Wright-Patterson AFB, OhioVolume 48, No. 4April 2009

Civil engineer Airmen return home

The scene was all smiles and applause asfriends, family and unit Airmen welcomed homeapproximately 60 members of the 445th AirliftWing March 15.

The Airmen, from the 445th Civil EngineerSquadron, returned from a six-month deploymentat Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, where theyworked as part of the 755th Expeditionary CivilEngineer Squadron.

“It’s the best feeling in the world,” said Staff Sgt.James Epley, who was greeted by more than 20family members after his second deployment.

By Capt. Caroline Wellman445th Public Affairs “Leaving six months ago was probably one of the

worst feelings in the world, but coming home is oneof the best.”

Three-year-old Ellis Nelson, son of Staff Sgt.Michael Nelson, shared a similar sentiment.

When asked if he was happy to have his dadhome, Ellis replied with a quick, “Yes.”

Col. Steve Johnson, the wing’s vice commander,had only praise for the Airmen’s efforts and thesupport of their families.

“You had a chance to affect change in the lives ofothers and you did a remarkable job,” Colonel

Continued on page 3

Staff Sgt. James Epley, 445th Civil Engineer Squadron, is greeted by family and friends after returning from a six-month deployment in Afghanistan. A group of 60 civil engineer Airmen returned to the base, March 15. (Air Forcephoto/Al Bright)

Commentary

U.S. Government Printing Office 5-00001-445AW

2 Buckeye Flyerwww.445aw.afrc.af.mil

This funded Air Force Reserve newspaper isan authorized publication for members of theU.S. military services. Contents of the BuckeyeFlyer are not necessarily the official views of, orendorsed by the U. S. Government, Depart-ment of the Air Force or Department of De-fense. Editorial content is edited, prepared andprovided by the 445th Airlift Wing Office ofPublic Affairs. Photographs are U.S. Air Forcephotographs unless otherwise indicated.

Editorial StaffCol. Stephen D. Goeman.....CommanderMaj. Cynthia Harris...Chief, Public AffairsStacy Vaughn...Public Affairs SpecialistLaura Darden...Public Affairs Asst./EditorShamae Jones...Administrative Assistant

Buckeye Flyer 445th Airlift Wing (Air Force Reserve Command)

5439 McCormick Ave.WPAFB OH 45433-5113

Building 4014, Room 171937-257-5784

445AW.PA@wpafb.af.mil

By Col. Stephen Goeman445th Airlift Wing Commander

By Chaplain (Maj.) Bill Dickens445th Airlift Wing

I spend much of my civilianwork time as a pastor counselingpeople. In the cases I deal withmost of the time, forgiveness isthe issue. People need help,because they feel they can’t orhaven’t been forgiven by others.People need help because theywon’t forgive others. Or, peopleneed help because they don’tthink God will forgive them. Thisconcept of forgiveness becomescentral to our well-being.

God seeks to forgive us.Jesus’ stated mission was tocome to earth to provide the pathto forgiveness. This month Jewsand Christians all over the worldwill celebrate Passover or GoodFriday and Easter. Both thePassover and Easter stories arestories of forgiveness. The Bibletells us in Psalm 103:12 thatwhen God forgives us, it isabsolute. It says He “casts it asfar as the east is from the west.”When God forgives us, Hechooses not to remember ourtransgressions anymore. This isGREAT news.

God understands that probablythe hardest thing for humans todo is forgive ourselves andothers. In Matthew 6, Jesusteaches his disciples what wehave come to call “The Lord’sPrayer.” Immediately followingthat prayer where we are taughtthat we are to “forgive those whotrespass against us;” Jesus givesa short commentary on theimportance of forgiveness.

When we refuse to forgive, weare forced to carry that burden ofpain and anger. When we forgive,these burdens are released andwe have the ability to live happier,pain free lives. After all, ifAlmighty God is willing to forgiveus, what right do we have NOT toforgive others? Make forgivenessone of the spiritual disciplines youpractice regularly.

As the Earth is renewed thisspring, may God’s love andforgiveness be displayed afresh inyour life.

