Friday, Oct. 18, 2002 Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado Vol. 46 No. 40

Inside This Issue: Cover Story...3 Blotter...5 At Your Service...7

Photo by Eugene Chavez

Photo by Margie Arnold

The 21st Space Wing welcomes commanders and leaders representing its 44 worldwideunits, plus guest speakers from across the Air Force, as they gather

for the annual 21st SW Leadership Conference this week.

Submitting Action Lines

The Action Line is your direct linkto the 21st Space WingCommander – use it wisely! Tryto resolve problems at the lowest

level possible — with the person or activity, andthen follow the chain of command.

Though it’s not required, we ask that youleave your name and phone number so we canget back to you for clarifications, or if yourresponse isn’t printed.

If you can’t get satisfactory results, thencall (719) 556-7777. You may also fax yourquestion to 556-7848.

Delinquent drivingQUESTION: I am a retired chief master ser-geant, and was appalled last week at anexample of road rage right here on Peterson.While heading to the ticket office, I hadstopped at a 4-way stop by the Dining Hall.Having the right of way, I proceeded to turnwhen a green convertible rolled right throughthe stop sign, almost hit me, and began blar-ing his horn, and made an obscene gesture.While road rage is inexcusable in the outsidecommunity, I believe it is far worse on base

and in uniform — bringing discredit to youpersonally, and to the service of the uniformyou’re wearing. ANSWER: It’s unfortunate that some thinkbreaking laws to save a few seconds on a trip isworth it, for rational people know it isn’t.Adding road rage misconduct to their conductonly spotlights their lack of civility. Should youencounter such foolishness again, we ask thatyou contact Security Forces (at 556-4000) andcomplete a report so that we may track theoffender down and help prevent such activityfrom reoccurring.

Shower for the disabledQUESTION: When will they put in the showerseat and adjustable shower head for the dis-abled in the Aquatic Center?ANSWER: The 21st Services Squadron is work-ing to address your concern, and submitted awork order (#21360) to the 21st Civil EngineerSquadron to complete the work. Once theequipment has arrived on base, the showers ineach locker room will be fitted with a chair andhand-held shower nozzle. We expect the projectto be complete no later than Nov. 1. If you havefurther questions, please call Laura Runyon at556-4608.

SPACE OBSERVERFriday, Oct. 18, 20022 From the top

Published by the Gazette, 30 S. Prospect Street, Box 1779, Colorado Springs, 80901, a private firm in no wayconnected 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 the Department of the Air Force.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorse-ment by DOD, the Department of the Air Force or the Gazette, of the products or services advertised. Everything adver-tised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion,sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the pur-chaser, user or patron.

Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the 21st Space Wing Public Affairs Office, 775 LoringAve., Suite 218, Peterson AFB, Colo., 80914-1294. All photographs are Air Force photographs unless otherwise indi-cated.

The Space Observer is published every Friday. For advertising inquiries , call the Gazette, (719) 476-1640 fordisplay ads, and 476-1685 for classified ads.

Articles for the Space Observer should be submitted to the 21st SW/PAI, Attn: Space Observer, 775 LoringAve., Ste. 218, Peterson AFB, Colo., 80914-1294 or e-mail space.observer@peterson.af.mil. Deadline for submissionis 4:30 p.m. the Wednesday one week before publication. All articles, copy and announcements submitted will be edit-ed to conform to AFI Series 35 and the Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual. For details, call the editor at(719) 556-8476 or DSN 834-7846.

21st Space Wing CommanderBrig. Gen. Duane Deal

Chief of Public AffairsCapt. Donald B. Kerr

Chief Internal Information2nd Lt. Suzy Kohout

NCOIC Internal InformationTech. Sgt. Gino Mattorano

EditorStaff Sgt. Josh Clendenen

Assistant EditorSenior Airman Shane Sharp

Action Line

A Momentin Time:

Octobern On Oct. 18, 1984, the B-1B

Lancer took its first flight.n On Oct. 20, 1911, the orig-

inal Wright Army plane was deliv-ered to the Smithsonian Institute.

n On Oct. 21, 1947, theNorthrop YB-49 flying wing jetbomber took its first flight. The AirForce’s B-2 Stealth bomber wouldbear a familiar resemblance to thisplane.

n On Oct. 23, 1972,Operation Linebacker I ended.

Information courtesy of Staff Sgt. TrishaMorgan, 21st Space Wing History Office.

WASHINGTON — Air Force senior leaders recentlyapproved expansion of the Anthrax Vaccine ImmunizationProgram within the service, meaning more servicemembers willbe asked to roll up their sleeves in the near future.

The Air Force Anthrax Vaccine Implementation Plan isbeing distributed to commanders Oct. 11, said Maj. LindaBonnel of the Air Force Medical Operations Agency.

“Installations are to implement the Air Force plan immedi-ately and expand anthrax vaccination to include Priority II per-sonnel,” Bonnel said.

Priority II personnel are military members, emergency-essential Department of Defense civilians and specified contrac-tors assigned or deployed to designated higher-threat areas formore than 15 consecutive days, Bonnel said. Priority I person-nel, who recently began receiving the vaccine, include those indesignated special-mission units, and anthrax vaccine manufac-turing and DOD research personnel.

Higher-threat areas include countries primarily inSouthwest Asia, the major said.

Individuals who fall within the Priority II description willbe notified of their need for the anthrax vaccine, Bonnel said.The public health office at each installation will maintain a com-plete list of the most current higher-threat areas and will ensuretroops receive all required force health protection measures priorto deployment.

