Academy€¦ · 30/06/2006 · VOL. 46 NO.26 JUNE 30, 2006 Six new nations in Class of 2010 By Wayne Amann Academy Spirit Editor The Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo is not only one of the

By Eddie KovskyAcademy Spirit staff

The Academy’s first cadets from Iraq,Afghanistan, Algeria, Rwanda, Belize andMadagascar arrived June 22 to begin theirAcademy careers.

They are among the 19 new interna-tional basic cadet trainees who inprocessedone week early to become oriented beforestarting basic cadet training with the Classof 2010.

“I’m still tired from jet lag,” said Jung-Han Kim of Korea. “I still haven’t had a goodnight’s sleep. Altitude too; nose bleedstwice.”

International cadets complete the sameacademic, athletic, character development

and military training as their U.S. classmateswith the exception of any military trainingthat requires a security clearance. The firsthurdle is basic cadet training, which startedThursday.

“I think it’s going to be tough,” said AkiliJoseph of Trinidad-Tobago. “I know whatI have to put in to get out of it. So manyother people do it, so why can’t I?”

Candidates are selected by their homecountries and forwarded through the U.S.Embassy to the Secretary of Defense forPolicy and to the Academy admissionsoffice. International cadets must meet thesame admissions requirements as theirU.S. counterparts. Frequently, interna-tional cadets compete with other studentsin their home country for selection to the

single available slot. “I studied for a year in an Ohio high

school,” said Jirasak Daochern of Thailand.“I competed with other Thai cadets; theychose me. English won’t be a big problem,though some others may have to work hardat it like I did last year.”

“I applied with thousands of others,”said Radhika Ranaweera of Sri Lanka. “Itook exams, physical tests and SATs, thengot short-listed to three candidates. Othersweren’t exactly good with English or hadleadership experience.”

It’s a lot of work to get this far, but worthit for the international cadets who arelooking for a military experience in a foreigncountry.

NewsNow hear this!

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FeatureHero beara hit with GIs

Page 19

SportsGrad grappleswith class

Page 20

INS IDE

Rodeo salutesAcademy

Photo by Dennis Rodgers

The journey beginsMembers of the Academy Class of 2010 line up on the Core Values Ramp Thursday under the watchful eyes ofthe Cadet Cadre during In-processing. The one-day event marks the start of 38 days of basic cadet training andis designed to prepare the basic cadets for entry into the cadet wing. Brig. Gen. Susan Desjardins, Commandantof Cadets, will conduct the formal swearing-in of the Class of 2010 today at 8:30 a.m., on the Terrazzo near theHonor Wall next to the Cadet Chapel. For story, see Pages 16 and 17.

VOL. 46 NO. 26 JUNE 30, 2006

Six new nations in Class of 2010

By Wayne AmannAcademy Spirit Editor

The Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo isnot only one of the premiere stops onthe Professional Rodeo CowboysAssociation summer tour, but one ofthe most ardent supporters ofAmerica’s troops.

Each year it spotlights FrontRange military installations.

The much anticipated 66thedition, July 12-16 at the Norris-Penrose Event Center, will salutethose who mold future Air Force offi-cers with Academy Day, July 16starting at 1:30 p.m. That’s also cham-pionship awards day.

Admission prices vary,depending on seat location. Militarypersonnel get a $2 discount, excludingbox seats.

All proceeds benefit the armedforces and their families.

Each year, Colorado Springsmilitary bases receive donations fromthe rodeo to distribute among theircharitable programs that provideassistance to families who’ve fallenon hard times and are in need.

The Academy gives its donatedfunds to Operation Warm Heart.

Since World War II, the PikesPeak or Bust Rodeo has committedto serve the area’s military andcommunity charities by donatingmore than $1.5 million dollars

In return, local military membersassist the rodeo by volunteering theirtime and services wherever they areneeded.

The rodeo needs volunteers forAcademy Day.

Thirty-five people are neededfor VIP parking, security, usheringand various other duties. Three tofive volunteers are needed for stallmanagement, plus 4-man teams forwild cow milking. Volunteering isnot limited to active duty members.

For more information, contactMaster Sgt. Jackie McCoy at 333-5533 or [email protected] Tech. Sgt. Teresa Hatch at 333-8839 or [email protected]. See INTERNATIONAL, Page 5

WASHINGTON (AFPN) — AnIndependence Day message from Secretary ofthe Air Force Michael W. Wynne and Air ForceChief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley:

“Happy Birthday, America! For 230 years,this nation and its people have representedfreedom and democracy. We earned that reputa-tion through courageous acts of patriotism byour founding fathers and through bravery onbattlefields across the world. This 4th of Julywe mark not a resounding victory in a greatbattle, but instead the day when we stood up asa free and independent nation and told theworld we would no longer live under tyrannicalrule.

“This year, as you gather to celebrate thefounding of our great nation, pause a momentto remember our heroes currently serving awayfrom home, fighting to preserve the very samefreedoms the patriots before us secured. Theirefforts are helping us soar to a future boundedby limitless horizons.

“You, the men and women of America’s AirForce, reflect the generations of patriots who,through their actions, displayed the values ofintegrity first, service before self and excel-lence in all we do. Thank you for yourunyielding commitment, and have a happy andsafe 4th of July!”

Academy SpiritJune 30, 20062 COMMENTARY

Send submissions to: HQ USAFA/PAI, 2304 CadetDrive, Suite 318, U.S. Air Force Academy, CO 80840-5016 or deliver to Suite 318 in Harmon Hall.

Deadline for free classified ads on a space-avail-able basis is 12 noon every Tuesday for that week’spublication date. Paid classified advertising is accept-ed by the publisher at 329-5236. The number to call fordisplay advertising is 634-5905.

Deadline for all stories is noon Friday, one weekprior to the desired publication date. Refer questionsto the Academy Spirit editor at 333-8823.

The Academy Spirit also accepts story submis-sions by fax at 333-4094 or by e-mail: pa.newspaper@ usafa.af.mil.

The Academy Spirit is published byColorado Springs Military Newspaper Group, aprivate firm in no way connected with the U.S.Air Force, under exclusive written contract withthe U.S. Air Force Academy. This civilian enter-prise Air Force newspaper is an authorized pub-lication for members of the U.S. military serv-ices. Contents of the Academy Spirit are notnecessarily the official views of, or endorsed by,the U.S. government, the Department ofDefense or the Department of the Air Force.

The appearance of advertising in this publi-cation, including inserts or supplements, doesnot constitute endorsement by the Departmentof Defense, the Department of the Air Force, orColorado Springs Military Newspaper Group,

of the products or services advertised.Everything advertised in this publication shallbe made available for purchase, use or patron-age without regard to race, color, religion, sex,national origin, age, marital status, physicalhandicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron.The printer reserves the right to rejectany advertisements.

Editorial content is edited, prepared andprovided by the U.S. Air Force AcademyDirectorate of Public Affairs. The editorreserves the right to edit articles to conformto Air Force policy and Associated Pressstyle. All photos are U.S. Air Force photosunless otherwise indicated.

SubmissionsDirectorate of Public Affairs mission:To responsibly inform and educate the

Academy community and the public about the

Air Force AcademyLt. Gen. John Regni — Academy Superintendent

Lt. Col. Laurent J. Fox — Director of Public Affairs

Tech. Sgt. Roel Utley — NCOIC, Internal Information

Wayne Amann — Editor

[email protected]

Butch Wehry — Senior Staff Writer

[email protected]

Eddie Kovsky — Staff Writer

[email protected]

Denise Navoy — Graphic Designer

Patrioticmessage from

the top

This 4th celebrateInterdependence Day

By Bob Vasquez34th Training Wing

Independence Day, the Fourth of July. The words conjure up visions of neighborhood

barbecues, family reunions, hometown parades,afternoon concerts in the park, fireworks and… youget the picture. They’re all great ways to celebrate.

But celebrate what? Independence? Yes, histori-cally Fourth of July celebrations commemorate theanniversary of U.S. independence, but few of usreally think about that as we enjoy the day and thelong weekend.

What I think about on this most important day iscelebrating interdependence.

When we use the term “United States” weusually think of a country surrounded by the Pacificand Atlantic Oceans and bordered by Canada andMexico.

Geographically that’s correct. However, what’smost important about the U.S. is it’s internal makeup,people of diverse backgrounds and cultures thatbecame one nation.

Remember the melting pot concept? It was theidea that someday all those cultures represented inthe United States would combine into one.

I refer to that in the past tense because I’m notsure anyone subscribes to it anymore.

Not long ago another concept evolved using thesalad bowl illustration. The idea was it takes different

ingredients to make up a healthy salad, each ofwhich is important to the whole.

You can have a salad without some of the ingre-dients but it won’t taste the same, nor will it be ashealthy.

Such is the culture of the United States. Peoplewho call themselves African-Americans, Hispanics,Asian-Americans, Italian-Americans, Irish-Americans, etc., have their own histories and tradi-tions that impact on who we all are.

We all need each other.There is nothing any of us do on a daily basis

that isn’t somehow dependent on someone else to dotheir part. What’s made the U.S. a great nation is thatwe’ve accepted each others’ differences and havebuilt upon them.

Dr. Stephen Covey, a former professor of organi-zational behavior at Brigham Young University said,“unity is not sameness, it’s complementariness.” Hechallenges us to “celebrate the differences.”

As we celebrate Independence Day, and thefreedom that comes with it, consider the greatestfreedom is the opportunity to appreciate the differentcontributions our neighbors and co-workers havemade to help us enjoy the life we lead. Be gratefulfor that.

We’re all different, but we’re all the same. We’re free because of what we do for each other.

