c s m chriever entinel - colorado springs military ...aug 23, 2007 · teamwork and cohesiveness...

By Staff Sgt. Daniel Martinez50th Space Wing Public Affairs

It was a cool, breezy Saturday morning with a slight overcast on the drive to Cripple Creek. The mountains glowed with greenery as trees stood proud along the winding roads that lead to this historic gold-mining town near the heart of Colorado.

If the scenery was any indication of how the day was going to go, then there was plenty to look forward to at Cripple Creek’s Honors America’s Armed Forces event.

The first stop was the pancake break-

fast being held at Cripple Creek’s fire department.

Young and old, military and civilian from various communities all stood in line waiting to be served. Among those was Col. David Buck, 50th Space Wing vice commander, sharing some lighter moments with others waiting in line.

“My favorite part of this event is interacting with the people,” said Colonel Buck.

A display depicting Schriever’s mission and history was placed in the fire department. Colonel Buck discussed the display with the people who showed interest and curiosity

about Schriever’s mission.“That montage generated a lot of discussion.

In fact, there was a farmer from Oklahoma who expressed a lot of interest in GPS since he uses it every day for agricultural purposes,” said Colonel Buck. “It really gave me the op-portunity to talk with him about the men and women in the 50th Space Wing.”

As people stood in line and observed Schriever’s display, the firefighters were hard at work making pancakes to help raise money for purchasing fire gear and equipment for the

Base BriefsAmerica Supports You Freedom Walk

The second annual Operation Hope/America Supports You Freedom Walk will commence at Fort Carson from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sep 8.

The 3.5 mile walk is to show support for the troops, honors veterans, and to commemorate9/11.

The free event will include guest speakers which include the widow of a 9/11 pilot, a bestselling author and statesman, and an inspirational speaker.

For more information, volunteer or to sponsor, visit www.BHOC.us or call 303-290-7412.

Housing office closed Aug. 31, Sept. 3

The Peterson housing office will be closed Aug. 31 for Family Day and Sep. 3 in observance of Labor Day.

Regular office hours of 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. will resume Sep.4.

Vehicle tags no longer required

As of Aug. 8, 50th SFS no longer re-quires DD Form 2220 (DOD registered vehicle), AF Form 2219 (registered vehicle expiration) or installation tag stickers for entry onto Schriever.

Only individuals who request them will be issued them until the end of May 2008.

Individuals who do not carry proper identification for access into Schriever are required to obtain a visitor pass from the Visitor Control Center.

For more information, contact Staff Sgt. Daniel Rose at 567-3900 or at [email protected]

Camera phones are prohibited in restricted area

Photography within Schriever’s restricted area is prohibited unless authorized.

Personnel needing to take photos or video within the restricted area are re-quired to get approval from their com-mander or commander’s designee and require a letter endorsed by the 50th SW Public Affairs office.

For more information, contact Tech. Sgt. Cassandra Bushyeager at 567-5661 or at [email protected].

Air Force birthday The U.S. Air Force’s 60th birth-

day celebration is 6 p.m. Sept. 21 at The Club. The theme is Heritage to Horizons: Commemorating 60 Years of Air & Space Power. The event is spon-sored by the 21st and 50th space wings; contact first sergeants for information and tickets.

InsideNews.................................. .3-7Sports ....................................... 8Force Shaping ......................... 9

Schriever SentinelThursday, August 23, 2007 www.csmng.com Vol. 1 No. 7

Colorado SpringS Military newSpaper group

By Master Sgt. Kate RustAir Force Space Command Public Affairs

Headquarters Air Force Space Command honored its outgoing vice commander Aug. 16 with a Distinguished Service Medal recog-nizing his service to the command, its people and programs.

Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz, who leaves Aug. 22 to take on his new duties as the Assistant Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, received praise for providing combat forces and capabili-ties to North American Aerospace Defense Command and U.S. Strategic Command with a combat ready intercontinental ballistic mis-sile force and through a global network of satellite command-and-control, communica-tions, missile warning and launch facilities, according to his citation.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to have served alongside the consummate profes-sionals of Air Force Space Command,” said General Klotz. He thanked the staff for their groundbreaking work for the command as well as the commander for “setting in mo-tion a cultural change in how we think about our business in space and how we resource that business.”

General Klotz served as acting commander of AFSPC from March to June 2006 when the previous commander, Gen. Lance Lord, retired and before the new commander, Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, was confirmed. During this time, he forged a fundamental new re-lationship with the National Reconnaissance Office, and worked through a remarkably challenging budget year. Among his many achievements, he significantly influenced space combat support, space professional development and budgetary and acquisi-tion processes with his testimonies before Congress.

“There were some huge issues going on

at that time,” said General Chilton, AFSPC commander. “You were the right guy at the right time for this command.”

What many people might not realize is the extensive capabilities General Klotz brought with him to the position of AFSPC vice commander. According to his biogra-phy, he served as a defense attaché to the American Embassy in Moscow, Russia, and

was also the Director for Nuclear Policy and Arms Control, National Security Council, at the White House. Among his many ca-reer-related academic accomplishments, he also holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in politics from Oxford University, Oxford, England.