Forgiveness

One of the toppriorities of the445th Airlift Wingis the retention ofour Airmen; inparticular whatcan we all do asmentors andleaders to keepour outstanding Airmen onboard aseffective and productive membersof this unit. If you are not aware,we have a new non-commissionedofficer assigned as our wing careeradvisor who is leading our effort inthis most important endeavor.Master Sgt. Joe Simon is that NCOwho is making a positive impact inour efforts. By teaming with ourwing recruiting office and the wingHuman Resources DevelopmentCouncil, they are moving forwardwith a plan for us to improve ourretention rates, especially those ofour first term Airmen.

Command wide, the loss rate ofour first termers is quite large,approaching 40 percent in someunits. By comparison, our forecastfor the 445th Airlift Wing in 2009 isestimated to be approximately 15percent. Analysis of exit surveysand feedback received from ourseparated Airmen reflect someissues we can all attack andimprove on. Our HRDC staff will bemaking a presentation at eachsquadron/flight commander’s callsin the upcoming months to offertheir insight and ways for all of usto reach and connect with ourAirmen who may be leaving for thewrong reasons. Some of their topconcerns include an inability to

Retention concentrate on Air Force SpecialityCode specific training on unittraining assembly weekends due toother ancillary requirements, alack of effective communicationwith their supervisors and unitleadership, and lastly a desperateneed for some type of mentorshipwithin their unit.

The struggles continue toreduce and more effectivelymanage those bothersomeancillary requirements. We will doour best to come up with lesspainful ways to complete theseitems. The just completed megatraining UTA held by ourmaintenance group is a successstory that can be used as a modelby other squadrons to find a betterway to do business.Communication and mentorship isan area that we all can step up toand make a difference. Startingwith day one of newcomersorientation, our units need toreach out and make a connectionwith their new Airmen. These“newcomers” have a wide range oflife experiences and talents that wecan put to work almost instantlyupon their arrival to the squadrons.We are gaining more and moreAirmen whose first militaryexperience is with us. The days ofalways finding that prior serviceindividual are waning, and we arenow well along in the business of“growing our own.” We need those"old heads" in the units to set theexample and be that role model forthe new Airmen entering theunits. There is no more importantduty out there, I implore ourestablished reservists to make theextra effort and become a rolemodel to the new folks in yourunits. This is a most noble cause,and I know we are all up to thetask.

Spotlight

April 2009 3www.445aw.afrc.af.mil

Johnson said. “Thank you. And thank you to thefamilies. I’m very proud to stand in front of youtoday.”

While deployed, the civil engineers developed theTraining Afghan Craftsmen program, which taughtcarpentry skills and other civil engineering tradesto local Afghan workers.

“It makes more of a difference to teach them,”Sergeant Nelson said, “than to just pound nailsourselves all day.”

Civil engineer Airmen return homeContinued from page 1

445th Civil Engineer Squadron members greet family and friends as they return from a six-monthdeployment. Top left: Tech. Sgt. Clay Bucy greets wife Kim and son Noah. Top right: Staff Sgt. MarkRauch hugs his sister Kim Wollum. Bottom left: Lt.Col. Chris Cunningham kisses his daughter Emma.Bottom right: Tech. Sgt. Alan Baker and his wife Julie head home. (Air Force photos/Al Bright)

The civil engineer Airmen were also welcomedby the Patriot Guard Riders, the 88th Air Base WingCivil Engineer Directorate’s Fire Department, and arepresentative from Senator Sherrod Brown’s office.

The returning Airmen will remain on orders fora few weeks to accomplish post-deploymentactivities, and for rest and reconstitution.

The 445th Airlift Wing currently has more than50 Airmen deployed around the world in supportoperations.

News

www.445aw.afrc.af.mil4 Buckeye Flyer

Key West water survival offers realistic training

Senior Master Sgt. CassTumblison, assistantsuperintendant of aircrewflight equipment, said that byhaving the continuationtraining requirement in KeyWest, the students received amuch better hands-on traininginstruction than previouslyoffered.

