Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2002 Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado V
Inside This Issue: Cover Story...3 Blotter...5 At Your Service...7
Photo by 2nd Lt. Suzy Kohout
Courtesy photo Courtesy photoU.S. Air Force photo
SPACE OBSERVERWednesday, Nov. 27, 20022 From the top
Published by the Gazette, 30 S. Prospect Street, Box 1779, Colorado Springs, 80901, a private firm in no wayconnected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with the 21st Space Wing. This commercial enter-prise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services.
Contents of the Space Observer are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government,the Department of Defense or the Department of the Air Force.
The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorse-ment by DOD, the Department of the Air Force or the Gazette, of the products or services advertised. Everything adver-tised in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion,sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation or any other non-merit factor of the pur-chaser, user or patron.
Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the 21st Space Wing Public Affairs Office, 775 LoringAve., Suite 218, Peterson AFB, Colo., 80914-1294. All photographs are Air Force photographs unless otherwise indi-cated.
The Space Observer is published every Friday. For advertising inquiries , call the Gazette, (719) 476-1640 fordisplay ads, and 476-1685 for classified ads.
Articles for the Space Observer should be submitted to the 21st SW/PAI, Attn: Space Observer, 775 LoringAve., Ste. 218, Peterson AFB, Colo., 80914-1294 or e-mail [email protected]. Deadline for submissionis 4:30 p.m. the Wednesday one week before publication. All articles, copy and announcements submitted will be edit-ed to conform to AFI Series 35 and the Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual. For details, call the editor at(719) 556-8476 or DSN 834-7846.
21st Space Wing CommanderBrig. Gen. Duane Deal
Chief of Public AffairsCapt. Donald B. Kerr
Chief Internal Information2nd Lt. Suzy Kohout
NCOIC Internal InformationTech. Sgt. Gino Mattorano
EditorStaff Sgt. Josh Clendenen
Assistant EditorSenior Airman Shane Sharp
A Momentin Time:
Novembern On Nov. 29, 1975, the first
Red Flag exercise took place atNellis Air Force Base, Nev.
n On Nov. 30, 1951, Maj.George A. Davis was declared thefirst “ace” of World War II and theKorean Conflict.
n On Dec. 3, 1945, The P-80became the U.S. Army Air Force’sfirst fighter jet.
n On Dec. 5, 1907, WilburWright offered the government anairplane that could carry two peo-ple for $25,000.
Information courtesy of Staff Sgt. TrishaMorgan, 21st Space Wing History Office.
Photo by Dennis Plummer
Buckle up ... we’re watchingStaff Sgt. Joel Brown, middle, 21st Security Forces Squadron, and 2nd Lt. TheresaFlesher, right, 21st Space Wing Manpower, conduct a seatbelt check on Senior MasterSgt. Robert Kribel, left, Air Force Space Command Command Section, near the Building1 parking lot. The checks were implemented by the 21st Space Wing Safety Office to cutdown on the number of drivers not wearing seatbelts. Of the 1,752 drivers checked, only47 were found to not be wearing their seatbelt.
By Brig. Gen. Duane Deal21st Space Wing Commander
Knowing we’re entering both the holiday and winterseason, and that safety stats unmistakably reflect the value ofbuckling up, our Safety Office and Security Forces teamed toemphasize this via a seat belt check last Friday.
The good news is, of the 1,752 drivers checked over twohours at the five checkpoints, 97 percent of Team Pete hadtaken the extra half-second to buckle up.
The bad news is we had 47 proclaiming their “right tobe clueless” — they had not bothered to buckle up on theirtrip from home to the base. With all the data available today,it’s mind-boggling why someone would choose not to buckleup. The NHTSA web site overflows with reasons:
The bottom line? If you know any of Team Pete’s 3 per-cent, encourage them to “join the conscious” and buckle up.
“The clueless 3%”
n NHTSA research has shown that driver or a passengercuts his or her risk of dying in a crash almost in half by using a seatbelt.
n In 2001, 73 percent of buckled vehicle occupants involvedin a fatal crash survived, compared to 44 percent of unrestrainedoccupants.
n Someone is killed in a crash every 13 minutes; however,seat belts save more than11,000 lives each year, and can help you maintain control of yourcar in a crash.
Wearing a seat belt isn’t just a good idea, it’s the law — seatbelt tickets can mean hefty fines and, in many places, points onyour license.
The NHTSA asks a great question, “How do you want tostop?”
n Every 15 seconds, someone is injured in a traffic crash. Ifyou’re not buckled up,you could be thrown through a window, sent skidding along thepavement, or becrushed under a vehicle in a crash.
n If you crash or slam on your brakes, your car comes to asudden stop. But you will keep moving until you, too, are stopped— by the windshield, dashboard, or pavement.
n Wearing a seat belt stops your body from being thrownaround inside or outside the car, decreasing the chances you’ll gethurt by firmly keeping you in place.
n Think an air bag will do the trick? Air bags are designedto be used with seat belts. By themselves, they are only 12 percenteffective at reducing deaths.
By Gen. Lance LordAir Force Space Command Commander
The month of November is setaside to recognize an importantpart of the Air Force team – ourfamilies.
Throughout the first year of our war on ter-rorism, we experienced an increased operationstempo and longer deployments. Support of ourfamilies has never been more vital, and theircontributions, whether at home or within thecommunity, are important to our mission suc-cess.
We know that without that support, we
could not be as successful or effective. In recog-nition of the sacrifices and contributions ourmembers and families make in support of ourDepartment of Defense mission, the day afterThanksgiving, Nov. 29, is designated as a mili-tary family day for all Air Force SpaceCommand personnel.
