INSIDE - 507ARW · peared on a company accident forms. Maybe you’ve had a day like ... Name...

507th Air Refueling Wing - 513th Air Control GroupTinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma

APRIL 2008 Vol. 28, No. 4

Annual CEAward Winners

Page 8

Heritage matters 0

Annual ServicesAward Winners Page 10

Government travel card

Page 11

R-News Pages 12-14

Making the right choices Page 15

INSIDE

Master Sgts. Wendy Ellyson and James Young use thebuddy system while donning their chem gear during theexercise in Gulfport. See more photos on pages 4-7.

Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Jodie Zollo

On-final EDITORIAL

PAGE 2 “Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority” APRIL 2008

OutstandingGulfport deployment!

By Col. Jeffery R. Glass

507th ARWCommander’s Column

By Wing Chaplain(Maj.) Dwight Magnus

Chapel CornerWe all have Tough Days

One of my favorite stories cen-ters on an account that actually ap-peared on a company accidentforms. Maybe you’ve had a day likethis:

When I got to the building I foundthat the hurricane had knocked offsome bricks around the top. So Irigged up a beam with a pulley atthe top of the building and hoistedup a couple barrels full of bricks.When I had fixed the damaged area,there were a lot of bricks left over.Then I went to the bottom and be-gan releasing the line. Unfortunately,the barrel of bricks was muchheavier than I was – and before I

knew what was happening the barrelstarted coming down, jerking me up.

I decided to hang on since I wastoo far of the ground by then to jump,and halfway up I met the barrel ofbricks coming down fast. I receiveda hard blow on my shoulder. I thencontinued to the top, banging my headagainst the beam and getting my fin-gers pinched and jammed in the pul-ley. When the barrel hit the groundhard, it burst its bottom, allowing thebricks to spill out.

I was now heavier than the barrel.So I started down again at high speed.Halfway down I met the barrel com-ing up fast and received sever injuriesto my shins. When I hit the ground, Ilanded on a pile of spilled bricks, get-

ting several painful cuts and deepbruises. At this point I must havelost my presence of mind, because Ilet go of my grip on the line. Thebarrel came down fast – giving meanother blow on my head and put-ting me in the hospital.

Ouch! We all have tough days.Now before you start thinking“Safety! ORM!,” take a moment togain some perspective. No matterhow bad your day, someone’s isworse. No matter how difficult yoursituation, someone’s is more so.Above all, take your difficulties,problems, and disappointments toGod. He understands. He cares.He will see you through.

First of all let me say congratulations to everyone inthe wing for the OUTSTANDING results from our re-cent deployment to Gulfport. A lot of hard work went intothe last 18 months, but we proved what an outstandingwing we have here at the 507th. We still have a little workto go but those couple of units that will be tested later arewell on their way and I expect great results from themalso. We will not stop and let ourselves slide for anotherfour years until our next inspection. The wing has devel-oped an annual training plan that will ensure all units areready to deploy in a 72-hour period. I expect each groupand squadron to continue to emphasize readiness andATSO, taking little “bites” all year long to keep ready.The deployment would not have been a success withoutthe support from those that did not deploy and helped getus out the door and recover quickly and safely. This was

truly a wing event. Hopefully next year those that did notget to deploy can also have some fun.

Our safety record has been outstanding, but safety isa lifelong event. We are now in the spring thunderstormmonths and as you all know they get as bad here as any-where. Just this last week we had an airplane get hit witha lightning bolt which caused serious damage to the air-craft. Luckily no one was near the airplane. We had nu-merous maintainers that were within minutes of being nearthat airplane. At the time there were no warnings of light-ing nearby, so the lesson is if it looks bad seek cover.Remember: better safe than sorry.

In the next month we will be making some changes atthe senior leadership level. Col. Arlo Guthrie, our ViceCommander, will be moving to Maxwell AFB as an MA tothe Doctrine Center. His replacement is Col. Clay Childswho should be around in April. Col. Archie Fyre, our Op-erations Group Commander, will be moving to McConnellAFB to take command of the 931st. His replacement isCol. Gregory “Happy” Gilmour. He will be here TDY on afew occasions between now and the Ops Group changeof command. We all hate to see our great leaders leavebut they are moving on to better jobs, just maybe not bet-ter places. Please make our newcomers feel that warmOklahoma welcome.

“Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority”

On-final

PAGE 3APRIL 2008

NEWS TO USE

Unit Public Affairs Representatives507th Civil Engineer Sq.-

Tech. Sgt. George Proctor507th Logistics Support Sq. -

Master Sgt. Paul Victorian72nd Aerial Port Sq.- Tech. Sgt. Robert Shahan507th Services Flt. - vacant507th Aircraft Maintenance Sq.- vacant507th Medical Sq.- vacant507th Security Forces Sq.- CMSgt. David Holman465th Air Refueling Sq.- Senior Master Sgt. Scott “Scooter” Wilson507th Maintenance Group-

Master Sgt. Jeff Tyler507th Com. Flt. - Master Sgt. Norma Foster1st Aviation Standards Flt - SMSgt. Rob Uzzle35th CBCS - Staff Sgt. Damon A. Wheeler

`

507th ARW Mission: Man, train, equip, and sustain an Expeditionary Reserve Force in support of DoD peacetime and wartime taskings.513th ACG Mission: Citizen-airmen extending America’s Global Power operating the world’s best airborne battle management, warning

and control platform.

March 2008 Promotions

Master SergeantAllen G. Box 507th AMXSSpencer Cluff 507th MDSJustin Hopkins 465th ARS

Tech SergeantJeffery Odaniel 507th AMXSMichelle Mendoza 507th MDSBenjamin Brent 465th ARS

Staff SergeantChristina Sanchez 507th AMXSAaron Mallory 507th CESJason Schaefer 507th CESJoe Huizar Jr 507th CSJeffery Ingersoll 507th MDSJoli Whitlow 507th MDSEric Walke 507th MSFKelly Moody 507th SVSRyan Belcher 507th OSFKim Humphrey 513th OSFGregory McAboy 513th AMXSThomas Carter 513th MXSBethany Giles 970th AACS

Senior AirmanLucas Simkins 507th MDSDonna Kimmel 35th CBCSCasey Chambers 513th MXS

Name Promotion to Unit

507th Air Refueling Wing Editorial Staff507th ARW Commander- Col. Jeffery R. Glass

Chief of Public Affairs- Lt. Col. Rich CurryDeputy Chief of Public Affairs - Capt. Bill PiercePublic Affairs Officer - Capt. Polly OrcuttOn-final Editor - Tech. Sgt. Melba KochPublic Affairs Spec - Senior Amn. Zach AndersonPublic Affairs Spec - Senior Amn. Kyle Buckley

This funded Air Force Reserve Command maga-zine is an authorized publication for members ofthe U.S. military services. Contents of On-final are not necessarily the offi-cial views of, or endorsed by the U.S. Govern-ment, the Department of Defense, or the Depart-ment of the Air Force. The editorial content is edited, prepared, andprovided by the 507th Air Refueling Wing’s Pub-lic Affairs Office, 7435 Reserve Road, Suite 9,Tinker AFB, OK., 73145-8726 All photographs are Air Force photographsunless otherwise indicated. Copy deadline isNOON on UTA Sunday for the next month’sedition. Call us at 734-3078. This is your news source. Take it home with youto share with family, friends, and employers.