“There’s nobody I know in the Air Force, no better strategic thinker than General Frank Klotz, and he’s got the savvy and the skill to know how to deal at the high-powered levels of the highest international negotiations and discussions,” said General Chilton. “Some of the paths and bridges that were entrenched with France, with the British and the Australians are the founda-tional landmarks that will make a difference in the future for this command.”

Major Awards and DecorationsDistinguished Service MedalDefense Superior ServiceMedal with two oak leaf clustersLegion of Merit with oak leaf clusterDefense Meritorious Service MedalMeritorious Service Medal with four oak

leaf clustersAerial Achievement MedalCombat Readiness Medal

Effective Dates of PromotionSecond Lieutenant June 6, 1973First Lieutenant June 6, 1975Captain June 6, 1977Major Nov. 1, 1982Lieutenant Colonel March 1, 1985Colonel Feb. 1, 1991Brigadier General Dec. 1, 1999Major General Oct. 1, 2003Lieutenant General Oct. 17, 2005

Leader leaves distinguished mark on Space

Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz, Air Force Space Command vice commander, speaks to the command staff after receiving the Distinguished Service Medal. The general is leaving AFSPC to accept his new assignment as the Assistant Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force.

Photo by Duncan Wood

See Event page 11

Communities unite at military appreciation event

Photo by Staff Sgt. Daniel Martinez

The NORAD-USNORTHCOM Joint Service Color Guard leads the way for the U.S. Air Force Academy band and the other parade participants that followed at the start of the parade.

� Schriever SentinelAugust 23, 2007

�August 23, 2007Schriever Sentinel

By Lorna GutierrezSchriever Sentinel

Football season is here and what better way to celebrate than tailgating and supporting the Air Force Academy Falcons?

Togetherness, morale, support and free food, in addition to all the fun, come with the tailgat-ing experience.

When the Falcons kick-off their home sea-son Sept. 1 at noon versus South Carolina State, Company Grade Officer Council president, 1st Lt. Roderick Douglas, wants Schriever personnel there in support.

“We want to really kick-start the tailgating this year,” said Lieutenant Douglas. “We want to get Team Schriever out there mingling in a more relaxed atmosphere, and supporting the [Air Force Academy] Falcons to victory.”

Last year the Mountain West Conference Falcons compiled a 4-8 record.

With the goal of good tailgating attendance at each Academy home game, Lieutenant Douglas said that tailgating is both beneficial to Team Schriever and the Academy cadets.

“It’s good for them when they see active duty tailgating with them. It gives the cadets a glimpse of what to look forward to and also provides them an opportunity to ask active duty members questions about their careers.”

Togetherness is something the base is con-stantly working toward, with events such as the base picnic and the recent Battle of the Bands. The tailgating initiative is being spearheaded by Schriever’s non-profit organizations and Chief Master Sgt. Clarence Moore, Lieutenant Douglas said.

“It’s hard for us,” said Lieutenant Douglas. “We don’t have a club out here. It’s a constant struggle. We’re depending on private organizations to create an atmosphere where we come together. Instead of being individual organizations, we’re one team for the base. That’s why this tailgating event is important”

The food and drinks at the tailgating, which will take place by the tree line at the north end of the parking lot, are all free for Schriever

personnel.“Just show up with the family and relax before

the game.”Lieutenant Douglas said they’re working on

getting free tickets to hand out in the future.

“We’re really working together now,” said Lieutenant Douglas. “There’s been such good teamwork and cohesiveness that the attendance should be high. It will definitely be a fun event for all who attend.”

PUBLISHERLon P. [email protected]

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Art DirectorRowdy [email protected]

Assistant Production ManagerJeff [email protected] The U.S. Air Force Academy mascot, “The Bird,” leads the Falcons football team onto the field. the Falcons kick-off their

home season Sept. 1 at noon versus South Carolina State. The food and drinks at the tailgating, which will take place by the tree line at the north end of the parking lot, are all free for Schriever personnel.

Academy tailgating season has arrived

Photo by Danny Meyer


By Staff Sgt. Daniel Martinez50th Space Wing Public Affairs

Airmen firefighters here were honored in a ceremony for being the last military firefighters stationed at Schriever Air Force Base. The fire department will transition to all civilian personnel by November.

Approximately 50 people attended the ceremony Monday morning at the fire department where the Airmen were honored by Col. Terry Djuric, commander of the 50th Space Wing, Schriever leadership and members of the 50th Civil Engineer Squadron.

Twelve Airmen firefighters have been reassigned with the last Airman firefighter to leave in November.

“It’s the right thing to do for the Air Force,” said Senior Master Sgt. Richard Lien, Deputy Fire Chief for 50th CES, who is being reassigned to Anderson Air Force Base in Guam. “It reallocates the positions to where they’ll really be needed for fighting the War on Terror and manning the fire depart-ments that support those operations.”

The transition will not change the normal services provided by the fire department, Sergeant Lien added.

“I think it’s good for me as an Airman because I need to get out in the world and experience more things,” said Airman 1st Class Josh Montgomery, a Schriever firefighter who is being reassigned to Osan Air Base, Korea.

