Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror … Finding Peace December 16, 2005 455 AEW/CC: Thanks for Your Hard Work, Sacrifice by Brig

Vol. 1, No. 36 Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan December 16, 2005

Good To Know

Hometowners — To send a news release to your hometown newspaper, fill out a hometown news release form, which can be found at this link: S:\SHARED FILES\455 AEW PA NEWS, INFO\Hometown News Release. Once you’ve filled out the form, save it, and e-mail it to PA at baf- [email protected]. army.mil. Visit Tent 719 for details or call 231-3260. Photo by Staff Sgt. Marcus McDonald A-10 orientations — World Wrestling Entertainment Champion John Cena greets his The 354th Expeditionary Bagram fans following a match against Triple H Dec. 9. Fighter Squadron gives weekly A-10 mission briefs and tours Sundays at Wrestling superstars visit 1530L (1100Z) at A-10 operations in the 455th Afghanistan, wrap up tour Expeditionary Operations Group Headquarters. To by Staff Sgt. Marcus McDonald sign up, e-mail Capt. Ste- 455th Air Expeditionary Wing ven Raspet Saturday by Public Affairs 1630L (1200Z).

World Wrestling Entertainment 3-Day Forecast superstars, and its flamboyant chairman Vince McMahon, Today wrapped up their third “Tribute to Mostly sunny the Troops” tour with a live-to-tape H 55/L 23 show of WWE’s Monday Night “RAW” at Bagram Dec. 9. Saturday Before leaving Saturday, WWE Partly cloudy Women’s Champion Trish Stratus H 54/L 25 said her first visit to Afghanistan was a learning experience. Sunday Photo by Chief Master Sgt.

The tour, she said, “gave us an David L. Stuppy P.M. clouds Chris Masters, WWE super- H 51/L 25 — See ‘WWE tour’, Page 4 star, yells at the crowd. Source: 455th EOG Weather 2 Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror … Finding Peace December 16, 2005 455 AEW/CC: Thanks for your hard work, sacrifice by Brig. Gen. Bruce Burda 455th Air Expeditionary Wing commander ‘You are the best Well, here we are, a long way from family and of the best … part friends and life as we normally live it. of the most With the holiday season upon us, the challenges of a deployment can be even more dramatic. professional This is the time when we have to reach deep down armed forces in and find that discipline, dedication and toughness to keep the mission moving forward. the world.’

As I said earlier this week, you have done great work over the past several months. Your focus and General Burda energy have produced impressive results and have helped ensure a successful national election proc- our countrymen back home are safer and more ess in Afghanistan this fall. Additionally, the wing secure in the years ahead. I constantly get posi- continues to execute incredibly successful combat tive words from friends back home who respect operations and support to ground forces across the your dedication and appreciate all you are doing AOR. in support of our various missions here. The While staying focused on the mission, I certainly American public is behind us and their support hope you find a way to make your holidays mean- will not waver. ingful. Being deployed provides a special opportu- I am extremely proud of all of you. You are the nity to come together with your friends and “family best of the best, and prove every day why the Air away from family” to celebrate and support each Force and Navy are part of the most professional other here at Bagram and Kandahar. armed forces in the world! We’ll take care of each other while our thoughts Stacy joins me in thanking each of you for your and prayers go out to our families and friends back hard work and sacrifice. We send our warmest home. wishes to you and your families back home this You are making a difference -- a very big differ- Holiday Season, and hope you have continued ence. You are serving and making sacrifices now so success in 2006!

