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

MAY 2007 Vol. 27, No. 5

Just a little off the top please....See Page 3

On-final EDITORIAL

PAGE 2 “Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority” MAY 2007

Entire unit needed to make a team

By Col. Jeffery R. Glass

507th ARWCommander’s Column

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

By Wing Chaplain(Lt. Col.) Michael Jones

Who or what do you ultimately trust in?

Okay, I can’t give you any ad-vice on your UXO training or put-ting up a tent or whatever you’rebeing tasked to do during this Op-erational Readiness Inspection.But I would like to ask you an im-portant question. When you arein the midst of the ORI or whenyou actually deploy, in whom orwhat do you put your trust? Wecertainly need to trust our train-ing, our fellow military members,and our leaders. We also need totrust in our technology and weap-

ons. But my question goes deeperthan that. My question really is: Whoor what do you ultimately trust inwhen the going gets tough and thestuff hits the fan?

Centuries ago, the commandingofficer of his troops wrote: “Sometrust in chariots and some in horses,but we trust in the name of the Lordour God” (Psalms 20:7). Now KingDavid was a fierce warrior and cer-tainly didn’t lack courage, strength,or guts but he also knew that his ownstrength and the strength of him menand “machines” (in his day that

meant chariots and horses) wouldonly go so far. He knew that if hewere really to be successful hewould need to trust in somethingbigger than himself and his own in-genuity. So ultimately, David puthis trust in God.

As you contemplate life, the up-coming ORI, or a deployment,think about the question above.“Who or what do you ultimatelyt rus t in when the going ge tstough?” Your answer could bevery important to the outcome ofyour own life.

ORI clock

The ORI is almost here and I need each and every oneof you to make one last push to get your unit and yourselfready. I know it’s been a hard pastyear preparing for an ORI and con-tinuing to do real-world taskings, butthe wing’s attitude has been amaz-ing whether battling snow andfreezing conditions in Alpena orhaving to rebuild your cargo palletone more time. With one last pushto clean up mobility folders and pro-cessing procedures, we should beall set to impress the IG team. Takea minute in the next month to re-view your Airman’s Manual andpractice putting on your chem mask.I know we will do a great job nextmonth, just don’t let up too soon.We are only taking about 1/3 of the wing to the ORI, but Ineed the entire wing to work as a team to get us out of

town and then on the redeploy. You might be asked to bea door guard or baggage handler; those two jobs are criti-cal to getting us out of town. Any airline would not beable to operate without security and baggage handlers. Soremember any job you’re tasked to do, do it with as muchprofessionalism and positive attitude that I know each andevery one of you have.

The Oklahoma Chapter of the ROA (Reserve OfficersAssociation) is having their State Convention on May18-

19. There will be a lot of greatspeakers and Lt. Col. Goodmanwill be getting the Minuteman ofthe Year Award for 2006. TheROA is your best friend when itcomes to fighting for benefits foreach and everyone of you. With-out their support our pay and ben-efits would be much less than ouractive duty counterparts. If youhave time please come out andsee what the ROA has to offer.

I would like to thank all of thefamilies for allowing their lovedones to participate in this greatorganization because without their

support we would all be doomed for failure. Please thankyour families for their support.

“Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority”

On-final

PAGE 3MAY 2007

INFO TO SHARE

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 Anderson

513th Air Control Group Editorial Staff

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

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. If you need more time, please callus at 734-3078. This is your news source. Take it home with youto share with family, friends, and employers.

Volume 27, No. 5 MAY 2007

513th Aircraft Generation Sq. -Tech. Sgt. James Stratton

513th Ops Support Flt. - Senior Airman Raquel Lyons

513th Air Control Gp. - Senior Airman Grady Epperly

`

Patriot SoonerSuperior Performers

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.

A donation of $450 made for an expensive haircutduring the 507th Air Refueling Wing’s April UTACommander’s Call. Kim Glass, wife of Col. JefferyGlass, gave Col. Randall Guthrie, 507th ARW vicecommander, a buzz haircut, amid shouts of“Mohawk” and “take it all off.” Two haircuts haveraised $2,250 ($1,800 was raised for Maj. RalphHawkins’ haircut in 2001). The donation was addedto the Operation Holiday Spirit funds raised to helpunit members. A total of $10,022 was raised this lastyear, which set a new record. Operation HolidaySpirit is in its 8th year and approximately $47,000has been raised by this activity, with more than 100needy Reserve families benefiting from this fund.

U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Zach Anderson

507th Air Refueling WingCapt. Robert G. Atkins Jr. Master Sgt. Michael TaliaferroDeployed Public Affairs

507th Operations GroupLt. Col. William H. Mason Jr.Senior Master Sgt. Phillip L. Brand Jr.Lt. Col. Michael F. Mahon Deployed Life Support Team

507th Mission Support GroupStaff Sgt. Scott L. Lair Senior Airman Aaron D. MalloryTech. Sgt. Michael R. Wyman Staff Sgt. Craig M. CusenzAirman First Class Roger D. SimonCapt. Ian F. GunyeaTech.Sgt. Daniel A. Martin Staff Sgt. Nekia C. MbayeMaster Sgt. Jason L. Garner Staff Sgt. Rikki SpaansAirman First Class Larnell L. Stokely IIStaff Sgt. Christy M. SullivanSenior Airman Melissa M. MendozaSenior Airman Shawn WeimerSenior Airman Kay C. TerrapinSenior Airman Kelly A. Shoemaker Deployed Security Forces

507th Maintenance GroupTech. Sgt. Courtney S. KnightSenior Airman James L. ShadeTech. Sgt. Scott A. RichardsonSenior Master Sgt. Dayne R. FirthTech. Sgt. Mike D. Tabor Jr.PAR Team AMXS

PAGE 4 MAY 2007“Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority”

KUDOS

Wing announces 1st Quarter winnersBy 507th ARW Public Affairs

Capt. Rebecca Lee, Senior MasterSgt. Jennifer Johnson, Tech. Sgt. MelbaKoch, and Senior Airman Timothy Will-iams are First Quarter winners for 2007.

