Volume 4, No. 9 920th Rescue Wing, Patrick AFB, Fla. September 2006

2 Angel’s Wings September 2006

Commander ’s Corner

Angel’s Wings

Volume 4, No. 9

Col. Steven KirkpatrickCommander

1st Lt. Cathleen Snow

Chief of Public Affairs

2nd Lt. Jaime K. PintoAsst. Chief of Public Affairs

Master Sgt.

Raymond PadgettNCOIC

Tech. Sgt. Shane SmithStaff Writer

Senior Airman

Heather L. Kelly

Editor

This authorized Air Force Reserve newspaper ispublished for the members of the 920th RescueWing, Patrick AFB, Fla. Contents of Angel’sWings are not necessarily the official views of,or endorsed by, the U.S. Government,Department of Defense or the Department ofthe Air Force. The editorial content is edited,prepared and provided by the Public AffairsOffice of the 920th Rescue Wing, 740O’Malley Road, building 559, Patrick AFB, FL32925. (321) 494-0535. The deadline for sub-mission is the Friday after the UTA for the nextmonth’s issue. All photos are the property of theU.S. Air Force unless otherwise indicated. If you’d like to contribute to our magazine,contact:Public_Affairs@rescue920.patrick.af.mil

On the Cover:Pararescueman Master Sgt.John Shiman p articip atesin rescue training whiledeployed to Djibouti.

As I sat down to write thiseditorial, I wondered whatan old timer like me might

have to say that would appeal to awide audience. I thought about alesson on how we are destined torelive history if we don't studyit…not much broad appeal there,and I get tired of all the old storiesjust like the rest of you. I figured Iwould do what I do best, be politi-cally incorrect and just tell it likeit is. So, it's time for some straighttalk!

Before I explain the title of thisarticle, know that I'm writing thisat the end of the 101 Critical Daysof Summer and by the time youread it, odds are, someone youknow has done something incredi-bly stupid and is dead, severelyinjured or has put their career injeopardy.

Every time a commander orsupervisor has to go to a hospital,a funeral, or take judicial actionthere has been a failure some-where along the way, and most

likely by more than just the indi-vidual in question. This brings meto the title of the article.

We are all trying to survive toachieve conscious ignorance.Because once we understand justhow much we don't know, we tendnot to engage in those activitieswhich will negatively effect ourlife, limb or liberty.

I don't know just how much

alcoholwill affectme all ofthe time(itdependson myhydrationlevel,whetherI've eatenor not,etc) so Idon't drink and drive. I haveachieved "conscious alcohol igno-rance."

I'm not a NASCAR trained driv-er. I don't always know road con-ditions, tire ratings, automotivehandling characteristics or if mysuspension is setup correctly forhigh speed turns, so I don't speed(not to mention not knowing whois out there talking on cell phone,eating a burger, drinking a sodaand driving with their knees, all atthe same time).

I'm not an expert motor-crossracer, so I don't drive like one onthe streets. Also, I've never seen amotor-cross racer not fully paddedup and with a helmet while he'sdriving amongst other profession-als.

I could go on and on withexamples in every aspect of life.Once you stop, think and survivelong enough to know how muchyou don't know, your perspectivewill change dramatically on how,when and where you do things,thus achieving “Total ConsciousIgnorance.”

Now let's throw in humannature. I don't live in a dreamworld and I know few of us everachieve Total Conscious Nirvana(TCN). Sometime, somewhere, weall get caught up in the momentand inevitably will do somethingdumb.

This leads me to two values notoften talked about: accountability

Cont. on Page 11

Surviving to achieve ignorance By Col. Robert Dunn

943rd Rescue Group

Commander

“Every time a commander

or supervisor has to go to

a hospital, a funeral, or

take judicial action there

has been a failure some-

where along the way”

Col. Robert Dunn

September 2006 Angel’s Wings 3

News

Senior Airman JenniferDrake, 39th RescueSquadron Radio Operator

here, has been selected to sing theNational Anthem at the 2006Secretary of Defense EmployerSupport Freedom Award ceremo-ny.

The National Committee forEmployer Support of the Guardand Reserve is hosting the annualceremony and dinner Sept. 21 atthe Ronald Reagan Building inWashington, D.C.

Senior Airman Drake is also aproud member on the Patrick AirForce Base Honor Guard.

"I definitely feel honored to havebeen selected," said AirmanDrake, who was chosen after sub-mitting an audition video of hersinging the National Anthem.