Volume 28, No. 4 APRIL 2008

513th Air Control Group Editorial Staff513th Air Control Gp. -

Staff Sgt. Grady Epperly970th Airborne Air Control Sq. --

Maj. Brad McBride513th Aircraft Generation Sq. --

Tech. Sgt. James Stratton513th Ops Support Flt. --

Senior Airman Raquel Lyons

APRIL 2008“Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority”

EXERCISE

507th invades Gulfport to demonstrate

Unit members help load bags on the aircraft.Photo by Senior Airman Zach Anderson

Personnel were evacuated and the fire departmentresponded to a building fire.

As soon as theyarrived, therewas an attack

and time tohead to the

bunker.

APRIL 2008 “Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority”

EXERCISE

capabilities of wing personnel

Guarding the KC-135 aircraft

Right: Airman First Class Shawn Sing, heavyequipment operator, performs airfielddamage repair on the “mock” runway whiletrainer Master Sgt. Troy Siler watches.

Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Jodie Zollo

Above: Capt. Jermaine Boyd, 465th ARS,demonstrates what to do when there’s a lullin the action.

507th CES members(Staff Sgt. WilliamHunter, shown, andSenior AirmanTimothy Williams,driver) take cover toprotect themselvesduring an attack onthe convoy. Theywere enroute to theairfield to do airfielddamage repair.Photo by SeniorMaster Sgt. Jodie Zollo

On-final EXERCISE

507th operates successfully

PAGE 6 APRIL 2008“Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority”

The ‘Giant Voice’ messenger is evaluated.

‘Breakfast of champions.’ Deployed members wereprovided a delicious hot meal for breakfast, at 3:30 inthe morning, and dinner, after 1830 hrs. MREs wereavailable for lunch, served hot or cold. Fast-paced12+ hour days made even cold MREs tasty at times.

Staff Sgt. Steven Palmer, chaplain assistant,updates status of wing members during theexercise. Photo by Capt. Polly Orcutt

Having a little fun while waiting on a ride toGulfport, a unit member attempts to persuade agood rating on the exercise outcome.

Everyone,including

507th ARWCommanderCol. Jeffery

Glass, had achance toenjoy the

experience ofGulfport.

EXERCISE

and shows mission capability

PAGE 7APRIL 2008 “Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority”

Hydrate Hydrate Hydrate 72nd Aerial Port Squadron unloads the C-130 upon its arrival.

At the end of the exercise, the 72nd APS members load cargo back onthe C-130, CODY 01 from Youngstown, Ohio, for the return trip.

Alleged perpetrators, Maj. Robert Baird and Master Sgt. David Dickson of the 507th Security ForcesSquadron, center, pose with 507th Maintenance Squadron members who successfully stopped anattempt to penetrate the flightline.

Displaying a little ‘Sooner’ prideand having fun after hours


On-final KUDOS

ARC presents Civil Engineer Awards to 507th CESThe 507th Civil Engineer Squadron

made its mark during the AFRC 2007Civil Engineer Annual Award selections,winning in six of the categories.

Senior Master Sgt. Jodie Zollo re-ceived the 2007 Chief Master SergeantLarry R. Daniels Award. Zollo deployedto Kirkuk Regional Air Base for fourmonths in support of OIF. As senior con-troller she flawlessly tracked locationand status of 184-person team, dis-patched/controlled damage assessmentsweeps, prioritized KRAB post-attackrecovery efforts, tasked repair teamsand tracked completion.

Chief Master Sgt. Gary Bourisawreceived the 2007 Major General JosephA Ahearn Enlisted Leadership Award.Bourisaw is a seasoned warrior whodeployed 125 days to Kirkuk RegionalAir Base. He served as the civil engi-neer manager for 185 troops from 23units; molded into single superb CivilEngineer fighting team. He led a 94-per-son operations flight and completed 3,000

work orders. He supervised 75 percentof the sewage plant expansion and ex-pertly managed/responsible for morethan $30 million in Air Force assets atKirkuk; all secure and accounted for.

Wendy Ellyson received the 2007Outstanding Civil Engineer Manager ofthe Year Award, in the ARC CivilianTechnician Category. Wendy was anoutstanding leader who stepped into thegap when 507th CES leadership de-ployed to Iraq for a four-month AEFtour. She assumed duties of the seniorART, seamlessly integrated both officesinto one cohesive functional unit. Shealso developed a comprehensive squad-ron training plan, ensuring 300-plus train-ing items and wing objectives were mettimely.

Lt. Col. Ernest Goodman receivedthe Major General L. Dean Fox Award.He served as commander of the AEFdeployment in support of OIF, KRAB.Under his leadership, the 506 ECEScompleted base infrastructure projects

that enhanced mission capabilities. Hedesigned/executed $1.5M projects torelocate 506 AEG staff; critical step intransitioning KRAB back to IAF.

Tech. Sgt. Deric Nixon received theMajor General Eugene A. Lupia Awardin the Military Technician Category.Nixon also deployed to Kirkuk RAB,serving as NCOIC of the KRAB air-field lighting team; entrusted with $660Kin assets. He rewired 13 electrical pan-els in the Air Force modular quarters,eliminating a safety hazard for more than900 KRAB Airmen. He was coined bythe Command Chief for after hoursKRAB support.

Mr. Joseph Wade received the Out-standing Civil Engineer Manager of theYear Award in the ARC Civilian Man-ager Category. He serves as the WingCommander’s right-hand man on all fa-cility matters for the 507th ARW. Hediligently directed all renovation and mod-ernization projects for 40 aging andheavily used support facilities.

Pictured, from left: Joseph Wade, Lt. Col. Ernest Goodman, Senior Master Sgt. Jodie Zollo, Chief MasterSgt. Gary Bourisaw and Master Sgt. Wendy Ellyson. Not pictured, Tech. Sgt. Deric Nixon.


