November 2013 • Air Guard • Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho • “First Class or Not at All” • www.idaho.ang.af.mil Operations Group claims Wingman Cup Col. Michael Nolan, 124th Fighter Wing commander, has awarded the 2013 Wingman Trophy to the 124th Operations Group at Gowen Field. He praised the Ops Group for their outstanding performance this year with a first place stand- ing at 86.9 percent. Second place 124th Maintenance Group at 86 percent. Third place was 124th Mission Support Group at 85.4 percent. Fourth place the 124th Fighter Wing Staff at 78.9 percent and fifth place with 77 percent was 124th Medical Group.

Top: Col. Paul Kingsley accepts the Wingman Trophy on behalf of the 124th Operations Group. Left: Col. David Trimble, Commander In this issue: of the 2nd place group, 124th Maintenance Group, roughs up Col. Kingsley. (photos by Tech. Sgt. Becky Vanshur) * Commander’s Column * Wingman Cup/Wingman Day *Family Day *P-51 Pilot History *124th Operations Support be- comes a Squadron *Outstanding Airmen of the Quarter *Chief Fenicottero farewell *Welcome Chief Ladley

http://bit.ly/124Beacon t November 2013 2013t1 THE BEACON is the official newslet- COMMANDER’S CALL ter of the 124th Fighter Wing, Idaho . It is published monthly by the wing public affairs office. Views expressed may not be those of the U.S. Air Commander’s Column Force, Air National Guard, Department of Defense or U.S. government. Plan for a December THE BEACON STAFF WING COMMANDER UTA “Surge” Exercise Col. Michael Nolan PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER We begin a new concept in Wing Lt. Col. Gary A. Daniel Inspections during December Drill. PUBLIC AFFAIRS NCOIC We will become much more respon- Master Sgt. Tom Gloeckle sible for self-inspection in prepara- PUBLIC AFFAIRS STAFF Colonel Christopher Rood tion for our next ORI in Aug/17 Editor, Tech. Sgt. Sarah Pokorney 124th Fighter Wing Vice Commander which we will now refer to as a UEI Tech. Sgt. Becky Vanshur Senior Airman David Anderson (Unit Effectiveness Inspection). As Mr Miagi would say, “same but dif- 124TH FIGHTER WING ferent”. We are still held accountable for mission readiness, but it is PUBLIC AFFAIRS up to us to determine how we prove to an IG team that we are ready. 4474 S. DeHaviland St. Following the August CUI inspection this summer, IG Team Chief, Boise, ID 83705 Voice (208) 422-5358 Col. Leavitt, spent time speaking with Col. Nolan and me about the Fax (208) 422-5298 way ahead for inspections. What the IG needs to see is that we can meet our Designed Operational Capability (DOC). Each unit has a E-MAIL US DOC, but the one we are all here to support is the Fighter Squadron/ [email protected] MX statement which will drive our preparation for December’s surge. That DOC statement says we need to get hundreds of personnel and MORE NEWS. FEATURES. EASY most of our jets out of town with very little notice and then be pre- MAILING ADDRESS UPDATES & pared to fly a huge number of sorties immediately when we arrive in MORE ONLINE AT: country (better known as a “surge”). w w w.idaho.ang.af.mil; This is the capability we will test during the December Drill surge. We http://bit.ly/124Beacon will skip the getting-out-of-town phase (Phase 1) and jump right into FACEBOOK: the regeneration/combat sortie-production phase (surge exercise). Share your Air National Guard We will leave out many of the other challenges that inspectors expect related news, photos and links at us to deal with such as airfield attacks, ATSO (chemical survival), and www.facebook.com/124FWOfficial logistics issues (Phase 2). Our own team of inspectors, the Wing Inspection Team (WIT) will TWITTER: observe and evaluate the surge exercise just as an IG team would. If NEW on Twitter @124FighterWing we do well and our WIT does a good job of planning, evaluating, and documenting, then the IG will give us credit towards our self-inspec- tion program; and their physical footprint on base for the next IG inspection (our “capstone” self-inspection event) will be smaller. Get with your supervisors for more detailed information on your sched- ule and expectations. Units not assigned to maintenance or opera- tions will complete specialized inspection training and preparation. Meet “Wax on, wax off” --Col. Rood ‘Twitter Hawg

2 thttp://bit.ly/124Beacon t November 2013 www.idaho.ang.af.mil Why not make it a “wingman year”

Airmen of the 124 Fighter Wing show team spirit at the fun run dur- ing Wingman Day Sept. 8, Gowen Field. Wingman Day was developed to promote the Wingman concept among Air National Guard mem- bers. (National Guard Photo by Tech. Sgt. Sarah Pokorney)