She said she is very grateful tothe base multimedia center forhelping her create the auditionpiece.

The event will be another high-

light to her already impressiveresume which includes work inBroadway productions, theatre,film and modeling. Additionally,she has extensive professionaltraining in voice, musical theatre,acting, speech, dance, film, televi-sion and cabaret.

"We are very proud to have herrepresent the men and women ofthe 920th at such a high profileevent," said Colonel JosephTrippy, 920th vice wing command-er. "She is a shining example ofthe talented servicemen andwomen of the Air Force Reserve."

The ESGR award ceremonyhighlights the importance of civil-ian support of Reserve componentmembers.

Up to 15 civilian employers willbe recognized for their support ofservice members beyond therequirements of the UniformedServices Employment andReemployment Rights Act.

920th member to sing at national ceremonyBy Tech. Sgt. Shane Smith

920th Rescue WIng Public

Affairs

Senior Airman Jennifer Drake

Squadron commander awarded Bronze Star

Lt. Col. Christopher P. Hannon was awarded theBronze Star Medal in a ceremony held beforethe members of the 920th Rescue Wing here

during the August Unit Training Assembly weekend. Colonel Hannon's award nomination was for his

2005 service as the commander of the 59thExpeditionary Rescue Squadron.

Colonel Hannon's squadron, based out ofKandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, flew 128 combathours with 90 combat sorties and 19 combat savesin direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

"I may have received the bronze star, but all of themen and women who deployed, especially thepararescuemen, deserve the same credit," ColonelHannon said following the ceremony.

The Bronze Star Medal is awarded to any personwho, while serving in any capacity in or with themilitary of the United States, distinguishes him orherself by heroic or meritorious achievement or serv-ice while engaged in an action against an enemy ofthe United States.

According to Colonel Hannon, many of the highrisk missions were given to the Air Force rescue

crewsbecause oftheiruniqueability tooperate intotalblackout conditions on moonless nights.

"To deploy and bring back 130 combat hours ofaccident-free flying really shows the professionalismand effectiveness of the entire team," ColonelHannon said.

The combat missions flown in HH-60G Pavehawkhelicopters were in direct support of Combine TaskForce 76 and the Combined Joint Special OperationsTask Force.

His leadership was clearly evident during the highprofile recovery of a Navy Special Operations Forcesmember killed in action.

"Because of altitude and temperature, we werereally at the edge of our performing envelope. Wewere always making critical decisions, mitigatingrisk by constant changes in configurations," ColonelHannon said.

Colonel Hannon currently serves as the com-mander of the 301st Rescue Squadron here.

By Master Sgt. Raymond F. Padgett

920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs

4 Angel’s Wings September 2006

News

Some members of the 920thRescue Wing saw a newdental staff during the

August Unit Training Assemblythanks to the Federal StrategicHealth Alliance program.

FEDS_HEAL is a joint initiativecreated by the Department ofDefense, Veteran's HealthAdministration, and FederalOccupational Health to ensureReserve forces are medically fit todeploy. The program providesmedical support services toreserve units in an effort to main-tain medical standards andrequirements.

With only one dentist and twodental assistants on-hand, the920th Aeromedical StagingSquadron enlisted the help of theFEDS_HEAL dental program.

"The FEDS_HEAL program wasestablished to allow civilian den-tists to support the needs of themilitary to ensure 100% compli-ance; ensuring members are fullydeployable," said Maj. KevinHachmeister, 920th ASTS dentist.

The 920th RQW has approxi-mately 375 mem-bers categorizedas Class 4patients whorequire annualcheck ups.

MajorHachmeisterenlisted theefforts of theFEDS_HEALprogram tohelp process theseClass 4 patients.

Setting up shopin the 45th SpaceWing Professional Developmentbuilding, one dentist and two den-tal assistants from Milwaukee,Wis., processed approximately 50

patients during the August UTA.Most of the FEDS_HEAL per-

sonnel work full-time civilian jobsand volunteer their time and serv-ices with the program.

Linda Gomez, aFEDS_HEAL dentalassistant, enjoys the

time shedonates to theprogram.

“Givingback tothe peo-ple who

protectand defend

our country isan honor and a

pleasure."The program gets vol-

unteers from all over the worldwho are willing to donate theirtime and talent, said Master Sgt.Chris Pennington of the 920thASTS.

"This group has been wonder-ful. They are very knowledgeableand have bent over backwards tohelp support the wing with longhours and no lunch breaks."

