Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado

21ST SPACE WING COMMANDER’S CALL 2 P.M. FRIDAY AT THE BASE AUDITORIUM

INSIDENews 1-6Article 15’s 3Space Day 4Calendar 11Feature 14-15

Letter to AirmenThe Air Force Chief of Staff speakson the Operation Iraqi Freedomanniversary.

Page 3

Deployed WarfighterAirman learns one man’s trash isanother’s treasure.

Page 16

Thursday, March 23, 2006 Vol. 50 No. 12

Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado

Base-wide power outage

See page 11

Photo by Jeff Adcox

A day in the lifeKarla Shotts, Colorado Springs ABC affiliate KRDO reporter, interviews Capt. Warren Brainard, 721stSecurity Forces Squadron commander, at the gates of Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station March 16.Mrs. Shotts also interviewed Airman 1st Class Michael Messina and Nicholas Nunnari, 721st SFS entrycontrollers. The questions focused on the mission of the 721st SFS and the experience of working atCheyenne Mountain AFS and their deployment experiences. This story is part of a series being done byKRDO called “Day in the Life” and is scheduled to air in May.

Power outage to darken Sunday morningBy Senior Airman Jessica Switzer21st Space Wing Public Affairs

People on Peterson Air Force Base will experi-ence a power outage for six hours Sunday morning aspart of a project to improve the electrical distributionsystem on the base.

“The outage time has been scheduled to mini-mize the impact to the base populous and its func-tions,” said Tom Cassidy, 21st Civil EngineerSquadron electrical engineer. “Most base residentswill be asleep for the outage. Hopefully, the onlyimpact most base residents will see is awaking toblinking clocks and a house that may be a little cool-er than normal.”

The outage, from midnight to 6 a.m., will knockout all electrical appliances including electric clocks,radios, TVs and any other appliances that do not havea battery back up.

The outage is not expected to affect the contentsof refrigerators, as long as the doors remain closed.

“Based on the average overnight temperatures inlate March, you can expect the temperatures in yourroom or house to drop 10 to 15 degrees during thecourse of the outage,” said David Clapp, 21st CESdeputy base engineer, in a letter to Peterson AFB hous-

ing and dormitory residents. “We suggest turning yourthermostat up to 75 degrees an hour or two before theoutage to keep your home comfortable.”

Mr. Clapp also recommends keeping doors, win-dows and refrigerators closed during the outage toconserve heat. People who need to be up at a certaintime on Sunday may wish to use a wind up or batterypowered clock to make sure they get up on time.

The American Red Cross has a few tips for peo-ple facing a power outage as well:

Do:Use flashlights or light sticks for lighting Turn off all appliances Turn off all but one light switch Listen to the radio for information Stop at all non-working traffic signals Don’t:Call 911 to inform them of a power outage unless there is an emergency Assume other drivers will stop for you at non-working traffic signals Use candles for lighting Use propane indoors Use barbecue indoors for cooking Protect Food:Keep the refrigerator and freezer closed

See Power, Page 19

AFSPC vice commanderprovides space posturetestimony to HASC

Editor’s note: Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz, Air ForceSpace Command vice commander, provided testimonyMarch 16 to the House Armed Services CommitteeStrategic Forces Subcommittee on Space Posture. Thefollowing is his oral statement to the subcommittee.

By Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz Air Force Space Command vice commander

WASHINGTON, D.C.– I’m proud to represent thenearly 40,000 men andwomen of Air Force SpaceCommand, stationed aroundthe world, standing watch 24hours a day, seven days aweek, 365 days a year.

At this moment, thisfully-integrated team ofActive Duty, Reserve, Guard,government civilians andcontractors are deliveringspace effects to joint war-fighters, as well as civiland commercial customers.

Our space professionals accomplish this byplanning, operating, maintaining, securing and sup-porting our nation’s Minuteman III IntercontinentalBallistic Missile force; flying our communications,early warning, weather, and precision, navigation andtiming satellites; monitoring the ground-based radarsand other sensors that provide early warning, andlocate and track thousands of objects in space; assem-bling and launching boosters and maintaining theranges for the launch of satellites; and, developing andacquiring the next generation of space and missile sys-tems to help ensure America’s strategic, commercial,and scientific advantages in space well into the future.

Along with our colleagues in the NationalReconnaissance Office and across the entire NationalSecurity Space enterprise, the men and women ofAFSPC represent the best and brightest of our nation’ssons and daughters, and we have every reason to beproud of them and of their service to our country.

Air Force Space Command has witnessed sever-al key milestones and made significant progress sincethis subcommittee last met to discuss our nation’sspace posture.

Over the course of the past year, we deactivatedthe Peacekeeper intercontinental ballistic missile whilemaintaining a safe and secure strategic deterrent; con-ducted our 44th consecutive successful launch (whichbroke the previous launch record set in 1971);launched the first GPS IIR-M satellite providing addi-tional civil and military signals and increased power;and, provided critical space capabilities to relief opera-tions following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

See Klotz, Page 16

Lt. Gen.Frank Klotz

March 19, 1918

The 94th Squadron, 1st Pursuit

Group, flies the first operations

across the lines in France.

March 20, 1959

The site in Cheyenne Mountain,

Colo., is approved as the location

for NORAD.

March 21, 1946

The Strategic Air Command,

Tactical Air Command and the Air

Defense Command are created.

March 22, 1976

The first A-10 Thunderbolt is deliv-

ered to Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz.,

for operational test and evaluation.

SPACE OBSERVERThursday, March 23, 20062

Published by Colorado Springs Military Newspapers Group, 31 E. Platte Avenue, Suite 300, Colorado Springs, 80903, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with the21st Space Wing. This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S.military services.

Contents of the Space Observer are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government,the Department of Defense or the Department of the Air Force.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by DoD, the Department of the Air Force, or CSMNG, of the products or services advertised. Everythingadvertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, reli-gion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor ofthe purchaser, user or patron.

Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the 21st Space Wing Public Affairs Office, 775 Loring Ave., Suite 218, Peterson AFB, Colo., 80914-1294, (719) 556-4351 or DSN 834-4351, fax (719) 556-7848 orDSN 834-7848. All photographs are Air Force photographs unless otherwise indicated.

The Space Observer is published every Thursday. For advertising inquiries, call Colorado Springs MilitaryNewspapers, (719) 634-5905. Employees of Peterson Air Force Base who want to place a free classifiedadvertisement should call 329-5236.

Articles for the Space Observer should be submitted to the 21st SW/PAI, Attn: Space Observer. For submissiondetails call the editor at (719) 556-4351 or DSN 834-4351 or e-mail [email protected]. Deadline for sub-mission is 4:30 p.m. the Thursday one week before publication. All articles, copy and announcements submitted willbe edited to conform to AFI Series 35 and the Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual.

21st Space WingCommander

Col.Jay G. Santee

Chief of Public AffairsCapt. Amy SufakEditorial Staff

Editor Senior AirmanJessica SwitzerStaff Writer

Airman 1st ClassMandy Weightman

Layout and DesignJeff Adcox

A Moment in Time

objects to enablespace situationalawareness and

space control. Itis the only radar in

the United States inven-tory that provides attackcharacterization data tothe Secretary of Defenseand the president for real-time war plan executiondecisions.