“The health and safety of our troops is our No. 1 concern,”Bonnel said. “Vaccination offers a layer of protection — in addi-tion to antibiotics and other measures — that is needed for cer-tain members of the armed forces.”

The Food and Drug Administration has determined that thecurrent anthrax vaccine is safe and effective in protecting againstall forms of anthrax infection, a scientific conclusion that wasrecently supported by the Institute of Medicine, Bonnel said.

The FDA-licensed schedule for the anthrax vaccine callsfor doses at intervals of two and four weeks after the initialdose, followed by doses at the six, 12 and 18 month points, plusannual boosters. Individuals who had previously started theanthrax vaccine series will pick up with the next dose due,Bonnel said.

The AVIP was first started in 1998, primarily for those per-sonnel assigned or deployed to Southwest Asia and Korea.Since that time, the program has undergone a number ofchanges. Most recently, administration of the vaccine has beenrestricted to a relatively small number of personnel as part of aslowdown due to production and supply issues. Since theseissues have been resolved, the program is being reintroducedper recent DOD policy. For more information about the anthraxvaccine, check the official DOD Web site athttp://www.anthrax.mil.

Senior leaders expandanthrax vaccine programBy Staff Sgt. C. Todd LopezAir Force Print News

Photo by Airman 1st Class Shannon Shull

Let’s talkspace

Airman 1st ClassLenny Washington,7th Space WarningSquadron, explainssome of his duties as aspace console opera-tor to Brig. Gen. DuaneDeal, 21st Space WingCommander. The 7thSWS is a geographi-cally seperated unit ofthe 21st SW located atBeale Air Force Base,Calif., and guards theWest Coast againstsea-launched ballisticmissiles.

SPACE OBSERVERFriday, Oct. 18, 2002 3Cover Storywww.peterson.af.mil

By Tech. Sgt. Gino Mattorano21st Space Wing Public Affairs

Air Force enlisted mem-bers should understand theirgreat value to our nation’sreadiness and the honor ofserving in their nation’s AirForce, said the service’s topenlisted member during a visitto Peterson, Schriever andCheyenne Mountain Oct. 7-8.

A key goal of ChiefMaster Sgt. of the Air ForceGerald R. Murray is to help theenlisted corps improve itsreadiness and combat capabili-ties.

“Our enlisted force is thebest in the world,” said Murray.“But we need to better train ourpeople to meet the needs oftoday’s combat environment.We’re going to provide trainingin the expeditionary Air Forceprocess – in areas like integrat-ing forces in a deployed loca-tion. We still need to improveour expeditionary capabilities,and that comes from training,effective organizations, and amindset focused on combatreadiness. And we’re going tocontinue to emphasize that.”

The events of Sept. 11,2001, forever changed Americaand America’s Air Force.

“There’s no way I’m evergoing to forget that our nationwas attacked and that nearly3,000 people lost their lives,”said Murray. “There’s alwaysbeen a focus on mission readi-ness, but now we’ve got to be

ready to fight the war we’re inand any other that might comeour way. We need our youngairmen today to recognize howcritical their service is to us,and how their actions impactour nation’s readiness.”

To maintain the enlistedforce at a high level of readi-ness, the Air Force relies onrecruiting and retaining qualitypeople, according to the chief.The chief believes that the air-men currently entering the AirForce are up to the challenge.

“I often have the opportu-nity to visit the Air Force’snewest airmen at basic militarytraining [at Lackland Air ForceBase, Texas],” said Murray.“When I stand before those air-men after six weeks of training,I am in awe of how motivatedthey are and their understand-ing of service in our Air Force.I feel good about the youngAmericans we are recruiting.In my visits to bases around theAir Force, I constantly meetairman who absolutelyimpress me with their dedica-tion to our service and their jobknowledge. I think we aredoing a great job of educatingand training the people who arecoming into the Air Force.”

Over the last few years,enlisted members have enjoyedhigher-than-normal promotionrates, and these higher rateshave influenced retention rates.

“We promote people in aparticular rank, based on howmany we need for that year,”said Murray. “Consequently,

high retention rates drive pro-motion rates down, while poorretention rates drive them up.But the higher promotion ratesthese past few years can’t belooked at purely from ourretention data. Three yearsago, 46 percent of our enlistedforce was in the E-5 to E-9range, and 54 percent were inthe E-1 to E-4 range. We basi-cally reversed that, so thatmeant that since E-8 and E-9are capped at three percent, E-5 through E-7 had higher pro-motion rates as we shiftedthese over this three-year peri-od of time. I think we probablyhave reached a plateau, and weshould see promotion ratesstart to level out over the next

couple of years.”Another factor

that has influencedretention rates is thewar on terrorism,which caused many AirForce specialties to beplaced on the Stop Losslist.

“Stop Loss affect-ed our ability to take agood look at what ourretention rates reallyare,” said Murray. “Weshould be able to snap-shot our retention ratesover the next fewmonths, but we believeretention is definitelyimproving. Amongother factors, with themajority of our careerfields receiving extrapay, selective reenlist-ment bonuses havecontinued to helpincrease our retentionrates.”

One particular area thechief would like to place moreemphasis on is the mentorshipof young supervisors.

“We have great profes-sional military education,” saidMurray, “but our experiencedNCOs need to take the time topersonally lead and teachyoung supervisors good meth-ods of supervising and assist-ing young airmen. We are acascading force. The staff ser-geants and technical sergeantshave the greatest influence onthe majority of airmen in ourAir Force. Our NCOs need totake the time to get to knowtheir people, help them to workas a team and recognize howimportant they are as teammembers. NCOs need to bethe example that our airmenwant to follow, and that’s thekey to leadership.”

