Independence Day Air Force, U.S. CENTAF leaders offer messages for July 4: Page 2 “Teamwork” Capt. Dietrich speaks on working together to accomplish great things: Page 4 Commander’s Call Col. Orr highlights ‘fantastic job’ group has done through 30 days: Pages 5-6 Big Crane ECES helps move barriers for new Muscle Beach expansion: Page 6 Keeping track of it LRS supply team manages, issues mission items: Pages 7-8 Remembering Khobar Military commemorates 10th anni- versary of Khobar Tower bombing: Page 9 Around Iraq Latest news from around the theater: Page 9 Keeping cool Joint ECES effort generates, deliv- ers electricity: Page 10 Chapel corner Chaplain offers thoughts on religion versus relationship: Page 11 Looking for losers Muscle Beach looking for people willing to lose weight: Page 12 Blind volleyball PERSCO overwhelms ECS to take championship: Page 13 Movies and more Event schedules: Pages 14-16 Ali Times / June 30, 2006 Page 2 Air Force leaders send July 4 message

Happy Birthday, America! For 230 years, this nation and its people have represented freedom and democracy. We earned that repu- Vol. 4, Issue 26 tation through courageous acts of June 30, 2006 patriotism by our founding fathers Col. and through bravery on battle- David L. Orr fields across the world. Today we Commander, 407th AEG mark not a resounding victory in Lt. Col. a great battle, but instead the day Richard H. Converse when we stood up as a free and Deputy Commander, Air Force Secretary Air Force Chief of Staff independent nation and told the 407th AEG Michael W. Wynne Gen. T. Michael Moseley Master Sgt. world we would no longer live un- Andrew Gates der tyrannical rule. Editor/Chief, Public Affairs This year, as you gather to celebrate You, the men and women of Ameri- This funded newspaper is an autho- the founding of our great nation, pause ca’s Air Force, reflect the generations rized publication for members of the U.S. military services overseas. Con- a moment to remember our heroes of patriots who, through their actions, tents of the Ali Times are not neces- currently serving away from home, displayed the values of integrity first, sarily the views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Depart- fighting to preserve the very same free- service before self and excellence in all ment of Defense, or the Department doms the patriots before us secured. we do. Thank you for your unyielding of the Air Force. The content is edited, prepared and Their efforts are helping us soar to a commitment, and have a happy and provided by the public affairs office safe 4th of July! of the 407th Air Expeditionary Group. future bounded by limitless horizons. All photographs are U.S. Air Force photographs unless otherwise indi- cated. Celebrating America’s 230th year of freedom The Ali Times accepts stories, photographs and commentaries, which may be submitted to the public af- By Lt. Gen. Gary L. North free and independent na- ing to rebuild their lives. fairs staff—located in the group head- Commander, 9th Air Force and USCENTAF tion. This is a fight that they quarters building—or can be sent di- rectly to the newspaper at This week we will be Today’s Soldiers, Air- cannot win on their own. [email protected] celebrating America’s men, Sailors and Marines We must help them to cre- Deadline for publication is 7 p.m. Thursday before the week of publi- 230th year as an indepen- are also fighting for inde- ate stable nations. This is cation. dent nation. As we re- pendence. However, it is a fight that we must win For more information, call 445-2318, or e-mail the editor. member the past and hon- for the independence of for both the people of Iraq or those Soldiers two other and Afghanistan. who fought for nations, Iraq As we celebrate our in- our freedom, I of- and Afghan- dependence, remember Front Page ten wonder what istan. The that we in 9th Air Force photo the common sol- people in and U.S. CENTAF are dier thought both Iraq fighting everyday for the when he heard and Afghan- freedom of other nations; istan are you are spending this hol- Tech. Sgt. Chadwick that Congress Blackmon, 407th Expedi- had declared in- struggling to iday away from home in tionary Civil Engineer dependence. The maintain the U.S. Central Com- Squadron power produc- thought that their free- mand area of operations, dom from and many others are sup- tion specialist, checks comes to my Lt. Gen. Gary North the oil on one of eight mind, and many oppression porting the warfighting ef- tactical generators at historians, is that those and fear-the type of op- fort from their home sta- Power Station One on Ali. soldiers must have real- pression and fear caused tions. You are the heroes For more on the power ized they were no longer by terrorists. They have of today like those Soldiers plant, please see Page fighting for their rights as already defied the terror- who fought for our inde- 10. (Photo by Master Sgt. English citizens but for ists by forming a national pendence 230 years ago. Andrew Gates) the rights and privileges government, holding pub- With tremendous pride that come with being a lic elections and continu- and respect, I thank you. Ali Times / June 30, 2006 Page 3 A Year Gone By...

