SIDC Airman helps pull pilot from wrecked plane

16 Pages·2006·2.71 MB·English

UUnniiffoorrmm uuppddaattee!!
The circled U.S. insignia
becomes mandatory for enlisted
Airmen’s service dress uniforms
Jan. 1. Make sure you’re prepared!
VOL.8,NO.50 DECEMBER 14,2006 Colorado Springs,Colo. www.schriever.af.mil
News Briefs
Next paper is Jan.4
The 50th Space Wing
Public Affairs office will not
produce a base newspaper the
final two weeks of December.
Our next base newspaper will
be published Jan. 4.
During this time, we will
publish news stories and fea-
tures on our public Web site,
www.schriever.af.mil. Check
the Web site regularly for news
as it happens during our news-
paper downtime.
NoFEAR training due
All Air Force civilians and
their supervisors must com-
plete Notification and Federal
Employee Anti-discrimination
and Retaliation (NoFEAR)
training before Dec. 15.
Contractors are encouraged
but not required to attend.
To take the training, log
into https://golearn.csd.
disa.mil and go to Course List
– Miscellaneous – No Fear Act
photo by Senior Airman Amanda Delisle
Training.
Duck, Duck ...Duck!
Participants must pass the
end-of-training test with a Camron,age 5,looks for matching marks on the bottoms of ducks to win a prize at the Children's Holiday Festival duck-matching game
score of 70 percent or better to Saturday.With a big smile on his face,Camron found a match and won a snowman.More than 1,500 people,including about 500 chil-
receive credit for taking the dren of all ages,attended this year's festival at the Main Fitness Center here.For story and more photos,see Pages 14 and 15.
course.
Turn in copies of comple-
tion certificates to Celestine SIDC Airman helps pull pilot from wrecked plane
Joyner, 50th Space Wing
Equal Employment Oppor-
Staff Sgt.Don Branum
tunity, via fax at 567-5309 or
50th Space Wing Public Affairs
via e-mail at celestine.joyn-
[email protected].
The director of the Tactical Exploitation of National Capabilities
For more information, con-
office at the Space Innovation and Development Center here assisted
tact Ms. Joyner at 567-7096.
in the rescue of a pilot whose single-engine plane had lost power and
clipped a power line during his approach to Meadowlake Airport in
NSPS training revised
Falcon at about 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7.
National Security Personnel Lt. Col. Craig Nordlie was driving home along Judge Orr Road
Service phase three, Perform- when he saw the Piper 180 crash into the trees. Colonel Nordlie
ance Management, still has climbed towards the wreckage using another good Samaritan’s ladder
openings for classes in and helped the pilot walk to safety.
December and January. “There’s nothing extraordinary about what I did,” Colonel Nordlie
Employee training currently said. “It wasn’t some Rambo event. I was one of a few who helped.
has an open class scheduled “I think this is what people expect from people in the military,
for Jan. 26. Supervisor train- especially considering we’re in a two-theater war,” the colonel added.
ing classes have openings “For Nordo, it was common, everyday, doesn’t want any recogni- courtesy photo
Monday, Dec. 21 and Jan. 26. tion,” said SIDC deputy director James Blanton. “But I say he’s an Air Lt.Col.Craig Nordlie helped get the pilot of this plane to safety after
For more information, con- Force Space Command and SIDC hero—exemplifying our core value it lost power and crashed near Meadowlake Airport in Falcon.Colonel
tact Frank Villagrana, Schriev- of Service Before Self.” Nordlie is director of the Tactical Exploitation of National Capabilities
er Civilian Personnel Flight, at Colonel Nordlie arrived on scene shortly after the plane cut office at the Space Innovation and Development Center here.
567-5769. through power lines and crashed into a tree near the airport. The rescuers helped the pilot from the plane. As Colonel Nordlie
“I was looking in front of the plane because I was affraid the pilot assessed the pilot’s injuries, he noticed that the first emergency vehi-
CGOCmeets today and/or crew had been ejected about 100 feet,” he said. cles were on the way.
The Schriever Company By near miracle, the pilot’s restraining harnesses had kept him in “In the next three minutes, it seemed like every fire truck, police
Grade Officers Council will the aircraft—he was alive and conscious, but dazed, the colonel said. car and news van in the world had shown up,” Colonel Nordlie said.
meet today from 11:30 a.m. to As Colonel Nordlie and another rescuer tried to reach the pilot and “The radios were going crazy, but it was great with fire departments
12:30 p.m. in the Building 300 get his attention, the colonel noticed fuel was leaking from the air- and police and county sheriff’s officials who were jumping in to help.”
Auditorium. craft. Within 30 seconds, the leak became a deluge. The pilot was released at the scene with only minor injuries.
