SPRINGS MILITARY NEWSPAPER SCCHRIEVERHRIEVER SEENTINELNTINEL

Th ursday January 3, 2008 www.csmng.com Vol. 2 No. 1

Base Briefs 5 0 t h M S G d e p u t y r e c e i ve s B r o n z e S t a r m e d a l MOAA New Year’s breakfast By Lorna Gutierrez Th e Military Offi cers Association of Schriever Sentinel “This is recognition for America, Pikes Peak Chapter, invites all Th e 50th Mission Support Group the work of 964 Airmen active and retired offi ces to the organi- deputy commander received a assigned to the squadron zation’s fi rst breakfast for the new year in front of his accomplishing an family and colleagues Dec. 20. Jan. 10 at the Peterson club. Breakfast outstanding mission.” costs $8.50; continental $3.50. No Lt. Col. Paul Scholl earned his Bronze Star for meritorious reservations required. Special guest Lt. Col. Paul Scholl, speaker is Canadian Lt. Gen. Charlie achievement as commander of the 866th Expeditionary Security 50th Mission Support Group Bouchard from North American Forces Squadron at Camp Bucca, deputy commander Aerospace Defense Command. For Iraq, from Feb. 21 to Aug. 1. Th e more information, call Max Borysko 866th ESFS provides security and The soft-spoken at (303) 647-0405. administration for detainees at credited his Airmen for the the largest detainee facility in accomplishments. U.S. Central Command’s area of SnoFest race registrations “Th is is recognition for the responsibility. work of 964 Airmen assigned to due During the deployment, Colonel Register now for ski and snow- Scholl led more than 850 Airmen the squadron accomplishing an board races at SnoFest Jan. 25 to 27 at in detainee operations, response to outstanding mission,” he said. “I Keystone. Information and registra- hostile engagements and training owe this to all of them.” tion available at http://www.21svs.com; approximately 600 Iraqi correc- Colonel Scholl’s previous squad- deadline for race registration is Jan. 17, tional offi cers. ron commands include the 50th no onsite registration available. As the fi rst Task Force 134 Security Forces Squadron here Lodging is also still available; Detainee Release Board presi- and the 341st SFS at Malmstrom rooms are blocked until Jan. 4. Call dent, Colonel Scholl led case re- Air Force Base, Mont. Previous to (800)258-0437 and mention group code views for detainees considered those commands, he was an opera- Gutierrez Lorna by Photo GV7SNFE. for release. USCENTCOM credits tions offi cer for the 741st SFS at him with creating a command cli- Malmstrom AFB and the 92nd SFS mate centered on professionalism, at Fairchild AFB, Wash. His other Air Force Ball which resulted in praise from the medals include three Meritorious Th e Lance P. Sijan Chapter of the Air International Committee of the Service Medals, four Air Force Lt. Col. Paul Scholl salutes 50th Space commander Col. Terry Djuric upon Force Association presents the annual Red Cross for safe and humane Commendation Medals and an receiving a Bronze Star medal for accomplishments while deployed to Camp Air Force Ball Feb. 15 at the Broadmoor treatment of detainees. Air Force Achievement Medal. Bucca, Iraq, from Feb. 21 to Aug. 1. Resort, featuring Tops in Blue. Th e theme of this year’s Ball is “Heritage, Honor, Valor...I will not Fail!” Cost is: E-1 to E-4, GS-3 to GS-4 ‘Lights out’ for 1st SOPS legacy satellite control system $15; E-5 to E-6, GS-5 $20; E-7 to E-9, By Capt. Michael Duncan GS-6 $30, O-1 to O-3, GS-7 to GS-11 1st Space Operations Squadron $35; O-4 and O-5, GS-12 to GS-14 $45; Th e 1st Space Operations Squadron shut O-6 and above, GS-15 and above $60; down its legacy satellite control system Dec. retired military and non-DoD civilian 28, less than a week aft er supporting the guests $80 (AFA members) and $100 launch of GPS Satellite Vehicle Number 57 (non-AFA member). and minutes aft er a state-of-health operation For room reservations at the for GPS SVN-23. Broadmoor, call 577-5775 and mention Th e Command and Control Segment, or group code AFB08 ($155). For informa- CCS, was originally designed under the Data Systems Modernization contract with IBM in tion, go to http://www.afasijan.com. 1981 and conducted its fi rst support for 1st SOPS on Feb. 14, 1989. Scholarship applications “Th is is a signifi cant emotional event for Applications for the Defense some of the people in this room today,” Commissary Agency’s 2008 said commander Col. Scholarships for Military Children Terry Djuric. “Th is is how we recapitalize Program are available now in commis- our weapon systems — we take down the saries worldwide or online at http:// legacy systems and modernize them. Th at’s something we can only do because of your www.commissaries.com. expertise.” Th e $1,500 scholarships are avail- Since its fi rst support, 1st SOPS and 7th able to unmarried children under the SOPS conducted more than 320,000 sorties age of 21 (or 23, if enrolled in school) on CCS with a 97-percent success rate, said of military active-duty, retired, and Lt. Col. Erik Eliasen, 1st SOPS commander. Guard and Reserve servicemembers; As a result, warfi ghters could count on access applications due by Feb. 20. At least one to space-based combat eff ects. scholarship will be awarded at every “Our predecessors went through extraor- commissary location with qualifi ed dinary lengths to set and maintain the condi- applicants. tions for a lasting weapon system, and that feat humbles us today,” Colonel Eliasen said. CCS’ last support was “a serendipitous DASH offers free rides closure” for the system, said Lt. Col. Harold Drive a Servicemember Home, for- Rollins, 1st SOPS director of operations. merly known as EADD, off ers free “SVN-23 was the only GPS bird transferred rides from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Fridays to 1st SOPS that we were able to successfully and Saturdays, including holidays. Th e resuscitate and transfer back into the active Branum Don Sgt. Staff by Photo program is open to all ranks and ser- GPS constellation to provide combat eff ects vices. Call 55 NO DUI for a free ride. to warfi ghters for a second time around,” he said. In addition to GPS, 1st SOPS has used CCS to conduct operations for the Midcourse Inside Space Experiment satellite, Technology for (Front to back) Senior Airmen Giovanni Carotti, Jared Stout and William Lim conduct a state-of-health check on Autonomous Operational Survivability sat- GPS Satellite Vehicle Number 23 on the legacy Command and Control System Dec. 28. The 1st Space Operations Commentary ...... 3 ellite and the , News ...... 4-7 Squadron here shut down CCS after 21 years of operations on GPS, the Midcourse Space Experiment, the Feature ...... 10 Defense Support Program and other satellite systems. Airmen Lim and Stout are assigned to 1st SOPS; Airman See Legacy page 7 Carotti is assigned to the 50th Operations Support Squadron. Schriever Sentinel 2 January 3, 2008 Schriever Sentinel January 3, 2008 3 COMMENTARY

