439th Airlift Wing - Westover Air Reserve BaseJuly 2005 - Vol. 32, No. 7

WELCOME PORTERS - Members of the 42ndAerial Port Squadron are welcomed home June 7by family members (pictured below). The aerialporters returned from a four-month deployment inKandahar, Afghanistan. They are, from left, Tech.Sgt. Thomas Wilk, Master Sgt. Louis Curto, Tech.Sgt. Jeffrey Green, Staff Sgt. Daniel Reeve, andTech. Sgts. Dana Dupuis and Gerard Cote. Turn toPage 5 for another photo of the deployers’ return.

(photos by Master Sgt. W.C. Pope)

Briefs

July 2005 Volume 32Number 7

439th Airlift Wing commander Col. Wade FarrisChief of Public Affairs Maj. Jennifer ChristovichWing Public Affairs Officer Maj. Wilson CameloNCOIC Senior Master Sgt. Sandi M. MichonDeputy NCOIC Master Sgt. Tom N. AlloccoIllustrator Master Sgt. W.C. PopeAir Reserve Technician/Editor Tech. Sgt. Andrew S. Biscoe

439Patriot.Editor@westover.af.mil- (413) 557-3500 -

www.afrc.af.mil/439aw

Staff Master Sgt. Anne C. Ward Staff Sgt. Paul N. Flipse Staff Sgt. Tom R. Ouellette Senior Airman Michael S. LanzaAdministration Senior Airman Erika L. Sambrook

“This funded Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. militaryservices. Contents of the PATRIOT are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by the U.S.Government, the Department of Defense, or the Department of the Air Force.”

“The content is edited, prepared and provided by the 439th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office,Westover Air Reserve Base. All photographs are Air Force photographs unless otherwise indicated.”

CommentaryJULY 2005 PAGE 2

Col.Michael J.

Marten

439th AirliftWing vice

commander

No sick call available atmedical facility

No sick call is available at the 439th

Aerospace Medicine Squadron’s medi-cal facility on Walker Avenue until fur-ther notice.

For further information, call Ext.3565.

Combat arms trainingstaff seeks instructors

The combat arms section of the 439th

Security Forces Squadron seeks instruc-tors to train Patriot Wing reservists inweapons handling and firing procedures.

For more information, call Maj.Wesley Thiel at Ext. 3875 or Chief Mas-ter Sgt. Frank Puopolo at Ext.3976.

Range is off-limits tounauthorized people

The small arms range is off-limits tounauthorized personnel. The range is lo-cated on Training Avenue across from theDogpatch area.

“Trespassing on the small arms rangeis not only illegal, it is also dangerous be-cause of live fire,” said Master Sgt. QuinnD. Moriarty, noncommissioned officer incharge of combat arms. If there is a needfor valid entry in the small arms range,call the combat arms section at Ext. 2060or the law enforcement desk at Ext. 3557.

Mission and people are always a delicate balancing act.Take care of your people because we cannot do the mission

without them. We support the mission because that is the veryessence of why we are here.

One thing that is always constant with the mission is change.With that comes challenges and opportunities. Look into the futureand you can see our plates are full. While I realize that the opstempo has been high since the events of 9/11, we need to ramp upone more time. In August we will have more inspections on thisbase at one time than I can ever remember. And after a short breakwe will start pushing on the preparation process for the big wingORI in August 2006.

And by the way, we will have to react to the potential additionof an Armed Forces Reserve Center as the BRAC process unfoldsover the next six months. If that happens, every agency andsquadron on this base will be affected and will have to react insome way. All of this will be exciting. It means a lot of hard work.The demands are numerous: new committees, re-invigoration of oldcommittees, new regulations, potential new construction and continuing to supportthe war effort and keep our people trained.

With limited resources there is only one way we will meet the challenges of themission in the future. Teamwork will be the way to get there. We need to findsolutions that support the mission and the people. “Turf battles,” and they will erupt,have to be avoided. We have to approach the issues with the attitude of how can wemake it happen, not why we can’t do it. And at the same time, we take care of ourpeople.

As you get older you look back and see there were times, and they do nothappen often, that were really special in your life and your military career. There aretimes when all the right people - and that means you - are at the right place -Westover - at the right time - which is now. Whether you realize it or not, this is oneof those times. You will look back with pride and say we got it done and we did itright.

When the inspectors leave, there would be nothing greater to hear them say,“Westover has their eye squarely on the mission.” I already know that. We wantthem to know it. Outstanding results are what you, the men and women of Westover,expect and deserve. I look forward to sharing the satisfaction of a job well done.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Turn to page 7 for some pre-inspection tips from ColonelMarten.

Teamwork brings inspection successIG reminds AFmembers about theirrights

The Inspector General (IG) of the AirForce reminds members they have theright to:

- File a complaint at any level with-out going through their supervisory chan-nel.

- File a complaint with an InspectorGeneral without fear of reprisal.

- Submit complaints anonymously.- Submit a complaint even if the

member is not the wronged party or wasnot affected by the alleged violation.

For information, call the 439th Air-lift Wing IG, Lt. Col. Patricia Evans, atExt. 3137 or DSN 589-3137.

JANUARY 2005 PAGE 3NewsJULY 2005 PAGE3

At the direction of Air Force Chief ofStaff Gen. John P. Jumper, Westover’s se-nior leadership has set up a sexual assaultresponse program to protect victims ofsexual assault.

Reservists who may have been sexu-ally assaulted while on military status cancall Maj. Marie L. Dufault, an air reservetechnician assigned to the 439th Aeromedi-cal Evacuation Squadron. She is the point

CSAF-directed program protects sexual assault victimsof contact until a permanent employee is hiredat Westover as the sexual assault responsecoordinator (SARC).

Major Dufault may be reached at (413)687-3543. The alternate point of contact isMaj. Diane Baynon. Her number is 413-687-3544.

Only reservists who are on active dutyorders or UTA status may use the program.

Col. Michael J. Marten, 439th Airlift

Wing vice commander, said that threat ofanyone being sexually assaulted is takenvery seriously by all levels of Air Force lead-ership.

“Sexual assault is no joke,” ColonelMarten said. “Your confidentiality is re-spected. We want people to feel comfort-able using this program, should they needto.”

photo by Master Sgt. Anne Ward

Senator Kerry tours base

SENATOR’S TOUR – Sen. John F. Kerry (D-Mass.) talks with aircrewand maintenance members during his tour of a C-5 and theWestover control tower June 2. Senator Kerry, who is also a pilot,sat in the cockpit of the C-5 during his visit to the base.