By Tech. Sgt. Becky Vanshur 124th Fighter Wing Public Affairs their inspection results, and fitness, in- Patricia DeBor, shared encouraging cluding the team relay winner. guidance for resiliency and advice GOWEN FIELD, Idaho – Why not “I don’t think Airmen realized how for Airmen who might need help “Wingman Year” instead of just “Wing- much fun a team event like this could be taking care of themselves physically man Day?” That is 124th Fighter Wing until the relay competition portion of the as a wingman with some of the new Commander, Col. Michael Nolan’s, event started. At that point I could see it in policies regarding fitness. She advises question for all Idaho Air National their faces as they really started Airmen on the process of change and Guardsmen. getting into it. I think how to use it to adjust your attitude about fitness. The 124th Fighter Wing (FW) held it rein- forces Col. its annual Wingman and Fam- “I see Airmen complaining ily Day Sept. 8, and this about the fitness test and year’s agenda had a twist, the new fitness policies and centering mainly on morale, I want to ask why…take this team-building, physical fit- opportunity to change your ness, family, and caring for attitude,” said DeBor. your fellow wingman. Nolan’s vision to carry on his year-round She listed the process of change, In the past, Wingman Day was a principles of a long-term wingman care when applying it to adjust the way full day dedicated to these topics and program and his (Commander’s Cup) you look at fitness as an Airman: 1) Chaplain guidance, financial fitness, trophy concept,” said 124th Fighter Wing Pre-contemplate by seeing your goal resiliency, suicide prevention, Sexual Executive Officer Lt. Col. Mike Knowles. at the start, 2) Contemplate by seeing Assault Prevention and Response, and Another part of building morale is rec- what is further beyond that goal, 3) safety concerns. These are now woven Prepare by starting the action with into drill activity year round. ognizing hard work, several Airmen were recognized at Wingman Day for their out- motion, this might be as little as work- This year’s Wingman Day events standing performance during the recent ing out every day for fifteen minutes, reinforced team building with a relay wing Consolidated Unit Inspection. 4) Action to continue this goal and race and built strong morale while em- make bigger goals, maintain this by phasizing physical fitness with a uni- “Although this ‘Wingman Year’ con- taking it into a long-term commit- formed fun run. cept really just started, we intend to sus- ment. If you ever relapse (step 5), get tain this vision each year,” said Lt. Col. Individual fitness scores and unit back on track. Treat step five as part Knowles. “Airmen can expect to see more of your process—that makes it easier. success in the relay both affect the over- wingman events like this one in the near all scores for the “Commander’s Cup” f utu re .” “Resiliency is the ability to trophy. The commander’s cup will rec- bounce back. Think of the changes ognize the unit most ready to accom- “With this vision of Wingman Day not and challenges with the military fit- plish our federal mission. just being a day but spread throughout the year, we are able to continue to grow as ness program as a blessing to help Each year’s winning group will ob- a unit and be more resilient wingmen as a maintain your personal fitness goals tain the highest score for their medical culture in our daily routine,” he said. or bounce back from lost goals. Make readiness, training completion, offi- that promise to yourself,” DeBor said. cer and enlisted evaluation timeliness, The Director of Psychological Health, http://bit.ly/124Beacon t November 2013t3 Wingman Day 2013

Airmen of the 124th Fighter Wing listen to a stress management and resiliency briefing from Patricia DeBor, Idaho Air Guard Director of Psychological Health, followed by a wingman run and relay, during Wingman Day Sept. 8 at Gowen Field, Idaho. (Air National Guard photo by Senior Airman David Anderson)

