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Volume 72 No. 2 April 2020

#RESERVEREADY #RESERVERESILIENT

AFRC's Plan Ahead

Official Magazine of the Air Force Reserve COVID-19 From the Top @ AFRCCommander Chief’s View @ AFRC.CCC OUR PLAN AHEAD Heroes of the Air Force Reserve,

I want to share our plan ahead for the Air Force Reserve as we help our country respond to and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. As you know, the president announced a national emergency on March 13, due to the Novel coronavirus. As your commander, I want you to know TAKE CARE OF my commander’s intent going forward. My first priority is to take care of you - our Airmen, civilians and families. First EACH OTHER and foremost, we must take preventive region. Some locations have been hit hard to avoid overwhelming the healthcare measures to protect our personnel from while others have not. Therefore, the risk system by slowing the rate of spread of COVID-19 and minimize the spread of to our wings and unit personnel varies this virus. We do this by making smart illness. In situations such as these, it is with geographic location. This scenario decisions for our Airmen and families. important for every Airman to maintain is further complicated by the differences In closing - let me share this with Reserve Citizen Airmen, strong situational awareness, keep calm in mission requirements between units. you: What we are facing will test our and make sound, rational decisions. Certain tasks can be completed from readiness. It will test our resiliency. It Events with COVID-19 are moving rapidly, but as the boss their families are cared for. We must also support our wingmen Second, is to ensure information anywhere with ease, whereas others can will test our organizational processes and said - taking care of our Airmen and families is job #1. while we continue to accomplish the mission. flows quickly to arm you with the facts, only be accomplished at certain locations. resources. And it will test our resolve. As such, the Department of Defense announced widespread No doubt, we are being challenged. But I know we will guidance and actions at hand so you can Through this crisis we will continue to Help our Air Force Reserve family stay travel restrictions to protect our Airmen and families. These prevail because of our people - the same people I meet every day, make decisions for your unit and your execute our mission-essential operations flexible, proactive and healthy - we will restrictions affect the entire DoD workforce and our families. who impress me no matter what challenges are put before them. family. This is critical to calming nerves and wartime missions which are vital to come out a stronger, more confident and Regardless of whether you are a military member, in or out of I'm proud to serve next to you and humbled to see you take care and meeting our mission success. All our national defense. Balancing risk with successful team in the end. Our nation status, a civilian employee, a contractor or a family member of our nation under these circumstances. Continue to stay the Reservists should educate themselves on readiness will be tough as this dynamic needs us, and I empower you to lead your - please do your part and follow DoD directives, Centers for course, stay resilient and take care of each other. It's an honor both the disease and the conditions in environment continues. The command is people and families through this evolving Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and local protection and privilege to support you through this dynamic mission their local area by gathering information here to help and will continue to support environment with confidence, calm and measures. entrusted to us. #ReserveResilient! ■ from reliable sources, such as the Centers you through this event. care. Aim High, Airmen! ■ We want to ensure our Airmen and their families are getting for Disease Control and state health Preserving the force and taking care of the facts on COVID-19. We encourage all to visit the Air Force agency websites. Americans is our ultimate mission. Stay Reserve website at www.afrc.af.mil and Air Force Reserve social Next is reserving decision space for our the course and watch out for each other. media pages. commanders in the field. It's essential to Ask for help when you need it. Be proud Still can't find an answer? Your unit leadership is the best have flexibility in this dynamic environ- of the task put in front of us and continue and first place for answers. Individual Reservists should stay ment we face. Now more than ever, I to serve with professionalism, integrity in close contact with their chain of command and their RIO need commanders to command. I need and service before self. detachment. If you still need local answers or just want more our leaders to lean forward, while erring Force health protection is critical in information, check your unit's web page and social media sites. on the side of caution, to balance our our ability to accomplish the mission. I'm Bottom line: Take care of each other by communicating operational requirements with the safety empowering local and base commanders RICHARD W. SCOBEE up and down the chain. As we keep you informed - pass on TIMOTHY C. WHITE JR. of our people. to assess their community environments, Lieutenant General, USAF the knowledge to your fellow Airmen, and please keep your Chief Master Sergeant, USAF This pandemic demonstrates the crit- work with local and state agencies, and Chief of Air Force Reserve families informed. Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief of Air Force Reserve icality of empowering local commanders make smart decisions affecting their Commander, Air Force Reserve Command The commander's intent has been clearly articulated by our Command Chief Master Sergeant, Air Force Reserve Command to act independently. The severity of the Reserve Citizen Airmen, families and boss. Now we must step up together and make it happen. Our outbreak has varied greatly from region to communities. Our overall strategy is senior enlisted leaders must lead and ensure our Airmen and

2 // April 2020 April 2020 // 3 www.citamn.afrc.af.mil Leadership Table of CONTENTS Gen. David L. Goldfein Chief of Staff, Air Force

Lt. Gen. Richard Scobee Commander, Air Force Reserve Command FEATURED STORIES NEWS & PEOPLE Col. Beth Horine Director, Public Affairs, ARPC & HQ RIO Air Force Reserve Command COVID-19 Crisis COVID-19 messages from the commanders 12 Magazine Staff Bo Joyner A Helping Hand Editor, Public Affairs, 315th AW delivers humanitarian aid to Honduras Air Force Reserve Command 14 Anthony Burns Wanted: Combat Aviation Advisors Graphic Designer, Public Affairs, Command looks for Reservists to fill special operations role 16 Air Force Reserve Command Contributing Writers Staff Sgt. Mary Andom, Col. Amy Boehle, Tech. Bouncing Back Sgt. Christopher Carranza, Col. Lisa Craig, Military training instructor shares journey 20 Jessica Dupree, Senior Airman Dylan M. Gentile, Lt. Col. Kim Lalley, Master Sgt. Scott Mathews, Senior Airman Kristen Pittman, Capt. Complementary Careers Emily Rautenberg, Janis El Shabazz, Col. Kelli Military experience helps Reservist succeed in business Smiley, Senior Airman Christopher Sommers, 22 and Maj. Ashley Walker Fighter Pilot to Port Dawg Citizen Airman magazine (ISSN No. 0887-9680) An unusual ride for this Keesler Reserve Citizen Airman is published bi-monthly by Headquarters Air Force 24 Reserve Command Office of Public Affairs for the commander of Air Force Reserve Command. Periodical postage paid at Warner Robins, Georgia, From the Ashes of Tragedy and additional mailing offices. Copies are mailed, free CDC's Alissa Eckert, MS and Dan Higgins, MAMS MS and Dan Higgins, Alissa Eckert, CDC's Christopher Carranza Sgt. Tech. Arkansas Reservist: 'No one is too big or bad to need help' 26 of charge, to the homes of all Reservists. Content is normally news articles and features developed for 06 18 27 release to commercial media as part of the Air Force The Mission No Off Season Resiliency It's More Than Spouses Reserve’s continuing public affairs program. Opinions Reservists lean on all types of support of contributors are not necessarily those of the Air Continues Hurricane Hunters spend winter flying Reservist embraces resilience while 28 Force Reserve. All photos are U.S. Air Force photos inside atmospheric rivers honoring brother's memory unless otherwise indicated. Readers-per-copy ratio: How AFRC is dealing with #ReserveReady #ReserveResilient Innovation 4-1. Send inquiries and submissions to HQ AFRC/PAOM, COVID-19 McChord Reservists develop battery cell extraction tool 155 Richard Ray Blvd., Robins AFB, GA 31098-1661. #ReserveReady #ReserveResilient 30 Or, email them to [email protected]. For questions about the magazine or its contents, call (478) 327-1771 or DSN 497-1771.

Moving? PLEASE DO NOT SEND CHANGES OF ADDRESS TO CITIZEN AIRMAN. To continue receiving the magazine, unit Reservists, as well as people ON THE COVER: serving a statutory tour of duty, should send a change of address to their military personnel flight or unit This issue of Citizen Airman highlights how the mission of the Air Force Reserve is orderly room. Individual mobilization augmentees continuing during the COVID-19 crisis. Check out the stories that begin on page 6 along should call the Total Force Service Center-Denver toll free at 1-800-525-0102 or DSN 665-0102. with other stories of readiness and resilience throughout. (Original COVID-19 illustration by CDC's Alissa Eckert, MS and Dan Higgins, MAMS. Cover layout by Anthony Burns) POSTMASTER: Please send all Forms 3579 to Citizen Airman, HQ AFRC/PAOM, 155 Richard Ray Blvd., Robins AFB, GA 31098-1661. 16 Daniel Maffett Priority 1: Prioritize strategic depth Chief of Air Force Reserve’s Priority 2: Develop resilient leaders Priority 3: Reform the organization Look for these icons for stories that A publication by the and accelerate readiness #ReserveResilient #ReserveReform focus on these three priorities. U.S. Air Force Reserve Strategic Priorities #ReserveReady COVID-19