PUBLISHER Why are we here? Lon P. Matejczyk Commentary by enjoy watching TV, playing sports and browsing advisers. Th ey have been working, eating, laughing [email protected] Col. Charles J. Westgate III the Internet, and parents want their children to and fi ghting alongside one another. Th ere are many Editorial 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Group commander grow up and have a good education — just like stories of Iraqis coming to the rescue or protecting Editor SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) — We all had us. So, in the end, the majority of Iraqi people their American counterparts. One Iraqi offi cer Mike Boyd many diff erent reasons for joining the military, but are just looking for a happy and peaceful life did not hesitate to place himself in harm’s way to [email protected] since Sept. 11, I know we all joined or re-enlisted — and they are not terrorists. protect an American Airman when his aircraft was Staff Reporter knowing that we are at war with the terrorists. Since the insurgents’ activity has escalated in forced to land in a very dangerous area. Th is Iraqi Lorna Gutierrez But, why are we still fi ghting in Iraq and put- Iraq, daily life has become quite uncomfortable. was able to divert any hostile attentions toward Th e most obvious issue, of course, is the improvised himself and away from the American until they [email protected] ting our lives in jeopardy? To shed some light on this question, I want to explosive devices blowing up in the neighborhoods could get to safety. ADVERTISING provide some of my personal thoughts and avoid that kill innocent people. Receiving consistent And yes, Iraqis and Americans have even died Advertising Director/GM the politics of the issue. I will not debate whether electrical power has also been a challenge, because together. Aug. 11, 2005, an Iraqi citizen was bur- Tex Stuart Saddam had weapons of mass destruction at the the insurgents oft en targeted the power and oil ied at Arlington National Cemetery — a fi rst [email protected] beginning of the Operation Iraqi Freedom; nor infrastructure. Imagine trying to sleep at night in the history of Arlington. He was an Iraqi air when it is 120 degrees outside and you have no force pilot that was killed with and for American Rob Carrigan will I argue whether Saddam killed innocent men, women and children that were members air conditioning. Keeping food cold and fresh is Airmen. Th ey died together fi ghting for the same [email protected] of his own country. Th ose are all questions for also tough, when you are only getting a few hours cause — peace and freedom — and now they Tammy Fogall the politicians, historians and senior leaders of of electricity each day. But, in the midst of all this are buried together. Th is Iraqi is the same offi cer [email protected] our military and government to answer. I’d like chaos, the Iraqis still go about their business trying that protected the American Airman only a few Kathleen Gannon to focus on the current situation and the people to improve their lives, complete their educations, months prior. Th e young Iraqi pilot was married [email protected] aspects of the issue. get married and raise a family. and left behind two young children. Like most Regardless of who was right or wrong, the fact Th e members of the Iraqi military and police Americans, his family was sad for the loss, but Linda Stuart remains that at 10:15 Eastern Standard Time on force make a huge sacrifi ce by just joining the very proud of what he was fi ghting for. [email protected] March 19, 2003, the U. S. and coalition forces be- service. As soon as they put on their uniforms, Th ere are many other stories like this that Classifi ed Ad Manager gan OIF and moved troops into Iraq. By April 7, they are a target for the terrorists. Many Iraqi you don’t see on TV or read in the newspaper. Heidi Witherington the forces had captured Baghdad and Saddam’s military members have sent their families into Americans and Iraqis are working together every [email protected] presidential palace. Iraqis were celebrating in the hiding or have developed “cover stories” to help day, helping one another, helping the local civil- ART DEPARTMENT streets and overjoyed to be free and out from under keep their family safe. In some cases, an Iraqi ians, building schools, providing medical support, Saddam’s rule. Since this time, there have been servicemember may not even know where his etc. It is important that people understand there Art Director many factors that have changed the environment family is located and not communicate with them is more going on than just the terrorists’ acts of Rowdy Tompkins in Iraq and caused a rise in terrorist activities for many months — wondering if they are alive violence and killing. We constantly hear the stories [email protected] across the country. But, we cannot change the past and safe. Numerous Iraqi servicemembers have of death and destruction, but rarely hear the stories Assistant Production ... we can only try to change the future. also been killed aft er returning from training in of success and friendship. More and more, these Manager If you had an opportunity to meet some Iraqis, the . Yet they continue to join and successes are continuing to accumulate. Th e num- Jeff Adcox you would probably fi nd them to be very much serve. In fact, the Iraqi air force recently gradu- ber of terrorist acts have dramatically decreased as [email protected] like you and I. Yes, they speak a diff