Page 3 Ammerman - The Red 7 · 12-12-2014 · Ammerman joined the Army in July 2004. He attended...

F r i d a y , D e c e m b e r 1 2 , 2 0 1 4 T H E R E D 7 . n E T

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Remembering Ammerman | 2

| THE RED 7 | Friday, December 12, 2014

By KELLY HUMPHREY Northwest Florida Daily News

EGLIN AFB — Staff Sgt. Matthew Ammerman, a member of the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), died Dec. 3 while deployed to Af-ghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Ammerman, 29, of Noblesville, Ind., died in Zabul Province of wounds suffered from small arms fire while conducting a clearing operation.

In a statement issued by the 7th Special Forces Group’s Public Af-

fairs Office, Lt. Col. Tommy Stoner, commander of the 7th Special Forc-es 3rd Battalion, praised Ammer-man as “an excep-tional soldier in all regards.”

“He showed himself to be a

standout shortly after arrival in the unit and his efforts have made an impact on his unit and our mission,” Stoner stated.. “We, as a nation, are fortunate to have men like Matt.”

Ammerman joined the Army in July 2004. He attended basic and advanced individual training and the U.S. Army Airborne School at Fort Benning, Ga. While assigned to 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Battalion (Airborne) at Fort Rich-ardson, Alaska, he deployed twice: once to Iraq in 2006 and once to Afghanistan in 2009.

Ammerman volunteered for the Special Forces in 2012, and grad-uated the next year as a Special Forces communications sergeant. He joined the 7th Special Forces in July and deployed in the fall. Dur-

ing his career, he earned multiple awards and decorations, including the Army Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.

He leaves behind his wife, Em-ily, of Crestview, and his brother, Anthony, of Noblesville.

Stoner pledged his unit’s sup-port to Ammerman’s family.

“His loss is a great blow and he will be missed and mourned by this unit,” he said in the statement.. “Our focus will be supporting his family in any way possible and ensuring that they are taken care of during this difficult process.”

7th Group Soldier killed in Afghanistan

Year No. 4 edition No. 50

The Red 7 is published by the Northwest Florida Daily News, a pri-vate firm in no way connected with the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) or the U.S. Army.

This publication’s content is not necessarily the official view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. govern-ment, the Department of Defense, the Depart-ment of the Army or 7th Special Forc-es Group (Airborne). The official news source for 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) is http://www.soc.mil/.

The appearance of advertising in this publication does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. govern-ment, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) or the Northwest Florida Daily News for products or services advertised. Ev-erything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national ori-gin, age, marital status, physical handi-cap, political affiliation or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the North-west Florida Daily News.

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Fax: (850) 863-7834e-mail:

[email protected]

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By EARL RIvERs

1 SOMDOS ADAPT Program

In December, many communities will observe National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. One of the important goals of this nation-wide campaign is to encourage Americans to make responsible deci-sions and take appropri-ate measures to prevent drunk, drugged, and dis-tracted driving.

“According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,328 people were killed in distraction-affected crashes in 2012, and driv-ers in their 20s account for 27 percent of the dis-tracted drivers in fatal crashes,” said Capt Reed Reichwald, a clinical psychologist and the 1st Special Operations Medi-cal Operations Squadron Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program manager. “Also, an estimated 421,000 people were injured in mo-tor vehicle crashes that in-volved a distracted driver

in 2012.”Distracted driving is

any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. Distracted driving endangers driver, passenger and bystander safety – types of distrac-tions include: Texting Using a cell phone or

smartphone Eating and drinking Talking to

passengers Grooming Reading, including

maps Using a navigation

system Watching a video Adjusting a radio, CD

player, or MP3 playerText messaging is by

far the most alarming distraction because it re-quires visual, manual, and cognitive attention from the driver.

Also, during the holi-day season, Americans celebrate with friends, family and neighbors. For many people, this “holiday cheer” involves consum-ing alcohol at parties

and other social events. Therefore, if you choose to consume alcohol, it’s vital that you drink responsibly.

