Published by 2 Armed Forces Week May 7, 2010

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A supplement to the Fort Carson Mountaineer, the Peterson Space Observer, the USAFA Academy Spirit and the Schriever AFB Schriever Sentinel May 7, 2010

2010 Armed Forces Week

Published by 2 www.csmng.com Armed Forces Week May 7, 2010

ARMED FORCES DAY EVENTS TUESDAY May 11, 2010, 7:30PM “United in Strength” Home Of The Brave, USAF Academy Band Concert Saturday, May 15, 2010 Pikes Peak Center THURSDAY May 13, 2010, 10am-2:00pm President Harry S. Truman led 20, 1950, marks the fi rst combined welcome opportunity to pay special the eff ort to establish a single holi- demonstration by America’s de- tribute to the men and women of the Military Spouse Appreciation Day day for citizens to come together and fense team of its progress, under the Armed Forces ... to all the individuals Southeast Family Center/Armed Forces YMCA thank our military members for their National Security Act, towards the who are in the service of their coun- 2190 Jet Wing Drive (next to Sierra High School.) patriotic service in support of our goal of readiness for any eventuality. try all over the world. Armed Forces For more information call 719-622-9622 country. It is the fi rst parade of preparedness Day won’t be a matter of parades and On August 31, 1949, Secretary of by the unifi ed forces of our land, sea, receptions for a good many of them. May 13, 2010, 8pm Defense Louis Johnson announced and air defense. Th ey will all be in line of duty and the creation of an Armed Forces Day Th e theme of the fi rst Armed Forces some of them may give their lives in Comics For Courage to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Day was “Teamed for Defense.” It was that duty.” Loonees Comedy Corner Force Days. Th e single-day celebration chosen as a means of expressing the Th e fi rst Armed Forces Day was 1305 N. Academy stemmed from the unifi cation of the unifi cation of all the military forces celebrated by parades, open hous- For more information call 719-591-0707 Armed Forces under one department under a single department of the es, receptions, and air shows. In — the Department of Defense. Each government. Although this was the Washington D.C., 10,000 troops of all of the military leagues and orders was theme for the day, there were several branches of the military, cadets, and FRIDAY asked to drop sponsorship of its spe- other purposes for holding Armed veterans marched pass the President May 14, 2010, 11:30am cifi c service day in order to celebrate Forces Day. It was a type of “educa- and his party. In Berlin, 1,000 U.S. the newly announced Armed Forces tional program for civilians,” one in troops paraded for the German citi- Awards Luncheon & Ceremony Day. Th e Army, Navy and Air Force which there would be an increased zens at Templehof Airfi eld. In New The Broadmoor leagues adopted the newly formed day. awareness of the Armed Forces. It York City, an estimated 33,000 par- For more information call the Chamber Th e Marine Corps League declined to was designed to expand public under- ticipants initiated Armed Forces Day 719-635-1551 drop support for Marine Corps Day but standing of what type of job is per- “under an air cover of 250 military supports Armed Forces Day, too. formed and the role of the military planes of all types.” In the harbors In a speech announcing the forma- in civilian life. It was a day for the across the country were the famed tion of the day, President Truman military to show “state-of-the-art” mothballed “battlewagons” of World “praised the work of the military ser- equipment to the civilian population War II, the Missouri, the New Jersey,  vices at home and across the seas” they were protecting. And it was a the North Carolina, and the Iowa, all and said, “it is vital to the security of day to honor and acknowledge the open for public inspection. Precision “Real security lies in the prevention of war — the nation and to the establishment of people of the Armed Forces of the fl ying teams dominated the skies as and today that hope can come only through a desirable peace.” In an excerpt from United States. tracking radar were exhibited on the adequate preparedness.” the Presidential Proclamation of Feb. According to a New York Times ground. All across the country, the General Omar N. Bradley, 27, 1950, Mr. Truman stated: article published on May 17, 1952: American people joined together to Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May “Th is is the day on which we have the honor the Armed Forces.

