12 Aug, 05 - Vandenberg Fire Department
Transcription
12 Aug, 05 - Vandenberg Fire Department
Vandenberg AFB, Calif. Friday, Aug. 12, 2005 Vol. 15, No. 31 “This was an important return-toflight mission. It was important things proceeded smoothly. We wanted to ensure we provided the support that NASA requested.” SELECTS PARTY The Vandenberg Enlisted Action Team will hold a celebration to congratulate Team V’s newest staff sergeant selectees and welcome them into the NCO ranks at 4 p.m. today in the Pacific Coast Club ballroom. MAJ. PELL THOMPSON 2ND RANGE OPERATIONS SQUADRON Wesley Fleming, a mission control supervisor with Indyne Inc., and 1st Lt. David Rodriguez, a range control officer with the 2nd Range Operations Squadron, pull an all nighter at the Western Range Control Center Tuesday to ensure a successful landing of the NASA Discovery space shuttle. AADD MEETING There will be a mandatory meeting for all AADD unit representatives held 3 to 4 p.m. today at GI Java. For more information or to join AADD, call Senior Airman David Brown at 606-8483. CLOSURE The 30th Space Wing Staff Judge Advocate office will be closed from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. today for an official function. For emergency legal assistance, call 588-2822. READINESS A family readiness training seminar will be held at noon and 7 p.m. Wednesday at the base theater. Elaine Dumler, author of “I’m Already Home”, will speak of connection strategies for military families to exercise before, during and after deployments. For more information, call 606-5773. WARRIOR DAY The next Team Vandenberg Warrior Day will begin at 7 a.m. Thursday at the parade grounds. Participants are required to bring all of their individual protective equipment, Airman’s Manuals and lunch. For more information, call Master Sgt. Michael Messersmith at 6064022. HERITAGE MONTH Vandenberg welcomes volunteers interested in serving on the Hispanic Heritage Month planning committee. Weekly meetings are held at noon Thursdays in the base library. For more information, call Capt. Dizzy Murphy at 6051820. CLOSURE The 30th Medical Group will close from 12 to 5 p.m. Aug. 19 for an official function. For medical assistance, contact the on-call physician at (888) 2523299. PHOTO BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS STEPHEN CADETTE Vandenberg aids in shuttle landing BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS STEPHEN CADETTE Staff Writer The 30th Space Wing supported the reentry and landing of the NASA Discovery space shuttle at Edwards AFB, Calif. Tuesday through Western Range operations, 76th Helicopter Flight support and emergency landing availability. Normally on standby and ready to support a shuttle landing on a moment’s notice, the 2nd Range Operations Squadron supported the landing after weather conditions brought the Western Range up to full operations, said Maj. Pell Thompson, operations officer for the 2nd ROPS. “This was an important return-to-flight mission,” he said. “It was important things proceeded smoothly. We wanted to ensure we provided the support that NASA requested.” The Western Range’s radar and optical tracking instrumentation were the first assets available to track the shuttle as it re-entered the atmosphere, Major Thompson said. “Manned space flight is a priority for the nation,” he said, “and it is a privilege to be a part of it. Lots of people provided support.” More than 50 people from Vandenberg were involved in the Western Range operations, from tracking the shuttle at the different instrumentation sites along the Central Coast, to processing the data coming in from those sites at the Western Range Control Center, and transmitting the data to NASA. 1st Lt. David Rodriguez, a range control officer with 2nd ROPS, pulled his second all-nighter at the WRCC in support of the Discovery’s return. “We watched over our instrumentation to ensure public safety,” he said. “The outcome was flawless; all instrumentation was green.” Also weary after his second night spent in the WRCC, Wesley Fleming, a mission control supervisor with Indyne Inc., was very pleased with the outcome. “Everybody was enthralled that the space shuttle landed at Edwards,” he said. “I’m honored and proud of the part we played in making sure the shuttle returned.” Major Thompson said he was pleased with the cooperation involved in the return of the shuttle. “This operation demonstrates a big part of the way we operate at Vandenberg,” he said. “Range operations is a mix of blue suiters, civilians and contractors who work together to ensure the success of the mission.” Support was also provided by the 76th HF. “A crew from the 76th Helicopter Flight went to Edwards to provide security and be on standby to lend support in case a contingency arose,” Major Thompson said. Three Team V crewmembers and an aircraft were the primary security for the shuttle, said Maj. Ronald Frantz, 76th HF commander. “Our crew flew out the day before,” Major Frantz said. “Before dawn they flew a support mission to secure the landing range and area within the restricted zone, which encompassed a huge space. They used forward looking infrared to sweep the area.” Maj. Dona Harris, Capt. Steve Katsaris, and Tech. Sgt. Wes Simpson of the 76th HF deemed the area as secure. “Once we gave the thumbs up, then we went into a stand-by and acted as backup medical evacuation for any emergency that happened with the shuttle,” the major said. The flightline at Vandenberg was also on standby, Major Thompson said. In the event that the shuttle could not land in Edwards, the flightline here was ready to receive it. 30th SW focuses on family with readiness seminar BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS STEPHEN CADETTE Staff Writer The first Family Readiness Training Event, sponsored by the 30th Space Wing Chapel, 30th Services Division and the family support center, takes place at noon and 7 p.m. Wednesday in the base theater. Author Elaine Dumler will offer practical, fun, and inexpensive suggestions that can help to keep loved ones of military families constantly connected before, during and after deployment. Her book, “I’m Already Home,” expresses her desire to share what she experienced in her own life, she said. “I had a job that kept me on the road one-third to onehalf the time,” Mrs. Dumler said. “I raised my family keeping that in mind and creating ways to keep in touch while I was gone. Being away from home was hard, but