personal

assistance can call Humana for enroll-ment and benefits help. All health care,

pharmacy, dental and claims contactinformation is located atwww.tricare.mil/contactus.Beneficiaries can get 24/7 TRICARE

benefit information at www.tricare.miland make enrollment and primary caremanager changes, and more online atwww.tricare.mil/enrollment.Eliminating the TSCs will save about

$250 million over five years. Additionalinformation is also available atwww.humana-military.com.

TRICARE goes virtual

Did you know you can make medicalappointments online atwww.tricareonline.com? Here’s how:

�Go to www.tricareonline.com andclick “Log In.”

�Log in with your Premium DSLogon, DOD CAC or DFAS myPayaccount. If you do not have an accountclick “Register.”

�Select the feature you wish toexplore:

Appointment Center - Schedule,view, set reminders and cancel primarycare and select self-referral specialtyappointments at a military hospital or clin-ic for you and your family.

Blue Button - Access personal healthdata. View, download or print your labora-tory results, radiology results, vitals histo-

ry, outpatient medication profile, allergyprofile, problem list and encounters.

Prescription Refill - Request refills formilitary hospital or clinic pick up, checkthe status of prescriptions or link to theTRICARE Mail Order Pharmacy toschedule home delivery.

Secure Messaging - Link to access arobust bi-directional messaging capabilityto securely communicate with your healthcare team.

Health RiskAssessments - Submityour HRA online.

�Higher Education Track -Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4p.m.

�DoL/TAP/VAWorkshop -April7 through 11 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

�Financial Beginnings (FirstTerm Officers) -April 14 from 9 to11 a.m.

�Bundles for Babies -April 14from 8:30 a.m. to noon. (Call 478-327-8398 to register.)

�Home Buying -April 16 from 9to 11 a.m.

�Entrepreneur Training Track -April 17 and 18 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

�Money and CreditManagement -April 17 from 1 to 3p.m.

�Interview with Confidence -April 22 from 1 to 3 p.m.

�Career Technical TrainingTrack -April 23 and 24 from 8 a.m.to 5 p.m.

�Navigating USAJOBS &ResumeWriting - April 30 from 8to 11 a.m.

�VABenefits Briefing -April 30from 8 to 11 a.m.

�DAVMedical Records Review -Appointments Only

�Department of Labor -Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

�MFLC -Monday through Fridayfrom 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

�PreDeployment Briefings -Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to2 p.m.

�Survivor’s Benefit Plan -Monday through Friday from 7:30a.m. to 4 p.m.

�Group Pre-SeparationBriefings (retirees) - April 15 and 29from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

�Group Pre-SeparationBriefings (separatees) - Tuesday andApril 22 from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

�Right Start -Wednesday andApril 23 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Editor’s Note: All classes requirepre-registration.

For more information, call DSN468-1256, commercial 478-926-1256or visit Bldg. 794 Mondays throughFridays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Airman & Family Readiness CenterClasses, workshops & seminar schedule

March 28, 2014 � The Robins Rev-Up � 9

ON TAPHook UP 2 BowlingSpring Break SessionMonday through Thursday9 to 11 a.m.Bowling CenterCost is $99 for youth$129 for adultsFor details,call 468-2112.

UPCOMINGMurder MysteryDinner TheaterApril 56 p.m. cocktail hour;7 p.m. dinnerMuseum of Aviation Centuryof Flight Hanger$29.95 per person$55.95 per couple

Performed by the Veteran’sHigh School studentsFor details,call 468-3031.

Father and Daughterand Mother and SonDance and DinnerApril 116 to 9 p.m.Heritage Club BallroomCost is $15.95 per personRSVP by April 7.For details,call 472-7899.

Wild Animal SafariSign-up deadline is April 9Activity is April 12Adults - $35Children (3 to 12) - $25

Price includestransportation, entryFor details,call 468-4001.

Summer CampRequests for care will beaccepted through April 25.Youth CenterFor details,call 468-2110

Fit & Healthy Family FairApril 1910 a.m. to 2 p.m.Youth CenterEgg Hunt starts at 1 p.m.Free hot dogs, chipsand waterFor details,call 497-3418.

Out and AboutTHUR

29FRI

30SAT

31SUN

1MON

2TUE

3WED

28

KUDOS Kids UnderstandingDeployment Operations

April 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.Children of military members 5 to 15 years old

(must be accompanied by an adult)Registration ends April 15

For more information callDSN 468-1256 or commercial 478-926-1256.

Single Parent RetreatThe Robins Chapel will host a SingleParent Conference for 20 single adults andtheir families April 11-13 at Moody Air ForceBase.The weekend is designed to meet specificfamily needs as single parents experience amemorable CAF Spiritual Pillar resilient

event, and meet other families. Childrenages 6 -16 are invited to attend and partici-pate in each of the sessions.Two nights lodging, four meals and ticketsto Wild Adventure Theme Park are included.Transportation is not included.For more information, or to sign up, callTech. Sgt. Erin Everhardt at 468-2821.