Sunday High 93 Low 66 Saturday High 95 Low 66 Weekend Outlook Friday High 92 Low 66 Commentary . . . .2 News . . . . . . . .3-7 Features . . . . .8-11 Sports . . . . . . . .12 INSIDE Base Gym closed The Main Fitness Center gymnasium here will be closed until July 21 for speaker installation. The rest of the fitness center will remain open. If you have any ques- tions, call 567-6628. Education Fair Friday Peterson Air Force Base is scheduled to hold an Education Fair Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front of the base exchange. The Education Fair bene- fits all active-duty members, spouses, dependent children and Department of Defense civilians. It is a wonderful opportu- nity for people to meet with numerous representatives from various schools and to allow prospective students to get information about each of the schools. For more information contact the Peterson AFB Education Office at 556-4064. Learn ABCs of EPRs The 50th Mission Sup- port Squadron will hold an Effective Bullet Writing course July 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the DeKok Building, Room 214. Whether you are military or civilian, a rising Airman or senior NCO, this class will help you develop the “Air Force style” of bullet- writing. Effective Bullet Writing, will give tips for writing Air Force bullet statements, ex- plain how to write a bullet for different packages such as awards, enlisted and offi- cer performance reports and talking papers, and provide practice exercises. The second block will share specific 50th Space Wing policies in regard to performance reports and give students a walk through of the newly released 50th SW EPR/OPR Evaluation Guide. For information, call Staff Sgt. Ivey Gomes, 50th MSS, at 567-5411. VOL. 8, NO. 28 www.schriever.af.mil Colorado Springs, Colo. JULY 13, 2006 Schriever gives a hoot! The 50th Civil Engineer Squadron En- vironmental Flight teamed up with the U.S. Geological Survey to study the population of burrowing owls on the base’s prairies. See pages 8-9 for story and photos. AFSPC officer accepts O’Malley award for heroic actions during Iraq offensive Senior Master Sgt. Ty Foster 21st Space Wing Public Affairs KEYSTONE, Colo. — The chief of Cheyenne Mountain Operations Center Weather Operations received the Gen. Jerome F. O’Malley Distinguished Space Leadership Award for 2006 during a presentation ceremo- ny at the Space Warfare Symposium hosted by the Air Force Association Lance P. Sijan Chapter 125 here June 28. During an introductory presentation, Maj. Gen. Thomas Taverney, mobilization assistant to the commander, Air Force Space Command, praised 2nd Lt. Randall Claar, a member of the 21st Space Operations Support Squadron and the youngest recipient of the award, for his critical use of space assets during battle. “Lieutenant Claar showed us that space really does make a difference,” he said. The lieutenant, then an Air Force staff ser- geant, was attached as the chief of combat weather operations with the 15th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron, 3rd Squadron, 7th U.S. Cavalry, 3rd Infantry Division. His unit was staged in Kuwait for four months prior to the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he said. He provided weather infor- mation to the Army’s cavalry commander and aviation assets in his area of responsibility. When the war began in March 2003, Lieutenant Claar was the second Air Force member to enter Iraq. His unit was a running decoy operation designed to find enemy units. “Our job, as the cavalry, was to draw fire and continue on,” Lieutenant Claar said. “Then the 3rd ID came in behind us and elim- inated the enemy forces.” Baghdad was their overall objective, but it took some time to get there, he said. His actions, from March 25 and 26, 2003, earned him a Bronze Star Medal with Valor. The lieutenant and his team found them- selves under attack and extreme danger, according to the citation. Under a hail of enemy fire, Lieutenant Claar used a satellite phone to issue a severe sandstorm warning in the midst of the battle. This gave Army commanders time to secure the convoy before the largest sandstorm in four decades hit. “The storm was blinding,” Lieutenant Claar said. “It looked like the surface of Mars when the sun was still up, and when the sun went down, it started to rain mud.” The enemy continued to assault the halted convoy during the storm. Using space-based assets, friendly air support dropped munitions within 200 meters of either side of the convoy to repel attackers. While recovering from the attack, another 2,000 enemy soldiers ambushed the convoy, forcing them to dig in. The citation recounts Lieutenant Claar’s actions: “Braving a barrage of enemy fire and with blatant disregard for his own safety, Sergeant Claar was the first to exit his vehicle and quickly realized the convoy had stopped in a field of thousands of unexploded ord- nances.” “It was a mess,” the lieutenant said. “The only way to get through it was to have some- one walk through it.” That someone was him. The citation continues: “He ordered the rest of the convoy’s personnel to stay in their vehi- cles while he guided the 23 vehicles to safety on foot amid enemy fire, stepping around unexploded ordnances.” His experiences in Iraq and actions during those tense days left a lifelong lasting impres- sion on both Lieutenant Claar and his Army brothers. (Stefan Bocchino contributed to this arti- cle.) Surprise! Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Bryan plays the role of an aggressor, “ambushing” 50th Space Wing Airmen who were conducting maneuvers during a Wing Expeditionary Readiness Exercise here Wednesday. Sergeant Bryan is a member of the 50th Space Communications Squadron here. photo by Senior Airman Jason Ridder
gymnasium here will beclosed until July 21 forspeaker installation. Therest of the fitness center willremain open.
If you have any ques-tions, call 567-6628.
Education Fair FridayPeterson Air Force Base
is scheduled to hold anEducation Fair Friday from11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in front ofthe base exchange.
