BY KENDAHL JOHNSONkendahl.johnson@robins.af.mil

Robins is offering 403 civilianemployees a cash incentive to retire,retire early or resign.

During a two-week window inFebruary, civilian personnel received880 applications for early retirementor separation. The office issued 593offers, with 403 workers accepting,one undecided and 189 declining.Those accepting will leave govern-ment employment no later thanApril30.

The offer comes through theVoluntary Early Retirement Authorityand Voluntary Separation Incentive

Program, or VERA/VSIP.The two programs work together

to provide employees the opportunityto leave federal service, through reg-ular retirement, early retirement orresignation, with a separation incen-tive payment of up to $25,000.

StacyWood, a human resourcespecialist in civilian personnel, saidthe overwhelming majority of accept-ed offers came from theWarnerRobinsAir Logistics Complex.

“The main reason for this round ofVERA/VSIP was to better align thecomplex workforce with the incom-ing workload,” he said. “As ourworkload has decreased, the work-force needed to be shaped so it’s the

right size to match the workload.”In addition, he said a VERA/VSIP

goal was workforce shaping, takingsome of the vacancies created by thedepartures and restructuring themwith a workforce with skills that bet-ter match the anticipated workload.

Despite the timing of theVERA/VSIP effort, it’s not related tosequestration.

“They’re two distinct and unrelat-ed efforts,” Wood said. “VERA/VSIPis a about shaping the workforce toalign with future requirements, whilesequestration is budget driven.”

There are no plans for anotherround of VERA/VSIP, although thatis subject to change.

SEQUESTRATIONNNEWSEWS YOUYOU CANCAN USEUSE

U.S. Air Force photo by SUE SAPPL-R, Staff Sgts. Aviel Perez and Travis Hood, 53rd Combat Communications Squadron cybertransport craftsmen, perform a preventive maintenance inspection on a radio frequency moduleantenna.

U.S. Air Force photo by SUE SAPPJikai Feng, test developer, connects cables from the tester to a C-130. Robins Automatic Wire Test Set Team has developed softwareto automatically test aircraft wiring systems in minutes, whereasmanual testing can take up to a week or more.

Page 6

Team RobinsAward

winners

U.S. Air Force photo by SUE SAPPL-R, Nancy Moody, John Shoenfelt and Tracy Barnes,human resource specialists, go through a stack ofemployee paperwork for the Voluntary Early RetirementAuthority and Voluntary Separation Incentive Program.

Tentative furlough datesIn accordance with guidancefrom the Office of the Secretaryof Defense Public Affairs, the fol-lowing is the tentative furloughtimeline:March 21 through 25 –Proposed notices delivered.March 28 through April 1–Reply period ends (seven calen-dar days from the receipt ofnotice).March 29 to April 24 – Decisionletters delivered.April 26 – Furloughs begin(extends 11 pay periods betweenApril and September).The base has set up an emailaddress for employees withquestions concerning furloughs.Send questions torobins.furlough.ans@robins.af.mil. For money-saving tips,see page 2.

What’s availableThe Robins Airman and Family

Readiness Center offers theseresources:•Financial Readiness andBudget Planning;•Family Services;•Personal and FamilyReadiness;•How to Adapt to Change;•Coping with Job Uncertainty.To contact the A&FRC, call926-1256, or visitwww.robins.af.mil/library/airman&familyreadinesscenter/index.asp.

The Family Advocacy Programoffers the following:•Outreach and PreventionPrograms;•Anger Management;•Family Advocacy;•Prevention RelationshipEnhancement Program.Point of contact is RosalynBattle at 327-8398.For information about the

Exceptional Family MemberProgram, contact ReneeMcFeeters at 926-1259.To learn more about the

Employee Assistance Program,Contact Jamie Tillit at 327-7577or Lynn Irvine at 327-7683, orvisit the website atwww.FOH4you.com.For a comprehensive list ofresources and information, visitwww.robins.af.mil.

March 15, 2013 Vol. 58 No.10

Filling in

BY JENNY GORDONjenny.gordon@robins.af.mil

When the call comes, members of the 5thCombat Communications Group stand readyto deploy within 72 hours.

That call can also be right here at home,with the assistance of the 53rd CombatCommunications Squadron – one of four mis-sion squadrons whose military members spe-cialize in complex combat communicationsequipment and networks.

It’s been almost a year since the squadronbegan supporting the base information tech-nology network on the flight line – specifical-

ly maintenance and scheduling personnel withthe 559thAircraft Maintenance Squadron.

Normally a deployable combat unit, theprospect of helping here is a welcome oppor-tunity.

“While they’re upgrading their wirelessinfrastructure, we’re filling the gap,” said Flt.Lt. Tom Gallagher, 53rd CBCS OperationsFlight commander. “It was a situation wherethe base needed help; we were asked andimmediately supported.”