Social distancing wasn’t a problem for A-10 Warthogs from the 's 122nd Fighter , the screening process and checking into welcoming patients from medical emer- Anthony, 943rd Maintenance Squadron Fort Wayne, Indiana, and a KC-135R Stratotanker from their rooms,” Freeman said. “It felt good gencies around the world. Designated as commander. the Air Force Reserve's 434th Air Refueling Wing, Gris- to be part of that teamwork.” the intake center for biological missions On this day, the maintainers were som Air Reserve Base, Indiana, March 17, as the units “At the Centers for Disease Control, tied to the Centers for Disease Control continuing the 600-hour phase inspection paired up for a refueling mission. Despite the COVID-19 we’re here to support our state, local and Prevention, in 2015, it served as a for the HH-60G Pave Hawk with tail pandemic, both units continue to work to meet Air Force and sister federal agencies. We’ve been landing strip for planes carrying patients number 227. During the inspection, mission requirements. (Capt. Steven Bretscher) working together seamlessly, (and) very affected by the Ebola outbreak who maintainers go through every nook and hard these last few days,” said Dr. Chris were being moved to Emory University cranny of the aircraft looking for damage, Braden, deputy director of the National Hospital. In 2005, Dobbins also served rust or corrosion. The Mission Goes On Center for Emerging and Zoonotic as a landing spot for many evacuees from During the entire process, maintainers Infectious Diseases and CDC spokes- . remove more than 620 parts from the person. “The county and the Air Force As Reserve bases on opposite ends aircraft in order to access the 1,136 items Reserve have done a suburb job in stand- of the country assisted with quarantine that must be checked. Once the parts ing up really rapidly to receive our fellow efforts, Reserve units across the country are removed, any discrepancies found citizens that we care so much about.” proved that the mission will go on. must be fixed to meet aviation safety Across the country, Dobbins Air At Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, standards. The average phase inspection Command gets creative Reserve Base, Georgia, began receiving Arizona, for example, maintainers lasts 100 days, after which the aircraft is passengers from the Grand Princess assigned to the reassembled. to keep operating while cruise ship early in March. More than were hard at work March 19 ensuring “Our folks are motivated and we’re 100 cruisers who were possibly exposed the group’s helicopters were ready for any ready for anything, including the poten- to the novel coronavirus onboard spent rescue mission. tial for rescue missions,” Anthony said. supporting COVID-19 efforts their 14-day quarantine at the Marietta “The safety of our personnel is our At Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, base. More were quarantined at the main priority, so to reduce the chance also on March 19, Reservists from Clay National Guard Center located of exposure we’re combining the use the 403rd Wing’s 53rd Weather on Dobbins. of telework and minimal manning to Reconnaissance Squadron continued to From Staff Reports Dobbins has a long history of accomplish the mission,” said Lt. Col. get ready for the upcoming hurricane

Below, members of the 560th Red Horse Squadron set up a mobile med- ical screening station at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, to screen aircrew members before and after flying C-17 missions. Right, Lt. Col. (Editor’s note: As America continues to It’s been anything but business as base throughout a voluntary observation Natalie Riley, a physican assistant with the Reserve's 315th Aerospace deal with COVID-19, we urge you to keep usual for the Air Force Reserve over period to ensure they did not have the Medicine Squadron, briefs members of the 437th and 315th track of the most up-to-date information on the past few months—since the world virus and spread it upon arrival in the Wings about the new screening process. (Lt. Col. Wayne Capps) the pandemic and how it is affecting Reserve first heard the word “COVID-19.” United States. Citizen Airmen and their family members Health Protection Conditions at Reserve With less than a 24-hour notice, on our web site, www.afrc.af.mil, and our locations across the country have elevated, Team March sprung into action, along various official social media platforms. Our travel limited, unit training assemblies with several federal, state, county and bi-monthly magazine, Citizen Airman, is disrupted and people isolated as the local agencies, to prepare a well-deserved not designed to provide news as it happens. country and the world deal with the welcome to the weary U.S. diplomats and The magazine is better suited to provide a spread of the Novel coronavirus. their families. broader, feature-based view of our outstand- In spite of these challenges, the “One of the diplomats told me that ing Reserve Citizen Airmen and how they Reserve continues to execute its mission he understands the work that Team fit into the Reserve’s mission. The situation of providing combat ready forces to fly, March and the other agencies did to put surrounding COVID-19 is changing very fight and win by applying innovative this all together with such short notice, rapidly and we realize that some of what and creative solutions while continuing and is thankful for everything being you read over the next few pages may be “old to support COVID-19 efforts in the done to welcome them and make them news” by the time it reaches your mailbox. communities where they live and serve. feel comfortable,” said Oliver Freeman, However, we believe it’s important to The Air Force Reserve was early to the Airman and Family Readiness, 452nd Air highlight how the mission of the Air Force fight against the virus when a chartered Mobility Wing Force Support Squadron. Reserve continues in spite of this global aircraft carrying approximately 200 U.S. “He said he was especially happy there pandemic and showcase the innovative ways citizen evacuees from Wuhan, China, were toys, coloring books, puzzles and Reservists and Reserve units thrive in these arrived at , games handed out to the children so their difficult times.) California, on January 29. They stayed on parents could focus on getting through

6 // April 2020 April 2020 // 7 COVID-19 Quarantined Extroverted leader shares how she manages working from home

