Skid Monster training keeps Airmen off thin ice - Colorado Springs

20 Pages·2012·11.65 MB·English

welcome outstanding airmen of the year nominees
Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado
Thursday, April 5, 2012 Vol. 56 No. 14
Skid Monster training keeps Airmen off thin ice
(U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Trinity Bolman)
The Skid Monster truck gives Airmen the opportunity to learn how to drive on snow and ice in a controlled environment. Training is held monthly at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., and all Airmen are encouraged to
attend.
By Lea Johnson To give Airmen a chance to practice driving on those slick rear wheels and the truck will start to skid as if it were on
21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer roads without risking a collision, the safety office is setting ice, and the instructor gives instruction on how to regain
up monthly Skid Monster training sessions at F.E. Warren control of the vehicle.
AFB, Wyo., Bolman said. With the warm summer months just around the corner,
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — Being stationed
At first glance, the Skid Monster looks like any other truck.
learning how to drive safely on ice may not seem like a pri-
at Peterson Air Force Base provides an opportunity to take
After a closer look, the back wheels of the truck stand out.
part in a variety of different seasonal activities. Winter ac- ority, but Bolman said it’s better to have the training and
They are much smaller than regular tires and, rather than
tivities pose a series of risks, as Airmen who come from experience in the Skid Monster before the next winter season.
being set on the axel, are free to rotate 360 degrees. “It simu-
warmer climates may have never experienced driving on lates being on ice in a safe environment,” Bolman said. “Especially for young Airmen, 18 to 25, who’ve never driven
snow and ice. The training starts with classroom instruction on how to on snow, it teaches them basic skills if they lose control of a
“Whenever we get the first snowfall we usually get a few control the vehicle, and then it’s out to the field to practice vehicle driving on the snow, how to react and what to do,”
(privately owned vehicle) and (government owned vehicle) on the course. “There’s a passenger in the truck who controls Bolman said.
mishaps,” said Staff Sgt. Trinity Bolman, 21st Space Wing how much traction is on the back wheels,” Bolman said. Training takes place monthly. For more information call
safety officer. The passenger decreases the amount of traction on the 556-4392.
Ecuadorian Air Force
knights Team Pete civilian
By Lea Johnson
21st Space Wing Public Affairs staff writer
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — A Team Pete civilian has a new title to
add to his signature block: Knight.
On March 23, in Quito, Ecuador, the Ecuadorian Ministry of Defense awarded
Mark Backlin, 4th Manpower Requirements Squadron manpower engineer, the
“Atahualpa Merit” decoration in the category of Knight for his humanitarian work
with the Judith Lombeida Medical Foundation.
Backlin formed the foundation while trying to make sense of the chaos that sur-
rounded his wife’s death in 2006. “A lot of this work started because of energy I
wanted to channel. I can’t think of a better way to remember somebody than doing
something like this,” Backlin said.
This summer the foundation marks a big milestone; the foundation he formed in
Lombeida’s memory will have treated 10,000 patients since its first medical mission
to Ecuador in August 2007.
Lombeida, a native of Ecuador, came to the United States at age 18 to study medi-
cine. “She got here, and she failed her first semester because she just didn’t know (Courtesy photo)
Mark Backlin (right), 4th Manpower Requirements Squadron manpower engineer, is awarded the “Atahualpa Merit” in
the language,” Backlin said. But Lombeida, who was focused and determined, went
the category of Knight by Ecuadorian Gen. Alonso Espinosa, Ecuador’s vice chief of staff, March 23 for his humanitar-
on to achieve the rank of colonel and was the neurology chief at the U.S. Air Force
ian work with the Judith Lombeida Medical Foundation. This summer the foundation will have provided medical care
See Knight page 12
to more than 10,000 Ecuadorians since 2007.
INSIDE
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Classifieds 14
OAY
AFAF Energy Nominees
2 0 1 1
A F S P C
OUTSTANDING
Page 4 Page 5 AIRMEN OF THE YEAR Page 10
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Thursday, april 5, 2012
C 21st space Wing C
’
ommander s orner
21st Space Wing Commander
Col. Chris Crawford
Chief of Public Affairs
Have a great Air Force day
1st Lt. Holly Hess
Editorial Staff
Chief of Internal Information
Mr. Steve Brady
THULE AIR BASE, Greenland — motivating.
