Vol. 8 No. 40/Oct. 6, 2017 www.whiteman.af.mil • facebook.com/WhitemanAirForceBase/

News2 Oct. 6, 2017The Warrior

The WarriorEditorial Staff

Brig. Gen. John J. Nichols 509th Bomb Wing Commander

Capt. Karl WiestChief, Public Affairs

2nd Lt. Allen Palmer Editor

Staff Sgt. Danielle QuillaSenior Airman Jovan BanksSenior Airman Jazmin Smith

Airman 1st Class Taylor PhiferPhotojournalists

The Sedalia DemocratLayout and Design

Published by the Sedalia Demo-crat, a private firm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclu-sive written contract with Whiteman Air Force Base.

This civilian enterprise Air Force news-paper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of The Warrior are not neces-sarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Depart-ment of Defense or the Department of the Air Force.

The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supple-ments, does not constitute endorsement of the products or services advertised by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or the Sedalia Democrat.

Everything advertised in this publica-tion shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, politi-cal affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the Public Affairs office of 509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base. All pho-tographs are Air Force photographs unless otherwise indicated.

The deadline for article submis-sions to the Warrior is noon Friday. If a holiday falls on Friday, the deadline then becomes 4 p.m. Thursday. Articles will be published on a space-available basis. Submissions do not guarantee publication.

For more information, call the Warrior office at 660-687-5727, email 509.bw.pa@us.af.mil, fax 660-687-7948, or write to us at Whiteman Warrior, 509th Bomb Wing, 509th Spirit Blvd. Suite 116, Whiteman AFB, Mo., 65305.

To advertise in The Warrior, call the Sedalia Democrat at 1-800-892-7856.

On thecover

U.S. Air Force photo byAirman 1st Class Jazmin Smith

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jasmine Deauvearo, an armorer assigned to the 509th Security Forces Squadron (SFS), poses at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., April 24, 2017. Deauvero applied for the Medical Service Corps as a health care administrator in July 2017 and was recently notified by the 509th SFS commander, Lt. Col. Justin Secrest, of her acceptance. See pg. 8 for the full story.

Operation Healthy Delta concludes in Southeastern Missouri

Story by Petty Officer 2nd ClassCathan Cavanaugh 131st Bomb Wing Special Report

More than 140 service members joined forces to provide no-cost, basic health care services to the Southeastern Missouri region from Sept. 13 - 21, 2017, as part of the Operation Healthy Delta Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) exercise.

Air National Guard, Navy (Active and Reserve), and Active Component Air Force members set up two field-condition medical facilities in the cit-ies of Charleston and Caruthersville to provide no-cost medical, dental, and ophthalmology support services on a first come, first served basis to residents of the local communities. The Navy contributed 41 Sailors to support the event. The majority were Reservists from Expeditionary Medical Facility (EMF) Great Lakes, but the Sailors also included Reservists and active-duty members from across the United States.

Led by the Missouri Air National Guard’s 131st Bomb Wing Medical Group, headquartered at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., dental exams, ex-tractions and restorations; vision exams, single-vision eyeglasses, medical screenings, sports physicals, referrals and non-emergency medical treat-ments were offered at Charleston United Methodist Church, in Charleston, and Eastwood Memorial United Methodist Church, in Caruthersville. Resi-dents were able to obtain information at clinic sites about local health care services, public health programs and general information about the commu-nity and events.

Patients were not asked to provide identification or insurance informa-tion, creating easy access to care.

“Every patient I have spoken with could not say enough about how help-ful this opportunity has been for themselves and their families,” said Air Force Master Sgt. Matthew Storm, a member of the 131st Bomb Wing and non-commissioned officer in charge of the care site in Caruthersville.

“They have all expressed how grateful they are for our combined forces being here to provide expert care.”

At the conclusion of the exercise, a total of 2,251 patients were seen at the two clinics and 15,892 procedures were performed, according to Maj. Jim Miller, 131st Bomb Wing Medical Group and Operation Healthy Delta IRT officer in charge. Additionally, 1,372 no-cost pairs of eyeglasses were issued to patients through the optical support provided by an active-duty team from Naval Ophthalmic Support and Training Activity (NOSTRA) in Yorktown, Va., who were on-site, crafting prescription eyeglasses and reading glasses.