Think of the Fourth of July, as Interdependence Day,a great day to be an American.

Take action to prevent ‘growing’ problemBy Capt. Fe Lobo-Menendez20th Medical Support Squadron

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AFPN) — Itwas just two months ago when I sat in my friend’sliving room sharing pictures from her past. It was her1967 high school yearbook, and something verystriking caught my eye.

“Wow, all of you were skinny!”My friend laughed, and staring at the picture

said, “You are right, I had not thought or noticed it.”No one in her senior class appeared overweight.

I left to pick up my children from school with myfriend’s yearbook pictures still vivid in my mind. Iwas shocked to see many of the children walking outof school, gathering by the bus stop, walking to theircars or waiting for a ride, were overweight. Theseyoung people represent the pool of potential recruitsof our armed forces.

It’s not uncommon for adults to say, “when I wasa kid, I could eat anything and not gain a pound.” Yet,as adults, it’s increasingly difficult to maintain anideal weight.

It’s an alarming fact, the average American adult

gains at least 2 pounds per year spanning his or herlifetime. A hypothetical 18-year-old weighing 150pounds could weigh 274 pounds by age 80, almostdouble the weight.

The example is simplistic, but it does illustrate adisturbing trend about the declining health of ourcountry’s population. We are not just maturingtoward obesity, but obesity is increasing among ourchildren.

The obesity epidemic is a public health concern.It’s increasingly publicized in the media and by ourmilitary leaders. A recent story published by theAssociated Press, “Are U.S. Troops Too Fat toFight?,” illustrates the overweight trends of the activeand Reserve components, as well as the weight issuesplaguing new accessions into the military.

The article says 20 percent of all male recruitsand 40 percent of female recruits are too heavy toenter the military. They’re told to lose weight and re-apply.

Data from the U.S. Army Research Institute ofEnvironmental Medicine indicates 58.4 percent ofSoldiers, ages 21 and older, are overweight by federalstandards, and 36.5 percent of Soldiers ages 20 and

younger, do not meet the Body Mass Index standard. This situation has a negative impact on the indi-

vidual and society. Besides the increased risk fornumerous chronic diseases and their socioeconomiceffect on the nation, the inability to maintain a fitforce could add a heavy burden to the military ranks.

On Jan. 1, 2004, then Air Force Chief of StaffGen. John Jumper implemented the Fit to FightProgram. This initiative is not designed to just passan annual physical fitness test, but to change theculture of the Air Force and make fitness part of anAirman’s lifestyle. Since its inception, commandersand senior NCOs, who play a key role in enforcingthe new fitness standards and embracing this changein culture, have overseen an approximate 80-percentpass rate compared to 69 percent prior to theprogram.

You might ask yourself, “what can I do to stopthe trend?” It is time for everyone to get involved.We have to lead our troops to a healthier, more fitlifestyle. All of us have to sell exercise and good dietto our Airmen. This will ensure the U.S. militarymaintains its legacy as the leanest, fastest, mostpowerful military in the world.

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Cadets take to the sky in Misawa F-16sBy Capt.Teresa Sullivan 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Thirty-three of America’s “best and brightest” fromthe Academy spent three weeks at Misawa Air Base,Japan, participating in a hands-on internship calledOperation Air Force – a program developed to exposecadets to the operational Air Force.

The objectives of OAF are to acquaint cadets withthe everyday activities of officers and enlisted personnel,to become educated on the workings of operational unitsand to get familiar with the Air Force way of life.

“These cadets are some of America’s best and brightestyoung adults,” Brig. Gen. Sam Angelella, 35th FighterWing commander, said about the cadets who shadowedMisawa Airmen. “These cadets have spent their last fewyears in an intense, rigorous military training environmentto become the absolute best commissioned officers theycan, and it’s great to be able to contribute to their devel-opment through the Operation Air Force program.”

The program also supports the Academy mission tomotivate cadets to become career Air Force officers.

While at Misawa, the cadets were immersed in TeamMisawa’s mission, shadowing various Airmen aroundthe wing to gain a better understanding of what they’llbe doing within the next couple of years.

“The biggest highlight for me was having the oppor-tunity to participate in an F-16 familiarization flight andsee firsthand the operational duties of a fighter pilot,” saidCadet 3rd Class Brian Mueller, a sophomore fromHeidelberg, Germany.

Being immersed in a foreign culture was the high-light for Cadet 3rd Class Robert Carpenter. Most of thecadets chosen to come to Misawa have taken Japaneselanguage and Asian studies courses while at the academy,making them a good match for the base.

“Seeing how the operational Air Force works as a teamwith the Japanese was interesting,”said Cadet Carpenter,a Fairfield, Calif., native.

One common denominator among the future AirForce leaders was the value of interacting with the enlistedcorps. Many cadets said they saw firsthand how juniorAirmen and NCOs are the backbone of the Air Force.

“I learned that the Air Force couldn’t work withoutthe enlisted force,” said Cadet Carpenter.

While spending time with senior maintenance NCOs,Cadet 1st Class Lindsey Freeman, a senior from Fairmont,

N.C., received some words of wisdom she’ll value longafter her time at Misawa.

“Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Pelfrey told us to ‘neverlose your composure publicly in front of your troops,’”she said.

For Cadet 2nd Class Joshua Callahan, who plans onbecoming either a C-130 pilot or a foreign area officerin Asia, seeing how all the pieces of the puzzle worktogether at an operational base was the most beneficialaspect of the program, he said.

“It was great to see the interdependency between oper-ations and support squadrons,” said Cadet Carpenter,who shadowed the 14th Fighter Squadron and 610th AirControl Flight.

“Everyone at this base seems to know their part andhow much they’re needed to get the mission done.”

Misawa’s OAF program is the largest in PACAF,hosting the highest number of cadets and serving as abenchmark for other bases in the command, said 1st. Lt.Robin Kamio, 35th Operations Group executive officerand OAF project officer.

“We have a unique environment here where we canimmerse the cadets into the Japanese culture and thefighter wing culture,” she said. “The cadets were embracedby the Misawa community, and I think we achieved ourobjectives.”

As a former cadet and participant in the OAF program,Lieutenant Kamio said the program has a special meaningfor her.

“I have a lot of respect for what these cadets gothrough on a daily basis. They sacrifice a lot of theirfreedom and the typical college experience so they canserve their country. It’s an honor to help them get the trainingand exposure they need to become good officers and repre-sent the Academy well.”

Photos by Capt. Teresa Sullivan

Brig. Gen. Sam Angelella, 35th Fighter Wing com-mander (center), reviews preflight checklists withStaff Sgt. Shannon Mogenson, 35th AircraftMaintenance Squadron dedicated crew chief, inpreparation to taking Cadet 1st Class ScottKumpula (back seat), on his first flight in an F-16.

Academy SpiritJune 30, 20064

Now hear this !Medical Airmen train with Honduran ENT residentsBy Senior Airman Mike MearesJoint Task Force – Bravo Public Affairs

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras — Thesidewalks alongside the busy streets, aswell as the hallways inside HospitalEscuela, are lined with patients from allover Honduras waiting to be seen by thebest the U.S. Air Force has to offer.

Medical professionals specializingin the ear, nose and throat persuasionfrom Wilford Hall Medical Center andthe Academy’s 10th Medical Groupjoined the medical residents of HospitalEscuela, a training hospital here forHonduran physicians, from June 12through 23 for a Medical ReadinessTraining Exercise.

“Sometimes (Airmen) deploy to placeslike Iraq and have to operate,” said (Dr.)Lt. Col. Drew Horlbeck, surgeon andneuro-otologist from Wilford Hall atLackland Air Force Base, Texas.“MEDRETES prepares us to adapt inaustere places and be able to performsurgical procedures better.”

This provided training on both frontsfor the teams. The Airmen used the oppor-tunity to learn to work in a less than typicalU.S. hospital environment. With the helpof a translator, the Honduran residentsmirrored the techniques, shadowed theexpert and learned from the Airmen’snumerous experiences.

“Some of the cases we see here aren’tseen in the states because medical careprevents them from getting so severe,”Doctor Horlbeck said. “These patientsdon’t have an opportunity like this all thetime because they don’t have the equip-ment.”

Doctor Horlbeck, the only earspecialist in the Air Force, and more than40 Airmen deployed with equipment for

two fully functional operating rooms totreat patients throughout the two weekperiod, and to provide hands-on trainingand over-the-shoulder instruction to theresidents at the hospital.

“We do these kinds of cases here, butthey’re spread out (throughout the year),”said Enrique Cruz, fourth year chief resi-dent of the ENT program at HospitalEscuela. “It’s been a good experience forboth sides. When these MEDRETEScome, we get a lot of experience workingthese types of surgeries.”

Sixty-eight patients were pre-screenedin preparation for the medical team’s visitand referred to the medical team. Each casewas evaluated and selected on severity. Ofthe cases screened, 32 were selected toreceive surgery at a rate of four per day.Patients go through pre-operation andpost-operation tests and all records arekept in English and Spanish.

“Everything (patients) get here isexactly what we provide in the States,” said(Maj.) Dr. Cecelia Schmalbach, an ENTsurgeon from Wilford Hall.

Scores of people, from ages 6 to 60,waited outside for hours, and sometimesdays, to see the physicians. This made for12 plus hours per day for the medicalteam. Some only needed hearing tests,while others — like 14-year-old AllenChacon — were there for follow-ups fromlast year’s MEDRETE.

For more than six years he sufferedfrom chronic middle ear infections, threat-ening total hearing loss. He was chosenfor surgery to repair a hole in his ear drumand came in for a follow-up this year.

