Peninsula Warrior Army Edition - February 20, 2015

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:DUULRU J O I N T February 20, 2015 Vol. 6, No. 7

B A S E

L A N G L E Y - E U S T I S

P u b l i s h e d i n t h e i n t e re s t o f p e r s o n n e l a t J o i n t B a s e L a n g l e y - E u s t i s

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ARMY EDITION

w w w. p e n i n s u l a w a r r i o r. c o m

PERSPECTIVE

Airman finds balance after diagnosis — Page 8

CROSS COUNTRY

Soldiers dominate Armed Forces championships — Page 16

For more online content, check out www.JBLE.af.mil

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PRIORITIES

High priority programs outlined at symposium — Page 6

JBLE Slides into winter – Page 12

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Joint Base Langley-Eustis Editorial Staff Joint Base Langley-Eustis Commander Col. John J. Allen Jr. Joint Base Langley-Eustis Public Affairs Officer Capt. Kevin Whitlatch • kevin.whitlatch@us.af.mil Joint Base Langley-Eustis Editor Senior Airman R. Alex Durbin • robert.durbin.2@us.af.mil Fort Eustis Managing Editor Staff Sgt. Teresa Cleveland • fteustismain@gmail.com Per Air Force Instruction 35-101/Army Regulation 360-1, only stories and photos submitted by members of the Department of Defense community and DOD news services may be printed inThe PeninsulaWarrior. Any stories, photos or announcements must be submitted eight days prior to publication. Stories and photos should be submitted to the editor and/or assistant editor at 633abw.paedit@langley. af.mil or Public Affairs Office, 601 Hines Cir., Fort Eustis, VA 23604. Announcements for the Community Section should be submitted to fteustismain@gmail.com. Announcements for the Outside the Gate Section should be submitted to fteustismain@gmail. com. For more information call 878-4920. Authors’ names may be withheld, but all letters must include the authors’ signatures and telephone number. The Peninsula Warrior is an authorized publication for all the members of the U.S. military. Contents of The Peninsula Warrior are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, Department of the Air Force or the Department of the Army. The PeninsulaWarrior is printed every Friday by offset as a civilian enterprise newspaper for the Public Affairs Office, U.S. Air Force by Military Newspapers of Virginia at 150 W. Brambleton Ave. Norfolk, VA 23510 under exclusive written contract with the commander, Joint Base Langley-Eustis. MNV is a private firm in no way connected with the Department of the Air Force or Department of the Army. Printed circulation: 25,000. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. A confirmed violation or rejection of this policy of equal opportunity by any advertiser will result in refusal to print advertising from that source. All editorial content of The Peninsula Warrior is prepared, edited, provided and approved by the Public Affairs Office Joint Base Langley-Eustis. All photographs are Air Force or Army photographs unless otherwise stated. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts and supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense or MNV of the products or services advertised.

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FEBRUARY 20, 2015

Virginia Governor Authorizes National Guard for statewide Snow Response By Cotton Puryear

78,000 cubic yards of snow and more than 4,900 fire hydrants. Guard units also cleared more than 152 miles of road of record-breaking snowfall.

Potential missions for the Virginia Guard and Virginia Defense Force

include assisting stranded motorists, transportation of health care professionals and the seriously ill to medical treatment facilities, transportation of personnel or equipment to potential heating or sheltering locations and downed tree removal, said Army Col. James Zollar, director of joint operations for the Virginia Guard. “Getting our personnel staged and ready at key locations before the severe weather hits is critical to our ability to rapidly respond when needed,” he said. The Virginia National Guard receives its missions through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management to assist the Virginia State Police, the Virginia Department of Transportation and other state and local emergency response organizations and is not able to respond to direct support requests from the public, Zollar said. Meanwhile, in hard-hit Massachusetts, about 500 National Guard personnel are on duty, joined by nearly 40 from Vermont and about 50 from Maine. National Guard Bureau officials said they have removed 2,145 truckloads of snow and have cleared more than

Heritage Spotlight

Feb 24, 1969: Airman wins Medal of Honor for action in Vietnam

VIRGINIA NATIONAL GUARD

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe has authorized the National Guard to call up to 300 U.S. Soldiers, Airmen and members of the Virginia Defense Force for potential assistance in severe winter weather response operations. The Virginia Guard planned Feb. 16 to stage about 125 personnel at readiness centers along the Interstate 81 corridor and in the central Virginia area along Route 29, I-64 and I-95 to be ready to respond if needed, officials said. McAuliffe declared a state of emergency yesterday afternoon, an action that authorized the state active duty and also allows state agencies to assist local governments in responding to the winter storm expected to cover many parts of the state with 3 to 14 inches of snow. About 200 Soldiers and Airmen were active during snowstorms in Arkansas, North Carolina and Virginia over the weekend.

Potential for Various Missions

After a North Vietnamese mortar shell rocked their Douglas AC-47 gunship, U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class John L. Levitow threw himself on an activated, smoking magnesium flare, dragged himself and the flare to the open cargo door and tossed it out of the aircraft just before it ignited. Levitow was asked to fill in for the regular loadmaster on an armed AC-47. Levitow’s job was to set the ejection and ignition timer controls on Mark 24 magnesium flares and pass them to the gunner for deployment. These flares were 27-pound metal canisters 3 feet long that would burn at 4000 degrees, illuminate with the intensity of 2 million candlepower and burn for two and a half to

three minutes.The AC-47 and it’s crew were flying night missions near the Tan Son Nhut Air base area when Long Binh came under attack. Despite 40 wounds in his back and legs, Levitow saw the loose flare, its fuse burning with clouds of smoke, rolling amid ammunition cans that contained 19,000 rounds of live ammunition. When the flare exploded it would detonate the ammunition and burn a hole through the floor to the aircraft’s control cables below. Through a haze of pain and shock, unable to stand up and fighting the aircraft’s 30-degree bank angle, Levitow crawled to the flare and threw himself upon it. Hugging it to his body, he dragged himself back to the

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Steve Marshall of the National Guard Bureau contributed to this report.)

Photo by Capt. Andrew J. Czaplicki

A Virginia National Guard Soldier assigned to the Fredericksburg-based 116th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, prepares a vehicle for possible winter storm operations duty.

rear of the cabin and pushed it through the open cargo door an instant before it ignited, saving the aircraft and its crew. When the aircraft finally returned to the base, the extent of the damage became apparent. The AC-47 had more than 3,500 holes in the wings and fuselage, one measuring more than three feet long. On May 14, 1970, Levitow was later awarded the Medal of Honor “for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.” He was one of only two enlisted Airmen to earn the medal for service in Vietnam and was one of only five enlisted Airmen ever to win the medal.

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FEBRUARY 20, 2015

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Army Airborne EOD Company Soldier receives second highest military medal By Walter T. Ham IV 20TH CBRNE COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

A U.S. Army Soldier from the only airborne Explosive Ordnance Disposal, or EOD, Company was presented with the nation’s second highest award for valor in Washington D.C., Feb. 17. Staff Sgt. Jeffery M. Dawson earned the Distinguished Service Cross while deployed to Afghanistan with the 28th EOD Company (Airborne) in support of the U.S. Army’s elite 75th Ranger Regiment. U.S. Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Daniel B. Allyn presented the medal to Dawson during a ceremony here in Marshall Auditorium. Sgt. Bryan C. Anderson, the Ranger Platoon medic on the same mission, also received the Distinguished Service Cross during the ceremony. Dawson said the mission in Afghanistan, Oct. 5, 2013, was supposed to be routine. “That mission started out the same as every mission. The IED [Improvised Explosive Device] threat was low and it was supposed to be a quick easy target,” Dawson said. “Upon infiltration everything changed in minutes.” During the mission at a remote enemy compound, a fleeing insurgent donated an explosive, killing himself and the team’s multi-purpose canine, Jani.

Photo by Patrick A. Albright, MCoE PAO

Staff Sgt. Jeffery M. Dawson receives the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation’s second highest medal for valor, during a ceremony on Fort Benning, Georgia.

Dawson then realized that his team was surrounded by IEDs. “Being the only EOD tech on the objective, it was up to me to clear medical personnel to the wounded and clear to all other personnel to get them to safety,” Dawson said. Despite being wounded by two separate explosions, Dawson halted the mission, disarmed the improvised explosive devices and aided in the evacuation of dead and wounded Soldiers. Navigating the chaotic situation in limited visibility for more than two hours, Dawson exposed himself to grave danger while locating three confirmed pressure plate IEDs and an additional six suspected devices, the award citation stated. “In any situation like that, you always revert back to training and stick with what you know,” said Dawson, SEE MEDAL PAGE 5

Courtesy Photo

From left, Staff Sgt. Jeffery M. Dawson, Sgt. Bryan C. Anderson and Spc. Samuel Crockett pose for a photo on Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan. Dawson and Anderson received the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation’s second highest medal for valor. Crockett received a Silver Star for valor last year.