A commentary by Col. Lisa Craig

Today is March 20. For me, it is Day 6. I remain symptom free. I am healthy. I know that makes me among the lucky – and hopefully continuing to be lucky – non- COVID-19 stricken. However, life is definitely not normal. Col. Lisa Craig, the director of Manpower, Personnel and Services at I returned from a TDY visiting our awesome Reserve Citizen Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command, Robins Air Force Base, Airmen of the 624th Regional Support Group in Hawaii and Georgia, works from home on March 20. (Courtesy photo) Guam on Saturday, March 14, to find out the Office of the Air Force Surgeon General indicated that due to the potential of mission set is complex and touches nearly every aspect of every having been exposed, I must self-quarantine and monitor for directorate’s mission sets with personnel implications. It’s a web Left, Tech. Sgt. Larry Banks, 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron loadmaster, prepares to drop a simulated buoy from a WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft March 19, off the Gulf Coast of Mexico. Even with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hurricane Hunters continue to train to maintain readiness. 14 days. in which I am stuck in my cocoon. Right, the pandemic doesn't keep Staff Sgt. Wes, an HH-60G helicopter crew chief, from performing his aircraft maintenance work at the 943rd Rescue I am lucky to have a spouse who can absorb day-to-day needs, I provide injects and vectors as requested, but to a lesser Group, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, March 19. such as grocery shopping, and my children are grown and out degree than I think we’d all prefer. My team always contributes of the house. We have set up a six-foot personal bubble around to our body of knowledge and solves problems, but even more so season by conducting training flights over near our flying squadrons,” said Lt. Col. The screening process is managed by me. I eat on the far side of a room. I sleep in a guest bedroom. in this time of crisis. They get the job done. the Gulf of Mexico. Natalie Riley, physician assistant with the the 315th Aerospace Medicine Squadron I work out in the morning on my elliptical machine. I ensure But. … here’s the thing: I am an extreme extrovert. While As the only operational unit in the 315th Aerospace Medicine Squadron. and is outside of the normal medical anything I touch is well sanitized. I am uber-connected to the some folks get their energy and vitality from spending quiet, world flying weather reconnaissance on “When our crewmembers arrive for their screenings received by Air Force aircrew news and social media. I choose to remain solidly within my contemplative time, that’s not me. I get my energy from people, a routine basis, the Hurricane Hunters pre-mission briefing, we spend time members. four walls, not even walking the neighborhood; because if I am a from engagement, from shared experiences, from human contact. did not let the virus keep them from educating them in order to minimize “We saw a need and our Reservists carrier, there’s a chance I could impact other people. That’s not a My kitchen-office set up, the technology, the cell phones – preparing for their mission of providing the spread of the virus, and to focus on stepped up to make this happen for both risk I am willing to take. they only connect for the requirements (well, mostly). For right surveillance of tropical storms and preparedness and prevention, based on wings,” Willis said. I am fortunate that I have the technology to remain mostly now, gone for me are the office exercise sessions and the face-to- hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean, the CDC guidelines.” These are just a few examples of how connected; although as our systems get stressed, so too does my face communications with my work family. Gone are the “how Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and Each aircrew is also provided with a Reserve Citizen Airmen are supporting ability to stay connected and continue to lead my team from was your kid’s soccer game?” and “how is your parent’s health?” the central Pacific Ocean. disinfectant and protective equipment kit. COVID-19 operations in their local away. Like everybody else, my team and I are having to get cre- hallway conversations. Those things that keep us connected now The Atlantic hurricane season typically The kits include sanitizer, masks, gloves, communities and how they are continu- ative to solve problems. When my laptop stopped working, my require a much more diligent and deliberate approach. runs from June 1 through November 30. thermometers, alcohol wipes and more. ing to accomplish the mission during team sprang into action and retrieved the ineffective hardware I worry about our resiliency. How can we stay spiritually At Joint Base Charleston, South The post-mission screening process is turbulent times. For the latest on the from my front porch (after I sanitized it as best I could and connected? How can I ensure the emotional needs of myself Carolina, Reservists from the 315th designed to identify potential symptoms virus, please continue to monitor www. put it all in a bag). After the Reserve Comm Focal Point fixed and my A1 work family are covered? What can we do to stay Airlift Wing and their active-duty coun- of the COVID-19 virus before crew afrc.af.mil, your local unit’s web page the problem and fully tested the system, my team returned my physically healthy? terparts from the 437th AW kept their members are reintegrated with the base and official AFRC social media sites. machine to my front porch. I know that my situation is easy compared to so many others. C-17 Globemaster III’s flying by imple- and community. #ReserveReady #ReserveResilient My hours remain long. Because I am never more than a few I am healthy. I am lucky. But, I am lonely in an unusual way. menting a medical screening process for “This is not just about taking care of (Some last names withheld for security feet away from my kitchen office, I am always at work. And, We are doing all we can to ensure we will all come through aircrew members. our aircrew members,” said Col. Adam reasons.) ■ because I am worried about my team’s stressors, I am on the net this. I will come through this. I pray we can continue to fulfill Aircrews now receive prevention Willis, 315th AW commander. “While during all waking hours. and take care of those needs for information and resources education before each mission and a most of the world is shut down, we still I am lucky that the expert professionals who work for me for those whose needs are greater than this lonely extrovert. COVID-19 medical screening upon have a mission to do and we rely heavily (they actually work for you in the Air Force Reserve) have a #ReserveResilient return. on our aircrew members to carry out firm grasp on the needs of our Reserve force. They continue (Craig is the HQ Air Force Reserve Command director of “We set up a mobile screening tent that mission.” to grow the body of knowledge as unique situations arise. Our Manpower, Personnel and Services at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia.) ■ 8 // April 2020 April 2020 // 9 COVID-19 Ready, Resilient and Virtual Resource Reminder Let's use the next few Help is always available for How Reserve wing in New Jersey is carrying on months to clean up the administrative side Reservists and their families in spite of pandemic of things so when we return for a super UTA, By Bo Joyner we are ready to roll. In these difficult times, Air Force At the local level, members of the Lt. Col. Kimberly Lalley Reserve leaders remind Reserve Citizen Air Force Reserve team can call their - Col. Thomas Pemberton Airmen and their family members that chaplain’s office, Airman and Family Flexibility is the key to air power, help is always just a phone call or a Readiness office, director of psycholog- and the 514th Air Mobility Wing at mouse click away. ical health or supervisor if they need Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, “There are a number of helping agen- help coping in these uncertain times. New Jersey, has certainly been flexing to civilian job and may not have an income cies that are always available to assist For Citizen Airmen or their family continue to provide air power during this at this time. Air Force Reservists and their family members affected financially by the dynamic and ever-evolving time. He held a Facebook Live virtual members deal with life’s problems,” coronavirus, military personal financial On March 13, one week before the commander’s call event on Sunday of the said Lisa Matney, Air Force Reserve counselors are located within the wing’s March unit training assembly, the March UTA. He gathered his command Command’s community support Airman and Family Readiness offices at Department of Defense issued guidance chief, group commanders and a few coordinator. “These agencies have most installations. Other sites available limiting travel, meaning members living subject matter experts who, while keeping ramped up their services in response to to help with financial issues include the more than 50 miles from the base would their social distance, answered questions. COVID-19 and are standing by to help National Resource directory, https:// not be able to physically travel to the Staff Sgt. Kristen Warbrick, an members of the Reserve team during nrd.gov; the United Way, https:// UTA. More than 60% of the Freedom technician with these turbulent times.” unitedway.org; the Salvation Army, Wing lives outside of the local commut- the 514th Aeromedical Evacuation For military members, Military salvationarmy.usa.org; 211.org; and the ing area. A quarter of the wing’s members Squadron, watched the event and said OneSource has created a dedicated Department of Labor, https://www.dol. are first responders in , one she was very impressed with the way section on its website, https://www. gov. of the areas hit hardest by the COVID- leadership was taking the initiative militaryonesource.mil/coronavirus, Military family life counselors are 19 pandemic. Col. Thomas Pemberton, 514th Air Mobility Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Dana during these difficult times. for Department of Defense-related also located at most Airman and Family Then, on March 16, President Trump Capaldi, 514th AMW command chief, conduct a Facebook Live event during the wing's March Capt. Lisa Anello, 514th AMW coronavirus updates and impacts. The Readiness offices. virtual unit training assembly. issued guidance for people to avoid social assistant judge advocate, found the virtual site is updated regularly. Finally, anyone having suicidal gatherings of more than 10 people. At UTA productive. “I was happy to feel like For Reservists and their family mem- thoughts should seek immediate local that time, Col. Thomas Pemberton, 514th Units are using Zoom and Microsoft in a telework status to reduce the risk of I was at drill, but conveniently at home bers who are feeling stressed, counseling help or call the national suicide pre- AMW commander, decided on a virtual Teams to conduct virtual training classes. contracting and spreading the virus. and safe with my family. There is no services remain available by phone, vention lifeline, 1-800-273-8255. The UTA for March and April. Chief Master Sgt. Dana Capaldi, 514th His number two priority is main- better work break than hugging my two video and online. Call 1-800-342- lifeline web site is suicideprevention- Pemberton’s guidance to commanders AMW command chief, encouraged taining mission readiness. The mission children,” she said. 9647 or live chat through the Military lifeline.org. has been to “continue the mission.” He members to keep thinking outside the continues and the Freedom Wing has Pemberton stressed to members that OneSource web site. “These aren’t all of the resources that believes back-to-back virtual UTAs pro- box. She pointed out that colleges and qualified and trained individuals for use they have a 514th family that is ready and For civilians, help is available are available to Reserve Citizen Airmen vide an opportunity for the wing to focus universities are offering free online by combatant commands. willing to help out in any way. through the Air Force Employee and their family members,” Matney on computer-based training, performance training. Yale University offers one of its Priority number three is supporting the “Turn off the 24-hour news cycle, open Assistance Program, EAP. The EAP said. “The important thing to remember reports, vouchers, awards and decorations, most popular classes, “Psychology and federal government. “We want to make a book, maybe watch a funny movie and phone number is 1-866-580-9078. The is that help is available. You just have to and other administrative functions that the Good Life,” that teaches stressed-out sure we are putting our folks in a position spend time with your family,” he said. web address is www.AFPC.af.mil/EAP. reach out for it. Now, more than ever, can be completed via telework. students to be happier. 514th members to be ready,” Pemberton said. “So when “Take time to breathe a little bit as we go Once on the website, civilians and their we need to be good wingmen and be “Let’s use the next few months to can provide a certificate upon completion that call comes for us – and I truly believe forward because we’re going to make it family members will need to scroll to on the lookout for people who might clean up the administrative side of things and it counts as resiliency training. that call will come for some of our units through this. We’re going to be stronger. the bottom of the page and click on the need a helping hand.” #ReserveReady so when we return for a super UTA, we Pemberton said his number one to supply skill sets that are needed – we We’re going to be better and we’ll be Civilian Employee Assistance tab to #ReserveResilient ■ are ready to roll,” Pemberton said. priority is taking care of Freedom Wing are ready.” healthier eventually.” #ReserveReady access EAP services. Pemberton said he has been amazed at members and their families. A big part The commander said he does not #ReserveResilient Under the “What’s Trending” tab at the innovative ways members continue to of that is making sure they are staying want to cancel UTAs, especially since (Lalley is the public affairs officer at the the top of the EAP page is a section carry out the mission. home and being safe. Most of the wing is members may not be able to work at their 514th AMW.) ■ devoted to COVID-19 information.

