Room for boom...5 Bosses take off...8-9 Climbing high...17

18 Pages·2014·2.45 MB·English

Room for boom...5
Bosses take off...8-9
Climbing high...17
Rep. Messer’s staffer visits GARB
WHeartland R
arrio
Vol. 19, No. 9
September 2014
This Air Force Reserve online magazine
is an authorized publication for members
of the U.S. military services, family, and
friends of Grissom Air Reserve Base.
Contents of the Heartland Warrior are
not necessarily the official views of, or
endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the
Department of Defense, or the Department
of the Air Force.
The editorial content is edited, and
prepared by the Public Affairs Office of the
434th Air Refueling Wing, Grissom ARB,
IN, 46971-5000.
Any questions regarding any content
should be directed to the editor at
[phone].
Staff
Col. Doug Schwartz.................................................commander
Tech. Sgt. Mark Orders-Woempner.................deputy chief U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Orders-Woempner
Tech. Sgt. Douglas Hays...............................superintendent
Molly Newell, legislative assistant for Rep. Luke Messer, experiences flight inside a
Staff Sgt. Benjamin Mota.............................................editor
Staff Sgt. Kristy Fennessey.................................staff writer KC-135R Stratotanker simulator during a visit to Grissom August 1.
Staff Sgt. Andrew McLaughlin...........................staff writer
Senior Airman Jami Lancette.............................staff writer
By Tech. Sgt. Mark Col. Doug Schwartz, 434th ARW
World Wide Web Orders-Woempner commander, sat in the copilot’s seat
Air Force Reserve Home Page Public Affairs staff and helped her learn the aircraft’s
http://www.afrc.af.mil
controls and assisted her through a
Grissom Home Page
As a key player in the nation’s de- simulated flight over Grissom.
http://www.grissom.afrc.af.mil
fense, as well as the local economy, “There’s so much to know and
there is a lot that goes on at Grissom, keep track of,” Newell said of the
and one U.S. representative’s legisla- crash-course in flying before mov-
tive assistant recently got a close-up ing on to what Schwartz referred to
look at the base and its mission. as the “business-end” of the KC-135
Molly Newell, a legislative as- in Grissom’s new boom operator
sistant for Rep. Luke Messer, toured weapons system trainer, or BOWST,
Grissom and met with 434th Air where she simulated refueling an
Refueling Wing Airmen and leader- F-22 Raptor.
ship during a visit to the north central Taking a break for lunch, Newell
Indiana base Aug. 1. discussed the 434th ARW’s mission
“While Grissom is no longer an as well as hopes and plans for the
active base in name, it is still a very future with Schwartz.
active base in function,” said Newell. “Grissom is well-recognized for
Room for boom...5 “Having the opportunity to see how serving our country for decades;
Bosses take off...8-9 Grissom contributes to the security of however, it wasn’t until visiting
Climbing high...17
our nation further emphasized the im- the base that I understood the great
U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Mark Orders-Woempner portance of maintaining our military extent that Grissom serves our com-
On the cover... capability.” munity and state,” she said following
To give her that opportunity, New- the tour. “I think that is none more
ell first toured on one of Grissom’s evident than in its visibility in the
Jamie Lay, Grissom Fire
Department firefighter, hangs 16 KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft, Miami County community and its
upside down on a fire training where Master Sgt. Jason Washburn, impact on generations of Hoosiers.”
tower during a rappel training 434th Aircraft Maintenance Squad- To the Airmen of the 434th ARW,
excercise at Grissom Aug. 15. ron KC-135R crew chief, explained Newell expressed thanks before she
More than a dozen of the GFD’s what goes into keeping the aircraft left.
49 firefighters are certified
flying. “Getting to meet with the service-
rescue trained, allowing them
Newell then got a hands-on experi- men and women at Grissom who
to conduct rescues from high
ence with the 434th ARW’s mission dedicate their lives to serving our
angles, low angles, in confined
as she took the controls of a KC- country gave me another reason to
spaces and from under collapsed
structures. 135R for both a takeoff and landing say I am proud to be a Hoosier,” she
in Grissom’s flight deck simulator. concluded.