Capt. Rebecca Lee, CompanyGrade Officer of the Quarter, is com-mander of the 507th Services Squadron.

Lee is an astute leader and superiormanager, says Col. Rodney Bryan, 507th

MSG commander. She leads 32traditionals and ARTs in readiness/lodg-ing/food/fitness and mortuary affairs.

Lee orchestrated Services ops oper-ating instructions, directed requirements/processes, first time 100-percent reliable.She masterfully managed UTC taskings,training requirement identified, programrevamped and now 100-percent complaint.

Lee was handpicked by Wing com-mander for the AFRC in-residence CGOprofessional development course andenrolled in SOS at first opportunity. Leestrives to improve; attended thecommander’s course and increased herknowledge and further developed lead-ership skills. She is a continuous learner;garnered nine credits toward an MSgraduate degree and personally mentored15 students weekly.

Lee is a Wichita State UniversityKinesiology and Exercise Science De-partment adjunct professor. She leads120-plus students weekly.

Lee is a Wichita Running Club vol-unteer and supported the Wichita YMCAbenefit.

Senior Master Sgt. JenniferJohnson, Senior NCO of the Quarter,is superintendent and first sergeant forthe 507th Services Squadron. Johnsonoutshines her peers; a superb trainingleader who brings seamless cohesion tothe section. She is an outstanding man-ager who fed and lodged 459 OREdeployers with six of her flight membersrecognized by the 4th AF EET. Under

Johnson’s watch 2,083 MREs were dis-bursed to the ORE members and 2,591hot meals were served during the fiveday exercise.

Johnson oversaw an office upgrade,replacing furnishings and adding space.The partial self-help project saved theAir Force $1,000.

Johnson honed a stellar UDM pro-gram, tracking and training 32 militarymembers and created 100-percent com-pliance and operational readiness.

Johnson is a stellar NCO leadershipdevelopment course facilitator, expertlycoaching more than 20 new enlisted lead-ers. She strives to improve herself; soughout nursing correspondence courses with8 hours of training. She is a continuouslearner, garnering 15 credits toward a BSnursing degree.

Johnson spearheaded a pre-kinder-garten immunization testing with 150tested. She directed a community openhouse for Piedmont Family Care, singu-larly coordinating for over 2,000 attend-ees. She is a traveling “team mom” fora local 26-member cheerleading team,ensuring safe, fun events. Johnson is vicepresident of the Tinker Reserve Top 3.

Tech. Sgt. Melba Koch, NCO ofthe Quarter, is a 507th ARW public affairsspecialist and editor of the On-Final.

Koch was a first-line PA enlisteddeployer for the Wing ORE, a criticalWing member lauded for her work ef-fort initiatives. She coordinated two flaw-less Wing KC-135 flights for ORE andORI planning with more than 50 passen-gers flown.

Koch volunteered as Wing lead forthe 2007 Valentines for Vets program,benefiting the Norman Veteran Cen-ter and troops deployed to SouthAmerica. She worked with localschools, gathering more than 600 val-entines and four banners, with greet-ings from students and faculty. The ban-ners were delivered to and displayed

on the walls of the Veteran Center.Koch created seven news releases

for the Tinker Take Off, resulting in posi-tive public relations for the Wing. Sheheads the Hometown News Releaseprogram, supporting 2,000-plus peopleand averages 10 news publicationsmonthly.

Koch is enrolled in and progressingtoward completion of the NCO Acad-emy correspondence course. She servesas the 2007 president of the Tinker Re-serve Enlisted Advisory Council, guid-ing enlisted initiatives. She volunteers asa member of the Team Tinker Tutorsprogram, spending time at a local el-ementary school working to improve stu-dents’ reading, math and English skills. Shealso volunteers time as chaperone andtakes photographs of activities with el-ementary students and at a local day care.

Senior Airman Timothy Williams,Airman of the Quarter, is a pavementsand equipment journeyman for the 507th

Civil Engineer Squadron.Williams spent the majority of the

quarter deployed to Kirkuk Regional AirBase. He extraordinarily managed roads,grounds and runways/taxiways, support-ing 4,350 warrior soldiers and Airmen.“Senior Airman Williams is mission fo-cused, a dedicated supporter with supe-rior effort,” said Lt. Col. ErnestGoodman, 507th CES commander.

Williams manned an airfield sweeperfor 200 hours, improving flight line safetyand reduced FOD hazard. He sacrificeddays off assisting catch-up of backloggedwork orders.

Williams completed his 5-level up-grade training while working 72 hour/week, including night work to mitigatesniper threat. He also completed AirmanLeadership School through a highly mo-tivated CDC self-study program.

Williams respected fallen comradesby marching in six ceremonies, as-sembled in the middle of the night.

PAGE 5MAY 2007 “Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority”

513th KUDOS

513th ACG announce annual winnersThe 513th Air Control Group annual

award winners are Capt. Allen “Page”Lynn, Master Sgt. Donna Shoemaker,Staff Sgt. Matthew Bishop and SeniorAirman Alphonzo Glover.

Capt. Allen “Page” Lynn, 970thAACS Deputy Chief of Current Opera-tions, is the 513th AGC’s Company GradeOfficer of the Year. Lynn coordinatedone of Air Force Reserve Command’slargest flying training programs, whichexceeded 100 percent mission capablerate while he executed 99.97 percent offlying hour programs, flawlessly sched-uled 154 sorties, 146 control and 111tanker events.

He single-handedly organized anddirected a two week overseas deploy-ment for more than 75 unit personnel.

