Days without a DUI: 5 Last DUI: 653rd CLSS — courtesy 78th Security Forces WEATHER THINK SAFETY To request a ride, call 222-0013, 335-5218, 335-5238 or 335-5236. THE TWO-MINUTE REV — Visit us online at www.robins.af.mil/library/rev.asp — Blood Drive Sept. 19 Robins will hold its next blood drive Sept. 19. The The Armed Services Blood Program and The American Red Cross will be coming to Robins to col- lect blood. The Armed Services Blood Program will be collect- ing at Cotton Auditorium in Bldg. 301 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and the Chapel Annex from 7:30 a.m. to 1p.m. The American Red Cross will be collecting in the Bldgs. 640 and 645 conference rooms from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Air Force Reserve Command Headquarters Bldg. 210 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. SATURDAY 90/70 SUNDAY 92/72 FRIDAY 92/72 September 12, 2008 Vol. 53 No. 35 AIRMAN’S ATTIC Football fever A look at the NCAA top 20, 1B SPORTS Family support 116th Air Control Wing earns top family readiness award, 5A AWARD Home, sweet home Airman’s Attic helps Airmen turn houses into homes, 4A BY HOLLY L. BIRCHFIELD [email protected]The Georgia Army National Guard’s Company H 171st Aviation Regiment offers help just in time. The company, which moved from Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Ga., and stood up at Robins on Aug. 5, is charged with moving time-sensitive, mission-crit- ical cargo immediately. Most recently, the company has focused its attention on the ever- changing hurricane situation. Capt. Barry Simmons, command- er, Company H 171st AVN REGT, likened the company’s mission to a well-known delivery company. “One way to describe this compa- ny is that we’re like the FedEx of the Army,” he said. “The Air Force will bring in cargo long distance to a cen- tralized location and we take that time-sensitive, mission-essential cargo and deliver it that last tactical mile directly to units that need that support. We overnight that material to the different forward operating bases.” Captain Simmons said his unit’s presence is equally important to the W aiting ings in the GA ANG Company H stands ready to serve whenever help is needed U.S. Air Force photo by SUE SAPP Joel Wlodarczyk, aircraft mechanic, lowers the cowling from the engine of a C-23 Sherpa to do maintenance and get it ready for the possibility of a mission to provide hurricane support. everyday transport of supplies as it is when emergencies arise. “Our continental U.S. mission is the transport of staff and cargo,” he said. “We support parts movement and personnel movement. One of the great contingency operations for us is disaster relief in support of homeland defense. One obvious mission for that is support of hurri- cane relief. In premission support, we move people out of affected areas and then after the landfall of the storm, we bring equipment and personnel in to begin recovery.” Company H’s quick response skills proved their value as hurri- canes recently began churning in the Atlantic Ocean, bringing threatening weather conditions to a number of areas. Captain Simmons said during Hurricane Gustav, Company H’s 19 crew members “moved patients from hospitals and nursing homes in coastal areas farther inland. We’d take people out of the affected area and we’d bring supplies in, and we have been on standby as well for these storms.” BY AMANDA CREEL [email protected]More than 300 members of the Robins’ community crowded the gym adjacent to the Health and Wellness Center Sept. 10 to remember the lives lost in the Sept. 11 attacks. The gym served as the kickoff for the Robins’ America Supports You Freedom Walk, where the 78th Air Base Wing vice commander, Col. Debra Bean, energized the crowd with a speech. She told attendees that today was a day they could turn the tragedy of Sept. 11 into something more than just the day that so many Americans lost their lives. “This day could be a constructive, impor- tant and powerful memory about what our nation is capable of,” she said. It is a simple way to honor the lives lost as America began to realize the threat of terror, the colonel added. She said it was up to each of us to decide what that day means and whether or not the memory of that day would be good or evil, whether or not it would represent the day America began the fight against terror or the day America was attacked by terrorists. She said it is up to each of us to attach a powerful memory to that day, one that repre- sents America’s vigilance to stand up against evil. “We are going to go out and walk. Even though it’s really simple, don’t think for one minute that it’s not powerful,” she said. Xsee COMPANY H, 2A U.S. Air Force photo by SUE SAPP Master Sgt. Gary Hunkins leads the walkers carrying the Flag of Honor in Robin's first Freedom Walk Sept. 10. The flag bears the names of those killed in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. (Also see additional Sept 11 story on page A3.) ‘Freedom Walk’ commemorates losses, triumphs of Sept. 11 Xsee WALK, 2A Energy conservation efforts help base save more than $900,000 BY STAFF SGT. VANN MILLER [email protected]Efforts by members of the Robins community to conserve energy are paying off. Base officials recently announced a reduction of more than $900,000 during the months of March through August, thanks to Teams Robins’ efforts to reduce the base’s energy impact on Middle Georgia. The recorded period of savings is based on a reduced usage of 13,400,000 fewer kilowatt hours during those months compared to 2007. This energy reduction event is part of a “When We’re Not Here” campaign designed to be an ini- tiative to make Team Robins become more energy conscious and a better steward of the environment, according to Jeane Paris, a member of the energy team here. “We started our awareness campaign with holi- day weekends,” Arthur Howard, 78th Air Base Wing energy office program manager. “People focused their attention on reducing energy usage by doing things such as turning things off when they went home to adjusting air conditioning set points. This proved that energy use can be reduced with people practicing good energy habits. Now, we are striving to reduce energy every day, just as we did during the holiday weekends.” U.S. Air Force photo by STAFF SGT. VANN MILLER Art Howard, Robins energy office program manager, stands before a layout of the main electrical distribu- tions throughout the base. Xsee ENERGY, 2A FOR MORE ON ENERGY, SEE PAGE A-8
Transcript
Days without a DUI: 5Last DUI: 653rd CLSS— courtesy 78th Security Forces
WEATHERTHINK SAFETY
To request a ride, call222-0013, 335-5218, 335-5238 or 335-5236.
THETWO-MINUTEREV
— Visit us online at www.robins.af.mil/library/rev.asp —
Blood Drive Sept. 19Robins will hold its next blood drive Sept. 19. The
The Armed Services Blood Program and TheAmerican Red Cross will be coming to Robins to col-lect blood.
The Armed Services Blood Program will be collect-ing at Cotton Auditorium in Bldg. 301 from 8:30 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. and the Chapel Annex from 7:30 a.m. to1p.m.
The American Red Cross will be collecting in theBldgs. 640 and 645 conference rooms from 7 a.m. to1 p.m. and Air Force Reserve CommandHeadquarters Bldg. 210 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
SATURDAY
90/70
SUNDAY
92/72
FRIDAY
92/72
September 12, 2008 Vol. 53 No. 35
AIRMAN’S ATTIC
Football fever
A look at the NCAA top20, 1B
SPORTS
Family support
116th Air Control Wingearns top family readinessaward, 5A
The Georgia Army NationalGuard’s Company H 171st AviationRegiment offers help just in time.
The company, which moved fromDobbins Air Reserve Base inMarietta, Ga., and stood up atRobins on Aug. 5, is charged withmoving time-sensitive, mission-crit-ical cargo immediately.
Most recently, the company hasfocused its attention on the ever-changing hurricane situation.
Capt. Barry Simmons, command-
er, Company H 171st AVN REGT,likened the company’s mission to awell-known delivery company.
“One way to describe this compa-ny is that we’re like the FedEx of theArmy,” he said. “The Air Force willbring in cargo long distance to a cen-tralized location and we take thattime-sensitive, mission-essentialcargo and deliver it that last tacticalmile directly to units that need thatsupport. We overnight that materialto the different forward operatingbases.”
Captain Simmons said his unit’spresence is equally important to the
Waitingings
in the
GA ANG Company H stands readyto serve whenever help is needed
U.S. Air Force photo by SUE SAPPJoel Wlodarczyk, aircraft mechanic, lowers the cowling from the engine of a C-23Sherpa to do maintenance and get it ready for the possibility of a mission to providehurricane support.
everyday transport of supplies as itis when emergencies arise.
“Our continental U.S. mission isthe transport of staff and cargo,” hesaid. “We support parts movementand personnel movement. One ofthe great contingency operations forus is disaster relief in support ofhomeland defense. One obviousmission for that is support of hurri-cane relief. In premission support,we move people out of affectedareas and then after the landfall ofthe storm, we bring equipment andpersonnel in to begin recovery.”
Company H’s quick responseskills proved their value as hurri-canes recently began churning in theAtlantic Ocean, bringing threateningweather conditions to a number ofareas.
Captain Simmons said duringHurricane Gustav, Company H’s 19crew members “moved patientsfrom hospitals and nursing homes incoastal areas farther inland. We’dtake people out of the affected areaand we’d bring supplies in, and wehave been on standby as well forthese storms.”
More than 300 members of the Robins’community crowded the gym adjacent to theHealth and Wellness Center Sept. 10 toremember the lives lost in the Sept. 11 attacks.
The gym served as the kickoff for theRobins’ America Supports You FreedomWalk, where the 78th Air Base Wing vicecommander, Col. Debra Bean, energized thecrowd with a speech. She told attendees that
today was a day they could turn the tragedy ofSept. 11 into something more than just the daythat so many Americans lost their lives.
“This day could be a constructive, impor-tant and powerful memory about what ournation is capable of,” she said.
It is a simple way to honor the lives lost asAmerica began to realize the threat of terror,the colonel added.
She said it was up to each of us to decidewhat that day means and whether or not thememory of that day would be good or evil,
whether or not it would represent the dayAmerica began the fight against terror or theday America was attacked by terrorists.
She said it is up to each of us to attach apowerful memory to that day, one that repre-sents America’s vigilance to stand up againstevil.
“We are going to go out and walk. Eventhough it’s really simple, don’t think for oneminute that it’s not powerful,” she said.
see COMPANY H, 2A
U.S. Air Force photo by SUE SAPPMaster Sgt. Gary Hunkins leads the walkers carrying the Flag of Honor in Robin's first Freedom Walk Sept. 10. The flag bears the names ofthose killed in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. (Also see additional Sept 11 story on page A3.)
‘Freedom Walk’ commemorateslosses, triumphs of Sept. 11
see WALK, 2A
Energy conservation efforts help base save more than $900,000
Efforts by members of the Robins community toconserve energy are paying off.