As the people of the10th SWS set their sights onthe challenges of the future,they continue to innovate,improve and enhance opera-tional missions. The latestexample is the GraphicDisplay System upgradeprogram, which will replace

the original 1960-era monochromeand teletype technology with modernhigh-speed computers, and LCD

displays. The project will enablespace operators to do their job faster,more accurately and with greater situ-ational awareness.

New consoles will make tasksthat previously required light penactions or typing in multiple com-mands on teletype machines, as easyas “point and click”. In short, theproject ensures that the 10th SWSwill continue to conduct world-classearly warning and space controloperations with the world’s mosteffective phased-array radar system;operated by the world’s most respect-ed space force.

Dedicated to missile warning andspace surveillance, 10th SWS plays avital role in space situational aware-ness and “conducting world-classspace superiority operations.” Themen and women of the 10th SWS aredoing their part in “Saving theNation!”

By Col. Jay G. Santee21st Space Wing commander

As we continue to look at theunits directly supporting our spaceoperations mission area, I wouldlike to discuss the 10th SpaceWarning Squadron, Cavalier AirForce Station, N.D.

The 10th SWS operates thePerimeter Acquisition Radar andAttack Characterization System. Thesystem was originally designed andbuilt as the acquisition radar for thenation’s first and only operationalantiballistic missile defense system. In1977, because of the Strategic ArmsLimitation Treaty II, PARCS trans-

ferred from the Army tothe Air Force and becameoperational as an earlywarning and space surveil-lance site.

Today, the men andwomen of the 10th SWSoperate and maintain theworld’s most powerful andmost capable phased-arrayradar system. The systemcontinuously providescritical early warning andspace surveillance datato North AmericanAerospace DefenseCommand and combatant command-ers. The squadron monitors and tracksmore than half of all earth-orbiting

10th SWS keeps lookoutfor incoming missiles

Col.Jay G. Santee

By Senior Master Sgt. Richard Bruno21st Security Forces Squadron

Every day I have people in my unit who arepreparing to deploy, just like every other unit intoday’s Air Expeditionary Force. In order to meetthe needs of today’s and tomorrow’s Air Force, AEFtraining is and will be a critical factor.

One of our biggest training challenges is keep-ing our Airmen, regardless of rank, motivated dur-ing AEF training.

With our heightened deployment and opera-tional tempo, our Airmen are training and receivingtraining both in local and deployed locations, someof which are not necessarily conducive to a perfecttraining environment. Additionally, our deployedwarriors will be asked to continue their CareerDevelopment Course, continue their own training ormonitor their troops who are in upgrade training atdeployed locations. We, as supervisors and leaders,need to be upbeat and inspire a sense of importancefor on-the-job training, upgrade training, and AEFtraining and do our best to set up our Airmen forsuccess. How do we do that?

The Air Force has developed a strategic plan todevelop, manage and execute training programs pro-viding realistic training to produce a highly skilled,motivated individual, who is capable of carrying outall tasks and functions in support of the Air Forcemission. The Air Force OJT Program provides thefoundation for Air Force Readiness. There are threecritical players in meeting this plan: the trainer, thetask certifier, and the trainee.

The first step in meeting this objective is select-ing the right person as a trainer. Normally this personis the immediate supervisor; if not, then we need totake the time and choose the right person for the job.

The trainer is critical to the success of anytraining program; after all, the trainee is usually aninexperienced member of the Air Force. The trainerdoes far more than just fill a square – he is respon-sible for molding the young Airman into a personwho can do the job today. He sets the foundation forthis Airman as a future leader. A poor foundationtoday will result in a poor leader tomorrow.

The second player is a “no-kidding” taskcertifier. Regrettably, there are those who do not

Training: The difference between life and death

See Training, Page 3

From the Commander I recently received a letter from the El Paso

County Sheriff’s Office for an incident that happenedat the North Gate. In an effort to alleviate congestionand ensure a smooth flow of traffic onto Peterson AirForce Base the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office con-ducted an operation to cite individuals making illegalright-hand turns from East Platte Avenue ontoPeterson Boulevard. During one citation, a senior mil-itary member was disrespectful with a deputy sheriff.

Based on this incident I feel it is necessary toremind our servicemembers that we are on duty 24hours a day, 365 days a year. We represent not onlyour respective services, but the entire Department ofDefense. The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office appre-ciates the service our armed forces provide to ournation. It is equally important that we appreciate andrespect the service our civilian law enforcementagencies provide. Inappropriate behavior is unac-ceptable. It is important that we all represent ourservice and our country with pride and respect. Byshowing this mutual respect, we can work together toensure the safety of our community and our base. Ifyou have questions concerning traffic rules atPeterson’s gates please contact Tech. Sgt. JosephBarone at 556-4678.

By Gen. T. Micheal MoseleyAir Force Chief of Staff

Yesterday marked the 3rd anniversary ofOperation Iraqi Freedom and the removal of anoppressive, dangerous regime. This was the culmina-tion of a joint and coalition intense effort on land,sea, and air. I want to take this moment to say thanksfor all your sacrifices … and to let you know that youare doing awesome work. In OIF, within the JointForce, our Total Force – active, guard, and reserveAirmen – grounded the Iraq Air Force, destroyed thecombat effectiveness of the Iraqi ground forces,blinded the Hussein leadership and paved the way fora series of ground battles that saw Baghdad fall in 22days. Your innovation and flexibility made the differ-

ence, whether it was Airmen decisively strikingRepublican Guard formations; in orbits over everyIraqi airfield; embedded with ground forces; launch-ing and orbiting satellites high overhead; controllingarmed UAVs; or airlifting critical supplies and troops.And today, you continue to provide air support to theCombatant Commanders around the world, while alsoflawlessly performing non-traditional missions likebase defense and convoy operations.

Your contributions to the spread of freedom anddemocracy did not begin three years ago; the AirForce has been at war continuously for over fifteenyears – since the opening rounds of Operation DesertStorm and through twelve years of no-fly zone opera-tions. And although Iraq is receiving the majority ofattention, Operation Enduring Freedom and

Operation Noble Eagle remain critical to winning thislong war. The Global War on Terror has now lasted10 months longer than our Nation fought in WorldWar II. This is a joint fight, across the world – wherewe have a vital role. Meanwhile, things have beenfairly quiet on the home front, and that’s good. Thatmeans we are doing our job well. You are protectingAmerica by monitoring intelligence, sitting alert, andflying patrols over our cities. By protecting ourhomeland and fighting the enemy on their turf, youare keeping your family, friends, and the Americanpublic safe. Our mission is to fly and fight and winour nations’ wars – and you’re doing just that.

You are making a difference. I am proud of you.America is proud of you. You are helping to rebuild

SPACE OBSERVERThursday, March 23, 2006 3

www.peterson.af.mil

Legal staff announces Article 15actions for February 2006

A technical sergeant assigned tothe 21st Security Forces Squadronreceived an Article 15 for two viola-tions of Article 134 of the UniformCode of Military Justice, conduct of anature to bring discredit upon thearmed forces. Themember received areduction to therank of staff ser-geant and a repri-mand.

A technicalsergeant assignedto the 21stMission SupportSquadron receivedan Article 15 for aviolation of Article92 of the UCMJ,failure to obey ageneral regulation,for wrongfullypossessing con-trolled test materi-al. The member received reduction tothe grade of staff sergeant, forfeiture of$250 pay, restriction for 14 days, and areprimand.

