Vermont Air National Taking the Field Guard 158th Fighter Wing prepares for Kadena deployment

By 18th Wing Public Affairs 6/9/2015 — Airmen from the 158th Fighter Wing in Burling- ton, Vermont, will deploy this month in support of the Pacifi c Command Th eater Security Package. ment to the U.S.-Japan alliance Approximately 150 per- and the defense of Japan. sonnel and 10 F-16 Fighting According to Col. Patrick Falcons are set to deploy to the Guinee, 158th Fighter Wing (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Omari Bernard) ^1st Lt. Aaron Zendejas, 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron air battle manager and mid-fi elder, shoots for a goal during an intramural soccer 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base commander, the Airmen of match at the Risner Fitness Center on Kadena Air Base, June 2. Zendejas played soccer for Kadena High School from 2002 to 2006 and also in Okinawa. Th e TSP deploy- the 158th are ready and well- played for Northern Illinois University. ment is designed to provide the trained for this deployment. PACOM region with forces ca- “Th e Green Mountain Boys By Senior Airman aff air, his mother played it and friends who had similar interests pable of a variety of operations, are both prepared and excited Omari Bernard his father coached, even though in soccer. One of those was 1st including disaster relief, global to help America fulfi ll its charge 18th Wing Public Affairs he was more into football. Lt. Andrew Stokes, 961 AACS situational awareness, combat- in the Asia-Pacifi c theater of 6/9/2015 — Stadium lights sil- Zendejas said, “Soccer wasn’t air weapons offi cer. Together ing piracy, active defense and operations,” Guinee said. “Our houette a checkered ball as it fl ies a thing in his mind until my they graduated in June 2012. power projection. Airmen are always ready and through the air and rolls along a mom forced him to coach us as “On and off the fi eld, two Air Combat Command rou- well-trained to engage in any green fi eld. Players in jerseys race kids. I guess I just learned from words come to mind to describe tinely deploys fi ghter aircraft to state or federal mission when up and down a fi eld in pursuit. all my coaches growing up.” Lt. Zendejas’ work ethic: dedica- the region to provide U.S. Pa- called.” A player wearing a white jersey As Zendejas grew up, so did tion and perseverance,” Stokes cifi c Command and Pacifi c Air Lt. Col. Daniel Finnegan, with the number nine on his his skills. He would go onto to explained. “When he doesn’t Forces with Th eater Security 134th Fighter Squadron com- back dribbles the ball. Th e ball play in the Olympic Develop- know the answer he will work Packages, which help maintain mander, will lead the deployed is passed to a teammate as he is ment Program, other middle until he fi nds one. Th en he will a deterrent against threats to members of the 158th. challenged, he races past and the school clubs and even at Kadena work until he fi nds the perfect regional security and stability. “I am proud to lead this ball is passed back. High School from 2002 - 2006. answer. If he fails at something, Movement of U.S. Air Force incredible team of Airmen on a Th e defender freezes, looking Aft er he graduated he went on he quickly dusts himself off and TSPs into the region has been mission that gives us the oppor- for the off side fl ag from the ref- to play at the college level for makes sure the same failure a routine and integral part of tunity to integrate with joint and eree, now there is only one last Northern Illinois University. never happens again.” U.S. Pacifi c Command’s force international forces,” Finnegan person between number nine “It’s one of the top 25 division Zendejas’ dedication on the posture since March 2004. said. “I have great confi dence in and the goal. one schools in Chicago,” Zendejas fi eld is mirrored in his drive Th is TSP demonstrates the the capabilities of the men and 1st Lt. Aaron Zendejas, 961st explained. “I had a blast there.” to be the best at execution and continuing U.S. commitment women of the Vermont National Airborne Air Control Squadron Aft er graduation, Zendejas strategy at work. to stability and security in the Guard in completing another air battle manager, shoots and found work like most of his peers. Stokes explained how soccer region and shows our commit- successful mission.” scores. As time at his job progressed, he relates to their work. Th e 27-year-old mid fi elder yearned for two things; to give “On the jet this means making has been in love with soccer back to his country and to play the perfect radio call at the right since childhood. the game he loved. time to drive the best weapons Heat conditions: “I have been playing soccer “I wanted to do something employment tactics,” Stokes since I was 2 feet tall,” said Ze- with my time, my youth and my said. “On the fi eld, it means ndejas. “As soon as I could walk leadership,” he said. “Something making the perfect pass or shot The breakdown for I had a ball at my feet.” that was bigger than me, so I while fi tting all players’ strengths Zendejas’ passion for the started looking at the military. and weakness into the best team Okinawa-based service game began in Germany. In I got my offi cer training school possible.” fact, he was born there and as a package together, submitted it Zendejas said air combat military brat he would play with and never looked back.” control is like playing soccer. members, families his three brothers. While waiting for the go- “A lot of what we do is about By Airman 1st Class However, along with the “Ever since I was a kid I al- ahead to go to work for the staying ahead of the timeline,” he Zackary A. Henry beautiful scenery Okinawa is ways had people to play with and Air Force, an opportunity of a said. “A good soccer player has to 18th Wing Public Affairs oft en home to fl ash fl oods, ty- against,” he continued. “We have lifetime appeared. Th e Chicago think four or fi ve passes ahead of 6/11/2015 — On the sunny phoons and what has been ris- a really tight family unit being a Fire, a men’s professional soccer the game to be eff ective. It defi - island of Okinawa, its inhabi- ing as the summer months take military family. I attribute a lot team, were hosting tryouts. Th is nitely helps with your teamwork. tants get to experience beach- hold, the heat. of my soccer to that.” was his chance to play profes- Like soccer, we need everyone es, great hiking or even scuba To try and help keep the While living there he was sional soccer. Unfortunately, it on that jet working as one to diving. people of Kadena safe during constantly surrounded by the ended because of an injury. make our mission successful.” SEE HEAT CONDITIONS, PAGE 2 national sport. It was a family At OTS, Zendejas made close SEE SOCCER, PAGE 3 2 SAMURAI GATE JUNE 12, 2015 LGBT Pride month – ‘Be You. Be Proud’ Commentary by Aja Trotter Military Spouse ll around the world LGBT pride is oft en trucks and actions fi gures (“boy toys”). In reality there celebrated with parties, parades, fun, and are so many varia-tions across and between gender Afestivities. expression and sexual orientation that it is impossible Th e LGBT community and its allies come together to box these identities into our own narrow limitations in support of equality, freedom, and the movement of what someone is supposed to do or should be. Some for civil rights. Nowadays pride events are largely fun- women are more tough than sweet, some young boys fi lled, colorful, recreational functions, but what some prefer the color pink and fl owers and some men are don’t know is that the fi rst LGBT pride demonstration married to men. Th e point is that there are spectrums/ was actually in-spired by a riot, displaying resistance continuums of gender, ex-pression, and sexuality to discrimination, and forward movement in the that we all fall somewhere on — there is no “one struggle toward liberation and fair treatment. size fi ts all.” Moreover, no one should be shunned or In 1969, in New York’s Greenwich Village, the police discriminated against because they do not fall on the raided a gay bar, harassing and arresting many of the spectrum where someone else thinks they should. patrons, simply for being patrons, as being openly Th is year, we celebrate its 2nd annual LGBT Pride gay was prohibited in many places like New York month, with the theme “Be You. Be Proud,” capturing City. Th ese raids were common, but on this particular enforced for all members of the U.S. military, but it the necessity of freedom and openness for truth. evening, the crowd fought back, leading to an intense only directly impacted LGBT members, implying a We all deserve the space to be our-selves, and to and violent struggle between the police and the public sense of deviance or “otherness” to members of that be seen and celebrated. Th e world provides us with who were fi ghting for their rights. Th e confrontation, community. Moreover, it associated LGBT identities enough space, and hopefully our minds do too, for all known as the Stonewall Riots, lasted for days, leading with shame, secrecy, and dishonor, forcing these identities to develop and exist without consequence to the formation of collectives and organizations service men and women to keep parts of themselves or fear. Our diff er-ences are all uniquely beautiful and united in the fi ght for their right to simply exist in invisi-ble and unrecognized. worthy of love. We also unite across these diff erences, public spaces without being persecuted or attacked. Th ese types of practices can be very harmful, as as they allow us to learn from each other, build with Th is struggle has existed and continues to exist they infl uence stigma, internalized homophobia one another, and create shared experiences to-gether. within many systems, institutions, and environ- and self-hate, and various mental health issues. Th is year’s LGBT pride committee encourages ments, including the United States military. Aft er Th ough things are changing, as new policies and everyone to “Be you. Be Proud” while encourag-ing years of forced silence and hiding, LGBT ser-vice practices have been implemented to reverse and and supporting your fellow airmen, friends, and members are fi nally able to serve openly, thanks to reduce the harm done to LGBT communities by prior family members to do the same. Th e free-dom to exist the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) discriminatory actions, considerable eff ort remains to fully and authentically is a basic human right, which policy in 2011. Th e policy change was a step forward encourage respect and pride for all identities. we should all practice for our-selves and uphold for in creating a safe and sup-portive environment for all Oft en, societal norms and expectations cloud those around us. service members to be their authentic selves as they our ideas of what gender, gender expression, and We hope everyone of all ages, sexual orientations, work toward their mission. sexuality should be, diminishing our ability to see genders, cultures, and other backgrounds will join us Some have questioned the necessity or the what actually is, oft en leading to rude assump-tions in practicing self-love, acceptance, and freedom, while purpose of the repeal, suggesting that one’s sexual and insolence. For example, some want/expect all celebrating each other with pride and unity. orientation or romantic life may not be important or men to be masculine, for women to be sweet and For more information on 2015 LGBT Pride month appropriate to share in the workplace in any event. submissive, for the spouse of a married person to be of events on Okinawa, please contact the 18 WG/EO at Th is argument would be valid if the DADT policy was the opposite sex, or for young boys to only play with 634-2571.