By Brig. Gen. Frank Gorenc I attribute wing successes di- 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Commander rectly to motivated and empowered Airmen…like you. The possibili- My time as the 332nd Air Ex- ties are limitless when profes- peditionary Wing Commander is sional Airmen come across an op- rapidly coming to close. In the portunity to succeed. Over and blink of an eye, my 365-day TDY over, I have been awestruck at ends on July 5 when I pass the your ability to get the job done. flag to the incoming commander, Through the four AEF rotations Brig. Gen. Robin Rand. during my command, over 21,000 A year ago, when I took the Airmen have been assigned to the flag, I asked you to focus on the 332 AEW. Despite the turnover, mission. The 332 AEW mission is without fail, the wing executed clear and simple: “Combat flawlessly. For an entire year, the Airpower for America…Right Here, wing hit on all cylinders without Right Now.” Together, we excelled any significant mission or safety in a huge way. We operated and risk. normalized Balad AB, Kirkuk AB, Brig. Gen. Frank Gorenc Your work epitomized our AF Ali AB, and Sather AB. We gener- core values…integrity, service be- ated over 11,000 sorties flying over fore self and excellence in all we 80,000 hours using four different We destroyed countless tons of do. Great job Tuskegee Air- weapons systems. We delivered explosive material inside and out- men…the legacy continues here effective kinetic solutions to the side the wire. We controlled all with you. ground commanders…precision 277,000 square miles of Iraqi air- I will always have a special guided bombs, bullets, rockets space. We saved thousands of place in my heart for the 332 AEW and Hellfires. We delivered ISR American and Iraqi lives in our Tuskegee Airmen. I am humbled (Intelligence, Surveillance, and hospital and then transported the to have been your commander. Reconnaissance), cargo, passen- American heroes to Germany. We Instead of goodbye, I will say until gers, and combat rescue. We de- prepared for the future. All 332 we meet again. Thank you, livered robust expeditionary com- AEW Airmen should be very proud Tuskegee Airmen for a superb bat support not only to Airmen, of this impressive list of accom- year. God Bless You and God but to the Army and Marine Corps. plishments! Bless America!

town News Release, a DD Form page —let public affairs know. TELL YOUR 2266 —- just for deploying to Iraq U.S. Air Forces, Central and participating in Operation Ira- Command has a number of STORY qi Freedom. However, you can also programs to market these stories fill out a HTNR for other events as back home —including radio and well —including promotion or rec- television stations. If you can tell As a mililtary member, you ognition while in theater (including a really good (true) story, you have a great story to tell. And all the monthly awards). might even get on national or the military has many ways to tell For events or situations which international media. those stories. are a little more out of the ordinary For more information, call First, you can fill out a Home- —such as the story on the next public affairs at 444-2318. Ali Times / June 30, 2006 Page 4 Teamwork vital to Ali successes Difficult projects require various Airmen, units working together By Capt. Mark Dietrich Security Forces developed a se- 407th Expeditionary Communication Squadron curity plan for the area around the new tower to provide addi- I am truly amazed at how well tional protection. In about an- everyone has come together and other month, all of the hard work worked as a team to make Ali and effort of several squadrons the best base in the AOR. Many will result in a tower being add- people say that back at their ed to support the Army’s convoy home stations, squadron rival- missions. ries and politics would make In addition, the runway some of their projects nearly project demonstrates teamwork. impossible. There is also the work being done Airman from many different to repair the runway. The Civil squadrons across the Air Force Engineering Squadron developed and Air Guard combined togeth- the plan to repair the runway. er to make up each squadron. The Security Forces Squadron Every Airman brought with them escorts the contractors pouring their unique experiences and at- the concrete. The Operations titudes. As time has passed, Support Squadron directs the these Airman came together to traffic on the runway while still make their squadrons the best ensuring flight safety. Teamwork at providing their unique servic- is making the mission a success. es, and coming together to ac- Capt. Mark Dietrich We have all come here from complish the mission with oth- different locations across the er squadrons. their equipment and furniture to world to make our squadrons the For instance, when Security building 622 all while providing top best they can be. No one squadron Forces moved to building 622, it notch base defense protection to Ali. can stand by itself. It takes team- took several squadrons to make Teamwork made it all happen. work not just within a squadron but sure everything came together. The Another instance is a tower that also outside the squadron to accom- Civil Engineering Squadron is being built on the south side of plish the mission. So take the op- checked the electricity and the air base. Civil Engineering provided portunity to get outside of our conditioning. The Communications the power and cooling requirements squadrons and work along side Squadron checked for non-secure for the new system. The Operations your counterparts to see what they internet protocol router network Support Squadron ensured that the bring to the fight. Only then will and phone connectivity. After all of new tower location would not im- we be able to function as a group this, Security Forces moved all of pact planes utilizing Ali’s runway. and accomplish great things.

Congratulations, Reaper 1! Maj. Steve Sweeney, 407th Expeditionary Communications Squadron commander, was selected for promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. Ali Times / June 30, 2006 Page 5 Col. Orr: Group doing a ‘fantastic job’ CC updates unit on 30-day progress

By Master Sgt. Andrew Gates 407th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs

Now that Ali Airmen have completed more than 30 days of the 120-day rotation, the group commander brought them together, through a series of commander’s calls Monday, to update them on the group’s progress. Col. David Orr, 407th Air Expe- ditionary Group commander, held three calls to encourage the profes- sional Airmen at Ali. “You are doing great,” Colonel Col. David Orr, 407th Air Expeditionary Group commander, speaks to Ali Airmen dur- Orr said in a packed morning call. ing one of his three commander’s calls Monday. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Rasheen Dou- “You have been doing a fantastic job glas) and I have no doubt you will con- Squadron’s efforts to revitalize ne- port might make the difference for tinue to do extraordinary things glected programs. survival to one of those vehicles and through the rest of this AEF rota- “We are running on all cylinders its personnel.” tion.” and getting my priorities taken care In taking the fight to the enemy, He started by covering his top 10 of to optimize the mission — we are the colonel discussed his plans to highlights, including every squad- defending the base, sustaining the optimize the living quarters at Bed- ron at Ali. Among the items he cov- force and taking the fight to our rock — a goal to either replace the ered included the 407th Expedition- enemies,” Colonel Orr said. tents or to obtain Alaska shelters ary Security Forces Squadron ‘dis- To continue defending the base, or trailers. ciplined’ transfer of base protection the colonel discussed the transfer He also praised Ali Airmen for to the Army and the 407th Expedi- of the base protection mission to participating in the various events tionary Communication and 407th other forces. He encouraged base around the base. Civil Engineer squadrons’ reputa- Airmen to be aware of their sur- “Your participation and camara- tion for responsiveness. roundings — every Airman needs derie is great,” he said. “The turn- “We have some old equipment on to “be a sensor for operational se- out for sporting events and SVS this installation, and these warriors curity.” sponsored activities has been phe- are doing an amazing job keeping As far as sustaining the force, the nomenal – it’s so very important to it operating in very tough condi- colonel discussed the imminent in- take part in the ‘play side’ that tions,” he said. “The quality of Air- corporation of more than 200 Aus- makes the military culture unique. men here at Ali is superior to any- tralian service members into the liv- In early August, we will sponsor an thing I’ve seen elsewhere, and we ing area at Bedrock. Ali Olympics, bringing together our are hitting our stride for the mis- “We are going to support them Army, Navy, Italian, and Australian sion and people of the 407 AEG.” in Bedrock because they are doing partners for camaraderie and fun.” The colonel also commented on an important mission for the Multi- And speaking of events, the colo- the overall airfield upgrade project, National Forces-Iraq team – it’s the nel discussed the upcoming July the support for a number of high right thing to do,” Colonel Orr said. 4th activities. level visits including Air Force-One, “We’re also providing facilities, “I’m sorry you can’t take the en- the 407th Expeditionary Services equipment, and manpower resourc- tire day off,” he said. “But we are Squadron’s enthusiasm in promot- es for the Navy in its tasking to up- ing their events and the 407th Ex- grade more than 500 Army vehicles Continued on page 6: peditionary Logistics Readiness being used in convoys — this sup- CC Call Ali Times / June 30, 2006 Page 6

Heavy Load Members of the 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron use a crane to move protective barriers away from Muscle Beach for an expansion. The expansion is currently planned to be completed and ready for use by July 4.(Courtesy photo)

CC Call plauded 407th Airmen for we stay on our game – it your sacrifice as you bal- From page 5...... their compliance with would be a horrible thing ance the demands of mil- General Order-1 and ad- to return home in disgrace itary service with at times planning on knocking off herence to standards. instead of the honor you severe struggles at home,” a little early and having a “I was shocked to learn deserve for your sacrifice Colonel Orr said. “I appre- lot of sporting and other about 20 violations on and service.” ciate not only the warriors events to participate in. I Camp Adder in the month He ended the call with who have been in the Air want to encourage every- of May,” Colonel Orr said. more morale-building en- Force for many years, but one to enjoy the moment “We have had two instanc- couragement, asking air- especially our young Air- in sharing our American es of theft in Bedrock and men to continue to grow men. We have been at war heritage on the Frontlines one case of government and “balance their physi- almost your entire life – of Freedom on Indepen- computer misuse. I trust cal, mental and spiritual thank you for accepting dence Day in Iraq.” that it’s not our airmen well-being.” the obligation and sacri- The colonel also ap- but it does demand that “I am so grateful for fice of military service.”

8 a.m. — Morning Bingo, 6 p.m. — Four on four Ali Base Big Top volleyball July 4 4 p.m. — 8-ball, Hot Spot 6 p.m. — Casino Opens, 5 p.m. — Three on three Big Top activities basketball 10 p.m. — Prize auction Ali Times / June 30, 2006 Page 7 Keeping track of it all Supply team manages, issues Ali Base inbound inventory

By Master Sgt. Andrew Gates 407th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs

Paperclips, toilet bowls, sulfuric acid and body armor all have something in common at Ali Base. They are all items that have come to the base through the supply system and then been issued out by the logisticians there. “We are here to provide supply support for the base and to do what- ever else we can to help fight the war on terrorism,” said Master Sgt. Steve Sawyer, 407th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron NCO- IC of warehouse operations. “Peo- ple need supplies to keep their equipment running, their weapons loaded and their computers opera- Staff Sgt. Shannon Alexander, 407th Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron tional – we help make sure people supply technician, makes sure he carefully completes the tracking information for have what they need to do their items coming into the warehouse. This lets the logisticians track ordered items, and mission here.” provides a paper trail when they issue the items to customers. (Photos by Master Sgt. The team brings in pretty much Andrew Gates) everything that goes to the Air Force control the airspace over the south- – from ammunition to chemical ern portion of Iraq – is a bit differ- gear, aircraft equipment to clean- ent from that at home stations. ing products. For instance, Senior Airman Toi “We make sure everything gets Little is also from Robins, where she where it needs to be,” said Staff provides supply support for the Sergeant Shannon Alexander, de- Joint Surveillance Target Attack ployed here from Robins Air Force Radar System aircraft – otherwise Base, Ga. known as the E-8C. Here, although The flight is effective, Sergeant busy, the mission focus is a little Sawyer said, because they know less intense. how the supply system works, and “At home, I am used to support- can redirect any problem areas to ing an aircraft where we are work- the right place for a solution. ing hard to ensure maintenance “We want to be able to reduce gets the parts they need to get the the unnecessary work for the other planes of the ground,” she said. Airmen at Ali Base – so they can Airman 1st Class Erica Beattie counts the For all of the members of the keep their minds on getting their ammunition in a clip. flight, the job keeps them on their mission done,” he said. toes. A normal day for the team con- team may need to conduct invento- “We do three different supply sists of going through supplies ries of items like weapons and am- jobs, combined into one here,” said which may have been brought in by munition, and issuing protective Senior Airman Antrone Kingston, airlift overnight and then issuing gear, if needed, to Airmen here. those to the Airmen on base, said The job at Ali – where the mis- Continued on page 8: Sergeant Sawyer. Additionally, the sion is to support operations that Supply Ali Times / June 30, 2006 Page 8