“The training wentexceptionally well. During aregular unit training assembly,the student may have tocomplete other requirementsthat may distract him or herfrom focusing on theinstructions given during thetraining class,” he said. “Byhaving the class at anotherlocation, there were no typicalUTA distractions; thereforethey got a lot out of the class.”

Over the two-day period, fourgroups of students wentthrough the training. Two

By Stacy Vaughn445th Public Affairs

Fifty-five Airmen from the89th Airlift Wing and the 445thOperational Support Squadronexperienced a more intense,hands-on water survivalrefresher course than the winghas offered in the past thanksto some early planning and theNavy’s cooperation.

The 445th OperationalSupport Squadron’s AircrewFlight Equipment unit providedthe training at Naval AirStation Key West, Fla., Feb. 26to March 1.

“In the past, we’ve conductedwater survival continuationtraining for our pilots, flightengineers and load masters byfirst going through a set ofbriefings in the classroom,followed by going out to BassLake on base in the summer,”Lt. Col. Jim Couzins, chief ofoperations group training, said.

“Having it at the Key WestNaval Air Station, we were ableto use their marina to teach

the water survival class. Thestudents were able to board a25-man life raft and have theinstructors physically showthem the different survivalsupplies that they can expect tofind on a raft,” he said.

Senior Airman Kortnee Widup, 445th Operational Support Squadron,gathers up her gear as she walks out of the marina during water survivaltraining wearing an anti-exposure suit. (Air Force photo/Lt. Col. JimCouzins)

Airmen from the wing head out by boat to practice what they learned inwater survival class. The Navy offered their services by providing the boatsand personnel to take the Airmen out into the water. (Air Force photo/Lt. Col.Jim Couzins)

5www.445aw.afrc.af.milApril 2009

Newsgroups trained the first day and twogroups trained the second day. Eachday while the first group was in thewater, the second group was goingthrough land navigation training.Later in the day, the groups switched.The same sequence was repeated thesecond day for the other two groups.

Two Survival, Evasion, Resistanceand Escape instructors provided thetraining. SERE specialists trainaircrew members in the proper use ofprinciples, techniques, equipment, andprocedures necessary to surviveanywhere in the world.

“We have two (SERE instructors)who have a vast knowledge ofexperience because they used to teachat the survival schools in (Naval AirStation) Pensacola, Fla. and FairchildAir Force Base, Wash. I’m very happythat they are now assigned to us,” saidSergeant Tumblison.

During the water survival portion of the training, the group of students received a safety briefingbefore boarding the rafts. Some of the training the students learned while on the rafts included raftcare and maintenance, food and water procurement, first aid, protecting oneself from the outsideelements, and signaling for help.

While the one group was in the water, another group participated in land survival. They received aland safety briefing then practiced and reviewed signaling devices, such as using a whistle, strobelight and signal mirror. At the end of the lesson, the group practiced flare firing.

The wing chose Key West because the Naval Air Station has conducted this type of training in thepast for other reserve units, Sergeant Tumblison said.

“We couldn’t have found a betterlocation. They have an understandingof our requirements and needs, andmade this event a success,” he said

Sergeant Tumblison said his staffwill be going through the feedbackforms each student filled out to see ifany changes need to be made for futureclasses and to build on what wascovered during the training.

“The training was more realisticthis time because we did not have totrain in the base pool, which I’ve had todo in the past,” said Lt. Col. ClayPittman, assistant operations officer forthe 89th Airlift Squadron. “Getting toaccomplish our water survivalcontinuation training requirement in80 degree weather with excellentsupport from the Navy, this just couldn’thave been any better. It all cametogether perfectly and was a lot of fun.”

Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Timmons, 89th Airlift Squadron, shoots a signalflare as her instructor, Master Sgt. Alan Berens, 445th OperationalSupport Squadron, and another Airman look on. (Air Force photo/Lt. Col. Jim Couzins)

Tech. Sgt. Carl Hayden, 89th Airlift Squadron, leads his group outof the water during water survival training. (Air Force photo/Lt.Col. Jim Couzins)

6

News

www.445aw.afrc.af.mil Buckeye Flyer

Air Reserve Personnel Center officials are finalizing procedures for validating the receipt of retired paybefore Citizen Airmen turn 60 years old.