Quality-of-life issues areat the forefront of most AirForce members concerns, andthe chief is dedicated toimproving the living and work-ing conditions for enlistedmembers.

“We’re on a good path ofquality of life improvements,”said Murray. “We have madegreat strides in pay and com-pensation, and benefits for ourpeople. We’re seeing signifi-cant increases in the housingallowance. We’ve seen it risefrom almost 80 to 93 percentthis year and by 2005, thehousing allowance shouldcover 100 percent of housingcosts. In addition, we’ll getanother targeted pay raise forour NCO corps this year, andwe’re pushing for another tar-geted pay raise for 2004 to help

narrow the gap between thecivilian sector and enlistedpay.”

Quality of life alsoapplies to the work center aswell, according to the chief.

“As important as thosethings are to us, they are not atthe heart of our quality of life,”said Murray. “It comes downto having a good organizationand good leadership for ourpeople, so our people feel goodabout coming to work and whatthey do. It’s basically the defi-nition of success – it isn’t howmuch money you make, or thestatus you have. Successshould be measured by howgood you feel about what youdo every day. We want tomake sure that people have atrue quality of life ... that theyunderstand and really appreci-ate the value of service in theirAir Force.”

The chief believes thatthe Air Force benefits thosewho are willing to work hard.

“The Air Force has madethings simple by defining ourthree core values: IntegrityFirst, Service before Self, andExcellence in All We Do,” hecontinued. “I believe thatmeans to work hard, be a goodperson, and treat people theway you want to be treated.One thing I’ve found is thateverything that you give ourAir Force, you’ll get back tenfold. I often wonder why manypeople don’t see that. I’m cer-tainly glad my family and Ihave. There is no question thatwhat we do in the Air Force isworth doing to the best of ourability.”

Top enlisted member visits Pete complex

Photo by Eugene ChavezChief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray listens as Airman 1st Class AnthonySurles, 4th Space Operations Squadron, describes how members of the squadron controlMILSTAR satellites through the space ground link system.

Photo by Staff Sgt. Ken BergmannTech. Sgt. Alohalani Kaleo, Cheyenne Mountain Operations Center,presents an official Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station t-shirt toChief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray, during his visitto the facility Oct. 7.

CMSAF speaks out aboutenlisted, Air Force issues

SPACE OBSERVERFriday, Oct. 18, 20024 News in Brief

At the Base ChapelProtestant

Liturgical Worship, 8:15 a.m.Traditional Sunday Worship

11 a.m.Gospel Services, 12:30 p.m.

CatholicWeekday Mass, 11:35 a.m.

Saturdays, 5 p.m.Sundays, 9:30 a.m.

Reconciliation Saturdays, 4 p.m.

Religious EducationCatholic and Protestant SundaySchool classes begin at 8:30 and

9:45 a.m. respectively.

**For more informationCall the chapel at 556-4442

for available chapelprograms.

CORRECTIONThere was a mistake in

the Oct. 11 story on Page 16 ofthe Space Observer about theEnvironmental ComplianceAssessment and ManagementProgram inspection at ClearAir Force Station, Alaska. Thearticle incorrectly stated thatthere were no major findings inthe inspection. The articleshould have said there were nosignificant findings in theinspection. The SpaceObserver staff apologizes forany confusion this may havecaused.

NEW WATERINGRESTRICTIONS

The following wateringrestrictions are in effect forbase housing residents fromOctober through April.

n Residents with evenaddresses water the secondSunday of each month.

n Residents with oddaddresses water the secondSaturday of each month.

If snow and freezing tem-peratures prohibit base resi-dents from watering on theirdesignated day, they may wateron their day during the fourthweek of the month.

Watering of trees, shrubs,planting beds, and planters isallowed using a handheld hosewith an attached shutoff noz-zle, drip irrigation system orbucket according to the follow-ing schedule: October,November and April – Twotimes per month. Decemberthrough March – One time permonth.

An allowance has been

made for trees, shrubs, plantingbeds, and planters that wereplanted during 2002. Theseplants may be watered twice aweek during October andNovember, and twice a monthfrom December through April.AIRMAN’S ATTIC OPENFOR BUSINESS

The Airman’s Attic willre-open this week. The newhours of operation are Mondaysand Wednesdays 9:30 a.m.-1p.m. The attic is for use by allE-4 airmen and below.CHILD CAREPROVIDERS

Military spouses who arepresently providing child care,or who want to care for chil-dren other than their own for atotal of 10 hours or more perweek must be licensed to do soin on-base quarters. The mis-sion support group commandermay revoke the housing privi-leges of individuals who pro-vide child care but refuse tobecome licensed.

If you are interested inlearning more about FamilyChild Care as a career optionalong with its professionaldevelopment opportunities,please call the FCC office at556-4322.RE-ENLIST ATACADEMY HALFTIME

The U.S. Air ForceAcademy will host an enlist-ment/re-enlistment ceremonyduring halftime at the Nov. 23home football game againstSan Diego State University.

Individuals not eligible tore-enlist during the next fewmonths can still participate inthe re-enlistment ceremony byreaffirming their oath.

Academy SuperintendentLt. Gen. John R. Dallager willbe the officiating officer.Uniform for the ceremony isservice dress. EDUCATION OFFICE

n Air Force tuition assis-tance -- The education officenow provides 100 percent

tuition assistance. Here aresome basic guidelines to keepin mind:

– The maximum the AirForce can pay per semesterhour is $250 or $166.67 perquarter hour. This equates to$750 that the Air Force couldpay for a three semester hourcourse.