Thanksgiving is a time for reflection andcelebration. Take the opportunity to enjoy yourfamily and friends. When planning activities,please remember that single members and thefamilies of deployed members are part of ourmilitary family.
Beccy and I wish you and your families asafe and Happy Thanksgiving.
Lord sends Thanksgiving message
The following are hours for facilities over Thanksgiving:n Aero Club, 556-4310 The office will be closed.n Aquatics, 556-4608 – Closed. The center will be open
Nov. 29, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.n Aragon Dining Facility, 556-4180 – Holiday dining
hours. Brunch from 6-10 a.m. and supper 11 a.m.-5 p.m.n Auto Skills, 556-4481 – Closed. n Bowling, 556-4607 – Closed.
nCDC, 554-9572 – Closed. nCommunity Activities Center, 556-1733 – Closed.n Enlisted Club, 556-4914 – Closed Nov. 28-29. The club
will be open Nov. 30 for Breakfast with Santa.nFitness Center, 556-4462 – Open Nov. 28, 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
The center will be open Nov. 29, 4:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.n Golf Course, 556-7414 – Facilities are closed Nov. 28,
but the course will be open for play, weather permitting.
n Library, 556-7462 – Closed.n Lodging, 556-6293 – Open all day.n Officers’ Club, 556-4181 – Serving a Thanksgiving
Buffet 11 a.m.-3 p.m. n Outdoor Recreation, 556-4867 – Closed.nYouth Center, 556-7220 – Closed.n Base Exchange – Open Nov. 29 and Nov. 30, 6 a.m.-9
p.m.
Thanksgiving operating hours
SPACEOBSERVERWednesday, Nov. 27, 2002 3Coverwww.peterson.af.mil
By 2nd Lt. Suzy Kohout21st Space Wing Public Affairs
Character devel-opment, citi-z e n s h i p ,sportsmanship,
and teamwork are just a fewthings that the boys ofPeterson’s Cub Scout Pack 99learn on a weekly basis.
Peterson’s Base Chapel ishome to 43 scouts aged sevento 11, who participate in manyactivities and strive to learnmore about themselves andteamwork.
“We provide a whole-some yet fun environment forthe base youth,” said SeniorMaster Sgt. Alex Welton, AirForce Space BattlelabSuperintendent and Pack 99Cubmaster. “This is particular-ly important when mom or dadis deployed for long periods oftime.”
Weekly, the scouts meetto accomplish rank-specificbook achievements. Achievinga new rank is based on age, andby completing specific aca-demic and sports requirements.
The first rank, Tiger, isfor 7-year-old boys. Aftermeeting additional require-ments, the boys move on to beWolves followed by Bears. Asthe boys age and meet certainrequirements, they begin tohave more responsibilities andeventually become a Webelos Ifor (10-year-olds), followed bya Webelos II for (11-year-olds).Webelos, or “We Will Be LoyalScouts,” recognize the highestachieved rank before makingthe transition from a Cub Scoutto an official Boy Scout.
Some of the academicrequirements Scouts need tomaster before earning a new
rank, include mathematics, art,communicating, geology, col-lecting, and more. Scouts alsohave to participate in athleticactivities such as basketball,baseball, volleyball, golf, andfishing.
According to Welton, theactivities teach them practicalabilities such as learning tofold a flag, fix a leaky faucet,and how to keep in shape, aswell as fun activities like craftmaking and playing games.The boys also have the oppor-tunity to compete in a numberof contests. Some of the Packevents include building andracing model boats, buildingspaceships, and one of the mostpopular events, the PinewoodDerby race.
Before the day of therace, each scout is given ablock of wood, four nails, andfour wheels. The block ofwood has two slots in the bot-tom where the nails attach thetires to the block. The idea isfor the Scout to take the blockof wood home and create a carout of it. Once the car isshaped, painted, and ready togo, the Scout brings it to therace where it will be racedagainst other Scouts’ cars.
“The Derby is a goodtime for everyone,” saidWelton. “The Scouts love it,and so do the parents. Some ofthese Scouts really put sometime and effort into their cars,and that’s the idea. We wantthem to have fun, but at thesame time, we want them tolearn about building somethingfrom scratch and paying atten-tion to detail.”
The Scouts don’t onlyrace wooden cars and try tocollect merit badges for certainactivities. They also participate
in a number of charity drivesand community activities onbase. Such worthy events arean annual Thanksgivingpotluck, Christmas caroling,the Care and Share food drive,and the Teen Chapel Group.
Off base, Pack 99 alsodoes its fair share to boostcommunity morale. They par-ticipated in Make a DifferenceDay, helped clean at theCheyenne Mountain Zoo,cleaned and painted parkinglines at the “Big Back Yard”childrens areas, and handed out“thank you cards” to war veter-ans at the Veterans Day Parade.
“By participating in theseactivities, they learn patriot-
ism, history, craft skills, as wellas everyday knowledge ofsafety and home repair,” saidWelton. “They interact withother boys in a structured envi-ronment and learn leadershipskills. They learn skills thatwill be valuable their entirelives.”
Many of the skills learnedstrengthen their ability to getalong with other boys and torespect other people.
“Several of our boys havesisters in independent GirlScouting (organizations notorganized by a Girl ScoutGroup),” said Carl Hickling,Webelos II Den Leader.“These independent girl scouts
join in with many of our Pack99 events.
“I don’t know of anyother cub scout packs that havegirl scouts coming to theirevents on a regular basis,” headded. “I like it because theboys get a chance to see thatgirls are okay and it makes forbetter family events when allthe families kids get to join inour activities.”
Pack 99 is chartered bythe Peterson Fire Departmentand has been on Peterson formore than 30 years.
For more information,visit www.pack99.us, or callWelton at 567-0517 or 574-8970.