SHIRT FEATURE

Try this ‘shirt’ on for sizeby Airman 1st Class Elliot Sprehe

27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M (AFPN) — “Weput out fires,” said Master Sgt. George Childers, 27th SpecialOperations Equipment Maintenance Squadron first sergeant.

Sergeant Childers was speaking of the day-to-day rou-tine, or lackthereof, of a first sergeant, who also often is re-ferred to as the “shirt,” “first shirt” or “diamond.”

“There’s no set routine from day to day. It really dependson the needs of the unit and the Airmen,” said SergeantChilders.

Those needs can vary, as the job of a first sergeant ismulti-layered, consisting of duties that include, but are notlimited to, financial issues, marital problems, family deaths,disciplinary matters and even separation issues stemmingfrom deployments.

Sergeant Childers and other first sergeants meet weeklyat the Professional En-hancement Center to dis-cuss issues involving theirrespective squadrons, Air-men and any other mattersthat may arise.

The qualifications for be-coming a first sergeant in-clude holding the rank of Master Sgt., passing the AirForce physical fitness test and completing the Senior NCOAcademy Correspondence Course.

If an Airman meets these qualifications, the commandermakes a recommendation and, if approved by the wingcommand chief, is sent to the Air Force Personnel Center.

There, the career-field manager releases the individualfrom his or her career and, once released, that individualwould send a request to attend the First Sergeant Acad-emy. Later the command chief and the individual are noti-fied of the start date at the academy.

Some of the classes at the 3-week academy includelegal issues, drill and ceremony and financial responsibil-ity.

“When you’re coming into this career field you don’tknow what this job is about until you actually start it,” saidMaster Sgt. George Jones, 27th Special Operations Logis-tics Readiness Squadron first sergeant. “And, in my opinion,this is the best job I’ve ever had in the Air Force in 20 years ofservice.”

“We have the commander’s ear and can get enlisted mem-bers’ thoughts and processes out there,” said Master Sgt. Eric

Butt, 27th Special Operations Communications Squadron firstsergeant. “We actually have an impact on what goes on in thesquadron.”

On top of having commanders’ ears, shirts work closelywith others on base such as the wing command chief, chapelstaff, mental health workers and the Airman and Family Readi-ness Center staff.

“If we need help and we need things done, they listen tous and work with us. They help us work the miracles that(Airmen) like to see,” said Sergeant Childers.

“We have a broad knowledge about the different agenciesand personnel on the base, but the specific expertise lies withthose individual places,” said Master Sgt. John Skaggs, 27thSpecial Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron first ser-geant, referring to the liaison role that first sergeants oftenplay.

When situations come up that might be different from anaverage event, first sergeants can discuss among themselves

possible solutions to the prob-lem since they look at one an-other as peers.

“If we have an issue wehaven’t seen before, we canask one of the other first ser-geants,” said Sergeant Butt.“When you can tap into your

peers like that, it helps out a lot.”A first sergeant is on call as well, said Sergeant Jones, but

at the same time is not constrained to a set 7:30a.m. - 4:30p.m. schedule.

“We’re allowed to float anywhere we need to go. What-ever we need to get our job done, that’s what we’re al-lowed to do,” said Sergeant Jones.

However, Sergeant Childers added that despite the de-mands of being a first sergeant, he and other shirts canstill have healthy family lives.

“It really doesn’t interfere with our ability to spend qualitytime with our families,” said Sergeant Childers.

If a first sergeant takes leave or has any situation thatrequires him to be outside the local area, he can leave hisduties in the hands of any number of senior NCOs who arefully qualified to perform the duties of a shirt.

Though their days are long and busy, the first sergeantsagree that the pros associated with the job far outweigh thecons.

“It’s the greatest job in the Air Force for an enlistedtroop,” said Sergeant Childers. “There is no job that evencomes close.”

“It’s the greatest job in the Air Force foran enlisted troop,” said Sergeant Childers.“There is no job that even comes close.”

APRIL 2008

On-final513th ACG NEWS

By Lt. Col. Dell Robertson

970th AACSDirector of Operations

Heritage mattersA little over a week ago I found myself in a social setting

(honoring the Patron Saint of Ireland, no less) attempting todetermine if my personal pedigree—a mix of Brit, Scot, andIrishman was worthy of toast. As that discussion evolved itbecame more and more clear that one’s heritage matters.

Regardless of how your ancestors arrived in this greatcountry, we each have a heritage. Many components com-prise our various heritages; some bind us together while otheraspects may define us as unique. While many relate theirheritage to a region or even a state, others would argue itsmore “generational” (Baby Boomers, Generation X, etc.). AsCitizen Airmen, we are a special blend of backgrounds, skillsets, and historical references. While we’re not all deemed“historians,” by design our positions allow us to often mea-sure careers in decades rather than merely years.

To take that thought a step further, that part of our livescomprising our military heritage is no less pervasive than therange of other significant elements that bind us. As an organi-zation, the Air Force continues to field new equipment, de-velop new missions and evolve…change happens… that’s afact of life. Regardless of whether or not you believe in the“Paperless Air Force,” “Fit to Fight,” the F-22 or Airbus Tank-ers, if you’re still here you obviously still believe in something.Maybe that above all else we’re still Airmen at heart and

we’re still each other’s Wingman??? New terms and con-cepts will continue to take their place in our military realityand the ResAF (seen that one before?) will adapt to conceptsof “Operational Reserve,” “Battle Rhythm,” and “Kill Chains”as Jargon Bingo runs at full speed. While our “company”must evolve, our heritage is timeless. It is our foundation andit matters.

If you’ve not perused the Airman’s Creed lately, take amoment this UTA to do so. It serves us well, it applies acrossgenerations and components…as someone once said, “It’ssomething you can hang your hat on”. It’s something you canstand for. It’s more than a pledge to the Nation or to the Com-pany, it’s a pledge to each other and it matters.

I’d be remiss if I failed to mention the recent departure ofa “fixture” on the Reserve Campus, particularly in a columndedicated to “Heritage.” Lt. Col. Mike Tucker (Baby Tuck)certainly added much flavor and his legacy will take its placeamong the influences spanning (OK, “scarring”) multiple gen-erations. We appreciate his contributions and wish him well(and score cards < 70) upon the occasion of his retirement.While we’ll miss him he knows we’ll fall back on our Heri-tage and we’ll continue the fight and that matters.

If you take nothing else away from this piece of prose,simply “Remember where you came from”… your Heritage—our Heritage makes us who/what we are—it matters.

I was able to finally get around to that toast, and for thosethat missed it:

May you have all the Happiness and luck that life can hold And at the end of all your rainbows May you find pots of gold! Until next time, Cheers!

Winners of the 2007 AFMC Servicesawards were recently announced.