The Education Fair bene-fits all active-duty members,spouses, dependent childrenand Department of Defensecivilians.
It is a wonderful opportu-nity for people to meet withnumerous representativesfrom various schools and toallow prospective studentsto get information abouteach of the schools. Formore information contactthe Peterson AFB EducationOffice at 556-4064.
Learn ABCs of EPRsThe 50th Mission Sup-
port Squadron will hold anEffective Bullet Writingcourse July 24 from 9 a.m.to 2 p.m. in the DeKokBuilding, Room 214.
Whether you are militaryor civilian, a rising Airmanor senior NCO, this classwill help you develop the“Air Force style” of bullet-writing.
Effective Bullet Writing,will give tips for writing AirForce bullet statements, ex-plain how to write a bulletfor different packages suchas awards, enlisted and offi-cer performance reports andtalking papers, and providepractice exercises.
The second block willshare specific 50th SpaceWing policies in regard toperformance reports andgive students a walk throughof the newly released 50thSW EPR/OPR EvaluationGuide.
For information, callStaff Sgt. Ivey Gomes, 50thMSS, at 567-5411.
VOL. 8, NO. 28 www.schriever.af.milColorado Springs, Colo.JULY 13, 2006
SScchhrriieevveerr ggiivveess aa hhoooott!!The 50th Civil Engineer Squadron En-vironmental Flight teamed up with the U.S.Geological Survey to study the populationof burrowing owls on the base’s prairies.See pages 8-9 for story and photos.
AFSPC officer accepts O’Malley awardfor heroic actions during Iraq offensive
Senior Master Sgt. Ty Foster21st Space Wing Public Affairs
KEYSTONE, Colo. — The chief ofCheyenne Mountain Operations CenterWeather Operations received the Gen. JeromeF. O’Malley Distinguished Space LeadershipAward for 2006 during a presentation ceremo-ny at the Space Warfare Symposium hosted bythe Air Force Association Lance P. SijanChapter 125 here June 28.
During an introductory presentation, Maj.Gen. Thomas Taverney, mobilization assistantto the commander, Air Force Space Command,praised 2nd Lt. Randall Claar, a member ofthe 21st Space Operations Support Squadronand the youngest recipient of the award, for hiscritical use of space assets during battle.
“Lieutenant Claar showed us that spacereally does make a difference,” he said.
The lieutenant, then an Air Force staff ser-geant, was attached as the chief of combatweather operations with the 15thExpeditionary Air Support OperationsSquadron, 3rd Squadron, 7th U.S. Cavalry, 3rdInfantry Division.
His unit was staged in Kuwait for fourmonths prior to the start of Operation IraqiFreedom, he said. He provided weather infor-
mation to the Army’s cavalry commander andaviation assets in his area of responsibility.When the war began in March 2003,Lieutenant Claar was the second Air Forcemember to enter Iraq.
His unit was a running decoy operationdesigned to find enemy units.
“Our job, as the cavalry, was to draw fireand continue on,” Lieutenant Claar said.“Then the 3rd ID came in behind us and elim-inated the enemy forces.”
Baghdad was their overall objective, but ittook some time to get there, he said. Hisactions, from March 25 and 26, 2003, earnedhim a Bronze Star Medal with Valor.
The lieutenant and his team found them-selves under attack and extreme danger,according to the citation.
Under a hail of enemy fire, LieutenantClaar used a satellite phone to issue a severesandstorm warning in the midst of the battle.
This gave Army commanders time tosecure the convoy before the largest sandstormin four decades hit.
“The storm was blinding,” Lieutenant Claarsaid. “It looked like the surface of Mars whenthe sun was still up, and when the sun wentdown, it started to rain mud.”
The enemy continued to assault the halted
convoy during the storm. Using space-basedassets, friendly air support dropped munitionswithin 200 meters of either side of the convoyto repel attackers.
While recovering from the attack, another2,000 enemy soldiers ambushed the convoy,forcing them to dig in.
The citation recounts Lieutenant Claar’sactions: “Braving a barrage of enemy fire andwith blatant disregard for his own safety,Sergeant Claar was the first to exit his vehicleand quickly realized the convoy had stopped ina field of thousands of unexploded ord-nances.”
“It was a mess,” the lieutenant said. “Theonly way to get through it was to have some-one walk through it.”
That someone was him.The citation continues: “He ordered the rest
of the convoy’s personnel to stay in their vehi-cles while he guided the 23 vehicles to safetyon foot amid enemy fire, stepping aroundunexploded ordnances.”
His experiences in Iraq and actions duringthose tense days left a lifelong lasting impres-sion on both Lieutenant Claar and his Armybrothers.
(Stefan Bocchino contributed to this arti-cle.)
Surprise!Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Bryan plays the role of an aggressor, “ambushing” 50th Space Wing Airmen who were conducting maneuvers during aWing Expeditionary Readiness Exercise here Wednesday. Sergeant Bryan is a member of the 50th Space Communications Squadron here.
photo by Senior Airman Jason Ridder
Donald RumsfeldSecretary of Defense
I have set some very specificmishap reduction goals for thedepartment to achieve.
My congratulations to those whoare progressing toward their respec-tive goals, but others are not. Wemust rededicate ourselves to thosegoals—and achieve them.
Too often we excuse mishaps byciting the difficult circumstances inwhich we operate. We have trainedour men and women to operate safe-ly in very trying conditions. There isno excuse for losing lives givenproper planning, attention to detailand the active involvement of thechain of command.