A staff sergeant assigned to the21st MSS received an Article 15 for aviolation of Article 92 of the UCMJ,dereliction of duty, for failing to main-tain government quarters in a habit-able and sanitary condition. The mem-ber received a suspended reduction tosenior airman, 14 days extra duty anda reprimand.

A staff sergeant assigned to AirForce Space Command headquartersreceived an Article 15 for three viola-tions of Article 86 of the UCMJ, absentwithout leave on two occasions and fail-

ure to go, and Article 107 of the UCMJ,making a false official statement. Themember received reduction to the gradeof senior airman and a reprimand.

An airman first class assigned tothe 21st Medical Operations Squadronreceived an Article 15 for a violation ofArticle 92 of the UCMJ, dereliction of

duty for failing toperform a task. Themember received asuspended reductionto airman and forfei-ture of $400 pay permonth for twomonths.

An airman firstclass assigned to the821st Security ForcesSquadron received anArticle 15 for twoviolations of Article92 of the UCMJ,dereliction of duty,for failing to main-tain governmentdorm room in a hab-

itable and sanitary condition. Themember received a suspended reduc-tion to airman, forfeiture of $333 pay,and a reprimand. The member subse-quently violated Article 92 of theUCMJ, failure to obey a lawful order,which resulted in vacating the suspend-ed reduction to airman.

An airman first class assigned tothe 21st Civil Engineer Squadronreceived an Article 15 for a violation ofArticle 111 of the UCMJ, driving whileintoxicated, and Article 92 of theUCMJ, dereliction of duty, for underagedrinking. The member received a reduc-tion to the grade of airman, suspendedforfeiture of $600 pay, restriction for 25days, and 45 days extra duty.

Spotlight on Justice

Learning about the long arm of law

Congratulations to Capt. Ryan Novak, 21st Contracting Squadron, for winningthe Secretary of the Air Force Professionalism in Contracting (Supervisory) Award.

Congratulations to the following 21st Medical Group members for winningthese 2005 Air Force Space Command awards: Tech. Sgt. Marie Hinkle, OutstandingDental NCO of the Year; Master Sgt. Mary Lacombe, Outstanding Dental SeniorNCO of the Year; Capt. Dawn Depriest, Company Grade Nurse of the Year; Maj.Deona Eickhoff, Field Grade Nurse of the Year; 1st Lt. Melissa Ziarnick, CompanyGrade Physiologist of the Year; Maj. James Lasswell, Field Grade AerospacePhysiologist of the Year; Airman 1st Class Chelsey Lorenz, Aerospace PhysiologyAirman of the Year; Tech. Sgt. Michael Vastola, Aerospace Physiology NCO of theYear; Master Sgt. Ileathear Maxwell, Laboratory Senior NCO of the Year; Staff Sgt.Autumn Redline, Diet Therapy NCO of the Year; Staff Sgt. Brian Spradley,Ophthalmic NCO of the Year; Maj. Raymond Bailey, Field Grade Physical Therapistof the Year; Master Sgt. Craig Dickey, Medical Information Systems Senior NCO ofthe Year; Senior Airman Ashley Pickard, Medical Information Systems Airman ofthe Year; Staff Sgt. Shannon Pontzius, Enlisted Health Services Management NCOof the Year; Airman 1st Class Jasmina Gamez, Medical Readiness and AeromedicalEvacuation Airman of the Year; Tech. Sgt. Brian Madison, Medical Readiness andAeromedical Evacuation NCO of the Year; Tech. Sgt. Lewis Scheick, IndependentDuty Medical Technician NCO of the Year.

Congratulations to the 21st MDG for winning the following 2005 AFSPCawards: Physical Medicine Team of the Year, Outstanding Resource ManagementTeam of the Year, Large Base Health Promotion Program of the Year.

recognize the importance of theirduties and simply “pencil whip” train-ing records. This behavior is unaccept-able. Once again, we must select dedi-cated individuals who have the integri-ty to make the tough calls and notqualify someone who can’t do the job.

The third player and focal pointof the Air Force training program is thetrainee. This individual must makeevery effort to become qualified to per-form in all aspects of their Air ForceSpecialty Code. Now, more than ever, aperson’s knowledge and ability as amilitary member may not only affectmission accomplishment but can alsobe the factor in whether or not he lives

or dies in combat.The time to realize the impor-

tance of training cannot be in the com-bat theater. “Pencil whipping” OJTrecords has never been acceptable, butnow, more than ever, it must never hap-pen. The process of properly trainingan Airman will be the differencebetween life and death for that individ-ual or a member of their team.

Whether it’s here or in the MiddleEast, supervisors, section heads, andenlisted leadership at all levels need tolead from the front and own theirresponsibility to train the force.

Old timers might remember thephrase: “Train like you fight, fight likeyou train.”

Our lives depend on it.

Training, from Page 2

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Come supporCome suppor t the 2004 t the 2004 AldridgAldridge e TTrrophophy y WWinnerinnerss

March 31 at the Officers ClubSocial begins at 5:30 p.m.

$10 dinner buffetwill follow

Dress is civilian clothes

21st Operations Group POC: Capt. Cayouette at 556-5206

21st Medical Group POC: Staff Sgt. Kyndra Humphreys at 556-1611

21st Space Wing Director of Staff POC: Capt. Amy Sufak 556-5185

21st Maintenance Support Group POC: Tech. Sgt. Sarah Sparks at 556-9158

721st Security Forces Squadron POC: Staff Sgt. LaRona Mitchell at 474-2064

Guardian ChallengeDinner & Auction For reservations, call

Letter to Airmen: Operation Iraqi Freedom Anniversary

See Freedom, Page 10


Colorado military honored during “Space Day”By Airman 1st Class Jessica Andrews302nd Aeromedical Staging Squadron

Colorado Gov. Bill Owens, along with othertop space industry leaders in Colorado, honoredGen. Lance W. Lord during “Colorado SpaceDay” at the state capitol March 14th.

Republican State Sen. Ron May,of Colorado Springs, wanted an offi-cial day to honor the military andspace industries for their contribu-tions to Homeland Security, lead-ership, and innovation. SenatorMay, a retired Air Force lieutenantcolonel, read a tribute to GeneralLord and then praised him for his well-known quote, “If you’re not in space, you’re not inthe race.”

“I’m going to have to register that quotenow on Google,” joked General Lord.

Top military officers and enlisted from AirForce Space Command, Peterson, Buckley, theAir Force Academy and Ft. Carson representedthe top military personnel in Colorado. Guestsincluded: AFSPC’s acting commander, Lt.General Frank Klotz; Chief Master Sgt. RonaldKriete, AFSPC’s command chief;. officials fromLockheed, Boeing, Northrop, NASA and othersalso joined in recognition. Both the Senate andthe House declared March 14, 2006, as “SpaceDay” in a joint resolution. Later, in the OldSupreme Court Chambers, leaders in their fieldof expertise shared their interpretation of the mil-

itary and the space industry, oftenexplaining how the two are intertwined.

Everyone in attendance had an opportunityto get to know General Klotz as he spoke to anattentive audience and shared his insights onSpace Day.

Senator May said General Lord will contin-ue to be a valuable asset as a civilian.