Pete’s Pack 99
LEFT TO RIGHT: Pierre Copland, Justin Hisson, AustinSuller, Kyle Weaver, and Joshua Welton lead the rest of thepack in a sing-along.
Peterson’s chartered Cub Scout pack helping develop youth
Pack 99 dishes up some tasty vittles during their Thanksgiving potluck.
Photos by 2nd Lt. Suzy KohoutDudley Baker draws a bear paw on Seth Welton’s face. Welton had just completed all of therequirements for advancement to the rank of “Bear.”
SPACE OBSERVERWednesday, Nov. 27, 20024 News in Brief
At the Base ChapelProtestant
Liturgical Worship, 8:15 a.m.Traditional Sunday Worship
11 a.m.Gospel Services, 12:30 p.m.
CatholicWeekday Mass, 11:35 a.m.
Saturdays, 5 p.m.Sundays, 9:30 a.m.
Reconciliation Saturdays, 4 p.m.
Religious EducationCatholic and Protestant SundaySchool classes begin at 8:30 and
9:45 a.m. respectively.
**For more informationCall the chapel at 556-4442
for available chapelprograms.
OWC NOTE2002 White House orna-
ments are for sale from theOfficers’ Wives’ Club for $15,and Pikes Peak MilitaryFamily Cookbooks for $12.Call Sandy for more informa-tion at 535-8127.MUSEUM VOLUNTEERS
The museum needs vol-unteers in the gift shop to workone shift, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30p.m. or 12:30 - 3 p.m., Tuesdaythrough Saturday.
Contact Don Fulkerson at282-1231, or the museum at556-4915 for more informa-tion.EPD SEMINARS
The Peterson EnlistedProfessional DevelopmentCommittee is taking reserva-tions for the following semi-nars:
- Senior NCO, Dec. 18- NCO, Dec. 19- Airman, Dec. 20All seminars will be held
from 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. inRoom 2 of Building 425,Aerospace Physiology. Formore information and to make
reservations, call SeniorMaster Sgt. Dennis Rogers at554-7285 or Master Sgt.Kristin Clark at 556-3152.TREA PINOCHLETOURNAMENT
Chapter 1 of The RetiredEnlisted Association will hosta Pinochle TournamentSaturday, 11 a.m., at the chap-ter home, 834 Emory Circle,Colorado Springs. All TREAmembers, their spouses, auxil-iary members and members-at-large are invited. There is anentrance fee of $10 per entrant.Cash prizes will be awardedbased on the total number ofentrants. Friends who are eli-gible to join TREA, either asregular, active military, orsponsored (veteran) are invitedto participate by completing anapplication and paying appro-priate dues at the door. Forreservations call 596-0927.MPF HOLIDAY HOURS
In conjunction withMilitary Family AppreciationMonth, the 21st MissionSupport Squadron MilitaryPersonnel Flight will be closed
Thursday, Nov. 28, and Friday,Nov. 29. Normal businesshours will resume Dec. 2.HOLIDAY PARTIES
n The North AmericanAerospace Defense Commandand U.S. Northern Commandholiday party is scheduled for 6p.m., Dec. 6, at the Officers’Club.
n The 21st Space Wingholiday party will be at 6 p.m.,Dec. 13, at the Enlisted Club.
Call your squadron pointsof contact for reservations andfor more information on holi-day festivities.EDUCATION GRANT FORMILITARY CHILDREN
Concerned about thesoaring cost of higher educa-tion for your children? The AirForce Aid Society can help!The Society's General HenryH. Arnold Education GrantProgram awards $1,500 grantsto sons and daughters of activeduty, Title 10 AGR/Reservistson extended active duty, Title32 AGR performing full-timeactive duty, retired, retiredReservists with 20-plus quali-
fying years of service, anddeceased Air Force members;spouses (residing stateside) ofactive duty and Title 10AGR/Reservists on extendedactive duty; and survivingspouses of deceased members.
Call your AFAS sectionat the Family Support Centerat556-6141 today for more infor-mation and an application, orvisit the Air Force AidSociety's web site atwww.afas.org.PROFESSIONALISMLUNCHEON
The 21st Space WingAnnual Communication andInformation ProfessionalismLuncheon is scheduled for11:30 a.m., Dec. 13, at theEnlisted Club. The purpose ofthe luncheon is to recognize thewing's annual communicationand information professional-ism award winners. The guestspeaker for the event is Brig.Gen. Duane Deal. Cost is $7.50per person. Sign up no laterthan Dec. 6. Call Master Sgt.Marcus Schaeffer at 556-8935or Master Sgt. Carl Grange at
556-7552 for more informationand to sign up.PEARL HARBORREMEMBRANCE
There will be a PearlHarbor remembrance ceremony11 a.m., Dec. 7, at the veteransmemorial in Memorial Park.There will be a wreath-layingceremony and fly-overs, includ-ing a missing man formation ofWorld War II era war planes.The ceremony is open to thepublic.FEDERAL LONG TERMCARE INSURANCE PROGRAM
Open Season for theFederal Long Term CareInsurance Program runsthrough Dec. 31.
Long term care is ongo-ing care for people who needlengthy or lifelong assistancewith living because of an ill-ness, injury, or severe cognitiveimpairment.
For details regarding theFederal Long Term CareInsurance Program call 1-800-LTC-FEDS, or log on towww.LTCFEDS.com.