Wingman Cup Relay

The 124th Maintenance Group took first in the wingman cup relay race during Wingman Day Sept. 8 at Gown Field, giving a strong position as the wing tallied scores for the 124th Fighter Wing Wingman Trophy, overall winner was 124th Operations Group. (National Guard photo by Tech Sgt. Sarah Pokorney) 4 thttp://bit.ly/124Beacon t November 2013 www.idaho.ang.af.mil Veteran P-51 pilots bring living history to family day By Tech. Sgt. Sarah Pokorney 124th Fighter Wing Public Affairs BOISE, Idaho – P-51 Mus- Flyover of a pair of P-51 Mustangs that were tang owner and pilot Mark visiting during the 124th Fighter Wing’s Fam- Peterson and Warhawk Air ily Day Sept. 8 at Gowen Field in Boise, Idaho. Museum pilot J.C. Paul took (Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Jef- a few low flybys in two vin- frey Walters) tage P-51s Mustangs for on looking family day visitors and veteran P-51 pilots be- fore taxiing in at the 124th Fighter Wing family day event on Sept. 8 at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. Peterson and Paul spoke with veteran P-51 pilots and families about the aircraft and it’s rich history with the 190th Fight- er Squadron. Both Peterson and fellow P-51 pilot J.C. Paul were rec- ognized by the 124th Fighter Wing for providing “Mustang” support during family day. There were eight retired 190th Fighter Squadron P-51 pilots, Jack Bowman, Bob Burns, Gary Hall, Dale Hendry, Jim Hunt, Chauncey Reese, Walt Stonebraker, and Bill Wheeler range and maneuverability, the P-51 oper- that attended the family day event. They the P-51D Mustang from Novem- ated primarily as a long-range escort fighter reminisced with old friends and shared ber 1946 to November 1953. The Mustang and also as a ground attack fighter-bomber. stories with new ones, which brought a was among the best and most well known The Mustang served in nearly every combat living history to family day. fighters used by the U.S. Army Air Forces zone during WWII, and later fought in the 190th Fighter Squadron pilots flew during World War II. Possessing excellent Korean War.

Veteran P-51 Pilots Chauncey Reese and Walt Stonebraker, are two of eight 190th retirees that brought a living history to 124th FW family day. (Air National Guard Photo by Senior Airman David Anderson)

Veteran P-51 pilot Bill Wheeler, 190th Fighter Squadron (Re- tired) chats with families and veteran pilots about history of the aircraft at Family Day. (Air National Guard photo by Thom- as Gloeckle)

http://bit.ly/124Beacon t November 2013t5 Family Day

Major Andrew Labrum, A-10 Thuderbolt II Pilot, 124th Operations Support Squadron, shares information about the aircraft with families at the 124th Fighter Wing family day event on Sept. 8 at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. Special thanks to our sponsor Idaho Beef Council. (Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Sarah Pokorney)

Families enjoyed food and fun at the 124th Fighter Wing family day event on Sept. 8 at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. Special thanks to our sponsor Idaho Beef Council Tim’s Cascade Snacks and Franz Bakery Outlet.(Air National Guard Photo by Tech Sgt. Becky Vanshur) General Grass visits Gowen Field General Frank Grass, Chief, visited the Idaho National Guard’s Gowen Field HQ and the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho on 13 Sep. In meetings with Idaho National Guard Commander Maj. Gen. Gary Sayler and officials at NIFC, Gen. Grass discussed the state/future of the National Guard from his perspective. He also discussed ways the National Guard can sup- port national firefighting efforts. This summer, several Air National Guard units provided C-130 aircraft and their Modular Airborne

Major General Gary Sayler, Mr. John Glenn BLM, Mr. Aitor Bidaburu USFA, Firefighting System (MAFFS) capabilities to assist Mr. Steve Gage USFS, Mr. Bill Kaage NPS, General Frank Grass Chief of Na- with firefighting efforts across the western United tional Guard Bureau, Mr. Lyle Carlile BIA, Mr. Bob Eaton USFWS, Mr. Peter States. (Photo by Mr. George Johnson, Idaho Na- Ditton NIFC. tional Guard) 6 thttp://bit.ly/124Beacon t November 2013 www.idaho.ang.af.mil Outstanding Airman of the Quarter

Ops Support jettisons ‘Flight’ now Squadron By Tech. Sgt. Sarah Pokorney 124th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

More than 50 Idaho Air National Guardsmen who provide life support, intelligence, aircrew records and scheduling and manage Gowen Field airfield operations will now function as the 124th Operations Support Squadron. These diverse Airmen formerly from the 124th Opera- tions Support Flight specialize in Air Crew Flight Equipment (formerly “Life Support”), Airfield Management, Host Avia- tions Resource Management (HARM), Intelligence, A-10 In- telligence Formal Training Unit (IFTU), Weapons, Air Crew Training, and Scheduling at Gowen Field, will now be known Above: Chief Brian Littrell works diligently at his desk to pre- as the 124th Operations Support Squadron effective Oct. 1. pare for the changes in paperwork as the 124th Operations Support Flight becomes a Squadron. Below: Tech. Sgt. Joshua “We are excited for the change to happen and happy to be Reddick trains in emergency parachute release with Senior Air- recognized as a squadron,” Lt. Col. Tony Brown, Commander man Matthew Sempsrott. (Air National Guard photos by Tech. of the 124th Operations Support Squadron. Sgt. Becky Vanshur) The National Guard Bureau directed that Operations Sup- port Flights upgrade to the new ‘Squadron’ designation Oct. 1. Brown believes the reason for the news designation is, “to make the force structure commensurate to active duty.” He went on to say, “The structure of the unit, concerning manning as far as positions and as far as shop functions that are already in existence, will stay exactly the same.” The new designation is now equivalent to active duty, which will improve communication and understanding of structure as we work with active duty counterparts.