“I am pleased that General Lord has plansto remain on the Colorado Space Roundtableand I look forward to working with him inthe future to advance the space industry inColorado,” he said.

Governor Owens and Lt. Gov. Jane Nortonstressed their immense appreciation for all of thecontributions military and space industries bring

to Colorado. They discussed how Colorado isnow third in the nation as a leader in space andaerospace technology. The local space forces andthe industries that support our military in space

generate an economic impact of approximate-ly $4 billion and support more than

113,000 jobs, making this a major eco-nomic industry in the state. GovernorOwens recognized that the role of ourmilitary space forces have increasedfollowing the tragic Sept. 11, 2001,attack on the United States as thoseforces assist in Homeland Securityefforts through the provision ofglobal communications, missilewarning, timing, navigation, and

weather information to our forcesfighting in foreign lands.

“Colorado Space Day was tremen-dously uplifting for those involved in the spaceindustry in Colorado,” Senator May later reflect-ed on the day’s events. “It was an honor to host thenumerous distinguished military officers and themany representatives from Colorado’s leadingspace industry companies.”


www.peterson.af.mil

Off-duty interests and hobbies: Ilove NASCAR, especially JeffGordon, he will be the next NextelCup Champion!Why did you join the Air Force?I joined the Air Force to servemy country in this time of war. Iwanted to ensure the freedom ofmy fellow countrymen and helpmake an impact. I also joined so Icould be more prepared and dis-ciplined for the world ahead ofme. I wanted the experience andeducational opportunities thatserving in the Armed Forces,specifically the Air Force, has tooffer. I believe it will make a greatimpact on my future.What inspires you to do whatyou do? My inspiration lies in theknowledge that I have the oppor-tunity to do the best job I can do. Ienjoy the fact that I am in a pro-fession that allows me to contin-ue learning and challenging

myself. I have learned so muchfrom the NCOs appointed aboveme. Because of their mentorship,I have been allotted more respon-sibility with minimal supervision. Iknow that if I continue to do thebest job to the best of my abili-ties, I will one day be in charge ofmy own flight or section, and thatinspires me to work hard.What is your favorite part ofyour job? My very favorite part ofmy job is knowing that I play amajor role in the safety and secu-rity of the people and resourceson the base.

I like ensuring that criminalson Peterson get their justdesserts. I like that in a jobwhere gratitude is understoodand not given, that overall peopleare safer because of me. Takingdown the “bad guys” who lackthe Air Force core valuesensures that we have the best

PPeak Peak Performererformer

Photo by Airman 1st Class David StewartSenior Airman Kelly Loewen

Name: Senior Airman Kelly LoewenOrganization: 21st Security Forces Squadron

Duty title: Installation PatrolmanTime in service: 2 years 6 months

Hometown: Pratt, Kansas

Air Force in the world.What goals have you set? I haveset numerous goals for myselfand my Air Force career. First, Iwould like to finish my CommunityCollege of the Air Force degreein criminal justice, then work

toward finishing a bachelor’sdegree. I would like to make staffsergeant and try my hand atsupervising troops. I would alsolike to ensure that I travel theworld as much as possible while Ihave the opportunity.


Family Matters introduces updated AF Crossroads Web siteBy Staff Sgt. Julie WeckerleinAir Force News Service

WASHINGTON – The Air ForceA1 office of family matters will soonunveil its updated Air Force CrossroadsWeb site for Airmen and families togather facts about installations, militarymoves, education and more.

Though the current site contains alot of information, its many layers madethe site difficult to navigate, said BrendaListon, chief of Airmen and familyreadiness policy at the Pentagon.

“With the new site, the informa-tion is a lot more accessible,” she said.“It’s more user-friendly so that cus-tomers can sign in and begin surfing forinformation immediately.”

From employment resources toeducation and health to spouses’forums, customers will be connected tolinks and other resources geared to themilitary lifestyle.

As one of the 200,000 current

account holders, Air Force spouse HolliDaniels said she’s glad to see the site’simprovements.

She became very familiar with thesite when she was engaged to her now-husband, Capt. Michael Daniels, 355thComptrollers Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Havinggrown-up in a Midwest city with littlemilitary influence, she had no idea whatto expect about life in the military untilher fiancé showed her the Air ForceCrossroads Web site.

“I was brand new to the military,”she said. “I mainly used the site as a con-nection tool with other spouses. Iremember when Mike and I were puttinga dream list together, I got on the [spous-

es’] forum to try and find out about thebases and where we should go.”

She said at the time access was alittle difficult since she was not yetofficially part of the military, but “Iwas able to find, through the site, otherresources that were helpful.”

Ms. Liston said the dot-comaddress allows those not familiar withthe military to gain insight into howthings work for families.

“Anyone can access the site, suchas grandparents and friends of the fami-ly, and learn more about life in the AirForce,” Ms. Liston said. “While some ofthe specific sites, such as installations,will require an account name and pass-word, it’s now much easier for all usersto get what they need.”

Two new options on the siteinclude the ability to compare instal-lations with side-by-side pop-up win-dows and signing up for newslettersthat will be sent directly to the individ-ual. The site also remains committed

to a Total Force concept. “The site will continue to give

information for the Guard and ReserveAirmen and families, too,” Ms. Listonsaid.

Based on feedback and analysis,the new Web site was built to address theever-changing needs of the military fam-ily, including helping former Airmenfind employment outside the gates.

Employers looking to specificallyemploy former Airmen have recentlybeen contacting the Crossroads Website. Those recruitment announcementsare also included in the job banks on thenew Web site.

“You could say that our changingtimes have dictated our need to changethe site,” she said. “But the need to getinformation out to the families remainsthe same, and that’s our goal.”

The new site will make its officialdebut April 1. A link to the new formatis available on www.afcrossroads.com.

AAIRIR FFORCEORCE

AASSISTSSISTANCEANCE

FFUNDUND

The Air Force Assistance Fund is underway. The AFAF was estab-

lished to provide an annual effort to raise funds for the charitable affili-

ates that provide support to Air Force members or families in need.

Each unit should have an AFAF representative. For information or to

get involved with AFAF, call 1st Lt. Cheryl Collins at 556-4894.


www.peterson.af.mil


Family Support Center hosts briefingsA Resume Review Class is from 9 to 11 a.m.

Tuesday at the Family Support Center. People canbring a draft or final copy of their resume for a pro-fessional evaluation.

Classes are held in the FSC classroom, located inBuilding 350, Room 1016. For information or to reg-ister for classes, call 556-6141.

Officers Club hosts Team PeteAnnual Awards Banquet

The 2005 Team Peterson Outstanding Profes-sionals’Annual Awards Banquet begins at 6 p.m. todayat the Officers Club. Dress is semi- formal or messdress. For information, call Senior Master Sgt. ThomasTrottier at 556-1339.

Black Heritage committee meetsThe Black Heritage Committee meets from 11

a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every fourth Thursday at theEnlisted Club. For information call Master Sgt. LillianSumpter at 556-1229 or Master Sgt. Kenneth Sessomsat 556-0432.

Team Pete members can registerto help save lives

The Department of Defense C.W. Bill YoungMarrow Donor Program will be registering potentiallifesaving bone marrow donors from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.March 30 in the atrium of Building 350. Anyonebetween 18 and 60, in good general health, and not pre-viously registered is eligible. Registration consists ofa consent form and four oral swabs; blood samplesare no longer necessary. Marrow registration has fewerrestrictions than blood donation. For more information,contact Master Sgt. Kristin Clark at 556-9226 [email protected] or the DoD MDP at(800) MARROW-3 or www.dodmarrow.org.