Two radio frequency antennas, are tem-porarily mounted on top of two trailers on the

5th CCG assists during wireless upgrade

New complexplating shopsafer, more

efficientBY JENNY GORDONjenny.gordon@robins.af.mil

The Advanced MetalFinishing Facility – the newestbuilding in the Warner RobinsAir Logistics Complex – willboast a multitude of improvedefficiencies and processes onceit’s up and running later thisyear.

But, one of the new facility’sgreatest benefits will bereduced worker exposure tohazardous chemicals due toincreased automation duringthe plating process.

“Bottom line, environmen-tally it’s much cleaner and saferfor the workers,” said JimCunningham, 402ndCommodities MaintenanceSupport Squadron process engi-neer.

At nearly 98,000 square feet,the facility will replace theexisting plating shop in Bldg.142, which performs a varietyof chemical surface treatmentsfor aircraft parts. The treat-ments include everything fromcleaning and etching, to inor-ganic finishes such as anodizeand electroplated chrome.

Overhead cranes and joists,situated in a staging areabetween ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ processareas, will be part of the auto-mated process. Basically thatmeans the processes occurringin all nine of the tank lines willbe controlled remotely – keep-ing workers from having tophysically immerse parts intoindividual tanks.

“We’re going from a manualplating shop to a predominantlyautomated plating shop,” hesaid.

Chemicals will not only beremotely added to tanks, but a

Latest VERA/VSIP round results in more than 400 buyouts

Software team now tests wiring in minutes, not daysBY JENNY GORDONjenny.gordon@robins.af.mil

Testing complex electricalwiring systems inside aircraftmainframes may sound a bitintimidating, but for a team fromthe 580th Software MaintenanceSquadron here, it’s just anotherday at the office.

The team uses the AutomaticWire Test Set not only to supportaircraft wire testing across multi-ple Air Force platforms, butNavy ships as well. The jointprocurement effort for the setsrolled out in the fall of 2010.

Since then, software develop-ment for the test set has beenmaintained by the SMXS team,along with groups from C-5 andF-15 shops, to support ongoingfield testing and the design andbuilding of the tester’s cablesthat hook into wire systemsinside various aircraft.

“What’s really interestingabout this is we can go to an air-craft, connect to a system – andtest all the wires in a matter ofminutes,” said Jacob Lunce,SMXS Flight J project managerfor the system.

In the past, wire testing of

various systems would some-times take up to a week or morewhen done with a hand-heldmeter.

“It’s a major time savings,”he added. “This tester can basi-cally do what you can’t do byhand, which takes this testing toa whole new level.”

The team goes out on theflight line or to maintenancefacilities at other bases aboutonce a month to conducttests. Since the tester is relativelynew, Lunce explained that

� see SOFTWARE, 10

� see CCG, 10

the Gap

AF suspendsmilitary tuition

assistancePage 2

� see METAL, 10

AFAFcampaign

enters week twoPage 8

2 � The Robins Rev-Up � March 15, 2013

Page TwoMoney-saving tips to survive budget cuts

Buckle up ...It’s the Law

BYHOLLY J. LOGAN-ARRINGTONholly.logan-arrington@robins.af.mil

With the potential for furlough daysstaring federal civilian employees in theface, the Department of Defense is not theonly one looking at forced cutbacks.Some employees may have already

begun thinking of ways to trim costs asthey try to imagine what life will be likewalking the “money’s tight rope” whenmany don’t have a big financial safety net– if they have one at all.Just the anticipation of living on less

money may have some people scurryingfor ways to spend less and save more.The Robins Rev-Up will be bringing

readers tips on how to craft a new way ofliving that can help people beyond the fed-eral budget crunch.The potential furlough period could be a

long six months, but with these tips, peoplewill have a better financial mindset on theother side.

Want vs. NeedThe key to changing spending habits is

to first determine a want vs. a need.Weneed food, lodging and transportation.Most things that fall outside of these areasare wants.Evaluating each purchase as a want or

need and establishing a solid, realisticbudget can help you deal with the upcom-

ing projected cuts.

Coming up with a planCreating an accurate spending plan is

just as vital as differentiating a want versusa need. The plan should include categoriessuch as housing, transportation, food, sav-ings and debts. Give each category a limitand don’t spend beyond the set limit. It’simportant to track every penny you spendper pay period, then double it to figureyour monthly expenses. Knowing howmuch is coming in and how much is goingout will help determine where you can cutcosts, prioritize bills, and build savings.Your savings – regular and emergency –should be part of your financial plan.

Planning the family menuOnce the mortgage, car payment and

insurance are paid, take a hard look at thefood bill. Most families overspend on theirfood bill because of dining out.Plan all meals (to include lunches) and

make a list of needed items. When at thegrocery store, only buy what is on the list.Never go grocery shopping while you’rehungry. You’re likely to buy more than youintended, if you do.

Editor’s Note: The accompanying tipsare provided by the Robins Airman &

Family Readiness Center.