“Allen’s hearing test score from his(pre-operation) screening dramaticallyimproved and his ear drum is totallyhealed,” said (Maj.) Dr. Keith Swartz,Academy chief of ENT surgery.

It’s the many success stories likeAllen’s that Captains April Myers andLoraine Wyan, staff audiologists at WilfordHall, look forward to during their visit.As part of the team, they brought 52hearing aides to hand out to needy candi-dates. They give out an average of five perday, up to as many as nine.

“If you can get to the children earlyand correct their hearing, they can developtheir speech,” said 1st Lt. Eric Baroni,Joint Task Force – Bravo Medical Elementphysician assistant. “If you can’t hear, youcan’t pronounce words properly.”

As the sun shines through the manybroken windows of one of Honduras’primary medical facilities, the Airmen andresidents are busy inside seeing throngsof patients. While the most critical patientsare being operated on upstairs, the audi-ologists perform more than 25 audio-grams per day downstairs.

“It’s instant gratification,” said CaptainMyers. “As soon as we put the hearing aidein their ear, their face lights up.”

Year after year medical teams visit,train and operate in environments outsidethe United States. Through this partner-ship, people receiving the care are“grateful,” and the people receiving thetraining, including the Airmen, are justas “grateful.”

When the Airmen depart, they leavethe Honduran medical residents moreprepared and confident to performmedical procedures. These procedureshelp fulfill the physician’s oath — toconcentrate their lives to the service tohumanity.

“It’s a juggling act to help some ofthe most disadvantaged people on Earth,”Colonel Horlbeck said. “We get what wewant and they get what they want —training.”

Photos by Senior Airman Mike Meares

Dr. (Maj.) Keith Swartz, 10th Medical Group chief of ear, nose and throat sur-gery, examines 14-year-old Allen Chacon, who had a hole in his ear drumrepaired during last year’s medical readiness training exercise June 20.Allen has fully recovered from his surgery with dramatic improvement to thehearing in his repaired ear.

Academy SpiritJune 30, 2006 5

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Congratulations to the Academy’s newest Lt. Col. selects

International

USAFA/HQPhillip Guin, ChaplainAndra Kniep, Command StaffSean McFarland, Plans and ProgramsThomas Seeker, Inspector GeneralDean of the FacultyThomas Augustine, inboundRobert Block, MathematicsJeffrey Boleng, Computer ScienceMelissa Flattery, Academic AffairsJames Greer, Engineering Mechanics

Mark Grotelueschen, inboundJames Parco, ManagementStephen Phipps, PhysicsRichard Nesmith, Preparatory SchoolTimothy Radsick, inboundLisa Sayegh, Behavioral Sciences andLeadership Robert Swanson, Economics andGeographyMichael Waters, Political ScienceWilliam Wells, Computer ScienceIda Widmann, Preparatory School

Scott Williams, inboundDouglas Young, Physics34th Training Wing Craig Allton, 34th Training GroupJason Armagost, 34th Training GroupEric Berggren, 34th Training GroupDarlene Cheatham, 34th Training GroupJohn Cooper, 34th Training GroupRobert Daniel, 34th Training GroupNerisse Fernandez, 34th Training GroupMatthew Harmon, 34th Training GroupGilberto Martinez, 34th Training Group

Timothy McCaffery, inboundDeeDee Richards, PCS’d out Caroline Omdal, 34th Training GroupSandy Travnicek, 34th Training GroupCorey Wormack, 34th Training Group10th Air Base wingWilliam Barnes, 10th Medical SupportSquadronPeter Reinhardt, 10th MedicalOperations Squadron306th Flying Training GroupWilliam Resnick, 306th FTG safety

From Page 1

“The military gives you discipline,that extra edge,” said basic cadet traineeRanaweera. “Respect from other peopletoo. It cuts you into being a real man. Youcan deal with any situation.”

“The institution brings you high levelsof organization and the importance ofhonor,” said Dany Gatsinzi of Rwanda.“We have a chance to be engineers andleaders.”

“This is a better chance to learn aboutanother country,” said basic cadet traineeDaochern. “The military doesn’t just teachknowledge, but morals that people outsidedon’t have.”

International cadets have the oppor-tunity to experience life in the UnitedStates, and Academy cadets have theopportunity to learn about diverse foreign

cultures and perspectives while they’rehere. The partnerships they form nowserve as the foundations for lifelong rela-tionships, ultimately providing interna-tional Air Force leaders with an invaluablenetwork for addressing mutual securityconcerns and building effective coali-tions.

“The Air Force needs to be able tothink like other countries,” said basiccadet trainee Daochern. “We will bringdiversity to the Academy; it’s good for U.S.cadets to know us.”

“Americans don’t have understandingof other peoples,” said basic cadet traineeJoseph. “We’ll show American cadetshow we do things in other parts of theworld.”

After graduation, the internationalcadets return to their home nation toserve in their country’s military.

“Our air force is not organized verywell,” said basic cadet trainee Gatsinzi.“Our government wants to organize themilitary to be professional. They want themilitary to come from us. The Academyis the best in the world, so I think I willbe equipped from here with enoughacademic knowledge. Rwanda dependson its people, so as an educator I will helpto organize our air force.”

The new international basic cadettrainees hail from Afghanistan, Algeria,Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Guatemala,Iraq, Kenya, Korea, Madagascar,Romania, Rwanda, Singapore, Sri Lanka,Suriname, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad-Tobago and Tunisia. With these additions,the Academy will have 59 internationalcadets from 34 nations. Since 1966, 229international cadets from 51 countrieshave graduated from the Academy.

Photo by Eddie Kovsky

Chen-Yu Hsu searches for the per-fect pair of combat boots.International cadets went throughinprocessing, including equipmentissue, a week before the class of2010 arrived.


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Retired NCO lobbies for Bronze Star plateBy Butch WehryAcademy Spirit staff

A retired Air Force NCO whoauthored a bill for Colorado to issueBronze Star license plates to medalholders saw Governor Bill Owens signit in Denver June 5.

The other half of the battle seemsto be getting the word out. The BronzeStar Medal is the fourth highest awardan individual can receive for bravery,heroism or meritorious service.

There are tens of thousands ofretired military people and active dutypeople in the area and thousands morethroughout the state. Many Bronze Star

Medal holders are among them.“Do you realize how many local

retired military personnel visit localAir Force bases to use the baseexchanges and commissaries just on aweekly basis?” said retired Air ForceMaster Sgt. Joe Duffy from his homein Colorado Springs. “We were able torecognize these particular veterans whoare among the best of the best, for theircombat performance during the manyconflicts from World War II up to andincluding the present conflicts.”

It was the same Joe Duffy, theretired communications NCO, whoparlayed his skills from the Air Forceto decades of service as a State

Department foreign service employeeand communications professional, whostood near as the Colorado governorsigned Senate Bill 028.

The man who has 43 years ofgovernment service, who is eligible forinduction into the Air ForceCommunications and Information Hallof Fame until 2012, was shying awayfrom any mention of himself for weeksafter the bill was signed.

I want this information passed onto our Bronze Star Medal Coloradoveterans,” said the Vietnam veteran whoretired from government service in1997. “It isn’t about me. It is about thenews I am passing on.”

Fireworks safety: a reason to celebrateBy Maj. Chris Froeschner and Maj. Mike WellsAcademy Safety Office

As you plan your Fourth of July activ-ities it’s important to know laws and limi-tations concerning the safe use offireworks.

Fireworks usage is prohibited on theAir Force Academy grounds, within theColorado Springs city limits and in all ofEl Paso County.

If you will be celebrating Indepen-

dence Day in a location where fireworksare permitted, it’s important to know afew facts about fireworks that will help youto better plan your holiday celebration.

Sparklers account for the secondhighest number of fireworks-relatedinjuries. The majority of these injuries areto preschoolers.

When planing to celebrate with fire-works, consider this:

• Only light one device at a time;always wear eye protection and neverhave any part of the body hover above

the firework.• Use an extended length match, often

called a “punk,” and light a firework atarm’s length.

• Ensure a garden hose or a bucket ofwater is within immediate reach.

• Never attempt to relight malfunc-tioning or “dud” fireworks. Wait 15-20minutes and then douse with water.

• Never allow children to light fire-works under any circumstance, and keepyour pets indoors.

• Never throw or point fireworks at

other people.• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.• Never shoot fireworks from metal

or glass containers.• Be sure to have a phone nearby and

brush up on first aid for burns just in case.The freedom to celebrate is one of our

greatest freedoms. Plan your celebra-tions safely and responsibly so you canenjoy that freedom for years to come. Formore information, contact your unit safetyrepresentative or the Academy Safety staffat 333-3205.

Courtesy Photo

Bronze Star License Plate Bill author,retired Air Force Master Sgt. JosephDuffy (left) and Colorado BenefitsManagement Director John Witwerattend Governor Bill Owens signingthe bill in Denver earlier this month.

By Butch WehryAcademy Spirit staff

With national election season approaching, AirForce legal officials offer reminders on the do’s anddon’ts governing political activities.

For example Airmen can write a letter to theeditor of a newspaper expressing personal viewsconcerning public issues, if those views do not attemptto promote a partisan political cause like endorsinga particular candidate or cause, advises Maj. Gen. JackRives, Air Force Judge Advocate.

Active duty people and employees may also writea personal letter, to include e-mail, not for publica-tion, expressing preference for a specific political

candidate or cause, if its not part of an organizedletter-writing campaign on behalf of a partisan polit-ical cause or candidate.

Military people may not use official authority orinfluence to interfere with an election, to influence itscourse or outcome, to solicit votes for a particular candi-date or issue, or to require or solicit political contri-butions from others.

