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Volume 72 No. 6 December 2020 Opportunities Abound Edwards offers unique, innovative experiences for Reservists

Official Magazine of the Air Force Reserve From the Top @ AFRCCommander Chief’s View @ AFRC.CCC 2020 IN HINDSIGHT 2020: CERTAINTY IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

The pandemic has hindered General Scobee, shown here meeting with Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 908th Airlift Wing, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, in early March, from doing his favorite part of the Chief White and General job - spending time with Scobee are walking into Reservists at their units. 2021 with an optimistic (Senior Airman Shelby outlook and renewed Thurman) sense of resiliency.

Heroes of the Air Force Reserve: Heroes of the Air Force Reserve: This past year has tested us all, both Rest assured, even though I have not While the year may be coming to an First, the boss and I want to thank you for all you have done I’m sure that many of you have felt this frustration in your as individuals and as a team. In the face been able to see nearly as many of you as end, our struggle with COVID-19 is not. throughout this historic year and what you will do in the coming year. personal lives, having to do risk assessments and make decisions of each challenge, you have inspired the I would have liked, the health, safety and In order to prevail against this persistent, No matter where you are, whether deployed or at your home about shifting holiday traditions to a virtual format. This can Command Chief and me with your seem- wellbeing of you and your families has invisible adversary, we must continue, station, 2020 brought some significant challenges. Your unre- definitely add to seasonal stress. It has for me personally. ingly endless reservoirs of resilience. been at the forefront of my mind over the even in the face of fatigue, to remain lenting commitment to service in the face of these challenges In spite of that uncertainty, we want each of you to know Every step of the way, you have past year. vigilant with basic countermeasures such has been commendable. As a command team, we have drawn there are a few things of which you can be certain. The first is answered the call to take care of our Along with celebrating with our as avoiding large gatherings, mask disci- strength from the resolve you have shown as Airmen. that, as a command team, we cannot be more proud of each of fellow Americans in their most dire times families, this time of year also provides us pline and thorough handwashing. With Before moving on, I want to give a quick shout-out to the you for your resilience and your commitment. of need. You volunteered for deployments an opportunity to chart the course for the so many of us dealing with changes in 514th Air Mobility Wing at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lake- Second, remember that you are always part of our family, that were extended, served on the front- next year. The Chief of Staff of the Air plans and possible disruptions to annual hurst in New Jersey. The Freedom Wing had three nominees regardless of pay status. If you need help, ask and we will find lines of the pandemic and stepped up to Force recently published a paper, Accel- traditions, I encourage you to be good for the Air Force’s Outstanding Airman of the Year award, with the resources. If you run into any barriers, please don’t hesitate to help neighbors in your own communities. erate Change or Lose, that introduces his wingmen and reach out to each other. Tech. Sgt. Nicole Gansert going on to win at the Air Force level. reach out to me. As if that weren’t enough, you’ve also vision for the future of our Air Force. Any way you look at it, 2020 has been The boss and I had planned to recognize our outstanding Once again, thank you for rising to meet the challenges of responded to record breaking hurricane I encourage each of you to take a few a challenging year. However, it is trials teammates in person, but opted for a virtual engagement due to 2020. I eagerly await any challenges 2021 has to offer, because I and wildfire seasons. minutes to read it, and to understand like this that make us stronger. I cannot COVID. As we were preparing for this visit, two things stood know we will get through them together. Please continue to take While your resilience may seem General Brown’s plan to ensure the U.S. express the level of pride I feel when I out to me. care of yourselves, your families and each other. As always, it is bottomless from an outside perspective, Air Force will be able to provide the think about how each of you has faced The first is that the Freedom Wing, like every unit in the my honor and privilege serving as your Command Chief. ■ it is important to take time periodically nation both the combat-ready Airmen the unprecedented events of this year Air Force Reserve, has more heroes than can be counted. The to refill those reservoirs. During the holi- and decisive capabilities required for a with courage, selflessness and humanity. I Reserve Citizen Airmen serving there were on the front lines days, I hope you take some well-deserved future high-end fight. wish you the happiest of holiday seasons of the pandemic in their military and civilian capacities, like so down time to spend with those people Not surprisingly, our own strategic and hope you return next year ready many of you from across our nation. who are most important to you, whether priorities in the Air Force Reserve - pri- to continue the work of defending our I’ve had the chance to read about New York City firefighters, in person or virtually. oritizing strategic depth and accelerating nation. Thanks for all you do. ■ police officers and medical professionals who also serve in the Social connectedness is an incredi- readiness, developing resilient leaders, 514th, and have seen similar stories across our command. We bly important part of Comprehensive and reforming the organization - align don’t start our messages with “Heroes of the Air Force Reserve” Airman Fitness, along with mental, phys- well with the framework set by General because it’s catchy; we start them with those words because they ical and spiritual fitness. The pandemic Brown. are absolutely true. has made maintaining these connections We will continue to remain in lock The second thing that stood out is just how much the pan- all the more challenging. It has also hin- step with our Total Force partners while RICHARD W. SCOBEE demic has disrupted our normal routines. We haven’t gotten to TIMOTHY C. WHITE JR. dered me from doing my favorite part of doing what we do best – providing Lieutenant General, USAF do nearly as many unit visits as we would have liked, and those Chief Master Sergeant, USAF the job – spending time with you at your combat power to the nation at the best Chief of Air Force Reserve we have done have required significantly more planning to Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of Air Force Reserve units. value for the taxpayer. Commander, Air Force Reserve Command ensure everyone’s safety. Command Chief Master Sergeant, Air Force Reserve Command

2 // December 2020 December 2020 // 3 www.citamn.afrc.af.mil Leadership Table of CONTENTS Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. Chief of Staff, United States Air Force