Supply From page 7...... who is deployed from Eg- lin AFB, Fla. “Our job here is looked at from three different angles.” The supply logisticians manage a warehouse, run a small area where Ali workers can pick up basic office supplies and store weapons and ammunition. Bringing experiences from different bases, and other methods of doing business can make things interesting at times. “All of us are doing the job the way we were taught at our home stations,” said Sergeant Saw- yer. “Sometimes that causes some challenges. Airman Beattie, right, verifies ammunition counts with 407th Expeditionary Communications But the challenges also Squadron members, from left, Senior Airman Michael Hoch, Staff Sgt. John Steinlicht and Air- offer us the opportunity to man 1st Class Wayne Ouellette. work together as a team – to be united. I know that Taking care of the cus- Sawyer. if we do our job as a team, tomers takes a little bit of “I like that I am able to then we will be able to elbow grease and a lot of do what I am called to do help meet our goals as a teamwork, said Sergeant – to protect our freedom team.” Alexander. and our way of life,” he Members of the team “We do work hard, but said. “I am proud of what enjoy the opportunities we have a lot of fun doing I am doing for my coun- that the job brings, as well it,” she said. try.” – mostly meeting new peo- And that is probably His team is also proud ple and the people they get the most important ele- of what they are doing for the opportunity to interact ment to Airman Kingston, Iraq. with. who finds that mission “This is the right thing “I enjoy dealing with all accomplishment means a to do,” said Airman Slate. kinds of people in differ- lot to him. Airman Kingston ent branches of the armed “I enjoy getting to the agrees. Senior Airman Antrone King- forces,” said Senior Air- end of the day,” he said. “I believe everyone ston carefully opens up the lat- man Matthew Slate, de- “My co-workers and my- should have a chance at est supply shipment. The team ployed from Eglin. “It gives self may be sweated out, freedom,” he said. “With- in-checks shipments several me the opportunity to but we got the mission out that, your life isn’t times a week. meet new people.” accomplished.” yours.” “Every day I see a ve- His feelings are echoed Getting the mission And as the members of hicle running or a com- by Airman Little. “I like to done, whether by issuing the team look around the puter operating I am able make sure that our cus- supplies or supporting the base, they can see the to say, ‘those parts came tomers are taken care of Global War on Terrorism benefits of their efforts at from my warehouse,’” said in a timely manner.” is important to Sergeant Ali. Airman Kingston.

Tops in Blue is coming -- July 10, 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., Big Top Ali Times / June 30, 2006 Page 9

Remembering Khobar Towers A wreath stands between the headstones of Master Sgt. Michael George Heis- er and Airman 1st Class Brian W. McVeigh during the remembrance ceremony for the Khobar Towers bombing on Sunday, June 25, at Arlington National Cemetery, Va. The two were among 19 Airmen killed on June 25, 1996, in the terrorist bombing at Dhahran Air Base, Saudi Arabia. Family members and friends of the Airmen killed in the terrorist bombing gathered for the ceremony. (Photo by Tech. Sgt. Cohen A. Young)

