Vol. 8 No. 44/Nov. 3, 2017

12 Pages·2017·15.08 MB·English

Vol. 8 No. 44/Nov. 3, 2017 www.whiteman.af.mil • facebook.com/WhitemanAirForceBase/
2 The Warrior News
Nov. 3, 2017
Stealth in the Pacific
The Warrior
Editorial Staff
Brig. Gen. John J. Nichols
509th Bomb Wing Commander
Maj. Karl Wiest
Chief, Public Affairs
Tech. Sgt. Tyler Alexander
Editor
Staff Sgt. Danielle Quilla
Senior Airman Jovan Banks
Senior Airman Jazmin Smith
Airman 1st Class Taylor Phifer
Photojournalists
The Sedalia Democrat
Layout and Design
Published by the Sedalia Demo-
crat, a private firm in no way connected
with the U.S. Air Force, under exclu-
sive written contract with Whiteman Air
Force Base.
This civilian enterprise Air Force news-
paper is an authorized publication for
members of the U.S. military services.
Contents of The Warrior are not neces-
sarily the official views of, or endorsed
by, the U.S. Government, the Depart-
ment of Defense or the Department of the
Air Force.
The appearance of advertising in this
publication, including inserts or supple-
ments, does not constitute endorsement of
the products or services advertised by the
Department of Defense, the Department of
the Air Force or the Sedalia Democrat.
Everything advertised in this publica-
tion shall be made available for purchase,
U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., conduct preflight inspections prior to takeoff use or patronage without regard to race,
on Oct. 28, 2017. The B-2 Spirit conducted a long-range mission to the U.S. Pacific Command area of responsi- color, religion, sex, national origin, age,
bility. Long-range missions familiarize aircrew with air bases and operations in different geographic combatant marital status, physical handicap, politi-
cal affiliation or any other non-merit factor
commands, enabling them to maintain a high state of readiness and proficiency.
of the purchaser, user or patron. Editorial
content is edited, prepared and provided
by the Public Affairs office of 509th Bomb
Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base. All pho-
tographs are Air Force photographs unless
otherwise indicated.
The deadline for article submis-
sions to the Warrior is noon Friday. If
a holiday falls on Friday, the deadline
then becomes 4 p.m. Thursday. Articles
will be published on a space-available
basis. Submissions do not guarantee
publication.
For more information, call the Warrior
office at 660-687-5727, email 509.bw.pa@
us.af.mil, fax [phone], or write to us
at Whiteman Warrior, 509th Bomb Wing,
509th Spirit Blvd. Suite 116, Whiteman
AFB, Mo., 65305.
To advertise in The Warrior, call the
Sedalia Democrat at 1-800-892-7856.
On the
cover
U.S. Air Force photo by
Airman 1st Class Taylor Phifer
U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned
to Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo.,
conduct preflight inspections prior
to takeoff on Oct. 28, 2017. Long-
range missions familiarize aircrew
with air bases and operations in dif-
ferent geographic combatant com-
U.S. Air Force photos by
mands, enabling them to maintain
Senior Airman Jovan Banks • Airman 1st Class Taylor Phifer a high state of readiness.
News The Warrior 3
Nov. 3, 2017
Enlisted RPA pilot opportunity
NEWS BRIEFS
window open for NCOs, SNCO's:
Apply before Nov. 15 deadline
By Kat Bailey Piloted Aircraft Pilot, career field,” said Master candidate selection method, or PCSM, test score.
Air Force’s Personnel Center Public Affairs Sgt. Mark Moore, Air Force’s Personnel Center The average PCSM score for those selected by
Career Enlisted Aviator Assignments Manager. the inaugural board in February 2017 was 73,
Noncommissioned and senior noncommis- at the Air Force’s Personnel Center. with overall select scores ranging from 55 to 96.
sioned officers interested in transferring to the Moore stressed that the new AFSC is not part Airmen who have already amassed off-duty
Air Force’s newest enlisted aviation Air Force of the formal Air Force Retraining Program, but flying hours are also able to apply the experi-
Specialty Code have until Nov. 15, 2017, to sub- rather a career opportunity for qualified NCOs ence toward their PCSM, which Moore said is
mit their applications to meet the next selection to fly the RQ-4 Global Hawk. the same scoring system used to select Air Force
board. “Just like officers from other career fields officer pilots.