Base officials recently announced a reduction ofmore than $900,000 during the months of Marchthrough August, thanks to Teams Robins’ efforts toreduce the base’s energy impact on MiddleGeorgia.
The recorded period of savings is based on areduced usage of 13,400,000 fewer kilowatt hoursduring those months compared to 2007.
This energy reduction event is part of a “WhenWe’re Not Here” campaign designed to be an ini-tiative to make Team Robins become more energyconscious and a better steward of the environment,according to Jeane Paris, a member of the energyteam here.
“We started our awareness campaign with holi-day weekends,” Arthur Howard, 78th Air BaseWing energy office program manager. “Peoplefocused their attention on reducing energy usage bydoing things such as turning things off when theywent home to adjusting air conditioning set points.This proved that energy use can be reduced withpeople practicing good energy habits. Now, we arestriving to reduce energy every day, just as we didduring the holiday weekends.”
U.S. Air Force photo by STAFF SGT. VANN MILLERArt Howard, Robins energy office program manager,stands before a layout of the main electrical distribu-tions throughout the base.
see ENERGY, 2A
FOR MORE ON ENERGY, SEE PAGE A-8
One of the most beneficialeffects noted during this peri-od of reduced energy use wasthe fact that there was noimpact on mission accom-plishment
“The reduction wasachieved without any impactto the mission or safety,’”Mr. Howard said.
He said conserving ener-gy will have positive effectsin more than one area.
“Wasting energy is wast-
ing money, damaging theenvironment and making thebase less competitive,” Mr.Howard said. “Reducingenergy use is a win/win situ-ation for our nation, ourcommunity, and each indi-vidual.”
Base officials want toremind members here thatnot only is reducing energythe law, it is the right thing todo.
“Just like at home, ifRobins’energy bills are morethan expected, the money hasto come from somewhereelse,” Mr. Howard said.
2A The Robins Rev-Up September 12, 2008
The captain said the unit currentlyremains on a standby status waiting tosee what other storms like Ike andJosephine will bring.
Chief Warrant Officer DouglasGahring, an operations officer inCompany H, said the unit acts more likean active-duty unit than a traditionalGuard unit, and when help is needed, theunit is right on time.
Officer Gahring said state cooperativeagreements govern that Georgia assetssuch as Guard units can be available forassistance for other states during natural
disasters and other such situations uponrequest.
Responding to natural disasters is onlypart of Company H’s mission. Staff Sgt.Thomas Trigg, Company H’s NCO incharge, said the unit also supports ongo-ing operations both stateside and abroad.
“We have enough personnel for threeto four crews for one airplane, so wedon’t all do the same mission at the sametime,” he said. “In addition to the hurri-cane mission, we also support a giantplatform for special operations and do airdeliveries of personnel and supplies also.If we don’t have an airfield for delivery,we can do airdrops to resupply an area byair delivery.”
COMPANY HContinued from 1A
U.S. Air Force photo by SUE SAPPCapt. Barry Simmons talks about the varied missions of Company H in front of a C-23Sherpa.
As the kickoff ended aflood of PT uniforms and fit-ness apparel rushed the trailjust beyond the center asmembers of the Robins com-munity began to walk, run orstroll their way down the 5Ktrail for the base’s firstFreedom Walk.
Active-duty and civilianAirmen, their families andstudents from RobinsElementary all joined togeth-er to commemorate the liveslost that fateful day as theTwin Towers, the Pentagonand the flight in thePennsylvania field wereattacked.
Tech. Sgt. Mike Bullard,said the event was a successand he was thrilled to see theRobins community unified inthe name of freedom.
“This is a time when weshould all come together as anation and community andremember,” said SergeantBullard, readiness NCO.“Team Robins came togetherto show the support and ded-ication to the families thatlost their loved ones, as wellas to support veterans pastand present.”
Members of the communi-ty participated in the eventfor many reasons but allagreed it was an importantway to honor the sacrificesmade that day.
Amber Megginson, saidshe brought her two sons;Alex, 17 months, and Ryan,7, to the event because shewanted them to understandthe significance of the day.Mrs. Megginson, who home
schools her oldest son said itwas a great way to teach hima history lesson.
“I can explain to him whathappened and what itmeans,” she said.
Her husband, Tech Sgt.Ronald Megginson, chiefvehicle dispatcher with the78th Logistics ReadinessSquadron, said it gives hisboys a positive way toremember the day.
Tech Sgt. Renee Sudderthsaid she was joining theFreedom Walk to show hersupport for all those who losttheir loved ones that day.
“I am doing this walk tosay I will never forget,” saidSergeant Sudderth, who is anindividual mobilization aug-mentee with 78th MilitaryPersonnel Finance.
The event is sponsored inpart by Operation Homefrontand is designed to establish atradition reflecting on thelives lost Sept. 11. It is anopportunity to renewAmerica’s commitment tofreedom and the values thecountry was founded upon.It also serves as an opportu-nity to honor our veterans,past and present.
Members of the GeorgiaChapter of OperationHomefront were there duringthe event to provide waterbreaks and to celebrate aseach participant finished thewalk.
“We thought it was fabu-lous,” said Leenie Ruben,developmental director forthe chapter, “It was a reallygood turn out.”
WALKContinued from 1A
U.S. Air Force photo by SUE SAPP
Staff Sgt. Nicholas Chatham, Robins Honor Guard, posts theAmerican flag during the opening ceremony for the Freedom Walk.
Any one up for a game ofbingo? How about a game ofSpanish bingo?
“It’s just bingo, but inSpanish” said Gloria Munoz,an Hispanic Heritage com-mittee member and a cus-tomer service specialist withthe 78th Civil EngineerGroup.
She said the game is basedon photos rather than num-bers and that everything isdone in Spanish. The bingocards are composed of pic-tures of different things.During the game the Spanishterm is called out instead ofthe English one.
“It’s a great way for peo-ple to learn to speakSpanish,” Ms. Munoz said.
Spanish Bingo is just oneof the many activities beingoffered to the Robins com-munity as part of HispanicHeritage Month, which isobserved from Sept. 15 toOct. 15.
The theme of this year’sHispanic heritage celebrationis “Getting Involved; OurFamilies, Our Community,Our Nation.” The event isdesigned to foster the desireto share the diverse Hispaniccultural experience with theRobins community.
Organizers on the com-mittee encourage all mem-bers of the Robins communi-ty to join the observance.
“We are trying to shareour diversity with the com-munity and a little bit of ourculture,” said Ed Armijo, theRobins Hispanic HeritageCommittee project officer.
He said some of the high-lights of the month-longobservation will includemembers of the MiddleGeorgia community such asthe dancers who will performflamenco and Spanish dancesand the keynote speaker forthe luncheon, Col. MadelineLopez, the Defense LogisticsAgency Warner Robins com-mander.
“I encourage everyone tocome out so they can have theexposure to a culture that isthriving here in MiddleGeorgia,” Mr. Armijo said.
It is important for every-one to take the time to under-stand one another’s back-ground no matter how similaror dissimilar they are, saidTech. Sgt. Josie Ojeda, assis-tant individual mobilizationassistant administrator and acommittee member.
“We just want to help edu-cate members of the commu-nity,” she said. “Each culturewithin the Hispanic culturehas its own uniqueness and itwill be exciting to see themall come together. ”
SEPTEMBER EVENTSSept. 13 — There will be
a picnic at 11 a.m. at GatorPark featuring music,Mexican Folkloric dancers,piñatas and family gamesincluding a children’s versionof Spanish Bingo. A maincourse will be provided, butparticipants are encouragedto bring side dishes.
OCTOBER EVENTSOct. 2 — A luncheon will
be held in the Heritage ClubBallroom from 11 a.m. until12:30 p.m. The keynotespeaker for the event will beColonel Lopez. Taco saladplates will cost $11 per per-son.
Oct. 7 — Spanish Bingowill be held at 6 p.m. in theHeritage Club Bingo Room.
Oct. 18 — A banquet willbegin with a social at 6:30p.m and dinner at 7 p.m at theHeritage Club Ballroom.
The keynote speaker isGeorge Velazquez, an inspi-rational speaker and profes-sional dancer who was thevictim of a hit and run whichleft his left leg amputatedbelow the knee.
Dinner will be followedby a dance at 9 p.m. wherethe Daiquiri Band will per-form Caribbean-style music.Tickets for the event cost $20per person.
Captain Simmons said every day isdifferent for the unit.
“We receive a mission every day,” hesaid. “They’ll cut a flight advisory for usand then we wait to hear what mission wehave and load up and go fly it.”
Company H, which is headquarteredby the Georgia ANG, has detachmentsspread among four states, includingGeorgia, Florida, Texas and Kentucky.
The unit has eight airframes to accom-plish its mission.
Company H will be fielding the veryfirst joint cargo airplane in any militaryservice branch, the C-27J, which willcome to Robins around March 2009.
Captain Simmons said his companycame to Robins for its size and level ofsupport.
“Company H is a very small organiza-tion, but it’s supported by the team workconcept,” he said. “We have our head-quarters in Atlanta that supports us withstaff functions. Higher headquarters isthe 78th Aviation Troop Commandwhose commander is Col. BrentBracewell.”
Captain Simmons said the Army andAir Force work well together.
“We talk about working in a jointenvironment a lot,” he said. “When theAir Force and the Army team up to dothings, we’re not green, we’re not blue,we’re purple.”
In working purple, Captain Simmonssaid everyone supports everyone else.
Now, Robins has become one moresource of support for Company H and theunit’s new home.
“Robins Air Force Base approachesthe joint environment concept the rightway,” he said. “It should be an examplefor others to follow.”
ENERGYContinued from 1A
IN BRIEFThe Middle Georgia
Chapter of the LogisticsOfficers Association will holdits monthly luncheon withDoug Keene as the guestspeaker, discussing “TheEvolution to High VelocityMaintenance” Thursday at11:30 a.m. in the HorizonsGeorgia Room.
Tickets must be reserved inadvance by Tuesday. ContactJane Schildknecht [email protected] or 222-1354.
WATSON Channel 15COX Channel 99
September 12, 2008 The Robins Rev-Up 3A
INTERSECTION CHANGEBeginning Monday, the
intersection of Richard RayBoulevard and CochranStreet, and Richard RayBoulevard and MilledgevilleStreet will become four-way
stops. The four-way stops,approved by the TrafficSafety Committee WorkingGroup, are necessary as on-street parking on RichardRay Boulevard limits driv-ers’ visibility.