Accountability is essential toeffective leadership. I expect all theDepartment’s leaders, from the com-mander to the first-line supervisors,to be accountable for mishaps under
their watch. We simply will notaccept status quo.
If we need to change our training,improve our material acquisition oralter our business practices to savethe precious lives of our men andwomen, we will do it. We will fundas a first priority those technologiesand devices that will save lives andequipment. We will retrofit existing
systems, and consider these devicesas a “must-fund” priority for all newsystems. We can no longer considersafety as “nice-to-have.”
I want to hear what you are doingto improve your safety performanceand I want to see the results of youractions.
COMMENTARY2JULY 13, 2006
www.schriever.af.milSATELLITE FLYER
COL. CAL HUTTO, 50TH SPACE WING COMMANDER
Ed Parsons, Chief of Public Affairs
Capt. Jean Duggan, Chief of Internal Information Newspaper Staff:
Staff Sgt. Don BranumSenior Airman Jason RidderSkip Grubelnik
Published by Colorado Springs Military Newspaper Group, a private firm in no way
connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with Schriever Air
Force Base.
This Commercial Enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for mem-
bers of the U.S. military services.
Contents are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. gov-
ernment, the Department of Defense or the Air Force. The appearance of adver-
tising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute
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use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age,
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Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the 50th Space Wing
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Deadline is Friday at noon, the week prior to publication.E-mail submissions to [email protected] or call thePublic Affairs office at 567-5040 for more information.
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“We have trained ourmen and women tooperate safely in verytrying conditions. Thereis no excuse for losinglives given proper plan-ning, attention to detail,and the active involve-ment of the chain ofcommand.”
— Donald RumsfeldSecretary of Defense
Keep your ‘credit monster’ in checkMaster Sgt. Ben Seitz
341st Contracting Squadron First Sergeant
“People do not plan to fail, they fail to plan.” It is anadage spoken countless times—unfortunately, for many itrings painfully true in today’s easy-credit environment.
In the past few months I have heard many stories oftroops who have put themselves into devastating finan-cial hardship due to a lack of planning and fiscal selfcontrol. Today, I searched through the local phone direc-tory and found no less than 15 “payday” loan companieswho prey upon those who fail to plan, often charginginterest rates in excess of 600-percent annual percentagerate.
Always be cognizant of the fact that, while financialresponsibility is a personal matter in the civilian world,military members can be charged under the UniformCode of Military Justice for financial irresponsibility. Sohow can folks avoid financial pitfalls and manage theirfinances skillfully?
The first step to financial independence is developinga budget. For the next two months, itemize all of yourexpenditures to include those quick lunches, café mochasfrom the coffee stand on the way to work and the lotterytickets you purchased at the gas station.
This can be an eye-opening experience for some. Atthe end of two months, look at where your money isgoing and develop a plan to harness your spending tomeet your objectives.
One critical component of any budget is an emer-gency fund, which can reduce the burden of unforeseenevents like car repairs or unplanned travel expenses. Italso helps mitigate the use of credit cards for emergencysituations. The dollar amounts of emergency funds varyaccording to the person, but in general, a military personshould have one month’s salary set aside to cover poten-tial unknown situations.
Once a budget is developed a person needs to get ahandle on his or her credit liabilities—what he owes toothers. Credit cards can be a good thing when managedproperly. Too often though, people misuse their creditcards to purchase things they do not really need and thenpay the minimum payment required monthly. This can
turn that flat screen television you purchased on sale for$1,500 into an overpriced investment of $2,500 that willtake an additional two to three years to pay off.
If you have credit cards with outstanding balances youcannot pay off at the end of the month—you need a plan.Most department store credit cards charge in excess of20 percent interest and if you are only paying the mini-mum, chances are they will not be paid off for 10 to 15years.
If you have outstanding credit balances, you mustdevelop a plan to pay them off as part of your budgetingprocess.
Many experts recommend paying off the lowest creditcard balances first by paying as much as possible on itwhile paying the minimum required payment on all othercards. This can give a person a quick sense of accom-plishment and it eliminates another monthly payment.Soon a person will be down to paying the maximumamount possible on one remaining card.
Finally, a few words about purchasing a vehicle. Ifpurchasing your first car, buy only what you can afford;that means cash in hand. If that is a $300 junker from thelemon lot—then that will have to do. Then start savingthe $400 per month you would have to pay on a new carloan and put it in the bank for 12 months. At the end ofthe 12 months you can upgrade to a $4,800 car thatshould last you two years. Continue making the $400deposits in savings for 24 more months at which timeyou will have $9,600 to purchase your next car.
The habit you are developing will have you drivingnewer vehicles in no time and you will never have to gointo debt for them.
Always check with your insurance company prior topurchasing a vehicle to find out the monthly cost ofinsurance for that vehicle and ensure the amount is partof your monthly budget.
Where do you go if you need help? Visit the financialexperts at the Schriever Family Support Center at 567-3920 and set up an appointment. They can assist you in awide array of services from setting up a budget toarranging payment terms with credit card companies.Best of all, their services are free to all active-duty andcivilian personnel.
www.schriever.af.mil 3JULY 13, 2006
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Network Operations Group welcomes new commanderStaff Sgt. Don Branum
50th Space Wing Public Affairs
A former director of communications for 14th Air Forceassumed command of the 50th Network Operations Groupin a ceremony here Monday.