I realized I needed to stop feeling sorry for myself and start making memories for the family.” She originally wrote a manuscript primarily for business travelers about many ways she came up with to stay connected with her family while on the road, she said. “In 2002, someone who knew about the original draft asked me to write about military separation,” the author said. “That person told me we needed to do more than write a will before our loved ones left. We needed a message to send them off with, to give people ways to become proactive and be active with each other no matter how long they are apart.” Elaine interviewed more than 400 people, from every branch of the U.S. military, and their spouses, she said. “I put what’s working for them into this book,” Mrs. Dumler said. The training event brings to Vandenberg the lessons she shares in her book. “The talk is based on the book,” she said. “It’s fun, it has stories, and it’s easy to listen to. It brings ideas out of the book and explains how they can be adapted and applied.” The idea is that people who attend the training will come away with tools they can use to strengthen family bonds during separation. “I want to encourage people to be proactive and pick one or two exercises that will work for your lifestyle and family’s lifestyle,” she said. “I want people to say to themselves, we’re going to do this for the entire time we’re apart and try to make this the best experience that we can.” Mrs. Dumler will offer her suggestions on how to make the most of time together and show reminders of love when away from home. The training also offers ideas for those parents who work. “It’s in their hands,” she said. “I’m just there to light the fire.” Mrs. Dumler has shared her knowledge on 46 radio interviews, 9 TV segments including FOXNews and MSNBC, and her story was the subject of a feature article in the October 2004 issue of Ladies Home Journal. For the noon event, concessions will be available, or bag lunches are permitted. Concessions will also be available for the 7 p.m. event. Children’s programs are available. Registration is required for children’s programs by close-of business today. For more information or to register, call Chaplain Services at 606-5773. ACSC SEMINAR The Air Command and Staff College Seminar holds its first seminar at 4:30 p.m. Aug. 22. in the Professional Military Education building. For more information or to sign up, call Jerry Hert at 605-5903. BARBECUE All Vandenberg officers are invited to attend the Military Officer’s Association Annual Barbecue at 11 a.m. Aug. 27 in Los Alamos County Park. It will be an “all you can eat event” with free beverages. Reservations must be made by Aug. 24. For more information or to See BRIEFS, Page A2 In this issue of the Also view The Space & Missile Times at www.vandenberg.af.mil and click the News button. Congratulations to Team V’s staff sergeant selects Ephraim Advincula, 30th Civil Engineer Squadron Milton Cargill, 30th CES Froylan Flores, 30th CES Derek Gagneaux, 30th CES Donald Gow, 30th CES Kevin Guy, 30th CES Karstan James, 30th CES Laura Johnson, 30th CES Jason Kupski, 30th CES Jason Metz, 30th CES Kakhramon Pulatov, 30th CES Joy Pyles, 30th CES Jose Vazquez III, 30th CES Anthony Velazquez, 30th CES Tanikie Barrett, 576th Flight Test Squadron Tristin Eubank, 30th Mission Support Squadron Cristina Gutierrez, 30th MSS Princess Lloyd, 30th MSS Jessica Alcaraz, 30th Space Communications Squadron Derik Burke, 30th SCS Vanessa Chase, 30th SCS Eric Craft, 30th SCS Antonio Cruz, 30th SCS Alicia Flores, 30th SCS Jamie Lessard, 30th SCS Justin Baschab, 614th Space Intelligence Squadron Eric Chanmysay, 614th SIS Ross Jette, 614th SIS Marie Grace Manabat, 614th SIS David Alfonso, 30th CES Nathaniel Darnell, 532 Training Squadron Duschek Juarez, 30th Security Forces Squadron Nicole Gill, 614th SIS Cire Clarke, 532nd TRS Timothy Fuller, 30th SFS The 30th Medical Group’s new pediatrician explains why he loves the job and the military. See Page A5. Isidoro Jovero, 576th FLTS Keri Embry, 30th SFS Gerald Edwards, 345th TRS Jose Olivera, 30th CES Paul Garcia, 30th SFS Erika Rivera, 30th SFS Jennifer Apps, 30th SCS Lindsay Brenden, 30th CES Marjorie Moore, 392nd TRS Marcus Wiggins, 532nd TRS Jeremy Winchester, 30th CES Andrew Cox, 30th SFS John Smith, 30th SFS Brian Reed, 614th SCS Matthew Jones, 532nd TRS Henry Lee, 532nd TRS Jennifer Libby, 532nd TRS Crystal Trbovich, 381st Training Group David Brown, 381st Training Support Squadron Yubelka Torres, 381st TRSS Adrian Lashore 533rd TRS Norberto Marin, 533rd TRS Crystal Walker, 533rd TRS Zacheriah Blazon, 345th TRS Darren Esannason, 345th TRS Robert Welch, 345th TRS Jennifer Hartford, 14th Information Squadron Michael Tiangco, 2nd Range Operations Squadron Adrian Jackson, 614th Space Operations Group Tracy Nosekabel, 30th Space Wing Donald Weber, 30th SW Doretha Blair, 30th Logistics Readiness Squadron Thomas Chadwell, 30th LRS Anthony Cruz Jr., 30th LRS Destinations Central Coast takes on the great outdoors with a camping trip to Yosemite. See Page B1. See STAFF, Page A2 Weekend forecast Mostly cloudy Saturday and mostly sunny on Sunday. Low/High 52/69 For a full Vandenberg weather report, visit www.vandenberg.af.mil/~OG/ weather/docs/5dayfcst.ppt Aug. 12, 2005 A2 SPACE & MISSILE TIMES 381st TRG earns ‘Excellent’ score BY MASTER SGT. PETER CAPUTO 381st Training Group historian The 381st Training Group earned an “Excellent” rating from the Headquarters Air Education and Training Command Inspector General Team which completed an Operational Readiness Inspection of the group at Vandenberg July 18 through 26. “The 381 TRG performed tremendously, as reflected in a phenomenal 109 ‘Strengths’ and a mere 3 ‘Answerable Findings,’” said Col. Michael Morgan, 381st TRG commander. “Every major program received high praise, with each one rated ‘Satisfactory,’ ‘Excellent,’ or ‘Outstanding,’” the colonel said. Neither “Marginal” nor “Unsatisfactory” ratings were cited anywhere in the report. “I’m extremely proud of the dedication and professionalism displayed by every member in the training group,” Colonel Morgan said. “We continue to make many great programs even better, and our customers are seeing the difference: course pass rates are up, academic test scores are up and students are excited about who they are and where they’re going. I continually receive positive feedback from Air Force Space Command and Air Combat Command