HEAT CONDITIONS FROM PAGE 1 Category three is a WBGT reading of at least 85 lated injuries rise,” said Tech. Sgt. Adrienne Tarin-Yatco, the peak heat, the 18th Aerospace Medicine Squadron degrees Fahrenheit but no higher than 87.9 de- 18th AMSD occupational health NCO in charge. “Along bioenvironmental engineering fl ight keeps up to date grees. This category is associated with a yellow with the heat, the need to hydrate also increases.” with the current wet bulb globe temperature. fl ag. Th ese heat conditions can greatly aff ect work intensity “Th e WBGT is a temperature-measuring scale that Category four is a WBGT reading of at least 88 as well. Due to the heat, tasks that are normally simple takes into account air temperature, mean radiant tem- degrees Fahrenheit but no higher than 89.9 de- can become dangerous or even deadly without the prop- perature, air speed and absolute humidity,” said Senior grees. This category is associated with a red fl ag. er work/rest cycle and hydration. Airman Aaron Rogers, 18th AMDS bioenvironmental Category fi ve is a WBGT reading of at least 90 “At Kadena it gets hot, people need to stay hydrated engineering technician. “Based on those readings there degrees Fahrenheit or higher. This category is because the higher the WBGT reading the more likely a is an assigned heat category and an associated fl ag color associated with a black fl ag. heat-related injury can occur,” said Tarin-Yatco. “Places to signify those categories.” like the child development center, Risner Fitness Center Th e categories for the diff erent heat conditions are as and the maintenance section all use the fl ag conditions to follows: make decisions related to the heat.” Category one is a WBGT reading of at least 78 Always check the current fl ag condition before go- degrees Fahrenheit but no higher than 81.9 de- ing outside for any workouts or activities that can have grees. This category is associated with a white fl ag. adverse eff ects in high heat. Category two is a WBGT reading of at least 82 de- For more information or for guidance on training re- grees Fahrenheit but no higher than 84.9 degrees. “As the Airmen, soldiers, sailors, Marines and their quirements, contact the Bioenvironmental Engineering This category is associated with a green fl ag. families spend more time in the sun the risk for heat re- Flight at 634-4752.

Published by Eight Co., Ltd. a private fi rm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with the 18th Wing. The civilian en- terprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services overseas. Contents of Samurai Gate are not necessarily the offi cial views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or Eight Co. Ltd. of the products or services advertised. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Depart- ment of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or Eight Co. Ltd. of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for purchase or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political af- filiation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. For commercial advertising, inquiry, send Email to [email protected] Offi cial Kadena Air Base inquiries: [email protected] DSN:634-3813 JUNE 12, 2015 SAMURAI GATE 3 USO Baby Shower delivers for Okinawa military community

By Tim Flack at an overseas location where it’s too easy 18th Wing Public Affairs for a woman to isolate herself, especially if 6/10/2015 — Nearly 200 women from her spouse is deployed. the military community across Okinawa “I think more than anything else, when gathered in the Kadena Offi cer’s Club ear- we have these showers, it’s about bringing lier this month for Special Delivery Baby moms together,” Murkoff said. “Because Showers, co-hosted by the USO and the motherhood is a sisterhood, right? And What to Expect Foundation. having those sisters in your community Heidi Murkoff , author of the New York that you can count on is incredibly helpful.” Times bestselling “What to Expect When Th e showers began with games and gift You’re Expecting,” series of books, served giveaways to help the women get to know as guest speaker for the June 3-4 showers. each other. One game included guessing Th is was Murkoff ’s third trip to Okina- how many sheets of toilet paper it would wa, and she said she feels a strong connec- take to wrap around each woman’s belly. tion with military moms, even though she Aft er guessing, women paired off to mea- doesn’t come from a military family. sure with a roll of paper. Th e mom-to-be “Th e farther away moms are from their with the closest guess at each table re- family and friends, the more they need this,” ceived an extra prize raffl e ticket. Murkoff said. “I think the biggest challenge Murkoff invited the women to ask as is being so far from your network of sup- many questions as they wanted, assuring (U.S. Air Force photo by Tim Flack) port that you normally would turn to.” them that no subject was off the table. She ^Heidi Murkoff, author of the New York Times bestselling “What to Expect When You’re Expecting,” series of books, She said pregnancy is never easy, but broke the ice by asking how many women talks with expectant mothers during a Special Delivery Baby Shower June 3, on Kadena Air Base. The USO and Murkoff’s being pregnant so far from home is expo- in the room were carrying “typhoon ba- “What to Expect Foundation” co-hosted two showers as a way to help women in the military community build a stronger support network. nentially more diffi cult. bies,” joking that pregnancies tend to occur “We all need help, we all need support, aft er couples are locked in the house togeth- port system.” meeting and chatting with every table. we all need someone to vent to, a shoul- er during the storms with nothing to do. She said she felt comfortable talking “Th e gift s are great, the raffl e prizes are der to cry on and someone to share all of One of the attendees, Kasie Krage, said with the women at her table, especially awesome, but the single-most important those fi rsts with,” she said. “And a hug - she really enjoyed the event. since four of them were all due the same part of the shower is to make those con- everyone needs a hug.” “I love this, it’s such a good idea,” she week later this summer. nections with other moms,” she said. “No- She said that’s why an event like the said of gathering the women for the event. As the women interacted and played the body gets it like another mom, and no- Special Delivery shower is so important “It does make you feel like you have a sup- games, Murkoff walked through the room body gets it like another military mom.”

