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Vol. 8, Issue 6 A Publication of the 144th Fighter Wing Public
Affairs Office June 2017
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii - Airmen and Soldiers of
the California National Guard’s Medical Detachment responded to
Hawaii’s call for help during Operation Kula Aloha.
Operation Kula Aloha was an exercise created to work on the
integration and logistics between two National Guard medical units
in FEMA Region IX. Even though the units have the same mission
requirements, tasks are accomplished by individuals that don’t
always speak the same “language.”
“We are learning how to work together, how our processes
overlap
and what works and doesn’t work,” said Lt. Col. Nathaniel Duff,
154th Medical Detachment medical treatment officer. “The most
valuable thing that we do here is to learn to work together as a
team.”
The training scenario that brought the National Guard units from
Hawaii and California together took place at Bellows Air Force
Station in Waimanalo, HI May 4, 2017. After a simulated large scale
hurricane devastated the island of Oahu, the Hawaiian homeland
response force became overwhelmed and required assistance from
their counter-parts in California. The 144th MedDet responded with
56 team members, two vehicles and two trailers packed
with the lifesaving equipment and supplies needed to perform the
mission at hand. Upon arriving at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam,
the California team unloaded and proceeded to a simulated collapsed
factory and ammonia leak.
After an initial briefing of the situation, both medical
detachments went to work to save lives. The first members to be
deployed were the search and extraction teams. Their mission is to
scour the immediate area and building wreckage to find people
affected by the disaster. This could be anything from being
incapacitated by the chemical leak to being trapped in the rubble
from the collapsed building.
Once the wounded were extracted, they were then brought to the
all hazard triage area where they were evaluated for treatment.
After
being triaged, the wounded were then treated by a highly trained
staff of military doctors, nurses and medics to stabilize and then
transport.
144th Medical Detachment Answers Hawaii’s CallBy Senior Master
Sgt. Chris Drudge, 144th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
As other team members observe, U.S. Air Force Maj. Benjamin
Bonnes, 144th Medical Detachment 1 physician, instructs Lt. Col.
Roxellen Auletto, 144th MedDet 1 nurse practitioner, on the proper
technique for inserting a chest tube on a simulated victim during
Operation Kula Aloha May 4, 2017. The operation is a FEMA Region IX
Medical Collective Training Exercise scenario that involves the
Hawaii and California National Guards’ Medical Detachments
supporting one another after a large-scale hurricane. (Air National
Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Chris Drudge)
U.S. Airforce Airmen from the 154th Wing and 144th Fighter Wing
unload support equipment in preparation for Operation Kula Aloha
May 4, 2017. (Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Chris
Drudge)
(cont. on pg 3)
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The 144th FW/CC’s Top Three priorities have one common theme –
Readiness.
Whether we are to deploy at a moment’s notice for the warfight,
to support our governor and communities in times of need, or do our
24/7/365 homeland defense Alert mission, we must all be ready and
willing to go Fly, Fight and Win. Since declaring Fully Operational
Capable (FOC) in the F-15C one year ago, our main focus in the
144th Operations Group has been on establishing and maintaining
Combat Mission Readiness (CMR) in the Eagle. The main reason for
that CMR focus is because the Air Force has become the smallest it
has ever been in its 70-year history, and the nation has come to
rely on us as an “Operational Reserve”.
But what does being part of an “Operational Reserve” really mean
to us?
From the Air National Guard’s founding in September 1947 until
our overwhelming coalition victory over Iraq during Desert Storm in
February 1991, the ANG was part of the nation’s “Strategic
Reserve.” Created just after WWII when a new world order was
emerging between two main superpowers– the democratic United States
and the communist Soviet Union – the
ANG was primarily postured for homeland defense and as a hedge
against the risk of major theater war between these two great
powers in Western Europe (i.e. the “Fulda Gap” scenario). In this
capacity, the tempo of operations for the ANG was relatively
static. Unforeseen military actions requiring surge operations such
as Korea and Vietnam were primarily the responsibility of the
Regular forces and the Draft – the involuntary conscription of able
men 18 years of age and older into the Armed Forces. This model –
static operations tempo for the ANG and surge operations for the
Regular Air Force (RegAF) and draftees – was one of the main
features of the Strategic Reserve.