For more information,contact Mark Craddock at
327-2934.
SENIOR NCO INDUCTIONSEMINAR AND CEREMONY
The Robins Top-3 willconduct a Senior Non-Commissioned OfficerInduction Seminar Sept. 22 -25 starting at 7:30 a.m. each
day in the RobinsConference Center Bldg.560. An SNCO InductionCeremony and Banquet isscheduled for Sept. 25, start-ing at 6 p.m. at the Centuryof Flight Hangar, Museum ofAviation. This event will rec-ognize all Team Robins tech-
nical sergeants selected forpromotion to the rank ofmaster sergeant during thelast promotion cycle.Commanders, supervisors,family members and friendsare encouraged to attend.Attire for the ceremony ismess dress or semi-formal
dress uniform for militarymembers and formal dressattire for civilians. For moreinformation contact MasterSgt. Shondi Morrison at 222-0168, Master Sgt. MelissaWilliams at 201-1980 orSenior Master Sgt. RobertBourns at 201-5131.
IN BRIEF
BY MASTER SGT. JEFF LOFTIN 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
Airmen in the 116th AirControl Wing recently reached40,000 flight hours in supportof the war on terrorism fittinglyin an aircraft named for theattacks which began the war.
The 7th Expeditionary AirCommand and ControlSquadron Airmen reached themilestone Sept. 2 in E-8C JointSurveillance Target AttackRadar System aircraft 02-9111.
“It’s a pretty big event,”said Lt. Col. William Gould, 7EACCS commander. “It hastaken us quite a while to get tothis. We’ve been here since thebeginning of the (war on ter-rorism) flying these missionsand supporting the folks on theground.”
The unit, deployed fromRobins, provides air-to-groundsurveillance to theater groundand air component command-ers. The milestone capped morethan 3,650 missions for the unitwhose service here started justtwo months after Sept. 11.
“The Army depends on usfor ground coverage so it’s veryimportant to me to know we’vebeen supporting them for40,000 hours,” said Capt.Karen Everman, a surveillanceofficer from Syracuse, N.Y.,who was part of the crew on themilestone mission. “I was atRobins the day this aircraft wasdelivered and I actually flew onits first mission there. It’s kind
of like a homecoming to flysuch a significant mission onthis jet.”
The milestone marks yearsof unique support to the area ofoperations.
“We actually bring a hugemenu of capabilities,” saidColonel Gould. “We are theonly platform in the world thatprovides wide-area surveil-lance for ground moving targetindication. Also, we have ahuge suite of battle manage-ment specialists who can con-trol other aircraft if we need to,move around the battlespace,support [troops in contact] orsupport a downed aircraft ifnecessary.”
Colonel Gould said theJSTARS aircraft can providedata to help identify areas onwhich unmanned aerial vehi-cles should focus. Becausewhat they provide is so impor-tant to units on the ground, thecrew normally includes threeArmy crewmembers.
“I’m very proud to be a partof this because I know howimportant this platform is to thetheater,” said Army Lt. Col.Darryl Verrett, deputy missioncrew commander for the flight.“To be here for this milestone isa very proud moment foreveryone who is a flyer.”
The Army colonel said hehas logged more than 600hours with the Air Force sup-porting the mission in the aor.
“Working hand-in-handwith the Air Force is very spe-
cial,” he said. “You develop agreat appreciation for your sis-ter service members once yousee them hard at work. Youunderstand exactly what theybring to the fight.”
Members of the GeorgiaAir National Guard also arepart of that fight.
“I’ve been in the GeorgiaAir National Guard for 23years,” said Tech. Sgt. EliLines, a crew chief assigned tothe 379th ExpeditionaryAircraft MaintenanceSquadron. “To deploy with thisunit and meet this milestone isfor me personally a big eventbecause I’m helping anothercountry gain their freedom bycoming over here and crewinga jet allowing the unit to fightthe fight.”
Sergeant Lines said hewas passionate about helpingthe unit accomplish each andevery mission. That attitudeamong maintainers has helpedthe unit maintain a 99.6 percentlaunch rate throughout the40,000 hours.
“I attribute this success tothe hard work of the maintain-ers on the ground and the air-crew flying it,” said ColonelGould. “It was definitely agroup effort and it includesNorthrop Grumman, the con-tractors that helped us keep theplanes going. It takes a largecomponent of maintenancefolks on the ground to keepthese planes fixed.”
The colonel said the air-
planes are 40 years old andrequire regular maintenance,especially on the engines. Theaircraft flown for the milestonemission had been used as acivilian passenger plane for 15years when the Air Force pur-chased it in 1982. It was used asan advanced-range instrumen-tation aircraft until being recon-figured as a JSTARS aircraftafter Sept. 11 and renamed forthe event.
“This jet would never get offthe ground without the hardwork of all our people,” saidStaff Sgt. Frank Grimm. “I
think we do a good job. I thinkthe numbers speak for them-selves.”
Senior Airman MikeAlbreti, another crew chief withthe unit called the aircraft main-tenance friendly.
“I think the aircraft worksgreat, flies great and is reallyeasy to work on,” he said. “Ireally like the mission of theseaircraft. It gives me a quickthrill knowing I’m doing some-thing important. This is notpractice. This is real life.Knowing that and having theaircraft go up and do its mission
makes you feel good.”From maintainers to flight
and mission crews, the unit hascome together to make its40,000 hour contribution to thewar on terrorism, said ColonelVerrett.
“It makes you realize thatwe, as a unit, have put in a lot ofwork for a long time,” he said.“It’s taken years to reach thismilestone. It makes you proudthat you can put in your part.When you look at the big pic-ture, you can see that every-body has pulled together to getto this milestone.”
40,000 flight hour milestone reached in aircraft named for Sept. 11
U.S. Air Force photo by STAFF SGT. AARON ALLMON IICrew members from the 7th Expeditionary Air Combat and Control Squadron pre-flight a E-8C JointSurveillance Target Attack Radar System aircraft Sept. 1 for a mission over Iraq. The flight will mark40,000 combat hours supporting the war on terrorism for the deployed Airmen of the 116th AirControl Wing.
What were youdoing when the
attacks of Sept. 11
occurred?
I was at an in-process-ing briefing at AndrewsAFB. I went to my room atTLF and my son called totell me to turn on the TVand I saw the second hit. Ihad to pick up my daugh-ter from her school offbase and it took me 2.5hours to get back on base.
Chief Master Sgt.Mark Connelly
78th CG
I was in the middlebetween the attack areas.I was in class at a militaryNCO development courseat Fort Indiantown Gap,Pennsylvania. It was apretty solemn day.
Staff Sgt. Thomas Trigg
Army H Company
Lynn Minter78th CS
Tech. Sgt. Jason Pierre78th LRS
I was working nights onexercises at Shaw AFB.My supervisor called andwoke me up telling me toget my bag and come inbecause I was being acti-vated. While I was on thephone with him I turned onthe TV and saw the sec-ond plane hit the TwinTowers.
Master Sgt. Bill Geiger78th LRS
I was at work atRamstein AB, Germany. Itwas toward the end of theday and the civilians werewatching their version ofCNN on TV. We could seewhat had happened butthey translated fromGerman to English whatwas being said for us.
I had just gotten homefrom the hospital fromhaving my daughter. Mymom, who worked in lawenforcement called to tellme to turn on the TV. I waspretty concerned abouthow what was happeningwould affect my child’s lifeand how she would haveto grow up.
CORRECTION: The photographer of the motorcycle ride photo on page A-1
of the Sept. 5 edition of the Robins Rev-Up was misidenti-fied. The photo was taken by Ed Aspera. We regret the error.
For many Air Force fami-lies turning a house or anapartment into a home is anecessary skill set.
However, adding the com-forts of home can be a daunt-ing task on any budget espe-cially for those who are justbeginning their Air Forcejourney. That is why theAirman’s Attic for manyyoung Air Force membersand their families can be ananswer to their house warm-ing woes.
The Airman’s Attic offersitems of all kinds free for thetaking to help young Airmenand their families stretchtheir budget.
A group of young Airmenrecently joined together tohelp make the Robins’Airmen’s Attic fill the voidsleft in many bedrooms andkitchens throughout theRobins’ community. Theresults of their efforts is amore user friendly atticwhere more Air Force fami-lies can get the assistancethey need.
One of the Airmen credit-ed with spearheading manyof the improvements at thebase’s Airman’s Attic StaffSgt. Tara Grippon, said shejust wants it to be a valuableresource to Robin’s Airmen.
Sergeant Grippon, a pas-senger and travel clerk withthe bases’ TravelManagement Office, saidwhen she first volunteered tohelp the Airman’s attic shehad no idea what she wasgetting into. When shearrived as a volunteer shedescribed the Airman’s Attic,which is located in a houseon Chief’s Circle, as chaos.
“Coming from both sidesof the house, you couldn’treach each other because ofall the boxes,” she said.
A fellow volunteer 1st Lt.James Fink, 78th LogisticsReadiness Squadron vehiclemaintenance officer incharge agreed the attic was indire need of a facelift.
“I can’t even describehow bad it was,” he said.
Today, the Airman’s atticis the opposite organizedsimilar to many Airman’shomes. The attic makes iteasy to locate needed itemsby placing them where theyare most commonly used.
“We set it up the way youwould set up your actualhouse. That way you couldgo to where you would findthings in your house and theywould be there,” SergeantGrippon said.
The downstairs of thehome offers kitchen, diningand living room items andthe upstairs holds two chil-dren’s rooms and an adultroom.
Sergeant Grippon said theAirman’s Attic has seen vastenhancements recentlyallowing Airmen within thecommunity to find what theyneed and giving the Robins’community a great place torecycle unwanted items thatcould be a blessing to anoth-er active-duty family.
“This is just another oneof the multitudes of ways theAir Force gives back to oneanother and raises its youngAirman,” Lieutenant Finksaid.
The Airman’s Attic isopen to enlisted Airman fromairman basic to staff sergeantand 1st and 2nd lieutenants.The attic offers various itemsincluding clothing, toys,baby items such as strollersand car seats, dishes andsmall kitchen appliances.