erent language ated their second class of offi cers from their newly more Iraqis are trained and as the responsibility and practice a diff erent religion than most of established air force academy. Th ese men and for security transitions to their forces. us. But, if you look a little closer, you will fi nd women continue to join and serve because they So, why are we in Iraq? I can’t answer for you, many of our words come from Arabic and some want to have peace in their country and want a but I know why I am honored to be here and away of our major religions have the same roots and better life for their children. from my family — yet again. It is because we similar beliefs. You may also fi nd some of their As the fi ght against the terrorists has continued, are fi ghting for good people who just want the customs to be diff erent from ours ... but again, the Iraqis and coalition forces have been training same peace and happiness that we tend to easily at the core of their customs you will fi nd a belief and fi ghting, side by side. A large number of the take for granted. We’ve started this mission ... in good values and taking care of family. Th ey coalition forces in Iraq are there as trainers and and I’d like to see us fi nish. Schriever Sentinel 4 January 3, 2008

Schriever welcomes new chiefs United Launch Alliance photo by Pat Corkery By Lorna Gutierrez Bush, has deployed to both Germany and Schriever Sentinel Bosnia and has been stationed in Panama Finding out they made chief was a thrill and Miami. for both Senior Master Sgt. Penny Boggis But the memory that stands out most in her of the 50th Mission Support Squadron and mind was a Christmas spent in Bosnia, which Senior Master Sgt. Timothy Winfree of the she described as both beautiful because of 50th Security Forces Squadron. It was years all the snow and tragic. of hard work and according to the two, not “Th ere are graveyards everywhere,” she easy. said. “It made me appreciate my life and how For both, it was time sacrifi ced with fam- lucky I am.” ily. Leading up to the promotion, She did her weapons qualifi ca- it was time abroad and many tion at the old Olympic village challenges. in Sarajevo, which she called Now Sergeant Winfree said amazing, even though it was all that aft er 18 years of working bombed out and wrecked. toward this position, he’s ready As for making chief, she’s to do what the Air Force needs a thrilled and still can’t believe it. to do. She found out about it the 21st Th e Rocky Mount, N.C., na- century way — via the Internet. tive said that making chief is a She saw her name posted on a big weight off his shoulders, but new online system while her recognizes that a lot of respon- children, Scott, 20 and Kelsey, sibility lies before him. 14, looked over her shoulder. “I’ll give it a good go,” he said She said her goal is to be a of tackling his new position. good chief. She’s had to over- Sergeant Winfree said he come her own share of obstacles learned a lot from one of the on her way to obtaining the po- highlights of his career — his deployment sition. One particular challenge for her was to Baghdad last year. the Weighted Airman Promotions System “It was a life-changing deployment,” he testing. said. “I learned life is short and you should “I was studying year aft er year and not do everything you can now.” quite making it,” she said. “(Th e lesson is) ... He’s done a lot thus far, including deploy- don’t ever give up. If you keep going, eventu- ing to Romania in support of the Bosnia- ally you’ll get there.” Herzegovina war. He also enjoys his hobbies Th at attitude has helped her ascend to her — hunting, mountain hiking, woodworking new position. and horseback riding. In addition to her work, Sergeant Boggis He said his best moment thus far has been enjoys horseback riding, reading, singing marrying his wife, Tracie, whom he wed in and spending time with her husband Bernie 1994. He spends his spare time with her and and children. their three dogs — a yellow labrador, German “Nobody gets here on their own,” she said shepherd and Siberian husky. of her position. “You have to have family For chief-select Sergeant Boggis, she support and troops that help you do good things. It’s not just an individual’s achieve- GPS satellite lifts off from Cape Canaveral hopped across the “pond” in order to serve A Delta II rocket carried GPS IIR-18(M) into orbit after launching from Launch Pad 17-A here Dec. 20 at the United States. ment, it’s also an achievement for my family and squadron. I couldn’t have done it without 3:04 p.m. Eastern Time. The 2nd Space Operations Squadron at , assumed Th e Th etford, England native has had quite early orbit support operations approximately 68 minutes after launch. a career so far. She’s met the senior President them.” Schriever Sentinel January 3, 2008 5 New Schriever space warning squadron activates By Staff Sgt. Sanjay Allen Th e squadron formerly operated and Public Affairs maintained the Attack and Launch Early BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. Reporting to Th eater, or ALERT, system. — Th e 460th Space Wing designated a new Th at system provided continuous surveil- space warning squadron here Dec. 3 that will lance and early warning of theater missiles reside at Schriever Air Force Base. and other threats in direct support of theater Th e 11th Space Warning Squadron activated warfi ghters worldwide. as the 460th Operations Group Detachment When the Mission Control Station was 1 stood down during the ceremony. completed at Buckley late in 2001, 11th SWS “It’s an amazing thing to witness,” said was deactivated Dec. 31, 2002, as part of the Lt. Col. Holly Weik, 11th SWS commander. transition from DSP to SBIRS. DSP, which is still operational, uses satel- “It’s not that oft en that you get to be a part lites operating in geosynchronous equatorial of history.” orbit more than 22,000 miles above the earth. Th e reactivation of 11th SWS represents Th e system was designed to detect ICBMs, the latest technological leap in the Air Force’s space launches and nuclear detonations in ability to protect the United States, Colonel near-real time. Weik said. Th e new squadron will operate the As the nation’s newest space-based mis- latest Space-Based Infrared Systems satellite

