Vol. 2, No. 4 Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan February 10, 2006

A-10 Thunderbolt IIs arrive C-130s deliver By Staff Sgt. Melissa Koskovich U.S. Central Command Air Force to support ground forces Forward - Public Affairs By Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente Editor The sounds of cargo aircraft echo through the Afghan hillside. th Members of 355 Expeditionary Families huddle against their th Fighter Squadron and 455 makeshift homes, watching air- Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance dropped bundles glide to the Squadron are here to conduct and ground. support missions These deliveries contain for the U.S. and coalition ground blankets, firewood, medical forces throughout Afghanistan. supplies and food — a gesture of , Alaska, compassion and a foundation to deployed more than 240 Airmen build on. beginning Jan. 13 to support more Since October 2004, the 774th than a dozen A-10 Thunderbolt IIs Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, here. with support from the air mobility The maintainers generate A-10s division at the Combined Air around the clock in order to meet Operation Center in Southwest the twenty-four-hour Asia, has planned and executed operational requirements. Once missions, airdropping more than airborne, the pilots provide support 2.1 million pounds of humanitarian to the ground forces through visual aid throughout Afghanistan. lookout, communications and “These airdrops play an firepower, said Lt. Col. Quentin important part in the effort to Rideout, 355th EFS commander. Photo by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente stabilize Afghanistan,” said Lt. “Visual lookout is providing the Col. Benjamin N. Bellis, a 774th Senior Airman Christopher R. Hidalgo, right, turns the ground forces with a ‘bird’s eye EAS pilot deployed here from the Gau-8/A system on an A-10 Thunderbolt II while Senior view’ of the battlefield,” said Colonel Wyoming . Airman Calvin S. Holford, left, loads 36 dummy rounds to Rideout. “Communications is the “This type of airpower ensure the system works correctly. The Airmen are air- ability to give those forces ‘real- demonstrates to the Afghan craft armament systems journeymen in the 455th Expedi- time’ information on what you see, people that the and tionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. and firepower is the ability to our coalition allies are not only engage and destroy enemy forces ground. That being said, this is where the A- designed for combat but also for when necessary,” said Colonel Rideout. 10 belongs… it’s what we live for.” humanitarian purpose,” he said. “There is a real need for close air “Though we are not here to train, the very “The local people will remember support in Afghanistan,” he said. nature of the operation provides literally the our forces providing them with “Operations are conducted in very best CAS training in the world,” he said. food and firewood during austere terrain, which means most ‘fire fights’ occur when opposing forces are within one kilometer of our troops on the — See ‘Thunderbolts’, Page 4 — See ‘Airdrops’, Page 4 2 Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror, Finding Peace February 10, 2006

Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen join together to complete mission By Col. Paul T. Johnson only a portion of a full squadron, they number of crews and their capability will not 455th Operations Group commander consistently maintain astounding mission diminish in any way. capability rates. Lt. Col. Pat Keenan, 41st The newest member of the 455th EOG is As we all settle into life in and around EECS commander, leads the unit deployed the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron. Lt. Bagram Airfield, I would like to elaborate on from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. Col. Ken McDaniel, 774th EAS commander, the role the 455th Expeditionary Operations The senior residents on the ramp here and his squadron have traveled a long road Group plays within our wing. The operations are the A-10s. Currently the rotation is being to get here. Previously we had C-130s based group has come a long way since 2002 when manned by the 355th Fighter Squadron, in Uzbekistan who then subsequently moved the first four A-10s landed here after Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska., under the to Manas, Kyrgyzstan. In early January 2005, launching from Kuwait to fly sorties in command of Lt. Col. Quentin Rideout. The the 774th was officially activated here as a part support of Operation Anaconda. Since that A-10s are here to provide around-the-clock of the operations group. operation, there’s been a Close Air Support to They’re comprised of members of constant presence of Air U.S. and Coalition several different ANG squadrons; what we Force aircraft here. While ground forces. sometimes call a rainbow unit. Bringing our A-10s have been An often aircraft and people from several different units present from the unnoticed, yet critical, for a rotation presents unique challenges for beginning, we’ve steadily member of the team is both operations and maintenance, but the added different types of our Expeditionary 774th is making it look easy. aircraft to ensure we Aeromedical That’s a thumbnail sketch of our accomplish the missions Evacuation Squadron. operations group. I would like you to walk assigned. With that in Lt. Col. David Sullivan, away remembering three things. First, this mind, here’s a quick EAES commander, leads isn’t just an Air Force show. We can’t get the rundown of the units the group from the job done here without our Navy brethren, within the group. Wyoming Air National and they do it very, very well. Second, this is For those unfamiliar Guard. If a wounded or truly a total force operation. with Bagram and our seriously ill Beyond the ANG makeup of the th missions here, you might Colonel Johnson servicemember requires 774 there are Reservists and Guardsmen be surprised to find a Navy a medical evacuation serving throughout the wing. Finally, the squadron present on the ramp. Cmdr. Chuck out of the region, the professionals of our 455th EOG is a support organization. Winter, VAQ-133 commands the “Wizards,” EAES will care for him throughout the There are Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, based out of Whidbey Island Naval Air journey. We all hope we don’t need them but Airmen and our Coalition partners who Station, Wash. They fly the EA-6B Prowler if we do, we’re thankful they are part of our work and live in harm’s way and in Electronic Attack aircraft. team. As a part of ongoing evaluations of amazingly isolated locations. It’s the Members of the 41st Expeditionary manning requirements in Central Air Force’s exceptional privilege of the 455th EOG’s Electronic Combat Squadron perform a region, the EAES will downsize somewhat in to provide maximum support to them any similar mission with their EC-130. Although the next couple of months. However, the way we can.