Pikes Peak Top 3 offers enlistededucation grant

Any active-duty member, ranks E-1 through E-6assigned to the Peterson Complex may apply for one offive $50 grants each quarter. Individuals applying mustbe pursuing an associate degree, bachelor’s degree ortechnical certificate program. All applications are dueto Master Sgt. Steven Weishaar at 834-4787, or MasterSgt. April Smurda at 692-1725 no later than March 31for second quarter grants. For information, visitwww.pikespeaktop3.org/grant/eegip.htm.

Team Pete to speak at space eventTop leaders from all space sectors will address

the 22nd National Space Symposium April 3 through6 at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs.Confirmed speakers include: The Honorable MariaCino, deputy secretary, U.S. Department ofTransportation; The Honorable Ken Calvert, TheHonorable Thomas Feeney and The Honorable MarkUdall of the United States House of Representatives;Mr. Luo Ge, Vice Administrator, China National SpaceAdministration; The Honorable Dr. Ronald M. Sega,Under Secretary of the Air Force; Dr. Michael Griffin,Administrator, NASA; Lt. Gen. Frank G. Klotz, com-mander, Air Force Space Command; and Lt. Gen. C.Robert Kehler, deputy commander, U.S. StrategicCommand. To register, visit www.NationalSpaceSymposium.org or call 800-691-4000.

Space event seeks security volunteersSecurity volunteers are needed for the 22nd

Annual National Space Symposium. More than 6,500people are expected to attend the event, includingspace industry leaders and military and governmentofficials. It will be held April 3 through 6 at theBroadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. For informa-tion, call 567-2042 or 567-7271 or e-mail [email protected] or [email protected].

Legal office announces closureThe Legal Office will close at 3 p.m. April 7. For

more information call 556-4871.

TRICARE Online helps familieslink to healthcare information

TRICARE Online.com links people to healthcareservices, resources and information through a secureInternet environment. The site allows people to scheduleappointments, access contact information, clinic hoursand view TRICARE programs like dental and pharma-cy services. People can also create a personal healthjournal. For information, call the Beneficiary Counselorand Assistance Coordinator at 556-1016 or visit theTRICARE Service Center at the 21st Medical Group.

TRICARE covers selectinfertility treatments

Because infertility is often the result of a physi-cal condition, TRICARE coverage extends to the nec-essary medical services used to diagnose, monitor andtreat those physical problems. These include diagnos-tic testing, surgical intervention and hormone therapy.TRICARE does not cover treatments, procedures andtechnologies related to artificial methods of reproduc-tion. However, once a TRICARE beneficiary becomespregnant, by natural or artificial means, the pre- andpost-natal services connected with that pregnancy arecovered by TRICARE. For more information on TRI-CARE infertility benefits, call TriWest HealthcareAlliance at 888-874-9378.

Raquetball reservation time changesThe Fitness Center has adjusted the call in time

for racquetball court reservations. Beginning April 1,active-duty members may call the Fitness Centerat 556-4462 at 8 a.m. to make a racquetball courtreservation. All others may begin calling at 10 a.m.,seven days a week.


www.peterson.af.mil

countries and protect fledgling democracies inIraq and Afghanistan, while keeping Americaout of harm’s way. Hurricanes Katrina andRita, the Pakistani earthquake, Philippinelandslides and, most recently, floods inHawaii, brought out your best as well, as youpitched in side by side with allies and jointpartners providing humanitarian relief acrossthe globe and in our own backyard. You arecombat experienced and battle-hardened. Youare successfully doing whatever is asked ofyou across the domains of air, space, andcyberspace – you are always there.

Thanks for all you’re doing – it matters.Your tireless efforts keep this the best Air Forcethe world has ever seen, ready to lead or sup-port the joint fight anywhere, anytime. You aremaking it happen in Iraq, Afghanistan, in theskies over America, and anywhere our nationneeds us. Keep it up and keep ‘em flying!


Look for the Services Pete LLif e sectionin next week’s issue

Team Pete members getinto accidents

A Team Pete member was driv-ing the wrong way down Ent Avenuewhen he struck another vehicle. Thedriver of the vehicle had turnedright into the wrong lane out of theFitness Center parking lot when hestruck the other vehicle. A securityforces member issued a citation tothe driver for driving the wrong waydown a one-way street and causingan accident.

Two drivers backed into eachother simultaneously in the Thrift

Store parking lot. A security forcesmember issued a ticket to each driv-er for careless driving.

A man was driving to the NorthGate when his brakes failed. Heturned his vehicle to the right, usingthe curb to slow his vehicle down thenpulled into a cutout adjacent to thegate. The vehicle jumped the curb andstruck the perimeter fence. Securityforces ticketed the driver for vehicledefects resulting in an accident.

Private property damagedby windstorm, vandals

Some bleachers hit two vehi-cles during a high wind storm. Onetruck received $600 damage and acar received a large scratch on itshood that passed through all the lay-ers of paint.

Vandals stole the hood emblem

off of a vehicle in the Lemon Lot. Asecurity forces member took photosof the damage.

A woman reported a scratch, 18inches long and five inches wide, onthe front passenger door of her vehi-cle. A security forces memberarrived on the scene and took areport and photos of the damage.

Thieves strike atFitness Center

A woman left her jacket unse-cured in the Fitness Center’s ladies’locker room while she worked out.She discovered the jacket wasstolen when she returned.

A Team Pete member left hiscar keys and I.D. card unsecured inthe men’s locker room while heshowered and discovered themstolen when he was finished.

Freedom, from Page 3


www.peterson.af.mil

To submit information

for the base calendar, e-mail

[email protected] Guardian ChallengeAuction

5:30 - 9 p.m. at theOfficers’ Club Ballroom

Friday, March 31

Sunday, March 26

21st Space WingCommander’s Call

2 p.m. at the Base AuditoriumFor information, call 556-4871

Base-wide

power outage

Midnight to 6 a.m.

Friday, March 31 Saturday, April 1

Friday, March 24 Thursday, March 23

Team Pete Annual AwardsBanquet

6 p.m. at the Officers ClubFor information, call 556-1339

Team Pete Promotionand Induction

Ceremony3 - 4 p.m. at the Enlisted Club

April Fool’s DayMMaarrcchh iiss NNaattiioonnaallMMaarrcchh iiss NNaattiioonnaall

WWoommeenn’’ss HHiissttoorryyWWoommeenn’’ss HHiissttoorryyMMoonntthhMMoonntthh

noteworthy

Visit tthe SSpace OObserver oonline aat wwww.csmng.comVisit tthe SSpace OObserver oonline aat wwww.csmng.com



www.peterson.af.mil

By Jeff Bohn21st Space Wing Public Affairs

Most professionals belong to professionalorganizations. Sometimes it costs a lot of money tobe part of an elite club whose membership marksone’s acceptance into their profession — many doc-tors belong to the American Medical Association,attorneys belong to the American Bar Association.A search of the Internet reveals hundreds of organi-zations dedicated to advancing specific professions.