Despite embracing the change, Airman Montgomery ex-pressed his feelings about leaving Schriever.

“To me, this is like a second family. That’s how I really feel about it. I’m really going to miss this place but everything changes”, he said.

Michael Haynes, the civilian fire chief here, sees how the transition will benefit Schriever’s fire department.

“We’re going to miss the military, but we’re going to be very steady with the civilians,” Mr. Haynes said. “By the time a deputy, an assistant chief or a firefighter gets their feet under the table, they’re gone and you’ve got to start all over. It’s going to be interesting with civilians because we’re going to be able to have continuity through a long period of time.”

The legacy of military firefighters on Schriever dates back when Schriever, then known as Falcon Air Force Station,

opened its doors in September 1985.Sergeant Lien saw the ceremony as a way to honor, not

only the firefighters who are leaving Schriever, but those who came before them.

“The last group of military firefighters that are here are

very proud to be representatives of all the ones that came before us and paved the way for us,” said Sergeant Lien.

“We’re very proud that we could represent all of them in this wonderful ceremony that the wing put together for us.”

Schriever says goodbye to Airmen firefighters

Senior Master Sgt. Richard Lien stands with fellow firefighters as they’re being honored at the ceremony comemorating their service as Schriever’s last Airmen firefighters. Sergeant Lien, who served as Deputy Fire Chief here, has been reassigned to Anderson Air Force Base, Guam.

Photo by Kim Kruiss

Visit the Schriever Sentinel online at www.csmng.com



After a two-year hiatus, the Schriever Heart Link program is back on base.

Geared toward helping spouses gain knowledge of the military aspect of life, Heart Link took place August 16 at the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

The spouses were treated to a variety of ac-

tivities, which included games, a briefing by Chief Master Sgt. Clarence Moore, Command Chief Master Sgt. for the 50th Space Wing, a familiarization of various base services and lunch at the dining facility.

Chaplain (Capt.) Chad Bellamy, who helps head the quarterly event, is aiming for con-stant improvement of the program.

“We’re building it from scratch,” Captain Bellamy said. “We’re trying to reinforce that spouses are part of the team even though they don’t wear the uniform.”

Heart Link attendee Heather Henneman learned a lot from the program.

“I’m figuring out who does what,” she said. “I’ve gotten lots of phone numbers, which is great. It’s nice to hear what goes on at the base and its mission.”

At the end of the day, the spouses received a graduation token – a Heart Link coin.

“We want to make them feel connected to the base,” Captain Bellamy said. “We want to make it easier for them as opposed to making them feel isolated.”

Heart Link program is back, benefiting spouses

Military spouse Heather Henneman browses through Military Spouse Magazine while attending the Heart Link program at the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

Photo by Lorna Gutierrez

By Capt. Catie HagueAir Force Space Command Public Affairs

August is a month of firsts for the National Security Space Institute as the school opens its senior-level class to inter-national students and takes the course on the road to Washington D.C.

Called SOC-E, the Aug. 2 Space Operations Executive-level Course included its first in-ternational students from Australia and the United Kingdom, while the Aug. 21and 22 courses will be held at the Pentagon for air staffers and joint/interagency attendees.

“The course was designed for senior major command staff, numbered air force and combat air force commanders, as well as senior-ranking individuals new to the space operations career field,” said Maj. Dan Logar, NSSI SOC-E course director. “It also targets those requiring a refresher course in capabilities, limitations and vulnerabilities of Department of Defense, national, civil and commercial space systems.”

Now, thanks to the efforts of the Australians, the exec-level course is open to our Australian, Canadian and UK allies.

“We have been aggressively pursuing these space courses,” said Air Commodore Graham Bentley, Royal Australian Air Force Air Attaché.” We actively sought to make Space Fundamentals and the Space Exec Course available to us, and hopefully the Space 200 and 300 courses will follow soon.

“These types of classes not only provide us a better understanding of space capa-bilities,” he said, “but they also provide us the advantage of making contacts, which is important to us becoming a part of the coalition space arena.”

The United Kingdom’s interest in what the NSSI has to offer comes from the Chief of the Royal Air Force and his intent to understand space and its utility to the warfighter.

“We operate more and more in a coali-tion environment,” said Air Commodore Phil Goodman, Royal Air Force (UK) Air Attaché. “So we need to know how best to exploit space capabilities for the warf-ighter. Space is an expanding — a growing — capability and will only become more integrated (into operations and daily life) as technology continues to improve.”

According to AirCdre Goodman, the exec course met his aspirations in that he was able to see the utility of the information provided. Both officers said they would recommend it to other Australian and UK leaders.

As for the first exec-course offering in the Pentagon, Major Logar explained that on Aug. 21 the NSSI team will teach about 31 air staff personnel ranging from colo-nels to major generals, and on Aug. 22 the team will instruct the Force Application Functional Capabilities Board.

The exec course is offered five to six times per year as a one-day class, where senior military leaders receive a better understanding of how space capabilities integrate and enhance current air and space operational missions, Major Logar said. “Space is another tool in their proverbial toolbox that they can reach for when they have to make decisions.