“Being the only EOD tech on the objective, it was up to me to clear medical personnel to the wounded and clear to all other personnel to get them to safety.” — Staff Sgt. Jeffery M. Dawson 28th EOD Company (Airborne) Courtesty photo

Staff Sgt. Jeffery M. Dawson, shown in uniform.

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FEBRUARY 20, 2015

1HZ 6(&'() 7DNHV 2DWK RI 2I¿FH DW :KLWH +RXVH &HUHPRQ\ By Cheryl Pellerin DOD NEWS, DEFENSE MEDIA ACTIVITY

With his wife, Stephanie, holding the Bible upon which he swore to support and defend the U.S. Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic, Ash Carter took the oath of office as the 25th secretary of defense in a ceremony at the White House today. Vice President Joe Biden administered the oath in the Roosevelt Room, characterizing Carter as a genuine scholar of strategic military affairs and nuclear weapons policy and as a profoundly capable manager “with universal respect and affection from the people you work with, reflected in a near-unanimous vote in the U.S. Senate.” “For me,” Carter said after taking the oath, “this is the highest honor, to be the 25th secretary of defense. I’m grateful to [President Barack Obama] and the vice president for your trust and confidence, and to the U.S. Senate as

ABOUT THE SECRETARY

“For me, this is the highest honor, to be the 25th secretary of defense. I’m grateful to [President Barack Obama] and the vice president for your trust and confidence, and to the U.S. Senate as well for their trust and confidence.” — Ash Carter 25th Secretary of Defense

DoD courtesy photo

Vice President Joe Biden swears in Ash Carter as the 25th defense secretary as Carter’s wife, Stephanie, looks on during a private ceremony at the White House.

well for their trust and confidence.” Attending the ceremony were Carter’s son, Will, Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, Joint Chiefs Vice Chairman Navy Adm. James A. Winnefeld Jr., members of Carter’s transition team, and several men and women in uniform.

A Driving Intellectual Force

In his introduction, Biden called Carter a “physicist and a genuine expert on the acquisition and technical capabilities that are going to help guarantee the U.S. military is second to none in the world.” Carter has a driving intellectual force behind all he does and all the administration has been doing, the vice president added, including strengthening the nation’s cyber capabilities, improving the way the Pentagon does business, and implementing the Asia-Pacific rebalance, including deepening defense cooperation with India. “Most important of all, you’ve been a fighter,” Biden told Carter, “like the men and women in uniform here today, Ash Carter is the 25th secretary of de- for the women and men who serve in uniform.” fense. He previously served as depThe defense secretary, like his predeuty defense secretary and as undercessor, Biden added, “understands that secretary of defense for acquisition, while this country has many obligatechnology and logistics. Carter has re- tions, it only has one truly sacred obceived the Defense Department’s Dis- ligation, and that’s to equip and protinguished Service Medal five times tect those we send to war, care for their and the Defense Intelligence Medal. families while they’re there, and care

for them and their families when they come home.”

Tough Missions Ahead Many tough missions lie ahead, the vice president said, from fighting against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, strengthening NATO, and rebalancing to the Asia-Pacific region, to maintaining the nation’s technological edge and continuous efforts to make the most out of every dollar invested in defense. “Dr. Carter,” Biden said, “as you take leadership of the greatest military in the history of mankind, … you do so with the confidence of everyone in your building, confidence of the United States Senate, confidence of President Obama and me, and so many other people who admire your work.” Carter thanked his wife and children, his transition team and the team he joins at the Pentagon, including Work, Dempsey, Winnefeld and others. The defense secretary characterized the defense of the nation as “the highest calling,” and he made three commitments to the men and women of the Defense Department, to the president and vice president, and to his fellow citizens.

Three Commitments “The first is to help our president make the best possible decisions about our security and the [world’s] security, and then to ensure that our department executes those decisions with its long

accustomed competence and effectiveness,” he said. While dealing with challenges to national security, Carter said, he wants to help the nation’s leadership grab hold of opportunities that lie before the country, and to help make the world safer and a better place for the next generation. “My second commitment is to the men and women of the Department of Defense, whom I will lead, to reflect in everything I do and to honor the commitment and dedication that brought them into service,” Carter said, “and to protect their dignity, their safety, their well-being, [and] to make decisions about sending them into harm’s way with the greatest reflection and care.”

A Force for the Future Carter’s third commitment was to the future, he said, “to building a force for our future that involves not only securing the resources we need but making … the best use of the taxpayers’ dollar, making sure we embrace change so that years from now, … we continue to be a place where America’s finest want to serve, and a place that is a beacon to the rest of the world.” As Obama enters the fourth quarter of his presidency, the defense secretary added, “these commitments, … I think, will help me help him and help the vice president to ensure that those years are productive, and that they leave our country’s future in the best possible place -- in the best possible hands.”

FEBRUARY 20, 2015

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MEDAL FROM PAGE 3 a Coalville, Utah native, who has served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Dawson said he was inspired by the dedication of his fellow Soldiers who braved the explosive-ridden battlefield to recover their fallen and wounded teammates. “I remember looking around at all the devastation and seeing American flags draped over casualties in an effort to help keep them warm,” Dawson said. The staff sergeant said he was surprised to be put in for the medal, second only to the Medal of Honor. “When I got back to camp, people were coming up to me and shaking my hand and hugging me telling me that they heard great things about me,” Dawson said. “I kept thinking to myself that I was just doing my job.” The Fort Bragg, North Carolina-based 28th EOD Company (Airborne) is part of the 192nd EOD Battalion, 52nd EOD Group, 20th CBRNE Command (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosives), the only Department of Defense formation that combats global

CBRNE threats. Capt. Taylor J. Duren, commander of the 28th EOD Company, said his Soldiers conduct rigorous training to stay ready to jump out of airplanes and defuse explosive devices. Duren said his Soldiers regularly serve with the 75th Ranger Regiment, the U.S. Army’s premier direct-action raid force. “(The medal) highlights the relationship we have with the 75th Ranger Regiment since they are the ones who submitted (Staff Sergeant) Dawson’s Distinguished Service Cross,” Duren said. Duren said the medal demonstrates the high caliber of the Soldiers serving in his one-of-a-kind company. “What makes us truly unique is the level of professionalism each Soldier depicts in this company,” said Duren, a native of Columbia, South Carolina, who has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. “This award pays tribute to the level of training we put into the Soldiers hand selected to serve in this company and their dedication to mission success,” Duren said.

Photo by Patrick A. Albright, MCoE PAO

Col. Patrick Ellis, center, commander of the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, and U.S. Army Vice Chief of Staff Gen. Daniel B. Allyn applaud Staff Sgt. Jeffery M. Dawson at his Distinguished Service Cross ceremony.

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FEBRUARY 20, 2015 Dr. William A. LaPlante talks to attendees of the Air Force Association’s Annual Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition in Orlando, Fla. LaPante is the assistant secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition. He spoke about Air Force procurement strategy and challenges.

(U.S. Air Force photo by Scott M. Ash

Priorities of AF acquisition outlined at symposium ByStaff. Sgt. Christopher Gross AIR FORCE NEWS SERVICE

Dr. William A. LaPlante, the assistant secretary of the A U.S. ir Force for Acquisition, outlined the Air Force’s top acquisition priorities during the Air Force Association’s annual Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition Feb. 13, in Orlando, Florida. LaPlante pointed out five key areas of focus which included: ■ Get high priority programs right and keep them on the right track. ■ Improve relationships and transparency with stakeholders. ■ Own the technical baseline for important programs. ■ Build “Better Buying Power” to improve business and small business in order to achieve best program outcomes. ■ Build long-term strategy, resiliency to

peer competitors, experiment and innovate – strategic agility. The high priority programs included KC-46A Pegasus and F-35A Lightning II programs. They’re the daily operation of the Air Force and LaPlante said they just need to keep on progressing to ensure they’re done right. His second priority dealt with the complexity of the acquisition world. “We have really put effort into trying to make ourselves more transparent,” he said. “Acquisition is hard to understand, it’s filled with acronyms, it’s filled with history, (and) we don’t talk about it clearly. “The chief and the secretary both instinctively realized that we’re not going to make progress together on bringing prices down, bringing costs down and innovating, if we in the Air Force do not have regular, meaningful conversations with industry,” he continued.