The military is no different. But military pro-fessionals don’t always take advantage of thisopportunity. The biggest questions are why join, andwhat benefits can be obtained?

Senior Master Sgt. Bryan Rainey, 21stSecurity Forces Squadron first sergeant and presi-dent of the Pikes Peak Top 3 council, has beeninvolved with professional organizations for a num-ber of years and finds value in their services as wellas a responsibility to his NCO creed.

“When you get actively involved in any of thecommittees, you will have the pleasure of workingwith a group of professionals, develop connectionsand develop your own organization skills,” SergeantRainey said. “The other reason is just makingfriends professionally or personally.”

Chief Master Sgt. Jerry Barnett, 21st MissionSupport Group superintendent and president of theColorado Springs Area Chiefs Group said profes-sional organizations are key to working military andpersonnel issues.

“Professional organizations are a place you

Professionals share common thread that binds beliefs

can go and talk frankly with your peers about issuesin your unit,” Chief Barnett said. “Issues you dealwith are issues others deal with also. You can shareinformation and find solutions.”

Chief Barnett has been involved with profes-

sional organizations for the past 10 years, and likensthe organizations to professional military education.When a group of people get together for PME, thereis a lot of cross talk from servicemembers with

Servicemembers aren’texcluded from professionalorganizations, and PetersonAir Force Base offers anorganization to fit everyone– all services, enlisted, offi-cer – and some folks canjoin more than one.

Colorado Springs AreaChiefs Group: The presidentis Chief Master Sgt. JerryBarnett, 556-9241. All serv-ices welcome in the E-9grades. The group meets at7:30 a.m., every thirdThursday of the month atthe Aragon Dining Facilityand has representationfrom across the communityto include AFSPC, NORTH-COM, USAFA and SchrieverAFB. Contact Chief Barnettat 556-9241 or Chief TimRoets at 474-3483.

Company Grade OfficersCouncil: The president isCapt. Katharine Love, 556-2005. The CGOC is open to

all company grade officesthe 21st Space Wing,Peterson tenants, and theCGOs on Schriever and theUSAFA. They meet approxi-mately every other Friday at3:30 p.m. at the PetersonOfficers’ Club. ContactCaptain Love at 556-2005for information.

Junior EnlistedAssociation: The presidentis Tech. Sgt. Nikyla Wilkes,554-1121. The JEA is anorganization designed torepresent the interest of thejunior enlisted members onthe installation. They meetat the Peterson EnlistedClub on the secondThursday of each month at3 p.m. Contact SeniorAirman Dawn Fojtik at556-4185 for information.

Pikes Peak Top 3: Thepresident is Senior MasterSgt. Bryan Rainey, 556-7065. All services welcome

in the top three enlistedgrades. The group meets atthe Peterson Enlisted Clubon first Thursday of eachmonth at 3 p.m. They talkabout enlisted issues for allof Team Pete. For informa-tion, call Master Sgt. MaryLacombe, 556-1333.

Air Force SergeantsAssociation: The presidentis Senior Master Sgt.Richard Redmond, 554-8329. AFSA meets in theenlisted club every firstThursday at 4 p.m., after theTop-III meeting. AFSA isopen to all enlisted mem-bers. Contact SergeantRedmond or Master Sgt.William Jones, 554-7367 formore information. Their Website is www.afsahq.org.

Air Force Association:The local chapter vicepresident is Tom Cavalli,572-1391. Their Web site iswww.afasijan.com.

See Beliefs, Page 19

Bowling center offers something for everyoneBy Senior Airman Jessica Switzer21st Space Wing Public Affairs

There is a place on Peterson Air Force Basewhere people can go to eat, meet with friends, andeven for competition.

This place is the Peterson Bowling Center.“The staff and management make sure everyone

who comes in here is welcomed and feel like theybelong,” said Art Apple, Bowling Center duty manag-er. “People come here to have fun and the managementworks hard to make sure everyone enjoys themselves.”

As a part of this effort the center offers severalleagues and special events. There is a youth leaguethat meets on weekends as well as three differentadult leagues, one for men, one for women and amixed league. People who want to find out when theleagues meet and how to get involved can call thecenter at 556-4607.

“We also have special leagues that run for tenweeks or so,” Mr. Apple said. “Right now we’re inthe middle of our NASCAR league. The winners getto take home a NASCAR bag and jacket.”

The bowling center also offers bowling lessons

with the director, Danny Butcher.One of the center’s most popular events is

Cosmic Bowling on Friday and Saturday nights.“We turn on the black lights and let people

bowl,” said Mr. Apple. “It gets really busy here andthere are usually a lot of repeat customers.”

Customers at the bowling center have a varietyof reasons they choose to bowl at Peterson ratherthan anywhere else.

“I come here because they don’t allow smokingindoors,” said John Gardenhire, a bowler who firstcame to the Peterson Bowling Center in 1970 and hasbeen bowling here more recently for the last fiveyears. “It’s also a little less expensive.”

“One of my favorite things about this center iseveryone’s so friendly,” said Jill West, who has beenbowling here for the last three years.

One thing that sets the Peterson Bowling Centerapart from other centers is the Pro Shop attached toit, Mr. Apple said.

“That shop has everything a bowler might wantto look at or buy,” Mr. Apple said. “If there’s any-thing we don’t have people can usually special orderit. We also drill holes in bowling balls to fit the cus-tomer. Mr. Butcher always makes sure there’s a goodfit. If it isn’t right the first time, he’ll work on it untileveryone’s happy.”

The center also has a snack bar in the backwhere customers can get the usual fare of hamburg-ers, mozzarella sticks and fries. It also has a fewthings on the menu that might not be found in anyother bowling center snack bar … barbecue.

“We wanted to have things on our menu thatno one else has, so we selected barbecue,” Mr.Butcher said. “We now feature a different barbecuespecials Monday through Friday. Everyone seems tohave his favorite, but they’re all really good.”

The Bowling Center’s Strike Zone Café addedbarbecued ribs, barbecued pork, barbecued brisketand barbecued pulled chicken to its menu Friday.

With barbecue on the menu, shoes in the rackand pins set, the Peterson Bowling Center has some-thing for just about everyone.

Photo by Senior Airman Jessica SwitzerJill West picks up a spare at the Peterson Bowling Center Monday during league bowling. The BowlingCenter has men’s, women’s and mixed leagues available.

By Tech. Sgt. Michael Phillips21st Space Wing Public Affairs

Recent upgrades to the PetersonAir and Space Museum’s Medal ofHonor Park are nearly completed,and visitors will be able to honor AirForce Medal of Honor winners in aspacious area.

Begun in April of 2005, and origi-nally projected for completion inNovember, the project is now sched-uled to be completed April 15, with aformal dedication ceremony tentativelyscheduled for May 2.

The original Medal of HonorPark was dedicated in 1996, saidJeffrey Nash, Museum assistant direc-tor, who said that instead of havingjust one centerpiece plaque, with thenames of the Medal of Honor winners,the expanded park will link theMuseum grounds.

The newly designed memorialcontains two plaques. The first explainsthe significance and history of the

Medal of Honor. The second plaque –similar to the original – will list all AirForce Medal of Honor recipients,updating the previous plaque with thenames of Sergeant WilliamPitsenbarger. Space at the bottom ofthe plaque leaves room for futurenames to be added.