– Fees required as a con-dition of enrolling in a coursecan be paid as part of the over-all maximum of $250 persemester hour.

– There is an annual ceil-ing of $4,500 that the Air Forcewill pay in tuition assistancefor any individual. This cannotbe waived and there will be noexceptions to this policy.PIKES PEAK TOP 3ASSOCIATION

Join an association that ismaking things happen for theenlisted force and community.

Meetings are the fourthFriday of each month in theEnlisted Club Buffalo GrillRoom at 3 p.m.

FIRE DEPARTMENTFLAGPOLEDEDICATION

The Peterson AirForce Base FireDepartment will hold aFlagpole Dedication cere-mony Tuesday, 1 p.m., infront of the Crash, Fire,Rescue Station, Building218.

SPACE OBSERVERFriday, Oct. 18, 2002 5Newswww.peterson.af.mil

The following real-lifeevents with real individuals fromaround the Peterson Complex areto inform you of crimes, acci-dents, and events occurring onbase.

The following entries arefrom hundreds recorded in thePeterson Police Blotter:

**Editor’s note: Althoughthe Space Observer staff maymake light of some Blotter entries,the intent is to call attention to oursecurity and law enforcement con-cerns. However, rest assured, ourprofessional Security Forces treateach incident seriously.

Base bumper cars –Oct. 8

A driver was onPeterson Blvd. try-ing to leave base at6:30 in the morningwhen he was bonked byanother car at thePaine Street inter-section. The othercar was travelingsouth along Petersonand was attempting toyield onto Paine.The southbound driv-er was awarded aticket for failure toyield at an intersec-tion.

Holey Dormitory,Batman – Oct. 8

Security Forcesresponded to a bayorderly’s call aboutdamage to the second

-floor day room.Some dunce done diddamage, consisting ofa four-inch hole inthe wall and a brokentable. If anyone hasany further informa-tion, please call556-4000.

Don’t eat food fromstrangers – Oct. 8

Security Forcesresponded to theclinic regarding areport of food poi-soning. Sevenemployees at theclinic had eatenthree pans of brown-ies Oct. 7 given tothem from an unknownindividual. The nextmorning they all com-plained of food poi-soning symptoms.

Public Healthresponded and tooksamples to test thebrownies. Especiallywith Halloween on thehorizon, it’s alwaysa safe practice tonot eat food fromstrangers. In thiscase, we’re glad toreport the individualmaking the browniesis far sicker thanthose who ate them.

Back … Back … Back …Ooops – Oct 9

Security Forcesresponded to theparking lot of Bldg.1246, where the driv-er of a Jeep Cherokeehad backed into agovernment vehicle.The Cherokee suffereda five-inch scrape inthe rear quarterpanel. The GOV sus-tained a five-inchscratch to the rearbumper. The inatten-tive backer wasrewarded with a cita-tion for actionsabove and beyond hisability.

Wake-up Alarm —Oct. 9

Security Forcesresponded to an alarmat Ent Federal CreditUnion. Upon arrivalat the scene, offi-cers determined thealarm was not proper-ly inactivated by anarriving employee.

Sick Puppy – Oct 9A military member

called the FireDepartment complain-ing of right-sidestomach pains. TheFire Departmentresponded and thencalled AMR, whoarrived and trans-ported the individualto Penrose Hospitalfor further treat-ment.

Clinic has the blues –Oct. 10

Security Forcesresponded to theclinic regardingtheft of personalproperty valued atover $300. Twentypersonal CDs belong-ing to a clinicemployee had beenremoved and weremissing. The missingCDs had been kept ina supply drawer inhis treatment roomfor more than a yearbefore turning up“ejected.”

Sick Puppy II – Oct 10Fire Department

and AMR responded tothe Child DevelopmentCenter, where a work-er was complaining ofvomiting and shaking.bAMR personnel trans-ported the individualto AF AcademyHospital for furthertreatment.

(Anyone witnessing anunlawful act should call the SecurityForces at 556-4000.)

Straight Talk LineStraight Talk Line556-9154

Call the 21st Space Wing Straight TalkLine for current information

on real-world andexercise wing events.

SPACE OBSERVERFriday, Oct. 18, 20026 News

The Women’s Health Care Clinicat Peterson Air Force Base reopenedOct. 11 after extensive remodeling.

“The entire area was demolishedand all of the electrical, telephone,plumbing, fire suppression, and lightingsystems were replaced,” said Lt. Col.Brian Grassi, 810th Medical GroupDeputy Commander and Administrator.“It was then reconfigured to allow forfour exam rooms and four provideroffices, a renovated waiting room, and

reception area.”In addition, a new patient screen-

ing room was added.According to Grassi, the layout of

the Women’s Health Clinic wasn’t effi-cient or aesthetically pleasing.

“The floor plan was also problem-atic for patient flow and proper recep-tion, screening, and service,” he added.

The clinic used to have a fullystaffed emergency room, Grassi said,and the women’s clinic was actually theremnants of that area. Once the ERclosed, little remodeling was done toconvert the area to a clinic.

“By adding anadditional exam roomand reconfiguring thefloor plan, patients areprovided a state-of-the-art location forwomen’s healthcare,”Grassi added. “Thenurse practitionersnow have their ownexam rooms, whichimproves the primarycare relationship theyhave with theirpatients.”