The primary goal of the mission was training for service members. Medical personnel were able to provide care to patients in a real-world en-vironment, and personnel in administration, communications, transportation and logistics received hands-on training in their respective career fields. The program allows troops to conduct critical training and logistical movements, which simulate a military medical response in the time of crisis, conflict or disaster – all within a joint operation.

“This is a wonderful example of the long-standing tradition of U.S. Armed Forces – acting as good neighbors at the local level,” said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Cari Hodgson, officer in charge of the care site in Charleston. “Our teams are receiving valuable training while assisting with worthy civic and community health projects.”

“The service branches came together on day one as a unified force and have been working together to complete our mission,” Hodgson said.

An exercise like the Operation Healthy Delta IRT affords junior service members the opportunity to take on new assignments and leadership roles in a non-threatening and positive learning environment.

Senior Airman Tara Smith, a bioenvironmental engineer with the New Jersey Air National Guard’s 108th Medical Group, based in Trenton, N.J., was charged with keeping track of all patient encounters, procedures and financial impact at the Charleston care site.

“This was such a great experience for me because I was able to work directly with the Command and Control, so I got to see how a top-tier leader-ship team operates,” Smith said. “Having such an important responsibility and being able to train doctors on reporting their numbers has given me a new confidence to take on leadership roles in my home unit.”

Tech. Sgt. Syretta Kirk of the 131st Medical Group worked administra-tion and medical logistics, and spoke highly of the experience and how it was impacting lives.

“Since I have been here I have talked to so many patients, but one just stands out: Mr. Ron,” Kirk said. “I was dropping off some glasses to op-tometry and as I was returning to my station, Mr. Ron had just picked up his glasses and was waiting to see dental. As I passed, he pulled out his new pair of glasses, put them on, and I watched as a huge smile traveled across his face. I smiled and complimented him on how nice he looked. He then told me it had been about 9 years since he’d had glasses and even though they’re not bifocals, he can still see. He thanked us over and over again for helping him.”

With a big smile, Kirk added, “This is my very first IRT. When is the next one? Sign me up!”

U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Master Sgt. Mary-Dale AmisonMaj. Jim Miller, Operation Healthy Delta Innovative Readiness Training officer in charge, 131st Bomb Wing Medical Group, presents Mr. Joel Evans, President and CEO, Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corp., a plaque in recognition of outstanding support during Operation Healthy Delta IRT, Sept 23.

News 3Oct. 6, 2017The Warrior

NEWS BRIEFS

U.S. Air Force Eagle Eyes pro-vides service members and civilians a safe, discreet and anonymous option to report criminal information, coun-terintelligence indicators or force protection concerns.

To submit a web tip go to the AFOSI web page at http://www.osi.af.mil.

How to report an anonymous tip using a smart phone:

1. Open the smart phone app 2. Manually select an agency3. Choose USA then Federal

Agency then select AFOSI4. Create a passport, select New

Tip and fill out the form with as much information as possible.

How to report an anonymous tip via text message:

Text “AFOSI” plus your tip infor-mation to 274637 (CRIMES)

Stealth Lounge If you are a young Airman, let

the Stealth Lounge make your time at Whiteman more enjoyable. Stop by after work to play some pool, darts, foosball, or the newest games on Xbox One or Playstation 4. The lounge opens at 4 p.m. during the week and noon on weekends. There is free dinner every Thursday at 5:30 p.m., with an optional discussion on spiritual resilience to follow at 6:30 p.m. There are also free premium snacks and Wi-Fi. Come for the free stuff, stay for the fun and friends.

Like the Stealth Lounge on Facebook to stay up to date on special events and tournaments.

Disposition of PersonalEffects1st Lt. Bryan A. Reil is authorized to make disposition of the personal ef-fects of Airman Christopher K. Gille-baard, deceased, 509th SFS, as stated in AFI 34-511, Disposition of Person-al Property and Effects. Any person having claims for or against Airman Gillebaard should contact Lt. Reil at 660-687-6659.

WeatherToday

Showers Hi 79Lo 67

SundaySunnyHi 81Lo 53

SaturdayShowers Likely

Hi 74Lo 64

MondayChance of Showers

Hi 78Lo 55

The 509th Bomb Wing Commander and Command Chief invite all spouses to join them for the kickoff to a new Whiteman Air Force Base program.