2 Heartland Warrior
Rep. Messer’s staffer visits GARB Visit provides 4th Air Force with Airmen’s perspective
U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Benjamin Mota
Senior Master Sgt. Scott Fleek, 434th Civil Engineer Squadron explosives ordnance disposal flight superintendent, left, and
Master Sgt. Charles Lyon, 434th CES EOD noncommissioned officer in charge, right, help Col. Mark Pantone, 4th Air Force
director of logistics and installations, into a bomb suit during the colonel’s visit to Grissom Aug. 10.
By Staff Sgt. wings, and we cannot ef- provide,” he said. “The and a lot of older Airmen,
Benjamin Mota fectively advocate for them aircraft availability at Gris- but what is lacking is the
Public Affairs staff if we do not know what the som is always high, so we gap of people in between,”
issues are they are facing.” can count on Grissom to Pantone said. “There is a
Taking a new approach Pantone lauded Gris- provide the number of KC- lot of empty space in the
to oversight, one 4th Air som’s maintenance squad- 135s that might be required middle, and we need the
Force leader got an up- ron as a prime example of by the Air Force at any younger Airmen to be
close and personal perspec- excellence across the Air given time.” ready, willing and able to
tive behind the mechan- Force Reserve Command. One unique aspect of the fill in the gap as the older
ics that make Grissom a “The maintenance side, colonel’s visit was that he generation of Airmen be-
unique and valuable asset. they have always led the had not been here since gins to retire.”
Col Mark Pantone, command in the tanker 2010, he said. While visiting the base
4th Air Force director of world on how well they “One of the reasons we Pantone provided advice
logistics and instillations, care for their jets,” said have not been here in so to help Airmen get ready
visited 434th Air Refuel- Pantone. “The other long is because we know for their future so they
ing Wing Airmen during areas of the wing are the Grissom is a healthy base can fill the critical gap of
the August unit training same way; they are very with very dedicated people personnel the Air Force
assembly with the purpose dedicated and very squared who know what they are must sustain to continue its
of speaking to Grissom away.” doing,” added Pantone. mission.
personnel, hearing their In addition to express- “The 434th is a great wing; “Do the job you are
issues and identifying op- ing the value of the 434th they have a great culture, doing today the best that
portunities and challenges Maintenance Group, Pan- they have great facili- you can,” said Pantone.
affecting the wing. tone also made it clear of ties and they have great “Don’t worry about the
“The primary purpose the importance of Grissom. people.” future; don’t worry about
for visiting Grissom is to “Grissom is huge; it has Throughout the colonel’s the things that can’t be
understand what the issues one of the largest fleets of two-day visit he expressed changed, but instead focus
of the wing are, and there KC-135s in the Reserve the importance of mentor- on the things that matter,
is no better way to do that Command, and so Grissom ing new Airmen and pass- getting upgraded, getting
other than visiting the wing plays a huge role, not only ing down knowledge to fill professional education,
and speaking to Airmen,” for its centrally located a critical manning gap in and doing your job to the
said Pantone. “One of the geographic location in the the Air Force. best of your ability while
primary missions of 4th United States, but also for “Right now the Air Force absorbing the knowledge
AF is to advocate for the the number of jets it can has a lot of new Airmen of senior leadership.”
September 2014 3
Russell assumes command of MSG
ritory for Russell as he recently commanded the 459th
MSG at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, where he was
responsible for the training and readiness of more than
500 assigned personnel.
“I’ve got three priorities,” said Russell. “Get the mis-
sion done, take care of your people and have a good
time.”
Russell assumed command of the 434th MSG which
encompasses six squadrons and one flight including
over 800 personnel with a mission to provide vital sup-
port to the 434th Air Refueling Wing.
“We’ve got the operational mission bringing fuel to
the fight, as well as an expeditionary mission too,” Rus-
sell added.
Russell began his Air Force career in 1979 when he
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jami Lancette enlisted as a security policeman. He later went on to
Col. Scott Russell, 434th Mission Support Group commander, graduate from the University of Minnesota in 1987 and,
right, receives the 434th MSG guidon from Col. Doug within that same year, commissioned as an officer.