When senior leaders write to family, close friendsand peers, they should consider personal communi-cation as off icial and likely to be perceived aswielding official authority or influence. Air Forcemembers may not solicit or otherwise engage infund-raising activities in federal offices or facilities,including military installations, for a partisan polit-

ical cause or candidate.The use of facilities includes using government

e-mail or other official channels of communication.“While you may not give campaign contributions

directly to a candidate, you may make monetarycontributions to a political organization or politicalcommittee favoring a particular candidate or slate ofcandidates, subject to limitations under federal elec-tion laws,” read the general’s message.

Political activities by Air Force members may berestricted in order to reach the goal of a politicallyneutral military establishment through avoidance ofpartisan politics.

For more information, call (703) 697-5134 orDSN 227-5134


Academy, UT, China are workshop partners

By Butch WehryAcademy Spirit staff

An Academy scientist savored thevery new and old in China earlier thismonth.

The Academy and the University ofTexas at Austin collaborated withShanghai’s Jiao Tong University for theDistributed Learning andCollaboration’s Symposium on Theory,Research and Practice June 6-9.

“The DLAC symposium is new andunique in many ways.” said Maj. DanielBranan, a scientist and 15-year AirForce veteran who teaches core chem-istry.

The symposium brought togetherexperts from around the world in avariety of areas that all have distancelearning or distance collaboration as acommon thread,” said the officer whois the Academy’s Institute forInformation Technology Application’sAir Expeditionary Force Researchdirector, Center for Research onLearning and Teaching director, and anassistant Chemistry professor.

The prestigious university is oneof the top five universities in China.

Forty representatives from 13 coun-tries were there.

An eclectic mix“This eclectic mix of experts ranged

in experience from new researchers inpost-doctoral positions to those withmany years of experience, some ofwhom are pioneers in this exciting andimportant field,” said Major Branan.

The symposium mixed new andexperienced researchers from devel-oped and developing countries to fosterinternational and intranational researchcollaborations to benefit the growingfield of distance learning and collabo-ration.

“The list of potential collaborativeefforts is growing. We are already plan-ning at least four follow-on symposia

in Germany, England, Boulder, Colo.,and Singapore,” he said.

One major idea discussed among theparticipants was the opportunity to use,for international collaborative research,the state-of-the-art distributed learninglaboratory that has been built by Dr.Rumien Shen at the Shanghai Jiao TongUniversity.

“The primary focus of the Chinesedistributed learning effort is to reachlarge numbers of students with a rela-tively small number of faculty,” saidthe major. “They are talking aboutstudent to teacher ratios of as much as10,000:1, which is mind-boggling toWestern educators, but is a reality inAsia.”

Jiao Tong infrasturctureTo research ways of accomplishing

this, Dr. Shen put together an infra-structure at Jiao Tong, integratingdirectly with China Telecom and lever-aging the latest in technological inno-vations.

The major described himself as a“neophyte” to the field of educationalresearch.

“I gained a valuable insight to thewide variety of important factors andconcepts involved, specifically thoserelated to the area of distance learningand teaching,” he said.

The consensus of the attendees wasthat the symposium was intellectuallystimulating and useful in generatingcross-talk and collaborations, said theAcademy scientist and instructor.

The major was the “master of cere-monies” for the symposium.

“I’ve had several kind commentsfrom several participants that it was thesmoothest and best organized and oper-ated symposium they had ever attended,”said the Academy attendee. They wereastonished that we kept so many distin-guished experts and professors in orclose to their allotted speaking time ina very tightly packed agenda.”

It was the seasoned instructor’s firstvisit to China.

“Although China is roughly thesame geographic size as the U.S., andeven though they have five times thepopulation, I was frankly surprised at

the large amount of open space andcountryside,” Major Branan said.“Driving through the countryside to the‘small town’ of Hangzhou, about thesize of Denver, we saw mile after mileof rice paddies and farms being workedmanually. Even in Shanghai, a city of17 million people, I never felt crowdedor jostled, as I have when I have visitedother large cities like New York andTokyo.”

He was particularly impressed withthe courtesy and work ethic displayed

by the many graduate students and post-doctorates who arranged the visitorstransportation, accommodations andcomfort.

Little wonder.“We stayed at what was formerly

Mao Zedong’s off icial retreat inHangzhou and is still used to entertainforeign dignitaries,” said the Academytraveler. “We were treated with cour-tesy and efficiency the entire time andwere fed like royalty at many fine restau-rants.”

Political do’s and don’ts for AF people

Courtesy photo

Academy scientist, Maj. Daniel Branan (right) and a fellow member of theDistributed Learning and Collaboration’s Symposium on Theory, Researchand Practice, pause at a Shanghai market.

Far Eastsymposium targetsdistance learning



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Airmen train Soldiers for protection missionBy Master Sgt. Andrew Gates407th Air Expeditionary Group PublicAffairs

ALI BASE, Iraq (AFPN) — Airmenfrom the 407th Expeditionary SecurityForces Squadron here have found them-selves performing a unique mission inthe last month — providing training to 164Soldiers.

“It wasn’t so much training as (itwas) refreshing their skills and lettingthem know some specifics aboutprotecting Ali Base and the people onit,” said Tech. Sgt. Scott Morris, 407thESFS lead trainer.

The 164 Soldiers from the 528thQuartermaster Company are assumingthe Ali protection mission performed bythe 407th ESFS. In July, Soldiers startpatrolling in and outside the base perimeterto look for possible attacks and protect thesurrounding area. This training gave theSoldiers the tools and techniques theyneed to perform this mission safely,Sergeant Morris said.

Soldiers started with 12 days of class-room training, developed by a team of foursecurity forces experts. The classroom,actually various structures and open fields,connected 20 Soldiers with experts in anumber of force protection areas.

“I had the training background tomap out the course, and we had 12 high-

quality instructors,” Sergeant Morris said. One of those instructors is a member

of the Vermont Air National Guard anda teacher in his civilian life.

“This was a very welcomed oppor-tunity,” said Staff Sgt. Alexander Foryan.“I am very proud and honored to be a partof this. These elements have great squadleaders and excellent Soldiers.”

The first six days of training coveredbasic information, Sergeant Morris said.

“We were refreshing the Soldiers’(knowledge) on challenging, entry controlprocedures, area searches, medevac reportsand the like, while letting them know thetools and techniques that worked for uswhile we have been assigned to Ali,”Sergeant Morris said. “For the most part,we are allowing team leaders and flightsergeants to do the training. They trainthemselves and we assist them by tellingthem Ali-specific information.”

The next two days of training focusedon weapons and processes that Soldierswill need on patrol. The last four days oftraining focused on battle drills.

“During a battle drill, we present theSoldiers with specific issues — say animprovised explosive device or someoneattempting to run the gate — and seehow they react,” Sergeant Morris said.

The instruction was quite helpful,said Army Staff Sgt. Tusi Leuluai.

“This training has helped us a lot to

prepare for our upcoming mission,” hesaid. “These guys are very knowledgeableabout training and are making the tran-sition very smooth. This is the third timeI have worked with Air Force securityforces. They know their stuff and arealways on the top of their game. It is reas-suring to know that we were getting trainedby them.”

Sergeant Leuluai enjoyed the indi-vidual and team tactics of the training.

“That benefits both the Air Force andthe Army, especially the Soldiers whoare carrying on the mission,” he said.

After the classroom portion, Soldiers

spend two weeks getting “right-seat” rideswith experienced patrols, Sergeant Morrissaid. When that is done, Soldiers will beready to take over the base protectionmission.

The 407th Expeditionary CivilEngineer Squadron and the 407thExpeditionary Communication Squadronalso assisted with training.

“We got a lot of support from civilengineers,” Sergeant Morris said. “Theybuilt our facilities and some training mate-rials for us. We also got a lot of help fromthe communications squadron who got usour telephone and network connections.”

Photo by Master Sgt. Andrew Gates

Airman 1st Class Shasta Williams and Army Sgt. Jonathan Roberson inven-tory equipment before heading out on a patrol at Ali Base, Iraq, June 16.


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Academy gradtakes reigns of

Space CommandBy Capt. Karim RateyAir Force Space Command Public Affairs

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE,Colo. (AFPN) — Gen. Kevin P. Chiltonassumed command of Air Force SpaceCommand in a ceremony here Monday,presided over by Air Force Chief ofStaff Gen. T. Michael Moseley.

Current and former national defenseleaders, active and retired senior offi-cers, community leaders and active-duty servicemembers gathered at theparade field here to welcome AFSPC’snewest commander. He succeeded Gen.Lance W. Lord who retired April 1.

General Chilton is the first astro-naut to earn a fourth star. He pinned onthe rank of general in a promotion cere-mony the morning of his assumption ofcommand.

The general is a 1976 distinguishedgraduate of the Academy. He is acommand astronaut pilot with morethan 5,000 flight hours.

In his speech, General Moseleyillustrated General Chilton’s capabili-ties to lead the command.

“There is no one better prepared tolead Air Force Space Command todaythan General Kevin “Chili” Chilton.Chili, you’re a great commander, a greatAirman, a great leader, a great astronaut— you know air and space power firsthand. You understand the needs, thenuances of command, and you knowthe challenges ahead of us as an air andspace force,” General Moseley said.

General Chilton said he was excitedand humbled to lead a “fantastic team”of total force military, civilian andcontractors who deliver Air Force spacecapabilities for the defense of the nation.

“This command really is uniquecompared to every other majorcommand, in my opinion,” said GeneralChilton. “I’m talking about the uniquefact that every operational unit of thiscommand is CHOP’d (change of oper-

ational control) to our nation’scombatant commander for space (U.S.Strategic Command). We are in thefight, 24-7, 365 days a year.”