Col. Robert Skinner succeeded Col. David Uhrich, whowill become chief of the operational support and sustain-ment at the Space and Missile Systems Center, LosAngeles Air Force Base.
“I’m truly honored to stand before you today and joinyour ranks,” Colonel Skinner said to the audience thatpacked the Building 300 Auditorium. “Let’s build on thestrong foundation that Colonel Uhrich and previous groupcommanders have set and partner with the rest of the wingto provide our forces with unmatched space effects … tofight and win.”
Colonel Skinner received his commission from OfficerTraining School at Lackland AFB, Texas, in 1989. His pre-vious assignments include commander of the 614th SpaceCommunications Squadron at Vandenberg AFB, Calif., the27th Communications Squadron at Cannon AFB, N.M.,and the 100th Air Refueling Wing’s Information SystemsFlight at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, England.
His military education includes the Industrial College ofthe Armed Forces at the National Defense University inWashington, D.C., Air War College by correspondence, theAir Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson AFB,Ohio, and the Command and General Staff College at FortLeavenworth, Kan., where he received a writing awardfrom the Armed Forces Communication and ElectronicsAssociation.
He holds a master of science degree with honors incomputer science from Oklahoma City University and abachelor of science, summa cum laude, from Park Collegein Parkville, Mo.
His decorations include a Defense Superior ServiceMedal, a Bronze Star, a Defense Meritorious ServiceMedal, four Air Force Meritorious Service Medals, a NavyCommendation Medal and two Air Force AchievementMedals.
Col. Robert Skinner receives the 50th Network Operations Group guidon from Col. Cal Hutto, 50th Space Wing command-er, during a change-of-command ceremony here Monday. Colonel Skinner succeeds Col. David Uhrich, who will be chiefof the Space and Missile Systems Center’s Operational Support and Sustainment Division at Los Angeles Air Force Base.
photo by Staff Sgt. Don Branum
4 JULY 13, 2006
www.schriever.af.milSATELLITE FLYER
www.schriever.af.mil 5JULY 13, 2006
SATELLITE FLYER
50th SCS gainsnew commander
Staff Sgt. Don Branum50th Space Wing Public Affairs
A former aide de camp to the com-mander of U.S. Joint Forces Commandat Norfolk Naval Station, Va., becamethe 50th Space CommunicationsSquadron commander in a ceremonyhere Monday.
Maj. Donovan Routsis succeeds Lt.Col. Mark Langenderfer, who willattend the Air War College at MaxwellAir Force Base, Ala.
Major Routsis received his commis-sion in 1991 through the Air ForceReserve Officer Training Program atArizona State University.
Some of his previous assignmentsinclude communications and informa-tion inspector for Air CombatCommand’s Office of the InspectorGeneral at Langley AFB, Va.; flightcommander of the 32nd CombatCommunications Squadron CombatSupport Flight at Tinker AFB, Okla.;and special action officer to the com-mander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe atRamstein Air Base, Germany.
He deployed as senior commanderfor Operation Joint Guard in theBalkans, mission systems flight com-mander at Eskan Village AB, SaudiArabia, and wing executive officer atPrince Sultan AB, Saudi Arabia.Colonel Routsis was also joint inter-face control officer for Exercise
Unified Spirit 2000 on the USS MountWhitney.
His military education includes AirCommand and Staff College atMaxwell AFB and AdvancedCommunications Officer TrainingCourse at Keesler AFB, Miss., fromwhich he was a distinguished graduate.
He holds a master’s degree in mili-tary operational art and science fromACSC, a master of arts degree in spacesystems management from WebsterUniversity in St. Louis, Mo., and abachelor’s degree in aerospace engi-neering from Arizona State.
His decorations include a DefenseMeritorious Service Medal, two AirForce Meritorious Service Medals,three Commendation Medals and anAchievement Medal.
Maj. Donovan Routsis
Schriever Clinic Airman becomes citizenSenior Airman Jason Ridder50th Space Wing Public Affairs
Editor’s Note: This is the second article ina series about Schriever Airmen who are nat-uralized American citizens.
The life of a Schriever Airman changeddrastically 20 years agowhen his father moved agrowing family from theAfrican nation of Zaire,known today as theDemocratic Republic ofCongo, to Minnesota tostart a new life.
After two decades ofliving in America, SeniorAirman Tshileo Ngoyibecame a citizen June 16in a ceremony inColorado Springs. He isa 21-year-old healthservices managementAirman at the SchrieverMedical and DentalClinic.
“I know everyonesays it,” said AirmanNgoyi, “but my fatherbrought us here becauseAmerica is a land ofopportunity.”
Airman Ngoyi’s father was having trou-ble completing his degree in Zaire, so hemoved to America. Soon after, he broughthis family to join him.
He received his degree from theUniversity of Minnesota and eventuallybecame a professor of allied health atNorthern Illinois University.
Airman Ngoyi doesn’t remember much
of Zaire because he moved when he was soyoung, but he has relatives who still livethere and occasionally make the flight toAmerica to visit.
After graduating high school, AirmanNgoyi was given the option of attendingNIU by his father but decided he didn’t
want to stay home; hewanted to join the AirForce.
He decided to get intohealth care because ofhis parents; in addition toa father who is a profes-sor in health care, hismother is a nurse.
His road to citizenshipbegan two years ago andinvolved lots of paper-work, trips to Denver andtests on U.S. governmentand history.
“The tests were easy,”said Airman Ngoyi. “I’velived here almost myentire life, and went toschool here so they werea piece of cake.”