Agent sketch Stewart Wavell-Smith, left, and Tony Stencel, both with the Air Force Art Program, sketch a drawing of Robert Powers, Air Force Office of Spe- cial Investigations Expeditionary Detach- ment 2405, cleaning his M-16 rifle Dec. 5. The artists’ visit cap- tured some of the OSI detachment’s respon- sibilities while deployed to Bagram. Photo by Staff. Sgt. Marcus McDonald 3 Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror … Finding Peace December 16, 2005 Air Force leaders send Airmen holiday message The following is a holiday message from Secretary forming your duties in countless other ways that of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne, Air Force Chief do not always receive public recognition. of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley and Chief Master “This gift you give would not be possible with- Sgt. of the Air Force Gerald R. Murray: out sacrifice. Whether active duty, Reserve, As 2005 draws to a close, we have the opportunity Guard, or civilian, you work under conditions that to reflect on the past year and prepare ourselves for are very demanding. Some of you are separated 2006. For many of us, this from your families this season brings to mind a holiday season, deployed yearning for peace. Unfortu- to hazardous and austere nately, the enemies of peace locations. We are incredi- are challenging those of us bly proud of you and your who promote liberty, toler- families, whose support ance and respect for human makes your sacrifice pos- rights. sible. That is why your service is “We are also filled with vital to our nation. In this sea- pride in those who have son of gift-giving, it is one of fallen this year while serv- the greatest gifts you could ing in our Air Force. We

Michael W. Wynne bestow on your countrymen. shall always remember T. Michael Moseley Secretary of the “We have seen this gift you the gift they gave, and Chief of Staff Air Force have generously given - and keep their families in our of the Air Force not just to America, but to all hearts. nations. You brought food, shelter and security to “But as we have given the gift of service to those whose lives were devastated by the tsunami in our country, we have received much in return. Asia and the Indian Sometimes, it has been a subcontinent. You care package or kind note saved lives and re- from a stranger. Or it has stored services to been the support of the com- those who felt the munities that lie outside our immense destruc- gates. It has been the unspo- tion of hurricanes ken thanks in the exhausted Katrina and Rita. eyes of someone evacuated You provided the from a disaster. But one thing conditions for the is certain - we have received people of Afghani- the gift of unwavering sup- stan and Iraq to ex- port from the people of this Gerald R. Murray perience the gift of land. Chief Master Sgt. democracy. “As the holidays approach, of the Air Force You have created we urge all of you to reflect the shield that pro- on the gifts you have given tects America, flying countless sorties over our and received this year. We wish you the gifts of homeland. And you have given the gift of national peace, health, and happiness in the coming security, by committing yourself to excellence in per- year.” (Courtesy of Air Force Print News)

How to submit articles, action photos and/or story ideas to the editorial staff If news is happening in your unit, feel free to share that with your fellow warriors. To make a submission or if you have a story idea for possible inclusion in future issues, send an e-mail with the basic details to [email protected]. 4 Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror … Finding Peace December 16, 2005

WWE tour From Page 1 opportunity to meet and perform for our troops serving in Afghanistan” and more. “We got a chance to learn about Afghanistan and the processes going on over WWE “Tribute to the Troops” broadcast here,” she Both the tour and the RAW performance said. “I was in front of U.S. and Coalition troops here will be presented as a holiday special. especially in- The broadcast will air Wednesday at terested to 0630L/0200Z on AFN Spectrum hear about In the U.S., the holiday special will air schools being Monday at 2100 EDT on the USA Network. Photo by Master Sgt. Timothy Leahy built and the World Wrestling Entertainment Women's growth in the Champion Trish Stratus, right, and Ashley, women’s winner of the 2005 WWE Diva Search, prepare movement for their tag team match. throughout this nation.” Expeditionary Mission Support Group. On behalf of “My favorite part was getting a chance to eat the WWE su- breakfast with both Vince McMahon and perstars, the (wrestler) Triple H during the first day of their wrestler ex- visit,” Sergeant Jones said. pressed sup- Airman 1st Class Timothy Beers, an information port for the manager deployed from Dyess Air Force Base, troops serving Texas, to Salerno Forward Operating Base, Af- their country ghanistan, said the WWE visit was a “dream as part of the come true.” ongoing global “It’s not every day that you get to sit down with a war on terror- celebrity and actually carry on a conversation and ism. get to know them,” the Airman from Houston said. “Our men “Being part of their visit to Afghanistan was defi- and women in nitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I’m glad I uniform make didn’t miss.” constant sacri- Airman 1st Class Theodore Houghton, deployed fices for our Photo by Staff Sgt. Marcus McDonald to the 455th Expeditionary Security Forces freedom and Triple H makes his traditional Squadron from Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., the freedom of entrance to the ring Dec. 9. said the tour was energizing. others around “It definitely boosted the morale of our entire the globe,” she said. “This tour gave us a chance to unit,” the Airman from Alta Loma, Calif., said. say ‘thanks.’ It was an experience we’ll never for- “The fact the WWE superstars took the time to get.” visit and take photographs with us was more than Staff Sgt. Rachella Jones, of New Orleans, said we could have asked for.” the WWE visit was “awesome.” She deployed from The WWE tour was the largest celebrity produc- Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and works for the 455th tion to visit troops serving in Afghanistan.