regarding the quality of training we provide and the attitudes of our graduates. I think the other training groups will continue to chase our performance.” During the inspection out brief, Col. J. Worth Carter, AETC/Inspector General, emphasized that his team now follows new inspection criteria. In spite of the changes, he praised the training group’s strong performance, emphasizing the number of “Outstandings” and “Excellents” compared to previous inspections. Additionally, he noted the fact that no program received less than “Satisfactory,” a testament to the thoroughness and hard work of the men and women of the group. After Colonel Morgan bid farewell to the IG, he reminded the training group that the “Excellent” result was a tremendous score for a premier organization. “The group is now scouring the IG’s report for ways to improve already outstanding programs,” said Colonel Morgan. “They want to ensure they train and educate today’s Airmen for tomorrow in the best possible manner. Such commitment and perseverance is why the 381st Training Group continues to be the best in AETC!” BRIEFS: From Page A1 purchase tickets, call Ned Rickett at 934-3569 or Joyce Barker at 733-4051. OKC Team Vandenberg is looking for volunteers and organizations to coordinate fundraising activities such as football tournaments, barbecues and car washes, in support of Operation Kids’ Christmas. For more information, call Erin Bradley at 606-3080. ALS STAFF: From Page A1 PHOTO BY SENIOR AIRMAN JAMIE LASSARD James Skiffington, a firefighter with the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron, digs around a controlled fire used to prepare firefighters to combat wildfires. Skiffington was one of about 60 Vandenberg Hot Shots, firefighters, and heavy equipment operators who participated in a controlled burn on base Wednesday. Gabriel Louie, 30th LRS Ronel Maquindang, 30th LRS Mario Nozawa, 30th LRS Jeremy Rarang, 30th LRS Ronaldo Rey, 30th LRS Sabrina Sarandos, 30th LRS Javier Zaragoza, 30th LRS Philip Becker, 30th SFS Jason Camacho, 30th SFS Shauna Covell, 30th SFS Phoenix Ellert, 30th SFS Jason Espinoza, 30th SFS Joseph Gills, 30th SFS Steven Gonzalez, 30th SFS Jason Hardin, 30th SFS Alejandrino Herrera, 30th SFS Patrick Hunt, 30th SFS Janessa Jeske, 30th SFS Michele Lacour, 30th SFS Jason McWilliams, 30th SFS Michel Miller-Faruq, 30th SFS Phuchristopher Nguyen, 30th SFS Joseph Petruzzi, 30th SFS Justin Raggio, 30th SFS Tamica Ramirez, 30th SFS Shawna Richards, 30th SFS Kimberly Rouse, 30th SFS Matthew Runkles, 30th SFS Leticia Tobias, 30th SFS Timothy Trbovich, 30th SFS 1 14th AF 0 0 614th SOPG 0 30th MDG 0 381st TRG 0 576th FLTS Col. Jack Weinstein 30th Space Wing commander Capt. Todd Fleming Chief, Public Affairs Staff Sgt. Allen Puckett Editor 0 A general condition reflecting responsible alcohol use. AADD saves: 253 Days since last DUI: 5 DUI totals for the year: 8 2nd Lt. Angela Webb Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Danét Senior Airman Bryan Franks Airman 1st Class Stephen Cadette Staff Writers Staff Sgt. Orly Tyrell Photographer The 30th Space Wing is seeking a sharp, conscientious and highly motivated Master Sgt. to provide leadership, guidance and direction to the faculty and students of the base’s Airman Leadership School. Applicant must have completed Senior NCO professional military education and be within one year of completing a two-year degree. The deadline for turning in applications is Aug.26. For more information, call Master Sgt. Kimberly Messersmith at 606-0728 or Senior Master Sgt. Brian Robertson at 606-9815. PENTAGON CHANNEL On-base televisions now have access to the Pentagon Channel on channel 65. BROCHURE For information on lawn watering schedules, and other policies related to on-base housing, check the on-line houcing brochure at http:// www.vandenberg.af.mil/~MSG/ civil_engineers/housing/documents/ Vandenberg_Housing_brochure.pdf Force Protection Tip: Report suspicious people, vehicles or packages to authorities. ALCON: Bravo 30th OG 1 30th SW 30th MSG 6 30th LCG Shawn Warwick, 30th SFS Billy Wood, 30th SFS Maygan Rhodes, 30th SW Honey Beekhuysen, 30th Operations Support Squadron Norman Davis, 30th OSS Seth Blakely, 576th FLTS Kevin Byrd, 576th FLTS Thomas Cox, 576th FLTS George Foreman, 576th FLTS Anthony Klatt, 576th FLTS Terri Moore, 576th FLTS Anthony Sullivan, 576th FLTS Steven Vanderbloom, 576th FLTS Andrew Vranek, 576th FLTS Vernon Davis, 30th Medical Operations Squadron Don Faustino, 30th MDOS Aaron Gray, 30th MDOS Bryan Konisiewicz, 30th MDOS Marcus Laurico, 30th MDOS Tyrhonda Summers, 30th MDOS Nikki Windham, 30th MDOS Gretchen Hopper, 30th Medical Support Squadron Denise Huff, 30th MDSS Janet Mendibles, 30th MDSS Adam Luke, 595th Space Group Tracy Owens, 614th SCS Morgan Riggins, 614th SIS Jorge Aguirre, 614th SOPS James Vincent, 614 SOPS Jahmar Griffin, 76th Helicopter Flight Call 605-AADD or 606-2233 Thursday to Sunday, 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. Call us, we’ll be your wingman! To volunteer as a driver, call Senior Airman David Brown at 606-8483, or e-mail [email protected] The Space & Missile Times is published by Lompoc Record Publications, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with the 30th Space Wing. This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of the Space & Missile Times 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 the publica- tion, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or Lompoc Record Publications, of the products or services advertised. 