Photo by Alex Gochnour Alex by Photo sile warning system, SBIRS will feature both payload, using a new sensor in a highly ellip- geostationary and highly elliptical orbit sat- tical orbit to provide a tremendous increase ellites to create a synergy that signifi cantly in warning time and accuracy. enhances both the strategic and theater “Th e activation of this unit demonstrates warning missions. Th e system was designed that the Air Force is committed to bring- Col. Christopher Ayres and Lt. Col. Holly Weik furl the 460th Operations Group Detachment 1 guidon to to perform the additional missions of techni- ing everything to bear to protect all war- symbolize the detachment’s inactivation during a ceremony at the fi tness center here Dec. 3. The 11th Space cal intelligence, national missile defense and riors,” said Col. Christopher Ayres, 460th Warning Squadron activated in place of the detachment and will provide early warning of missile launches and battle-space characterization. Operations Group commander. “Colonel nuclear detonations for combatant commanders. Colonel Ayres is the 460th OG commander; Colonel Weik is Th e mission of the 460th Space Wing is Weik and her space warriors will provide the 11th SWS commander. to provide combatant commanders with national decision makers and combatant expeditionary warrior Airmen and deliver commanders timely, critical information training space operators and intelligence 200-plus space crew members and furnished global infrared surveillance, tracking and on what we see through infrared eyes for situation analysts. Th ey developed and mission-critical intelligence support. missile warning for theater and homeland missile warning, missile defense, technical maintained operations plans, tactics and Eleventh SWS was originally activated in defense. Completing that mission requires intelligence, and battlespace awareness so procedures for primary and alternate space 1994 and used infrared data from the constel- everyone working together, Colonel Weik no American or ally ever gets harmed again operations center activities in support of lation of Defense Support Program satellites said. like they did in Desert Storm.” U.S. Strategic Command’s global warning to warn deployed troops in theater of short- “We can’t do this by ourselves,” she added. Th e detachment maximized the 460th network. Additionally, they produced crew range missile launches, as well as signifi cant “We have to count on our reservists and ci- Operations Group’s mission readiness by schedules maintaining documentation for other events around the globe. vilians. It is a team eff ort.”

Most servicemember housing allowances will increase in 2008 By Fred Baker III Not all rates saw increases, though. Rates are based on United States. San Francisco saw the top rates for allowances American Forces Press Service average current rent, utilities and renter insurance by mar- with dependents at an average of $2,853 monthly. , D.C. (AFPN) — Most servicemembers ket. In markets where those costs decreased, allowances Military housing allowances have come under heavy scru- receiving a housing allowance will see more in their 2008 went down accordingly. But a DOD rate-protection feature tiny by Congress and senior department offi cials since the paychecks. locks in rates for servicemembers already living in an area 1980s and have increased historically since 2000. Th e average increase more than doubled for 2008 at 7.3 to protect their current rental leases. Th e cost of buying a In 2005, housing rate increases represented a fi nal phase percent over last year’s 3.5 percent average increase. home is not included in the data. of a DOD plan to eliminate servicemembers’ out-of-pocket Th e Defense Department will pump an additional $600 Offi cials collect data on 369 military housing areas in housing expenses. Out-of-pocket expenses were estimated at million into the housing allowance program, for a total of the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska. Th ey then nearly 20 percent in 2000, according to DOD releases. $17.5 billion for 2008. Th is is paid out to 1.2 million service- calculate 48 diff erent rates per area based on pay grade and “It’s come a long way. It just gets better and better every members receiving the allowance. dependant status, to come up with more than 17,000 diff er- year. Th e members are seeing increases in most locations Overall, members with dependents will see an average ent rates. Of those, just under 12 percent of the allowance every year, so the program is doing what it’s supposed to do,” increase of $83 a month, according to a Defense Department rates saw a decrease, according to offi cials. said Susan Brumbaugh, director of the Basic Allowance for release. An E-4 with dependents will see about a $63-per- Not surprisingly, cities in California, New York and Hawaii Housing, Per Diem, Travel and Transportation Allowance month increase, while an E-8 will pocket about $79 more. took most spots on the top 10 highest allowance rates in the Committee. Schriever Sentinel 6 January 3, 2008 AF Association recognizes Onizuka AFS professionals By Valerie Joseph Capt. Jonathan Marshall was chosen to communications outages in a timely manner, Systems Maintainer/Technician/ 21st Space Operations Squadron Public Affairs lead acquisition planning for the Air Force resulting in a 99.9-percent operations suc- Satellite Control Network node’s move to cess rate for the past year. He administered Integrator of the Year ONIZUKA AIR FORCE STATION, Kevin Weiler Calif. — Eight individuals here were rec- Vandenberg Air Force Base. He trimmed multiple communications security accounts Harris Corporation ognized Nov. 30 at the Air Force Association Base Realignment and Closure Commission fl awlessly; achieving an unprecedented re- Chapter 361 annual awards banquet at the contractor requirements, cutting costs cord of zero incidents for the entire year. Kevin Weiler completed fi ber installation Biltmore Hotel in Santa Clara. by 47 percent and saving the Air As an equipment custodian, he and maintenance training, obtained instruc- Gen. Victor E. Renuart Jr., commander Force $3.6 million. He led the located missing items and tor status and conducted classes, resulting in of North American Aerospace Defense group’s design review created a database for savings to the Air Force of $37,500. Mr. Weiler Command and U.S. Northern Command team for a $34-mil- ease of future loca- took the lead on modifi cation eff orts, includ- at , Colo., presented lion AFSCN build- tion tracking. His ing secure voice and telephone instrument the awards. ing at Vandenberg eff orts saved the removal and relocations, in support of the Th e award winners are: AFB, ensuring un- Air Force tens of Operational Switch Replacement system. interrupted opera- thousands of dollars tions support dur- in lost equipment Junior Enlisted Member of the Year ing the upcoming charges. Communications Operator/Mission Tech. Sgt. Nathaniel Heskew relocation. In addition, Mr. Operator of the Year 21st Space Operations Squadron Marshall Stucky identified Clift on Gatewood Tech. Sgt. Nathaniel Heskew oversaw 20 simplified proce- the location of all critical front-offi ce programs. In addition, Nortel dures for local engi- automated data Clift on Gatewood assisted in conducting he orchestrated 20 teleconferences with the neering changes that processing equip- pre-launch checks, launch and on-orbit sup- 50th Space Wing at Schriever Air Force Base, will save time and ment in his account Colo., eight commander’s calls, 20 squadron money. He ensured and corrected the port and other tasks for three space shuttle staff meetings and eight base tenant meet- 8,000 command database, thereby missions. In addition, he tested new small ings. Sergeant Heskew was recognized as and control contacts cutting inventory conversion devices meant to replace the legacy the South Bay Military Aff airs Council’s Air per month for the al- times by 50 percent. programmable telemetry processors for the Force military member of the quarter for the ternate control node with He is involved in multiple Advanced Composition Explorer Program. third quarter of 2007. no mission data loss, provid- projects ranging from highly Mr. Gatewood also assisted with training Sergeant Heskew organized two distin- ing continuity and a 99.6-percent technical satellite encryption systems requirements for newly installed devices. guished visitor luncheons and ensured the mission success rate. He directed the removal to quality-of-life projects. He provided error-free support during the 14th Air Force commander and the 50th and disposition of $10 million in equipment, Mr. Stucky volunteers weekly at his church Missile Defense Agency’s testing and launch Space Wing commander gained a complete which opened up 11,000 square feet of space as a youth counselor and provides transpor- of the Near Field Infrared Experiment sat- understanding of the issues aff ecting person- for security forces consolidation. tation for the elderly. ellite. He provided 21st SOPS critical inte- nel assigned to Onizuka Air Force Station. Captain Marshall excelled at the Squadron Sergeant Heskew is a key member of the com- gration support at NASA-AFSCN meetings Offi cer School residence course and the selec- Program Manager of the Year at Johnson and Kennedy space centers. mand section’s Communications Security tive Flight Commander Preparation Course. In Frank Daras Jr. His support to the National Oceanic and Responsible Offi ce team and helped ensure addition, he volunteered as a classroom mentor Space and Missile Systems Center Operating zero discrepancies during a recent Space for Junior Achievement economics students. Atmospheric Administration contributed Command staff assistance visit. Location-AO to the successful launch and on-orbit sup- Frank T. Daras Jr. authored the planning port of the Polar Orbiting Earth Satellite and Senior Civilian of the Year and execution documents for a future mis- Geostationary Orbiting Earth Satellite. Company Grade Offi cer of the Year Verne Stucky sion transfer of the AFSCN node’s move to Capt. Jonathan Marshall 21st Space Operations Squadron Vandenberg AFB. He led a team that identi- Space and Missile Systems Center Operating Verne Stucky was key to resolving mission fi ed $3.6 million in cost savings. He ensured Administrative Specialist/ Location-AO a successful completion plan to reinforce the Information Technology Person of Onizuka AFS timing system, eliminating catastrophic failure. In his spare time he vol- the Year unteers with disabled American veterans. Jared Picklesimer Nortel Jared M. Picklesimer attained and main- Contract Support Person of the tained a level one security compliance of the Year Onizuka AFS secure network by implement- William Covotta ing an Enterprise Harris Corporation Network Windows Server Update Service. William Covotta ensured mission success He also formed a review team to verify au- to 21st SOPS as well as the 129th Rescue Wing tomated patching success of 100 percent of and the Army Corps of Engineers. He pro- network attached devices. vided support to communications security Mr. Picklesimer re-engineered base backup and secure voice responsible offi cers, ensur- ing compliance and proper execution of the solutions to utilize disk storage and offl ine communications security discipline. migration of backup data to tape. His ef- Mr. Covotta developed and maintained forts reduced full base backup time by 60 training programs and materials ensuring percent, which in turn saved $20,000. He also accuracy of information and exceeding Air designed and implemented a Web log server Force guidelines. He assisted a technician to provide a central repository for sensitive in troubleshooting and repairing a critical but unclassifi ed information. communications device located at a high- Mr. Picklesimer corrected an error with level customer’s residence, which resulted in a server, preventing automated imaging of the restoration of an important communica- 21st SOPS assets and saving 200 man hours tions resource. in labor requirements. Schriever Sentinel January 3, 2008 7 Legacy: SBSS