Bagram Bullet This newspaper is an authorized publication for members of Editorial Staff, Disclaimer the U.S. Air Force deployed to Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan. Contents of the Bagram Bullet are not necessarily the official Brig. Gen. Bruce Burda ……….……….…. Commander, 455th AEW views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Depart- Staff Sgt. Marcus McDonald ………… Editor/NCOIC, Public Affairs ment of Defense or the U.S. Air Force. The editorial content is 455th Expeditionary Mission Support Group …….Technical support edited, prepared and provided by the 455th AEW/PA office. 5 Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror … Finding Peace December 16, 2005 Air Force releases new mission statement by Master Sgt. Mitch Gettle ereign options for the defense of from security awareness, making Air Force Print News the United States of America and sure the networks can't be pene- its global interests -- to fly and trated, as well as figuring out The realities of the world have fight in Air, Space, and Cyber- countermeasures,” Secretary changed dramatically since the space. Wynne said. “The Air Force is a creation of the Air Force in 1947 The statement includes two new natural leader in the cyber world and continue to change almost concepts, “sovereign options” and and we thought it would be best daily. “cyberspace,” which the secretary to recognize that talent.” With these changes in mind, Air and chief defined. They said hav- Adversaries of the United Force leaders released a new ing sovereign options is the es- States will use any method or mission statement Dec. 7 that sence of being a superpower. venue necessary to contest defines the current and future “Our task is to provide the presi- America, and it is an Airman's direction of the Air Force. dent, the combatant commanders, calling to dominate air, space “Today, our world is fast paced, and our nation with an array of and cyberspace, the leaders constantly shifting and filled with options ... options that are not said. a wide range of challenges,” Sec- limited by the tyranny of distance, “If we can decisively and con- retary of the Air Force Michael W. the urgency of time, or the sistently control these commons, Wynne and Air Force Chief of strength of our enemy’s de- then we will deter countless con- Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley fenses,” they said. “With one hand flicts,” they said. “If our enemies wrote in a joint Letter to Airmen. the Air Force can deliver humani- underestimate our resolve, then “Our mission is our guiding com- tarian assistance to the farthest we will fly, fight, and destroy pass, and now more than ever reaches of the globe, while with them.” we need it to be clear and pre- the other hand we can destroy a Using past air power pioneers cise.” target anywhere in the world.” as examples of understanding The mission statement defines The term cyberspace includes the mission, they said, “ The Air the “where and what” the Air network security, data transmis- Force’s mission statement has Force accomplishes on a daily sion and the sharing of informa- evolved over time, but it does not basis: tion. change the nature of who we are The mission of the United “We have quite a few of our Air- or what we do.” (Courtesy of Air States Air Force is to deliver sov- men dedicated to cyberspace ... Force Print News)