General Chilton spoke briefly aboutupgrading the Minuteman interconti-nental ballistic missiles, prompt globalstrike, responsive space capabilities andbringing improved situational aware-ness and command-and-control toolsto teammates who deliver space capa-bilities to the fight.

He also spoke about AFSPC assetsbeing an “invisible force.”

The planet’s most powerful strategicdeterrent, the ICBM, exists out of sight,below the ground. The bits and bytes thattransmit weather, warning, communica-tions and navigation are transmittedthrough the ether to the end user, andthe satellites are out of sight, but not outof mind, General Chilton said.

“To tell you the truth, I kind of likethe idea of being invisible and powerfuland that is exactly what you are,”General Chilton said to the men andwomen of AFSPC. “You are the powerbehind this great force.”

General Chilton said his commit-ment will be to remain focused on organ-izing, training and equipping thecommand to provide the asymmetricadvantage Airmen bring to today’s fight.

General Chilton joined the NationalAeronautics and Space Administrationin 1987. At NASA he flew three spaceshuttle missions on Space ShuttlesAtlantis and Endeavor and served asthe deputy program manager for oper-ations for the International Space Stationprogram.

He now leads nearly 40,000 spaceand missile professionals who providecombat forces and capabilities toUSSTRATCOM and North AmericanAerospace Defense Command. GeneralChilton is responsible for the develop-ment, acquisition and operation of theAir Force’s space and missile systems.

Photo by Duncan Wood

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley congratulates ’76 Academygraduate Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, commander of Air Force Space Command,on receiving his fourth star at a ceremony Monday.

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Raheem Moore

Gen. Kevin P. Chilton, commander of Air Force Space Command, shares acelebratory moment with his mother, Shirley Chilton, during his assumptionof command ceremony Monday at Peterson Air Force Base, Colo.


Deployed Airmen provide blood pipelineBy Tech. Sgt. Chuck Marsh U.S. Central Command Air Forces Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) — It is the job of the379th Expeditionary Medical Group’s ExpeditionaryBlood Transshipment System to ensure lifesaving blood,plasma and cryoprecipitate (the part of the blood that aidsin clotting) get from the States to the forward operatingbases.

“All blood comes through here thanks to the airliftcapabilities available,” said Capt. Scott Corey, U.S. CentralCommand area joint blood program officer

“Each week, we receive shipments from the ArmedServices Whole Blood Processing Laboratory,” CaptainCorey said. “We break down the pallets, take inventoryand distribute the blood and plasma to forward operatinglocations.”

Since 9/11, the EBTS team has handled and shippedmore than 76,000 red blood cell units and more than27,000 fresh frozen plasma units for Soldiers, Sailors,Airmen and Marines in need at forward deployed loca-tions.

The down range locations include Balad Air Base,Iraq, and Bagram AB, Afghanistan, which receive theblood at pre-positioned blood supply units. They, in turn,redistribute the blood to forward operating bases undertheir watch. The EBTS troops also resupply southernIraq, the Horn of Africa and any Navy vessels in thePersian Gulf.

“The people at the EBTS don’t get to see the resultsof their hard work, but I can assure them, as a nurse, theyare doing a lot of good,” said Maj. Debbie McKitrick, 379thEMDG nurse and volunteer plasma package inspector.“This is a huge deal to patients down range coming inwith major injuries, especially amputations.”

According to Navy Lt. David Koch, the forwardblood program officer for the U.S. Central Commandsurgeon general, the blood is donated by military members,family members and anyone who can get on a militaryinstallation.

“We get boxes full of (blood, plasma and cryopre-cipitate),” said Captain Corey who, along with the otherfour EBTS members, is deployed from Elmendorf AirForce Base, Alaska.

“We receive the pallets and separate them betweenthe frozen plasma and the refrigerated blood,” CaptainCorey said. “We check the temperatures and ensurethey’re between the ranges necessary for the product. Wealso check the plastic covering to ensure there are no breaksor cuts in it. When traveling at roughly -18 degreesCelsius, the plastic gets very brittle and is easily break-able. If we miss any breaks and doctors chose that unitand there is a hole, the contents will just run out and theywill have wasted about 30 to 45 minutes of the patient’sprecious time.”

Each week, the EBTS people typically receive between1,200 and 1,800 units from the laboratory. When traveling,the plasma is kept at least at a cool -18 degrees Celsiuswith the help of dry ice, and the blood hovers at a balmy1 to 6 degrees Celsius.

Within 24 hours, the blood has been inventoried andis awaiting transport down range, an important turn-around due to the blood’s life span of only 42 days.

“I didn’t know moving blood was such a high priority,”said Airman 1st Class Rachel Castaneda, the logisticianof the EBTS. “When I think about it though, I’d ratherhave a busy day here than not have the blood to send downrange to the folks who need it.”

When the blood supply gets low, hospitals have twochoices. They can take supplies from another base, which

is not encouraged, or they can take emergency whole blooddonations. At certain bases, there are pre-registered peoplewho are designated and are called to go donate when ina pinch, Captain Corey said.

“The supplies go to taking care of multi-nationalcoalition forces, Iraqi local nationals and even insur-gents,” Captain Corey said. “There is no discriminationwhen it comes to who gets the blood.”

Photo by Tech Sgt. Chuck Marsh

Capt. Scott Corey sorts through the blood unitsthat have arrived at the 379th ExpeditionaryMedical Group’s Expeditionary Blood Transship-ment System at a forward operating base inSouthwest Asia.


Airmen teach Afghans skills to rebuild By Master Sgt. Orville Desjarlais Jr.455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

QALAT, Afghanistan (AFPN) —Saeed graduated from a Qalat ProvincialReconstruction Team trade school eightmonths ago after learning carpentry andplumbing skills.

Recently, the PRT trade school’smission of teaching life skills to the peopleof Afghanistan compelled Saeed to returnto the school, not as a student, but as ateacher of an electrical installation class.

“I’m training others so they can workfor their country, to help serve their

country,” Saeed said. Afghanistan National Army soldier

Sgt. Abdulrawof is at the PRT learninglifesaving emergency medical care becauseof his nation’s lack of nurses and physicians.

After 25 years of war, the people ofAfghanistan have had little chance to getan education. The Qalat PRT recognizedthis need and began offering courses in lifeskills that can help re-build the village ofQalat and spur economic growth. As ofMay, 141 students have graduated from thetrade school.

“We’re mentoring Afghans so theycan increase Afghan business,” said Lt. Col.

Kevin McGlaughlin, the Qalat PRTcommander.

Today, the courses have expanded toinclude basic computer operations, Afghanrug weaving, automobile mechanics,welding, carpentry, plumbing, construc-tion, electrical installation, emergencymedical technician training, nursing andan agricultural extension program.

Graduates earn a certificate of comple-tion, a basic starter tool set and instruc-tional materials they can use to get a jobor start a business.

Local national and coalition forcesteach the classes that range from 15 to 35students. Airmen offer assistance asmentors. When there are no Afghans avail-able to teach a course, Airmen becomeinstructors. PRT officials said the goal isto have all the classes taught by Afghans.

“We’re giving them the skills theyneed,” said instructor Staff Sgt. MichaelBall, an emergency medical techniciandeployed from Pope Air Force Base, N.C.

Sergeant Ball teaches emergencymedical care to Afghan army soldiers.

“These ANA medics come intocontact with the Taliban just about everynight,” Sergeant Ball said.

“It is important for us to learn theseskills for the local people. We have fewdoctors, and now we can help our peopleif we need to,” said Sergeant Abdulrawof,a student of Sergeant Ball’s.

The Qalat PRT offers more than just

life-skills training, they also promote goodgovernance and facilitate reconstructionand economic growth by working with thegovernor on local projects. One way to dothat is to build roads to increase tradebetween villages and countries.

“It’s all dirt roads and goat trails. It’smountainous and difficult to get around,”the colonel said. “We also want to buildroads so (the local people) can get tohospitals.”

Other projects include bridges, roads,police stations and schools.

As of May, the PRT has safelyventured 284 times where danger lurksoutside the wire.

“It hasn’t been a walk in the park,”Sergeant Ball said. “There are Taliban outthere who harass us. It’s a challenge, butI enjoy it.”

Recently, that harassment came in theway of an attack. Earlier this month,extremists launched a mortar at the PRTcompound, carving a U-shaped hole atthe top of an inside wall. But that didn’tdeter them from their mission.

“I enjoy and believe in the missionwe’re doing here,” Sergeant Ball said. “Ithink we’re giving the people ofAfghanistan the skills they need to rebuildtheir country.”

Plans call for the Qalat PRT to beturned over to the International SecurityAssistance Forces. When that happens,Romania is scheduled to lead the team.

Photo by Senior Airman Brian Ferguson

Saeed explains the components of an electrical box to Afghan students atthe Qalat Provincial Reconstruction Team’s Trade School June 12. Theinstructors teach local Afghans skills they can use to get jobs and helprebuild their country. Saeed is a former plumbing and carpentry trade schoolstudent who returned eight months ago to teach at the school.


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AF names top 12 AirmenRANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN)

— Air Force officials have selected the service’s topenlisted members, naming the 12 Outstanding Airmenof the Year for 2006.

An Air Force selection board at the Air ForcePersonnel Center here considered 33 nominees whorepresented major commands, direct reporting units,field operating agencies and air staff agencies. Theboard convened in May and selected the 12 based onsuperior leadership, job performance and personalachievements.

The nominees are authorized to wear theOutstanding Airman of the Year ribbon, while the 12winners will wear the bronze service star device onthe ribbon. The winners will also wear the OutstandingAirman Badge for one year from the date of formalpresentation.