One way of improving the lines of communication between the Air Force and industry is through “Bending the Cost Curve initiative,” a 2014 Air Force initiative to address escalation in weapon system costs and development times. It’s designed to improve dialogue with industry partners, expand competition among traditional and non-traditional industry partners and improve internal Air Force acquisition processes. LaPlante insisted there needs to be a regular venue of discussion outside of the source selection and competition process. He said those discussions will bring ideas of innovation cost cutting and boosting efficiency. One way to boost the efficiency of the work being done is to hold program offices to higher standards. LaPlante also discussed the Better Buying Program 3.0, based on the principle that “continuous improvement is the best approach to improving the performance of the defense acquisition enterprise.” He used cost capability analysis charts to demonstrate effective tradeoffs between cost and warfighting capabilities

as an example of how the Air Force is improving the performance of defense acquisitions. “There will be a much better understanding and a way for us to know what we’re paying for and willing to pay for,” he said. LaPlante also discussed the long-term strategy of the Air Force and how talking about it now is a plus for the industry. “I think the Air Force has been really good in the last few years about not changing requirements on its programs,” he said. “We need to continue with the discipline, but then we have to establish them early enough to give industry a chance so they’re not at risk.” However at the same time, there needs to be strategic agility incorporated into those plans, he said. “Strategic agility means we also have to deal with the unknown and we have to assume that we’re going to operate these systems in ways we will not predict,” he said. “We’re going to have the adversary doing things we cannot predict.”

FEBRUARY 20, 2015

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President signs Clay Hunt Act, says ‘stigma must to end’

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By Claudette Roulo DOD NEWS, DEFENSE MEDIA ACTIVITY

President Barack Obama signed into law the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act, or SAV Act, Feb. 12. The act aims to reduce military and veteran suicides and improve their access to quality mental health care. Hunt was a decorated Marine veteran who struggled with post-traumatic stress. He deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and was wounded in Anbar Province, Iraq, and witnessed the combat deaths of close friends. Two years after his discharge and after repeated setbacks in his medical care, Hunt took his own life. The president said the best way to honor Hunt “is to make sure that more veterans like him are here for all the years to come and able to make extraordinary contributions, building on what they’ve already done for our safety and our security.â€? The act builds on efforts still in progress to improve Veterans Affairs mental health care access by: -- Requiring annual third party evaluations of VA’s mental health care and suicide prevention programs; -- Creating a centralized website with resources and information about the range of mental health services available from the VA; -- Conducting a three-year pilot program using peer support to assist veterans transitioning from active duty; and -- Encouraging collaborative suicide prevention efforts between the VA and non-proďŹ t mental health organizations. The president’s proposed 2016 budget also includes more than $7 billion for the VA to continue its focus on expanding and transforming mental health services for veterans, including treatment for post-traumatic stress, ensuring timely access to mental health care, and treatment for military sexual trauma. “This law will not bring Clay back, as much as we wish it would,â€? Obama said, “but the reforms that it puts in place would’ve helped, and they’ll help others who are going through the same challenging process that he went through. “It’s time to eliminate the stigma and barriers that face those who seek help,â€? the president continued. “Asking for help is hard enough, he said, particularly when you are used to helping others.â€?

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FEBRUARY 20, 2015

FeatureStory

Feature Theme or Description Senior Master Sgt. Daphne Soto is the 92nd Air Refueling Wing Equal Opportunity director and is a 24-year Air Force veteran who spent 18 years of her career on the fast track until a diagnosis forced her to find balance between work, family and herself.Today, Soto dedicates her time to helping Airmen find balance and prepare them for life beyond the Air Force.

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Photo by Staff Sgt. Alexandre Montes

$LUPDQ ¿QGV EDODQFH DIWHU GLDJQRVLV By Tech. Sgt. Vanessa Kilmer 92ND AIR REFUELING WING PUBLIC AFFAIRS

(This feature is part of the “Through Airmen’s Eyes” series on AF.mil. These stories focus on a single Airman, highlighting their Air Force story.) U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Daphne Soto never meets a stranger because each encounter opens a door to a potential new friend, or to someone who just needs to talk, and she’ll keep the door open for both. This 24-year Air Force veteran will weave a serpentine path through cubicles and offices just to say hello to every Airman, regardless of rank. Her conversations are sprinkled with laughter and seasoned with southern flavor when she reveals her roots with the occasional use of the word,

“child.” For Soto, the 92nd Air Refueling Wing Equal Opportunity director, it’s not just part of her job. A self-proclaimed “sweet girl from South Carolina,” Soto has always held tight to one goal from the moment she enlisted: to always give her personal best. Soto said she knew her lofty goals would require more attention, and possibly sacrifices, but she didn’t recognize the magnitude of the impending imbalance. Her aspirations formed blinders that cloaked lost time with her family, and shrouded symptoms as her body began to rebel against her. Early in her career, as a telephone switch operator (“Operator 22”) and then as combat crew communications, her ambition was the ever-pres-

ent shove toward more responsibility. “I wanted to be the chief master sergeant of the Air Force,” she said. “I think everyone’s had that little moment.” Soto’s appetite for responsibility left her family hungry for her presence back home. As a mother of three and wife of an active-duty crew chief, she described 12-hour days that didn’t end when she returned home. She said she would bring work with her, and take phone calls on her home phone, even late in the evening. This was when cellphones were new, she noted. “I’ve always tried to be a good mom, and a good wife and a great Airman,” she said. “But I soared at a cost ... because I sacrificed all of that precious family time. I was on every

TDY; I never turned down an opportunity. There was a time that my husband and I weren’t even seeing each other. I would kiss my kids goodnight, read a quick bedtime story and then get right back on the phone.” She was on that cycle for almost 18 years, which she admitted took a toll on her as well. “When you’re used to being that go-to person and having to live up to that expectation, and not being able to say no — it takes a lot,” she said. “And then you find yourself saying, ‘You’ve got to say no.’” Soto said she justified this brutal schedule because she saw it as purpose, a part of her legacy. “I thought I was being a role model to my children, and making my husband proud being that breadwinner,” she said. “So you lie to yourself. You lie to yourself to say, it’s all worth it SEE BALANCE PAGE 9

FEBRUARY 20, 2015

BALANCE FROM PAGE 8 in the end. You convince yourself that it’s going to justify it all once you hit that goal.” For almost 20 years, Soto charged through, made rank, earned more awards and accolades, with the support of her husband, Master Sgt. Damon Soto pushing her forward. Every extra hour she put in meant an extra hour away from Damon, but he accepted the sacrifice, “...because I love her, and that’s what she wanted,” he said. “And she’s way smarter than I am.” He acknowledged that it was difficult to balance school, work and children, but their partnership kept them going. “When her schedule was hard, I picked up as much slack as I could and vice versa,” he said. “My thought was if we didn’t, everything would fail.” It was 2010 when life for Soto changed. In two months, she had inexplicably lost weight — down from a size 6 to a size 00. For about two years, Soto had noticed changes in her body, nothing to raise alarm, but the weight loss began to bring everything in focus. She advocated for a referral to see a doctor who would be able to diagnose her symptoms. After Soto’s doctor heard about her weight loss, he waived his three-month wait list and agreed to see her within the week. It was just 30 minutes between the beginning of the examination and the diagnosis she had begun to expect — cancer. Soto described driving home from the appointment and pulling over because she was overwhelmed with the weight of the diagnosis and blinded by uncontrollable tears. She said she distinctly remembers the primal urge to talk to her mother. “My mother said, ‘It’s going to be ok, we’re going to get through it.’ And you know, I didn’t really have a choice, because I had three kids and a husband to worry about.” For Soto, whose life and career had been going at full-tilt for more than two decades, everything suddenly stopped, and her life aligned itself along a completely unexpected trajectory. After her diagnosis, Soto said she had a crash course in cancer. Because of the aggressiveness of the disease, she had to make very quick decisions to determine the course of her treatment and elected to undergo two invasive surgeries.