Pending BRAC approvalcould see $96 million in newbase construction

Base officials expect to receive up to $96.1 million in new con-struction funding if the current recommendations of the Base Re-alignment and Closure Committee (BRAC) are approved.

Funding will be used to build the proposed new Armed ForcesReserve Center that may house over 1,000 soldiers and civilianemployees from several Army reserve units in Massachusetts underBRAC recommendations announced in May.

Original manpower figures stated that Westover would gain 80Army people, however Department of Defense BRAC officials re-cently refined their initial assessment and stated the base would gain150 active-duty Army, 830 Army reservists and 82 full-time unitspecialists.

The Department of Defense released the list to the BRAC com-mission made up of independent members who are responsible forreviewing and suggesting changes to the Secretary’s recommenda-tions before forwarding them to the President by Sept. 8.

The president will have until Sept. 23 to accept or reject therecommendations in their entirety and if accepted, Congress willhave 45 legislative days to reject the recommendations in their en-tirety or they become binding on the department.

The BRAC Web page is www.af.mil/brac

by Tech. Sgt. David A. JablonskiAir Force Print News

WASHINGTON - Blue and green tiger stripes are out; thedigitized pattern with subdued green, tan, blue and gray is in.

After reviewing more than 150,000 bits of feedback through-out the initial seven-month wear test of the proposed utility uniform,Air Force leaders recently decided to eliminate the original colorscheme and conduct a limited field test of the new pattern.

Special operations and survival, evasion, resistance and escapeAirmen will conduct a limited wear test of the new design at EglinAir Force Base, Fla., Hurlburt Field, Fla., and Fairchild AFB, Wash.,in June. “The sole purpose of the test will be to see if we can add anyfeatures to the uniform to make it a better uniform in the field and todetermine if the new colors (and) pattern provide camouflage pro-tection they need in the field,” said Senior Master Sgt. Dana Athnos,Air Force uniform board superintendent.Airmen

Air Force finalizes new blueand gray utility uniform

see UNIFORM continued on Page 13

PAGE 2JULY 2005 News

by Master Sgt. Tom Allocco

The distinguished guest during the Chiefs’ Induction ceremo-nies held in June was Chief Master Sgt. Troy J. McIntosh, who wasat the Pentagon during the 9/11 terrorist attack and continues toserve as Superintendent of Active Guard and Reserve Managementin the Office of the Air Force Reserve.

Chief McIntosh joined the Air Force in 1981 as a security spe-cialist. In 1991 he participated as a personnel specialist in ProvideComfort I, II and III, which airlifted aid to the Kurds of northernIraq following Desert Storm. During the 1990s he served for sevenyears in the Air National Guard before joining the Air Force Re-serve.

The chief’s military awards include the Airman’s Medal in rec-ognition for his response while stationed at the Pentagon when itwas hit during the 9/11 Attack on America. One month later he de-ployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as the PersonnelDirector, Joint Forces Special Operations Command.

by Staff Sgt. Thomas R. Ouellette

The Patriot Wing held a special ceremony June 4 at theWestover Club to honor its newest senior noncommissioned of-ficers.

The first-of-its-kind event, called the Westover Chiefs’ Pro-motion Recognition Ceremony, welcomed Glenn R. Brault, 439th

Airlift Wing Finance Office; Anthony C. Colucci and Thomas V.Dzwonkus, 337th Airlift Squadron; William D. Groeber, 439th Air-craft Maintenance Squadron, and Dennis Leydet, 439th Commu-nication Squadron, to the rank of chief master sergeant.

The wing’s newest chiefs join an elite group. Only one per-cent of the total enlisted force earns this top rank. The promoteesbring to 31 the number of Patriot Wing chiefs.

Eighty-five guests, wearing mess dress and formal wear, at-tended the induction ceremony. One of the event’s most uniqueand memorable features, the Chief’s Candle Lighting Ceremony,took place midway during the party.

The five promotees took center stage and witnessed the light-ing of nine candles, aligned in ascending order with each candlerepresenting one of the enlisted ranks. The candles serve as re-minders that each rank lights the path to the next rank. Addition-ally, candles symbolize the promotees charge to light the way forothers to follow.

The ceremony’s distinguished guest was Chief Master Sgt.Troy J. McIntosh, Superintendent of the Active Guard and Re-serve Management Office of the Air Force Reserve. Chief McIn-tosh, who visited from the Pentagon, offered praise and encour-agement to the promotees during his speech to the guests.

Providing a mix of rock ’n’ roll, country and pop music dur-ing the festive event was the Air Force’s Band of Liberty, “After-

Top EchelonPatriot Wing welcomes five newest chiefs

burner,” from Hanscom AFB.The promotees’ spouses were honored as well.“The ceremony was to celebrate the promotees formal induc-

tion into the Westover Chief’s Council and to formally recognizetheir promotion to Chief Master Sergeant,” said Chief Master Sgt.Tammy H. Vezina, 439th Mission Support Squadron. “But it wasalso a time to recognize their spouses for being at their side duringthe good times as well as the bad times. It was the spouses whocared for the families when their duties prevented them from be-ing there.”

CHIEF’S MOMENT - Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Dzwonkus, chiefloadmaster for the 337th Airlift Squadron, wears his medal at theChiefs’ Induction Ceremony June 4 held at the Westover Club.

photo by Maj. Casey Ajalat, 439th Communications Squadron commander

SPECIAL VISITOR – Chief Master Sgt. Troy J. McIntosh (far left),Superintendent of the Active Guard and Reserve Management Officeof the Air Force Reserve, was the distinguished guest at the Chiefs’Induction Ceremonies June 4 at the Westover Club. Also pictured are,from left, 439th Airlift Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Jeff Sherwin,Col. Belinda R. Morrone, 439th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadroncommander, and Col. James R. Hosey, retired 439th AW vice commander.

photo by Maj. Casey Ajalat, 439th Communications Squadron commander

see CHIEF continued on Page 5

Chief McIntosh attends chiefs’ceremony, visits Commander’sCalls

Air Reserve Personnel Center officials no longer mail pointcredit summaries to Air Force reservists.