According toSenior Airman ConnieCampbell, the remod-eled clinic looks more

professional.“Patients may feel more comfort-

able with their surroundings and priva-cy,” she said. “In my opinion, it’s oneof the best looking clinics I’ve seen.”

While the clinic was under con-struction, both the clinic staff andpatients had to endure a few growingpains.

“Radiology was kind enough to letus live with them, checking in patients,and we actually saw our patients in thePrimary Care Clinic exam rooms,”Campbell said.

The project, which began in July,was completed in just 87 days at a costof $240,000. The price included thecost of renovation, new furniture, andequipment, Grassi said.

“The 810th Medical Group paidfor the project, equipment, and furnitureusing Defense Health Program funds,”he added.

According to Campbell, the clinicstaff will experience better workingconditions and higher morale, but thereal benefit is to the patients.

“I think it is important for womento feel they have a place just for femi-nine issues,” she said. “Women can bevery sensitive about their bodies andwhat goes on with them, so this givesthem feelings of being home.”

The clinic offers a wide variety of

healthcare services to the more than6,000 women between the ages of 16and 65 who are enrolled at the clinic,Grassi said.

The clinic’s hours are 7:30 a.m. to6 p.m. Monday through Friday.Appointments are scheduled throughTricare. Appointments aren’t necessaryfor pregnancy testing, refills for birthcontrol pills or hormone replacementtherapy. Refill services are availablefrom 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., and pregnancytests can be done anytime during nor-mal duty hours.

Women’s Health Care Clinic reopens

Photos by Staff Sgt. Melanie EppersonAirman 1st Class Jamie Budean, medical techni-cian, helps a customer while Sherri Downing, med-ical assistant, takes care of some records.

Senior Airman Connie Campbell,medical technician, prepares asyringe and needle at the Women’sHealth Clinic.

By Staff Sgt. Melani Epperson21st Space Wing Public Affairs

SPACE OBSERVERFriday, Oct. 18, 2002 7

www.peterson.af.mil

By Senior Airman Shane Sharp21st Space Wing Public Affairs

Six members of the 21st ServicesSquadron graduated the Air Force’sfirst-ever traveling Food Services ShiftLeaders Course at the Aragon DiningFacility Oct. 10.

The course was created by the AirForce Services Academy at LacklandAir Force Base, Texas, to enhance thedining experience of customers by wayof well-trained, motivated shift leaders.

The Services Academy sent a mes-sage to the major commands, asking forvolunteers to participate. Peterson wasfirst in line.

“We volunteered right away,” saidStaff Sgt. James Martinez, 21st SVS.“We were the first base in the entire AirForce to participate in the course.”

The course is accredited by theCommunity College of the Air Forceand is designed to provide specifictraining to shift leaders while workingtoward broader goals in Air Force foodservice.

“This course deals with the transi-tion from current food service methodsto up-to-date industry standards,” saidStaff Sgt. Michael Shimkus, food serv-ice shift leader instructor. “It also focus-es on new food accounting practices andinventory controls. This is somethingunique for Air Force dining facilities.”

“The class helps shift leadersbecome more aware of food productionand how to present the food,” said Tech.Sgt. Jeff Race, 21st SVS assistant din-ing facility manager.

One focus of the shift leadercourse is training.

“Performing a job the right way

the first time depends on shift leaderstaking our younger troops and trainingthem right the first time,” said Race. “Aproperly trained team ensures a smooth,focused operation, which translates intoless running around and more attentionpaid to the customer.”

Motivation and teamwork are alsofocus points of the course.

“Shift leaders are taught that amotivated team creates a positive work-ing atmosphere, which increasesmorale,” said Race. “They also learn toincorporate teamwork by encouragingyounger troops to ask questions, com-municate with other team members,and strengthen camaraderie by settingthe example.”

“When everyone shares responsi-bilities, they feel like they’re part of theteam,” he added.

“The customers reap the benefitsof a well-motivated team,” said 2nd Lt.Jason Bennett, 21st SVS food serviceofficer. “Here at Peterson, customerswill see an increase in service skills tobetter serve them.”

The combination of the newcourse and Peterson Services troops wasa recipe for success.

Staff sergeants Don Douglas,Heather Parker, Will Robinson, MarkWhatley, Karolyn Kabuss, and Airman1st Class Tyrane Kugler graduated thetwo-week course with a 91 percent classaverage.

Peterson SVS troops graduatefirst-ever shift leaders course

Photo by Margie ArnoldStaff Sgt. Heather Parker stirs pasta as Staff Sgt. Mike Shimkus, shift leadercourse instructor, looks on.

A T Y O U R

S E R V I C EThis Week

n This week, the Family SupportCenter will have limited servicedue to a furniture move.

Todayn 5K fun run, 11:30 a.m., meet atthe Fitness Center.

Mondayn Mothers on the Move, at theFamily Advocacy Center.n Silver Spruce Golf Courseclosed.

Tuesdayn UNISERV TSP brief, 1-2:30p.m., at the Family Support Center.n Base car wash closed.

Wednesdayn Base car wash closed.

Thursdayn Get a $5 discount on Cessnastoday at the Aero Club.n Session II lessons end, at theAquatics Center.n Play Group, 10:30 a.m.- noon, atthe Chapel.

October weekendsn Get a free game if you strike ared pin in the #1 position, at theBowling Center.