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Prior to her diagnosis, Soto was chosen as the primary organizer for her career field’s upcoming utilization and training workshop. This is the workshop where attendees develop all of the equal opportunity career field’s training requirements. After her second surgery, she was confined to her home for six weeks, facing a six-month convalescent period and completely dependent on the man whom she called her rock — Damon. During that time, she said she came to a powerful realization: The workshop was held on schedule and her career field’s training curriculum was developed — without her. The mission went on. “I think that’s when it all started coming together,” she said. “I said I have to shift my priorities, and it’s ok to take care of me.” Upon returning to work, Soto said she had a new perspective. She said she found a new rhythm, and started feeling more effective at a slower pace. The slower pace gave her time to think things through, be clearer with expectations and the confidence to say, “no,” instead of trying to complete the task no matter the cost. “It’s ok to say, ‘no.’ It’s ok to say, ‘I can’t do it all,’” she said. “’I can’t’ is not a bad part of your vocabulary, unless you are completely giving up, and I wasn’t doing that.” Not only did her work improve because of her honest communication, she said that by taking care of herself she saw more value in taking care of others. “I was so worried about my career; what was I doing for others?” she said. “And now I realize, I don’t have to supervise a soul — it’s the Air Force’s Airmen, they are all my Airmen.” These connections, Soto said, helped her embrace and understand the importance of, “Mission First, People Always.” “I’m not here just to transition an individual to the next rank,” she said. “I’m here to transition them to things that are going to be ... throughout life.” With only a few months left until retirement, Soto has Florida and her dream tea shop in her sights, but is still focused on her Airmen. “I don’t believe in ROAD (retired on active duty),” Soto said. “I will work until that last duty day, even if that is just walking around and saying hello to every Airman. I will do my personal best. That is my goal with leaving the Air Force and living life.”

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• The Peninsula Warrior - Army

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FEBRUARY 20, 2015

ABOVE:Tyvek hoods hang in a row on a coat rack at the Zwedru Ebola testing laboratory run by Soldiers of the 1st Area Medical Laboratory, Feb. 9, 2015. BELOW: Capt. Shawn Palmer, a biochemist with the 1st Area Medical Laboratory, breaks down a biological safety level three glove box at the Ebola testing laboratory in Zwedru, Liberia, Feb. 9, 2015.

Photos by Staff Sgt. Terrance D. Rhodes

U.S. Army Capt. Shawn Palmer, 1st Area Medical Laboratory biochemist, starts the process of decontaminating equipment used for Ebola testing at the Zwedru laboratory in Zwedru, Liberia, Feb. 9, 2015.

Army Soldier-scientists begin closure of Ebola testing labs By Staff Sgt. Terrance D. Rhodes As the mission of Joint Forces Command - United Assistance, or JFC, comes to an end, there are a few more tasks that Service members, deployed in support of Operation United Assistance, or OUA, have to complete. The 1st Area Medical Laboratory, or 1st AML, based out of Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, deployed as Task Force Scientist in support of OUA, is closing all four of its Ebola testing laboratories in Liberia. The 1st AML is designed as a deployable analytical laboratory with a diagnostic capability to detect and identify environment contaminations that could harm Service members on the battlefield. The professionals provide combatant commanders with health hazard

assessments of environmental, occupational, endemic and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or highyield explosive threats, or CBRNE, in support of force protection and weapons of mass destruction missions. Made up of microbiologists, biochemist, and laboratory technicians from the 1st AML, Task Force Scientist also includes Sailors from the Naval Medicine Research Center, and civil affairs and military police Soldiers. With the motto of “Soldier-scientists,” the command tests air, water, soil, food, waste and vectors including insects, animals and blood, for various kinds of contaminants. To do this, the unit was structured into three specific areas: biological, chemical, and occupational and environ-

mental health, said Col. Patrick Garman, commander of 1st AML. “The 1st AML has brought stateof-the-art analyzers and experienced personnel who have been able to analyze and identify Ebola in human samples as well as other endemic diseases in a very professional manner,” Garman said. The laboratory’s main mission was to establish four Ebola testing laboratories in austere environments at Tappita, Sanniquellie, Greenville and Zwedru. Since arriving in mid-October, the Soldier-scientists have tested more than 4,500 Ebola suspected samples, said Garman, a native of Troy, Ohio. Zwedru was the first Ebola testing lab to close, shutting down operations Feb. 9, while the other three

labs are scheduled to shut down over the next few weeks. “It has been more than 90 days since the last confirmed Ebola case [in Grand Gedeh County],” said Capt. Shawn Palmer, a biochemist for the Zwedru lab, with the 1st AML, and a native of Loma, Colorado. On an average day, the Zwedru lab would receive samples in the morning and began the testing process with paperwork and safety preparations, Palmer said. After all the paper work is filed, the technicians decontaminate the samples by extracting the Ribonucleic acid from each sample, a process that takes about three hours, Palmer said.

SEE EBOLA NEXT PAGE

FEBRUARY 20, 2015

• The Peninsula Warrior - Army

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Equipment and supplies sit outside the Army Ebola testing lab in Zwedru, run by Soldiers of the 1st Area Medical Laboratory, Feb. 9, 2015.

EBOLA FROM PREVIOUS PAGE “Here at the Zwedru lab, we haven’t received any positive samples for Ebola, which is great for the people of this community,” Palmer said. For Palmer, being a part of this mission was a chance to experience something new and different. “This was an great opportunity to come to Liberia and help the community and the locals try to eradicate Ebola,” Palmer said. Proud of what has been accomplished, it’s the Soldiers and the support received that has made this mission success. “We have received nothing but the utmost support from the JFC, 101st [Airborne] Division, and our Soldiers have benefited from that,” Garman said. “We have Soldiers out in austere locations and hours away from the headquarters; they have been part Peace Corps, part diplomats, part scientist, but always professional Soldiers,” Garman said.

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• The Peninsula Warrior - Army

•

FEBRUARY 20, 2015

FEBRUARY 20, 2015

• The Peninsula Warrior - Army

After a snowfall of more than five inches, winter isn’t over at Joint Base Langley-Eustis. Following two days of mission-essential operations, JBLE is back to work. Here are some photos from JBLE community members from across the Hampton Roads area. For up-to-the-minute updates on winter weather and base operations, visit the JBLE Facebook page at www.facebook.com/jointbaselangleyeustis, website at www.jble.af.mil, the base operating status Twitter page at www.twitter.com/jblestatus or download the JBLE app on the Apple or Android markets.

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• The Peninsula Warrior - Army

Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release

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U.S. and coalition military forces have continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Syria and Iraq, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today. Officials reported details of the latest strikes, which took place between 8 a.m. Feb. 17 and 8 a.m. Feb. 18, local time, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.

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Airstrikes in Iraq

Airstrikes in Syria Fighter and bomber aircraft conducted two airstrikes in Syria: ■ Near Hasakah, an airstrike struck multiple ISIL oil pump jacks. ■ Near Kobani, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed five ISIL fighting positions.

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Attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 14 airstrikes in Iraq: ■ Near Asad, three airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, and destroyed an ISIL mortar tube and an ISIL staging area. ■ Near Qaim, three airstrikes destroyed an ISIL checkpoint, an ISIL bulldozer and an ISIL vehicle. ■ Near Bayji, an airstrike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL building. ■ Near Kirkuk, three airstrikes destroyed an ISIL armored vehicle, an ISIL heavy machine gun, an ISIL vehicle and two excavators. ■ Near Mosul, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, three ISIL fighting positions and destroyed an ISIL excavator and an ISIL vehicle. ■ Near Tal Afar, two airstrikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and de-

stroyed two ISIL buildings and an ISIL heavy machine gun.