Since Jan. 28, 2008, Guard and Reserve Airmen have been able to reduce the age they receive retirementpay by three months for each aggregate 90-day period of qualifying active duty served in any fiscal year. Theycannot receive retired pay before age 50.

If Citizen Airmen are approaching retirement and believe they are entitled to get their pay early, they cancall 800-525-0102 and discuss the specifics of their participation with retirement experts to validate theireligibility for early retired pay.

For more information visit www.arpc.afrc.af.mil.

ARPC explains procedures for validating early retired pay

You wake up in the morning with just enoughtime to squeeze in a jog on the treadmill beforegetting ready for work. You don’t even have a spareminute to grab a bite to eat on your way out the door.Besides, you’re trying to lose weight and want tomake the most of the calories you’ve just burned.Why “waste” the workout by having breakfast?

The fact is that not eating well can actually makeyour workouts less effective. Skipping meals canmake you feel faint while exercising. Plus, you willbe more likely to overeat later.

Eating too much before a workout is not a goodidea, either. Your body can not digest a heavy mealwhile you’re being very active. So, how much andwhat should you eat, and when?Find a healthy balance

A well-rounded diet is crucial for staying healthyin general. But it is even more important when youexercise regularly. Extreme diets that limit certainfood groups or fat intake will not give your body thefuel it needs to run well. You need carbohydrates forenergy and protein for building muscle, plus a littlefat for staying power.

Try to have a serving of carbohydrates, such aswhole-wheat pasta, brown rice, fruit or veggies atevery pre-workout meal and snack. Also include asmall amount of lean protein. For instance, pair apiece of string cheese with a few whole-wheatcrackers or a hard-boiled egg with a small orange.Note that foods high in fat do not digest easily andcan cause stomach upset during exercise.Time it right

You do not want to run on fumes when youexercise. That is why it is important to have a lightsnack about an hour before you work out. Keep somehealthy, convenient foods on hand so you can grab

What to eat before, after a workout

something even if you are short on time. Breakfastsmoothies with a protein boost make a quick,nutritious pre-workout snack.

Be wary of meal replacement barsMany are not much better for you than a candy

bar. Look for bars that are low in fat and sugar, andhave four or five grams of protein and 25 grams ofcarbohydrates.Make sure you eat enough

A small snack might be enough to tide you overfor a 30-minute walk or aerobics class at the gym.Have a more intense training or a longer workoutplanned? Add more healthy foods to your pre-workout snack or meal to boost your caloric intake.Stay hydrated

Drink at least one 8-ounce glass of water beforeand after your workout, unless your doctor hasrestricted your fluid intake. Take a few more sipsevery 15 minutes or so while you exercise.Replenish yourself afterwards

During a workout you use muscle glycogenstores for energy. Those stores must be replaced foroptimal recovery as well as muscle growth andrepair. Eating some carbohydrates and protein arethe best way to do that.

Try to eat one to two hours after a workout tohelp your body recharge. For a good balance ofwhole-grain carbohydrates and protein, try thesefoods:

• A burrito made with a whole-wheat flour tortilla, black beans and reduced-fat cheese,• A bowl of instant oatmeal, a cup of skim milk and a banana,• A bowl of vegetable bean soup, or• Whole-wheat pita stuffed with sliced turkey or hummus, lettuce and tomato.