Members of the 920th RQW arerequired to get a check-up fromthe wing dental office once everythree years.

Between those years, memberscan submit a DD Form 2813 fromtheir civilian dentist to maintaincompliance with their dentalcheck-ups.

Members who do not submit-ting a DD Form 2813 cause anincrease in annual check-upsrequired.

The 920th ASTS is working torecruit more dentists and dentalassistants for the wing; however,dental recruitment is difficult withthe dental career field shortage AirForce wide.

The FEDS_HEAL volunteers willbe back for the September UTA.

FEDS_HEAL brings dent al help to 920thStory and photo by

2nd Lt. Jaime K. Pinto

920th Rescue Wing Public

Affairs

Bartley Bell, a FEDS_HEAL volunteer dentist, discusses x-rays with SeniorAirman Patrick Gonzales. The FEDS_HEAL program provides medical sup -port services to Reserve unit s in an effort to maint ain medical st andardsand requirement s.

September 2006 Angel’s Wings 5

News

New Safety chief joins wing staff

Maj. Paul Nevius, HH-60Ghelicopter pilot with the301st Rescue Squadron,

has assumed the chief of safetyposition with the 920th RescueWing.

Prior to joining the Air ForceReserve, Major Nevius served asan active duty pilot and safetyofficer in the Navy.

With over 5200 flight hoursunder his belt, Major Nevius haspiloted 19 different aircraft overhis 20-year military career.

During his time on active duty,the major participated in manyaccident investigations.

As first on scene, one in partic-ular stands out in his mind.

"One of our helicopters crashedin the Sierra Nevadas after hittingpower lines that were not depictedon the map. All five crewmembers

involved died,” Major Nevius said.“It was a terrible accident,” headded.

As the new chief of the safetyshop, it is his goal to ensure the920th's proud history of accident-free flying is maintained and toget members to take a secondlook at their processes and safetyprocedures.

“We all know what's safe andwhat's not safe, unfortunatelysometimes safety is sacrificed forthe sake of efficiency,” said MajorNevius.

"It's easy to get caught in ourroutines and want to make thingsquicker, easier, faster, and eachtime we do that we can overlooksafety,” he continued.

"The bottom line is we are try-ing to get out and about and givepeople the tools to do their jobeffectively and safely,” MajorNevius said.

“Safety isn’t here to hammeranybody,” he said, “we are here tohelp.”

By Senior Airman

Heather L. Kelly

920th Rescue Wing

Public Affairs

Profiles in Safety

Maj. Paul Nevius assumes the roleof the new chief of safety . MajorNevius joined the unit in 2002 af terserving 13 years on active duty as aNavy pilot.

U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Jonathan Simmons

6 Angel’s Wings September 2006

Members of the 920th RescueWing recently deployed into theheart of Djibouti where they

provided support for Combined JointTask Force - Horn of Africa.

While in theater , they provide contin -uous p ararescue coverage for thecountries of Yemen, Djibouti, Eritrea,Sudan, Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia.

At a moment’ s notice, these profes -sionals are ready to rescue anytime,anywhere. These photos capture thetraining involved in their effort s.

Courtesy photos

September 2006 Angel’s Wings 7

8 Angel’s Wings September 2006

Feature

Maj. Keith Treesh, an HC-130 P/N navigator withthe 39th Rescue

Squadron here has found his wayback home.

It all started September 18,1956, when Wilma Treesh gavebirth to a baby boy at the PatrickAir Force Base Hospital on theanniversary of the Air Force'sinception.

Ever since, Major Treesh's des-tiny has pointed him skyward. Although he said being born onan Air Force base on the AirForce's birthday by two parentswho were in the Air Force wasn'texactly what pointed him towardhis flying career path.

What did direct him skywardwas an uncle who took him flyingonce. Major Treesh said he justreally enjoyed it.

Shortly after he was born, theTreesh family left Patrick andfinally settled in Orlando, whereMajor Treesh remembers growingup. He even attended college atthe University of Central Floridawhere he earned his bachelor'sdegree in mathematics prior tojoining the military.

Major Treesh said his 32-year-long military career has had a lotof twists and turns but it hasalways revolved around flying. Inaddition to being a navigator here,he has been a commercial airlinepilot for Comair Airlines since1997.

Prior to piloting civilian planes,he served on active duty, flying as

a weapons system officer on theF-4 Phantom and F-15 Eagle, andalso served as an air liaison offi-cer. Major Treesh spent ten-and-a-half years on active duty beforejoining the Air Force Reserve.