Schwartz, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander, during a
Since then, Russell had been assigned to various loca-
special assumption of command ceremony at here Aug. 9.
tions around the world to include Cairo West Air Base,
By Senior Airman Jami Lancette Egypt, as a deputy defense force commander and Eskan
Public Affairs staff Village, Saudi Arabia, as a 320th Expeditionary Secu-
rity Forces Squadron commander.
Airmen from the six squadrons that make up the Col. Doug Schwartz, 434th Air Refueling Wing com-
434th Mission Support Group witnessed a long- mander presided over the ceremony and told the audi-
standing military tradition as their new commander ence that Russell was the right man at the right time to
took charge. take command of the 434th MSG.
Col. Scott Russell took command of the 434th “Welcome to the team, and we look forward to having
MSG during an assumption of command ceremony you serve us, and also to serve you here as the com-
here Aug 9. mander of the 434th MSG,” said Schwartz. “Welcome
Commanding a mission support group is familiar ter- aboard.”
Civilian employees recognized for longevity
By Tech. Sgt. Mark Orders- - Chief Master Sgt. Patrick Maintenance Operations Flight
Woempner Devine, 434th Aircraft - Master Sgt. Scott Apple, 434th
Public Affairs staff Maintenance Squadron MXS
- Tech. Sgt. Russell Fernald, - Senior Master Sgt. Sara
Federal civilian employees are 434th Operations Support Squadron Lane, 434th Aerospace Medicine
also referred to as civil servants, a - Master Sgt. Matthew Geiger, Squadron
title that denotes their commitment 434th AMXS - Senior Master Sgt. Melissa
to serving their country. - Tech. Sgt. Douglas Hays, 434th Pinaire, 72nd Air Refueling
Such is the case for several 434th ARW Squadron
Air Refueling Wing civilians who - Thomas Lennon, 434th Mission - Tech. Sgt. Michael Whyde,
were recognized for their longevity Support Group 434th MXS
of service during a recent civilian - Jill Marconi, 434th Force - Master Sgt. Ronald Wright,
commander’s held here. Support Squadron 434th FSS
The following employees were - Scott Shives, 434th CS
recognized for their time spent as - Master Sgt. Timothy Stibbe, Ten-year service awards
civil servants: 74th Air Refueling Squadron - Vickie Butte, 434th FSS
- William Thayer, 434th MSG - Sue Correll, 434th Contracting
Forty-year service awards - Master Sgt. Rodney Waikel, Flight
- Linda Flook, 434th ARW 434th Maintenance Squadron - Tech. Sgt. Thomas Davis, 434th
- Brenton Rose, 434th - Kevin Yeager, 434th CS MXS
Communications Squadron - Staff Sgt. Matthew Gattung,
Twenty-year service awards 434th MXS
Thirty-year service awards - Martin Alexander, 434th - Shari Matz, 434th FSS
44 HHeeaarrttllaanndd WWaarrrriioorr
CE gets dirty, makes room for boom
skills to prepare the area.
The site encompasses
approximately 11,000
square feet and will be
surrounded by concrete
barriers. It also includes
a sand pit for landmine
detection and disposal
training.
The engineers used
about 100 tons of sand
to fill the landmine pit,
said Engel.
The site will also con-
tain a large earth-cov-
ered culvert simulating a
road like those found in
Afghanistan, said Engel.
Improvised explosive
devises are commonly
placed in these tunnel-
like structures, and the
EOD team will use this
for training with their
robots, said Fleek, who
added that he hopes to
eventually add more fea-
U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Andrew McLaughlin
tures to enhance training
Senior Airman Steven Litviak, 434th Civil Engineer Squadron pavements and construction
such as movable walls,
apprentice, uses a backhoe to construct an explosive ordnance disposal training area here
stairs and ramps.
Aug. 10. The sand pit will be used for landmine detection and disposal training.
