Leading on allFronts

www.163ATKW.ang.af.mil/163ATKW @163ATKW

Est. February 1980 A MAGAZINE B JULY/AUGUST 2017

ALSO INSIDE:

Hal Byers remembered

Wing bids farewell to Col. Keith Ward

MQ-9s meet the media

Chief Jerry Rogers retiresto write his next chapter

LeadingFrontson all

LeadingFrontson all

Squadron commander blueprints multi-career success

JULY/AUGUST 2017 3

On GUARD is proudly published for the members of the 163d Attack Wing and their families.

Public Affairs Office2nd Lt. Jessica Huerta

Senior Master Sgt. Stanley Thompson

Tech. Sgt. Neil Ballecer

Tech. Sgt. Joseph McKee

Tech. Sgt. Gregory Solman

Staff Sgt. Patrice Skyner

Senior Airman Cynthia Innocenti

Senior Airman Crystal Housman

Airman Michelle Ulber

Special thanks to:Kat Lange, On GUARD logo designer

The On GUARD is the official magazine of the 163d Attack Wing, March Air Reserve Base, California.

The contents of On GUARD are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Defense, Depart-ment of the Air Force or the 163d Attack Wing.

Some first or last names are omit-ted for security purposes.

Wing CommanderCol. Dana Hessheimer

Vice CommanderCol. Carrie Colas

Command ChiefChief Master Sgt. Gilbert Sanchez

OurMission

To be one team providing dedicated, disciplined and diverse Guardsmen ready to defend our state, nation

and local communities from any threats that

compromise the safety, security and well-being of

our citizens and allies.

COVERstory

163throwback

An MQ-1 Predator from the 163rd Reconnaissance Wing is marshaled safely home after a training flight at South-ern California Logistics Airport. The unit, now known as the 163d Attack Wing, flew its last MQ-1 flight in the spring 2015 and transitioned to the MQ-9 Reaper. (163d Attack Wing archive photo by Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey)

Lt. Col. Heidi Gibson, 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron commander, poses for a photo June 7, while deployed to Southwest Asia. Gibson enlisted in the California Air National Guard in 1986 and later commissioned. She has had success in her civilian and military career, holding the titles of principal in her own architecture firm and field grade officer with the Air National Guard as Com-mander of the 163d Civil Engineer Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Ramon A. Adelan)

MORE PHOTOS AND STORY ON PG. 10

JULY/AUGUST 2017 JULY/AUGUST 20174 5

PICTUREthisCol. Dana Hessheimer, 163d Attack Wing Commander, cuts a ceremonial ribbon in-side the wing’s new hangar at March Air Re-serve Base, June 14, along with civic lead-ers and Brig. Gen. Russell Muncy, 452nd Air Mobility Wing Commander. The event coincided with the wing’s recent move of MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft to March from Southern California Logistics Airport in Victorville.

photo by Tech. Sgt. Joseph McKee

JULY/AUGUST 2017 7JULY/AUGUST 20176

BRIEFSAROUNDtheFORCE

SecAF gets first-hand look at MQ-1, MQ-9

Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson is briefed on the Multi-Spectral Targeting system by Staff Sgt. Evan, 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron avionics craftsman, July 19, 2017, at Creech Air Force Base, Nevada. During her visit, Wilson was briefed on the specifics on the current MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper fleet as the missions they enable for the joint force commanders. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christian Clausen)

by Senior Airman Christian Clausen, 432nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public AffairsPublished July 21, 2017

CREECH AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFNS) -- Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson visited Creech Air Force Base on July 19, to get a closer look at the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper mission.

During her visit, Wilson toured the base and gained insight into the dom-inant persistent attack and recon-naissance mission the Airmen of the 432nd Wing complete 24/7/365 for our nation and coalition partners.

“The Secretary of Defense has given us a task to focus on improving the lethality and readiness of the force to do the missions the nation expects of us, and anybody who wants to see what that looks like should come to Creech AFB,” Wilson said. “These

Airmen are incredible warriors who get up every day and think about how to keep our country and our families safe, and we’re deeply grateful for it.”

While the remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) enterprise has proven itself in combat, it hasn’t been without strain on the relatively small community of Airmen who provide the most request-ed assets downrange.

“The RPA community is punching above its weight and we all know that,” Wilson said. “So we’ve done a couple of things [to help that] and I’m personally committed to the get-well plan for the RPA community.”

The secretary said the number of combat lines provided by the Air Force won’t increase until members of the RPA community have rea-sonable dwell time; can complete

professional military education; and has the ability to maintain a healthy balance between the mission and their lives.

Wilson also had a chance to speak with Airmen who have contributed their inventions to the mission in order to improve the force.

Master Sgt. Eric, 432nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron production superintendent, briefed Wilson on an engine trainer he created in his spare time to fill a training need within the squadron. He said it was a unique op-portunity to show her his creation.

“This community is innovating faster than almost any other part of the Air Force and we should be proud of that and enable it,” Wilson said. “I’ve been very impressed with what I’ve seen.”

Coast Guard Birthday ....................................................................... August 4Purple Heart Day .............................................................................. August 7V-J Day ........................................................................................... August 14National Aviation Day ..................................................................... August 19Women’s Equality Day .................................................................... August 26National Employer Support of Guard and the Reserve Week ........... Third weekPreventative Health Month ...........................................................Month-longBack to School Health Month .......................................................Month-long

August Holidays & Observances

The 163rd Chaplain Corps is seeking an experi-enced drill-status Master Sgt. to serve as its NCIOC of the shop during regularly scheduled drills.

