peterson air force base, colorado...may 04, 2006 · team pete members earn ccaf degrees – page 6...

TEAM PETE MEMBERS EARN CCAF DEGREES – PAGE 6

Thursday, May 4, 2006 Vol. 50 No. 18

Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado

INSIDENews 1-10Action Line 2Personnel Issues 12Sports 18Calendar 22

Visiting the TroopsDanish Prime Minister visitsThule Air Base

Page 3

GWOT from SpaceSatellite keeps an eye outfor terrorists

7

Sky Sox Air ForceAppreciation Day

1 p.m. Sunday at Security Service Field

U.S. Air Force HonorGuard visits Team PeteBy Tech. Sgt. Denise Johnson21st Space Wing Public Affairs

The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard,Bolling Air Force Base, DC., will pro-vide a demonstration at the PetersonFitness and Sports Center on May 9.

The demonstration team is visit-ing the front range as part of a recruit-ing tour. The Peterson AFB demonstra-tion will be held from 10:30 a.m. tonoon at the Peterson Fitness and SportsCenter Gymnasium Two.

“We’re always excited to host thiselite team,” said Chief Master Sgt.Terence McCloskey, High FrontierHonor Guard chief. “Anyone who hasthe opportunity to spend a year with

these folks will find themselves in oneof the most rewarding assignments ofhis or her career.”

As part of the drill demonstra-tion, the team will present a videodepicting the various aspects of aU.S.A.F. Honor Guard assignment.Some of the duties a selected Airmancould perform include: representingthe Air Force for the president; carry-ing an American hero to his or herfinal resting place; and public demon-strations such as drill performances onthe 50-yard line for 60,000 fans at aNational Football League game. Theopportunities are vast.

“My tour with the U.S.A.F. Honor

Photo by Staff Sgt. Victoria MeyerWASHINGTON – The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard marches in thePresidential Inaugural Parade here Jan. 20. The demonstration team is vis-iting the front range as part of a recruiting tour. The Peterson Air ForceBase demonstration will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon Tuesday at thePeterson Fitness and Sports Center Gymnasium Two.

SECDEF announces nomination for commander of AFSPCSecretary of Defense Donald

Rumsfeld announced today that thepresident has nominated Lt. Gen. Kevin P.Chilton to the U.S. Senate for appoint-ment to the grade of general with assign-ment as commander, Air Force SpaceCommand.

If confirmed, General Chilton willbecome the 13th commander of AirForce Space Command since its creationSept. 1, 1982.

General Chilton is currently the8th Air Force commander at BarksdaleAir Force Base, La., and the U.S. Strategic

Command Joint Functional Componentcommander for Space and Global Strike,Offutt AFB, Neb.

A distinguished graduate of the U.S.Air Force Academy class of 1976, the gen-eral flew operational assignments in theRF-4C and F-15 and is a graduate of theU.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. Prior toassuming his current position, he was act-ing Assistant Vice Chief of Staff,Headquarters U.S. Air Force.

Additional biographical informationis available at www.af.mil/bios .

(Courtesy Air Force Space Command)

Recent Assignmentsn April 2002 - Aug. 2004, Director ofPrograms, Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans andPrograms, Headquarters U.S. Air Force,Washington, D.C.n Aug. 2004 - Aug. 2005, acting AssistantVice Chief of Staff, Headquarters U.S. AirForce, Washington, D.C.n Aug. 2005 - present, Commander, 8th AirForce, Barksdale AFB, La., and JointFunctional Component Commander forSpace and Global Strike, U.S. StrategicCommand, Offutt AFB, Neb.

Lt. Gen. Kevin Chilton

Photo by Senior Airman Jessica Switzer

K-9 separatesMaj. Paul Cairney, 21st Security Forces commander, hands Nero overto his new owner Carl Martin, Peterson family member. Nero sniffedout the largest marijuana find in Department of Defense history, aswell as more than 34 other narcotics finds.

Full story - Page 3

See Guard, Page 18

When youthink “installation

support”, the mostvisible signs are the

vehicles and equip-ment required to accom-

plish your individual missions,provided courtesy of andmaintained by theTransportation Flight. Fromthe President of the UnitedStates to Fort Carson, thefuels element and the termi-nal operations section ofTraffic Management provideaircraft refueling andcargo/passenger support forall aircraft originating, tran-siting, or terminating thePeterson Air Force Base

flightline. Far less visible, but no lessimportant, are the 120-plus host-tenantand inter-service support agreementsfor Peterson and our geographicallyseparated units, all coordinated andmaintained by the experts of theInstallation Readiness Flight.

Ensuring we effectively prepareto “deploy warrior Airmen” beginswith the Installation DeploymentOfficer, the wing Air ExpeditionaryForce/AEF Reporting Tool Managerand the Deployment Control Center –all assigned to Installation Readiness.The war readiness section of the M&Sflight maintains sufficient mobilitybags and individual body armor tomeet AEF requirements. Upon execu-tion, the Traffic Management Flightplays a critical role in deploying TeamPete, Schriever AFB, the U.S. AirForce Academy, and Fort Carsonmembers. From ensuring proper haz-ardous material certification and cargopreparation, booking deploymentreservations, running the cargodeployment function and manifestingcargo/passengers for air or surfacemovement, to loading personnel andequipment for final deployment, the21 LRS team -- including their numer-ous READY augmentees -- makesmobility happen.

By Col. Jay G. Santee21st Space Wing commander

The winners of the BestManagement & Systems Flight, BestTraffic Management Flight, and BestInstallation Readiness Flight in AirForce Space Command for 2005 – themen and women of the 21st LogisticsReadiness Squadron – are dedicated toproviding the absolute best in logisticssupport to Team Pete and the Nation.

Realizing their vision – “Full-Spectrum Logistics Support, Secondto None, To Save the Nation” – playsa critical role in our ability to achievesuccess in each of our three missionareas.

Formed out of the merger of theformer Transportation and Supplysquadrons and the old Logistics Plansflight, the 330 military, civilian and

contract members ofthe 21 LRS team, striveto provide the pinnacle of airand ground transportation,supply, fuels, mobility,and readiness support to21st Space Wing and ourtenants, locally and aroundthe world.

Think “space superi-ority” and you quickly real-ize, given the age of ouroperational systems, ourability to conduct spacesuperiority operations direct-ly hinges on our ability toquickly obtain repair parts. The mis-sion capability and demand processingsections of the Management andSystems Flight and the surface freightelement of Traffic Management areavailable 24/7/365 to do their part tomake space superiority a reality.

21st LRS: The absolutebest in logistics support

Published by Colorado Springs Military Newspapers Group, 31 E. Platte Avenue, Suite 300, Colorado Springs, 80903, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with the 21st Space Wing. This commercial enter-prise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services.

Contents of the Space Observer are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or theDepartment of the Air Force.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by DoD, the Department of the Air Force, or CSMNG, of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall bemade available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affilia-tion or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.

Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the 21st Space Wing Public Affairs Office, 775 Loring Ave., Suite 218, Peterson AFB, Colo., 80914-1294, (719) 556-4351 or DSN 834-4351, fax (719) 556-7848 or DSN 834-7848. All photographs are AirForce photographs unless otherwise indicated.

The Space Observer is published every Thursday. For advertising inquiries, call Colorado Springs Military Newspapers, (719) 634-5905. Employees ofPeterson Air Force Base who want to place a free classifiedadvertisement should call 329-5236.

Articles for the Space Observer should be submitted to the 21st SW/PAI, Attn: Space Observer. For submission details call the editor at (719) 556-4351or DSN 834-4351 or e-mail [email protected]. Deadline for submission is 4:30 p.m. the Thursday one week before publication. All articles, copyand announcements submitted will be edited to conform to AFI Series 35 and the Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual.

21st Space Wing Commander

Col. Jay G. Santee

Chief of Public Affairs

Capt. Amy Sufak

Editorial Staff

NCOIC, Internal Tech. Sgt. Denise Johnson

Editor Senior Airman Jessica Switzer

Layout and DesignJeff Adcox

SPACE OBSERVERThursday, May 4, 20062

Col. Jay G. Santee

PPETERSONETERSON AA IRIR FFORCEORCE BBASEASE

NNOTABLEOTABLE NNUMBERSUMBERS

The following base agencies listed below can be contacted locally to resolve issues:

Submitting Action Lines The Action Line is a direct link

to the 21st Space Wing commander. Itshould be used when other avenueshave failed. Concerns should beaddressed at the lowest possible levelin the chain of command and elevatedas necessary.