http://bit.ly/124Beacon t November 2013t7 More about this at flic.kr/s/aHsjKVEjvH

The 124th Fighter Wing and Idaho Air National Guard do not endorse professional associations that our members join. They do encourage off- duty participation in these nationally recog- nized organizations that contribute to profes- sionalism of all members. Coverage on these pages is to allow for communication between group leaders and our general audience.

8 thttp://bit.ly/124Beacon t November 2013 www.idaho.ang.af.mil Troops face off in first ever Air vs. Army softball game on new field - Air Wins! By Tech. Sgt. Sarah Pokorney 124th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Idaho Air National Guard and teams faced off in the first ever Air vs. Army softball game presented by the Idaho Enlisted As- sociation at the newly finished Gowen Field soft- ball field Oct. 16. The Idaho Air National Guard’s softball team won the inaugural Air vs Army Softball game pre- sented by EANGUS. The Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the US hosted the teams, families and supporters on their new softball field at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. The Idaho Adjutant General, Major Gen. Gary Sayler threw out the first pitch on the beautiful October evening. The new softball field, located northeast of the track behind the Base Exchange, was just a con- cept in early 2013. Throughout the year, the origi- nal idea to renovate the old softball field, north of building 600, morphed into a brand new field in a whole new location. The work started in August and the new field became a reality with coordination and support from EANGUS, leadership and funding from the recycling fund committee. The Heroes vs. Heroes game in August, before the field was fully com- plete, and the Air vs. Army game are the first of many epic competitions that are sure to kick up dust on the new field in years to come.

Idaho Air and Army National Guardsmen met for the first ever Air versus Army softball game held at the new softball field Oct. 16 at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho. The game, sponsored by the Idaho Enlisted Asso- ciation of the , was used as a morale booster and an opportunity to have a friendly rivalry on the field of athletic competition. Final score was Air 26, and Army 15. (Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Tom Gloeckle) http://bit.ly/124Beacon t November 2013t9 Did you know…myPers twitterhawg now @124FighterWing Can Assist You with Your Retirement Process?

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10 thttp://bit.ly/124Beacon t November 2013 www.idaho.ang.af.mil twitterhawg now @124FighterWing

http://bit.ly/124Beacon t November 2013t11 Command Chief Master Sergeant 124th Fighter Wing

27 Sept 2013 Dear Fellow Airmen, As most of you must have already heard by now, Monday, September 30, is my last day as your Wing Command Chief. After some serious thought, I applied for and was accepted as the State Command Chief, replacing Chief Glick beginning next month. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all and let you know that working with you was one of the most interest- ing and rewarding phases of my life. While leaving from the 124th Fighter Wing, my mind has been flooded with mixed feelings. I am happy about beginning a new venture with new chal- lenges to serve you at a different level, but at the same time, it’s saddening that I am leaving an organization where I made so many friends and got a handful of lessons on professionalism. As for now, I wish for the same satis- faction at the new workplace, enjoying every moment I spend there as I have done here. Thank you for making my tenure at the 124th Fighter Wing so wonderful. I know that the support and timely guidance I got from you will indeed help me to deal with the new challenges that will come my way as I start a new phase of my career. Lastly, my new job requires me to relocate to building 600. I have added my contact information below so that we can stay in touch. Thanks once again for everything. I wish all of you the best of luck in your future endeavors. Yours sincerely: Chief Fenicottero accepts a pie thrown in his CARLO J. FENICOTTERO, CMSgt, face to raise money for the Combined Federal Campaign. (Air National Guard photo by Tech. IDANG State Command Chief Sgt. Sarah Pokorney)

Chief Ladley becomes the latest Wing Command Chief Chief Master Sgt. Tammy Ladley, from Joint Forces Headquarters, became the lat- est Command Chief for the 124th Fighter Wing Sept. 30. Chief Ladley joined the Air Force December 1985 and the Idaho Air National Guard November 1993. She advises the commander on matters affecting the morale and welfare of the enlisted members of the 124th Fighter Wing. She is the vital link between the commander, enlisted personnel, and support agencies. Congratulations Chief Ladley and wel- come back to the 124th Fighter Wing.

12 thttp://bit.ly/124Beacon t November 2013 www.idaho.ang.af.mil