“To further promote re-sponsible alcohol use, the National Institute on Al-cohol Abuse and Alcohol-ism recommends low-risk drinking. Low-risk drink-ing is men consuming no more than 4 drinks on any single day and no more than 14 drinks per week; and women consuming no more than 3 drinks on any single day and no more than 7 drinks per week,” added Capt Reichwald.

A standard drink con-tains about one-half ounce of pure alcohol. Generally, this amount of pure alco-hol is found in 12 ounces of regular beer, 8 ounces of malt liquor, 5 ounces of wine, or 1½ ounces of 80-proof liquor.

Alcohol and drugs, both illicit and prescribed, can impair judgment, reac-tion time, motor skills and memory; thus, degrading an individual’s ability to drive safely. In the U.S., during 2012, a staggering 10,322 people lost their lives in traffic crashes in-volving a drunk driver.

Following these easy steps, a driver can enjoy a safe and festive holiday season without jeopardiz-ing their life and the lives of others who may be on the road: Plan a safe way home

before the party begins. Before drinking,

designate a sober driver and give that person your keys. If impaired, use a

taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation to

get home safely. Use your communi-

ty’s sober ride programs, like Airman Against Drunk Driving. If you happen to see

an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement. Remember, if you

know someone who is about to drive while im-paired, or ride with an impaired driver, take their keys and help them make other arrangements. Don’t drive drowsy.

Driving for more than 8 hours after a normal day’s activities is equivalent to driving with a blood alco-hol level of 0.05-0.08.

“The holidays should be a time for celebration, not tragedy,” Capt Reich-wald said. “Please help us make our roadways safe by never driving after drinking and never engag-ing in distracted-driving.”

For more informa-tion, please contact the Hurlburt Field ADAPT

Program at (850) 881-4237. The ADAPT Program provides a wide range of prevention, evaluation and treatment services to ac-tive duty members. The ADAPT Program is locat-ed on the second floor of the Hurlburt Clinic. Fam-ily members of active duty personnel should contact TriCare-partner Value Options at (800) 700-8646 for information and as-sistance in obtaining sub-stance abuse evaluation and treatment services.

national Impaired Driving Prevention MonthDistracted driving is any activity that could divert a person’s attention away from the primary task of driving. Distracted driving endangers driver,

passenger and bystander safety.

By KELLY HUMPHREY Northwest Florida Daily News

After years of combat, Rob Pa-bel thought that he had grown numb to the news of another military casualty. But that was before he learned that SSgt. Matt Ammerman of the 7th Special Forces Group had been killed in action.

“When you hear about stuff like that, it hurts, but you pro-cess it and move on,” he said. “But when I heard about Matt, it just struck a nerve. I broke down.”

A native of Fort Walton Beach who currently lives in Alaska, Pabel was Ammerman’s squad leader when the two were de-ployed to Iraq in 2006 with the Army’s 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment.

“We were together in Iraq for 14 months,” Pabel recalled. “It’s so ironic, because we were the only squad in the entire company that didn’t get a Purple Heart. We were in some pretty hairy situations, and it seemed like every squad lost somebody. But not us. Not a scratch.”

Pabel praised Ammerman as “such a low-maintenance, great guy. He always did everything right.”

During their tour of duty in Iraq, Pabel and Ammerman’s squad performed clearance

operations, going from house to house searching for weapons caches and insurgents. Later in the tour, they were in high demand as escorts for Explosive

Ordnance Disposal teams. “Early on, it wasn’t that

stressful,” Pabel recalled. “But when we got to Fallujah, it was different. Those guys were pros,

not just your rag tag fanatics. They knew what they were doing.”

A soldier’s soldier

STaFF SgT. MaTThew

aMMerMaN

sPEcIAL to tHE DAILY NEws

Matthew Ammerman, nicknamed “HammerTime,” deployed to Iraq in 2006. He was killed in action on Dec. 3 while serving in Afghanistan with the 7th Special Forces Group.

Despite the constant danger and stress, Pablel said Ammer-man — whose nickname was “Hammertime” — always maintained his composure.