SOCCER FROM PAGE 1 the U.S. Air Force Men’s Soccer enlisted and offi cers throughout life,” Zendejas explained. “You “Th e Army had a really good While stationed here, Team in 2015. the entire Air Force. Out of these, train three sessions a day, eat to- team,” said Zendejas. “Th ey Zendejas never missed an “Th is Air Force Soccer Team coaches can only select 38 appli- gether— do everything together.” threw everything they had at us opportunity to continue playing has been a huge dream of mine cants to attend the three week As the tournament arrived, and found a way to win. Th at the game he loved. since I joined,” he continued. camp leading up to the All Armed the best 18 service members being said, I still think it was our “I promised myself that I In order to join the team, forms Forces Soccer Tournament. were left on each team. Th e Air tournament to win and before it would fi nd a way to play and be were completed, references made From day one of arrival cuts Force took home the silver med- started I had the taste for gold around the game even if I joined and packages were submitted to are made. Only the best from al with a 1-0 loss to the Army, in my mouth. But maybe I was the Air Force,” Zendejas said. the coaches for review. Th e appli- each service survive. who took the gold medal in the tasting it for next year, because I And he did. Zendejas joined cation to the team is open to both “You’re hanging on for dear championship match. will be back.” 4 SAMURAI GATE JUNE 12, 2015 200 Kadena Airmen selected for promotion to technical sergeant

HARLAND, TRENT CORB, 18th Communications Squadron QUITANO, JOSEPH, 353rd Special Operations Maintenance By Senior Airman Omari Bernard HARRIS, KEITH, 18th Operations Support Squadron Squadron 6/10/2015 — More than 200 of Kadena’s promotion-el- HATCH, JONATHAN EDW, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron REECE, CHRISTOPHER, 353rd Special Operations Maintenance HENRIE, TRAVIS RAND, 353rd Special Operations Support Squadron igible staff sergeants were selected to become technical Squadron REED, TYE, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron sergeants following the Air Force Personnel Center’s HERNANDEZ, DULCELY, 18th Communications Squadron REYES, RAUL, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron release Tuesday night. HERNANDEZ, SAMUEL, 320th Special Tactics Squadron ROBINSON, KRISTY, 18th Operations Support Squadron HOLLEY, CASSIE, 18th Operations Support Squadron ROGERS, JARED, 18th Wing Th e Air Force selected 8,446 staff sergeants for pro- HOLLEY, RASHAD, 67th Fighter Squadron SADLER, JEFFREY, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron motion to technical sergeant, offi cials announced June 9. HOOFMAN, CURTIS, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron SALANGSANG, ALBERT, 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Selectees represent 23.55 percent of the 35,863 eligible. HUBBARD, NICHOLAS, 18th Aerospace Medicine Squadron SAMS, OCTAVIOUS, 18th Operations Support Squadron HUGHES, HEATHER, 18th Wing SANDOVAL, BRYEN, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Congratulations to the following members: HUGIE, JAMAR, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron SARMIENTO, CARLOS, 320th Special Tactics ACOSTA, JOHN, 18th Maintenance Group IRBY, JAMES, 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron SCHEERER, STEPHANIE, 18th Operations Support Squadron ADAMS, DESMAN, 320th Special Tactics Squadron IRWIN, RICHARD, 18th Maintenance Group SCHMIDEKE, JESSE, 733rd Air Mobility Squadron ANDERSON, CHRISTOPH, 353rd Special Operations Support IZADI, BABAC, 33rd Rescue Squadron SELMON, STEPHANIE, 353rd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron JACKSON, SERGIO, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron Squadron ANGELES, ROMMEL, 18th Medical Support Squadron JOHNSON, JAMIE, 353rd Special Operations Maintenance SHIELDS, JOSHUA, 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron ARCE, JOSEAN, 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Squadron SHIELDS, RICARDO, 18th Medical Operations Squadron BARB, ADAM, 18th Dental Squadron JOHNSON, JIMMIE, 18th Wing SHUPE, ADAM, 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron BAZE, SHANE, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron JONES, DAVID, 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron SHUTTLESWORTH, BRANDON, 718th Aircraft Maintenance BEAS, ALFRED, 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron JONES, KRISTEN, 18th Maintenance Group Squadron BECKER, JONATHAN, 18th Medical Operations Squadron KABAT, JASON, 353rd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron SIMMONS, WILLIAM, 18th Communications Squadron BERRY, SEDALE, 18th Security Forces Squadron KAID, ASHLEY, 18th Security Forces Squadron SKINNER, ALEXANDER, 18th Operations Support Squadron BLAIR, KYLE, 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron KEETER, AARON, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron SMART, KYLE STEVEN, 353rd Special Operations Maintenance BOLLINGER, BRETT, 18th Special Operations Squadron KNIGHT, MARIO, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron Squadron BOWERS, ADAM, 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron KWAN, JONES, 18th Operations Group SMITH, JAMES, 18th Maintenance Group BRACKETT, DAVID, 18th Operations Support Squadron LANDRY, BRIAN, 733rd Air Mobility Squadron SMITH, MURIEL, 320th Special Tactics Squadron BRAXTON, KOEAL, 18th Security Forces Squadron LEBLANC, JOSEPH, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron SMITHEE, JAYME, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron BRUBAKER, JOSHUA, 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron LEON, CHRISTOPHER, 353rd Special Operations Maintenance SNODGRASS, JERRET, 18th Security Forces Squadron BUENO, BERNARD, 67th Fighter Squadron Squadron SORENSEN, WADE, 390th Intelligence Squadron BUTTS, JOSHUA, 909th Air Refueling Squadron LEONOR, JOEL, 18th Communications Squadron SOTO, KELLY, 43rd Intelligence Squadron CAMINO, NICHOLAS, 1st Special Operations Squadron LEPELLETIER, 733rd Air Mobility Squadron ST CLAIR, JORDAN, 31st Rescue Squadron CAMPBELL, VIRGIL, 18th Component Maintenance Squadron LEWELLEN, THOMAS, 18th Component Maintenance Squadron STANGRET, KEAGAN, 18th Operations Squadron CANFIELD, MICHAEL, 18th Medical Operations Squadron LEWIS, JAMES, 353rd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron STEARNS, DANIEL, 1st Special Operations Squadron CARDIN, NICHOLAS, 18th Force Support Squadron LONG, DONALD, 390th Intelligence Squadron STEIER, ZACHARIAH, 353rd Special Operations Support CARLSON, SHANNON, 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron LONG, LUKE, 18th Communications Squadron Squadron CASAREZ, RICHARD, 18th Maintenance Group LOPEZ, SARAH, 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron STEWART, LARRA, Air Force Legal Operations Agency CASTRO, LEMUS, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron LOZANO, JAN, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron STEWART, SAMUEL, 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron CHAN, DOMDITER, 18th Operations Support Squadron MANEE, JACOB, 18th Communications Squadron STOCKMANN, MICHAEL, 18th Equipment Management Squadron CLARK, PATRICK, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron MANN, TAMEKA, 18th Comptroller Squadron STORAKO, KYLE, 18th Component Maintenance Squadron CONWAY, DWAYNE, 353rd Special Operations Group MAQUILON, CHRISTOPH, 353rd Special Operations Maintenance SUTTON, CALEB, 390th Intelligence Squadron CRISTOBAL, ERICKSON, 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Squadron SWAIM, MATTHEW, 353 Special Operations Squadron CROWDER, ANDREW, 17th Special Operations Squadron MARSHALL, AMBER, 18th Comptroller Squadron TANNER, DEREK, 18th Communications Squadron DAUGHERTY, MICHAEL, 18th Maintenance Group MARTIN, JARED, 18th Security Forces Squadron TAYLOR, MARQUIS, 18th Security Forces Squadron DAVENPORT, MATTHEW, 18th Component Maintenance MARTIN, MARCUS, 18th Operations Support Squadron TAYLOR, MATTHEW, 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Squadron MARTINEZ, LAWRENCE, 320th Special Tactics Squadron TAYLOR, WILLIAM, 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron DAVIS, CHRISTOPHER, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron MASON, JAMES, 353rd Special Operations Support Squadron TENEBRUSO, JOSEPH, 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron DEGENHARDT, JOSHUA, 320th Special Tactics Squadron MCDANIEL, REBECCA, 390th Intelligence Squadron THOMAS, DARRELL, 353rd Special Operations Support Squadron DEH KOMI, MAWUSSI, 18th Munitions Squadron MCKENNEY, BRANDON, 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron THOMAS, MARIE, 18th Dental Squadron DEPRINZIO, TRAVIS, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron MCNEESE, JUSTIN, 18th Wing THOMPSON, MATTHEW, 