“It is an excellent introduction or re-fresher for anyone who attends,” he said. “As a matter of fact, most of our attendees are not career space professionals.”

For information, visit www.thenssi.com.

Space exec course reaches out to allies, Pentagon staff


PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. (AFPN) – U.S. Northern Command officials continue to mon-itor the progress of Hurricane Dean and are working closely with the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Guard and the state of Texas on hurricane response preparations.

“While we remain fully engaged in defense of the homeland, our collective Department of Defense capabilities and resources will be utilized for significant events such as hurricanes and other natural disaster contingency operations,” said Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr., the NORTHCOM commander.

“We can help save lives, mitigate suffer-ing and prevent property loss,” the general said.

NORTHCOM members continue to re-spond to requests for DOD support in prepa-ration for Hurricane Dean’s possible landfall in the United States.

The staff at NORTHCOM has deployed the following people to support the federal response:n The Region VI Defense coordinating

officer, or DCO, and a six-person Defense coordinating element, called DCE, deployed to Corpus Christi, Texas, at FEMA’s request prior to landfall of Tropical Storm Erin. The DCO and DCE have moved to Austin, Texas, where they are co-located with FEMA and other responding agency assets.n The Region X DCO and DCE deployed

to Baton Rouge, La., at FEMA’s request to assist the Region VI DCO.n A joint regional medical planner de-

ployed to Austin to support the Region VI DCO.n A 17-person team from Standing Joint

Forces Headquarters-North deployed from Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., to Texas. Ten people will support the Region VI DCO in Austin; seven members will support Army North at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.n An eight-person Joint Patient Movement

Team from Scott AFB, Ill., deployed to Austin to help coordinate aeromedical evacuation efforts.n A Joint Interagency Air-Ground

Coordination Team from Tyndall AFB, Fla., deployed to Austin at FEMA’s request to assist FEMA and the Texas Emergency Operations Center and to help with aero-medical evacuation and search and rescue efforts.n The Region II DCO and DCE deployed

to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico Aug. 15 where they supported a FEMA Emergency Response Team-Advance. Those members are redeploying to their home station in New York.

Should active-duty forces be requested to respond for hurricane operations, the re-gional DCOs will provide their command and control and will also facilitate requests

USNORTHCOM stands ready to help save livesfor any additional DOD support through NORTHCOM.

“Local and state officials, in concert with the National Guard, are the first line responders,” General Renuart said, “but USNORTHCOM is prepared to respond in support of the needs of the state and we are anticipating the kinds of capabilities they might require.”

NORTHCOM officials are coordinating with FEMA, DHS and the National Guard to ensure full situational awareness and an appropriate response posture to Hurricane Dean.

“We have created stronger ties with our National Guard and civilian agency partners with mutual understanding, respect and ap-preciation of each others’ missions, capabili-ties and practices,” General Renuart said.

NORTHCOM supports civilian federal agencies as part of a comprehensive national response plan to manage consequences of natural or man-made disasters. The com-mand staff remains vigilant to anticipate, deter, detect and defeat threats to the home-land and is prepared to prevent any attempt to exploit this crisis.

FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas – The Department of Defense has deployed a Defense Coordinating Officer and Defense Coordinating Element to the Caribbean for the landfall of Hurricane Dean.

The DCO and DCE deployed to sup-port a FEMA Emergency Response Team – Advance in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

“We (deployed) at the request of FEMA,” said Army Col. Robert Freehill, Region II DCO. “If DoD is asked to respond, we will coordinate request for military as-sets and provide direct support to federal and local agencies as they support the people of any possible area affected by this storm.”

The DCO and DCE are based in New York City, but assigned to U.S. Army North, located at Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio. Army North provides Defense Support of Civil Authorities as the Army component of U.S. Northern Command, the unified command headquartered at

Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., that is re-sponsible for homeland defense and civil support. Each DCO, and DCE, is co-lo-cated with a FEMA regional headquarters to assist in planning for federal disaster response missions.

Freehill is currently on the ground in St. Thomas with FEMA’s Virgin Islands ERT-A. He will provide command and control of any responding active-duty forces, should they be requested, and will facilitate requests for any additional DoD support through USNORTHCOM.

The six-person Region II DCE prepares for civil support missions by working daily with federal and state emergency plan-ners and consequence managers in New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The DoD can bring additional capabili-ties as part of a larger federal response when requested by the state and approved by the Secretary of Defense.

ARNORTH deploys team to Puerto Rico for Hurricane Dean support

Photo courtesy NASA

Crewmembers on the Space Shuttle Endeavour captured this image of Hurricane Dean as a category 4 storm in the Caribbean.


Staff Report3rd Space Operations Squadron

The 50th Space Wing will soon launch the military’s first new satellite system of any kind in more than a decade.

Wideband Global Satellite Communications System will consist of three satellites to provide seamless support for U.S. and allied forces around the world.

“Throughout the past 60 years, digital technology has shaped the modern battlefield much like it has shaped modern society,” said Maj. Tracy Patton, Operations Officer, 3rd Space Operations Squadron. “To maintain America’s technological edge, the wing will continue its quest to provide warfighters the absolute best in communications access.”