U.S. Air Force Eagle Eyes pro- More than 800 applicants submitted for the apply to become pilots, AFPC will conduct an- Integrating enlisted pilots into RQ-4 Global
vides service members and civilians a program last year; those who were not selected nual selection boards every January to select Hawk flying operations is one of many ways
safe, discreet and anonymous option by the inaugural board are highly encouraged by qualified enlisted Airmen for entry into this new, the Air Force is tapping into the talent of its
to report criminal information, coun- officials to apply again this cycle. exciting career field,” he said. “Applicants have skilled, diverse and innovative enlisted force
terintelligence indicators or force “This is an opportunity for active-duty no need to be in their retraining window or be as a part of the deliberate approach to enhance
protection concerns. Airmen in the ranks of staff sergeant-select concerned about the end date of an overseas the Air Force’s Intelligence, Surveillance and
To submit a web tip go to the through senior master sergeants who meet and assignment.” Reconnaissance mission. The Air Force plans
AFOSI web page at http://www.osi. complete the application requirements to be Candidates will be evaluated based on for the number of enlisted RPA pilots to grow to
af.mil. considered for the 1U1X1, Enlisted Remotely their entire military personnel record and pilot 100 within four years.
How to report an anonymous tip
using a smart phone:
Striker Trident, Pathfinder develops new
1. Open the smart phone app
2. Manually select an agency
3.Choose USA then Federal
generation of Global Strike senior leaders
Agency then select AFOSI
4. Create a passport, select New
Tip and fill out the form with as much
By Joe Thomas bigger picture helps me understand more about what I was doing as a
information as possible.
Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs junior officer in the submarine force.”
How to report an anonymous tip
Willes currently works in AFGSC’s Directorate of Operations and
via text message:
A U.S. Navy submarine crests the waves of the Pacific Ocean, its gray Communications division as an operational planner. Like many of his
Text “AFOSI” plus your tip infor-
hull capped with white foam as it submerges back into the icy depths. fellow interns, Willes will rotate through different directorates to gain a
mation to 274637 (CRIMES)
Several thousand miles away, U.S. Air Force missileers sit in underground larger perspective of the mission. He also manages an exchange program
launch control centers filled with an assortment of screens, buttons, dials that gives Airmen an opportunity to visit U.S. Navy submarine bases for
Stealth Lounge
and switches. They wait for a call they hope never comes, the end-result a week at a time.
If you are a young Airman, let
of the U.S. President’s decision to deploy nuclear weapons. Capt. Brian Contival, Willes’ Air Force counterpart in the program,
the Stealth Lounge make your time
At any given moment, the nation’s strategic bomber fleet, made up of is currently serving with Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic, Naval
at Whiteman more enjoyable. Stop
B-1s, B-2s and B-52s, stands ready to execute the deadliest half of their Base Virginia.
by after work to play some pool,
nuclear/conventional mission. When these aircrews are not taking the fight “I saw an opportunity to learn how a sister service executes the same
darts, foosball, or the newest games
to ISIS, or reconnoitering drug smugglers, they’re honing their skills in the strategic mission in an entirely different environment, and to see how the
on Xbox One or Playstation 4. The
employment of some of the most dangerous weapons in human history. missile operations community looks from the outside,” Contival said. “I'm
lounge opens at 4 p.m. during the
All of these Airmen and Sailors have one thing in common: they work also going to gain a better understanding of the unique capabilities of the
week and noon on weekends. There
day in and day out to prevent World War III. Their force is one that is different legs of the nuclear triad, and how we work together to get the job
is free dinner every Thursday at 5:30
survivable, responsive and flexible — a dynamic that underpins a relative done. I'd like to use the experience I gain from this program on the Joint
p.m., with an optional discussion on
world peace. Staff or at HAF, working on the broader strategic deterrence mission.”
spiritual resilience to follow at 6:30
Although all branches of service play a role in deterring large-scale Striker Pathfinder
p.m. There are also free premium
conflict in one way or another, two services are frequently identified Much like Striker Trident, Striker Pathfinder provides Air Force of-
snacks and Wi-Fi. Come for the free
with the offensive aspect of this mission: the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. ficers with an opportunity to attend professional development courses and
stuff, stay for the fun and friends.