Since 1991 as the USAF has become smaller and smaller, the ANG
has evolved from a strategic to an “Operational Reserve”. With the
maturation of the all-volunteer force (i.e. no draftees) and out of
military necessity, the main warfighting function of the RegAF and
ANG in a way, have swapped. The RegAF is now postured with a
capacity and state of readiness required to deter/dissuade/win
major theater wars against potential adversaries such as North
Korea and China. Since the ANG is no longer relied upon as a
strategic deterrent for major theater war, we are now primarily
postured as a hedge against the risk of fighting … well … what,
exactly?
The truth is we just don’t know. The world of the 21st Century
has emerged geopolitically as not only the “Information Age” where
communications, data and decisions are transmitted at the speed of
light, but also as the “Age of Uncertainty.” Events can unfold
before our old paradigms and strategies have time to react to them–
think of the Russian annexation of Crimea, the emergence of ISIS in
the Levant and China’s militarization of the South China Sea. If
you have kept up with the news, “uncertain” would be a most
appropriate word to describe what might be lasting hallmarks of
the nascent Trump Administration. During these times of
confusion and strategic opacity, both state and non-state actors
can turn world events “on a dime” – for instance consider the
implications of North Korea test-launching nuclear-capable
intercontinental ballistic missiles, or the next “WannaCry”-style
cyber-attack that takes down parts of our nation’s power grid. What
would be our response?
This concept of our nation being forced to react to unforeseen
catastrophic events is nothing new. Think of our paradigms,
strategic posture and military readiness in Hawaii on December 6th
1941, or of our foreign and domestic policy approach on September
10th, 2001. How prepared were we as a nation for the shocking
events that immediately followed?
So, the question we should ask is not IF the next
history-changing event will occur, but WHEN might it occur. And the
reality is, in the Age of Uncertainty, we probably won’t be able to
anticipate that either. Since we really cannot predict WHEN or
WHERE we may be called, the one certainty that history has taught
us is that we need to be READY NOW.
As Guard Warriors in service to our nation in 2017, we are
postured and relied upon as the USAF’s Operational Reserve. We are
the hedge against the risk of uncertainty. The combat capability of
the 144th Fighter Wing WILL be called upon to serve the nation and
our state, we just don’t know exactly WHEN or WHERE. Thus the 144th
FW/CC’s Top Three Priorities addresses these new paradigms and
challenges us to be ready for anything.
Are you?
The 144th Fighter Wing is Ready … Ready for What?By Col. Steven
Early, 144th Operations Group Commander
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Upcoming Base Events
UEIJuly 2017
Sentry EagleJuly 2017
FERS Retirement class August 8 - 9 2017
The California and Hawaii medical teams worked seamlessly
together through three shifts and dozens of simulated patients.
Wounds from a bump on the head to severed limbs were treated. Both
medical
detachments looked as though they had worked together for
years.
“This is an exercise specifically looking at building our
medical capabilities response to domestic operations,” said Lt.
Col. James Faumuina, 154th Medical Detachment commander.
Faumuina added building on those medical capabilities
included search and extraction rescue operations, all hazard
triage team and trauma treatment as well as health protection for
the Soldiers and Airmen in the field.
When asked what the biggest obstacle that had to be overcome,
logistics came to the top of the list. “The actual transportation
of personnel and equipment proved to be the largest challenge by
far,” said Lt. Col. Jordan Darnauer, 144th Medical Detachment
commander.
Beyond getting the personnel and equipment to an isolated island
in the middle of the Pacific, the exercise was designed to be more
of a learning and training experience so the personnel involved got
the most value out of everything that transpired throughout the
week.
“The most important aspect of the entire process was to ensure
that every Airman and Soldier involved has the skill set to save
lives,” said Darnauer.
144th Medical Detachment (cont. from pg 1)
U.S. Air Force Maj. Lynda Hirata, 144th Medical Detachment 1,
California Air National Guard, nurse, observes Airman 1st Class
Prince Anyanwu, 144th MedDet 1, start an IV during Operation Kula
Aloha May 5, 2017. (Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt.
Chris Drudge)
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FRESNO AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Calif. — With cheers and
applause, Airmen from the 144th Fighter Wing, along with friends
and family gathered together to witness U.S. Air Force Chief Master
Sgt. Cindy Downing (retired) receive the Legion of Merit award.
The Legion of Merit is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of
the United States for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the
performance of outstanding service to the United States. It is one
of the highest awards given to members of the Armed Forces. The
Secretary of the Air Force is the approval authority for Air Force
award recipients.