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron DESILUS, DEROLD, 18th Munitions Squadron MERCADO, DEAN, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron TIPTON, QUINN, 718th Civil Engineer Squadron DILLARD, JOHN, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron MILLER, DANIEL, 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron TITE, JUSTIN, 33rd Rescue Squadron DOS, SHANNON, 18th Communications Squadron MILLER, DEVON, 733 Air Mobility Squadron TORRENCE, BRITTANY, 18th Wing DOS, WILLIAM C, 390th Intelligence Squadron MILLER, JAMES, 18th Maintenance Group TRICE, VICTORIA, 18th Wing DUCOTE, LAUREN, 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron MONTANARO, AMBER, 18th Medical Support Squadron TROSPER, BRIAN, 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron DUNCAN, SCOTT, 353rd Special Operations Maintenance MOORE, CHRISTOPHER, 18th Security Forces Squadron TROSPER, NATALIE, 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron Squadron MOORE, MICHAEL, 18th Munitions Squadron VALLEJO, MICHAEL, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron DUNGAN, JOSHUA, 18th Communications Squadron MORRISON, MATTHEW, 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron WAGNER, RONALD, 18th Force Support Squadron DUREMDEZ AIMEE LIE, 18th Communications Squadron MOTEN, JIMMY, 18th Component Maintenance Squadron WEHRLY, JEREMY, 18th Security Forces Squadron DUVALL PAUL, 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron MURPHY, NATHAN, 18th Component Maintenance Squadron WELLS, JOSEPH, 18th Contracting Squadron DUVALL TRACY, 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron MYERS, SHEENA, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron WHITE, JOSEPH, 18th Security Forces Squadron EBERT RICHARD, 18th Communications Squadron NG, LAWRENCE, 18th Component Maintenance Squadron WILLIAMS, RONALD, 353rd Special Operations Maintenance ESTRADA CARRERAS, 18th Communications Squadron NORDHUES, PAUL, 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron Squadron EVANGELISTA, ANTONI, 372 Training Squadron OGBONNAYA, BRIAN, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron WILLIAMS, SOPHIA, 18th Maintenance Group FATTORUSSO, JOSHUA, 18th Special Operations Squadron OKONEK, KARL, 18th Maintenance Group WILSON, DON, 18th Logistics readiness Squadron FLEMING, FRANCESCA, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron OLES, CHRISTOPHER, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron WILSON, THOMAS, 18th Security Forces Squadron FLEMING, GEORGE III, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron PAEZ, PATRICK, Logistics Readiness Squadron YOUCHNIK, STEVEN, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron FLORES, TULLIS, 18th Wing PALMER, CREWS, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron ZEDELL, DANIEL, 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron GARCIA, JESUS ABRAH, 33rd Rescue Squadron PANNELL, MARK, Logistics Readiness Squadron ZIMMERLY, JASON, 18th Component Maintenance Squadron GARNER, RICHARD AUG, 733 Air Mobility Squadron PARKS, ERIC, 18th Dental Squadron ZITTERICH, BRANDON, 353rd Special Operations Maintenance GASSMAN, GARY MICHA, 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron PARRELLA, DINO, 718th Civil Engineer Squadron Squadron GIBBAR, ERIC STEVEN, 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron PAUL, DANIEL, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron GO, FRANCIS, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron PEKINS, JEREMY, 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron To see the selection list, go to the Air Force Portal GODDARD, JOSEPH, 33rd Rescue Squadron PENA, AGNES, 18th Force Support Squadron and select the promotion link, or go to myPers and GORHAM, BEVERLY ANN, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron PEREZ, OYOLA, 18th Wing GRANT, NICANOR G, 733rd Air Mobility Squadron PEREZ, RAIKO, 18th Operations Support Squadron select “Any” from the drop-down search menu and GUERRERO, SERGIO, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron PETTY, JUSTIN, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron enter “Active Duty: Enlisted Promotions Home Page” GUIDRY, THADDEUS A, 18th Security Forces Squadron PFAFF, JOEL, 353rd Special Operations Support Squadron in the search window. Scroll down to “Promotion GUNTER, SHANE BRADL, 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron PLATA, ERIC, 353rd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron HAHN, JEFFREY RICHA, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron PROVENCAL, CHRISTOPHER, 18th Civil Engineer Squadron Selects and Statistics.” JUNE 12, 2015 SAMURAI GATE 5 Kadena’s Okinawa Outreach tackles tough volunteer project Yamashiro said. “It was also take months to fi nish other- heartwarming to see family wise,” he said. members involved in that Yamashiro agreed, saying eff ort.” the May 30 project was a per- Okinawa Outreach, a com- fect example of that. mittee belonging to Kadena “Th e area where volunteers Air Base’s Top 3 organization, cleared this time was an area was formed to provide op- we can rarely touch normally portunities for Team Kadena because of our time restraints involvement in the Okinawan and limited manpower,” Ya- community. mashiro said. Master Sgt. Steven Whitley, Whitley also stressed the a Top 3 member who orga- volunteers take a lot away nized the May 30 volunteer ef- from working with local com- forts, said people like to be in- munities. volved for a variety of reasons. “Th ey get to see, talk to, Whitley said, “Some come work with, and interact with (Courtesy photo by Master Sgt. Steven Whitley) because of how it makes them local groups and communities ^Okinawa Outreach volunteers cut down a banana tree during a May 30, clean-up session at Care-house Hibiscus in Okinawa City. Okinawa Outreach, a committee feel ... the sense of giving back that they might not otherwise,” belonging to Kadena Air Base’s Top 3 organization, was formed to provide opportunities to a community that wel- Whitley said. “You get a for Team Kadena involvement in the Okinawan community. comed them. Others come better appreciation for being out to help serve a cause, in Japan. On top of that you By Tim Flack through the manual labor, whether it’s working with get to build connections and 18th Wing Public Affairs cleaning foliage, cutting grass, children or providing food for friendships that will last well 6/10/2015 - OKINAWA pulling weeds and stuffi ng the needy. beyond the time you leave CITY — Volunteers with garbage bags. “Most of all though, it’s Japan.” Okinawa Outreach pride When Yamashiro said that what our Airmen, sailors, and Whitley said that Okina- themselves on their hard it would be nice if the team soldiers are accustomed to. wa Outreach off ers plenty of work and on the fact that no could tackle cutting down a We give our time and eff ort to volunteer opportunities for challenge is too big. 15-foot banana tree during a things we care about and that all members of the commu- Th e volunteers defi nitely future visit when they had bet- reach is long,” Whitley said. nity. He said those wishing to surprised the man who lined ter tools for the job, the volun- “We are here for the better- participate can visit https:// up a recent project for them teers just laughed. Using small ment of our communities.” www.facebook.com/Oki- during a two-hour visit to an hand-saws, brute strength and Whitley said Okinawa nawaOutreach. elderly care facility in Okina- a pick, they made quick work Outreach volunteers provide “I encourage everyone who wa City May 30. Katsuhiko of the old tree. a huge benefi t to the off -base wants to a part of the local Yamashiro, facility manager “I was impressed that the organizations they work with. community to ‘reach’ out and at Care-house Hibiscus, said volunteers were so happy “Okinawa Outreach always get involved,” he said. “We lit- he was amazed at how quick- and smiling while doing such comes out in force and tackles erally have something for ev- ly the 10 volunteers plowed demanding manual labor,” projects and tasks that may eryone.” 6 SAMURAI GATE JUNE 12, 2015 Elevator Safety FORUM 21 visits Kadena Housing Maintenance Service Call regular hours of operation for submitting all work orders: 0630-2330 Sunday-Saturday, 634-4663 (HOME), option 6. (Must be dialed through base operator 098-938-1111) Between the hours of 2330-0630 only emergency service work orders for cooperative relationship will be taken by phone at 634-HOME,option 5 (i.e. problems that could cause loss of life, major property damage, serious damage affecting health, safety, security, and area-wide utility outages) (Must be dialed through base operator 098-938-1111) All routine or urgent work order requirements can be submitted online using your home/work computer at: http://www.kadena.af.mil/shared/ media/document/AFD-141022-064.pdf or called in during hours of operation.