Enrolled in, and actively pursuing thecompletion of Squadron Officers School,Lynn strives for the very highest degreeof personal, professional and operationalexcellence, and continually strengthenshis experience and knowledge in theworkings of unit management.

Senior Master Sgt. Tracy Houseis the First Sergeant of the Year for the513th ACG.

House voluntarily requested to de-ploy in direct support of the ongoing Glo-bal War on Terrorism. When he deployedto the 380th Expeditionary Civil EngineerSquadron, Al Dhafra Air Base, UnitedArab Emirates, he was the epitome of aFirst Sergeant who inspired 203 deployedAirmen encompassing 34 career fieldsfrom 15 bases.

Dedicated to fitness, House com-pleted the Deployed 500 Mile FitnessChallenge, led the unit physical trainingprogram and developed an extensive ex-ercise program for two Airmen with un-satisfactory fitness scores.

While deployed House ensured com-pliance with several Wing Tent City poli-cies, which resulted in one apprehensionfor tent theft, overhauled the squadron’s

monthly awards program, ensured spot-lighting of all well-deserved nominees byincluding their names in the script withtheir photo for squadron-wide recogni-tion.

House aggressively promotes theimportance of completing Enlisted Profes-sional Military Education; over the pastyear enrollment for the NoncommissionedOfficers Academy Course by correspon-dence increased by 10 percent.

A highly motivated Senior NCO,House stands out far above contempo-raries in personal and professional ex-cellence. He currently serves as Vice-President for the Tinker Reserve FirstSergeant’s Council and Tinker ReserveTop-3 Council, serves as Armed ForcesEmergency Contact Officer for theAmerican Red Cross, Cimarron ValleyChapter and regularly volunteers at OurDaily Bread where he has provided over600 hot meals to Enid’s less fortunatecitizens.

Master Sgt. Donna Shoemaker,Senior NCO of the Year, is the Com-puter System Administrator for the 513thACG.

A technical expert, Shoemaker led 15troops in computer operations and infor-mation manager career fields and trainedadditional personnel on network admin-istration and customer service, whichfilled a void in the training process.

Shoemaker was also a critical focalpoint during base migration to the newe-mail server and provided step-by-stepinstructions for users, which saved manyusers from losing or having no e-mail.

Her keen eye for detail allowed forinformation assurance, already at 90percent complete, to be done two monthsahead of the mandated base deadline.

The Group’s “go-to” computer ex-pert, Shoemaker handled over 700calls in the past year, and as ComputerSystem Administrator she is respon-sible for over 300 computers’ mainte-

nance and diagnostics.She enrolled in the challenging

Master’s degree program in InformationSecurity with a current GPA of 4.0, andrecently completed her Bachelor’s inComputer Networking - achieving a 3.8GPA - all while completing variousMicrosoft Certified Professionalcourses.

Staff Sgt. Matthew Bishop is theNCO of the Year and is a crew chief.

Bishop ensures qualified techniciansare assigned to quickly correct aircraftdiscrepancies and directly contributed tothe counter-drug operation sorties total-ing 2,523 flying hours last year.

He also instructs and trains person-nel on the proper use of flightline equip-ment. A top-notch teacher and mentor,Bishop achieved a 100 percent pass rateon 10 quality verification inspection as-sessments, thus leading by example.

His excellent maintenance skills wereinstrumental to the 552nd Air ControlWing flying 2,201 sorties and 14,620 fly-ing hours last year, and he was a vitalcontributor to the generation of 37 Op-eration NOBLE EAGLE sorties with100 percent mission success. Bishop ef-fectively monitors all flightline activitiesduring the drill weekends, and ensuresthat all personnel have a safe work en-vironment.

Bishop completed all of his 7-levelrequirements five months ahead ofschedule, and volunteered and attendedthe Civilian Personnel Managementcourse. He also completed Basic LifeSaver and Child CPR courses, whichcould increase survival chances of fel-low workers and family during an emer-gency.

A civic-minded Airman, he selflesslycontributes to the Salvation Army by pro-viding clothes for the less fortunate. Heis also a member of the World KartingAssociation, which raised over $2,000

Continued on page 6

PAGE 6 MAY 2007

On-final513th ACG NEWS

By Lt. Col. Terry Stine

513th MXSCommander’s Column

As the new commander of the 513th Maintenance Squad-ron, I was touring the squadron with my senior noncommis-sioned officers and was very impressed with the quality ofthe facilities but even more so, I was impressed with the qual-ity of the personnel in the shops. The pride and professional-ism that was displayed by the members was well over the topof what is expected from maintenance technicians. Havingspent several years on active duty as a maintenance officer, Ihave a good understanding of the Air Force Core Values andthese Airmen are the epitome of these values: Integrity first,Service before self, and Excellence in all we do. These Air-men meet or exceed the expected standards. “My hat’s offto all!”

Afterwards, I questioned why our reservists have suchhigh technical standards, great attitude, and a good appear-ance. I then started to think of all the personnel developmentprograms that are on-going in the Air Force today, such asCareer Development Course (CDC), Professional MilitaryEducation (PME), and Physical Fitness (PT). These pro-grams have a huge impact on a member’s professional devel-opment and success.

CDC’s should be taken very serious! Through CDC’s,the Airmen begin training to give them the technical skills

needed to perform their career field specialties.They are designed to teach each member the ins and outs

of working on jets on the flight line. And really, isn’t that whywe are here! With this technical knowledge, we can com-plete our maintenance duties to ensure that the aircraft canperform the mission and return home safely. If a memberfails to pass the end of the course test, they will be required toretrain into another work series or face possible dischargefrom the service. Bottom line….study and pass your CDC’s!