U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Clay Garrison, California Air
National Guard commander, presented the Legion of Merit award to
Chief Downing during a ceremony held at the 144th Fighter Wing, May
7, 2017. Chief Downing is the first enlisted service member from
the state of California to receive the award.
In his remarks Garrison said, “the Legion of Merit obviously
isn’t just for anybody. She did the work. She
represented the Airmen of the state of California and the Airmen
of the Air National Guard very well.”
Chief Downing served as State Command Chief for the California
Air National Guard from January 24, 2013 to September 30, 2016 and
she also served as the Region Seven representative on the National
Guard Enlisted Field Advisory Council. Prior to that, Downing
served as the Command Chief Master Sergeant for the 144th Fighter
Wing.
Her efforts created and impacted numerous force development
programs statewide and across the nation.
“Most of the programs that we have in place promoting leadership
development in the state of California are a direct result of her
efforts in the state and a direct result of her efforts at the
(Field Advisory Council),” said Garrison.
U.S. Air Force Col. Reed Drake, 144th Fighter Wing commander,
was thrilled to host the ceremony for Downing.
“When state leadership informed us that we would be hosting this
great
event, we were excited,” said Drake. “As the 144th Fighter Wing,
where she had served for most of her career, it was special for
us.”
“She’s always gone where she’s needed. She’s always succeeded
where she’s gone,” said Col. Mark Groves, 144th Mission Support
Group commander. “It’s a testament to everything she does and her
character. If there was any enlisted person who was well deserving
of the award, it was definitely Chief Downing.”
“She was my mentor. I always looked up to her. I always asked
her advise for both professional and personal issues,” said Senior
Master Sgt. Lori Wilcox, 144th Comptroller Flight superintendent.
“She was a great role model. She had a lot of passion for her
Airmen, and you always knew she had your back.”
Wilcox worked under Chief Downing for over 15 years in the
finance office at the 144th FW. She noted Chief Downing’s unique
ability to speak to top leaders and Airmen at every level. “They
all had respect for her, which can be a challenge, even for a top
enlisted person.”
When asked about the award Downing said, “it’s amazing. I feel
totally humbled and honored. It’s an award for every Airman that
I’ve ever worked with and for.”
For Downing, servant leadership was the key. She always kept the
big picture in mind and worked to serve the Airmen in the best way
that she could.
“It is important to me that Airmen know retirement is a goal
that is within reach. It is something that is out there, that all
Airmen should strive for— to close the loop of their career,” said
Downing. “Just focus on your job and the mission, and be a great
Airman.”
First Federal Legion of Merit Awarded to California Enlisted
AirmanBy 1st Lt. Jason Sanchez, 144th Fighter Wing Public
Affairs
Training (cont. from pg 1)
U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Clay Garrison, Commander, California
Air National Guard, and Chief Master Sgt. (ret.) Cindy Downing hold
the Legion of Merit medal citation Garrison presented to Downing,
May 7, 2017, at the Fresno Air National Guard Base. (Air National
Guard Photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles Vaughn).
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Below are the six points, with a short explanation of why each
is important to making you stand out from the others in your peer
group.
You will notice the lack of discussion about leadership,
communication and PME. Those are all required, too. In fact, those
basic requirements are mandatory to even be considered for
promotion, so if you haven’t done your PME, or can’t lead Airmen,
forget it. Once you master the basics, concentrate on the six
points below to distinguish yourself among your peer group. Please
review AFI 36-2618 (The Enlisted Force Structure) and AF Handbook 1
(The Airman Handbook).
1. Become a Technical Expert:Your group is your home base. It is
how you are identified by all other members of the group. Whether
you are assigned to the HQ/MSG/MXG/MDG or OPS group you will be
viewed by your peers as that type of Airman. Others in your group
will quickly learn how much they can depend on your knowledge and
support at critical times. Your reputation as a great
work-under-pressure Airman or your knowledge of the group
procedures will precede you in all assignments. Are you the best in
your group? When your peers and your superiors know that you are
supremely competent in your career field you will stand out among
the rest of the pack.
2. Volunteer:It takes so much more than showing up at 0730 on
Saturday and staying until 1600 on Sunday to make the 144 FW the
great wing that it is. Retirement ceremonies, credible awards
packages, holiday parties, recruiting, deployments – none of these
are part of your AFSC job. Yes, these and many more things are part
of what makes a great wing fly high above the others. Do you have a
role in making the 144 FW a great wing? Or do you merely put in
your time? Volunteering puts you in the category of going “Above
and Beyond” and gives your leadership the impression that you care
deeply about the group to which you belong.