If satisfactory results have notbeen attained by addressing the chainof command, call the Action Line at556-7777 or fax 556-7848.

Though not required, Action Lineusers should leave point-of-contactinformation when submitting anAction Line. This will allow thosewho are addressing the concern toclarify the information and respond, ifnecessary. Not all responses are print-ed; however, if information allows, aresponse will be rendered in anotherformat.

Action Lines

n Fire Department (Emergency) 911

n Base Operator 556-7321

n Action Line 556-7777

n Base Exchange 596-7270

n Chaplain 556-4442

n Civil Engineers 556-4030

n Commissary 556-7765

n Dental Clinic 556-1333

n Fraud, Waste and Abuse 556-2100

n Housing Maintenance 556-4455

n Inspector General complaints 556-6309

n Military/Civilian/Travel Pay 556-4770

n Military Equal Opportunity 556-7693

n Nurse Advice (888) 887-4111

n Optometry 556-1065

n Air Force OSI 556-4022

n Public Affairs 556-5185

n Safety Office 556-8001

n Security Forces 556-4000

n Services 556-4882

nTransportation 556-4307

nTriCare 264-5000

SPACE OBSERVERThursday, May 4, 2006 3

www.peterson.af.mil

11:30 a.m. May 19 at Eagle Park$8 for the meal or $10 for the roast

Meal includes: Tri-tip Steak, Lonnie Beans, Salad,Garlic Bread and Soda

Proceeds support the Peterson Air Force BaseAirshow, Guardian Challenge teams and the

Honor Guard.

For tickets, contact your First Sergeant or SeniorMaster Sgt. Linwood Murphy at 556-7000 or

Master Sgt. Kevin Wagner at 556-6529.

A great day to get out of the office and buy a friend lunch!!

Ticket sales end May 15

To-go orders are available

MWD goes from K-9 crime fighter to pampered pet By Senior AirmanJessica Switzer21st Space Wing Public Affairs

In his eight years, Nero hasmade a name for himself.

He sniffed out the largest mari-juana find in Department of Defensehistory, as well as more than 34 othernarcotics finds. Now he’s resting onhis laurels with a new family and anew job – family pet.

“As soon as he came into thehouse he made himself right athome,” said Staff Sgt. JenniferMartin, 21st Medical Group NCO incharge of Family Practice, and Nero’snew owner. “The first thing he didwas go into the bedroom and jump onthe bed, as if he knew he was retiredand this was his new home.”

Sergeant Martin’s husband, Carl,a military working dog handler for 13years, didn’t have to be convinced to

adopt the former drug dog.“As soon as I saw the ad in the

newspaper I called my husband,”Sergeant Martin said. “He was readyto do the paperwork that day.”

They weren’t able to bring Nerohome right away; there were a fewthings that needed to be taken care ofbefore he could be retired. The handlershelped Sergeant Martin through thepaperwork and answered her questions.

“We really wanted to place himin a good home,” said Staff Sgt.Anthony Davis, 21st Security ForcesSquadron MWD handler. “He’s a real-ly fun dog to be around.”

While having a retired MWD intheir home may daunt other families, tothe Martins, Nero is their dream dog.

“We have always wanted a MWDin our home and Nero is the kind ofdog we have been waiting for,”Sergeant Martin said. “We’re honoredto have him. He fits right in.”

Photo by Senior Airman Jessica SwitzerNero gets to know his new family: Staff Sgt. Jennifer Martin, 21st MedicalGroup NCO in charge of Family Practice, and her husband Carl.

There are several things peopleinterested in adopting a militaryworking dog need to know.Prospective owners must:n Provide two forms of identificationn Provide the names and telephonenumbers of two personal referencesn Provide time for all adults in thehousehold to speak with securityforcesnBe able to provide reasonable shel-ter for the animal of 5-feet wide by 5-feet long by 3-feet highn Be able to provide a fenced

yard, a minimum of 200-squarefeet in size with a 6-foot high fence,which will safely contain the MWDn Be able to obtain and providereasonable medical care and noti-fy any veterinary staff that the dogis a former MWD,n Abide by animal control, dan-gerous animals and licensing lawsn Accept that all MWDsare neutered or spayed prior toadoption

(Information courtesy 21stSecurity Forces Squadron)

Adopting a military working dog

Danish PM visits Thule ABTHULE AIR BASE, GREENLAND – Perry Mason, 12th Space WarningSquadron, briefs Danish Prime Minister Andres Rasmussen on the capa-bility of the Phased Array Radar System located at the 12th SWS, ThuleAir Base, Greenland. The Danish Prime Minister visited Thule Air Base forthe first time since taking office in 2001. Prime Minister Rasmussen spokewith American, Danish and Greenlandic people at Thule who are staffingkey assignments that keep the base at the front of the Air Force SpaceCommand mission. Greenland is a part of the Kingdom of Denmark as aself-governing overseas administrative division of Denmark.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Doulin


AFSPC celebrates 10 years of experimental satelliteBy Capt. Joe MacriAir Force Space Command Public Affairs

Air Force Space Command celebrated the 10thanniversary of the Midcourse Space Experiment satel-lite April 24 at affiliated locations around the nation.

The satellite was originally a Ballistic MissileDefense Organization (now the Missile DefenseAgency) experiment with a design life of four years.Command leadership realized the potential of thespace surveillance capabilities inherent with theSpace Based Visible sensor and assumed ownershipfrom BMDO on Oct. 2, 2000.

The organizations that participated in the cele-bration were those engaged in the delivery and oper-ation of the satellite and include: AFSPC; the MDA;the Applied Physics Lab at Johns Hopkins University,who built the spacecraft and some of the instruments

on it; the primary sensor builder at the MassachusettsInstitute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory; and theUtah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory.

“Air Force Space Command is able to provide adirect benefit to the warfighter through the MSX sys-tem and this is a testament to the amazing team thatconceived, designed, built and operates this amazingspacecraft,” said Col. Joe Squatrito, AFSPC spacesuperiority division chief.

The MSX is the only satellite that can “seespace from space,” enabling the command to trackand catalog objects in space to provide U.S. StrategicCommand with increased space situation awareness.The satellite has tracked more than 4,800 objectssince its initial launch.

In addition to its use by AFSPC, MSX has alsocontributed to multiple scientific research efforts toinclude experiments on global change of atmospher-

ic gases, studies of the chemistry and physics over thepoles, gathering data on space contamination anddebris, and looking at galaxy phenomena such as theHale-Bopp comet and quasars.

“Under the guidance of Air Force SpaceCommand, the MSX team has continued to keep thesatellite operations a vital part of the command’sspace situational awareness mission, while also sig-nificantly contributing to the advancement of sci-ence,” said retired Brig. Gen. Duane Deal, director ofNational Security Space Programs at the AppliedPhysics Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University. “Fewteams and satellites can proudly point to making crit-ical contributions to meet both national security andscientific needs.”

The exact lifespan of MSX remains unknown,but all involved in the project express a desire to seeit continue operations for many years to come.

Local group honors command’s adminAs the secretary to the commander of Air Force Space

Command, Angie Guerrero stands tall among her peers. OnApril 26, she stood even taller as she was named localAdministrative Professional of the Year at the annual recog-nition luncheon of the Pikes Peak chapter of the Associationof Administrative Professionals, where she serves as mem-bership chair.

Nominated by retired General Lance Lord, formerAFSPC commander, for her outstanding support, Ms.Guerrero was visibly surprised and pleased as they read hercitation.

“Being a commander’s secretary is challenging,” saidMs. Guerrero after the event. “I love it.”

“Any commander’s job is demanding, requiring diffi-cult decisions,” said Mrs. Guerrero. “Every-thing GeneralLord did was just seamless – he made it easy for me andgave me so many important opportunities. I am forevergrateful.”

“It’s an honor that’s well deserved,” said Tom Cullen, aformer coworker, “based upon her outstanding dedication toboth the people she works with and the nearly 40,000 peo-ple of Air Force Space Command.”

Ms. Guerrero has served as the four star’s secretarysince January 2005 and has served the government for 18years.

(Courtesy of Air Force Space Command) Angie Guerrero


www.peterson.af.mil

New national security personnel system now in effectBy Steven Donald SmithAmerican Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON – Deputy De-fense Secretary Gordon England signeda directive to implement the newNational Security Personnel Systemduring a ceremony here April 28.