The council will discuss “I remember saying to myself, ‘We’ve got to get this guy out,’” “It’s a near miracle, and he’s well aware of it,” said Colonel
plans for activities in 2007. Colonel Nordlie said. “It was a combined effort where we just got him Nordlie, who has logged 2,300 flying hours with the Air Force and
out and got him down the ladder.” Marine Corps.
Weekend
Friday Saturday Sunday INSIDE Commentary . . .2 Get Out & Go .12
Outlook High 60 High 48 High 50 News . . . . . . .4-11 Features . . .13-15
Low 35 Low 29 Low 30
2 DSAECTEEMLLBIETRE1 F4L,Y2E0R06 COMMENTARY www.schriever.af.mil
Letter to Airmen:
Be safe this holiday season
What are your
holiday plans?
Secretary of the Air Force Michael Wynne
and Chief of Staff Gen.T.Michael Moseley Wherever your service takes you
this holiday season, be safe, proud
The holiday season gives many of us the well-
deserved opportunity to relax and celebrate with friends and certain that all Americans value Capt. Jens Norgaard
aenspde fcaiamlliyly .w Bhuent fhoeri gsohmteen,e tdh eb yh oselipdaaryast icoann f rboem s tlroevssefdul, and appreciate you. 50thS qCuoandtrraocnting
ones.
This time of year includes unique opportunities for “I am going to cele-
activities and emotions that we should be both grateful and character to behave safely and decrease risk expo- brate the holiday with
for and wary of. We’re asking you once again to keep a sure. my expecting wife and
close eye on your Wingmen—your friends, loved ones (cid:129) Motivating means giving fellow Airmen the incen- two mutts.”
and fellow Airmen—this holiday season, thus continu- tive to make the right decisions.
ing to play an important role in preserving the Air (cid:129) Activating means providing the tools to act safely
Force’s most precious resource: you. and ensuring each Airman understands the importance
Although we already place a lot of emphasis on of making the right choice.
safety, we can all do more to look out for our Ultimately, we can all make a difference, both for
Wingmen. Eight of our precious Airmen have commit- the friends and families of our Airmen and for the Senior Airman
ted suicide this fiscal year. Many of these heartbreaking nation as a whole. Each life we save and each mishap Marcie Porter
tragedies could have been avoided if Wingmen had we prevent translates directly into preserving combat 50th Space
Communications
intervened. capability for our nation. We are at war, and we need Squadron
In Fiscal Year 2006, we lost 45 Airmen to private every Airman combat-ready and in the fight.
motor vehicle accidents, and countless others were We are grateful for the friends and family who “I am going to spend
injured. Most of these could have been avoided with understand and support your sacrifices and wish them the time with my fami-
proper risk-management decisions. During this season, warmth and comfort this season under the blanket of ly and friends.”
in particular, many off-duty activities carry significant security you provide. And we’re grateful for Airmen
inherent risk that can easily be compounded by exceed- who demonstrate that the defense of freedom is an
ing individual capabilities, drinking alcohol, failing to unyielding endeavor and live by ideals that never take a
follow proper procedures or wear the proper gear and holiday.
failing to plan for winter travel. Today, nearly 700,000 Total-Force Airmen are
It takes leadership—both from individuals and the answering the call to serve as part of the joint team,
chain of command—to prevent needless losses. Leaders defending our nation here at home or deployed half a Juanita Ortiz
at all levels must focus attention on sound individual world away. Wherever your service takes you this holi- 50th Services Division
decision making, a disciplined approach to risk man- day season, be safe, proud and certain that all
agement and the importance of educating, motivating Americans value and appreciate you. “I am just going to be
and activating. We remain amazed by what you do everyday for our with family.”
(cid:129) Educating means building the knowledge, skills great nation. You have our heartfelt thanks.
AFSPC chief: Take care of Airmen, families
Command Chief Master Sgt. ophy we must embrace and embody
Michael Sullivan to grow a sound and capable Air
Air Force Space Command Force for today and tomorrow. As a
family, we take care of each other— Airman Uthishtan
The holiday season brings family both on and off duty—regardless of Anandarajah
to the forefront of our thoughts and rank. We lift each other up when the 50th Mission Support
actions. Some of us have the luxury other is down. We correct errant Squadron
of spending time with our parents, thoughts and actions before they
spouse, children, grandparents and cause problems or damage property “I plan to party with
other extended family. or careers. We care enough to stand family and friends here
There are Airmen who don’t up and support our family—people in Colorado Springs.”
share such good fortune. They are who may not ask for help but need
among the more than 1,100 Air it nonetheless.
Force Space Command Airmen This holiday season offers us, as
deployed downrange fighting the leaders, an opportunity to serve and
Global War on Terrorism. These care for each other as never before.