This new program aims to educate all spouses on the workings of the military. If you have questions about moving, what is a special duty or even what your

spouse's commander's role is, then this event is for you.Hear directly from the commander and command chief on why you are important

and how you fit into the unique mission of Whiteman Air Force Base. Mark your calendars for 11 October and we will see you there.

News4 Oct. 6, 2017The Warrior

SATURDAY, OCT. 7 • 7 p.m.Studio AppreciationAdvance Screening

Free Admission – Rated R*.Tickets available at your local Exchange Food Court. Seating open to non-ticket holders 30

minutes prior to showtime.

FRIDAY, OCT. 6 • 7 p.m.IT (R)

Adults - $6.25SUNDAY, OCT. 8 • 3 p.m.

IT (R)Adults - $6.25

509th Bomb Wing Staff Report

Consider this scenario: It’s 2 o’clock in the morning. You and your family are fast asleep when you wake to the smoke alarm sounding and the smell of smoke. What do you do? If you and your family don’t have a plan in place, it could jeop-ardize your safety, even prove deadly.

In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. That’s why home escape plan-ning is so critical in a fire situation. It ensures that everyone in the household knows how to use that small window of time wisely.

“Developing and practicing a home escape plan is like building muscle memory,” said Mr. Tim Robinson, As-sistant Chief Fire Prevention of the Whiteman Air Force Base (AFB) Fire & Emergency Services. “That pre-plan-ning is what everyone will draw upon to snap into action and escape as quickly as possible in the event of a fire.”

This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!” works to better educate the public about the critical importance of developing a home escape plan and practicing it. The Whiteman Fire & Emergency Services is working in co-ordination with the National Fire Pro-tection Association (NFPA), the official sponsor of the Fire Prevention Week for more than 90 years, to reinforce those potentially life-saving messages. Fire Prevention Week is October 8-14, 2017.

“Home escape planning is one of the most basic but fundamental elements of home fire safety, and can truly make the difference between life and death in a fire situation,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of Outreach and Advocacy.

In support of Fire Prevention Week, Mr Robinson encourages all Whiteman AFB households to develop a plan to-gether and practice it. A home escape plan includes working smoke alarms on every level of the home, in every bedroom, and near all sleeping areas. It also includes two ways out of every room, usually a door and a window, with a clear path to an outside meeting place (like a tree, light pole, or mailbox) that’s a safe distance from the home.

NFPA and the Whiteman Fire & Emergency Services offer these addi-tional tips and recommendations for de-veloping and practicing a home escape plan:

• Draw a map of your home with all members of your household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.

• Practice your home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out.

• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.

• Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.

• Close doors behind you as you leave — this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.

• Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning build-ing.

For more information about Fire Pre-vention Week activities on Whiteman AFB, visit our Facebook page or con-tact us @ 687-608/6083 for local ac-tivities. To learn more about this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Ev-ery Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out” for home escape planning, visit firepre-ventionweek.org.

Get set for Fire Prevention Week

U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Taylor PhiferU.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. John J. Nichols, commander of the 509th Bomb Wing, signs the fire prevention week proclamation Sept. 7, 2017, at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Fire prevention week is Oct. 8-14, 2017. Throughout the week there will be multiple events including a youth coloring contest and a base parade to inform Team White-man about fire safety and prevention.

News 5Oct. 6, 2017The Warrior

Mitchell, Baxter head to Nationals following YoF event

Team Whiteman hosted a regional Alpha Warrior competition in con-junction with Air Force Global Strike Command's Year of the Family initiative at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., Sept. 30, 2017. Contestants from various bases near Whiteman traveled to be a part of the regional Alpha Warrior competition. The contest had a female and male catego-ry with respective winners for each. Staff Sgt. Alan Mitchell (pictured above), from the Operations Support Squadron, and Tech. Sgt. Melia Baxter (pictured top right), from the Medical Operations Squadron, both from Whiteman brought home first place honors in the competition. They will head to San Antonio, Texas for the national competition.