“Today is a milestone event,”Secretary England said during thePentagon ceremony. “After two and ahalf years of very hard work, theDepartment of Defense is initiating thehuman resources phase of the NationalSecurity Personnel System.”

About 11,000 Defense Depart-ment civilian employees from 12 DODorganizations will be part of the initialSpiral 1.1 phase-in process of the newsystem.

Secretary England said the oldcivilian personnel system, which has

been in place for 50 years, was notcapable of keeping pace with thedepartment’s needs.

“As our military forces are reori-ented to better address a changing land-scape, the civilian workforce too needsto become more agile, adaptable andfully integrated with the efforts of ourmilitary forces,” he said.

Employees will be converted topay bands that replace the generalschedule and will be given new results-focused performance plans that areclearly linked to their organization’smission and strategic goals, defenseofficials said.

The performance appraisal cyclefor Spiral 1.1 employees began April30 and ends Oct. 31. These employeeswill receive their first performance payincreases in January. In addition, em-ployees performing satisfactorily will

receive an increase equivalent to thegeneral pay and locality increase re-ceived by general-schedule employeesin Jan. 2007, according DOD officials.

Secretary England said he under-stood if some civilian employees had alittle anxiety about the conversion, buthe stressed that supervisors have beengiven a lot of training to help makesure people are comfortable with thenew system.

“This is not a fire-and-forgeteffort,” he said.

Classroom and Web-based train-ing covering the basics of NSPS, withspecial emphasis on performance man-agement, has been in high gear foremployees over the last several months,according to a DOD press release.

This is a critical time for theUnited States because the current secu-rity context is much more varied and

uncertain than at any time in the past,Secretary England said, and to meettoday’s challenges the Department ofDefense needs the right people in theright places, working in the right ways.

“People are our most valuableresource, and today we are improvingthe ability of the department’s people tobe successful,” he said.

(Courtesy of Air Force Print News)

People are ourmost valuable resource,and today we are improv-ing the ability of thedepartment’s people tobe successful.

– Gordon England,Deputy Defense Secretary ”

“


Several Team Pete members earned theirCommunity College of the Air Force degrees inOctober and April.

Peterson Complex students earned a total of207 CCAF degrees, with 19 graduates earning twodegrees, and one earning three degrees.

Each graduate is awarded an Associate ofApplied Science degree from the CCAF. To earn thisdegree, graduates must complete a program of studythat includes technical education; leadership, man-agement, and military studies; program electives;and general education. The degree programs aredesigned to provide graduates with knowledge,skills, and theoretical background for enhanced per-formance as technicians and non-commissionedofficers. Diplomas can be picked up at theEducation Office from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondaysthrough Fridays.

The CCAF graduation ceremony is at 2 p.m.June 9 at the Enlisted Club. PitsenbargerScholarships will be awarded during the ceremony.The deadline for CCAF graduates to apply forPitsenbarger Scholarships is Wednesday. For moreinformation, call the Education Office at 556-4064.

(Courtesy of the Education Office)

The graduates are:From the 1st Space Control Squadron,

Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, Colo.:Staff Sgt. Christopher Ballenger, Air and

Space Operations Technology; Master Sgt.Roderick Holland, Air and Space OperationsTechnology

From the 17th Test Squadron, CMAFS:Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Drake, Safety, Electronic

Systems Technology and Information SystemsTechnology; Tech. Sgt. Carroll Ellis, ElectronicSystems Technology; Tech. Sgt. Rolan Jones,

Munitions Systems Technology From the 721st Communications Squadron,

CMAFS: Tech. Sgt. David Cameron, Information

Systems Technology; Master Sgt. James Freier,Information Systems Technology; Tech. Sgt. StevenHayden, Information Systems Technology; MasterSgt. Susan Kittel, Information Systems Technology;Tech. Sgt. Laura Lakatos, Human ResourceManagement; Staff Sgt. Thomas Milliorn,Information Systems Technology; Tech. Sgt. AhmadShy, Information Management

From the Cheyenne Mountain OperationsCenter:

Staff Sgt. Stephanie Marez, Air and SpaceOperations Technology; Master Sgt. David Shaffer,Information Systems Technology; Staff Sgt. MindyVelchek, Instructor of Technology and MilitaryScience; Staff Sgt. Andrea Perales, Air and SpaceOperations Technology;

From the 721st SFS:Staff Sgt. Ryan Marquardt, Criminal Justice; From the Air Force Operational Test and

Evaluation Center:Master Sgt. Christopher Jacobs, Air and

Space Operations Technology; Tech. Sgt. MichaelNajar, Electronic Systems Technology

From the 21st Contracting Squadron:Senior Airman Kira Matevie, Information

System Technology; Staff Sgt. Anthony Saporito,Contracts Management and Criminal Justice; Tech.Sgt. Melaine Wilson, Contracts Management

Staff Sgt. Amanda Pimentel, PharmacyTechnology

From the 21st Medical OperationsSquadron:

Senior Airman Hilda Agyemang, HealthAllied Sciences; Staff Sgt. Brian Baker, Allied

Health Sciences; Staff Sgt. Joshua Berger,Mechanical and Electrical Technology; Staff Sgt.Jared Files, Allied Health Sciences; Staff Sgt.Shannon Pontzius, Health Care Management; StaffSgt. Thomas Rayniak Jr., Allied Health Sciences

From the 21st Medical Support Squadron:Senior Airman Sonja Earle, Medical

Laboratory Technology; Staff Sgt. Joy Lowe,Medical Laboratory Technology; Staff Sgt. ChadRedder, Logistics

From the 21st Aerospace Medical SquadronTech. Sgt. Jeriann Allen, Public Health

Technology; Staff Sgt. Cari Ellis, BioenvironmentalEngineering Technology; Staff Sgt. John Sherman,Aviation Maintenance; Staff Sgt. John Sherman,Aerospace Physiology Instructor; Senior AirmanDana Skillman, Allied Health

From the 21st Dental Squadron:Master Sgt. Michael Cumbie, Dental

Laboratory Technology; Staff Sgt. Janet Gouveia,Dental Assisting; Senior Airman Megan Lippert,Dental Laboratory Technology; Master Sgt. OlenMoore, Dental Laboratory Technology

From the 21st Mission Support Squadron:Tech. Sgt. Leslie Jackson, Human Resource

Management From the 21st Logistics Readiness Squadron:Staff Sgt. Ana Bryson, Transportation; Staff

Sgt. David Woodcock, Transportation; From the 21st Civil Engineer Squadron:Tech. Sgt. Stephen Burroughs, Ecological

Controls; Staff Sgt. Mesa Anderson, ExplosiveOrdnance Disposal

From the 21st Security Forces Squadron:Staff Sgt. Jason Adams, Criminal Justice;

Master Sgt. Kelly Duncan, PersonnelAdministration; Staff Sgt. Landon Elledge, Criminal

Community College of the Air Force honors graduates

See Graduates, Page 20


www.peterson.af.mil

SPACEOBSERVERThursday, May 4, 20068

Congratulatiuons to the followingAir Force Space Command Headquar-ters Fire and Emergency Services 2005Award winners:

Heroism Award – (Team nomina-tion) David Arcilla, Brandon Ellson,Marshall Munger, Staff Sgt. EssamCordova, Staff Sgt. David Nice andStaff Sgt. Michael Yoder all from the721st Civil Engineer Squadron.

Fire Prevention Program of theYear – 21st Civil Engineer Squadron.

Congratulations to the winningteams of the 2006 Crews into ShapeChallenge. The teams were challengedto eat five or more fruits and vegeta-bles, drink 64 ounces of water and exer-cise 30 minutes per day during March.

The top scoring team wasUntouchables. The Untouchables teammembers were: Capt. Christa Jordan,21st Medical Operations Squadron;Maj. Michael Stevens, 21st MDOS;Airman 1st Class Kristy Logan, 21stMDOS; Carmen Fisher, 21st MDOS,

and Karen Baynard, 21st MDOS.There was a three way tie for sec-

ond place. Bobby’s Babes team members

are: Staff Sgt. Tamera Schmit, 21stMDOS; Airman Robert Gonzales Jr. ,21st MDOS; Maj. Tracy Russell, 21stMDOS; Jill Roccaro, 21st MDOS, andVictoria Updegrove, 21st MDOS

Incliners team members are:Craig Highsmith, Air Force SpaceCommand; Craig Miller , AFSPC;Maj. Dan Derby, AFSPC; JackJanney, AFSPC; Jean Krance ,AFSPC; Jim Harper, AFSPC; JohnMoreau, AFSPC; Kristi Heikkila,21st Contracting Squadron; MaryWatkins, 21st CONS; Mike Smith,21st Security Forces Squadron, andPaul Bailey, AFSPC.