Airmen and their families face the It offers civilians, enlisted and offi-
Chief Master Sgt.Michael Sullivan
challenge of separation during this cers alike the opportunity to carry Emma Hopkins
holiday season. the Air Force’s Wingman philoso- getting into trouble, your involve- 50th Services Division
It is critical for leaders at every phy to the next level. Caring for our ment is the key to making this the
level to make the extra effort to people is our number-one mission. best holiday season for all. “Spending the time
engage with these warriors and their Whether you invite a single Airman Enjoy yourselves, reflect on the with my husband and
families here at home. or a young Air Force couple to your great things you’ve done, and be my family in Pueblo.”
The term “family” represents home for a holiday meal, send a safe so you can return in the New
more than a simple word describing care package to an Airman down- Year to continue the successes of
relatives or ancestors; it is a philos- range or stop a holiday partier from our command.
THE SATELLITE FLYER This Commercial Enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for mem- Commander’s Hotline
bers of the U.S. military services.
210 FalconPkwy. Ste. 2102, Colorado Springs, CO 80912-2102 Contents are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. gov- EE--MMAAIILL:: CCOOMMMMGGRRAAMMHHLL@@SSCCHHRRIIEEVVEERR..AAFF..MMIILL
[phone] or Fax [phone] ernment, the Department of Defense or the Air Force. The appearance of adver-
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COL. JOHNHYTEN, 50THSPACEWINGCOMMANDER endorsement by the U.S. government, Department of Defense, the Department of Hotline is brought to the base by Chaplain..............................567-3705
Ed Parsons,Chief of Public Affairs the EAvire Fryothrcineg o ar dCvoelrotirsaeddo iSn pthriinsg psu Mbliilcitaatriyo nN sehwasllp baep emr aGdreo uapv.ailable for purchase, CCoolm. mJoahnnd Hery.ten, 50th Space Wing CChliinldic .D...e.v..e..l.o..p..m...e..n..t. .C...e..n..t.e.r.....556677--44475425
Capt. Jean Duggan,Chief of Internal Information use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, It provides a communication tool Civilian Personnel...............567-5799
Newspaper Staff: marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of for people to obtain information and Contracting..........................567-3800
StaffSgt. Don Branum, Editor the Epduirtcohriaasl ecro, nutseenrt oisr peadtritoend., prepared and provided by the 50th Space Wing atesrs ipsltaacnec eto i nw morakk.ing Schriever a bet- FFiitnnaenscse C...e..n..t.e..r............................................556677--26060289
Skip Grubelnik, Layout and design Public Affairs office. Paid advertising is accepted by the publisher at 634-5905. Colonel Hyten asks that, before Inspector General................567-3764
you e-mail the Commander’s Law Enforcement Desk.......567-5642
Published by Colorado Springs Military Newspaper Group, a private firm in no way Deadline is Friday at noon, the week prior to publication. Hotline, please try to resolve your Military Personnel...............567-5900
connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with Schriever Air E-mail submissions to [email protected] or call the problem through the responsible Public Affairs......................567-5040
Force Base. Public Affairs office at 567-5040 for more information. agencies listed here. Safety...................................567-4236
DECEMBER14, 2006 3
www.schriever.af.mil SATELLITE FLYER
Good advice: ‘Hit something soft’
Lt.Col.Michael Pierson On the long drive home, our ski trip aborted, we
Air Force Space Command Public Affairs saw at least a dozen other vehicles had spun off the
road into the deepening snow. I realized I had done
It could have been much worse. some things right during this trip and a lot wrong.
As my family sport utility vehicle slid sideways in On the plus side, we were all wearing seat belts,
a snow storm Dec. 2, I remembered the words of my I’d checked the washer fluid, and we were dressed for
high school driving instructor: “If you’re going to the weather.
crash, aim for something soft.” But, there was noth- The negative list, however, was much longer:
ing soft to the right side of Highway 115 just outside (cid:129) I failed to check road conditions and weather
of Cañon City, Colo., and I wasn’t having much luck reports the morning before we left.
aiming. (cid:129) I took what I believed to be a shorter route along
There was a snowplow to my right and two trucks a winding state highway, rather than a straighter,
in front of me that had veered into my lane to avoid more heavily traveled road with better visibility.
hitting a car in front of them. (cid:129) I had not packed a winter survival kit in the
I broke right, missed the plow, fishtailed and then vehicle.
gained control just in time to see I was headed for a (cid:129) Even though I was well behind the vehicles in
drainage pipe. front of me, I didn’t leave enough room between us
As far as the deputy sheriff and I could tell as he for the horribly icy road conditions, which I failed to
wrote his report, I had found plenty of soft stuff to appreciate in my heavy SUV.
hit. I had careened about 50 feet off the road, through (cid:129) I had planned a three-hour, one-way drive, fol-
a bush and a coffee shop sign, over a telephone lowed by a day of skiing and a three-hour drive home
exchange box and into an empty parked car. when I was the only driver.
