Newsletter March 2007
We need your support for this years poppy Days
May 17,18,19,2007
Contact Dennis Dopke or Theron Franklin
dopkedlg@aol.com tnkfranklin@sbcglobal.net
248-623-1289
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WASHINGTON, D.C., February 20, 2007 - Every American serviceman and woman wounded or injured in the line of duty deserves the absolute best care, under the best circumstances, for as long as necessary to effect a complete recovery. Certainly, according to the Washington Post, it appears that those military men and women assigned to Building 18 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center are not receiving that level of care.
The American Legion is giving those allegations the utmost priority and is investigating conditions at Walter Reed. Our professional staff will prepare a comprehensive and documented report of its findings and will release those findings to the cognizant committees in Congress and the US Army.
Under no circumstances will we be satisfied with less than a full and immediate resolution of the problem alleged.
Founded in 1919, the 2.7 million-member American Legion is the nation’s preeminent service organization for veterans of the U.S. armed forces, including active duty, National Guard and Reserves, and their families.
Another Possible VA Records Theft
The VA announced that an employee at the Birmingham, VA Medical Center reported that an external hard drive is missing and may have been stolen. The hard drive was used to back up information on the employee's office computer and may have included sensitive information on approximately 535,000 individuals as well as on 1.3 million non-VA physicians (living and deceased). Investigators are still working to determine the scope of the information potentially involved and has no information that the data has been misused. The VA's Office of Inspector General and the FBI are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. Click here to read the latest VA press release.
http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1294
AFA Leaders Meet with New Members of Congress
AFA leaders recently spent 3 days meeting with new Members of Congress on Capitol Hill as part of the Association's "Election 2006" program. AFA Chairman of the Board Bob Largent, AFA Vice Chairman of the Board for Field Operations Joe Sutter and AFA President Don Peterson visited 37 Congressional offices where they had the opportunity to meet 23 new Members of Congress. Click here for story.
http://www.afa.org/grl/current.asp#newmem
Hill Staffers Meet with General Jumper
Congressional staffers recently met with General John P. Jumper (Ret.), former Air Force Chief of Staff and member of AFA's Board of Directors, to discuss Air Force issues during a roundtable lunch session. The Air Force Association prides itself in facilitating engagements that allow Air Force leaders to share their thoughts and ideas with key individuals on Capitol Hill.
Air Force Leaders Speak at AFA's Air Warfare Symposium
History and heritage, recapitalization and mission readiness and accomplishments were just a few of the topics covered by the Air Force's senior leaders at the AFA's 23rd annual Air Warfare Symposium here Feb. 8 and 9. Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne introduced his updated Airman's Card at the conference during his speech, and presented a video highlighting the Air Force Memorial opening ceremony which took place in October. Click here for story.
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123041710
Many Vets May be Missing Out on Special Compensation
Just because an Air Force veteran was not injured storming the beaches at Normandy does not mean he or she may not be entitled to receive combat- related special compensation, or CRSC. Many Air Force veterans may be missing out on hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars every month because they have not applied for the compensation. Click here more information.
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123037493
Raptors invade Nevada
Capt. Raymond Thaler exits an F-22 Raptor after a sortie during Red Flag 07-02 Feb. 6 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Red Flag sharpens aircrews' warfighting skills in realistic combat situations. Captain Thaler is an F-22 pilot with the 94th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va. This is the first deployment to Red Flag for the 94th FS with the F-22. (U.S. Air Force photo by MSgt Kevin J. Gruenwald)
TSgt. Harvey Holt and his military working dog accompany U.S. and Iraqi soldiers during a patrol in Kahn Bani Sahd, Iraq. Airmen continue to excel in nontraditional combat roles in support of combatant commanders' requirements where Airmen are deployed to assist Soldiers. Sergeant Holt is assigned to the 732nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by SSgt Stacy L. Pearsall)
New Complex Expedites Refueling
A new petroleum, oil and lubricant complex in Southwest Asia has commenced operations to meet the burgeoning growth of the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing in support of the war on terrorism. The $113 million complex, located near the north end of the flightline, boosts the capability needed to supply fuel for aircraft and base operations. Click here for story.
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123039129
DOD Identifies Air Force Casualty
The Department of Defense announced Feb. 19 the death of an Airman who died Feb. 18 when the coalition MH-47 special operations helicopter he was riding in crashed in eastern Afghanistan. TSgt Scott E. Duffman, 32, of Albuquerque, N.M., was assigned to the 24th Special Tactics Squadron, Pope Air Force Base, N.C. An investigation will be conducted to verify the cause of the crash.
Air Force Converts Largest Group of Civilian Employees to NSPS
The Air Force converted the largest group of civilian employees to the National Security Personnel System in its recent spiral. NSPS is implemented in stages call "Spirals." Spiral 1.2H conversion began Jan. 21. Approximately 26,000 employees converted, bringing the number of Air Force employees covered by NSPS to approximately 40,000 world-wide. The Air Force currently has the largest number of employees in NSPS of any DOD component. Click here for story.