(U.S. Air Force photos by Naoto Anazawa) ^Col. Debra Lovette, 18th Mission Support Group commander, and members of the Forum 21 class 2015 pose for a group photo in front of the 18th Wing building during their visit to Kadena Air Base, June 3. The 18th Wing’s goal is to help promote the understanding of U.S. national interests associated with the U.S. - Japan alliance, stationing forces in Japan and ensuring peace and stability in the region. Col. Debra Lovette, 18th Mission Support ^ Group commander, briefs members of the Forum 21 class 2015 about Kadena’s mission during their visit to Kadena Air Base, June 3. The purpose of the visit is to deepen their understanding of the Japan - U.S. cooperative relationship and United States Forces, Japan. This opportunity will further strengthen the cooperative tie between Japan and the U.S. as the visitors are key personnel in shaping public opinion in Japan’s private and public sectors. JUNE 12, 2015 SAMURAI GATE 7 More than 280 Kadena Airmen graduate during CCAF ceremony

By 18th Wing Public Affairs Staff Sgt. Steven Gipson II, 18th Component Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. Jason Nichols, 18th Wing PME Center 6/4/2015 — More than 280 Kadena Airmen were Master Sgt. Timothy Gobble, 733rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Master Sgt. Jeremy Nixon, 18th Wing Safety Staff Sgt. Joaquin Gonzalez, 18th Wing Command Post Master Sgt. Matthew Novack, 18th Civil Engineering Squadron formally awarded Community College of the Air Force Staff Sgt. Jared Gordon, 352nd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. Alexander Nunes, 18th Maintenance Group degrees during a graduation ceremony at the Keystone Staff Sgt. Beverly Gorham, 18th Mission Support Group Staff Sgt. Timothy Odell, 353rd Special Operations Support Squadron Senior Airman Ryan Greenoe, 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Master Sgt. Melissa Ohara, 18th Operations Support Squadron Th eater June 4. Staff Sgt. Heather Grigg, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron Staff Sgt. Demarcus Oliver, 18th Civil Engineering Squadron Congratulations to the following graduates: Staff Sgt. Marie Groover, 18th Medical Operations Squadron Tech. Sgt. Matthew Ordorff, 18th Operations Support Squadron Tech. Sgt. David Gustafson, 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. Miguel Ortizdiaz, 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Pitsenbarger Award winners: Staff Sgt. Cassandra Guzman, 18th Medical Support Squadron Staff Sgt. Andres Paredes, 18th Medical Operations Squadron Staff Sgt. Timothy Amen, 18th Civil Engineering Squadron Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Hall, 909th Air Refueling Squadron Staff Sgt. Eric Parker, 18th Communications Squadron Staff Sgt. Jolene Bilan, 18th Comptroller Squadron Master Sgt. Andrew Hallead, 18th Security Forces Squadron Staff Sgt. Eric Parks, 18th Dental Squadron Staff Sgt. James Childs, 733rd Air Mobility Squadron Staff Sgt. Emad Hamedeyyeh, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. John Parsons, 18th Security Forces Squadron Staff Sgt. Eugenio Redmond, 353rd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron Senior Airman Mason Harney, 18th Contracting Squadron Staff Sgt. Joshua Pay, 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron CCAF graduates: Staff Sgt. Darren Harris Jr., 18th Security Forces Squadron Master Sgt. Christopher Pearsall, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron Staff Sgt. Craig Harrison, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Tech. Sgt. Matthew Peay, 18th Civil Engineering Squadron Staff Sgt. Marvin Ablao, USAF School of Aerospace Medicine Det. 3 Staff Sgt. Jessica Harrod, 18th Force Support Squadron Staff Sgt. Tan Pham, 353rd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. Carlos Aheran Clemente, 18th Component Maintenance Squadron Senior Airman Kaniwar Hasan, 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. Ryan Phillips, 18th Contracting Squadron Tech. Sgt. Christopher Alexander, 390th Intelligence Squadron Staff Sgt. Jonathan Hatch, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron Tech. Sgt. Tonya Poole, 18th Maintenance Group Staff Sgt. Abraham Almonte, 372nd Training Squadron Det. 15 Senior Airman Candice Haynes, 18th Security Forces Squadron Tech. Sgt. Teddy Poole, 18th Security Forces Squadron Tech. Sgt. Valerie Anthony, 18th Wing Command Post Senior Airman Ashley Heaton, 18th Communications Squadron Tech. Sgt. Clinton Postlethwait, 18th Operations Support Squadron Senior Airman Ashley Arnold, 18th Civil Engineering Squadron Master Sgt. Sandie Hedge, 353rd Special Operations Support Squadron Master Sgt. Philip Potter Jr., 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. Brian Ayres, 31st Rescue Squadron Tech. Sgt. Christopher Henderson, 390th Intelligence Squadron Staff Sgt. Matthew Pressley, 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Staff Sgt. Christopher Bagan, 366th Component Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. Adrian Henry, 18th Medical Support Squadron Staff Sgt. Angelica Ramirez, 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Master Sgt. Jason Barker, 18th Wing Tech. Sgt. Carlos Hernandez, 18th Civil Engineering Squadron Tech. Sgt. Troy Rawles, 372nd Training Squadron Det. 15 Tech. Sgt. Olivia Barnes, 18th Wing Command Post Staff Sgt. Edward Hernandez, Air Postal Squadron Det. 3 Staff Sgt. Jason Reese, 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Senior Airman Jennifer Barnett, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron Staff Sgt. Raul Hernandez, 91st Missile Security Forces Squadron Master Sgt. Jerry Reynolds Jr., 18th Civil Engineering Squadron Airman 1st Class David Baughman, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron Tech. Sgt. Juan Hernandez, 372nd Training Squadron Det. 15 Senior Airman Sherard Rhodes, 18th Civil Engineering Squadron Staff Sgt. Shane Baze, 18th Civil Engineering Squadron Tech. Sgt. Jason Hill, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron Tech. Sgt. Larrance Ritter, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron Senior Airman Wesley Bear, 353rd Special Operations Support Squadron Tech. Sgt. Russell Hoffman, 18th Maintenance Group Staff Sgt. Jimmy Ritter, 18th Operations Support Squadron Staff Sgt. Andrew Belle, 353rd Special Operations Support Squadron Staff Sgt. James Honeycutt, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Master Sgt. Kevin Roark, 58th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. Sefi atu Bello, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. Amber Hopp, 315th Training Squadron Tech. Sgt. James Robinson, 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Tech. Sgt. Harvey Betancourt, 18th Communications Squadron Staff Sgt. Bryan Horn, 18th Component Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. Matthew Rocheleau, 8th Reconnaissance Squadron Tech. Sgt. Sara Bishop, 18th Wing Public Affairs Senior Airman Lilly Hubbard, 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Staff Sgt. Michael Rodriguez, 18th Civil Engineering Squadron Tech. Sgt. Kyle Bookhardt, 18th Contracting Squadron Senior Airman Jamie Hubbard, 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. Kyle Rowe, 18th Wing Safety Staff Sgt. Lawrence Boring, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron Tech. Sgt. Robert Hunter, 18th Contracting Squadron Master Sgt. Fernando Ruiz, 18th Maintenance Group Tech. Sgt. Andrew Bowman, 726th Air Mobility Squadron Staff Sgt. Michael Irizarry, 4th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Senior Airman Zachary Salyers, 18th Component Maintenance Squadron Tech. Sgt. Shannon Bowman, 353rd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. James Branch, 733rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Tech. Sgt. Curtis Jackson Jr., 18th Component Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. Octavious Sams, 18th Operations Support Squadron Senior Airman Torris Brown, 18th Medical Support Squadron Senior Airman Mark Jenkins, 18th Contracting Squadron Senior Airman Brandon Schleichert, 18th Medical Operations Squadron Staff Sgt. Joshua Burwell, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. Clinton Jenkins, 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Senior Airman Carly Schlum, 18th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Senior Airman Leo Busch, 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Tech. Sgt. George Johnson, 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Master Sgt. Preston Sewell Jr., 390th Intelligence Squadron Staff Sgt. Meagan Bustillo, 353rd Special Operations Group Tech. Sgt. Brooke Johnston, 353rd Special Operations Maintenance Squadrons Staff Sgt. Cologne Shepherd, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Senior Airman Jonathan Bynes, 18th Communications Squadron Tech. Sgt. Mickerl Jones Jr., 18th Component Maintenance Squadron Senior Airman William Sherrod, 18th Communications Squadron Staff Sgt. Shannon Carlson, 18th Communications Squadron Master Sgt. Timothy Jordan, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Master Sgt. John Shipp, 733rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. Richard Casarez, 18th Maintenance Group Senior Airman Renan Jorge, 18th Dental Squadron Staff Sgt. Ryan Sibley, 390th Intelligence Squadron Master Sgt. Brandon Chandler, 733rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. Matthew