Master Sgt. Deborah G. Kidd, AFMC Ser-vices Air Reserve Component Senior Non-commissioned Officer of the Year, serves assuperintendent of the 72nd MSG ServicesSquadron.

Tech. Sgt. Tyesha N. Francis the AFMCServices Air Reserve Component Noncommis-sioned Officer of the Year. She is the assistantNCOIC of the 72nd MSG Fitness and SportsCenter. Senior

Airman Richard A. Shaw was named theAFMC Services Air Reserve Component Air-man of the Year. He is the 72nd MSG LinenExchange Manager.

Unit members earn 2007 AFMC Services Awards

Pictured from left: Tech. Sgt. Tyesha Francis, Master Sgt.Deborah Kidd and Airman Richard Shaw.

TRAINING PLANNER A1

FY 2008 UTA SCHEDULE

05-06 Apr 08 03-04 May 0807-08 Jun 08 12-13 Jul 08

02-03 Aug 08 06-07 Sept 08

As of 27 March 2008

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------AFRC NCO LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COURSE

The succcess of the Air Force Reserve NCO corps depends on their ability to applyleadership and management skills learned primarily in a civilian setting to a military environ-ment. Not all of today’s mid-level NCOs have extensive first-hand supervisory experi-ence in a reserve environment; therefore, the instruction in this course is intendedto improve the students’ military supervisor capabilities and understanding oftheir positions as related to the USAFR. We focus on individual improvement whichis ultimately the real source of organizational excellence and success. See your unittraining manager for upcoming 9-20 June class.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FAMILY CAREIf you need to be on the Family Care Plan, notify your first sergeant ASAP - IAW AFI 36-2908. Single parents and dual military couples with children must have a Family Care Plancompleted within 90 days of in-processing or family status change. VIRTUAL MPF1. Address Changes - You no longer have to go to 4 different screens/areas toupdate your address!!!2. Point Summaries - Point Summarys can also be viewed and printed.3. Record Review RIPs - You will now be notified via e-mail, on your birthday, to logon to vMPF to review your RIP.4. Awards and decorations - You can also get a picture display of your awards anddecorations.

HOT TOPICS : All testing (paper and computer) must bescheduled by sending an e-mail [email protected] with the time anddate that you would like to test and include thecourse number.Paper testing on the UTA is only available at0750 on Sunday of the main UTA and is in Bldg.1030 (Hangar) Room 214.Computer-based testing on the UTA isavailable on Sunday at 0800 and 1300 in Bldg.1030 (Hangar) in Room 214.Please schedule all tests NLT 1500 on Fridaybefore the UTA. If you are unable to keep thescheduled time please e-mail the training officeor call 734-7075 prior to scheduled testing time.All testing is also available on Wednesdays at0800 and 1300 and Thursdays at 1300.NOTE: If you are retaking a test, you mustbring the authorization letter with you or youwill not be allowed to test.

EDUCATION REMINDER:This is just to remind everyone who wishes to

update their Education Records, officer and enlisted,that we need OFFICIAL transcripts to send oraccomplish any updates. This means that itCANNOT say "ISSUED TO STUDENT." Youmay have the college/university send it, we canrequest it, or you may bring it in as long as it is in asealed envelope with a SEAL on the flap AND itdoes not say "ISSUED TO STUDENT."

Pass and ID Hours of Operation: 0800 -1200 on Saturdays of the UTA. IEU open from 1200-1500 on Saturdayof the main UTA.

Nomination packages for AMN, NCO, or SNCOof the quarter are submitted quarterly. Packagesare due by 1400, on Saturday of the UTA after theend of the quarter. (Apr, Jul, Oct, Jan)

FREE COLLEGE TESTINGAir Force Reserve members, spouses and civilian employees may take DANTESSubject Standardized Tests (DSSTs) or College-Level Examinations Program(CLEP) or Excelsior College Examinations (ECE) FREE! (Military Only forExcelsior examinations). These examinations test college-level knowledge you mayhave gained through your job, reading, travel, or hobbies. You must test at yourReserve DANTES approved test center. Testing at another DANTES test centerwill be on a case-by-case basis. The third Tuesday of each month at 0800 has beenset aside for testing. You must call us four weeks prior to test date to ensure we willhave your test. For more information contact Chief Master Sgt. Sharlotte Eppsin the MPF Education and Training Office at 734-7075.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------FOREIGN LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY PAY (FLPP)Reservists may apply for FLPP by submitting a written request for FLPP testing tohis/her commander. FLPP I requires you to be on a tour of duty that requires thelanguage. FLPP II will pay based on active duty days or IDT periods performed.Spanish and Tagalog speakers are not entitled to FLPP II. If you are proficient at aforeign language and are interested in this program please contact Chief Master Sgt.Sharlotte Epps or Master Sgt. Sharon Lochman in the MPF Education Office at 734-7075 for instructions on how to apply for FLPP.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TUITION ASSISTANCEReserve members are eligible to apply for TA for Distance Learning and In-Residencecourses to further their education up to a Master's Degree. The basic enrollment requirements are that you must: Be a participating member in good standing (no UIF, Article 15, etc.). Retainability: Officers - two years; Enlisted - ETS after course completion. Enrollment form must show course number/title, credit hours and cost of tuition.Complete TA forms in our office PRIOR to class start date.Payment occurs after satisfactory course completion. You must provide a paid receiptand your grade NLT 60 days after course completion. TA reimbursement amountsare set at 75 percent ($4500) per FY (Masters) or 100 percent ($4500) per FY (Bach-elors). For more information contact Chief Master Sgt. Sharlotte Epps or Ms. KimSilkwood in the MPF Education and Training Office at 734-7075.

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APRIL TRAINING PLANNER A3

Editor: Chief Master Sgt. Sharlotte A. Epps, Chief, Education & Training (ART)Assistant Editor: Master Sgt. Sharon Lochman, Asst. Chief, Education & Training (ART)

If you need assistance or have suggestions on how we can improve our service to you, please call us at (405) 734-7075, or stop by our office in Building 1043, Room 213.

Ethics Briefing:All reserve personnel are required tohave the DOD Ethics Briefing within 90days of reporting for duty. This briefingis held in conjunction with the UCMJbriefing during Phase II of the monthlyNewcomers Ancillary Training at 0830on Sunday of the UTA in Bldg 1043, WingTraining Room.

UCMJ Briefing:All enlisted personnel are required to havethe UCMJ briefing within two UTAs of theirfirst reenlistment. This briefing is heldduring Phase II of the monthlyNewcomers Ancillary Training at 0830 onSunday of the UTA in Bldg 1043, WingTraining Room.