Navy. For this reason, it should come as no surprise that these services are gain experience at the major command level. Unlike Trident, Pathfinder
Like the Stealth Lounge on
strengthening their ability to deter aggression by playing an active role in is Air Force only and seeks to develop interns within both the ICBM and
Facebook to stay up to date on special
each other’s professional development. bomber functional areas.
events and tournaments.
Striker Trident “We used Striker Pathfinder as a template for Striker Trident,” Fugate
In Striker Trident, Air Force and Naval officers spend approximately said. “Before, Striker Trident interns were just doing the job, but the devel-
Found property
Keys, wallets, bicycles, jewelry two years at sister service duty stations engaged in exercise planning and opment piece wasn’t really there. Like Pathfinders, our Trident interns will
and other items have been turned in other assignments, duties that help increase their understanding of the nu- have the same opportunities for professional development.”
as found property to Security Forces clear enterprise. After completing the program, Airmen and Sailors return “Having a behind the scenes look at the various decisions made at all
Investigation Section. To inquire to their respective services with new lessons learned, ideas and a sense of levels of the MAJCOM staff as well as the numerous learning opportuni-
about lost property, go to building the larger strategic picture. It is a program that focuses on developing the ties that the Pathfinders are provided have been the most rewarding aspects
711, room 305, or call Detective Ste- next generation of senior leaders in the nuclear enterprise. of the program,” Capt. Crystal Rapelje, Striker Pathfinder intern, said.
ven Scott at 660-687-5342. "In Striker Trident we bring officers from the Navy's portion of the “Upon completing the Pathfinder Program, I plan on using the knowl-
nuclear enterprise to Global Strike to broaden their understanding about edge and experience gained to further my career within the Intelligence
Weather the enterprise as a whole,” Jeff Fugate, chief of AFGSC Officer Talent Community supporting an Intelligence Squadron or at an Air Operations
Management, said. “The same goes for our Air Force officers, who join Center.”
Today Saturday units in the U.S. Navy’s nuclear submarine force. Both of these programs Rapelje now works in AFGSC’s Directorate of Strategic Plans,
Partly Sunny Partly Sunny give the interns a broad look into the Nuclear Enterprise, an opportunity Programs and Requirements as an ICBM Programmer and will work in
Hi 58 Hi 69 to receive mentorship from senior leaders and attend leadership develop- other directorates before completing the program.
Lo 44 Lo 52 ment courses and other professional development opportunities.” “The idea is that all of these graduates have an opportunity to enhance
“I’m benefiting and the Navy is benefitting,” U.S. Navy Lt. Andrew the Nuclear Enterprise as they move on to be future leaders,” Fugate said.
Sunday Monday Willes, Striker Trident intern, said. “I received an opportunity to visit U.S. “We’re looking at this being the premier officer development piece in the
Partly Sunny Partly Sunny Strategic Command for two days in transit, and I’ve also attended a course command. Whether they are stationed with a naval unit within the en-
Hi 75 Hi 53 at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico. It’s also important to see this terprise or they come here, these officers will have a greater sense of the
Lo 58 Lo 42 side of the enterprise as it places things in a larger context. Seeing the overall strategic mission.”
4 The Warrior News
Nov. 3, 2017

Think before you
buy a drone
FRIDAY, NOV. 3 • 7 p.m. SATURDAY, NOV. 4 • 7 p.m.
Thor: Ragnarok (PG-13) Thor: Ragnarok (PG-13)
Adults - $7.00, children - $4.75 Adults - $7.00, children - $4.75
SUNDAY, NOV. 5 • 3 p.m.