BY CAPT MELANIE MULDROW78th AMDS Public Health Flight

Have you or someone youknow recently been sick withfood poisoning or the stomachflu? Well, it’s possible it wasnorovirus.Norovirus is a very conta-

gious virus that causes suddengastroenteritis – inflammationof the stomach and intestines –and is not related to seasonalflu.

Recently, there have been anincreased number of casesreported in Georgia, includingthe Warner Robins area.Symptoms usually include

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea andsome stomach cramping.Sometimes people also have

a low-grade fever, chills,headache, muscle aches andfatigue.Most people get better within

a day or two, but can continueto be contagious the first three

days after recovery.Young children, the elderly

and people with other medicalillnesses are most at risk forsevere or prolonged infection.Anyone can get norovirus.It can spread quickly through

contaminated hands, surfaces,

food and water. People withnorovirus shed billions of virusparticles in their stool andvomit, and can easily infect oth-ers. There is no vaccine to pre-vent norovirus infection and nodrug to treat it.If you have norovirus illness,

drink plenty of liquids to pre-vent dehydration. If you orsomeone you are caring forbecomes dehydrated, call yourhealth care provider.What can you do to help

protect yourself fromnorovirus?Be sure to wash your hands

with soap and water often, washfruits and vegetables, cook foodthoroughly – especially shell-fish – clean and disinfect sur-faces with a bleach-based clean-er and wash and machine drylaundry.If you’re sick, don’t prepare

food or care for others, and dis-cuss work attendance with yoursupervisor.

Norovirus: Not your average fluWHAT TO KNOWFor more information, visit

the CDC’s norovirus websiteat http://www.cdc.gov/norovirus

Due to sequestration, the Secretary oftheAir Force approved the suspensionof Military TuitionAssistance effectiveMarch 11.The suspension applies to all compo-

nents, including theAir Force ReserveandAir National Guard on extendedactive duty orders. TheAir Force hashad to make difficult choices to preservereadiness to include cancelation of train-ing and education programs.According to officials, military

tuition assistance requests that were inthe queue by 6 p.m. eastern time, March11, will be processed by theAir ForceCentralized Office.Airmen may still continue to pursue

their educational goals with applicableVAeducation benefits that include: theMontgomery GI Bill-Active Duty;Montgomery GI Bill – SelectedReserve; Reserve EducationAssistanceProgram; the Post 9/11 GI Bill; federalgrants and federal financial aid.National GuardAirmen may also be

eligible for their state’s individual tuitionassistance benefits.Airmen currentlyenrolled in courses approved for militarytuition assistance are not affected, andare allowed to complete current courseenrollment.The Robins Education Office will

continue to provide educational supporttoAirmen, including education and

vocational counseling, academic testing,credentialing, and transcripts of theirmilitary training and experience. Thestaff is available to provide guidance onthe various avenues and assist militarymembers in achieving their academicgoals.Information on alternative funding

sources is also available by visiting theDANTESWeb Site atwww.dantes.doded.mil/Sub%20Pages/Resources/Resources_Main.html#FinAidto access the FinancialAid Informationand Student Guide page to learn more.Also, check for available scholar-

ships at:www.dantes.doded.mil/Sub%20Pages/Counselor_Support/Online_Scholarships.html.Contact your Veteran’s

Administration representative to find outmore information on utilizing your GIBill Benefits by calling 1-888-GI Bill 1or visit the website at www.gibill.va.gov.

Tuition Assistance program suspendedWHAT TO KNOW

For information on alternativefunding sources, handouts havebeen developed by the RobinsEducation Office in Bldg. 905. Callthe customer service desk at 497-3884 to schedule an appointment orvisit for walk-in service.

CongratulationsAFRC major promotees

Michelle CoumbsAllan Fields

Cheri GuikemaPauline Orcutt

Budget cuts threatendefense industrial base, official saysWASHINGTON – Large and sudden U.S. spendingcuts and an unstable budget environment promiselong-term damage to a critical segment of thedefense industrial base, the Defense Department’stop maintenance official recently told a congression-al panel.John Johns, deputy assistant secretary of defense

for maintenance policy and programs, testified lastweek before the House Armed Services readinesssubcommittee, along with officials from industry pro-fessional associations.The defense industrial base, or DIB, is the world-

wide industrial complex whose companies performresearch and development, design, production,delivery and maintenance of military weapons sys-tems to meet U.S. defense requirements.A critical component of the DIB is the defense

sustainment industrial base, whose companies sup-port fielded military systems from procurement tosupply-chain management, along with depot andfield-level maintenance and equipment reuse anddisposal.

During the hearing, the panel sought to assessthe viability of the defense sustainment industrialbase and implications for military readiness giventwo major fiscal constraints: the nation’s budget cri-sis and many months of Defense Department fund-ing through a continuing resolution that freezes fis-cal 2013 spending to fiscal 2012 levels.