Yes, it could have been much worse. Walking my “Well, duh,” as my kids would say. I know better
path of destruction about an hour later, I discovered than this. But I’ve driven in winter conditions all my
I had missed the drainage pipe, as well as a metal life, and I was eager to get the ski season started.
pole, a utility pole, a fence and a boulder. Most Eager or not, no ski trip is worth killing myself,
importantly, my passengers and I were unhurt. The my family or someone else. The mountain will be
fine folks at the coffee shop—whose sign I just had there next weekend. With better planning and a will-
trashed and whose telephones I had silenced—gave ingness to reschedule or turn back if conditions are
us all free hot drinks while we exchanged insurance too bad, I’ll get back up there so I can practice, on
information. The SUV was battered but still drivable. skis, how to “hit something soft.”
photo by StaffSgt.Don Branum
Drive safely! Watch your step!
Keep the following tips in mind as you make of the steering wheel, and sudden braking and Senior Airman Marquita Finley,50th Operations Support
your commute in Colorado’s winter weather: accelerating that could cause a skid. Squadron,balances as she navigates a duct-taped line as part of
(cid:129) Turn on your headlights when blowing snow (cid:129) Keep two seconds of reaction time between a Drunken and Drugged Driving Awareness Month presentation
and white-outs impair your visibility. yourself and the vehicle in front of you. In win- near the Satellite Dish Dining Facility here Dec.6.Goggles on
(cid:129) Adjust your driving to the road and weather ter, and especially during poor weather condi- participants' faces distorted their vision to simulate the effects
conditions. Slow down and avoid sudden turns tions, double the two-second rule. of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
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27582 10/06
V E H I C L E L O A N S
4 DECEMBER14,2006 N
SATELLITE FLYER EWS www.schriever.af.mil
Force of nature to force multiplier:
6th SOPS delivers critical weather data to war fighters
Staff Sgt.Don Branum of Airmen work during the week, and a traditional
50th Space Wing Public Affairs Reserve crew augments them during unit training activi-
ties.
“Get data or die” holds special significance for the 6th “It also allows me to bring in support where and when
Space Operations Squadron, an Air Force Reserve I need it, which is a perfect fit for this role as a backup
Command unit here whose Airmen must deliver data to space operations center,” the colonel added.
their customers within 10 minutes of downloading it from In a contingency, 6th SOPS can respond at a moment’s
their satellites. notice, Colonel Hays said.
The squadron’s data transforms weather from a force “Our requirement is one to three hours off duty and
of nature war fighters must endure into a force they can one hour during duty hours,” he said. “But if we’re here,
use to their advantage. (we take) about five minutes. If we’re off-base, we’re usu-
“Every time we sit on console, we’re directly support- ally here between 20 to 40 minutes. That’s our proven
ing the war-fighting user,” Lt. Col. Byron Hays said dur- record over the 13 times we’ve been called upon” to pro-
ing a visit from Air Force Space Command officials vide contingency support for NOAA.
Friday. “Weather used to be a force equalizer, bringing The colonel discussed how 6th SOPS can fit into
everybody to about the same playing field. Now, with the AFSPC’s training picture.
Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, we’re a force “We are the only military aspect flying (operational)
multiplier.” low-fliers,” he said. “These are your future cadre for fly-
One such way 6th SOPS delivers combat effects is ing low-fliers—for flying the Space Tracking and
through providing data on sandstorms to the Southwest Surveillance System, for the Space-Based Space
Asia area of responsibility. Surveillance system. We’re looking at 6th SOPS Airmen
“Right now, we are the only military source providing here as potentially being your cadre to help train.”
sandstorm data to the AOR,” Colonel Hays said. “The Low-flying satellites present a unique set of challenges
quicker we can get this data to them, the faster they can for satellite operators, Major Stuckwisch said. A typical
batten down the hatches and do whatever they need to satellite contact window lasts from four to 17 minutes, in illustration courtesy of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
do.” contrast to much longer availability times for satellites in The 6th Space Operations Squadron will shift its mission
Maj. Anna Stuckwisch, 6th SOPS assistant director of mid-earth or geosynchronous orbits. focus from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program
operations, attributed the squadron’s continuing mission That set of challenges keeps operators connected—and to the National Polar-Orbiting Environmental Satellite
success to its equipment, its people and its knowledge. committed—to the mission. System beginning in 2013.Above is an NPOESS satellite.