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Aug. 12, 2005 SPACE & MISSILE TIMES A3 Call 606-7850 or E-mail your message to actionline@ vandenberg.af.mil Med Group preps for big inspection BY COL. JACK WEINSTEIN 30th Space Wing commander T he 30th Medical Group is getting ready for their Super Bowl of inspections set for next week. They’ll actually have two inspections going on simultaneously, one from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and another Health Service Inspection from the Air Force. The eleven inspectors from the two organizations will measure the group’s healthcare quality and patient safety and ensure they are meeting their peacetime and wartime healthcare delivery missions. The inspection is a comprehensive assessment of every aspect of their clinical and business operations. These are done on a three year basis and the group was given a thirty day notice this was coming. This inspection is a big deal. In addition to serving their 16,000 patients, the group has been working tirelessly to prepare for this inspection. I have no doubt they will ace it and the inspection will reveal the tremendous quality of care our team provides. I visited the 30th Civil Engineering Squadron this week. The squadron executes several important missions that keep this base up and running and make Vandenberg the nation’s premier Air Force Base. The squadron builds and maintains base housing, battles wildfires, responds to unexploded ordnance, manages the base’s endangered wildlife, handles all construction for the base, and prepares our Airmen for deployments. The squadron deployed 126 Airmen to fight the Global War on Terrorism over the course of the last year. CE is one of the most heavily tasked career fields in the Air Force. They started a combat skills training course, taking the lessons learned in the AOR and teaching them to all our Airmen so they are ready to hit the ground running when they show up at hot spots like Iraq. During the visit, I met many outstanding individuals across their many mission areas. Staff Sgt. Maria Martinez ensures the safety of our Airmen working in confined spaces and also ensures water distribution on base. Tech. Sgt. Tony Kaplan maintains and repairs 260 miles of water lines, 98 miles of sewage lines, and 85 miles of natural gas lines. Tech. Sgt. Russell Wells is responsible for maintaining Vandenberg’s 574 mile long power distribution grid and seven electrical substations. Staff Sgt. Brian Shiles ensures all the Airmen in the squadron receive the developmental and professional training they need to succeed. Staff Sgt. Celeste Perry updates and maintains drawings on all the base’s facilities and utilities, maintaining a vault with over 250,000 prints for over 4,000 facilities and an electronic data base. The base has the most comprehensive environmental program I’ve seen, led by Bea Kephart. Nancy Read, a wildlife biologist with the squadron, keeps account of all the species on Vandenberg Air Force Base. That’s a big job considering there are 329 wildlife species on this base, including 14 threatened or endangered species. There are also 5,000 acres of wetland and 9,000 acres of sand dunes. Our civil engineers are a key reason why Vandenberg is the best kept secret in the Air Force. They do incredible work with limited resources, especially now that so many of their Airmen are deployed forward. Both of these fine teams, the 30th Medical Group and the 30th Civil Engineering Squadron are doing a great job. They are vital to the success of every organization on this base. Operation Kids’ Christmas asks for Team Vs support BY CHARLES LEVER OKC Chairman T eam Vandenberg, Operation Kids’ Christmas needs you! The base’s largest charity event needs motivated, dedicated personnel or organizations to head up OKC fundraisers now through December to ensure a memorable day for the 200 underprivileged children we have the opportunity to touch each year. We also have included an additional goal of increasing the children we serve to 220. Your responsibility would be to assemble a team to plan, coordinate, and staff a fundraising event. Several ideas include barbecues, car washes, a golf tournament, a basketball tournament, or a flag football tournament. Of course, you can come up with your own ideas as well. Corporate donations are lower this year than previous years. This means that fundraisers are critical in order to meet our $35,000 annual fundraising goal. As a reminder, you cannot conduct fundraisers during the Combined Federal Campaign, but OKC is listed on the CFC. Please consider contributing to OKC in addition to your other charitable donations. HAWKS’ Point of View “What do you like most about California?” “It’s warm all year round. Unlike Idaho which has cold and snowy winters.”- Senior Airman Gretchen Hopper, 30th Medical Group “The life; there’s always something to do.” - Senior Airman Kevin Stewart, 61st Medical Squadron, Los Angeles AFB Each organization is allowed two fundraisers per quarter. Please consider using one of these to support this worthy event. You can contact OKC Fundraising POC’s Erin Bradley at [email protected] or 606-3080, and Armon Lansing at [email protected] or 606-6801 to volunteer or for more details on how your organization can support OKC. Operation Kids’ Christmas is a private organization and is not an official part of the United States Air Force or Department of Defense. Neither the Air Force nor DoD officially endorses Operation Kids’ Christmas. Hometown: Brooklet, Ga.— though I lived in six states growing up in an Air Force family! Time in Service: 18 months Time on Station: 8 months Role in Mission: Minuteman ground technician How do you contribute to the base mission? I help to ensure that the Minuteman missiles’ ground communication is operational. What do you like best about the Air Force? Just knowing that I’m fortunate enough to serve my country. How do you fulfill core values? I strive for a level of excellence in all my actions, from the highly complex to the mundane. What’s the most exciting experience you’ve had so far in the Air Force? I’m still young in my career, so basic training is still probably the most exciting thus far. I’m sure there will be many more to come! Who is your role model and why? My father, hands down. He is a very subtle man, and he always encourages both accomplishment and humility in myself, my brother, and my sister. W ithout doubt, the dedicated Airmen of Team Vandenberg are the 30th Space Wing’s most valuable resources. To ensure Team V Airmen remain motivated and well informed while successfully performing the space mission, a strong line of communication is vital. The Commander’s Action Line gives Airmen a direct link to Col. Jack Weinstein, 30th SW commander. The Action Line can be used to express constructive points of view on the policies and procedures of the base, discuss safety and security issues, as well as acknowledge Team V’s peak performers. Col. Jack Weinstein commander Colonel Weinstein wants input and encourages Airmen to use this tool in conjunction with their chains of command. He is directly involved with submission responses. Completing the mission is the standard, not the goal. Whether Team V performs the mission as blue suiters, civilians, or contractor teams, everyone must have a voice, regardless of rank, to ensure 100percent