“Matt was one of the few who didn’t seem to be affected,” he said. “I had to deal with a lot of guys breaking down emotional-ly, but not Matt. If he was scared, he never showed it, although I’m sure he was just as terrified as the rest of us.”

Pabel said Ammer-man’s leadership skills and work ethic convinced

him that he had a great future in the Army.

“A lot of the guys would talk about wanting to get into Special Forces, but with them it was just that — talk,” he said. “But with Matt, it was different. I knew he would make it. He was always taking the initiative — always look-ing for ways to make our situation better.

“When you think about the quality of soldier that he was, it’s hard to fathom this kind of thing happen-ing,” he added. “Whoever got him must have been darn good.”See SolDIer Page 3

SolDIer FroM Page 2

| THE RED 7 | Friday, December 12, 2014 Friday, December 12, 2014 | THE RED 7 | Page 5

AF, Army EOD deliver for base toy drive

sAMUEL KING JR. | USAF

Above, a line of Army explosive ordnance disposal students drop off toys for the base’s annual toy distribution drive Dec. 2 at Bldg. 615 on Eglin Air Force Base. More than 200 active duty members and their families picked out the toys, books and bikes Dec. 5-6. At top, An Army explosive ordnance disposal student carries a toy to be delivered.


A line of Air Force explosive ordnance disposal students drop off toys for the base’s annual toy distribution drive Dec. 4 at Bldg. 615 on Eglin Air Force Base. More than 200 active duty mem-bers and their families picked out the toys, books and bikes Dec. 5-6.


An Army explosive ordnance disposal student formation stands ready to salute the National Anthem prior to the group marching to Bldg. 615 to deliver toys for the base’s annual toy distribution drive Dec. 2 at Eglin Air Force Base. More than 200 active duty members and their families picked out the toys, books and bikes Dec. 5-6.


An Army explosive ordnance disposal student salutes during the National Anthem prior to the group marching to Bldg. 615 to deliver toys for the base’s annual toy distribution drive Dec. 2 at Eglin Air Force Base.

| THE RED 7 | Friday, December 12, 2014 Friday, December 12, 2014 | THE RED 7 | Page 7

Military folks will see compensation packages pinched in 2015 under a deal struck this week by House and Senate nego-tiators finalizing pay and benefit changes in the fiscal 2015 defense autho-rization bill.

But the compensa-tion pinch in 2015 could become a more hurtful punch starting in 2016, the armed services com-mittees warn, if the new Congress fails to rollback defense spending cuts of $50 billion a year still mandated by the Budget Control Act and its “se-questration” cutting tool.

As expected, the Jan. 1 military pay raise will be capped for a second straight year at 1 percent versus 1.8 percent to

keep pace with pri-vate sec-tor wage growth. But House negotia-tors have persuaded senators to soften provisions

for dampening stateside housing allowances and for raising beneficiary co-pays on drug prescrip-tions that are not filled on base.

More dramatic, multi-year hikes in drug co-pays embraced in May by the Senate committee have been replaced by a stand-alone $3 increase for non-active duty beneficiaries filling prescriptions at

retail outlets or through the TRICARE mail order program.

The co-pay increases take effect as soon as the bill is signed but TRICARE likely won’t be ready to implement before Feb. 1. At retail outlets military family members and retirees would pay $8 instead of $5 for generic drugs and $20 versus $17 for brand name drugs on the military formulary.

Non-active duty benefi-ciaries using home deliv-ery would pay $16 instead of $13 for a three-month supply of brand name drugs on the formulary, and $46 rather than $43 for non-formulary brand names.

Since March TRICARE has required older ben-

eficiaries, for at least one year, to get non-generic maintenance drugs filled by mail or on base. The new defense bill would make this pilot program permanent, not just for the elderly but for all non-active duty beneficiaries needing medicine for chronic conditions. Also, brand name drugs not on the formulary would be available only by mail or-der. These changes are to take effect Oct. 1, 2015.