Guardsmen and reservists received an Air Force Form 526,Air National Guard/Air Force Reserve Point Credit Summary, an-nually since October 1972. They must now use the virtual militarypersonnel flight to print a copy of their point credit information. AirForce officials are also eliminating the form itself and will no longerplace it on microfilm.

As a result, point credit information will reside in data form inthe military personnel data system where specialists will obtain itby pulling products from the system. They will use these productsto verify reservists’ service.Reservists can print their summary ofpoints using the vMPF and maintain copies in their personal files inthe same manner as leave and earnings statements and other impor-tant documents.

Whether at home, at work or while deployed, reservists havethe means to access their point credit information. For more infor-mation about credit of points, reservists can call ARPC headquar-ters at (800) 525-0102. They can access the vMPF online atwww.afpc.randolph.af.mil/vs/.

Reservists with questions may call customer service section ofthe military personnel flight at Ext. 3874.

JULY 2005 PAGE 5News

Chief McIntosh participated in enlisted and officers’ Com-manders Calls while at Westover during the June A UTA. He dis-cussed from his perspective at the Pentagon a range of currentissues inaffecting the Reserve forces and be an advocate for andrepresent enlisted members of all services of the Reserve Compo-nent.

The Reserve Enlisted Association’s mission is to support na-tional security and homeland defense, with an emphasis on readi-ness, training, and quality of life issues affecting the welfare ofReservists and their families and survivors. Among goals of theReserve Enlisted Association are to enhance the image of enlistedReservists; support programs honoring veterans and promotingpatriotic activities; and strengthen positive relationships amongenlisted Reservists, and military and civilian communities.

Annual membership in the Reserve Enlisted Association isstaggered from $20 for Airmen to $40 for senior NCOs.

CHIEF continued from Page 4

CATCH THIS - Staff Sgt. John Shepard plays catch with a boyduring a recent humanitarian visit to a local village. He is achaplain’s assistant with the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing atBalad Air Base, Iraq. Sergeant Shepard, a chaplain’s assistantwith the 439th Airlift Wing, is scheduled to be deployed untilSeptember.

photo by Senior Airman Shaun Emery, 332nd AEW Public Affairs

Here’s the catch

HUGS AT HOME – Family members of Tech. Sgt. Kathleen Busch,42nd Aerial Port Squadron, welcome the deployed reservist homefrom her four-month deployment in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The aerialporters came home on a Westover C-5 June 7.

photo by Master Sgt. W.C. Pope

Point credit summariesavailable electronically

Home at last

JULY 2005 PATRIOT

by Master Sgt. Tom Allocco

In the war on terror, wounded troops areliving to return to their families because thebest trained medical people in the world arewith them, from front line to hospital bed.

The Patriot Wing’s medical teams, manyof whom have served in combat zones, did adry run rehearsal of their life-saving skills inTeam Yankee exercises across Westover dur-ing the May B UTA.

The medical specialists of the 439th Aero-medical Staging Squadron and 439th Aero-medical Evacuation Squadron joined otherArmy, Navy, Marine and civilian medicalteams from across New England to practicethe medical expertise needed to save troopsbloodied and burned in war.

This year’s Team Yankee joint trainingevent was the 15th in the series of what theparticipants consider the premier militarymilitary/civilian medical exercise in NewEngland.

The scenario started with combat inDogpatch after which young volunteers fromthe Civil Air Patrol and Young Marines weremoulaged to show the effects of high explo-sives and fire.

In the real world war on terror, from themoment troops are hit, the clock began tick-ing to get them initial first aid, move them toan AES mobile aerial staging facility(MASF) near the front line for stabilizationto be evacuated further back to an ASTS con-tingency aeromedical staging facility(CASF). The primary mission of the CASFis to ensure that patients are medically andadministratively prepared for flight back topermanent hospitals. In the war on terror theCASF medical teams prepare casualties tobe flown to Germany or the United States.

The annual Team Yankee brings togetherWestover medical specialists with those fromevery military service branch and New En-gland civilian disaster medical assistance

volunteers, together with C-130 Hercules andBlackhawk helicopter aircrews. The joint ser-vice nature of the exercise is considered oneof the most important benefits of the train-ing.

“It is important that we learn to workwith the other services. Team Yankee is oneof the only times we get to practice on theaircraft. This is what we would do in a realworld situation and so it is valuable to us,”said Maj. Reid A. Squier, 439th ASTS execu-tive officer, who has trained in four Team Yan-kee exercises and served in Kuwait.

During Team Yankee, Major Squire di-rected more than 100 ASTS medical special-ists in a simulated CASF operation in the BaseHangar. The doctors, nurses and medical spe-cialists contributed to the exercise a widerange of medical experience in the war onterror.

During much of 2003 ASTS medical spe-cialists served at Ramstein AB, Germanytreating casualties evacuated from OperationIraqi Freedom. During OIF other ASTStreated patients at a base in the Middle East.Tech. Sgt. Jenny Koester and Staff Sgt.Patrick Corliss served at Balad, Iraq in 2004.In January of this year 22 439th ASTS mem-bers returned from four months service inKuwait.

During Team Yankee scenarios two WestVirginia Air National Guard C-130s deliv-ered 20 simulated wounded troops. Four morecasualties arrived on two Army National

Team Yankee challenges Patriot Wing medical reservists

Guard Blackhawks evacuation missions. AESmedical specialists loaded patients by litteronto the aircraft in Dogpatch. When the Her-cules and Blackhawks landed near the BaseHangar, teams of ASTS litter bearers werewaiting to run to the plane and move patientsto cots and medical facilities in the hangar.

The 15th Team Yankee joint training eventat Westover concluded with the last patientsstabilized and prepared for simulated evacu-ation to Europe or the United States. When itwas over the diverse military and civilianmedical teams had reaffirmed that whentroops fall in the war on terror the best trainedmedical specialists in the world will be thereto bring them home.

photos by Maj. Reid Squier, 439th ASTS

CARRIED AWAY - Aeromedical reservists carry a “patient” near the Base Hangar during theTeam Yankee exercise held in May. They are, from left to right: Senior Airman Michael Cormier,Maj. Constance Gault, Airman Glenn Busch, and Senior Airman Kenneth Collins.

ALL ABOARD - Reservists take a “patient”aboard a West Virginia Air National Guard C-130 Hercules during the Team Yankee exerciseat Westover.

“Team Yankee is one of theonly times we get to practiceon the aircraft. This is whatwe would do in a real worldsituation and so it is valu-

able to us.”