This newspaper is an authorized publication for Airmen Bagram Bullet and Sailors deployed to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. Editorial Staff, Disclaimer Contents of the Bagram Bullet are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or Brig. Gen. Bruce Burda ….…...... ……..…. Commander, 455th AEW the Department of Defense. The editorial content is edited, Maj. Eric Elliott …………...... … Chief, Public Affairs prepared and provided by the 455th Air Expeditionary Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente ….....… Editor/NCOIC, Public Affairs Wing Public Affairs office. 3 Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror, Finding Peace February 10, 2006 First sergeant reminds Airmen Brief Bullets IG complaints to remember their wingmen Col. John R. Buckingham, 455th Air Expe- ditionary Wing vice commander, was recently ap- By Master Sgt. William C. Hall if this environment doesn’t dictate pointed as the Inspector General local liaison. 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron that, I don’t know of any that do. Personnel wishing to file an IG complaint For you seasoned veterans, the first sergeant may do so at any level without the fear of reprisal. responsibility is on you to set the Airmen wishing to contact the IG liaison tone and example for your younger may call 231-4037. For guidance on proper filing First sergeants - some say we troops. Don’t just be a supervisor; procedures and policy, members should refer to Air are everywhere; some say we are be that person who listens to your Force Instruction, Inspector General Complaints not. One thing for sure is we are troops’ concerns and acts on their Resolution, 90-301. busy tending to the needs of our behalf. You too were a first-term people and their mission. Airman at one time. Look back to Mandatory Briefing Currently, there are seven first your first deployment. All Air Force personnel are required to attend sergeants and one command chief Remember all the uncertainties the Combat Orientation briefing within seven days of who are each responsible for the and apprehension you had? Your their arrival at Bagram Airfield. Briefings are held safety, well being and military troops need and deserve your 1300L Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Rec Tent. Two discipline for more than two wisdom and experience to help get briefings are scheduled for shift workers to attend hundred members of this air them through these times, both 0700L and 1630L Tuesday in the Rec Tent. operation at Bagram Airfield. ordinary and troubled. For you What does this mean to and for newcomers to this arena, ask, offer Bingo night you? First, it’s vital that as first help, lean forward and learn all you Services hosts bingo night1900L Fri- sergeants, we provide you with the can because with it will come days in the Rec Tent. For more information, basic needs you deserve -- personal and professional growth. call 231-4360. adequate housing, meal availability Finally, military discipline. It’s throughout the 24-hour work day, absolutely the foundation we build Lyrical Lounge MWR activities and a host of other everything else up from. From Services hosts the Lyrical Lounge 1900L niceties, which make life better at personal grooming standards, to the Sundays in the Rec Tent. Airmen are welcome to Bagram. While some may perceive way we interact with each other. come and listen to others or sing karaoke themselves. adequate housing as other than Don’t operate at the upper end of For more information, call Master Sgt. what we currently have, it wasn’t the envelope and risk compromising Rick Stiles at 231-4360. long ago when Bagram housing your integrity and military bearing. Laundry service meant tents and lots of them, so as Do respect yourself and your our mission presses forward so environment because you are a KBR offers a free laundry service Mondays, does our progress in making Bagram professional operator in a very Wednesdays and Fridays. This is limited to 20 items a better place to live. difficult situation. You’re not in this including the bag. Personnel should take bags and Secondly, we’ve all heard of alone, but you are a vital piece of complete DA Form 2886 to the Services tent by taking care of your wing man. Well, this puzzle. As first sergeants say... 1000L. For more information, call 231-4360. “Everyone counts.” Dinning facility hours Post exchange hours 0900 to 2100L Breakfast Lunch Dinner Midnight (0430 to 1630Z)