Staff Writer Nearly every day, I wake up excited to go Lt. Col. Marc This election year reminds us of an-
Lea Johnson to work. Recently, I asked myself the ques- Peterson other significant reason we are special.
tion, “Why do I enjoy my job so much?” Republican, Democratic, Independent and

Beyond the obvious answer of satisfying other candidates express varied views for
Published by Colorado Springs Military Newspapers
Group, 31 E. Platte Avenue, Suite 300, Colorado Springs, an innate desire to be a part of something 821st Air Base the direction of our nation. As citizens, we
80903, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. bigger than myself, I thought there had to be exercise our personal opinions through our
Group deputy
Air Force, under exclusive written contract with the more to it. Almost immediately, the words right to vote. But as men and women wear-
21st Space Wing. This commercial enterprise Air Force commander
of my good friend Chief Master Sgt. Bob ing the uniforms of our nation’s military we
newspaper is an authorized publication for members of
the U.S. military services. Vasquez, U.S. Air Force Academy Center must remain neutral publically. It is special
Contents of the Space Observer are not necessarily the for Character and Leadership Development, to protect the views of others whether or
official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, echoed in my mind when he frequently bel- not they agree with our own.
the Department of Defense or the Department of the
lowed the phrase, “Isn’t this a great day to “Isn’t this a We have the privilege of serving a com-
Air Force.
The appearance of advertising in this publication, be an American Warrior?” mander in chief as one force regardless of
including inserts or supplements, does not constitute Let’s face it. Today’s U.S. Air Force is our political affiliation. We are special in
endorsement by DoD, the Department of the Air Force, the most powerful force the world has ever great day that our individual differences make us
or CSMNG, of the products or services advertised. known, and the ability to serve in the Air stronger as a military force and as a nation.
Everything advertised in this publication shall be made
available for purchase, use or patronage without regard Force in any capacity is truly rewarding. The news is littered with societies across the
to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital Less than 1 percent of our society raises their to be an globe, torn apart because of their differ-
status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other ences. President Abraham Lincoln expressed
right hand and takes the oath to support and
non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. our special status when he stated, “United
defend the Constitution of the United States
Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by
the 21st Space Wing Public Affairs Office, 775 Loring against all enemies. That doesn’t make us American we stand and divided we fall.”
Ave., Suite 219, Peterson AFB, Colo., 80914-1294, (719) more important than anyone else, but it does Recently, my son who is a U.S. Air Force
556-5185 or DSN 834-5185, fax [phone] or DSN Academy cadet, reminded me of the quote
make us special. For me, the opportunity
834-7848. All photographs are Air Force photographs to face our nation’s national defense chal- Warrior?” from the Marine Corps Father, Dennis
unless otherwise indicated.
Edward O’Brian who said, “It is the soldier,
The Space Observer is published every Thursday. lenges side-by-side with the special men and
See Air Force page 13
For advertising inquiries, call Colorado Springs Military women of the U.S. Air Force is amazingly
Newspapers, [phone]. Employees of Peterson Air
Force Base who want to place a free classified advertise-
ment should call [phone].
Articles, announcements, news briefs or feedback for
Action Line
the Space Observer should be submitted to the 21st SW/PA
via [email protected]. For further information,
call 21st SW/PA at [phone] or DSN 834-5185 or The 21st Space Wing maintains a commander's action line, a direct link to the 21st Space Wing commander. The wing commander
e-mail [email protected]. Deadline for article
encourages its use. Concerns should be addressed at the lowest possible level in the chain of command and elevated as necessary.
submission is noon the Friday one week before publication.
All articles, copy and announcements submitted will be To reach the action line:
edited to conform to AFI Series 35 and the Associated
21st Space Wing members and its GSUs can call 719-552-2121, DSN 559-2121 or email [email protected].
Press Stylebook and Libel Manual.
For information in the event of a Peterson Air Force The Peterson action line, for Peterson AFB items of interest or for the wing’s tenant units, can be reached at 719-556-7777, DSN 834-7777, or
Base emergency, contact the Straight Talk line at (719) email [email protected].
556-9154.