SPACEOBSERVERWednesday, Nov. 27, 2002 5Newswww.peterson.af.mil
The followingreal-life eventswith real indi-viduals from
around the Peterson Complexare to inform you of crimes,accidents, and events occurringon base. The following entriesare from hundreds recorded inthe Peterson Police Blotter:
**Editor’s note: Althoughthe Space Observer staff maymake light of some Blotterentries, the intent is to callattention to our security andlaw enforcement concerns.However, rest assured, our pro-fessional Security Forces treateach incident seriously.Those friendly guardssure are waving at me-- Nov. 18
A contractor proceededonto the installation beforebeing directed by the gateguard.
Security Forces imme-diately responded and halt-ed the vehicle. The patroldetermined the incident tobe non-hostile, briefed thedriver on gate entry proce-dures, and released her.If you don't have thebucks, why do youneed the wallet? --Nov. 18
An Army Air ForceExchange Services detec-tive notified SFS he wasdetaining a dependent son
for attempting a five-fingerdiscount of a $19 walletfrom the Base Exchange.
The thief was trans -ported to the SFS building,where the Colorado SpringsPolice Department respond-ed.
CSPD issued the walletworm a summons forshoplifting, and releasedhim to his not-so-proudmother.Hose 1, Customer 0:911 Response #1 --Nov. 19
A Shoppette employeenotified SFS that a customerwas complaining of anelbow and shoulder injuryafter tripping on a gas hose.SFS, the Fire Department,and an ambulance respond-ed.
The day tripper wastransported to MemorialHospital for further treat-ment.Alarming Army --Nov. 19
Evidently still learningthe nuances of alarm deacti-vations, an alarm was againactivated by human error atthe Army Space Commandbuilding.
Security Forces arrivedpromptly at the scene, veri-fied all was in order, andauthenticated the status ofthe building was secure.
Kickin' klown - Nov. 19A military member noti-
fied SFS that his pickup hadbeen damaged while enter-ing the BX/Commissaryparking lot.
He stated he hadslowed down to allow apedestrian to cross the road,but that the pedestrian hadwaved him to proceed. Ashe was driving past thepedestrian, the hiker evi-dently changed his mind,and instead kicked the vehi-cle's right rear quarterpanel.Take my money,please -- Nov. 20
A military member con-tacted SFS to report he hadmoney missing.
Seems he had gone tothe Fitness Center, and lefthis belongings in anunlocked locker. After leav-ing the center, he checkedhis wallet, and discovered$420 missing.
How many of youwould leave $420 in anunlocked locker?Shelf swiped --Nov. 20
A Thrift Shop employeenotified SFS that a smallshelf unit in the hallway nearthe restroom area shared bythe Thrift Shop and contrac-tors was missing.
She had seen it whenshe left the day before, butupon returning to work thefollowing day, it was miss-ing.Footsies -- 911response #2 --Nov. 21
The Fire Departmentand an ambulance respond-ed to the Fitness Center
where a patron was com-plaining of an injury to hisfoot. The ambulance trans-ported him to MemorialHospital for further evalua-tion.Pills panic? -- Nov. 21
Security Forcesresponded to the Pharmacywhen a alarm was activated.After securing the area andensuring all was in order,they determined the causeto be the alarm monitor notproperly accessing thealarms.Hot Pants -- Nov. 21
Security Forcesresponded to the BX wherean AAFES detective haddetained a dependentdaughter plucking pantsworth $23.
The slacks slackardwas transported to SFSheadquarters, where CSPDresponded and issued her asummons for shoplifting.
In addition to being afilching fool at the BX, theCSPD arrested her andtransported to CriminalJustice Center for an out-standing traffic warrant.911 Response #3 --Nov. 21
A military family hous-ing resident requestedassistance for a spouse whowas unconscious and hav-ing seizures.
The Fire Departmentand an ambulance respond-ed, and transported thepatient to PenroseCommunity Hospital for fur-ther treatment.I tought I taw a gun --Nov. 23
CSPD transferred a911 call from a retired mili-
tary member who relatedthat as he was travelingsouth on Powers Blvd.,another driver had attempt-ed to run him off the road.
The aggressive driverwas detained upon enteringthe West Gate, and CSPDresponded; the complainantalso stopped at the gate.
The aggressor statedto the police he saw theother driver with a handgun.
The other driver con-sented to a search of hisvehicle, which had negativefindings. The aggressorwas released to the CSPDby SFS.Gas'n'go, petrolpoached -- Nov. 24
A Shoppette employeenotified SFS that a whitefour-door car had left thestation without paying$10.01 due for the gaspumped.Card caper -- Nov. 24
A Shoppette employeenotified SFS they had a cus-tomer attempting to pur-chase beer with an expireddependent ID card.
A patrol responded andquestioned the individual,who stated he had beensponsored onto the base bya military member. The mil-itary member stated he didnot know the ID card wasexpired.
The card was confis-cated for evidence, and thecardless customer leftthirsty.
** If you have any infor-mation on a crime, report it tothe 21st Security ForcesSquadron at 556-4000.
SPACE OBSERVERWednesday, Nov. 27, 20026 News
By Maj. James R. Wilson419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
Apiece of history was carved out Nov.22 when four F-16 Fighting Falconsfrom the 419th Fighter Wing, Hill AirForce Base, Utah, took off on a com-
bat training mission. While four F-16s on a routinetraining mission is not necessarily historic, one of thepilots, Lt. Col. Michael Brill, earned his place in therecord books during the sortie. Brill became the firstpilot in the world to log 5,000 flying hours in the F-16.
“I’ve been fortunate,” said Brill. “The fact thatI’ve been able to stay in the cockpit this long really isa case of being in the right place at the right time.”
Brill’s 5,000 hours in the F-16 is the equivalentof traveling 1,750,000 miles—enough to circle theearth 70 times. The Virginia native surpassed previous
thousand-hour milestones in the F-16 in 1985, 1988,and 1993. He was also the first pilot to amass morethan 4,000 total flying hours in the F-16 in August1998.