Thor: Ragnarok (PG-13)
Adults - $7.00, children - $4.75
File photo
509th Bomb Wing Staff Report
With Halloween in the rearview mirror and with Black Friday on the horizon, many Team
Whiteman members will begin focusing on what to get loved-ones for the holidays. Some
may even consider buying an unmanned aerial system or drone as a present.
If you are considering buying a drone, be sure to follow these simple rules in order to avoid
breaking federal law while operating the drone and incurring a potential $25,000 fine.
1. Know where you can and can't fly, especially here on Whiteman. The bottom line is
Whiteman’s airspace is deemed a “no-drone zone” by the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA).
The FAA divides the national airspace above us into categories: A, B, C, D, E and G. The
airspace over Whiteman AFB is Class D restricted airspace and drone us is strictly prohibited.
- Class A is 18,000 feet and above sea level and you must be communicating with the FAA
to operate at that height. So just remember, Class A is “above” where small unmanned aircraft
should fly.
- Class B/C/D is the airspace around airports and requires two-way communications with
the airport’s tower, so small unmanned aircraft need to steer clear of these areas. Just remem-
ber not to fly within 5 nautical miles of an open airport/airfield/heliport, military or civilian.
- Class G airspace exists around uncontrolled airports (no two-way communications), but
small unmanned aircraft must still remain clear by the 5 nautical miles.
2. The FAA now requires registration of all recreational drones weighing between 0.55 and
55 pounds. Go to http://registermyuas.faa.gov to register. Flying an unregistered drone could
land you with up to a $25,000 fine!
3. Respect the propellers. The two-inch propellers of a micro-quad model can sting or cut
you if they nick your finger. The nine-inch propellers on larger models can send you to the
emergency room.
4. Know your controls before you take off. Some smart-device-enabled drones even have
simulators you can use.
5. Don't fly over people, cars, emergency responders or any other situation where the
equivalent of a rapidly descending drone could cause injury to yourself or others.
6. Most drones don't do well in high winds and open areas around Missouri are notorious
for windy weather. If your drone isn't behaving well, land it.
If you decided to purchase before reading this and now you are confused about where can
you fly, a good source of information is your local Radio-Controlled, or R/C, club. They know
the best, and safest locations to fly.
If you prefer to go it alone, here are some words of caution before you take off: If you
become the latest close call and you’re not following the rules, you stand not only to lose your
potentially $1,000 aircraft, but you may be subject to Federal charges and an FAA fine of up
to $25,000.
News The Warrior 5
Nov. 3, 2017
Congratulations to Whiteman's newest ALS grads
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jazmin Smith
Graduates of Whiteman Airman Leadership School (ALS) class 17-G gather for a class photo after a graduation ceremony at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., Oct. 26, 2017. ALS
is a five-and-a-half week-long course that prepares Airmen to become noncommissioned officers.