4 Space ObServer
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Thursday, april 5, 2012
PUBLISHER
Kathleen Gobos
[email protected]
EdItoRIAL
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Rob Larimer
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AFAF campaign begins (U.S. Air Force photo/Robb Lingley)
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — (Left to right) Col. Chris Crawford, 21st Space Wing commander, Col. Jeffrey Flewelling, 21st
SW vice commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Trottier, 21st SW command chief master sergeant, sign their Air Force Assistance
Fund forms March 27 in Crawford’s office. The campaign runs through May 4 and donations benefit one of four Air Force charities: the
Air Force Aid Society, Air Force Village, Air Force Enlisted Village, or the Gen. and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation.
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Thursday, april 5, 2012
Peterson
federal
employees
workers
compensation
moves to
Randolph
From 21st Force
Support Squadron
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE,
Colo. — In February 2010, the
Air Force launched a six-month
pilot program to centralize the
injury compensation program at
the Air Force Personnel Center.
During this pilot program, the
AFPC IC office assumed injury
compensation program admin-
istrator responsibilities for four
identified bases. The AFPC IC
staff streamlined and refined
the centralized operation with
standardized processes. By be-
ing dedicated solely to the IC
program, they also improved IC
case management and worked
directly with the pilot bases to
develop standardized reports
to be used for the Federal
Employees’ Compensation Act
Top five things Airmen
workgroup meetings.
Based upon the success of the
pilot program, it was decided
that AFPC IC would centralize all should know about energy
IC operations for the remaining
78 Air Force bases. Peterson AFB
will be included in the next step
of IC centralization effective
By Amaani Lyle Senior leaders care about energy
April 9.
The Air Force Injury Defense Media Activity In this constrained budget era, the cost of energy has gotten the
attention, not only of the military, but the administration as well.
Compensation Program is
based on the FECA. FECA pro- FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. — In a soon-to-be released According to Geiss, the Air Force spends more than $9 billion
video, an Air Force senior leader shared key elements of the ser- each year on fuel and electricity.
vides compensation benefits to
vice’s efforts to change the culture of energy and give Airmen a “The President of the United States, in his recent State of the
Federal civilian employees who Union address, indicated the importance of looking at energy
more personal stake in energy conservation as it relates to national
sustain a work-related injury or security and how it enables our country and the Department of
security.
occupational disease while in In the video, entitled “The Five Things Every Airman Should Defense to do its job,” Geiss said. “Later, the Secretary of the Air
the performance of duty. FECA Know About Energy,” Dr. Kevin T. Geiss, deputy assistant of the Force joined the president at Buckley Air Force Base, Colo., (in
February) to reinforce the importance of energy and explain how
also provides compensation Air Force for energy, suggested that Airmen have both a duty and
it enables the Air Force mission.”
benefits to surviving depen- an opportunity to make energy a consideration in their work and
home environments.
dents, if a work-related injury or A penny saved, a penny earned
The combination of individual efforts and the service’s constant
disease causes the death of an Dr. Geiss also noted that the Air Force continues to be innova-
refinement of its technology have indicated that the Air Force is
employee. tive in how it operates its aircraft, particularly with the mobility
“clearly leading the way in energy conservation and efficiency,”
The AFPC Injury fleet.
Geiss said.
“This is a good example of our attempts to be more efficient
Compensation office, with “We’re doing this in changing the structure of our aircraft, in
and enhance mission effectiveness,” he said, adding that the cost
a staff of HR Specialists with changing the way we fly and in creating more efficient engines,”
to move a ton of cargo one mile has been reduced by about 21
extensive experience in injury Geiss said, adding that the Air Force has also significantly reduced
percent in recent years.
compensation, will assume its energy intensity on installations by upgrading lighting and “When you add that up across all of the sorties we fly each day
improving insulation. “We’re trying to get our Airmen to under-
injury compensation program around the globe, this amounts to millions of dollars in savings,”
stand the importance of energy so that they can be a part of the
administrator responsibilities for Geiss explained. “Every dollar that we can save on energy is a dollar
solution as well.”
your base. The major change for that we can refocus on other priorities across the Air Force.”
you is that your supervisor, not Energy is a part of everything we do
Energy through technology
the base ICPA, will be your main Geiss urged Airmen to think about energy at work and at
Geiss described the role the future will play in energy.
point of contact. home.