“It’s an extremely durable aircraft with a proventrack record in combat operations,” said Brill. “Itsreliability is a real testament to the quality productLockheed Martin has provided the Air Force. At thesame time, our own maintainers take incredibly goodcare of the aircraft.”
The planned mission for the milestone sortieincluded training in high-altitude delivery of laser-guided bombs. Such training has prepared him fornumerous combat missions during his career. Brill’scombat experience includes three tours for OperationNorthern Watch, two for Operation Southern Watchand one for Operation Enduring Freedom. He hasaccumulated 122 combat flight hours in those opera-tions.
“I would rather be flying the F-16 than any otheraircraft in the world,” said Brill. “I like flying a single-seat, single-engine airplane. I like the missionthat we’ve got. I like being a jack-of-all-trades and amaster of a few. If I had to choose between the F-16and one of the other platforms in the inventory, Iwould opt for the (F-16) hands down.”
Brill, a full-time reservist, currently serves as theoperations officer for the wing’s 466th FighterSquadron.
He graduated from the Air Force Academy inMay 1979 and completed undergraduate pilot trainingat Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas in June of the fol -lowing year. He has been flying the F-16 sinceNovember 1980 when he was a member of the 388thFW.
“The best part is the F-16 continues to get sig-nificantly better with each upgrade,” he added. “It hasexceeded everyone’s high expectations.”
Air Force pilot soars into record books with F-16 milestone
By 1st Lt. Mike Andrews21st Space Wing Public Affairs
The 21st Space Wing’sLogistics Readiness Squadron,formerly the Logistics SupportSquadron, was recently recog-nized as one of the best in AirForce Space Command aftergarnering several awards forconsecutive years.
The 21st LRS was pre-sented with both the AFSPCAir Terminal Unit Award andthe AFSPC Special Transport-ation Activity of the YearAward.
The AFSPC Air TerminalUnit Award presented to the21st Logistics Readiness Flightlooked at the performance ofboth the Air PassengerTerminal and Cargo Deploy-ment Function.
This isn’t the first timethat the LRS has been selectedto receive such awards. In fact,this is the second consecutiveyear they have received the AirTerminal Unit Award and thethird straight year for theSpecial Transportation ActivityAward. The CDF has also wonthe April 2002 21 SW GoldKnight Award for support ofOperation Enduring Freedom.
“Since Sept 11, we’veseen an operations tempo wellbeyond what this element wasever designed or manned tomanage, yet our folks havehandled it with incredible skill,professionalism and end-urance, which has led to thesewell-deserved awards,” saidLt. Col. Lyman Faith, 21 LRSCommander. “Their outstand-ing efforts are in direct support
of combat operations, and I’mhonored to command such atalented and accomplishedteam.”
The two prestigiousAFSPC awards recognized thetremendous hard work andpride that helped move 7,500passengers, 1,600 short tons ofcargo, and more than 700strategic, theater, and opera-tional support airlifts in sup-port of multiple overseas oper-ations.
“The 21st SW is respon-sible for deploying all mission-related personnel and equip-ment from Peterson, Schriever,Cheyenne Mountain, USAFA,and our largest client, Ft.Carson,” said Tech. Sgt.Delvalle Nelson, NCOIC,Terminal Operations.
The Readiness Flight isnot only responsible forinspecting and loading AirForce passengers and cargo,but they also provide key sup-port to Fort Carson. Amongtheir recent efforts was helpingtrain more than 160 Army per-sonnel on critical upload andsafety procedures during aDivision Ready Brigade staticload exercise.
The relationship devel-oped during that exercise wasquickly put to the test during
the deployment of the 10thSpecial Forces in support ofpeacekeeping operations, inSouthwest Asia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Macedonia.
The teamwork betweenthe newly trained Army per-sonnel and the ReadinessFlight ensured that 2,650 per-sonnel, 1,000 tons of cargo,and more than 200 aircraftwere loaded quickly and safely.
“We have played andcontinue to play a direct andintegral role in delivering andsupporting our warfighters at alevel on par with other majorAir Force bases -- and unap-proached anywhere else in
Space Command,” said 2nd Lt.Matt Vincent, Officer inCharge, Terminal Operations.“These awards signify the ded-ication of our crew and indis-pensability of our operation towarfighting efforts. Theyexemplify the contributions ofthe 21st SW into the combattheater.”
The 21st LRS supports awide spectrum of base require -ments, including supply, trans-portation, fuels, logistics plan-ning, aerial port, mobility man-agement, small computerresources management, trafficmanagement, and mobilityinspections.
Pete operations terminal best in AFSPC
Courtesy photoMembers of the 21st Logistics Readiness Squadron load anaircraft with equipment on its was in support of to OperationSouthern Watch. The squadron recently won the best AirTerminal unit award in Air Force Space Command.
Courtesy photoMembers of the 21st LRS build a deployment pallet.
SPACEOBSERVERWednesday, Nov. 27, 2002 7
www.peterson.af.mil
By Staff Sgt. Melanie Epperson21st Space Wing Public Affairs
The Aquatics Center at PetersonAir Force Base recently added a new,bigger-and-better slide to accommodateboth children and adults.
“It’s awesome!” said LauraRunyon, Aquatics Center manager.“I’ve tried it myself, and it’s a lot offun.”
The old slide was deemed a safetyhazard by Public Health and Safety dueto rusted mounting brackets, Runyonsaid.
Since the Aquatics Center re-opened in 1992, the pool has receivedseveral renovations.
“We added a baby pool enclosureand a new pool liner, and this was thenext logical step,” Runyon said.