Lt. Gen. Richard Scobee Volume 72 No. 6 // December 2020 Commander, Air Force Reserve Command FEATURED STORIES NEWS & PEOPLE Col. Beth Horine Director, Public Affairs, AFIPPS Air Force Reserve Command Modernized human resource system coming to the Air Force 08 Magazine Staff Bo Joyner Stepping Up Editor, Public Affairs, Deployed flight nurse helps COVID patients get care Air Force Reserve Command 09 Anthony Burns Centennial Summit Graphic Designer, Public Affairs, Exercise helps ensure Reservists are ready, even during a pandemic 14 Air Force Reserve Command Contributing Writers Col. Amy Boehle, Staff Sgt. Tyler J. Bolken, Still Going Strong Peter Borys, Staff Sgt. Laura Fitzmorris, Senior Niagara maintainers take pride in keeping old birds flying 16 Airman Dylan M. Gentile, Master Sgt. Leisa Grant, Master Sgt. Christopher Parr, Senior Airman Kristen Pittman, and Lt. Col. Hamilton Always Ready B. Underwood 944th Fighter Wing ramps up deployment training 18 Citizen Airman magazine (ISSN No. 0887-9680) is published bi-monthly by Headquarters Air Force Reserve Boosts Resiliency: Reserve Command Office of Public Affairs for the AFR adds chaplain, first sergeant positions commander of Air Force Reserve Command. 19 Periodical postage paid at Warner Robins, Georgia, and additional mailing offices. Copies are mailed, free of charge, to the homes of all Reservists. Content is Time to Rise Up normally news articles and features developed for Courtesy photo Courtesy Palko Kyle Capt. Giancarlo Casem Reserve looking for people with process improvement skills 20 release to commercial media as part of the Air Force Reserve’s continuing public affairs program. Opinions 06 10 12 of contributors are not necessarily those of the Air Silicon Valley and The Cutting Opportunities ARPC and HQ RIO Leaders Speak Force Reserve. All photos are U.S. Air Force photos Virtual orientation courses and IR survey results available 21 unless otherwise indicated. Readers-per-copy ratio: the DoD Edge Abound 4-1. Send inquiries and submissions to HQ AFRC/PAOM, 155 Richard Ray Blvd., Robins AFB, GA 31098-1661. How an innovative fellowship Reserve Citizen Airmen part of Edwards is an oasis for From Homelessness to a Hurricane Or, email them to [email protected]. program is helping bridge the gap Air Force artificial intelligence Reserve Component Airmen Resilient Airman overcomes major hurdles on path to Reserve For questions about the magazine or its contents, call between the two cooperative with MIT 23 (478) 327-1771 or DSN 497-1771. Moving? PLEASE DO NOT SEND CHANGES OF The U.S. Postal Service requires certain periodicals to publish a Statement of Ownership, Management ADDRESS TO CITIZEN AIRMAN. To continue receiving and Circulation each year. the magazine, unit Reservists, as well as people Title of Publication – Citizen Airman Copies Distributed (October 2020 issue) – 74,361 serving a statutory tour of duty, should send a change USPS Publication Number – 0887-9680 Free Distribution by Mail of address to their military personnel flight or unit Owner – U.S. Air Force Reserve (October 2020 issue) – 74,361 orderly room. Individual mobilization augmentees ON THE COVER: Publisher – Lt. Gen. Richard Scobee Free Distribution Outside the Mail should call the Total Force Service Center-Denver Editor – Col. Beth Horine (October 2020 issue) – 375 toll free at 1-800-525-0102 or DSN 665-0102. Senior Airman Nathan Nauta, an electrical and environmental technician assigned to the 926th Managing Editor – Bo Joyner Copies Not Distributed (October 2020 issue) – 0 Maintenance Support Squadron, Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, works on an F-16 Fighting Falcon Frequency of Issue – Bi-monthly Total Copies Distributed and Not Distributed POSTMASTER: at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Edwards is an oasis for Reserve Component Airmen. For the Location of Office of Publication – (October 2020 issue) – 74,736 Please send all Forms 3579 to Citizen Airman, HQ AFRC/PAOM, 155 Richard Ray Blvd., Robins story, see page 12.(Giancarlo Casem) HQ AFRC/PAO 155 Richard Ray Blvd. AFB, GA 31098-1661. Robins AFB, Ga. 31098-1661

Priority 1: Prioritize strategic depth Chief of Air Force Reserve’s Priority 2: Develop resilient leaders Priority 3: Reform the organization Look for these icons for stories that A publication by the and accelerate readiness #ReserveResilient #ReserveReform focus on these three priorities. U.S. Air Force Reserve Strategic Priorities #ReserveReady DoD and the industry segment,” he said. weight. To be a part of their team and see how everybody is There have been three AFVentures Fellowship cohorts so far moving in the same direction was really powerful.” Silicon Valley and the DoD this year, where up to 21 people from the DoD have spent two He said another beneficial part of his fellowship was getting months embedded in Silicon Valley tech startups or venture to know some of Silicon Valley’s top venture capitalists. capital firms. “Throughout the fellowship, we had one-hour fireside chats The initial cohort was done in-person. The two that followed with some of the top venture capitalists in the country,” he said. were done virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic. All of “What was eye opening is that they were just as motivated to the first three cohorts were venture capital/tech startup-focused. learn from us as we were from them. They are all very supportive The fourth one, slated for October and November, was focused of the military and want to build that partnership. The rela- on cyber. Welch said there are plans to do a senior leader-fo- tionship between the DoD and the venture capital community cused cohort in the near future. in Silicon Valley goes all the way back to World War II. Over Lt. Col. Christopher (C.J.) Johnson, the senior individual the years, the two sides have grown apart, but everybody wants mobilization augmentee to the director of the Space and Mis- to find a way to bring that relationship back. We’re at a point siles System Center’s Cross-Mission Ground and Communica- where we’re beginning to do that.” tions Enterprise, Los Angeles Air Force Base, California, spent Welch said one of the great things about the AFVentures Fel- two months embedded in Lux Capital this summer as part of lowship program is that it’s not limited by Air Force Specialty the AFVentures Fellowship program. Lux is a venture capital Code, rank, status or service. firm that specializes in investing in emerging science and tech- “The program is open to everyone – officers, enlisted, civilians, nology companies “at the outermost edges of what is possible.” Guard and Reserve from all of the services,” he said. “We want a It looks for entrepreneurs who challenge the status quo and the melting pot of backgrounds, not just acquisition officers, to carry laws of nature to bring their futuristic ideas to life. a depth of perspectives into the venture capital world, but also “It was a priceless opportunity to get to know not only the take back what they learn to their units.” partners at this venture capital firm, but also the key founders of Johnson said he thinks the program is particularly well suited some of the most innovative technology companies out there,” for Reserve Citizen Airmen. Johnson said. “Reservists already have civilian sector or public sector lives “For example, I had the opportunity to meet one of the away from the military so they can be especially helpful in build- How an innovative fellowship program co-founders of Anduril, a startup firm that is focused on full- ing these bridges between the DoD and these venture capital stack counter UAV (unmanned aerial vehicles) capabilities,” he and tech startup firms,” he said. “I truly believe this has the helps bridge the gap between the two said. “They manufacture and develop small counter UAVs, to opportunity to be one of the most important initiatives for the include the fabrication and operating firmware. They are becom- Reserve because it speaks to General Scobee and Chief White’s ing a very important vendor for the DoD. The fellowship really call for people to be bold leaders and out-of-the-box thinkers. helps bridge the gap between the DoD and these startups. These Reserve Citizen Airmen who are exposed to these innovative By Bo Joyner companies want to know about the DoD and they want to technology companies are uniquely positioned to come back and know how to become a better partner, but they don’t really know help the command reach its goals of prioritizing strategic depth, where to start. This program helps us demystify some of the developing resilient leaders and reforming the organization.” Reserve Citizen Airmen are playing a vital role in a bold new Perez said the idea for the fellowship program was relatively impressions that both sides have and helps us get on the same For more information on the AFVentures Fellowship pro- fellowship program designed to accelerate innovation for the simple. page. It’s kind of like being an interpreter because we’re speaking gram, check out https://www.afwerx.af.mil/afventures.html or Department of Defense by embedding some of the military’s “AFWERX is doing a lot of work with nontraditional com- two different languages.” https://www.shift.org/afv. #ReserveReform ■ best and brightest within venture capital firms and technology panies, really trying to bring leading-edge technology into the In addition to helping create the AFVentures Fellowship startups in Silicon Valley. DoD,” he said. “We know we have technology capability gaps program, Welch participated in the program this summer when Reserve Maj. Tony Perez and Maj. Adam Welch came up internally within the DoD, and we think there are companies he spent two months embedded in Shift, a startup company with the idea for the AFVentures Fellowship program while and organizations on the outside who can solve them; but there focused on helping veterans transition from the military to working for AFWERX, the Air Force’s “catalyst for agile Air really is no cross-pollination between these two communities. the civilian sector. Shift received a Small Business Innovation Force engagement across industry, academia and nontraditional We set out to create a program that does that cross-pollination, Research Program award to help AFWERX build and run the contributors to create transformative opportunities and foster an exposes and builds competencies about leading-edge tech to our fellowship. Air Force culture of innovation.” service members, and rekindles those relationships between the “With my role at AFWERX, it was really eye opening to see Like most AFWERX initiatives, the AFVentures Fellowship start-up and venture capital communities that have access to a startup from the inside out,” Welch said. “I got to see some program developed quickly. leading-edge tech and the DoD community.” of the pain points and see that it’s very similar to AFWERX in “We started this in October 2019,” Perez said. “We had our Perez said the AFVentures Fellowship program is doing all of that with a small number of people, everybody has to pull their first applicants in November and the first fellowship actually those things, but it’s also produced an unexpected benefit. started in February of this year. We were very quickly able to “What we’ve seen after the first couple of fellowship cohorts Opposite, the 21 Total Force Airmen who participated in the inaugural turn around a group of fellows and match them to companies. is that they are helping to break down the stovepipes that exist AFVentures Fellowship earlier this year. (Courtesy graphic) Right, We’ve been working at light speed and, so far, the results have within the DoD. The networks these fellows created among fellows take part in a meeting with Brian O’Malley, a partner at Fore- been overwhelmingly positive.” themselves is almost as powerful as the connections between the runner Ventures in San Francisco, in March. (Maj. Stacie N. Shafran)