Helpful Numbersn Family Advocacy 556-8943n Education Center 556-4064n Library 556-7462n Community Center 556-7671n Aquatics Center 556-4608n Fitness Center 556-4462n Officers’ Club 556-4181n Enlisted Club 556-4194n Youth Center 556-7220n Family Support 556-6141n Red Cross 556-9201n Aragon Menu Line 556-4782n Outdoor Recreation 556-4487n Golf Course 556-7810

SERVICES CALENDARSAt the

Officers’ Club

At the

Enlisted Club

October 23-- Mongolian barbeque,6-8 p.m.

October 19 -- Last gourmet dinnerof the year, 6-8 p.m.

October 23 -- Country Buffet,5-7 p.m.

November 30 -- Breakfast withSanta, 8-10 a.m.

October 30 -- Pasta buffet,5-7 p.m.

October 25-- Last lobster dinnerof the year, 6-8p.m.

This WeekAt

OutdoorRecreation

November 4 --Trip to CarlsbadCaverns ends.

November 2 --Trip to CarlsbadCaverns, N.M. starts.

October 26 --Kayak lessons end.

SPACE OBSERVERFriday, Oct. 18, 20028 Feature

Claudie V. ClevelandDrug Demand Reduction Program Manager

Is there “Hope for a Drug FreeAmerica”? Yes! This hope beginswith each and every one of us makinga commitment to “Plant the Promise,”the theme of this year’s Red RibbonWeek Campaign.

Peterson is doing its part to fightthe war on drugs by participating inRed Ribbon Week 2002. The campaign beginsWednesday and concludes Oct. 31.

Red Ribbon Week is a national campaign founded in1988 by the National Federation of Parents, now known asthe National Family Partnerships, as a result of frustrationand outrage at the death of Federal Drug EnforcementAgent, Enrique Camarena, on Feb. 7, 1985.

Agent Camarena believed one person could make adifference and dedicated his life to fight the devastationcaused by drug trafficking and abuse. He was tortured andbrutally murdered in Guadalajara, Mexico by powerfuldrug traffickers without accomplishing his mission, buthis struggle continues.

Since 1988, communities across America and mili-tary communities from around the world have joined theNFP in the fight against drugs. The red ribbon is a sym-bol of “hope” for a drug free society. The yearly campaignis dedicated to remind us of the seriousness of the problemand the need for commitment from us as individuals, fam-ilies, communities, and the nation, as we continue in thewar to end drug abuse.

The Air Force’s policy is zero tolerance for sub-stance abuse. Illicit drug use is incompatible with militaryservice, impacts readiness and national defense, destroysfamilies and communities, and kills.

Agent Camarena was aman who never gave up. Hesaw the misery that led peo-ple to drugs and the despera-tion of their struggle. Heexperienced corruption inpolitics and law enforcementand saw the lives of manyyoung people destroyed bydrugs.

Let’s continue his lega-cy by joining in the war against drugs and pledge to livehealthy and drug free. Let’s cherish the lives of our youngpeople and join our nation in this year’s campaign by par-ticipating in activities that promote drug education andhealthy lifestyles. Raising drug free youth begins in thehome, and is a responsibility that extends into our com-munity. Let’s plant the promise.

Peterson is working hard with the local communityto help educate young people about the harmful effectsand dangers of drug use.

For more information on Red Ribbon Week or theDrug Demand Reduction Program, call 556-9147.

Red Ribbon Week activities

Oct. 25: Magic Show at Youth Center and 21stSecurity Forces Squadron Military Working DogExhibitionOct. 26: Information booth at Chapel Hills MallOct. 29: McGruff the Crime Dog, 21st SFS, andthe Peterson Life Skills Clinic will visit District 20middle and elementary schools Oct. 31: Information booth at PetersonCommissary

Have astoryidea?Let us know by calling 556-4351 or e-mail us at:

space.observer@peterson.af.mil

Name and Rank: Tech. Sgt. CharlendW. HowardUnit: 21st Space Wing SafetyDuty Title: Safety TechnicianTime in Service: 16 yearsHometown: San Antonio, TexasOff-duty Interests, Camping, fishingand cooking.Accomplishments: I recently com-pleted 7-level school after cross train-ing from the Security Forces careerfield in February 2001. I am relocat-ing to Minot AFB, N.D., in December2002 to serve as SafetySuperintendent for the 91st SpaceWing. Founded the Junior EnlistedAssociation for the 21st Space Wing. Why did you join the Air Force? Myfather served 27 years and retiredas a senior master sergeant. I knewat a young age that I wanted to followin my father's footsteps and serve mycountry.What inspires you to do what youdo? Knowing that I make a differ-ence in the lives of others has alwaysbeen an inspiration for me to contin-ue doing what I do. Being a safetytechnician, I directly impact the mili-tary and civilian community by pre-venting mishaps.What goals have you set for thefuture? My primary goal for thefuture is to achieve the rank of chiefmaster sergeant and continue to pos-itively impact the lives of other mili-tary members.

PeakPerformer

Photo by Staff Sgt. Melanie Epperson

Java to goTamra Loehr, a civilian contractor, serves up coffee and a smile at Trina’s Brewed Awakenings, thePeterson Clinic’s new coffee shop located near the pharmacy at the lobby entrance to the clinic. The cof-fee shop is open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Red Ribbon Week offershope for drug-free society

SPACE OBSERVERFriday, Oct. 18, 2002 9

www.peterson.af.mil Around the Air Force

RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas — Civilianand military employees can sign up for or change currentThrift Savings Plan accounts during the “open season” fromOct. 15 to Dec. 31.