To read more, visit www.amc.af.mil.

C-130 maintainers keep ’em flyingBAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – Every day,Airmen from the 455th Expeditionary AircraftMaintenance Squadron are performing essentialrepairs to C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft.C-130s generally spend a year here while crewsrotate in and out.Tech Sgt. Michael Raver, 455th AMXS dedicatedcrew chief, said the crews currently deployed fromLittle Rock Air Force Base, Ark., may be from differ-ent squadrons at home, but they’re all a team outhere.“We all come together to do our thing,” Raver said.“We’re the system specialists, anything from chang-ing tires to refueling to doing the everyday inspec-tions.”While perhaps not as glamorous as the F-15Eagle fighters Raver once worked on before cross-training to cargo aircraft, Raver found a certaincharm in them. He said many of the aircraft earnthemselves nicknames.For example, he pointed to one C-130 and said itwas dubbed ‘Gizmo’ after a character in the movieGremlins, “because we're always chasing gremlinsaround it.”

To read more, visit www.amc.af.mil.

Afghan, coalition forces celebrateAfghan air force womenKABUL, AFGHANISTAN (AFNS) – Afghan andcoalition partners gathered March 7 for a celebrationof gender integration in the Afghan air force duringan International Women’s Day event hosted by the

AAF at Kabul International Airport.About 275 people attended the event, which fea-tured speeches by Afghan and U.S. officials, includ-ing Afghan Lt. Col. Latifa Nabizada, the first femalehelicopter pilot in the history of Afghan aviation, andU.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost, theAir Forces Central Command director of mobilityforces.“You and your sisters have courageously chosento take action, to work outside the home, to speakout, defend your nation and your families, and sayno to threats of corruption, abuse, and exploitation,”Van Ovost told the audience, which included dozensof Afghan women. “Together, you defy the extrem-ists that wish you and your nation harm, those whowant to restrain progress and turn back the clock onyou and your families.”“Over the last four years we have made theAfghan air force your home,” Maj. Gen. AbdulWahab Wardak, the commander of the AAF, toldwomen in the audience. “The door is open to join.”To learn more, visit www.af.mil.

Nellis pilots take first step towardF-35 operational testingEGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. – Two officersfrom the operational test community are among thesix pilots in the first F-35 Lightning II pilot trainingcourse after an Air Education and TrainingCommand decision to start training here in January.Lt. Col. Benjamin Bishop, the 422nd Test andEvaluation Squadron director of operations, is oneof the students who flew their first sortie in March.He will transition his F-15E Strike Eagle warfightingskills to the F-35 before he returns to Nellis AirForce Base, Nev., next month.“It’s exciting, an honor to be a part of the future ofairpower,” he said. “The aircraft performed as Iexpected. It’s a different feel and a different aircraftto get used to, but both are easy to fly. Like any newaircraft, it’s a different system to learn and I’m get-ting used to the basic maneuvers.”According to Nellis officials, four F-35s will beginarriving soon. The 422nd TES will add the F-35A toits list of aircraft they execute command-directedoperational test and evaluation for like the A/OA-10

Thunderbolt II, F-15C Eagle, F-15E, F-16CMFighting Falcon and F-22A Raptor hardware, soft-ware, and weapons upgrades prior to combat AirForce release. The squadron conducts tactics devel-opment, foreign materiel exploitation and specialaccess programs to optimize system combat capa-bility.To learn more, visit www.af.mil.

4 � The Robins Rev-Up �March 15, 2013

AIR FORCENEW

SFR

OM

AROUNDTH

E

COMMANDERCol. Mitchel Butikofer

HOW TOCONTACT US

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

SUBMISSION GUIDELINESSubmissions must be received by 4 p.m. Wednesday,the week prior to the requested Friday publication.They should be e-mailed tolanorris.askew@ robins.af.mil andvance.janes@robins.af.milSubmissions should be of broad interest to the basepopulace. For information, call Lanorris Askew at 472-0806.

DELIVERYTo report delivery issues, call 472-0802.

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

Force Base, Ga.This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is

an authorized publication for members of the U.S. mili-tary services. Contents of the Robins Rev-Up are notnecessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, theU.S. government, Department of Defense, orDepartment of the Air Force.The appearance of advertising, including inserts or

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

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

INTERNAL INFORMATIONCHIEFGeoff Janes

EDITORLanorris Askew

PHOTOGRAPHERSSue SappTommie HortonEd AsperaMisuzu AllenRaymond Crayton

STAFF WRITERSJenny GordonHolly Logan-Arrington

Getting readyTech. Sgt. David Drain,305th Aerial Port Squadronat Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., marshals aC-130 Hercules inAlexandria, La., in supportof Joint Readiness TrainingCenter aeromedical evacu-ation training. Servicemembers at the trainingcenter are taught combatpatient care and aeromed-ical evacuation in a simu-lated combat environment.

U.S. Air Force photo by SAMUEL KING JR.