6 // December 2020 December 2020 // 7 Capt. Alyssa Sandquist, flight nurse for the 36th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, gives a thumbs up as she prepares to work alongside COVID-19 patients on a C-17 Globemaster. AFIPPS (Courtesy Photo)

Base, Germany. The mission: transport COVID-19-positive Modernized human resource system individuals in the European and African Command areas of responsibility from places not equipped to care for these patients coming to the Air Force to health care facilities capable of caring for them. While she assisted in transporting numerous patients By HQ AFRC Public Affairs between April and September, Sandquist said the first patient she worked with was one of the most memorable. “My very first mission, we actually transported the first criti- The Air Force will soon launch a modernized human resource alignment and integration plans, and working to ensure a cal-care patient, and he was very unstable,” she said. “We made system called AFIPPS, the Air Force Integrated Personnel and smooth transition. Reserve personnel professionals can expect the decision on the flight line to intubate him and put him on a Pay System, that will improve financial management and human military pay training and AFIPPS guidance and materials, cur- ventilator, and it saved his life. Honestly, we weren’t sure he was resource processes for Total Force Airmen. rently in development, in the upcoming months and in advance going to make it long after we got him to Ramstein. But, we AFIPPS expands on the existing Military Personnel Data of system training, projected for the third or fourth quarter of found out later that he was making a steady recovery.” System platform, integrating military pay into the personnel fiscal 2021. While Sandquist’s first patient was in urgent need of care, she data environment and forging a true human resource ecosystem Additional AFIPPS information can be found at the follow- said that was not the case for all of her transfers. that improves the accuracy and timely delivery of pay and allow- ing links: “If they had an asymptomatic patient sitting in a place that ances to Airmen. AFIPPS CCN Office 365 Environment had limited capabilities, they were still evacuating those people,” AFIPPS streamlines personnel and pay processes, resulting • https://usaf.dps.mil/teams/ she said. “Because COVID was so unpredictable and the deteri- in significant reductions in pay problems and saving countless AFIPPSChangeChampionNetwork oration so rapid, it could take just a few hours and those places hours spent on manual workarounds. AFPC Webpage would not have had the capabilities to care for them.” “AFIPPS brings a web-enabled solution for Airmen to easily • https://www.afpc.af.mil/Support/AFIPPS/ To safely transfer patients without risking exposure to the manage their pay and leave, making a giant stride from where AFIPPS Portal Page Stepping Up crew on board, in addition to donning head-to-toe personal we are today,” said Lt. Col. Michelle Coumbs, Air Force Reserve • https://www.my.af.mil/gcss-af/USAF/ep/ protective equipment, the 10th EAEF first used the Transport Command’s AFIPPS business lead. “We’re on the brink of a globalTab.do?channelPageId=s6925EC133F8 Isolation System. Sandquist said the TIS was originally created technological and business transformation that centers on sup- E0FB5E044080020E329A9 Deployed flight nurse for Ebola patients, but was never used. While effective, it could porting today’s modern Airmen.” AFIPPS MilTube Link only carry up to four patients. The new system will deliver a read-only, self-service capability • https://www.milsuite.mil/video/watch/video/36400 helps COVID patients To maximize mission effectiveness, they replaced the TIS in the summer of 2021, enabling Citizen Airmen to create user #ReserveReform ■ with the Negative Pressure Conex, which could hold up to 23 accounts. At that time, members will be encouraged to review get the care they need patients. After Sandquist and her peers trained on it in June, the their records and verify key information like address, marital The Air Force Integrated Personnel and Pay System is designed to improve NPC’s first operational flight was on July 1. and dependent status, duty status, etc… to ensure a smooth financial management and human resources processes for Total Force Airmen. After five months in the COVID fight, Sandquist returned transition when AFIPPS payroll is fully By Senior Airman Kristen Pittman home. deployed and pay is executed in the new “This was actually longer than a typical deployment for us,” system in 2022. she said. “It took so long to find replacements for us because, AFIPPS also represents an organi- (Editor’s note: More than 100 Air Force Reserve aeromedi- typically, the Reservists in these jobs have similar civilian jobs, zational partnership and integration cal evacuation specialists – flight nurses, aeromedical evacuation so they were already fighting COVID on the civilian side. Many between A1 (the Manpower and Per- technicians and support personnel – answered the call and were couldn’t afford to go on a deployment like this. But, they finally sonnel Directorate) and the Financial mobilized in support of COVID-19 response efforts in April. Capt. did find replacements.” Management Directorate. Pay roles and Alyssa Sandquist, a traditional Reservist flight nurse assigned to the Sandquist said her civilian employer was very supportive of responsibilities will shift from the FM 36th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Keesler Air Force Base, her mobilization and she was proud she had the opportunity to community to the A1 community once Mississippi, was one of them. This is her story.) serve. AFIPPS achieves operational capability, Without knowing where she was going or for how long, “The whole experience was pretty incredible,” she said. “We currently projected for 2022. Capt. Alyssa Sandquist answered with a resounding “yes” when were doing a lot of firsts in history, not only in the Air Force The Air Force Reserve AFIPPS team is the Air Force Reserve asked for aeromedical evacuation special- or aviation, but firsts in medicine as well. It was such a unique currently conducting an exhaustive review ists to volunteer to support COVID-19 relief efforts this spring. opportunity that hopefully, after this pandemic, no one will ever of AFIPPS military pay business pro- In April, Sandquist, a traditional Reservist flight nurse with have again.” #ReserveReady cesses and how they will affect the future the 36th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron at Keesler Air (Pittman is assigned to the 403rd Wing’s public affairs office.) ■ of personnel and pay. Force Base, Mississippi, was temporarily assigned to the 10th The team is developing organizational Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight at Ramstein Air