3. Be Dependable:UTAs are a busy time. Managing an award-winning
144 FW takes a lot of work. Your leadership team needs members that
they can depend upon to take a project from concept to completion.
Remember these tips: 1) If you get an assignment, seek your
supervisor’s input and guidance to get started, 2) Keep them
informed of your progress and 3) ask for feedback once you’re
complete. If your supervisor winds up doing the work for you, then
you haven’t been dependable. Ask yourself: When given a job,
project, or assignment; do I get it done? Or does it fizzle out
shortly after I’ve gotten started. As you get higher in the chain
of command, it becomes much easier to see who is dependable. If you
want to be promoted, your name must be on that list.
4. Participate:Again, this is entry level stuff. You have to be
here, in the 144 FW, on UTAs if you expect to get promoted. At the
144 FW we do a lot more than just UTAs and annual tours. There are
off-UTA leadership opportunities, conferences, nightshift duties,
weekend coverage, and schools. Do you participate in these events,
too? There are times in a guard member’s career when he/she will
necessarily miss some UTAs. It happens to all of us. However, I am
continually
surprised by guard members who miss a majority of UTAs during
the year, or seem to be on the “continual reschedule program”, and
feel they deserve to be promoted. At the 144 FW, you are
recommended for promotion first by your immediate supervisor, then
by a board that is composed of your peers and supervisors. You
can’t demonstrate your skills, attitude, and military bearing when
you are not among your peers and supervisors.
5. Possess Superior Military Bearing:When was the last time you
checked your military bearing? Do you know how to treat a Chief
Master Sergeant or an Officer? Do you look good or overweight in
your uniform? Got all your patches on? Superior haircut? This is
entry level stuff, folks. You’ve got to get this right just to play
the game. But so often it gets overlooked. We are all books, and we
all get judged by our covers, it’s simply human nature.
6. Display a Positive Attitude:It’s not always going to go your
way. I promise you will suffer frustrations at times. You may have
felt you were a shoe-in for promotion, or thought your medal
package was a “done deal”. The experts tell us that the true test
of a person is how they act during times of adversity. I have the
privilege of being able to work with all of our members, in both
good times and bad. Believe me, if you’re always complaining and
bad-mouthing the organization, undermining leadership or displaying
a bad attitude, you show me and the rest of the leadership team
more about yourself than the thing about which you are upset. When
you get let down, how do you react?
Well, there it is. Concentrating on these six points will help
you stand out among your peers. You will be seen as “first among
equals.” Doors marked “Opportunity” will start to open in front of
you. From there, it’s up to you to walk through them.
Making Yourself Competitive for PromotionBy Cheif Master Sgt.
Johnny G. Leal, 144th Logistics Readiness Squadron
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On February 11, 2017 the Senior Enlisted Council sponsored an
Enlisted Town Hall meeting open to all Wing personnel The following
questions were asked during the Town Hall. At the Town Hall base
leadership promised to research the questions and provide feedback
on the outcome/answers to your questions.
• Question #1: Town Hall meetings should occur more often,
Councils should consider holding one during the week so fulltime
personnel can attend, fulltime personnel have different issues they
would like to discuss.
Answer: The Senior Enlisted Council (SEC) would like to host an
event for all personnel on Sunday of September UTA in the DFAC.
During this event we will discuss these questions and provide
updates from the last Town Hall as well as our 2018 plan, we will
again open up the floor to a Q & A. SEC would also like to host
an event for fulltime personnel on a Friday in September (TBD). We
will work with MXG and OG to de-conflict flying times to facilitate
maximum participation. This event would be a trial run to see if
there is any value or need to separate Town Hall meetings into a
fulltime and/or DSG event.POC Assigned: Master Sgt. Schiotis
• Question #2: Maintenance personnel are often unable to attend
council meetings, town halls or other events on UTA weekends
because of the flying schedule, can you include Maintenance
schedules when planning these types of events?
Answer: Col. Drake contacted both Col. Kelly and Col. Early to
ask the question; if a Town Hall or other event was scheduled would
both Maintenance and Operations be willing to move the schedule
around (i.e. schedule a one go day, etc). Both Commander’s agreed
if scheduled far enough in advance they would be willing to
schedule around the event.POC Assigned: Chief Master Sgt. Brown
• Question #3: Why doesn’t the Wing provide study groups for
personnel working on Distance Learning (DL) courses like ALS or
NCOA?