10 // April 2020 April 2020 // 11 COVID-19

A Message for Individual Reservists By Col. Amy Boehle, HQ RIO Commander

Innovative Solutions in a Contested Environment

By Col. Kelli Smiley Commander, HQ ARPC

Today we find ourselves operating in a You can also help us help you. If We understand how important these contested environment, rapidly respond- you haven't done so recently, this is the boards are to our Airmen and our Total ing to the challenges of COVID-19 and perfect time to check myPers to verify Force. We will post the most up-to-date its ever-changing impacts. Yet, at every your contact information is up to date. If information regarding boards through the News about the outbreak of COVID-19 is changing rapidly, What I ask of you: Make sure you’re connected to us. Check turn, those same challenges are driving us you are unable to access myPers, the Total HQ ARPC website and myPers. and we are working hard to keep you updated as quickly as your profile in MyPers and make sure you have a good personal to create innovative solutions and show- Force Service Center (1-800-525-0102) The Air Force Reserve component is the information flows to us. HQ RIO will continue to work and military email address in the system to receive our messag- casing the HQ Air Reserve Personnel stands at the ready to support you as well. powered by our most valuable resource – to protect our people while maintaining readiness and will ing. Download the RIO Connect app to your smartphone (scan Center team's dedication to taking care of As we evolve to a teleworking/tele- our Airmen. Especially in this challenging follow risk-based measures consistent with guidance from the the QR code to take you to our webpage that explains how to our Airmen. commuting business model, HQ ARPC environment, HQ ARPC will continue Department of Defense and the Centers for Disease Control download it and join your detachment chat group). If you’re on Our customers are the core of the cen- will continue to communicate with our to find a way to be ready and support our and Prevention, including applicable travel advisories and Facebook, be sure to like our page and select "Follow>See First" ter's mission, and the men and women of customers through a variety of means to Reserve Citizen Airmen. As one team, disease-mitigation actions. so you don’t miss our posts. Finally, share the information in HQ ARPC are passionate about support- include the HQ ARPC website, www. one force, we can do this. I am honored There are more than 7,500 individual Reservists spread this article and the sentiment of this message with any other ing our customers and the air and space arpc.afrc.mil, and myPers, www.mypers. to serve this great nation alongside you! around the globe. Each of you is unique in terms of the coun- individual Reservists you know. missions we enable. In order to continue af.mil. These are resources Airmen #ReserveReady #ReserveResilient tries you live in, the situations you face, the civilian professions You are strong. Our country is strong. The Air Force is strong. to provide excellent personnel support, can leverage to stay informed on our you have, how and where you perform your military duties and We will get through this uncertain time, and together we will many HQ ARPC teams immediately COVID-19 response and updates on how you take care of your families. Please know we will continue continue to maintain our readiness, support our assigned orga- transitioned from operating from a single significant delays or mission disruptions to work with each of you to meet your specific needs. nizations and their missions and be the best individual Reserve location to delivering those services via that could impact our services. What I want you to know: The vision of HQ RIO is to make force this country has ever known. a remote support footprint. During the In alignment with the March 13 it easy for you to serve. That vision has not waned or changed Thank you for all you do. #ReserveReady #ReserveResilient transition, our teams prioritized our DoD stop-movement memorandum, all with the advent of COVID-19. I am here for you. Your detach- ■ resources with a focus on functions that developmental and promotions boards ments are here for you. The HQ RIO staff is here for you. We impact pay, benefits and status affecting scheduled before May 2020 have been are all impacted by this event, but through this we have kept our programs – areas we know are important postponed but will be rescheduled to eye on our mission: making sure Air Force individual Reservists to you and critical to our mission. minimize career impacts for Airmen. have the support they need to serve.

12 // April 2020 April 2020 // 13 Members of the 315th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron train while flying on a C-17 Globemaster III on the way to Honduras in February. They received required in-flight training while the aircraft carried donated humanitarian cargo to be delivered to Soto Cano Air Base, Honduras as part of the Denton Cargo Program.

A Helping Hand 315th Airlift Wing delivers In addition to the cargo, 16 Airmen from the 315th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron were on board to conduct an aeromedical readiness mission. humanitarian aid to Honduras “In addition to running medical scenarios, we also need Story and Photos by Master Sgt. Scott Mathews to be familiar with our aircraft,” said Senior Master Sgt. Michelle Geers, 315th AES mission clinical coordinator on this flight. “Running these scenarios helps us stay current Airmen from the 315th Airlift Wing deployed a C-17 “The Denton Program is a great mission that helps our and qualified as aircrew and ready to deploy or provide global Globemaster III in February to deliver donated humanitarian charity distribute donations of much needed medical items humanitarian aid.” aid to Honduras in support of the Denton Program. from all over to patients and organizations who can’t afford Pilots, loadmasters, flying crew chiefs and aeromedical The Denton Program is a Department of Defense transpor- them,” said Ronald Roll, co-founder and executive director of evacuation personnel must all fly regularly to stay current tation program that moves humanitarian cargo, donated by U.S. Helping Hands for Honduras. “We’ve received a lot of ship- on their training. These missions help Joint Base Charleston based non-governmental organizations, to developing nations. ments through the Denton Program, helping many people in Reserve Airmen get their required training while delivering The program helps move donations to ensure proper delivery Honduras, and are so very appreciative to all associated with the items to those in need. while simultaneously providing training hours for aircrews. program, including the Air Force.” “Anytime we can combine missions where multiple squad- On this flight, the delivered more than The donating agencies, Interfaith Services to Latin America rons and countries benefit is a huge win,” Geers added. 11,000 pounds of mobility healthcare items such as wheelchairs, and Mano a Mano International, are both based out of For more information on the Denton Humanitarian wheeled walkers, pick-up walkers and crutches. The charity, Minnesota. All the donations were brought in from Minnesota Assistance Program visit https://www.ustranscom.mil/mov/ Helping Hands for Honduras, picked up the items from the jet and then transported to Honduras. denton.cfm. #ReserveReady just after landing at Soto Cano Air Base for delivery to a local Most of the donations come from Goodwill-Easter Seals. (Mathews is assigned to the 315th Airlift Wing public Above, Senior Airman Adam Allen, 701st Airlift Squadron loadmaster, helps ■ public hospital in Danli. Two groups out of Minnesota have volunteers who go to the offload a pallet of cargo at Sota Cano Air Base, Honduras. The cargo contained affairs office.) The Denton Program office said once the hospital receives Goodwill warehouses to sort and select the surplus equipment, donated humanitarian items as part of the Denton Cargo Program, helping the donated items, they will be used immediately. The majority and volunteers pack up the shipment for Honduras. developing countries in need. Opposite, Senior Airman Gage Stevens, 701 of the patients who need these mobility items aren’t able to buy According to the Denton Program office, approximately 700 Airlift Squadron loadmaster, helps offload cargo. them and the hospital doesn’t have the resources to get them. men, 700 women and 100 children in Honduras will benefit from this load of cargo.

14 // April 2020 April 2020 // 15 Wanted: Combat Aviation Advisors Command wants Reservists to fill special operations role

By Senior Airman Dylan M. Gentile

Less than 1% of the American population currently serves in "Combat aviation advisors have the capacity to conduct a the military. An even smaller percentage can say they are part full spectrum of operations in a wide range of environments," of a special operations team that integrates into foreign aviation Lobman said. "Something else that distinguishes us is the type forces to deny potential threats around the globe. of training we receive - everything from tactical combat casualty Current Reservists, or active-duty Airmen looking to care to culture and foreign language proficiency." transition to the Reserve component, who want a new and chal- CAAs are required to complete a demanding four-phased lenging experience can become a part of this unique community training program designed to produce politically astute and cul- by serving as a combat aviation advisor. turally aware aviation experts who are also proficient in at least "When we deploy, we deploy as the weapon system itself; one foreign language. Upon completion of their formal training, Senior Master Sgt. Jamie Proehl, special mission aviator assigned to the which means there are many different AFSCs (Air Force CAAs are able to operate autonomously in environments apart 711th Special Operations Squadron, takes time for a photo in front of a C-145 Combat Coyote aircraft. Proehl, who is also a combat aviation Specialty Codes) that make up our team," said Master Sgt. from a traditional support base and in concert with other U.S. advisor, uses her extensive training and specialized skill set as a CAA to Gregory Lobman, a combat aviation advisor at the 711th Special and Special Operations Forces partners. enhance the capabilities of foreign aviation forces in support of combatant Operations Squadron, , Florida. "We bring a great "Training together broadens our relationship with our partner commander's objectives around the globe. (Daniel Maffett) deal of capability to the table because of the extensive training nations," said Tech. Sgt. Jeremy Gray, a communications spe- and variety of skills our members possess." cialist and CAA for the 711th SOS. "Working side by side (with The need for these advisors has increased substantially among partner nations) builds upon their exciting skills and capabilities partner nations over the years and spans across multiple geo- and, in turn, makes us better as well." The 711th SOS is part of the 919th Special Operations cultures around the world is pretty amazing in itself," Gray said. graphic combatant commands. Part of the qualification course required to become a CAA Wing, the Air Force Reserve's only special operations wing. "You'll go to places that you would probably never go to with is intense multicultural training as well as counterinsurgency The demand for the skill set in these squadrons is insatiable, your typical Air Force unit. People go their entire careers and doctrine and regional skills, Gray said. The process to become requiring Air Force Special Operations Command to make will never see or visit some of the places we get to go to." Tech. Sgt. Matthew Massey, a special mission aviator and combat aviation advisor assigned to the 711th Special Operations Squadron, per- a CAA is rigorous, but necessary, as CAAs often take their difficult decisions when determining key allies to support with Airmen in 16 AFSCs are eligible to apply to become a CAA. forms a radio check on a C-145 Combat Coyote aircraft before a training teams into harsh conditions testing their ability to help foreign this unique capability. As a result, the career field is growing to Some of the career fields are pilot, intelligence analyst, aircrew mission at Duke Field, Florida. (Lt. Col. James R. Wilson) partners utilize existing assets in order to complete the mission. ensure it meets goals within the National Defense Strategy. flight equipment, security forces, communications specialist, In essence, CAAs have to be able to operate seamlessly as an While the career field is expanding, not everyone is cut flight surgeon, general medical officer and air liaison officer, expert in their specialty while also instructing partner nations out to be a CAA. To be competitive for the selection process, among others. For information or to apply to become a CAA, and executing in a combat situation. members must possess a 7 skill level or instructor rating in their contact the 711th Special Operations Squadron at 850-884- "I'm a propulsion craftsman (in the aircraft maintenance career field, be language proficient on the defense language 6234 or e-mail [email protected]. #ReserveReady career field)," said Lobman. "Not only do I need to maintain aptitude battery, have excellent scores on physical fitness (Gentile is assigned to the 919th SOW public affairs office.) ■ a strong foundation of experience in my career field, but I assessments and possess a propensity to excel in some of the also have to be proficient in a vast array of other skills that are most adverse situations. essential to how you operate and move as a team. It's a tall order "We are looking for members who can help strengthen our and requires a well-rounded person to excel in all of these areas." relations with our partner nations," Gray said. "Those who The Air Force has two squadrons tasked with the aviation excel as CAAs are usually very disciplined with strong leader- advisory mission. The 6th Special Operations Squadron, which ship skills." is assigned to the 492nd Special Operations Wing, works in The benefits of being part of such a unique community are partnership with the Reserve's 711th SOS at Duke Field in widespread and can put Airmen on a new and exciting journey. accomplishing its shared mission. "Getting to go and immerse yourself in all kinds of different