PME has the same idea, but in a different area of themember’s development. The mission of PME is to developAmerica’s Airmen today….for tomorrow. It prepares ourAirmen for more responsible positions as they progress throughtheir careers. The courses emphasize supervisory duties andfoster a commitment to the profession of arms. Airmen gainan understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a non-commissioned officer. The bottom line is to complete yourPME or you will not be promoted.

Physical fitness requirements can be a tool used to main-tain one’s good health and appearance. The PT requirementsare now tougher and more focused on producing fit Airmen.Although technology has changed the nature of conflict overthe years, physical fitness remains an important componentof the effectiveness of every military service member. Fur-thermore, with these technological changes coupled with forcereductions and continually changing world conditions, all per-sonnel must be ready and fit at all times. Individual servicemembers must possess the stamina and strength to performsuccessfully any potential mission. Bottom line, we must allpass our physical fitness test to be successful in our duties.

Let’s continue to keep up the good work!

First impression was great!

for Toys for Tots in Santa’s Dash forCash, delivered over $1,500 in giftsand new coats to assisted-living youththrough Oklahoma Youth Services,and helped Habitat for Humanity re-furbish and provide homes for low-in-come families.

Senior Airman Alphonzo Glover,a crew chief for the 513th ACG is theAirman of the Year.

His attention to detail has given hima reputation as an outstanding main-tainer. During pre-deployment inspec-tions, he changed 18 MLG tires, sixNLG tires and 14 brakes, directly con-tributing to 310 counter-drug operational

sorties totaling over 2,523 flying hours.He has an exceptional knowledge of the552nd ACW.

A meticulous inspector, Glover dis-covered a faulty cam track roller on afillet flap during an aircraft acceptanceinspection. The replacement of theroller saved $25,000 and two days ofdowntime. He has also ensured 100percent completion of contracted op-erational sorties and flying hours re-mains the norm for a third consecu-tive year. In his persistent quest forknowledge, he passed four CLEPclasses, acquiring 18 credit hoursthrough exam programs and has ac-cumulated 61 credit hours toward a

CCAF degree in Aircraft MaintenanceTechnology.

Glover assisted in the clean up, set-up and tear down for the KC-135R50th anniversary celebration hosted byTinker AFB, and volunteered to be aTeam Captain for the Oklahoma CityMemorial Marathon - organizing twovolunteer teams, and ensured coursemarshals provided encouragement,motivation and kept runners hydrated.He is also involved with the “Mealson Wheels” program and participatedin the Relay for Life marathon, whichhelped the squadron raise $5,968 forthe Cancer Society of America.

513th ACG announces annual winnersContinued from page 5

TRAINING PLANNER A1

FY 2007 UTA SCHEDULE

05-06 May 07 16-17 June 07

14-15 Jul 07 04-05 Aug 07

08-09 Sept 07

As of 27 April 2007

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------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 more information. NEXT CLASS: July 9-20, 2007.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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 Summarys - Point Summarys can also be viewed and printed.3. Record Review RIPS - You will now be notified via e-mail, on your birthday, tolog on 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 to507.msf.dpmt@tinker.af.mil 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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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)Contributing Editors: Tech. Sgt. Jimmy Talley, Education and Training Advisor

Staff Sgt. Jeremy Hudson, Education and Training Advisor (ART)Senior Airman Elvira Munoz, Education and Training AdvisorMs. Kimberley Silkwood, Testing and Education Advisor (Civilian)

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 Staff Sgt. Jeremy Hudson at 734-7075 oryour UTM.

Military PayFile for Receive Direct

pay by: Deposit by:

08 May 15 May

10 May 18 May

15 May 23 May

17 May 25 May

21 May 30 May

23 May 01 June

29 May 06 June

31 May 08 June

05 June 13 June

07 June 15 June

11 June 18 June

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 OPR

Phase ISaturday 1305-1315 Wing Lodging Program SVFSaturday 1315-1345 Information Assurance CFSaturday 1345-1445 Drug and Alcohol, Suicide/

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

Phase IISunday 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 MESunday 1300-1600 First Duty Station ME

Military Pay (405) 734-5016

NEWS TO USE

NEWS

PAGE A4 MAY 2007“Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority”

Airman’s Creed exemplifies warfighting ethicsby Master Sgt. Mitch Gettle

Secretary of the Air Force Officeof Public Affairs

WASHINGTON (AFNEWS) —The Air Force chief of staff introducedthe new “Airman’s Creed” April 18 toprovide Airmen a tangible statement ofbeliefs that they can hold most dear.

The Airman’s Creed reflects pridein the role of air, space and cyberspacepower and the Air Force’s commitmentin supporting and defending the nation.The creed is fueled by the Air Force’sheritage and a warfighting ethos thatexists in all Airmen, Gen. T. MichaelMoseley said.

“Our new Airman’s Creed remindsus all of the incredible combat heritagewe have as Airmen,” he said. “So it’snot entirely out of coincidence that we’redebuting the creed on the 65th anniver-sary of the Doolittle Raiders’ heroicstrike at the heart of Imperial Japan in1942. Like many Airmen of the past, theRaiders exemplified our warfightingspirit, and remain an inspiration to us all.”

General Moseley said having anAirman’s creed is like a blinding flash ofthe obvious. The creed simply and con-cisely puts into the words the warfightingspirit that exists in Airmen past andpresent.

“Every single Airman, every personwho walks across the parade deck atLackland (Air Force Base, Texas), andevery person who is commissioned is acombatant. That is our culture,” Gen-eral Moseley said. “We’re a combatantAir Force; our mission is to fly, fight andwin our nation’s wars. We should em-brace the notion that the Air Force is acombatant organization.”

Since Operation Desert Shield in1990, the Air Force has deployed andfought in the Persian Gulf region andother regions around the world by dis-playing its warfighting ethos. Having a

warfighting ethos is part of the Air Force’ssoul, General Moseley said. But, that ethosgoes beyond just the last 16 years.