Becoming a citizenwas special for him.
“I feel like I’m a partof America,” he said. “Being able to voteand have a say in government.”
He said being in the Air Force makes itmore special. “I’ve already been proud towear the uniform, but this adds to it.”
The new American citizen has dreams ofvisiting his country of birth, but for now heplans to keep playing intramural sports forthe 21st Medical Group and assisting thedoctors at the Schriever Clinic.
3rd SOPS orbital ops techniciannamed 14th AF Airman of Quarter
Staff Sgt. Don Branum50th Space Wing Public Affairs
An orbital operations technician withthe 3rd Space Operations Squadron herewas recently named 14th Air Force’sAirman of the Quarter for the first quarterof 2006.
Airman 1st Class Joshua Cobb receivedthe award in part because of his accom-plishments in 3rd SOPS’ Orbital AnalysisFlight, which ensures each satellite 3rdSOPS controls remains inside a predeter-mined area.
“The geosynchronous belt is a verycrowded location. We’re responsible formaking sure the satellite doesn’t drift out ofits assigned location and possibly run intoanother satellite,” Airman Cobb said.
He is the first junior enlisted Airman tohave a seat in the OA shop, said Master Sgt.Tammy Robel, 3rd SOPS first sergeant.
“We haven’t had enlisted in that officefor long. It was just the last couple of yearswe put mid- and senior-level NCOs inorbital analysis,” she said.
He first learned he’d had won Airman ofthe Quarter for 14th Air Force at a going-away fun run for Lt. Col. Michael Wasson,former 3rd SOPS director of operations. Lt.Col. William Bishop, 3rd SOPS command-er, briefly pulled Airman Cobb aside to letAirman Cobb know he’d won.
If he was surprised, Sergeant Robel did-n’t seem so.
“He’s a model troop,” she said. “He’sinvolved in everything.”
“Everything” includes a program for
troubled youth at Chandra Middle Schoolin Colorado Springs, which teaches teambuilding, self confidence, how to preparefor job interviews and other life skills.
It also includes active participation inthe High Frontier Honor Guard one weekeach month.
“I like the drill and precision,” AirmanCobb said. “It’s a great thing we do tohonor those who came before us.”
“He does all that and executes the mis-sion,” Sergeant Robel said. “He’s the firstAirman in the OA shop—we wouldn’tselect just anyone for that position.”
Airman Cobb first joined the Air Forcein August 2004.
“I’d always thought about (joining),” hesaid. “I was tired of the job I had. I wantedsomething where I could focus on a career.”
Give at the office!The next blood drive will be held in the Building 300 Auditorium here Wednesday.Give at the office, as Staff Sgt. Nicole Fleming of the 50th Contracting Squadron didin a recent blood drive—just one pint of blood can save three lives.
photo by Kim Kruis-Johnson
Airman 1st Class Joshua Cobb
9JULY 13, 2006
SATELLITE FLYERFEATURES8 JULY 13, 2006
SATELLITE FLYER
Schriever’s green acres are
to rare burrowing owls
HHoommee oonn tthhee RRaannggeeSenior Airman Jason Ridder50th Space Wing Public Affairs
Although ground has not been broken on basehousing at Schriever, the base is home to mothers andfathers raising and providing for their families.
Throughout the vast acres of Schriever prairie landa unique bird that makes its nests underground.Burrowing owls are not capable of digging an entiretunnel so they rely on old prairie dog farms, whichthey can renovate to suit their needs.
The species is listed as threatened in Colorado andneeds help. That’s where Leah Smith, a recent graduateof the University of Montana, comes in.
Ms. Smith was visiting Schriever recently as part ofa project that is a joint effort between the University ofArizona and the U.S. Geological Survey to study themigration pattern of the owls.
She is traveling to Department of Defense lands inColorado, Nevada, Arizona and southwest California.She catches the owls in humane traps before takingblood samples and feathers. She also weighs andmeasures the birds before releasing them.
“Owls have two layers of feathers,” said Ms.Smith. “The inner layer is developed in the wintertime and the outer flight feathers are grown in thesummer. The feathers have chemical propertiesunique to the area they were grown in, so usingchemistry we can determine where they spendtheir winters.”
Once scientists know where the birds arespending the winter, they will be better able toprotect them.
Trapping owls can involve a lot of sittingand waiting, but the Whitefish, Mont., nativedoesn’t mind.
“I’ve always wanted to do something inbiology,” she said. “I started doing work infisheries but like working with birds muchmore.”
Schriever has plenty of owls for her to study.She has had as many as nine baby owls in a trapat a time, at one of the five areas where theowls have nested. There are also many owlsjust outside the fence. According to Ms.
Smith, the owls like to make their homes near fencesbecause they can perch on top of them to get a goodview of their hunting grounds.
Burrowing owls are small, about nine inches inheight with a short tail and long legs. They have yel-low eyes, no ear tufts and their faces are framed inwhite with a black collar.
The owls’ breeding grounds spanfrom Canada’s southern prairieprovinces to areas through-out the western UnitedStates includingSouthernCaliforniaandTexas.
In Colorado, burrowing owls are a migratoryspecies, and can be found almost anywhere there areprairie dog burrows from late March or early Aprilthrough October. In the winter, Colorado owls migrateto Mexico and Central America.
