Defense Health Agency

The Defense Health Agency has announced premiums for the Military Health System’s benefit plan for adult children between 23 and 26 years.

The premiums for Tricare Young Adult (TYA) program will increase on Jan. 1, 2016 to $306 per month for TYA Prime, and $228 per month for TYA Standard.

“Offering the option to have young adults covered under these plans falls in line with what all Americans are

able to do with their adult children under the Affordable Care Act,” said Mary Kaye Justis, director of the Tricare Health Plan. “We want to make sure those wanting this coverage know all the facts as they go into the open enrollment season for health care plans in this country.”

Justis explained the increase is due to the requirement in the National

Defense Authorization Act of 2011 that Tricare set TYA premiums to cover the full cost of health care received by the program’s beneficiaries. Previous years’ premiums were lower because Tricare did not yet have sufficient cost data to set annual premiums. This coming year marks the first time Tricare has had enough actual cost data to set the premiums

based on actual costs rather than predicted cost.

“We are required by law to be cost-neutral to the government, so the premiums had to be raised to cover the actual cost of care,” Justis said.

TYA offers very generous, competitive coverage for young adults, Justis said.

December 11, 2015Vol. 6, No. 49 Fort Wainwright, Alaska

ALASKA POST RECYCLED

Recycled material is used in the making of our

newsprint

an edition of the

FREE

WEEKEND WEATHER BRIEF

FridayPartly cloudy. Highs zero to 5 below. East winds 5 to 15 mph.

SaturdayMostly cloudy. Highs around 5 below.

SundayMostly cloudy. Lows around 20 below. Highs 5 below to 5

The Interior Military News Connection

Col. Sean C. WilliamsGarrison Commander

Happy holidays to everyone! I hope and trust that you all enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving with family, friends, or both, and experienced some outdoor fun during the (relatively) warm weather.

The post Dining Facility hosted a wonderful meal, complete with all the trimmings and some incredibly designed,

handcrafted pieces of food art and ice sculptures. To top all that off, the senior leaders from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team and the U.S. Army Alaska Aviation Task Force looked great serving all that wonderful food to our deserving and hungry Soldiers and families. Many, many thanks to Sgt. 1st Class Slaughter and his team at the Wolf’s Den Dining Facility.

On behalf of the entire Garrison Team, I want to thank everyone for

their candid feedback and questions in our recent town halls with the USARAK Commanding General and for all your ICE comments. These opportunities to hear directly from you, our customers, are extremely important to help us focus our efforts and resources where they matter most and to improve our services for the entire community. As a result, your garrison team will be coming to you each week during our new series, “How the

Garrison Works for You,” to introduce the garrison leaders and better explain what their directorate or program does for you.

We’ll also share some new and exciting opportunities to come, some of our challenges and what we are doing about them, and how you can continue to help us help you to improve our entire Fort Wainwright community. I think just being open and

How the garrison works for you

Col. Sean C. WilliamsSee GARRISON on page 11

Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel354th Fighter Wing PAO

With the clock about to strike 2 a.m., the front door of the 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron repeatedly swings open and shut as Airmen file in for an earlier than normal start to their day of missions.

With jets to launch, which will support exercise training on the opposite side of the nation, one thing is on each Airman’s mind —success.

“No one here comes to work and says, ‘I’m going to be terrible at my job today,’” said Maj. Blair Byrem, the 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander. “I’m a lucky commander to have people like I do. I set out a task and sit back and watch the professionals succeed.”

Each maintainer carts tools to the assigned aircraft and begins to complete a

lengthy list of tasks, each with a technical order to make sure a microscopic detail isn’t missed. Hours pass as wrenches turn, fluids flow and the sinister paint scheme jets are readied for take off.

“The TOs are step-by-step to keep thing consistent, safe and correct,” said Staff Sgt. Eric Sandberg, a 354th AMXS crew chief. “Even if you have done the job a million times, it doesn’t mean you won’t miss something. Changes happen and complacency can create mistakes. They become especially important on days like today when it’s cold outside and everyone is running on little sleep.”

After hours of preparation, pilots “step” – the long walk from the 18th Aggressor Squadron – through the frigid cold to their respective cockpit. Not a mechanical worry on their

minds because maintainers have been there as the hand on the clock spins round, ensuring safety, mechanical

soundness and cleanliness. While the last checks are

The mission matters; time and weather won’t win

Sachel HarrisU.S. Army Alaska PAO

Some do it to test their limits. Others do it because they love to compete. Some just do it for fun. But no matter what drives them to do it, one thing is for sure: it takes a lot of courage to walk into a ring and get punched in the face.

Sixteen fighters will travel to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to represent U.S. Army Alaska in the Fort Bragg Open Invitational Combatives tournament this week. The USARAK team is

Soldiers and Airman fight to win for US Army Alaska

Air Force Maj. Joseph Howard, an 18th Aggressor Squadron pilot, “steps” to his F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft, Dec. 7, at Eielson Air Force Base. Howard and several other pilots were flying to Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, for CHECKERED FLAG 16-1, a large-force exercise that simulates a large number of aircraft in a deployed environment to cross-check weapons systems. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel, 354th Fighter Wing PAO)

Staff Sgt. Robert Knickle, a 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, assists Lt. Col. Mark Sletten, the F-35 Program Integration Officer, into an F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft, Dec. 7, at Eielson Air Force Base. More than 30 maintenance Airmen worked an early shift to help launch several jets to Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, for CHECKERED FLAG 16-1, a large-force exercise that simulates a large number of aircraft in a deployed environment to cross-check weapons systems. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel, 354th Fighter Wing PAO)

Tricare young adult premiums to increase Jan. 1, 2016

See MISSION on page 3

See FIGHTERS on page 11

See PREMIUMS on page 3

Spc. Ericka Bernardo waits for warm-ups to begin, Dec. 3, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Bernado is the only female on the U.S. Army Alaska Combatives team. (Photo by Sachel Harris, USARAK PAO)

The Military Advisory Panel (MAP) approved results for Alaska's COLA. Please note that all increases will be effective Dec. 16, and will be available in the Jan. 1, 2016 LES.

Decreases will take place in increments starting at 6 points on Feb. 1, 2016 and the remaining points on March 1, 2016. Analysis of the October 2015 RPS and LPS for Fairbanks (Fort

Wainwright) indicates an 8-point increase is warranted. There were notable increases in the recreation and furniture/household categories. The approximate value of a COLA point is $31 per month for the typical Service member. More information can be found at www.jber.af.mil/alcom/

cola.asp, or call (907) 552-4841.

2December 11, 2015

Mary MarkosUSACIDC Public Affairs

As Soldiers and their

Families prepare for the holiday season, the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command, commonly referred to as CID, warns that posting travel plans on social media sites makes your home vulnerable to burglary.

While Soldiers should always be vigilant in their postings to avoid releasing sensitive information, revealing personal holiday travel information puts Soldiers, their Families and their homes at risk.

“Social media is a powerful and frequently used tool for Soldiers, their Families, and friends to stay connected, especially during the holiday season,” said Daniel Andrews, director of the CID’s Computer Crime Investigative Unit. “Unfortunately, criminals use the same social media sites to conduct surveillance and identify potential targets.”

In fact, Andrews said, posting vacation plans is like announcing to criminals that your residence will be unoccupied for an extended period.

“We recommend that personnel avoid publicizing the details of holiday plans and travel arrangements, whether upcoming or in progress,” Andrews said. “Wait until the vacation is over to comment on it and share photos, but still be cautious

about what information you make publicly available.”

Additionally, personnel are advised to take basic home security measures before leaving their house.

The FBI’s “2014 Crime in the United States” reported an estimated 1,729,806 burglaries in the United States with burglaries of residential properties accounting for 73.2 percent. The average dollar loss for each burglary incident was $2,251.

Basic home security measures, such as locking all doors and windows, not leaving spare keys outside, using variable light timers, keeping valuables out of sight, and having a friend retrieve mail and newspapers are the first line of defense against burglary.

The use of a home security or video system is a further deterrent for criminals.