16 // April 2020 April 2020 // 17 No Off Season Hurricane Hunters spend their winter flying inside atmospheric rivers

By Tech. Sgt. Christopher Carranza

through March. They worked in conjunction with scientists "We have somewhat of a void in from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the collecting data over the ocean," said University of California, San Diego, the National Oceanic and Anna Wilson, field research manager Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service, and for the Center for Western Weather the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations to gather data to and Water Extremes. "Satellites have improve forecasts. trouble seeing through clouds so having "We're trying to improve the forecast of atmospheric rivers an aircraft releasing dropsondes in those on the West Coast because it matters to the people who manage areas significantly improves our data water and deal with the hazards of flood and debris flows," said and the forecast models. We have a lot F. Martin Ralph, principal investigator for the AR reconnais- of room for accuracy and prediction sance program and director of the Center for Western Weather improvements, and aerial reconnaissance A map shows proposed flight paths for an atmospheric river out of San Background, a WC-130J Super Hercules aircraft from the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron Diego, on Jan. 30. (Tech. Sgt. Christopher Carranza) and Water Extremes at Scripps. "We're all working together is vital to gathering data from within the sits on the flightline prior to an atmospheric river mission. (Airman 1st Class Karla Parra) to try and figure out how to make the forecasts better and AR atmospheric rivers to help improve our Top, Maj. Sonia Walker, a weather reconnaissance officer, checks her tablet for information during a recon's data gathering is a vital part of that." weather models." mission. (Tech. Sgt. Christopher Carranza) Below, Maj. Grant Wagner, F. Martin Ralph and Lt. When the Air Force Reserve's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance The Hurricane Hunters flew two of their WC-130J Super ARs can be hundreds of miles wide Col. Ryan Rickert work on a flight plan. (Tech. Sgt. Christopher Carranza) Squadron, commonly known as the Hurricane Hunters, aren't Hercules aircraft on missions from Travis Air Force Base, and are categorized from one to five, with flying into hurricanes they may be found providing aerial California, Portland, Oregon and the U.S. Coast Guard Air five being the most hazardous. "As soon as the research team finds an area of interest for weather reconnaissance inside atmospheric rivers - or ARs - Station Barbers Point in Hawaii. A Gulfstream IV from "The observations gathered by the WC-130J definitely help weather observations, we immediately start coordinating a flight over the Pacific Ocean. NOAA's Air Operations Center flew missions out of Portland. bridge the gaps in data," Wilson said. "It would be great to have plan that is feasible for our crews and we make adjustments for "There is no off season for us," said Lt. Col. Ryan Rickert, "In many cases, ARs are great for the state of California more aircraft because we have found that all the spatial coverage times and fuel." 53rd WRS aerial reconnaissance officer. "After the hurricane because they bring 90% of the state's annual precipitation," helps make the impact larger which helps predict where an Rickert said gathering data from any weather flight ultimately season is done, we roll into the winter storm season. Part of that Ralph said. "But when the ground is already saturated and more atmospheric river will make landfall." helps the people on the ground who are going to be affected. is providing support for atmospheric rivers off the West Coast. water is added, it can cause hazards. Knowing what is coming While the aircraft and aircrews can be staged at different Gathering data from within storm environments is inherently ARs are flowing columns of water vapor that produce vast helps people to prepare." locations, there is an additional team working hand-in-hand dangerous," he said. "But we perform this service all the same, amounts of precipitation when they make landfall. The heavy During AR missions, the 53rd WRS crews fly up to 30,000 with the research team at Scripps in charge of mission develop- whether it is flying into a Cat Five hurricane or an AR Five. We amounts of precipitation can turn into extreme rainfall and feet to capture as much atmospheric data as possible. The data ment and to coordinate with the aircrews. collect data in hopes of improving the weather forecast and, in snow, which can then cause flooding and mudslides." compiled by dropsondes can create a vertical profile from the "Being on site really helps prevent miscommunications turn, save lives." #ReserveReady The Hurricane Hunters, based at Keesler Air Force Base, aircraft to the surface of the ocean for the research team and between the research team and the assets the 53rd has to offer," (Carranza is assigned to the 403rd Wing public affairs office.) ■ Mississippi, performed AR reconnaissance from January forecasters to input in their models. Rickert said.

18 // April 2020 April 2020 // 19 Rhodes said the Air Force Reserve provided her with the stability and con- Bouncing Back sistency her life lacked, and she hopes to pay it forward by sharing the lessons she’s learned about faith, perseverance and integrity with trainees and colleagues. She Military training instructor said serving has also given her another tangible benefit – making her two kids proud and giving them someone to look shares journey from Article up to. “Pursuing instructor duty is one of 15 to resilient leader the best decisions I ever made,” she said. “Serving in BMT has immeasurably developed me as a leader and as a mother. I let my kids know everyone falls sometime but what’s important is to get back up and keep trying. I also stress to By Janis El Shabazz them not to let other people’s ideas and notions hold them back from achiev- Master Sgt. Nickole Rhodes 433rd Training Squadron ing greatness. I am grateful for every Reserve Military Training Instructor opportunity the Air Force Reserve has ever provided. I wanted a special way to Life as a child was less than ideal for Master Sgt. Nikole Rhodes shares As a Reserve MTI, Rhodes has give back, and serving as an MTI allows Nikole Rhodes. Growing up around her story here to offer encouragement managed 44 commander’s programs me – as a leader of men and women – to drugs and alcohol reinforced every to Airmen who might be struggling to and spearheaded the training of 45 help shape the culture of the Air Force.” Rhodes, a Girl Scout mom, waits for a parade to begin along with negative thing she had come to know overcome hardships and adversity – past evaluators for two separate work centers. #ReserveResilient her fellow scout leaders and their scouts. (Courtesy photo) and believe. or present. Additionally, she served as an interim (El Shabazz is assigned to the 340th She was constantly moving and Rhodes, who enlisted in 2005, served in-house recruiter facilitating the Flying Training Group public affairs office.) changing schools – nine in a dozen years, as a security forces member for 10 years recruitment of 59 candidates for Reserve ■ making it hard to make friends, if that before she was accepted for a special-duty MTI duty. were even possible anyway. Statements assignment as a military training instruc- “Master Sgt. Rhodes has done and directed at her more often than not tor with the 433rd Training Squadron accomplished more than most senior started with, “You’ll never be anything,” four years ago. The 433rd TS is the only noncommissioned officers will,” said and mostly she believed it. Reserve MTI unit in the Air Force. Rhodes’ supervisor, Senior Master Sgt. Somehow, she broke away from all the Reserve MTIs partner with active-duty Jason Wagner, 433rd TS operations negativity and enlisted in the Air Force. MTIs to produce more than 40,000 new superintendent. “Having served a com- Things were looking up. But while air and space warriors annually. plete tour as a Reserve military training the ink was barely dry on her enlisted “Every day I was able to see the instructor, she has joined a very small contract, she received an Article 15, a transformation of citizens into warrior group of Airmen.” type of military punishment that is more Airmen. It’s one of the most rewarding Rhodes said the second chance from severe than a letter of reprimand but less blessings I have received,” Rhodes said. caring leadership made all the difference. severe than a court-martial. “When I got into trouble it was because “After learning my lesson, I was Rhodes and Tech. Sgt. Shane Vandewark, 737th She was at a crossroads. She could I had retained negative habits from my determined not to let this setback stop Training Group MTI, react to this setback like she had always life prior to the Air Force. I was used me from advancing in my career,” she assess flight performance done and view it is a self-fulfilling to disappointment, self-imposed and said. “The guidance and support offered during a basic military prophecy. … or she could try something external; but this time was different. My by my leadership and fellow Airmen training graduation at different. commander’s punishment didn’t include gave me the strength to break old habits. Joint Base San Anto- She decided to take the opportunity loss of rank. Rather, after a severe talking Being in stan/eval gave me the oppor- nio-Lackland, Texas. Rhodes' story of resil- to reset her life, and today she’s one of to and some extra duty, she challenged tunity to ensure our unit was getting the ience is a motivational a handful of Reserve military training me to be better, do better. She believed in most accurate, up-to-date information reminder to all Airmen instructors hand selected to work for me when I didn’t believe in myself. My and delivering it in a way that fostered that they can overcome the active-duty 737th Training Group desire to not let her down motivated me a relationship of confidence and trust challenges they face. standardization and evaluation flight at to accept the challenge and ‘get my head between our instructors.” (Debbie Gildea) Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. into the game.’”