“Sergeant Pitsenbarger wasoriginally an Air Force Cross recipi-ent, but Congress was constantlybeing petitioned to upgrade that tothe Medal of Honor” said GailWhalen, Museum director. “Whenthat was approved, folks here startedasking the Museum if we were goingto update the plaque.

“When we went to CivilEngineering to talk to them aboutupdating the plaque to addPitsenbarger, (we found that) thiswas an opportunity to not just updatethe plaque, but also to design some-thing that would really reflect moreof the Airpark.”

The Medal of Honor Park’s archi-

tecture compliments the art deco styleof the Museum, which has beenupgraded to restore the facility to itsoriginal appearance in the 1940s, whenit served as the Colorado SpringsMunicipal Airport terminal.

“Ryan Budge and Rob Dixon fromthe 21st (Civil Engineer Squadron) arethe landscape architects,” said Ms.Whalen. “They’re the ones who came upwith the design for the monument itself,and the plaque redesign.”

Walkways connect the CityHangar to the Museum Terminal, witha shaded area to reflect near the site ofthe previous Medal of Honor Park.Sixty two trees match the number ofAir Force Medal of Honor winners.The park will also include benchesand an amphitheater with bleacherseating, suitable for ceremonies andpresentations.

For updated information on theformal dedication ceremony, checkthe Museum’s Web site at www.pete-museum.org.

Museum uupgrades Medal oof HHonor PPark

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Michael PhillipsSteps and bleacher areas incorporated into the Medal of Honor Park amphitheater area will make the area suitable forseveral different types of ceremonies and gatherings.

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Michael PhillipsBenches along the new Medal of Honor Park’s walkways will offer visitors a placeto sit and reflect. 62 trees – matching the number of Air Force Medal of Honorrecipients – to be planted around the park will offer shade.

Photo by Erv Smalley The shape of the new Medal of Honor Park amphitheater area started to become evident by August.

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Michael PhillipsThe Museum’s logo adorns several tiles along thewalkways. Other design elements mirror the overall artdeco design of the Museum.

Congress established an Air Force Medal ofHonor in 1960. Before then, Army Air Corpsand Air Force recipients were awarded the

Army medal. The Medal of Honor is awarded tothose who distinguish themselves with brave

and fearless actions, risking their lives and act-ing above and beyond the call of duty in actionagainst an enemy. It’s the highest award any air-

man can receive. Six enlisted airmen havereceived the medal.

World War I2nd Lt. Edwin R. Bleckley, killed in action2nd Lt. Harold E. Goettler, killed in action

2nd Lt. Frank Luke Jr., killed in actionCapt. Edward V. Rickenbacker, died 1973

World War IILt. Col. Addison E. Baker, killed in action

Maj. Richard I. Bong, died in accidentMaj. Horace S. Carswell Jr. killed in action

Brig. Gen. Frederick W. Castle, killed in actionMaj. Ralph Cheli, died as POW

Col. Demas T. Craw, killed in actionLt. Col. James H. Doolittle, died 1993

Master Sgt. Henry E. Erwin2nd Lt. Robert E. Femoyer, killed in action

1st Lt. Donald J. Gott, killed in actionMaj. Pierpont M. Hamilton, died 1982

Lt. Col. James H. Howard, died 19952nd Lt. Lloyd H. Hughes, killed in action

Maj. John L. Jerstad, killed in actionCol. Leon W. Johnson

Col. John R. KaneCol. Neel E. Kearby, killed in action

2nd Lt. David R. Kingsley, killed in action1st Lt. Raymond L. Knight, killed in action

1st Lt. William R. Lawley Jr.Capt. Darrell R. Lindsey, killed in action

Staff Sgt. Archibald Mathies, killed in action1st Lt. Jack W. Mathis, killed in action

Maj. Thomas B. McGuire Jr., killed in action2nd Lt. William E. Metzger Jr., killed in action

1st Lt. Edward S. Michael, died in 19942nd Lt. John C. Morgan, died 1991

Capt. Harl Pease Jr., killed in action1st Lt. Donald D. Pucket, killed in action

2nd Lt. Joseph R. Sarnoski, killed in actionMaj. William A. Shomo, died 1990

Staff Sgt. Maynard H. Smith, died 19842nd Lt. Walter E. Truemper, killed in actionLt. Col. Leon R. Vance Jr., lost at sea, 1944

Tech. Sgt. Forrest L. Vosler, died 1992Brig. Gen. Kenneth N. Walker, killed in action

Maj. Raymond H. Wilkins, killed in actionMaj. Jay Zeamer Jr

Korean WarMaj. George A. Davis, killed in actionMaj. Charles J. Loring, killed in actionMaj. Louis J. Sebille, killed in action

Capt. John S. Walmsley, killed in action

Vietnam WarCapt. Steven L. Bennett, killed in action

Col. George E. DayMaj. Merlyn H. Dethlefsen, died 1987

Maj. Bernard F. Fisher1st Lt. James P. FlemingLt. Col Joe M. Jackson

Col. William A. Jones III, died 1969 in accidentAirman 1st Class John L. Levitow

Airman 1st Class William H. Pitsenbarger, killed inaction

Capt. Lance P. Sijan, died while POW, 1968Lt. Col. Leo K. Thorsness

Capt. Hilliard A. Wilbanks, killed in actionCapt. Gerald O. Young, died 1990

Peace TimeCharles Lindbergh

Maj. Gen. William MitchellChuck Yeager

(Information courtesy of the Air Force HistoricalStudies Office at

www.airforcehistory.hq.af.mil/PopTopics/MOH.htm)

Air Force Medal of Honor Recipients


One man’s trash …

By Staff Sgt. Michael Fogle21st Services Squadron

I learned a lot of things and made a lot offriends while I was deployed. One of the lessons Ilearned was that even though we were there to fighta war, we could and did help people, even when thatwasn’t our main focus that particular day.

During my deployment, the Combined/JointSpecial Operations Task Force invited me to convoywith them to practice my marksmanship at a Germanfiring range.

Traveling off base can be nerve wracking. Atany moment an improvised explosive device couldgo off or the convoy could be attacked by rocketsor mortars. When leaving the air field, you arerequired to bring plenty of ammunition and load around in the chamber.

We arrived at the firing range and offloadedall of our weapons and set up the range. TheGermans brought a rifle, a handgun, and a fullyautomatic rifle. Firing these weapons was veryenjoyable as they were so easy to operate andvery accurate.

After everyone had practiced firing all threeweapons, we were given the opportunity to qualifyfor a German marksmanship award called the“Shutzenschnur”. I was fortunate and earned thegold medal in all events, which qualifies me to wearthis award on my service dress uniform.

After firing the German weapons, theSpecial Forces brought out all of our weaponsand allowed us to fire them as well. I was able to

Air Force staff sergeant learns howtraining for war helps others in peace

fire my M-16, the M-4, the M-9, shotguns, the.50 caliber sniper rifle, the M-60, and was allowedto throw a German grenade.

As it started to get dark, we packed up ourweapons and prepared to convoy back to BagramAir Field.

Several Afghans gathered around the site. I

was a little worried. We were far away from thetown and reinforcements. I wondered why theywere at the range.

The German sergeant major told me this wasnormal. The Afghans picked up the brass from theshells we fired and use it to make other products. Inessence, our trash had become their treasure.