“Criminals are always on the lookout for opportunities to exploit. Whether driving through neighborhood streets or surfing social media sites, the criminal’s goal is to identify ‘soft targets’ that are lucrative and present the least chance of being caught,” Andrews said. “This underscores the very real connection between the physical and virtual worlds.”

CID officials encourage Army personnel to take the following steps to reduce their risk of being targeted by crooks in the virtual world:

• Update your privacy

setting on social media sites before leaving for vacation.

• Do not “check in” to airports or your holiday destination on social media sites. Sites, such as Facebook, use the GPS built into a phone to allow users to “check in” to businesses and locations across the country. This information tells would-be burglars that the home is likely to be vacant until the user announces their arrival at the airport for their return flight.

• Do not post in “real-time.” Posting information about your location while you are there is equivalent to telling a would-be burglar that you are not home. To minimize the risk of burglary while you are away, post information after you return home for the holidays.

• Remove GPS data from pictures. GPS data, to include location coordinates, is automatically attached to photos taken from both smart phones and many digital

cameras. When posted in real-time, the GPS coordinates gives a would-be burglar your exact location, which makes your home vulnerable if you are not there.

• Do not geotag posts or tweets. Much like the Facebook “check in” feature, geotagging or adding your exact GPS coordinates to a Tweet or post tells would-be burglars exactly how close you are to your home.

• Monitor what Family members post. A would-be burglar only needs one

member of the Family to announce that the Family has left for vacation to know the house might be empty. Speak to all members of the Family, especially teens, about what they are posting online.

Additionally, personnel should review CID’s Computer Crime Investigative Unit’s crime prevention and online safety flyers at its website for more ways to avoid being victimized.

ALASKA POSTThe Interior Military News Connection

EDITORIAL STAFF

Garrison Commander

Sean C. Williams

Fort Wainwright PAO

Mel Slater

Command Information

Brian Schlumbohm

Community-Media Relations

Allen Shaw

Editor

Teresa White

The ALASKA POST is authorized by Army Regulation 360-1 and is published by the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Army, and is under exclusive written contract. Contents of the ALASKA POST are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the Department of the Army. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the U.S. Army Garrison Ft. Wainwright Public Affairs Office. The ALASKA POST welcomes responsible comments from its readers and will publish letters, articles or photos submitted at least one week prior to the next publication. The ALASKA POST reserves the right to edit or reject submissions. All submitted material will become official Army property unless otherwise indicated. To advertise call (907) 459-7548 Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. The Editorial office is located on Ft. Wainwright in Building 1047 #1; Mailing address is Public Affairs Office, 1060 Gaffney Road, 5900, Ft. Wainwright, AK 99703. Call 353-6779 or 353-6760, or send emails to usarmy.wainwright.imcom-pacific.list.pao@mail.milThe ALASKA POST – The Interior Military News Connection

NEWS

Brandy OstanikMEDDAC-AK PAO

Each day at Bassett Army

Community Hospital between 75 and 100 patients will have their blood drawn for various reasons. Of those, about a dozen will bring at least one child into the procedure room with them.

According to Capt. Joseph Letourneau, this is a problem.

The chance of coming into contact with an infected needle in the lab is real, said Letourneau.

Most parents would never think to take their child while getting an x-ray because of the risk of exposure to radiation, said Letourneau. “Taking a child into the room is even more dangerous because there is such a high

risk of getting stuck with a contaminated needle.”

“There are risks not only to the staff and all the patients in the lab, but also for the children themselves,” said Letourneau. “We want to do everything we can to make sure our beneficiaries and staff members are as safe as possible.”

To do this, Bassett ACH is now enforcing the policy permitting anyone other than the patient into the procedure room unless the patient is a minor and then they may be accompanied by a guardian.

Letourneau knows it will be an adjustment that will be inconvenient to many of our beneficiaries and he is empathetic.

“While I was deployed, my wife was at a new installation

with a three-year-old and twin infants,” said Letourneau. “It wasn’t always easy to get time away for medical appointments without the kids, but she learned to lean on other spouses.”

Luckily, Bassett ACH beneficiaries don’t necessarily need to lean on other spouses. Teddy Watch, offered and staffed by the Armed Services YMCA of Alaska, offers not only free, reserved child care for parents with appointments, but also walk-in child care for parents who need to have lab work done. Services are available to all beneficiaries’ children ages six months to 12 years old.

To use the service, parents must register their child at the Teddy Watch location inside Bassett ACH and

bring in a current copy of immunizations.

In spite of knowing there will still be some beneficiaries who will find the policy difficult, Letourneau knows this is the right decision and sites several instances in the past months that have caused great concern for patient, child and staff member safety.

“We’ve had a parent in the chair getting blood drawn while a toddler climbed into a seat and grabbed onto a hanging sharps container filled with used needles,” said Letourneau. “When a patient is in the chair with a needle in their arm there is nothing they can do to protect their child.”

In another instance, a young child thought the phlebotomist was hurting

his mother with the needle and the child tried to pull the needle out of his mom’s arm, said Letourneau.

While Letourneau is worried about his staff in instances like this, he said the bottom line is he doesn’t want to see anyone hurt, especially a child.

“I don’t want to go to sleep at night knowing that a child now has Hepatitis C because we didn’t enforce the policy so we didn’t have to inconvenience a parent,” said Letourneau.

“An hour of being inconvenienced is nothing compared to a lifetime of dealing with the consequences of a stick by a contaminated needle.”

When it comes to lab work, safety is first

Important Phone Numbers

Emergency: 91124-Hour Nurse Advice Line:

(800) 874-2273 Opt. 1Appointment Line: 361-4000Arctic Health Link: 361-4148Army Wellness Center: 361-2234Behavioral Health: 361-6059Benefits Advisor: 361-5656Immunizations: 361-5456Information Desk: 361-5172Patient Advocate: 361-5291Pharmacy Refills: 361-5803Tricare Online:

www.tricareonline.comUnited Health Care:

uhcmilitarywest.com, (877) 988-9378

Performance Triad TipLess than a month until 2016! Start

the New Year off right by making small changes in your daily habits today. It takes about six weeks to create lasting habit changes. Give yourself, and your family, the gift of a healthier, happier you in 2016!

Waiting on a Referral? An Army-wide computer glitch is

causing issues with referrals reaching our Referral Center staff at Bassett ACH. Beneficiaries who have not heard from the Referral Center or have not gotten a letter from Tricare within 10 days should call 361-5602. The Referral Center staff will be happy to assist.

Get ready for the New Year The Fort Wainwright Army Wellness

Center can assist you in setting and reaching your healthy lifestyle goals. Let them help you lose weight, come up with a nutrition plan or manage everyday stress. No referral is needed. Call 361-2234 for more information or to schedule your appointment

Walk-in ClinicAdult beneficiaries can utilize the

Walk-in Clinic Nurse option when needing to be seen for strep throat screening, urinary tract infection screening, pregnancy testing, blood pressure monitoring, suture removal, wart removal and sexually transmitted disease checks. The clinic is open 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information, call 361-5833.

Secure MessagingWant instant access to your health

care team? Request an appointment, check labs, ask questions, get forms filled out and more. Scan the QR link or go to https://app.relayhealth.com/Patients/Registration.aspx to register. You will have access to your team within one business day.

MEDDAC MinuteStaff reportMEDDAC-AK PAO

Nutrition 101: In making your daily food

selections, you should be particularly mindful of your beverage choices.

While your beverage selection may seem inconsequential, they can impact your total daily caloric intake, which can contribute to unwanted weight gain and dental caries. It is so easy to unknowingly consume 500 to 1,000 calories per day in beverages alone.

For example, one 20-ounce bottle of cola contains 240 calories. If you drank one per day for a year, that can contribute up to a 25 pound weight gain. Not to mention the 65 grams of additional sugar, about 1/3 cup, per day which ends up to be about 118 cups of sugar per year.