Master Sgt. Lisa Wills,who is in charge of theAirman’s Attic, said she isgrateful for the help she hasreceived to get the attic readyto meet the needs of theRobins’ community. Shesaid she is still looking foradditional volunteers to helpman the attic on Mondays 8a.m. to noon andWednesdays noon to 4 p.m.so that families will haveadequate time to come andcollect the items they need.
She said she hopes to beable to expand the hours ofthe attic, but that she needsmore volunteers before shecan make that happen.
Along with volunteers theattic is also looking for moredonations of gently useditems. The attic request thatall donations be cleaned andready for new owners beforebeing dropped off. Becauseof a lack of space the attic
Robins Airman’s Attic helpsAirmen turn houses into homes
can’t accept large furnitureitems. Although the atticcan’t store the larger items itwill help donators find a newhome for larger items byplacing them on a wish listthat is distributed throughoutthe Robins community.
The Airman’s Attic is alsohome to the uniform closetpreviously located at thebase’s thrift store. The uni-form closet is open duringthe attic’s business hours andis open to any Airman
WHAT TO KNOWThe Robins Airman’s Attic
is open Mondays from 8 a.m.to noon and Wednesdaysfrom noon to 4 p.m. Formore information aboutdonating items or volunteer-ing at the Airman’s Attic callMaster Sgt. Lisa Wills at327-3983.
U.S. Air Force photo by SUE SAPPStaff Sgt. Tara Grippon, 78th Logistics Readiness Squadron pas-senger travel clerk, volunteers at the Robins Airman's Attic.
Robins to celebrate end ofsummer at bash set for Sept. 27
As summer winds down,Robins is revving up someend of season fun.
The base will hold its19th Annual Summer Bashat Robins Park Sept. 27,from 4 to 8 p.m.
Robins’ Force SupportSquadron’s ServicesDivision is using the carni-val-like event to say thankyou to its customers fromthroughout the year.
Linda Hinkle, Marketingdirector in the 78th FSS,said the day will bringsomething for all ages forlittle to no money.
“It’s family entertainmentand you don’t have to drivefar to get the kids on base,”she said. “It’s just goodfun.”
Summer Bash is a freeadmission event open to allbase ID cardholders.
Brian Murphy, a recre-ation assistant at Robins’Community Center, said for$5, individuals who are 3and older can get a wristband that allows them toenjoy about 25 rides andattractions, including abungee jump, a dual lanewater slide, a carousel, arock wall climb, a WackyWorld Playland and muchmore.
Children two andyounger can enjoy rides forfree.
Summer Bash 2008 issponsored by Coca Cola,Robins Federal Credit
Union, the home depot, theParty Store, USAA, AT&T,and Verizon Wireless. Nofederal endorsement ofsponsors is implied.
Ms. Hinkle said multiplesponsors will be on siteoffering a sampling of theirproducts.
“Home Depot is going tocome out and do wood proj-ects with the children,” shesaid. “Also, our Arts andCrafts Center is going tohave an arts and crafts fair.”
Performances by the AirForce Generation Band,Lindsey and JordanWoodson, Sister Ray Ray,Ambrose Gardner andT’Nquala Hayes will beginat 4 p.m.
Multiple door prizes willbe given away during day,Ms. Hinkle said.
When the buzz of activitystirs Summer Bashers’hunger, several of Robins’private organizations willhave a variety of food anddrinks for sell to hit the spot.
Mr. Murphy said hehopes to see a big turnoutfor the day.
“It’s a great social eventto meet and see other peoplewho work on base,” he said.“It’s amazing how manypeople show up that recog-nize people from otherbuildings and from off basethat we deal with. It’s a goodway to wrap up the sum-mer.”
U.S. Air Force file photo by CLAUDE LAZZARATwo young attendees test each other’s balance at the Let’sCelebrate Summer Bash 2007 at Robins Park last Septemberwhile they are cheered on by onlookers. Summer Bash 2008 willkickoff Sept. 27.
September 12, 2008 The Robins Rev-Up 5A
BY MAJ. RENEE MASSEY116th Air Control Wing Public Affairs
Commitment to the man-agement philosophy that themost valuable resource of anysuccessful organization is itsemployees and that by takingcare of the people; they in turnwill take care of the mission isevident by the 116th AirControl Wing earning the stateof Georgia’s top award forfamily readiness.
The wing received the 2007Georgia National GuardOutstanding Family Readinessand Support award, for the sec-ond year in a row, during theGeorgia National Guard annualFamily Readiness Workshopand Leadership ConferenceAug. 12-14 in Atlanta.
“We have an extremelyrobust program that reaches outto over 2,600 Air NationalGuard, Air Force, and Armyservice members and theirfamilies,” said Eileen Byrd,116th Family Readiness coor-dinator. “In 2007, the wingdeployed roughly 1,593 peoplein 12 separate deployments,and for each deployment pre-briefing, the 116th FamilyReadiness Office was there toestablish contact with the serv-ice members and their fami-lies.”
Immediately after eachdeployment, Mrs. Byrd makescontact with the member’sspouse through use of a data-base comprised of emailaddresses and phone numbers.She also serves as a conduitbetween the spouse, the servicemember, and the unit. Day ornight, she receives phone callsfrom spouses on a myriad ofcrises ranging from a family ill-ness to broken house-holdappliances.
On one occasion, Mrs. Byrdassisted a family member after
an Airman suffered a majorheart attack while deployed.She coordinated with theAmerican Red Cross, assistedthe family member with travelarrangements, and was there toprovide assurance and helpalleviate stress.
With help from volunteers,the Family Readiness Officecreated the ‘116th WingYellow Pages.’ This is a direc-tory of wing members and theirfamilies who have a businessor can offer a service at a rea-sonable rate to other wingmembers such as providingchild care, lawn care service,and auto repairs to only name afew. The premise is to provideassistance to a spouse in needwhile their loved one isdeployed.
Additionally, the FamilyReadiness Office providesassistance through its VolunteerIncome Tax AssistanceProgram. This program offersfree preparation and electronicfiling of federal and stateincome tax.
“2007 was a banner year forthe program,” said Mrs. Byrd.“We had 12 volunteers who
prepared and filed more than400 tax returns— and the bestnews is we had zero errors!”
As the holiday seasonquickly approaches, the annual‘Family to FamilyFoundation,’ supported by theFamily Readiness Office andmany kind-hearted wing andcommunity volunteers, willkick off another year of bring-ing holiday cheer. The founda-tion provides gifts of clothing,toys and food to those in need.During last year’s holiday sea-son, the foundation assisted192 families from the 116thACW and the local communi-ty.
“Having a strong familysupport program is importantto me,” said Brig. Gen. TomMoore, 116th ACW command-er. “Our top priority is to takecare of the members of thiswing and their families, andthis award is a measure of oursuccessful program.”
If you would like to volun-teer or become a member of the116th spouses information dis-tribution list, call or email Mrs.Byrd at 201-1286 [email protected].
116th ACW earns top family readiness award
U.S. Air Force photo by STAFF SGT. CHRISTOPHER HOLMESA member of the 116th Air Control Wing receives a hug from his fam-ily upon returning home from a recent deployment to SouthwestAsia. The family readiness program provides support to families dur-ing deployments.
Beginning Sept. 8, Airmennow will be required to wear acombination of the blues uni-form on Mondays.
At a recent four-star con-ference, Air Force Chief ofStaff Gen. Norton A. Schwartzdiscussed the issue with other
senior leaders.“We all agreed that part of
our image, culture and profes-sionalism is instilled in ourblues,” General Schwartz said.
The policy is mandatoryfor most career fields, withinstallation commanders
retaining the authority toadjust for mission require-ments.
Prior to Sept. 11, 2001,blues were the primary dutyuniform for most Airmen.
– courtesy Air Force LinkNews.
Every Monday now blues day for Airmen
Got news to share? Contact a member of the Rev-Up staffSue Sapp 222-0805
Kendahl Johnson 222-0804Holly Birchfield 222-0810 Lanorris Askew 222-0806
Award-winning support
6A The Robins Rev-Up September 12, 2008
TITLE: 78th Civil Engineer GroupReadiness and EmergencyManagement Division, chief
DUTIES: “As EmergencyManagement, we basically manageand execute the installation readinessand emergency management pro-gram for the installation commander.This entails preparing, planning, train-ing, educating, and equipping AirForce personnel to respond to, main-tain mission capability, and recoverfrom all disasters. We provideChemical Biological RadiologicalNuclear High Explosive ProgramTraining for deploying personnel. Wemanage the Robins EmergencyOperations Center which provides acommand and control platform for theIncident commander during naturaldisasters, major accidents, and terror-ist threats. Emergency managementis broken into peace time and wartime. We also disseminate informa-tion about disaster preparednessthrough unit emergency manage-ment reps to educate the base popu-lace about natural disasters.”
HOMETOWN: DeGraff, Ohio
Tony Purtee
UNDERGRADUATE FLYINGTRAINING SELECTIONBOARD
The next UndergraduateFlying Training selectionboard will convene at the AirForce Personnel Center Jan.13, 2009. The board willreview active-duty applica-tions for selection to pilot,combat systems officer andair battle manager training.
Officers born after April 1,1979 with a total federal com-missioned service date afterApril 1, 2004, who meet allother eligibility criteria, mayapply.
All applicants need tocomplete the Air ForceOfficer Qualification Test. Inaddition, pilot applicantsmust complete the Test ofBasic Aviation Skills.Applicants are also responsi-ble for notifying their com-manders and supervisors of
IN BRIEF the application deadline ifthey are providing commentson AF Form 215.
Applicants should sendcompleted applications, post-marked by Nov. 14, to HQAFPC/DPAOT3, 550 C StreetWest Suite 31, RandolphAFB, TX 78150-4733.Applications with incomplete
or missing data may not beprocessed.
For more information, visitthe AFPC “Ask” Web site;search for “UFP.” You can getmore information through the24-hour Air Force ContactCenter at 1-800-616-3775 orthe base formal training ele-ment.
PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER
September 12, 2008 The Robins Rev-Up 7A
Starting in October, the AirForce Reserve Command willtest a new force support struc-ture by merging mission sup-port squadrons and servicessquadrons at seven locationsthroughout the United States.
In the test, which will runfor one year, the affected unitswill merge manpower and per-sonnel functions with services.Combining these services inone organization is designed tostreamline processes, maxi-mize customer service and cutcosts associated with maintain-ing separate organizations.