Ride the lightning

U.S. Air Force photo by TECH. SGT. JOHN NIMMO

Lt. Col. Benjamin Bishop completes preflightchecks before his first sortie in a F-35A Lightning IIat Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. Bishop is among thefirst pilots who began official training in the aircraftin January.

BY LT. GEN. BRUCE LITCHFIELDAir Force Sustainment Center commander

As was discussed in Ross Marshall’s (OklahomaCity Air Logistics Center executive director) mes-sage a week ago, I went to Capitol Hill inWashington, D.C., to meet with members ofCongress and their professional staffs to talk aboutthe impacts of sequestration.

I wanted to make sure they fully understood theimpacts to our workforce, our mission and the com-munities. During the last several weeks, I havereceived notes and comments about the impacts a 20percent pay reduction will have on the majority ofour workforce. The information you provided wasvery useful in articulating the real pain that willhappen if the furlough goes into effect.

On the day I visited, a bill was passed by the

House of Representatives to pro-vide the Department of Defensewith a budget for the rest of theyear.

Many of the congressmen Ivisited were hopeful this wouldstart the dialog to reach a budgetcompromise that would mitigatethe need for furloughs.

Your sustainment senior lead-ership is actively engaging withlocal community leaders to find ways to support ourworkforce if furloughs do occur. All facets of thecommunity, to include local charities, state and localgovernments, businesses, banks, creditors and coun-selors are looking for ways to mitigate the financialburdens. I have been approached by many banksand businesses which are looking to set up programs

that support alternate payment schedules for loansor bills. Our communities are taking a proactivestance to help.

Maybe the most important thing I want to con-vey … You’re not alone, and we will get throughthis difficult time together. If you need help, reachout and let someone know. I can’t think of anytimewhere wingman support is more critical and whenthe network for support is more energized.

Your leadership team will provide updates asevents change. Our commitment is to ensure every-one has the best information possible.

Finally, I want you all to know just how proud Iam of our professional workforce. We have a tough,demanding mission that is fueled by the innovation,dedication, and motivation of each and every mem-ber of our team.

Visit to Capitol Hill

Litchfield

AAiirr FFoorrccee SSuussttaaiinnmmeenntt CCeenntteerr NNeewwss

On the FlyThe Finance Office will close today

at 1 p.m. for an official function. Theoffice will re-open Monday at 8:30 a.m.For emergencies, contact Master Sgt.

Pablo Rivero at 478-550-2910.

Robins is celebratingWomen’sHistory Month with the followingevents:

�A luncheon is scheduled March 26at 11:30 a.m. at Horizons Event Center.Brigid Petrie O’Hearn, 577th SoftwareMaintenance Squadron director, will bethe guest speaker. Deadline to purchasetickets is today. The cost is $15. POC isTech. Sgt. Jessica Colunga at 241-3025.

�An “All Women Home Build” isscheduled for April. Volunteers will workwith Habitat for Humanity to give aneedy family a home. POC is Waymer at241-3025.

APrevention and RelationshipEnhancement Program workshop willbe March 22 and 23 from 8:30 a.m. to4:30 p.m. at theAirman & FamilyReadiness Center Bldg. 794.PREP is one of the most comprehen-

sive and well respected divorce preven-tion and marriage enhancing programs inthe world. It is a skills and principles-building curriculum designed to helppartners say what they need to say, get tothe heart of problems, and increase theirconnection with each other.PREP is a prevention program for

couples who are thinking about gettingmarried, newlyweds and couples whohave been married for a long time.Register now. Seating is limited.

For more information, call the FamilyAdvocacy Program at 327-8422.

The following leadership class isscheduled forMarch:

�Karan Fowler will present “FiveLanguages of Appreciation in theWorkplace” March 27 from 2 to 3:30p.m. in the Contracting Directorate’sExecutive conference room in Bldg. 301East Wing.

Please view the Robins Splash Pageand click on Team Robins for anychanges in class schedules.

To reach the 78th Security ForcesBase Defense Operations Center for non-emergency calls dial 468-2187.When dialing E911, which is also

used as the Crime Stop hotline, callersare requested to state whether the call isin reference to an emergency or a crimestop notification to ensure proper routing.

Migration of the Military PersonnelData System will continue throughMarch 27. During this period MilPDSwill be unavailable, however provisionshave been made to handle critical trans-actions through the Military PersonnelSection. For more information, call MPSat 497-7337.

EAPManagement Coaching is nowavailable for managers and supervisors.The program focuses on maximizing amanager’s strengths to improve perform-ance and enhance his or her quality oflife.For more information, call 497-7577.