20 // April 2020 April 2020 // 21 Reserve through my friends and flight wouldn’t have to navigate their own way currently employs more than 165 team Complementary Careers instructor.” to separate services. We needed money, members at eight offices across the coun- Brillman went to officer training engineers and customers,” said Brillman. try, with headquarters in both Manhattan school in 2007, pilot training thereafter, “Our approach was to align the and Los Angeles. and made his way to the Reserve 514th different service organizations to com- For his work at Unite Us, Business Military experience helps Air Mobility Wing’s 76th Air Refueling municate together around a shared client Insider magazine recently named Squadron at Joint Base McGuire-Dix- – the veteran or their family member. Brillman one of its 30 leaders under Reserve Citizen Airman Lakehurst, New Jersey. Our solution was initially technology. 40 who are working to transform U.S. He was stationed at McGuire for And we understood that to support the healthcare. Rock Health and CB Insights transform veteran healthcare 11 years and was deployed twice to the technology, we needed to deploy people also both recognized Unite Us as a digital Middle East. After his last deployment, on the ground to build these networks,” startup to watch. he decided to go back to school to pursue he added. an MBA at Columbia University in 2010. Applying Lessons from the Military to “When I was in my second year of Unite Us is Founded the Business World business school, a lot of veterans I had In 2013, Brillman, Justice, and a third Brillman said he sees a number of served with started calling me about co-founder, Andrew Price, launched similarities between the business world health and social service issues,” he Unite Us with the goal of standardizing and the Air Force Reserve. “From a explained. “These were all Reservists communication between health and social cultural perspective, at least in the flying going back to their hometowns after services and improving service delivery world, there is always a hierarchy. You deployments. They thought because of for individuals. The original infrastructure know who’s in charge, but there is a flat, my educational background that I would was specifically designed to help veterans. mission-driven approach. We have that in know what to do. But I didn’t.” “What’s interesting about the veteran our company. We are a family, and we all By Capt. Emily Rautenberg Brillman said he started calling population is that it is one of the most have a stake in Unite Us’ success,” he said. different housing providers and other diverse,” Brillman said. “It includes “From an operations perspective, social service agencies in an attempt to different races, socioeconomic back- understanding how flying works, even if Maj. Daniel Brillman’s passion for helping help out his fellow service members. The grounds and ages.” Brillman and Justice it’s not perfect, is important to helping all military veterans led him to co-found a challenge to navigate the complex social understood that what they learned about make sure you can execute the mission. company that is bridging the gap between service system was so profound, Brillman veterans would one day be applicable to While my skillsets from the Reserve healthcare and social service providers such wrote a paper about it. the larger population. helps me run the business, I rely on our as food banks and homeless shelters. “The paper focused on technology and Between November 2014 and expert team members in our organization Brillman, currently an individual mobili- why we should be able to share important December 2015, Unite Us launched its to make sure we’re on track.” Daniel Brillman, a major in the Air zation augmentee assigned to the Defense information across these different social first three networks. In 2016, the team To that end, Brillman recognized his Force Reserve, used Innovation Unit – an organization tasked services,” he said. “The dean heard about launched an additional four networks own strengths and limitations. his passion for help- with helping the military make faster use of it and passed it on to a venture capitalist across the country. “I knew I would be able to lead and ing military veterans emerging commercial technologies – grew up who was a graduate of West Point. I “The goal was to help as many veterans formulate the problem and solution set, to co-found a compa- in Philadelphia and attended Yale University worked with him to build out the idea.” as possible,” says Brillman. “We didn’t but I can’t code. I also needed to find ny that helps bridge where he earned his bachelor’s degree in want anyone to fall through the cracks.” someone who wanted to sell and knock the gap between health care providers political science. Shared Goals and a New Partnership In 2017, working within the health- down doors. Finding people who comple- and social service During his senior year, he decided to take Around the same time, Brillman was care sector, Unite Us expanded to serve mented my skillset was really important.” providers like food flying lessons. introduced to Taylor Justice through a all populations. “We wanted to make Lately, Brillman said he and Justice banks and homeless “My instructor was a Marine Reserve veteran program at Columbia Business sure people get the services they need,” have been focused on leading the growth shelters. colonel who taught at the Yale airport for School that matched current and incom- Brillman said. “We now work with of the company while ensuring people fun,” Brillman said. “He started introducing ing students. Justice, who had attended innovative and visionary leaders in the have what they need to be successful. me to the reserves. I also had a mentor who West Point and served in the Army, had healthcare industry, not only taking His final advice? “One person can’t do was an Air Force colonel and he said, ‘You experienced his own challenges navi- care of veterans, but anyone who needs it all,” he said. “You need to be energized should definitely join the Air Force.’” gating social services. Coincidentally, it. We’ve become the standard of how about solving the problem and remember Upon graduation, Brillman moved to New Justice was interested in solving the same healthcare providers and communi- that solving big problems doesn’t happen York to do consulting for a financial firm, but problem Brillman was. The first time ty-based organizations can work together overnight. You have to have serious grit.” he also followed his instructor’s advice and they met, they spent five hours in a coffee to improve people’s health.” #ReserveResilient joined the Air Force Reserve. shop brainstorming. In 2019, Unite Us raised more than (Rautenberg is assigned to the 514th Air “I always wanted to serve, but didn’t “We wanted to build meaningful coor- $35 million in Series B funding and Mobility Wing public affairs office.) ■ know how I wanted to do it,” he said. “I dinated care networks so that different partnered with enterprise clients such as liked that I could maintain my civilian service providers could have visibility into Kaiser Permanente, CVS Health, and the job at the same time. I really fell into the the client’s care journey and the client state of North Carolina. The company

22 // April 2020 April 2020 // 23 While he said he had forgotten a lot of what he learned From Port Dawg when he first worked in the career field, much of the knowledge eventually came back as he trained with the 41st. While being an ATOC controller is a far cry from pulling nine Gs in an aircraft capable of breaking the sound barrier, to Fighter Pilot Cagle said he is happy to be here. And his own experience on the ground has made him appreciate the flight line crews he encounters in his civilian job. to Port Dawg “When I’m in my civilian job as an airline captain, I do the pre-flight walk around a lot, even though it’s the co-pilot who is supposed to do them,” he said. “I am always sure to talk to my It's been an unusual ride for this ground crews. I have a better appreciation of what they do now.” In addition to having to adapt and learn the job part of his Air Force career, Cagle said it has been interesting to see how Keesler Reserve Citizen Airman Cagle, second from left, poses for a photo on a F-4C Phantom. Twenty-six much society has affected how the Air Force operates in general. By Senior Airman Kristen Pittman years after separating from service at the rank of captain, Cagle rejoined as an enlisted member with the 403rd Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, “It’s interesting to see how society has changed,” he said. Mississippi. (Courtesy photo) “Young people are a little different today than they were back Staff Sgt. Jim Cagle is not your typical E-5. At 6 feet 2 inches then and the Air Force has accommodated that. They tend to tall, he’s taller than most of his fellow staff sergeants, but that’s After completing UPT, Cagle was selected for a position as take people’s feelings more into consideration now than they not what makes him stand out. At nearly 60 years old, he has an F-15A Eagle pilot with the 122nd FS, where he served for did back then. Mental health issues were swept under the rug, more gray hair and a few more wrinkles than most other E-5s, several years. and now we’re more geared to being open about things that are but that’s not it either. His Facebook page features videos of him Fifteen years after his Air Force career began, Cagle going on. Overall, the way things are done now is a positive.” playing the piano and singing, but even that’s not what makes embarked on a new journey – starting a family. With a new Cagle was scheduled to retire from the military in March, him so atypical. marriage and the prospect of children, Cagle said the fighter mere weeks shy of his 60th birthday. He said he plans to con- What makes him so unusual is that nearly 30 years ago, Staff pilot lifestyle – which he likened to a “supersonic biker gang” – tinue flying until it’s not fun anymore or until he turns 65. After Sgt. Cagle was Capt. Cagle, an F-15 pilot for the Louisiana Air did not exactly fit into the equation. In addition, the economic that, it’s all about family and traveling. National Guard. advantages of pursuing a career in the commercial airline “I’m happy to be here and it was the best decision I’ve ever Now you may be thinking that such a discrepancy in rank industry were enticing. made to come back. It almost didn’t happen. I’m really glad I would mean a reduction in service or misconduct somewhere As a result, in 1993, at the rank of captain, Cagle said farewell told that recruiter, ‘You know what? If you can make it happen, along the way, but you’d be wrong. Cagle’s story is more about to the Air Force. let’s rock and roll.” #ReserveResilient opportunity, unwavering patriotism and, well, certain rules For a while. (Pittman is assigned to the 403rd Wing’s public affairs office.) ■ regarding an officer’s date of commission in relation to rejoining Fast forward to 2015. With his two children now grown and the military. his civilian employer revamping its retirement system, Cagle Cagle prepares for takeoff in his Louisiana Air National Guard After graduating from Columbia High School in Columbia, began toying with the idea of returning to the military and F-15A Eagle. (Courtesy photo) Mississippi, in 1978, Cagle enlisted in the Mississippi Air completing the five years he needed to retire. National Guard and was off to Lackland Air Force Base in San Initially, he contacted an officer recruiter, but there was Antonio for basic military training. nothing the recruiter could do for him unless he wanted to be a While working as an enlisted member in the 172nd Aerial chaplain, where there was a shortage. Port Squadron in Jackson, Cagle started working on a college Cagle had pretty much given up on the idea of rejoining degree with his sights set on the Air Force Officer Qualifying when a recruiter called him out of the blue and asked if he was Test and commissioning. still interested in returning to service. Following commissioning in December of 1980, and after “I made this life decision all of the sudden, and it was the best rigorous undergraduate navigator training, land survival, water decision I’ve made,” Cagle said. survival and fight lead-in training, followed by F-4 flight train- With his 55th birthday fast approaching and the age limit ing, Cagle’s first assignment came as a weapons system officer on for enlisted members at 60, the recruiter had to hustle to meet the F-4C Phantom II with the Louisiana ANG’s 122nd Tactical Cagle’s deadline. But he was able to get the job done. Fighter Squadron in New Orleans. On March 17, 2015, 37 years after he first raised his right Staff Sgt. Jim Cagle, air terminal operations During this time, Cagle was often on Air Defense Alert hand, Cagle was once again an enlisted member of the Air center controller in the 41st Aerial Port Squad- orders and flew as an adversary for fighter units training in Force, this time as a Reservist. ron at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. Gulfport, Mississippi. His outstanding performance in his For the past five years, Cagle said he has had the best of both Prior to his five years with the 403rd Wing, position afforded him recognition from his peers and the worlds as he continues his career as a commercial airline pilot Cagle served as a weapons system officer and fighter pilot in the Louisiana Air National opportunity to attend undergraduate pilot training, where he while serving his country as an air transportation operations Guard from 1980 to 1993. (Senior Airman graduated in the top 20% of his class and was awarded the UPT center controller with the 41st Aerial Port Squadron at Keesler Kristen Pittman) Leadership Training Award. Air Force Base, Mississippi.

