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Inside Fall Issue Pg.4 RNC

Pg.5 Justice Coalition

Pg 6 Leadership

Pg.8 A Hero’s Run

Pg.9 Pictures

Pg.11 Enlisted Force Structure

Pg.12 Need to know

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10 Tips for a long career By: Commander Area Defense Counsel Mcchord Air Force Base

10. Quit getting sloppy drunk. The vast majority of Airmen (of all ranks) who come see me in their service dress were for alcohol-related incidents. In fact, most of the other items on this list are either caused by or exacerbated by alcohol abuse. I define "sloppy drunk" using the 0-0-1-3 criterion. Drinking underage? Had an alcohol-related incident? You're sloppy drunk. 9. Don't EVER do drugs. There is no room in our Air Force for drug abusers. Don't do illegal drugs -- ever. 8. Don't lie, even a little. I correct mistakes and punish crimes. Don't turn a mistake into a crime by lying to cover it up. If you are read your rights, you have two choices; tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, or say nothing at all until you consult a lawyer. Doing anything else will make the situation much worse. 7. Live within your means. The formula is easy even if math is not your strongest subject. Write down how much you make each month. Below that, write down how much you spend each month. Subtract the bottom number from the top number. If the answer is less than zero, you are not living within your means. 6. Be likeable and valuable. If you are a team player, strive to get along in the workplace and do what is expected of you, your supervisors will notice and appreciate you. They will provide you opportunities to excel. 5. Don't fight. If you really want to duke it out with somebody, try organized boxing. It's a lot harder than it looks. 4. Be squared away. When does a good Airman need a haircut? Never! A good Airman gets a haircut before he or she needs one. Be punctual for ALL appointments. If you are early, you're on time. If you are on time, you're late. 3. Treat everyone with respect. All of our Airmen have earned and deserve our respect. If we treat each other with respect at all times, most of these other problems go away. 2. Don't hang out with idiots. If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's probably a duck. You're known by the company you keep. If your friends are doing the things listed above, people will assume you are, too.

1. Always ask for a lawyer. It's not only your right, it's a really good idea. If you are in my office in your service dress, you can bet I've already talked to a lawyer. Contact the ADC before answering questions and anytime you are given paperwork. Even if lawyer there can't help get you out of the predicament you're in, he or she will help you present your best case and minimize the damage.

By: MSgt Wilkerson

"Hey Sarge...I have a situation..." At some point in our careers, we will all hear, and hopefully have spoken, these words. I like to look at this as a good sign, because it means several opportunities for learning are about to be set in motion. First, the Airman with the situation is learning to ask for assistance when problems arise. This simple act of humility keeps issues from escalating further. The first step in resolving any situation is recognizing the situation exists. Second, by addressing situations as they arise, and solving problems at the lowest level, the chain of command gets a chance to work, and learn, as it should. Yes, you read that right. The chain of command also needs an opportunity to learn. Unfortunately, most of us learn best by our mistakes. So, at all levels, learn to be patient with everyone, accept the fact that mistakes are a part of the human factor and effect each of us, be humble, and most importantly in my opinion, learn to become a servant leader and a problem solver. When Airmen start reaching out to you for help, then congratulations are in order...as you have now been recognized as a leader.

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Planning for the Republican National Convention (RNC) began fall of 2011, with the main event scheduled for 27-31 of September 2012. Due to the nature of the event it was National Special Security Event (NSSE). Multiple federal, state and local agencies were involved in the planning, operational deployment and redeployment; including members of the 125th Security Forces Squadron.

Capt. Melear and I were assigned to the Anti-terrorism Force Protection (ATFP) section as the ATFP Officer and NCOIC. In conjunction with the Intel section we formed the Joint Task Force (JTF) Fusion Cell. The overall mission of the National Guard was to provide support to civilian law enforcement that included agencies like FBI, Secret Service, FLDE, FHP, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and Tampa PD, all the while maintaining that very fine line drawn by the Posse Comitatus Act. The mission of the JFT Fusion Cell was to evaluate all intelligence regarding events related to the RCN activities and the possible threat to RNC support staff which included over 2,000 personnel.

Each shift change accompanied a Joint Operations Command (JOC) briefing to ensure all personnel were provided pertain information necessary. Each morning I briefed all section representatives during the Future Operations (FUOPS) meeting of the scheduled events/activities and associated threat to forces for the current duty day up to 48 hours out. Daily the ATFP section monitored chat rooms with other JTF agencies, new media, social media and official intelligence information to create two key products; the Commander’s Unit Briefing and the AFTP Threat Advisory. These two products provided personnel ranging from the TAG to the stand by troops key information necessary to reducing the risk to personal and operational safety.