0530 to 0900L 1130 to 1330L 1630 to 2100L 2330 to 0100L American Forces Network DCUs and Air Force physical training uniforms are mandatory when dinning at any radio stations of the facilities on Bagram Airfield. No bags, purses or backpacks are allowed in any of 105.7 FM 103.1 FM 107.3 FM the dinning facilities. 4 Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror, Finding Peace February 10, 2006 Eielson deploys Airmen Thunderbolts From Page 1 commander said. week, said Capt. Margaret A. flying hours while here serving in With less than a month on Donnelly, 455th EAMXS Aircraft Operation Enduring Freedom. “We are honored to be the ground, 455th EAMXS Maintenance Unit officer in This is the second here and fired-up over the Airmen are maintaining the charge. deployment for the 355th EFS opportunity to serve in this aircraft that are flying an Colonel Rideout expects the commander and more than one capacity,” the 355th EFS average of 350 flying hours per squadron to fly more than 6,000 third of his squadron. Weasels provide humanitarian relief to local nationals Airdrops From Page 1 the winter months. This will strengthen their support for a free and democratic Afghanistan.” With temperatures dropping to minus 14 degrees during the winter and areas like Kabul getting up to 25 inches of snow, many Afghans desperately need this help. About 150 servicemembers are assigned to the squadron, which operates around the clock executing, on average, four humanitarian airdrops per week. More than 300 airdrops have been completed in the last 18 months. The locations where humanitarian supplies are needed are identified by the Afghan National Army and coordinated by the division staff. The division staff said there’s been a steady increase in the number of Photo by Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente requests since the missions have started. First Lt. Cortnie Echterling, 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron C- “There are a lot of people in 130 pilot , deployed from the Missouri Air National Guard, performs Afghanistan who need our help,” said an oil cooler flap function check during preflight on a C-130. Capt. Timothy Ryan, division airdrop planner. Capt. Benjamin Cameron, deputy chief assistance, but that’s not important as The missions are part of coalition of AMD tactics. long as they see that many of the efforts to support the government of “The C-130 airdrops are an world’s democratic governments are Afghanistan in its efforts to provide excellent example of coalition forces working together to ensure they have for its citizens. working together to benefit the the opportunity for a better life and a “Flying over the terrain, and Afghans,” said Col. Tim Grams, 455th more open government.” seeing what it’s like there — how cold Expeditionary Operations Group According to White House reports, it is and how little the people have — deputy commander. “The Afghans six million people in Afghanistan and it’s good to know that our capabilities can’t see the complex logistical 1.5 million Afghan refugees depend on can also be used to help people,” said challenges involved with getting them international relief programs. 5 Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror, Finding Peace February 10, 2006 Flight doctor reminds Airmen to hydrate

Editor’s note: The Medical amounts of water frequently The most important thing to Flight will provide weekly throughout the day, is the best remember with this is to try and updates on the health situation method of keeping hydrated. avoid giving it to everyone else here. Gatorade is ok but not really in their work center. Wash hands Two viruses are floating necessary. Airmen need to avoid frequently, and avoid coughing or around the base. One caffeine and fruit juices sneezing near other people. is a particularly un-fun as these tend to stimulate Remaining hydrated is bug, which is giving gastric motility and important with this one too as it some Airmen 24 hours make things worse. keep the phlegm loose and easy of nausea and vomiting. The other virus is a to clear. This will keep the cold This is self limiting and respiratory virus causing from developing into a sinus rarely lasts more than a mildly productive infection, ear infection or 24 hours. cough. All the other bronchitis. There’s medication associated findings occur If problems persist, or Airmen the medical clinic can include feeling tired, low have concerns about an illness, provide for the nausea, grade fever and loss of they should be seen by the flight but it makes most appetite. doctor at the medical clinic people very sleepy. Airmen Some people may encounter a located next to the Morale Hut. cannot drive or work on this sore throat. The medical clinic can (Courtesy of the 455th Air medication. issue decongestants and Expeditionary Wing Flight Staying hydrated, with small medication to reduce the fever. Medicine)