Kehn, 733rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Tech. Sgt. Matthew Simpson, 718th Civil Engineering Squadron Staff Sgt. Larson Chun, 18th Operations Support Squadron Staff Sgt. Justin Keirn, 320th Special Tactics Squadron Staff Sgt. Mark Javie Simpson, 18th Comptroller Squadron Master Sgt. Raymond Clark, 18th Force Support Squadron Staff Sgt. Abraham Kinlow, 733rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Senior Airman Nathan Sinex, 18th Communications Squadron Master Sgt. Dawnique Coles, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Klein, 18th Operations Support Squadron Tech. Sgt. Jarod Singer, 18th Civil Engineering Squadron Airman 1st Class Jared Cones, 18th Communications Squadron Tech. Sgt. Amos Kleinwolterink, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron Tech. Sgt. Kevin Smith Jr., 18th Operations Support Squadron Tech. Sgt. Heather Consola, 18th Contracting Squadron Senior Airman Dorothy Knox, 18th Civil Engineering Squadron Staff Sgt. Charles Sothikhoun, 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. George Corsaut III, 18th Communications Squadron Tech. Sgt. Jason Korando, 18th Munitions Squadron Senior Airman Michael Soto, 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. Aaron Coy, 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Airman 1st Class Stephen Krueger, 18th Component Maintenance Squadron Tech. Sgt. Kevin Spain, 18th Security Forces Squadron Senior Airman Nathan Cross, 18th Civil Engineering Squadron Staff Sgt. Rena Labeaud Howard, 18th Medical Support Squadron Staff Sgt. Keagan Stangret, 18th Operations Support Squadron Master Sgt. Mark Cruz, 353rd Special Operations Maintenance Squadrons Senior Airman Anthony Lambrechts, 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron Tech. Sgt. Joel Steele, 733rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Master Sgt. Tony Cuevas, 509th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. Brandon Lawrence, 18th Munitions Squadron Staff Sgt. Samuel Stewart, 8th Reconnaissance Squadron Senior Airman Benjamin Darr, 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Senior Airman Logattrace Leonard, 18th Component Maintenance Squadron Senior Airman Kenneth Stockman, 18th Communications Squadron Staff Sgt. Matthew Davenport, 18th Component Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. Joseph Levit, 390th Intelligence Squadron Staff Sgt. Darnell Strawder, 8th Reconnaissance Squadron Staff Sgt. Jabrielle Joy David, 18th Medical Support Squadron Master Sgt. Damon Lewis, 18th Maintenance Group Airman 1st Class Joseph Styche, 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. Gene Davila, 18th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Master Sgt. James Lilly, 18th Maintenance Group Master Sgt. Paiea Suganuma, 99th Logistics Readiness Squadron Senior Airman Dustin Dayvolt, 18th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Staff Sgt. Donald Long, 390th Intelligence Squadron Tech. Sgt. Ashunta Taylor, 353rd Special Operations Support Squadron Tech. Sgt. Gary Dennis Jr., 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Senior Airman Larry Longbrake, 18th Civil Engineering Squadron Tech. Sgt. Bobbie Tenney, 18th Operations Support Squadron Master Sgt. Brian Dieckmann, 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Master Sgt. David Lukas, 18th Contracting Squadron Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Thompson III, 17th Special Operations Squadron Tech. Sgt. Elizabeth Douglas, 18th Medical Group Master Sgt. Joseph Mageau, 18th Civil Engineer Group Staff Sgt. Jawana Torres, 18th Munitions Squadron Master Sgt. David Drake, 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. James Makarzyk, 338th Combat Training Squadron Staff Sgt. Adam Tresenrider, 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. Jason Duckett, 912th Air Refueling Squadron Tech. Sgt. Kenneth Malawey, 320th Special Tactics Squadron Senior Airman Maura Trujillo, 18th Medical Operations Squadron Staff Sgt. Aimee Liezsl Duremdez, 18th Communications Squadron Master Sgt. Jason Malin, 961st Airborne Air Control Squadron Tech. Sgt. Raynard Tsukiyama, 18th Maintenance Group Senior Airman Jason Dwyer, 18th Communications Squadron Staff Sgt. Jacob Manee, 18th Communications Squadron Senior Airman Desiree Tuazon, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. Matthew Edwards, 18th Security Forces Squadron Senior Airman Ryan Mann, 18th Dental Squadron Staff Sgt. Dustin Unger, 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. Sean Eggleston, 18th Civil Engineering Squadron Senior Airman Ferdinand Manuel, 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. Michael Vallejo, 18th Civil Engineering Squadron Staff Sgt. Maeson Elleman, 18th Wing Public Affairs Tech. Sgt. Robert Marcy Jr., 18th Component Maintenance Squadron Tech. Sgt. Andrew Veseth, 733rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Tech. Sgt. Grant Ellis, 372nd Training Squadron Det. 15 Staff Sgt. Christopher Markham, 372nd Training Squadron Det. 15 Staff Sgt. Ronald Waite, 390th Intelligence Squadron Staff Sgt. Ericka Endara Cedeno, 18th Force Support Squadron Master Sgt. Michael Massey, 18th Force Support Squadron Staff Sgt. Ryan Waldbauer, 55th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. Pedro Estrada Carreras, 18th Communications Squadron Tech. Sgt. Omar Massoud, 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Senior Airman Erik Waldrip, 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Master Sgt. Justin Ferris, 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. Samatha McAlevy, 390th Intelligence Squadron Tech. Sgt. Deron Walker, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron Tech. Sgt. Joshua Fetherland, 82nd Reconnaissance Squadron Tech. Sgt. Tisha McConnell, 18th Maintenance Group Tech. Sgt. Brandon Ward, 18th Civil Engineer Group Staff Sgt. Nicole Finnegan, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron Tech. Sgt. Julie McDonald, 353rd Special Operations Maintenance Squadrons Tech. Sgt. William Warrior, 18th Operations Group Tech. Sgt. Thomas Fleming II, 18th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Master Sgt. Andre McDonald, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron Master Sgt. Jason Washington, 18th Civil Engineering Squadron Staff Sgt. Edrianne Flores Tullis, 18th Wing Legal Senior Airman Kelsey McDonnell, 18th Munitions Squadron Senior Airman Carlaton White II, 18th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron Staff Sgt. Euforcina Font, 909th Air Refueling Squadron Tech. Sgt. Kyla McKnight, 48th Contracting Squadron Staff Sgt. Joshua Whiting, 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Master Sgt. Troy Forbes, 18th Civil Engineering Squadron Staff Sgt. Danielle Meadows, 366th Medical Operations Squadron Master Sgt. Kimberly Widener, 18th Dental Squadron Staff Sgt. Brian Foxworth, 18th Civil Engineering Squadron Master Sgt. John Medcalf, 18th Operations Support Squadron Staff Sgt. Thomas Wiley, 353rd Special Operations Support Squadron Staff Sgt. David Freeman, 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. Hernani Napoleon Medina, 20th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Senior Airman Angela Wilkerson, 18th Comptroller Squadron Airman 1st Class Scott Fremming, 18th Wing Public Affairs Staff Sgt. Corey Menhart, 18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. Jacob Williams, 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Senior Airman David Frey, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron Staff Sgt. Marshall Merriweather, 18th Logistics Readiness Squadron Senior Airman Theodore Williams, 353 Special Operations Support Squadron Senior Airman Cody Frisbie, 718th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. Nicholas Mike, 18th Civil Engineering Squadron Tech. Sgt. Bradley Wilson, 18th Force Support Squadron Senior Airman Ricky Froneberger II, 18th Civil Engineering Squadron Staff Sgt. Lavar Mingo,18th Equipment Maintenance Squadron Staff Sgt. Christopher Wilson, 320th Special Tactics Squadron Staff Sgt. Matthew Fullmer, 320th Special Tactics Squadron Tech. Sgt. Ryan Moore, 17th Special Operations Squadron Staff Sgt. Tristan Windle, 320th Special Tactics Squadron Staff Sgt. Daniel Galacgac, 18th Dental Squadron Staff Sgt. Marcus Morris, 18th Wing Public Affairs Senior Airman Colin Wolfe, 18th Maintenance Group Staff Sgt. Jesus Garcia, 33rd Rescue Squadron Airman 1st Class Dorresalyn Moses, 18th Communications Squadron Senior Airman Shing Wong, 18th Dental Squadron Senior Airman Katherine Gay, 18th Dental Squadron Tech. Sgt. Joshua Motzer, 733rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Senior Airman Shing Wong, 353rd Special Operations Maintenance Squadron Senior Airman Joshua Geissler, 353rd Special Operations Group Tech. Sgt. Nancy Murilloalvarez, 18th Operations Support Squadron Staff Sgt. Corey Woods, 18th Civil Engineering Squadron Senior Airman Andrew Georgeff, 18th Component Maintenance Squadron Master Sgt. Zachary Murphy, 8th Reconnaissance Squadron Master Sgt. Devin Wright, 18th Force Support Squadron Senior Airman Richard Gere, 18th Civil Engineering Squadron Master Sgt. Christopher Nelson, 18th Maintenance Group Tech. Sgt. Sicily Yazzie, 17th Special Operations Squadron Senior Airman Joshua Germano, 18th Communications Squadron Staff Sgt. Christopher Newberry, 49th Logistics Readiness Squadron Staff Sgt. Jason Zimmerly, 18th Component Maintenance Squadron 8 SAMURAI GATE JUNE 12, 2015