6 � The Robins Rev-Up � March 15, 2013

Congrats Team Robins award winners

Warner MeadowsCivilian of the Year

Cat. 3

Tech. Sgt.Ryan StarkeyNCO of the Year

CaptainGilberto PerezCGO of the Year

Vanessa ScreenCivilian of the Year

Cat. 2

Senior Master Sgt.Jeffrey TaylorSenior NCOof the Year

Paula WestCivilian of the Year

Cat. 1

William ArnettCivilian of the Year

Cat. 6

Senior AirmanAngelica LongoAirman of the Year

Master Sgt.Charisse Bruce

First Sgt. of the Year

Senior AirmanAndrew HustCeremonial

Guardsman of the Year

Clay KernellCivilian of the Year

Cat. 5

Gnester BrownCivilian of the Year

Cat. 4

First Lt. Mike Morris,78th Operations SupportSquadronAirfieldOperations Flight com-mander, is theAir ForceMateriel Command 2012Col. Derrel L. DempseyAirfield Operations Officerof the YearAward winner.

Morris, who oversees the base’s air-field management and air traffic controlfacilities, is credited with orchestratingmore than $29 million in constructionprojects and creating a new pilot liaisonprogram which has been key to airfieldsafety.He will now go on to compete at Air

Force level.Morris

Robins officer snags AFMC honor

8 � The Robins Rev-Up �March 15, 2013

WINGMENWANTED

AIRMAN AGAINSTDRUNK DRIVING –

335-5218;335-5236;335-5238

BY TECH. SGT.REGINA YOUNG

116th Air Control Wing Public Affairs

Like other military members whochoose to volunteer, a 116th Air ControlWing noncommissioned officer is step-ping up for his community.Master Sgt. Todd, from the 129th

Combat Training Squadron, recentlygraduated from level-one firefightertraining, a course giving volunteers thebasic information about fires and fireskills.“When a woman in a laundromat

was having unexplained chest pain, Ididn’t know what to do so I reached formy wife – a nurse for more than 23years,” said Todd. “It really impressedme ... both my wife’s interaction withthe woman and the first responder’sability to save a life.”That incident, and the encouragement

from a fellow guardsman who has beena volunteer firefighter for many years,prompted Todd to embark on his jour-ney.Since Todd graduated from training,

he said he has realized that being a vol-unteer firefighter is a lifestyle change.At the end of the day when the

Guard uniform comes off, Todd is readyat a moment’s notice to don his fire-

fighter attire, join the department andrespond to a call for help in his commu-nity.“I love my job with the JSTARS air-

craft, the mission and what we aredoing in the world,” said Todd. “It’s theright time in my life to do more in thecommunity.”

Editor’s note: First names of flightcrew members are not used for secu-rity reasons.

Giving back, Georgia guardsmantaking the heat for his community

Courtesy photoMaster Sgt. Todd, a full-time Guardsmanwith the 116th Air Control Wing, completedlevel-one fire fighter training to become avolunteer fire fighter in his community.

What constitutes government vehicle misuseMany people have heard the term “Vehicle Misuse,” but not everyone is

clear on what defines vehicle misuse. According to AFI 24-301 “Providing agovernment vehicle solely or principally to enhance the comfort or conven-ience of member(s) is not permitted.” Basically stopping at the ATM, lemonlot, TIP office, Airman’s Attic, etc., is not permitted and is an example of vehi-cle misuse. Another type of vehicle misuse is blatant misuse, meaning youknowingly misused the vehicle, i.e.; trips to the bank, lunch or shopping.Military members, civilian contractors, and DoD civilians have the responsi-

bility to stop and report vehicle misuse either through the Vehicle OperationsOffice at 926-3493 or 468-4628, or through GSA directly via its email addressat howsmydriving@gsa.gov.The information needed to complete a report is time, place, vehicle type,

license plate number and the reporter’s name and contact info. The punish-ments are severe – whether it is through the UCMJ for military or throughapplicable laws for civilian personnel.So do yourself and the government a favor, if you aren’t sure if it’s legal or

authorized, get clarification or just don’t do it. It’s not worth the punishmentjust for the sake of convenience.

BY JENNY GORDONjenny.gordon.ctr@robins.af.mil

The Robins 2013Air Force AssistanceFund campaign hascompleted its firstweek with donations of$7,815.The theme is “Com-

mitment to Caring,”and this year’s goal is$78,833.The AFAF raises

money for charitieswhich provide supportwithin the Air Forcefamily.They include the Air

Force VillagesCharitable Foundation,the LeMay Foundation,Air Force EnlistedVillage and the AirForce Aid Society.In 2012 through the

AFAS, the official char-ity of the Air Force,Robins was able to pro-vide 116 forms ofemergency loan assis-tance and four grants.

It also provided sup-port for communityprograms and educa-tional funding.