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Defense Satellite Communications System, Milstar and Defense Meteorological Satellite Program constellations. “CCS is one of the most robust systems in the Air Force,” said Col. , com- mander. “I’m not aware of any system that has controlled more vehicles for a longer period of time. Twenty-one years of service is pretty impressive for any weapon system.” Both 3rd and 4th SOPS had also used CCS before migrat- ing to the Command and Control Segment-Consolidated in 2005. First SOPS continued to use CCS while 2nd and 19th SOPS moved from their legacy systems to a new Launch and Early Orbit, Anomaly Resolution and Disposal Operations system, which they fi nished in October. With previous support missions complete or moved to other squadrons, 1st SOPS will move forward with plans for maintaining the Space Based Surveillance System and operation a Multi-Mission Satellite Operations Center. “Th is is an exciting time as we start to transition to our new weapon systems,” Colonel Crosier said. Th e new systems will be OS/COMET, which will be used to operate SBSS; and the Responsive Distributed Framework for Operations and Experimentation, or REDFOX, for the Multi-Mission Satellite Operations Center. Th e new systems are scheduled to become operational in 2008. Photo by Staff Sgt. Daniel Martinez Generous donations make gift tree successful Kristin Hunt sits among a huge pile of gifts that will be donated to children under the care of the El Paso County Child Protective Services. The Christmas for Kids gift tree provided gifts for all 74 children whose wish lists of gifts hung as decorative tags on the tree. Schriever personnel also donated approximately $200 which will provide gifts for the two case workers who are assigned to the 74 children. Kirstin Hunt is the Colorado Springs Military secretary for the 2nd Space Operations Squadron. Newspaper Group

View our publications online at www.csmng.com. Photo by Lorna Gutierrez Here’s to cookies! Capt. Rachel Wells and her son, Jack, toast while enjoying Cookie Baking Day at the Child Development Center here Dec. 19. Both parents and children enjoyed oatmeal and sugar cookies and apple cider. Captain Wells is assigned to the 3rd Space Experimentation Squadron. Photo by Staff Sgt. Nick Ybarra Nick Sgt. Staff by Photo

Two more years Chief Master Sgt. Clarence Moore renews his oath of enlistment during a reenlistment ceremony here Dec. 18. Col. Terry Djuric, 50th Space Wing commander, issued the oath of enlistment while Staff Sgt. Wilma Hernandez held a small American fl ag for the ceremony. About a dozen Airmen from the 23rd Space Operations Squadron here turned out to congratulate Chief Moore, who will remain in service until February 2010. Chief Moore is the 50th SW command chief master sergeant. Schriever Sentinel 8 January 3, 2008 Schriever Sentinel January 3, 2008 9 Malmstrom Airmen replace missile guidance systems By Airman 1st Class replaced is because the electronics have Emerald Ralston aged, resulting in degraded in-fl ight reli- 341st Space Wing Public Affairs Offi ce ability,” Captain Ballak said. “Th e NS-50 , replaces the aging 1960s vintage NS-20 guid- Mont. (AFPN) — Missile maintenance ance system electronics with 1990s vintage Airmen installed the fi nal replacement to electronics.” the missile guidance system at each missile “Th is system ensures more safety than launch facility of the base’s Minuteman III the NS-20,” said Master Sgt. Eric Lang, as- fl eet Dec. 4 at Malmstrom Air Force Base. signed to the 341st Maintenance Operations Th e NS-20 system has been replaced with Squadron. the NS-50 system through the Guidance Th e NS-50 contains modernized electron- Replacement Program. ics that improve not only the in-fl ight reli- The GRP is managed by the 526th ability, but also the maintainability — it is Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles Systems more dependable on the ground, simpler Wing at Hill AFB, Utah, and is contract- to isolate faults, and easier to remove and ed through the ICBM Prime Integrating replace components, Sergeant Lang said. Contract. “Th ere is defi nitely a benefi t to this new Th e NS-20 was the designation given to system,” Sergeant Lang said. “It lasts lon- the original Minuteman III missile guid- ger in the fi eld so maintainers don’t have to ance system. Th e MGS performs ground and go out as oft en, so it saves money and time. in-fl ight functions for the Minuteman III Any time you have to roll open the door to weapon system. Hardware for the system perform maintenance on the system it takes consists of a computer, an inertial measure- a lot of work and then a series of tests have ment unit, cabling, coolant hoses and other to be performed as well. With all the other supporting hardware. programs we have going on right now, having While on the ground, the MGS commu- to go out fewer times is a huge benefi t.” nicates to the ground system, responds to Malmstrom isn’t the only one to benefi t commands received from the ground system, from this improvement. and monitors and reports on the health of “Th e government, Air Force and the United photo Force Air U.S. the missile system. States of America benefi ts from the NS-50 In fl ight, the MGS is responsible for guid- modernization of the Minuteman III fl eet ing and steering the missile to a position by ensuring the land-based leg of the stra- in space that corresponds to the desired re- tegic triad is ready to be used if required, is Master Sgt. Maxwell Jackson, Staff Sgt. Preston Yockeman and Senior Airman David Burress perform missile lease point of the reentry vehicle so it will hit less expensive and safer to operate,” Captain guidance system tilt procedures to maneuver the MGS to the rear of the two re-entry systems in the payload within the designated target area, said Capt. Ballak said. transporter van on site Dec. 4 at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Mont. Sergeant Jackson is a 341st Missile Maintenance Michael Ballak, of the 510th ICBMSG. Th e NS-50 is also being deployed at Minot Squadron team critical task supervisor, Sergeant Yockeman is a 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron team “Th e primary reason the NS-20 is being AFB, N.D., and F.E. Warren AFB, Wyo. cageman, and Airman Burress is a 341st Missile Maintenance Squadron team top side technician. Deployed Airmen fi nd ancient