-- Maj. Reid A. Squier, 439thASTS executive officer

PAGE 7JULY 2005

The “Galaxy Adventure” will headlineone of the busiest UTAs of the year in Sep-tember.

“Galaxy Adventure,” for school-age de-pendent children of Westover Air Force re-servists, will be held Sept. 10 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. The Westover Family SupportCenter and Key Family Member Programvolunteers are co-hosting the first-ever “Gal-axy Adventure.” This will be held the sameday as the Family Day picnic.

The deadline for Westover reservists tosign up their children (between the ages of 5and 17 years) is the end of the July B UTA.Reservists need to call the Family SupportCenter at (413) 557-3024 or toll-free (866)690-2161, with their children’s names andages. The information may also be e-mailedto kimberly.babin@westover.af.mil.

Planned “Galaxy Adventure” events in-

‘Galaxy Adventure,’ picnic set for September A UTA

clude tours of reservists’ work areas, and aspecial Commander’s Call for children, whowill receive a Key Family Member coin fromCol. Wade Farris, 439th Airlift Wing com-mander. People with questions or who wouldlike to volunteer for the morning event shouldcall the family support center.

The Family Day Picnic will take place

from noon until 5 p.m. Sept 10. Scheduledevents include hay rides, clowns, volleyball,face painting, a dunking booth, a model air-plane demonstration, and much more. Fam-ily Day will take place across from theballfields near Patriot Avenue.

Family Day is being held for all 439th

Airlift Wing members and their families. TheWestover Chiefs’ Council organizes the bi-annual event. It is sponsored by the GalaxyCommunity Council.For more information onthe picnic, call Chief Master Sgt. WilliamCurrier at Ext. 3521.

The wing volleyball tournament willalso be held Sept. 10.

Any squadrons who wish to play shoulde-mail team rosters by the August B UTA toSenior Master Sgt. James Mitchell, atjames.mitchell@westover.af.mil. His phonenumber is Ext. 3300.

by Col. Michael Martenwing vice commander

At the end of the July A UTA we willhave 21 days until the beginning of ourinspection season.

All of these visits from higher head-quarters will occur during the month ofAugust - most of them during the firstweek.

While I know that by this time all self

inspection checklists should have been run, Iam sure some last-minute items are beingaddressed. As overwhelming as this mayseem, do not forget the basics:

Ensure proper military courtesies andcustoms are followed.

Make sure all members are in compli-ance with AFI 36-2903 (that means 35-10for the more seasoned veterans).

And of course, make sure the shoes areshined.

In the work environment ensure that all

Vice commander shares inspection preparation tipsareas are neat and clean. Be professionaland have a professional workspace.

Treat the inspectors as a guest in yourhome.

Make sure you highlight your bench-mark programs and identify your superiorperformers. Remember Attitude, Attitude,Attitude. It can make the difference betweena write-up and a casual observation.

Let them see that we are one team, withone mission, headed in one direction.

WEATHER BRIEFING – Westoverweather forecasters Robert Gentile,left, and Curt Osgood, explain howthey forecast to students from SelserElementary School in Chicopee duringa base tour May 10. The students’ visitwas part of a school project. Alsoincluded in the tour was a visit to theflight line.

photo by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Biscoe

Weather report

JULY 2005 Fea

TAKING AIM - Students’ marksmanship skills are tested at Westover’s firing range, where accuracy is judged in timed sessions from multiplefiring positions.

INSERT HERE- Tech. Sgt. Christopher F. Kellam, a Westover CATM instructor, teaches students weapon assembly during the three-hourclassroom portion of weapons training.

PAGE 9JULY 2005JULY 2005ature

FIRING SQUAD - Reservists check the front and rear sights on their weapons.

Deployed Airmen from across thegamut of careers are learning the impor-tance of weapons training as they take uparms in areas of responsibility.

“We are in the military and it ispossible to deploy to a hostile area. Justlike you need to know how to put onchemical gear to protect yourself againstchemical and biological attacks, you needto know how to defend yourself againstenemy forces, which is a more commonthreat in today’s deployed environment,”said Master Sgt. Quinn D. Moriarty,noncommissioned officer in charge of thecombat arms training maintenance section.

Combat Arms Training and Mainte-nance, or CATM, is a weapons trainingprogram run by Security Forces squadronsto ensure that every Airman is familiar withfiring and maintaining their weapons.

The course includes a three-hour classon assembly, operation and the rules ofengagement, and two hours at the firingrange. Heavy machine guns and grenadelaunchers require up to six hours of trainingat the firing range in Fort Devens, Mass.,Sergeant Moriarty said.

CATM instructors trained and quali-fied 1,032 reservists in 2003 on weaponsincluding the M-16A2, M-4 carbine, M-249, M-60, M-240, M-9 pistol, M-870shotgun and the M-203 Grenade Launcher,according to the 2003 Combat ArmsTraining Report.

Training frequency is based on arminggroups, with a majority of reserviststraining every three years. Security forcesmembers require the most frequent trainingat Westover, training twice a year.

Ready...

Aim...

Fire

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER - Reservists take apart and assemble their M-16A2 rifles.

Security forceskeep reservistsaiming on targetArticle and photosby Senior Airman Michael Lanza

JULY 2005 PATRIOT

by Lt. Col. Patrick Cloutierchief, wing safety

Summer is finally here and so are the101 Critical Days of Summer.

What are the 101 Critical Days andwhy are they so important?

During the early 1970s, the Air Forcehad large numbers of fatalities throughoutthe summer months. The significantnumber of Air Force member deaths

determined the need for aprogram to help reducepersonnel losses; thus, the101 Critical Daysprogram was born.ThisAir Force-wide campaignhas run annually since theearly 1980s to counter thetraditional increase in AirForce mishaps andfatalities that occur duringthe summer months. Itruns from Memorial Day

to the end of Labor Day.The 101 Critical Days Program is an

intense safety campaign strongly supportedby the Air Force Chief of Staff.

Although the Air Force maintains avigorous safety posture throughout theyear, the summer months’ off-duty activi-ties pose high risks to our people. It is only

logical that we increase our efforts topromote safety awareness and safetyculture during the summer season. Withinvolvement at all levels, this can be thesafest summer ever.

Last year the Air Force lost 31Airmen during the 101 Critical Days.Ninety percent of those were the results ofoff-duty mishaps. Most occurred whileoperating private motor vehicles. Twenty-three of those lost involved motor vehiclesand 11, more than one-third, involvedmotorcycles.