“TSP is an easy, long-term retirement savings plan thateveryone should consider,” said Maj. Alessandra Stokstad,chief of the contact center at the Air Force Personnel Centerhere. “Current account holders might be interested, too, intransferring money from one fund to another. The TSP folksare set up to handle that.

“Either way, it’s a great supplement to military andcivilian retirement plans,” said Stokstad. “It’s important tonote that TSP is not limited to investing in stocks. People canchoose safer government securities as well.”

“Employees already contributing to the TSP areencouraged to review their TSP plan and account balances,”said Janet Thomas of the center’s civilian benefits and enti-tlements service team, “as the open season period is the besttime to open an account or make changes to an existingone.”

TSP offers investors the chance for lower taxes eachyear they contribute while not having to pay taxes on earn-ings until they reach retirement.

“You can take out loans and make withdrawals fromyour TSP account,” said Thomas. “And you can keep youraccount even if you leave military or federal service.”

Investment money is deposited directly from each pay-check “so you never have to think about it,” said Stokstad.“That makes it easy to ‘pay yourself first’ while only invest-ing what you deem appropriate.”

The five TSP funds are: the Government SecuritiesInvestment (G) Fund, the Common Stock Index Investment(C) Fund, the Fixed Income Index Investment (F) Fund, theSmall Capitalization Stock Index Investment (S) Fund andthe International Stock Index Investment (I) Fund.

“As with any individual retirement account, the sooneryou begin contributing, the better.” Stokstad said.

Account changes made on or before Nov. 30 will takeeffect Dec. 1 for both military and civilian personnel.Changes made after Dec. 1 will take effect in the followingpay period for civilians and the following month for military.

Some of the specifics of the program for servicemem-bers include:

— Beginning in December military members can con-tribute up to 8 percent of their base pay. Airmen can alsoinvest all or part of their bonuses or special pay. But theirtotal yearly tax-deferred investment cannot exceed $12,000.

— Those serving in tax-free combat zones are allowedup to $40,000 in annual contributions.

— Military members can enroll through the DefenseFinance and Accounting Service Web site athttp://www.dfas.mil/emss/. They can also enroll by fillingout a form TSP-U-1 at local military personnel flights,finance offices and family support centers.

— Contribution allocations, how an employee choosesto invest money among the five funds, can be made by call-ing the TSP automated ThriftLine at (504) 255-8777 or onthe TSP Web site at http://www.tsp.gov/. For general TSPquestions, call the AFPC contact center at DSN 665-5000 orcommercial (866) 229-7074, or go to http://www.afpc.ran-dolph.af.mil-/mpf/TSP/thrift_savings_plan.htm

Specific information is available for civilian employ-ees from the Thrift Savings Web site at http://www.tsp.gov,or the BEST Web site at http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil-/dpc/BEST/menu.htm.

— All Air Force civilian employees must make theirTSP contribution elections, the amount an employee wantsto contribute from his or her basic pay, or changes throughthe BEST automated phone system at (800) 997-2378, orcommercial 527-2378 in San Antonio.

Hearing impaired employees may contact BEST bycalling TDD (800) 382-0893 or commercial 565-2276.

— Contribution allocations are made by calling theTSP automated ThriftLine at (504) 255-8777 or on the TSPweb site at http://www.tsp.gov/.

(Courtesy of Air Force Print News. For the completestory, visit www.af.mil)

WASHINGTON — Witha few pen strokes this morning,the chief executive set thenation on course for possiblyanother major military con-frontation with Iraqi dictatorSaddam Hussein.

Sporting a vivid crimsontie, President Bush signedResolution 114, passed lastweek in bipartisan votes inboth houses of Congress. Theresolution authorizes the use ofU.S. military power to makeIraq comply with U.N. resolu-tions it signed in 1991 to endthe Persian Gulf War.

The U.S. resolution“symbolizes the united purposeof our nation, expresses theconsidered judgment of theCongress, and marks an impor-tant event in the life ofAmerica,” Bush said at theWhite House ceremony.

Bush noted Iraq hassteadfastly refused to jettisonits chemical, biological andnuclear weapons of massdestruction programs. Hecalled the Iraqi regime “a seri-ous and growing threat topeace.”

While Congress has nowauthorized the use of force tosubdue Saddam, Bush empha-sized he has not yet ordered theuse of force.

“I hope the use of forcewill not become necessary,”the president pointed out.However, he said confrontingthe threat of Saddam’s Iraqnow is necessary by whatevermeans.

“Either the Iraqi regimewill give up its weapons ofmass destruction or, for thesake of peace, the UnitedStates will lead a global coali-tion to disarm that regime,”Bush explained.

Any doubters of Americandetermination and resolve inthis matter would be unwise totest it, Bush pointed out.

America’s goal in con-fronting Saddam is not just tolimit Iraq’s violations ofSecurity Council resolutions orto slow down its weapons pro-gram.

“Our goal is to fully andfinally remove a real threat toworld peace and to America,”Bush said. “Hopefully this canbe done peacefully. Hopefullywe can do this without any mil-itary action.” To avoid militaryaction, Iraq is obliged to proveits compliance with all theworld’s demands, he added.

As the U.S. military’scommander in chief, Bush saidhe realizes the risks that warwith Iraq pose to America andto service members who wouldhave to face those risks. Yet, heemphasized, those risks will

only increase with time ifSaddam isn’t confronted now.

Ignoring Saddam todaywould create a false sense ofpeace leading to a future inwhich millions live or die atthe discretion of a brutal dicta-tor. “That’s not true peace, andwe won’t accept it,” Bush said.