April 2020 // 25 From the Ashes Resiliency of Tragedy Arkansas Reservist: 'No one is too big or bad to need help' By Maj. Ashley Walker Reservist embraces The mangled remains of Andrea Sheley's car. Her husband, Matthew Sheley, a state trooper and current Air Force Reservist, was one of the first responders on the scene at his wife's fatal accident. resilience while

Air Force Reserve Tech. Sgt. Matthew As he approached one of the severely After reaching out for help, Sheley honoring her brother's memory Sheley is a prior active-duty Marine, an mangled cars, he found his bride of 55 days joined the Air Force Reserve in 2011 to Arkansas state trooper and not too tough wedged among the twisted metal wreckage. continue his military service. By Jessica Dupree to ask for help. He crawled inside to assist paramedics “I’m currently engaged to a wonderful “Earlier in my life, I had three things as firefighters used the Jaws of Life to pry woman,” he said recently. “Once again my Maj. Catherine Noel McNeal, inset, joined the Air Force Reserve in 2010 to honor her brother, that stopped me from getting help when open the debris. Once she was freed, the life is looking up. My career is also doing Air Force Staff Sgt. Tim Davis, a combat control journeyman who was killed in an improvised I needed it the most: I was a Marine, medics tended to Andrea on the road. well as a state trooper and a Reservist. In 2012, two flight nurses and three explosive device strike in 2009. Davis is shown in the far left of the top photo. a trooper and a male,” Sheley, who is Holding on to his wife and hope as they “In hindsight, I wish I would have medical technicians assigned to Bagram currently assigned to the 913th Airlift waited for a medical evacuation, Sheley’s reached out for help sooner. I’ve shared Airfield, Afghanistan, took part in what Group, Little Rock Air Force Base, life came crumbling down around him as my story in hopes of helping others, from they thought was a routine medical “Taking care of a female younger than During her 2012 deployment to Arkansas, said. “Bad things happen to his wife took her last breath. colonels to young Airmen. No one is too evacuation mission to Kandahar Airfield. I was really stuck with me,” McNeal said. Afghanistan, McNeal wanted to take part good people. I believe you have two In the aftermath of the tragedy, Sheley big or bad to need help.” Upon arrival, they learned there had been McNeal joined the Air Force Reserve in a fallen soldier ceremony – a tradition choices when tragedy hits – drown your threw himself into his work, avoiding Sheley said everyone has lost someone two mass-casualty events that resulted in 2010 to honor her brother, Air Force overseas for sending a fallen soldier home sorrows with bad choices or choose emotions and responding to offers of or something along their life journey. in enough casualties to fill their C-130 Staff Sgt. Tim Davis, a combat control with honor and dignity. She recalls trying to live.” support by saying everything was fine. He hopes to help others find healthy Hercules to capacity. journeyman who was killed in an impro- to work up the courage to be a part of Sheley met his wife, Andrea, online “I was physically and emotionally ways to deal with these hardships in life. There were 13 gunshot-wounded vised explosive device strike near Bagram the ceremony, but not being able to do so while he was an active-duty Marine in drained,” Sheley said. “I felt lost, confused #ReserveResilient patients and four intubated patients. The on Feb. 20, 2009. until the third opportunity. With some North Carolina and she was attending and hopeless with no desire to face my (Walker is assigned to the 913th Airlift aeromedical evacuation team was charged She sought out a deployment to encouragement from her wingman, she college in Texas. family, friends or coworkers.” Group public affairs office.) ■ with providing all of them with essential Afghanistan to pay homage to her brother, finally took part. “I used my leave to visit my then-girl- To add to the stress, the crash created medical care on the 45-minute flight but she ended up finding more than that. “I kept thinking about the ceremony friend, spend time and build that a financial hardship from the unexpected Sheley met his former wife while he was a to Bagram that would bring them to a “It’s a world people don’t understand they had for my brother when I wasn’t Marine. As a Reservist and state trooper, he's relationship,” he said. “Once I left the bills and funeral expenses. higher level of care. until they’re in it,” she said. “Service there,” she said. determined to help others cope with service, I moved to Arkansas to obtain After five long years and some failed hardships. (Courtesy photo) “We were packed in there like sar- members used to seem robotic, like The resilience McNeal has found and my degree and work as a state trooper. I relationships, Sheley recognized that he dines,” said Maj. Catherine Noel McNeal, machines, to me. Once you get in, you see grown in the Air Force Reserve has given continued to spend my free time visiting was truly suffering. “I found Bobby Smith a Reserve Citizen Airman flight nurse they’re all great people.” her a purpose in her life she said she has her in Texas.” with an online search looking for state assigned to the 446th Aeromedical Getting to know the people and the not been able to mirror in her civilian Shortly after Andrea’s graduation, the troopers who also suffered tragedy,” he Evacuation Squadron, Joint Base Lewis- culture in the Air Force Reserve has made career as an emergency room nurse. two were married and they embarked on said. “He was a trooper who was shot in McChord, Washington, who was on that McNeal a more resilient person, she said. While both careers are rewarding and the next chapter of their life together. the line of duty and lost his eyesight. He mission. “We agreed to take on the risk to While serving, she has had the opportu- fulfilling, the mission of an Air Force State troopers are trained to handle dedicated his life to provide counseling get them all to higher care.” nity to learn more about herself and to flight nurse gives her an avenue to con- just about any situation, but all of the to others. After talking with him, my One of the patients was a young female come out stronger as a result. tinue honoring her brother while making training in the world could not have healing journey truly began.” with multiple gunshot wounds. She had “A lot of people don’t get to expe- a difference in the lives of others. prepared Sheley for what he would find From the ashes of tragedy, Sheley rose used her hands to shield her body from rience that point when you have no “Knowing these wounded soldiers are when he responded to a horrific two-car to a good life which includes the Reserve. the shots since she was not wearing body other option but to be strong and to dig going to see their families again is healing crash in early in his career. armor at the time of the attack. deeper,” she said. to me,” she said. #ReserveResilient ■