“The Air Force has becomea leaner force,” said Col.Joseph Vivori, director of man-power and personnel atHeadquarters AFRC.
“As a result, our peoplehave to make the best use ofthe resources they have,” hesaid. “By combining manpow-er, personnel and servicesunder one manager, we willreduce overall costs and giveour people more flexibility torespond to their customers.”
The test will involve twokinds of units — stand-alonelocations and locations thatreceive support from hostactive-duty units. Stand-alonetest locations are March AirReserve Base, Calif.; Naval AirStation Joint Reserve Base FortWorth, Texas; and YoungstownAir Reserve Station, Ohio. Testlocations that will receivesome support from their hostsare MacDill AFB, Fla.; HillAFB, Utah; Elmendorf AFB,Alaska; and McGuire AFB,
N.J.Labor relations bargaining
obligations will be satisfiedwith local unions in advance ofthe test.
Stand-alone locations willhave four flights — forcedevelopment, community sup-port, civilian personnel, andreadiness and plans. Supportedlocations will have two flights -force development and opera-tions, which contains many ofthe elements of a readiness andplans flight.
“Force support squadronsare designed to bring peopleand services together,” saidMaj. Gen. Allan R. Poulin,AFRC vice commander, whoapproved the test for the com-mand. “Like the active force,we will have one agency tocare for our people and managethe services that support them.It makes good business sensefor us to organize the same waywe deploy overseas.”
Airmen and their familiescan expect to continue to havethe same world-class support,care and facilities they’vealways had, say command offi-cials. They emphasize that themerger is not about downsizingbut consolidating processesand programs to better servepeople.
After the one-year test ends,AFRC officials will determinehow to implement force sup-port squadrons for the entirecommand.
– courtesy Air ForceReserve Command NewsService.
AFRC to test force supportstructure throughout U.S.
LONG TERM, FULL TIMEACADEMIC DEGREEPROGRAM SELECTIONS
The local Long Term, FullTime Academic DegreeProgram selection board metand considered 24 candi-dates for full time collegeattendance. LTFT is an annu-al program open to civilservice employees with atleast five consecutive yearsof service. It allows selectedindividuals to be away fromtheir job for up to one aca-demic year in order to com-plete their masters or lastyear of their bachelorsdegree. They continue toreceive all pay andallowances while attendingschool. It is a competitiveprogram where selectionsare based on several differentcriteria, such as GPA andrecommendations from thesupervisor and wing com-mander.
WR-ALC/DPT, BaseEducation and TrainingOffice, is pleased toannounce the 14 candidatesbelow who were selectedand started school Fall 2008.Congratulations to each ofthem.
Bruce Capehart, 542nd CSW
Jamie Cook, WR-ALC/EN
Michael Barks, 330th ASW
Christopher McKay, 402nd MXW
Gregory Sutton, WR-ALC/EN
Sherry Dawson, 402nd MXW
Erin Mathews, 542nd CSW
Mary Nauss, 78th CPTS/FM
Robert Williams, WR-ALC/DP
Bobie Ensor, 402nd MXW
Hector Hernandez, WR-ALC/EN
Virginia Does, 402nd MXW
James Sawinski, 330th ASW
James Strickland, 542nd CSW
IN BRIEF
THINK SMART,CONSERVE ENERGY
IT’S ELECTRIFYING
Commander’s Action LineHOW TO CONTACT USRobins Office of Public Affairs620 Ninth Street., Bldg. 905Robins AFB, GA 31098(478) 926-2137 DSN 468-2137Fax (478) 926-9597
EDITORIAL STAFFCOMMANDERCol. Warren Berry
PUBLIC AFFAIRS Faye Banks-Anderson
CHIEF OF INTERNALINFORMATION Capt. Sequoiya [email protected](478) 222-0802
Editorial content is edited, pre-pared and provided by the Office ofPublic Affairs at Robins Air ForceBase, Ga. All photographs are AirForce photographs unless otherwiseindicated. Stories and briefs must besubmitted as a Word document.They may not exceed two pages,double spaced. They must be typedusing the Times New Roman font,12-point type, with 1-inch margins.All submissions will be edited to con-form to Associated Press style.Submission does not guaranteepublication.
Submissions must be receivedby 4 p.m. the Monday prior to therequested Friday publication. Theyshould be e-mailed to [email protected]. Submissionsshould be of broad interest to thebase populace. If there are furtherquestions, call Kendahl Johnson at(478) 222-0804.
DELIVERYThe Robins Rev-Up is published
50 times a year on Fridays, exceptwhen a holiday occurs during themiddle or latter part of the week andthe first and last Fridays of the year.To report delivery issues, callKendahl Johnson at (478) 222-0804.
ADVERTISINGFor advertising information, call
The Telegraph advertising depart-ment at (478) 923-6432.
CLASSIFIEDSTo place a classified ad, call
The Telegraph at (478) 744-4234.
ONLINE To read articles online, visit
www.robins.af.mil/library/rev.asp
The Robins Rev-Up is published byThe Telegraph, a private firm in noway connected with the U.S. AirForce, under exclusive written con-tract with Robins Air Force Base, Ga.,of the Air Force Materiel Command. This commercial enterprise Air Forcenewspaper is an authorized publica-tion for members of the U.S. militaryservices. Contents of the RobinsRev-Up are not necessarily the offi-cial views of or endorsed by, the U.S.government, Department of Defense,or Department of the Air Force. Theappearance of advertising in this pub-lication, including inserts or supple-ments, does not constitute endorse-ment by the Department of Defense,Department of the Air Force, or TheTelegraph, of the products or servicesadvertised. Everything advertised inthis publication shall be made avail-able for purchase, use, or patronagewithout regard to race, color, religion,sex, national origin, age, marital sta-tus, physical or mental handicap,political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user,or patron.
CommentaryThe Action Line is an open-door pro-
gram for Team Robins personnel to givekudos, ask questions or suggest ways tomake Robins a better place to work andlive.
The most efficient and effective way toresolve a problem or complaint is todirectly contact the organization responsi-ble. This gives the organization a chanceto help you, as well as a chance toimprove their processes.
Please include your name and a wayof reaching you so we can provide a directresponse. Anonymous action lines will notbe processed. Discourteous or disre-spectful submissions will not beprocessed.
Action Line items of general interest tothe Robins community will be printed inthe Robins Rev-Up.
To contact the Action Line:Call 926-2886 or for the quickest
Staff Sgt. Abraham Lagunas installs a shortening clip on a C-17 Globemaster III nickel-cadmium battery before reconditioning it Sept. 3 at March Air Reserve Base,Calif. The clips short out the battery cells to prevent electrical shock. Sgt. Lagunas is an aircraft mechanic with the 452nd Maintenance Squadron.
RUNNING TRAIL WATERFOUNTAINS
Sir, I have been a citizen ofRobins for 36 years and I love it.My father retired here in 1972. Ijoined the military after high schooland returned here in 1995 with mychildren. Throughout this time Ihave used all the services facilitiesthe base has to offer and enjoyedthem all. My kids and I use the gymon a regular basis…we are “gymrats.” Sir, I am a jogger and jog the
paths throughout the base, especiallythe three mile route going throughthe stables. My suggestion is to putsome water fountains, right there atthe corner where the bench is. Thisspot makes a great half way pointand rest area for when I am having a“tough run” or when I am with mykids and I need stop, so they cancatch up with me because I am hav-ing a “good run.”
Please consider the suggestionand thank you for such a great place
to live, work and play.
COLONEL BERRY’S RESPONSE:Thank you for your interest in fit-
ness and for your interest in the wellbeing of members of the Robinscommunity, not to mention yourfamily. We are glad you have beenenjoying the fitness center and therunning trail.
Although there is no water foun-tain at the specific spot you mention,there are two operational water foun-
tains along the jogging trail. One isat the corner of Fort Valley andCrescent, just before the stables. Theother fountain is near the pull up barstation before Luna Lake, past thestables. And if you are running alongthe sidewalks next to the golf course,feel free to have a drink at the teebox.
Joggers should also know theirlimitations and we encourage all trailusers to carry water bottles to pro-vide additional refreshment.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”— Nelson Mandela
The 78th Air Base Wing energyoffice now provides Team Robins anavenue to make a difference in thebattle to reduce our energy impacthere in Middle Georgia.
By sending your questions, com-ments and suggestions to ourwatchful staff, we can do our part inhelping make Robins Air ForceBase an environmentally friendlyplace to live work and play.
Email your energy-related ques-tions or concerns to:[email protected].
QUESTION:I just watched Colonel Berry’s
interview on saving energy, and Inoticed the mandate that appears to begiven to you focuses on just savingenergy with or without saving on ener-gy cost.
For those not familiar with the dif-ference between the cost of homeelectrical energy and the cost of com-mercial electrical power, they wouldthink that saving electrical energy isalso saving on the cost of it. Howeverfor non-home use of electricity, thecost is primarily a function of peakenergy used over a short period oftime during the day.
In Georgia Power’s case forService to Government Institutions,the peak energy use is the highest halfhour during the day. For the heavyindustrial user, an additional cost can
be incurred if the power factor is lessthan 0.95, generally meaning reactiveloading. Electric motors, older fluo-rescent lights and older computers aresignificant contributors to reducingthe power factor to less than 0.95,especially when turning them on andoff. For details on Georgia Power'srate schedule, I downloaded the actu-al rate schedule of Georgia Powerfrom its website.
My concern is if one of your mainmetrics is reducing the amount ofmoney the base spends on electricityso it can be better spent supporting thewarfighter in other ways, then thefocus needs to be on both reducing theenergy usage during the half hourpeak of the day and reducing the reac-tive loading of power to raise thepower factor to 0.95 or greater.
I believe I have some suggestionsthat could help you in reducing theamount of money the base spends onelectricity so it can be better spent sup-porting the warfighter in other ways.
RESPONSE:Your observation that energy
reduction does not directly correlate tocost reduction is correct. Robins is ona combined rate with most of theDOD installations in the state ofGeorgia. This rate provides the lowestaverage cost for all DOD installations;however, it also is one of GeorgiaPowers most complex rates. Our rate
is composed of two main components.The first is load which existed prior to1994 and the second is load addedafter 1994.