The NCOIC serves our Airmen through religious ac-commodations, counseling, and mentorship.

Ideal candidates are passionate about administra-tive work, project management, and have the ability to work in a pluralistic and ecumenical environment with people of faith and no faith, all genders, and diverse multicultural backgrounds.

Individuals applying for the position need not have a religious affiliation.

Interested individuals should contact Master Sgt. Vance Jackson, Sr., in the retention office, and submit two letters of recommendation, along with a letter of intent stating why you are “called” to serve in the Chaplain Corps.

The 163d Attack Wing is seeking members to par-ticipate in the 2018 Los Angeles Marathon, which is scheduled for Sunday, March 18, 2018.

Team members will form a human chain at the marathon start line, and separate the elite runners from the general race field. Team members begin the 26.2 mile course running, jogging, or walking, at the head of the general race field once the starting gun is fired.

Complimentary race registration is included for team members. However, spots are limited.

Registration is open until Sept. 15 to currently-serv-ing guard members.

If spots remain open after the registration deadline, one family member per team member may also register as part of the team.

All approved team members must provide a white shirt to wear during the marathon, and $5 to pay for screen printing of a wing graphic on the shirt. Shirts and screen printing fee are due by Sept. 15.

Race team organizers maintain a Facebook group to share nutrition, running, and optional training schedules in the hope of building camaraderie, ac-countability and provide team support.

Applicants are encouraged to consider current obli-gations and physical abilities to include health and injuries prior to committing to the team.

For more information or to sign up, email:

[email protected].

The March Air Reserve Base fitness center is host-ing a free Kung Fu San Soo seminar, Aug. 26.

San Soo is a martial art, which incorporates prin-ciples of leverage and movement, as well as proper breathing and concentration, to create a powerful and effective fighter. During the seminar, students will learn agility, balance, coordination, humility and respect for human life.

RSVP by Aug. 25 to (951) 655-5250 or [email protected].

Chaplain Corps looking for traditional NCOIC

Runners wanted for Los Angeles Marathon

Kung Fu seminar Aug. 26


SPOTLIGHT

Welcome home. Members of the 163d Civil Engineer and Security Forces Squadrons are welcomed home July 18 and 20, at Ontario International Airport in Ontario, as they return from deployments to the middle east.

(Photos courtesy Master Sgt. Mabon)


SOUTHWEST ASIA – Every student is at some point confronted with the question of what he or she wants to be in life.

Many professions top the wishlists and students may aspire to become firefighters, police officer, doctors or any number of other dream occupations. No matter what path they choose, it will take dedication and hard work to get to even just one goal.

Lt. Col. Heidi Gibson not only achieved, but tackles two such impressive careers at the same time. Gibson holds the titles of principal in her very own architecture firm and is the 163rd Civil Engineer Squadron commander with the U.S. Air National Guard at March Air Reserve Base, California. Currently, she is deployed to the 407th Air Expeditionary Group as the commander of the civil engineer squadron here.

“As a young girl, my dream was to become a veterinarian but shortly after volunteer-ing at an animal shelter and seeing animals under distress I quickly changed my mind,” Gibson said. “I believe my father encouraged me to become an architect so that he could have an architect ‘handy and readily available’ at his beck and call. My family was consistently remodeling homes for resale or rent, so I basically grew up with my tool bag on my hip.”

Her military journey started with Gibson enlisting upon graduating high school. The Hemet, California, native studied at the California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo graduating in 1994.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in architecture, she applied for an officer’s posi-tion in the civil engineer squadron at March ARB.

Meanwhile, for three years Gibson interned in San Francisco, where she then began working toward her architectural license. As she gathered experience, she later was licensed and decided to start her own firm.

“I was a captain, had a two year-old child and a new born baby when I started my firm in 2006,” Gibson said. “I do not know what I was thinking at the time. How I thought this would be a good time to start an architectural firm.”

While the timing wasn’t perfect, Gibson said she went forward with her firm and suc-ceeded against all obstacles -- despite juggling work, military requirements and a brand-new business in competitive field.

of

Story and photos by Senior Airman Ramon A. Adelan, 407th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs

Lt. Col. Heidi Gibson excels in her civilian and military careers.

Continued on next page.

Lt. Col. Heidi Gibson, 407th Expeditionary

Civil Engineer Squadron commander, poses for a photo June 7, at the 407th Air Expedition-

ary Group in Southwest Asia. Gibson enlisted in

the California Air Nation-al Guard in 1986 then

later commissioned. She has had success in her civilian and military ca-

reer, holding the titles of principal of her own ar-

chitecture firm and field grade officer with the Air National Guard as

the 163rd Civil Engineer Squadron commander

at March Air Reserve Base.


“The largest challenge with owning and running my firm was earning respect from contractors, which is male dominated,” Gibson said. “When I would go out to job sites, they would initially assume that I was the secretary coming out to take notes. Once they realized I knew what I was doing and understood construction, they quickly became my best form of marketing.”

Specializing in projects ranging widely from wineries and restaurants to religious de-signs such as a mosque, the quality of her firm’s work was quickly recognized in the field.

“The firm grew quickly and I began receiving projects I couldn’t do on my own, Gibson recalled. “So I reached out to a college friend to take the leap and join me. She was more than ready to take the risk.”

Gibson successfully combined two challenging careers for more than 10 years, which she has used experiences and education to positively attribute to both professions.

“These two aspects of my life have great synergy,” Gibson said. “The military has given me great leadership techniques and experiences that I take back with me to the firm. And likewise, my civilian experiences bring ideas to the table that open up solutions that otherwise might not have been thought of by fulltime military person-nel that do not have the civilian experiences.