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123040218
DOD Announces Changes to Reserve Component Policy
DOD officials are changing the way they will manage reserve-component forces, announced Dr. Robert M. Gates, secretary of defense. The first aspect of the policy change will involve the way the department manages deployments of reserve forces. Currently, reserve deployments are managed on an individual basis. In the future deployments will be managed on a unit basis, allowing for greater unit cohesion and predictability for training and deployments. Click here for more.
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123037306
Reserve to Form Distributed Ground System Associate Unit
As part of the Air Force total force integration initiatives, Air Force Reserve Command is teaming up with Air Combat Command to form an associate unit with the 548th Intelligence Group in fiscal 2008 at Beale Air Force Base, Calif. The group operates Distributed Ground System-2 and Deployable Shelterized System-Film components of the Air Force Distributed Common Ground System to produce strategic, operational and tactical intelligence in support of combat operations. The unit will complement the Air Force Reserve's current associate unit presence in the Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle mission at Beale AFB.
Career Enlisted Aviator Positions Open
Opportunities are currently available for Airmen who wish to become career enlisted aviators. The Air Force has immediate openings for flight engineers, loadmasters, airborne mission systems, flight attendants, and airborne crypto logic linguists. First-term Airmen who have completed half of their initial enlistment may apply for an exception to policy to retrain earlier than their normal careers retraining window. Overseas applicants will have to apply within the nine- to 15-month window before their DEROS date. Interested Airmen can call Sergeant Bergin at DSN 227-1717 or 703-697-1717, or visit the following sites: virtual Military Personnel Flight retraining, or the career enlisted aviator recruiting Web site at https://afkm.wpafb.af.mil/cea for more information.
DOD to Discontinue Remote Home School Program
The DOD Education Activity will discontinue its Remote Home School Program beginning in school year 2007-2008, DODEA officials announced. Click here for story.
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123038924
Homefront America Offers $25K in Scholarships
A troop-support group has launched an essay contest to award scholarships to military children in gratitude for the sacrifices they have made while their parents serve the nation. Click here for details.
http://www.homefrontamerica.org/
Vandenberg Team Launches Minuteman III
An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile was launched from North Vandenberg Feb. 7. The launch was part of an operational test to determine the weapon system's reliability and accuracy. Click here for story.
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123040214
Separate U.S. Africa Command May Change USAFE's Role in Africa
U.S. Air Forces in Europe Airmen have played an active role in Africa since the 1970s, but future participation has yet to be defined due to the recent establishment of U.S. Africa Command. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced the creation of AFRICOM Feb. 6, but how that will affect Airmen assigned to USAFE is up to the new transition team operating in Stuttgart, Germany. Click here for story.
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123041610
NASA Exercise Tests Rescue Wing Skills
920th Rescue Wing pararescuemen treat astronauts' injuries in a Mode 7 Exercise simulated orbiter crash at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla. Feb. 13. The exercise allowed rescue workers to train in egress and encompassed NASA, the 45th Space Wing and Air Force Reserve's 920th RQW, both at Patrick Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt. Cathleen Snow)
Leaders Focus on Air Force Priorities at Corona South
The secretary of the Air Force, the Air Force chief of staff and other key service leaders met for Corona South to discuss key strategic issues, priorities and initiatives of the Air Force Feb. 12 to 14 at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. One of the highlights of the meeting was a video teleconference with Newt Gingrich, the former speaker of the House of Representatives. Speaker Gingrich discussed the geo-strategic environment Airmen operate in across the globe and the security challenges that will face the nation and its armed forces in the years to come. Click here for story.
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123041304
Airmen Honored for Combatant Deployment Roles
The Air Force recently named three Fort Hood, Texas, Airmen the first recipients of three new awards during a ceremony at the Hall of Heroes in the Pentagon. The new awards honor members of the tactical air control party career field. Two of the awards are named after TACP Airmen who gave their lives during Operation Enduring Freedom -- the Raymond Losano TACP Award and the Jacob Frazier TACP Joint Terminal Attack Controller Award. The third is the Fighter Duty Technician of the Year Award. Click here for story.
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123041264
Iron Thunder Roars Through Shaw
Airman 1st Class Wilbert Dixon replaces the cooling component on an AIM-9 missile in support of Exercise Iron Thunder Feb. 7 at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. The objective of the exercise is to prepare units for future contingency operations by offering a chance for players to be exposed to missions identical to those faced in combat. Airman Dixon is a 77th Fighter Squadron weapons specialist. (U.S. Air Force photo by A1C Matthew Davis)
Program Helps Airmen Reintegrate After Deployments
Returning home from a deployment can be a time full of excitement with hopes of getting back into normal life and reuniting with loved ones. But reintegrating back into normal life can be difficult as things at work and home have changed. The reintegration program at Ramstein AB seeks to help make the transition easier for Airmen when they get back home. Click here for story.