U.S. Air Force photos bySenior Airman Jovan Banks

News6 Oct. 6, 2017The Warrior

View the Whiteman Warrior onlineby logging onto

www.whiteman.af.mil

By Senior Airman Jazmin Smith509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

Amid lockers lined with an arsenal of weapons, within its own fortress, U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jasmine Deauvearo, a 509th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) armorer, begins her 12-hour shift securing and maintaining various types of armaments alongside her fellow Airmen at Whiteman Air Force Base (AFB), Missouri.

Always striving for excellence, she focused her efforts outside of her primary duties and dedicated her spare time to career advancement: something she developed by taking online courses.

One class here, two there. Three years later and Deauvearo now has two semesters remaining for her degree. “I’ve been pursuing my degree in health care administration,” said Deauvearo. “It’s something that is really

interesting to me.”Once she attained the applicant information guide, she began preparing everything necessary to apply to the

Medical Service Corps (MSC), all while studying for the staff sergeant promotion test – for which she later found out she was selected.

“MSC’s have a lot on their plate, but I believe I will really enjoy it,” she added. “It will definitely be a chal-lenge!”

After the board convened in August to review the MSC application packages submitted, Deauvearo would be notified by Lt. Col. Justin Secrest, the 509th SFS commander, in less than a month of the results: There were 75 personnel selected – and she was one of them.

“Senior Airman Deauvearo is a perfect example of how hard work and dedication can produce great opportuni-ties,” remarked Secrest. “While working 12-hour shifts and maintaining outstanding proficiency as a defender, she was able to complete her education and all the requirements – and there were many – in order to compete for this opportunity. As the saying goes, ‘Dreams don’t work unless you do,’ and Jasmine worked VERY hard.

We are very happy for her and look forward to hearing about all the continued great things she will do!” added Secrest. “I hope her example leads others to the same opportunities.”

During this stressful time, where there was much to achieve in a short period, Deauvearo said she kept in contact with mentors to make sure she was on the right track. As her goals mirrored her mother’s, she sought her counsel first.

“I want Jasmine to be better than I was starting off and pass me by grade and rank in the future and be the best that she can be,” said U.S. Army Maj. Darla Deauvearo, adjudicator for the physical evaluations board. “I want her to set her own goals and have a plan to accomplish those goals.”

Maj. Deauvearo enlisted in the Army and served for 12 years active duty before she commissioned. When asked for guidance from her daughter, Maj. Deauvearo mentored her middle child to forego commissioning through the Air Force ROTC program first as she would gain a level of respect and perspective she would not have otherwise by enlisting.

“She has demonstrated outstanding performance and phenomenal leadership in all she does,” acclaimed Maj. Deauvearo. “She is always volunteering and setting the example for all to emulate.”

In retrospect, Senior Airman Deauvearo said her current path was not her original plan – although she first con-sidered joining the military by commissioning, she ultimately heeded her mother’s words and forewent this option.

Looking back, Senior Airman Deauvearo said she is thankful for her decision to enlist first. She has viewed both ends of the spectrum and now has a better knowledge of how the Air Force operates.

“I will never forget where I came from,” said Senior Airman Deauvearo. “In order to be a great leader, you have to know how to follow first.”

As a squadron armorer, she is responsible for advising hundreds of Airmen who may have inquiries when they check out their weapons. Through her enhanced ease in communicating with others combined with the long days at work, she said she is more equipped for what her future days may involve.

After shadowing at the clinic here at Whiteman, she said she is certain of her choice to join their ranks.“I was able to see what I was getting into first hand,” said Senior Airman Deauvearo. “I received a better per-

spective rather than just reading about it online. The more I saw, the more motivated I became.“If you want something, you just have to put your mind to it and achieve it,” added Senior Airman Deauvearo.

“Don’t doubt yourself!” Senior Airman Deauvearo said she hopes to better serve the Air Force with her degree. In her new role, she

hopes to lead and mentor Airmen in the ever-expanding career field.“I applied to the Medical Service Corps because I’ve always had a passion, or dream, to work in the medical

field,” remarked Senior Airman Deauvearo. “The vast knowledge and opportunities are endless.”With the support she received from her family, friends, and while shadowing many members of the medical

group here at Whiteman, to include Capt. Simon Ng and 1st Lt. Jason Pigg, both health care administrators as-signed to the 509th Medical Group, she is eager to serve in the Medical Service Corps.