“We’re looking to technology to enable our future Air Force to
Several documents created “Energy enables every mission across our global Air Force as we be more effective and efficient in how we use energy,” Geiss said.
try to fly, fight and win in air, space and cyberspace,” he explained.
to assist you in the transition to “Through improved aircraft structures and more efficient engines,
“It powers our aircraft, it supports our installations, and no matter
centralized servicing at AFPC through analyzing our expeditionary operations, routes, biomass
what your job is or where you are in the world, energy is enabling
fuels, and trimming fuel requirements,” the Air Force can be a
for injury compensation are
what you’re doing.” major player in reducing the nation’s energy footprint.
being sent out to the workforce.
Geiss also lauded particular installations such as Los Angeles
Information is also available on Airmen are critical to energy
Air Force Base, Calif., primed to be the first base to convert to a
the Air Force Personnel Services Though technology, Geiss said, is not the only solution. 100 percent plug-in electric vehicle fleet in April. He noted the
website at https://gum-crm.csd. “It’s important that we as Airmen understand how we use energy effective use of windmill technology at Kirtland Air Force Base,
disa.mil/. Once you log in, search and how we can improve the use of that energy, whether you’re N.M., resulting in significant energy reduction base-wide.
for injury compensation. If you in a maintenance facility or a test facility or somewhere else,” he “I believe these five things will help Airmen understand that we’re
said. “We’re also trying to provide Airmen with the right tools to trying to make energy a consideration in all that we do across the
still need assistance, call 800-
better understand how to apply these measures, so we’re working Air Force,” Geiss said, adding that this can be achieved through
525-0102, press 2, then press 3
with the Air Education and Training Command to develop an “trying to reduce our demand for energy, expand and increase
for injury compensation. energy module that’s available online to give Airmen tips and our supplies and looking at how we can change the culture and
tools for everyday use.” develop advanced technologies for our force.”
6 Space ObServer
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Thursday, april 5, 2012
INSTEAD OF JUST HANGING OUT ON SATURDAYS
I HELP KIDS HANG IN THERE
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BECAUSE I DON’T JUST WEAR THE SHIRT, I LIVE IT.
GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER. LIVE UNITED®
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communities. To find out how you can help create opportunities for a better life for all, visit LIVEUNITED.ORG.
®
Space ObServer 7
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Thursday, april 5, 2012
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DOD implements new changes to sexual assault response
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr. later that there was no documentation that they had ever been sexually assaulted (during)
American Forces Press Service their military service.”
The issue arose, Hertog said, because varying standards of retention had existed among
WASHINGTON — The Defense Department has refined new methods to aid sexual as- all of the services. It has since been resolved.
sault victims whether reporting a crime or seeking assistance as they transition from service, “We now have one standard of retention so those individuals that file unrestricted reports
the director of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office said here March 30. will have their documents retained for 50 years,” she said.
“We have several new options for victims of sexual assault,” said Air Force Maj. Gen. Mary “And those that file restricted reports will have their documents retained for five years,”
Kay Hertog. “First, if you’ve been a victim of sexual assault in the military, you now have Hertog said. “And of course our victims of sexual assault who file restricted reports have
the option of requesting an expedited transfer. We signed that into effect in December.
that option to convert over to unrestricted reports at any time and then we will retain their
“If you find it untenable or unbearable in the organization that you’re at ... you can request
documents for that 50-year period.”
to be transferred,” she added.
The director also discussed other innovations such as expanding legal assistance to
Hertog said a service member’s local commander has 72 hours to respond to the request
encourage victims to participate in the military justice system “in order to hold that per-
for transfer, and, if denied, there is an option to take it to the first flag or general officer in
petrator accountable.”
the chain of command who also has 72 hours to respond.
And as of January, DOD civilians and contractors deployed abroad as well as military
“We also have a new document retention initiative,” she said. “We heard loud and clear
from our veterans who present themselves at the (Department of Veterans Affairs) years dependents over 18 years old are now eligible to access sexual assault response services,
Hertog said.
Hertog noted other changes implemented include new training for investigators of sexual
assault crimes within the services.
Easter
“Some of our new training initiatives concern our investigators such as our (Naval
Criminal Investigative Service) agents, Air Force (Office of Special Investigations) and Army
Scavenger Hunt (Criminal Investigation Division),” she said. “We think we have found the gold-standard
course ... to send many of the agents to (in order to) build a sexual assault subject expertise
cadre of our agents to get them very familiar with these cases.”
April 7th, 2012
Hertog said training frequency will increase, more seats will be offered and the training
has expanded to include judge advocate generals “because these are some of the toughest
SPRING cases to investigate as well as prosecute.”