Ground control equipment at Schriever is maintained and “There are a lot of folks who are passionate about this
ready to go at any time. mission,” Colonel Hays said. “Once you’ve flown a low- which will become operational over the next decade as
In addition, the crews of reservists have extensive flier, it’s hard to go back to a Geo or a MEO because the successor to DMSP.
experience working with the constellation. The squadron’s everything’s riding on that 10 minutes. It’s such an adren- “Our plan is to fly NPOESS in the same manner that
2003 Guardian Challenge team had 30 years of combined aline rush, and so you see a lot of folks who’ve been we fly DMSP,” Colonel Hays said. “It’s been working so
DMSP knowledge, Major Stuckwisch said. around for quite a few years ... don’t want to leave far, and it’s not broken, so we plan on sticking to that.”
“What reservists bring to the table is a Reserve mis- because of how much fun they have.” From the first NPOESS satellite launch and the end of
sion model: we allow great flexibility and responsiveness Colonel Hays briefed the AFSPC visitors on the the DMSP program, 6th SOPS will surge to support both
at a much lower cost,” Colonel Hays said. A small cadre National Polar-Orbiting Environmental Satellite System, satellite operations missions.
(cid:38)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:81)(cid:72)(cid:70)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:74)(cid:3)(cid:57)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:86)(cid:3)
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(cid:135)(cid:3)(cid:55)(cid:76)(cid:80)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:36)(cid:89)(cid:68)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:68)(cid:69)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)
(cid:135)(cid:3)(cid:54)(cid:78)(cid:76)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:86)
(cid:55)(cid:82)(cid:3)(cid:73)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:71)(cid:3)(cid:68)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:83)(cid:83)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:87)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:76)(cid:87)(cid:92)(cid:3)(cid:89)(cid:76)(cid:86)(cid:76)(cid:87)
(cid:90)(cid:90)(cid:90)(cid:17)(cid:89)(cid:82)(cid:79)(cid:88)(cid:81)(cid:87)(cid:72)(cid:72)(cid:85)(cid:83)(cid:76)(cid:78)(cid:72)(cid:86)(cid:83)(cid:72)(cid:68)(cid:78)(cid:17)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:74)
(cid:41)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:80)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:72)(cid:3)(cid:76)(cid:81)(cid:73)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:80)(cid:68)(cid:87)(cid:76)(cid:82)(cid:81)(cid:3)(cid:70)(cid:68)(cid:79)(cid:79)(cid:3)(cid:21)(cid:16)(cid:20)(cid:16)(cid:20)(cid:3)(cid:82)(cid:85)(cid:3)(cid:28)(cid:24)(cid:24)(cid:16)(cid:19)(cid:26)(cid:23)(cid:21)
DECEMBER14, 2006 5
www.schriever.af.mil SATELLITE FLYER
Why is Christmas
observed December 25?
Chaplain (Capt.) Chad Bellamy There is, however, some interesting history
Schriever Chaplain Service Team relating to the day Christianity chooses to remem-
ber the birth of Jesus. It’s not just a random date
Christmas is both a holiday and a holy day. In that somebody pulled out of a hat. There have
much of the Western world, it is one of the been festivals of every sort around the winter sol-
biggest events of the year. For Christian faith stice going back as far as the Babylonians. It was
groups and denominations, it is one of the most the Roman Emperor Aurelian who established
important days on the religious calendar. Dec. 25 as the “Birthday of the Unconquered
The word for Christmas originates in the Old Sun” and established a winter solstice festival
English word Cristes Maessefirst used in 1131 called Saturnaliain 274 A.D.
A.D. The word Cristes Maessemeans “Mass of The early Christians were eager to institute
Christ”; in the years that followed, it was short- their own religious holy day in response. Being
ened to “Christ-Mass.” The even shorter form aware of the festival of “unconquered sun,” the
“Xmas” was first used in 1525 A.D. and is Christians would have clearly understood that
derived from the Greek alphabet in which X is the Jesus had been prophesied as the “sun of right-
first letter of Christ’s name—Xristos. eousness” (Malachi 4:2), and he had often
A large part of the world comes together Dec. referred to himself as the “light of the world”
25 of every year to put aside quarrels and minor (John 8:12). The disagreement centered on the
differences. For many, it is also a time to com- words “sun” and “son.”
memorate the birth of Jesus. The Orthodox Approximately 70 years after Aurelian estab-
churches celebrate Christmas on January 6th lished the festival of Saturnalia, Bishop Liberus
because of a different interpretation of the of Rome fixed Dec. 25 as the Christian celebra-
Gregorian calendar. tion to commemorate the coming of the “son” of
That raises the question: Why do we tradition- God.
ally celebrate Christmas Dec. 25? No one knows This was early Christianity’s best effort at
photo by Senior Airman Amanda Delisle with 100-percent certainty. answering the question of the date of Jesus birth;
AFSA gets into giving spirit Keeping birth records was not a common prac- however, for early believers, this paled in compar-
tice in the first century. Another complication is ison to the larger question of who Jesus was. And
Tech.Sgt.Jeffrey Stewart,50th Mission Support Squadron,shows the use of lunar versus solar calendars. so for two millennia Christmas has been celebrat-
off some of the gifts the Schriever chapter of the Air Force Finally, the authors of the Gospels—particular- ed as both a holiday and holy day Dec. 25.