What’s killing our people?The three critical elements are speed,

night time and alcohol. During last year’s101 Critical Days, 16 of the fatalitiesincluded at least one of the factors: mosthad multiple factors.

How do we prevent it? I’d offer upthe words of Gen. John P. Jumper as astart. He said: “Airmen, be goodwingmen. Take care of each other. Step inif your wingmen need help. Enjoy thesummer, but do so safely. We need everyone of you. Make it a personal goal.Weigh the risk, before engaging in theactivity.”

We should all do that. Include yourfamily as your wingmen.Take care offriends and family; take the keys if youhave to.Think about what you are going to

101 Critical Days: Enjoy summer safely, sensibly

do before you do it. Exercise that 101seconds of personal risk management, thengo out and have fun.

Lastly, for those of you that have amotorcycle, please take the MotorcycleSafety Foundation course. If you are onextended orders such as MPA or becomeactivated, you must have the course inorder to ride the bike, either on duty or off.Contact the Wing Safety office at Ext.3122. We’ll tell you how to get the course,and just as important, how we’ll reimburseyou for the cost!

Plan now for a safe summer in 2005.Let’s all enjoy the months of summer,

but let’s enjoy our off-duty time responsi-bly!

ColonelCloutier

by Chaplain (Capt.) William Wiecherwing chaplain

According to the Center for Disease Control, currentlythere are slightly more than 30,000 suicides annually in theU.S.

That averages to 83 suicides per day, or one suicide every17 minutes.

Tragically, suicide is the eighth leading cause of death inthe United States. This trend has not left theAir Force Reserve community untouched. Lastyear, there were six suicide attempts and fivecompletions documented by the Air ForceReserve Surgeon General.

As a community, suicide affects all of useither directly or indirectly, leading to a strongsense of loss; loss of a co-worker, husband,wife, brother, sister and or child. Moreover,suicide deprives the Air Force community of avaluable asset in time and talent. Each of us inthe Air Force Reserve and at Westover has aresponsibility to be aware, to care and reachout to one another, in short, to be a good wingman.

Being a good wingman means taking our suicide preven-tion briefings seriously. It also involves a careful learning and

growing awareness of the signs and indicators of stress, depres-sion and possible suicide ideation.

Supervisors, co-workers, in short, the whole Westovercommunity, has a mutual obligation to look out for one another,and to respond when one suspects the worst occurring in afellow Patriot Wing member’s life and emotional situation.

Often we are afraid to ask the question, “Are you consider-ing suicide?” directly. However, when a caring person, even justasks the question, this will offer relief and a sense of hope forthe person in despair.

Remember: How you ask the question is less important thanthat you ask it. Once the question has been asked, remember totake the time to listen and then most importantly, to refer them tosomeone who can assist them further toward the road to emo-tional stability.

Your willingness to listen and to help can rekindle hope, andmake all the difference. Since almost all efforts to persuadesomeone to live instead of attempt suicide will be met withagreement and relief, do not hesitate to get involved or take thelead.

Taking such action, you as a wingman will be taking care ofanother and in doing so, will be a vehicle for hope and healing.

Commentary

ChaplainWiecher

Looking out for each other helps prevent tragedy

PAGE 11JULY 2005JULY 2005 PAGE 11

In order to compete for the local incentives ‘Get One’ referrals need to be sent to PatriciaSimonds at the Westover recruiting office. There are three ways the information may be sent:1. Call Mrs. Simonds at (413) 557-2125 or DSN 589-2125 let her know you have a ‘Get One’2. E-mail: Patricia.Simonds@Westover.af.mil3. Or fax the information below to: 413-557-2126 or DSN 589-2126

For more information on the Get One program, call Master Sgt. Richard C. Roneree, wingrecruiter. He may be reached at (781) 377-7883, cell (339) 223-0368, or e-mail,Richard.Roneree@Hanscom.af.mil.

REFERRAL INFORMATION

First name, middle initial, last name: ______________________Street address ________________________________________City_________________ State ___________ Zip ____________Home phone number: __________________________________

YOUR INFORMATION

First name, middle initial, last name: ______________________Street address ________________________________________City_________________ State ___________ Zip ____________Home phone number: __________________ Unit: ___________Status (Traditional reservist, air reserve technician, etc.): ______Date of birth: ____________ Rank: ________

Retiree Appreciation Dayto be held Sept. 10

The annual Retiree Appreciation Day,normally held in May, will be held Sept. 10on the A UTA. Activities will take place at10 a.m. in the Base Hangar.

For more information, please call LisaRobert, wing protocol officer, at Ext. 3478.

Briefs

Toastmasters meet onWednesdays at club

The Westover Toastmasters Club meetseach first and third Wednesdays at theWestover Club.

Toastmasters is a worldwide organiza-tion that helps people with improving theircommunications and leadership skills.

The Westover Toastmasters meet at11:30 a.m. Plans call for meetings to be heldlater this year during A UTAs as well.

For more information on Toastmasters,e-mail Tech. Sgt. Andrew S. Biscoe atandrew24@earthlink.net.

‘Get One’ nets recruits for wing

The Westover Chiefs’ Council is offer-ing its new enlisted scholarship program.

Citing education as vital for personaland/or technical development, the councilwanted to show its support by providing three$500 scholarships to be awarded to the win-ner.

Reservists assigned to the 439th AirliftWing from airman basic through senior mas-ter sergeant are eligible to apply. They musthave proof of a 3.0 grade point average. If anapplicant is entering college for the first time,he or she must provide a letter of acceptancefrom the college.

Applicants need to complete the appli-cation form to include an essay entitled “Mygoals as an Air Force enlisted person.”

The applicant should also include an au-tobiography and be recommended by a chiefin the member’s squadron and his or hersquadron commander.

Applications must be submitted by Aug.21 to Chief Master Sgt. Joseph J. Cullen,439th Civil Engineer Squadron. Applicationforms are available through squadron chiefs.Recipients will be awarded the scholarshipmoney in September.

Questions may be directed to Chief Mas-ter Sgt. Tammy H. Vezina at Ext. 3428 orChief Master Sgt. Kathy Wood at Ext. 2876.

Chiefs’ Council offersscholarships to enlisted

Article and photoby Staff Sgt. Tom Ouellette

Westover’s massive, six-story-high stands used for inspect-ing C-5s have a new home, but getting them there wasn’t easy.