“I deal with many jurisdictions and organizations to get projects passed. These ne-gotiation skills have come in handy,” she continued. “I also have to work with many types of engineers to design and build unique structures therefore these experiences have made it very easy for me to think outside of the box.”

At the 407th AEG, Gibson leads a civil engineer team of 260 total-force Airmen, who sustain the base infrastructure and to initiate actions for future contingencies. De-spite being half-way around the world, she also continues to manage her business.

“There are many challenges when I deploy,” Gibson said. “I’m here as a squadron commander ensuring our engineers are accomplishing everyday tasks while we plan for future growth of this base. I also still must keep in contact with my high-profile cli-ents back home and complete Air War College courses. My plate is full, but it keeps me on my toes daily.”

Gibson gives credit to her father who influenced her to set out on the paths she’s conquered. He was a local city planning director and a traditional guardsman as the commander of the same March ARB unit she leads today.

“My father told me I wouldn’t regret joining the Air National Guard, and he was right,” Gibson said. “I absolutely love it. But overall, I continue to serve and lead because I take pride in volunteering to support our nation.”

Staff Sgt. Daniel Mar-tins, 407th Expedi-

tionary Civil Engineer Squadron structural

craftsman, discusses the remaining tasks of a construction project with

Lt. Col. Heidi Gibson, 407th ECES command-er, June 7, at the 407th Air Expeditionary Group in Southwest Asia. Gib-

son administers to more than 260 Total Force

Airmen. Their objectives are to sustain the base

infrastructure and to initiate actions for future

contingencies.

Continued from previous page.

End.


Farewell, Col. WardTop: A 163d Attack Wing all-call is held at March Air Reserve Base, June 3, to serve as a farewell for Col. Keith Ward, former wing vice commander. Ward is leaving the 163d to accept command of the 146th Airlift Wing along the California coast.

Above: During the June 3 all-call, Ward’s name is added to “The Beak,” signify-ing his impact on aircraft operations at the 163d.

Left: A wooden plaque with the 196th Attack Squadron logo is presented to Ward, during a visit to March ARB June 21. Known as the “piece of wood,” the 196th Attack Squadron plaque is often presented with a creative fable about the origins of the wood, which usually intertwine with the recipient’s past or interests. It is presented sparingly, and honors those who make a difference in the squadron.

(Air National Guard photos by Tech. Sgt. Joseph McKee and Senior Airman Crystal Housman)

Four safety assessors from Leidos, a National Guard Bureau contracted company, visited the 163d Attack Wing at March Air Reserve Base, June 20-22.

The team conducted an NGB-driven Environmental Survey Visit, which included reviews of bioenvironmental and safety flight, occupational and weapons safety disciplines.

The visit provided the wing commander and functional area experts a snapshot of their programs to assist in compliance and improvements to program management areas.

Safety inspectors visit 163d

by David Cunningham163d Attack Wing Director of Psychological HealthAirmen are wanted to provide input as part of the second annual Health of the Forces Survey.

The survey is confidential and answers remain anony-mous. It gathers basic demographics but asks nothing about an Airman’s specific position or squadron.

The focus is Airmen. It provides an opportunity to share how Airmen are doing, unmet needs, and allows for Air-men to offer suggestions.

It is a very short survey and is expected to take five min-utes or less to complete.

The survey provides critical information about the overall health and well-being of our servicemembers and in-forms future efforts to ensure appropriate resources are available for every Guardsmen.

This is a joint effort between the Air and Army National Guards.

To complete the survey, follow the link below by clicking on it or pasting it to your browser.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/hotf

Please take a moment to compete the survey today!

Questions may be directed to David Cunningham, 163d Attack Wing Director of Psychological Health.

Input sought for Health of the Forces survey

Airmen from the 163d Attack Wing hike along the Southern California coast June 10, during a Strong Bonds event for single service members.

The weekend-long retreat was organized by the 163d Attack Wing Chaplain Corps and gives single Airmen an opportunity to learn about goal setting, priorities, and building healthy relationships. (Courtesy Photo)

Lt. Col. Micaela, 163d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Commander, pres-ents an Air Force Achievement Medal to Senior Airman Brian, above, and the 163d Maintenance Group Maintainer of the Month certificate to Tech. Sgt. Adam, below, during a June 3 ceremony. (Air National Guard photos by Senior Airman Crystal Housman)

Singles unite at Strong Bonds

Maintainers recognized

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/hotf


CONGRATS

Know someone who deserves a shout-out? Email the 163d ATKW

Public Affairs team at [email protected] to let us know who got promoted,

who received an award, or who did something else that was just plain awesome. Snapped a

photo? We’ll take it. Send it to our way and it might show up in the next issue of On Guard!

RETIRED

REENLISTED

Maj. Mark, of the 163d Operations Group, receives a Meritorious Service Medal from Col. Carrie Colas, 163d At-tack Wing Vice Commander, during his June 4 retirement ceremony.

Lt. Col. Kristy, of the 163d Operations Group, poses for a selfie with a friend fol-lowing her retirement ceremony June 21.

(Air National Guard photos by Senior Airman Crystal Housman)

Debbie Hambrick, of the 163d Attack Wing Airman and Family Readiness office, re-ceives a certificate of appreciation from Maj. John Gunty, 163d Force Support Squadron Commander, during her June 3 retirement ceremony.