Senior Airman Gavin Anderson Senior Airman Seth Gross Senior Airman Brandon Perry
509th AMXS 509th SFS 509th OSS
Senior Airman Dillon Austin Senior Airman Kevin Hartman Senior Airman Jeffrey Pipkin
509th LRS 509th SFS 509th AMXS
Senior Airman Aaron Bendel Senior Airman Jarred Johnson Senior Airman Michael Plantin
509th MUNS 509th CES 509th SFS
Senior Airman Larry Broom Senior Airman Naamon Johnson Senior Airman Christopher Porter
164th LRS 142d AES 509th MXS
Senior Airman Amy Brown Senior Airman Rex Johnson Senior Airman Paul Reber
509th FSS 509th OSS 509th MUNS
Senior Airman James Brown Senior Airman Zachary Kanouse Senior Airman Cynthia Reyes
188th FSS 509th MXS 509th FSS
Senior Airman Matthew Brown Senior Airman Chance Karr Senior Airman Joshua Reynolds
509th MXS 509th MXS 509th LRS
Senior Airman Austin Bruce Senior Airman Benjamin Koch Senior Airman Naaman Rogers
122d LRS 509th AMXS 509th MXS
Senior Airman Anthony Corroo Senior Airman Daniel Laughlin Senior Airman Carly Schultz
509th AMXS 509th CS 445th FSS
Staff Sgt. Richard Duckworth Senior Airman Daniel Lopez Senior Airman Logan Stuckey
20th ATKS 509th SFS 509th SFS
Senior Airman Timothy Dutton Senior Airman Matthew Martinez Senior Airman Lesa Vaughn
509th MXS 509th MXS 509th CONS
Senior Airman Matthew Ebarb Senior Airman Steven Matias Senior Airman Scott White
509th MXS 509th SFS 509th SFS
Senior Airman Benjamin Goodman Senior Airman Mason Meherg Senior Airman Christopher Witczak
509th SFS 509th CPTS 509th MXS
Senior Airman Sosalena Goyoco Senior Airman Justin Meyer Senior Airman Benjamin Wyman
118th FSS 509th AMXS 509th AMXS
Senior Airman Gabriel Miller
139th MXS
6 The Warrior News
Nov. 3, 2017
Military Appreciation at Arrowhead Stadium
The Kansas City Chiefs hosted their annual Military Appreciation Game in
Kansas City, Mo., on Oct. 30, 2017. The pre-game ceremonies featured a sa-
lute to service, hometown hero recognition and a joint-service formation fea-
turing members of Team Whiteman for the singing of the national anthem.
U.S. Air Force photos by
Staff Sgt. Corey Schuler
News The Warrior 7
Nov. 3, 2017
CMSAF Wright eyes indefinite
enlistment, awards program
changes for enlisted force
The Air Force’s top enlisted Airman provided "Don't clap,” he said with a smile. “I've been in the
updates on the status of issues affecting the enlist- Air Force 28 years, almost 29. And every four years,
ed force Oct. 27, 2017, at the 2017 Airlift/Tanker I’ve got to go through the 'Yeah, I'm still here.' Now,
Association Symposium in Orlando, Florida. it's a time-honored tradition; I love it, but I think
Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Kaleth O. we'd like to get to once you hit your 15-year mark,
Wright addressed hundreds of mobility Airmen, cur- then you're an indefinite enlistment -- you're good
rent and former Air Force leaders, joint and com- until your high year of tenure. If you have a selective
bined forces partners and industry representatives, reenlistment bonus or something, we'll make sure
as part of the three day professional development you have the right active duty service commitment.
event focused on the rapid global mobility enterprise Because I believe at 15 years of service, most of us
and the Airmen who execute the mission. are plugged in, dedicated and ready to roll. We're
Wright’s remarks highlighted initiatives near- still doing the research. We like to go slow to go fast
ing completion and fielding, such as adjustments to to make sure we understand all of the benefits."
awards program timing and process requirements. A topic closer to fruition is reduction of the time
He also brought news of options, like a possible in- needed to produce an awards nomination, as well as
definite enlistment timeline, which are earlier in the adjusting the weight of mission focus and job perfor-
consideration process. mance on the forms.
He began by addressing the culture of Air Force "We're really close on our goal of reducing the
units and how leadership and the establishment of number of lines on our [awards packages] for the
positive culture impacts retention. Retention of en- annual awards program,” Wright said, noting the
listed aircraft maintainers and other Airmen with current number of 27 bulleted accomplishments re-
skills key to operational success remains a signifi- quired for a nomination. “So we'll get that down to
cant challenge and focus in the Air Force and in Air about 16. I like 12 and four. So 12 in job perfor-
Mobility Command specifically. mance and then four in the ‘Whole Airman’ concept.