Courtesy of American Council on Exercise &American Diatetic Association

April 2009 7www.445aw.afrc.af.mil

News

Awards Promotions

Newcomers

News BriefsNews Briefs

Capt Jeremy Flannery, 445 AWTSgt Ivan De Los Santos, 445 MOFTSgt Michael Tungate, 445 LRSSSgt Ryan Buxton, 445 ASTSSSgt Michael Davis, 87 APSSSgt Nicholas Drummelsmith, 87APSSSgt Douglas Hall, 445 MXSSSgt Bradley Rossignol, 445 AMXSSSgt Aaron Ulmer, 87 APSSSgt Patrick Yarusso, 445 SFSA1C Aaron Gough, 445 MXSA1C Corey Hughes, 445 MXSA1C Michael Pressler, 445 MXSA1C Cara Storer, 445 ASTSA1C Brittany Wagoner, 445 CESSrA David Baugh, 445 MOFSrA Navjot Brar, 445 ASTSSrA Gil Cameron, 445 MXSSrA Justin Delp, 87 APSSrA Bradley Morris, 445 SFSSrA Jamie Narramore, Jr., 445SVS FLTSrA Robert Nelson, 445 AWSrA Daniel Pearce, 445 SFSSrA Anna Rivas, 445 SFSSrA Brandon Rompf, 445 CESSrA Matthew Snyder, 445 MOFAB Gabriel Page, 445 LRS

Meritorious Service MedalCol Kenneth Bunting, 445 AMXSLt Col Eileen Kelly, 445 AWMaj Gregory Baxley, 445 AWMaj Barbara Kippins, 445 AESMaj Christopher Matlack, 445 AESCapt Dennis Park, 445 CFCMSgt Stephen Bell, 89 ASSMSgt LeRoy Campbell, 445 AMXSMSgt William Baker, 445 CESMSgt Alan Harmon, 445 AESMSgt Lashunda Lewis, 445 MOFMSgt Joseph Simon, 445 ALCFMSgt Avery Turner, 445 AWMSgt Christopher Williams, 445SVF

Air Force Commendation MedalCapt Jonathan Bell, 89 ASCapt Thomas Fuhrman, 89 ASMSgt Anthony Johns, 445 MXGMSgt Daniel Lewis, 445 CFMSgt Rodgers O’Neill, 445 LRS

Air Force Achievement MedalSSgt David Burt, 445 CES

Air MedalMSgt Russle King, 89 AS

AirmanEbony Bass, 445 MOFMichael Bernat, 445 MXSJoshua Buck, 445 MSFJacob Kiessling, 445 AMDSGabriel Page, 445 LRS

Airman First ClassChristopher Bruther, 87APSMark Docken, 445 MXSSteven Flowers, 445 AMDS

Senior AirmanChristina Adkins, 445 MXSTracie Allen, 445 AMDSRyan Mullaney, 445 MXSTimothy Naff, 445 SFSAnthony Pelino, 445 MXS

Staff SergeantBryan Fox, 89 ASDavid Jaeger, 445 MXSJannette Johnson, 445ASTSKenneth LaRock, 445 AWJoseph Poorman, 445 CESBrian Wainscott, 445 CES

Technical SergeantDavid Cherolis, 445 AESJacqueline Karns, 445AMDSJoshua Lewis, 87 APSMarcus Prigg, 445 MSF

Master SergeantCindy Hall, 445 AWRobert Rowe, 87 APSKaren Stanley-Wolfe, 445OSS

Senior Master SergeantKatherine Barnes, 445 MSFDonald Edwards, 445 MXSHarold Ford, 445 SFSMichael West, 445 AMXS

Chief Master SergeantHomer Carter, Jr., 445 MSF

Second LieutenantSamuel Hulett, 445 OG

CaptainAndrew Pierce, 89 AS

CorrectionThe reservist on the cover of the MarchBuckeye Flyer was misidentified. TheAirman in the photo was Staff Sgt.Scott Spielman, 445th Aircraft Mainte-nance Squadron.

The 445th Military Ball will be heldSaturday, June 6 from 6 to 11 p.m. atthe National Museum of the U.S. AirForce. Tickets are $35 for E-6 andbelow and $40 for E-7 and above.Tickets must be purchased by May 30at: www.445awmilitaryballtickets.eventbrite.com. For more informationcontact your unit first sergeant.

In honor of the late Lt Col. Dan Witt,the 89th Airlift Squadron will host amemorial 5K run and golf outing inconjunction with an open house. The5K run is scheduled for Friday, May 8at 2 p.m. The golf outing will be heldSaturday, May 9 at 1:30 p.m. atPrairie Trace golf course, followed by areception at 6 p.m. To volunteer or formore information on the weekend’sevents, call Tech Sgt. Anne McNevinat (317) 701-0177.