The House-Senate deal also softens a plan to cap Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) increases over three years until service members residing off base pay five percent of average rental costs out of pocket. The com-promise would pare BAH

rate hikes in 2015 only and by only one percent. And BAH rate protection will shield current recipients from the change until they move to their next state-side assignment.

In a “joint explanatory statement” on the com-promises reached, the House-Senate conferees warn that heftier compen-sation savings sought by the Joint Chiefs will be revisited after the Military Compensation and Re-tirement Modernization Commissions delivers its recommendations in February, particularly if planned defense budget cuts are not eased.

“If sequestration-level budgets remain in effect for fiscal 2016 and beyond, DOD will need to make

painful cuts and achieve substantial savings across its entire budget [to] avoid an unacceptable reduction in readiness,” the statement says. “The Chiefs have urged us to take all action necessary, including compensation adjustments, to avoid such readiness impacts.”

The conferees also clarify that their deal on BAH and drug co-pays for 2015 “preserves the option for Congress to achieve most of the savings” sought by the chiefs in pharmacy co-pays through 2024 and also “full savings” they sought in housing allow-ances, if needed to protect readiness.

The Congressional Budget Office told con-ferees the chiefs’ more aggressive plan on drug co-pays, which the Senate committee had approved, would have cut personnel costs by $13.2 billion over a decade. Those 10-year savings are only $2.3 bil-lion under the compro-mise, leaving almost $11 billion in added savings that their committees will eye again next year.

CBO also estimated that the deal lowered sav-ings in BAH over 10 years from $9.8 billion down to $2.1 billion. Again, that will be $7.7 billion in po-tential savings that will be needed if the new Con-gress, with Republicans in control of both chambers, fails to ease sequestration starting in 2016.

Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), the armed services committee chair-man retiring next month, issued a statement with its ranking Republican James M. Inhofe (Okla.) that, if sequestration survives, deeper com-pensation curbs will be needed “to avoid drastic reductions in military readiness.”

Rep. Harold “Buck” McKeon (R-Calif.), House committee chairman who also is retiring, won praise from military associations for blunting the compen-sation curbs senators had endorsed. But the com-mittee’s top member, Rep. Adam Smith (Wash.), sug-gested a false victory. It was Congress that forced sequestration on the mili-tary, he said, yet it refuses “to help the department deal with the consequenc-es of that idiotic policy.”

Days before the defense bill deal was struck, Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs, told a Washington D.C. defense forum that readiness is falling to the lowest point

he has seen in 40 years of service. He blamed it on defense budgets being squeeze between mind-less sequestration and lawmakers’ refusal to curb manpower costs.

Last February the chief had unveiled a plan to save $11 billion in com-pensation over the next five years through a series of military pay caps, by ending TRICARE Prime, the military’s managed care benefit, by sharply raising various TRICARE fees and by slashing com-missary funding over three years by more than two-thirds, which would devalue shopper discount.

“But we’re not getting any of them,” Dempsey complained.

The defense bill, which the House and Senate hope to pass by mid-De-cember, allowing no floor debate or amendments, contains scores of other personnel provisions, to be detailed here in future columns. But two are rel-evant to the Joint Chiefs’ pursuit of compensation reforms.

One will block a Jan. 1 pay raise for flag and general officers. The sec-ond accepts half of the $200 million first-year cut to commissary funding

sought by the chiefs. It was the House commit-tee that backed the $100 million (7.5 percent) hit to the Defense Commis-

sary Agency after DeCA signaled it could absorb the cut without impacting shopper savings or ser-vices. But a resale indus-

try official told us cuts to commissary staff or store hours are still likely.

tom Philpott is a syndicated

columnist. You may write to him at Military Update, P.o. Box 231111, centreville, vA 20120-1111; or at [email protected].