8 // December 2020 December 2020 // 9 10 // December 2020 of Technology Intelligence Artificial Accelerator, AI.advancing aimedattheuseof partnership (Capt.groundbreaking a Kyle Palko) Lt. Col. Eugene Keselman andMaj. augmenteesto individualassigned JonathanHudginsare mobilization theU.S. Force-Massachusetts Air Institute Fitzmorris By StaffSgt. Laura The Cutting Edge artificial intelligence MIT cooperative explore Reservists helping Air Force, AF-MIT AIAdirector.AF-MIT us for iskey “It Tucker “Cinco” Hamilton, theactive-duty advancement,” ourmilitary for saidCol. conduct cutting-edge AIresearch. membersandscientistswho faculty MIT enlisted Airmen, officers, studentsand Accelerator. The venture together brings Intelligence Artificial USAF-MIT Force tocreate joinedwithMIT the between languages. nition, decision-making andtranslation asvisualperception,such recog speech - require humanintelligence,that normally tasks thataresystems abletoperform intelligence –computer use ofartificial Institute of Technology toadvance the the AirForce andtheMassachusetts of agroundbreaking between partnership “Developing AI is absolutely critical critical AIisabsolutely “Developing In 2019, oftheAir theDepartment are Airmen part Four Citizen Reserve military andcivilianinnovation worlds.military inboththe havesince they experience unique perspective totheAI Accelerator development. machine learning and protect dataisessentialinAIand collect,way government systems format Hamilton AI, saidsincedatadrives the andtransparently.ethically Additionally, develop AI This amplifiestheneedto war machine thenext, Hamilton said. one dayfinance systems couldbeina agnostictotheirrole.”somewhat must are alsounderstandthatalgorithms oursystems, transform ities thatcan we data andcreate capabil- efficienciesand our satellites. this unlock AIcan While personnel systems, ourwarmachines and tion through thatisbeingcollected our - to usetheimmenseamountofinforma Reserve members of the team bring a membersoftheteambring Reserve An thatissupporting algorithm utilize AI-poweredutilize magneticnavigation nowon isaproject right designedto Force-focused, butthatcouldchange. team’s current projects are Air active-duty oration andstrategy, said mostofthe Accelerator director on- outsidecollab advisor asthestrategic totheAI serves problems ofnational security).” to advancedtered technology toapply research- anddevelopment centerchar ofDefense-funded (aDepartment Lab of theAirForce, Lincoln andMIT MIT tive agreement between the Department safety. - pursuanttothecoopera This isall third istolead dialogueinAIethicsand AIeducation, scalable to develop andthe the department,” hesaid. second is “The projects andrelated work on behalfof main linesofeffort. ator’s responsibilities stretch across three Keselman explainedthattheAIAcceler - intelligence, ofartificial ment anddelivery totheadvance - unitdedicated uniformed ship between theAirForce andMIT.” sonalities helpsinmanagingtherelation- the systems, culture, processes andper- our director,” hesaid. knowledge“My of operational, administrative perspective to Reserve. provide agood Ithinkcan – 12years andeightyears active duty Initiative asacivilian. executive director Innovation oftheMIT AIAdirector,MIT example, for isthe augmenteetotheUSAF- mobilization Lt. Col. Eugene Keselman, theindividual “One project theteamisworking Maj. Jonathan Hudgins, anIMAwho firstisto execute flagshipAI “The As theAirForce’s first and only beenintheAirForce“I’ve abit for game-changing technology. this the forefront themilitaryapplication of of Defensemustremainthe Department at of artificial intelligence–andmoreof specifically, … way intheresponsible andethicaldevelopment The UnitedStates mustcontinuetolead the - Former DefenseSecretary Dr. Mark T. Esper Air Force-MITAir Intelligence Artificial Accelerator. (Capt. Kyle Palko) Keselman andHudginsspeak withLt. Col. Tucker "Cinco"Hamilton (left), directorthe of comingtechnologies outofMIT. This is said. isn’t “This justaboutthespecificAI Force andAirForce Reserve,” Keselman setthestandard theentirecan for Air future ofthismission,” shesaid. jobsisofhuge benefittothe everyday oftheir wieldaspart Airmen our Citizen that intelligence andmachine learning on thisspecialmission. iswell-positioned totake said theReserve affairs officerand marketing manager, astheAIAccelerator public is serving in thefuture.” projects oncould focus Reserve-specific on MPAto get more Reservists days, we contested environments. Ifwe were able Force thatmay have in tooperate aircraft for Air important isespecially “This environments,”System)-denied hesaid. GPS(GlobalPositioning for techniques “What theAIAccelerator isdoing “What inartificial civilianexperience “The Lt. Col. Mann, Shannon anIMAwho AI Accelerator whenshewrote thisarticle.) temporarily assignedto Force-MIT theAir public affairsoffice.Airlift Wing Shewas #ReserveResilient ethos.” #ReserveReform #ReserveReady said. “And embodiesthat theReserve points leads tobetteroutcomes,” he Air Force otherwise. and networks thatare notendemictothe the process by tobearexpertise bringing optimize totruly structure the Reserve sition. Second, show how itcan toutilize - translation andtran execute technology most research institutions andproperly how with theworld’s tointegrate fore- Air Force andtheentire government on useinthe help establishthemodelfor AI Accelerator istwo-fold. First, itcan theAirForce for withinthe nity Reserve insights toanswer questions.” thevalueofusingdata-driven strate and accuratesystems, we wanttodemon- ing, ormore pilotscheduling performant said. it’s related- topilottrain “Whether mation all,’” winsandknowledge rules he Accelerator is ‘data around isall us,- infor world. but tobe “ready what” for inachanging goal isnotjusttobeready,the overall around likeAI.” toughtech academia andgovernment,for specifically about creating integrationmodel anew (Fitzmorris isassignedto the302nd (Fitzmorris - ofview shows“Research diversity - Keselman explainedthattheopportu “A ushere for simplemantra atthe ofreadiness,In terms Keselmansaid December 2020// 11 ■ “This place is as advertised,” he said. “My supervisor told me evolve new capabilities that employ hypersonics, directed energy, about Edwards. He spent two years TDY here. I value the ability artificial intelligence and data science to deliver joint all-domain to not only grow, but to share how we do things at my home solutions to the battlespace.” base. Everyone’s so friendly, it made the transition seamless.” “I am thoroughly impressed with the professionalism and Rory’s squadron mate, Senior Airman Bethenokelm Volcy, dedication of our Reserve Citizen Airmen participating at said he appreciates the hands-on experience. Edwards,” Manning said. “Our MPA allocation is limited, but “I’ve had the opportunity to work on seven different ejec- as we are allocated additional resources, we will have additional tion seats,” he said. “Though some aircraft share the ACES II opportunities. It is greatly appreciated when ARC commanders (Advanced Concept Ejection Seat), it’s configured differently send us their very best to test tomorrow’s technology today for for each airframe. This variety has translated into professional our warfighter.” Senior Airman Nathan growth.” For opportunities at Edwards, contact the 412th TW Reserve Nauta, an electrical Both Rory and Volcy said they are looking forward to return- coordinator at 661-275-9298. #ReserveReady and environmental ing to Edwards. (Underwood was assigned to the 412th Test Wing public affairs technician assigned to Maj. Jeff Dillard, an individual mobilization augmentee office when this story was written.) ■ the 926th Maintenance assigned to the 412th Operations Group who provides flight Support Squadron, Nellis test engineering expertise as a qualified test director, is on his Opportunities Abound Air Force Base, Nevada, works on an F-16 twelfth year supporting Edwards. Fighting Falcon at “I’ve always considered it an honor to work at the flight test Edwards is an oasis for Reserve Edwards Air Force Base, capitol of the world where so much aviation history was made California. (Giancarlo and is still being made,” he said. Casem) Like others who come to Edwards to support the test mis- Component Airmen sion, Dillard said he finds much to do in the area. “I enjoy exploring the greater local area, places like the Lan- caster Poppy Reserve or Red Rock Canyon Park, or venturing By Lt. Col. Hamilton B. Underwood up into the Sequoia National Forest,” he said. “It’s a joy and an honor to provide the legal support to get the An hour north of Los Angeles is the center of the aerospace Brig. Gen. Mathew Higer, 412th TW commander, expressed mission done,” said Maj. Andrea Carroll, an assistant staff judge testing universe. It’s here at Edwards Air Force Base, California, similar sentiments. “Total Force Airmen provide vital support advocate assigned as an IMA to the 412th legal office. “Doing so home of the Air Force Test Center and the 412th Test Wing, that across the entirety of the test and evaluation mission, includ- in a Reserve capacity allow me to meaningfully contribute, bring Chuck Yeager piloted his Bell X-1in 1947 to break the sound ing exceptional contributions to research, experimental efforts, in my diverse expertise, and balance family priorities with two barrier. Many other aviation firsts have occurred here since. developmental test, operational test, tactics maturation and young children at home and a working spouse. It’s also here, through the COVID-19 pandemic, that the Air advanced training,” he said. “Many bring unique capabilities or “There’s truly an appreciation for Total Force Airmen by Force continues to test and refine cutting-edge technology to perspectives from their civilian occupations that augment our senior leaders," she added. "Col. Christopher Manning (IMA to support the warfighter and train pilots to assess that technology mission.” the 412th Test Wing commander) and the wing reserve coordi- Tech. Sgt. Corey Nichols, a non-destructive inspection technician with the at the Test Pilot School. It's normal at Edwards to see a B-52 or B-2 in the air fol- nator, Sandra Deering, provide amazing support. Having come Air National Guard's 177th Fighter Wing, Atlantic City International For Reserve Citizen Airmen, Edwards presents unparalleled lowed shortly by an F-35 or F-22. As one Airman noted, “It’s an directly off active duty, there’s much about being a Reservist Airport, New Jersey, inspects aircraft parts utilizing an ultraviolet light opportunities for career growth due to its one-of-a-kind test air show every day.” I was unfamiliar with. They helped smooth my transition to at Edwards. (Giancarlo Casem) mission. Many of the Airmen who travel to the High Desert to “At my home station I only work on one airframe,” said Edwards, and they truly understand what it’s like to juggle support the test mission have done so multiple times and look Senior Airman Nathan Nauta, an electrical and environmental family obligations as well as not reside in the local area. Their forward to returning soon. Their training supports Air Force technician assigned to the 926th Maintenance Support Squad- personal touch makes Edwards easy for Reservists.” Reserve Command’s long-standing mission to provide com- ron, Nellis AFB, Nevada. “At Edwards, I work on seven differ- Across Edwards there are opportunities for Reserve Compo- bat-ready forces to fly, fight and win. ent airframes. Being TDY here is a hands-on view of coming nent Airmen that can’t be found anywhere else in the Air Force. The consensus is the unique test mission, close-knit Team attractions.” “I am an ardent supporter of the ‘integration’ in Total Force Edwards community, and the variety of off-duty opportunities, On his second TDY at Edwards, Nauta has spent a total of Integration, particularly for Reserve Component Airmen who make Edwards an ideal location to sharpen your skills. about a year and a half there. have civilian lives interconnected to the missions at Edwards The contributions of the Reserve Citizen Airmen are “I’m seeing tomorrow’s toys today,” he said. “For maintain- and Air Force Plant 42,” Higer said. “I encourage anyone in the acknowledged by senior leadership. ers, Edwards is definitely a must-do TDY. The active duty and Total Force to take a close look at the opportunities at Edwards, “We’ve always depended on Total Force test professionals civilians have been great mentors. I keep coming back because I particularly if you are interested in science and cutting-edge to execute the mission of the Air Force Test Center,” said Maj. keep learning. Because it’s a test base, there’s an opportunity to capabilities at the center of the aerospace testing universe.” Gen. Christopher Azzano, Air Force Test Center commander. see and learn things I would never see back at my squadron. It’s “The mission of testing air, space and cyberspace systems is “It’s clear we could not train our testers and develop next-gen- accelerated obtaining my five-level.” challenging, rewarding and critical for our nation’s defense,” eration combat power without Total Force participation. Our Aircrew egress specialist Senior Airman Alberto Rory, 482nd Azzano said. “Test is where future combat capabilities make first Aircrew egress specialists Senior Airmen Alberto Rory and Bethenokelm Reserve Component Airmen are an integral and inseparable Fighter Wing, Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida, is an contact with the physical world. In the test community, there is Volcy, 482nd Fighter Wing, Homestead Air Force Base, Florida, conduct part of our test family.” Edwards rookie. something for everyone interested in science, particularly as we maintenance on an ejection seat at Edwards. (Giancarlo Casem)

12 // December 2020 December 2020 // 13 There are some things you can’t do vir- Participants wore masks and prac- tually. That’s why Reserve Citizen Airmen ticed social distancing whenever possible from three wings gathered at Peterson during the exercise. Centennial Summit Air Force Base, Colorado, in September Lt. Col. Jennifer Mayer-Smith, 932nd for Operation Centennial Summit, an Medical Squadron chief nurse, planned exercise focused on medical and aircraft the flyaway training exercise to encourage maintenance training. The exercise also team building and camaraderie, as well as allowed sister airlift wings to build valu- skills training. Exercise helps ensure able relationships. “The goal was to provide some Reservists from the 932nd Airlift job-specific training, offer cross-func- Reservists are ready, Wing, Scott AFB, Illinois, the 910th AW, tional operations with our sister units Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, and do some team building,” she said. even during a pandemic and the 302nd AW at Peterson, joined “You learn a little about yourself and your forces for the training event. team members, and you walk away with Col. Glenn Collins, 932nd AW com- a sense of what you can do in a contested By Master Sgt. Christopher Parr mander, spearheaded the flyaway learning environment.” opportunity to offer training during a During the exercise, Reservists prac- time when many opportunities have been ticed self-aid and buddy care, patient cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. movement, mass casualty triage and Collins wanted to offer distant training collection, tent building, and aircraft opportunities for his Reservists while maintenance. prioritizing the safety of the Airmen Staff Sgt. Alexander Young, 932nd by implementing personal protective MDS diagnostics imaging technician, Reserve Citizen Airmen with the 932nd, 910th and 302nd Airlift Wings participate in Operation Centennial Summit at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. The exercise gave members the opportunity measures to the maximum extent practi- had the chance to work with a counter- to get hands-on training in areas like litter carry procedures, triage, self-aid and buddy care and cable in order to minimize COVID-19 part from the 910th MDS to give presen- respiratory distress. (Senior Airman Brooke Spenner) exposure. tations twice daily on radiology and all areas of diagnostic imagery. “Working with our sister units to plan the training was a unique challenge,” he said. “But the opportunity to work together and present was interesting. I was approached later with an invite to come to the 910th MDS and train some Top, Col. Glen Collins, 932nd Airlift Wing commander, practices self-aid and buddy care on Chief of their folks. The connections and bonds Master Sgt. Barbara Gilmore, 932nd AW command chief. (Senior Airman Brooke Spenner) made during the week helped solidify the Bottom, Tech. Sgt. Jesse Zambrano, 302nd Maintenance Squadron C-130 crew chief, right, discusses ties between the two wings.” the process of installing major flight controls in a C-130 Hercules with C-40C crew chiefs, Senior Staff Sgt. Lawrence Stout, 910th MDS Airman Landon Wineland, middle, and Senior Airman Earnest Carter, both from the 932nd aerospace medicine technician, said work- Maintenance Group. (Master Sgt. Christopher Parr) ing with Reservists from other units was valuable, adding that the mass casualty MDS medical technician. “Also working After the exercise was complete, triage training was especially beneficial. at a much higher elevation made patient Reservists walked away with several new “An added benefit was when the movement a bigger challenge.” contacts in their phones, a testament to patient litter carrying training ended Tech. Sgt. David Schallenberg, 932nd the summit’s intent of bringing Airmen early and we were able to combine two Maintenance Squadron C-40C hydrau- together from sister wings to work groups together and see how those parts lic specialist, saw the exercise as a great together and build lasting relationships. work independently of each other,” he opportunity to share his knowledge “The opportunity to train with our said. “Having to make quick decisions on and learn about different maintenance sister wings allowed our team to accom- which patients to get out quickly or first practices. plish essential training requirements was very beneficial.” “I feel this has been a great way to and continue building on our resiliency “Working as a blended unit and meet- reconnect with our team members from the and teamwork,” said Chief Master Sgt. ing the counterparts we would deploy 932nd AW, but also step outside our com- Barbara Gilmore, 932nd AW command with, knowing who would have your fort zones as we develop improved training chief. #ReserveReady back, was one of the best parts for me,” plans for the next generation of hydraulic (Parr is assigned to the 932nd AW public said Senior Airman Abby Eccles, 932nd specialists and crew chiefs,” he said. affairs office.) ■

December 2020 // 15 Still Going Strong Niagara maintainers take pride in keeping old birds flying

By Peter Borys

It can be difficult to prioritize strategic depth and accelerate Left, Airman 1st Class Mikaela Swanson conducts a foreign object damage inspection of the main landing gear on the KC-135R. (Peter Borys) readiness when the aircraft you depend on to carry out your mis- Middle, Tech. Sgt. Thomas Carozzollo and Tech. Sgt. Edward Westlake perform maintenance on a KC-135R Stratotanker engine. (Peter Borys) sion is more than 60 years old. But that’s just what the aircraft Right, Senior Airman Shelby Simmons torques hardware on the ruddervator while Staff Sgt. Michael Shul directs from the technical order. (Peter Borys) maintainers at the 914th Air Refueling Wing, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, New York, do on a daily basis with the venera- ble KC-135 Stratotanker. Maintenance Group take great pride in keeping these old birds “There’s a team of 40 to 50 professional maintenance per- “Every day we make history keeping these aircraft in the flying safely in the air. sonnel inspecting, repairing or replacing components on the air because of the men and women of the 914th Maintenance A major component of the aircraft maintenance regimen is aircraft,” he said. “It can take anywhere from 40 to 65 days. This Group,” said Chief Master Sgt. Patrick Martin, 914th Mainte- the isochronal inspection. Every 24 months, the Stratotankers is something done fleetwide with the KC-135s. We will rip this nance Squadron superintendent. get a complete, top-to-bottom examination of the entire air- airplane apart and inspect it, mostly for corrosion, which is a big The KC-135 first entered the Air Force inventory in 1957. It frame and all systems to increase their overall performance and thing we are finding on this aircraft after 60 years of service.” replaced the propeller-powered KC-97, which could no longer safety. Lt. Col. Albert Knapp, 914th Maintenance Group com- keep up with the Air Force’s new jet fighters and bombers. The “This is not the only inspection for the aircraft,” said Staff mander, said he is amazed at the problems the ISO Dock team 914th is still flying one of the Stratotankers built in 1957 among Sgt. Joshua Carter, 914th Maintenance Squadron ISO Dock finds and fixes. its fleet of eight KC-135s. inspector. “There are through-flights, pre-flights, a 12-month “They find corrosion, cracks and dents, bad control surface Needless to say, maintaining an aircraft that has been around inspection and a variety of inspections by all of the specialty cables, twisted tubing, faulty wiring, and corroded trunnions,” for 63 years and has logged millions of flying hours has its chal- career fields that work on the aircraft; but this is the big one – he said. “They find and fix things others have overlooked and lenges. But the Reserve Citizen Airmen assigned to the 914th the 24-month or phase inspection.” haven’t fixed. After we have worked on them, I am confident our The ISO Dock process actually begins on the flight line, with pilots are flying the best maintained fleet in the force, bar none.” crew chiefs opening up floor boards, doing engine runs and per- The 914th ARW has been flying and maintaining KC-135 forming other “pre-dock” procedures. The tanker is then towed Stratotankers since mid-2017 when it acquired a new airframe in and washed completely. The next step is to remove panels and and mission. Before the conversion, the 914th operated the start the top-to-bottom inspection. C-130 and had a military transport mission. “We identify all the maintenance issues and discrepancies,” “I’m super proud of everyone who comes out here every Carter said. “We’ll go ahead and order parts if required. If there weekend and every day of the week,” Martin said. “We’ve come are repairs needed, some are done locally. We have all of our leaps and bounds since the conversion – everybody in the squad- parts and we fix it and then put it back together. Other repairs ron and group have made this process what it is today.” that can’t be handled at the base will be fixed at a major mainte- The Air Force plans to keep the KC-135R in service until nance facility. 2040. It’s not known currently whether the 914th will continue Above, a KC-135A Stratotanker is parked on the flight line at Torrejon Air “We take it outside once repairs are made and do a post- flying the Stratotanker or will switch to a newer refueler like Base, Spain, in the early 1960s. This aircraft was built in 1958 and now dock,” he said. “That’s where we do all of our operations checks, the KC-46 Pegasus. Whatever happens, the maintainers at flies with the 914th Air Refueling Wing at Niagara Falls Air Reserve Sta- tion, New York. Left, Tech. Sgt. Richard Howe and Staff Sgt. Alec Fleicher making sure everything we did works properly.” Niagara will keep their KC-135s flying safely into the future. perform visual inspections for maintenance discrepancies on a KC-135R Martin explained that there are Airmen with more than a #ReserveReady Stratotanker at Niagara. (Peter Borys) dozen Air Force specialty codes involved in the ISO process. (Borys is assigned to the 914th ARW public affairs office.) ■

16 // December 2020 December 2020 // 17 In addition to training requirements, mobilization requires members to visit Always Ready various offices throughout the wing, including finance, Airman and Family Readiness, legal and the chaplain. Air Force Reserve Adds 944th Fighter Wing ramps up “The most difficult component in this short time frame is ensuring available training for upcoming communication from the correct individ- Chaplain, First Sergeant uals,” Schoewe said. deployments Beyond testing members to prepare to deploy, the members who assist with this Positions to Boost Resiliency By Staff Sgt. Tyler J. Bolken process were also tested and evaluated during the UTA. The COVID-19 pandemic has The most recent example of this for the “We want to ensure personnel have By Master Sgt. Leisa Grant impacted all aspects of life for Ameri- 944th FW was when more than a dozen the tools and resources needed in order cans across the country, but it hasn’t kept of the wing’s medical specialists were to identify deficiencies and address them Reserve Citizen Airmen from ensuring mobilized to aid COVID response efforts accordingly,” Schoewe said. “This exercise they are ready to respond at a moment’s in and around New York City in April. will help us improve our processes so we notice when the nation calls. “In a worst-case scenario, if we needed can effectively and efficiently get mem- In an effort to promote resiliency, Air Force Reserve Com- the base,” said Chaplain (Col.) James Danford, AFRC deputy Take the Reservists at the 944th to mobilize an entire wing, it would need bers out the door.” mand is placing 10 Active Guard/Reserve chaplains and 30 command chaplain. “The counseling data and trends from the Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base, to happen in a 72-hour period,” Sloma Sloma and Schoewe each emphasized AGR first sergeants at select Reserve locations around the reports we received from the field draw attention to the need for Arizona, for example. The wing’s Novem- explained. “This is what we are trying to the importance of what was accomplished country. the full-time support.” ber unit training assembly was very dif- test this weekend.” over the long weekend. Hiring authorization for the positions became effective in The 10 chaplains, comprised of majors and lieutenant colo- ferent from the standard two-day UTA. Each of the processes and steps “We are testing our deployment October. nels, will join enlisted religious affairs Airmen to complete full- Held Nov. 6-9, the “super UTA” encom- required for pre-deployment were process,” Sloma said. “The overarching In late 2019, Lt. Gen. Richard Scobee, chief of the Air Force time Religious Support Teams at each location. passed four days of intense pre-deploy- evaluated during the super UTA to goal this weekend is to try to find the Reserve and AFRC commander, held a leadership meeting to do Their hiring completes the full-time helping agency support ment preparations. identify deficiencies and improve overall bottlenecks or gap areas and fix them a “deep dive” specifically regarding resiliency. and provides for spiritual resiliency and confidential care for This longer UTA was initially sched- effectiveness. before people start getting deployed.” At the meeting, leaders discussed the need to have help- Airmen and their families, Danford said. uled for April of 2020, but, due to “Communication is a critical piece #ReserveReady ing resources more readily available at more locations, which Chaplains in the field are excited about the new positions. COVID precautions, it was postponed to being looked at this weekend because it (Bolken is assigned to the 944th Fighter meant creating additional full-time positions. They felt the need “I do believe that building relationships with Airmen is November. The objective for adding two can delay the entire process,” said Master Wing public affairs office.) ■ was greatest at stand-alone host locations, where members of extremely important and it does take time to establish these additional days was to have more time Sgt. Jessica Schoewe, 944th LRS logistics Reserve organizations cannot benefit from a relationship with a connections,” said Chaplain (Maj.) John Rollyson, deputy wing to complete training requirements for plans superintendent. host unit. chaplain at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida. “When the upcoming deployments. Additionally, chaplains and first sergeants are typically used Airmen see a chaplain in their work centers on a regular basis 944th Aeromedical Staging Squadron Reserve Citizen Airmen work together to carry a litter Nov. “COVID has created quite a few con- 7 at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona. The 944th Fighter Wing held a four day "super unit training in crisis management roles. While their involvement in these and they know the chaplain is there because they genuinely care straints over the past six to seven months assembly" to complete training requirements for upcoming deployments. (Master Sgt. Louis Vega Jr.) situations is vital, this is the reactive component of their duties about them and want to support them, this opens up so many as far as our ability to complete in-person and only a part of what they can proactively bring to the whole doors of communication. Being able to do this on a full-time training,” said Lt. Col. Ronald Sloma, concept of resiliency. basis will greatly enhance the morale and spiritual fitness of the 944th Logistics Readiness Squadron “Resiliency is a state of mind,” said Chief Master Sgt. Travon wing.” commander and Reserve deployment Dennis, AFRC first sergeant functional manager. When people Similar to the chaplains, the 30 first sergeant positions will officer. “We can leverage the time to max- think of resiliency, they often think of suicide prevention, he primarily be at host-unit locations. imize our training accomplishments.” said, but added that it’s also hugely important for overall mission “This will add a great asset to the command team, contribut- The mandatory training includes Self- readiness. ing full-time efforts as part of the triad of executive leadership,” Aid and Buddy Care medical training, Senior leaders looked at a variety of factors when deciding Dennis said. gas mask fitting and usage, and simulated where to add the new chaplain and first sergeant positions, This includes having the pulse of the organization, inspiring pre-deployment checklist scenarios. including location, size, mission, whether or not the unit was a morale, monitoring valuable programs and participating in the “We are primarily looking to test the stand-alone, and if it already had full-time positions. career progression of Airmen. deployment process for upcoming RCPs For both chaplains and first sergeants, one shared challenge “They’re making decisions that affect people’s careers,” he (Reserve Component Periods),” Sloma in the past has been the process of getting them to where they said. “So we have to do the absolute best for our Airmen.” said. were most needed in a timely fashion. This involved having to #ReserveResilient An RCP is a period of months Reserve find members who could temporarily leave their non-military (Grant is assigned to the Air Reserve Personnel Center public Citizen Airmen are more likely to be obligations, cutting orders, authorizing travel and more. affairs office.) ■ mobilized to support Air Force taskings “When issues and concerns arose during the week, getting a around the world. chaplain was difficult due to their civilian jobs and distance from

18 // December 2020 December 2020 // 19 Time to Rise Up AFR is looking for people with process improvement skills, certifications

By Bo Joyner

As Air Force Reserve Command airfield – we seek breakthrough improve- project management and other process ramps up its efforts to “reform the ments and innovative solutions that may improvement methodologies. organization,” the command hopes to be integrated across the enterprise.” “We believe there are hundreds of Air identify current members of the Reserve In an effort to leverage the connec- Force members with process improve- team with process improvement skills and tions Reserve Citizen Airmen have with ment certifications and/or training who ARPC switches to virtual Reservists interested in registering for the next orientation certifications obtained from the Air Force their communities and to maximize have not been identified,” Yvonne Ruth- course may e-mail HQ ARPC at [email protected] as well as private industry and academia. participation over a lifetime of military erford, senior change manager in AFRC/ orientation courses for more information. #ReserveReform “The mission of the Air Force is to fly, and civilian service, A9 is seeking skilled A9, said. “We ask that these individuals fight and win … in air, space and cyber- individuals to assist in this effort. who possess the ability to apply these In an effort to serve Air Force Reservists while adhering space,” said Donna Watson, master pro- Specifically, the command is looking tools and techniques self-identify by to COVID-19 travel restrictions, Headquarters Air Reserve Retired Reserve 'Awaiting cess officer in AFRC’s Analyses, Lessons for members of the Reserve team who e-mailing me at Yvonne.Rutherford@ Personnel Center leadership announced all future Air Reserve Learned, CPI and Innovation Directorate possess the following skills: continuous us.af.mil.” Component field orientation courses will be held virtually. Pay' notification letters on (A9). “And we must do this despite facing process improvement, Lean/Six Sigma, Rutherford will provide those who Since the pandemic began, HQ ARPC has held two virtual unprecedented challenges. The future of facilitation, critical thinking, performance respond with a self-registration question- orientation courses via Microsoft Teams, one exclusively for the the way the Air Force at this pivotal time in our management, theory of constraints, naire. Based on the information provided, Air National Guard and one for the Air Force Reserve. history relies on our ability to do our jobs business process reengineering, strategic respondents may receive e-mail notifi- According to officials, continuing to host the course in this HQ ARPC has reinitiated the process to notify retired service more efficiently and effectively. Searching planning, balanced scorecard, measure- cations of opportunities for activation to manner will provide a safe and cost-effective way to lead discus- members on the procedures to draw retirement pay. for a collaborative, holistic approach – a ments/metrics development, statistical facilitate improvement initiatives, projects sions between force support personnel and HQ ARPC on topics Notification letters will be sent out approximately three to strategy that works beyond the traditional process control, design of experiments, or events. impacting the Reserve at every stage of the Airman life cycle. four months prior to the member turning age 60 or reaching “Victory comes to those who foresee, “Over the last few months, we’ve successfully adapted to their Reduced Retirement Pay Age date. Within this notifica- recognize and act on changes in the stra- the current environment while continuing to provide training tion letter, retirees will be informed of the current pay docu- Senior Airman Bree Watson, 413th Flight Test Group, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, leads a simulation exercise during a Continuous Process Improvement Green Belt academics course. Air Force Reserve tegic environment,” Rutherford said. “By opportunities for the Reserve component,” said Mark Nelson, ments needed for submission and how to apply for retirement Command is looking for members of the Reserve team with process improvement skills and certifications. taking this bold step and partnering with HQ ARPC historian and ARC field orientation facilitator. “The pay online via myPers. team leaders and subject matter experts to August orientation course was our most successful course ever Letters will be sent via e-mail and to the current home nurture continuous change and transform with more than 200 members registering and saving the Air mailing address on file for the member in the Military Personnel how people think about and approach Force an estimated $200,000 in travel costs.” System, not in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting their daily processes, you have the power In previous years, Reservists traveled to HQ ARPC at Buck- System. to become a force multiplier to improve ley Air Force Base, Colorado, for the multi-day course as subject HQ ARPC stresses the importance that all retirees keep their combat capability and reduce waste. Even matter experts led presentations for both Guard and Reserve current home mailing and e-mail addresses up to date in the a slight return in Airmen’s time, savings members in attendance. Military Personnel System. Retirees may update their informa- or cost avoidance, when applied across the Moving forward, HQ ARPC will host an orientation course tion by taking the following steps: enterprise, yields spectacular results for once a quarter, alternating focus areas between the Air Force 1. Log into myPers. not only Air Force Reserve Command, Reserve and the Air National Guard to provide more targeted 2. Under the Retiree Profile, navigate to the “I would like but the entire Air Force.” information. to” option Reserve Citizen Airmen with ques- The next ARC orientation course for Reserve force support 3. Select “Update my address/phone/e-mail address” and tions or requiring more information personnel is scheduled to take place in May 2021. All briefings submit the most current information should contact Rutherford at Yvonne. presented during the course will be recorded and uploaded to Retirees may log into myPers and click on the “Contact us” [email protected]. #ReserveReform the HQ ARPC website and YouTube page for those unable to link or call the Air Force Personnel Center at 1-800-525-0102 ■ attend. for more information. ■