Answer: EPME Distance Learning courses are governed by Barnes
Center Instruction (BCI) 36-2301v2, EPME Distance Learning dated 15
Feb 17 and Academic Affairs Handbooks 36-3, 36-14 and 36-15 which
are provided at the time of enrollment. Group studies are permitted
only under the strict guidelines outlined in the BCI and handbooks
under ‘Test Study Rules of Engagement’. If you are currently
enrolled in an EPME DL and would like to be involved in a study
group, contact the 144 FW Base Education and Training Center or the
144 FW Command Chief.POC Assigned: Senior Master Sgt. Randell
• Question #4: Why doesn’t the Wing offer cultural language
center testing? Having access to a list of active duty test
facilities and schedules would be beneficial if testing could
not
be offered on the installation.
Answer: This is a service the Wing has never offered, it takes
some time to do the appropriate research to determine if we have
the capability and what is required to actually facilitate the test
and provide the appropriate credit in MilPDS. I will ensure there
is an update at the next Town Hall in September.POC: Senior Master
Sgt. Randell
• Question #5: Why isn’t there a base club? Several members
indicated they would like a Social Club where they could enjoy
having a drink in an environment that promotes camaraderie and
interaction between all squadrons on the base.
Answer: The ANG is not able to have a Base Club or be part of
the AF Club association. We can however apply to become a Dining
Social Club (DSC), approving official is NGB. I have looked at the
regulations and in my spare time formatting a draft copy of the
by-laws and all other material to present to the Wing Commander for
his approval. We may not have a DSC at this time, but that does not
mean we cannot provide opportunities to gather, i.e. Thursday night
football in the DFAC with refreshments for members who want to stay
and watch Football during the season or provide space for member to
gather after duty hours for post Drill discussions. An update will
be provided at the next Town Hall. POC: Senior Master Sgt.
Hernandez
• Question #6: Why isn’t there a basketball court in the track
area? Other activities like volleyball, badminton along with other
team sports were also suggested.
Answer: Basketball courts (as well as other activities
mentioned) are authorized. The Health & Wellness Committee is
meeting to discuss location and funding. The Sustainment Section
will then task members under their Recreation Function to organize
other unit competitive activities.POC: Chief Master Sgt. Duncan,
Senior Master Sgt. Hernandez
• Question #7: Can the Wing move Family Day to an off base
location?
Answer: A Wing Family Day Committee, with Ms. Dorene Vierra as
the Chairman, will be formed to come up with viable options and
locations to present to the Wing Commander for next year’s Family
Day.POC: Chief Master Sgt. Duncan
• Question #8: Why is there not an AAFES (Army and Air Force
Exchange Service) on base? Does the Wing have a contract for
uniform alterations?
Answer: AAFES did perform a study a few years back and
determined the expense would not be beneficial. We have not given
up trying, we have since contacted AAFES again
Town Hall Q&A
(cont. on pg. 7)
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and scheduled a site visit in June, to look at the possibility
of having an AAFES or vending on base.
AAFES does hold case lot sales at the Army National Guard, they
provide the space and invite our Wing to participate.
The Wing does have a contract for uniform alterations with ARAMS
Clothing Alterations in Fresno. Logistics Readiness Squadron,
Military clothing section gives vouchers to those Airmen needing
hemming or other alterations. POC: Chief Master Sgt. Duncan, Senior
Master Sgt. Hernandez
• Question #9: DSG personnel are leaving the Wing because they
have long wait times for BMT Courses. Is it possible to get members
to BMT quicker even if it mean a break between BMT and Technical
Training? Is it possible to allow more time for Airmen to spend in
their respective units? Airmen are reporting burn out from long
period of time in Student Flight.
Answer: There is no known evidence supporting this claim.
Getting members to BMT and Technical School quicker is
above our level and rests with NGB and Active Duty Air Force.
Both NGB and AD AF are aware of the issue and are working to reduce
delays. NGB is in the driver’s seat when it comes to booking BMT.
The training office only requests Phase I of Technical School. NGB
books BMT and any subsequent phases of Technical Schools around
that. It’s not the wait time for BMT that is causing the delays,
it’s the wait time for Technical Schools. It’s also incumbent upon
the member to complete all of their Security paperwork in the
system, have it open and running favorably, so we are able to
request Phase I schools earlier. As far as letting Airmen report to
their projected units, I do not see much value in this beyond site
visits and advance orientation. Having Airmen go to work centers
when they are unable to do anything besides stand around or
sweep/mop/take out trash is not value added, they are not qualified
to do any AFSC-related training.POC: Chief Master Sgt. Duncan
We thank you for your participation and all of your great
questions, we hope to see you at our next Town Hall in
September.