Hajj support Tech. Sgt. Jimmy Cox (driving truck), 451st Air Expedition- ary Group, provides ground support to a Hajj flight at Kanda- har Airfield, Afghani- stan. Hajj – an an- nual Muslim pilgrim- age to Mecca, Saudi Arabia – kicked off Dec. 1. The 451st AEG is a geographically separated ten- ant unit of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing. Photo by 1st Lt. Christian Backhaus 6 Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror … Finding Peace December 16, 2005 Leadership recognizes promotees, top performers by Staff Sgt. Marcus McDonald peditionary Electronic Combat Squadron 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs Civilian Category: Doug Starkweather, 455th Expeditionary Operations Group/Air Force Con- Twelve Airmen moved up to their next enlisted tract Augmentation Program (AFCAP) rank and five were chosen as the best of the best at Other award nominees were also recognized: the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing’s monthly promo- Airman Category: Airman 1st Class Court- tion and awards ceremony Dec 1. ney Finnegan, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing; Air- The promotees were as follows: man 1st Class Craig Stawicki, 455th Expedition- To Airman 1st Class: Curtis Jones and Adam ary Mission Support Group; Airman 1st Class Speer Charles Coy, 455th Expeditionary Maintenance To Senior Airman: Katrina Schrotenboer and Group; and Senior Airman Alexander Rosales, Sarah Beauchamp 455th Expeditionary Operations Group To Staff Sergeant: James Willhite; John Daly; NCO Category: Tech. Sgt. Robin Petelo, Robert Montalvo; Adam Fralic; Amanda MacMil- 455th Air Expeditionary Wing; Tech. Sgt. Mark lan; and Stewart Hanska Warinner, 455th Expeditionary Maintenance To Technical Sergeant: Nicholas O’Reilly Group; and Staff Sgt. Bryon Mertzlufft, 455th To Master Sergeant: David Baker Expeditionary Operations Group Wing leadership then recognized the Top Per- Senior NCO Category: Master Sgt. Victor formers of the Month: Wilson, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing; Master Airman Category: Senior Airman Angelina Sgt. Donnie Wright, 455th Expeditionary Mission Clark, 73rd Expeditionary Air Control Squadron Support Group; and Master Sgt. Kirk Sumpter, (geographically separated unit at Kandahar) 455th Expeditionary Operations Group NCO Category: Staff Sgt. Daniel Loomis, CGO Category: 1st Lt. Adrian Cercenia, 455th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron 455th Expeditionary Mission Support Group; and Senior NCO Category: Master Sgt. Douglas 2nd Lt. Jeremy McCraney, 455th Expeditionary Keith, 455th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Maintenance Group Squadron Civilian Category: Scot Smith, 455th Expedi- CGO Category: Capt. Alan Hietpas, 41st Ex- tionary Maintenance Group 455th AEW’s Top Performer — Senior NCO Category Job title nance Unit “Bulldogs” — every- A-10 aircraft production day. Getting jets launched on superintendent time, every time is a must in our business; someone’s life de- Deployed unit pends on it. The more I can do 455th Expeditionary to contribute to that cause, I Aircraft Maintenance Squadron welcome it with open arms.

Home station What have you enjoyed most Davis-Monthan about your time here? Putting Air Force Base, Ariz. our pilots in the safest aircraft Hometown and getting them to the fight as Tucson, Ariz. soon as possible on a daily basis. How do you feel about making history here in Afghanistan as What advice would you give part of the ongoing Global War to others for a successful Air on Terrorism? I feel like a foot- Master Sgt. Force career? Be the best you ball coach of a championship can possibly be. Also, be pa- team — the 354th Aircraft Mainte- Douglas Keith tient and never give up. 7 Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror … Finding Peace December 16, 2005 americasupportsyou.mil Americans send holiday greetings, messages of support, thanks Editor’s note: The following messages were May the message of Christmas bless you with compiled from both greeting cards as well as the God’s hope and peace. All our love and prayers America Supports You website. are with you always. Thank you for all your efforts. Your friend, Kathy, Norfolk, Va. Hello. My name is Amy Graber. I am 16 years old sophomore at Barr-Reeve High School. I partici- Hello, how is your day that I hope is good well pate in cheerleading, volleyball and softball. just here to pop in and grant you a Merry Christmas Thanks for everything you have done for our and a Happy New Year. country. Have a wonderful holiday sea- Jessie, Bellefonte, Penn. son! Amy Graber, Loogootee, Ind. Hi. My name is Cadet Andrew Kap- linski and I go to the Sarasota Military Think of you and hoping that your Academy in Sarasota Fla. Christmas will be filled with one nice I just want to thank you for every- surprise after another. Also wishing thing you do and I hope you have a you a Happy New Year 2006. Take safe and happy holiday season. care. Sincerely, Andrew Teresa Acuna, Austin, Texas As a 20-year veteran who retired in 1988, I want Hey! My name is Cadet Amanda of the Sara- to say thanks to you, the next generation. You are sota Military Academy. I doing a terrific job under difficult circumstances. wish you all a happy holi- I want you to know that your day season. Thanks for all sacrifices and the sacrifices of you do. your families are appreciated. You’re truly making an I teach at a community college impact for generations to in an area of intense anti-war come! sentiment. I am approached by Amanda, Sarasota, Fla. many students who express their support of our government and We are so proud of our military. great country and we know Most people recognize that, without you on the it is because of people frontline, there would be no freedom on the home serving like you that it is a front. safer better place to live! Bill Crowe, Eureka, Calif. We support you and thank you for all you do. May God bless you. I just wanted you to know how much I value Joe and Barbara White, Meridan, Miss. everything you're doing. You are fighting to protect freedom. No matter what kinds of opposition you Thank you for protecting our country. I pray for may face, always remember that there are people you always. May protection and safety be upon there who truly appreciate and need your help. You you! Always cling to Isaiah 41:10, which says: “So saved them from the oppression of their govern- do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed ment and are helping secure their futures. for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help Thank you so much for your efforts and we all you I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” love and cherish you. Come home safely. Roze Shepard, Endicott, N.Y. Ryan, Houston, Texas 8 Bagram Bullet Fighting Terror … Finding Peace December 16, 2005