The multi-million dollar structures, called isochronal inspec-tion stands, needed to vacate the DC Hangar in April because ofrenovations there.

The 439th Maintenance Squadron’s isochronal inspection teamwas charged with moving the thousand pounds of steel to its newhome, the pull-through hangar, located on the flight line by themain runway.

“Those stands haven’t moved in 15 years. We weren’t surehow to get them there and we had to have them,” said SeniorMaster Sgt. Thomas Cessna, 439th Maintenance Squadron flightchief.

Moving the multi-level stands quickly and correctly was es-sential. The stands “hug” a C-5 tight, engulfing every section ofthe aircraft to allow unlimited access. Without them, the ISO work-ers cannot do their jobs. C-5s require comprehensive inspectionsevery 420 days and are grounded until the multiple tests and cor-responding repairs are completed. The longer it takes ISO to do itsjob the longer a C-5 is grounded, possibly preventing Westoverfrom meeting its airlift mission.

“We inspect the plane from nose-to-tail and wing-to-wing.Everything gets checked out; the hydraulics, electrical work, fuelcells, etc. One of the first things we do is remove more than 220 ofa C-5’s panels for inspection. That’s just the beginning,” said Ser-geant Cessna.

Three ISO Airmen were instrumental in getting the movingprocess started. Master Sgt. Aidan Evelyn, Tech. Sgt. David M.Woelper and Staff Sgt. Paul Tatar grabbed tape measures and sizedup the stands. They then sharpened their pencils and began draft-ing blueprints for the stands’ new location. Once done, they placedmarkers on the pull-through hangar’s floor so the ISO team wouldknow exactly where to position the stands.

The measurements must be exact. The stands, which com-prise of several sections, need to integrate together as one piece.“OSHA requirements say there cannot be more than two inches ofseparation between sections for safety reasons. They worrysomeone’s foot may fall through the stands,” said Sergeant Cessna.

Once satisfied with their blueprints, ISO began dismantlingthe stands. “They collapse. We took them down and we begantowing each section one-by-one into the new hangar,” he said.

Five ISO members, Senior Master Sgt. Robert Merchant, Tech.Sgts. Lawrence Snow, Peter Zaleski, Woelper and Sergeant Tatar,completed the job flawlessly in only seven days. ISO memberssaid they predicted it would take longer because they anticipated

many positioning adjustments.“The stands fitted together perfectly on the first try,” Ser-

geant Cessna said.“The last time we did this, during the Persian Gulf War, it

took us 15 days. We began this move on April 17 and were readyin time for the next scheduled C-5 inspection on May 2,” saidSergeant Merchant, an ISO dock chief.

The stands were not the only thing transferred. EverythingISO has, from the office cubicles to the dozens of tool chests, hadto move as well.

“We had everything in place in only 15 days. Everyone fromISO helped moving equipment,” said Sergeant Merchant.

This won’t be the last time the ISO unit will have to movethe stands. The DC Hangar’s renovations are scheduled to finishin November and the stands will move back there.“We’re ready.If we could do it this time while keeping our inspections going, Idon’t see why we can’t do it again,” said Sergeant Merchant.

Maintenance workers move mountain of metalTaking a stand

STAND UP - Maintenance workers gather near one of the toweringstands that surround the C-5 once the aircraft is in the hangar. Fromleft are, Master Sgt. Charles F. Darling, 439th Maintenance Groupquality assurance; Tech. Sgt. David M. Woepner and Senior AirmanKyle M. Burton, 439th Maintenance Squadron.

“The last time we did this, during thePersian Gulf War, it took us 15 days. Webegan this move on April 17 and were

ready in time for the next scheduled C-5inspection on May 2.”

-- Senior Master Sgt. Robert Merchant

PAGE 12

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PAGE 13

ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE,Md. – A former wing vice commander is thefirst African-American woman in the AirForce Reserve Command – and the Air Force– to command a flying wing.

Col. Stayce Harris accepted commandof the 459th Air Refueling Wing in a cer-emony here May 15.

Before replacing Brig. Gen. RichardSeverson as commander of the 1,300-mem-ber wing, she was vice commander of the507th ARW at Tinker AFB, Okla.

“I believe the Air Force and the militaryas a whole provides opportunities for all,”said Colonel Harris after the ceremony. “Iam just an example of what we can do in themilitary.”

Colonel Harris was born in Los Ange-les, the daughter of a career enlisted man.She gained an appreciation for travel and themilitary as the family moved from place toplace.

In 1977, she graduated from 71st HighSchool in Fayetteville, N.C. She was thenaccepted into the University of SouthernCalifornia on an engineering ROTC schol-arship. Colonel Harris spent her first yearand a half in the Air Force as chief of indus-trial engineering and then as the squadronsection commander of civil engineering atHill AFB, Utah. She then attended pilot train-ing at Williams AFB, Ariz., and becamequalified in the C-141B Starlifter cargo air-

craft.In August 1990, Colonel Harris sepa-

rated from active duty and became an airlinepilot for United Airlines. She flies a Boeing

747-400 aircraft from the West Coast to To-kyo and Sydney, Australia.

For the last 14 years, she has balancedher Air Force career with her civilian airlinecareer.

From April 1991 to February 1995, shewas an air operations officer and C-141 pi-lot in the 445th Airlift Wing at March AirReserve Base, Calif. She was a mobilityforce planner for the Air Force deputy chiefof staff for plans and operations in the Pen-tagon from February 1995 to January 1997.

For the next three years, she served asan individual mobilization augmentee to thedeputy assistant secretary of the Air Forceat the Pentagon.

In February 2000, Colonel Harris re-turned to March ARB first as deputy com-mander of the 452nd Operations Group andthen as commander of the 729th AirliftSquadron. From May 2002 to May 2005,she was vice commander of the 507th ARWat Tinker AFB.

“The Air Force has always been mypassion,” she said, “so this is the job I reallyenjoy keeping because of the people. This iswhere my heart is.”

With more than 2,500 hours flying mili-tary aircraft and 8,000 hours flying forUnited Airlines, she will fly an abbreviatedschedule with United Airlines out of LosAngeles while living in the national capitalregion. (AFRC News Service from a 459thARW news release)

by Drew Milroycivil engineering

Many people have noticed orange andyellow ribbons tied to trees on the urban sideof Westover. Enough people have asked aboutthe ribbons that we are providing the answerand other tree information base-wide.