Imagine the impact that has on your dental health as well. This also goes for energy drinks, sports drinks, juice, and other sugared drinks such as lemonade. Don’t be fooled by juice. Just because it contains some vitamins does not mean it should be consumed in large quantities. Rely on your whole fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low fat dairy and whole grains for your vitamins and minerals. One eight ounce cup of orange juice contains 110 calories, so if you do

enjoy a cold glass of juice in the morning, ensure it is 100 percent juice and limit yourself to four to eight ounces per day.

If you are hooked on drinking sugar sweetened beverages because plain water is boring to you, think outside of the box for some other options. A good natural replacement is fruit infused water. It is quick, easy, and low in calories. A low to moderate intake of diet beverages (diet cola) and commercial zero calorie water flavoring powders are safe and effective for reducing calorie intake, when replacing sugared beverages, for most individuals.

Featured Food: Fruit Infused Water. All you need

to do is make a pitcher or bottle of water and throw in your favorite mix of fruits and vegetables.

Featured Recipes:Cherry Limeade – Fill a pitcher

with water and combine with one thinly sliced lime and six pitted cherries cut in half. Add a small piece of mint for an extra burst of flavor. Best when fruit is infused for a minimum of four hours.

Cucumber Lemon – Fill a pitcher with water and add 10-14 thin slices of cucumber and four slices of lemon.

Nutrition Corner

Criminal Investigation Command warns of posting holiday travel plans

3December 11, 2015 NEWS

Although the premiums do not go into effect until Jan. 1, 2016, Tricare leaders want to make sure TYA beneficiaries have all the facts now to make the best decision possible, based on their needs and circumstances, during the open enrollment season from Nov. 1, 2015 through Jan. 31, 2016.

“We like having young adults in our system and welcome them

to stay on,” said Justis. “But they do have options.”

Other health care options for young adult beneficiaries include: Purchasing TYA Standard – lower premiums, higher cost shares – instead of TYA; Prime Enrolling in a parent’s civilian health insurance plan, if available; purchasing coverage through the college or university, if enrolled and purchasing a plan offered through the Health

Insurance Marketplace at www.healthcare.gov.

Lower cost plans may be available depending on income and residence, and assistance paying premiums may be available if beneficiaries qualify for government subsidies through commercial plans. Visit www.tricare.mil/TYA, for more information.

Premiums: Going up in 2016Continued from page 1

made, two things loom outside: darkness that won’t end for several hours and temperatures well below zero. These two things won’t put a hitch on the mission, however.

“It is so cold, but the mission must go on,” Sandberg said. “Being able to complete our tasks despite the cold and dark is part of what makes us the best.”

After the pilots are secured into the seat they will occupy for the next eight hours, the cockpit slowly seals shut with a click, closely followed by an ear-piercing alarm sound indicating the enormous bay doors are opening. The 65-degree interior air visibly wafts into the cold as the inversion crumples the light into wisps, reducing visibility.

With a huge puff of smoke, each jet whines to a start and the hustle begins – go time.

“Once those doors open is when all your hard work starts to show,” Sandberg said. “We did it, they are ready to start, ready to taxi; that’s when the good feeling starts.”

The air is a frosty 10 below zero outside, but the vacuum of the powerful engines chills the air to well below minus 30. However, no temperatures change is apparent as the work goes on. Airmen bustle around seven aircraft, seemingly silent as their voices and movement are muffled by the blare of turbines.

“More than 200 days out of the year it’s below

freezing and 60 days a year it’s below zero and anywhere around the world when you are working on a car or a jet it’s exasperating in these temperatures,” Byrem said. “With the years of sending jets to exercises and events around the globe, we have managed to launch a full complement of aircraft, never failing to fulfill our commitment. We rarely will miss a sortie due to mechanical failure at the 18th regardless of the weather. That is a testament to the physical and mental toughness of the Airmen who work in this unit.”

With a quick salute from seven crew chiefs, each aircraft enters the darkness outside. It takes a squint to see anything but the running lights as they hustle down the long, icy taxiway. The roar

may be distant as the alarm sounds and the doors shut, but the job isn’t done.

“We go out to the end of the runway for one final check,” Sandberg

explains. “That’s our last chance to see anything we missed, have the weapons teams arm the weapons systems and see our work take off.”

At last the work is nearly complete.

However, the endings of stories aren’t always happy.

With hours of work into each jet and the anticipation of take off on everyone’s mind, a mechanical failure held up the aerial re-fueling aircraft, which was traveling to support them on the way to Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. The hold up costs the day’s work and promises a mulligan tomorrow.

“One more long 12-hour shift is the first thing that hits your mind,” Sandberg said. “Sure, it’s a knock to morale, but we all stick together and it just makes the next successful launch that much sweeter.”

Mission: Large-force exerciseContinued from page 1

Airman 1st Class Andres 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron weapons journeyman, removes a drip pan from under an F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft, Dec. 7, at Eielson Air Force Base. More than 30 maintenance Airmen worked an early shift to help launch several jets to Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, for CHECKERED FLAG 16-1, a large-force exercise that simulates a large number of aircraft in a deployed environment to cross-check weapons systems. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel, 354th Fighter Wing PAO)

“Once those doors open is when all your hard

work starts to show.”

— Staff Sgt. Eric Sandberg

Staff Sgt. Robert Knickle (left) and Timothy Smith, from the 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, push luggage into a pod on an F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft, Dec. 7, at Eielson Air Force Base. More than 30 maintenance Airmen worked an early shift to help launch several jets to Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, for CHECKERED FLAG 16-1, a large-force exercise that simulates a large number of aircraft in a deployed environment to cross-check weapons systems. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel, 354th Fighter Wing PAO)

An Airman from the 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, performs the last pre-flight checks on an F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft, Dec. 7, at Eielson Air Force Base. More than 30 maintenance Airmen worked an early shift to help launch several jets to Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, for CHECKERED FLAG 16-1, a large-force exercise that simulates a large number of aircraft in a deployed environment to cross-check weapons systems. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel, 354th Fighter Wing PAO)

Airmen from the 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron rush to perform the last pre-flight checks on an F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft, Dec. 7, at Eielson Air Force Base. More than 30 maintenance Airmen worked an early shift to help launch several jets to Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, for CHECKERED FLAG 16-1, a large-force exercise that simulates a large number of aircraft in a deployed environment to cross-check weapons systems. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel, 354th Fighter Wing PAO)

A crew chief with the 354th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, ushers an F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft out of the bay onto the taxiway, Dec. 7, at Eielson Air Force Base. (Photo by Master Sgt. Joseph Swafford, 354th Fighter Wing PAO)

4December 11, 2015

THE 9TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS IN ICE

Located next to the Santa Claus House in North Pole, the park features multiple Christmas-themed ice art competitions, an ice park with slides, a maze, educational

ice sculpture demonstrations and more. Events are scheduled throughout the month of December with a special Military Appreciation Day slotted for Dec. 12 from noon to 5 p.m. For more information, call 590-2522 or visit www.facebook.com/christmasinice.

HOLIDAY SHIPPING DATES

To get it there before Dec. 25, send no later than...Domestic:Saturday, Dec. 19 (first class mail)Monday, Dec. 21 (priority mail) Wednesday, Dec. 23 (priority mail express) International:Friday, Dec. 11 (priority mail international) Tuesday, Dec. 15 (priority mail express international) Monday, Dec. 21 (global express guaranteed)

FREE SEMINAR ‘Habitat use by Dall Sheep

and an Interior Alaska Mammal Community: an Occupancy Modeling Approach’ given by Jeremy Dertien, MS candidate. The seminar begins at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 16, at the Morris Thompson Culture and Visitor Center, located at 101 Dunkel St., Fairbanks. For more information, go to www.morristhompsoncenter.org or email kim.jochum@colostate.edu. This seminar is sponsored by U.S Army Garrison Fort Wainwright and the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands, Colorado State University.