According to Runyon, the deci-sion to upgrade the slide was unani-mous, and construction began Nov. 16.By the next day, the slide was piecedtogether and installed. Later, membersof the 21st Civil Engineer Squadronrefitted all the plumbing and wiringattached to the slide in order to make itfully operational. The entire processwas completed by Nov. 20.
“The slide hasn’t been open verylong,” Runyon said. “But the kids fromswim lessons were all smiles when itdid.”
According to Runyon, open swimtimes usually have less people duringthe fall, and most of them only do lapswimming.
“When school closes for the holi-days, I’m sure we will see a dramaticincrease in the slide’s use,” Runyonadded.
The Aquatics Center is openMondays-Fridays, 1-5 p.m., Tuesdaysand Thursdays, 6-8 p.m., Saturdays,noon-4 p.m., and Sundays, noon-6 p.m.
Adults ages 16 and over mayswim for $2.50, and children ages 6-15can swim for $1.50. Children under theage of 5 can swim free with a paidadult.
“We also do birthday parties,”Runyon added. “Open swim partiescan be booked during open swim timeson Saturdays and Sundays. It costs $40for two hours for 10 people, and weprovide cake, ice cream, drinks, andinvitations.”
After-hours parties are also avail-able Friday, Saturday, and Sundaynights.
“These parties cost $100 for twohours for up to 50 people, Runyon said.“This is a private reservation of theentire facility.”
A T Y O U R
S E R V I C EThis Week
Thursdayn The Clinic will be closed.
Fridayn The Clinic will be closed.nAnnual holiday sale starts atthe Silver Spruce Golf Course.n Family Fitness two-mile walk,9 a.m. at the Fitness Center.Strollers and wagons permittedbut no bikes. Call 556-1515.
Saturdayn Kris Kringle Market, 9 a.m.-3p.m., in Building 210 (on theflightline). Crafts, decorations,jewelry, specialty food items andmore.
MondaynMothers on the Move exercisegroup. Call the Family Advocacynurse for details.
Tuesdayn Resume review, 9-11 a.m. atthe Family Support Center. Thisis offered once a month and youmust bring a copy of yourresume.
Dec. 5n Job Orientation, 1-2 p.m., atthe Family Support Center.n Play group, 10:30 a.m.-noon atthe Chapel.
Helpful Numbersn Family Advocacy 556-8943n Education Center 556-4064n Library 556-7462n Community Center 556-7671n Aquatics Center 556-4608n Fitness Center 556-4462n Officers’ Club 556-4181n Enlisted Club 556-4194n Youth Center 556-7220n Family Support 556-6141n Red Cross 556-9201n Aragon Menu Line 556-4782n Outdoor Recreation 556-4487n Golf Course 556-7810
SERVICES CALENDARSAt the
Officers’ Club
At the
Enlisted Club
November 29 -- The Officers’ Clubwill be closed.
November 28 -- Thanksgiving Dayfamily buffet, 11a.m. - 3 p.m., makereservations.
November 27 --Holiday food buf-fet, 5-7 p.m.
November 30 --Breakfast with Santa,8-10 a.m. Reservationsby advance ticket pur-chase only.
November28-29 --The club willbe closed.
December 31-- New Year’s Eve gala,6 p.m. Dinner anddancing. Reservationsonly. Call 574-4100.
This WeekAt
OutdoorRecreation
December 14 --Snow Tubing inWoodland Parkarea. The cost is$10 per person.
November 28 --Low impactwilderness classstarts. Call to signup.
November 23 --Weekend skiingstarts.
Slip slidin’ awayAquatics Center adds new and improved slide
The new and improved water slide at the Aquatics Center accommodateschildren and adults.
Courtesy photosEmily Shamann, daughter of Ronaldand Shannon Shamann, readies forthe splash as she exits the new slideat the Aquatics Center. Emily wasthe first Aquatics Center patron totry the slide out.
By 2nd Lt. Suzy Kohout21st Space Wing Public Affairs
Peterson’s 21st Security Forces Squadron,the local Air Force community, and theColorado Springs Police Department’sdog handlers and dogs gathered togetherin a Military Working Dog ceremonyNov. 22.
Here many paid tribute to Gawin, to one of our own,who gave 10 years of his life to Peterson AFB and militaryservice.
Two military working dog teams guarded an emptydog kennel on stage which belonged to Gawin. In front ofthe kennel was an upside-down water pail and an urnwhere Gawin now rests.
“Gawin gave all of himself to perform the tasks thatthis nation asked of him, and without fail, he carried outhis duty,” said Chaplain Capt. Bob Borger, 21st SpaceWing. “Without complaint or compromise, he stood withhis handlers and was willing and able to protect them intimes of stress, turmoil, and danger.”
Gawin was euthanized and cremated Nov. 6. Militaryveterinarians found that Gawin was suffering fromDegenerative Lumbrosacral Stenosis, or a steadily wors-ening painful condition of the back, which prevented himfrom carrying out his military missions.
Gawin was drill, control, and detection certified.Like all military working dogs, Gawin was drill and con-trol certified, which means with or without command, adog will attack if he feels threatened or if he feels that hishandler will be attacked. Gawin’s specialty was detection,where he is trained to sense and locate explosives and nar-cotics.
“The dogs are one of the greatest assets we have,especially in the wake of Sept. 11,” said Tech. Sgt. RichVanwinkle, 21st Security Forces, NoncommissionedOfficer in Charge, Military Working Dog Section. “Mostpeople should realize how important they are. The abilityof the dogs is remarkable. They can find, at a minimum,nine different odors. Pretty much anything that anybodycan make a bomb out of, the dog can detect it. That’s whatthey do, day in and day out.”