He said he even remembers thefirst three years of his militarycareer when he joined the Army tofly. He was 17 years old andalways the youngest guy. A fewthings have changed since then."I'm usually the oldest guy now,"he said.

Although he said turning 50 isjust another day; he admits theirony in his full-circle return toPatrick to continue his militarycareer flying.

His dad bet that not many peo-ple who are working on base wereactually born there.

Major Treesh and his wifeKathy had their young sonMichael nearby in Rockledge, Fla.

They reside in Viera and whenasked how he plans on spending

his 50th birthday, Major Treeshsaid he'll probably be working,"either here or there. Maybe acookout, nothing fancy."

By 1st Lt. Cathleen Snow

920th Rescue Wing Public

Affairs

Baby Keith T reesh was born at Patrick Air Force Base Hospit al in 1956.

Maj. Keith T reesh, an HC-130 navi -gator , will celebrate his 50th birth -day this month.

Courtesy photo

U.S. Air Force photo/1st Lt. Cathleen Snow

September 2006 Angel’s Wings 9

Comment ary

Major challenges for major rewards

Irecently had the privilege of burying my grandfa-ther. I say privilege because, if things follow theirnatural order, my children will one day, and

hopefully certainly not any time soon, bury me. My grandfather was a proud man and he grew up

at a time in the South when some people placedmore importance on tilling the land than on educa-tion. He never let this stand in the way of encourag-ing me to do more educationally than he'd done.

His passing was both a happy and sad occasionbecause I understand death is a part of life. It alsomade me think about the inspiration and examplehe, and some of the other great leaders who havepassed my way, provided me.

When I was a kid growing up in rural NorthCarolina, I was not much different from most kidsmy age. I played lots of sports and was a prettygood student.

I worked at a local country store. While workingat this store, there were several regular customerswho provided great examples and a watchful eye.They always told me, "Keep your nose clean, workhard, believe in yourself and you can go places inAmerica.

Of course, they were correct and for some reasonit hit home with me. I did not know I was being ledand probably did not realize these men and womencared. I fondly recall there was one particular gen-tleman who'd buy me a Dr. Pepper each time hecame to the store. It was only a soda, but for ayoung kid it made me want to make him proud.

When my grandfather passed, it made me remi-nisce about him, the Gene Hardys, Thurman Coleys,and Herbert Richardsons and some of the others

who provided inspiration to me and those aroundme.

I'm older now…and it's now my turn to providesome modicum of that example and (hopefully) inspi-ration.

We are all busy folks. There are ORIs, UCIs,deployments, promotion ceremonies…the list goeson. We work hard, attend and study for PME class-es, finish undergraduate and graduate degrees, pro-tect Americans from those who wish to do us harm;and we all contribute a great deal to America andfreedom across the globe.

However, we must not stop there. The continuedprosperity of our democracy demands that we notstop there.

I challenge each of us, at all levels, to unlock ourinner leader--not just at work, where we do it everyday, but out in our communities.

You could be the difference in the life of that kidliving down the street that doesn't have a father, orprovide positive reinforcement to that young girl whomaybe doesn't quite believe in herself.

Whether you know it or not, an awful lot ofAmerica admires those in uniform.

A pat on the back or a kind word may be all youcan provide. However, know that it makes a differ-ence. It made a difference for a once-skinny kidfrom rural North Carolina.

By Maj. Jerome Cobb

920th Communications Flight Commander

Major Jerome Cobb found inspiration in others whilegrowing up in rural North Carolina.

“I challenge each of us, at all levels, to

unlock our inner leader--not just at

work, where we do it every day,

but out in our communities.”

Maj. Jerome Cobb

Courtesy photo

10 Angel’s Wings September 2006

Around The Pattern

AroundThePattern

Helicopter crewmembers who p articip ated in a daring rescue while inAfghanist an capture a moment together . (Front Row , Left to Right) S taff Sgt.Chris Piercecchi, Master Sgt. Josh Appel, 2nd Lt. David Gonzalez, Maj. JeffPeterson (Middle Row) Master Sgt. Mick Cusick, S taff Sgt. Josh Donnelley ,Tech. Sgt. Jason Burger , Master Sgt. Brett Konczal, Maj. John Back, (BackRow) Airman 1st Class Ben Peterson, T ech. Sgt. John Davis and Col. JeffMacrander . Colonel Macrander was recently awarded an Air Medal for hiseffort s during the deployment.