PARENTING SKILLS FOR THE SINGLE SERVICE MEMBER WEBINAR

Presented by Benicia Hernandez

Gill, LPC, CSAC, Dec. 15, at 1 p.m. Parenting skills for the Single Service Member will focus on the perspective of being a single parent while serving in the military. The webinar will discuss the single parents’ personal expectations, positive discipline and communication techniques, family separation and support systems. You may submit your questions to Benicia Hernandez Gill before the webinar by sending an email to MOSWebinars@militaryonesource.com. Register for the webinar online at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5063405348210066945

EXTENDED REFUND POLICY To give military shoppers peace of

mind this holiday season, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service is extending its return policy for items purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24. The Exchange’s standard policy allows returns anywhere from up to 15 to 90 days of purchase with a sales receipt. The holiday return/exchange policy extends these terms through Jan. 31, 2016. Shoppers can also return items purchased through shopmyexchange.com at their nearest brick-and-mortar Exchange. For more information about the extended refund policy, shoppers can visit customer service at their nearest Exchange.

Fort WainwrightCOMMUNITY CALENDAR

Friday - 11thDID YOU KNOW? INFORMATION FAIR, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Exchange (AAFES). Call 353-4227.

WIN-A-GAME BOWLING, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, building 3702. Call 353-2654.

FREE GAMES FOR A’S, 3 to 6 p.m., Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, building 3702. Call 353-2654.

BASIC STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING, 4:15 to 5:15 p.m., Melaven Fitness Center, building 3452. Call 353-1994.

OPEN RECREATIONAL ICE SKATING, 5:30 to 7:45 p.m., Physical Fitness Center ice rink, building 3709. Call 353-7223.

WOMEN IN THE WILDERNESS: NIGHT SKI, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Outdoor Recreation, building 4050. Call 361-6349.

COSMIC BOWL, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, building 3702. Call 353-2654.

Saturday - 12thCOMPEAU’S TRAIL SNOWMACHINE RUN, Out-door Recreation, building 4050. Call 361-6349.

ICE CLIMB, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Outdoor Recreation, building 4050. Call 361-6349.

REGISTRATION ENDS FOR INDOOR SOCCER, VOLLEYBALL, AND DEV. SOCCER, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Youth Sports and Fitness, building 1049 #2. Call 353-7482.

YOUTH SPORTS END OF THE SEASON FOR BASKETBALL AND CHEERLEADING, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Youth Sports and Fitness, building 1049 #2. Call 353-7482.

GROUP CYCLING, 10 to 11 a.m., Physical Fitness Center, building 3709. Call 353-7223.

OPEN RECREATIONAL ICE SKATING, 1:30 to 4 p.m., Physical Fitness Center ice rink, building 3709. Call 353-7223.

WARRIOR ZONE MONTHLY TEXAS HOLDEM TOURNAMENT, 7 to 10 p.m., Warrior Zone, building 3205. Call 353-1087.

COSMIC BOWL, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, building 3702. Call 353-2654.

ROCK ‘N’ BOWL, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, building 3702. Call 353-2654.

Sunday - 13thBOARD GAME NIGHT, Warrior Zone, building 3205. Call 353-1087.

INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S DAY, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, building 3702. Call 353-2654.

OPEN RECREATIONAL ICE SKATING, 1:30 to 4 p.m., Physical Fitness Center ice rink, building 3709. Call 353-7223.

OPEN RECREATIONAL HOCKEY, 4:15 to 6 p.m., Physical Fitness Center ice rink, building 3709. Call 353-7223.

Monday - 14thAUTO SKILLS CENTER ORIENTATION CLASS: TWO CLASSES OFFERED, Noon and 6 p.m., Auto Skills, building 3730. Call 353-7436.

AFTB LEVEL GROWTH, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Army

Community Service, building 3401. Call 353-4227.

INTERVAL CONDITIONING, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Melaven Fitness Center, building 3452. Call 353-1994.

LUNCH TIME RECREATIONAL ICE SKATING, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Physical Fitness Center ice rink, building 3709. Call 353-7223.

BASIC STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING, 4:15 to 5:15 p.m., Melaven Fitness Center, building 3452. Call 353-1994.

INSANITY CLASS, 5 to 6 p.m., Physical Fitness Center, building 3709. Call 353-7223.

MONDAY MOVIE MARATHON, 5 to 11 p.m., Warrior Zone, building 3205. Call 353-1087.

Tuesday - 15thSAC RECOGNIZES “THE BILL OF RIGHTS DAY”, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., School Age Center, building 4166. Call 361-7394.

AFTB LEVEL GROWTH, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Army Community Service, building 3401. Call 353-4227.

VMIS FOR FRGS, 9 to 10:30 a.m., Education Cen-ter, building 4391. Call 353-7438.

GROUP CYCLING, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Physical Fit-ness Center, building 3709. Call 353-7223.

ROMP AND STOMP PLAYGROUP: FROGGY GETS DRESSED, 9:30 to 11:30 am, Last Frontier Commu-nity Activity Center Playgroup Conference Room, building 1044. Call 353-7755.

VOCATIONAL REHAB AND EDUCATION OVER-VIEW, 10 to 11 a.m., Soldier and Family Assistance Center, building 3414. Call 353-7322.

BUDDY CLIMB, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Outdoor Recre-ation, building 4050. Call 361-6349.

LUNCH TIME RECREATIONAL STICK HOCKEY, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Physical Fitness Center ice rink, building 3709. Call 353-7223.

TRIVIA TUESDAY, 7 p.m., Warrior Zone, building 3205. Call 353-1087.

Wednesday - 16thPOST NEWCOMERS, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Last Frontier Community Activity Center - Ballroom, building 1044. Call 353-7755.

WIN-A-GAME BOWLING, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, building 3702. Call 353-2654.

INTERVAL CONDITIONING, Melaven Fitness Cen-ter, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., building 3452. Call 353-1994.

LUNCH TIME RECREATIONAL ICE SKATING, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Physical Fitness Center ice rink, building 3709. Call 353-7223.

ANGER MANAGEMENT, “LETTING FLO DRIVE”, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., Soldier and Family Assistance Center, building 3414. Call 353-7322.

FREE GAMES FOR A’S, 3 to 6 p.m., Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, building 3702. Call 353-2654.

BASIC STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING, 4:15 to 5:15 p.m., Melaven Fitness Center, building 3452. Call 353-1994.

INSANITY CLASS, 5 to 6 p.m., Physical Fitness

Center, building 3709. Call 353-7223.

TREASURER TRAINING, 6 to 8 p.m., North Haven Activity Room. Call 353-4332.

Thursday - 17thSIGN UP FOR BLUE NOSE LEAGUE BEGINS (for Jan. 2016), Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, building 3702. Call 353-2654.

AUTO SKILLS CENTER ORIENTATION CLASS: Two classes offered, Noon and 6 p.m., Auto Skills, building 3730. Call 353-7436.

GROUP CYCLING, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Physical Fit-ness Center, building 3709. Call 353-7223.

ROMP AND STOMP PLAYGROUP: THE BEST SNOWMAN EVER, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Last Frontier Community Activity Center Playgroup Conference Room, building 1044. Call 353-7755.

WIN-A-GAME BOWLING, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, building 3702. Call 353-2654.

LUNCH TIME RECREATIONAL STICK HOCKEY, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Physical Fitness Center ice rink, building 3709. Call 353-7223.

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING ORIENTATION, Noon to 1 p.m., Melaven Fitness Center, building 3452. Call 353-1994.

FREE GAMES FOR A’S, 3 to 6 p.m., Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, building 3702. Call 353-2654.

INTRO TO BELAY, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Outdoor Recre-ation, building 4050. Call 361-6349.

Friday - 18thSIGN UP FOR BLUE NOSE LEAGUE BEGINS (for Jan. 2016), Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, building 3702. Call 353-2654.

WIN-A-GAME BOWLING, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, building 3702. Call 353-2654.

FREE GAMES FOR A’S, 3 to 6 p.m., Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, building 3702. Call 353-2654.

BASIC STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING, 4:15 to 5:15 p.m., Melaven Fitness Center, building 3452. Call 353-1994.

FAMILY FRIDAY NIGHT SNOWSHOE AND HOT CHOCOLATE, 5:30 to 8 p.m., Outdoor Recreation, building 4050. Call 361-6349.

OPEN RECREATIONAL ICE SKATING, 5:30 to 7:45 p.m., Physical Fitness Center ice rink, building 3709. Call 353-7223.