The female will lay from six to 11 eggs, with anaverage clutch of seven to nine eggs. Both the male
and female adults incubate the eggs and care forthe young. The young owlets are usually movedto a new burrow two to four weeks after theyappear above ground. If they become dis-tressed, they will often mimic the sound of arattlesnake.
Families usually remain togetherinto September, so even without base
housing some Schriever familieswill be calling the plains home
for a few more months.(Information from the
Colorado Division of Wildlifewas used in this article.)
photos by Senior Airman Jason Ridder
(Above) Mrs. Trenchik and Ms. Smith releasethe burrowing owl after finishing their tests.
(Left) Mrs. Trenchik checks a trap for babyowls. The traps are designed to trap the owlswithout causing them any harm.
(Above) Leah Smith sets a spring trapwith "Stink" the mouse in a cage to lureburrowing owls. Ms. Smith was hired bythe University of Arizona to gather datafrom the owls for a joint University ofArizona and U.S. Geological Survey proj-ect.
(Right) Melissa Trenchik, 50th CivilEngineer Squadron watches Ms. Smithprepare to place a cover over a capturedowl's head. The cover, a children's sock,helps to calm the bird.
Ms. Smith draws a blood sample from the owl's left wing.
Ms. Smith places a band on the bird's leg. U.S.G.S. employees and otherresearchers can use the band to identify the bird if it is captured again.
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Southside Between NorthsideCitadel Mall Vickers & Academy Chapel Hills Mall598-1392 548-8717 598-5068
TriCare Standard, TriCare Reserve and TriCare for Life also accepted. Prescriptions may be filled anywhere. Contact lens evaluation available for additional cost. Call for program details.
The doctors next to LensCrafters are contracted Tricare Prime Providers. They offer three convenient Colorado Springs
Locations for eye examinations with appointments Monday through Saturday. No more waiting for an appointment on base.
photo by Alex Groves
It's a member of the U.S. Air Force Academy's Wings of Blue Parachute team! The team,comprised solely of Air Force Academy cadets, will drop in on Schriever's Base Picnic at10:30 a.m. July 21. Other events at the picnic will include youth track and field, a balloontoss challenge, the Group All-Star Softball Championship, free food and more.
... It's a bird! ... It's a plane! ... It’s a picnic!
Base Picnic ScheduleEEvveenntt TTiimmee LLooccaattiioonn
5K Fun Run/Walk 8:30 Fitness Center
Commanders/Top 3 Softball Game 9:30 Softball Field
Youth Track and Field (50m) 9:30 Running Track
Food is served 10:30 Dining Tent Area
Wings of Blue Parachute Team 10:30 Softball Field
Youth Track and Field (100m) 10:30 Running Track
Balloon Toss Challenge 11:00 Softball Field
Youth Track and Field (200m) 11:30 Running Track
Group All-Star Softball Challenge (Teams 1/2) 11:30 Softball Field
Watermelon Eating Contest 12:00 Events Area
Hippy-Hop Relay Races 12:30 South Parking Lot
Group All-Star Softball Challenge (Teams 3/4) 12:30 Softball Field
Tug-o-War 1:00 South of Softball Field
Accuracy and Distance Softball Throw 1:30 Running Track
Group All-Star Softball Championship 1:30 Softball Field
AAllll--DDaayy EEvveennttssBlongoball — South of Softball Field
Badminton — South of Softball Field
Car, Truck, Motorcycle Show — Hahn Ave
Community Service Displays — Hahn Ave
Vendors and Craft Sales — Parking Lot
11JULY 13, 2006
SATELLITE FLYERwww.schriever.af.mil
Where to find John Laing Homes.In other words, where to find interesting, practical,
artful homes backed by some of the highest-rated customer service in the nation.*
Models open Mon.-Tues. 10am-6pm Wed. 1pm-6pm Thurs.-Sat. 10am-6pm Sun. 12pm-6pm
JohnLaingHomes.com
Greenhaven at RidgeviewThe cool factor just went up in Colorado Springs. 7 new home designs. Off Powers Blvd., east on Dublin Blvd., north on Black Forest Rd., west on Roxford St.
Cottage Grove Collection—Nine homes left!From the low $200s to $240sSales office open daily at 6619 Silverwind Cir.1,350 to 1,677 finished sq. ft. [email protected]
Windchime Collection—Last Phase CloseoutFrom the $240s1,476 to 2,082 finished sq. ft. [email protected]
Wolf RanchOff Powers Blvd., east on Research Pkwy., north on Tutt Blvd & south onPaladin Pl.719-495-7773
The Villages—Now OpenMira Collection—From the $330s1,916 to 2,448 finished sq. ft. Interest list now [email protected]
Spring Creek—From the $220sMountain Vista K-8 School– Now open. A traditional design neighborhoodwith detached rear garages. 1,475 to 2,149 finished sq. ft. South on Union Blvd., east on Monterey Rd., south on St. Paul Dr. [email protected]
Meridian Ranch—From the $210sRec Center Phase 1– Now open. 7 home designs. 1,328 to 2,175 finished sq. ft.Off Powers Blvd., east on Woodmen Rd. for 5 miles, north on Meridian Rd.,east on Londonderry Dr., right on Meridian Ranch Blvd., left on Point Reyes [email protected]
Tallgrass—From the $280sSomething new to the North Side. 1,673 to 2,930 finished sq. ft. North on I-25. Exit 156A, north on Gleneagle/Struthers Rd., east on Air Garden [email protected]
The Gables8 new home designs (4 ranch & 4 two-story) on 1/4- and 1/2-acre homesites.