Part of Operation Inherent Resolve The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, the region, and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group’s ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Iraq include the United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Coalition nations conducting airstrikes in Syria include the United States, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

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• The Peninsula Warrior - Army

•

FEBRUARY 20, 2015

Army Soldiers ‘dominate’ Armed Forces Cross Country By Tim Hipps U.S. ARMY INSTALLATION MANAGEMENT COMMAND

The all-U.S. Army men swept the top six spots and the women claimed four of their top six positions as the black and gold dominated the 2015 Armed Forces Cross Country Championships at Flatirons Golf Course, Feb. 7. The Army men’s dominance marked the first time in U.S. Armed Forces Cross Country history that a team has swept the top six spots, said Ken Polk, Armed Forces Sports program manager. Army Reserve Pfc. Stanley Kebenei, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, won the men’s 12-kilometer race in 37 minutes, 28 seconds. Spc. Caroline Jepleting, of Landstuhl, Germany, won the women’s eight-kilometer race in 30:01. The Armed Forces Championships were run in conjunction with the USA Track and Field Winter National Cross Country Championships, and the top six finishers in both races automatically qualified for Team USA at the International Amateur Athletics Federation 2015 World Cross Country Championships, which will take place in Guiyang, China, March 28. U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program, or WCAP, runner Spc. Augustus Maiyo of Fort Carson, Colorado, was second among Armed Forces men with a time of 37:29, followed by Spc. Emmanual Bor (38:47), of Fort Bliss, Texas, WCAP Spc. Aron Rono (38:52), of Fort Carson, Spc. Samuel Kosgei (39:38), of Fort Riley, Kansas, and Spc. Laban Sialo (39:55), of Fort Carson. The top five finishers for each squad counted in the Armed Forces men’s team scoring. The Army men won with 15 points, followed by Air Force (37), Navy (46) and Marine Corps (55). Navy Lt. Amanda Rice (31:00) of Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, was second among Armed Forces women, followed by Pfc. Susan Tanui (31:05) of Fort Riley, Kansas. First Lt. Chelsea Prahl (fifth in 31:22) of Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, and former WCAP Maj. SEE ITT PAGE 17 LEFT: U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program runner Spc. Augustus Maiyo competes during a steeplechase event at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Maiyo won the men’s silver medal during the 2015 Armed Forces Cross Country Championships at Flatirons Golf Course in Boulder, Colo., Feb. 7, 2015. Photo by Tim Hipps

FEBRUARY 20, 2015

ITT FROM PAGE 16 Emily Potter (sixth in 31:43) of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, rounded out the All-Army women’s scoring. The top four finishers for each squad counted in the Armed Forces women’s team scoring. The Army women prevailed with 15 points, followed by Air Force (60), Navy (60) and Marine Corps (71). Chris Derrick of Portland, Oregon, won the USA open men’s division with a time of 36:18, and was followed by Robert Curtis (36:48) of Rochester, Michigan, and Dathan Ritzenhein (36:51) of Belmont, Michigan. Kebenei and Maiyo finished eighth and ninth, respectively, and may advance to the world championships as alternates. Although Jepleting won the Armed Forces women’s division, she did not qualify for the world championships. 2015 Armed Forces Cross Country Championships Feb. 7 at Flatirons Golf Course, Boulder, Colorado Women’s team standings: 1. Army 15; 2. Air Force 37; 3. Navy 46; 4. Marine Corps 55. Women’s medalists: Gold — Army Spc. Caroline Jepleting, Landstuhl, Germany; Silver — Navy Lt. Amanda Rice, Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan; Bronze — Army Pfc. Susan Tanui, Fort Riley, Kansas. Men’s team standings: 1. Army 15; 2. *Air Force 60; 3. Navy 60; 4. Marine Corps 71. *Air Force awarded second place based on first non-scoring runner tiebreaker Men’s medalists: Gold: Army Reserve Pfc. Stanley Kebenei, Fayetteville, Arkansas; Silver — Army Spc. Augustus Maiyo, Fort Carson, Colorado; Bronze — Army Spc. Emmanuel Bor, Fort Bliss, Texas. Women’s team scoring — based on top four runners Army: 1. Spc. Caroline Jepleting, 30:01; 3. Pfc. Susan Tanui, 31:05; 5. 1st Lt. Chelsea Prahl, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, 31:22; 6. Maj. Emily Potter, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, 31:43; 10. Capt. Meghan Curran, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, 33:19; 11. Capt. Ashley Hall, Fort Benning, Georgia, 33:27. Air Force: 4. 1st Lt. Katherine Ward, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 31:15; 8. Lt. Col. Brenda Schrank, Joint Base An-

• The Peninsula Warrior - Army

drews Air Force Base, Maryland, 32:44; 12. 2nd Lt. Magin Day, Ramstein Air Force Base, Germany, 33:37; 13. Maj. Charlotte Portlock, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, 33:51; 16. 2nd Lt. Samantha Morrison, Colorado Springs, 34:48; 20. Capt. Cindy Dawson, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado, 37:15. Navy: 2. Lt. Amanda Rice, 31:00; 9. Lt. Rachel Beckmann, U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Center, 32:56; 17. Ensign Elizabeth Milewski, USS Anchorage, 35:39, 18. Lt. Susan Richardson, Patuxent River, Maryland, 35:58; 21. Lt. Jessica Hafey, USS Cape St. George, San Diego, 38:04. Marine Corps: 7. Capt. Christine Taranto, NPS Monterey, California, 31:45; 14. Capt. Angelica Valdez, Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, 34:10; 15. 1st Lt. Katherine Sullivan, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, 34:46; 19. Staff Sgt. Sara Pacheco, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, 36:44. Men’s team scoring — based on top five runners Army: 1. Pfc. Stanley Kebenei, Fayetteville, Arkansas, 37:28; 2. Spc. Augustus Maiyo, Fort Carson, Colorado, 37:29; 3. Spc. Emmanual Bor, Fort Bliss, Texas, 38:47; 4. Spc. Aron Rono, Fort Carson, Colorado, 38:52; 5. Spc. Samuel Kosgei, Fort Riley, Kansas, 39:38; 6. Spc. Laban Sialo, Fort Carson, Colorado, 39:55. Air Force: 7. 2nd Lt. James Walmsley, Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, 40:11; 8. Capt. Matthew Williams, Joint Base San Antonio, Texas, 40:26; 13. 2nd Lt. Isaiah Bragg, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, 42:07; 15. Capt. Jacob Bradosky, Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, 42:35; 17. Capt. Daniel Castle, McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, 43:58; 19. Lt. Col. Douglas Wickert, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, 45:18. Navy: 9. Lt. William Christian, Navy Information Dominance Forces, 40:58; 10. Lt. j.g. Patrick Fernandez, Washington, D.C., 41:34; 11. Lt. Justin Lutz, Office of Naval Intelligence, 41:42; 14. Lt. Aaron Lanzel, Washington, D.C., 42:28; 16. Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Turner, USS Nicholas, 43:33, 22. Lt. Kevin Sorrell, New London, Connecticut, 48:10. Marine Corps: 12. Capt. Sean Barrett, Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, 41:49; 18. Cpl. Michael Siringer, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, 45:11; 20. Lt. Col. Joseph Galvin, Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, 46:12; 21. Capt. Luke Rodina, Fort Meade, Maryland, 47:57.

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• The Peninsula Warrior - Army

•

FEBRUARY 20, 2015 The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately 2.5 million emergency room visits, hospitalizations, or deaths were associated with a singular Traumatic Brain Injury, or TBI, a combination of a TBI and additional sources of injury.

Traumatic Brain Injury awareness month highlights resources By Staff Sgt. Joseph C. Hill BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE SERVICES, ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND

Throughout the year, we designate specific months to remind us of varying topics that are important to our well-being and/or culture. Often times we forget or overlook the significance of these awareness months due to their repetitious nature. March is intended to remind us of the serious impact of Traumatic Brain Injuries, or TBI, throughout our population. You may ask yourself, “Why is this important to me?” The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, also known as CDC, reports that approximately 2.5 million emergency room visits, hospitalizations, or deaths were associated with a singular TBI or a combination of a TBI and additional sources of injury. Traumatic Brain Injuries in itself are responsible for an estimated 50,000 deaths per year. The Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, or DVBIC, tracks the total number of Service members throughout the Department of Defense whom have been diagnosed with a TBI. Since 2000, over 313,000 Service members have been diagnosed with a TBI. These statistical numbers reflect the relevance of TBI. But why should we be concerned about a TBI? Traumatic Brain Injury-associated costs within the United States are estimated at a staggering $56 billion annually. The DoD spends an estimated $1.1 billion dollars annually on TBI education and treatment. There are more than five million Americans living with a TBI that has resulted in a permanent need for assistance in daily functioning. These TBI survivors are left with severe behavioral, cognitive, and communicative impairments. TBIs pose a significant public health problem especially for children aged 5 years and younger, male adolescents and young adults ages 15 through 24, and the elderly who are 75 years or older. This form on injury is the most common cause of death and acquired disability among children and adolescents in the United States.