5K Run/Golf Outing

Employer AppreciationAsk your civilian supervisor and/oremployer to join us May 2, forEmployer Appreciation Day. You canaccess a registration form on the AirForce Portal, 445th Airlift Wing pageunder events, or check your email.Send completed forms via email to445AW.PA@wpafb.af.mil or bring tothe public affairs office in Bldg.4010,Room 171. For more information call257-5784.

Military Ball

Commander's CallCommander's Call will be held 7:30a.m. April 5 and April 19 at the basetheater.

FIRST CLASS MAILPOSTAGE & FEES PAIDUSAF PERMIT NO. 1161

8 Buckeye Flyerwww.445aw.afrc.af.mil

445TH AIRLIFT WING/P ABUILDING 4014, ROOM 1135439 MCCORMICK AVEWRIGHT-PATTERSON AFBOHIO 45433-5132

The number one disabilitypayout in the Air Force is forhearing loss. It is the onedisability that could be preventedif proper hearing protection isworn.

Preventing long-term hearingloss is the goal of the 445thAerospace Medical Squadron’scertified hearingconservationists.

“Proper hearing protectionprotects individual Airmen, theirteam members and the businessof the Air Force,” said Master Sgt.Thelma Chubb, the wing’shearing conservation manager.“But from the patient’s point ofview, hearing protection is aboutquality of life. You don’t gethearing back.”

Any activity that creates ahigh-noise level means a personprobably needs hearingprotection.

Most wing members are awarethat certain functions or dutylocations require mandatoryhearing protection. Occupationalhealth specialists, using AirForce and Occupational Safetyand Health Administrationguidance, determine who in thewing needs hearing protection onthe job.

“For the most part, the 445thhas a good history of hearingprotection use while on duty,” theaerospace medicine squadronsergeant said.

The hearing conservationistshere also encourage wingmembers to wear hearingprotection and consider how theiractions might affect theirhearing at home too.

“A good rule of thumb is the 3-Feet Rule,” Sergeant Chubb said.“If you can’t hear someone threefeet away from you over the noiseof whatever environment oractivity you’re engaged in, you’rein a high-noise environment and

Hearing protection: preventionimpacts quality of lifeBy Capt. Caroline Wellman445th Public Affairs

you should have hearingprotection.”

It’s a good idea to wearhearing protection when you’reusing any sort of motorizedequipment, whether to do lawncare, work on automobiles oreven if you use cookingappliances or vacuum cleanersfrequently. While the noiselevels may not seem overlyexcessive at the time, they canhave negative effects overextended periods.

Sergeant Chubb also warns ofthe long-term effects of the use ofcertain technologies like MP3players and wireless telephoneheadsets, whose use hasincreased hearing loss especiallyin younger generations.

“We need to be conscious of thetechnology we’re using,” SergeantChubb said, explaining that theenergy from the modernconveniences goes straight intothe ear canal and that people oftenhave the volume of these devicesset too loudly.

Some Airmen do not follow upon identified hearing loss out offear that the loss might affecttheir flying status, their pay ortheir points.

“We’re not here to penalizeyou,” Sergeant Chubb said. “Wewant to teach you how to take careof yourself, to prevent furtherhearing loss, so you can take careof yourself, other Airmen, and themission. We care about yourhealth. We want you to be able todo your job, but also to enjoy yourfamily, your friends and yourchildren.”

4th 4th Air ForceAir ForceCommanderCommander

Brig. Gen. Eric Crabtree

Brig. Gen. Eric W. Crabtreewas named 4th Air ForceCommander, Air Force ReserveCommand, March Air ReserveBase, Calif., Jan. 25.

General Crabtree served 15years on active duty prior tojoining the Air Reservecomponent. General Crabtreehas served in a variety ofpositions during his Reservecareer, including vicecommander and commander ofoperations groups, and Reserveadviser to the Air MobilityCommand commander.

Prior to his current position,he was Commander,Headquarters Air ReservePersonnel Center, Denver, Colo.