U.S. Air Force photos/Tech. Sgt. Shane Smith

Courtesy photo

Members of the 45th S pace Wing Honor Guard flew with the 920thRescue W ing during an incentive flight in August.

920th RQW members assemble in forma -tion during the August commander ’s call.

Courtesy photo

September 2006 Angel’s Wings 11

Bulletin

BRIEFS

Commander’s Column Cont.

and responsibility.As military professionals, these items are fairly

well defined in our work environment. Through reg-ulations and command structure, we are prettysure as to who is responsible and accountable. Let'stake it a step further here.

You are responsible and accountable not only foryourself, but for those around you. As far as thefirst paragraph goes, I have rarely seen an incidentof stupidity involving a person by himself. We areusually in company of others when the failureoccurs. Call it peer pressure, machismo, showingoff, etc. Usually someone is there who could haveprevented or mitigated the event. However brief theencounter, or short the interaction, your actionsand more often than not, your inaction, impactsothers now and in the future. You need to embraceyour responsibility to take action, for failure to doso makes you equally accountable.

The profession of arms is dangerous enoughwithout loss due to preventable actions. This istruly a military family and we need everyone's con-stant vigilance to protect our most preciousresource: our people.

Replacement income beginsSept. 1 for reservists

Starting Sept. 1, some reservists began receivingReserve Income Replacement Program pay.

Congress ordered the Department of Defense todevelop the RIRP to aid members of the NationalGuard and Reserve who get less pay because theyare involuntarily put on active duty.

The program helps people who on average receiveat least $50 less a month than their civilian pay.

The difference in pay is the average monthly civil-ian income before a person is mobilized and theperson's total monthly military compensation aftermobilization.

To get the money, reservists must be servinginvoluntarily on active duty.

Also, they must have served 18 consecutivemonths on active duty, completed 24 months ofactive duty during the previous 60 months, or beeninvoluntarily mobilized for 180 days or more withinsix months of the previous involuntary period ofactive duty of more than 180 days.

People can learn more about the program and gethelp verifying eligibility by calling the Air ReservePersonnel Center's Contact Center at 800.525.0102.

New procedures improveemergency accountability

If a national emergency occurs, Air Force ReserveCommand has improved procedures in place forkeeping track of its military people and their fami-lies.

The command developed the procedures to pre-pare for future disasters after hurricanes devastatedthe Gulf Coast last year.

Under the new procedures, commanders use atwo-phase approach to account for their people.

Each phase - pre and post - will be completedwithin 48 hours of notification to begin the account-ability process.

People assigned to or living in an affected areamust check in with the unit.

They should check in at the first available oppor-tunity, but no later then 48 hours after the start ofthe crisis.

People on temporary assignment or on leave in adisaster area should report their location and statusto their unit of assignment.

Reporting instructions are available on the com-mand’s Web site https://wwwmil.afrc.af.mil/.

People can link to the instructions by selectingthe "Hot & New Items" icon, going to the drop downmenu and selecting "Personnel Accountability."

Dozens of Airmen from the 943rd Rescue Groupwill receive Air Force medals September 10, at 3p.m., on the anniversary of their relief efforts afterHurricanes Katrina and Rita.

The reservists, members of aircrew and mainte-nance from various units here, deployed in August2005 to join rescue operations in the devastatedareas in the aftermath of the hurricanes.

Members of the 305th and 306th RescueSquadrons, 943rd Maintenance and other supportunits will be honored.

Notable political figures and key military leadersare scheduled to attend including Tucson MayorBob Walkup and a representative from Senator JonKyl's office.

The medals to be received by the Airmen includethe Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air ForceAchievement Medal and the Humanitarian ServiceMedal.

The 943rd Rescue Group is the only RescueGroup in the Air Force Reserve. Their primary mis-sion is to provide search and rescue operations any-where in the world as directed.

Rescuers recognized forhurricane relief efforts

U.S. Air Force photos/Tech. Sgt. Greg Gaunt

All in a day’s work

Tech. Sgt s. Aron Finley (lef t) and John Finley(right), 304th RQS PJ's prep aring aircraf t FRIESbar for F AST rope training on the Columbia Riverin Oregon.

TSgt. Dan S tarner , helicopter maintenance journeyman, 943rd Rescue Group, works on the t ail rotor pitchbeam af ter arriving in Portland, Ore.

Master Sgt. Mike Cusick, 305th RQS flight engineer ,navigates for the pilot s enroute to Portland, Ore.