“The contribution of every Airmanbrings American military might to bearwith the least possible loss of friendlylives and the maximum possible loss ofhostile lives. That is an inherent good.That is the benefit of the Americanairpower that goes back to when BillyMitchell said the same things in the1920s,” General Moseley said.

It’s the rich heritage of airpower andthe missions Airmen carry out aroundthe world every day that give Airmentheir warfighting ethos and bring aboutthe reason to have an Airman’s Creed -an Airmen first mentality.

“This (Airman’s Creed) is wrappingourselves in who we are and in our cul-ture,” General Moseley said. “It mat-ters in everything we do from the orga-nizational structure of a wing to our ac-quisition systems and from how we trainto how we deploy. Everything about usis wrapped around our notion of Ameri-can airpower. The warfighting ethos isa mind set.”

The Airman’s Creed was not cre-ated to regain some ideal that was lostor never identified. It was created tofocus on and identify a spirit — awarfighting ethos — that transcendstime from the past, to the present andinto the future.

The Airman’s Creed encapsulateswhat it means to be an Airman, to havepride in service, General Moseley said.

Chief Master Sergeant of the AirForce Rodney J. McKinley recently re-turned from visiting bases in Europewhere he recited the new creed to Air-men and he received positive feedback.

“The response I got from Airmenwas absolutely fabulous,” ChiefMcKinley said. “I think this will be some-thing special to Airmen.

This new creed every Airman will

know and be able to recite; but more thanthat, it’s something they can have in theirhearts. We’ve had so many unofficialcreeds for such a long time and now wewill have an official Airman’s Creed.”

The Airman’s Creed derived from acollaborative effort and feedback fromAirmen throughout the Air Force. Gen-eral Moseley said the Airman’s Creed isdesigned to resonate with Airmen past,present and future.

“This is about our people and an AirForce that is fundamentally differentthan any other service,” he said. “This

is about where we’ve been and wherewe’re going as an Air Force.

“We’re attempting to give credit to700,000 Airmen — Active, Guard, Re-serve and civilians — who fight ournation’s wars and give them the senseof ownership of a combatant organiza-tion, whether it is through changes atBMT, Airman battle uniform, the newservice uniform or a focus on warfightingskills,” he said. “This is to recognize whowe are and the contributions we havemade and make and to set the coursefor the future with a refined, reempha-sized and remilitarized Air Force.”

THE AIRMAN’S CREED

I AM AN AMERICAN AIRMAN.

I AM A WARRIOR.

I HAVE ANSWERED MY NATION’S CALL.

I AM AN AMERICAN AIRMAN.

MY MISSION IS TO FLY, FIGHT, AND WIN.

I AM FAITHFUL TO A PROUD HERITAGE,

A TRADITION OF HONOR,

AND A LEGACY OF VALOR.

I AM AN AMERICAN AIRMAN,

GUARDIAN OF FREEDOM AND JUSTICE,

MY NATION’S SWORD AND SHIELD,

ITS SENTRY AND AVENGER.

I DEFEND MY COUNTRY WITH MY LIFE.

I AM AN AMERICAN AIRMAN:

WINGMAN, LEADER, WARRIOR.

I WILL NEVER LEAVE AN AIRMAN BEHIND,

I WILL NEVER FALTER,

AND I WILL NOT FAIL.

NEWS TO USE

NEWS TO USEMAKE A WISH

PAGE 7MAY 2007 “Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority”

In 2003, Alex Serviss, an 8-year-oldredhead, was diagnosed with RestrictiveCardiomyopathy. Soon after, she wasplaced on the national Organ Donationlist. Alex received her heart transplantNov. 14, 2005. In the last year and a halfAlex has grown six inches taller andeight pounds heavier. Mom, Tech. Sgt.Annette Serviss, says Alex is doingwonderfully. “She will have a biopsyon May 7, and we will know more af-ter that, but for now she is great,” saysAnnette.

Alex was granted a wish throughthe Make A Wish Foundation; her wishwas to go to Florida to Disney Worldand to see her friend Maddie Price whoalso has had a heart transplant. Thegirls met in St. Louis where the trans-plants were made, and the families havebecome good friends.

“We all had a wonderful time inFlorida. Make A Wish definitely made adream come true,” says Annette. Theywere able to visit all four theme parks atDisney World as well as the two parksat Universal Studios and Sea World.

“They flew us out there, the first-everplane ride for the girls, and back, plusput us up for the week at Give Kids the

Members of the National Guard and Reserve can now re-quest assistance online from Employer Support of the Guardand Reserve (ESGR) ombudsmen for employment issues aris-ing from military service or mobilization.

The Uniformed Services Employment and ReemploymentRights Act is the federal law that protects the employment ofmilitary reservists and prohibits employment discrimination onthe basis of military service.

Reservists can visit the ESGR website at www.esgr.mil andselect the link, “USERRA Complaint Request” on the right sideof the page. The service member is asked to provide contactinformation for him or herself and his or her employer, as well asa brief explanation of the issue. The information is stored on asecure server and ESGR assigns the request to one of its 900volunteer ombudsmen for informal mediation. Reservists are still

able to use ESGR’s customer service center at 800-336-4590 toinitiate a request.

“While Reservists have always been able to e-mail us fromthe website, the USERRA Complaint Request allows them theopportunity to initiate an ombudsman case online at any time ofthe day or night,” said Philip T. Pope, acting executive director ofESGR.

In response to USERRA complaint requests, an ESGR om-budsman will contact the service member within 48 hours. If theESGR ombudsman is unable to resolve the issue through infor-mal mediation within 14 days, the Reservist is referred to theU.S. Department of Labor, the federal agency with statutoryauthority for enforcing USERRA.