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123040674
Tax Assistance Benefit Yield Big Returns
Despite recent manpower and budget cuts, Air Force bases are still offering personal tax assistance programs to their active duty, guard, reserve, civilian, and retiree populations. Last year, Air Force tax center teams filed more than 132,000 federal returns and 74,000 state returns, and saved members approximately $21.5 million in tax preparation fees. This year's program promises the same high-quality tax service that customers have come to expect, said the Air Force's top lawyer. Click here for story.
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123041451
Air Force Assistance Fund Began Feb 12
This year's Air Force Assistance Fund "Commitment to Caring" campaign, from Feb. 12 to May 4, will provide Airmen the opportunity to contribute to any of the four official Air Force charitable organizations - The Air Force Aid Society, The Air Force Enlisted Village Indigent Widows' Fund, The Air Force Villages Indigent Widows Fund and the General and Mrs. Curtis E. LeMay Foundation. Now in its 34th year, 100-percent of designated AFAF contributions will benefit active-duty, Reserve, Guard, retired Air Force people, surviving spouses and families. Last year, Airmen exceeded the campaign goal as they contributed more than $7.33 million. Click here for information.
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123040598
Thunderbirds Release 2007 Show Schedule
The U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, "Thunderbirds," has announced its 2007 air show schedule featuring 68 shows in 21 states and nine European countries. Click here for the schedule.
http://www.thunderbirds.acc.af.mil/07schedule.htm
An F-22 Raptor takes off from Langley Air Force Base, Va. F-22s and Airmen from Langley's 27th Fighter Squadron are deploying to the Pacific in February. (U.S. Air Force photo by SSgt Samuel Rogers)
First F-22 Raptors Arrive at Kadena
The first two F-22 Raptors arrived at Kadena Air Base, Japan, Feb. 16 for their first overseas deployment. The remaining aircraft will follow in the coming days. The Air Force is deploying 12 F-22 Raptors and more than 250 members from the 27th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va., to Kadena as part of a regularly-scheduled U.S. Pacific Command rotation of aircraft to the Pacific.
Air Combat Command Goes Wireless
All 16 bases in Air Combat Command now offer high-speed wireless internet connections in lodging at no cost to the guest. Click here for more information.
http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123040921
Air Force Memorial Commemorative Flag Program
Looking for a special way to recognize a special person or event in your life? Why not have a U.S. flag flown over the national Air Force Memorial? For pricing and ordering details call the Memorial Office at 703-979-0674 or e-mail afmf@airforcememorial.org .
TRICARE Tests Paying Doctors More in Alaska
To improve access to care for its beneficiaries in Alaska, TRICARE will conduct a three-year demonstration project where physicians and other non-institutional individual professional providers in Alaska will receive payment at a rate higher than the Medicare rate. Access to health care services in Alaska is often severely limited by the overall scarcity of providers, their reluctance to accept TRICARE payment rates, transportation issues, and other factors. TRICARE is raising reimbursement rates in response to these challenges. Click here for more information.
http://www.tricare.mil/pressroom/news.aspx?fid=263
AFA National Nominating Committee Seeks Qualified AFA Members for National Office
The AFA national nominating committee will meet at the end of April to select candidates for national officer and national board of director positions to be presented to the delegates to the AFA National Convention in September for election. Any candidate should have a good understanding of the AFA and its mission as well as a demonstrated leadership capability with broad perspective on the challenges facing the nation and the Air Force in the near and long term.
All officer positions are for one year terms and open to any member. The incumbent Chairman of the Board, Vice Chairman of the Board for Field Operations, Secretary and Treasurer are eligible to run again. AFA is seeking a new Vice Chairman of the Board for Aerospace Education.
Board positions are for three years. One position is limited to candidates from the central geographic area of AFA. That area includes the following states: AL, AR, LA, MS, TN, IN KY, MI, OH, MN, MT, ND, SD, WI, IL, IA KS, MO, NE, OK and TX. In addition to being from this geographic area, candidates must have demonstrated field leadership experience. Those interested are advised to consult with the appropriate state and region president. Contacts are available on the Web at http://www.afa.org/members/rgnstlst.asp.
There are two positions open to be elected on an "at-large" basis. These are open to any member. In evaluating potential candidates, the nominating committee will consider field leadership experience and geographic dispersal. A snapshot of AFA's mission and current leadership team is available on the web at http://www.afa.org/AboutUs/default.asp. Descriptions of the duties and responsibilities of these offices are in AFA's Operations and Procedures Manual at http://www.afa.org/members/OPM.pdf. Recommendations for candidates for these positions should be sent to the Nominating Committee through the staff and be received by March 23. Staff contact for questions or recommendations is Jim Simpson at jsimpson@afa.org or 1-800-72 7-3337, extension 5856.