artifacts at Iraqi air base By Staff Sgt. Trevor Tiernan U.S. Central Command Air Force Combat Correspondent Team KIRKUK AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) — An Airman and his team discovered fragments of pottery, possibly dating back as far back as 2,000 years during a recent job at Kirkuk Air Base. Tech. Sgt. Kelly Wayment, a heavy equipment operator with the 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron here, was carrying out a routine operation near a helicopter landing pad when he noticed something peculiar. Sergeant Wayment was spotting for fellow 506th ECES member Staff Sgt. Michael Massey as he drove a grader over the area. “I noticed something on the ground that looked kind of like a rock,” said the NCO deployed from Hill Air Force Base, Utah. “I picked it up and saw it looked more like pottery. So we started looking around and found more.” Much more. At that one location alone, Airmen have found more than 100 pottery fragments. Th ere are three additional sites on the base where pottery fragments are being discovered, said 2nd Lt. Brian Wernle, 506th ECES environmental engineer. “As construction continues around the base, people are coming to (us) saying ‘we’ve found some more pottery,’”

Lieutenant Wernle said. Ferguson Brian Sgt. Staff by Photo Th e pottery fragments were brought to Lieutenant Wernle who sought the help of higher headquarters at U.S. Central Command Air Forces and a local historical expert to identify and date the pieces. Historians recognize the area around Kirkuk AB as be- ing home to many ancient civilizations. Th e Mesopotamian city of Nuzi was located just southwest of the current base. S.M. Ameen and 2nd Lt. Brian Wernle look over one of four Kirkuk Air Base, Iraq, construction sites Dec. 26 where artifacts were found. The artifacts at Excavations there in the early 20th century resulted in the this site were discovered by civil engineering Airmen while grading an area near the fl ightline. Mr. Ameen is a local Iraqi archeologist and the assistant fi nding of an archive of more than 4,000 clay tablets in- curator at the Kirkuk Museum. Lieutenant Wernle is the base environmental engineer with the 506th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron. scribed with Akkadian cuneiform script. To the east of the base lies Jarmo, long considered to be the fi rst agricultural Lieutenant Wernle, deployed from Andrews AFB, Md., his feet. community dating back as far 7,000 B.C. also looks forward to a closer working relationship with “I’ve been more cognizant about looking on the ground, Sh. A. Ameen visited the base to assist Lieutenant Wernle local historians and is trying to implement procedures to about looking for more pieces — not knowing what I could in identifying the pieces and to assess whether construc- speed up the process of identifying any future pieces found. fi nd and what signifi cance it could have,” he said. tion could continue or if a more extensive excavation was While remaining sensitive to the historical signifi cance of As one of the fi rst Airmen literally “on the ground” when in order. the area, the 506th ECES Airmen also have to balance the the items were found, Sergeant Wayment said he recognizes Under Saddam Hussein’s regime, archaeologists and his- mission requirements they are tasked to fulfi ll. the importance of learning a little more about the history torians were not allowed onto the base and had no access “What we’re trying to do is expedite a procedure where we of the country he’s deployed to. to anything found there, Mr. Ameen said. Under the new can have somebody come out, identify whether the objects “History is important,” he said. “Th is land has a lot of relationship with U.S. forces, he said he sees the opportunity in question are artifacts and then determine whether we history. Th e people have been here for thousands of years. to work together in helping to preserve Iraq’s history. can continue building on this site or halt construction and So anything that can help us learn more about their way of “All these things we’ve found belong to everybody,” Mr. identify it as a new archaeological site,” he said. “(Ultimately) life is benefi cial to everybody.” Amaan said. “When Iraqis and coalition forces work together our goal is to hand this area back to the Iraqis, so we’d like Th e hundreds of pieces the Airmen found are still being we try to preserve the historical value of the items that we fi nd to preserve as much of their history as possible.” assessed locally. Once age and signifi cance are determined, in Kirkuk. We want to protect this area here so everybody Th e fi nd has been a learning experience for Sergeant Lieutenant Wernle said he plans to get a team of experts to can enjoy the historical artifacts. Th is way we can pass on Wayment. Since discovering those fi rst few pieces, he said conduct further investigations on both the fragments and this history to the next generation.” he has found himself more aware of what could be under the site. Schriever Sentinel 10 January 3, 2008 American servicemembers deploy to Costa Rica By Staff Sgt. Austin M. May who really need it.” Joint Task Force-Bravo Public Affairs Th e various divisions of the clinic included PIEDRA MESA, Costa Rica (AFPN) — preventative medicine, nurse triage, a phar- More than 600 patients were seen during a macy and health-care providers. two-day medical readiness training exercise Reports indicated several families had Dec. 18 and 19 in Costa Rica by Joint Task hiked for more than a week to reach the Force-Bravo American servicemembers from medical readiness training exercise site de- Soto Cano, Honduras. spite heavy rainfall and fl ooding in the area, Th e team, made up of 28 Airmen and said Sergeant Himes, who is deployed from Soldiers spent two days in the village of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Piedra Mesa operating a makeshift clinic Th e mission has been several years in the for the indigenous people in the area. making, but worth the eff ort, Ambassador Five critical patients required air evacua- Langdale said. Th e reaction has been 100 tion to the city of Limon, a 15-minute fl ight percent positive, although the Costa Ricans