The Sept. 11, 2001, ter-rorist attacks against Americaput the country on notice thatit’s not immune from the dan-gers and hatreds of the world,he said. The attacks havecaused the nation to resolve tooppose every threat, from anysource, that could bring suddentragedy to the American peo-ple,” Bush asserted.

“This nation will not liveat the mercy of any foreignpower or plot. Confrontinggrave dangers is the surest pathto peace and security,” he said.“This is the expectation of theAmerican people and the deci-sion of their elected representa-tives.

“I thank the Congress fora thorough debate and an over-whelming statement of sup-port,” he continued. “Thebroad resolve of our govern-ment is now clear to all, clearto everyone to see. We willdefend our nation and lead oth-ers in defending the peace.”

(For the complete story,visit Defense Link News atwww.defenselink.mil)

AF announces ThriftSavings Plan open season

The Air Force’s CV-22 tilt-rotor hangs suspended in the chamber at the BenefieldAnechoic Facility at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The CV-22 recently completed elec-tronic warfare testing. The purpose of the electronic warfare tests was to test the suite ofintegrated radio frequency countermeasures, or SIRFC system, which is the radar warn-ing receiver and electronic countermeasures system for the CV-22.

Photo by Rob Bardua

Electronic warfare testing

Bush signs resolution authorizinguse of force against SaddamBy Gerry J. GilmoreAmerican Forces Press Service

SPACE OBSERVERFriday, Oct. 18, 200210 Viewpoint

“Excellence in all we do.” Have we really thought aboutwhat that means? Have we internalized it and made that view-point an automatic part of our response to life’s tasks and chal-lenges? Sometimes it helps to address a common phrase fromanother angle, a translation if you will. By “Sweating the SmallStuff,” we will achieve excellence in all we do. I invite you toread an article written by Col. Larry Strube, 379th AirExpeditionary Wing Commander. As you read his advice about“sweating the small stuff” please think about what you do every-day and how important the details are in the safe and successfulaccomplishment of our mission.

We often admire those around us who have the uncannyability to see the “big picture.” These are the people who, amidall the chaos, can keep focused on the larger task at hand and notget sidetracked by all the details.

At the same time, we tend to look at people who emphasizethe small details as nitpickers, micromanagers, or worse.

Our Culture is full of phrases that describe someone caughtup in the details, like someone who “can’t see the forest for thetrees.” But from my point of view, being a detail person is criti-cal to the success of everything we do.

Who would want to go fly in an aircraft where the mechan-ic didn’t worry about ensuring the engine was maintained toextremely tight specifications? Or what if the software engineerdidn’t test and retest the computer code critical to the onboardnavigation systems? Ever consider pulling your car out of a sidestreet without looking in both directions?

I hope in these examples your answer would be “no.” Ineach example, the problem was that details were ignored.

One of our Air Force core values, excellence in all we do,hits the nail right on the head. If we do everything, large orsmall, to the best of our ability, then successful mission accom-plishment is practically guaranteed.

The details are the building blocks for success.Like a builder, if you don’t spend the time putting in a strong

foundation, the finished product may look good but it will neverstand up during bad weather. In this case, ignoring the detailscan have a catastrophic impact.

If a commitment to excellence is not part of your daily rou-tine, you’ll never get to the “big picture.” You must spend thetime and effort taking care of the “small stuff.”

In the military, consistently taking care of the small stuff hasa name: discipline.

Discipline and details go hand in hand. Without disciplineand attention to details, we’re setting ourselves up for failure.We’ll never be able to admire the big picture because the build-ing blocks or details don’t get done.

We’ll constantly fall short of our goals because the smallthings or details will trip us up. It doesn’t matter if you’re work-ing alone or with a team, paying attention to the small stuff isalways important.

So what’s the secret to successful mission accomplishment?It’s a commitment to excellence that starts with the basic buildingblocks of any task. It’s taking care of the details as part of youreveryday routine.

Next time someone tells you “don’t sweat the small stuff,”take the time to explain to him or her how the “small stuff” makesthe “big stuff” happen.

When international negotiations take place, the negotiatorsbegin by trying to nail down “the big picture,” or the fundamen-tal framework from which an agreement can be made. But everynegotiator will tell you, “the devil is in the details.” When itcomes to the “details” or “the small stuff” it is important that weall are disciplined. Sweating the “small stuff” and paying atten-tion to details could save your life or the lives of your Air Forcecomrades.

We live in extraordinary times. A military command struc-ture is being brought to life to protect the United States. Our mil-itary, which for so many decades has focused on fighting our bat-tles away from home ... must now focus on a battle nearer to ourhome. “Attention to details,” “sweating the small stuff,” “excel-lence in all we do,” should not be abstract bits of “bumper stick-er philosophy.”

In the military, we do “sweat the small stuff “ it is our duty,our core competence and a core value. Make it yours.

Excellence in all we doBy Col. Louis “Lou” E. Christensen821st Air Base Group Commander

SPACE OBSERVERFriday, Oct. 18, 2002 11

www.peterson.af.mil

Interested in Air Force opportunities?Contact Air Force Recruiting Service

at www.airforce.comor 800-423-USAF

Zeroing inAir Force Academy quarterback Chance Harridge ranfor four touchdowns for the second straight game, asthe No. 15 Falcons beat Brigham Young 52-9 Saturdaynight. Contact your unit first sergeant for informationabout the tailgate party for Saturday’s game, when theundefeated Falcons (6-0) take on No. 7 Notre Dame,who is also 6-0.

Photo by 2nd Lt. Suzy Kohout