“Gawin, as one of God’s children, as one airman whowould die for freedom and our Air Force, performed mis-sions more than some of us have performed, “said Col.Michael Hazen, Air Force Space Command SecurityForces Commander and guest speaker. “Over 26 deploy-ments, Gawin spent 571 days deployed and would havedied for any of his 10 handlers.”
Gawin worked since 1995 when Peterson acquiredhim from Lackland where he was trained as a militaryworking dog. Not only has he served in numerous deploy-ments around the world, but he has also served in com-munities on and off Air Force bases here in the ColoradoSprings region.
Gawin also supported the President of the UnitedStates in several different missions ranging from Riyahd,Saudi Arabia, to New York City, New York, WashingtonD.C., and much more.
“We send our best dogs to support our Commanderin Chief,” said Lt. Col. Lyle Cary, 21st Security ForcesCommander. “Also, the entire Colorado Springs commu-nity is safer because of Gawin and his handlers, and all ofthe military working dog teams.”
According to Hazen, the need for military workingdog teams came to light during the Vietnam War era.
Dec. 4 and 5, 1966 in Tan Son Nhut Vietnam, 60 VietCong decided to make a run for an American-protected airbase. That night, there were three dogs on duty who alert-ed their handlers when they heard nearby enemies. Theenemy was drawing near when a handler decided to let goof his dog, Rebel, in order to defend the base.
Rebel fought off some Viet Cong and fatally injured afew before he was killed. Two other handlers thenreleased their dogs, Cubby and Toby. Cubby and Tobymet the same fate as Rebel, before the enemy backed
down. The following night, a replacement dog, Nemo wason duty. When Nemo heard the enemy lurking close tobase, he alerted his handler, Airman 2nd Class RobertThorneburgh. Thorneburgh called for backup as hereleased Nemo. He fought hard with the enemy. Theenemy retaliated by shooting him in the right eye with thebullet exiting out of his skull. This caused him to fighteven harder. His handler was also shot. Nemo, withoutfear, inflicting more injuries, and suffering from greatpain, kept attacking the enemy. Shortly, Thorneburgh’sreserves showed up to fight in the skirmish. Later whenthe medics arrived, they had a very difficult time pryingaway Nemo, who was still alive and lying on his handler.After extensive surgery to both, Thorneburgh was trans-ported back to the U.S., while Nemo continued to work fora few more years in Vietnam. Nemo was later recognizedas a hero for his efforts in Vietnam.
“These military working dogs are those defenders ofthe night, but we will press on and continue the mission,”said Hazen.
“Gawin truly embodied one of our core values, servicebefore self,” he added. “We are grateful for his work, andhe will be missed.”
Staff Sgt. Wavelon Jackson, 21st Security Forces doghandler, was Gawin’s last handler. During the ceremony,he also paid his lasting tribute to him.
Over the past five months working with Gawin, hismemories reflected on his painful bite and tremendousworking ability.
“Once I took over as Gawin’s handler and startedworking with him, I saw his near-perfect ability in techni-cal explosives,” said Jackson. “I realized he could do a lotmore than what he was infamous for.”
“These dogs, like many of our folks, don’t ask formuch,” said Cary. “They ask for companionship, they askto work, they gain their pleasure and reward out of thework.”
As the ceremony came to a close, one final honor waspaid to Gawin. A slide show presentation highlightedGawin’s first days at Peterson, his career, and his last daysas a military working dog. During the slide show, fellowdog handlers choked up as poems were read while imagesof Gawin filled the screen.
The sounds of Taps and a fellow military working dogbarking, brought Gawin’s memorial to a close.
Team Pete bids farewell to faithful friend
ABOVE: Gawin’s kennel stood onstage to pay tribute to him and hishard work as a military working dog.In front of the the kennel sits an urnwith Gawin’s ashes. Gawin served 10years for Peterson before military vet-erinarians found a severe medicalback problem, prohibiting him fromcarrying out essential missions.LEFT: Rex, one of many military work-ing dogs and police working dogspresent, guarded Gawin’s kennelthroughout the memorial. RIGHT: Staff Sgt. Wavelon Jackson,Gawin’s last handler, shows his emo-tion during Gawin’s memorial.
Photos by Robb Lingley
SPACE OBSERVERWednesday, Nov. 27, 200210 Feature
By Staff Sgt. Rosemary E. Howard21st Medical Operations Squadron
The holiday season is just around the cor-ner! Most of us have fond memories of holidaygatherings with family and friends, givingthanks, and enjoying lots of good food. It's alsoa time where the potential for foodborne illnessincreases. To make sure a foodborne illnessdoes not spoil your family's festivities, here aresome easy to follow food preparation guide-lines.
n Never defrost a turkey at room temper-ature. That's because harmful bacteria, such asSalmonella, thrive in the temperature range of70-120 Fahrenheit. Rather, buy a fresh turkeyone or two days before cooking it and keep itrefrigerated at 410 F until you are ready to cook.A frozen turkey should be thawed in the refrig-erator, allowing 24 hours for each 5 pounds ofturkey. If for some reason your bird needs to bethawed rapidly, turkey meat can be defrosted incold running water as long as it is wrapped inleakproof plastic and done quickly.
n Don't let the raw turkey touch otherfoods. This can result in bacteria being trans-ferred to raw food items such as salads that willnot be cooked. Such transfer is called cross-contamination and can occur when you use thesame utensils, bowls, pans, or cutting boards forboth raw meat and cooked food or salads. Also,cross-contamination can occur if you don't washyour hands after handling raw meat. Be sure to
thoroughly wash all food surfaces and handswith soap and water that come in contact withraw meat.