Space Cadets team members are:Maj. Michael Sweetland, AFSPC;Capt. Mark Braun, AFSPC; MasterSgt. Gloria Ivwurie, AFSPC; StaffSgt. Kenneth Tarver, AFSPC, andBecki Maitland, AFSPC

Minor accident catcheswanted man

The driver of a passenger busdrove too close to a temporary fencenear the outbound lane of the NorthGate and hit it, leaving a 6-inch scratchon the front bumper of the bus. A secu-rity forces member issued the driver anaccident report but declined to issue acitation.

When security forces membersran the driver’s name through theColorado Crime Information Center asa standard procedure, it was discoveredthe driver had warrants for failure toappear and contempt of court in Denver.Security forces members were orderedto stop that driver if he returned toPeterson. Security forces also called theColorado Springs Police Departmentand advised them of the situation.

Later that day the driver returnedto Peterson and was detained by 21stSecurity Forces Squadron membersuntil the CSPD could arrive on sceneand take the driver into custody.

Private property stolen,damaged

The owner of a Jeep parked at the

Auto Hobby Shop called the 21st SFSand complained his vehicle had beenbroken into. The stereo and amplifierswere missing from the vehicle.

In a separate incident, a womanwent to the Peterson used car resale lotand noticed the back window of hersoft top Jeep had been unzipped andthe stereo was missing. She reportedthe theft to security forces.

In a third incident, a womannoticed her vehicle had received a ten-nis ball-sized dent and three scratcheson her driver’s side door while it wasparked at Building 122, the BaseOperations building.

Minor accident leavesscratches

The driver of a truck made animproper right hand turn into a sportutility vehicle causing a 3-inch scratchon the driver’s side front bumperon his truck and a 3-inch scratch onthe other car’s passenger side rearbumper and a scratch on the right rearquarter panel. A security forces mem-ber issued the driver of the truck acitation for an improper right turnresulting in an accident and took digi-tal photos of the damage.

Enlisted Against Drunk DrivingProtecting you and your family members by providing a safe

alternative to drinking and driving.Please call us!

Friday through Saturday 10 p.m. - 3 a.m.Phone: 719-556-6384 or 55 NO DUI


www.peterson.af.mil


Soccer field closesThe soccer field behind the Fitness and Sports

Center is closed for two months starting Monday.During this time, no one, including military units willbe allowed to use the field. The field is being pre-pared for the upcoming sports and field day and foot-ball season. The soccer field is expected to reopenJuly 10. For information, call Mike Coats at 556-7708or Ben Beck at 556-8069.

Base announces Parade Field closureThe Parade Field, located on the north side of

the R.P. Lee Youth Center, is closed to all activityuntil July 8. For information, call 556-7220.

Committee needs volunteersThe Military Spouse Appreciation Day

Committee seeks volunteers to assist with theirupcoming day of activities. The event will be heldfrom 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the SoutheastYMCA located at 2190 Jet Wing Drive. Volunteers areneeded to assist with child care, serving food, cleaningup and at the registration table. For more informationor to register, call Ronalyn Akcadogan at 556-9266.

Arthritis walk seeks participantsThe Second Annual Colorado Springs Arthritis

Walk is at 10 a.m. Saturday at Security Service Field.Participants who raise $100 or more will receive anofficial Arthritis Walk T-shirt. Free tickets for the SkySox at 1:05 p.m. game are available to all registeredparticipants. Register online at www.cosarthri-tiswalk.kintera.org. For information, call SarahYount at 520-5711 or Robin Koken at 277-7087.

Course available for Peterson NCOsNCO Professional Enhancement Course is for

staff sergeants and technical sergeants who have notattended a formal professional military educationclass in more than three years. The purpose of thecourse is to expose each NCO to several subjects tofurther develop skills gained through formal classesand daily experiences. For information, call Master

Sgt. Kristin Clark at 556-9226 or e-mail [email protected].

Walk-ins welcome at blood driveA blood drive is scheduled from 8 a.m. to noon

Friday in the Building 1 auditorium. Walk-ins are alsowelcome. For information or to make an appoint-ment, call Tech. Sgt. April Simpson at 554-5739.

T-Birds offer re-enlistment opportunityAll Colorado enlisted Air Force members can

re-enlist or renew their oath of enlistment with the AirForce Thunderbirds at 7 p.m. May 27 on the Petersonflightline. All members eligible to re-enlist at thattime or those wishing to simply renew their enlist-ment oath can participate. A limited number of fami-ly and friends may attend. Uniform is service dress,and members re-enlisting must bring completedpaperwork from the Military Personnel Flight withthem. For information or to sign up, call Master Sgt.Kristin Clark at 556-9226 or e-mail [email protected].

Base plans Spring Yard SaleThe Spring Yard Sale is from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

June 3. All housing residents are encouraged to par-ticipate by holding their sales in their yard. No com-mercial sales are allowed during this time. This yardsale is for base residents and individuals authorizedaccess to Peterson. There is no requirement for city orstate tax licenses. For information, call JohnnaPhillips at 556-4332.

City-wide exercise needs volunteersThe office of emergency management is look-

ing for volunteers for the next city-wide exercisescheduled for June. Controllers, evaluators and roleplayers are needed for this exercise. For information,call Vic Duckarmenn at 556-6489.

Rodeo solicits for cow-milking teamsThe 66th Annual Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo is

July 12 through 16. The rodeo board is looking for

teams of volunteers to participate in the cow-milkingportion of the event. The teams consist of four peo-ple who will compete on their designated night. AirForce Space Command night is July 15. The winningteams from each night will compete July 16 for atraveling trophy, belt buckle for each member and a$1,000 donation to the charity of the team’s choice.The teams can be made up of active duty, contrac-tors, civil service or a mixture. For information, con-tact Master Sgt. William Spencer at 556-7180 or e-mail [email protected] or call MasterSgt. Michael Cumbie at 556-1606 or e-mail [email protected].

Operation Air Force needs volunteersThe Operation Air Force program takes U.S. Air

Force Academy and Air Force Reserve OfficerTraining Corps cadets from all over the country andbrings them to Air Force bases all over the world fora three week period during the summer. The programneeds active duty members from all career fields andranks for the cadets to shadow. At least 30 volunteers,primarily NCOs, are needed for each of the threeperiods planned. For information or to volunteer, call1st Lt. Margaret Zielinko at 6-7337 or e-mail [email protected] or Capt. Jerade Tiptonat 6-4610 or e-mail [email protected].

Asian Pacific America HeritageMonth plans activities

There are a variety of activities planned in cele-bration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month:

Friday – APAH Dinner for Deployed Spousesfrom 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the base chapel. For information,call Senior Master Sgt. Susan Lasiter at 556-4220.

Wednesday – Aragon Dining Facility will servean APAH lunch menu.

May 11 – Children can learn origami and leimaking at 3:30 p.m. at the R.P. Lee Youth Center.

May 12 – Volleyball tourney at the base gym. Forinformation, call Maj. Dominic Saymo at 554-3448.

May 17 – There is a cooking demonstration

Armed Forces Week Free concert performed by Free concert performed by The United States Air Force Academy Band

7 p.m. May 16 at the Pikes Peak Center

Tickets are now available through Ticketswest

Armed Forces Award Luncheon Armed Forces Award Luncheon Honoring our forces

and families

Noon May 18 at theBroadmoor InternationalCenterRegistration begins at 11:30 a.m.

Public cost: $55 $30 active duty, reserve component, Dod civilians and public officials

Attire: Service dress, Class A, or business attire

Reservations must be made by May 12

Online: www.coloradospringschamber.org

or by phone: 575-4390


www.peterson.af.mil


SECAF discusses current, future personnel issuesBy Master Sgt. Mitch GettleAir Force Print News

WASHINGTON – Ensuring theAir Force operates fiscally is akin toanyone budgeting and paying forhousehold and living expenses. Thecosts involved must be balanced andpaid in order to maintain a certainlifestyle.

For the Air Force, some of thebusiness costs reside in the targetedreduction of 40,000 full-time equiva-lent positions over the next five years tomeet future budget constraints.