This event was unique for the FLNG, as well as 125th SFS, because of the unique dynamic of JTF being comprised of active duty military, guardsmen and civil servicemen from all branches of service under a dual status commander, Brig. Gen. Gallant. The blend of professionals present brought a level of knowledge, experience and innovation to the operation that brought a successful end to the RNC. The operational success was represented by the fact that no RNC-JTF or civilian agency resources were harmed during the weeklong event; that was full of political appearances and multiple protests which resulted in the lowest number of event related arrests to a similar event to date. The success of the RNC-JTF was apparent by Brig. Gen. Gallant awarding numerous medals for outstanding service to a wide array of personnel. The knowledge and experience gained by Capt. Melear and I during this event was immeasurable, and will be put use in the best ways possible to make our unit able to continue leading the way in the National Guard.

MSgt Koonce

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I have had the honor to work alongside some of the most humbling people here in Jacksonville, FL. The Justice

Collation. This program is designed to help families that have been victims, or witnesses to violent crimes. The Justice Collation is also an active participant in Crime Stoppers and finding missing children. The Justice Coalition believes that victims of violent crimes are the true victims and their rights embody the spirit of the law and the patriotic foundations of our society. The Justice Coalition works closely with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff John Rutherford. Working together with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and recognizing the fine efforts of Nassau, Baker and Clay County Sheriff Offices the Justice Coalition has been instrumental in bringing more than 1800 criminals to justice. Below I have added two stories of families here in Jacksonville, FL.

Kiva is the mother of two boys - 10 and 5 years old. The 10-yr-old witnessed his father's murder in Miami. With hopes of a safer place to live Kiva moved to Jacksonville, FL. After the move took place, the 10-yr-old saw the apartment next door being burglarized. The 10 year old provided the description and details to the JSO officer and itendtified the burglar. Due to the 10 year old turning in information to the police, he was recently assaulted in his front yard. He was hit in stomach several times, and then left lying on the ground outside of his home. The mother moved yet again to find safety for her children. She used all her money for a security deposit, she is working two jobs, and has no money for electric and other bills. The boys are sleeping on floor.

Andre Nero walked a short distance from his grandmother’s home to visit his godfather, he had no idea it would be the last time he walked on his own two feet. Five cars came speeding down the quiet street. For some reason one of them stopped in front of the house, then Andre saw his godfather fall to the ground, clutching his stomach. Mr. Parrish had no pulse, the 17-year-old was also shot, and Andre was bleeding out from a gunshot wound that had damaged the femoral artery. In a desperate effort to save his leg, surgeons transplanted a vein from his other leg but the damage to veins and tissue was too great, it could not be restored. After three surgeries, the leg would have to be amputated.

When Andre woke up in ICU three days after the shooting, he screamed and tried to ask his mother what happened to his leg. When the doctor explained about his above-the-knee amputation and that it was necessary in order to save his life, Andre understood.These are the sad stories that I receive monthly about families and their tragic outcomes. I am currently working on getting the Wing to approve a program that would allow members to sponsor a family in need. I also have several kids wish list for the Holiday. If anyone is interested in helping out these families or receiving a copy of this wish list please let me know! Sheriff Rutherford even takes part in contributing to the Justice Coalition’s monthly publication, Victims' Advocate, by providing a monthly column called 'From the Sheriff's Desk.' The Justice Coalition is also proud to recognize their partnership with WJXT Channel 4 in the monthly broadcast “Eye on Crime.” This television program is broadcast at 8:00 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month. The program features re-enactments of North Florida’s most notorious unsolved cases; all local criminals and cases. Profiles of Jacksonville Most Wanted and LIVE detective phone banks are also part of the monthly program. http://www.justicecoalition.org/index.htm

Andre Nero

By: SSgt Kincade

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The world we currently know is a product of the U.S. industrial age. An era that formed the most productive economy in the world, and an equal chance at prosperity to all that were willing to work hard enough. Also known as the American Dream, this model (at the time) seemed to be the end all, do all, which was the envy of the world. It helped win wars, build a global superpower, and put a man on the moon. This school of thought also taught us to be a cog in the machine:

Go to school

Follow the curriculum

Color inside the lines

Do your best

Never question authority

Go to college

Find a 9 to 5

Show up on time

Work hard

Play it safe

Fit in

Act normal

Wait to be promoted

Retire

We have been conditioned to accept the status quo, follow directions and color inside the lines.