The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain active supportfrom all public and private employers for all Reserve members.

Reservists can now request USERRA assistance online

World and provided meals, transporta-tion and spending money. It was our first-ever family vacation,” said Annette.

“Watching Alex’s face all week madethe whole trip for me,” said Annette. “Iencourage anyone interested to checkout Make AWish andGive Kids theWorld. Theyare both verygood chari-table organi-zations andreally comethrough forthe kids aswell as thef a m i l i e s , ”said Annette.

The mis-sion of MakeA Wish Foun-dation andGive Kids theWorld is togrant wishesof childrenwith life-th rea ten ing

Make A Wish

Alex celebrates following heart surgery

Alex Serviss, seated in center, reviews an On-final withGoofy while relaxing at Give Kids the World resort inFlorida during Spring Break. Helping Alex celebrateare mom Annette (Tech. Sgt. in the 507th MaintenanceSquadron) and sister, Shannon. Photo taken by Billy Serviss (Master Sgt. in 507th AGS) and daughter, Shayla.

medical conditions to enrich the hu-man experience with hope, strengthand joy. In operation since 1980, theMake A Wish Foundat ion hasgranted 148,605 wishes, about onewish every 41 minutes.

SHIRT NEWS

PAGE 8 MAY 2007“Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority”

Promoted to: Name: Unit

April promotions

Staff Sgt. Balson, Phillip M. 35th CBCSStaff Sgt. Pierce, Daniel S. 507th AMXSSenior Master Sgt. Nugent, John D. 507th AMXSMaster Sgt. Tabor, Michael D. Jr. 507th MXGTech. Sgt. Bolling, James H. 507th SFSSenior Airman DeBusk, Ronald E. 507th SFSTech. Sgt. Gabel, Jeffrey A. 507th SFSSenior Master Sgt. Garner, Jason L. 507th SFSStaff Sgt. Mora, Patricia A. 507th SFSStaff Sgt. Perez, John D. Jr. 507th SFSSenior Airman Montero, Jose 507th SVFSenior Airman Santiago, Richard R. 507th SVFStaff Sgt. Obannon, Lindsay 513th ACGTech. Sgt. Elneser, Khalid 513th OSFSenior Airman Gardner, John K. 72nd APSTech. Sgt. Taylor, Ernest T. 72nd APSSenior Airman Boehm, Laura C. 970th AACSTech. Sgt. Pitre, William E. 970th AACSMaster Sgt. Rogers, Mark A. 970th AACS

Master Sgt. Jessica Reyes 507th MSGMaster Sgt. Lynda A. O’Coigligh 507th AMXSTech. Sgt. Richard January 35th CBCSTech. Sgt. Thomas Lord 507th MOFSenior Master Sgt. Treva Bragg-Ragland 507th CESChief Master Sgt. Lamond Tate 970th AACS

Pep promotions for April

‘No one told me’ doesn’t work anymoreFor those of us who are NOT first

term Airmen, we should not even bethinking this phrase much less using it.We signed a contract to join the militaryand then off to basic training and upongraduation reported to our first duty sta-tion. There we experienced ‘death by in-formation overload’ via briefings, class-room training and now through e-mail.What you should be saying is EVERYONEtold me at least once. Here are someexamples of what you have been toldnot only once but time and time againand hey, look, I am telling you again.

TRAVEL VOUCHERS – Youtravel and I mean any kind of travel,upon return to your home or home sta-tion, hey guess what, FILL OUT AVOUCHER.

BILLETING – Let’s see, you makea reservation when you travel. Life hap-pens and your TDY is cancelled. Oh MyGod! What do I do? CANCEL YOURRESERVATION. Guess what folks,same goes when you make a reserva-tion for drill weekend and life happensand you don’t make it to drill, CANCELYOUR RESERVATION.

GOVERNMENT TRAVELCARD – You use it, you pay for it.Exactly how does your GTC get paid?That’s right FILL OUT YOURTRAVEL VOUCHER.

FIT TO FIGHT (FTF) – You are amember of the United States Air ForceReserve, it is your duty to be fit tofight. You should never have to be told

to be FTF.MEDICAL (IMMUNIZATIONS,

RCPHA, and DENTAL) – This is ano brainer!!! Your health should beyour number one priority.

Bottom line: In quoting from theAirman’s creed:

“I AM AN AMERICAN AIR-MAN: WINGMAN, LEADER, ANDWARRIOR. I WILL NEVER LEAVEAN AIRMAN BEHIND, I WILLNEVER FALTER, AND I WILLNOT FAIL.”

Be safe and let’s WOW our com-mander during the ORI!

Master Sgt. Norma Foster507th Communications Flight

1st Sergeant

May 13, 2007

NEWSTO USE

PAGE 9MAY 2007 “Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority”

The IG says ....

AFRC FWA Hotline: (800) 223-1784 Ext. 7-1513SAF/IGQ FWA Hotline: (800) 538-8429DoD FWA Hotline: (800) 424-9098

For questions or concerns, contact Capt. Mark Vardaro at:

507th ARW/513th ACG FWA Hotline: 405-556-1745;Toll Free: 877-225-5928 (Enter 405-694-4026); or Fax at: 405-

Policy for Filing an IG Complaint1. Air Force military and civilian members have a

duty to promptly report FWA or gross mismanagement;a violation of law, policy, procedures, or regulations;an injustice; abuse of authority, inappropriate conduct,or misconduct (as defined by this instruction); and adeficiency or like condition, to an appropriate supervi-sor or commander, to an IG or other appropriate in-spector, or through an established grievance channel.FWA complaints may be reported to the AFAA, AFOSI,security forces, or other proper authority. All militaryand civilian members must promptly advise the AFOSIof suspected criminal misconduct or fraud.