Electrical load prior to 1994 isfixed regardless of how our actualdemand changes. For this load, we donot pay a higher price for higherdemand; however, we can reduce thecost of this load by spending capitaldollars to improve energy efficiency.We have completed multiple projectssince 1994 and we continue to look forprojects to invest in which will lowerthese costs.
Electrical load added after 1994 ison a rate called Real Time Pricing.Under RTP, The hourly price variesbased on what it cost GeorgiaPower to generate the energy.Under normal conditions, theprice can be as low as $0.04per kilowatt-hour in themiddle of the night;however, the averageprice is around $0.07annually. Typically, thehigher priced energy is dur-ing the time whenair conditioners areworking the hardest.Mid to late afternoonin the summer isthe most likelytime for prices to behigh. During thistime the price usually
exceeds $0.10. The peak price thisyear was $0.2716 per Kilowatt hour.
Robins does pay a small penaltyeach year for our power factor and weare working to identify large reactiveloads and install corrective equipmentor replace equipment near the end ofits economic life.
I encourage you and all Robinsemployees to identify energy waste toyour management and to our newenergy office. If you have additionalquestions, contact Judah Bradley at
327-2919 or Dave Bury at327-2925.
September 12, 2008 The Robins Rev-Up 9A
Practice makes perfect
U.S. Air Force photo by CLAUDE LAZZARRAThe Robins Honor Guard practices for an upcoming Atlanta Braves game at the training pad next to Bldg 364.
PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER
Civil Service employees on a career or career-conditionalappointment selected for a position overseas have the right toreturn, by law, to their former position. These rights are estab-lished under 10 United States Code, Section 1586 and found inAFMAN 36-204.
An employee must sign an Overseas Employment Agreementwhich specifies the conditions and entitlements related to theassignment. Typically, an employee has up to five years to exer-cise his or her return rights. If an employee stays overseas formore than five years without getting an extension, return rightsare lost. There are many other stipulations which apply to returnrights. Prior to accepting an overseas assignment, it is importantthat employees have a complete understanding of their returnrights and obligations.
Employees selected for an overseas assignment should firstnotify their supervisor. It is also important they contact thePersonnel Office. There are several things that must be accom-plished before a permanent change of station, i.e. medical exam,applying for and obtaining a passport and/or visa, obtainingOverseas Employment Agreement signatures, etc.
The position to which the employee has the right to returnremains obligated until the employee’s return. Should the posi-tion be filled in the employee’s absence, the incumbent must signan agreement acknowledging the employee’s right to return tothat same position.
If you have questions concerning return rights, contact yourservicing staffing specialist. — Plans and Programs Office
Return rights from overseas employment
sports September 12, 2008 The Robins Rev-Up 1B
COLLEGE FOOTBALL COACHES POLL
Two weeks into the college football season, there havebeen few surprises. The Rev-Up takes a look at the top 20teams in the USA Today Coaches Poll — By KendahlJohnson
1 SOUTHERN CAL — USC has onlyplayed one game this year, a 52-7 whippingof Virginia, but it was apparently enough forcoaches to propel the team to the top spot.They will be tested this weekend as they hostNo. 5 Ohio State.
GEORGIA — The Bulldogs are off to a 2-0 start buthave yet to be tested. The team is look-ing for a little revenge this weekendwhen it takes on South Carolina, whobeat them between the hedges lastseason.
OKLAHOMA — The Sooners have scored107 points in the team’s first two games,including 52 last week against Cincinnati.The high-powered offense next faces a sus-pect defense at Washington in what should beanother high scoring affair.
FLORIDA — The Gators last year’sHeisman Trophy winner QB Tim Tebowknocked off in-state rival Miami lastweek 26-3. This week, the team travelsto Tennessee for a conference game.
OHIO STATE — Dropped two spots in thepolls after an unimpressive win over Ohio.Game against No. 1 USC this weekend willgo a long way in determining how good theBuckeyes really are.
MISSOURI — Expect the Tigers, whoscored 52 points in each of the team’sfirst two games, to score 50+ againthis week against Nevada.
LSU — Last year’s national champion hasyet to be tested, playing just once againstDiv-IAA Appalachian State. They won’t betested this week either as they face NorthTexas, arguably the worst team in Div-IA.
TEXAS — The Longhorns faceArkansas in a match up that lookedgood on paper before the season startedbut now looks like a potential blowout.
AUBURN — The Tigers will face offagainst Mississippi State this week.Auburn may have payback on the mind asthe team lost as a double digit favorite toMSU last year.
WISCONSIN — Badgers looked good inwins over Akron and Marshall. They gettheir first test this weekend against up-and-comers Fresno State. The last start(10:30 ET) could be a factor.
KANSAS — The Jayhawks face No. 18South Florida. While the Jayhawksoffense has always been able to scorepoints, its defense is also solid, allowingjust 10 points in two games this year.
TEXAS TECH — Record setting QBGraham Harrell’s leads all active QBs in TDpasses and yards. The Red Raiders faceSMU, a game in which Harrell should be ableto pad his stats.
ARIZONA STATE — The Sun Devils QBRudy Carpenter is one of the best in theleague. He will try to lead his team to a vic-tory this week against UNLV.
OREGON — Ducks have one of the bestoffenses in the league, scoring 110 pointsin two games (both against Div I-A oppo-nents). The team faces Purdue this weekin a game that could reach triple digits inpoints.
BYU — BYU blocked an extra pointattempt in the final seconds againstWashington for a one-point win last weekto maintain the longest winning streak inthe nation. The revenge-minded Cougarshost UCLA, which defeated BYU last year.
ALABAMA — A big win over Clemsonfollowed by a nondescript win overTulane has the Crimson Tide sitting atthe No. 16 spot in the poll. They willonly go up this week, as Bama facesWestern Kentucky.
PENN STATE — Despite off the fieldtroubles, the Nittany Lions have beensolid on the field. They rolled overOregon State 45-14 last week andwill square off against Syracusethis week.
SOUTH FLORIDA — The Bullsblew a 14-point fourth quarterlead against Central Florida lastweek but still escaped with anovertime victory. They will have to play better thisweek as they face Kansas in a battle of top 20 teams.
WAKE FOREST — Wake Forestneeded a last-second field goal todefeat Mississippi last week athome. This week could be a littlerougher, as they travel to Florida State toface the hungry Seminoles.
EAST CAROLINA — The Piratescrack the top 20 after upsetsover Virginia Tech and WestVirginia to open the season. Theteam has a little bit of a breatherthis week, taking on Tulane.
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Revenge-minded Bulldogs prepare for South Carolina
Courtesty photoQuarterback Matthew Stafford scrambles for a first down in last week’s 56-17victory over Central Michigan.
The No. 2-ranked Georgia Bulldogs (2-0) con-tinue to prepare for this weekend’s SEC openeragainst South Carolina (1-1) in Columbia. Georgialooks to avenge one of the team’s two losses lastyear.
The Gamecocks defeated the Bulldogs, 16-12,in Athens last season. Georgia was held without atouchdown, managing just four field goals in thenarrow loss that potentially kept the team fromplaying for the national championship.
“It was just a real tough game. It was a physicalgame, and we didn’t come out with the win,” saidCoach Mark Richt during the Bulldogs’game weekpress conference. “They played a better game thanus, and they played down to the last minute of thegame. This is a new year, so we’ll see if we cancome out with the win this year.”
The Gamecocks played last Thursday, supply-ing them with two days advance working on thisweekend’s contest.
“Overall they are an outstanding football team, ateam that I’m sure is going to be playing a little bitwounded, knowing that they already lost one con-ference game,” Richt said. “They know two lossesin the league doesn’t guarantee that you are out of itby any means, but it makes it a long shot. I knowthey will be playing with that in mind. We are veryexcited about our first Southeastern Conferencegame and we know it will take all we have.”
The coach said the game is important as it sets atone for SEC action.
“Our first conference game of the year is verymeaningful to us,” Richt said. “It’s a source ofexcitement for our players and our staff.”
Kickoff for Saturday’s nationally televisedgame is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on CBS. The radioaudio also can be heard worldwide on bothwww.georgiadogs.com, the official website ofUGA Athletics, and on XM satellite radio.
— Compiled from staff reports
Football Quick Hits
BY KATHLEEN LOPEZAir Force Materiel Command Public Affairs
People can become a part of history byregistering for the 12th annual UnitedStates Air Force Marathon.
The event will take place Sept. 20 atWright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.Races include the full marathon, includingwheeled division; a half-marathon; andindividual and four-member team 10-kilo-meter races.
For the second consecutive year, a 5-kilometer race will be held Sept. 19 on thecampus grounds of neighboring WrightState University.
Other associated activities include thesports and fitness exposition Sept. 18 and19 at WSU’s Ervin J. Nutter Center, andthe gourmet pasta dinner Sept. 19, at theNational Museum of the United States AirForce. The expo and dinner are open to thepublic. The expo will host a variety of ven-dors with running apparel and other sport-ing goods.
Bart Yasso, “Runner’s World” maga-zine’s chief running officer, will sign auto-graphs and conduct free running clinicsboth days of the expo. Mr. Yasso also willspeak at the dinner and participate in racesSept. 20.
Another marathon feature is a free paceteam. Runners can sign up for the variouspace times at the Sports and Fitness Expo.
A change to the event this year is theelimination of the four-person relay, whichis being replaced by the 10K individualand team category.
“No more waiting for buses, looking forteammates, collecting money from otherteam members or having to swap out teammembers,” said Molly Louden, USAFMarathon director. “All 10K runners willstart the race at the same time. The win-ning team will be determined by collectivefastest times of team members.”
Another aspect of the marathon is theservice-wide competition for active-dutyAir Force Airmen which determines thecommand with the best long-distance run-ners in the Air Force. The USAFMarathon’s MAJCOM Challenge“Commander’s Trophy” is awarded annu-ally by the chief of staff during the Fall
Corona to the commander of the winningmajor command.
Additionally, more than 2,000 militarypersonnel, who are fighting the war on ter-rorism from their deployed overseas loca-tions, will participate in the USAFMarathon simultaneously on race day, attheir deployed bases.
The USAF Marathon is the world’sonly “air and space power marathon.”Runners are treated to a variety of fly-bysat regularly scheduled intervals byAmerica’s most advanced military aircraft.