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PUBLISHER Lon P. Matejczyk General George W. Casey, Jr. [email protected] Chief of Staff of the United States Army Editorial Managing Editor General George W. Casey, Jr. became Deputy Director for Politico-Military the 36th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army on Affairs, Joint Staff, Commander, Joint Rob Larimer 10 April 2007. In his previous assignment, Warfighting Center/J7, US Joint Forces [email protected] he was the Commander, Multi-National Command, Director Strategic Plans and ADVERTISING Force – Iraq, a coalition of over thirty Policy and Director of the Joint Staff and countries, from 01 July 2004 until 10 30th Vice Chief of Staff, United States Tammy Fogall February 2007. General Casey was com- Army. [email protected] missioned a second lieutenant of Infantry He commanded a mechanized infan- from Georgetown University School of try battalion at Fort Carson, Colorado; Pam Millman Foreign Service in 1970. Throughout a mechanized infantry brigade at Fort [email protected] his career, he has served in operational Hood, Texas; served as Assistant Division Sabine Mann assignments in Germany, Italy, Egypt, Commander for Maneuver and Support Southwest Asia and the United States. in the 1st Armored Division in Bosnia [email protected] He has commanded at every level from and Germany; and commanded the 1st Classified Ad Manager platoon to Division. Armored Division in Bad Kreuznach, Heidi Witherington His principal staff assignments have Germany. General Casey holds a Masters [email protected] been as a Chief of Staff, 1st Cavalry Degree in International Relations from Division, Fort Hood, Texas; Operations Denver University and has served as a ART DEPARTMENT Officer and Chief of Staff, V (US/ Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council GE) Corps, Heidelberg, Germany; of the United States. Art Director Rowdy Tompkins [email protected] Asst. Production Manager Mike Reid [email protected] “...Word to the Nation: Guard zealously your right to serve in the Armed Forces, for without them, there will be no other rights to guard.” President John F. Kennedy

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Operations Squadron (SOPS) at Schriever Air Force Base, drives such as Harvest of Love to pack and deliver boxes Colorado. Airman Gapper was born in Charlotte, North for families during the holidays. Her military awards in Carolina. He lived in Charlotte for 16 years and then clued the Air Force Achievement Medal, National Defense moved to Asheville NC in 1996. In 1998, he moved to Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global Colorado Springs, Colorado and earned his diploma from War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and others. She Air Force Academy High School in 2000. He attended currently has three Associate’s degrees and is attending the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs. While Regis University in Colorado Springs, working toward a attending college, he had the opportunity to travel to Spain Bachelor’s Degree in business Administration. and take classes at a Spanish University. While in Spain he earned a diploma from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid – Diploma Intermediate Spanish and eventu- ally earned a Bachelor’s degree in General Business in 2005. A year later he decided to enlist in the Air Force. Airman Gapper went to basic training in June of 2006. Then he went to Vandenberg Air Force Base, California to attend Enlisted Space Operations Training and Satellite Command and Control Initial Qualification Training Senior Airman Ian M. Crist, USAF courses. His first duty assignment was the 19th SOPS, Aerospace Control and Warning Journeyman Schriever AFB, CO. He works with the Global Positioning Command Center (N2C2) System command and control system as a Satellite Systems NORAD and USNORTHCOM Operator. He has been certified mission ready on three Peterson AFB, Colorado different weapons systems. He was selected to become an instructor very soon after his certification. He was a subject Senior Airman Ian M. Crist is an Aerospace Control matter expert on the Launch, Anomaly Resolution, and and Warning Journeyman assigned to North America Disposal Operations system. He was instrumental in the Air Defense and U.S. Northern Command Headquarters success of five GPS launches. He provided mission plan- Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado Springs, Colorado. After ning for four of the modernized satellite vehicle launches. graduating from Bellwood-Antis High School, Airman Crist He was the Airman of the Year for two straight years for Specialist Kyle B. Edgbert, USA left for Air Force Basic Training on 30 August 2005. After 19 SOPS and was recently chosen as the 310 Space Wing Team Leader, A Company 2-8 Infantry Basic Training Airman Crist was stationed at Keesler Air Airman of the Year. 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, after hurricane Katrina, Fort Carson, Colorado for technical training as an Aerospace Control and Warning Technician. In November 2005, Senior Airman Crist had Specialist Kyle B. Edgbert is assigned to A Company, a permanent change of station to Davis-Monthan Air 2-8 Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Force Base, Tucson, Arizona as an Air Tasking Order division at fort Carson, Colorado. He was born in Oregon Replanner for the 612th Air Operating Center, Southern City, Oregon and joined the Army in November 2007 and Command. After distinguishing himself as a subject matter attended initial training at Fort Benning, Georgia. His first expert, Airman Crist was deployed to Al Udied Air Base, assignment was to Fort Carson as a rifleman. SPC Edgbert Doha, Qatar, to the 609th Air Operations Center, Central deployed with A Company, 2-8 infantry in September of Command in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 2009 in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. and ENDURING FREEDOM. After being deployed to Specialist Edgbert’s military awards and decorations South West Asia for eight months, he returned to Davis- include the Army commendation Medal, National Defense Monthan Air Force Base in August 2007. Airman Crist was Service Medal, Operation Iraqi Freedom Campaign Medal, promoted and moved to the Joint Interface Control Office in Global War on Terrorism Ribbon, Amy Service ribbon September 2008, for the 612th Air Operating Center. Airman and Overseas Ribbon. SPC Edgbert volunteers locally with Crist was selected to support the Summit of Americas in the NO DUI Springs Designated Driver Program. He has Trinidad for the leaders of all the countries in North and completed 23 college credit hours through Santa Rosa Jr. South America. The North American Air Defense and U.S. College and is enrolled in GO ARMY ED. Northern Command hand selected Senior Airman Crist to be an Air Domain Non-Commissioned Officer/Common Senior Airmen Olivia C. Gorman, USAF Operating Picture Technician in March 2009. Airman Crist Contracting Journeyman/Construction Contracting Specialist was selected for promotion to Staff Sergeant in 2010. 21st Contracting Squadron 21st Space Wing Peterson AFB, Colorado