National Safety Month: Operationalizing safety By Lt. Col. Phillip Jenison, losses were Soldiers who weren’t properly N. Joan Blackwell and Chief restrained inside vehicles and negligent Warrant Offi cer 4 Mark Parr discharges of both military and private- Ground Directorate ly owned weapons. Th ose are just two of U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center the many types of accidents that could 6/10/2015 — Today’s Army leaders face have been prevented. And though we a strategically complex, uncertain and tend to focus primarily on fatalities when changing environment. In keeping with discussing accidents, in reality, anytime the mission command philosophy, lead- someone in the force is away from the ers must employ disciplined personal formation due to preventable injury, it is initiative to execute a shared understand- a loss to both unit cohesion and mission ing of the commander’s intent for each readiness. mission. For this decentralized decision- As the number of deployments takes a making approach to be successful, lead- shift and the Army moves into an era of ers must build cohesive teams based on rebalancing focus, it is certain the home mutual trust, and plan for and accept a station training environment tempo will prudent amount of risk in the missions increase. Th us, it is imperative that lead- they undertake. ers incorporate safe practices and hazard As a result, there exists a compelling controls into every aspect of their units’ need to operationalize safety. Command- daily activities. Th e key requirement for ers and the Soldiers they lead need to a positive shift in a unit’s safety culture is know how to routinely identify, mitigate engaged leadership from the bottom up. and eliminate the hazards inherent in and Ground Risk Assessment Tool. Each Th e ODSAP is redesigned annually to re- Aft er all, even the very best risk assess- all their endeavors, whether in combat of these products, and many other ma- fl ect current accident statistics and fresh- ment cannot prevent accidents if no one or at home station, both on duty and off terials produced by the USACRC, assist en the training package with new videos is willing to monitor and step in when an duty. To that end, the U.S. Army Combat commanders by creating awareness of and other pertinent safety information. activity or situation becomes unsafe. Readiness Center continues to research potential safety-related issues and pro- We cannot always prevent losing a As the USACRC prepares to launch and develop innovative programs and viding countermeasures and strategies Soldier to enemy activity in combat. Th e the Joint Risk Assessment Tool and oth- tools that can help commanders make for circumventing associated risks. Fur- inherent risks of our profession are such er safety materials in fi scal year 2016, safety an integral part of everything their ther, the tools themselves are not static. that fatalities and injuries will persist, we challenge commanders, leaders and units do. Th ey are constantly evolving in light of despite our best eff orts. However, all too Soldiers to embrace an environment of A few of the tools currently available lessons learned, changes in policy and oft en we lose Soldiers outside of combat continuous learning and rigorous appli- that focus on preventing ground losses user feedback. For instance, GRAT is due to preventable accidents. It is these cation of safety principles and practices. include the Range and Weapons Safe- currently being overhauled and expand- deaths we must stop. While the number Don’t just “check the block” when you’ve ty Toolbox, Driver’s Training Toolbox, ed as the Joint Risk Assessment Tool to of accidental fatalities continued to de- completed your risk assessment work- Off -Duty Safety Awareness Presentation, better serve the Army and support lead- cline again last year to an all-time low of sheet. Implement the plan and dare to be Army Readiness Assessment Program ers from other branches of the military. 127 at the end of fi scal 2014, among those creative at operationalizing safety.

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ACE family Housing 098-929-1808 JUNE 12, 2015 SAMURAI GATE 9 “First in Asia” Battalion Family readiness group hosts warrior’s silent auction By U.S. Army Garrison – Okinawa Public Affairs 6/10/2015 — Volunteers from the 1st Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group hosted the annu- al Warrior’s Silent Auction at Havana’s on Torii Station June 5 to raise awareness and garner support for the battalion’s Spe- cial Events Group, which uses the funds to support more than 1,000 Family members of for- ward stationed and frequently deployed Special Operations Soldiers who call Okinawa their home away from home. ^More than 90 Soldiers, Families and civilians bid on a variety of items More than 90 Soldiers, Fami- provided^ by dozens of donors June 5 to raise awareness and garner support for lies and civilians bid on a variety the 1st Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group Family Readiness Group during the of items provided by dozens of annual Warrior’s Silent Auction. donors, including: gift bags from (Photos courtesy of 1st Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne)) well-known brands, free tickets al event for Army camaraderie chant, who had his sights set on a that’s a win for our Army Team.” served as the lead event planner to Family-friendly entertain- and fellowship with joint-service Vermont goodie basket with two Family Readiness Groups, for the Warrior’s Silent Auction, ment events, several items from Families assigned to Okinawa large bottles of maple syrup. “Un- which serve as a conduit between the event was a victory for the craft artisans and more. — all for the greater good of our fortunately I was outbid,” he said. the command and Family mem- Battalion’s Families. At the end of the evening, battalion Families,” said Battal- But the Merchant Family did bers, are an integral part of the “Th e 2015 [Warrior’s] Silent more than $3,000 was raised to ion Commander Lt. Col. Joshe come away with a signed photo Army Team. Th e Family Read- Auction was an absolute suc- directly support the Families of Raetz. “Th is year, over 80 gen- print of Mt. Fuji at dusk, a set iness Group, formerly known cess thanks to all the wonderful Special Operations personnel erous supporters provided items of Legos and a handmade felt as the Family Support Group, volunteers that made this event who continue to serve the Na- for auction … I am personally brooch – a sweet haul aft er all. is a concept that had early roots possible. I would like to express tion quietly each and every day, grateful for and humbled by the However, the real win for among Army Families, who my gratitude to the silent auction according to event organizers. benevolence of our friends of Merchant and others wasn’t ma- banded together during war or committee and, Lt. Col. Joshe All money raised will direct- 1-1st Special Forces,” he said. terial, but rather reverence and tours overseas or other isolated Raetz, [1st Battalion, 1st Special ly fund upcoming special events Th e event also allowed for an support for those who continue locations, to provide informa- Forces Group] Commander, and for Families including: Welcome enjoyable evening of Family ca- to put it all on the line. tion, moral support, and social to Col. Eric Martinez, Garrison Fest in August, Harvestfest in maraderie, Army fellowship and “We supported the cause be- outlets to their members, accord- Commander USAG-Okinawa, October and Santa on the Beach some friendly competition. cause like so many of our Army ing to the Army Family Readi- for all your support. Th e evening in December. “Like all auctions, the night was Family, they are oft en deployed ness Group Leader’s Handbook. was full of friends, food, fun, and “Our Warrior’s Silent Auc- full of wins and losses,” said Gar- and if our contribution and at- For Family Readiness Group great deals for everybody that tion proved to be an exception- rison Safety Manager Phil Mer- tendance assists in any way, member Mylenna Ortega, who came out to attend the event.” 10 SAMURAI GATE JUNE 12, 2015

To submit an announcement for the base bulletin, please visit www.kadena.af.mil NO FEDERAL ENDORSEMENT OF PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS OR ACTIVITIES IS INTENDED. Kadena and Camp Foster term start date. For more information, call the contributions as well as donations of video game Leaders Encouraging emergency numbers Education Offi ce at 634-1500, option 1 or email systems, accessories and games to support the Airman Development (LEAD) Kadenaeducationoffi [email protected]. Pediatrics Clinic on Joint Base Pearl Harbor- Kadena Fire Emergency Services would like to commissioning opportunity Hickam. Donation began May 20 and ends June remind everyone to program their cell phones It is the time of year for outstanding Airmen to Introduction to Buddhism seminar 26 here on Kadena. All donations will provide with the emergency numbers. To report an apply to the United States Air Force Academy Kadena/Okinawa Soka Gakkai International comfort to children undergoing treatment or in emergency on Kadena via cell, dial 098-934- (USAFA) and Preparatory School. Interested Buddhist group is scheduled to host an event recovery. For more information, email Staff Sgt. 5911, and from an offi ce phone, dial 911. For Airmen must be academically qualifi ed, of to provide introductory level information about Armond Philmon at [email protected]. Camp Foster via cell, dial 098-911-1911, or from high moral character, possess exceptional the Buddhist practice at Chapel 3, 7-8 p.m. June an offi ce phone, dial 911. 23. For more information, contact Richard Tollini