2. Complainants should attempt to resolve FWA is-sues and personal complaints at the lowest possiblelevel using command channels before addressing themto a higher level or the IG.

3. The immediate supervisory command chain canoften resolve complaints more quickly and effectivelythan a higher level not familiar with the situation.

4. The IG system should be used when referral tothe command chain would be futile or there is fear ofreprisal.

5. When complaints are addressed to a higher level(the President, Congress, SAF/OS, SAF/IG, etc.), theIG office which is tasked with the complaint will de-termine the appropriate level or organization for re-dress of the complaint. The complaint may be referredback to the complainant’s command IG for investiga-tion.

6. When complainants send the same or a similarcomplaint to several levels of the government, the high-est level with which the complainant corresponds willnormally reply, unless determined otherwise by thehigher-level office. If it is decided that a higher levelwill respond, the IG must inform the complainant theywill not receive separate replies from various levels ofthe government and inform the complainant which levelwill provide the response.

Free educational prepprograms available

eKnowledge Corporation and a group of NFL players havepledged to donate up to $10 million in SAT/ACT Test Prepara-tion Programs to military servicemembers and their families.

To request a donated eKnowledge SAT/ACT prep program,active duty, reserve or retired military servicemembers shouldvisit http://www.militaryhomefront.dod.mil to confirm theirmilitary status in the DEERS main database. The website willforward them to the eKnowledge/NFL sponsorship order pagewhere they can request the SAT/ACT programs.

Servicemembers pay only the actual cost of packaging,processing and shipping the donated product(s). For moreinformation, visit http://sat.eknowledge.com/military.asp.

Visit the Military-Friendly School Finder and search ourdatabase of 4,000 schools and their military attributes. Findthe right school for your education needs: http://web50.military.com/cgi-bin/outlog.cgi?url=http%3A//schools .mi l i tary.com/school f inder/search-for-schools.do%3FESRC%3Dmiltrep.nl&code=mrtxt.nl.

Stepping up culturalawareness for Airmen

Air Force officials are broadening their vision of the ex-peditionary Airman with a stepped-up emphasis on foreignlanguage and culture training. Currently, the maximum payfor one language is $500 per month; Airmen with multiplelanguage skills can earn up to $1,000 a month. Airmen shouldcontact their military personnel flight testing office to take atest to see if they are eligible for Foreign Language Profi-ciency Pay (FLPP). The Air Force’s Foreign Language andCulture Program office has a new webpage, at the Air Force’sonline portal under the “Top Viewed: Training” heading onthe “Language and Culture Development Program” link. Formore information, Airmen also can call (703) 693-7106.

To learn more about foreign language proficiency pay, visitthe Military.com Benefits Channel: http://www.military.com/benefit.

May

19,

200

7

PAGE 10 MAY 2007“Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority”

On-final SPORTS

Smith represents reservists on All-Air Force teamBy Senior Airman Zach Anderson

507th ARW Public AffairsShe was always watching. She was always

stuck on the sidelines, mesmerized for hours onend by the action taking place just a few tantaliz-ing feet away. But she wasn’t a part of it…shewas only a spectator, just watching. Watchingas her older brothers ran up and down the drive-way, dribbling, shooting, passing … all the thingsshe longed to do. It was pure torture, the watch-ing. Then one day she picked up a basketball.On that day, Master Sgt. Kathy Smith stoppedwatching and started to play … and she hasn’tbeen stuck watching since.

“The first time I held a ball, I was onlyseven years old,” said Smith. “I thought, ‘Ilove this.’ I already knew I loved it.”

Smith, a 1st Sgt. in the 35th Combat Communications Squad-ron, went on to play in the upper echelon of women’s basket-ball, even competing at the NCAA Division I level while astudent at Oregon State University. For the last two years,the 17-year reservist has been selected as a member ofthe All-Air Force Women’s Basketball team. Smith re-cently returned from helping the Air Force bring home asilver medal from the armed forces games. It was hersecond consecutive year to be named to the All-Air Forceteam…but things haven’t always been so easy.

“I tried out twice when I was on active duty; for the 1986-1987 team and again for the 1987 -1988 team. It was a greatexperience, but I didn’t make it. I was so disappointed; I decidednot to try out again. I thought I would just play at the commandlevel,” said Smith.

After 10 years of playing in local leagues and on the baseteam, Smith was ready to give it another shot. At the age of 41she strapped on her sneakers and hit the hardwood once again,fighting for a team slot against competition half her age.

“In 2006, I found out that the team needed centers. So Ithought, ‘OK, I can do this, even at age 41,” said Smith.

As it turns out, she was right. Against the odds, Smith madethe team in 2006. She enjoyed the experience enough to returnthis year to try out for the 2007 squad.

“There were 23 of us at the camp and only 12 made theteam,” said Smith. “The 18-day training camp was intense. Byday four, merely walking to and from the parking lot became apainful process, shadowed by moans, groans and grunts.”

Despite the tough practices, Smith once again made the teamand had the distinction of being both the team’s oldest player andits only reservist.

“Anytime I can toot the horn for the reserves, I do it. We all

say ‘one team, one fight’ but whenyou are a part of something likethis, it really brings it out,” saidSmith.

Following training camp theteam traveled to Ft. IndiantownGap, Pennsylvania to compete inthe Armed Forces Tournament, around-robin competition withteams from the Army, Navy andMarines.

Smith said the competition withthe other services was heated andintense.

“You feel it from the firstday. We’re all there together,but none of the services talk

to each other. It’s serious. It’s for real. When the tossgoes up it’s on,” said Smith.

After playing six games over an eight day period, the AirForce team ended up taking home the silver medal.

Smith said that overall, she is pleased with how she and theteam performed.

“At my age, it felt great to know I could still reject shots outof bounds and fire up my teammates. Because we were a smallteam, we were outsized most of the time.