Briefs off the wire from the CENTCOM From the CPIC: Combined Press Information Center CENTAF’s releases June 27 Force GR-7s provided close air support to Coalition troops in contact with enemy forces in the vicinity of air power summary Tarin Kowt. A-10s and a B-1B provided close air support to Coalition troops in contact with enemy forces SOUTHWEST ASIA — In Iraq Tuesday, U.S. Air in the vicinity of Gereshk. Force F-16s conducted a precision strike against an Additionally, eight U.S. Air Force and French Air anti-Iraqi forces compound in the vicinity of Baghdad. Force ISR aircraft flew missions in support of opera- The F-16s expended a Guided Bomb Unit-38, destroy- tions in Afghanistan. ing the compound. In total, Coalition aircraft flew 25 close air support United States Air Force F-16s provided close air missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. support to Coalition troops in contact with anti-Iraqi These missions included support to Coalition and Af- forces in the vicinities of Balad and Ramadi. ghan troops, reconstruction activities and route pa- Additionally, 12 U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and Roy- trols. al Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnais- United States Air Force C-130s and C-17s provid- sance aircraft flew missions in support of operations ed intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping sustain in Iraq . United States Air Force and U.S. Navy fighter operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn aircraft performed in non-traditional ISR roles with of Africa. Approximately 160 airlift sorties were flown; their electro-optical and infrared sensors. almost 500 tons of cargo were delivered, and close to In total, Coalition aircraft flew 54 close air support 2,440 passengers were transported. missions for Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Ja- included support to Coalition troops, infrastructure pan and Korea flew in support of either OIF or OEF. protection, reconstruction activities and operations to On June 26, U.S. Air Force, French Air Force and deter and disrupt terrorist activities. Royal Air Force tankers flew 42 sorties and off-loaded In Afghanistan, U.S. Air Force A-10s and Royal Air almost 2.5 million pounds of fuel. Ali Times / June 30, 2006 Page 10 Joint effort keeps Ali cool, bright Power production, electricians work hard to keep power flowing By the 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Electricity tends to be something many people take for granted – they flip a switch, and like magic, the lights or the stereo comes on. Here at Ali, a team of 16 people help keep that electricity flowing and the lights and stereo working properly. “At home, electricity comes from a sophisticat- ed electrical system – state of the art power plants, switching yards and com- puterized control rooms,” said Senior Master Sgt. Greg Cunha, 407th Expe- ditionary Civil Engineer power production super- Staff Sgt. James Wilson, left, and Tech. Sgt. James Roderick, 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer intendent. “Here at Ali, we Squadron electricians connect, or “park,” a generator on the primary distribution center. Parking have old equipment – no a generator means connecting it to the distribution center before the generator is started. (Photo computers, no fancy by Master Sgt. Andrew Gates) switches. We have to have geant Cunha. “Here, all tion device to protect the have to do a safety sweep an operator physically sit the distribution apparatus generators and any equip- of the circuits that went in a control room (a shel- is underground. Electric- ment connected to it. down – looking for any ter) for a 12 hour shift, ity is generated, is routed When a ground fault is number of problems. If the around the clock.” through a primary and triggered, it opens a cir- safety sweep doesn’t show Ali boasts two main secondary distribution cuit breaker, cutting the anything, they return the power plants, said Ser- center and then sent to power – and causing the plant, de-energize all the geant Cunha. One plant buildings, tents and shel- electricity to go out. When circuits and then re-ener- runs most of the Air Force ters through a power dis- that happens, the power gize them one at a time. living community – known tribution panel. Of course, production team and elec- That is a lengthy, but nec- as Bedrock – while the like other equipment tricians spring into action. essary, process.” other runs most of the rest around base, our electri- “It can take a while for The team is working of the base. Each plant cal producing and distrib- us to restore power when hard, though, to minimize has eight generators. Pow- uting equipment is old, that happens,” the ser- those problems, and to er production works in hot and dusty – we often geant said. “If we know turn the electricity back conjunction with the will start and stop a gen- exactly why the plant went on as quickly as possible, 407th ECES electric shop erator and our customers down, and the electricians said Sergeant Cunha. to distribute that power don’t normally know.” are right there, we can re- “We are constantly around the base. Since Ali is dry, the store power in about 10 striving to improve our “At home, people are equipment often suffers minutes. If the plant goes electrical delivery system,” used to seeing scores of from ground faults, said down for a ground fault he said. “We want to re- utility poles, wires and Sergeant Cunha. These and we don’t know exact- duce the number and du- transformers,” said Ser- ground faults are a protec- ly why, the electricians ration of any outages.” Ali Times / June 30, 2006 Page 11 Chapel corner: religion versus relationship Chapel offers opportunity for water baptism

By Chap (Maj) Charles Perry 407th Air Expeditionary Group chaplain

Allow me to clarify something and share a little piece of my testimony. Many people say to me, “I am not religious.” To that, I respond, “Great, neither am I.” You see, I had enough religion by the time I was sixteen; enough to know that it does not work and I wanted nothing to do with it. I had gone to a mainline church that did not preach the gospel. I never saw a life improved or changed by going to church, so I said, “no A chapel-conducted baptism from a previous rotation. (Courtesy photo) more.” my life out of the jaws of what I wanted and need- help you find it. Then I I stayed away from death, in the middle of a ed. I went to the altar and want to invite you to come church for many years. head-on collision with a surrendered my life to and be baptized. If you Every time someone truck. Standing on the Christ and experienced a have already found that would ask me to go, I said, highway that day, know- dramatic, life-changing relationship with Christ, “No, I tried religion and it ing I had just been the encounter with God. I and have sincerely sur- does not work.” I did not beneficiary of a miracle, I hugged the pastor and rendered your life to Him, know I was in agreement told God, “The next time told him that I had to go then I rejoice with you and with God on this issue and someone asked me to back into the military to invite you to come and be that He feels the same church I will go.” tell people about this baptized at the Oasis way. It was religious peo- Just a few weeks later, Jesus I had found. Chapel. It will be the ple who plotted to kill a friend of mine (whose life You see, I did not get blessing of a lifetime. The Jesus. had been changed after he religion that day, but baptisms are July 2 at 2 By the time I was 29, attended church one time) found a personal relation- p.m. my lifestyle was getting asked me to go with him. ship with Christ that There will be a short nowhere; but I was feeling That next Sunday I went, changed my life. My life’s instruction class before more and more lost, lone- and heard a gospel mes- passion and calling is to we get started. Everyone ly and hopeless. Then two sage telling me that I share this relationship who is baptized will re- months before my 30th could start a new life, and with everyone. If you are ceive a picture of their birthday, God showed up God would wipe away all tired of religion and want baptism and a certificate in a dramatic way in my my sin, guilt and shame. a relationship that will in a commemorative fold- life. He literally snatched Deep down I knew this is change your life, I want to er.