The ribbons (also known as surveyor’stape) are part of a tree inventory conductedby a University of Massachusetts graduatestudent, Dan Lusty. Each tree is assigned anumber. Most of the trees had metal tags at-tached in the initial inventory in 1998.

The tags have been removed from sometrees , or have grown into them. The ribbonsare temporary and mark the tree number un-til the location of the tree is recorded with aglobal positioning satellite system. People are

and the blossoms, leaf shape, fall color, dis-ease resistance and adaptable growth formthat make Sassafras an excellent native ur-ban tree.

Dr. David Bloniarz, US Forest ServiceUrban Tree expert for the northeast US,briefly discussed the importance of trees inthe community setting and how to have aneffective tree program. Colonel Farris com-mented on the value of our tree program, andother base senior leadership pitched in tohelp. Col. William Anholt, 439th Mainte-nance Group commander, Col. Dana S.Marsh, mission support group commander,and Lt. Col. Michael Kohut, 439th Opera-tions Group, spread mulch aroundWestover’s newest tree.

AT THE CONTROLS - Col. Stayce D. Harriscommands the 459th Air Refueling Wing whichflies KC-135R Stratotankers at Andrews AFB,Md. Colonel Harris became the first African-American woman in the Air Force to commanda flying wing May 15.

African-American woman first to command flying wing

photo by Maj. Rich Curry

Ribbons on trees draw curiosity from base people

asked not to remove the ribbons. Burns andRoe, the base operating support grounds con-tractor, and I will use the inventory to sched-ule pruning and other care of the trees.

As proof of the base taking care of itsnatural resources, Westover received its 8thTree City USA Award in April. This awardis national recognition of the efforts of ourcommunity forestry program in 2004. Ur-ban trees cool and beautify our base, serveas wind breaks, and help clean our air andwater.

Per a declaration by Col. Wade Farris,439th Airlift Wing commander, we cel-ebrated Arbor Day on base in April. MattDodge, with our staff, had a native Sassa-fras tree planted in the courtyard behind Bldg.1850.

He explained the value of native plants

who participated in the initial wear teststopped wearing the more vibrant blue-greenuniform March 1.

The original wear test involved morethan 700 Airmen at 32 bases worldwide whokept detailed daily logs annotating likes, dis-

UNIFORM continued from Page 3 likes and wash-and-wear problems. Theyalso completed three surveys.“Throughoutthe test, Air Force leaders actively solicitedfeedback from testers and observers alike toensure this uniform developed into one thatfit the needs of today’s Airmen,” SergeantAthnos said.

The uniform is scheduled to be procuredin mid-2005, officials said. Airmen can ex-pect to purchase the uniform sometime in fis-cal 2007. The proposed uniform will bephased in over four or five years.

JULY 2005 PATRIOTWestover Patriots

EDITOR’S NOTE: Veteran weatherforecasters Thomas L. Hinckley andRobert G. Bender retired from the weatherstation earlier this year after more than 30years at Westover. The following article,written by weather forecaster BrennaMacDowell, is a tribute to the men fortheir service to the base.

Forecaster trackslong careers of

co-workers

photo by Master Sgt. W.C. Pope

CHIEF RETIRES - Chief Master Sgt. ChrisMenard is congratulated at his retirementceremony by Senior Airman Kate Ouimette,439th Services Squadron. Chief Menard’sretirement marked the end of his 30-yearmilitary career at Westover. The chiefserved as wing command chief for eightyears, base administrator, enlisted qualityofficer, and with the services squadron, allat Westover. He remains in a civiliancapacity at the base as the servicesdirector.

The winds of change recently tookhold of the Westover weather station with

After his year in Korea, Mr. Hinckley wasstationed at Westover. After his dischargefrom active duty, he remained in the area towork as a civilian weather observer atWestover. Another position becameavailable shortly after, and Mr. Benderpacked up his belongings and moved to thenortheast from his home in Indiana.

Mr. Bender relocated to Punta Gorda,Fla., where he purchased a home withgirlfriend Donna Rokowski, to bask in thesunshine. Mr. Hinckley will remain in thearea where he is lovingly known as “TheMayor” of South Hadley due to the closerelations he has with the people of the smallcommunity.

Both will be missed dearly.

The 439th Airlift Wing commander hon-ored the volunteers who contribute to themission accomplishment of the wing May 4.

Col. Wade Farris honored each of thevolunteers during a ceremony held in Bldg.1100.

“Without these people, we couldn’t per-form our mission here,” Colonel Farris said.“Their unselfishness is appreciated by ev-eryone on this base.”

Wing commander honors volunteersfor dedication to Patriot Wing

Chief retires

the departure of two well-loved icons:Thomas Hinckley and Robert Bender.

Mr. Hinckley had observed at theremote observing site across the runwaysince July 1973. Mr. Bender joinedWestover about one year after MrBender.The two life-long friends monitoredthe weather with the precision of a well-oiled machine throughout the time theywere here. The numbers of observations thetwo logged are close to a half million. Theexperience they held will be difficult tomatch.

Both men received weather trainingduring the time they spent on active duty inthe Air Force. They met and becamefriends while on remote tours in Korea.

Pat Ames Susan Austin Carolyn BaranowkiRobert Baranowki Christine Barry Nadia BeloruskyKaren Benoit Cecile Blustine Peggy BuonicontiLori Chandonnet Scott Chapman Maureen CorrowMargaret Cote Melissa Cote Geri D’AgostinoShirley Demers Bruce DeSellier Stanley TokarskiCharlotte Doiron Marilyn Duff Robert DuffErin Dziedzic Chris Fitzell Gay FleuryPamela Fournier John Gannon Laurence GillMary-Lou Goral Gayle Gould Christine GradySuzanne Graham Grace Gray Bonnie GrenierKathryn Grenier Paul Grenier Gloria IlnickiDavid James Debra James Christine KaletaMarie Kaleta Candice Keddy Virginia KeddyBarbara Kovarik Diane Kurr John LauzonGeorgia Lavallee Richard Lavallee Eileen LepineDiane Lewandowski Christopher Lizzotte Malissa LizzotteRachel Lyons Martha Mangini Patricia MaroisVerna McMahon Olive Monks Brendan MrukShamus Mruk William Murray Lucille NiemiecShannon O’Brien Lucille Pare Amy ParnellLaura Pashko Cindy Patnode Dottie PimpareRaymond Pimpare David Rawson Susan RutkowskiChristine Sears Carmella Serafino Carmelo SerafinoNancy Shaw Frances Sheaffer Daniel ShermanChristina Smith Frank Smith Jane SochaAllan Tracy Louise Trudeau Clyde WaiteDorothy Waite Delores Weise Frank SmithMichael Nunziate Gino Cortesi Vic ViglioneClinton Driscoll Walt Grunder Paul WisnewskiGino Fugazzi Virginia Tokarski Phil KnowlesJohn E. Noonan Henry E. Gadreault Robert SteinGeorge Terault Marian Paul Ronald AkinsMaurice Dion John Foley John KimballBen Madamba Frank Monzillo Robert Pozos