Under those circumstances, we did very well,” said Smith.All-Air Force Team coaches attributed much of the team’s

success to Smith’s veteran leadership both on and off the court.“Master Sgt. Smith brings a work ethic that is infectious.

When younger members of the team see her efforts, it’s oftendifficult for them to offer less than 100 percent. The youngerplayers were fortunate to benefit from her tremendous leader-ship,” said Captain Lynitta McCoy, assistant coach of the women’sAll-Air Force team.

Smith said this year’s silver-medal winning performancemakes for the perfect ending for her elite-level playing days.She doesn’t plan to try out for the team again next year.

“I couldn’t hope for anything better. This is just the icing onthe cake. Even if I wanted to, I can’t physically do it anymore.You just have to know when it’s time to stop,” said Smith.

While she may be ending her stint as an All-Air Force teammember, Smith said she has no plans to stop playing the game.

“I’ll still play in the rec leagues. I’ll always love the game,”she said. “I’ll probably have to be pulled kicking and scream-ing from the hardwood. I’ll be 65 years old and be thinkingthat I can still score two points.”

No matter where she is playing, one thing is for certain;Smith will never again be stuck on the sidelines watching.

PAGE 11MAY 2007 “Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority”

On-finalFAMILY NEWS

Chiara Foster is a true example of an extraordinary youngwoman. At age 14, she has just been selected as the Youthof the Year for the Tinker Air Force Base Youth Centerand the State of Oklahoma.

Foster is among hundreds of local Youths of the Yearacross the country who join Boys & Girls Clubs of Americain celebrating “A Legacy of Hope and Opportunity” dur-ing the 60th anniversary of the Youth of the Year program.

“The Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year programisn’t so much a contest as it is an opportunity for extraor-dinarily hardworking teens to be recognized for all theirdedication to their home, community, school, and individualclubs,” said Chiara Foster. “Being surrounded by sevenother amazing teens made me feel that there was a possi-bility that I wasn’t going to win, but I went into the inter-view with confidence, faith in myself to do the best that Icould. I stayed true to myself and didn’t try to be some-thing that I wasn’t; which I feel are the reasons the judgesset me aside from the rest of the teens.”

Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor aBoys & Girls Club member can receive. The title recog-nizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family,school, community and boys & Girls Club. This programwas founded 60 years ago through the generosity of theReader’s Digest Foundation.

“The Reader’s Digest Foundation has been the proudsponsor of the Youth of the Year program since 1947,”said Susan Fraysse Russ, executive director, Reader’sDigest Foundation. “For 60 years, we have had the greathonor of saluting amazing teens, like Chiara, for their dedi-cation to their families, Club and community and helpingthem achieve their academic and career goals.”

Chiara, a freshman at Jarman Junior High School, isthe president of the Keystone Club, president of the school’sNational Junior Honor Society, maintains a 4.0 GPA andwas one of five students to receive a Scholastic Letter.Chiara is the daughter of Master Sgt. Norma Foster, 507th

Communications Flight and Bradley Foster, 72nd Comp-troller Squadron.

“Chiara’s mother, Norma, describes her best by say-ing, ‘(Chiara) represents the excellence, spirit and dedica-tion of the ideal youth and leader,’” said MicheleRobertson, Director of Youth Programs at the Tinker YouthCenter.

“When my name was announced, I was filled to thebrim of my heart with honor and excitement since I knewthat I was going to be representing a marvelous club thatdeserves to be represented by someone with the same

desire to help people and uphold the same moral values asit does,” said Chiara.

Foster competed against other Boys and Girls Club mem-bers for the Oklahoma Youth of the Year title and a $1,000scholarship. Foster won at the state level, and will nowcompete for the title of Southwest Regional Youth of theYear and a $10,000 scholarship.

The five regional winners will travel to Washington,D.C., in September to compete for the title of BGCA’sNational Youth of the Year. The National Youth of the Yearreceives an additional $15,000 college scholarship and isinstalled by the President in an Oval Office ceremony.

Compiled by the Tinker Take Off and 507th ARWPublic Affairs Office.

Chiara Foster named Youth of the Year

Chiara Foster, daughter of Master Sgt. NormaFoster, is Oklahoma Youth of the Year.

PAGE 12 MAY 2007“Readiness Is OUR Number One Priority”

R-News

Midwest City, OKTech. Sgt. Neil Lambrecht(405) 732-6279

Tinker AFB, OK(In-Service Recruiter)Master Sgt. Gene Higgins (405) 739-2980

Tulsa, OKMaster Sgt. Monica Flowers (918) 250-3400

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

Lawton, OKMaster. Sgt. Ronald Gregory(580) 357-2784

Moore, Norman, OKMaster Sgt. Michael Comfort (405) 217-8311

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

http://get1now.us

507th ARW recruiters

507th ARWand

513th ACG

NEWS / INFORMATION/ FAMILY READINESS

TINKER AFBOKLAHOMA

www.507arw.afrc.af.mil

Air Force College offeringonline Master’s degrees

Air University’s Air Command andStaff College will offer an onlinemaster’s degree program in June. Forthe first time ever, eligible officers willbe able to enroll in an educational pro-gram that simultaneously fulfills JointProfessional Military Education andAir Force Intermediate Developmen-tal Education requirements while al-lowing them to earn an accreditedmaster’s degree online.

Applications for admission to theprogram are currently being ac-

cepted. Officers who are admit-ted into the program may begin reg-istering for classes at the end ofApril. The first classes begin June25. For more information, visit theACSC website.

ht tp: / /www.au.af .mil /au/dlmasters.asp

507th ARW members help base Supply inventory our mobility bags in preparing forthe upcoming ORI. Making sure the bags are ready to get the unit out of town is animportant part of the grade before we arrive at the deployment location.

Photo by Lt. Col. Richard Curry

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