mission success. ‘Date-rape’ drug danger dodged by proper use of wingman concept BY COMMAND CHIEF MASTER SGT. TIM GORDON 30th Space Wing command chief W e’ve received a report from Los Angeles Air Force Base concerning at least four reported “date-rape” drug cases during the month of July. The crimes took place in the entertainment district of Manhattan Beach, which is centered around the intersection of Rosecrans and Highland Avenues. Three reported instances occurred at two popular bars. The “date-rape” drug is a synthetic depressant called Gamma Hydroxybutyrate, or GHB. It is a colorless, odorless liquid that can easily be manufactured from commercially available chemicals and placed into an unknowing victim’s beverage. Depending on the dosage, victims may become unconscious or remain conscious, but lose the ability to resist unwanted advances or control their actions, i.e, become extremely lethargic. I strongly encourage all of our Vandenberg personnel to use the wingman concept as a matter of course when patronizing bars, clubs, and other gathering places. In light of the recent crimes in Los Angeles area establishments, I ask you to make an extra effort to take along a wingman, act as a wingman for your friends, and be observant of the signs of GHB poisoning in those around you. Team Vandenberg Warrior Airman 1st Class Craig Sanders 576th Flight Test Squadron 576th PHOTO BY MASTER SGT. STEVEN COREY Who is your favorite leader in history and why? Winston Churchill—The conviction in his speeches and writings is something to aspire to. Favorite movie/book? “The Godfather I and II”, and “What’s So Great About America,” by Dinesh D’Souza Hobbies: I enjoy playing all sports, playing poker, and vacationing in any kind of beach area! Confronting conflict in marriage BY CHAPLAIN (COL.) TOM SCHENK 22nd Air Refueling Wing D “Being close to my home. Plus, I love the state and what it represents.”- Senior Airman Cedric Baxter, 30th Operations Support Squadron “The weather is nice for living, but not for forecasting. I like the outdoors, so this place is almost like paradise.”- Senior Airman Thomas Stevens, 30th Weather Squadron omestic violence is a continuing plague in homes across America. Unfortunately, Air Force homes are not immune. There is some indication that domestic violence is increasing among our Airmen. Undoubtedly, the stress of numerous deployments has fueled the increase. That need not be the case, however. Sacred scripture states that arguing, especially arguing that descends into violence, reflects immaturity. Immature people lack a proper understanding of conflict. Therefore, they mishandle it, leading to arguing, fighting and even violence. As one who has argued more than I should in my 31 years of marriage, I have found sacred scripture to be “right on.” I argue with my spouse not because of conflict, but because of my immaturity. How does a mature person understand and handle conflict? First, he or she expects conflict. The Creator has designed spouses differently, beginning with gender. Beyond gender, however, internal wiring — our gifts and abilities, our passions, our personalities, our life experiences — are different. One is foolish to think that two very different people can live closely together without conflict. Conflict descends into arguing and violence when one is surprised and unprepared for it. Mature people are never surprised by conflict. They expect it. Second, a mature person respects conflict. While marriage is full of delight, it is also full of danger. Part of the danger is conflict. If you are unprepared and untrained for conflict, it will erupt into arguing and violence, blowing up your relationship. No one would do convoy duty in Iraq without proper training to deal with improvised explosive devices. To do so would be foolish. In the same vein, to drive down the road of marriage without conflict training is just as foolish. Mature people expect and respect conflict, so they make sure they are trained to defuse it. Third, a mature person appreciates conflict. Unlike a roadside IED, there is a good side to conflict. Both men and women crave intimacy. They want to love and be loved, to honor and be honored, to know and be known — not on a surface level, but down deep, to the core of their being. Mature people understand that you cannot achieve this kind of intimacy without conflict. Conflict is the price to be paid to become intimate with another person. When I reveal my deepest self to my wife, she will be surprised and shocked by what she sees in me, and vice versa. Sometimes the shock comes because what we see is “bad.” But most often we are shocked because it is just different. Mature people are willing to shock and be shocked in order to be close. To avoid conflict is to avoid intimacy. Mature people appreciate conflict, because conflict is the pathway to drawing close to one’s spouse. Finally, a mature person utilizes conflict. While respecting its dangers, the mature person appreciates its benefits. Therefore, the mature person utilizes conflict to improve his or her marriage. He or she does so by learning to handle conflict in such a way that it doesn’t blow up, but rather builds up the marriage. Proper handling of conflict begins with communication. The mature person doesn’t shout to be heard, but becomes silent to hear. The mature person seeks first to understand before trying to be understood. The mature person doesn’t argue a case, but rather seeks a connection. Conflict invites DV into your home. If mishandled, it invites domestic violence, inflicting hurt on all involved. Properly handled, however, it becomes a distinguished visitor that brings a new intimacy into your marriage. Your maturity determines which DV will visit your house. How mature are you? Aug. 12, 2005 A4 SPACE & MISSILE TIMES Seven Airmen receive Articles 15 for June, July BY AIRMAN 1ST CLASS JENNY BLACKBURN 30th Space Wing Judge Advocate Seven Vandenberg Airmen received punishment in June and July, under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Their crimes and punishments are as follows: An officer from the 14th Information Warfare Flight violated Articles 92, and 128 of the UCMJ, for violating a general order and assault and battery. The officer received forfeitures of $2,000 pay per month for two months and a reprimand. An officer from the 2nd Range Operations Squadron violated Article 134 of the UCMJ for fraternization. The officer received