The secretary of the Air Forcerecently talked about how the Air Forceintends to meet those force reductionsand the impact on Airmen.

“This (reduction) is really about aturning point in our Air Force,” said

Michael Wynne, secretary of the AirForce. “And a realization by our seniorleadership that we cannot move for-ward with our aging equipment withour increasing costs of operation andengagement of our aircraft.”

The Air Force is operating moreefficiently as it relies more andmore on reachback, innovations intechnology and Air Force SmartOperations 21. That efficiency, result-ing in fewer Airmen needed to do thework, helps ease the service's finan-cial responsibility.

There are many costs associatedwith the continuously expeditionarynature of the Air Force. Just like ahousehold budget, the big-ticket itemslike rent or a mortgage must be budget-ed first.

“We need to continue to put an

emphasis on training and resources forequipment to include maintenance andspares,” he said. “We have an obliga-tion to be the best Air Force in theworld and that requires the best equip-ment and people to do the job.”

Acquisition, investment, andoperation and maintenance areas arethe top priorities for funds allocation.By focusing on these areas, the AirForce increases its equipment reliabili-ty rates and reduces maintenance.

“This is all about the resourcesthis frees up and not about any individ-uals, whom we value very highly,” Mr.Wynne said. “We see that we havehigher reliability and consolidatedequipment so we will not need as manypeople as we do today.”

The cuts become a matter of busi-ness and fiscal sense leading the Air

Force to become a more lethal andagile force, he said.

“These Airmen didn't come to theAir Force to add expense, they came tomake themselves more valuable and theAir Force more valuable,” Mr. Wynnesaid. “We treasure every one of them,and as we go forward we want to retainhighly qualified people to manage thisbetter Air Force we are designing.”

The mission of the Air Force hasdictated and always will dictate thedirection the Air Force takes when itcomes to equipment and personnel.

“Our senior leaders and unit lead-ers must look at these cuts and ensurewe can accomplish the mission,” hesaid. “We need to ensure we retain theright caliber and quantity (of Airmen)to make the mission happen today,tomorrow and forever.”

Do you have an interesting or important job?Everyone on Peterson Air Force Base has a unique mission. The Space Observer staff wouldlike to feature a variety of Team Pete workcenters in the “A Day in the Life” series. The series

offers an opportunity for people to share their unique contributions to Team Pete. To nominate aworkplace, call 556-4351 or e-mail the Space Observer at [email protected].


www.peterson.af.mil


www.peterson.af.mil

By Master Sgt. Mitch GettleAir Force Print News

WASHINGTON (AFPN) – The AirForce is the most technologically advanced andcapable air force in the world, in part due to theprofessional and personal educationAirmen obtain, the secretary ofthe Air Force said recently.

“We need our peo-ple to be highly quali-fied and we set thatstandard from thefirst line of acces-sion, and we retainthat standardthroughout a per-son’s career,” saidMichael Wynne, sec-retary of the Air Force.“We actively encouragethis development and wewant our Airmen to think ofthemselves on a quest for personaland professional development.”

The Air Force relies on many internalprofessional development courses for enlistedand officer education and training, but alsoseeks interaction and support from educationalinstitutions in the United States.

“We sit in the cradle of educationthroughout America; we revel in the fact thatour educational opportunities are the best inthe world,” he said. “We need to take advan-tage of that and leverage the investment madeby our senior educators across America.

“We can do this by making sure our per-sonal and professional education dovetail intoaccessible degrees,” he said.

The secretary said he has asked AirUniversity leaders at Maxwell Air Force Base,Ala., to come up with partnerships to ensureAirmen can receive transferable credit to civil-ian institutions for all courses offered by AU.

The pursuit of or earning a degree is a

very personal decision, the secretary said.“I don’t want to stretch our personnel to

exhaustion, but we want to foster our Airmento quest after personal and professional educa-tion in any ways or means they can,” SecretaryWynne said.

In a joint letter released fromSecretary Wynne and Gen. T.

Michael Moseley, AirForce chief of staff,

they stated that pro-motion boards willonce again con-sider officers’educationalprogress as theyadvance in rank.

“Once adegree is

achieved, you can(do an Internet

search on) almost any-one’s background to see

(he or she) earned a degree,and we find that we are trying to withholdinformation from that most vital element —the promotion board,” Secretary Wynne said.

The change in policy will not take effectuntil fiscal 2008.

“I did not want to dispose of the policyof masking degrees right away,” he said.

“Because we have some people who feltthey may have been disadvantaged becausethey didn’t get the opportunity to show theyhad a degree, we are giving this time to allindividuals who may not have had the opportu-nity to get a degree,” he said. “Interestinglyenough, for (our enlisted, masking degrees) hasnever been the case. All enlisted promotionselection boards have seen, in succession, theeducational success of those individuals up forpromotion.

“Our future relies on educated Airmen,whether they are active duty, Reserve orGuard,” Secretary Wynne said.

Education key to Air Force future Get your degreeGet your degreeThere are several opportunities for Peterson Airmen to

pursue higher education. The following are just a few. Formore information on education opportunities, call theEducation Center at 556-4064.

Colorado State University – Pueblo:Registration for the summer term beginning the week

of May 15 has begun. CSU-Pueblo offers online, noncredit,certificate courses. Courses offered include: project man-agement, graphic design, webmaster, network security, med-ical transcription and administrative medical specialist.Tuition assistance is available for many of these courses. Forinformation, call John Hill at 574-3312 or visit www.coned.colostate-pueblo.edu.

Webster University:Webster University is continuing enrolling for the sum-

mer term from May 29 to July 28 Returning students mayenroll online, fax, phone or in person for both terms.Students must forward a printable copy of their tuition assis-tance forms, AF Form 1227 to either Webster Universityoffice for billing before the start of the summer term. Thedeadline for students to forward a copy of the TA form isMay 26. Enrollment has also begun for the first fall term,held from Aug. 14 to Oct. 13, and for the second fall term,scheduled from Oct. 16 to Dec. 15. For information, call574-7562.

Pikes Peak Community College:Pikes Peak Community College is currently registering

for the summer term. Summer term on Peterson begins May30 and ends July 22. The summer class schedule is present-ly available online at www.ppcc.edu. For information, callRonald Shields at 574-1169.

Colorado Christian University:Colorado Christian University offers a variety of

academic programs to help Airmen accomplish their educa-tional goals. New classes begin every five, seven or eightweeks and can be taken online or in the classroom. Forinformation, call Tom Boven, Enrollment Counselor atCCU’s Southern Colorado Center in Colorado Springs, at528-5080.

My date with a 4,000-pound BuickBy Tech. Sgt. John DelobelSpace and Missile Systems Center

Among motorcyclists you mighthear a common cliché thrown around.There are two kinds of riders: thosewho have crashed and those who aregoing to crash.

I am one of the former. I decid-ed to share the tale of my accident inthe hopes that motorcycle riders willtake note of what I did and could’vedone to avoid a more serious acci-dent; and that automobile drivers willtry a little harder not to run us motor-cyclists over!

In October 2005, I was ridinginto work via Constitution Avenue. Iwas riding in the right lane,approaching the traffic light atConstitution and Highway 24. Myspeed was about 40 mph. There wasplenty of room in front and behindme. I was riding in the left third ofmy lane, as usual, allowing me to seearound traffic and keeping me direct-ly in the line-of-sight of the driverbehind me – usually.

The intersection at Constitutionand Highway 24 was a little messy.Traffic in my lane was backed up tothe cross street about 100 yardsbefore the main light. I stopped short

of the cross street so traffic couldturn left in front of me unobstructed– as required by law and commondriving courtesy.

As soon as I stopped, I checkedmy mirror and saw the business endof a Buick closing in at a high rate ofspeed. The driver wasn’t lookingwhere he was going – toward me!Instead, he was looking out his dri-ver’s window at about a 10 o’clockangle. His hand was in the air block-ing the sun.

In that split second I managedto creep up a few feet and brace forimpact.

Milliseconds later, I heardscreeching tires. Then his 4,000-pound Buick gave my 400-poundsport bike a nice little kiss.Thankfully, he was able to slow downquite a bit.

I kept the bike upright and did-n’t get bucked off, or worse, draggedunder the Buick.

Physically, I escaped with just atwisted ankle. My bike had about$400 in damage and his bumper andhood probably about the same.

That was the long and short ofmy accident. Now I’d like to examineour actions in hopes that the motor-cycle riders and automobile drivers

can take something away from myexperience.