Kadena AB Gate 1 Visitor Control at DSN 634-3929, CP 090-1942-1066 or richard. Center-early closure [email protected], or Tom Harter, Harold. [email protected], 634-1776. The Visitor Control Center at Gate 1 on Kadena will be closing early for an offi cial unit function Refuse Contract change June 26. Hours will be from 7:30-11 a.m., but Starting June 15, residents of Military Family the center will resume normal operating hours Housing on Okinawa will be required to move June 29. For further details or questions, contact their refuse bins to the curb by 8 a.m. the day Tech. Sgt. Kevin Spain at 634-1033. of their scheduled refuse pick up. The refuse Library summer reading program bins can be placed near the same location as recycling bins are currently placed for pick up. Beginning June 22, the library will begin the This change does not impact residents living Summer Reading Program. This program is within the towers. For more information, call the open to all authorized library users. Minutes 18th CES Service Contracts offi ce at 634-0707, are logged online. Use the link on Kadenafss. or for questions regarding the refuse pick up com or the Library’s Facebook page to create schedule, call the 718th CES Housing Facilities an account in Evanced and start logging your offi ce at 634-1427. minutes. For more information, contact William Niblick at 634-1502. Family Housing customer service Kadena Clinic closure changes Effective June 15, the Camp Courtney Family Kadena’s clinic will be closed for an offi cial Housing Customer Service offi ce will be relocated function and readiness training June 18. For to building 4118, with hours of operation from 8 more information, contact the clinic at 630-4817. a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday except Military Tuition Assistance on Wednesday they are open 8 a.m. to noon Application Window and they are closed daily from noon to 1 p.m. All family housing assignments and inbound Students interested in utilizing Military Tuition briefi ngs will relocate to the Kadena Housing Assistance (MilTA) must attend the mandatory Offi ce at building 217 on Kadena Air Base. For TA briefi ng and have an approved degree plan more information, call the Courtney Housing on fi le before applying for MilTA via the Air Force Offi ce at 622-7317 or the Kadena Housing Offi ce Virtual Education Center (AFVEC) site located at 634-0582. at https://afvec.langley.af.mil/afvec. All TA applications must be submitted no earlier than Operation Game Drop 2.0 45 days and no later than seven days from the Operation Game Drop 2.0 is seeking monetary JUNE 12, 2015 SAMURAI GATE 11 leadership potential, and meet all USAFA entry Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium requirements. For further information and to Dorm 700 invites all unaccompanied housing apply online, visit the Academy Admissions residents for a trip to the Okinawa Churaumi website at www.academyadmissions.com and Aquarium June 21. It will Cost $30 per person, start the pre-candidate questionnaire, or email and fees are due no later than June 15. For [email protected]. additional information contact Airman 1st Class Randall Levy at 080-6482-9439 or the Dorm 700 Partial road closures on Douglas council. Boulevard For the next several months there will be partial VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES road closures on Douglas Blvd. to accommodate Volunteers needed for charitable a sewer line installation. The closures are dance event scheduled as follows: From Warfi eld Road to The Special Olympics Nippon (SON) Okinawa McKennon Avenue – May 26 through Oct. 31. / is scheduled to hold a charitable dance event Gate 1 visitor parking lot entrance from/exit to from 6-9 p.m. July 18 at Okinawa City Koza inbound lanes – Nov. 11 – 30. / Gate 1 outbound – Music Town third fl oor. The SON Okinawa’s Dec. 22, 2015 through Jan. 15, 2016. / Pavement currently recruiting Country and Western restoration of above areas – Jan. 16 through enjoyers (amateurs welcome) from the military March 31, 2016 For more information, call Tsuguo community who can volunteer for a 15-minute Asato at 634-4879. performance (with basic tunes) and dance along with local special needs athletes during the Kadena arrival, sign-in and in- event timeframe. This event is to support daily processing (active duty Air Force missions and activities of SON Okinawa. For personnel) more information, contact Sayaka Kawatake, Upon arrival to Kadena AB, all Airmen must U.S. volunteer coordinator, at 634-4142 or email fi rst report to their respective unit’s Command [email protected]. Support Staff, intro manager or admin staff representative for initial duty assignment, notifi cation upon arrival or the next duty day after weekend arrival. After unit sign-in, report to the Kadena Military Personnel Section with completed IDA notifi cation for in-processing. MPS in-processing is conducted Monday – Friday at 8 a.m. at the MPS, Bldg. 721B, room H100. For more information, call MPS Customer Support at 634-4537. National anthem singers wanted 18th Wing Protocol is seeking talented vocalists to perform the national anthems at future events. Nominees will have a brief audition performing either the Japanese or American anthem or both. To audition, contact 18th Wing Protocol at 634- 1808. UPCOMING EVENTS 2015 AFSA Flag Day Ceremony The Air Force Sergeants Association is scheduled to conduct the 2015 AFSA Flag Day Ceremony from 4:30-5:30 p.m. June 15 at Bldg. 10. For more information, call Staff Sgt. Beverly Gorham at 632-0231 or Master Sgt. Renee Oliviel at 634-3272. 12 SAMURAI GATE JUNE 12, 2015 USFJ, 5 AF change of command ceremony

during his tenure. “Th ree years ago Admiral Locklear tasked you [USFJ personnel] to operation- alize this organization, and you’ve done so magnifi cently,” Angelella said. “You did it in the wake and recovery of the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011. You brought over the newest equipment and best trained service members and civilians. “And here we stand today, as we refl ect on the 70th Anniversary of the end of World War II, the United States and Japan are readying the Alliance for the challeng- es of the future and reaffi rming its role as the guarantor of Peace and Stability in the Asia-Pacifi c,” Angelella said. Dolan took a moment to speak to the men and women of USFJ and Fift h Air Force as he assumed the mantle of com- mander. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Delano Scott) ^Gen. Lori J. Robinson, Pacifi c Air Forces commander, passes the U.S. Forces Japan guidon to the new USFJ and “To my joint Service and civilian team- 5th Air Force commander, Lt. Gen. John L. Dolan, during a change of command ceremony June 5, at Yokota Air Base. mates and shipmates, I’m honored to have this opportunity to serve along your side By Tech. Sgt. son said. “Fift h Air Force, for example, as your USFJ commander,” Dolan said. Christopher Marasky has provided continuous airpower in the “Th is past year, I’ve had the privilege to 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Pacifi c since September 1941. Today, watch how you all have worked as a team, 6/5/2015 - YOKOTA AIR BASE, Ja- each of the services in Japan continues training side-by-side with our Japanese pan — Lieutenant General John Dolan the mission of deterring aggression and partners, nurturing our relationships, assumed command of U.S. Forces Japan, maintaining regional stability.” maintaining the defensive readiness, and and Fift h Air Force during a change of As Robinson discussed the role of the providing quick and responsive humani- command ceremony held here today. command in the Pacifi c, she highlighted tarian support of the region. Your eff orts General Dolan, the former Chief of the importance of great leadership during are a huge part of why our alliance is so Staff U.S. Pacifi c Command, replaced Lt. the ceremony. strong today. Gen. Sam Angelella who retired today. “Th is is a special day for Pacifi c Air “To the Airmen in Fift h Air Force, General Lori Robinson, Commander, Forces and U.S. Pacifi c Command,” Rob- I’m proud to be part of your team! Th e Pacifi c Air Forces; Air Component Com- inson said. “Today, we acknowledge the successes you have had in providing mander for U.S. Pacifi c Command; and profound impact of a great leadership team global reach, power and vigilance to the Executive Director, Pacifi c Air Combat and welcome another one to lead and care Pacifi c region are second to none,” Dolan Operations Staff , was present to offi ciate for our service men and women in Japan.” said. “For both USFJ and Fift h Air Force at the ceremony. As he relinquished command and commands, I will work daily to ensure “Th e security relationship between the prepared to head into retirement, Ange- you have the resources and guidance to U.S. and Japan is the cornerstone of peace lella took a moment to highlight some be successful in continuing your unique and stability in the Asia-Pacifi c,” Robin- of the challenges and accomplishments mission sets.”