COSMIC BOWL, 9 p.m. to 12:30 am, Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, building 3702. Call 353-2654.

Saturday - 19thLOCAL 1/2 DAY SNOWMACHINE TRIP, Outdoor Recreation, building 4050. Call 361-6349.

SIGN UP FOR BLUE NOSE LEAGUE BEGINS (for Jan. 2016), Nugget Lanes Bowling Center, building 3702. Call 353-2654.

SANTA SCORCHER: 2 HOUR SPIN CLASS, 10 a.m. to Noon, Physical Fitness Center, building 3709. Call 353-7223.

VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT DAY: SKIING, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Outdoor Recreation, building 4050. Call 361-6349.

IN BRIEF

5December 11, 2015 NEWS

Dan GilsonUSAG Fort WainwrightAntiterrorism Officer

News reports over the last few weeks have many people questioning their security in the world as we know it. As an institution, the Army has responded to the increased threat in an effort to protect its personnel and their families. Emergency planning, coordination and the application of protection programs occur mostly outside the public eye, yet still protect people on their installations. Fort Wainwright has implemented additional security measures in response to these events as well. These efforts, though effective on the installation, do not always address personal vulnerabilities while on or off post, while traveling or online. The good news is that, individually, we can all adjust our own behaviors to help protect ourselves, our families and our organizations.

The tenets of the iWatch Program, See Something-Say Something, are important not only in protecting ourselves, but in protecting our community as well. In order to See Something, you must be vigilant and situationally aware. It is easy to get lost in the moment of an event or a celebration, especially during this time of the year, yet it is still important to observe the people and things that surround us. Familiarize yourself with things that may be suspicious, such as someone wearing unusually bulky clothing that could hide weapons or explosives, unattended packages to include backpacks, briefcases, boxes, etc., illegally or unusually parked vehicles near crowds or buildings, people who attempt to access an event, building or area who are un-ticketed or otherwise appear to be unauthorized and people who ask questions of you that go beyond mere curiosity. Understand that most people don’t generally take notes or draw diagrams of event venues, they don’t generally leave or become overly nervous in the presence of police officers and they generally don’t drive to an event only to take photographs from inside their vehicles. It’s okay to trust your instincts. Remember that seeing something is just part of the solution. Once you have seen something, it is necessary to say something. Leave any situation that makes you uncomfortable and notify the appropriate authorities. Always call 911 if you feel that the behavior or the item you observed presents an emergency, if not, contact the local law enforcement agency through their non-emergency numbers. It is also appropriate to report the information to Military Law Enforcement, Counter Intelligence Agents or your chain of command. Be sure to accurately report as much information as you can regarding the behavior or object that you observed. Identifying suspicious activity and reporting accurate, timely information not only helps to protect you and your family but the larger community as well.

Most of us are proud of our military, government or law enforcement service or affiliation and show it with the way we dress or how we accessorize our vehicles with decals, license plate frames or personalized license plates. While being proud of who we are is noble, making ourselves visible because of it could bring unwanted attention. Violent actors have used identifying clothing or

items to target their victims. Simply thinking about and making an informed decision about what you wear or how you customize your car can go a long way toward protecting you and your family.

Active shooter incidents seem to dominate the news. They are terrifying and violent, but they can be survived. Understanding that there are always potential dangers around us, taking note of your surroundings and formulating plans in response to dangers go a long way in increasing your survivability. Remember that during an active shooter situation that you should Evacuate, Hide, Take Action. Evacuate if you can get away from the threat without putting yourself or others in danger. Hide if you cannot depart the area due to the constraints of your environment, then find a place to hide and barricade yourself inside, if possible. Take action; when all else fails and you find yourself confronted with a violent attacker, use everything at your disposal to reduce the threat such as throwing objects or striking them with items from your surroundings. Lastly, cooperate with all instructions given by law enforcement officers and understand that they will treat everyone as a potential adversary until they can confirm that you are not a threat. As dangerous as these situations are, with a little thought and planning, they can be survived.

Quite frequently, the holiday season brings holiday travel and traveling presents us with a unique set of security and safety challenges. In addition to vigilance and situational awareness there are many resources available to overcome those challenges. All personnel within United States Army Alaska (USARAK) on official travel, to include Soldiers on leave status, must complete pre-travel requirements and obtain an approved Individual Antiterrorism Plan (IATP) prior to departure per USARAK policy. Make sure you contact your organization Antiterrorism Officer well in advance to ensure that all of your pre-travel requirements are completed and do not impact your travel. The pre-travel requirements include training but more importantly provides travelers with threat information as well as contact

information for embassies and consulates that can help in the event of an emergency. Travelers may also register their travel plans with the Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in order to receive updates on travel warnings, travel alerts and other information. Understanding the security challenges of traveling and at your destination along with proper planning will ensure that you have a positive travel experience.

Online security concerns may be the most difficult to deal with. The online world resides in our homes, workplaces and, quite frequently, in our pockets. It is important to understand that adversaries from criminals to terrorists can leverage your online information to their benefit. Consider that the entire world may see the information you post online in social media outlets before you post and realize that information you post regarding your identity, location, relationships, and affiliations can create an increased risk of identity theft, stalking or targeted violence. Recommended online precautions include reviewing privacy settings and limit who can view your social media sites, avoiding posts that include your home or work address and phone numbers, limiting any reference, current or former to military, government or law enforcement employment or military affiliation, avoiding detailed accounts of your day such as the time you leave for or return home from work, or routes you use for daily travel, and never allow applications on your electronic devices to geo-locate your whereabouts.

Although the events of the world give use reason to be concerned about our safety, there are several actions we can employ to reduce our risks. Making conscious decisions about how we appear, maintaining awareness of our surroundings, reporting suspicious activities, formulating plans in the event of a violent act, properly planning travel and protecting your online presence will make the world a much safer place for you, your Family and your community.

No one should be more concerned about the safety and security of you and your family than you.

Taking personal protective measures

Online antiterrorism resources:Antiterrorism Level 1 training https://jkodirect.jten.mil.

Antiterrorism awareness and Army iWatch information via the Army One Source homepage http://www.myarmyonesource.com/default.aspx click on the iWatch Army logo on the bottom of the page or navigate to http://www.armyonesource.com/familyprogramsandservices/iwatchprogram/default.aspx

Antiterrorism information via the Army’s Antiterrorism Enterprise Portal (ATEP) https://army.deps.mil/army/sites/pmg/opmg/ops/antiterror/atep/default.aspx.

Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) https://step.state.gov/step.

Department of State OCONUS security conditions Toll Free in the US and Canada (888) 407-4747, Non-Toll Free (202) 501-4444, or http://travel.state.gov/.

Department of State Travel Alerts https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html.

Social Media Precautions http://www.cid.army.mil/cciu.html.

6December 11, 2015

Staff reportNORAD/USNORTHCOM and JF-HQ-NCR/MDW Public Affairs

The North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, is celebrating the 60th anniversary of tracking Santa’s yuletide journey.

The NORAD TracksSanta website, launching Dec. 1, features Santa’s North Pole Village, which includes a holiday countdown, games, activities, and more. The website is available in eight languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Chinese.

Official NORAD Tracks Santa apps are also available in the Windows,

Apple and Google Play stores, so parents and children can count down the days until Santa’s launch on their smart phones and tablets. Tracking opportunities are also offered on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Google+. Santa followers just need to type “@noradsanta” into each search engine to get started.

Also new this year, the website features the NORAD Headquarters in the North Pole Village, and highlights of the program throughout the past 60 years.

Starting at 12:01 a.m. MST (10:01 a.m. AKST) Dec. 24, website visitors can watch Santa make preparations for his flight.

NORAD’s “Santa Cams” will stream videos on the website as Santa makes his way over various locations.

Then, at 4 a.m. MST (6 a.m. EST), trackers worldwide can speak with a live phone operator to inquire as to Santa’s whereabouts by dialing the toll-free number (877) Hi-NORAD (1-877-446-6723) or by sending an email to noradtrackssanta@outlook.com.