Newcomers Ancillary Training

BAQ RecertificationDeadlines

If Last Then Forward Recertifica-Digit of Listing to Unit tion due inSSAN is: Commander in: by end of

month in: 1 November January 2 December February 3 January March 4 February April 5 March May 6 April June 7 May July 8 June August 9 July September 0 August October

Disaster Preparedness:Unit Training Managers must scheduleChemical Warfare Training, by name, atleast one UTA prior to the requesteddates by calling CEX at 734-5249. Allpersonnel must bring a complete trainingground crew ensemble (GCE) includingthe mask and its hood to all classes.Those attending Initial must be preparedto process through a tear agent chamber.Wear of contacts is prohibited in allclasses. Anyone arriving late, without acomplete GCE with mask, or wearingcontacts, will be released back to theirunit and reported as a no-show.Drug Testing: You must reportwithin two hours of notification.

OCCUPATIONAL SURVEYSThese surveys provide information essential for developing personnel programs, classifyingoccupations, and developing trainning programs. The Wing Survey Control Monitor (SCM)works with the Unit Training Manager (UTM) to ensure surveys are completed. AFI 36-2623,paragraph 2.7 makes completion of these surveys mandatory for all Air Force Reservemembers. It is extremely important these surveys are completed by the suspense date. If youhave any questions, contact Ms. Kim Silkwood or Tech Sgt. Jeremy Hudson at 734-7075 oryour UTM.

Military PayFile for Receive Direct

pay by: Deposit by:01 Apr 09 Apr03 Apr 11 Apr0 8Apr 15 Apr10 Apr 18 Apr15 Apr 23 Apr17 Apr 25 Apr21 Apr 29 Apr23 Apr 01 May29 Apr 07 May01 May 09 May06 May 13 May08 May 15 May

Military Pay (405) 734-5016

Newcomers Ancillary Training Phase I & II are conducted monthly in Bldg 1043, WingTraining Room in basement. Unit/Ancillary Training Managers are responsible for en-suring their new personnel are scheduled to attend within 90 days of their first UTA. If youhave questions, contact the MPF Education & Training Office at 734-7075.

Day Time Subject OPRSaturday 1315-1430 Drug and Alcohol, Suicide/

Workplace Violence Prevention SGSaturday 1430-1500 Local Conditions/ORM SESaturday 1500-1530 OPSEC Training OG

Day Time Subject OPRSunday 0800-0815 Base Populace CEXSunday 0815-0830 IG Briefing IGSunday 0830-1000 UCMJ/Ethics JASunday 1000-1030 Counter Intel/Awareness SFSunday 1030-1100 Human Relations ME

**New MPF Hours**Saturday UTA

Open at 0800 - 1600, except forfollowing closures:

1300-1330 - Employments/Reloca-tions

1400-1430 - Career Enhancements1500-1530 - Customer Service

Sunday UTAOpen at 1130 - 1600

Contributing Editors:Tech. Sgt. Jimmy Talley, Education and Training Advisor Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Hudson, Education and Training Advisor (ART)Tech. Sgt. Stacy Morton, Education and Training Advisor Senior Airman Elvira Munoz, Education and Training Advisor

Ms. Kimberley Silkwood, Testing and Education Advisor (Civilian)

PAGE A4 APRIL 2008“Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority”

On-final MILITARY DISCOUNT

Postal Service offers first-time military discount by Debora Preitkis

U.S. Postal Service

WASHINGTON, DC (AFPN) —Planning to send a care package to a mili-tary service member serving abroad? Anew flat-rate box from the Postal Servicethat is 50 percent larger and delivered for$10.95 to an APO/FPO address — $2 lessthan for domestic destinations becameavailable March 3.

“This is the first time the Postal Ser-vice has offered a special price for ourarmed forces serving overseas,” said Post-master Gen.John Potter. “We’re proud thatfamily and friends will be able to use thisnew larger-sized box to send much appre-ciated packages from home to our dedi-cated troops overseas.”

The new priority mail large flat-ratebox (12" x 12" x 5-1/2" or 800 cubic inches)

is available in post offices nationwide andcustomers can order them at usps.com/

supplies or by calling 800-610-8734. Someof the new boxes are co-branded with thelogo of “America Supports You,” which isa Department of Defense program thatconnects citizens offering support to themilitary and their families.

“It’s terrific that the Postal Servicecontinues to think of ways to help Ameri-cans support our troops and their families.Postage is always a concern when ship-ping care packages, and this new flat-ratebox means our home front groups and sup-portive citizens can do more with their re-sources,” said Allison Barber, the deputy

assistant secretary of Defense. “We’reespecially pleased that some of the boxeswill bear the America Supports You logoreminding our service members that theyhave our nation’s support.”

The $2 discount is applied when thepriority mail large flat-rate boxes areshipped to an APO/FPO destination. Thetwo existing flat-rate boxes (11-7/8" x 3-3/8" x 13-5/8" and 11" x 8-1/2" x 5-1/2"),which currently retail for $8.95 for U.S.addresses, are not available for the mili-tary discount. All flat-rate boxes can beused for international shipping.

The new flat-rate boxes are availablein Post Offices. The America SupportsYou branded box will be available online,at select post offices near military bases,or by calling 800-610-8734. For additionalinformation, please visit usps.com.

Air Force members pictured above answered phones and took pledges on March8th in support of the 2008 OETA Festival. About a dozen participants from the507th ARW/513th ACG, base Honor Guard, active duty Services and Security Forcesmanned the phones for approximately five hours and raised more than $28,600.Senior Airman Zachary Walker, back left, and his financee Lynette, have beenvolunteering for three years. “It is a great experience all the way around,” saidAirman Walker, “It is always rewarding to help the local community.” The Reserveshave been participating in the OETA Festival for more than 20 years.


FINANCE DO’S AND DON’TS

Government travel card Do’s and Don’tsby Takesha Williams

507th ARW/FMSome things to think about before us-

ing your travel charge card.Information below is governed by

DOD 7000.14-R, V9, Chap 3, and SAF/FM Ltr dated 12 Aug 2005, Revision tothe Interim Guidelines, Procedures, and Re-sponsibilities for the Air Force Travel CardProgram (Individually Billed Accounts)dated 6 April 2004 along with SAF/AFAFOGTC Interim Guidelines August 2005.

DOsDO use your government travel

charge card to pay for official travel ex-penses (lodging, rental cars, food, regis-tration fees if authorized on the order).

DO track your expenses while on travelso you have accurate information for fil-ing your travel claim.

DO keep your receipts for all transac-tions made on your travel card.

DO file your travel claim within fivedays after you complete your trip or every30 days if you are on continuous travel(e.g. tours 45 days or greater).

a. It’s always a good idea to keep anextra copy of your travel claim: copies ofpertinent receipts until your claim is paid.