Senior Airmen Olivia Gorman is a Contracting Journeyman assigned to the 21st contracting Squadron as a Contract Specialist, Peterson AFB, Colorado. Airmen Gorman was born in Burlington, Vermont and attended Bellows Free Academy in St. Albans, Vermont, graduating in June 1999. She went on to attend Champlain College in Burlington. Airmen Gorman worked as a tutor during college and was hand-picked to become a peer mentor for incoming freshman. After graduating Summa Cum Laude with an Associate Degree in Public Relations, Airman Gorman was locally employed by an international consulting firm. She was an active member of the Committee on Temporary shelter to assist homeless Staff Sergeant Ruby A. Perez, USAF people in the greater Burlington area. In 2007, she enlisted Aerospace Control/Senior Air Domain Evaluator/Emergency in the Air Force and completed Basic Military Training as Actions Controller an Honor Graduate. Her first duty assignment was with Command Center (N2C2) Senior Airman Christopher D. Gapper, USAFR the 21st Contracting Squadron in January 2008. She has NORAD and USNORTHCOM Satellite System Operator Craftsman served as a Contract specialist for base support services Peterson AFB, Colorado 19th Space Operations Squadron and commodities, as well as small construction and repair Staff Sergeant Ruby A. Perez is the Air Domain NCO 310th Space Wing projects. In July 2009, Airman Gorman deployed as a assigned to the NORAD and USNORTHCOM Command Schriever AFB, Colorado Contingency Contracting Officer to the Transit Center at Center (N2C2), North America Aerospace Defense Manas in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Command, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. She Senior Airman Christopher D. Gapper is a Satellite While at home, Airman Gorman is a volunteer tutor with System Operator Craftsman assigned to the 19th Space the Pikes Peak Reader program and assists with food Continued on page 5