Windows Phone users can ask Cortana for Santa’s location at any time Dec. 24, and OnStar subscribers can press the OnStar button in their vehicles to locate Santa.

NORAD Tracks Santa is truly a global experience, delighting generations of Families everywhere. This is due, in large part, to the efforts and services of numerous program contributors.

Efforts began in 1955 when a local media advertisement directed

children to call Santa direct — only the number was misprinted.

Instead of reaching Santa, the phone rang through to the crew commander on duty at the Continental Air Defense Command Operations Center. Thus began the tradition, which NORAD carried on since it was created in 1958.

NORAD celebrates 60 years of tracking Santa

NEWS

Staff Sgt. Joshua Turner354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Rank and Name: Airman 1st Class Seth Nolte

Duty Title: Pass and Registration, 354th Security Forces Squadron

Hometown: North Wilkesboro, North Carolina

Why is serving in the Air Force important to you? I get to be a part of something bigger than myself. Being a part of the United States Air Force has given me the opportunity to give back to this great nation that has provided me with the freedom to make my own choices.

What moment or accomplishment as a member of the Iceman Team are you most proud of and why? Being a member of the Iceman Team has offered me the privilege to improve upon the quality of service provided at Pass and Registration. I have recently been involved in an ongoing process to equip and train the Inspection Bay and its personnel on Defense Biometric Identification System passes. This training has

provided the Inspection Bay with daily assistance and a thorough, step-by-step instruction manual to be used as needed. With this improvement, we are now able to have an accurate record of visitors who enter the base after the duty day is over.

What is your favorite part of your job? I have several favorite things about working at the Visitor Center, but the one thing that stands out the most is the opportunity to help and interact with the community. All throughout my work day, I am privileged to communicate with and provide assistance to the public.

Who inspires you and why? My biggest inspiration is my father, Wesley Nolte. He has been such a great example of how a hardworking and determined attitude can help you excel in life. He raised me with the morals and values I try to incorporate in my daily activities. He is, and will always be, my biggest role model.

What’s your favorite part about being in Alaska? The wide variety of activities the different

weather conditions provide. The summer has a seemingly endless amount of daylight, and the winter

has an endless amount of snow. Each of these elements makes Alaska an adventure.

Iceman in Action: Airman 1st Class Seth Nolte

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Seth Nolte, a 354th Security Forces SquadronDefender in the pass and registration section, helps a customer in the Visitor Control Center, Dec. 2, at Eielson Air Force Base. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Joshua Turner, 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs)

FootballChamps

Col. Michael Winkler (right), the 354th Fighter Wing commander, celebrates with members of the 354th Civil Engineer Squadron, who won the 2015 Intramural Football Championship in the Baker Field House at Eielson Air Force Base, Dec. 3. The season ended with a 24-19 win against the 354th Security Forces Squadron. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel, 354th Fighter Wing PAO)

8December 11, 2015NEWS

Senior Airman John Linzmeier18th Wing Public Affairs

Airmen sometimes find themselves sharing similar timelines with their peers: same time of entry, same technical school and same duty station.

This was the case for two captains in the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron; however, they also discovered that their military roots go deeper than they had anticipated. Both Airmen are descendants of sailors who fought in the Battle of Midway in World War II, although fighting on opposite sides.

“What really led to this discovery,” said Capt. Joshua McNelley, the 18 LRS Deployments and Distribution Flight commander, “was when [Capt. Christopher Fukui] was talking about how his great-grandfather was an aviator on the Akagi aircraft carrier and I was like, ‘wait a minute, my great-grandfather was out there patrolling around as an anti-aircraft person on one of the allied ships.’”

The Battle of Midway, took place June 3-7, 1942, and was one of the war’s most crucial naval battles in the Pacific theater. It was the Allies’ first major victory against the Japanese and has been referred to as the turning point of the Pacific.

For McNelley and Fukui, the realization that their forefathers fought in the same battle made them hungry to

learn more. They sought their elder relatives to learn more about their families’ military history. Considering that their friendship and careers began in 2012, the captains found themselves expressing their fascination in different ways; even with a sense of humor.

“We’ve had a few good chuckles about the situation,” said Fukui, the 18th LRS plans and programs officer in charge and 18th Mission Support Group executive officer. “There was even a running joke going around that one of us may not have been here today if his grandfather were to shoot down my great granddad during the war or vice-versa.”

In 1921, Fukui’s great-grandfather, Chisato Morita, commissioned as an officer in the Imperial Japanese Navy, and held several command positions before, during and after WWII.

After the attack on Pearl Harbor, McNelley’s great-grandfather, Ray Sorton, enlisted in the U.S. Navy. For the majority of the war, his role was shuttling supplies from the states to Pearl Harbor.

As the war continued, U.S. forces needed more manpower in the Pacific. Sorton was tasked to support the fight as an anti-aircraft gunner for a patrol boat at Midway.

At the same time, Morita was commanding the Imperial Japanese Navy Midway Flying Corps aboard

the aircraft carrier Akagi, which later sank during the battle.

Battling alongside their fellow service members, both opponents were unaware that their great-grandchildren would someday work hand in hand.

“I’m sure that back 60, 70 years ago, it would have probably been unimaginable that we’d be here sitting in the same room after seeing the polarization of the two countries,” McNelley said. “For me, it’s definitely hard

to fathom what kind of events would have to happen for the sons of my enemies to be fighting alongside my son or grandson someday.”

As times have changed, so has the warfighting mentality. Fukui looks back at his shared story as a testament to how the world has evolved throughout the past seven decades.

“It was a pretty interesting realization to have,” Fukui said. “The mindset of warfare back then was about demonizing the enemy and

making them seem less than human. And then you run into situations like this and it’s like the line of national borders sort of bleed in. We’re all on this planet together as equals, so this really makes you reflect on stuff like that.

“At the end of the day,” he continued, “we’re all warriors. We have a similar ethos regardless of whatever country or era you’re from.”

Allies in a new era

Capts. Christopher Fukui and Joshua McNelley are assigned to the 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Both Airmen are descendants of sailors who fought in the Battle of Midway during World War II. Fukui’s great-grandfather, Chisato Morita, commanded the Imperial Japanese Navy Midway Flying Corps aboard the aircraft carrier Akagi and McNelley’s grandfather, Ray Sorton, a U.S. Navy Sailor, manned an anti-aircraft gun during the battle. (Photo by Senior Airman John Linzmeier)

L. Amber PhillippeLandscape Historian

Feb. 12, 1944. A mechanic sweeps snow off of a Curtiss C-46 Commando during a snowstorm at Ladd Army Air Field. The C-46 was first introduced to the U.S. Army Air Force in 1940 for use as a troop carrier and general cargo transport. The C-46 saw extensive use during World War II in the Pacific Theater and in Europe. It was also the preferred plane to use while flying over the Himalayas, or “the Hump” as the range was known, by ferrying pilots flying tons of supplies to Allied forces in China for use against the Japanese. After the war, the C-46 continued to operate as both part of military and civilian fleets, and a handful of the 3,181 built remain in active use today. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Air Force)

Curtiss C-46 Commando

Into the chillA U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft, assigned to the 18th Aggressor Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base, leaves a hangar into minus 9 degree temperatures, Dec. 1, for a sortie in the Joint Pacific Alaska Training Range Complex (JPARC). The Aggressors fly rain or shine, barring extreme inclement weather, to provide unparalleled training to U.S. and partner nations in the JPARC, the world’s largest instrumented air, ground and electronic combat training range. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn, 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs)

9December 11, 2015 COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Eielson Air Force BaseFriday – 11thTHE SANTA CLAUSE (PG), 2 p.m., Er-nie Walker Theater, building 3309 Eiel-son AFB, Call 377-2269.

ICEMAN FALLS GRAND OPENING, noon to 5 p.m., Iceman Falls Eielson AFB, Call 377-1232.

THUNDER ALLEY, 7 to 11 p.m., Arctic Nite Lanes, building 3301 Eielson AFB, Call 377-1129.