For the motorcyclist: I stayed inthe left third of my lane. This kept meoff of the oil slick that collects in themiddle, and I think, made me morevisible to the driver behind me. It’snot a bad idea to choose the best laneposition for your particular circum-stances, though. After I stopped, Ikept my bike in gear. Keeping your

bike in gear is a good idea so that ifyou need to move out quickly, youcan. Checking your rearview mirrorsas you’re preparing to stop gives youtime to anticipate potential problems.By checking my six, I saw a Buickspeeding toward me and I was able tolet out my clutch to creep forward afew feet before impact. That few feet,I believe, saved me from ending up on

See Safety, Page 16

The purpose of the FRRC is to

establish and maintain a spirit ofcomraderie and esprit de corps

to enhance the prestige of all

motorcycle riders, encourage on-going rider education, skills

development and reduce thepotential of motor-cycle mishaps

as well as the following:

n Provide each member with thecollective knowledge, experience

and influence of the FRRC posi-

tively affecting motorcycling onand off the installation

n Improve rider skills throughmentorship for new riders and

continuing education for allridersn Promote the positive status ofmotorcycle riders in the Air Forcen Promote and support safetyn Promote social gatheringsupon the base as well as with thelocal communityn Plan for and promote the useof designated driver and othereffective DWI/DUI prevention pro-grams

For information, call 556-4871.

Riding in style: Local group promotes safetyThe Front Range Riders Club rides as a group with other members ofthe Peterson Complex every month. Even interested people with littleexperience are welcome to join the group.

By Tech. Sgt. Russell Wicke andMaj. David HonchulAir Combat Command Public Affairs

LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –Crooks made off with an estimated $5 billion fromindividuals whose identities were stolen last year.

In what is becoming America’s fastest growingtype of robbery, identity theft involves a shrewd cha -rade instead of a hold-up at gun point, and militarymembers increasingly are becoming the targets ofthese threats.

“Phishing e-mails are a tremendous threat,” saidBrig. Gen. John Maluda, director of communicationsat Headquarters Air Combat Command. “The bottomline is anyone with a computer and Internet access cancreate loads of trouble for our unsuspecting Airmen.”

An example streaming across the cyber world isa variation of what has been dubbed the “NigerianScam.”

The scam begins when an individual sends an e-mail explaining how he or she has come into posses-sion of an incredible sum of money and now needshelp getting the money out of his or her country.

In some cases, the individual claims to be a mil-itary member serving in Iraq, who has come intopossession of $200 million of Saddam Hussein’smoney.

When the instigators find people who are will-ing to open bank accounts with their own money,they lure the victims into putting more money into theaccounts with promises of huge payouts when it’s allover. Once the perpetrator feels the situation has beenpushed to the limit, the money is drained from theaccount, leaving the victim with an empty wallet.

According to the Secret Service, the AdvanceFee Fraud – the technical name for this type of crime– grosses hundreds of millions of dollars annuallyand the losses continue to escalate. The InternetCrime Complaint Center received more than 231,000complaints in 2005 – up 12 percent from 2004. Thecost of those frauds reached more than $183 million.

Another type of phishing scam seeks to steal anindividual’s identity. This usually comes in the formof a bank notice warning that critical information isneeded to secure an account.

An example of this is the fraudulent e-mail sentout with the name Bank of America. The notice asksfor information a thief would need to wipe out a bankaccount and a good credit rating. Because the govern-ment travel cards are affiliated with Bank of America,officials in Air Combat Command are concerned forAirman cardholders.

“This could be a particular threat to ourAirmen,” said Maj. Sandi Swanton, ACC Staff JudgeAdvocate chief of information law. “Banks don’t con-tact you by e-mail. They do it by mail, and even then,you are required to make initial contact by callingafter that.”

Major Swanton added that even when banks docontact customers by mail, they do not request infor-

mation like account numbers, social security num-bers or PINs. Banks already have this information.

She also added that the Bank of America e-mailscam, like many others, had tell-tale signs that it was-n’t a real notice, despite the use of what looked likeofficial company symbols and letterhead.

“If you look closely, you can see it’s not profes-sionally done,” she said.

There are often grammar and punctuationerrors, and if that’s not enough to raise a red flag, thedire warnings of “account closures” are a sure tip.

“If you think it’s something real, you shouldcontact them,” Major Swanton said, “and not usingthe information given in the e-mail. Use the phonenumber on the back of your credit card and call.”

These notices can strike at any time, any where.One military member reported receiving a notice for


Virtual villains ruin accounts, credit ratingsher husband the week after he deployed. The notice,allegedly from Chase Bank, stated his credit card wasbeing used out of the area, and that if he didn’t veri-fy within 48 hours, the account would be closed.Fortunately, the member called the bank and an offi-cial advised her it wasn’t legitimate.

“Chase advised they would call if there was aproblem with the account,” the member said. “That’sconsistent with an experience I once had with anoth-er card; the company called my home to check on theout-of-country use of the card.”

While firewalls and spam blockers can catchmany of these scams before they hit inboxes, thereare those that manage to slip through the cracks.

One other concern for command officials isWeb sites that look like legitimate government sites,but are not affiliated with the military or govern-ment. These sites are intended to trick people intopassing personal information. The Federal TradeCommission warns that once people divulge theirpersonal information on these bogus sites, the scamoperators can steal identities and make purchases inthe person’s name.

When Web sites claim to represent military orgovernment agencies, ACC officials recommendmembers look closely at the Web addresses, particu-larly those ending in “.org” or “.com.” Virtually allofficial government Web sites end in “.gov,” or in thecase of military sites, “.mil.”

Even with commercial companies, membersshould take care, especially for unsolicited requestsfor their personal information. Experts say the bestthing to do with unsolicited offers and e-mails is todelete or ignore them. However, if people dobecome victims of these crimes, there are agenciesthat can help.

Servicemembers can file complaints throughMilitary Sentinel. This joint project of the FederalTrade Commission and the Department of Defense isthe first online consumer complaint database specif-ically tailored to the needs of the military communi-ty. The project is designed to give military servicemembers in all parts of the world a convenient way toreport fraud directly to law enforcement officials byvisiting www.consumer.gov/military.

To report cyber crimes or internet fraud, theFederal Bureau of Investigation and the NationalWhite Collar Crime Center established the InternetCrime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

To report suspected credit card fraud, contactthe three major credit reporting bureaus: Equifax at(800) 525-6285, Experian at (888) 397-3742 andTransUnion at (800) 680-7289.

To report fraudulent bank accounts set up inyour name, contact Telecheck at (800) 366-2425 orthe International Check Services Company at (800)526-5380.

Airmen can also go to the 21st Space WingLegal Office, at 556-4871, for consultation regardingidentity theft and consumer issues.

(Courtesy of Air Combat Command NewsService)

his hood, or worse, under his bumper.What I would have done differently ifI could relive that exact moment? Iwould have shot out of my lane com-pletely and let him hit the car in frontof me. Keep in mind that this actioncould have been more dangerous hadthere been more traffic. As it was, itwould’ve saved me altogether.

For the automobile drivers:Well, first and foremost, he shouldhave been paying closer attention tothe road and traffic. When followinga vulnerable motorcyclist on the road,

perhaps paying that extra 10 percentof his attention toward drivingwould’ve made a difference.

Second, his reason for smackinginto me was the sun was in his eyes.Sunglasses, a cleaner windshield, orputting his sun visor down could havegiven him that little bit of visibility tosee what was going on in front of hiscar. Remember, you have to look fora motorcycle to see a motorcycle.

Third and final, err on the sideof saving lives, not risking them.Regardless of the driver’s visibility,surely he knew I was there. I was infront of him for at least a half mile or

more. I think he blindly assumed I’ddo what half of the drivers in this citydo: stop in the middle of the cross-street intersection and block traffic.Putting that kind of blind faith insomeone making an illegal and stupiddriving decision when a life is atstake is just irresponsible.

When you are unsure of any-thing on the road – driving condi-tions, visibility, hazards – please erron the side of safety. Give a fellowdriver, especially an unprotected“organ donor,” that little bit of extraroom in front of or next to you.

In the end, I couldn’t have asked

for a “better” accident. No seriousinjuries and less than $1,000 in totaldamages. Am I mad at the guy thathit me? No, but I can’t help wonder“what if?”

What if I didn’t creep up thatextra few feet? Would I be typingthis from a wheelchair or cast?Would I have been able to snowboardall winter and ride this summer?