The F-22 Raptor is the 2008 U.S. AirForce Marathon featured aircraft. Whilemarathon participants and observers hearthe pounding of feet on the ground, theyalso will hear the powerful roar of AirForce aircraft in the air, including theRaptor, as well as other selected Air Forceaircraft.
The marathon, a Boston Marathonqualifying race, is certified by the USATrack and Field Association. The 26.2 milerun traverses historical places on Wright-Patterson AFB, including the NationalMuseum of the United States Air Force,the Air Force Institute of Technology,Headquarters Air Force MaterielCommand, the base’s flight line, HuffmanPrairie Flying Field — where the foundingbrothers of modern-day flight, Orville andWilbur Wright, first learned to fly in 1903— and the Wright Brothers Memorial.
Air Force marathon offers much more than one race
Courtesty photoSafety Chris Thomas sacks Wyoming quarterback Dax Crum.
The Falcons defense recorded four sacks in the team’s 23-3 winover the Cowboys. The defense allowed just 216 total yards,including just 76 passing. Air Force Academy’s three pointsallowed is the team’s best in a Mountain West Conference gamein school history.
Next up for the Falcons is Houston, with a kickoff time of 3:30p.m. ET. This will be the first meeting ever between the twoschools and the first time Air Force has played a team fromConference USA since the league was formed in 1995.
MUST SEE TVAlthough by 8 p.m.
Saturday, you will havewatched more than your fairshare of football, you can’t quitthere. No. 1 USC hosts No. 5Ohio State in what has beenbilled as the game of the sea-son. While it’s still early andthis game may not have nation-al title implications, it’s still agame you cannot miss. ABC isbroadcasting the game.
UPSET SPECIALWith the exception of the
USC/Ohio State matchup thatpits two top 10 teams againsteach other, there should be fewsurprises this week. If you arelooking for an upset, look atthe Fresno State/Wisconsingame.
Fresno looked solid in itsseason opener against Rutgers.Wisconsin travels to the westcoast to face a high-poweredpassing attack. Both defenseswill be tested.
Prediction: Fresno State45, Wisconsin 34
STAT OF THE WEEK0, as in the number of touch-
downs New England Patriots
quarterback threw in his four-year college career. MattCassell was the backup toCarson Palmer and MattLeinhart while at USC. He wasthrust in the spotlight with aninjury to superstar Tom Brady.A successful debut this weekagainst Brett Favre and theNew York Jets would be a realneat story for the underdog QB.
NARROW FANTASYESCAPE
I had the seventh pick in myonline fantasy football draft.My intent was to draft TomBrady if he was still around. Hewas. My computer crashedjust as the draft started. I endedup with RB Marion Barber viaan auto pick. The guy after mepicked up Brady, who is out forthe season. Everyone needs alittle good luck now and then.
THINGS THAT MAKE YOUGO HMMMM...
With 48 seconds left to goand Florida leading 23-3, coachUrban Meyer chose to kick ameaningless field goal. Turnsout it wasn’t exactly meaning-less, as the point spread for thegame was 22.5 points.
BY KENDAHL JOHNSON
FRIDAYBring your lawn chairs and
blankets to Movies Under theStars Sept. 12 for a presentation of“Bee Movie.” The movie will start atdark (8:30 p.m.) in a new locationbehind the Heritage Club. For moreinformation call the community cen-ter at 926-2105.
SATURDAYA Gourmet Night will be Sept. 13
in the Georgia Room at Horizons.An exquisite five-course menu willbe paired with hand-picked winesfrom around the world. Wine tastingwill begin at 6 p.m. and dinnerserved at 6:30 p.m.
The menu, created by ChefDouglas Goodridge, will includeoven roasted quail with wiltedspinach leaves and balsamic vinai-grette dressing, saffron musselbisque with lime crème fraiche,raspberry sorbet with mint leaf,chateaubriand with bearnaise pota-toes and patipan vegetables toppedwith a burgundy wine sauce, freshgarden salad with toasted pecansand raspberry vinaigrette dressingand chocolate lava cake.
Cost is $65 for club members and$70 for nonmembers and tickets areon sale until 3:30 p.m. today atHorizons cashier’s office. Tickets willbe available to the first 60 guests.For more information call Horizonsat 926-2670.
The Horizon pool will be openSept. 13 and 14 from noon to 7p.m. Cost is free. For more infor-mation call outdoor recreation at926-4001.
UPCOMINGLet’s Celebrate the End of
Summer Bash will be at RobinsPark Sept. 27 from 4 to 8 p.m. Thisevent will include rides, attractions,face painting, games and prizedrawings. Armbands cost $5 andgive all-day access to all attractions.
Attractions and rides include: roar-ing dual-lane water slide, cars two-lane slide, rock and joust, carousel,Wacky World Playland, JungleCombo, three-lane bungee run andmuch more. Food and beverageswill be on sale. Sponsored by CocaCola, Robins Federal Credit Unionand Verizon Wireless. No federalendorsement of sponsors intended.For more information call the com-munity center at 926-2105.
An AFMC Texas Hold ‘Em tour-nament is underway at theHeritage Club. The championshipround will begin Sept. 27. Pleasecome and give support to all partici-pants. Games begin at 4 p.m. Formore information call 926-2670.
Registration for Pee Wee bowl-ing will be held Sept. 27 from11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for threethrough five year olds. Cost is$21.50 for two games of bowlingwith league starting Oct. 6 for 10weeks. For more information call thebowling center at 926-2112.
Take a trip to the Drummer BoyCivil War Museum in Andersonville,Ga. on Oct. 3. Cost is $30 per per-son. Children 17 years and youngermust be accompanied by an adult.Arrive at outdoor recreation at 8a.m. and depart at 8:30 a.m. Returnto outdoor recreation at 5 p.m.Bring a sack lunch and walkingshoes. A minimum of 10 people arerequired to take trip. Please registerby Sept. 19 at outdoor recreation.For more information call outdoorrecreation at 926-4001.
Take part in paintball fun withOutdoor Adventure at On TargetPaintball Oct. 13 starting at 4 p.m.Cost is $25 per person and includes500 paintballs per person, speedballand hyperball fields, observationarea, a wooded area for daylightshooting, and a lit field for nightspeed ball. Paintball equipment willbe available for use as well as an airconditioned room for breaks.Persons 18 years old and older arepermitted to play. Persons 10 – 17years old may come with an adultover 18 years of age. A minimum of15 people are required for outdoor
recreation to host this trip. Registerat outdoor recreation, Bldg. 914 byOct. 1. For more information calloutdoor recreation at 926-4001.
ONGOINGInformation, Tickets and Travel
is selling tickets to the MountainDew 250 Craftsman Truck Seriesand Amp Energy 500 at theTalladega Superspeedway Oct. 4and 5. Cost is $109 and includesSaturday, Sunday and a pit pass or$55 for Sunday race only.
ITT is also selling the followingtickets:
Atlanta Motor Speedway- Oct.24, 25 and 26 for the Hot ShotNASCAR Sprint Cup QualifyingNight, ATLANTA 200 NASCARCraftsman Truck Series Race andPep Boys Auto 500 NASCAR SprintCup Series Race. Cost is $90 forthe three-day package.
Georgia National Fair- Perry tick-ets and ride sheets are availablethrough Oct. 1 while supplies last.The fair will be held Oct. 2 - 12.Admission tickets cost $7 for ages11 years and older and ride sheetscost $10 each (no access to con-certs). Admission is free for children10 years old and younger with apaying adult.
Georgia Aquarium- Cost is adults$23; children, 3 to 12 years old $18;and seniors (55 years and older)$20.
Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show inKissimmee, Fla. adults $42 and chil-dren (3 – 11 years old) $20.
the list
CHAPEL SERVICES
12 13 14 15 16 17 18 FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THURS
CatholicCatholic masses are at the chapel each Saturday
at 5:30 p.m., Sunday at 9:30 a.m., on Holy Days ofObligation at noon and 5 p.m. vigil the day before,and Monday through Friday at noon. The Sacramentof Reconciliation is Saturday from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m.
Islamic Islamic Friday Prayer (Jumuah) is Fridays at 2
p.m. in the chapel annex rooms 1 and 2.
JewishJewish service is Fridays at 6:15 p.m. at the
Macon synagogue.
Orthodox ChristianSt. Innocent Orthodox Church service is at the
chapel on the second Tuesday of each month at 5p.m.
Protestant The traditional service meets Sunday in the
Chapel at 11 a.m. featuring hymns, anthems, congre-gational prayers and readings. Contemporary servicemeets at 6 p.m. in the Chapel sanctuary, singing thelatest praise and worship music. The gospel servicemeets at 8 a.m. at the Chapel, praising God withinspirational music. Religious education meets inBldg. 905 at 9:30 a.m.
events and activities can be found in The Edge and at
www.robinsservices.com
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
ACROSS1. Lump4. Music holders7. Standard time in the fifth time zone
west of Greenwich10. Drink alcoholic liquor habitually
and to excess11. First woman major general in the
U.S Armed Forces13. Land measurement15. Movie style16. Thought17. At that time18. A Guthrie19. Buys21. Married22. Star Trek actor Spiner24. Current HAF/A226. Orate27. Mock29. Appear32. Mexican currency34. Rouse from slumber35. HAF/SG Lt. Gen. (Dr.) James
Roudebush’s org.38. First CMSAF41. Turn or change direction suddenly42. Cola44. Clump46. Desert Storm JFACC; architect of
air campaign against Iraq49. Have dinner50. Sunscreen number53. Contemptible56. Activate58. Black or green beverage60. Convinced61. Soothe62. Hall of Fame QB Graham64. Handed over66. Florida or Texas67. Okla. town home to Air Force Base
named for MoH recipient 68. Paradise69. Dogs and cats70. Col. Francis Gabreski and Brig.