BLACK MASS (R), 7 p.m., Ernie Walk-er Theater, building 3309 Eielson AFB, Call 377-2269.

Saturday – 12thFREE BOUNCE, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Ei-elson City Center, building 3310 Eiel-son AFB, Call 377-2642.

SHOOT SKEET AND TRAP, 3 to 8 p.m., Outdoor Recreation, building 76392 Eielson AFB, Call 377-1232

THE INTERN (PG-13), 7 p.m., Ernie Walker Theater, building 3309 Eielson AFB, Call 377-2269.

THUNDER ALLEY, 7 to 11 p.m., Arctic Nite Lanes, building 3301 Eielson AFB,

Call 377-1129.

Sunday – 13thCHENA HOT SPRINGS TRIP, Eiel-son City Center, building 3310 Eielson AFB, Call 377-2642.

FREE BOUNCE, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Ei-elson City Center, building 3310 Eiel-son AFB, Call 377-2642.

THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ES-CAPE CLAUSE (PG), 7 p.m., Ernie Walker Theater, building 3309 Eielson AFB, Call 377-2269.

Monday – 14thL.I.N.K.S., 2:30 to 4:30 p.m., Mental Health Conference Room, building 3349 Eielson AFB, Call 377-4727.

RAINBOW BOWLING, 4 to 9 p.m., Arc-tic Nite Lanes, building 3301 Eielson AFB, Call 377-1129.

FOOTBALL FRENZY, 4:30 p.m., 354 Sportsbar, building 2225 Eielson AFB, Call 377-2736.

Tuesday – 15thREINTEGRATION BRIEFINGS, 9:30 a.m., Airman and Family Readiness

Center, building 3125 Eielson AFB, Call 377-2178.

THRIFTY TUESDAY, 4 to 9 p.m., Arctic Nite Lanes, building 3301 Eielson AFB, Call 377-1129.

SHOOT SKEET AND TRAP, 5 to 9 p.m., Outdoor Recreation, building 76392 Eielson AFB, Call 377-1232.

Wednesday – 16thANGER MANAGEMENT, 10 a.m. to noon, Mental Health Conference Room, building 3349 Eielson AFB, Call 377-4727.

WACKY WEDNESDAY, 4 to 9 p.m., Arctic Nite Lanes, building 3301 Eiel-son AFB, Call 377-1129.

Friday – 18thTHE SANTA CLAUSE (PG), 2 p.m., Er-nie Walker Theater, building 3309 Eiel-son AFB, Call 377-2269.

ICEMAN FALLS GRAND OPENING, noon to 5 p.m., Iceman Falls Eielson AFB, Call 377-1232.

THUNDER ALLEY, 7 to 11 p.m., Arctic Nite Lanes, building 3301 Eielson AFB,

Call 377-1129.

Saturday – 19thMOOSE MOUNTAIN SKI TRIP, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Outdoor Recreation, Ei-elson AFB, Call 377-1232

FREE BOUNCE, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Ei-elson City Center, building 3310 Eiel-son AFB, Call 377-2642.

SHOOT SKEET AND TRAP, 3 to 8 p.m., Outdoor Recreation, building 76392 Eielson AFB, Call 377-1232

THUNDER ALLEY, 7 to 11 p.m., Arctic Nite Lanes, building 3301 Eielson AFB, Call 377-1129.

Sunday – 20thCHENA HOT SPRINGS TRIP, Eiel-son City Center, building 3310 Eielson AFB, Call 377-2642.

FREE BOUNCE, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Ei-elson City Center, building 3310 Eiel-son AFB, Call 377-2642.

SNOW MACHINE TRIP, 1 to 4:30 p.m., Outdoor Recreation, building 76392 Eielson AFB, Call 377-1232

FINANCE TIPDid you know that you are

responsible for paying your GTC bill regardless of whether or not your travel voucher has been paid?

NUTRITIONAL TIPPlay detective in the cereal aisle;

teach your children how to find the amount of total sugars in various cereals.

24-HOUR GYM ACCESSBaker Field House will now allow

24-Hour Fitness Access to DoD CAC card holders, dependents over 18 years old and military retirees. All those who wish to utilize the designated area in the facility after hours will be required to register their CAC/Fitness Access Card and sign a Statement of Understanding/Assumption of Risk

Form. Dependents and retirees will be required to obtain a Fitness Access Card from the Baker Field House in order to gain access through the designated entrance. For more information, please contact the Baker Field House at 377-1925.

EIELSON PHARMACY RECEIVES MEDSAFE

The 354th Medical Group pharmacy has a new way to dispose of expired and unused medications. MedSafe, a blue receptacle near the pharmacy pick up window is a collection point that is secure and meets the requirements of the newly updated DEA Controlled Substance Act. During business hours you can dispose controlled and non-controlled medications in the MedSafe. Removal of patient information is not required. Please try to keep medication in its original container and place liquids in a plastic bag. Illegal drugs, liquids over

4 ounces, sharp containers, needles, syringes, batteries, aerosol spray cans, trash, medical devices and hazardous chemicals are unauthorized to drop-off . Any questions may be directed to the pharmacy at 377-1462.

NOW PLAYING AT THE ERNIE WALKER THEATER

The Ernie Walker Theater is now open and playing movies every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Movies are free to all DoD ID holders! So stop by, grab some popcorn and enjoy a night at the movies, courtesy of the Eielson Force Support Squadron. For more information, call 377-2269.

EIELSON CHAPEL SERVICESThe Eielson Air Force Base Chapel

team offers a variety of services. Your Chaplain Corps offers Catholic and Protestant worship services each week and our multi-faith worship center can support the needs of other

faith groups. For more information, call us at 377-2130.

Catholic Community:Religious Formation, 9 a.m.,

SundaysCatholic Mass, 10:30 a.m., SundaysSacrament of Reconciliation by

appointment

Protestant Community:Contemporary Service, 9 a.m.,

SundaysSunday School, 10:30 a.m., SundaysAWANA, 4 – 6 p.m., SundaysLiturgical Service, 7 p.m.,

WednesdaysJr./Sr. High Youth Service, 7 p.m.,

Wednesdays

IN BRIEF

When the first bombs exploded on a nearby airfield, marking the start of the Japanese sneak attack on the morning of Dec. 7, 1941, Edward Davis and others scrambled from a chow hall.

The 94-year-old Army veteran said he and other Soldiers were having breakfast at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, when Japanese aircraft dive-bombed the adjacent Wheeler Army Airfield.

“We all ran outside and looked up at the sky to see what was going on,” the retired first sergeant said before a Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony at the World War II Memorial, Dec. 7.

At that point, a few Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighters roared over the Army base and fired at them, killing and injuring several Soldiers from his unit.

“I couldn’t believe it,” he said, recalling how the attacks stoked fears of a looming Japanese invasion. “It was an unbelievable tragedy.”

The attacks on the island of Oahu eventually left more than 2,400 dead and almost 1,200 wounded as it catapulted the United States into the war.

“It dealt us a body blow that I think was a rude awakening to Americans,” said Herb Durham, a former Army Air Corps pilot. “The war had started and as a young man I was eager to get in.”

During the war, Durham, one of about 20 WWII veterans at the ceremony, said he had some scary moments in Europe where he flew Republic P-47 Thunderbolt fighters.

One time while strafing German positions, a 20-mm round hit his canopy, causing shattered glass and shrapnel from the round to cut his face.

“I was lucky I had on my oxygen mask and goggles,” he said of the March 1945 mission. “The doctor said I was lucky I didn’t lose my left eye.”

About a month later, Durham faced his biggest test when his aircraft was shot down behind enemy lines.

“I was dive-bombing a target and when I pulled off the target I got hit in the engine,” the 91-year-old veteran recalled. “But I had a lot of air speed so I pulled up to about 6,000 feet and bailed out.”

Durham was later caught by German soldiers, who threw him in a prison camp. But a few weeks later, he said, the soldiers abandoned the camp as U.S. tanks approached it, freeing him and others.

In the Pacific Theater, former Marine Cpl. Ed Graham, who joined a dozen veterans on an honor flight from Texas for the ceremony, was sent to the tense Battle of Iwo Jima.