LEFT: Col. Carrie Colas, 163d Attack Wing Vice Commander, conducts a mass re-enlistment ceremony for members of the wing June 4 at March Air Reserve Base. RIGHT: Col. Dana Hessheimer, 163d Attack Wing Commander, administers the oath of enlist-ment for Senior Master Sgt. Lana Miller during her re-enlistment ceremony July 20. (Air National Guard photos by Airman Michelle J. Ulber and Senior Airman Crystal Housman)

PROMOTEDABOVE: Staff Sgt. Brandon of the 163d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron walks a promotion gauntlet while being tacked on with his fourth stripe June 7, at March Air Reserve Base. (Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Crystal Housman)

CENTER: Senior Airman Eva Gaytan of the 163d Medical Group is pro-moted to Staff Sgt. during a June ceremony at March Air Reserve Base. (Courtesy photo)

LEFT: Maj. Daniel Barosso of the 163d Civil Engineer Squadron is pinned on June 2 and promoted to Lt. Col. during a ceremony at March Air Reserve Base. (Air Na-tional Guard photo by Airman Michelle J. Ulber)

Senior Airman HernandezSenior Airman Housman

Staff Sgt. LynnTech. Sgt. Koth1st Lt. Crandell

1st Lt. RipleyLt. Col. Ruvalcaba

ALSO PROMOTED

PROMOTEDCol. Carrie Colas, 163d Attack Wing Vice Commander, takes a photo with her sons after they pinned on her eagles signifying promotion to Col. during a June 3 ceremony at March Air Reserve Base. Colas has served in the wing for over 20 years with roles including Public Affairs Officer, Wing Executive Officer, and Force Support Squadron Com-mander before being selected for her current position. (Air National Guard photo by Airman Mi-chelle J. Ulber)

RECOGNIZEDStaff Sgt. Webster, of the 163d Comptroller Flight, was recently selected as a recipient of the 2017 Roy Wilkins Renown Service Award from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

The award honors military mem-bers and Defense Department civil-ian employees who have supported the DOD mission or overseas contingency operations, or whose attributes epitomize the qualities and core values of their respective military service.

Staff Sgt. Alexx Pons contributed to this brief.

The 163d Attack Wing’s Grizzly Softball Team gathers for a group photo with their trophy June 22 after playing in the March Air Reserve Base intra-mural softball league championship game. The team finished as league runners up with a score of 10-12 against the 452nd Security Forces Squadron. (Courtesy Photo)


Three Airmen ascended to the top of the enlisted force and promoted to Chief Master Sgt. during ceremonies held June 3.

Chief Master Sgts. Tyler Hessheimer, 163d Force Support Squadron Superintendent, and Caryn Chipman, 163d Medical Group Superintendent, were tacked on together during a dual-

promotion ceremony conducted by retired Brig. Gen. Randall Ball, former wing commander.

Chief Master Sgt. Keith of the 163d Operations Group was tacked on by family members during his promotion ceremony.

(Air National Guard photos by Airman Michelle J. Ulber and Senior Airman Crystal Housman)

Trio promote to Chief

Contributed story and photo

Former Grizzly Col. Jonathan (Jon) Proehl died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident July 28 in Carson City, Nevada.

Proehl graduated from the United States Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training at the top of his class and was selected to fly the F-4E Phantom. He distin-guished himself as a flight lead, mission command-er and instructor pilot.

He transferred from the 163d to the Nevada Air National Guard’s 152nd Airlift Wing “High Rollers,” where he continued to advance his military career.

At the 152nd, Proehl served as a squadron com-mander before promoting to Col. and becoming the wing’s commander.

He is survived by his wife Cari, daughter Halley, 25, and sons Jonathan, 22, and Dillion, 21.

For 27 years, Proehl worked for American Airlines, serving as First Officer and Captain. He spent the majority of his career on the west coast, working from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

He was an avid experimental aircraft pilot and pas-sionately involved with the Reno National Champion-ship Air Races.

A Celebration of Life is being planned at the Reno Air National Guard during the Reno National Cham-pionship Air Races weekend in mid-September. The date and time is yet to be announced.

Condolences may be sent to the Proehl family at:

45 Myrtlewood Circle, Reno, NV 89511.

Lt. Col. Gregory accepts command of the 163d Operations Support Squadron from Col. Keith Ward, 163d Operations Group Commander, during a change of command ceremony held June 3 at March Air Reserve Base.

Moments before, the colors were relinquished by Lt. Col. Eileen, the squadron’s outgoing commander, who will now work at the group level.(Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Gregory Solman)

Former Grizzly pilot remembered

163d OSS changes command

JULY/AUGUST 201720

Blue Skies & TailwindsBlue Skies & Tailwinds

Continued next page…

Wing mourns loss of Hal ByersStory and photos by Senior Airman Crystal Housman163d Attack Wing Public AffairsHundreds gathered at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, June 7, to mourn 163d Attack Wing contractor and retiree Hal D. Byers, who died of unknown causes while off duty, Sunday, May 21.

At the time of his death, Byers, 51, worked at the wing as a systems admin-istrator for MAG Aerospace. He previously served more than 31 years as a uniformed member of the wing before his military retirement as a Major in June, 2016.

Current, former, and retired members of the wing filled the cemetery am-phitheater.

“As I look around, I see Grizzlies past and present, and this is evidence of how he touched all of our lives,” said 163d Attack Wing Chaplain (Maj.) Da-vid Sarmiento during his remarks. “He was someone that we truly loved.”

Byers enlisted in the Air National Guard in July, 1984, and joined the 163d Tactical Fighter Group as an information manager serving with the 163d Communications Flight.

From the late-1980s through the mid-1990s, Byers was the public face of the unit while serving as the unit’s recruiter.