To donate to theAFAF, primary unitproject officers include:

�Tech Sgt. Jehu Forte,461st Air Control Wing

�2nd Lt. Diana Hall,78th Air Base Wing

�Master Sgt. Thomas

Williams, 689th CombatCommunications Wing

�Senior Master Sgt.Lisa McCarthy, AFRC

�Staff Sgt. VernonPifer, WR-ALC

�1st Lt. GregCappuzzo, AFLCMC

�Master Sgt. ThomasSorken, 339th FLTS

�1st Lt. YvonneJohnston, 638th SCMG

AFAF rolls into second week

WHAT TO KNOWThose interested in applying for aid must meet

eligibility guidelines, and complete an applicationby visiting the Air Force Aid Society website atwww.afas.org.

Watchyour

SPEED ...WWEE AARREE

THINK OPSEC!PRACTICE IT AT

WORK, HOME, EVERYWHERE.

10 � The Robins Rev-Up �March 15, 2013

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY?CALL 468-EYES

READTHE

REV-UPONLINE

ATwww.robins

.af.mil

March 8, 2013 Vol. 58 No.9

Page 2

Team JSTARS honors

MCementtrationnalyzeacts

TTERSONA SE, Ohio –

uestration tak-i , theAir Forcei orb more than$ uctions this fis-c me time it isw e an overseasc tions fundings ate under ah continuing res-o

riel Commandc rce this weekt uctions anda mpacts to thec ng toAFMCo

estration haso mand will takea the following:

� mplement a fur-l mployees ofu weenApril andS

mporary dutyt ted by theA er or specifi-c Air Forceg

pon systemss sting.

� major reduc-t across alla rking capitalf imbursablep

ows, flyoversa flights.

� mission criti-c

Base discusses budget challenges with communityBY JENNY GORDONjenny.gordon@robins.af.mil

A standing-room onlycrowd of several hundred com-munity members was given acandid briefing Wednesday onhow sequestration will impactRobins Air Force Base.The event at Houston Lake

Stadium Cinemas in WarnerRobins included discussions

about the overall Departmentof Defense fiscal picture, howthe current budget uncertaintywill impact military readiness,and the potential of civilianfurloughs – to include theeffect they’d have on theMiddle Georgia economy.The members were briefed

by leaders from more than adozen organizations on Robins,including Headquarters Air

Force Reserve Command, theWarner Robins Air LogisticsComplex, the DefenseLogistics Agency, the 78th AirBase Wing, the 116th and461st Air Control wings, the689th Combat Communi-cations Wing, and the AirForce Life Cycle ManagementCenter operating locationshere.A base representative also

spoke about small business andcontracting matters.Col. Kevin Clotfelter, 116th

commander, said sequestrationwill, over time, cause “…somedegraded operations andadverse impacts to its (hiswing’s) flying missions, main-tenance and mission support.”Col. Dean Worley, 461st

� see COMMUNITY, 7

p y ( )

the Robins team was thefirst group ever to takecharge of the tester’s pro-gramming capabilities aswell as its cable design.“We are pioneering this

effort,” he said.Once theAWTS team

receives a customerrequirement, which canalso come from highly-specialized systems insideAir Force SpecialOperations Command air-craft, C-130s or even HH-60 helicopters, the teamtakes a system’s engineer-ing data (technical orders,wiring diagrams, etc.),learns the system and pro-grams it into the tester lineby line by using their soft-ware. The process cantake several months.Once it’s ready, the

tester is unpacked with itscables, and hooked intohundreds of differentwiring components.Looking on a comput-

er screen, a continuitytest for example can easi-ly detect whether a wire’selectrical resistance isgood or bad and needs tobe replaced, or if wirefaults are also identified.To date, the tester has

experienced a 100 per-cent success rate, butthere’s always room forimprovement, saidLunce.“This can turn an inex-

perienced maintainer intoa super-experienced trou-bleshooter because itdoes all the work foryou,” he explained.Using the tester for

preventive maintenance issomething else he’d liketo see happen. For exam-ple, testing the integrityof a plane’s wiring sys-tem over time and incor-porating it as a tool withinspections can lead tofinding problems early.

That only leads to lesstime planes are on theground for maintenance.

Since 2010, about 30to 40 tests have been runon various aircraft.With each new test

comes a better under-standing of how to bestsupport the aircraft andmaintainers.Maintainers, who may

be reluctant to test thenew equipment, quicklyadopt it as a supplementaltool when they realize thebenefits – especially inthe present atmosphere ofdoing more with less, andtighter deadlines.

SOFTWAREContinued from 1

U.S. Air Force photo by SUE SAPPL-R, Efran Rangel and Jikai Feng, test developers, run atest on a C-130. Robins Automatic Wire Test Set Team hasdeveloped software to automatically test aircraft wiring sys-tems in minutes, whereas manual testing takes weeks.

flight line, and provide anetwork connectionallowing the maintenancesquadron to continue itsmission.Periodic preventive

maintenance inspectionson the equipment haveensured the support hasbeen reliable and seam-less.“This equipment works

the same here as it would

in a deployable environ-ment,” said Staff Sgt.Travis Hood, a 53rdCBCS cyber transportcraftsman.Providing high data

communications to itsusers, the antennas canprovide services up to athree-mile range. Whiledownrange, that meanscore communication canbe established not only inthe middle of a base, butoutlying areas that need itas well.