forfeitures of $1,500 pay per month for two months and a reprimand. A sergeant from the 576th Flight Test Squadron violated Article 92 of the UCMJ for dereliction of duty. The sergeant received a suspended reduction in rank to staff sergeant, suspended forfeitures of $250 pay per month for two months, and a reprimand. An Airman from the 30th Comptroller Squadron violated Article 134 of the UCMJ for communicating a threat. The Airman received a suspended reduction in rank to Airman, 30 days restriction to Vandenberg, and a reprimand. An Airman from the 30th Space Wing Command Post violated Article 86 of the UCMJ for failure to go. The Airman received a reduction in rank to Airman basic. An Airman from the 30th Civil Engineer Squadron violated Article 111 of the UCMJ for drunken driving. The Airman received a reduction in rank to Airman basic, forfeitures of $671 pay per month for two months, and suspended forfeitures of $617 pay for one month. An Airman from the 30th CES violated Article 112 of the UCMJ for possession of marijuana. The Airman received a reduction in rank to Airman basic. Solvang Gate. The SBSO deputy needed an overwatch and assistance apprehending the subject on a felony narcotics warrant and arranged for impoundment of the subject’s vehicle. BY TECH. SGT. JEFF NUCCETELLI AND STAFF SGT MICHAEL HALL 30th Security Forces Squadron July 26 5:47 p.m. Sticky fingers! – Security officers at the base exchange detained a juvenile for shoplifting. Security forces personnel recovered the stolen items and charged the violator with petty theft. July 27 11:05 p.m. Total confusion - An individual reported his laptop and backpack had been stolen from his work center. An investigation revealed the items were misplaced in the office. July 28 7:42 p.m. Lost dog - An anonymous caller reported a small black dog running loose in base housing to the law enforcement desk. The dog was captured and the owner was issued a “failure to control pet” letter. 8:04 p.m. Beach crashers - Security forces discovered two people trespassing on Wall Beach. Fish and Wildlife personnel responded and cited the violators. Aug. 2 8:58 p.m. A little help here? – Security officers responded to a request for assistance from Santa Barbara Sheriff during a felony stop on Highway 246 outside of Aug. 3 7:55 p.m. Bag the bag thief – Security forces responded to a report of a theft at the youth center. A youth reported that he left his bag unattended at the skate park for about 30-45 minutes while he went inside the youth center. Aug. 4 7:59 a.m. Bumper cars – A police unit responded to an accident at building 10343. A civilian said she was traveling east through the parking lot and turned left into a parking spot when the cars collided. The other driver said he put a piece of garbage on the floor, looked up and hit the victim while she was turning. 30th Civil Engineer Squadron horizontal flight responded to clean anti freeze and oil. Fire crews and the traffic investigator were dispatched. Aug. 6 10:15 a.m. And the winner is ... – During a traffic stop on U.S. Hwy-1 and Firefighter Road, a patrolman initiated a field sobriety tests after he smelled alcohol on the driver’s breath. The driver failed the FSTs and a K-9 search revealed the presence of marijuana in the car. The driver’s car was impounded. The driver was cited with driving under the influence, unlawful possession of marijuana, speeding and no proof of insurance, and released to a family member at the main gate. AF pioneers of the ‘40s BY CAPT. TONY WICKMAN Alaskan Command Public Affairs ACROSS 1. Young men 5. Sinister 8. Affirm 12. Fit to _ ___; perfect 13. 23 ACROSS city 15. Store event 16. Survey 17. Fear of Flying writer Jong 18. Object surface 19. USAF hero Maj. Alston Glenn ____; USAAF band leader in WWII 21. Greek capital 23. NW state 24. Bungalow 25. Excited 28. Alcoholic beverage 29. Scientist’s work area 32. Disney Sci-Fi movie 33. Bunny 35. Self-importance 36. Zeus’ spouse 37. USAF hero Lt. Gen. Benjamin O. ____; first AF African-American general 38. USAF pioneer Gen. ____ Spaatz; first CSAF in 1947 39. School subj. 40. Actor Ladd 41. Thought 42. 40s siren ___ West 43. Health org. 44. Clamp 45. ... — ... 46. Grocery-store giant 48. USAF pioneer/WWII ace Charles ____: first to break sound barrier 51. USAF pioneer Lt. Gen. William ____; Operation Vittles commander 55. South American country 56. USAF pioneer Gen. Curtis ____; SAC founder 58. Indian nursemaid 60. British school 61. Cruises the seas 62. Video game manufacturer 63. Leaning tower town 64. USAF hero Col. George ___; Medal of Honor recipient 65. Mil. quick DOWN 1. Track run 2. Molecule 3. Sandwich shop 4. Peddle 5. Wilkes-____, P.A. 6. The Greatest boxer 7. Mil. commissary org. 8. Benefit 9. Boastful 10. USAF hero Brig. Gen. Robin ____; rated triple ace 11. Tiny 13. Oracle 14. USAF hero Sgt. Archibald _____; WWII Medal of Honor recipient 20. Timber 22. Barbarian 25. Stadium 26. Devour 27. Cat __ _ Hot Tin Roof 28. Smile 29. Clues 30. Consent 31. South American rope with weights attached 32. 1954 James Whitmore B-movie 33. Angel’s headgear 34. Actress Gardner 37. Maidens 38. 102 to Cicero 43. Pig 44. Vehicle type 45. Roman bath 46. Axis power 47. _____ and Dolls 48. Abominable snowman 49. Greek god of love 50. Browse 52. Fed. space org. 53. For Your ___ Only 54. Hindu music type 55. Zest 57. Mil. duty status, possibly 59. USAF pioneer Henry “___” Arnold; only Gen. of the Air Force Last Week’s Answers Aug. 12, 2005 SPACE & MISSILE TIMES A5 30th Medical Group welcomes new pediatrician to Vandenberg AFB BY STAFF SGT. ALLEN PUCKETT Editor Editor’s note: The following story is the first in a four part series highlighting the efforts of the 30th Medical Group, a unit responsible for providing medical care to the men, women and children of Vandenberg Air Force Base. hether they’re crowding in front of televisions watching cartoons at the base exchange, helping mom and dad pick out groceries at the commissary or just running wild in Cocheo Park, Vandenberg’s children have the reputation of being friendly, happy and healthy. One of Team V’s newest Airmen will ensure they remain that way, because it’s his job. Maj. (Dr.) Ceasar Valle was assigned to the 30th Medical Operations Squadron in late July and is eagerly awaiting his chance to begin seeing new patients as chief of the pediatric element in the base clinic. Dr. Valle, a native of Palm Springs, Calif., enjoyed his last assignment with