DO submit payment in full for eachmonthly bill.

a. Split Disbursement – MANDATORYb. myeasypayment.com – FREE!!c. Local Bank of America branch –

Be advised that not all locations will ac-cept a payment to the GTC

d. Pay by phone - $10.00 fee assessedby using this method

DO be aware that misuse of yourcharge card could result in disciplinaryactions.

DO be aware that failure to pay yourbill in a timely manner can result in sus-pension or cancellation of your card.

DO out process with your A/OPC ifyou retire, resign, or transfer to another

agency.DO immediately report your lost or sto-

len card to your A/OPC and the card-is-suing bank.

DON’TsDON’T use your travel charge card

for personal use such as (school supplies,cleaning supplies, uniforms, clothes fromBX , clothing sales or department store,shoes, electronics, alcohol unless with ameal at a restaurant, cigarettes, car repairs,parts, oil changes, car washes even if POVis authorized).

DON’T use your card while on anyorders at HOME STATION. A good ruleof thumb is if you aren’t in a per diem sta-tus you shouldn’t be using your card.

DON’T obtain travel advances throughthe ATM unless you are in an AUTHO-RIZED PER DIEM status and will be ontravel orders shortly.

DON’T allow your monthly bill to be-come overdue because this could result in

suspension or cancellation of your card.DON’T wait for receipt of your

monthly billing statement to file your travelclaim.

DON’T forget that the card is issuedin your name and liability for payment isyour responsibility.

DON’T write your personal identifi-cation number (PIN) on your card or carryyour PIN in your wallet.

Always use your best judgment beforecharging anything to this card. If you haveany doubt in your mind that something youare about to charge may be illegal, DON’Tput it on the GTC.

by: Capt. Mark Vardaro

Air Force Smart Operations for the21st Century (AFSO21) is a continuousimprovement program which utilizes acombination of process improvementmethodologies and tools centering in LeanManufacturing, the Theory of Con-straints, Business Process Reengineering,and Six Sigma principles.

The Air Force is no different than ci-vilian industry in that it must do more withless. Mandates have been establishedthat will decrease our operating expenseby the year 2010. To do this, AFSO21will help us develop a culture that pro-motes the elimination of waste, sharingof best practices and the reduction ofcycle times across all products and ser-vices. Resource constraints, aging equip-ment, an estimated 6 percent annual in-

crease in manpower costs, as well asmajor manpower reductions could havea significant impact on the 507th.AFSO21 will help the 507th build com-bat capability through continuous processimprovement. A primary focus of the pro-gram is the development of a culture thatpromotes the elimination of waste, en-suring that all Airmen understand theirrole within saving resources and elimi-nating waste, as will as the continuousimprovement of processes. The programembraces everyone (officers, enlisted,and civilians).

Over the weeks to come, we will bedeveloping and deploying our wingAFSO21 program. You will see articleswithin the On Final designed to help keepyou informed, educated, as well as so-licit feedback and volunteers to assist withthe program.

A Brief Introduction to AFSO21


On-final R-NEWS

AIR FORCE EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP 2008Scholarship Application

Conditions of Eligibility: U. S. Air Force servicemembers, their spouses and dependent children (under theage of 23) of active duty and Air Force Reserve/Air Na-tional Guard personnel may apply for the AFA-FCEF AirForce Excellence Scholarship. Eligibility will be determinedby using the DEERS database. Applicants should ensurethat they, as well as their sponsor, are currently enrolled inthe DEERS database and that they have a current militaryID card.

Applicants must be enrolled or planning to enroll, full timeor part time in the fall of 2008 in an undergraduate or gradu-ate program of studies leading to an Associates, Bachelors orMasters Degree at an accredited college or university.

The awards are made without regard to race, creed, color,sex, religious belief, national origin, rank or length of serviceof the sponsor. These awards are made without regard tofinancial need.

This scholarship was created by the Air Force Associa-tion in partnership with the First Command Educational Foun-dation, who provided the funding for the award. Five (5) schol-arships in the amount of $3000 each will be awarded. Theseawards are made without regard to financial need.

Program Administration: The program is administeredby the Air Force Association, an independent, nonprofit, civil-ian education organization promoting public understanding ofaerospace power and the pivotal role it plays in the security ofour nation. The Air Force Association is solely responsible forthe selection of the scholarship recipients and its decisionsare final. Please direct any questions or concerns to Ann Sagleat (800) 727-3337, ext. 4869.

Five (5) scholarships in the amount of $3,000 each will beawarded. The First Command Educational Foundation willcoordinate with the winners to assign the scholarship awardto their selected school. Payment will be made directly to theschool by the First Command Educational Foundation.

Applicants must submit the Scholarship Application Formand three essays to the Air Force Association no later thanApril 30, 2008. This is a receipt date, not a postmark date.

A copy of the application is located in J Drive: Wing Pho-tographs, titled: AFA-FCEF Scholarship Application.

Please return this 2-page application and essays to AirForce Association Air Force Excellence Scholarship, 1501 LeeHighway Arlington, VA 22209-2298

Please do not fax or e-mail any portion of the application.All materials must be received in our office by April 30,

2008. This is NOT a postmark deadline date.

AFA First Command Educational Foundation

This week, top Air Force leaderscame together for a two-day forumcalled CORONA. At the forum, Lt.Gen. Richard Newton III, deputy chiefof staff for manpower, personnel andservices at the Pentagon, announced thatAirmen will now be able to submit ideasfor improving dress and appearancestandards to the new Virtual UniformBoard. This program allows individu-als to submit uniform change requeststhrough the Air Force’s IDEA Pro-gram.

Once an idea is submitted it is thenrouted through the same channels asother IDEA suggestions. Major com-mands will have the ability to coordi-nate on ideas from Airmen in their com-mand, and uniform change requests thatsuccessfully make it to Air Force Head-quarters level will be reviewed by theAir Force Uniform Board. The first

VUB will take place in early May. This revolutionary process makes it

easier for Airmen to submit suggestionsand better define ideas. The Virtual Uni-form Board will allow Air Force leader-ship to be more responsive to the field

and provide more flexibility to boardmembers while saving time and money.

The AFUB is chaired by GeneralNewton, and board members include the

Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force,and representatives from eachMAJCOM and Air Staff Directorate.The AFUB reviews uniform change re-quests, then generates a list of recom-mendations to be forwarded to the Chief

of Staff of the Air Force. Once theChief of Staff makes a final decision,the results are announced and imple-mentation plans are developed as re-quired.