U.S. Army graphic

Dr. Carolyn Caldwell, a neuropsychologist assigned to Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic, is far too familiar with the effects that TBI has on an individual and their loved ones. On a daily basis she treats the survivors of these traumatic injuries and the aftermath it creates within their occupational, social, family, and interpersonal environment. She has published multiple peer-reviewed articles on the subject. Caldwell said the mechanism of injury in a mild TBI, the most common severity type, may be different. For example, a Service member might be involved in an improvised explosive device, or IED, blast, an adolescent might take a hard hit in a football game, or an elderly person might experience a fall, but the impact on the individual is similar. The nerves or neurons in our brain can be compared to silly putty. They are very elastic and stretch easily; however, if they are stretched too far, they can break. When neurons are stretched too far, the normal chemical and electrical functions of the brain are disrupted. This disruption can cause an individual to experience physical cognitive and emotional symptoms. For example, following a mild TBI, it is common for individuals to experience headache, sleep disturbance, difficulty with balance, reduced attention/concentration, reduced memory ability, irritability, and/or mood swings. Regardless of age or type of injury, there is one common treatment for everyone following TBI, physical and cognitive REST! With adequate rest, the brain will recover its normal chemical and electrical balance. Most

individuals will recover from a mild injury within days to a few weeks. “The nerves or neurons in our brain can be compared to silly putty. They are very elastic and stretch easily; however, if they are stretched too far, they can break,” Caldwell said. Traumatic brain injuries poses a serious health concern not only for us as individuals, but our loved ones as well. As a community we must remain cognizant of the seriousness of a TBI. It is within this awareness that we find a greater chance of preventing these injuries. If you are in need of resources for education, treatment, and prevention please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at www.cdc.gov/ TraumaticBrainInjury/index.html and the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center’s website at dvbic.dcoe. mil/resources. Some wonderful Maryland resources can be found on the Brain Injury Association of Maryland’s’ (BIAM) website at biamd.org in addition to Kennedy Krieger Institutes website at www.kennedykrieger.org.

Resources: If you are in need of resources for education, treatment, and prevention please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at 1.usa.gov/1cpkeux and the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center’s website at bit.ly/1CJ0SMg.

FEBRUARY 20, 2015

• The Peninsula Warrior - Army

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www.peninsulawarrior.com

$LU )RUFH 6HHNV %LOOLRQ 2YHU 6HTXHVWUDWLRQ )XQGLQJ By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr. DOD NEWS, DEFENSE MEDIA ACTIVITY

The demand for Air Force capabilities is increasing, therefore the service is requesting $10 billion more than sequestration-level funding provides, Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James said today in Orlando, Florida. Speaking during the Air Force Association Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition, James discussed why the Air Force is taking its strongest stand to date against sequestration. “There is just absolutely no question in my mind that we are the best Air Force on the planet -- precisely because of who we are, what we believe and what we do,” she said.

Fully Engaged Air Force “Today, our Air Force is fully engaged in joint operations around the world,” James said, to include participating in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in the Middle East, contributing to the maintenance of a strong NATO alliance or deterring possible conflict in

Dr. Calvin White, DDS (757) 898-7200

the Asia-Pacific region. “Or it might be humanitarian disasters anywhere around the world,” James added, “or the very important mission of protecting Americans right here at home.” Regardless, she said, the demand for Air Force capabilities across all three of its warfighting domains -- air, space and cyber space -- continues to rise. “So, in short, the way I put it is, everybody wants more Air Force,” James said.

Stand Against Sequestration James explained what the Air Force is doing about a “perfect storm” of factors that are coming together as the budget forms. “We are trying to take the strongest stand yet, that we have taken, to date, on sequestration,” she said. “We have said many, many times that sequestration, if it is implemented in [Fiscal Year] ’16, will damage our national security.” Consequently, James said, the Air Force has submitted a proposed FY ’16 budget that contains $10 billion more than sequestration-level funding would provide. “Now, $10 billion more represents the

SE OF M USIC TH E HOUfeaturing

difference between a force that our Air Force combatant commanders require and our nation expects, as compared to an Air Force that, with $10 billion less, will not be able to meet the defense strategy -period,” James said. The Air Force cannot meet the national defense strategy with $10 billion less in the proposed budget as currently written, James said. The additional funding being requested, she added, “recognizes just how important the Air Force is in every joint operation around the world as well as how important the Air Force is in protecting the homeland.”

Saving Taxpayers’ Dollars The proposed increase in its budget will enable the Air Force to better support its top priorities, which include taking care of its people, striking the right balance between maintaining today’s readiness level and preparing for tomorrow’s anticipated threats, and ensuring that every taxpayerprovided dollar counts, James said. The Air Force also requires more funding to modernize, she said, while always keeping an eye on spending taxpayer dol-

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lars in the most efficient manner.

Force Readiness The previous day at the Orlando event, James noted, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III discussed the Air Force’s reduced end strength, making it the smallest Air Force since its establishment in 1947. “You also heard General Welsh talk about our aging aircraft,” she said. “The average age is about 27 years and that’s the oldest that they have ever been in our history.” The Air Force’s readiness level is also “not where we want it to be,” James said, “especially not for what we call the highend fight that we might, one day, have to fight.” James said she’s aware of today’s difficult budget environment. But, she added, the Air Force is under fiscal pressure and it needs more funding to perform its missions. “These are all serious facts,” James said. “There’s no ignoring these facts. We are the best on the planet, but we are also an Air Force under strain and something’s got to give.”

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• The Peninsula Warrior - Army

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EustisCommunity

FEBRUARY 20, 2015

Submit Eustis Community announcements to pw@militarynews.com

Fort Eustis Retirement Ceremony

SCFE Community Grants

The 733rd Mission Support Group will host the Fort Eustis Retirement Ceremony at the Wylie Theater at 10 a.m., March 20. The event will honor retiring U.S. Service members and celebrate their service. For more information, contact Peggy Cobb at 8786087.

The Fort Eustis Spouses’ Club is seeking non-profit organizations supporting Fort Eustis Soldiers and their family members. The SCFE Community Grants Committee can assist your organization in achieving those goals. Eligible applicants should emphasize their involvement with Soldiers and/or military family members. Applications are available at www.scfeva.com, Facebook or via email at SCFEWelfare@gmail.com. All applications must be postmarked no later than Feb. 28, 2015 or scanned and emailed no later than midnight Feb. 28. The mailing address is: Spouses Club of Fort Eustis, Attn: Community Grants Committee Chair, P.O. Box 4711, Fort Eustis, VA 23604.

Army Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program The Army Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program provides active and reserve component enlisted Soldiers the opportunity to complete their Bachelors of Science in Nursing. The Army pays up to $9,000 per academic year for tuition and mandatory fees for a maximum of 24 months of schooling along with book reimbursement up to $1,000 per year. The Fiscal Year 2015 board is coming soon. For more information, visit www.milsuite.mil/book/ docs/DOC-179944.

Fit-to-Win Fitness Challenge The Fit-to-Win Fitness Challenge began Feb. 17. The challenge is open to all authorized users of JBLE fitness facilities and is limited to the first 50 registrants. Prizes will be awarded to the top three mostimproved fitness scores as determined by MICROFIT fitness assessments. For contest rules, registration and more information, contact Bob Ornelaz at 878-2238 or robert.ornelaz.ctr@mail.mil.

Fort Eustis 10K run The 17th annual Peninsula Track Club Grand Prix Fort Eustis 10K run takes place 9 a.m., Feb. 28. The race starts at the corner of Lee Boulevard and Dickman Street and ends at Anderson Field House. The race route takes you past the historic Matthew Jones House, along the James River with a view of the Ghost Fleet, near Fort Crawford and then past the site of an early American brick factory located on Mulberry Island. Parking, restrooms and shower facilities are available for use at Anderson Field House. Water stations will be provided at locations throughout the race course and at the finish line. T-shirts are guaranteed to all pre-registered runners and to others while supplies last. Plaques will be awarded to the top three male and female runners in various age groups. The cost is $30 for registrations received on or before Feb. 24 and $35 after. Race day registration starts 7 a.m. at Anderson Field House. Online registration is available at www.active.com. Registration forms can be dropped off at Anderson Field House or mailed to: Sports Branch, P.O. Drawer E, Fort Eustis, VA 23604. Please make checks payable to “FE Fitness.” There are no refunds or rain date. For more information, call 878-0013

Spouses’ Club of Fort Eustis scholarships The Fort Eustis Spouses’ Club is offering scholarships to high school seniors and adults continuing education for the 2015-2016 school year. Applications and eligibility criteria are available online at www.scfeva.com. All applications must be postmarked no later than March 9. For more information, contact the scholarship chairperson at scfescholarship@gmail.com or mail correspondence to Fort Eustis Spouses’ Club, Attn: Scholarship Chairperson, P.O. Box 4711. Fort Eustis, VA 23604.

Free indoor cycling classes Free indoor cycling classes are offered from 5:15 to 6:30 a.m., Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at Anderson Field House. The 55-60 minute classes are open to active-duty personnel and their family members, retirees, Department of Defense civilians and contractors. For more information, contact Darlean Basuedayva at 501-7983 or darlean.m.basuedayva.ctr@mail.mil.