Barlow Collection—From the $280s“The Somerset”—2005 MAME Award for “Best Architectural Design”1,781 to 2,429 finished sq. ft. Up to 6 bedrooms & 4-car [email protected]
Dakota Collection—From the $330s2,192 to 3,056 finished sq. ft. Up to 7 bedrooms & 6-car [email protected]
Full unfinished basements included on all plans.
Colorado Springs
Meridian Ranch & The Gables Tallgrass
*According to independent surveys by Eliant. Prices, specifications and availability subject to change without notice.
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1 The awards are nice. The happy customers are better.2004 Builder of the Year, from Professional Builder Magazine.
2005 Apex Award for Most Admired Builder. 2006 America’s Best Builder,
from Builder Magazine. Why did these organizations give us these awards?
Because they talked to our buyers.
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12 JULY 13, 2006
SATELLITE FLYER AROUND THE AIR FORCE www.schriever.af.mil
F-35 ‘Lightning II’makes its debutAir Force Print News
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Air Force chief of staffannounced Lightning II as the F-35 name during a JointStrike Fighter Inauguration Ceremony today at theLockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. at Fort Worth, Texas.
Gen. T. Michael Moseley made the final decision afteran extensive nomination and review process, coordinatedwith the other services and partner nations.
In naming the F-35, General Moseley said, “Today, theenemies of peace and freedom have been put on notice.They have feared this day because the F-35 provides thecoalition warfighter the perfect blend of speed, precisionand stealth.
“In my travels, Airmen have given me some great sug-gestions that we’ll see on new Air Force weapons systemsin the near future,” he said. “The name for the F-35,Lightning II, was a win for aviation heritage and culture.”
The heritage associated with this name played a signif-icant role in its selection. The original P-38 Lightning wasalso a strike fighter and had the most air-to-air kills in thePacific during World War II. Both of America’s top twoaces—Maj. Richard Bong, 40 kills, and Maj. ThomasMcGuire, 38 kills—scored all of their victories in the P-38Lightning in WWII.
The Lightning II name also draws parallels with a for-midable force of nature. Like lightning, the F-35 LightningII will strike with destructive force.
The stealth characteristics of the jet will allow the F-35to strike the enemy with accuracy and unpredictability;when the enemy finally hears the thunder, the F-35 is longgone.
The F-35 Lightning II is the next generation strike fight-er bringing cutting-edge technologies to the battlespace ofthe future. The Lightning II’s advanced airframe, autonom-ic logistics, avionics, propulsion systems, stealth and fire-power will make it an affordable, lethal, supportable andsurvivable aircraft for warfighters across the globe.
The Air Force is the Department of Defense’s executiveagent for designating and naming military aerospace vehi-cles. Air Force and Navy representatives proposed theLightning II name during the review process.
NORTHCOM preparedfor missile-defense mission
U.S. Northern Command personnel were immediately able to detect seven mis-sile launches from North Korea July 4 and 5, including the launch of a long-rangeTaepodong-2 missile that failed approximately 40 seconds into flight.
All of the missiles landed in the Sea of Japan, USNORTHCOM officials said.While Ground-based Midcourse Defense System interceptors at Fort Greely,
Alaska, and Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., were operational during all the mis-sile launches, top officials from the command were able to quickly determine theNorth Korean missiles posed no threat to the United States or its territories.
The GMD System, while not used for any of the recent launches, is availablewhen needed to defend the United States, its allies, infrastructure and populationcenters, NORTHCOM officials said.
“Our missile defense crews are trained and our systems are ready to respond asnecessary,” read a NORTHCOM press release issued July 4. “NORTHCOM has theprimary responsibility to direct missile defense operations to protect the homeland,allies, friends and other national interests from potentially hostile acts.”
The Missile Defense Agency’s mission is to develop and field an integratedBallistic Missile Defense System capable of providing a layered defense for theUnited States, deployed forces, friends and allies against ballistic missiles in allphases of flight.
In MDA’s most recent missile defense test, conducted June 22 off the coast ofKauai, Hawaii, the Aegis cruiser USS Shiloh successfully intercepted a missile inits boost phase of flight, said Lt. Gen. Henry Obering, MDA director.
(Information compiled from USNORTHCOM press release and staff reports.)
FORT WORTH, Texas — Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Michael Moseley presents the Lightning II, the name selected for the new F-35 during the inauguration ceremony at the LockheedMartin plant here July 7. The jet is a supersonic stealth fighter designed to replace a wide range of existing aircraft, including the A-10 Thunderbolt II and F-16 Fighting Falcon.
revealed around every curve as acentury-old steamlocomotivetransports you backto mining days. Atreat for railroad andhistory buffs, kids, andthe whole family.Trains leave every 40minutes (mid-May—mid-Oct.) from our 1894 depot and gift shop at the head of Bennett Avenue in Cripple Creek. Call for rates or visit our web site for more information. (719) 689-2640
www.cripplecreekrailroad.com
$1.00 OFFfor service members and families!
photo by Skip Grubelnik
Senior Airman Mark Sheetenhelm, 50th Operations Support Squadron, greets people who attended the Pikes Peak or BustRodeo Parade in downtown Colorado Springs Saturday. Air Force Space Command night at the rodeo is July 15.