To submit a uniform change re-quest, visit the IDEA Program websiteat https://ipds.csd.disa.mil (CAC re-quired) and select “Submit a UniformChange Request.” Users must estab-lish a username and password. Ques-tions regarding dress and appearance

standards should be directed to localleadership. For more information contactthe Air Force Personnel Center ContactCenter at (800) 616-3775 option 1, 1, 2.

Airmen can submit dress, appearance ideas online


R-NEWS

The Army & Air Force ExchangeService is extending a host of straight“A” savings to military students who aredemonstrating above-average academicachievement. As part of AAFES’ “YouMade the Grade” effort, students whomaintain a “B” average are eligible toreceive a variety of complimentary ex-change offers for every qualifying re-port card they bring home.

The current “You Made the Grade”booklet includes coupons for a freeBurger King Hamburger Kids meal,

complimentary admission for two to thenearest Reel Time movie theater and afree magazine from the local BookMark.In addition to money saving offers, thebooklet also contains an entry form for aquarterly savings bond drawing in whichthree winners are randomly awarded sav-ings bonds of $2,000, $3,000 or $5,000.

“‘You Made the Grade’ offers a prac-tical learning experience for AAFES’youngest shoppers,” said AAFES’ Com-mander Brig. Gen. Keith Thurgood. “Thecoupons and the sweepstakes are tangible

examples of how it pays to be smart andwork hard in school.”

To receive the AAFES “You Madethe Grade” booklet, students simplypresent a valid military ID card andproof of an overall “B” or better aver-age to their local BX.

Students may receive one couponpackage for every qualifying report card,but may enter the savings bond drawingonly once per calendar quarter.

Contact the AAFES Main Store Man-ager or General Manager for more details.

AAFES Rewards Academic Achievement

One of your most valuable benefits in the Air Force Re-serve is access to outstanding higher education opportunities.

One such opportunity, the Community College of the AirForce (CCAF) is a fully accredited college headquartered atAir University, Maxwell AFB, AL. It is the world’s largestcommunity college with an enrollment of over 300,000 activeduty, guard and reserve members. CCAF offers 67 differentassociate degrees in five general areas of study. The studentearns an associate degree after completing just 64 semesterhours including 24 hours of technical training in his/her careerfield. Next, the student can use these credits at accreditedfour- year institutions to earn a baccalaureate degree eitherthrough a traditional campus setting or distance learning.

HRDC program to mentor new 5-level AirmenAdditionally, Air University aligns CCAF degree programswith industry standards that lead to certification eligibility uponcompletion of an applicable degree giving you a competitiveedge in the job market.

To further awareness of CCAF programs the 507th Hu-man Resource Development Council (HRDC) has initiated aprogram to mentor all newly awarded journeyman (5-levelqualification) on CCAF. The point of contact for this initiativewill be the 507 wing training office who will set up appoint-ments with each individual on a one-on-one basis. All airmenare strongly encouraged to take advantage of the knowledgeand experience of our education specialists to maximize youreducational experience.

WASHINGTON - Military veteranswho served in combat since Nov. 11,1998, including veterans of Iraq and Af-ghanistan, are now eligible for five yearsof free medical care for most conditionsfrom the Department of Veterans Af-fairs (VA). This measure increases atwo-year limit that has been in effectnearly a decade.

“By their service and their sacrifice,America’s newest combat veterans haveearned this special eligibility period forVA’s world-class health care,” said Sec-retary of Veterans Affairs Dr. James B.Peake.

The five-year deadline has no effectupon veterans with medical conditions

related to their military service. Veter-ans may apply at any time after their dis-charge from the military — even de-cades later — for medical care for ser-vice-connected health problems.

The new provision, part of the Na-tional Defense Authorization Act of 2008signed by President Bush on Jan. 28,2008, applies to care in a VA hospital,outpatient clinic or nursing home. It alsoextends VA dental benefits — previouslylimited to 90 days after discharge for mostveterans — to 180 days.

Combat veterans who were dis-charged between Nov. 11, 1998 and Jan.16, 2003, and who never took advantageof VA’s health care system, have until Jan.

27, 2011 to qualify for free VA health care.The five-year window is also open

to activated Reservists and members ofthe National Guard, if they served in atheater of combat operations after Nov.11, 1998 and were discharged underother than dishonorable conditions.

Veterans who take advantage of thisfive-year window to receive VA healthcare can continue to receive care afterfive years, although they may have topay copayments for medical problemsunrelated to their military service.Copayments range from $8 for a 30-day supply of prescription medicine to$1,024 for the first 90 days of inpatientcare each year.

Five years of VA health care for combat Veterans


On-final R-NEWS

Development teams provide career opportunitiesby Senior Master Sgt. Kelly Mazezka

Air Reserve Personnel Center Public Affairs

DENVER — Ten to 15 minutes is all it takes to radicallychange an Air Force Reserve career - or not.

It’s ultimately up to the members to decide if they want tomove up, move on or just stay put. But in any case, complet-ing a Reserve Officer Development Plan can help make ithappen.

The R-ODP is Reserve officers’ opportunity to communi-cate with their supervisors, commanders and career fieldleaders on what they want out of their careers - and learnhow to get there. R-ODPs can be completed online at https://arpc.afrc.af.mil/vPC-GR/rodp.asp.

R-ODPs are studied by career-specific developmentteams that convene at the Air Reserve Personnel Centerhere. The 22 career fields that have met to date have pro-vided more than 14,000 vectors, and have recommendedmany officers for continued education and 872 for com-mand certification.

But does it work? Is it worth the effort? Ask Lt. Col.Judi Patton, a traditional reservist in the Medical ServicesCorps. A true traditional reservist with no prior active-dutyexperience, Colonel Patton spent her entire 20-year mili-tary career with the 911th Airlift Wing at Pittsburgh, Pa.

She completed her R-ODP for the June 2007 MedicalServices Corps DT, and the DT decided she was com-mand certified - they saw her leadership potential. Be-cause of the DT, she was recommended, and subsequentlychosen, for the position of the 926th Aerospace MedicineFlight commander at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev.

“Would I have had command opportunities at the911th?” she asked. “Yes, probably. But they would havebeen limited.”

Colonel Patton was one of five Air Force Reserve Medi-cal Services Corps officers identified as command certi-fied during the June DT who were then selected for com-mand billets.

“Instead of looking at a small group of applicants, com-manders can choose from a much larger pool of individu-

als identified by the DT,” said Col. John Whitchurch, the AirForce Reserve Medical Services Corps career field manager,who leads the Medical Services Corps DTs. “They can choosethe most qualified, rather than the most senior. We give themoptions.

“Through force development, the Air Force Reserve getsmuch better rounded officers, more able to support the mis-sion because of their broader experiences,” he said. “It in-creases the capabilities of the Air Force Reserve. I see forcedevelopment as nothing but positive.”