“The 5th Mob isalways happy to supportour mission partners aseverything we do relies onteamwork,” said Col. BillWaynick, 5th CCG com-mander. “The 559thAMXS mission plays avital role in the sustain-ment of the Air Force airmobility mission, which isa critical component inour ability to deliver com-bat communications andairfield systems world-wide.”

CCGContinued from 1

U.S. Air Force photo by ED ASPERAFront, Jim Cunningham, 402nd Commodities Maintenance Support Squadron processengineer, and Harold Livingston, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Advanced MetalFinishing Facility quality assurance examiner, stand in the staging area where aircraftparts will be prepped before being loaded onto an assembly line for ‘wet’ processing.

new air ventilation sys-tem, along with barri-ers, will be in placebetween each assemblyline to protect workersfrom cross-exposure offumes from nearbytanks.An in-house waste

water treatment plantwill also be located onthe basement level tocollect and treat wastefluids.Waste water will be

reduced from 50 to 90percent by recyclingrinse water and processsteam and reducingevaporation as part ofthe dedicated plant’sefforts.

The new facilitywill also use advancedspill containment coat-ings and redundantprotection layers toprotect soil andgroundwater.The unique con-

struction project,which has been in theworks the last severalyears, has a totalinvestment of $67 mil-lion, and includes atwo-year transitionplan from shuttingdown the old plant inBldg. 142 to operatingnew equipment in whatwill become Bldg.20128.“We will have a

period of time wherewe’re actually runningboth shops,” saidCunningham. “The

idea is we’ll set a lineup in the new facility,get it running reliably,and once the line isestablished, we’ll shutdown the equivalentprocesses in the oldfacility.”There is still much

work to be done in thenew building. Itsassembly lines for met-als treatment include atotal of 153 small andlarge tanks.The larger tanks are

sized to process muchlarger C-5 and C-17parts, and now have acapacity of up to 7,600gallons.That is an increase

from the maximum1,800 gallon tankshoused in the old facil-ity.

METALContinued from 1

ONROBINSIT’S THE

LAW

March 15, 2013 � The Robins Rev-Up � 11

ON TAPBoss N’ BuddyToday4 to 5 p.m.Heritage LoungeMembers FreeGuests $5For details,call 472-7864.

St. Patrick’sGeen-Head Pin DaySunday1 to 8 p.m.Bowling CenterRoll a strike with a green-head pin and receive thatgame for free.For details,call 468-2112.

Money & CreditManagementMonday1 to 3 p.m.Airman & FamilyReadiness CenterFor details,call 468-1256.

Fairways GrilleWeekly SpecialMonday through Thursdaybaked chicken, mashedpotatoes, vegetable and adrink for $6.95For details,call 923-1717.

ITT Travel andRecreation ShowThursday10 a.m. to 1 p.m.Heritage Club BallroomPrizes to be given awayFor details,call 468-2945.

UPCOMINGAtlanta ZooSign up by March 22April 20$70 to $74 per personOutdoor Recreation,Bldg. 914For details,call 468-4001.

Home AloneWorkshopMarch 285:30 to 7 p.m.Youth CenterFor details,call 468-2110.

ONGOINGAir Force HOOPSNow through April 8Win up to $5,00 in cash.Pick up a game piece atRobins Lanes or the PineOaks Golf Course.For details,call 468-2112or 468-4103.

Quick Turnnow serves breakfastMondays through Fridays7 to 9:30 a.m.Open to allTeam Robins membersFor details,call 468-6972.

QuickShot BingoMondays through Fridaysat all Base Restaurantsnack bars6 a.m. to closeFor details,call 468-6972.

Golf AnnualLegoland Florida Tickets1 day $54 per person2 days $62 per personFor details,call 468-2945.

Remote ControlBowling BallAvailable for WoundedWarrior Program and thosewith special needs.For a fee, it can alsobe used as a novelty itemfor parties.For details,call 468-2112.

EEVVEENNTTSS AANNDD AACCTTIIVVIITTIIEESS

WED

15THUR

16FRI

17SAT

18SUN

19MON

20TUE

21

472-0013

Sign up now and get free dues for the first three months plus an instant-win scratch card worth $5 to $100

Pick up an application at the Club or online at www.AFclubs.net

Now through March 31

Local Community Festivals Local community partners will be hosting festivals that provide someFREE entertainment for individuals and families. Below links will pro-vide more information.

DUBLINSt Patrick's Day Festival now through March 24. To find out more, visit www.dublinstpatricks.com.

MACON Cherry Blossom Festival today through March 24.Visit www.cherryblossom.com for more details

PERRY Dogwood Festival April 13 and 14.

To read more, visitwww.perrygeorgiachamber.com/dogwoodfestival.

Editor’s Note: No federal endorsement is intended or implied.