Sergeants Association received during its toy drive here Tuesday. ly Matthew and Luke—either didn’t know Jesus’ If you’d like more information on the history of
The toy drive will continue at the DeKok Building and the North and birthday or didn’t think it was important enough other Christmas traditions, including the origins
West entry control facilities until Wednesday.AFSA will donate the to mention the exact date. It’s not even clear of wreaths, mistletoe, candy canes, poinsettias,
toys to deployed Airmen's families. whether birthdays were celebrated in ancient Santa Claus, gift giving, Christmas trees and tin-
Judea. sel, contact Chaplain Bellamy at 567-3705.
The tools needed
to restore disaster-ravaged lives Keep the
aren’t always hammers
and nails. Jingle in Your
Pocket this
Church of Christ
Holiday Season
1402 W. Pikes Peak Ave
Ask about
A block north of Colorado Ave at
14thand Pikes Peak Ave, west of downtown
•A Cappella Music our Move-in
•Sound, Conservative Bible Teaching
Sunday Specials
The hurt of disaster cuts much deeper Bible Classes 9:00 A.M.
than the eye can see. That’s why a caring touch
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than the tools that come from the hardware store...it takes the tools that come Wednesday
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6 DECEMBER14,2006
SATELLITE FLYER www.schriever.af.mil
Robert Gates confirmed as Secretary of Defense
Staff Report
50th Space Wing Public Affairs
WASHINGTON,D.C.—The next secretary of defense
will officially take the reins of the Defense Department in
a ceremony at the Pentagon Monday.
The Senate confirmed Robert Gates in a 95-2 vote Dec.
6 to be the 22nd U.S. secretary of defense.
Secretary Gates will succeed current Defense Secretary
Donald Rumsfeld, who will retain the job until Friday.
As part of his confirmation procedure, Dr. Gates testi-
fied Dec. 6 before the Senate Armed Services Committee.
The war in Iraq dominated the hearing, and Gates told sen-
ators he will consider all options in Iraq.
Dr. Gates said the United States is not winning in Iraq,
but neither is it losing.
He told committee members the United States will need
to maintain a presence in Iraq for a long time, but that the
presence may not be as heavy in combat troops as it is
today.
Dr. Gates told the senators he believes he can maintain
an independent voice as he runs the Defense Department.
“I don’t owe anybody anything,” he said. “I’ve come
back here to do the best I can for the men and women in
uniform and for the country in terms of these difficult
problems that we face.” courtesy photo
Virginia Sen. John Warner, chairman of the Senate Congress approved Robert Gates as next Secretary of Defense in a vote held Dec.6.Dr.Gates,currently president of
Armed Services Committee, expressed confidence in Dr. Texas A&M University,served as director of central intelligence from 1991 to 1993.He first joined the CIA in 1966.
Gates’ability to do the job.
“He’s going to be a very strong adviser to the president Pentagon Sept. 11, 2001. He personally ran to the court-
of the United States and to the Congress, and in his heart yard of the Pentagon to help those injured in the attack to
“I’ve come back here to do the
(he has) only the best interests of this country and the men safety.
and women of the armed forces and their families,” Senator Secretary Rumsfeld went on to lead DOD as it began best I can for the men and women
Warner said. fighting back against terrorism in Afghanistan, where a in uniform and for the country in
Dr. Gates served as director of central intelligence from small number of American special operations personnel
1991 to 1993 after first joining the Central Intelligence helped the Northern Alliance overthrow the repressive terms of these difficult problems
Agency in 1966. Taliban regime. that we face.”
He is currently serving as the president of Texas A&M Secretary Rumsfeld also led the department through
— Dr. Robert Gates
University in College Station, Texas. Operation Iraqi Freedom when 150,000 U.S. and coalition
Incoming Secretary of Defense
Secretary Rumsfeld was serving as defense secretary personnel overthrew Saddam Hussein and liberated 25 mil-
when terrorists attacked the World Trade Center and the lion people.