Join the “Pick Up 1 Million Pieces of Trash” campaign Ali Times / June 30, 2006 Page 12

Pull ... pull ... pull Left, the fire department squares off against operations in the tug of war June 22. Top, the Reapers try to get a steady pull going. Bottom, the Defenders struggle against their opponent. The 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineers won the tug of war. (Photos by Staff Sgt. Rasheen Douglas) Muscle Beach looking for a few Ali ‘Big Losers’

By Master Sgt. Andrew Gates tioned that there might be a few to try to find our participants a spot 407th Air Expeditionary Group Public Affairs people around here who weren’t in one of the many exercises class- where they want to be with their es we hold. The Muscle Beach staff here is weight,” she said. “Since people of- She does caution people about looking for a few big losers. ten come to the desert to lose losing weight wisely – there are That is, people who are interest- weight, we thought this contest many methods to lose weight quick- ed in losing a few of the extra might provide a little bit of addition- ly, but they are neither healthy nor pounds they might be carrying al motivation to those folks who safe. She recommends people check around. wanted to do that.” with the medics before starting any “Losing weight is one of the best The competition pits teams of diets, and if they are unsure of their ways to look good, and to feel good five competitors. Each competitor exercise limits, to verify those lim- about yourself,” said Staff Sgt. Ve- weighs in Saturday at 4 p.m. week- its before starting a program. nise Penny, 407th Expeditionary ly; the team which loses the most Besides the feelings of self-worth Services Squadron sports director. weight each week is highlighted at and better health, the top losers With that in mind, the staff has Muscle Beach. also have something to look for- started the “Biggest Loser” compe- “If people need help using the ward, she said. The team that loses tition, she said. The competition machinery, we will be more than the most weight will each receive runs from Saturday until Aug. 26. happy to show them how to use our $30 at the end of the competition. “When Col. (David) Orr held his equipment,” Sergeant Penny said. For details on the competition, first commander’s call, he men- “We will also be more than happy stop by Muscle Beach. Ali Times / June 30, 2006 Page 13 PERSCO rallies to blind volleyball win

Maj. Ken Jambor knocks the ball over the net while assisted by from left, Lt. Col. Richard Converse, 1st Lt. Thomas Grant and Senior Master Sgt. Darryl Cook, 407th Air Expeditionary Group staff team. (Photos by Master Sgt. Andrew Gates.)

Tech. Sgt. Donald Boozer goes up for the push after receiving a Senior Airman Kasi Fox, Staff Sgt. Angelica Guerrero and Se- set from Staff Sgt. James Clevenger. The PERSCO team won nior Airman Steven Stewart, 407th Expeditionary Logistics Readi- the tournament by beating the 407th Expeditionary Communi- ness Squadron, knock the ball over the net. cations Squadron, 15-6. 15-9

Master Sgt. Edwin Salazar, 407th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, taps one over the net while Senior Tech. Sgt. Danielle Montanaro bumps the ball after a serve, as from left, 2nd Lt. Joseph Airman Kristopher Girard Harris, Senior Airman Gabriel Phillips and Airman 1st Class Alexandro Ramos, 407th Ex- backs him up. peditionary Services Squadron position themselves. Ali Times / June 30, 2006 Page 14

Identify This Do you know what this is?

If you can identify the object, e-mail the paper at [email protected] with “Identify This” in the subject block by noon Monday. Be specific! The winner will receive their choice of a cheesy prize from the 407th AEG/PA prize box. Congratulations to Staff Sgt. Michelle Hoynacki., who was the only person to correctly identify the back of a plastic chair — more specifically the ones in the pavilion next to Muscle Beach. There were no incorrect answers . Good luck with this week’s “Identify This.”

AEWI 36-2903 Tech. Sgt. Anthony Horde Unit: 407th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron Tip of the Week Duty title: NCOIC, Physical Security The following information is taken verbatim from the Home station: 48th Security Forces Squadron, RAF 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Feb. 1, 2006, ver- Lakenheath, United Kingdom sion of AEW Instruction 36-2903: Why other warriors say he’s a warrior: “Tech. Sgt. Horde continually displays superior performance in all actions. 2.5.1.3. 2.5.12. Headphones: May be worn in offi- His tenacity ensured the reduction of 15 separate weapon cial PT uniform and conservative PT gear when in- storage locations down to five in minimal time. As a result side the clearly defined confines of housing areas of his actions, group agencies are in 100 percent compli- and away from areas of frequent vehicle traffic. ance with Air Force Instructions while first responders still Headphones are prohibited unless required to per- maintain weapons capabilities at their facilities. Further- form military duties when outside the confines of more, Sergeant Horde identified all aspects of flightline the identified boundaries of the housing areas. Ex- security could still be maintained without the need for per- ception: Headphones may also be worn with PT gear manent and temporary restricted areas.” on an authorized running track while performing PT - Master Sgt. Dan Lambert, NCOIC. Operations activities outside the housing area or at the base Most memorable Air Force experience: “Reporting for fitness facilities. They may not be worn to and from duty at Aviano Air Base, Italy, and witnessing 146 fighter the running track and base facilities when they are airframes on the runway in preparation for OPERATION located outside the housing area. ALLIED FORCE.” Hobbies: “Hunting, Fishing, and spending time with my Editor’s Note: per the group commander, the only two daughters.” authorized running track outside of Bedrock is Information about his family: “Married with two children” along Airport Road Ali Times / June 30, 2006 Page 15