“At home and abroad, military men and women are showing purpose and dedication in defending American ideas. They are performing in our country’s best traditions under circumstances both difficult and complex. Thanks to their determined spirit of patriotism and professionalism, our country has a powerful and unified defense team, employing its forces in the constant quest for peace and freedom.” The Honorable Melvin Laird, Former Secretary of Defense May 7, 2010 Armed Forces Week www.csmng.com 5 Outstanding Enlisted Nominees graduated Early High School in May 2000 and enlisted roll and Dean’s List. in the Air Force on September 18th, 2000. Her military decorations include: Army Commendation Upon completion of basic military training and tech- Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit nical school she was assigned to the 726th Air Control Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho as a National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Surveillance Technician. She later was upgraded as an Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and oth- Interface Control Technician and became qualifi ed as a ers. SSG Weber has done extensive community service at trainer for both Surveillance Technician and Interface all her assignments, to include: Fort Hood special Olympics Control Technician positions. for three years, Hike for Habitat, Walk for Life Cancer In November 2003, Sergeant Perez was assigned to Walk, Operation Purple Camp Counselor for children the 608th Combat Operations Squadron, 8th Air Force of deployed members of the military, Pikes Peak or Bust Headquarters, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana as an Rodeo, and other signifi cant volunteer activities at Fort Interface Control Technician Trainer/Certifi er. She was Carson and in the community. awarded Airman of the Year in 2004 and NCO of the Year in 2007 for the 608th Combat Operations Squadron, 8th Air Force Headquarters. In 2005, Sergeant Perez deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING Staff Sergeant Stephanie M. Weber, USA FREEDOM. While deployed, she managed the world’s Senior Human Resources Sergeant most complex data link architecture and maintained a HHC 1st Space Battalion $157 million dollar interface operations equipment ac- Space and Missile Defense Command/ count. She also forward deployed to two Iraqi locations to Army Strategic Forces Command support equipment replacement and the implementation Peterson AFB, Colorado of a Situational Awareness Data Link network, introduc- ing a new data source to the combined air picture at the Staff Sergeant Stephanie M. Weber is the Senior Human Coalition Air Operations Center. In March of 2007 SSgt Resources Sergeant with the 1st Space Battalion at Peterson Perez completed the Joint Interface Control Offi cer (JICO) AFB, Colorado. She was born in Colorado Springs. course and became one of 97 JICO trained/certifi ed Air Immediately aft er graduating from high school in Salina, Force (AF) personnel; only 43 enlisted AF-wide. Kansas, she joined the United States Army in July of 2000. In August 2008, Sergeant Perez was assigned to Colorado Her fi rst duty station was Fort Hood, Texas. Th ere she par- Springs. She currently serves as a Positional Qualifi cation ticipated in two deployments to Iraq (2003-2004, 2005-2006) Senior Evaluator for the NCO/COP N2C2 Air Domain posi- in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Her duty posi- Technical Sergeant Patrick G. Hampton, tions and works in the Standards and Evaluations Branch. tions included: Promotions clerk, Records NCOIC, ID Cards USAFR She recently qualifi ed as an Emergency Actions Controller NCOIC, and Actions NCOIC. Her additional duties were: Space Systems Operator, Mission Crew Chief and became one of only two NCOs dual-qualifi ed in the Barracks NCO, Better Opportunity for Single Soldiers (BOSS) Detachment 1, 8th Space Warning Squadron N2C2. She is a very active service member willingly giving Representative, Weight Control NCO, Nuclear, Biological, 310th Space Wing her time to help and serve her community and service Chemical (NBC) Defense NCO, OPSEC NCO, and others. Schriever AFB, Colorado members. Sergeant Perez is a talented leader and mentor, SSG Weber completed her Associate Degree in General and demonstrates her ability to elicit top performance from Studies from Central Texas College, with honors, in August Technical Sergeant Patrick Hampton is assigned to subordinates and peers alike. She constantly upgrades her of 2007 and is currently working on her Bachelor Degree Detachment 1, 8th Space Warning Squadron (SWS) as a education through various university courses. Her goals in Advertising and Digital Media Design at Colorado mission Crew Chief at Schriever AFB, Colorado. Sergeant are to fi nish her Bachelor’s degree and possibly become Technical University. She currently holds 134 semester an Offi cer in the United States Air Force. hours of college credit and is continually on the honor CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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Hampton utilizes the Space Based Infrared System Highly Parachutist Badge, German Schutenschnur (Silver) and Elliptical Orbit (SBIRS HEO) payload, performing stra- was inducted into the Order of the Dragon. tegic and theater missile detection, operating Air force 1SG Newton is a member of the Chemical Corp Space Command’s