Hats Off

PAGE 15

Name: Alana S. GeorgeRank: Airman 1st ClassAge: 30Hometown: West Roxbury, Mass.Unit: 439th Civil Engineer SquadronPosition: Information managerCivilian position: Metered parking enforcement officerFavorite food: Italian cuisineYears of service: 1 ½Favorite sport: SoccerFavorite hobby: DancingIdeal vacation: Trinidad, West Indies (Caribbean)Best way to relax: ReadingPreferred entertainment: MoviesFavorite hero: My mother JaneFavorite music: Contemporary jazzFavorite movie: Crimson TideFavorite aircraft: F-22 RaptorPet peeve: Giving up “easily” on the achievement of your

goalsWhat I would do if I won $1 million: Further my educa-

tion, and establish an organization to aid the less fortunate

Airman 1st Class Alana S. George

Patriot People

phot

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Sta

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gt. P

aul F

lips

e

* First oak leaf cluster ** Second oak leaf cluster

Patriot Praises

Awards and Decorations

Reenlistments:

Technical sergeantScott M. ForbesTeresa A. FowlerJohn GallagherDavid R. GeorgeStephen P. GiordanoEric R. GoodkowskyAndre H. GreeneThomas F. GriffinMichael A. HallGary R. JosefiakStephen F. MelloMatt David MorganCraig A. MorrisGary Alan MerrittChristopher PandolfiSteven Richard PelletierRebecca L. PinaSharon E. SilvaRichard M. StruthersDaniel T. SullivanJoni M. ThomasRichard P. TitcombRichard J. TowlsonEllen M. VanloonWilliam M. WatsonDebra J. WilcoxThomas R. WilliamsJeanpierre Wood

Staff sergeantOrlando J. BallestasGuy Michael BensonAaron R. CharbonneauRebecca J. DuvallChristian EscobarPeter G. GagnonJason A. GendronRussell A. Hedges

Victor M. MarkeyKarla M. McgrathAluin MoralesDonahue R. PintoRobert Q. SteelePaul J. Tatar IIKerry Anne Trombly

Jason J. WeaverJeffrey W. Zercie

Senior airmanErin M. CabralRafal P. GrzybJames F. Kochis Jr

Daniel C. LesterEric G. MarjaultJenny Rosanna PolancoMarina J. SedorMatthew D. SheaMichael Lovell Taylor

Meritorious Service Medal Maj. Jeffrey S. Mullen** Chief Master Sgt. Tammy H. Vezina* Senior Master Sgt. Shane C. Robitaille Master sergeantJoseph E. Barszcz Joanne F. Boczanowski Thomas A. Faraday Karen G. Kennedy Lawrence J. Savarese

Air Force Commendation Medal Lt. Col. Rene A. Bloomer* Capt. Matthew J. Russell* Senior Master Sgt. Clifford M. Wittman**

Master Sgt. Robert S. Preble* Technical sergeantRobert J. Duval Gerolyn J. Ridzon* Phaly S. Walker Air Force Achievement Medal

Technical sergeantDaniel J. Foye Heriberto Ortiz

Staff sergeantPeter H. Lafreniere Guy M. Benson*

Hats Off

JULY 2005 PATRIOTBase PATRIOTJULY 2005

Published monthly for Patriots like Tech. Sgt. BobSerrichio, Palmer, Mass., and 2,423 reservists of the 439thAW at Westover ARB, and the wing’s geographically sepa-rated unit.

www.afrc.af.mil/439awJuly UTA schedule

A UTA July 9-10B UTA July 23-24

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDCHICOPEE, MA

PERMIT #43

439th AW/PAWESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE

100 Lloyd StreetEast Wing, Suite 103

CHICOPEE, MA 01022-1825

Article and photoby Staff Sgt. Tom Ouellette

The Patriot Wing sponsored a Spouses Orientation Flight May15 to express its appreciation for the family support given to reserv-ists.

“We understand the sacrifices family members make to supportus. Without you, we couldn’t do our job,” said Col. Wade Farris,439th Airlift Wing commander, at a pre-flight briefing.

Spouse orientation flights also serve to familiarize militaryspouses of the Patriot Wing’s aircraft and mission and provide theopportunity to see firsthand what their spouses do every UTA. Thenine family members flew for two hours aboard a C-5 over parts ofMassachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont.

The spouses encountered an in-flight treat. A KC-135 tankerfrom Pease Air National Guard Base, N.H., met the C-5 to practicea simulated refueling. The guests were allowed to sit in the cockpitand watch the KC-135 fly right above the C-5 and attach its boom,delighting the passengers.

“It was amazing. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity,”said Becky Thomas, wife of Master Sgt. Blain D. Thomas of the42nd APS.

SPOUSE FLIGHT - Martha Martel, wife of Staff Sgt. Ryan Martel, 439th

Communications Squadron, listens to aircrew conversations during theMay 14 spouse flight aboard a Westover C-5.

Patriot Wing spouses takeflight over New England

Spouses Reservist1. Marilyn DeTone Lt. Col. Peter DeTone

58th APS2. Lynne Frappier Senior Master Sgt.

Paul Frappier 42nd APS3. Martha Martel Staff Sgt. Ryan Martel

439 Communications Squadron4. Karen O’Flaherty Staff Sgt. Daniel O’Flaherty

42nd APS5. Charlotte Skawski Chief Master Sgt. ZigmundSkawski 42nd APS6. Chelsea Skawski (daughter) Chief Skawski

42nd APS7. Gwen White Master Sgt. Robert White

42 APS8. Daniel Cote Senior Master Sgt. Beverly Cote

439th MSS9. Becky Thomas Master Sgt. Blain D. Thomas

42nd APS