DECEMBER14, 2006 7
www.schriever.af.mil SATELLITE FLYER
CFC honors Schriever heroes
First Lt.Scott McPeek (top) and Staff Sgt.Adrianne Clark (right) receive 2006 Schriever
Combined Federal Campaign hero awards from Col.John Hyten,50th Space Wing com-
mander,during the CFC awards banquet at the Peterson Air Force Base Officers Club
Friday.Lieutenant McPeek is assigned to the 50th Operations Support Squadron here;
Sergeant Clark is assigned to the Space Innovation and Development Center’s 595th OSS.
photos by Capt.Jean Duggan
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8 DECEMBER14,2006 AROUND THE AIR FORCE
SATELLITE FLYER www.schriever.af.mil
Space shuttle on way to space station
Space Shuttle Discovery launched from Cape
Canaveral at 8:47 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time Friday and
docked with the International Space Station Monday at 5
p.m. EDT.
Mission STS-116 carries a crew of seven and is
Discovery’s 33rd mission. The shuttle and its crew will
deliver a truss segment to add to the growing space sta-
tion, and the astronauts will rewire the orbiting laborato-
ry.
The crew includes Mark Polansky, commander; Navy
Cmdr. Bill Oefelein, pilot; Nicholas Patrick, mission spe-
cialist one; Navy Capt. Bob Curbeam, mission specialist
two; Christer Fuglesand, mission specialist three; Joan
Higginbotham, mission specialist four; and Navy Cmdr.
Suni Williams, mission specialist five.
This could be Discovery’s toughest mission, said Col.
Terry Birts, an Air Force astronaut working as a capsule
communicator at the Houston Space Center’s mission
control.
“It’s probably the most complicated we’ve had in the
space shuttle and space station program,” the colonel
said.
The crew’s main objective is to rewire the space sta-
tion’s electrical system. To do that, the crew will have to
power down the orbiting station.
“What we’re going to have to do is power down half
of the space station, rewire that power channel and, on
the next space walk, we’ll power down the other half of
the space station and rewire that power channel,” Colonel
Birts said.
But the rewiring will be a welcome change, he added. NASA photo by George Shelton
“The last five years, the station has been working on KENNEDY SPACE CENTER,Fla.— Space Shuttle Discovery lifts off from Launch Pad 39B on mission STS-116 Friday
a temporary power system,” he said. “This rewiring will at 8:47 p.m.Eastern Time.The shuttle crew delivered a new strut to the International Space Station Monday.
give it a permanent power supply.”
Apart from several space walks, Commander Discovery, which was planned for Dec. 7. Airmen with capability and telemetry feedback for the shuttle and
Williams will replace astronaut Thomas Reiter, who will the 22nd Space Operations Squadron at Schriever sched- other NASA missions.
return home with Discovery. ule Air Force Satellite Control Network support for shut- (Information compiled from Air Force Print News and
Weather delayed the original scheduled launch of tle launches. AFSCN provides command-and-control staff reports.)
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A A F DECEMBER14, 2006 9
ROUND THE IR ORCE
www.schriever.af.mil SATELLITE FLYER
Officials weigh need for Africa Command
Jim Garamone ment in Africa has changed fundamentally
American Forces Press Service in the last decade.
“You have a situation where the threats
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Defense are not confined to state actors or geo-
Department officials continue to examine graphically confined,” she said. “You don’t
the idea of establishing a U.S. Africa have to look to a state that has a large mili-
Command, the deputy assistant secretary of tary to find an entity that can threaten U.S.
defense for African affairs said this week. security in a serious way.”
A team of DOD officials is looking at all She said the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001,
options in examining the need for a new brought that home in a very stark and trag-
combatant command, Theresa Whelan ic manner.
explained. “Africa is an environment that has the
Responsibility for U.S. military opera- potential to be used by these non-state
tions in Africa is currently divided among actors to achieve or at least move closer to
three combatant commands. The area from their ends,” she said.
Kenya to Egypt is part of U.S. Central Africa has seen its own attacks. Al
Command. The rest of the continent falls Qaida attacked U.S. embassies in Kenya
under the auspices of U.S. European and Tanzania in 1998, killing hundreds of
Command. Eastern island nations are in people, most of them local citizens. Other
U.S. Pacific Command’s area of operations. terrorist organizations have been regionally
“We are looking at different ways of focused in the past but are now expanding
organizing DOD for doing business in their interests and jumping on the al Qaida
Africa,” Ms. Whelan said. “The different bandwagon, Ms. Whelan said.
circumstances and threats have caused us to Poor governance, wars and population
take a step back and look at the way we’re pressures are some of the human-caused
doing business.” problems on the continent, but natural
No date is set for a decision on establish- threats need to be dealt with as well, Ms.
ing a new command or finding another Whelan said. Department of Defense illustration
means for handling operations in Africa, “There are clearly challenges in terms of Africa would fall under U.S.Africa and European Commands under a Defense Department
said Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman. disease—AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis proposal.Africa is currently split among European,Central and Pacific commands.