that would have taken days to hike through are not used to seeing a military presence in the mountainous terrain. Members of the 1st their country since they abolished their own Battallion-228th Aviation Regiment trans- in 1948. Th e country has been “unplugged” to ported a girl diagnosed with cerebral palsy what the U.S. has been doing in the Southern and pneumonia, which was the most critical Command area of responsibility, which in- case seen by the team. cludes Central America. “Th ey brought this little girl here, im- “We’re kind of moving forward in re-es- mediately diagnosed her with a serious ill- tablishing these relationships,” he said. “It ness, potentially fatal, and a (Army UH-60) will take time, but I feel good about it. I feel Black Hawk was able to airlift her to Limon,” optimistic.” said Mark Langdale, the U.S. ambassador to Th e benefi ts of the mission were im- Costa Rica, who visited Piedra Mesa dur- mediately visible to those at the site, and ing the fi rst day of the exercise. “So just by the eff orts extended beyond Piedra Mesa being here today, we may have saved that to other parts of the country, Ambassador girl’s life.” Langdale said. Th e majority of patients seen by the team Th e work being done at the site had a pro- had upper-respiratory infections, derma- found impact on those involved, like Tech. tological issues, diarrhea and pneumonia, Sgt. Jennifer Parker. Sergeant Parker said the said Dr. Miguel Coello, a Honduran Medical medical readiness training exercise, which Photo by Staff Sgt. Austin M. May M. Austin Sgt. Staff by Photo Liaison Offi cer with JTF-Bravo’s medical ele- was her fi rst during her four-month deploy- ment. A small group had parasitic infections ment to Honduras from Langley AFB, Va., that were treated by the Costa Rican ministry was an immensely gratifying, but surreal of health members present at the site. experience. “We were invited here by the Costa Rican “Th is is the kind of place I’ve only seen in ministry of health to help the isolated people magazines and on television,” she said. “To Staff Sgts. Steven Geist (left) and David Pagani take a young Costa Rican girl with cerebral palsy who has been of this country,” said Master Sgt. Troy Himes, be standing here, actually talking to these diagnosed with pneumonia to a waiting helicopter to be air evacuated from a makeshift clinic to a hospital in the NCO in charge of medical operations. people and reaching out to them is an in- Limon from Piedra Mesa, Costa Rica. Sergeants Geist and Pagani are assigned to the Joint Task Force-Bravo “It’s a phenomenal feeling to be able to pro- credible feeling. Th is is the culmination of medical element. vide true humanitarian assistance to people everything we prepare for at Soto Cano.” 379th Air Expeditionary Wing rings in the New Year By Staff Sgt. Jason Barebo 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs SOUTHWEST ASIA — Airmen in the 379th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron brought a little bit of home to Southwest Asia during a New Year’s Eve celebration here. In less than 72 hours, several members of the 379th ECES constructed an 800-pound ball from an old, unus- able 1,000 gallon water tank to drop during the fi nal seconds of 2007. “I asked our folks to prepare a ball for this event and I was amazed at what they accomplished in just two and a half days,” said Lt. Col. Michael Saunders, 379th ECES commander. “Several people came up and said that it was almost like being in New York,” said Capt. Cliff Th eony, 379th ECES. Similar to the Times Square drop that many witnessed in the U.S., the ball was suspended some 100 ft . in the air with a crane. Slowly the ball dropped as everyone in attendance counted down the fi nal seconds until 2008. With more than 180 80-watt bulbs, this 2008 New Year’s ball produced some 15,000 watts of light just seconds before the beginning of the new year. “It greatly exceeded my expectations and turned out to be a perfect example of the old General Patton adage which Olsen Douglas Sgt. Staff by Photo states ‘Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity,’” Colonel Saunders said. “It was very exciting to see the ball drop and lit aft er all the work put in to it,” said Senior Airman Stephen Waite, 379th ECES electrician. Airman Waite was one of more than 15 people who built the New Year’s ball. Master Sgt. Kenneth Ramirez deals Black Jack Dec. 31 at a New Year’s Eve celebration at an air base in Southwest Asia. The 379th Air Expeditionary “It’s a great feeling seeing what our diff erent CE shops can Wing rang in the New Year with a casino night theme and a traditional ball drop a la Times Square. put together, especially in such a short time,” he said. In addition to the ball dropping, Airmen in the 379th mission.” while deployed,” she added. Expeditionary Services Squadron hosted a casino night “New Year’s Eve was a great time to let loose a little bit and “Being away from friends and family on New Year’s doesn’t complete with music and prizes. enjoy games of chance, Vegas-style music, super prizes, and have to be a depressing or sad time. Watching the giant ball “A lot of creativity and preparation was done to put on a celebrate the close of a great and successful rotation with drop was a great way to celebrate how unique we are, being great New Year’s event for all to enjoy and remember, espe- new friends,” Colonel Ferrera said. Air Force professionals, and being together as a family away cially being so far from home,” said. Lt. Col. Susan Ferrera, “In Services, we want all the troops so far from home to from family,” Colonel Ferrera said. 379th ESVS commander. “We in Services work very hard be able to celebrate the coming of a new year, having fun “New Year’s Eve 2007 at the 379th AEW will be a great so the troops can play hard when they fi nish working the and sharing a memorable event with new friends they made memory for so many,” she said. Visit the Schriever Sentinel online at www.csmng.com Schriever Sentinel January 3, 2008 11 Schriever Sentinel 12 January 3, 2008 Schriever Sentinel January 3, 2008 13 Schriever Sentinel 14 January 3, 2008 Schriever Sentinel January 3, 2008 15 Schriever Sentinel 16 January 3, 2008