Senior Airman Deauvearo found motivation from those close and afar throughout the application process. “My mother has always told me that she wants me to be better than she has,” she added. “She wants the op-

portunity to commission me while active duty and now she can!”The staff sergeant-select is on track to earn her degree in health care management in spring 2018 from Waldorf

University. Following her graduation, she is scheduled to attend Commissioned Officer Training course at Max-well AFB, Alabama. Following the course, she will receive her new base assignment, where she will train at until she returns to Texas to attend her six-week-long health service administration course at Joint-Base San Antonio.

During the course of her Air Force career, Senior Airman Deauvearo said the key to success has been self-motivation.

“No one is going to take care of your career better than yourself,” said Senior Airman Deauvearo. “It’s your journey – show people you want it and make the right steps to achieve your goal. Never give up and keep pushing forward.”

Feature8 Oct. 6, 2017The Warrior 9Oct. 6, 2017

The Warrior

Armed with motivation:SFS Airman accepted into Medical Service Corps

Many of the course books used by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jasmine Deauvearo, a 509th Security Forces Squadron armorer, are displayed under her beret at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., Sept. 15, 2017. Deauvearo was selected for the Medical Service Corps and is scheduled to earn her degree in health care management in spring 2018.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jasmine Deauvearo, an armorer assigned to the 509th Security Forces Squadron (SFS), holds an M4 carbine with an M320A1 grenade launcher attached at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., April 24, 2017. The armory manages and accounts for $8 million in arms, ammunition and equipment (AA&E) daily and conducts detailed inventories with precise accountability. They also perform controlled area monitor duties to ensure safety and security of AA&E in direct support of the Whiteman mission.

The reflection of U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jasmine Deauvearo, a 509th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) armorer, mirrors her goals for the future at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., Sept. 26, 2017. At 18 years of age, Deavearo had aspirations for a career in the medical field, but decided to enlist first as a SFS defender. When her window opened to apply for the Medical Service Corps as a health care administrator in July 2017, she submitted her application and was recently notified by the 509th SFS commander, Lt. Col. Justin Secrest, of her acceptance. She is one of 75 applicants chosen for the program which was open to active duty service members and civilian personnel.

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jasmine Deauvearo, far left, a 509th Security Forc-es Squadron (SFS) armorer, takes a family photo with her father, Clarence, mother, Darla, sister, Janae, and her cat in Knob Noster, Mo., Fall 2016. As a prior-enlisted Soldier, her mother, now a U.S. Army ma-jor, told her daughter she acquired an even higher level of respect by waiting to com-mission and gaining a perspective from both the enlisted and officer point of view. With her mother’s counsel, Deauvearo en-listed at 18 years of age with intentions of applying to the Medical Service Corps.

U.S. Air Force photos by

Senior Airman Jazmin Smith

By Senior Master Sgt.Mary-Dale Amison 131st Bomb Wing

Dental care was in high-demand at the Operation Healthy Delta Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) exercise in southeastern Missouri. Known as the Bootheel, the region is one of the state’s more medically un-derserved areas.

Operation Healthy Delta IRT, led by the Missouri Air National Guard’s 131st Bomb Wing Medical Group, was sponsored by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Manpower & Reserve Affairs and is co-sponsored by the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), a federal-state part-nership chartered by Congress in 2000 to help create jobs, build communities and improve lives through strategic investments in economic development in 252 counties and parishes across eight states, including southeastern Missouri.

Air National Guard, Navy (Active and Reserve), and Active Component Air Force members set up two field-condition medical facilities in the cit-ies of Charleston and Caruthersville, from Sept. 13-21, to provide dental and ophthalmology support services on a first-come, first-served basis to residents of the local communities. The care was provided at no-direct cost to the residents.

At each site, the lines were longer for dental care than any of the other services.

“We are delivering quality dental care using deployable equipment and assets in underserved areas, such as the Bootheel,” says Col. Scott Blum, commander of the New Jersey Air

National Guard’s Trenton-based 108th Medical Group and officer in charge of the exercise’s dental mission. “Our dental teams appreciate the support of all in the community. We couldn’t feel more welcome and proud to serve.”