26 // April 2020 April 2020 // 27 Yellow Ribbon is open to It's More Than Spouses everyone. It's not just for the For Antunez, this will be her first As Yellow Ribbon shows, Reservists lean on military member. It is for the deployment in nine years as a traditional best friend, the spouse, the Reservist. For her boyfriend, Cesar Rios, the event proved to be a crash course in all types of support sibling, the mom and dad. military life. "Man, there is a ton of information the By Staff Sgt. Mary Andom military gives its members," Rios said. "It's a lot to take in." When Capt. Kristin Broullire's hus- And since they were both in While standing in line for lunch, band couldn't attend the February Yellow Colorado together, Broullire decided to Antunez pulled out her notebook and Ribbon Reintegration Program event in take a few days of leave, and the siblings discussed with Rios her laundry list Denver, she didn't despair. went on an impromptu ski trip and a of tasks. She plans on following up Her brother, David Espiau, was right tour of local breweries. on the information gleaned from the there by her side. Broullire, a C-130 The February event emphasized the various sessions. Hercules pilot assigned to the 731st four pillars of Comprehensive Airman "I didn't know some of these Airlift Squadron at Peterson Air Force Fitness to include mental, physical, social resources existed," she said. "From the Base, Colorado, decided to turn the trip and spiritual wellness. Red Cross notification system to the into a family event. The siblings attended a 30-minute financial programs for deployed service "Yellow Ribbon is open to everyone, meditation session where they learned members, Yellow Ribbon is such a and I like that concept," she said. "It's not techniques on how to breathe and sleep valuable resource." just for the military member. It is for the better. Espiau, who is getting married in During lunch, Rios broke bread with best friend, the spouse, the sibling, the April, also attended a breakout session service members in her unit. He listened mom and dad." focused on developing healthy relation- intently as they shared the experiences Reserve Citizen Airmen scheduled to ship habits. from prior deployments. deploy can attend one Yellow Ribbon "I plan to share this with my fiancée," "I'm finally starting to pick up the event for pre-deployment and two he said. "I think it's awesome that the lingo," he said. "I finally know what events within one year of returning military has these types of programs." the terms first sergeant, key spouse and from a deployment. They can bring two Reserve Citizen Airmen are encour- traditional Reservist mean." adult guests. aged to invite anyone who plays a vital Antunez said she wanted her boyfriend The program promotes the well-being role in supporting them throughout the to have a support system of his own. of Reservists and their loved ones by deployment cycle, said 1st Lt. Karlene "I want him to know he is not alone," connecting them with resources before Huggins, the Yellow Ribbon event she said. "He is now part of a big Top, Capt. Kristin Broullire, and after deployments. It began in 2008 manager. family. There are spouses and significant a C-130 Hercules pilot from following a Congressional mandate for "Most of the time, our Airmen bring others here he can lean on. If he has the , the Department of Defense to assist their spouse and children," she said. questions, doubts or concerns, he knows , Col- Reservists and National Guard mem- "However, many of our deployers aren't where to turn." orado, poses for a photo with her brother, David Espiau, bers in maintaining resiliency as they in a traditional family, but they will have a Rios attended a breakout session called during a recent Yellow Ribbon transition between their military and support network of close relationships." the Warrior Support forum to help ease event. Military members are civilian roles. Staff Sgt. Merari Antunez, a 439th the transition for Antunez when she encouraged to bring a spouse, Each year, the Air Force Reserve Airlift Wing administration journey- returns from her deployment. mother, father, sibling or a program trains approximately 7,000 man from Westover Air Reserve Base, "Every couple is different," he said. friend when they attend a pre- or post-deployment event. Reservists and those closest to them on , encouraged her boyfriend "You need to have a constant line of Below, Staff Sgt. Merari education benefits, health care, inter- to attend the event so they could navigate communication and be straightforward Antunez, personal communication, retirement the deployment process as a couple. with your expectations. When she returns, administration journeyman information and more. "We are learning together," Antunez I plan to ask her what she needs, whether from Westover Air Reserve After attending a Yellow Ribbon event said. "Every deployer and their support it is time or space, so I can support her." Base, Massachusetts, poses for in Chicago last April as a post-deployer, system should attend a Yellow Ribbon. As #ReserveResilient a photo with her boyfriend of three months, Cesar Rios, Broullire wanted to share this wealth soon as you think you are ready, you are (Andom is assigned to the public affairs during the event. (Photos by of information with her brother, so she introduced to a new organization filled office at the 446th Airlift Wing, Joint Base Staff Sgt. Laura Turner) invited him to the event. with many resources." Lewis-McChord, Washington.) ■

28 // April 2020 April 2020 // 29 Innovation

Left, Senior Airman Kenneth Purbeck, 446th Maintenance Win Squadron electrical and environ- mental technician, demonstrates how to operate the new battery McChord cell extractor. Bottom left, the battery cell extractor in a main- tenance workshop tool cabinet. Reservists Below right, Purbeck operates the battery cell extractor while recognized for Master Sgt. Robert Tingle, 446 MXS electrical and environmen- tal technician, communicates the developing Air Force process on battery cell battery cell removal. extraction tool

Story and Photos by Senior Airman Christopher Sommers Reserve Citizen Airmen from the 446th Maintenance Squadron pose with Maj. Gen. Randall Ogden, 4th Air Force commander, along with the current C-17 Globemaster III battery extraction device and the 446th MXS’s new extraction device, at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

Reserve Citizen Airmen from the environmental systems battery shop technician can push down on the device 446th Airlift Wing, Joint Base Lewis- that had been in place for decades, ever with 20 pounds of force and the cell will McChord, Washington, are earning a since the Air Force began flying C-17 be pulled out with 280 pounds of force. lot of recognition for their innovative . At the time, the maintainers weren't and environmental systems section chief, competition by reaching out through Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth solution to a common C-17 Globemaster The process required one maintainer to thinking about the Spark Tank competi- to formulate a strong pitch to submit his own personal network, in and out of O. Wright. "It's incumbent upon us as II maintenance problem. hold the battery housing while a second tion. Their main goal was to improve the their idea. the military. He has a lot of active-duty leaders to encourage creativity in problem Reservists from the 446th maintainer removed the cell using brute work flow in their shop and create a more "It was a real-world maintenance prob- experience he brings to his Reserve career solving. We must create a culture where Maintenance Squadron developed a force. During this procedure, the cells efficient process - something Puchalski lem we needed to fix," Palmer said. "Then as well. Airmen are often trying, sometimes mechanical device that makes extracting would often break and maintainers were tries to encourage. the Spark Tank opportunity came after "I have a really good network of men- failing, and never giving up. This is how depleted battery cells from the C-17 occasionally injured. "The metals technology career field the fact and we felt this was a chance to tors who are not in the military helping truly innovative teams get ahead. We owe battery housing more efficient and safer. Puchalski researched what maintain- draws some of the best talent the Air highlight our idea and get some funding me," he said. "I have a total force network it to our team, and to our nation, to do Their efforts earned them a spot among ers at other C-17 bases were doing and Force has to offer," he said. "We are for the tool to be made and shared with of military and civilian mentors who have everything we can to bring the best ideas the final six teams competing in the determined a new tool was necessary. always inspired to do great things. I try other C-17 bases. shaped me into the motivated person I forward with programs like Spark Tank." 2020 Air Force Spark Tank competi- He designed a new tool that would to encourage my Reservists to be inno- "This experience has taught everyone am today." Check out the video for the battery cell tion at the Air Force Association's Air extract cells with little effort and vative and think a problem through with in this group that there is always a differ- "Spark Tank is a chance to celebrate extraction tool at https://www.dvidshub. Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Florida, maximum safety. multiple outcomes. Being a good problem ent way of looking at a problem. When our Air Force risk-takers, idea makers net/video/710141/446th-mxs-battery- in February. "It soon became apparent the best, solver can carry over into many facets you come across an issue and the book and entrepreneurs who refuse to accept tool. #ReserveReform #ReserveReady William Nelson, the chief of the safest and most efficient way to remove of life." answer doesn't sound right, go ahead and the status quo, and have determined their (Sommers is assigned to the 446th AW metals technology shop for the active- stuck, damaged cells was to incorporate When Col. Kristen Palmer, the 446th question it. But make sure you go through own fate by developing solutions that public affairs office.) ■ duty 62nd Maintenance Squadron leverage," Puchalski said. "I spent many Maintenance Group commander, became the proper channels and get permission." make it easier for us to bring our very best at McChord, originally brought the hours drawing up the new tool on our aware of the need for Spark Tank sub- "I've been assigned to this shop for a to the fight," said Lauren Knausenberger, problem to the attention of Master Sgt. CAD software as well as mocking up a mission ideas, she immediately thought long time and this is the first time I can Spark Tank director. Roy Puchalski, the metals technology working prototype." the battery cell extraction device would remember one of our ideas getting this "When it comes to finding new and section chief for the Reserve's 446th The tool gives the maintainer the be a good submission. She began working much attention," Puchalski said. creative ways to improve our Air Force, Maintenance Squadron. The problem ability to apply 14 pounds of force for with Master Sgt. Robert Tingle, the Tingle helped maximize exposure of often times, we don't have to look any was in a process at the electrical and every pound administered. For example, a 446th Maintenance Squadron electrical this project within the Spark Tank 2020 further than our own teammates," said

30 // April 2020 April 2020 // 31 Source: SAF/PA, March 2020