But traveling across the country to perform Reserve dutyis not practical for many reservists. Not to worry, said Lt.Col. Vince Bugeja, Force Development Division chief. “Wehold fast to the Citizen Airmen concept,” he said. “We areReservists: we have civilian careers and families. We don’tall have the same flexibility. We understand and honor that.”

The DTs can’t know, however, if Airmen don’t tell them.“Are you happy where you are? Do you have higher aspira-tions? Just open your heart,” the colonel suggested. “Fillingout an R-ODP is not an extensive process like completing anOPR. You don’t have to use fancy words or worry aboutfilling all the space available.”

Once members complete their R-ODPs, Colonel Bugejasaid it’s critical to get their leaders’ recommendation. Hesuggests Airmen contact their career field manager to de-cide who can sign the R-ODPs.

Continuing to develop its own force, the force develop-ment team recently hired Maj. Kurt Schuh and Lt. Col.Patti Pettine as the first assignment facilitators. A careerintelligence officer, Major Schuh participated in the Jan.21-25 intelligence DT, and will now help intelligence Air-men understand what opportunities are available and pro-vide commanders a deeper candidate pool from which tochoose. Colonel Pettine will facilitate the civil engineerofficers, Colonel Bugeja said.

“Assignment facilitation will first encourage all offic-ers to complete the R-ODP,” he said. “When we come tothe end of a DT, we provide counsel - we call them vec-tors - to the Airmen. Once the vector is out, we ask, ‘Doyou understand the counsel?’ Finally, we try to identifymembers wanting to take action and help them make ithappen.”

For the latest force development information, visit http://www.arpc.afrc.af .mil/ l ibrary/developmentteams/index.asp.

For more information, contact the Air Reserve Person-nel Center Public Affairs office at 303-676-6515 or DSN926-6515.

http://get1now.us

APRIL 2008 “Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority” PAGE 15

CAREER ADVISORS

Making the right choicesBy Senior Airman Zach Anderson

507th ARW Public Affairs

For a newly enlisted Airman, thefirst few months of service can beboth exhilarating and baffling. Fromthe initial explosion of frantic activityat basic training to the intense fast-paced instruction of technical schoolto the challenges of in-processing witha new unit, it’s quite easy for a youngAirman to become somewhat over-whelmed by the entire experience.With all of this going on, it’s vital forAirmen to have some help in makingthe most of the Air Force career.That’s where the role of the CareerAssistance Advisor comes into play.

“Our primary goal is to assist ourwing members in remaining in the AirForce Reserve by giving them what-ever assistance is necessary to makean informed decision about their ca-reer,” said Master Sgt. Mark Wilson,

Wing Career Assistance Advisor forthe 507th Air Refueling Wing.

Wilson has been serving in the roleof Wing Career Assistance Advisorfor seven months. He said it is im-portant that wing members maintaincontact with their respective careerassistance advisor.

“The career assistance advisor hasthe latest information on re-enlistment,extensions, cross training and bo-nuses,” Wilson said.

The service provided by the careerassistance advisors is not just for newAirmen. Wilson said all enlisted mem-bers can benefit from the guidance ofan advisor. In fact, he said manytimes Airmen are not aware of thebenefits and opportunities available tothem. Once informed, he said Air-men are able to make better careerdecisions.

“We advertise to ensure our Air-men are aware of their opportunities

in the Air Force Reserve. Our careerassistance advisors will sit down withthem to discuss their options so thatthey make well informed decisions,”Wilson said.

Wilson said another goal of careerassistance advisors is to retain mem-bers within the Air Force Reserve. Hesaid he believes that as Airmen be-come better informed about their op-portunities, they will be more willingto re-enlist and continue their AirForce careers.

“We are willing to give them infor-mation so they can make decisions thatare right for their situation,” Wilsonsaid. “The career assistance advisorsare here to help them make informedchoices about their careers in the AirForce Reserve.”

Currently, Airmen seeking careerassistance are encouraged to see theirsupervisor or first sergeant. In the fu-ture, Wilson said there will be a bulle-tin board in the Military PersonnelFlight office on the second floor ofbuilding 1048 featuring pictures of the507th wing and group career assis-tance advisors, as well as contact in-formation for each.

Master Sgt. Mark Wilson, Wing Career Assistance Advisor

507th ARW CareerAssistannce

Advisors507 MSG

Master Sgt. Marvin Wade507 MXS

Master Sgt. Taunya Avery507 OG

Senior Master Sgt. ShannonFipps

513 ACGMaster Sgt. Michelle Macfarlane

507 MDSChief Master Sgt. Jennifer

Blease


R-News

Midwest City, OKTech. Sgt. Melissa Melichar(405) 733-9403

Tinker AFB, OK(In-Service Recruiter)Tech Sgt. Neil Lambrecht (405) 739-2980

Tulsa, OKTech Sgt. Bill Joseph (918) 250-3400

McConnell AFB, KSSr. Master Sgt. David McCormick (316) 759-3830Master Sgt. Stephan Kimbrough(In-Service Recruiter) (316) 759-3766Staff Sgt. Jason Sommers (316) 681-2522

Altus, OKMaster. Sgt. Ronald Gregory(580) 481-5123

Moore, Norman, OKStaff Sgt. Jackie Harris (405) 217-8311

Vance AFB, OKMaster Sgt. Stephan Kimbrough(316) 759-3766

http://get1now.us507th ARW recruiters

Overdue fit tests affect OPR/EPRs

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If a member is not current on their fit test (regardless if they passedthe previous year) the performance report will be a referral report.Please make sure if someone is coming due for a a performance reportthat they are current on their fit test.

Dining facility is under constructionVery limited seating will be available this month and next in the

dining facility due to construction work to upgrade the HVAC system.The only dining area that will be open is the Route 66 area in the back.

The facility recommends personnel take advantage of the carry-out service; they will not do box lunches to replace the regularmeal. The Vanwey should be back to normal during the June UTA.

OKC Marathon volunteers neededThe OKC Memorial Marathon will be held April 27. Volunteers

are needed to man stations. Deadline to sign up is April 21.If interested, visit www.okcmarathon.com and click on the vol-

unteer info tab. The sponsoring organization is 507 ARW-CM. Ifyou have questions, contact Takesha Williams, Reserve Team Cap-tain, at 734-7207, or email her.

Col. James McDonnell, 507th Maintenance Group commander, recently pinned on hisnew rank with the help of his wife Wendy and Bill Freniere, former deputy commander forthe 507th Maintenance Group. Photo by Senior Airman Zach Anderson

INSIDE - 507ARW · peared on a company accident forms. Maybe you’ve had a day like ... Name...

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