only space-based taskable sensor, and Regimental Association and has led numerous volun- analyzing/reporting worldwide surveillance infrared data teer projects in support of providing school supplies to of operational value received from the SBIRS HEO pay- children, care packages for deployed Soldiers, and the load I direct support of national security and global air/ Run for the Fallen. She has an Associates Degree from space defense. Central Texas College. Sergeant Hampton optimizes global infrared detection by monitoring areas of interest and processing infrared data to ensure valid battle space characterization for warfighters worldwide. He assesses the quality of mission data and associated ground systems to maintain global warning coverage. He creates, implements, and validates policies and procedures to support performance upgrades to SBIRS architecture. Sergeant Hampton entered the Air Force and completed Air Force Basic Military Training in 1996. He attended 1st Sergeant Alicia Leona Dawn Newton the enlisted Space 100 Course and the SBIRS Qualification First Sergeant Training Course. 71st Explosive Ordinance Detachment (EOD) Group He has missile warning experience across four mis- Fort Carson, Colorado sion areas: Missile Warning, Missile Defense, Technical Intelligence, and Battlespace Awareness. He has been 1SG Alicia Newton is assigned as the First Sergeant for assigned to HQ Air Force Space Command as a mem- the 71st EOD Group at fort Carson, Colorado. She enlisted ber of the Senior Leader Management Division and the in the Army in 1993 and attended Basic and Advanced Public Affairs Division. Sergeant Hampton served as a Individual Training as a Chemical Operations Specialist member of the Commander’s Intelligence Staff at the at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Technical Sergeant Darren D. Williams, Joint Analysis Center, Royal Air Force Molesworth, Throughout her 17-year career, 1SG Newton has served in USAF United Kingdom. various leadership positions from Squad Leader, CBRN Room Flight Chief, Operations Support He volunteered as an Individual Mobilization Augmentee NCO, Platoon Sergeant, Primary Leadership Development 3rd Space Operations Squadron during Hurricane Katrina and Rita relief operations, pro- course Senior Small Group Leader, Recruiter, Drill Sergeant 50 Space Wing viding expertise directly to the Commander of United and Operations Sergeant. She also served as First Sergeant for Schriever AFB, Colorado States Northern Command. Sergeant Hampton is the B, Company 82nd and B, Company 84th Chemical Battalion. Unit Training Manager and Unit Fitness Manager for Her assignments have taken her to Ft Bragg, North Carolina Detachment 1, 8th SWS. Additionally, he is currently and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Technical Sergeant Darren Williams is a Space Systems serving as the 310th Space Wing (SW) Junior Enlisted Her military awards and decorations include the Operator Craftsman assigned to the 3rs space Operations Council President. Meritorious Service Medal (1 OLC), Army Commendation Squadron (SOS), Schriever AFB, Colorado. Sergeant Williams Sergeant Hampton was the 310th SW Noncommissioned Medal (4 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (3 OLC), Army was born in Bremerton, Washington and attended Olympic Officer of the Year for 2009 and has a Bachelor of Science Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (5th High School, graduating in June 1992. He then enlisted in Degree, Space Studies, from American Military University, award), National Defense Service Award, Korean Defense the Air Force, attending Basic Military Training at Lackland where he was a member of the President’s List for academic Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, and oth- AFB, Texas, followed by technical school at Sheppard AFB, achievement, and the Delta Epsilon National honor society, ers. She also received the Drill Sergeants Badge, Recruiter Texas. There he received his certification as an Apprentice and the Golden Key International Honor Society. Badge with 3 Sapphires, Parachutist Badge, Chilean Heating, Ventilation, Air conditioning, and Refrigeration Specialist (HVAV/R). His first assignment was with the 5th Civil Engineering Squadron, Minot AFB, North Dakota. While at Minot, he deployed to various locations in South America in support of counter-drug operations. He was then reassigned to RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, where he deployed to Khobar Towers, Dhahran, Kingdom of Saudia Arabia. Sergeant Williams is credited with saving 6 lives during the terrorist attack on Khobar Towers. His career achievements include Airmen Leadership School Leadership Award and Distinguished Graduate, 2009 Schriever AFB “NCO of the Quarter” and “NCO of the Year”. His military awards include the Air Force Commendation Medal with Valor and 2 oak leaf clus- ters, and 8 Achievement Medals. Sergeant Williams has volunteered at veteran’s homes, St. John’s Soup Kitchen, AF football games, the Alamogordo/Holloman Annual United Way “Day of Caring”, Care and Share, and was Proudly Supports Our the co-lead for Air Force Space Command’s Outstanding Local And National Active And Airmen of the Year program. Retired Military!! 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Master Sergeant Marc A. Sacco is an Aerospace Control and Warning Systems Craftsman assigned to the Operations