"My question to you is, 'how do we keep them?'” That gets us to the point where 80 percent of what
Wright said. “Not just how do we retain them, but you're evaluated on is your job and primary mission,
how do we keep them motivated, how do we keep and 20 percent is the other things that we ask you to
them encouraged, how do we keep them inspired? do as Airmen.”Once that change is official, Wright
Because that's how they come to us. They come to said he hopes major commands and other earlier lev-
us motivated, encouraged, inspired, agile, innova- els of competition will follow suit and mirror the
tive, ready to roll. They come to us feeling a sense requirements at the Air Force level.
of connection. They come to us feeling a sense of As Wright expressed his commitment to looking
purpose.” for ways, along with Air Force Chief of Staff Gen.
“But, somewhere along the way, something hap- David L. Goldfein and Secretary of the Air Force
pens,” he said. “Some of it has to do with the na- Heather Wilson, to recruit, train, motivate and retain
ture of our business; some of it has to do with our the Airmen critical to conducting operations and de-
extremely high ops tempo, which I don't perceive livering hope around the globe, he challenged the A/
decreasing any time soon. Some of it has to do with TA audience members as well.
what we as an Air Force have to get after: some of "Here's one thing I would ask you to focus on: be
the additional duties, computer-based training, and committed. Be committed to our Airmen, be com-
moving things out of the way. We are doing a lot of mitted to our Air Force, be committed to being great
work in that arena. But most of it has to do with the leaders. Be committed to being great Wingmen.
level of leadership and encouragement you provide Reach deep down inside and recommit yourself to
… the environment you create as leaders in our Air this Air Force and to these Airmen,” Wright said.
Force. That’s how we get Airmen to stay, how we “They need you and they deserve you. Because they
keep them motivated and inspired. That’s how we want to be committed to you. And so of all the things
keep them resilient; how we utilize them and keep that I can ask you to do, and there's a lot -- the one
them thinking and being innovative.” thing I would ask you is to decide. You can't be on
Wright then provided updates on the ongoing the fence. Because Airmen know it and they see it. At
changes intended to reduce administrative burden, the end of the day, attitude truly reflects leadership."
increase mission focus, give Airmen time back and In conclusion, Wright channeled the Roman em-
enhance quality of life. Noting that upon return to peror Marcus Aurelius with a slight adjustment of
the Pentagon, one of the first things he has to do is the emperor’s famous quote.
arrange to reenlist, Wright received a round of ap- "Don't waste your time arguing about what a good
plause from the gathered Airmen. Airman should be. Be one!"
8 The Warrior Feature The Warrior 9
November 3, 2017 November 3, 2017
Lending help: AMXS Airmen travel to Texas to provide hurricane relief
By Senior Airman Jazmin Smith
509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Can you imagine the fear of knowing you lie in the path of a storm threatening to turn your world upside
down? Of pondering how long you may be without food … water … electricity?
I know I can’t.
Sweeping and powerful rains accompanied by thundering booms. The deafening noise of objects being
forced by the wind against homes and other structures. The water slowly, but surely creeping in.
The fear in another’s eyes as they wonder if they will survive.
Hurricane Harvey made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane on Aug. 25, 2017. The violent and catastroph-
ic reach of Harvey produced as much as 61 inches of rainfall when it traveled up the Gulf Coast towards
southeast Texas. Overtaken by floods, many of the residents were forced to evacuate – only to return to
widespread destruction.
U.S. Air Force photos by Senior Airman Jazmin Smith They were left figuring out how to pick up the pieces – literally.
Who would you turn to for help if you found yourself wondering how you would survive the outcome?
Through a non-profit organization called Team Rubicon, seven crew chiefs assigned to the 509th Aircraft
Maintenance Squadron departed Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri and traveled to Texas to provide sup-
port to the residents affected by the extent of the storm’s wrath.
The following U.S. Air Force Airmen were amongst the members of Team Whiteman who made the
journey:
Staff Sgt. Eric Delay
Airman 1st Class Andrew Dutton
Senior Airman Shawn Thomson
Staff Sgt. Ian Linker
Senior Airman Edwin Mendoza
Tech. Sgt. Thomas Reid
Senior Airman Juli Taylor
For some, the call to serve was driven by their own past experience from living near the coast.