In 1996, he earned honors as the 163d Refueling Wing Noncommissioned Officer of the Year.

He was lauded again that year, earning statewide honors as the top recruit-er in California. In a single year, he brought 55 new members to the unit and pushed the unit’s manning to 107%.

“He loved that job because he had an opportunity to talk to people every day and to help them get where they wanted to be,” said 163d Attack Wing Vice Commander, Col. Carrie Colas, who first met Byers during his time as the wing’s recruiter.

“Hal was all about taking care of people and making sure the mission got done,” Colas said.

After hours, Byers spent time raising two young daughters and working on a college degree. He graduated from California Baptist University summa cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems.

As an enlisted Airman, Byers rose to the rank of Master Sgt., and in October, 2000, he earned a commission.

JULY/AUGUST 2017 21

Maj. Jennifer Covington reads the poem, “High Flight,” June 7 during a memorial service for Maj. Hal Byers, 163d Attack Wing retiree, held at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside. Byers died May 21.


…From previous pageAs an officer, he accepted command of the 163d Communications Flight. As flight commander, he was centrally responsible for the effective and se-cure communications systems utilized by more than 1,100 personnel.

He directed the infrastructure build up, procurement, and installation of more than $2.6 million in critical communications equipment as the wing established its Predator Operations Center and started transitioning to the MQ-1B Predator remotely piloted aircraft.

Byers was hand selected to be part of the wing’s command team during its final deployment with the KC-135R aerial tanker. In this role, he assisted the active duty Operations Group Commander with all aspects of the de-ployment and incorporated the Air National Guard into an established mis-sion supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

Following his successful tenure as a flight commander, Byers again took on a leadership position.

In September 2012, he accepted command of the 163d Force Support Squadron. He held the position for nearly four years, relinquishing com-mand shortly before his military retirement.

“He loved being a commander because he could focus on taking care of his team and making sure that their mission was accomplished,” Colas said.

Byers’ personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Out-standing Unit Award, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal, Nation-al Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Air Force Noncom-missioned Officer Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon and the Air Force Training Ribbon.

His state decorations include a California Commendation Medal, Gover-nor’s Outstanding Unit Citation, California Good Conduct Medal, California Service Medal, Enlisted Excellence Ribbon, Recruiting Achievement Ribbon and California Drill Attendance Ribbon.

He was an avid community volunteer, serving at his church and also with the Martin Luther King High School band in Riverside.

“Hal’s life reminds us all that doing the most good for the most amount of people is how we should live our life,” Sarmiento said.

Byers impact on the wing will ripple for generations, Colas said.

“He will never, ever be forgotten,” she said. “His legacy will live on in all of the Grizzlies he had an impact on everyday that he was at the 163d.”

Byers is survived by his wife and two daughters.

Clockwise from left: A flyover is performed by former wing commander, Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Randall Ball; The Blue Eagles Honor Guard from March Air Reserve Base, including 163d Attack Wing members Senior Master Sgt. Jonathan Gaygay and Staff Sgt. Joseph Trujillo, escort Byers’ remains and perform a flag folding ceremony during the service; Mourners hold hands across an aisle as the service comes to a close.


COMMUNITYRELATIONSWing hosts MQ-9 Media Day

Airman leads Pride Committee downrange

Members of the media visited the 163d Attack

Wing at March Air Re-serve Base June 14, to

learn about the MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted

aircraft and the wing’s recent move of flight

operations to March from Southern California Logis-

tics Airport in Victorville. (Air National Guard photos by Senior

Airman Crystal Housman)

Students from the St. Stephen Academy Student Exchange Program tour March Air Reserve Base on July 12. The tour was organized by the 163d Attack Wing and included a viewing of the MQ-9 Reaper and the 452d Air Mobility Wing’s C-17 Globemaster III. (Air National Guard photos by Michelle J. Ulber)

Col. Blake LaMar, 163d Maintenance Group Com-mander, speaks at the Old Bold Pilots monthly breakfast meeting, July 27, at the Indian Wells Golf Resort in Indian Wells. LaMar discussed the MQ-9 Reaper airframe and remotely piloted aircraft opera-tions with the group, which was largely comprised of veterans, experienced pilots, and former military aviators.

(Air National Guard photos by Senior Airman Crystal Housman)

International exchange students tour 163d, base

LaMar speaks to Old Bold Pilots

Golf tournament yields $10,000 donation

Tech. Sgt. Melissa is hugged after presenting a $10,000 check from the Grizzly Golf Association to Dee

Dee Rodler, June 22, at Riverside National Cemetery near the planned site of the Gold Star Families Memo-

rial Monument.

Rodler, who is spearheading the monument planning and fundraising effort, is a Gold Star wife and lost her

husband, U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Gregg Rodler, during an OV-10 Bronco aircraft crash nearly 30 years ago.

The Grizzly Golf Association is a nonprofit organization consisting of current and former members of the 163d Attack Wing, and raised money for the donation during

the association’s annual Grizzly Golf Tournament, which was held earlier in the month.

(Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman Crystal Housman)

Throughout June, Tech. Sgt. Victoria, deployed from the 163d Force Support Squadron, led the Pride Committee at her deployed location. The committee organized nine events to promote education, social awareness and tolerance for the LGBT community.

Victoria was coined twice for outstanding perfor-mance, and was lauded by the location’s chaplain corps, who reportedly saw an uptick in office visits by service members who were questioning or ac-cepting their own sexuality.

Additionally, she helped coordinate the first-ever drag show at her location, which included a video message by singer Lance Bass thanking the com-mittee for highlighting LGBT issues in the military.