workout protein. Casein is a slow absorption protein and is good as an evening/bedtime protein. Creatine has two main benefits. First, creatine increases your body's ability to resupply energy to your muscles. Second, creatine works as a cell Supplements Part II volumizer by drawing water into your muscle tis- In one of my previous discussions, I talked about sue. Creatine is usually best taken during and/or supplements. Since then, I have received a couple immediately after working out. questions asking for more info. Nitric oxide works as a vasodilator or hemodila- Today I will take about three supplements; pro- tor. This increases blood flow to deliver more oxy- tein, creatine, and nitric oxide. gen and nutrients to fatigued muscles. Nitric oxide Before continuing on, as I said in the previous is usually best taken before working out. article, most supplement advertisements and state- As stated before, do your research before taking ments have not been evaluated by the FDA for ac- supplements and keep in mind – supplements are curacy or authenticity. As a result, do your fair just that – supplements to enhance a well bal- share of research before taking supplements. anced diet and exercise program. Protein is made of amino acids, which are essen- For more information on these and other supple- tial for muscle growth. There are three basic types ments, see the fitness specialists at the 455th Ex- of protein; whey, egg, and casein. peditionary Services Squadron. So the inevitable question is “which one should I If this or other topics brings questions to your take?” The answer is it depends. mind that you’d like to see addressed, drop an The issue is digestion and absorption. Whey is a e-mail to [email protected]. In the fast absorption protein and is usually best taken subject line, type in “Bagram Bob.” immediately after a workout. Egg proteins are aver- You can also visit the 455th AEW/PA office in age absorption and are a good anytime or pre- Tent 719.

WEEKLY WORSHIP SERVICES Sundays ……….... 1000L (0530Z) Gospel OTHER SERVICES, MEETINGS Sundays …….…. 1730L (1300Z) Catholic Mass Jewish Weekdays …….… 1130L (0700Z) Fridays ……….... 1900L (1430Z) Chapel Cleanup Korean Protestant Saturdays ……….. 1100L (0630Z) Sundays ……..… 1545L (1115Z) Gospel Bible Study Latter Day Saints Thursdays ………. 1900L (1430Z) Sundays ……….. 1300L (0830Z) Noon Day Prayer Liturgical Protestant Weekdays …….… 1215L (0745Z) Sundays ……….. 0830L (0400Z) Promise Keepers Men’s Muslim Fellowship/Bible Study Fridays …………. 1800L (1330Z) (conference room on first floor Seventh Day Adventist of base operations) Saturdays ……... 0930L (0500Z) PRAYER REQUESTS Wednesdays ….... 1900L (1430Z) Protestant Visit the chapel offices, “Friends of Bill” (AA meeting) Sundays …….…. 1130L (0700Z) (Inner Strength Café, the Roman Catholic located near the Dragon chapel at Camp Lacey) Saturdays ……… 1945L (1515Z) DFAC, or call 231-4755. Saturdays ………. 1930L (1500Z)