The 3rd Space Operations Squadron will operate the $1.8 billion system after the first satellite is launched in September.

The squadron currently operates the 9-satellite DSCS III constellation, which is the Department of Defense’s work-horse for military SATCOM. At the same time, 3rd SOPS is also forming a digital beachhead for transformational communication systems as they prepare to accept the WGS mission of platform management and control.

“Advent of the microprocessor and advances in mobile telecommunications devices have given modern warfight-ers the gift of powerful, flexible communications, as well as greater awareness of the battlespace through instantaneous access to vital information,” said Major Patton.

Although the United States has always maintained superior SATCOM programs, advancements in technology needed to support operations across today’s complex battlespace demand an upgrade to a new generation of communica-tions satellites.

Named wideband for their ability to provide large amounts of communications bandwidth capacity, these satellites will provide the robust voice and data links required by warfighters.

The Wideband Gapfiller Satellite is equipped with a mili-tary payload capable of providing a revolutionary amount of instantaneous switchable communications bandwidth.

“One WGS will have nearly 10 times the bandwidth ca-pacity of a DSCS III satellite,” said Major Patton. “Creative use of that bandwidth will boost this to nearly 20 times the capability of a DSCS III satellite.”

With a platform based on the Boeing 702, WGS has several advantages over previous satellite systems.

“WGS utilizes a revolutionary propulsion system which

is leading the way for future satellite programs,” said Major Patton.

The propulsion system is less volatile, is lighter, uses one tenth less fuel and has a long design life of 12 to 15 years. It also provides thrust by expelling ions from a chamber at an extremely high rate of speed.

The central processing system on the WGS platform also has a revolutionary fault-protection system. This system is able to actively diagnose and correct problems itself, often before the operator notices that a problem has occurred.

“The increased capabilities of WGS will greatly enhance the warfighters’ ability to operate in today’s increasingly complex battlespace and lead the fight in the Global War on Terror where flexibility is paramount,” said Major Patton.

The WGS constellation will close most of the gaps within current requirements that tax aging satellite systems. Users will now have unprecedented access to bandwidth-hungry applications such as video streaming, teleconferencing, real-time data transmission and high-resolution imaging. Imagery that previously took hours to download can now be in the hands of the warfighter within seconds.

In addition to providing the necessary communications and surveillance data transmission, wideband solutions will offer support for the new generation of unmanned aerial vehicles, such as the Global Hawks and MQ-9 Predators being used in the war.

These high bandwidth systems depend on wideband com-munications to send high definition video back to users who need accurate and timely information before committing to action, according to Major Patton.

“It’s an exciting time to be involved with military space communications,” said Major Patton.

The first WGS launch will culminate over eight years of

preparation, research and development and will help pave the way for a true wideband solution to meet the needs of our warfighters, said Major Patton.

“These new satellites will remove limitations and allow the United States to maximize our global impact thereby extending the reach of freedom across the globe.”

New system to provide advanced satellite operations

3rd Space Operations SquadronThe 3rd Space Operations Squadron is a component of

the 50th Operations Group, 50th Space Wing, Schriever Air Force Base, CO. The squadron was activated at Schriever Feb. 2, 1990.

The Squadron conducts launch and on-orbit opera-tions for military communications satellites for the Department of Defense, the British Ministry of Defence and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

MissionThe mission of 3rd SOPS is to ensure reliable space-

borne communications to the president, the secretary of defense and U.S. and allied forces. The mission is accomplished by conducting launch and on-orbit opera-tions for the Defense Satellite Communications System Phase III satellites. DSCS III provides secure high-rate data communications links to the president, the secre-tary of defense, theater commanders and strategic and tactical forces worldwide.

“These new satellites will remove limitations and allow the United States to maximize our global impact thereby extending the reach of freedom across the globe.”

Maj. Tracy Patton, Operations Officer, 3rd Space Operations Squadron



One more day to go. It’s been a full week of softball, in-cluding a full day August 15, in which NOPS defeated 50th SCS, 15-5; CPTS defeated SIDC-3, 9-2 and 4th SOPS defeated JNIC, 11-2.

Three teams were back in action August 16 to see who would stay alive to compete against the three-time defend-ing intramural softball champions, NOPS, on August 17 in the championship.

At the end of the day, 50th SCS earned the spot, defeat-ing CPTS 13-9 in the determining and final face-off of the day.

Prior to 50th SCS’ victory, CPTS defeated 4th SOPS 7-3 in the first match up and immediately followed its performance with its game against 50th SCS.

Consistent hitting by CPTS helped it get to that meeting with 50th SCS. A home run by Dave Sanders, and doubles by Ed Cook and Jeff Gonyea, aided in the victory.

Carrying the momentum from its win, CPTS then faced 50th SCS and was up 7-5 after the second inning, which produced home runs by Korey Kuykendall, Dave Sanders and Bing Hack. The lead was short-lived however, as a home run in the fourth inning by Maverick Gordon got 50th SCS within one run and strong sixth and seventh innings by the team closed out the victory.