JULY/AUGUST 2017 27

Grizzly Golf Tournament

JULY/AUGUST 201726

SPOTLIGHT

The annual Grizzly Golf Classic was held June 5, at Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon in Beaumont. The tournament was hosted by the Grizzly Golf Association consisting of current and former members

of the 163d Attack Wing. Proceeds from this year’s tournament benefit the build-cost for the Gold Star Family Monument, which is being planned for Riverside National Cemetery.

(Air National Guard photos by Senior Airman Crystal Housman and Airman Michelle Ulber)


WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Air Force officials announced major chang-es to the enlisted professional military education program today via an initiative called Enlisted Professional Military Education for the 21st Century, or “EPME 21.”

A major initiative of EPME 21 is that time in service will no lon-ger dictate an Airman’s EPME enrollment -- Airmen will only be required to complete distance learning courses as a prerequisite to their resident attendance. This initiative is now in effect.

Also, the Air Force will transition to 100 percent resident EPME, allowing all active duty, Guard and reserve Airmen an opportunity to attend Airman Leadership School,

the NCO and senior NCO acad-emies prior to promotion.

The changes are a result of the 2017 EPME triennial review, said Chief Master Sgt. JoAnne Bass, the Chief of Air Force Enlisted Developmental Education at the Pentagon.

“The committee determined changes were needed to the existing EPME structure in order to align EPME with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff’s policy requiring rank-based educational opportunities,” Bass said. “This also enables all Airmen an oppor-tunity to attend resident PME in order to truly leverage the educa-tional experiences gained from instructors and peers.”

One of Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright’s three priorities is leadership – develop-ing Airmen who are ready to lead. One of his objectives in this is to cement EPME changes and infuse agility into Air University process-es to improve the ability to provide timely, updated content delivery.

“If this sounds familiar, it should. It was the staple of our EPME for almost 43 years before a recent change to a time in service mod-el,” Wright said. “While this model was effective for some, we quickly found it didn’t meet the needs of all our Airmen, causing many NCOs to lose the opportunity to attend in residence at all.”

Rather than requiring Airmen

to complete EPME at set times based on how long they’ve been in the Air Force, the new model transitions to a rank-based con-tinuum of learning.

Removing the TIS de-termination “just makes sense,” Wright said. “We must ensure timely, focused and operationally relevant train-ing and educational solutions at all levels. Providing Airmen with the appropriate PME at the right times in their career is a must. If we deliver it too soon, it’s not ef-fective for where they are in their careers. If we deliver it too late, it’s not effective at all.”

Wright notes that the model pro-vides Airmen greater flexibility and time, allowing them to focus their energies on the mission.

“Commanders, superintendents, first sergeants and supervisors remain central to inspiring a culture of innovation, agility and excellence, while promoting a continuum of learning that spans an Airman’s career,” he said.

Airmen will not be notified from the Air Force Personnel Center or Air University on when to enroll themselves into distance learning, but must manually enroll them-selves.

“This new EPME structure allows Airmen to decide the best time-frame to complete their distance learning,” Bass said. “They will have to complete the distance learning prior to being scheduled for the resident portion, but each Airman now has more flexibility as to when the right time is for them.”

Bass explained that distance learning provides students with

basic competency development and the resident courses al-low students to apply what they learned.

“It is necessary to complete both the distance learning and the resident courses to achieve devel-opment of the required competen-cies at the appropriate proficiency levels,” she said. “We expect staff and master sergeants to complete their respective distance learning so when they become technical and senior master sergeants, they are immediately eligible for resi-dent attendance.”

Resident EPME is a promotion requirement -- Airman Leader-ship School, NCO Academy, SNCO Academy and the Chief Leadership Course are required for promotion to E-5, E-7 and E-9, respectively.

Airmen who have previously completed NCO or SNCO distance learning courses under the previ-ous policy and have not attended resident EPME, will still receive EPME credit and will not be re-quired to attend the resident por-tion. Additionally, those currently enrolled in NCO or SNCO distance learning courses may still com-plete the course and receive cred-it upon completion. Or, they may withdraw with no adverse actions and reenroll at a later date, prior to attending resident EPME.

“This change clearly sends a signal that our senior leaders value deliberately developing our enlisted corps,” said Lt. Gen. Gina Grosso, the Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Manpower, Personnel and Ser-

vices. “This is a positive move in the right direction, as we continue to develop the force and support our Airmen.”

Additionally, EPME 21 will insti-tute a new requirement called Professional Development Unit that will capture diverse educa-tion, training and life experi-ences. This will allow the AF to capture those experiences. Each Airman will complete 24 PDUs per year with one PDU equaling approximately one hour of learn-ing, which equates to three days of development in the span of a year.

Many activities that enlisted Airmen already do will count towards the 24 PDUs. Profes-sional Enhancement Seminars, Senior Enlisted Joint PME, college classes and even earning profes-sional certifications accumulate points. Many Airmen have already attended programs like Profes-sion of Arms Center of Excellence or other major command courses. Additionally, Airmen actively plan and participate in Air Force, Joint and coalition exercises, gaining experience in warfighting activi-ties ranging from aircraft gen-eration, command and control and force protection. And finally, Airmen deploy and lead both small and large teams across our Combatant Command Areas of Responsibility. These all count.

For more information, visit myPers. Individuals who do not have a myPers account can re-quest one by following the instruc-tions on the Air Force Retirees Services website.

AF announces redesign of Enlisted Professional Military Education

Senior Airmen in Airman Leadership School, classes 17-6 and 17-7, stand at pa-

rade rest June 13, during morning reveille at the I.G. Brown Training and Educa-

tion Center in Louisville, Tennessee.

(Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Mike R. Smith)


Story and photo by Airman Michelle J. Ulber163d Attack Wing Public Affairs

in the back of the 163d Communications Flight building at March Air Reserve Base is a very dark office. In that office sits Chief Master Sgt. Jerry Rogers, the now retired superintendent of the shop. Rogers retired last September, but continued to work at his job until his official retirement in May.

When asked what he would like to do after retire-ment, a smile lights up his face and he begins to ex-plain his plan for the rest of his life. Rogers intends to become a full-time author.

“I’ve written several books already,” said Rogers, adding that writing has been a long time passion of his.

Rogers’ novels include The Fallen and the Elect, The Fallen and the Elect: The Aurora Strain, North Of Elysium, and Legend of the Salad Traveler.

Rogers started writing when he was a small child. He always enjoyed it, and his love of writing has only grown throughout the years.

While working, Rogers only pursued his passion in spare time. Though he was able to write and publish several books, he was unable to write as much as he would have liked to.

That all changes with his retirement.

Rogers, who has already sold about 1,500 copies of his books through Amazon, has several other books in mind to write and publish.

His passion is not only rooted in fiction novels, but he has also begun to write several nonfiction books.

He also intends to do more marketing to reach a larger audience and sell even more copies.

His book series “The Fallen and the Elect,” is based

upon angels but also has much influence from mys-tery novels and partially also from science fiction novels.

Rogers describes his book series as religious mys-tery novels that depict humans and angels. He writes in this style because religion is a very impor-tant part of his life and has always interested him.

“The mix of genres makes it much more engaging to read,” said Rogers.

Rogers spends a great deal of time doing research for his books. He does as much as necessary to present accurate or seemingly accurate information in all of his work.

Doing research is actually his number one advice to young authors. He believes writers can engage the reader more if they present information that seems accurate even in science fiction. He always makes sure that the scientific part of his work has some base in reality. He does this with all of his fiction novels.

He recommends that any young author start by self-publishing first, as he has done, because he has found relative success with it already.

Having a good editor also helps, he said.

Master Sgt. Monika Ros, with whom Rogers worked in the Communications Flight, edited most of Rog-ers’ books and intends to continue editing his nov-els during his retirement.

The military brings together like-minded people like this dynamic duo, who make a great team to provide an interesting and quality novel to their readers.

As Rogers turns the pages on the final chapter of his military career, the next one has already ap-peared. He intends to live a fulfilling life doing what he loves.

His next chapter:R e t i r e m e n t

Jerry Rogers retires to focus on passion for writing

Retired Chief Master Sgt. Jerry Rogers displays some of his published work during an April photo shoot. He plans to write and publish more books during retirement.

JULY/AUGUST 2017 33

ON-DUTY FALLSMD

SC

RI

DE

NJ

DC

ME

NY

OH

PA

SD

UT

OR

NH

VT

GA

NC

KY

TN

VA

WV

MS AL

AR

CO

AZNM

NE

KS

OK

IA

MO

WI

IL IN

ND

MN

NV

CA

WA

WY

ID

MT

MI

HITX LA

FL

LOCATION OF BASES WITH THE MOST SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS

MOST INJURED

BODY PARTS

SLIPS, TRIPS & FALLS

INJURY TYPES

412 ON-DUTY MISHAPS WERE SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS | APPROXIMATELY 17% OF ON-DUTY MISHAPS

SAFETY HIGHLIGHTS FY12-FY17 Q2

Ice or Snow

33%

From One Levelto Another

2%

MAJOR CAUSESOF SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS

MOST FALL-PRONE JOBS $3.8MILLION

IN FALL MISHAP INJURY COSTS

Slippery/UnevenFloors

44%

Stairs, Steps or Curb

11%

Ladder or Scaffolding

4%

!

OR

UT

SD MI

OH PA

ME

MA

MD

NYAK

1 Ankle

5 Brain

2 Back

The ankle is by far the most commonly injured body part in slip, trip and fall mishaps

Together, ankle, back, knee and wrist or hand injuries account for half of all fall injuries from FY12-FY17

3 Knee

4 Wrist or Hand

These 12 bases account for about 31% of fall mishaps from FY12-FY17

=

SPRAINS/STRAINS

FRACTURE

CONTUSION

OPEN WOUND

OTHER

Fractures account for about 25% of fall injuries but 65% of total costs and 61% of lost work days

ADMINISTRATIONMAINTAINER SECURITY FORCES

2,876LOST WORK DAYS | FY12-FY17

Trip over ObjectUneven Pavement Wet/Slick Floors Entering/Exiting Building

523PER YEAR (AVG)

7PER MISHAP (AVG)

41% 27% 14%

JULY/AUGUST 201732

“Our Military Kids” offers grants of up to $250 for children of military personnel deploying on Title 10 orders outside of the continental U.S. for 120 days or more.

Grants can be awarded to children from age 5 through grade 12 for lessons, tutoring, or one activ-ity/program.

Grants do not cover school tuition, child care, or religious mission trips.

For more details or to download an application, visit www.OurMilitaryKids.org

Books are available for 163d Attack Wing Airmen to check out from the wing’s new Airmen’s Honor Library. The library, which launched in June, is coordinated and presented by the wing’s Rising 6 organization. Books are donated to the library by Airmen, for Airmen.

Categories include selections from the U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff’s annual reading list, along with military and aerospace history, military studies, leadership, and personal and professional development.

The library and check out binder are located in the wing headquarters building near the rear entrance to the headquarters conference room.