Probably so, but was gettingto work so urgent or my presence onthe road so inconsequential that youwould put those answers in fate’shands? Until next time, drive andride safe!

Safety, from Page 15

10 things to do with $10,000You can buy a lot of “stuff with $10,000,

which is the minimum amount identitythieves strive to claim off victims accordingto a Federal trade Commission survey. Forthis amount of money you can buy:

n One brand new, completely unloadedHyundai Accent

nTwo tickets to the Superbowl in seats soclose to the action you can see players’sweat

nThree diamond rings from Tiffany andCo.

n 400 DVDs and a top-of-the-line player towatch them

n Five years of household utilities (elec-tricity, natural gas, etc.) as well as mobilephone and Internet service

n Six custom-made Armani suits withshirt, belt, accouterments and socks

n 7,000 cheeseburgers and a week in thespa to work off the calories

n Eight boxes of checks for a bankaccount set up under a stolen name with$9,900 left to spend as you wish

n Nine pedigreed Labrador retriever pup-pies and 18 bags of dog food for them

n 10 to 20 years in prison if found guilty ofviolating the Identity Theft and AssumptionDeterrence act of 1998 after being investi-gated by agencies such as the U.S. SecretService, the FBI and the U.S. PostalInspection Service and prosecuted by theDepartment of Justice.


www.peterson.af.mil

GEODSS – supporting the GWOT from SpaceBy Master Sgt. Scott King40th AEG Public Affairs

Roughly 15,000 miles above theearth’s surface, a communicationssatellite provides vital information toall branches of the U.S. military.

It joins more than 9,000 otheritems in space that are tracked by theGround-Based Electro-Optical DeepSpace Surveillance System.

Currently, there are three opera-tional GEODSS sites that report direct-ly to the 21st Operations Group, 21stSpace Wing, Peterson Air Force Base,Colo. They are Detachment 1 atSocorro, N.M.; Detachment 2 at DiegoGarcia, British Indian Ocean Territory;and Detachment 3 at Maui, Hawaii.Each site is responsible for trackingthousands of known man-made deepspace objects in orbit around the Earthat an altitude of 10,000 to 45,000 km.These objects range from active pay-loads, such as satellites, to “space junk”such as launch vehicle debris and debrisgenerated from satellite breakups.

“We watch the back of those exe-cuting the Global War on Terrorism,”said Bruce Bookout, GEODSS sitemanager, Northrop Grumman Tech-nical Services. “As various on-orbitsatellites perform their military, civilianor scientific functions, we monitor therelative presence of every man-madedeep space object in earth orbit. Thosethat utilize space to fight the GWOT

Los Angeles AFB dedicates new Schriever Space ComplexBy Peggy HodgeSpace and Missile Systems Center Public Affairs

LOS ANGELES AIR FORCEBASE, Calif. – The Space and MissileSystems Center officially dedicated itsSchriever Space Complex here onApril 24.

“Welcome to our new home,” saidLt. Gen. Michael Hamel, SMC com-mander. “Today marks the beginning ofa new chapter in the history of militaryspace.”

Originally called SAMS –Systems Acquisition Management andSupport Complex – the projectinvolved trading government-ownedland in the South Bay city of Hawthornein exchange for construction of its new,seismically safe, secure and efficientfacility, General Hamel said.

Its four buildings were built onapproximately 52 acres of government-owned land in El Segundo, Calif., aquarter-mile west of its previous homesince 1954. As a result of this arrange-ment, the Air Force gained a new officecomplex at a fraction of the cost ofindependently contracting a new office

complex, while the Los Angeles-areacommunities gained government landfor development of townhomes.

The ceremony included speechesfrom General Hamel; CongresswomanJane Harman, California 36th District;Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz, Air Force SpaceCommand vice commander; andNelson Gibbs, former assistant secre-tary of the Air Force for installations,facilities and the environment.

“How we got here, the impor-tance of this organization, the peopleand this day goes back many years andwas molded by thousands of visionar-ies,” General Hamel said.

“And today we christen ournew home the Schriever SpaceComplex after one of these visionariesand the ‘Father of Military Space,’General Bernard Schriever,” GeneralHamel said. “These buildings will for-ever carry on the spirit and the direc-tion, the vision, the dedication thatGeneral Schriever started more than50 years ago.”

The capabilities that have beendeveloped here have fundamentallychanged the military, the nation and the

world, he said. “Space was instrumental in how

we fought and won the Cold War andtoday, how our nation is fighting theGlobal War on Terror,” General Hamelsaid. “As we look around our newhome, we see the future of space. AndI must tell you it is an extraordinary

dream that has occurred here.” “This complex and the work that it

does are unique in the world, and theyare a big part of the effort to keepAmerica free,” Congresswoman Harmansaid.

(Courtesy of Air Force SpaceCommand News Service)

Photo by Teri MathisThe audience applauds as a banner is unfurled during the dedication of thenew Schriever Space Complex in El Segundo, Calif., on April 24.

need to ensure those assets are availableand are under no threat – we act as apassive police force watching for natu-ral or artificial interference.”

GEODSS transmits its orbitaldata to U.S. Strategic Command’s JointSpace Operations Center, or JSpOC,located within Cheyenne Mountain AirForce Station in Colorado Springs,Colo. The JSpOC is responsible formaintaining a Satellite Catalog of everyman-made object in Earth’s orbit.

GEODSS performs its missionusing a one meter telescope that isequipped with a highly sensitive digitalcamera technology, known as DeepSTARE. Each detachment has three of

these telescopes that can be used in con-junction with each other or separately.These telescopes are able to “see”objects 10,000 times dimmer than thehuman eye can detect.

The Deep STARE system is ableto track multiple satellites in the fieldof view. As the satellites cross the sky,the telescopes take rapid electronicsnapshots, showing up on the operator’sconsole as tiny streaks. Computers thenmeasure these streaks and use the datato figure the current position of a satel-lite in its orbit. Star images, whichremain fixed, are used as a reference orcalibration points for each of the threetelescopes.

They are focused on performingtheir role for the safety and security ofthe United States.

“Space is the ultimate highground giving us the ability to commu-nicate over long distances and deter-mining exact locations through theGlobal Positioning Satellite System,”said Maj. Jay Fulmer, Det. 2 GEODSScommander. “Many of our servicemenand women serving on the front linesuse technology that is greatly enhancedthrough the use of space. Det. 2, whichis a part of a global space surveillancenetwork, ensures the U.S. and our alliesthe ability to operate unencumbered inthe medium of space, allowing ourtroops direct access to space derivedforce enhancements.”

Thinking “big” is what these guysdo.

“As mankind continues to exploreand exploit the realm of space thereneeds to be some accounting and under-standing of the medium,” Mr. Bookoutsaid. “Space is a new realm to thehuman experience. We’ve learnedmuch during the last 50 years, but westill have much more to learn. Spacesurveillance provides critical informa-tion on the location of every man-madeobject in space ensuring our space baseassets are protected from potential on-orbit collisions or from adversaries whomight try to take away our abilities tooperate in space. This guarantees thewar fighter access to space derived toolsthey need to execute their mission.

Courtesy photoThere are three operational Ground-Based Electro-Optical Deep SpaceSurveillance System sites that report directly to the 21st Operations Group.Each site is responsible for tracking thousands of known man-made deepspace objects in orbit around the Earth at an altitude of 10,000 to 45,000 km.

Visit the Space ObserverVisit the Space Observeronline at online at

www.csmng.comwww.csmng.com


The 21st Services Squadron offers some of the finest recreational

opportunities and the greatest

value in leisure activities.

The 21st Services Squadron Website is a gateway to fun and anincredible array of quality

services. www.21svs.com

37 percent of adults report they are not physically active. Only 3 in 10 adultsget the recommended amount of physical activity.

For information:President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports – www.fitness.gov

Physical Activity for Everyone – www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/index.htmPeterson HAWC – www.peterson.af.mil/HAWC

For information, call 556-6674

Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month

For information:Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America – www.aafa.orgCenters for Disease Control and Prevention – www.cdc.gov

Help Your Child Gain Control Over Asthma –www.epa.gov/asthma/pdfs/ll_asthma_brochure.pdf


National Physical Fitness & Sports Month

Asthma: A disease of the lungs inwhich the airways become blocked ornarrowed causing breathing difficulty.

Asthma affects over 20 million peoplein the United States. The two primarysymptoms include shortness of breathand breathing trouble.