Josh Folmar started 50th SCS’ comeback run in the sixth with a homer while constant hitting by his teammates sealed the deal.

50th SCS will face NOPS here August 17 at 10 a.m. Dave Learn, 50th SCS coach, knows his team has got to play great ball to come out with a victory against a team that hasn’t lost a tournament game in three years.

“We hope to play the same defense but have better hitting or we won’t beat them,” said Learn.

NOPS wins intramural softball championshipAnd then there were two – two teams left in the intramural

softball tournament here on base. One team favored and one team hoping to knock off the “favored.”

And that team, 50th SCS, came close to at least pushing it to one more game in the double-elimination tournament, but in the end the “favored” NOPS pulled out a 14-12 vic-tory and earned their fourth base championship and fifth league championship.

The defending champions came out strong in the first in-ning, scoring nine runs to 50th SCS’ zero runs as the players consistently connected with the ball.

But what looked to be a blowout soon became a close contest as 50th SCS successfully fielded the ball to prevent any scores. Two runs scored in the second inning and six runs in the fourth inning brought the underdogs within one and both teams scored three runs in the fifth as NOPS maintained the one-run lead.

But NOPS had the benefit of batting last and closed out the contest with two runs scored by Ernie Bice and Jerry Kelly. 50th SCS could only put one run on the board in the sixth inning.

After the game ended, 50th SCS coach Dave Learn told his team not to hang their heads.

“We had an awesome effort,” Learn said. “We played our hearts out the whole game.”

NOPS’ Coach Mark Obert, who will soon be transferring

to Peterson Air Force Base, was happy with the effort. “We played pretty well,” he said. “We got a quick lead but we may have set back a little too much. I knew they’d fight back.”

50th SCS did fight back but it was not enough as NOPS, once again, was named the intramural softball tournament champion.

50th SCS, NOPS to play for championship

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Members of the 50th SCS team cheer their victory August 16 versus CPTS. The squad will play NOPS for the championship August 17.

Photos by Lorna Gutierrez

An attempt to Gatorade-drench NOPS’ Mark Obert in celebration goes awry as the whole team gets wet.

For information about Schriever Air Force Base, visit www.schriever.af.mil


By Staff Sgt. Monique RandolphSecretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Air Force officials recently announced plans to meet the 2008 fiscal year end-strength of 328,600, which calls for a force reduction of about 5,400 officers and enlisted members through normal attrition, retire-ment or force-shaping measures.

The reductions are in line with Air Force efforts to balance the force and recapitalize and modernize aging weapons systems.

Officials believe a vast majority of the re-ductions will come from normal attrition, said Col. Chuck Armentrout, the chief of the military force management policy division.

This leaves only about 645 officer losses as a result of force-shaping measures, a number significantly lower than last year’s goal. To achieve the required end strength, Air Force officials will offer limited programs for vol-untary separations and retirements, as well as a force-shaping board to achieve a limited number of involuntary separations.

“The (2008) force-shaping program will again be targeted by skill and year group, and primarily officer-focused. However, we will require far fewer losses in fiscal 2008,” Colonel Armentrout said.

The Air Force will begin the 2008 force-shaping program by offering voluntary sepa-ration pay to approximately 200 officers in overage career fields with 12 to 15 years time in service. Officers approved for VSP will receive a lump sum payment equal to three times the standard involuntary separation pay rate, but must separate before June 30, 2008. Eligible officers will be able to submit applications for VSP from Sept. 5 of this year until the force-shaping goals are reached, or March 31, 2008; whichever occurs first.

Additionally, under the 2008 program, officers with a minimum of 20 years active service and at least 8 years of commissioned

service may apply for retirement.Eligible colonels and lieutenant colonels

may also apply for a waiver to retire with two years time in grade instead of three. Retirement dates must be no later than Sept. 1, 2008.

The Air Force will also hold a force-shap-ing board in March 2008 to reduce the force by approximately 130 officers in overage ca-reer fields in the 2005 year group. In addition to career fields that are short or balanced, Airmen in the 14N and 32E specialties will be exempt from the board.

Currently, no service commitment waivers are offered to enlisted members under the 2008 force-shaping program.

“For the enlisted force, we will be able to use the tools we have in place to adjust and keep the force balanced,” Colonel Armentrout said. “As we go through the year we assess (the process), and if it doesn’t look like the goal is going to materialize, we’ll look at waiving service commitments for enlisted.”

The new force-shaping message super-sedes prior messages. Other force-shaping programs such as “Blue to Green,” for offi-cers and enlisted, and the enlisted retrain-ing program remain open. The expanded Palace Chase program for fiscal 2008 remains open only for officers in the 2005 commis-sioned year group. Other officers and enlisted Airmen may apply for Palace transfers to the Guard or Reserve, according to Air Force Instruction 36-3205.

Air Force officials announce 2008 force-shaping plans

“Officers with a minimum of 20 years active service and at least 8 years of commissioned service may apply for retirement.”

By Staff Sgt. Julie WeckerleinU.S. Central Command Air Forces Public Affairs

HERO CAMP, Afghanistan (AFPN) – Despite equipment shortages, delivery delays and increased violence around Kandahar, several Airmen and Soldiers continue to work side-by-side with Afghans, putting the final touches on an Afghan National Army hospital that soon will provide state-of-the-art care to war-riors injured in the field.