The winners are: Senior Master Sgt. Michael Lemke, F.E. Warren AirForce Base, Wyo.Senior Master Sgt. Henry Parker III, Lajes Air Base,AzoresMaster Sgt. Renee Williams, Robins AFB, Ga.Tech. Sgt. Bradley Reilly, Hurlburt Field, Fla.Tech. Sgt. Billy Tramel Jr., Hill AFB, UtahStaff Sgt. Timothy Bishop, Andrews AFB, Md.Staff Sgt. Daniel Dierickx, Klamath Falls, Ore.Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Hansen, Holloman AFB, N.M.Staff Sgt. David Plachno, Andrews AFBSenior Airman Polly-Jan Bobseine, Moody AFB, Ga.Senior Airman Eric Pena, Travis AFB, Calif.Senior Airman Elizabeth Sewell, Vance AFB, Okla.

The 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year will behonored during the Air Force Association Air and

Space Conference and Technology Exposition inWashington, D.C., in September. They’ll also serveon the AFA’s enlisted advisory council next year.

SGLI premium changes July 1WASHINGTON (AFPN) — The monthly premium

rate for basic Servicemember’s Group Life Insuranceincreases by 5 cents per month for each $10,000 ofcoverage, from 65 cents per month per $10,000 to 70cents per month per $10,000, effective Saturday. On thesame date, family SGLI premiums will decrease acrossthe board.

The most recent SGLI premium change occurredin July 2003, when the monthly premium rate for basicSGLI was reduced from 80 cents per $10,000 of insur-ance to 65 cents per $10,000. That change was madeto reduce surplus reserve funds in the program.

A small increase in the SGLI premium rate is nownecessary for the program to remain in sound finan-cial condition, while covering the cost of peacetimeclaims. The cost of wartime SGLI claims is borne bythe uniformed services, not by servicemembers.

As a result of this increase, members who have themaximum $400,000 of SGLI coverage will see theirmonthly SGLI deduction from service pay increase by$2 a month, from $27 to $29, beginning with their Julypay. This monthly SGLI premium includes a $1 permonth charge for traumatic injury protection coverage,which took effect Dec. 1 and provides payments of upto $100,000 for serious traumatic injuries.

Also Saturday, family SGLI monthly premiumrates will be reduced for all age groups by an averageof 10 percent. The new rates reflect better-than-expectedclaims experience for each age group in the familySGLI program.

Electronic claims boostTRICARE benefit

FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AFPN) — TRICAREbeneficiaries with other health insurance no longerhave to file paper claims for prescriptions filled atmost retail pharmacies. Retail pharmacists can imme-diately submit electronic claims to TRICARE whenbeneficiaries purchase medications.

“It is a great example of how collaboration withour pharmacy contractor significantly enhances ourpharmacy program,” said Army Maj. Gen. ElderGranger, deputy director, TRICARE ManagementActivity. “This new process will significantly reducethe hassle factor for our beneficiaries.”

Beneficiaries may still submit paper claims frompharmacies that do not yet participate in this newsystem.

Previously, TRICARE paid claims for benefici-aries with other health insurance through a manualprocess. TRICARE required the beneficiary to maila claim form and their receipt to Express ScriptsInc., the pharmacy contractor.

The new process allows a pharmacy to receiveTRICARE’s payment before requesting a copaymentfrom the beneficiary. In many instances, the benefi-ciary can leave the pharmacy with less out-of-pocketexpenses and no requirement to file a claim.

Beneficiaries and pharmacies are pleased with theprogram.

“The ability to coordinate TRICARE claims hasbeen very positive for our pharmacy,” said Joe Amaro,a pharmacist at Allen Drugs in Jones County, N.C.“Our customers are grateful when we inform them thatthey don’t have to fill out any paperwork.”

Missed last weeks issue? You can find the Spirit online at csmng.com

Academy Spirit 17June 30, 2006 FEATURE16

Next class joins the long blue lineBy Eddie Kovsky Academy Spirit staff

“Wave goodbye. From now on you are basiccadets.”

These were the words the cadet cadre used towelcome the class of 2010 into the Academy Thursdaymorning.

Cadre drilled the basics on the bus ride onto theHill and reminded them of the challenge and theresponsibility they have taken on.

“Welcome to basic cadet training, the first step tobecoming officers in the best air and space force in theworld,” continued the cadet cadre member. “One daythe choices you make will determine if people live ordie. This is the first step to learning how to make thosechoices.

“We are not just a service academy. We are theAcademy, the top of the last standing superpower. Wewill not accept anything but the best. Class of 2010,you have the ability to become great. It’s up to you. Butyou have a long way to go. If you are not a person ofintegrity, stay on my bus. If you are not willing to makethe ultimate sacrifice, stay on my bus.”

Parents, some tearful, some joyous, crowdedaround the north stairs of Doolittle Hall to see theirsons and daughters march out over the ChallengeBridge and waved goodbye as the cadre corralled themonto the buses that would take them to the Hill.

“Our daughter is a sophomore at the Academy, sowe did this last year,” said father Bruce Guzowski, ofTiffin, Ohio. “There’s a little less trepidation. Our sonPeter had the idea this was where he wanted to go, butour daughter got here first. My father was in the ArmyAir Corps, and my older brother is a ’74 grad. I retiredin ’94 from Air Force ROTC. Seeing my brother andkids go here, this is definitely the premier place to be.It’s the best preparation for Air Fore officers.”

The 1,352 members of the class of 2010 arecomprised of 1,075 men and 277 women. Womenaccount for 20.5 percent of the class, which is thelargest number of women entering basic cadet trainingin Academy history and the largest percentage ofwomen in any Academy class. The class includes 19international cadets, and forty-eight appointees who areprior-Air Force enlisted members. Approximately 633

in the new class have met the potential medical qualifi-cations to attend flight school.

“We’re excited about welcoming the class of 2010,”said Col. William Carpenter, director of admissions.“We‘re really excited about young people stepping upto serve their nation and embrace our core values. It’snice to continue to see such a strong interest in theservice academies. The four year Academy experience,starting with basic training, will offer wonderful oppor-tunities and challenges as they’re groomed to be offi-cers of character.

“This promises to be one of the most diverseclasses in Academy history,” said the colonel. “Notonly do we have 19 international students for the fouryear program, but several from first time countries. Theclass also has the highest number of women inAcademy history and the most diverse class for raceand ethnicity.”

Today was the last time these appointees would getto see their families until the end of basic training.

“We had a nice breakfast, and now I’m just tryingto relax and calm down before it begins,” said basiccadet James Godfrey. “I don’t really know what’s goingto happen, so I guess that’s where the nervousnesscomes from. I’m just going to take it one day at a time.”

His parents, including his six siblings, traveledfrom Quincy, Ill., to see him off.

“Both my husband and I are retired military, so weknow all about basic training,” said his mother Therese.“It’s just hard to let go of the first born.”

“He’s been part of the family almost 20 years now,so it’s hard,” said his father William. “He’s doing some-thing that he wants to do and something that I think isvery worthwhile, but we’re going to miss him.”

For many, it’s the prospect of manned flight thatfirst captures the imagination and fuels their desire tocome to the Academy.

“I wanted to be a pilot,” said basic cadet KirkFingaman. “The more I looked into it, the more I gotinterested in joining the military.”

“Neither of us have been in the military, so wedon’t know what’s going on,” said Cathy Fingaman.“We feel fairly comfortable, and our son is ready to go.I’m excited for him, it’s a real challenge. It required alot of effort to get accepted, and we were glad to seehim accept that challenge.”

After saying goodbye to their families, the basicswere bused into the cadet area for medical processing,haircuts, clothing and equipment issue and squadronand dormitory room assignments. After they finish the38 days of basic cadet training, the basic cadetappointees will officially become cadets and join thecadet wing.

The first 22 days of basic cadet training isconducted within the cadet area. On July 21, the newbasics march to Jacks Valley for the field trainingportion of BCT.

Photo by Joel Strayer

Basic cadet JamieDaugherty says good-bye to her sister Jenin Doolittle Hall.

Photo by Dennis Rogers

Basic Cadet Adrian Haywasgets a haircut before basiccadet training begins.

Photo by Dave Armer

Cadre hurry basic cadets off the bus as soonas they arrive in the cadet area.

Photo by Dave Armer

Basic cadets line up below the Core Values Ramp and await instructions from the cadre before continuing toinprocess.

Photo by Joel Strayer

A basic cadet works to maintain her bear-ing while a cadre member gives her cor-rections.


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YOUR SERVICE GOT OUR ATTENTION

10-year-old a hero to many GI kidsBy Butch WehryAcademy Spirit staff

A 10-year-old child whoattended the Falcon SummerSports Camp has sent nearly16,000 care packages valued atmore than $145,000 to militarypeople around the world.

She’s Bailey Reese, founderof Hero Hugs an organizationcentered around a bear shemade.

Dressed in militaryclothing, the bear’s name is“Hero.” It’s on display at theBalad Air Base safety office inIraq.

The bear has traveled a lot.“Soldiers started sending

her photos of Hero in Iraq, andthe adventures of Hero havebeen seen by children all overthe country and shows themwhat life is really like for mostof our Soldiers serving there,”said Ms. Diana Reese, Bailey’smother. “Letters have poured in from parents, thanking herbecause Hero eases their appre-hensions and fears the childrenhave. She found a way to helpmilitary kids.”

After Hero served a two-and-one half year deployment in

Iraq, some military people,including Academy graduates,felt the bear deserved some restand relaxation. They broughtthe bear to Bailey.