Town Hall Q&A (cont. from pg. 6)
Preparing for Life’s SurprisesBy Milton Ames, CFP®
We devote much of our lives to making and living out our
long-range plans. We go to school; have children; plant
gardens; and save for the future with the expectation that we
will see the fruits of our efforts. However, often times while
living out these plans we encounter surprises, very often pleasant
ones.
Surprises are a part of what makes life interesting and
worthwhile. Occasionally, some of life’s surprises bring bad news,
even tragedy.Without a doubt, the better prepared you are to meet
unexpected challenges, the quicker you will recover both
financially and emotionally. Here are 10 tools that you can utilize
to provide financial protection and greater peace of mind.
1. Emergency Fund—This is money set aside in a savings account
to cover unplanned expenses such as major care repairs, emergency
travel, or replacing
a large appliance. Plan to grow this account the equivalent of
three to six months of living expenses in case you temporarily lose
your income.
2. Auto Insurance—You purchase this insurance to a) cover legal
liability resulting from owning and operating a car, and b)
physical damage to your insured automobile.
3. Homeowner/Renter Insurance—Homeowner insurance typically
covers your personal liability as well as the structure and
contents of your house and out-buildings. Renter insurance usually
covers personal property in a rented house or apartment and
personal liability.
4. Umbrella Insurance—This insurance covers financial loss due
to personal liability that exceeds the coverage offered through
your other insurance policies such as auto or homeowner.
5. Life Insurance—Life Insurance is typically purchased by
individuals who have dependents. When the person who is insured
dies, the amount of the policy (death benefit) is distributed to
the designated beneficiaries.
6. Health Insurance—This insurance helps you pay the costs of
regular health care and protects you against the catastrophic
health care costs that can result from treating serious illness and
injuries.
7. Disability Insurance—This is a form of health insurance that
will provide you periodic payments to partially replace income you
lose due to illness, injury, or disease.
8. Long-Term Care Insurance—This insurance pays for your
long-term care if, as the result of physical or mental
disabilities, you can no longer accomplish the tasks of
independent, everyday living.
9. Durable Power of Attorney—This is a legal document that gives
direction as to whom you choose and trust to make your health care
and financial decisions in the event you are temporarily or
permanently unable to do so.
10. Will—A will is the first step in estate planning. It is a
legal document that specifies how and to whom you would like to
have your assets distributed at the time of your death. Every adult
should have a will!
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144th Fighting Falcon Once Again Stands ProudBy Senior Master
Sgt. Chris Drudge, 144th Fighter Wing, Public Affairs
Base Beautification ProjectsBy Staff Sgt. George Solis, 144th
Fighter Wing, Public Affairs
ATWATER, Calif. -- When retired Col. Larry “Cal” McKoane flew
aircraft 80-543, an F-16A Fighting Falcon, to the bone yard at
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in 1994, he never thought he’d see the
jet again. 23 years later, he now stands beside this beautifully
restored aircraft sitting on display at the Castle Air Museum in
Atwater, Calif. during the dedication ceremony May 28, 2017.
Castle was first put on the list to receive an F-16 in 1992, but
the F-16As weren’t released for museum duty until mid-2015. That’s
when the USAF museum sent out notices to all interested parties.
Castle had the fortitude to request and wait for an F-16 that flew
at the 144th Fighter Wing.
According to Bill Emery, who retired from the 144th FW eight
years ago, the close relationship between Castle and Fresno is the
main reason they desired
the aircraft that the 194th Fighter Squadron flew more than 20
years earlier.
The Castle Air Museum was notified in February of 2016 that they
were to receive the aircraft they wanted. It took more than three
months of planning to actually get a crew of volunteers to go to
Davis-Monthan AFB,
AZ. The jet traveled from the DM boneyard to the Pema County Air
Museum. That’s when the restoration crew and volunteers from the
144th FW Detachment at March Air Reserve Base traveled down and
disassembled the fighter jet into six pieces and transported it to
Atwater, Calif.
Once the jet arrived at Castle, it only took the volunteers
three weeks to re-assemble and prepare the jet for the arduous task
of sanding and painting. After assembly, it took the volunteers
just over three months to sand, prime and paint the fighting
falcon.