“My family was affected in 2005 by Hurricane Rita in southwest Louisiana, so after seeing the devasta-
tion caused by [Hurricane] Harvey in the southeast Texas area, I immediately wanted to get down there and
help somehow,” said Reid.
Courtesy photo At the recommendation of a coworker, Reid contacted the Team Rubicon organization and signed up to
go. He extended the opportunity to members in his squadron, and six others took up the offer – using their
own leave to make the trip.
The veteran-ran and operated organization flew the team down to their central location in Houston,
Texas, where they were divided into the Beaumont and Kashmere Gardens areas.
For the other members of the Team Whiteman group, this was their first experience seeing firsthand what
remains after a catastrophe strikes.
“Being there was heartbreaking,” said Taylor. “You see it on the news but you don’t really feel the effects
of it until you’re there.”
The call to action for many came from a desire to aid the families and homes affected by natural disas-
ters. The ongoing operation will be a life-long recovery process for the families impacted, said Reid.
“It was eye-opening for myself and I’m sure every person that goes,” said Mendoza. “It’s been over a
Courtesy photo month since the hurricane hit the city and some people still have not received any help – still living in tents
in their backyards because their homes are destroyed.”
[Top and bottom photo] From left to right, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Eric Delay, Airman 1st Class Andrew Dutton,
The driven Airmen conducted house demolition for 10 hours a day, sometimes longer. As many of the
Staff Sgt. Ian Linker, Senior Airman Edwin Mendoza, Tech. Sgt. Thomas Reid, Senior Airman Juli Taylor and Se-
homes were plagued with water and mold damage, volunteers had to tear everything down to the studs.
nior Airman Shawn Thomson, all crew chiefs assigned to the 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, embody the
“Although it was physically draining, nonstop work, it felt like a walk in the park knowing you were
Air Force core value of Service before Self when they traveled from Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., Oct. 1 to 8,
expediting the process to give families a place to live,” said Reid.
Courtesy photo 2017, to Texas in support of hurricane relief efforts. After removing the sheetrock, paneling, ceilings, cabinets and insulation from the houses, volunteers
also cleaned up scattered debris from the areas surrounding the house.
While in the region overcome with hardship, families were left to find strength in the little things.
“There was one sweet old lady who had the most optimistic personality I have ever seen,” said Dutton.
Many of the volunteers were inspired by the humbling experience with how kind and hopeful the locals
were.
“After mucking out her house all day, ripping off the dry wall and insulation, then shoveling out her per-
sonal belongings that were drowned in the water for over two weeks, she comes to the house and has the
biggest smile in the world to see so much work happen,” added Dutton.
The resident shared how she had to escape the water by climbing through a hole in her roof and being
evacuated by rescue boats when the water level was up to the ceiling of her house, and yet she was so
thankful for everything going on.
During their eight-day trip, the AMXS team had a hand in about 25 houses between the two groups.
“Every second of it was worth it for the looks on the families’ faces,” said Taylor. “They were so appre-
ciative. I would go back in an instant.”
U.S. Air Force photos by Senior Airman Jazmin Smith
10 The Warrior News
Nov. 3, 2017
News The Warrior 11
Nov. 3, 2017
2017 Sedalia-Pettis County United Way Day of Caring
More than 80 members from Team White-
man participated in the 2017 Sedalia-Pettis
County United Way Day of Caring event,
Oct. 28, 2017 across Pettis County and
in Sedalia Missouri. Teams included the
509th Medical Support Squadron, White-
man First Sergeants, 509th Civil Engi-
neer Squadron, 509th Bomb Wing Chapel
Corps and the 509th Operations Support
Squadron. With close to 400 volunteers in
total, the Day of Caring crew completed 50
projects for local veterans, elderly and dis-
abled in our community. Events like these
allow Airmen to build our community rela-
tions and meet new faces. This is the third
year members from Team Whiteman have
participated. The Sedalia-Pettis County
United Way had more than fifty years of
service and was founded in order to raise
funds and donate to those in need. The
chapter is a member of United Way Nation-
wide.
Photos courtesy of
United Way