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Space ObServer 9
www.peterson.af.mil
Thursday, april 5, 2012
Living with PTSD
By 2nd Lt. Marie Denson started to go to mental health two times a week
50th Space Wing Public Affairs to try and work it out and started a healthy
dose of medication, however this did not work
for me.”
SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo.
There are many treatments for PTSD, ac-
— “I started to get really depressed and lacked
cording to the U.S. Department of Veterans
the desire to do anything but sit around and
Affairs National Center for PTSD, but at this
play on-line to ‘escape’ the real world. I was
time there are two types of treatments that
having dreams of planes crashing, the smell
appear to be the most effective, medicines and
of burnt flesh and rotting bodies. I still tried
cognitive-behavioral therapy counseling. Often
to push through this even as my sleep started
times different treatment options are tried to
to dwindle down to a couple hours a night as
see what will work most effectively for the
I would wake up in cold sweats screaming. I
individual.
decided something was wrong.”
Shortly after Moore’s diagnosis he rapidly
These were some of the symptoms Staff
got worse and his weight ballooned to 260
Sgt. Collin Moore, a former air transporta-
pounds. His desire to doing anything began
tion craftsman, was experiencing shortly af-
to dwindle. His marriage began to fall apart.
ter he made a permanent change of station to
The breaking point came one night when he
Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska.
and his wife were arguing and he wondered
“I decided something was wrong when I
would watch a commercial and start crying what the point of living was.
then laugh then get [upset] and then become “After a few venomous words were spit out
enraged,” said Moore. “I went to the mental by both parties I went to the closet and grabbed
health clinic on base to get some advice. After a friend’s 45 caliber handgun, loaded one in
a couple sessions my counselor introduced the the chamber and had my finger on a hair trig-
notion that I may be suffering from PTSD.” ger ready to be done with all the pain. I stood
Post-traumatic stress disorder is an anxiety there shaking while my wife was crying and
disorder, according to the U.S. National Library at that point I realized this could not be me,”
of Medicine. It can be triggered by exposure to said Moore.
a traumatic experience such as an interpersonal Moore was sent to University Behavioral
event like physical or sexual assault, exposure Health in Texas for 30 days, but it took time
to disaster or accidents, combat or witnessing before he realized the cause of his PTSD and
a traumatic incident. how to cope with it.
The diagnosis did not sit well with Moore. “The problem was that I still did not under- (U.S. Air Force illustration by Master Sgt. William Vance)
He felt he had no reason to be experiencing stand why I was counting windows in build-
symptoms of PTSD. Although he had deployed ings, freaking out in the car as a passenger and fer from PTSD cannot turn off that defense National Center for PTSD. But, even with treat-
seven times in eight years he still thought that still scared to death as the driver. I hated doors mechanism. ment some symptoms may still be prevalent.
only military who had been on the “front lines” behind me and large crowds. I would go from “Simply put, PTSD is a state of hyper-vig- Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms
or “sweeping the streets of Iraq or Afghanistan” what to me seemed calm to total rage in the ilance and anxiety all mixed into one. There are generally grouped into three types: intru-
would experience stress and trauma. For him blink of an eye,” he said. is no easy button for it, no magic pill to cure sive memories, avoidance and numbing and
this didn’t make sense. While Moore was undergoing care he went it or, honestly, any way to get rid of it,” said increased anxiety or emotional arousal, ac-
“I had never considered myself a weak- to group sessions and counseling where he Moore. cording to the Mayo Clinic website. Intrusive
memories may include flashbacks or upset-
minded person. I accomplished everything I learned that having PTSD is not a weakness Treatment can help an individual who has
put my mind to, and to me, something like this but instead a natural defense mechanism that PTSD feel more in control of emotions and
See PtSd page 13
could not be possible. Boy was I ever wrong. I everyone has. Unfortunately, those who suf- result in fewer symptoms, according to the VA
10 Space ObServer
www.peterson.af.mil
Thursday, april 5, 2012
2011 OAY nominees celebrate 30 years of AFSPC
By Master Sgt. Kevin Williams
Air Force Space Command Public Affairs
PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — Air Force
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Space Command welcomes its brightest stars home dur- 0101010101010101010101010101
ing the first major event marking the command’s 30th 0101010101010101010101010101
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anniversary celebration. The nominees for the 2011
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Outstanding Airmen of the Year arrive on Peterson Air 0101010101010101010101010101
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Force Base April 9 to embark on a week of professional
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development and engage with senior leaders, concluding 0101010101010101010101010101
with a formal banquet in their honor. 0101010101010101010101010101
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As excited as the nominees are, AFSPC’s very own
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command chief is also thrilled to welcome the nominees 0101010101010101010101010101
and get to know them during events leading up to the 0101010101010101010101010101
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banquet.