Army Community Service classes Army Community Service classes and workshops for February include: Baby and Me Play Group – 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursdays at 501 Madison Ave. Developing Your Financial Plan – 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., Feb. 24. Play Mornings Play Group – 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays at 1102 Pershing Ave. Spouse Resilience Training – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Feb. 23-26, Registration is required. Stitchers and Fiber Arts Club – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Feb. 23. Unless otherwise noted, classes and briefings will take place in Bldg. 650, Monroe Ave. For more information, call 878-3638.

Motorcycle rider courses The 633rd Air Base Wing Safety Office is offering the following motorcycle courses on Fort Eustis: Experienced Riders Course (BRC-2) – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 25 and April 8 and 22, Training Area 14-A

at 3300 Wilson Ave. Advanced Riders Course (ARC) – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 24 and April 14, 705 Washington Blvd., room 106. Military Sport Bike Riders Course (MSRC) – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 7 and 21, 705 Washington Blvd., room 106. Motorcycle rider courses are offered to active-duty Service members on a first-priority basis. Family members, retirees, Department of Defense civilians and contractors will be scheduled on a standby basis only. The courses are provided at no cost to qualified participants. To attend these courses, you must have previously completed the Beginner Riders Course (BRC), be a properly licensed rider, have your own motorcycle, a valid state inspection, registration, insurance and you wear the proper personal protection equipment. To register, email usaf.jble.633-abw-mbx.eustis-safety-office@mail.mil and include the following information: desired course and date, first and last name, last four digits of social security number, rank, age, branch of service, unit, phone number and email address. For more information, call 501-8261/8224/8230.

AAFES Express FuelCall services The Army and Air Force Exchange Express FuelCall wireless alert system allows drivers with disabilities to contact associates inside the store for assistance without leaving their vehicles. A customer service call button is available at the pumps and Express employees will pump gas for authorized patrons displaying disability license plates or placards. Hours are from 5 a.m. to midnight at Fort Eustis and from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Langley Air Force Base. For more information, call 369-3780 or 766-1312.

Army Emergency Relief scholarships Army Emergency Relief offers the following programs to provide educational scholarships to Soldiers’ dependent children and spouses. Maj. Gen. James Ursano Scholarship – The program assists dependent children in obtaining a 4-year undergraduate degree. It is open to children of active-duty Soldiers, retirees, or deceased active or deceased retired Soldiers. Spouse Education Assistance Program – The program assists military spouses in obtaining a 4-year undergraduate degree. It is open to spouses of active-duty or retired Soldiers or the widow(er) of a Soldier who died while on active-duty or while retired. Applications and eligibility criteria are available online at www.aerhq.org/dnn563/Scholarships.aspx. Applicants must apply each year and may receive assistance for up to four academic years as long as they meet eligibility criteria. The application deadline is May 1 for assistance for the following academic year. For more information, contact Tammy LaCroix at (703) 428-0035.

FEBRUARY 20, 2015

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Submit LAFB Community announcements to pw@militarynews.com

JBLE Base Operating Status Hotline

1st MXG MPOY banquet

In the event of inclement weather or other emergencies impacting base, JBLE personnel are strongly encouraged to check the most up-to-date base operation status using the many JBLE social media options. Check the status on the JBLE website at www.jble.af.mil, on Twitter by following @JBLEstatus, on the free JBLE smartphone application (available in Google Play and the Apple App store), and on the Joint Base Langley-Eustis Facebook page. In addition, the Joint Base Langley-Eustis Base Operating Status hotline features updated information of the installation’s operating status. The hotline number has recently changed to 764-7550. Please update records.

The 1st Maintenance Group will host their Maintenance The Shellbank Fitness Center hosts water aerobics classProfessional of the Year Award Banquet at the 27th Aircraft es every Monday and Wednesday from 5 to 6 p.m. Maintenance Unit, Hanger 190 March 6.To buy tickets, or for For more information, contact John Siemann at 325-0998. more information, callTech. Sgt. Chris Herrera at 764-4599.

2nd Annual Logistics Officer Association CRUD Tournament The Joint Base Langley-Eustis Logistics Officer Association 2nd annual CRUD tournament is at the Nose Dive in the Langley Club, March 13, from 3 to 6 p.m. Don’t know what CRUD is? No worries, the association can provide lessons ahead of time upon request. The tournament is free and all JBLE personnel are encouraged to experience this one-of-a-kind game. To register a four-person team, request lessons or for more information, contact 2nd Lt. Kevin Mendelsohn at 225-0319 or kevin.mendelsohn@ us.af.mil; Maj. Rick Mueller at 764-2218 or frederick.mueller@us.af.mil.

Vehicle Operations weekend closures Vehicle Operations now closes Friday at 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. the following Monday. The unit still supports previously scheduled runs and stand-by operations, to include wrecker/recovery service, aircrew support and real-world emergency situations. However, the unit will not have any personnel within the dispatch office answering phones or taking requests for transportation support. Direct all questions or concerns to Tech. Sgt. Daniel Brown at 225-7638 or daniel.brown.21@us.af.mil.

AFSA International Scholarship program The Air Force Sergeants Association, the Airmen Memorial Foundation and the chief master sergeants of the Air Force came together to grant $1.9 million to dependents of Air Force enlisted members. Dependent youth who have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and a minimum combined SAT score of 1650 or minimum combined ACT scores of 24 are encouraged to submit an application. All completed application packets must be received at AFSA Headquarters no later than March 31. For more information, visit www.afsahq.org/scolarships.html.

JBLE AFAF Campaign The 2015 JBLE Air Force Assistance Fund Campaign runs until March 13. Contact squadron representatives to donate to one of the following four charities: Air Force Aid Society; General and Mrs. Curtis E. Le May Foundation; the Air Force Village; or the Air Force Enlisted Village. This year’s goal is $154,189.

Shellbank water aerobics

MilitaryTuition Assistance briefing

1 MXS munitions semi-annual inventory The 1st Maintenance Squadron munitions flight will conduct their semi-annual munitions inventory March 9-13. All assets will be frozen for use during the inventory. All organizational issues, turn-ins and expenditures must be completed prior to the start of the inventory. Munitions account transactions will only be accomplished for approved emergency situations. Any questions or concerns should be directed the munitions operations element at 764-7164 or FV4800@us.af.mil.

USO fundraising gala volunteers

Prior to the first use of Military Tuition Assistance, Service members are required to attend an initial TA briefing to ensure rules, roles and user responsibilities are clearly understood. Currently, the briefings are conducted in room 130 at the Education Center the first three Fridays of every month at 9 a.m. InitialTA briefings will be conducted in room 123 at the Education Center eachTuesday at 9 a.m. For more information, contact the Education Center at 764-2962 or 633fss.fsde.eo@us.af.mil.

The USO needs 40 volunteers for a fundraising gala at the LangleyToastmasters meeting Hampton Roads Convention Center, March 21. Volunteers The Langley Toastmasters meet at the Community Comcan work a variety of shifts and will be provided food and mons every second and fourth Wednesday of the month at beverages. noon. For more information, contact Becky Bolte at RebecFor additional information, contact Senior Airman MariscaBolte@gmail.com. sa McNitt at 225-5610, or Staff Sgt. Shanell Howard at 2257377.

JBLE Club 357

Joint Base Langley-Eustis Club 357 is a networking group established to provide support and resources to single and dual military members to help them balance being successful military professionals and parents. The club offers group discussions, networking and other activities for families and parents. Meetings are held every fourth Thursday of the month at 11:30 a.m. in the Community Commons. For more information, call Master Sgt. Nashira Stokes at 764-541.