At first, Graham, 90, said he was part of a floating reserve until the battle turned fiercer than expected and ultimately had about 26,000 American casualties including 6,800 dead.

“We weren’t supposed to go in but they tore them up so bad the first day,” he said of how the Japanese forces pinned down his fellow Marines. “It was pretty bad for the whole crew.”

Graham, assigned to the 3rd Marine Division,

was later sent to the island to help purify water for combat-weary troops in the 36-day battle.

“All we had to worry about were mortars and snipers,” he said.

But he and other troops received some motivation when U.S. troops raised the American flag on top of Mount Suribachi, which later became an iconic image of the war.

“I was on board the ship when they raised it and everybody clapped, yelled and screamed,” he recalled. “It was quite a sight.”

The attack on Pearl Harbor and the subsequent “a date which will live in infamy” speech by then-President Franklin D. Roosevelt inspired many young men to sign up and fight in the costly war, which left more than 400,000 American service members dead and forever shaped the world.

Navy veteran Ted Waller said he rushed to the recruiter’s office following the attack.

“I went down the next day and tried to sign up but there were so many people there that they told us to go home until after Christmas so we could spend time with family,” the 92-year-old veteran recalled. “I came back the day after [Christmas] and got sworn in.”

Waller went on to take part in the world’s first all-aircraft carrier naval clash, the Battle of the Coral Sea, and roughly a dozen other battles. He then witnessed the Japanese surrender some of its South Pacific territories while on board the USS Portland at Truk, Caroline Islands, Sept. 2, 1945 - an event often overshadowed by Japan’s surrender on the USS Missouri in Toyko Bay, Japan, that same day.

“At the time it didn’t mean anything, but now it does,” he said of the formal surrender. “It was the beginning of changes in our American life.”

Edward Davis, right, a 94-year-old Army veteran who witnessed the Japanese sneak attack on Hawaii, and Frank Levingston, a 110-year-old Army veteran believed to be the nation’s oldest living World War II veteran, attend a Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony at the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., Dec. 7. (Photo by Sean Kimmons, Air Force News Service)

Vets remember Pearl Harbor on anniversarySean KimmonsAir Force News Service

11December 11, 2015

made up of Soldiers and one Airman from both Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and Fort Wainwright.

“It’s all about feeling ready and being mentally tough,” said Spc. Ericka Bernardo, the only female member of the team. “I know I’m going to get hit in the face, but when I see another female across the cage, I feel confident.”

Combatives, or hand-to-hand combat, is much like mixed martial arts fighting and allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, from a variety of combat sports. The skills learned can be used on the battlefield, making proficiency in hand-to hand combat one of the fundamental building blocks for training today’s Soldier.

“What we’re doing here is instilling warrior spirit in today’s Soldiers,” said Sgt. 1st Class Chad Yeagley, Arctic Warrior Combatives Academy noncommissioned officer in charge. “We’re pushing their

bodies to the limits, but it’s building confidence and preparing them to be OK with taking a hit.”

Nearly 300 service members from Fort Bragg and other Department of Defense installations are expected to go head-to-head with each other during the preliminary and semi-final rounds to determine who will fight in the finals. This is the first invitational U.S. Army Alaska will be participating in.

While she is grateful for fighting helping her to build her confidence, Bernado, who has been fighting for a year, said once she’s in the cage, it’s all about the fight.

“I’ve been fighting for more than a year and have been training for months for this competition,” said Bernado. “I am aggressive and ready to take on the woman I’ll be in the cage with.”

The finals will take place Dec. 12.

NEWS

honest with everyone is the best way to have a healthy and productive relationship, and that is certainly what we want to have with all of our Soldiers, civilians, veterans, retirees, and their families.

So what is the Fort Wainwright Garrison Team? When I arrived here on July 1st this past summer, I was not only awed to still be driving at 11 p.m. with sunglasses on, but I was also asking myself the same question.

I’ve learned over the last five months that the Garrison Team is a fantastic group of nearly 700 individuals all with the mission to support and enable the readiness of our USARAK Soldiers—and they do that job with great zeal and dedication knowing the sacrifices that our Soldiers have made and will continue to make for all of us.

While enabling the readiness of our Soldiers certainly focuses on things like training, maintenance, and accountability and administrative functions, it also has a whole lot to do with providing programs and services to support our Soldiers, civilians, and their families and their quality of life while living here in Alaska.

Part of our mission as the Garrison Team is to synchronize all of the other tenant units on the installation to better support the community. Some

of these other tenants include the Commissary, AAFES Exchange and shoppettes, Bassett Army Community Hospital and Medical Command, Dental Command, and the Civilian Personnel Advisory Center. Bottom line, if there is something on post that provides a service to you and your families, you can likely call your Fort Wainwright Garrison Team about it to find more information.

Over the coming weeks, you’ll hear directly from the leaders of many of these services and programs in this media series. I encourage you to learn as much as you can, then come to us with comments or ask us your additional questions.

I look forward to seeing and hearing from you at future town hall meetings, at the monthly Community Action Council, and through ICE comments (we read and respond to EVERY one —if it has contact info). We love hearing from you, especially your ideas to do things better and to help us find much needed additional professionals to join our garrison team. After all, we are the Home of the Arctic Warriors!

Best wishes to everyone for a relaxing and joyous holiday season!

Next week’s article will highlight the Fort Wainwright Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Directorate.

Garrison: PersonnelContinued from page 1

Your Fort Wainwright Garrison Team is comprised of the following (this list is not all inclusive):

Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Brooke Haley 353-7611

Directorate of Emergency Services Lt. Col. Mike Kropushek361-7470

Directorate of Public Works Mike Meeks361-7287

Directorate of Human Resources Charlie Carr353-7612

Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization, and Security Felicia Jackson353-6612

Public Affairs OfficeMel Slater353-6700

Plans, Analysis, and Integration Office George Brunner353-9721

Resource Management Office Melissa Alexander353-9407

Installation Safety OfficeRobert Tanner353-7085

Equal Employment Opportunity Stacey Mason 353-6917

Religious Services Office353-6112

Internal Review Mike Galloway 353-7881

Continued from page 1

Fighters

Members of the U.S. Army Alaska Combatives team go head-to-head in a warm up fight, Dec. 3, at the Arctic Warriors Combative Academy on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Combatives, or hand-to-hand combat, is much like mixed martial arts fighting and allows the use of both striking and grappling techniques, both standing and on the ground, from a variety of combat sports. (Sachel Harris, U.S. Army Alaska PAO)

Fort Wainwright Exchange doubles savings on gas Dec. 18 through 20 for Military Star card usersSavanah AnthonyArmy & Air Force Exchange Service

The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is keeping military shoppers’ wallets from running on empty this holiday season by doubling the discount Military Star cardholders receive on fuel.

From Dec. 18 through Dec. 20, drivers fueling up with a Military Star card at Exchange gas stations will receive 10 cents off per gallon instead of the everyday 5-cents-per-gallon discount.

“With the last weekend of holiday shopping approaching, we’re giving military shoppers an extra reason to come on post and see what the Exchange has in store,” said Exchange main store manager Denice Langley. “The extra savings at the pump are all part of the value authorized shoppers find at the Fort Wainwright Exchange.”

After fueling up, shoppers who stop into the Express and make an additional purchase with their Military Star card will be treated to a free coffee or fountain drink.

When drivers use their Military Star card at the pump, they’ll earn points as part of the new rewards program, which launched this fall. Cardholders earn 2 points for every $1 spent in Army, Air Force, Marine Corps and Navy exchange stores, and wherever else the Military Star card is accepted. For every 2,000 points earned, shoppers will automatically receive a $20 rewards card.

Every day, shoppers can reap the benefits of paying with their Military Star card. Besides the typical discount of 5 cents per gallon on all gas purchases, cardholders enjoy a 10 percent discount on all Exchange food court purchases year-round and free standard shipping at shopmyexchange.com.

For information about the features and benefits of the Military Star card, shoppers can visit www.myecp.com.

Secretary of Defense directs intergration of women in combat roles