Program offers activity grants for children of deployed personnel

Rising 6 launches library

Community College of the Air Force receives 500-700 tran-scripts daily, Air Force wide.

With only eight on staff in their mail room, classifying and scanning each document can take several weeks.

Once the official transcripts are scanned on to the student’s record, program managers will then evalu-ate each course listed on the transcripts to deter-mine if it meets the accreditation requirements.

This process can take an additional two months un-til members can finally see their courses in the Web Progress report.

Members may contact Wing Training regarding the status of transcripts.

CCAF Transcript Processing

Skunk WorksPublished in 1996

With the Soviets de-veloping increasingly capable integrated air defenses, America needed a strategy to offset the enemy’s strengths. We found it in an innovative organi-zation bringing together leading technology and the Nation’s best think-ers to make history.

While the book was written 20 years ago, the challenges they faced are timeless. Potential ad-versaries are improving their capabilities, and our an offset. Kelly Johnson and Ben Rich were able to solve the greatest military aviation problems of their time, and the lessons of persistence, cre-ativity, and responsible failure continue to serve us well today.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

Benjamin Robert “Ben” Rich (June 18, 1925 – January 5, 1995) was the second Director of Lockheed’s Skunk Works from 1975 to 1991, succeeding its founder, Kelly Johnson. Regarded as the “father of stealth,” Rich was responsible for leading

the development of the F-117, the first production stealth aircraft. He also worked on the F-104, U-2, A-12, SR-71, and F-22, among others. He is the author of Skunk Works: A Personal Memoir of My Years of Lockheed.

Leo Janos (1933 - 2008), a longtime cor-respondent for Time magazine and a free-lance non-fiction writer, sent his career into the stratosphere in 1985 with “Yea-ger: An Autobiography.” Co-written with the World War II ace fighter pilot who in

1947 became the first person to break the sound barrier, the book sold more than a million copies in hardcover.

Gen. Ronald Fogleman created the CSAF Professional Reading Program in 1996 to develop a common frame of reference among Air Force members – officers, en-listed, and civilians – to help each of us become bet-ter, more effective advocates of air and space power. Each CSAF since then has enhanced and continued the Professional Reading Program.

JULY/AUGUST 201734

Tier 1

Base member receives

an Recruiting and Retention Appreciation Certificate from NGB

1 applicant

Tier 23 applicants

Base member receives a California State Recruiting Ribbon and Unit Commanders coin

Tier 35 applicants

Base member receives an National Guard Bureau Recruiting and Retention Referral Award and Recruiting and Retention Superintendent Coin.

Tier 410 applicants

Airman receives an incentive ride on F15 Eagle pending approval and Adjutant General coin

This program rewards on a multitier system of incentives. As a person brings in more recruits, the rewards move up in the 4 tiered system.

Disclaimer: All items will be distributed only after the applicant(s) have been sworn in and gained by the unit. The contest ends at the end of FY 2017.(Pending incentive flight approval).

Disclaimer: All items will be distributed only after the applicants have been sworn in and gained by the unit. The contest ends at the end of FY 2017.

1C0X2 Aviation Resource Management

1C3X1 Command Post

1C7X1 Airfield Management

1W0X1 Weather (Enlisted & Officer)

2A5X3 Avionics

2F0X1 Fuels

2R0X1 Maintenance Management Analysis

2R1X1 Maintenance Management Production

2S0X1 Materiel Management

2T0X1 Traffic Management

2T1X1 Vehicle Operations

2T2X1 Air Transportation

2T3X1 Mission Generation Vehicular Equipment Maintenance

2T3X7 Fleet Management

2W0X1 Munitions Systems

2W1X1 Aircraft Armament Systems

3D1X3 RF Transmission Systems

3E0X2 Electrical Power Production

3E1X1 Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

3E3X1 Structural

3E5X1 Engineering

3E931 Emergency Management

3M0X1 Services

3P0X1 Security Forces

163d Attack Wing Recruiting & Retention

Looking for change? Want to learn a new AFSC? The 163d Attack Wing currently has cross training opportuni-ties available in the following areas:

Call (951) 655-3078 or stop by the Retention office located in the 163d Attack Wing headquarters to learn more.

Variety of cross training slots available

AUGUST FINANCIAL EDUCATION FOR MARCH ARB

JOIN US FOR THE FOLLOWNG PRESENTATIONS!

TUESDAY, AUGUST 22ND AT 10:00 AM-11:00 AM 452 FSS/FSFR 1351 Graeber St., Bldg. 2314, Large Conference Room (next to the Airman & Family Readiness Center Office) TOPIC: Introduction to the Blended Retirement System (BRS)

Introduction and overview of the new Blended Retirement System that takes effect January 1, 2018. Learn the difference between the legacy and new BRS as well as eligibility guidelines. Understand what you need to do to either stay in the legacy or opt-in to the new system.

LUNCH AND LEARN (Bring your lunch and join us!) TUESDAY, AUGUST 22ND AT 11:30 AM-12:30 PM 452 FSS/FSFR 1351 Graeber St., Bldg. 2314, Large Conference Room (next to the Airman & Family Readiness Center Office)

TOPIC: Understanding Your Thrift Savings Plan A broad overview of the TSP. Includes TSP description, enrollment and participation, contributions, investments funds and options, and withdrawal options. Touches on Roth TSP. ALL service members are welcome!

If you have questions, please contact:

Pamela Plick, CFP® Personal Financial Counselor March Air Reserve Base

Airman & Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 2314 (951) 655-‐3121

[email protected]

YESTERDAY. TODAY. TOMORROW.

Documents

Leading on allFronts