Schriever supports Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Parade
Friday9 a.m. – 50th SCS vs. 50th OGV10 a.m. – 50th SW vs. 3rd SES11 a.m. – NOPS vs. SIDC
Monday9 a.m. – 50th OSS vs. 4th SOPS10 a.m. – 50th SCS vs. 3rd SOPS11 a.m. – 50th OGV vs. 3rd SESNoon – 50th SFS vs. 2nd SOPS
Tuesday9 a.m. – 50th SW vs. 3rd SOPS10 a.m. – 53rd SB vs. 4th SOPS11 a.m. – JNIC vs. NOPSNoon – 50th SCS vs. 1st SOPS
14 JULY 13, 2006
SATELLITE FLYER www.schriever.af.mil
*Seats are limited and fares may not be available on all flights. All fares are one-way. Must be purchased by July 29, 2006 for travel to be completed by Nov. 9, 2006. 10-day advance purchase required. Prices do not include PFC, segment tax or Sept. 11 security fee of up to $10.30 per segment. A convenience fee of $7.50 per traveling customer will apply when booked at www.allegiantair.com or through an Allegiant Air call center. Travel purchased through an Allegiant Air call center will cost an additional $5.00 per segment. A segment is defined as one take-off and one landing. Fare rules, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice. Restrictions apply.
FROM
Only at Allegiant Air airport ticket counters
Fly nonstop to Vegas from Colorado Springs.Packages available with 35 casino-resorts.
ONEWAY
Gentle Dental CareHoward Short, D.M.D.
AcceptingUnited Concordia Insurance
for military families!
CALLFOR APPOINTMENT!
719-574-7631
5739 Constitution Ave.(SW corner Constitution andPowers next to Walgreens)
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Italian Sausage, Lasagna, Swiss steak with Brown Gravy
Do you like to speak in public? Are you looking to support yourcommunity in a special way? The Speakers Bureau can be a great wayto do both.
The 50th Space Wing Public Affairs office is recruiting volunteers,civilian and military, to speak at local schools, colleges, veterans’meetings and more.
If topics of speech are outside your career field, they can alsoinclude your military experiences and travels. Speakers will also havethe chance to speak at events such as Veterans, Memorial andIndependence days.
One-on-one meetings will be held to give tips on speaking in pub-lic, practice sessions, as well as briefing on upcoming speaking events.
For more information, call Public Affairs at 567-5044.
AAddvveennttuurree rraaccee ssiiggnn uuppThere are three positions left for the Adventure Race Aug. 4. The
Adventure Race includes mountain biking, running, water sports, mapreading and orienteering. Positions are going fast. To sign up or formore information, contact the Main Fitness Center at 567-6658.
SSeenniioorr NNCCOO IInndduuccttiioonn CCeerreemmoonnyyThe Schriever Senior NCO Induction Ceremony is scheduled to take
place Sept. 8 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Colorado Springs Sheraton Hotelon the corner of Circle Road and Interstate 25.
For ticket information, contact your first sergeant.
15JULY 13, 2006
SATELLITE FLYERwww.schriever.af.mil
16 JULY 13, 2006
SATELLITE FLYER www.schriever.af.mil
The perfect community for outdoor lovers.Single-family homes in Colorado Springs from the low $200s.
Springs Ranch is an amenity-rich master-planned community perfect for the
active family. With the 18-hole championship Springs Ranch Golf Club and
two complete trail systems, there’s more than enough to keep you outside.
Plus, minor league baseball is just minutes away at Sky Sox stadium. With 11
different floor plans, Engle offers three or four
bedrooms, two and three-car garages and space
up to 2,570 square feet.
FINAL SPRINGS RANCH CLOSE-OUT! All sales handled from Wolf Ranch office:5497 Cross Creek Drive Colorado Springs, CO 719-314-0444
S P R I N G S R A N C H
WOODMEN RD.
N. CAREFREE CIR.
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ONLY $500 REQUIRED FOR EARNEST MONEY DEPOSIT**
Open floor plans inside, open space outside.Single-family homes in Fountain from the upper $100s.
Cross Creek is a master-planned community featuring parks, trails and
plenty of open space. Located near a new shopping center, Cross Creek
is also close to Fort Carson and Peterson Air Force Base. The Fountain Valley
YMCA, Appletree Golf Course, the Fountain/Fort Carson Pool Complex
and Pikes Peak Library District are nearby as well.
Engle Homes at Cross Creek affords homebuyers
the choice of 13 floor plans ranging from 1,080
to 2,570 square feet with up to four bedrooms
and two-and-a-half baths.
8167 Silver Glen Drive Fountain, CO
719-382-7425
C R O S S C R E E K
Resort-style living at an affordable price.Row townhomes in Colorado Springs from the upper $100s.
The Overlook at Wolf Ranch features an abundance of community amenities,
from grassy sanctuaries and recreational facilities, to lakes and waterfront
amenities. Miles of walking trails are currently being constructed as well.
Engle offers four brand new floor plans that
range from 1,285 to 1,451 square feet
and include up to three bedrooms, two-car
attached garages and nine-foot or vaulted
ceilings throughout the main level.
5497 Cross Creek DriveColorado Springs, CO 719-314-0444
OVERLOOK AT WOLF RANCH
Everything you want in a golf course community, and then some.
Single-family homes in Falcon from the low $300s.
At Meridian Ranch, Engle Homes gives you a great neighborhood at a great
price. Take a swim in the pool, work out at the fitness and aerobic center,
play with the kids at the park, or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful
surroundings. Choose from seven unique single family home designs