Located on an ANA installation near Kandahar Airfield in southern Afghanistan, the $6.5 million, level-four 50 bed (with 50 bed expansion starting soon) hospital is equipped and financed by American and coalition funds, and will offer a full range of services, from a pharmacy, outpatient clinic, dentistry, emergency and operating rooms to radiology and physical therapy. Afghan soldiers from E-8 and up will be able to bring their families in for treatment, too. Afghan women also will be treated and seen in separate facilities at the hospital.

“A lot of the equipment and supplies we’re putting in here will put the Afghans 20 years ahead of where they are right now,” said Tech. Sgt. Curtis Miller, a medical logistics technician deployed here from Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. “Everything we’re putting into this hospital is what you would see in a hospital in the states.”

Medical personnel from the ANA 205th Corps will man the hospital, while the ANA ministry of defense warehouse next door, which is funded by American and coali-tion funds, contains all the supplies the hospital will need to begin operations in mid-October.

“We are responsible for the distribution of supplies around this area,” said ANA Maj. Abdul Ghafar, 205th Hero Corps warehouse commander, through a translator. “We have to put our focus on supplying the hospital and the other ANA medical clinics in the region. I think we are going to be very busy here, so that is very important.”

The hospital was the first of five to be built for the ANA; however, it is the last to be completed. It’s nine months behind schedule, but given Kandahar’s location, that’s to be expected. Violent attacks are common along the Pakistan border, which is 45 minutes to the east, as well as in the provinces north and west of Kandahar.

“The biggest challenge we face here is the simple logistics of moving supplies,” said Capt. Jay Snodgrass, 205th Hero Corps medical supply officer and mentor. “It’s expensive to fly things in, so they try to get items in by convoy and or Afghan civilian trucking services. Yet our trucks get shot at all the time, and there’s the constant threat of (improvised explosive devices) on the roads. For that reason, there are delays in getting the supplies where they need to be.”

When the supplies do arrive, Americans, ANA and contracted workers get to work, assembling equipment and arranging it throughout the hospital. There is a constant flow of activity, said Army Sgt. 1st Class Antonio Rivas, medical logistics technician deployed from Ft. Sam Houston, Texas.

“There was a time when a truck came in loaded with equipment and there were just the few of us Americans there to unload it,” he said. “We went to go ask for help, but within minutes the ANA just started showing up. We didn’t have to ask, they were just there, ready to work. They want this hospital built just as bad as we do.”

Captain Snodgrass said there is good reason for hospital anticipation.

“This state-of-the-art facility is an ex-cellent recruiting tool for the ANA and Afghan National Police and border patrols,” said Captain Snodgrass, who is deployed from Moody Air Force Base, Ga. “We are working very hard to ensure both the ANA and the ANP will be able to receive world-class medical care, something they can’t get so easily right now.”

He said the hospital is scheduled to open in mid-October.

Airmen equip Afghan hospital with supplies, knowledge

Lt. Col. Gil Weston installs hospital for the newly built $6.5 million, 50-bed hospital at the Afghan National Army’s Hero Camp, located just outside Kandahar Airfield in southern Afghanistan.

Photo by Master Sgt. Jim

Varhegyi

10 Schriever SentinelAugust 23, 2007

By Col. Tom DeallU.S. Central Air Forces Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) – Whether preserving the life of a severely injured Soldier in flight or providing command and control for aeromedical evacuation operations, for flight nurse Maj. Beth Ann Lumpkin Gambill, service in Southwest Asia is the culmination of a lifelong dream.

Major Gambill, now in her second month in Southwest Asia, is the deputy chief of the Aeromedical Evacuation Control Team, or AECT. In this position she has two primary duties that ultimately save lives. The first duty is as an aeromedical evacuation controller.

As a controller, she answers the validated patient movement requirement from the Joint Patient Movement Requirement Center, or JPMRC, when a patient needs immedi-ate or routine airlift to a medical facility. This process includes mission planning to coordinate airlift, mission tasking for the aeromedical evacuation crews and critical care air transport team crews along with mission execution and responding to mis-sion irregularities.

For example, during a recent shift she re-ceived a call that a patient had been stabbed in the head and doctors where concerned the injury would effect the patient’s blood vessels in his brain. At the same time, she was notified of another patient who was shot by a sniper and the bullet was dangerously close to his spine.

To preserve life and limb, the aeromedi-cal evacuation team often takes heroic steps and this mission was no exception. Within a matter of a couple of hours, the two patients were on a 13-hour non-stop flight from Iraq to the United States.

The second duty involves flying the mis-sions herself. Once a month, Major Gambill finds herself as a flight nurse traveling throughout Iraq dropping off and picking up patients. These types of missions titled either Faith or Hope are flown in C-130 Hercules.

This flight, which often lasts more than 16 hours, is designed to get patient care when and where needed. And since they enjoy a lifesaving rate of more than 96 percent, these missions are considered very successful.