the 95th Aeromedical Dental Squadron at Edwards AFB, Calif., but admits that Vandenberg is right where he wants to be. “This is a wonderful family atmosphere and I feel very fortunate to be here,” he said. “In fact, Vandenberg was at the top of my ‘dream sheet’ when I was commissioned in 1997. I’ve been trying to get here for a while.” In his short time here, Dr. Valle has been thoroughly impressed with the base and its personnel, particularly his new coworkers, he said. “There’s a great sense of teamwork and camaraderie here,” the major said. “The pediatric element and family practice clinic work together so that we have more time to spend with our patients.” The ability to spend more time with patients was, in fact, a key factor in his decision to practice medicine in the military, he stated. “We’re able to spend a lot more time with our patients in the military,” he said. “Which is why I believe the quality of our medical care surpasses that of the civilian sector. It’s a great system and I knew that I wanted to be a part of it.” Before receiving his undergraduate degree at the University of California Los Angeles, his doctorate degree at Harvard University or his commission in the United States Air Force, Dr. Valle knew that he wanted to be a pediatrician because of the patients he would be able to work for, he said. “Kids are the best patients,” said Dr. Valle, who has four children of his own. “Who wouldn’t want a patient that’s always smiling?” But when those bright smiles fade, Dr. Valle uses his training and experience to aggressively pursue the cause of his patients’ ailments, so that he can find a solution. “It can be very challenging when your patient isn’t able to tell you what’s wrong,” he said. “There are also factors like age. Treating a one-week old is W PHOTO BY STAFF SGT. ALLEN PUCKETT Maj. (Dr.) Ceasar Valle (left) and Staff Sgt. Michael Cenizal, 30th Medical Group pediatric element, perform a chart review to ensure the accuracy of a patient’s records. completely different from seeing a 10-month old. You have to keep a strong knowledge base and keep all of these factors in mind when you care for children. You also have to be very observant and watch for subtle hints.” Treating his young patients can be a very challenging responsibility, but is not without its rewards, he said. “Our expectations for a child’s health are usually higher than that of an adult.” Dr. Valle said. “A child’s health status is expected to be normal, and it’s my job to be the first person to pick up on anything abnormal. But at the end of the day, when you find a problem, fix it and see improvement, it makes it all worth while. It’s very challenging and very fulfilling.” Dr. Valle is currently familiarizing himself with his duties at Vandenberg, and is anxious to begin seeing more patients and continue working for what he calls “one of the best organizations anywhere,” he said. “My goal is to maintain the high standard of healthcare that Vandenberg has set, by providing my patients with the best care possible.” A6 SPACE & MISSILE TIMES Aug. 12, 2005 Looking for more sports in your INDOOR CYCLING Begins at 6 a.m. Monday through Wednesday in the group fitness room MENS VARSITY YOGA FITNESS BASKETBALL SCHEDULE Begins at 11:30 a.m. Monday in the group fitness room Week 3 Tuesday, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Week 4 Aug. 22, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 23, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 25, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 26, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. STEP-N-STRENGTH INTERVAL Begins at 5:30 p.m. Monday in the group fitness room MOVE & PUMP Begins at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the group fitness room 3 ON 3 BASKETBALL COMPETITION Begins at noon Tuesday in the fitness center BOX AEROBICS Begins at noon Tuesday in the group fitness room FULL CIRCLE Begins at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday in the group fitness room Submit stories and ideas to: YOGA FITNESS Begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the group fitness room TOTAL BODY CONDITIONING Begins at 5:30 Wednesday in the group fitness room ROCK CLIMBING CLINIC Begins at noon Thursday at the outdoor recreation center. For more details, call 606-3832 Staging flight sees lull in hectic routine BY LOUIS ARANA-BARRADAS Air Force Print News RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — The 435th Contingency Aeromedical Staging Flight’s large, 86bed, open-bay ward was empty, so Staff Sgt. Desiree Wilson busied herself doing chores. The brightly lit ward was eerily peaceful, thanks to an unexpected lull here Aug. 8 in the busy business of aeromedical evacuation. So, all alone in the ward, the medical technician donned purple latex gloves and filled plastic bags with bed linens and towels that needed laundering. But such quiet days are not the norm, she said. Ramstein is a major hub in the aeromedical evacuation pipeline leading from the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan to U.S. military hospitals. So the flight’s mixed crew of Airmen, Soldiers and Marines provide around-the-clock assistance in moving about 330 patients a week. “We see everything from A to Z,” said Sergeant Wilson, from New Richmond, Wis. “But we never know what (kinds of patients) we’re going to get. We see everything from minor injuries to things that are absolutely astonishing. Things you’d think would never happen.” However, the care providers are well prepared to deal with any situation, so they stay busy. From midApril through late July, for example, they received or loaded more than 4,770 patients, flight officials said. More than 225 of those needed critical care during every mile of their trip to a military hospital. When wounded are due to arrive, the flight goes into action, Sergeant Wilson said. “Depending on the patient load, we break down tasks by person,” she said. Helping make those decisions is part of the sergeant’s job as a day shift leader. She helps decide which nurses and medical technicians will be on — and who will drive — the big blue bus ambulance that brings patients to nearby Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. Capt. Mared Beling, a registered nurse deployed to the flight from Dover Air Force Base, Del., has seen PHOTO BY MASTER SGT. JOHN E. LASKY Tech. Sgt. David Voorhies covers a critical patient before he is transported