n Cook the stuffing on the stove ratherthan in the bird. This is because the stuffing canbecome contaminated with the bacteria normal-ly found in the turkey. For those who insist onstuffing the turkey, ensure the temperature of thestuffing reaches at least 165 F in the center.
n Cook the turkey until it reaches a inter-nal temperature of 165 F to kill the bacteria.This is best done by inserting a meat thermome-ter into the turkey meat. Keep in mind thatroasting times vary, depending on the size andwhether the turkey is stuffed. Stuffed turkeystake longer to cook. For example, a 16 poundturkey takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours, unstuffed; 4.5 to5.5 hours, stuffed.
n Remove leftover turkey from the bonewithin two hours and place in shallow containerno more than 3 inches deep to allow for rapidand even cooling, and then refrigerate immedi -ately. Leftover turkey should be consumedwithin three days. When reheating potentiallyhazardous leftovers, heat them to an internaltemperature of 165 F before serving.
n Heat homemade eggnog and unpastuer-ized cider (bought at roadside stands) to at least165 F before serving in order to kill harmfulbacteria.
For more information on safely cooking aturkey, please call Public Health Flight at 556-1009.
Preparing a safe holiday feast
Interested inAir Force
opportunities?Contact Air ForceRecruiting Service
atwww.airforce.comor 800-423-USAF
Photo by Joe Fisher
Reaping the HarvestDuring a visit to the Harvest of Love warehouse, Brig.Gen. Duane Deal, 21st Space Wing Commander, andChief Master Sgt. Vance Clarke, 21st SW CommandChief Master Sergeant, talk to Gary McDonald, ChiefExecutive Officer for Care and Share, about the supportPeterson Air Force Base has been volunteering for theHarvest of Love food drive for the last decade. To date,Peterson has donated and helped to move 198,195pounds of food.
SPACEOBSERVERWednesday, Nov. 27, 2002 11
www.peterson.af.mil
SPACE OBSERVERWednesday, Nov. 27, 200212 Outdoors
By Staff Sgt.Josh Clendenen21st Space Wing Public Affairs
Well, the holiday seasonis upon us. There are only 29
shopping days until Christmasand then things will, hopefully,get back to normal.
In the hustle and bustle ofThanksgiving and holidayshopping, there are some
things we should remember.One of those things fits nicelyinto the basic premise of thiscolumn -- getting outside.
In my opinion, one of thebest ways to get outside andkeep the holidays fun is to goout and cut your ownChristmas tree.
There is nothing liketrekking around the woods orthe “cut-your-own-tree” lot,finding a nice tree, cutting itdown, and taking it home. Itcan be fun for the whole fami-ly.
The first time I ever went
out with my wife and cut downa tree was an experience wewill never forget.
We were stationed atElmendorf Air Force Base,Alaska, and we decided wewanted to cut our own tree.Well, Elmendorf is a huge basewith quite a bit of forest. For$5, you could buy a permit,which allowed you to cut onetree. If there was anything leftof the tree, they asked that youcut it into one-foot pieces,rather than leave half of a treestanding.
So, we bought our permitand the hunt began. As you canimagine, Alaska gets a bit ofsnow in December, so wemostly drove around. When wethought we spotted a tree wewanted, we waded throughabout two feet of snow, only tofind we really didn’t want thatparticular tree.
Finally, after about twodays of searching, we foundthe tree we wanted. It wasn’t ahuge tree, because we lived ina apartment, but it was a nicetree. No real bald spots, and thebranches were just right. Mywife said it looked like a bigCharlie Brown tree, but hey, itwas our first time.
We waded out in thesnow, chopped the tree down,strapped it to the roof of the carand headed for home. It wasgreat. We had such fun lookingfor the tree and, needless tosay, we were happy about ourdecision. That is, until we gotthe tree home.
I carried the tree insideand we set it up in the stand.We put some garbage bags andtowels down on the floorbecause the ice on the branchesof the tree had to thaw and thetree had to settle.
As the tree started tothaw, our apartment began tofill with a rather foul smell. Wehad no pets, but it smelled likea cat or dog had urinated in theliving room. Come to find out,it was our tree. Apparently,some animal had used this treeat one time or another as abathroom.
The tree immediatelywent out on the back deck and
we went tree shopping. I could-n’t believe how much trees costat a nursery. On average, theyranged between $45 and $110per tree. We decided we’deither go without or figure outsomething to do with our tree.
We went back home andmy wife came up with a bril-liant idea. We could just put thetree in the shower and rinse itoff. And that’s what we did.While she was giving the tree ashower, I, of course, got thecamera and recorded themoment. It was our first tree,and it was urinated on by amoose. Like I said, it was anexperience we will never for-get.
This is just an example ofhow fun cutting your own treecan be and the memories thatday can make.
In the Springs, and thesurrounding areas, there are anumber of cut-your-own-treefarms. In past years, TheGazette has publicized theirnumbers. If cutting a treesounds like a good idea, keepan eye out for the numbers.
Cutting a tree for the hol -idays is all fun and good forthose who celebrate Christmas.But what about those who cel-ebrate Hanukkah or Kwanzaa?Well, there are plenty of otherthings to do this season.
Sledding, skiing, snow-boarding, and just making asnowman, can make holidaymemories. Whatever youdecide to do, have fun doing it.After all, isn’t that what theseason is all about? Having funwith family and friends.
One other thing I wantedto touch on in this issue. Thereare a lot of airmen around baseand in everyone’s shops andoffices who have no one to cel-ebrate the holidays with. Pleaseremember them throughout theseason. Also remember thefamilies of Team Pete’sdeployed members. They aremissing their loved ones andI’m sure they would appreciatean invitation.
Have a safe holiday sea-son and Down Range will beback for the first issue of theyear.