Photo by Col. George R. Skuodas Runway repair Above: Members of the 455th Civil Engineer Squadron Horizontal Repair patch portions of the runway Feb. 2. Right: Col. George R. Skuodas, 455th Expeditionary Mission Support Group commander, mixes up Pavemend 15.0, which is used to fill cut-out portions of poor runway. Photo by Master Sgt. James C. Biggerstaff 6 Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror, Finding Peace February 10, 2006

Bagram’s Best Tech. Sgt. Mark D. McDaniel Sergeant McDaniel, left, is deployed here as an electronic warfare specialist under the 455th Expeditionary Aicraft Maintenance Unit He is deployed from the 139th Airlift Wing, St. Joseph, Mo. As a third year medical student at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, he calls Derby, Kansas, home. After graduation he “aspires to practice trauma surgery as well as become an Air Force flight surgeon.

Senior Airman Jared L. Williamson

Airman Williamson, right, is deployed here as a communications technician with the 4th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron from the 4th ASOS, Mannheim Army Installation, Germany. His home town is Kingwood, . While serving in the Air Force, he hopes to complete his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science and earn distinguish graduate at Airman Leadership School in April.” 7 Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror, Finding Peace February 10, 2006 455th EMSS: 28 Airmen support 1,500

By Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente The support is provided by the 455th Expeditionary Editor Mission Support Squadron — 28 men and women deployed here from bases across the globe; they provide support to hile working in the office or relaxing during more than 1,500 Airmen assigned on Camp Cunningham down time, there’s always some support daily. Wbeing provided to the Airmen at Camp The 455th EMSS consists of Personnel Support for Cunningham. Whether it’s typing on the computer to Contingency Operations, Services, Manpower, write this very story, or entertaining one’s self in the Rec Communications and Communication Systems. Tent by listening to karaoke on Lyrical Night or yelling Some of the first few people Airmen meet when they out “bingo” when someone’s covered the board, there’s arrived first at Bagram are part of PERSCO team. In January always some support. alone, PERSCO processed more than 2,000 Airmen in and out of the base, said Master Sgt. Dwayne E. Brown 455th EMSS PERSCO team chief. PERSCO “The number one mission for PERSCO is strength accountability and casualty reporting,” said Sergeant Brown. “Additionally, we are able to provide limited personnel support to commanders and deployed members.” For the next 120 day, the four-man PERSCO team from Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., can assist Airmen here with reenlistments, extensions and retraining requests. PERSCO can also update dream sheets and Servicemen Group Life Insurance. “The Air Force Personnel Center Virtual Military Personnel Flight Web site also contains a wealth of personal information people can access 24 hours a day,” said Sergeant Brown. Once the newly arrived turned in all the appropriate paperwork to the PERSCO team, the next stop most individuals made was to Services to find out where they would be sleeping. Services Six Airmen made the long difficult haul from F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyo., to Bagram. With diversions through Virginia, and parts of Southwest Asia, the Service’s flight made it to Bagram and have been busy with improving Camp Cunningham since they first arrived. Services not only provides beddown operations for personnel in- and out-processing Camp Cunningham, but they are also the individuals who host the recreational activities for the camp populace, said Master Sgt. Richard D. Stiles, 455th EMSS Services flight superintendent. “This is the first time I have been deployed to a base Photos by Maj. Eric S. Elliott where the Army has the lead,” said Sergeant Stiles. Staff Sgt. Terrence Williams, 455th Expeditionary Mission “Requisitioning items is more of a detailed process than Support Squadron lodging assistant noncommissioned compared to my last deployment where we worked strictly officer in charge, tosses one of 382 laundry bags to be through the Air Force contracting.” washed. Camp Cunningham residents are the largest “To obtain Morale, Welfare and Recreation items such group of laundry service users on Bagram. as movies, video games and fitness equipment, Services 8 Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror, Finding Peace February 10, 2006