The youngest of three children, Major Gambill grew up where nursing was very much a part of the fabric of the family. As she reflected on her days at home, she said it was her mother who put the idea of nursing in her head and in her heart.

“My mother, Bernadette Lumpkin, was a nurse for more than 40 years,” said the major. “She spent her entire career at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital located in Camden, NJ, starting in 1959. She worked in the labor and

delivery department and worked everyday loving what she did for people in our com-munity. To this day I meet people who say that my mother helped deliver their children. That was powerful for me to see and since then it’s all I wanted to do because it was exciting.”

After graduating from Paul VI High School in Haddon Township, N.J., she attended the Villanova University College of Nursing in Villanova, Pa., graduating in 1990. Shortly after graduation, she entered the Air Force through the direct commissioning program. Wanting to do something different and travel, flight nursing was a perfect fit.

Though now in her 17th year, this is the major’s first deployment. The deployment proved a challenge for her and her daugh-ters Mary (5), Sophia (4) and son, Ryan (22 months). But like so many deployed Airmen, it is her family and friends who make the time away possible.

“We learned of the deployment nine months ago and that’s when we started preparing,” said Major Gambill. “Since I’m now stationed at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey, I am fortunate to be very close to family which helps tremendously. While I’m here, my kids are staying with my sister, but I also have aunts, uncles, cousins and my brother nearby.”

Although challenging, she doesn’t com-plain. From the day she joined the Air Force, she understood that travel and deployments were part of the contract.

“I knew what I was signing up for when I joined,” said Major Gambill. “And although I miss my kids terribly, I also have to keep it in perspective. I never forget that my deploy-ment is only four months while others in the military serve as long as 15 months. In the end, I’m confident that God has a purpose and for now this is mine.”

To bridge the distance, Major Gambill regularly sends boxes of small gifts home. She also sends the kids DVDs with recorded messages. Though never a replacement for being home with her children, she knows it helps to ease the time of separation.

While in Southwest Asia, Major Gambill is part of a system that has treated more than 64,147 patients of which 11,030 suffer from combat injuries. In her role as flight nurse and controller, she works closely with the aeromedical staff at Balad AB, Iraq. Balad’s hospital staff treat more trauma patients that any other emergency room in the United States.

When not in Southwest Asia, Major Gambill is assigned to the 21st Air Mobility Operations Squadron, McGuire AFB, N.J., as the deputy flight commander of plans.

Flight nurse living dream of service in Southwest Asia

Maj. Beth Ann Gambill (carrying records) escorts wounded Soldiers across an airfield in Mosul, Iraq, Aug. 18 to an awaiting C-130 Hercules. The aircraft will transport them to Balad Air Base, Iraq, as part of an aeromedical evacuation mission. Major Gambill is the deputy chief of the Aeromedical Evacuation Control Team.

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Scott Moorm

an

11August 23, 2007Schriever Sentinel

volunteer firefighters of Cripple Creek.“This breakfast has been one of the big-

gest we’ve ever had,” said Rick Smith, a resi-

dent and volunteer firefighter for Cripple Creek. Mr. Smith is also a retired Air Force aircraft mechanic and makes the commute to Peterson everyday working as a civilian contractor.

From page 1

Event: Military support

Members from Schriever ride the float and throw candy out to the crowd during the parade at Cripple Creek’s Honors America’s Armed Forces event.

According to Mr. Smith, approximately 400 people came out to the pancake break-fast, the highest number of people they have had to date.

Later in the morning, an awards cer-emony at the main stage honored some of the sharpest military members in the community.

A big event following the awards ceremo-ny and military dedication was the parade. Among the things to see at the parade was the Joint Service Color Guard who led the parade, Schriever’s award-winning rocket float, and a woman who performs on horse-back as a tribute to fallen Soldiers.

“She uses two horses. She rides one and the other one is the horse with the empty saddle,” said Terri Miller whose daughter performs on horseback to honor fallen mili-tary members.

Mrs. Miller came out to support her daughter and the military. Her family has a long Air Force history dating back to when her father served during World War II as a fighter pilot as part of the Army Air Corps, and her husband who is a retired Air Force reservist and war veteran.

Perhaps one of the most humbling events of the evening was the Vietnam Combat Veteran’s Memorial Moving Wall which was a short walking distance from the festivities.

The wall stood in a field where people came

to look for names of loved ones or to just experience the impact of the sacrifices made by those whose names were etched within the wall’s reflective black surface. The names on the wall were read out by volunteers and could be heard over a loud speaker.

“When you walk around, a lot of Vietnam veterans would come up to me and want to talk,” said Colonel Buck. “It’s amazing the amount of respect the civilian community has for our men and women in uniform to-day, not just the veterans, but people who have never served before.”

Overall, the city of Cripple Creek created a memorable event that attracted people from all walks of life, many with a great story to tell.

“Cripple Creek is such a great commu-nity and they offer a lot of military support there,” said Colonel Buck. “I thought it was fantastic.”

“It’s amazing the amount of respect the civilian community has for our men and women in uniform today.”

Col. David Buck, 50th Space Wing vice commander

�0 Schriever SentinelAugust 23, 2007

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