Officials are working to decide on the are major threats,” she said. “Your issue is
best course of action: stick with the status you have these major demographic changes “Instead of the United States being reac- based on the continent. However, there are
quo, establish a subordinate command or caused by disease and the untimely death of tive ... we want to be more proactive in pro- a lot of ways to “skin that cat,” she said.
stand up a full out combatant command on the working-age population. The African moting security, to build African capacity The command may have its main headquar-
par with European and Central commands. population in many countries is now very to build their own environments and not be ters in the United States and forward oper-
The group will make its recommenda- young or very old, Ms. Whelan said. subject to the instability that has toppled ating bases in Africa.
tions through the Joint Chiefs of Staff A U.S. Africa Command would work at governments and caused so much pain on The command would not necessarily
before presenting them to the chairman and “preventing problems from becoming the continent,” she added. have a large number of people. The needs
the secretary for a decision. crises and crises from becoming catastro- If officials decide to go ahead with a are so great in Africa that a little can go a
Ms. Whelan said the security environ- phes,” Ms. Whelan said. U.S. Africa Command, it would need to be long way, Ms. Whelan said.
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10DECEMBER14,2006
SATELLITE FLYER www.schriever.af.mil
Airmen in AEFs 7,8 FYI
will receive new ABU
GGoott SSnnooFFeesstt!!!!!!??
Air Force Print News Have you made plans to attend SnoFest!!! 2007?
If not, contact the Outdoor Recreation Office at 567-6050 to reserve
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Airman Battle discounted ski lifts and hotel fares for the hottest party in the Rocky
Uniform is on track for distribution this spring to Mountains.
Airmen deploying as part of Air and Space
Expeditionary Forces 7 and 8. CCaauugghhtt aa bbuuzzzz??CCaattcchh aa rriiddee!!
The new ABU began production Dec. 7, and uni- The Health and Wellness Center and the Drug Demand Reduction
forms are being warehoused. Most Airmen will get Program here encourage everyone to drink responsibly and drive safely
two ABU sets and two Desert Combat Uniform sets this holiday season.
for their deployment. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administation, as
Battlefield Airmen with Air Force specialty
many as 50 lethal crashes per day are a result of drunken driving.
codes for combat rescue, special tactics, pararescue
If you feel “buzzed,” don’t get behind the wheel. Call 55-NO DUI, a
jumper, combat control, tactical air control Airmen,
taxi, a family member or a Wingman.
members of the special operations weather team,
battlefield weather Airmen and explosive ordnance
members will receive four ABU sets. GGiivviinngg ttrreeeess sspprroouutt uupp
By October 2007, the Air Force will begin issu- Schriever has three giving trees this year for those who are interest-
ing the ABU to Airmen in basic military training. In ed in donating toys or gifts for families in need.
June 2008, the uniform will be available for pur- Trees are located in the DeKok Building atrium, near the Satellite
chase by the rest of the Air Force in Army Air Force Dish Dining Facility and in front of the Falcon’s Nest Café. Tags on
Exchange Service outlets. each tree are marked with the age and gender of the child who will
The ABU boasts 236 different size options in receive the gift.
both male and female sizes. Additionally, its perma- To participate, simply buy a gift that is age- and gender-appropriate
nent press finish means the uniform cannot be and deliver it to Master Sgt. Michael Primo, 50th Mission Support
starched, pressed or dry-cleaned. Airmen will be Squadron first sergeant, or to Staff Sgt. Lance Tressler, 50th Space
able to pull the ABU from the clothes dryer and wear Wing chaplain assistant. Sergeant Primo is in the DeKok Building,
it without further treatment. Room 210; Sergeant Tressler is in the chaplain’s office in Building
Any ironing could degrade the effectiveness of 300.
the uniform. For more information, contact Sergeant Primo at 567-3723.
The cost for the uniform, pants and coat runs
about $80. Airmen must purchase additional items,
HHoouussiinngg ooffffiiccee hhoouurrss aannnnoouunncceedd
such as socks, T-shirts, belts, and ABU-style hats.
Airmen are authorized to wear DCU-style boots The Peterson Air Force Base Housing office has announced limited
with the ABU until the newly designed green boots, hours for some days in December and early January.
priced at $100, become readily available. The housing office will close at 12:30 p.m. Dec. 20 for an official
The expected mandatory wear date for the new U.S.Air Force photo illustration function. It will be closed all day Dec. 22, 25 and 29 and Jan. 1.
ABU is October 2011. The office will be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on other weekdays.
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