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Today we live in a rapidly evolving world. What worked from 1920-2009ish, does not cut it anymore. Emulating what our parents and grandparents did no longer guarantees personal success. Anyone who has recently looked for a job in the newspaper would agree with that. The problem lies in the paradigm of both the individual and the organization. Individuals who seek a secure job, expects benefits, waits for instruction, and only follows the job description is coloring withen the lines. In turn organizations who expect their members to only follow procedures, play it safe, never stand out, and frowns upon creativity should have hired robots. Look at the rise, fall, and now reemergence of Ford. We have traded fulfillment for security when people began to follow their pensions instead of their passions.

The era of the factory is dead. Trying to innovate, or fix a modern day problem with old school solutions will not work! We must all adopt a new paradigm to stay abreast of the competition and keep us from being “just a cog.” In America, small businesses and think tanks have always led the way. Because of their size and will to survive, they are more nimble and encourage innovation. Their success then gets adopted by big business and lastly the government.

The innovative initiate and initiative begins with you. Whether big or small, just take initiative! Organizations that have made the shift do not care about college degrees as much as they care about a person who constantly initiates and adds value. Initiative will include failures along with successes, however failures are soon forgotten if one continues to take initiative.

Organizations now want individuals who continually seek improvment and offer solutions. Individuals now want leaders who are open to new ideas and are willing to accept change. The phrase “Well that’s the way we’ve always done it”, is the enemy of the initiator. Likewise the response “That is not in my job description” makes leaders cringe. Business author & blogger Seth Godin reminds us that people who follow maps will never be as happy as those who create their own maps.

By no means am I encouraging insubordination. I am asking all people to create something, take risk, and question everything with hopes of creating a culture of forward thinking Airman. Remember a great idea that has never been shared is worthless. NCO’s and SNCO’s must be willing to listen and refrain from shooting down ideas. Instead respond by saying “that is an interesting concept, let’s sit down and see if this can work.” Imagine a mountain climber with hopes of reaching the top, yet fears letting go of his current grip on the rock for another that is closer to his or her goal. Supervisors must accept the fact that things are changing and that hanging on to “Well that’s the way we’ve always done it” attitude, is like refusing to take the risk necessary to reach greatness, while clinging on to the mediocre just because it is safe. Foster an environment conducive to creativity by embracing change and initative. The enemy of great is not bad, it’s “good enough”. Good enough is safe and it is coloring within the lines. Good enough has never innovated anything. By: SSgt Fernandez

*A junior NCO meeting should be taking place every UTA. This will help us influence culture, brainstorm new ideas, boost morale, implement changes, and up channel discrepancies. Meetings serve as forum where we have a voice in the enhancement of our experience at the 125 SFS.

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December 8th 2010 my life was changed forever. This was the day that my son Kelly paid the ultimate sacrifice and my family became a Gold star Family. Since then my wife has started a (completely) nonprofit organization that does a few things. The name of the foundation is Mothers of America's Military Fallen; The SPC Kelly J Mixon Foundation. The first thing it does is "adopts" a deployed Marine, Soldier, sailor, or airmen throughout the deployment. Second it hosts a Gold Star Family retreat in Fernandina Beach for those families that go above and beyond to help other gold star families to get through the trying times of losing a family member to combat. Third it funds a handmade Gold Star bracelet made by my wife Julie that goes to the mothers of the fallen. Last but not least it awards a scholarship to a student that has gone above and beyond in and out of school for culinary arts. Culinary was the one thing that my son Kelly really wanted to continue when he EAS out of the Army.

On October 27th, 2012 we hosted an event called A HERO'S RUN in Fernandina beach. It included a 5/10K, run/ walk and all proceeds went directly to the foundation. The idea behind the run is that everyone that registered got a dog tag to wear during the run that has the name of a fallen hero. Unfortunately we all know a fallen hero. If you are not sure what the meaning of a gold star member is it is a family member of a military member that has died while serving. I would like to thank all that participated and or donated, see you all next year!

MSgt. Bargeron

In Memory of SPC Kelly J. Mixon

Security Forces Participants

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THAT GUY

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A1C fully comply with Air Force standards and are expected to devote their efforts to the mastery of skills required in their career fields and the military profession, while becoming effective team members. After a few months at their first duty station, they are usually skilled on numerous tasks. Continued supervision is essential to the A1C’s ongoing technical and professional growth. They typically earn their 5-skill level at this grade. A1Cs operate at the tactical level. The official term of address is Airman First Class or Airman.