According to the
By Staff Sgt. Andrew training using the tools ments and construction EOD superintendent,
McLaughlin of their craft, said Senior Airmen because it’s a there were previously
Public Affairs staff Master Sgt. Scott Fleek, good training opportu- limitations on the train-
434th CES EOD super- nity for them. ing the EOD team was
Grissom’s technicians intendent. Master Sgt. Jeffrey able to do at Grissom
who specialize in de- EOD supervisors will Engel, 434th CES heavy as they were not able
tecting, diffusing and use the area to evaluate equipment shop non- to complete required
exploding dangerous their Airmen in training commissioned officer in tools training without
ordnance now have their and team leaders as they charge, said he agreed going another base, but
own area to train with practice their skills, said with Fleek. the training area change
tools vital to helping Fleek. EOD will also use “It gives us the train- that.
them save lives. the site to conduct spe- ing we really need and “It’s an area to train
Pavements and con- cific training that recre- keeps us proficient,” said without having to burden
struction Airmen from ates dangers encountered Engel. the rest of the base,” he
the 434th Civil Engineer in operations overseas, The CES Airmen added.
Squadron assisted their especially in Afghani- started working on the Engel said completing
fellow CE brethren as stan. site in June, and this real-world and relevant
they completed work on “We utilize after action project allowed them projects like this where
an explosive ordnance reports from [within quality hands-on training they construct something
disposal training area combat zones] and set with different equipment permanent is important
here during the August up the same problems including a frontend for them because it will
unit training assembly. here,” he said. loader, backhoe, grader serve a lasting purpose
The site provides a Fleek, who has been and dump truck, he said. and directly benefit the
location where Gris- helping plan the project The civil engineers mission.
som EOD technicians since last year, said it also got to practice their “You take pride in it,”
can conduct necessary also benefits the pave- surveying and mapping he concluded.
September 2014 5
Inspection program brings cultural shift
By Tech. Sgt. Mark
Orders-Woempner
Public Affairs staff
A product of the 1960s, Grissom’s
director of inspections is no stranger
to cultural changes, but is now tasked
with leading one of his own.
Lt. Col. Charles Good, 434th Air
Refueling Wing director of inspec-
tions, is at the tip of the spear as the
Hoosier Wing implements the new
Air Force Inspection System, or
AFIS, here.
Under the new system, Air Force
units are responsible for inspecting
themselves, which is a dynamic shift
from the past.
“The major command inspector
general offices can no longer finan-
cially support the big footprint of 100
to 200 people coming in and comb-
ing through every little nitnoid aspect
like they used to do,” explained
Good. “That whole concept is gone.”
Like most cultural shifts, they be-
gin gradually, and evolve over time.
The AFIS was no different.
“Initially, when they downsized the
number air force and headquarters
staffs, they put more responsibility
on the wings through what were orig-
inally the CVZ offices,” said Good.
“The people that were assigned to the
CVZ offices would actually become
U.S. Air Force photos by Tech. Sgt. Mark Orders-Woempner
[Air Force Reserve Command] IG
Senior Master Sgt. Tim O’Brien, 434th Logistics Readiness Squadron plans and
inspectors who went to other bases to
integration superintendent, discusses a piece of debris found on a mobility
inspect.
storage bin with Travis Wilkison, a contractor, during an xercise here July 12.
“Well, that didn’t meet the re-
quirement of downsizing and being we’re inspecting ourselves, which is we want you to be honest; we know
fiscally responsible, so they created a novel concept.” you’re going to find faults, and we
the new inspection system along Part of what makes that concept so want you to find faults.”
with a new position of the director novel is that it’s based around abso- To get over that hurdle, the Air
of inspections,” he continued. “And, lute honesty and the first Air Force Force is putting a stronger emphasis
with that change, the former exercise Core Value of integrity. on training for the WIT members
evaluation team, which had always “It’s a double-edge sword, where as well as aiming to educate units
been helping evaluate, became the you have to figure out how to inspect with the knowledge that identifying
wing inspection team that inspects yourself and be effective; that’s the deficiencies is a good thing.
instead of evaluates.” hardest hurdle to get across while in- “It’s a big deal; all the WIT mem-
While inspect and evaluate may specting ourselves,” explained Good. bers are given authority from the
seem synonymous to some, in the Air “We want to be honest, but we also Department of Defense IG through
Force inspection world they’re not. don’t want to look bad, so we have the Air Force IG and on down,” said
“The EET was there to help the all these things in conflict. Good. “It’s such an important re-
wings, through evaluation, get ready “It’s a cultural shift because before sponsibility, they even take an oath in
for an outside inspection,” said it was, ‘if we can’t fix it before the front of the wing commander.”
Good. “Now the WIT is the group IG gets here, let’s hide it and maybe Senior Master Sgt. Tim O’Brien,
conducting inspection - essentially, they won’t see it,’” he added. “Now, 434th Logistics Readiness Squadron
6 Heartland Warrior
Inspection program brings cultural shift
Scott Shives, 434th Communications Squadron information assurance manager,
left, and Allen Edgerley, 434th Logistics Readiness Squadron supply and fuels
quality assurance evaluator, discuss mobility processing procedures during an
exercise here July 12. Both are wing inspection team members.
According to Good, the key is not were very specific on how many and
just in identifying, but also coming what type of exercise and inspec-
Senior Master Sgt. Kenneth C. Ferron
up with a sound plan within a rea- tions needed to be done, but under
II, 434th Air Refueling Wing inspections
sonable time to correct any errors or the new one, it’s the IGI office and
superintendent, reviews documents
deficiencies. the wing commander who determine
with Senior Airman Amber Muston,
434th Force Support Squadron “The biggest key here is do we what needs to be inspected and how
personnel specialist, as he inspects have a reasonable plan to fix the is- often,” explained O’Brien. “Looking
a mobility processing line during an sues,” he added. “There’s only been ahead, we’re going to stay about the
exercise here July 12. Under the new four [unit effectiveness inspection] same as we did before, because we
Air Force Inspection System, major capstone events in AFRC since the believe the numbers gave us pretty
commands will no longer send large
new system was put in place, and out good feedback, and more often than
groups of inspectors to bases and
of those four, I’ve not heard of any- not we went above and beyond to
units are responsible for inspecting
one being slammed for saying they make sure the wing was ready at all
themselves, which is a change.
have a few programs that are broken times.”
plans and integration superintendent, and need to be fixed.” Good echoed that confidence in the
has directed the execution of hun- While the emphasis under the new wing to perform its missions around
dreds of exercises at Grissom and program is on self-inspection, AFRC the globe.
said he thinks the new system will be is still sending inspection teams for “We’re in a very good position,”
an easier transition than some may UEI capstone events. However, this he said. “We do have a few programs
expect as 434th ARW Airmen have team will be more focused on how that need looked at and have identi-
always displayed high integrity. units inspect themselves rather than fied a few trends even in the short
“We’ve always been honest on the looking at the unit’s processes and time of this program, but as far as our
deployment side of things, and that procedures. mission, we do our mission well.”
honesty is why we’re as good as we “The higher headquarters footprint As for the future, the next year will
are now,” he elaborated. will only be 20 to 30 people, and be a busy one for the 434th ARW
Still, Good reiterated the need to they’re mainly looking at the com- as the Hoosier Wing will undergo
be truthful while explaining people mander’s inspection program and another self-assessment through
should have faith in the new system how the IGI runs that program,” MICT in October as well as a nuclear
to respect such honesty. explained Good. “They will still look operational readiness inspection and
“Nobody is perfect, and we’re not at a few programs directly, but 85 UEI capstone event in the coming
helping ourselves by lying to our- to 90 percent is an inspection of our months.
selves,” he added. “The big message inspection program.” “It’s definitely a serious cultural
is that there isn’t going to be reper- Another change in the new system shift, but it’s something we’ve been
cussions for raising your hand and will have very little impact on Gris- asking for for years,” O’Brien
saying, ‘yes, we have some items som at all. concluded. “It’s our responsibility to
that are broken, they need fixed, and “In the old program, there were make this thing work - the ball is in
here’s how we’re going to fix them.” several [Air Force instructions] that our court at this point.”
September 2014 7
Indiana’s flying wings team up for boss lift
U.S. Air Force photos by Tech. Sgt. Mark Orders-Woempner
An A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft from the Air National Guard’s 122nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne, Ind., refuels from a KC-135R
Stratotanker aircraft from the Air Force Reserve’s 434th Air Refueling Wing at Grissom during a refueling mission over the
Hoosier state Aug. 20. Indiana’s two flying wings partnered together to fly 37 employers of guardsmen and reservists on a
boss lift aimed at educating them about their employees’ military service and responsibilities.
By Tech. Sgt. Mark Wing commander. “It and this event allowed the service.
Orders-Woempner was a special couple of employers to put those “Not only did they get
Public Affairs staff days as we were able to puzzle pieces together,” to see and experience
team up with our partners she added. today’s military, a mili-
Indiana’s Air Force from the Air National On top of showcas- tary that is quite differ-
Reserve and Air Na- Guard, Army Reserve and ing the joint aspects ent from even 15 years
tional Guard connect in Marine Corps Reserve of today’s military, the ago, they got to see the
the Hoosier skies every to showcase what we do event also allowed the skills and training their
week offloading fuel and here as part of team Gris- employers to see the employees have and how
training to fight, but they som.” unique skills their reserve they can apply them in
recently connected for Elizabeth Ransom, component employees their civilian workforce,”
another mission – educat- Indiana ESGR program have due to their military explained Ransom.
ing employers. support specialist, agreed
Airmen from the 434th with that assessment.
Air Refueling Wing at “This was the first time
Grissom teamed up with our Indiana guard and
those from the 122nd reserve units have com-
Fighter Wing in Fort bined together to host a
Wayne, Ind., along with flight like this,” said Ran-
the Indiana Employer som. “What made this so
Support of the Guard and special was that it wasn’t
Reserve to host a two-day them just seeing one
tour and boss lift flight aspect; they saw training
Aug. 19-20. in combination with real-
“We were really excited world operations and also
to host our first boss lift showed them that no one
in over two years in sup- component can do any-
port of the ESGR and the thing on their own.
great employers of our re- “We live in a joint
Maria Crowe, a global manufacturing and operations
servists and guardsmen,” environment where things
president, talks with Jamie Medlock, a chamber of commerce
said Col. Doug Schwartz, are always in conjunction
president, onboard a 434th Air Reufling Wing KC-135R
434th Air Refueling with another component,
Stratotanker aircraft during a refueling mission Aug. 20.
8 Heartland Warrior
Another goal of the dinner in Kokomo, Indi-
event was to educate the ana, before heading back
employers about the rules to Grissom for the night.
and responsibilities both The following morning,
they and their reserve the employers traveled to
component employees Grissom’s aircrew flight
have as well as foster equipment section were
a stronger relationship they received briefings on
between them. the ESGR, 434th ARW
“This breaks down bar- and 122nd FW before
riers and allows them to taking flight onboard two
communicate on a new KC-135R Stratotanker
level,” she said. “Many of aircraft.
these employers haven’t The two-ship formation
been military, but now first headed to an air refu-
they can talk the lingo eling track over southern
and feel more comfort- Indiana, Illinois and Mis-
able in engaging with souri to offload 35,000
their employees about pounds of fuel to an E-3
military service. Sentry airborne warning
“It also makes them and control system air-
more comfortable to hire craft from the 513th Air
servicemembers and have Control Group at Tinker
them in the workplace,” Air Force Base, Okla-
Ransom added. homa, before heading to
Lynn Harshberger, an a military operations area
employer from a steel just above Grissom to re-
erecting and rigging com- fuel two 122nd FW A-10
pany in Lagrange, Indi- Thunderbolt IIs.
ana, said the event was a Upon their return, Col.
once-in-a-lifetime experi- Timothy Donofrio, 122nd
ence and accomplished FW vice commander, Marine Gunnery Sgt. Korey Wright, Detachment One,
Communication Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 45,
all of its goals. presented each employer
4th Marine Logistics Group martial arts instructor, coaches
“What a mind opener,” with an honorary aircrew
Marines during a demonstration as reserve component
continued Harshberger. certificate.
employers watch during a tour at Grissom Aug. 19.