Staff Sgt. Michael Fogleis located at a forwardoperation position nearBagram Air Field.

While we have made goodprogress, there is much left to accom-plish.

Towards this end, we are focusedon four strategic priorities: securing thespace domain and providing spacecombat effects to joint warfighters;maintaining a safe and secure strategicdeterrent and pursuing a new triadcapability for the U.S. and its allies;making space acquisition the DODmodel for acquisition excellence; andproviding world-class professionaldevelopment and quality of life oppor-tunities for our people.

These priorities not only are theright direction for Air Force SpaceCommand, but they are also in line withthe priorities of Gen. James Cartwright,the commander of United StatesStrategic Command.

In fact, supporting the jointwarfighter is at the heart of everythingwe do in AFSPC.

The asymmetric advantage spaceprovides is a critical lifeline to thosewho are in harm’s way each and everyday. For that reason, it is more impor-tant than ever to maintain our techno-logical advantage.

Today, we operate the most capa-ble Global Positioning System constel-lation in history. Additionally, our mete-

orological, space warning, and militarysatellite communications satellites aresurpassing expectations—both in termsof capabilities and service life.

They will not, however, last forever. In a sense, we are approaching a

crossroads in providing space combateffects to the joint warfighter.

As the average age of our constel-lations reaches and exceeds theirdesign life we must maintain our com-mitment to next generation systems incommunications; precision, navigation,and timing; missile warning and relat-ed capabilities; weather; and, intelli-gence, surveillance and reconnais-sance. These are all essential to meet-ing the demands that will be placed onwarfighters in the future.

Let me shift gears for a moment todiscuss another important responsibilityof AFSPC … the operation of ournation’s ICBM force.

The size and composition of ourICBM force continues to evolve inresponse to the changing strategic envi-ronment.

Following the signing and ratifica-tion of the Moscow Treaty, AFSPCbegan the process of deactivating thenation’s 50 Peacekeeper missiles inOctober 2002.

In September of last year, weremoved the last Peacekeeper missilefrom its launch facility, ending a proud

chapter in the history of our ICBM fleet. Even though we’ve deactivated the

Peacekeeper missile, the ICBM contin-ues to be an integral part of our nation’sstrategic deterrent. In the words of theAir Force Chief of Staff, Gen. T.Michael Moseley, our ICBMs are the“backstop” for all our military forces.

For this reason, AFSPC is commit-ted to ensuring the Minuteman IIIICBM remains an effective and viableweapon system through the year 2020.

Thanks to the strong support ofthis subcommittee and Congress, wehave continued to make steady pro-gress on the Propulsion ReplacementProgram, the Guidance ReplacementProgram, and the Propulsion SystemRocket Engine Service Life ExtensionProgram.

We also conducted three success-ful test launches of the Safety EnhancedRe-entry Vehicle, which will allow us todeploy the warhead used on the deacti-vated Peacekeeper ICBM on a portionof the Minuteman III fleet.

While our space and missile sys-tems continue to provide some of themost cutting-edge capabilities, theywould be useless without trained,equipped and motivated space profes-sionals.

Over the past 12 months we havealso undertaken several initiatives toenhance the career development of

space professionals in the Air Force,Army, Navy, Marine Corps, as well asthe NRO.

The National Security SpaceInstitute located in Colorado Springsnow has a two-star chancellor, aReserve Associate Unit to augmentthe staff, and multi-service facultywith representatives from NASA, theDefense Acquisition University, andthe NRO either on board, or soon to be.The school will offer courses to morethan 2000 students this fiscal year, withSpace 200 and 300 as its foundationprograms.

At the same time, the SpaceEducation Consortium, led by theUniversity of Colorado at ColoradoSprings and comprised of ten participat-ing universities and institutes both in theUnited States and overseas, will serve asour primary source for civilian space-related education programs.

Finally, in November, we pinnedon the first new space badges, which area powerful symbol of how we are forg-ing the AFSPC of the future.

With your continued strong sup-port in these and other endeavors, Iknow we can meet the challenges cur-rently confronting the space enterprise,and continue to delivering the spacecombat effects that are vital to the jointwarfighter and to the nation.

Klotz, from Page 1


www.peterson.af.mil



www.peterson.af.mil

diverse backgrounds, of similar gradeand a variety of life experiences.Problems are discussed, informationshared and solutions discovered.

Sergeant Rainey, also a memberof the Diamond Council and the AirForce Sergeants Association, is anactive member in supporting hisgroups.

“The Pikes Peak Top 3, in con-junction with other professionalorganizations, puts on the monthlypromotion ceremonies, senior NCOpromotion release parties,” SergeantRainey said. “We support the quar-terly and annual awards banquets andany other function involving theenlisted force – you can be assuredthe Pikes Peak Top 3 is involvedsomehow.”

Some people view professionalorganizations as merely a means toraise money and work fundraisers.That isn’t their primary purpose. Asany group dynamic flows, the peopleof the organization and the electedleadership have the ability to focus

on the areas that best suit the missionand will of the group.

“The focus of the ColoradoSprings Chiefs group is completelyopposite of what many people think,”Chief Barnett said. “Yes, we giveaway money to special causes; butwe also work with an (AirmanLeadership School) mentorship pro-gram and deployed family dinners.

“Our monthly meeting goesquickly through the business agenda,then we get into other issues,” hesaid. “We discuss recent uniformchanges, the Chief Master Sergeantof the Air Force sight picture, andshare information on our own view-points and issues.”

In addition to the organizationsaccomplishments and sharing ofideas, some feel the benefits aren’texclusive, but rather they build upona sense of community.

“Being a part of the Pikes PeakTop 3 gives me the benefit of being apart of a team, which has a positiveeffect on others,” Sergeant Raineysaid. “Seeing the team come together,whether at a monthly promotion cer-

emony or at a promotion releaseparty, you see the effect when cere-monies like those recognize othersfor their accomplishments. But thebiggest benefit is to see those beingpromoted/ recognized show their ownpride in their accomplishment.”

Chief Barnett and SergeantRainey agree that the key to any ofthese organizations is the peoplethey represent. The same collectivegroup is formed by those same peo-ple, and it’s the people who make thedifference. The numbers of peoplebring diversity, and the wisdom ofthe membership makes the profes-sional organization stronger andmore viable.

Servicemembers may view theirparticipation in professional organi-zations as a purely personal choice.

However, in another sense, inorder for someone to be viewed asa professional, one makes a distinc-tion by joining a professional organi-zation. Therefore, it is a professionaldecision made by a person, thesergeants said.

Beliefs, from Page 13

Discard meat, milk and leftovers if internal temperature is over 40 degreesAfter the outage:Continue to conserve energy Reset all electrical equipment safely While there aren’t many problems

expected with this power outage thereare people to help, should things not goas planned when the power comes back.

Housing Maintenance will bestanding by to help people if their fur-nace, water heaters or other appliancesnot restart when the power returns,Mr. Clapp said. They can be reached at556-4455.

The power outage may hit a bumpif the weather turns bad, but there is aplan for that too.

“If the weather does not cooper-ate, the outage will be rescheduled forApril 2,” said Mr. Cassidy. “The out-age will be postponed if there is a majorsnow storm or if the low temperature isforecasted to be less than 20 degrees.”

Power, from Page 1


Documents

Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado