Click. Tweet. Like. citamn.afrc.af.mil @citizenairman @citizenairman 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. 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