2015 pay pinch to be 2016 punch if sequester not lifted

Tom Philpott

See PaY Page 9

PaY FroM Page 8

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| THE RED 7 | Friday, December 12, 2014

2110936

From staff reports

eglin Chapel Christmas meal The Eglin Chapel will

host a Christmas meal at noon Dec. 25 at the Chapel Center Annex for all single dorm dwellers. If you are looking for a place to go on Christmas, come to the Chapel Center for an after-noon of food and fun! If you would like to assist in any-way or for information, con-tact Ch. Capt. Micah Baker at (850)217-9116, 882-2111 (office) or [email protected].

holiday Big BingoEglin’s Bayview Club

knows how to spell the se-cret to great riches: “B-I-N-G-O!” Holiday Bingo starts with Bar Bingo at 6 p.m., Early Bird Bingo at 6:30 p.m. and Regular Bingo at 7 p.m. Dec. 17-18.There will be three $1000 jackpots given away plus $50 cash for straight and $250 cash for coverall. Prizes may be adjusted per participation. Play is open to all ranks military and ci-vilian, family members and guests ages 18 and older. If you’re already a regu-lar player, bring a friend with you to play who’s not a current bingo player and you’ll receive a free 15-game pack. 651-1010

Parents Night outNeed to do some holiday

shopping without the kids? The next Parents Night Out will be from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Dec. 13. This event is available for children ages six weeks to 12 years for $25 per child and will offer games, movies and art ac-tivities. All children must be preregistered. For infor-mation or to make reser-vations, call the CDC III, 882-5519.

Money 101: Budgeting BasicsStay out of debt this holi-

day season at 1 p.m. Dec. 18. Learn how to create a plan for spending and saving money so you can achieve your goals while still having fun. To register, call A&FRC, 882-9060.

6-week weight loss Challenge

Registration and the ini-tial weigh-in for a 6-Week Weight Loss Challenge kicks off Jan. 5 at the Eglin Fitness Annex, and contin-ues through Jan. 16, every weekday from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Weight loss incentive prizes will be awarded throughout the competition, with 1st and 2nd place male and fe-male prizes awarded after the close of the competition. Cost for participating is $10 paid at registration time. Participants are invited to kick-off their challenge at the Resolution Run/Walk. For in-formation, call 883-9127.

resolution runThe Eglin Fitness Cen-

ter invites everyone to cel-ebrate the New Year and hit the ground running with Eglin’s annual Resolution 3-Mile Run/Walk at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 16. Starting line is at the CE pavilion on Cypress Road. Top three male and female finishers will be awarded prizes. Wear appro-priate gear for cool weather. Participation is free for all personnel, no registration required.

happy holiday Marina Dec. 12“Rec” the halls with holi-

day cheer. All families are invited to attend this free event from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 12 at Post’l Point. Dress your seasonal best and par-

ticipate in a Holiday Spirit Costume Contest, enjoy mu-sic, a variety of kids’ crafts and games, hot chocolate, cookies and have your photo taken with Santa — Outdoor Rec style, complete with snow! Pet Welfare will be on hand with some of their furry friends. For informa-tion, contact Outdoor Rec, 882-5058.

reindeer gallop Dec. 12

Everyone’s welcome to stay fit and show some holi-day spirit by joining the Eg-lin Fitness Center for their Reindeer Gallop 3-Mile Run/Walk, Dec. 12, with a show time of 1:30 p.m. Participants are invited to dress for the occasion with antlers, red noses, elf costumes or what-ever the season inspires. Video cameras will be roll-ing. There will be drawings for prizes, along with other fun and games. The event is free, no registration re-quired. Starting line is at the CE Pavilion on Cypress Road, where all activities will kick off at showtime. See you there! For information, contact the Fitness Center at 883-1682.

Boot Bowl proceeds go to Fisher house

Come out and support the second annual Boot Bowl flag football tournament between Air Force, Navy and Army on Dec. 13 at the Niceville High School Foot-ball Stadium. Gates open at 9 a.m. with kickoff at 10 a.m.

Admission is $5 (kids un-der 10 are free) and proceeds go to support the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast. The wrist band you receive for admission will also get you free pizza at Helen Back after the game. The Service with the most in attendance will be recognized with the People’s Choice Award.

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