Today’s times and movie descriptions for the week The Super (2000), 1 a.m., Samuel Jackson, Vanessa Williams, orship is at the 407th Air Expeditionary Group action/adventure; Mr Deeds (2002), 3 a.m., Adam Sandler, Winona Ryder, comedy; Lost in Translation (2003), 5 a.m., WOasis of Peace chapel, and at the Army Post Scarlett Johansson, Bill Murray, drama, comedy; Artificial Chapel. The Oasis is open 24 hours a day for Intelligence (2001), 7 a.m., Haley Joel Osment, Jude Law, prayer and reflection. drama, sci-fi; Natural Born Killers (1994), 9 a.m., Woody For details on worship opportunities, or directions Harrelson, Juliette Lewis, action/adventure, drama; Red Eye (2005), 11 a.m., Rachel McAdams, Cillian Murphy, drama, thriller; to worship locations, please call 445-2006. Exit Wounds (2001), 1 p.m., Steven Seagal, Earl Simmons, Oasis = Air Force Chapel/Bedrock drama, action/adventure; Grease (1978), 3 p.m., John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, comedy, musical; Jeff Foxworthy (1994), OA = Oasis Annex 5 p.m., Jeff Foxworthy, performing arts; Liar Liar (1997), 7 p.m., ARAC = Army Religious Activity Center Jim Carrey, Maura Tierney, comedy; Taking Lives (2004), 9 p.m., APC = Army Post Chapel Angelina Jolie, Ethan Hawke, action/adventure; Stuck on You TCN = Third Country Nationals living area by DFAC (2003), 11 p.m., Matt Damon, Greg Kinnear, comedy; Ghost (1990), Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore, drama, romance; My Giant Friday 7:30 p.m., Back to the (1982), Billy Crystal, Kathleen Quinlan, comedy, drama; Gothika 11 a.m., Catholic Basics Bible Study: Oasis (2003), Halle Berry, Robert Downey Jr., sc-fi, thriller; Confessions: Oasis 8 p.m., Band of Brothers: Saturday Tuesday 1 p.m., Muslim prayer/ Wild at Heart Men’s Study: Liar Liar ...... 1 a.m. Mr Deeds ...... 1 a.m. service: (TCN) OA Jeff Foxworthy ...... 3 a.m. Gothika ...... 3 a.m. 6 p.m., Roman Catholic 7:30 p.m., Gospel Choir Exit Wounds ...... 5 a.m. Red Eye ...... 5 a.m. Mass: Oasis Rehearsal: APC Shaft ...... 7 a.m. Liar Liar ...... 7 a.m. 6:30 p.m., Jewish Service: Tuesday Ghost ...... 9 a.m. Lost in Translation ...... 9 a.m. ARAC 6 p.m., Roman Catholic Mr Deeds ...... 11 a.m. Taking Lives ...... 11 a.m. 7:30 p.m., Gospel Choir Mass: Oasis Red Eye ...... 1 p.m. Natural Born Killers ... 1 p.m. Rehearsal: APC 7 p.m., Catholic Choir My Giant ...... 3 p.m. Grease ...... 3 p.m 8 p.m. (first Friday of the Practice: Oasis Grease ...... 5 p.m. Exit Wounds ...... 5 p.m. Lost in Translation ...... 7 p.m. month), Eucharistic 7:30 p.m., Word of Faith Ghost ...... 7 p.m. Stuck on You ...... 9 p.m. Shaft ...... 9 p.m. Adoration and Rosary: Bible Study: APC Natural Born Killers . 11 p.m. Stuck on You ...... 11 p.m. Oasis 8 p.m. ,Purpose Driven Saturday Life Book Study: OA Sunday Wednesday Red Eye ...... 1 a.m. Liar Liar ...... 1 a.m. 5 p.m., Catholic Wednesday Lost in Translation ...... 3 a.m. Grease ...... 3 a.m. Confessions: Oasis 6 p.m., Roman Catholic Natural Born Killers ... 5 a.m. Red Eye ...... 5 a.m. 6 p.m., Roman Catholic Mass: Oasis Ghost ...... 7 a.m. Lost in Translation ...... 7 a.m. Mass: Oasis 7 p.m., Spanish Bible Study: Shaft ...... 9 a.m. Shaft ...... 9 a.m. Sunday ARAC Sunday Stuck on You ...... 11 a.m. Ghost ...... 11 a.m. 8 a.m., Roman Catholic 7 p.m., Women’s Bible Mr Deeds ...... 1 p.m. Exit Wounds ...... 1 p.m. Mass: Oasis Study: Army Hospital Taking Lives ...... 3 p.m. Stuck on You ...... 3 p.m. 9:30 a.m., Traditional 7:30 p.m., Protestant Liar Liar ...... 5 p.m. Natural Born Killers ... 5 p.m. Protestant Service: Oasis Worship Service/Bible Artificial Intelligence .. 7 p.m. My Giant ...... 7 p.m. 10 a.m., Protestant Service: Study: APC Jeff Foxworthy ...... 9 p.m. Gothika ...... 9 p.m. APC 8 p.m., Catholics Exit Wounds ...... 11 p.m. Mr Deeds ...... 11 p.m. 10 a.m., Latter Day Saints Seeking Christ Adult Monday Thursday Service: ARAC Faith Study: OA Lost in Translation ...... 1 a.m. Natural Born Killers ... 1 a.m. 11 a.m., Church of Christ: Thursday Taking Lives ...... 3 a.m. Exit Wounds ...... 3 a.m. Oasis 6 p.m., Roman Catholic Stuck on You ...... 5 a.m. Liar Liar ...... 5 a.m. 3:30 p.m. , Church of Christ: Mass: Oasis Red Eye ...... 7 a.m. Stuck on You ...... 7 a.m. APC 6:30 p.m., Ladies Bible Exit Wounds ...... 9 a.m. Ghost ...... 9 a.m. 7 p.m., Contemporary Study: ARAC Ghost ...... 11 a.m. Mr Deeds ...... 11 a.m. Worship Service: 7:30 p.m., Men’s Bible Mr Deeds ...... 1 p.m. Gothika ...... 1 p.m. Oasis Study: APC Jeff Foxworthy ...... 3 p.m. Shaft ...... 3 p.m. Monday 8 p.m., Marriage on the Shaft ...... 5 p.m. My Giant ...... 5 p.m. 6 p.m., Roman Catholic Rock (Jesus) Video series: Liar Liar ...... 7 p.m. Red Eye ...... 7 p.m. Mass: Oasis OA Grease ...... 9 p.m. Grease ...... 9 p.m. Natural Born Killers . 11 p.m. Lost in Translation .... 11 p.m. Ali Times / June 30, 2006 Page 16 Bedrock and beyond... activities to keep you fit, happy and hungry for more