number of IP addresses that allow the computers to access the network for e-mail and Internet, and the telephone lines are maxed out. “Most folks appreciate and understand this is not home station and work with us, and we appreciate their support,” he said. Post Office As if computers aren’t enough, the flight provides camp residents with mail service. Seventy-five percent of all mail delivered to Bagram Airfield belongs to the residents of Camp Cunningham, said Tech. Sgt. Sherri Rodden, 455th EMSS lead client support administrator and Camp Cunningham postal chief. The camp receives an average of 500 packages a week. Tech. Sgt. Sherri Rodden, 455th EMSS lead client support Communications Systems administrator and Camp Cunningham postal chief, assists a Help Comm also supports 500 land Desk customer filling out a NIPRnet request form. mobile radios, 30 tactical radios, the must have all requests approved Comm’s Help Desk public address system and DSN by Central Air Force Command, Another member of the 455th cellular phones on Camp said Sergeant Stiles. Then the EMSS is the Communications flight. Cunningham. It also provide joint flight coordinates with Army The comm Focal Point includes the radio relay system support to five Contracting to see if funds are Help Desk, computer technical sites throughout Afghanistan. available to purchase the items. support, telephone operations and “Although there is another When funds aren’t available postal operations. personal wireless communications through Army Contracting, Like at any base, computer users system office on Bagram, we not only Services tries alternate methods will have problems. The five support Air Force equipment, but we to provide for Airmen here. individuals who provide support to all also support the Navy, Army and On the other end of the of Camp Cunningham remain busy Department of Defense contractors,” Services spectrum is laundry and day in and day out. said Staff Sgt. Kevin R. Ryan, PWCS linen. Services runs a laundry “Our folks are working up to 16 NCOIC. service program that services hours a day, or longer, to meet the Manpower more than 1,000 laundry bags initial demands of our computer While Manpower is far from weekly, said the Services users,” said Staff Sgt. Jouron being the largest office, it remains superintendent. Richardson, 455th EMSS lead busy providing Camp Cunningham The flight works more than computer technician. with enough people to keep the 500 man hours a week to provide With the unique setting of Camp planes in the air. Airmen with recreational events, Cunningham being a tenant unit, the Master Sgt. Victor L. Digesti, linen services, and maintain network used here is maintained 455th EMSS Manpower chief, is lodging for Camp Cunningham through the Army, he said. responsible for requests required to residents, said Sergeant Stiles. “This causes much frustration provide the proper manning in each “After we finish polishing our with our customers as they expect the work center and ensure deployed unit programs, the schedule should same level of service they receive at manning documents are reviewed to smooth out, and the services we home,” said Sergeant Richardson. ensure replacements are identified for provide to Camp Cunningham will The network capability is limited those already in-place. blossom into bigger and better on many levels, which is sometimes While the 455th EMSS is things for the populace,” said hard for customers, said Sergeant providing around-the-clock support Sergeant Stiles. Richardson. There are only a limited in services, communications and 9 Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror, Finding Peace February 10, 2006 manpower, there are some ways, which will assist the 28 men and women do their job to the fullest. • All commanders should keep Manpower involved in their squadrons so needs are identified and filled. This includes changes needed to specific positions or requests for any additional personnel. If requested, Manpower can also provide squadrons with products to help manage personnel. • Airmen are asked to pay close attention to linen exchange instructions. Ensure there are less than 20 items in a laundry bag and the bundle number and name are visible on the sheet when tied to the bag. • All personnel need to in-and out-process through Services. This is critical to helping keep the base locator exact and ensuring bed space accountability is accurate. Most importantly, Services needs to exactly where each person sleeps to be able to locate them if an emergency arises. • Feedback is key to Services providing the programs Tech Sgt. Gregory J. Hallett, 455th and activities Airmen want. Expeditionary Mission Support Squadron • Airmen need to be courteous to others by cleaning up Nonappropriated Funds accountant and after themselves when working out and using the phones assistant recreation director checks in returned and computers in the Morale Hut. movies used by Camp Cunningham customers. 10 Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror, Finding Peace February 10, 2006