The girl from Niceville,Fla., was presented somenational awards, includingbeing guest of honor with Heroat Disney World’s Main StreetParade.

Bailey and Hero had theirpicture taken with Lt. Gen. JohnRegni, Academy Superinten-dent, June 22. She explainedwhat she did for the troops andhow she got the idea. She toldthe general about Hero and thescrap book of his journey. They talked about the time thebear spent in the desert and itsR&R.

Bailey’s www.HeroHugs.org Web page tells much of thestory.

“Our Heroes... AmericanSoldiers! American soldiers aremen and women who serve theircountry with pride and honor,”it reads.

“They often leave theirhomes, families and friends andgo to far away places to makethe world a better place for kidseverywhere just like us! They

are sons and daughters,husbands and wives, andperhaps most importantly,moms and dads.

“Our American Soldiers areordinary people who take onextraordinary tasks. They arealways willing to serve andprotect no matter when orwhere that may be. OurSoldiers deserve to know weappreciate them and the sacri-fice they make for our countryand our world, even when wedon’t agree with what they werecalled to do.

“Our mission is to makesure as many Soldiers aspossible know someone backhome is thinking of thembecause... Every hero deservesa hug!”

“Eventually, Hero will finda home in a museum,” saidBailey’s mother. “Several havealready made requests for thebear and his journal and belong-ings.”

Bailey’s Web site has a linkto the Operation IraqiFriendship Web site, which hasgenerated more than $70,000worth of school supplies andtoys for soldiers to pass out toIraqi children.

Courtesy Photo

Hero Hugs founder 10-year-old Bailey Reese (right)with her creation, Hero, and HH vice presidentJohannah Woofe. Bailey attended the FalconSummer Sports Camps and made a visit to Lt. Gen.John Regni, Academy Superintendent.

Academy SpiritJune 30, 2006SPORTS20

Academic All-MWC Air Force had 64 student-

athletes earn Mountain WestConference academic all-conference honors for thespring semester. The confer-ence recognized 731 student-athletes. To be eligible forselection, student-athletesmust have completed at leastone academic term at themember institution, whilemaintaining a cumulativegrade point average of 3.0 orbetter, and be a starter orsignificant contributor on theirathletic team.

Twenty-four swimmersand divers, 23 track and fieldathletes, seven tennis players,four golfers, four baseballplayers and two basketballplayers made the grade for theFalcons.

BYU led the way with168 named to the team,followed by New Mexico(105), UNLV (90), ColoradoState (77), Wyoming (68),Utah (63), TCU (59) and SanDiego State (37).

The Perez watch Air Force defensive

lineman Gilberto Perez is onthe Watch List for the 2006Lott Trophy. Named afterNational Football League Hallof Fame defender Ronnie Lott,the trophy is awarded tocollege football’s DefensiveImpact Player of the Year. Nowin its third year, The LottTrophy is the first college foot-ball award to equally recognizethe athletic performance andthe personal character attrib-utes of the player.

Perez led the Falcons intackles for losses last seasonwith 9.5 before being injuredlate in the year. He was anhonorable mention all-confer-ence selection. The award isgiven to the player who exhibitsthe same characteristics Lottembodied during his distin-guished career: integrity, matu-rity, performance, academics,community and tenacity. Thewinner will be announced at agala black-tie banquet at thePacific Club Dec. 10.

New addressThe Academy athletic

Web site airforcesports.com ischanging to goairforcefalcons.com starting Saturday. TheWeb site contains informationabout the athletic departmentand its 27-sport intercollegiateathletic programs. The newWeb site name is active and canbe bookmarked for the transi-tion.

Arena Grappling grad brings passion to matBy Dylan Laurie16th SOW Public Affairs

HURLBURT FIELD, Fla.— There is a self-defense classhere that’s flying under theradar. But, for those passing bythe classroom while it’s insession, there’s no way to escapethe hard-hitting action as oppo-nents spar for nothing morethan bragging rights, which isan earned privilege.

John Lance, of the AirForce Special OperationsCommand HeadquartersExercise Plans Division, is thevolunteer instructor and founderof the class. A background inhigh school wrestling led himto wrestling intramurals at theAir Force Academy for fouryears.

While he was stationed atKirtland Air Force Base, N.M.,he got involved in submissionwrestling and mixed martialarts, similar to televised ulti-mate fighting competitions.

“I got into it from talkingto a pararescuer when I wasstationed in Korea,” said Lance,a ’92 Academy grad. “A lot ofthe guys doing it were combatcontrollers and pararescuers.When I was assigned here, Inoticed these guys didn’t reallyhave a training class.

“The Marine Corps and theArmy have their mixed martialarts program,” Lance added.

“The Air Force doesn’t haveanything for those guys. They’reembedded with Special Forces,U.S. Navy SEALS, MarineForce Reconnaissance – thosetypes of units. I told thecommander of the 23rd SpecialTactics Squadron ‘I’ll keep itsafe – I’m not going to get yourguys hurt so they can’t deploy.’”

It developed into a struc-tured session from there.

Lance says it’s not neces-sary to have any wrestling ormartial arts experience.

“It’s actually easier to teachsomeone who doesn’t knowanything,” Lance said, “becausethey don’t have any bad habits.

“When I first started doingthis, I had the habit of flippingover on my stomach and basingout (assuming a flat positionon the mat),” Lance said.“That’s the worst thing you cando because someone can geton your back and put a choke-hold on you and make you tapout.

“I must have tapped out100 times the first class and100 times after that because ofthat reflex,” he said. “It was abad reflex that I had to get beatout of me.”

Although it may seemharsh, Lance admits this type ofteaching method worked forhim and put him in position tolearn from some of the best inthe sport.

“I’ve done submission-grappling competitions outwest, such as Grapplers Questand went to Brazilian jujitsutournaments,” Lance said. “Iused to train with guys who areprofessional f ighters now;Diego Sanchez, Keith Jardine,all these guys who have been onnational television. Those weremy buddies I used to go to LosAngeles, Las Vegas andOklahoma City to competewith.”

For now, he’s content to bea source of inspiration andinformation to anyone willingto learn.

“I’ll train them and teachthem what I know,” Lance said.“That way when they deploy,they’ll at least have a fairlydecent base in f ighting,ground-f ighting, all these

different things. “With these guys though, it

is strictly to help them out,” headded. “There is a sports sideto it, but if you’re reallyfighting, this is what you wantto do. We try to keep it prettyrealistic, but you’ve got to doit safely.

“It’s kind of a paradox,”Lance said, “If you train overand over safely, but at full speed,you actually become moredeadly than if you pretend to dothe deadly stuff.”

Steve Spanovich, from theAFSOC Headquarters ExercisePlans Division, has participatedin this kind of wrestling off andon for more than five years. Hegot back into it after tearinghis anterior cruciate ligamentwhile wrestling with a largeropponent.

“Now I’m getting older andit takes longer to recover,”Spanovich said. “But, if youcan lick a 20-year-old everyonce in a while, it does a lot foryour ego.”

Photos by Dylan Laurie

’92 Academy grad John Lance, in battle dress uniform,grapples with Steve Spanovich, both from Headquarters AirForce Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Fla.


INTERCOLLEGIATETrack and FieldJune 23 at Indianapolis, Ind.U.S. Track and Field ChampionshipsDana Pounds (javelin 183’9”) 2nd

INTRAMURALSoftballNorth W LMDG#1 9 2TRW 6 2Comm 5 4306FTG 4 6DRU 3 6DF 2 8

South W LJ&J 8 1AH 8 3SFS 6 3CES 7 4MDG#2 4 7DFMS* 0 16*Forfeited from league

June 22Comm won by forfeit DFMS

MDG #1 24 MDG #2 2

SFS 18 306 FTG 8

June 26All games cancelled due to DFMS with-drawal

June 27Comm 19 MDG #2 14

CES 7 DRU 6 (8 innings)

CES 19 306 FTG 13

June 28AH 19 DF 7

306 FTG 12 AH 8

J&J 17 MDG #1 7

June 29Games played after press time.

GolfThrough June 14Division 1 PointsMaintenance #1 7.534 TRW 7Comm #1 5.5DFM 4.5306 FTG 4DFEG 3DFC 3MDG #1 2.5MDG #4 1

Division 2 PointsMaintenance #2 9.598 FTS 6MDG #2 6MDG #3 5DFBL 4 DFMS 3.5DFMI 3LGR 3Comm #2 0

ScoreboardFiremen heat up for stretch run

By Wayne AmannAcademy Spirit Editor

For inconsistent teams thequestion is which team willshow up?

For the 10th Civil EngineerSquadron, a.k.a. the FireDepartment, the question is willits 24/7 duty commitment allowits whole team to show up?

The firemen responded infull force Tuesday night bysweeping a doubleheader, 7-6over the Direct Reporting Unitin extra innings and 19-13 overthe 306th Flying TrainingGroup, in the nightcap on Field#1.

The twin wins improvedCES to 7-4 on the season, aftera 2-4 start, and moved themwithin one game of theDirectorate of Athletics, 8-3,for second place and the lastplayoff spot in the SouthDivision of the AcademyIntramural Softball League. AHsplit two games Wednesdaynight prior to press time.

“Manning is the key forus,” CES left centerf ielderDennis Russ said. “We’remanned 24 hours per day. Oncewe get our regular team, we’vegot a really good chance ofputting something togetherdown the stretch.”

The Fire Departmentanswered the bell when itmattered most against DRU.With the score tied, 7-7, afterseven innings, CES third

baseman Lance Gore led offthe eighth with a towering homerun to center field. The walk offblast was the third solo homerof the game by the firemen.Russ and Ken Helgerson hitback-to-back solo jacks in thesecond inning.