Gen. Steve Ritchie were one71. Still
72. Axlike tool with a curved blade
DOWN1. Current Acting SECAF2. Kitchen attire3. Buzzing insect4. Greek letter5. Ford competitor6. Take a nap7. Dine8. Current CSAF9. Oak or elm10. _____ firma12. Having a dull or lusterless surface14. Terminate15. Talks excessively20. Add up23. Strike lightly but audibly, as to
attract attention24. Lucy’s husband25. Mil. Pay statement28. Pod veggie30. Jolie movie31. Unit of energy33. Sphere35. Burn residue36. Cow’s call37. See near Italy39. Otherwise40. Who Uncle Sam wants43. Part of the USAF’s Total Force45. Meas. of how densely info is
packed on storage media47. USN O-148. Red cosmetics for coloring the
cheeks or lips50. First CSAF51. Bothers52. Run away54. Current USAFE/CC55. Dike57. Distribute or apportion by meas-
Tickets: $4 adult; $2 children (11 years old andyounger. For more information, call the base theater at926-2919
SATURDAY — 7:30 P.M.SWING VOTERATED PG-13
Bremman Huff is asporadically employedthirty-nine-year-old wholives with his mother .Dale Doback is a termi-nally unemployed forty-year-old who lives withhis father. They areforced to live with eachother as step bothers,when their parentsmarry and move intogether.
Bud Johnson, is anapathetic, beer-slinging,lovable loser, who iscoasting through a lifethat has passed him by.The one bright spot ishis precocious, over-achieving twelve year-old daughter, Molly.She takes care of bothof them, until one mis-chievous moment onelection day, when sheaccidentally sets off achain of events whichculminates in the elec-tion coming down toone vote… Her dad’s.
NOW PLAYING
FRIDAY — 7:30 P.M.STEP BROTHERS
RATED R
When Dale Dentonbecomes the only wit-ness to a murder by acrooked cop and thecity’s most dangerousdrug lord, he panicsand dumps some ille-gal evidence at thescene. Dale discoversthe “evidence” can betraced back to him andhe and his companionrun for their lives.
2B The Robins Rev-Up September 12, 2008
Mob race
UPCOMING:PINEAPPLE EXPRESS
RATED R
U.S. Air Force photo by SUE SAPPMembers of the 5th Combat Communications Group ride go karts atJohnny G’s Fun Center Sept. 8. They were celebrating the 20th birth-day of the 51st, 52nd and 53rd Combat Communications Squadronswith an afternoon of fun. The birthday celebration was an opportunityfor members of the squadrons to spend time together and with theirfamilies.
DONATE YOUR LEAVE Employee-relations specialists at 926-5307 or 926-5802 have infor-
mation and instructions concerning requests to receive or donateannual leave. To have an approved leave recipient printed in theRobins Rev-Up, wings should send information to Lanorris Askew at:[email protected]. The following person has beenapproved as a leave recipient: Renee Tealer, HQ AFRC, POC is Lt.Col. Rebecca Reynolds, 327-0605
Workers in the 878thCommunications Squadronwere literally in over theirheads with moving computerservers in the Robins DataCenter.
Squadron workers weretasked with manually liftingthe heavy equipment to racksoften well over their heads.
Terry Stewart, HostingServices Flight chief for theRobins Data Center, said itwas a problem weighing heav-ily on people.
“In our data center, ourracks are typically 6 feet highand we buy computer serversthat we mount in these racks,”he said. “Those servers willrange from 20 to 30 pounds toas much as 50 to 60 pounds.Of course, putting them in a 6-foot high rack requires liftingover your head, which is typi-cally a three-man affair.”
After some discussion anda few phone calls, Mr. Stewartrecently connected with theRobins Ergonomics Programand was able to find a saferway for the job to get done.
Beth Sloane, RobinsErgonomics Program managerin the 78th AerospaceMedicine Squadron,B i o e n v i r o n m e n t a lEngineering Flight, said shewas able to find a powered liftthat would alleviate a lot oftheir load.
“I’ve been in the field formany years and I know aboutthese lifts,” she said. “I inves-tigated alternative lifts thatcould be used in a tight space.Also, I needed to find a liftthat would lift up to 6 feet, anda lot of lifts won’t go thathigh.”
After some research, Ms.Sloane was able to find whatthe squadron needed.
“I think it’s a real addition
to preventing overhead lift-ing,” she said. “You don’twant to lift more than 15pounds overhead and youdon’t want to do it on a fre-quent basis.”
Ms. Sloane said the pow-ered lift technology that hasbeen used in areas on Robinsflightline is just as effective inareas, like the Robins DataCenter, where lifting is a dailychore.
Luke Sarazine, a serveradministrator in the 878th CS,said the new powered lift’slight-weight aluminum framewith a weight capacity of up to140 pounds does all the liftingfor workers.
“It makes it so much easierto relocate servers from anoth-er building or for moving aserver from one rack to anoth-er,” he said.
Mr. Stewart said the lift hasincreased his work center’sabilities to get more done.
“It’s actually a significantimprovement in that we’reable to do more with lessnow,” he said. “With themachine, you can get thingsdone quicker because youdon’t have to get three peopleto do something that you cando with one.”
For more information onergonomics issues, call Ms.Sloane at 327-7546.
Powered lift makes moving servers virtually weightless for communicators
U.S. Air Force photo by SUE SAPPLuke Sarazine uses a powered lift to move a computer serverinto a shelving unit. One person can move a server with the liftwhere it took three people before to do it manually.
FREE CONCERT SERIESThe Band of the U.S. Air
Force Reserve and theMuseum of Aviation willpresent a free concert seriesat the Museum of Aviationamphitheater, on Tuesdaysat 7 p.m.
Performed annually inSeptember, this year’s series
will continue Sept. 16 withBand of the U.S. Air ForceReserve’s Jazz Ensemble .The band will perform popu-lar tunes of the 80s and 90sas well as jazz music of yes-teryear and today.
Sept. 23, Reserve Genera-tion returns with a specialguest.
The concert series willend Sept. 30 with the
Concert Band. The concertband has a varied repertoireranging from classical over-tures through Sousa marchesand Broadway show tunes,popular tunes and patrioticfavorites.
Concert goers are encour-aged to come early and bringa picnic basket, lawn chairsand blankets. No alcohol orpets allowed.
IN BRIEF
4B The Robins Rev-Up September 12, 2008
Airman and Family ReadinessCenter offers classes, workshops
Airman and FamilyReadiness Center sponsoredclasses, workshops and semi-nars are open to all TeamRobins personnel and theireligible family members.
Absences from duty sec-tions to attend these offeringsare the responsibility of theemployee to coordinate withhis or her supervisor. Becauseroom assignments are subjectto change, specific roomnumbers will be confirmed atthe time of registration.
A&FRC is located in Bldg.794, across the street justbefore the Heritage Club.Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30p.m., Monday through Friday.For more information or tomake a reservation, call 926-1256.
Bundles for babiesPassport to parenthood
The A&FRC FamilyAdvocacy program will con-duct a Bundles For BabiesPassport To Parenthood classTuesday, 9 a.m. to noon, Bldg.794.
Discussions cover earlychildhood development,attachment, infant care, prac-tical preparation and financialpreparation. At the end of thesession, a bundle is presentedcompliments of the Air ForceAid Society. The bundle willinclude a thermal weave plaidcotton crib blanket, a hoodedtowel and wash mitten, awhite knit crib sheet, a 2-packprinted cotton receiving blan-ket, a 4-pack cotton diapers, a2-pack sleep-n-play, a 3-packonesies and a pair of booties.
This program is open to allactive-duty members andtheir spouses, who are expect-ing a child, regardless of rankor number of children in thefamily.
Call Family Advocacy at
327-8398, to sign up.
Group preseparation counseling for retirees
The A&FRC will providepre-separation counseling oncompletion of DD Form 2648for retirees, Tuesday 1 to 3p.m., Bldg. 794.
Preseparation counselingfor members who are morethan 90 days from separationdate is conducted in a groupsetting.
The goal of TransitionAssistance is to equip transi-tioning military personnel andtheir families with skills andknowledge for re-entry intothe private sector workforce.The emphasis is on transitionpreparation rather than jobplacement.
The transition counselorwill walk you through the sec-tions listed on DD Form2648, “Pre-separationCounseling Checklist.” Thechecklist items ensures youreceive the necessary assis-tance and information to ben-efit fully from the wide rangeof services and entitlementsavailable.
Introduction to resumeand cover letter preparation
Reservations are beingaccepted for Introduction toResume and Cover LetterPrep., Wednesday 2 to 4 p.m.,Bldg. 794.
This class is designed tohelp the beginner get startedand provide the moreadvanced participant theopportunity to improve theirproduct.
VA benefits briefingThe Veterans’
Administration and Airman &Family Readiness CenterTransition Assistance
Program is offering a briefingon Veterans Benefits on Sep.24, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Bldg.794.
Participants receive infor-mation on medical recordsreview for VAclaim filing, theDisabled TransitionAssistance Program,Vocational Rehabilitation andVeterans’ benefits through theVeterans’Administration.
Group preseparationcounseling for separatees
The Airman & FamilyReadiness Center providespre-separation counselingcompletion of DD Form2648, Sept. 25, 9 to 11 a.m.,(separatees) Bldg. 794.
Preseparation counselingfor members separating morethan 90 days from separationdate is conducted in a groupsetting.
The goal of TransitionAssistance is to equip transi-tioning military personnel andtheir families with skills andknowledge for re-entry intothe private sector workforce.The emphasis is on transitionpreparation rather than jobplacement.
The transition counselorwill walk you through the sec-tions listed on DD Form2648, “Pre-separationCounseling Checklist.” Thechecklist items ensures youreceive the necessary assis-tance and information to ben-efit fully from the wide rangeof services and entitlementsavailable.
Predeployment briefingsPre-deployment briefings
are offered twice weekly bythe A&FRC Readiness Team.Briefings are at 9:30 a.m.,Monday and Friday in Bldg.794.
TROOPS TO TEACHERSBill Kirkland, program
manager for the Georgia,Troops to Teachers and GeorgiaSpouses to Teachers programs,will be at the Robins EducationCenter, Sept. 19 from 10 to 11a.m. to take questions aboutTroops to Teachers.
The briefing will be held inBldg 905, Room 137, no reser-vations are necessary. For moreinformation, call Andrea Harrisat 327-7312.
AFCEA LUNCHEONThe Middle Georgia Armed
Forces Communications andElectronics Association willhold its monthly general mem-
bership luncheon Sept. 25 at11:30 a.m. at Horizons. Thespeaker will be Lt. Col. LisaRichter, 5th CombatCommunications Groupdeputy commander. The eventis open to all communicationsand electronics professionals inMiddle Georgia. For moreinformation call 1st Lt. DarrellGull at 926-8573.