Dental wellness exams, x-rays, fill-ings, and extractions were provided to patients. If the care request exceeded the unit’s capability, patients were re-ferred to community providers for fol-low-on care.

For the first time, active duty den-tists and dental technicians participat-ed alongside their Air National Guard and Navy counterparts. Field training opportunities are very limited for ac-tive duty dental professionals and they rarely have the opportunity to apply their skills in underserved communi-ties, such as those being supported by Operation Healthy Delta IRT.

“This partnership at Operation Healthy Delta IRT with the Air National Guard and Navy definitely prepares our dental teams to better support current and future deploy-ments,” said Col. James Kutner, a U.S. Air Force Dental Expeditionary Consultant. “Working daily ensuring our active duty Airmen are deploy-ment ready does not truly exercise our deployed assets and skills utilizing field equipment. The training here is invaluable as many of the acute care concerns our dentists are seeing here at the Charleston and Caruthersville care sites are similar to the ones we see when deployed overseas.”

Among the dentists seeing IRT pa-tients was Dr. John Kersey, Jr., an ac-tive duty Air Force dentist from Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, with a specialty in pediatric dentistry.

News10 Oct. 6, 2017The Warrior

See Military dentists, page 14

Military dentists in high-demand during joint-service health care initiative in Missouri

U.S. Air National Guard photo by Senior Master Sgt. Mary-Dale Amison Air National Guard, Navy (Active and Reserve), and Active Component Air Force den-tists trained and provided dental care at a field-condition medical facility set up at the Charleston United Methodist Church in Charleston, Missouri, from Sept. 13-21, during Operation Healthy Delta Innovative Readiness Training. These dental services were given at no direct cost on a first-come, first-served basis to residents of the local communities.

News 11Oct. 6, 2017The Warrior

Gen. Nichols sparks off Fire Prevention Week

It'severyone's responsibility

News12 Oct. 6, 2017The Warrior

National Disability Employment Awareness month By Master Sergeant William Blackmon509 Medical Group

This year Team Whiteman will be observing National Disablity Employment Awareness month by focusing on the theme of “Inclusion Drives Innovation.” It’s important for us to include all individuals to make our daily work more effec-tive and efficient.

At work, it’s what people “CAN DO” that matters. That’s the simple message behind the Campaign for Disability Employment (CDE) — a public awareness campaign to highlight the value and talent people with disabilities add to America’s workplaces and economy.

Every day, people with disabilities can and do add value to America’s workplaces. However, in both good economic times and bad, people with disabilities have far fewer job op-portunities than the general population. Inspired to change these realities, the CDE’s “What can YOU do?” effort aims to promote the hiring, retention and advancement of people with disabilities and dispel negative stereotypes about disability and employment.

There are many ways to improve employment outcomes for people with disabilities and show your support.

1. Hire, Retain and Advance People with DisabilitiesBusinesses that are inclusive of people with disabilities – in

hiring, retention and advancement – benefit from a wider pool of talent, skills and creative business solutions. Additionally, fostering a work environment that is flexible and open to the talents of all qualified individuals, including those with dis-abilities, actually promotes workplace success for everyone.

2. Be a MentorBe a mentor by inspiring youth with disabilities to achieve

their career aspirations. It is important that each individual is valued for his or her skills and talents, and that youth with dis-abilities are supported and encouraged to dream big when it comes to developing career goals. Today’s youth will be to-morrow’s leaders. So if you are a youth with a disability, share what you WILL do with the CDE!

3. Share the “CAN-DO” SpiritHelp the campaign by telling others about the CDE and the

“What can YOU do?” initiative. Use the CDE’s public service announcements (PSAs), accompanying discussion guides, posters and other materials, all included in the CDE’s online Outreach Toolkits, to promote positive employment outcomes for people with disabilities in your business and community. You can also view the CDE website to learn how supporters are using the CDE’s tools to share the “CAN-DO” spirit!

4. Link to Us Link to the CDE on your website to show your support for

the “What can YOU do?” initiative and provide your visitors with easy access to disability employment information and re-sources. Various link options are available, including a badge to proudly display your organization’s support for the CDE.