SrA commonly perform as skilled technicians and trainers. It is essential SrA begin developing supervisory and leadership skills through progressive responsibility on the job, PME, individual study, and supervisor mentoring. When utilized as supervisors, SrA strive to establish themselves as effective first-line supervisors, through maximum use of guidance and assistance from the NCOs above them. SrA may serve as reporting officials upon completion of Airman Leadership School (ALS). SrA operate at the tactical level. The official term of address is Senior Airman or Airman. SSgt are primarily highly skilled technicians with supervisory and training responsibilities. They must continuously strive to further their development as technicians. SSgts must also strive for greater supervisory competence and should be given opportunities to demonstrate leadership as they develop. They are responsible for their subordinates and the effective accomplishment of all assigned tasks. They ensure proper and effective use of all personnel and materiel under their control. SSgts operate at the tactical level. The official term of address is Staff Sergeant or Sergeant. TSgt In addition to providing sound supervision and training, TSgts are often organization technical experts within their specialty. They are responsible for the development of all assigned enlisted personnel. They must obtain maximum performance from each subordinate and ensure the mission is efficiently and effectivelyaccomplished. TSgts must continuously strive to broaden and perfect their technical expertise and supervisory techniques. TSgts operate at the tactical level of leadership. The official term of address is Technical Sergeant or Sergeant. MSgt are transitioning from technical expert and first-line supervisor to operational leader able to merge personnel talents, skills, and resources with other teams’ functions to effectively accomplish the mission, while continuing to develop leadership and management skills. This rank carries significantly increased responsibilities and requires broad technical and managerial perspective. MSgt-selects should immediately enroll in and complete Course 12 or 14, SNCO PME Distance Learning Course, in preparation for their new role. MSgts normally operate at the operational level of leadership. The official term of address is Master Sergeant or Sergeant. SMSgt are key, experienced, operational leaders, skilled at merging personnel talents, skills, and resources with other teams’ functions to effectively accomplish the mission. SMSgts continue to develop their leadership and management skills in preparation for expanded responsibilities and higher leadership positions. SMSgts normally operate at the operational level of leadership. The official term of address is Senior Master Sergeant or Sergeant. (The term “Senior” is not a proper title.) CMSgt The rank of CMSgt is the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force, with the exception of the CMSAF. Since its inception, the CMSgt has evolved to hold a very distinctive role in the force. Superiors and subordinates alike rightfully place very high expectations upon those serving in this grade. CMSgts serve in key leadership roles at all levels in the Air Force from flight level to the Air Staff. They serve as commandants, superintendents, program managers, CCMs, functional managers, and career field managers. The Air Force ensures only the very best NCOs are promoted to this top rank. CMSgts, as senior leaders, at all times must epitomize the finest qualities of a military leader. CMSgts bring substantial institutional, operational, and functionalexperience, as well as strong leadership skills, to their organizations and to all assigned tasks. CMSgts must continually strive to further develop their leadership and management skills to prepare for future roles. As key mentors, they must actively develop their Airmen, NCOs, and SNCOs into enlisted leaders. CMSgts are assigned Chief Enlisted Manager codes upon selection to CMSgt, able to fill any leadership or management level position, and perform any duties not prohibited by law or directive. CMSgts serve at the operational and strategic levels, depending on assignment. The official term of address is Chief Master Sergeant or Chief.

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https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebenefits.portal

http://af.lib.overdrive.com/1AEDA551-5204-40CF-AB0F-AC9F5F050094/10/536/en/Default.htm

It's that time of year again -- Combined Federal Campaign! The mission of the CFC is to promote and support philanthropy through a program that is employee-focused, cost-efficient and effective at providing all federal employees the opportunity to improve the quality of life for all. Donating is easy, but the deadline is 15 Dec, so act now! For more information or to find out how to give, please contact your unit rep listed below, or visit the website at www.nefl-sega-cfc.org -Capt. Brown MSG POC Capt. Kelly Thompson 904-741 7491

Troops to Teachers is a U.S. Department of Defense program that helps eligible military personnel begin a new career as teachers in public schools where their skills, knowledge and experience are most needed. http://www.proudtoserveagain.com/

From now to until January 1st there is a bonus for re-enlisting Security Forces personnel. Please contact SSgt Pelton for more information. andrew.pelton.1@ang.af.mil