Allergy: Diseases of the immune sys-tem that cause an overreaction to sub-stances called "allergens."

Spring time is one of the worst periodsfor allergy sufferers because pollens arecarried by the wind and cause flare upsfor most nose, eye and lung allergies.

Health Observancesfor Peterson Air Force Base

Guard was one of the highlights of my career. I wasable to do more and go to more special events than Iever could have imagined,” said Chief Master Sgt.James Moody. “What a great time.”

Representatives from the team will be availableafter the demonstration to talk about these and otherHonor Guard experiences.

Airmen first class through master sergeants areencouraged to attend and apply for this special-dutyassignment. The team can expedite the processing ofan applicant’s special-duty application on site. Toobtain a U.S.A.F. Honor Guard application, contactMaster Sgt. Kristin Clark, 21st Space Wing CareerAssistance Advisor, at 556-9226.

Guard, from Page 1

Photo by Staff Sgt. Victoria MeyerThe U.S. Air Force Honor Guard has performedon the 50-yard line for 60,000 fans at NationalFootball League games.

Photo by Jeff AdcoxSteve Durand, 21st Civil Engineer Squadron, attempts to spike the ball pastdefenders from a Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station team April 27 at theFitness and Sports Center. The CMAFS team won the three-game set.

By Senior Airman Jessica Switzer21st Space Wing Public Affairs

Some people run, others liftweights, some go to aerobics classes. Forother people though, the preferred wayto stay fit is through competitive sports.

“Intramural sports are a good formof exercise and they are a big moralebooster for squadrons,” said MichaelCoats, 21st Services Squadron intramu-ral sports director. “It’s a good chance toget to know people in your squadron youmight not work with directly.”

Even people who aren’t intoplaying competitive sports can get inon the fun, by coming out to gamesand supporting their squadron’s orfriend’s team.

“It’s a good way to put a little funinto your work day,” he said.

The Fitness Center is signing upteams for the upcoming softball season.People interested participating can get intouch with their squadron sports repre-sentatives. Teams are due to the Fitness

Center by close of business Friday.“The sports representatives are a

sort of link between me and thesquadrons,” Mr. Coats said. “I let themknow what’s coming up and they try toset up a team.”

If a squadron isn’t fielding a teamfor a particular sport, people interestedin playing can still participate, he said.They just have to fill out a form theFitness Center has and have their com-mander or first sergeant sign it. Theplayer’s name will be entered into theplayer pool and they will be assigned toa team. That way everyone who wantsto can play.

Intramural sports leagues run forroughly two months, Mr. Coats said. Itall depends on the amount of interestand the number of teams.

“Softball usually runs a littlelonger because of rain delays and such,”he said.

For information on the intramuralsports program, call the Fitness Centerat 556-4462.

Intramural sports offer competitive way to stay fit


www.peterson.af.mil


Justice; Staff Sgt. Ryan Evans, Criminal Justice;Master Sgt. Kenneth Hardy, Criminal Justice; StaffSgt. Christopher Medina, Criminal Justice; StaffSgt. Jimi Wang, Criminal Justice

From the 21st Maintenance Group:Master Sgt. William Spencer III, Human

Resource ManagementFrom the 21st Space Communications

Squadron:Staff Sgt. April Cooper, Electronic Systems

Technology; Staff Sgt. Jerome Dyer, ElectronicSystems Technology; Staff Sgt. Tommie Ellis,Electronic Systems Technology; Staff Sgt. GregoryFallecker, Electronic Systems Technology; StaffSgt. Derrick Wallace, Information SystemsTechnology

From the 21st Maintenance OperationsFlight:

Staff Sgt. Gregory Gouty II, ElectronicSystems Technology; Master Sgt. Kevin Wagner,Aviation Maintenance Technology

From the 21st Operations Group:Staff Sgt. Fred Barrett, Information

Management From the 21st Operations Support SquadronTech. Sgt. Omar Columbus, Transportation

and Communications Applications Technology;Tech. Sgt. Justin Grady, Air and Space OperationTechnology; Tech. Sgt. Garry Patterson, WeatherTechnology; Staff Sgt. Amanda Plitz,Communications Application Technology

From Air Force Space Command:Master Sgt. Don Agnew, Human Resource

Management and Transportation; Master Sgt.Ernest Austin, Information System Technology;Tech. Sgt. Daniel Bonner, CommunicationsApplications Technology; Master Sgt. Carl Bowen,Logistics; Master Sgt. Darell Craighead, Criminal

Justice and Information Systems Technology;Master Sgt. Dexter Devera, Airport ResourceManagement; Master Sgt. Jeffrey Herchler,Mechanical and Electrical Technology; Staff Sgt.Misty Jackson, Mechanical and ElectricalTechnology; Master Sgt. Ronnie Leviner,Electronic Systems Technology; Senior AirmanJeremiah Mitchell, Information SystemsTechnology; Tech. Sgt. Kent Nolley, Air and SpaceOperations Technology and Aircraft ArmamentSystems Technology; Master Sgt. Claude Paddock,Communications Applications Technology; Tech.Sgt. Jennifer Pecqueur, Criminal Justice;Matthew Pizzo, Electronic Systems Technology,Tech. Sgt. Ralph Plizga, Electronic SystemsTechnology and Human Resource Management;Staff Sgt. Joseph Polonsky, Information SystemsTechnology; Master Sgt. Kurt Schmidtman,Airway Science; Tech. Sgt. Gregory Smith,Information Systems Technology; Tech. Sgt. LaurieStroman, Communications ApplicationsTechnology; Master Sgt. Steven Tanksley, Air andSpace Operations Technology; Master Sgt. JefferyThompson, Munitions Systems Technology; Tech.

Sgt. Colin Loring, Aerospace Ground EquipmentTechnology and Audiovisual Production Services;Staff Sgt. David Lukas, Audiovisual ProductionServices; Staff Sgt. Kevin Lukehart, InformationSystems Management; Tech. Sgt. Laurie Stroman,Information System Technology

From the Joint Personal Property ShippingOffice:

Staff Sgt. Filiz Byman, Transportation; Tech.Sgt. Cole Harn, Transportation; Staff Sgt. AnniePierce, Transportation

From NORAD:Master Sgt. Roy Sloan, Restaurant, Hotel and

Fitness Management; From the National Security Space Institute

Colorado Springs, Colo.:Holly Krejci, Air and Space Operations

Technology From the Peterson NCO Academy:Tech. Sgt. John Guidry, Instructor of

Technology and Military Science; Tech. Sgt.Matthew Halter, Instructor of Technology andMilitary Science; Master Sgt. John Haneline,Instructor of Technology and Military Science;Master Sgt. Dale Harvey, Instructor of Technologyand Military Science; Tech. Sgt. Lucinda Yslas,Instructor of Technology and Military Science;

From the Space and Missile Systems Center:Senior Airman Aron Alexander, Computer

Science Technology; Staff Sgt. Justin Carrington,Computer Science Technology; Staff Sgt. LonnieMartin, Electronic Systems Technology; MasterSgt. Larry Niemeier, Mechanical And ElectricalTechnology and Electronic Systems Technology;Tech. Sgt. Curtis Peltier, Computer ScienceTechnology; Master Sgt. Sherman Powell, HumanResource Management; Tech. Sgt. Jimmie Rushing,Ecological Controls; Master Sgt. Terry Woodard,Computer Science

Graduates, from Page 6


www.peterson.af.mil


To submit information

for the base calendar, e-mail

[email protected]

Blood Drive8 a.m. to noon

in the Building 1 auditoruimFor information,

call 554-5739.

Military SpouseAppreciation Day

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the ArmedServices YMCA

For infomation, call 556-9266

Friday, May 5

Thursday, May 18

Mother’s Day Brunch10 and 11 a.m. and 12:30 and

1:30 p.m.at the Officers Club.


Armed Forces LuncheonNoon at the Broadmoor

International CenterFor infomation,

call 575-4390

Tuesday, May 9

Tuesday, May 9 Sunday, May 14

Sunday, May 7

16th Annual Sky SoxAir Force Appreciation Day

1 p.m. at Security Service Field

U.S. Air Force HonorGuard demonstration10:30 a.m. to noon at the

Peterson Fitness andSports Center

May is Asthma &Allergy Awareness

Month

noteworthy

peterson air force base, colorado...may 04, 2006 · team pete members earn ccaf degrees – page 6...

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