The Campaign for Disability Employment, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), is a collaborative effort among several lead-ing disability and business organizations to promote positive employment outcomes for people with disabilities by encour-aging employers and others to recognize the value and talent they bring to the workplace, as well as the dividend to be real-ized by fully including people with disabilities at work. These partners include:

• American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD);

• Job Accommodation Network (JAN);• National Business and Disability Council (NBDC);• National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

(NGLCC);• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM);• Special Olympics ;• U.S. Business Leadership Network (USBLN). Learn more by visiting WhatCanYouDoCampaign.org.

News14 Oct. 6, 2017The Warrior

“I had the opportunity to practice many dental readiness skills in a short period of time,” Kersey said. “It was also great to share my knowledge and mentor the junior members of our team.”

“This was a truly talented team of junior and senior, women and men, en-listed and officers, Air National Guard and Air Force, active duty Navy and Reserves, all using their gifts, abilities and resources in beautiful harmony to enrich the lives of people in these communities,” he added. “This was an amazing opportunity to give back to our nation and I hope to participate again in the future.”

A new concept was introduced dur-ing Operation Healthy Delta IRT. Active duty Air Force dental officers and residents practices at the care sites. They came in from numerous Air Force bases across the United States, including: Keesler AFB (Mississippi); Joint Base San Antonio Lackland (Texas); Little Rock AFB (Arkansas); Scott AFB (Illinois) and Travis AFB (California).

“This mission is an excellent match for the dental residents,” said Blum. “At the beginning of their Air Force careers, these residents get to do some-thing that most military dentists would never get to do in their entire careers. In this area where there are so many people in need of dental care, they can remove twice as many teeth in a sin-gle day than their entire dental school training requirement. They experience field dentistry at a time when they are the most motivated and energized.”

Active duty participation in Innovative Readiness Training allows dentists, hygienists, and technicians to train utilizing field dental equip-ment and supplies while treating indi-viduals with unmet dental needs. The joint training allows providers with mentorship opportunities and to learn and practice field techniques and pro-cedures with Air National Guard and Navy Reserve counterparts.

According to Blum, many Guard and Reserve ancillary personnel do not work within the dental career fields in the civilian sector. On their drill week-end, Guardsmen and Reservists teams are primarily completing ancillary training as well as annual dental ex-ams on Reserve component members; ensuring all members are deployment ready.

Time constraints and mission needs do not support providing routine

preventive, restorative or extraction services to members who are not on active duty. Most Reserve component units only use disposable instruments for their dental exams due to equip-ment cost and maintenance of dental instrument sterilizers. This joint-train-ing venture allowed active duty den-tal technicians to teach the Reserve and Guard members their methods of chair-side assistance for key dental op-erations experienced down-range.

Knowing the need might be great in these communities, dentists were able to assist a larger patient population due to the dental deployment kits they were provided. Multiple dental exam chairs were placed in a room to allow for the best workflow. Between the two locations, dentists saw an aver-age of 150 patients per day, with tooth extractions being a primary service to those seeking care.

“Operation Healthy Delta IRT has truly enriched our lives with yet anoth-er opportunity to serve,” said Senior Master Sgt. Pavan Polur, the senior enlisted advisor at the Caruthersville care site and a dental technician with the Alabama Air National Guard’s Birmingham-based 117th Air Refueling Wing. “This training has al-lowed us to share our previous experi-ences in the delivery of patient care.”

“The seasoned team members--ac-tive, Guard, and Reserves--have ex-changed ideas with newer members on their continuum of development in delivering optimal patient care,” Polur said. “A testament to this opti-mized care was evident in a note from a patient stating: ‘We will never forget your caring hearts, smiling faces, will-ingness to help others, upbeat spirits and kindness. We thank you for a JOB WELL DONE!’”

While this is the first time active duty dental professionals have pro-vided IRT support, Kutner said it was truly a positive partnership for all in-volved and looks forward to the future.

“Dentists are altruistic at heart and love placing smiles on patient's fac-es,” Kutner said. “The joint training with Guard and Reserve personnel is a great partnership and we look forward to strengthening this bond while also forging stronger relationships with our communities and the American people. We’re one team and citizens will leave our care happy and in better oral health while also knowing our nation’s mili-tary members, their sons and daugh-ters, healthcare is in great hands!”

Military dentistsContinued from Page 10

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