to nearby Landstuhl Regional Medical Center. He is assigned to the 435th Contingency Aeromedical Staging Facility here and is deployed from Lackland AFB, Texas. plenty of action. Since arriving in April, the captain from Pittsburgh has seen more than 1,500 wounded pass through the staging facility. Most are what the staff calls the “walking wounded,” servicemembers hurt enough so they cannot perform their job at 100 percent. But the staff also sees amputees and patients maimed by the shrapnel of improvised explosive devices. “It’s a hard thing to deal with, and my heart pours out to them,” Captain Beling said. But flight members carry on. They must, because they run a 24-hour operation. The flight coordinates patient movements with the medics who treat them and the Airmen who move them. At Ramstein that includes meeting patients at the plane and bringing them to the Landstuhl hospital for more definitive care. Flight members also transport them from the hospital to the airplanes that will ferry them to a stateside hospital. Captain Beling accompanies many patients on the 20-minute ride to and from Landstuhl. She ensures her patients get their comfort needs. That includes providing them everything from pain medications, to a glass of water or someone who will just listen. “We’re all here to support our patients,” she said. But providing support can be a tough task. Though the flight’s mission is vital within the global aeromedical evacuation system, the extent of the injuries medics see almost daily can be mentally tasking. “It’s a very sobering experience because I’ve never dealt with anything like this before,” said Senior Airman Laura Ramirez, a Reserve medical technician from Lackland AFB, Texas, who is on her first deployment. But for a brief time Aug. 8, there were no patients on the ward’s neatly arranged stretcher-like beds. No doctors, nurses or medical technicians provided care to wounded troops. No medevac flights to coordinate. No patients to console. During the welcomed calm, some Airmen reflected on the job they do and the people they help. Captain Beling said many of the wounded are amputees she finds “very stoic.” Most were injured less than 48 hours before arriving here. Seeing such young people lose a limb “is a very hard thing to deal with” each day, she said. “After a while you get a little numb to it,” the captain said. To carry on, “I just try to keep a positive attitude and help these heroes get back home safely.” Airman Ramirez, who is from San Antonio, is bubbly, chatty and ever smiling. She uses her infectious personality to help her deal with the patients she helps. She likes to talk to the patients and make them feel as at home as possible. “If they want to talk, I talk,” she said. “And I make them laugh. After what they’ve gone through, they just want to see a smiling face and somebody that’ll listen to them.” Still, the young Airman has a hard time dealing with some of the feelings her patients pour out in their attempt to cope with their injuries. And it surprises her that many Soldiers are more concerned about their troops than their injuries. “Mostly it’s the platoon leaders who had to leave their guys back there,” she said. “Somebody else is in charge of their troops and they feel like they’re abandoning their comrades.” She said it is also tough hearing the stories about what some of the men and women she helps face when they return home. Some have had deaths in the family while fighting the war on terrorism. Others return to broken families and divorce. Many return to an uncertain future. “Hearing these things kind of gets to you after a while,” she said. As a form of solace, she keeps in touch via e-mail with many of her former patients. Sergeant Wilson has heard a million horror stories from the troops she has met and helped. But after a year on the job, she has learned to deal with working at the staging flight. Today, she shows the maturity that comes with knowing the turf where she works and the importance of the job she and her coworkers must do. “We’re always there for our patients,” she said. “They come here and we give them care. Then we transport them wherever necessary and hope they make it home safe.” Historic Cape Canaveral tower toppled CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. (AFPN) — What took years to build required only seconds to knock down Aug. 6 when 171 pounds of strategically placed explosives toppled a historic 179-foot mobile service tower here. The 1,300-ton structure was used to launch 51 Atlas/Agena space vehicles in the 1960s and 1970s. The most famous of those launches were five Lunar Orbiter missions for NASA in 1966 and 1967. Those missions photographed about 99 percent of the moon’s surface and helped pave the way for men landing on the moon in 1969. The last launch from the complex was in April 1978 and then the pad was abandoned. Mother Nature then whittled away at the complex and the old tower, leaving a badly corroded structure in its wake. Pieces of the rusty tower, along with toxic paint chips, fell to the ground over the years — creating safety and environmental hazards. “The demolition of this tower demonstrates our commitment to safety and a healthy environment,” said Teresa Fiorillo, 45th Civil Engineer Squadron project officer. “Yet, it’s kind of sad to see this historic structure go.” “This is where we developed the Atlas intercontinental ballistic missile,” said Col. Mark Owen, 45th Space Wing commander. COURTESY PHOTO A 1,300-ton structure here is demolished Aug. 6. The 179-foot mobile service tower was used to launch 51 Atlas/Agena space launch vehicles in the 1960s and 1970s. “This is where we sent the launches that NASA used to help map the moon. It is key to our history. So it is kind of like seeing an old soldier go. It is sad.” Dick Ruffe, a retired Atlas systems engineer who helped build the complex and was involved with many of the flights, was on hand to witness the demolition. “We accomplished a lot at (the complex),” he said. “Hard to imagine it, but it’s all gone in a puff of smoke. It came down a lot faster than it went up.” The fallen tower will be cut up and taken to a landfill where it will be buried in a special cell. It will take about six to eight months to finish cleaning up the site, officials said. Once cleaned, it will be available for industrial reuse. Our Vision: America’s finest professionals building the best spaceport and test range in the world.