Today 8 p.m., Step Aerobics: HOP After promotion ceremony, Morning Bingo: Big Top Tuesday 5 p.m., Circuit Training: Muscle Beach (I) 8 a.m., Bingo: Big Top 7 p.m., Dominoes: ACC 4 p.m., Body Blast: Muscle Beach (I) 7 p.m., Toning: HOP 4 p.m., 8-ball: Hot Spot 7:30 p.m., Bingo and Variety Music Night: Big Top 4 p.m., Horseshoes: Horseshoe Pits 7 p.m., Spinning: Muscle Beach (I) 5 p.m., Three on three basketball: courts 8 p.m., Spinning: Muscle Beach (I) 5 p.m., Combat Aerobics: Muscle Beach (I) 8 p.m., Step Aerobics: HOP 6 p.m., Four on four volleyball: courts Saturday 6 p.m., Casino night: Big Top 6 a.m., Excel Class: Muscle Beach (I) 6:30 p.m., Tae Bo: HOP 6 p.m., Combat Aerobics: Muscle Beach (I) 7 p.m., AB Class: Muscle Beach (I) 6:30 p.m., Spinning: HOP 7:30 p.m., Tae Kwon Do: HOP 7:30 p.m., Ping Pong Doubles: Hot Spot 8 p.m., Tae Kwon Do: Muscle Beach (I) 7:30 p.m., Hip Hop: ACC 8 p.m., Spades: Hot Spot (TNY) 9 p.m., Karaoke: Big Top 8:30 p.m., Salsa: ACC Sunday Wednesday 10 a.m., Spinning: HOP 5 p.m., Abs Class: Muscle Beach (I) 2 p.m., Spades: Hot Spot 7 p.m., Spinning: Muscle Beach (I) 6:30 p.m., Big Top Movies: Underworld Evolution 7 p.m., Toning: HOP 7 p.m., Spinning: HOP 7 p.m., Spades: ACC 7 p.m., Tae Kwon Do: Muscle Beach (1) 7 p.m., Dodgeball: Big Top 7 p.m., Darts: ACC 8 p.m., Step Aerobics: HOP 7:30 p.m., Intramural Basketball: HOP 8 p.m., Spinning: Muscle Beach (I) 9 p.m., Big Top Movies: X-Men 3 8 p.m., 8-ball: Hot Spot Monday Thursday 5 p.m., Abs Class: Muscle Beach (I) 5 p.m., Combat Aerobics: Muscle Beach (I) 5:30 p.m., Push-up/sit-up competition: Muscle 6 p.m., Around the World basketball: courts Beach 6:30 p.m., Tae Bo: HOP 7 p.m., Spinning: Muscle Beach (I) 7 p.m., Ab Class: Muscle Beach (I) 7 p.m., Dodgeball: Big Top 7 p.m., 8/9-Ball: ACC 7 p.m., Toning: HOP 7:30 p.m., Tae Kwon Do: HOP 7 p.m., Ping Pong: ACC 8 p.m., Texas Hold’em WSOP #1: Big Top 8 p.m., Hearts: Hot Spot 8 p.m., Tae Kwon Do: Muscle Beach (I) 8 p.m., Spinning: Muscle Beach (I) 8:30 p.m., Salsa: HOP

Call the 407th Expeditionary Services Squadron with ideas for (I)—Instructor activities at 445-2696; for information about the House of Pain, (DVD)—DVD TNY—Tournament Army fitness center call 833-1709. For information about Army HOP—House of Pain, Army Fitness Center morale, welfare and recreation activities call 833-1745. The 407th ACC—Army Community Center ESVS also offers Ziggurat tours Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Check with the Hot Spot staff for details.

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