Thanks to the efforts of Larry McKoane, Bill Emery, Carl Knoch,
the volunteers from Detachment 1 at March ARB, Jameson Harvesting,
Ralph Robledo, Jeff Heyer and the entire Castle Air Museum
Restoration Team, the 144th Fighter Wing’s F-16A Fighting Falcon
now sits proudly on display for all to see.
FRESNO AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Calif. -- The Fresno Air
National Guard Base is getting a facelift and not just for the
aesthetics. The reason for these projects are for more practical
and financial reasons.
“Because of the drought in California, the state had enforced
water restrictions,” said Senior Airman Mark Beninga, 144th Civil
Engineer Squadron base beautification project manager. “The base
needed to cut back on water usage so by designing the rockscaping
around the base with drought tolerant plants and trees the base is
cutting back 75% of its
water usage in those areas.”
The 144th CES has completed a couple of projects so far this
year with several more in the planning and design stages.
Beninga says, “CES will be doing some more rockscaping in
selected areas, adding pavers in selected areas, repairing
sidewalks and building a retaining wall.” Beninga added CES also
plans on moving some of the static display planes from the Legacy
Air Park to a couple of different locations around the base.
The projects completed so far, took about 90 days to finish at a
cost of around $380,000. The 144th CES expects the remaining
beautification projects slated for this year to take about 90 days
to design, plan, and perform the work with the cost coming in
around $40,000.
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Raymond Gipaya, a structural craftsman
with the 144th Civil Engineering Squadron, California Air National
Guard, lines up the concrete forms where “Old Leroy” an F-86
fighter jet formerly flown at the 144th Fighter Wing will be
dispayed as part of the base beautification process May 6, 2017.
(Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. David J. Loeffler)
Retired Col. Larry McKoane speaks at the F-16A Fighting Falcon
dedication ceremony at Castle Air Museum May 28, 2017 while Bill
Emery and Joe Pruzzo look on in the background. The F-16A was last
flown at the 144th Fighter Wing in 1994, when it was taken to
Davis-Monthan AFB for decommissioning. (Air National Guard photo by
Senior Master Sgt. Chris Drudge)
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According to Tony Robbins, “The way we communication with others
and with ourselves ultimately determines the quality of our lives.”
In today’s complex environment the ability to communicate
effectively is critical no matter where you work and live. We must
know how to convey and receive messages face-to-face, as well as
via email, phone, and through social media.
• Nonverbal Communication - Your eye contact, hand gestures,
body language, and the tone of your voice all contribute to the
message you convey to others. A friendly tone and a relaxed open
stance will encourage others to speak openly with you. Also paying
attention to other people’s nonverbal signals contributes to good
communication.
• Listening – Take the time to practice active listening. Active
listening requires you to pay close attention to what the other
person is saying. It is difficult to communicate with someone who
only cares about putting in his or her “two cents” and doesn’t take
the time to actively listen. When another person is
communicating
with you, ask clarifying questions and rephrase what the person
says to ensure understanding. This practice goes a long way in
promoting effective communication.
• Friendliness – A friendly tone sets the stage for open and
honest interactions with you. It is important to be polite and nice
in all your workplace communication. This is key with both
face-to-face and written communication.
• Clarity and Concision – Try to get your message across in as
few words as possible. Good communication means recognizing the
appropriate information to communicate. You don’t want to say too
little or too much. You want to speak directly and clearly in
person, on the phone, or through email. Think about the message you
want to communicate ahead of time and even bring some notes along
to help you stay on point.
• Confidence – Conveying confidence communicates to others that
you believe in what you are saying and that you will follow through
with the message. Your confidence has a reciprocal effect that
fosters other’s confidence in you and your message. Demonstrating
confidence can happen through eye contact or using a friendly but
firm tone. Of course, be mindful not to come across arrogant or
aggressive. Don’t forget to engage in active listening as well.
1. Empathy – Effective communication conveys that you respect
the other person even if you disagree with them. You can use
phrases such as “I understand where
you are coming from” to show the other person that you are
actively engaged in the conversation.
2. Open-Mindedness – Enter into a conversation with a flexible,
open mind being willing to listen to another person’s point of
view. A willingness to dialogue even when you disagree will foster
honest and productive conversations.
3. Respect – Showing respect when you communicate with others
promotes quality interactions. Simple actions like making eye
contact and actively listening will demonstrate that you respect
and value the communication. On the phone, stay focused on the
conversation and avoid distractions. When you send an email take
the time to proofread the message demonstrating that you value the
conversation.