“I don’t have a military
background, so it was
very educational for me
to see what our military
does for us; it really woke
me up as to what we can
do to support them.”
To kick off the two-day
educational adventure,
employers of 434th ARW
Airmen, along with those
nominated from around
the Hoosier state by the
ESGR, toured Grissom’s
Army Reserve, Marine
Corps Reserve and Air
Force explosive ordnance
disposal units while
employers of 122nd FW
Airmen toured Air Na-
tional Guard facilities in
Fort Wayne.
The two groups, con-
Staff Sgt. Timothy Strader, 434th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal
sisting of 37 employers in
technician, puts a bomb suit helmet on Lee Corder, a civilian employer, during a tour for
all, then converged for a
reserve component employers at Grissom Aug. 19.
September 2014 9
Semiannual award winners announced
By Tech. Sgt. Mark ron biomedical equipment mainte- Civilian category:
Orders-Woempner nance specialist Robert Moore, 434th Operations
Public Affairs staff Support Squadron Airfield
Noncommissioned officer cat- operations manager
Twice a year Grissom recognizes egory:
the best of the best with its semi- Staff Sgt. Jessie Vanouse, 434th Chief Master Sgt. Karen Perkins,
annual award program. Security Forces Squadron fire team 434th ARW command chief, said
This year was no different as the member Grissom’s awards program is
434th Air Refueling Wing leader- important because it recognizes
ship recently announced its semi- Senior NCO category: and rewards 434th ARW Airmen
annual award winners for the Janu- Master Sgt. Jonna Sullivan, 74th for their contributions to both the
ary through June 2014 timeframe. Air Refueling Squadron aviation Air Force and their communities.
Listed below are the first half of resource management technician Nominees are evaluated on
2014 winners. a host of items based on their
Company grade officer category: level of responsibility, but
Airman category: 1st Lt. Dustin Schimp, 434th common to all is how they impact
Senior Airman Aaron Wilson, Communications Squadron direc- Grissom, the Air Force and their
434th Aerospace Medicine Squad- tor of operations communities.
Twelve Grissom officers, NCOs awarded medals
By Tech. Sgt. Mark
Orders-Woempner
Public Affairs staff
For their meritorious
service in the Air Force,
12 Grissom Airmen were
recently awarded medals.
Meritorious Service
Medal
Four 434th Air
Refueling Wing Airmen
were recently presented
with Meritorious Service
Medals. President
Lyndon Johnson U.S. Air Force graphic by Tech. Sgt. Mark Orders-Woempner
established the MSM - Master Sgt. Paul those who received Squadron
by Executive Order Sherrod, 72nd ARS commendation medals: - Staff Sgt. Timothy
11448 on Jan. 16, 1969, Potts, 434th SFS
as the counterpart of Air Force - Capt. Bartholemew
the Bronze Star Medal Commendation Medal Erwin, 434th Civil Air Force Achievement
for the recognition One Grissom officer Engineer Squadron, Medal
of meritorious and six noncommissioned - Tech. Sgt. Kimberly Tech. Sgt. Tammie
noncombatant service. officers were awarded the Davis, 434th Logistics Washington was
Those who received Air Force Commendation Readiness Squadron awarded the Air
MSMs are listed below: Medal. This medal - Tech. Sgt. Christie Force Achievement
was authorized by the Kurka, 434th FSS Medal. This medal
- Lt. Col. Brian Hollis, Secretary of the Air - Tech. Sgt. Brian was authorized by the
72nd Air Refueling Force on March 28, Stillwell, 434th Secretary of the Air
Squadron 1958, for award to Maintenance Group Force on Oct. 20, 1980,
- Master Sgt. Laurie members of the Armed - Staff Sgt. Haime and is awarded to Air
Latchaw, 49th Aerial Port Forces of the United Anderson, 434th Security Force personnel for
Flight States who distinguished Forces Squadron outstanding achievement
- Master Sgt. Tanielle themselves by - Staff Sgt. John or meritorious service
Phillips, 434th Force meritorious achievement Kenney, 434th rendered specifically on
Support Squadron and service. Below are Operations Support behalf of the Air Force.
10 Heartland Warrior