Conventional slow pitchsoftball wisdom says it’s muchmore productive going for thelong ball with runners on base,due to the five home run-limitrule.

“When we hit solo homeruns we have to buy refresh-ments for the rest of the team,”Russ said. “But, they’re betterthan pop ups. Every runcounted in that game so itworked out. Lance took careof it for us.”

CES rode that momentuminto the FTG game.

Helgerson’s second homerun of the night, a 2-run shot inthe f irst inning, gave thefiremen a short lived lead. AnRBI double by Mark Stoffel inthe bottom of the frame helpedFTG knot the score at two.That’s as close as the 306thwould get.

The f iremen regainedcontrol of the game over thenext three innings by outscoringthe trainers 8-1 and out-hittingthem 9-3 over that span. FTGself-destructed committing fiveof its 11 errors in those threeinnings.

“Making good plays is thekey with any softball team,”CES player/coach Chris Stevenssaid. “You’ve got to playdefense.”

CES did it effectively,holding the 306th to just fourbatters over the minimum fromthe second through the fifthinnings.

“Our defense was bigtonight,” said Russ, whose 2-run homer triggered a 5-runthird-inning uprising. “Any timewe can keep a team to one ortwo runs per inning and thenumber of batters per inningdown that’s pretty good for us.”

The Fire Departmentowned a seemingly comfort-able 12-3 lead in the bottom ofthe fifth inning when FTG’spatience paid off.

After Gore made a niftyfielding play at third to retire J.D. Dillinger, pinch-hitter Mike

Johnson singled. The next fourFTG batters walked forcing intwo runs. Stevens relievedstarting pitcher Joe Thompson.An error by Helgerson in rightcenterfield plated two moreruns. Two more walks byStevens sandwiched around atwo-run single by Larry Smithpulled the trainers within 12-9.

“We can work more onpitching and defense,” Stevensadmitted. “If we can tightenthings up we’ll be all right.”

CES put the game awaywith a 7-run sixth inning, high-lighted by a 2-run single fromEric Nielsen, followed by a 3-run homer from Helgerson, whohad a game-high six RBIs. FTGchipped in with four moreerrors.

The trainers scored f ivecosmetic runs in the sixthbefore the time-limit rule endedthe game.

Helgerson and Russ pacedthe firemen’s 19-hit attack withfour safeties each.

“It helps being healthy,”said the Florida-born Russ whowas sick the last two weeks. “Itook nice, easy swings. Itworked for me.”

And for Stevens who went3-for-4 as the leadoff man.

“We haven’t changed thebatting order since openingday,” he said. “We try to beconsistent. We’re not going tochange.”

If it’s not broke, why fix it?

Photos by Joel Strayer

CES catcher Nicole Stevens waits for a throw and FTG run-ner John Gladney.

CES Aaron Duggins takes a rip. He scored a game high four runs against FTG Tuesday.

Five gamewinning streakputs CES inplayoff hunt

Academy SpiritJune 30, 2006COMMUNITY22

KAFA frequency change KAFA, the Academy’s cadet run

radio station, has officially changed itsfrequency to 97.7 FM. The station nowreaches a wider area of the base, but thestation is still working to improve signalstrength. Listen in and give feedback onstation reception at 333-9885.

Suicide Prevention andViolence Awareness briefing

There is a Suicide Prevention andViolence Awareness briefing at 9 a.m.and 3:30 p.m. Thursday in the HospitalDining Facility. The briefing is opento anyone needing the training, that ismandatory every 15 months for AirForce personnel. Arrive early to sign in.Do not park in patient parking.

Retirement ceremonyA retirement ceremony for Lt. Col.

Mary Daley of the Dean of the Facultyis at 3:30 p.m. Thursday in the offi-cers’ club. A reception will follow theceremony. Dress is uniform of the day.Contact Amy Singer at 333-2429 formore information.

CAC required for base accessEffective Aug. 1, DoD personnel will

be required to present their CommonAccess Card (CAC) for base access.Proximity cards will no longer beaccepted as the single authorized creden-tial for base access. Proximity cards willonly be accepted for Cadet Area entry.

July 4 fireworks The Academy offers fireworks and

music to celebrate the Fourth of July, atthe Academy’s cadet athletic f ields.Blue Steel, from the Air Force AcademyBand, performs from 7 to 9:20 p.m.,followed by fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Thefireworks display is tentative, based onlocal fire conditions. The event is opento all DoD ID card holders.

Commissary hours The commissary will be open for

regular operations Tuesday from 9 a.m.to 7 p.m.

Youth fire safety campChildren ages 8-12 are invited to

Fire Station 1, 602 Pine Drive, Thursdayat 10 a.m. to learn fire safety tips, emer-gency reporting, the importance ofsmoke detectors, stop drop and roll,recognizing home fire hazards and iden-tifying hazard solutions. Lunch andcourse certificates provided. Sign uptoday by calling 333-2051, or [email protected].

Operation KidsThe Academy will “deploy” 50

youth, ages 5 and older, to Camp Victoryfrom 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 26. Sign upis 9-11 a.m. or 1-3 p.m., July 10-19 at9206 Airfield Drive. For more informa-tion, call 333-3029.

Area Defense Counsel The Area Defense Counsel is an

independent legal team for Academyservice members. Anyone concernedabout legal actions or allegations cancontact the ADC office at 333-2481. The

office is located in Building 2413, eastof the Cadet Clinic.

School and sports physicals The family practice clinic is taking

appointments now for pediatric physi-cals. Appointments are available Tuesdayand Thursday afternoons and someSaturdays in July. Call 457-2273 toschedule.

Remember: -Children under 18 must be with a

parent-Bring shot record and physical

form to appointment-If PCSing, wait until arrival at the

new base. Schools may not honor outof state documents

-Arrive 30 minutes prior to appoint-ment to have immunizations verified

-TRICARE does not pay for civilianschool/sports physicals

Fairchild construction Extensive renovation on Fairchild

Hall has begun. The road and sidewalksbetween the Terrazzo wall and FairchildHall at the ground level will be closedto non-construction traffic. Work isexpected to continue through September2007.

Children’s arts and craftsclasses

Registration is open for children’sarts and crafts summer classes at theAcademy Arts and Crafts Center.Classes run through July 26, and includecourses in clay arts, ceramics, origamiand drawing. Cost is $4 per class forchildren ages 5-12. Call 333-4579 formore information.

Unclaimed propertyNumerous personal items have been

turned into the security forces investi-gation section. Anyone inquiring aboutany lost or abandoned property shouldcontact SFOI at 333-4347, Building

#8028 Security Drive, to identify andclaim the items.

Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo The annual Pikes Peak or Bust

Rodeo is July 12-16 at the Norris-Penrose Events Center. Tickets are $9.75to $26.75, available at Ticketswestoutlets or by calling 576-2626. Militarydiscounts are available.

Lipizzaner Stallions The Lipizzaner Stallions perform at

the World Arena Sunday. Tickets are$17.50 to $27.50. Charge by phone at576-2626 or visit www.worldarena.com. Discounts are available for activeduty military.

Veterans’ Home Run 5KRun/3K Walk

The Pikes Peak Road RunnersVeterans Home Run 5K Run/3K Walkis Sunday at 7 a.m. in Memorial Park.This is a veterans awareness fund raiserfor the Colorado Veterans Coalition’sCrawford House, a home for veteransin need. For more info visitwww.pprrun.org, or contact JackAnthony at 567-7863 or at [email protected].

Military appreciation dayThe Rocky Mountain Dinosaur

Resource Center in Woodland Park isoffering half price admissions for mili-tary personnel on Monday, Tuesday andWednesday. The doors open at 9 a.m.Visit http://www.rmdrc.com/ for moreinformation.

CADET CHAPEL

Catholic Masses:SundayReconciliation 9:15-9:45 a.m.(or by appointment)Mass - 10 a.m.No weekday Masses during the summer

Protestant Service:SundayTraditional - 10 a.m.

Jewish ServicesFor information about Jewish services,please call (719) 338-2317

COMMUNITY CENTERCHAPEL

Catholic Masses:SaturdayReconciliation - 4 p.m.Mass- 5 p.m.SundayMass - 8 & 11:15 a.m.Religious Formation - 10:45 p.m.(Begins Sept. 17)

Protestant Services:SaturdayContemporary - 7 p.m.SundayGospel - 9:15 a.m. (Base auditorium)Traditional - 9:45 a.m.Religious Formation - 9:30 a.m.(begins Sept. 17)

The Action Line, 333-3900, is a forum to resolve unansweredcomplaints. Call, write or send an e-mail to [email protected]. Itemsmay also be faxed to 333-4094, or mailed to:

Directorate of Public Affairs/ACTION LINE2304 Cadet Drive, Suite 312USAF Academy, CO 80840-5016.

Provide your name and telephone number. Requests for anonymity willbe respected. Before contacting the ACTION LINE, be sure to use theproper chain of command.

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COLORADO SPRINGS

1005 North Academy Blvd.719-570-1234

4075 North Academy Blvd.719-593-1131

2310 South Academy Blvd.719-390-91831504 Briargate Blvd.719-528-14031815 Briargate Blvd.719-272-0163

6630 Camden Blvd.719-390-11174470 Centennial Blvd.719-536-97555360 Montebello Lane719-594-4344

3003 North Nevada Ave.719-473-2695201 South Nevada Blvd.719-471-44102103 East Platte Ave.719-634-5269

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Documents

Academy€¦ · 30/06/2006 · VOL. 46 NO.26 JUNE 30, 2006 Six new nations in Class of 2010 By Wayne Amann Academy Spirit Editor The Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo is not only one of the