20 // December 2020 December 2020 // 21 actions. Those are certainly the areas another obstacle when she crashed her car on the way to Ala- HQ RIO releases Individual where I hear from IRs most often and From Homelessness bama and had to get a ride back to her home state. where HQ RIO is spending the majority When she got to Duke Field to prepare to leave for BMT, a Reservist survey results of our time and resources. fellow Airman gave her a motivational speech and some money I fight for resources, especially man- to a Hurricane to use at the base exchange at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, ning in travel and pay, on a regular basis Texas. and we’re adding personnel to both sec- Resilient Airman Funchess successfully made it through BMT and technical tions as money allows. We also launched school while weathering a divorce and some medical problems. a new orders process in two of the overcomes major When she returned to Florida, she was still homeless and had to detachments recently, which makes it sig- find a place to stay. nificantly easier to submit orders requests hurdles on path to With some money in the bank she was able to save during and eliminates the need to provide most training, she sat down with Alford and laid out a plan to secure substantiating documents. This will soon becoming a Reservist an apartment and find a civilian job. She was able to achieve roll out to all detachments. both of those goals within a month of her return. While there are some processes and Although she encountered many difficulties along the way, systems that are out of HQ RIO’s control, By Senior Airman Dylan M. Gentile Funchess always figured out a way to make it work. there are others we can fix. And these “She handles adversity really well,” Alford said. “She’s always are just a few of the improvements we’re Life hasn’t always been easy for Senior Airman Zatavia trying to overcome and prove herself.” implementing to make it easy to serve. Funchess, a defender assigned to the 919th Special Operations Funchess now has her own car, an apartment in Pensacola To find a full list of current initia- Wing’s Security Forces Squadron at Duke Field, Florida. But and has been working on long-term orders at Hurlburt Field. tives, click on https://www.arpc.af.mil/ the resilient young Reserve Citizen Airman has taken every #ReserveResilient HQ-RIO/easy-to-serve-initiatives/. punch life has thrown at her and overcome a host of major (Gentile is assigned to the 919th Special Operations Wing public By Col. Amy Boehle Additionally, because readiness is obstacles to fulfill her dream of serving in the Air Force Reserve. affairs office.) ■ one of AFRC’s top priorities, we asked Growing up in Panama City Beach, Florida, Funchess, her Senior Airman Zatavia Funchess, 919th Special Operations Security The Headquarters Readiness and the complete, unabridged survey results, how difficult it is to maintain readiness mother, stepfather and three siblings shuffled between a mix Forces Squadron defender, poses for a photo in front of the “Ultimate End” Integration Organization’s vision contin- go to https://www.surveymonkey.com/ requirements. The survey results say it is of hotels and friend’s houses as they searched for a place they AC-130A Spectre at Hurlburt Field, Florida. Funchess has overcome ues to be making it easy for Individual results/SM-JQCTF86HJ7/ relatively easy to maintain fitness, upgrade could afford to stay. The circumstances the family lived in led to numerous obstacles to reach her goal of becoming an Air Force Reservist. Reservists to serve. In addition to the Briefly, respondents said the biggest training and security clearances, but it is constant emotional turmoil, which boiled over when they were (Senior Airman Dylan Gentile) 40-plus improvements we’ve made to get reasons they enjoy serving as an IR difficult to maintain medical and dental left homeless when Funchess was 17. after that vision, we recently launched an include the flexibility it offers, the oppor- readiness requirements. “I was mad,” she said. “I was lost and trying to figure out IR survey. I’m grateful for the feedback tunity to serve their country and their We will continue to focus our efforts what my next step would be. I had to escape this cycle. I didn’t we received. personal fulfillment of providing mean- to help IRs maintain their readiness and want to work multiple minimum wage jobs just so I could barely “How satisfied are you serving as an ingful contributions. conducted a continuous process improve- scrape by. I didn’t want to live like my family had for years.” IR?” “How often do your units utilize When I meet with IRs around the ment event in November to focus specifi- Searching for a better life, Funchess soon found out about the your specific skills with meaningful work globe, I definitely hear that the common cally on readiness. Air Force Reserve and decided to enlist. She was placed in the while in status?” “Which processes do you positive factor for serving is the flexibil- In the meantime, we recently published 919th SOW’s Development and Training Flight to help her get find the biggest hardship as an IR?” These ity of the program. I am excited that the two memos and supporting documents ready for basic military training. are just a few of the questions we asked survey results echoed that. that can directly assist IRs when getting The First Sergeant’s Council at the 919th SOW heard about all IRs in August. The goal of HQ RIO’s We will continue to make this program medical and dental care. The memos her situation and raised money to help her buy clothes and a car “Making it Easy to Serve” survey was to as flexible as possible for you and support outline the mandatory support the active and pay bills. better understand and listen to how they your unique work schedules and requests. military treatment facilities must provide. “She had lots of helpful wingmen at the 919th,” said Master perceive their service and the benefits and On the flip side, making it easy to The feedback provided in the survey Sgt. Sarah Alford, first sergeant for the 919th Security Forces challenges or serving as an IR. serve means addressing the biggest will continue to drive action for HQ Squadron. “Airmen would drive her to and from her civilian job Thanks to a team of four IRs, Lt. Col. concerns of Individual Reservists. In RIO and make it easier for IRs to serve. when it rained before she got her car.” Jessica Schafer, Col. Charles Rich, Lt. the survey, they said being an IR can be We will also continue to collaborate with Funchess worked hard to save up her money and was finally Col. Erin Karl and Maj. Sergio Apedaile, challenging due to the paperwork/admin- decision makers and process owners able to get her first apartment on October 5, 2018, five days we polled 7,611 people using Survey- istrative burdens, challenging information outside of HQ RIO to address your before Hurricane Michael delivered a direct blow to Panama Monkey to evaluate their overall experi- technology systems and difficulty getting concerns. City as a category-five storm. With her apartment damaged and ence as an IR. Thanks to the nearly 19% immediate personal assistance via phone, Thanks for all you do! #ReserveReady unlivable, Funchess was back on the street in search of some- who responded, we heard you! email or myPers. (Boehle is the commander HQ RIO.) ■ where to stay. This feedback from IRs will be useful In addition to this, they said the most “I needed to ship out,” she said. “There was nothing left for for us at HQ RIO, but I felt it was vitally challenging programs include travel reim- me here.” important to make the results public and bursement, orders processing, military pay, While waiting to start basic military training, she stayed provide complete transparency. To view medical administration and assignment with friends in both Alabama and Panama City. She overcame

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