Let the good times roll at Langley Lanes

Langley Lanes’ newest additions: ■ Langley Lanes is offers the Air Force Worldwide Bowling “Bowl to Win Program” for youth bowlers. The age categories are 5-9, 10-14, 15-18 and teens 18 years of age who are still in high school are eligible. All games must be bowled at Langley Lanes and cost is $2.00 per game. ■ Automatic bumpers were installed on all 24 lanes. The bumpers rise automatically for each designated youth bowler and return to normal position for the adult bowlers. ■ The King Pin Kafe’ offers the opportunity to text in food JBLE Community Commons classes orders. Simply text message an order to 775-6233 from your Piano/Voice - 30-minute one-on-one session mobile device and receive a text back with the order number. Drum - 30-minute one-on-one session A menu can be found at www.jbleforcesupport.com in the Guitar - 30-minute one-on-one session “Good Eats” section. ■ The game room offers electronic darts with WiFi capaMusic Studio - Please call to make appointment with the studio engineers bilities for those looking to have fun or compete with friends stationed elsewhere. Pool tables are newly-recovered and Line Dancercise - Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:30 – 7 p.m. have the fastest surface to date. Taekwondo -Tuesdays andThursdays from 7 – 8:30 p.m. Combat Hapkido – Saturdays at 2 - 3 p.m. and Wednes- Bundles for babies days, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. The Langley Airman and Family Readiness Center hosts Tang Soo Do - Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5 – 7 p.m. and Bundles for Babies courses ev¬ery Wednesday from 3 to Saturdays at 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. 4:30 p.m. Do Hap Sool – Mondays at 4 - 6:30 p.m., Fridays at 4 – 7 For more information or to sign-up, call 764-3990. p.m., and Saturdays at 3:15 – 5 p.m. Quilting –Thursdays, 5:30 – 8 p.m. Machen Elementary volunteer opportunity Tennis -Tuesdays andThursdays, 6 – 7 p.m. In an effort to achieve academic success, Machen EleLadies Power Aerobics – Monday, Wednesday and mentary requests volunteer tutors for students in kinderFriday, 9 – 10 a.m. garten through fifth grade. Key areas of tutoring include Photography – Wednesdays, 6 – 7:30 p.m. math, reading and writing. For more information and class fees, call the CommuTo volunteer or for more information, please contact nity Commons at 764-2983 or 764-2984. Tech. Sgt.TerryYates at terry.yates@us.af.mil or 225-9245. Game Time Snack Bar operating hours.

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OutsideTheGate TuskegeeAirmanTidewater Chapter presentation The Tidewater chapter of the Tuskegee Airman will host an event honoring Benjamin O. Davis Jr., the first African American general officer in the U.S. Air Force, at the Fort Monroe Theatre, Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. Ticket prices are $15 for adults; 5 for students, ages 7 – 18; and free for children 6 and younger. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 8266976.

Virginia War Museum events African-American History Month Film Fest – In celebration of African-American History Month, the museum will host a film festival featuring movies with African-American themes. The following movies start at 1 p.m. and are free with each day’s paid admission: Feb. 21 – Glory Feb. 28 – Men of Honor The museum is located at 9285 Warwick Boulevard in Newport News. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for activeduty Service members and senior citizens ages 62 and older, $4 for children ages 7-18, and free for children ages 6 and under. For more information, call 247-8523 or visit www.warmuseum.org.

American Legion Post 49 volunteers

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FEBRUARY 20, 2015

Submit Outside The Gate announcements to pw1@militarynews.com ton Roads Overnight” event at 100 Museum Drive in Newport News from Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m. to Feb. 28. at 8:30 a.m., The event is open to children ages 7-12. Attendees can “join the Union Navy,” learn about life aboard the Civil War ironclad Monitor, play 19th century games, create period crafts and interact with an artifacts conservator. Snacks and a light breakfast will be provided. The cost is $45 per student, $35 per student member, $20 per adult and $15 per adult member. Admission to the museum on Feb. 28 is also included. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Children under age 5 are welcome to attend free of charge, but a second, paying adult must attend to supervise the child. Discounts are available for scouts and other groups of five or more students. To register online, visit www.marinersmuseum.org. For more information, call 591-7745.

York County Volunteer Umpire Association York County Little League established a new association to recruit and train Little League baseball and softball umpires for York County. The York County Volunteer Umpire Association (YCVUA) will supply the necessary training to get any volunteer umpire Little League certified for baseball or softball. The YCVUA will use a points base rewards program that can be redeemed for personal umpiring equipment and paying of Little League dues. For more information, contact Mike Sears at uic@ycll.net

The American Legion Post 49 invites service members to spend the day helping and supporting veterans Cabin Fever Concert at the Hampton Veterans Affairs Hospital, Feb. 22 at York County will sponsor the Cabin Fever Concert with noon. The hospital is located at 818 South Church St., Carrot Tree Kitchens. The concert is free and open to the Smithfield, Va., 23430. public. Audience members can interact with the musicians For more information, contact Post 49 at 357-9239. during the concert. Kim Person and Lana Puckett will play folk and country HirePeninsula 2015 Career Fair music on March 5, beginning at 7 p.m. Advance tickets and The 2015 HirePeninsula Career Fair is at the Magnu- reservations will not be offered. Doors will open at 6:30 son Hotel at 1000 Omni Boulevard in Newport News p.m. and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Feb. 25. The event is free and open to veterans from 10 For more information, visit www.visityorktown.org or a.m. to noon, and to the public from noon to 3 p.m. Job seekers are asked to dress professionally and minor call 890-3500. children are not allowed. Job search assistance will be available in addition to workshops and raffle drawing. American Red Cross blood donations The American Red Cross has released a list of blood donaTo register, visit https://hirepeninsula.eventbrite. com. tion opportunities acrossVirginia. Donors of all blood types are needed, especially those with O negative, A negative and B MOAA Military Spouse Symposium negative. Type O negative is the universal blood type and can The 2015 Military Officers Association of Ameri- be transfused to patients with any blood type. ca’s Military Spouse Symposium at the Westin VirTypes A and B negative can be transfused to Rh positive or ginia Beach Town Center, Feb. 24 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 negative patients. p.m. The event is open to all military spouses affiliated To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an apwith any rank or branch of service. Service members pointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit and veterans are also welcome. Activities will include redcrossblood.org or call (800) 733-2767. workshops, complimentary resume critiques, Linkedin Newport News ‘One City Marathon’ photos, breakfast and lunch. For more information, visit www.moaa.org/spouseThe City of Newport News will host its “One City Marathon” March 15 at 7 a.m.The 26.2-mile race will begin at Newsymposium. port News Park and end at the Victory Arch. The minimum age for marathon participants is 18 as of Civil War overnight adventure March 15. Following the race, a free One City, One CelebraThe Mariners’ Museum will host the “Battle of Hamption event will take place at Victory Landing Park featuring live

music, family activities, giveaways and more. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Other activities will include a Marathon Relay, Maritime 8K Run/Walk, Nautical Mile and Health and Wellness Expo. For registration pricing and course information, visit www.onecitymarathon.com. Active-duty military discount pricing is available and valid identification is required at packet pickup. To register online, visit https://www.raceit.com. Mailin registration forms can be downloaded at www.onecitymarathon.com and March 1 is the deadline for paper/ mail-in registrations. Marathon participants will receive a long-sleeve T-shirt, custom finishers medal, virtual goody bag and on-course and post-race refreshments. A personalized bib will be provided to participants who register before Feb. 15. For more information, visit www.onecitymarathon.com.

Peninsula Fine Arts Center classes Registration is open for the following winter art classes and workshops at the Peninsula Fine Arts Center’s Studio Art School: Advanced Watercolor Class – 9:30 a.m., Fridays through March 13. Advanced students and experienced artists can enhance their watercolor paintings under the guidance of master colorist Betty Anglin. Students will learn how to bring vitality to their work by strengthening their approach to technique, color, design and composition. The cost is $200 for members and $225 for non-members. Drawing 101 for Beginners – 6 to 8:30 p.m., Thursdays through March 5. The class provides beginning students with a solid foundation in drawing. Students will work with pencil and charcoal and learn how to use line, value, gesture and perspective. The cost is $150 for members and $160 for non-members.

Norfolk Botanical Garden discount admission The Norfolk Botanical Garden offers $5 admission per person during February Fun Month at 6700 Azalea Garden Road. Visitors can also ride their bicycles along paved paths within the Garden. Children under age 16 must ride with a parent or adult and riders under age 14 must wear helmets. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For more information, visit http://norfolkbotanicalgarden.org/events/february-fun-month.

Safety at Sea Seminar The Mariners’ Museum and Landfall Navigation will host a Safety at Sea Seminar from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Feb. 21 at 100 Museum Drive in Newport News. Novice and experienced mariners will learn the skills required to sail the Chesapeake Bay or offshore, handle heavy weather and conduct rescue procedures. Participants can also earn an official Near Coastal Safety at Sea certification from US Sailing. For more information, visit www.marinersmuseum.org.

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Furniture-Household Brand New Layaway Available MATTRESS SETS Full- $99, Queen- $129, King- $169 40% Military Discount on all other sets!

Can deliver. 757-706-3667 For Rent-House (All) Hampton, Wythe, Home for rent. 3BR & 2BA Rent $950.00. 3/1/15. Call 757.325.6448

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