4. Choosing the Right Mode of Communication (in person, email,
social media?) – An important communication skill is knowing the
right form of communication to use in any given situation. Serious
conversations are most often better in person. Consider the person
you are communicating with. For example, a very busy supervisor
will most likely appreciate quick messaging via email for less
serious matters.
Being intentional about developing and fostering good
communication skills will foster a more meaningful connection and
experience as you interact with others.
Good Communication Skills = A More Meaningful LifeBy Stephanie
Grant, 144th Fighter Wing Director of Psychological Health
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www.144fw.ang.af.mil10 10www.144fw.ang.af.mil
Wing Commander Command Chief Col. Reed Drake Chief Master Sgt.
Linda Brown
Address:5323 E. McKinley Ave. Fresno, CA 93727-2199
559-454-5246 FAX: 559-453-5472
EMAIL:
[email protected]:www.144fw.ang.af.mil/
Facebook:www.facebook.com/144thFighterWing
144TH FIGHTER WING
AFTERBURNER STAFF
This funded monthly newsletter is an authorized publication for
members of the United States military services. Contents of this
newsletter are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed
by, the U.S. Govt., Dept. of Defense, Dept. of the Air Force, the
National Guard Bureau, or the 144th Fighter Wing.
This newsletter may use materials supplied by the Armed Forces
Press Service, the Air Force News Service and the Air Combat
Command News Service.
The editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the
Public Affairs office, 144th Fighter Wing. Submissions are subject
to editing. Full names, rank, titles and contact phone number must
accompany all submissions.
Maj. Jennifer Piggott 1st Lt. Jason Sanchez Senior Master Sgt.
Chris DrudgeChief of Public Affairs Public Affairs Officer Public
Affairs Superintendent
Master Sgt. David Loeffler Staff Sgt. Christian M. Jadot Tech.
Sgt. Charles VaughnPhotojournalist / Staff Writer Photojournalist /
Staff Writer Photojournalist / Editor
Federal Mission - The 144th Fighter Wing is to provide Air
Superiority in support of worldwide joint operations as well as Air
Defense of the
United States. Additionally, the wing provides agile combat
support, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to
combatant commanders around the globe. The Wing also provides a
variety of homeland defense
capabilities to U.S. NORTHCOM.
State Mission - The 144th Fighter Wing provides a variety of
Defense Support
of Civil Authorities (DSCA) capabilities to the Governor of
California. Primary contributions include ready manpower,
reconnaissance assets,
response to chemical, biological and radiological attacks,
security, medical, civil engineering and command and control.
144FW Mission Statement
SECAF Message to AirmenAirmen,I am grateful for the freedoms we
enjoy and it will be an honor to serve with you as Secretary of the
Air Force.
In every generation, able volunteers step forward to protect the
rest of us.Highly skilled and willing to defend the nation at all
costs, you and your families represent the best of what it means to
be an American.
Under the guidance of Secretary of Defense Mattis and with the
support of the Congress, we will restore the readiness of the force
so that we can win any fight. Because our adversaries do not rest,
we will cost-effectively modernize the force and drive innovation
to bring new capabilities to the service of liberty.
Underpinning it all will be a commitment to our people - to the
development of leaders to command the finest combat force in the
world.
We will not take for granted American dominance in air and space
power.
We will use every taxpayer dollar entrusted to us to train for
it, equip forit, and fight for it.
I know each of you will do your duty. I will do my best to do
the same.
Heather Wilson
U.S. Air Force Col. Steven Early, 144th Operations Group
commander, presents the 194th Fighter Squadron guidon to U.S. Air
Force Lt. Col. Daniel Wittmer during the squadron’s assumption of
command ceremony held in the Fresno Air National Guard Base hangar
May 7, 2017. (Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Charles
Vaughn)
Top 3 Priorities By Col. Reed Drake, 144th Fighter Wing
Commander
1. BE READY TO DEPLOY AT A MOMENT’S NOTICE.
All 144th Fighter Wing Airmen will be combat ready whenever the
Combatant Commander calls or a
deployment tasking is assigned.
2. BE READY TO PERFORM OUR STATE MISSION.
All Airmen must be ready when the Governor calls and needs the
support
of the 144th Fighter Wing.
3. CONTINUE ALERT OPERATIONS.
We have a 24/7/365 alert mission -- we must flawlessly continue
to execute
that mission.