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“As leaders, recognizing our superior performers is 0101010101010101010101010101
critically important and one of the best parts of our
jobs,” said Chief Master Sgt. Linus Jordan Jr., AFSPC
command chief. “These Airmen represent the very best
the command has to offer. That says a lot knowing the
caliber of people we have and things they accomplish
every day. I look forward to meeting these fine Airmen,
hearing their stories and being a part of the festivities.
This is truly an honor.”
Throughout the week, the nominees will participate in
briefings, tours and events. Among the tours are trips to
the Air and Space Museum here and the U.S. Air Force
Academy. The museum will give the nominees the op-
portunity to learn about the people, systems and events
that shaped AFSPC. At the academy, they will experience
a cadet’s daily life and have lunch with the cadets.
An extensive event like this doesn’t happen without
2 0 1 1
a strong committee of volunteers who work countless
hours putting everything together.
A F S P C
“The AFSPC OAY committee worked extremely hard to
ensure the command’s OAY honorees have a memorable
and exciting week,” said Senior Master Sgt. Kristine Jones, O U T S T A N D I N G
AFSPC Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance
superintendent and AOY Committee chair. “It takes AIRMEN OF THE YEAR
an outstanding team to pull together an event of this
magnitude. There are more small details than anyone
can ever imagine. I am so thankful for the opportunity
to work with this great group of volunteers.”
Airman of the Year
Representing the 21st Space Wing and the 14th Air
Force are Capt. Kirk Greene, 21st Mission Support Group,
and Senior Airman Nicholas Hurt, 721st Security Forces
Squadron.
Greene, who is now the 21st MSG executive officer,
was the 21st Civil Engineer Squadron Asset Management
flight chief following a deployment to Afghanistan.
“I was shocked when I found out I won the (14th Air
Force) award,” said Greene, who competes in the company
grade officer category. “I didn’t think I would make it this
far. I’m honored to have excelled to this level, and I look
forward to representing the wing and the numbered Air
Senior Airman Jason Ginete Senior Airman Nicholas Hurt is Senior Airman Stephen
Force in this competitive selection,” he said.
is a cyber surety journey- a trainer for the 721st Security Klimczak is a financial
In addition to being a flight chief, Greene was deployed man assigned to the Air Forces Squadron, Cheyenne management technician
as a member of the Paktia Provincial Reconstruction Force Network Integration Mountain Air Force Station, assigned to the Space and
Center as “Team Support” for Colo. Missile Systems Center where
Team in Afghanistan, where he oversaw $46 million
the Information Assurance he works as the lead defense
in humanitarian construction, commanded 44 combat Assessments and Assistance travel administrator for the
patrols, and contributed to suppress five insurgents and Program, Scott Air Force Defense Travel System, Los
Base, Ill. Angeles AFB, Calif.
protect U.S. service members.
Hurt is a unit trainer at the 721st SFS, where he has
been stationed since November 2009. Hurt found out
he won the 14th Air Force Airman of the Year award
in early March.
“It was a great feeling,” he said. “So many times you
are just seen as a number, and to be recognized for some
of your accomplishments is pretty cool.”
Hurt’s accomplishments include being the only E-3
to lead a mission “outside the wire” while deployed to
Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, putting out a vehicle fire
Staff Sgt. David Leasiolagi Airman 1st Class Brian Staff Sgt.Michael Scarlata is
at a fuel point, and he was the designated radio telephone
is assigned to the Space Rice is a radio frequency a radio frequency transmis-
operator for 38 missions while deployed. Communications Operations transmissions technician sion systems journeyman
The nominees go before the OAY board April 10 for Squadron, National assigned to the 33d Combat assigned to the 25th Space
Reconnaissance Office, Los Communications Squadron, Range Squadron, Schriever
an interview and question and answer process. These Angeles, Calif., as a network Tinker AFB, Okla. AFB, Colo.
results combined with their package scores determine operations center technician.
the winners in each category to be named at the banquet
April 12.