Continued on page 7 May 7, 2010 Armed Forces Week www.csmng.com 7 Outstanding Enlisted Nominees

Support Division, NORAD/USNORTHCOM Command Finally, Sergeant Sacco was reassigned in August 2009 to Sergeant Smith was stationed at Loring AFB Maine where Center, Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. He graduated Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado and continues serves he was a Fuels Specialist servicing alert B-52 and KC-135 from Wheeling Park High School in Wheeling, West his local community as a Woodman Hills junior co-ed aircraft. After three years he opted to cross train to be- Virginia and enlisted in the Air Force in June 1990. Upon soccer coach. Sergeant Sacco currently holds an Associate’s come a Satellite-Wideband Communications Technician completion of basic military training and the Aerospace Degree in Space Technology from the Community College and proceeded to Keesler AFB, Mississippi for technical Control and Warning Systems Operations course, he was of the Air Force and continues to pursue completion of his training. assigned to Eglin AFB, Florida as an Aerospace Control Air Force Course 14 Senior Non-Commissioned Officer In 1992 Sergeant Smith’s moved to the Washington and Warning Systems Operations Apprentice. During course. D.C. area at the Brandywine Receiver site, providing com- this time, he participated in Operations DESERT SHIELD munications support to the White House and Pentagon. and DESERT STORM and performed three tours of duty After two years at Brandywine he was reassigned to 607th to Yurimaguas and Iquitos, Peru in support of counter- Combat Communication Squadron to a tactical satellite drug operations. communication terminal and deployed to various loca- In October 1995, Sergeant Sacco moved to Osan AB, tions throughout the Republic Of Korea. In 1996 Sergeant South Korea as an Aerospace Control and Warning Smith moved to Falcon AFB Colorado where he was in Systems Operations Journeyman. charge of the maintenance heavy satellite communication In 1996, Sergeant Sacco was assigned as a Sensor Data terminals supporting Air Force Space Command. After Analyst at the 84th Radar Evaluations Squadron, Hill 2 years, and a deployment in support of Operation Iraqi AFB, Utah. Sergeant Sacco was responsible for the data Freedom, he was reassigned to Peterson AFB. After 2 years reconstruction of the John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Jr. crash, at Peterson, he was hired to a selectively manned Special TWA 800 incident, and the Brothers to the Rescue shoot Operations mission at Charleston AFB South Carolina down near Cuba. In December 1999, he was stationed at in 2001 to fly on C-17 aircraft. After setting several com- Keflavik NAS, Iceland as an Air Surveillance Technician bat employment milestones for the C-17, Sergeant Smith and Data Quality Manager. In January 2001, Sergeant volunteered for a one year assignment at the Combined Sacco was stationed at the 729th Air Control Squadron, Air Operations center at Al Udied AB in Qatar. Here Utah. During this assignment, he was deployed three times he developed new communications solutions to meet for a total of 15 months to Ali al Salem Air Base, Kuwait the demands of both Soldiers and Airman to defeat the in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH. He also Senior Master Sergeant Bradley L. Smith, embedded terrorist networks. deployed to Langley Air Force Base, Virginia in support of Since 2007 Sergeant Smith has called Colorado Springs Operation NOBLE EAGLE. Sergeant Sacco was returned to USAF home. In his time at Schriever AFB he has been the Iceland in March 2004 and was selected as the Operations Superintendent, 17th Test Squadron Maintenance Superintendent of the 25th Space Range Flight Superintendent. During this period, he not only Space Innovation and Development Center Squadron where he was instrumental in developing the managed the schedule of four 24/7 crews, supervised 20 Schriever AFB, Colorado Air Force’s only Space test and training range supporting personnel, he also maintained three positional qualifica- Department of Defense customers. In 2009, Sergeant Smith tions. Sergeant Sacco then returned to Utah, with the 729th Senior Master Sergeant Bradley Smith is a Radio returned to Iraq assigned to the Navy as an Electronic Air Control Squadron, and was selected as the NCOIC Frequency Transmissions Manager assigned to the 17 Warfare Officer. During his time in Colorado Sergeant of Standardizations and Evaluations. During this assign- Test Squadron, Space Innovation and Development Center, Smith has been pursuing an Electrical Engineering Degree ment, he deployed in support of Operation ENDURING Schriever AFB, CO as the Squadron Superintendent. Brad trough Colorado Technical University. Sergeant Smith FREEDOM and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. has been married to the former Tammy Allen, of New stays active in the community volunteering support to He has been actively supporting the community Lexington, Ohio for 20 years and they have a beautiful Air Force Academy football games, the Pikes Peak or throughout his career as a volunteer firefighter/EMT, daughter. He graduated from New Lexington High School Bust Rodeo, and District 49 School programs. volunteer income tax representative, motorcycle safety in 1988. After graduation, Sergeant Smith enlisted in instructor, volunteer t-ball coach, and coed soccer coach. the Air Force. After basic training and technical school, Continued on page 8

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Master Sergeant Carl R. Weaver, USAFR NCOIC, Intelligence Flight/Communications Signals Intelligence Craftsman 380th Space Control Squadron 310th Space Wing Peterson AFB, Colorado

Master Sergeant Carl R. Weaver Jr. is a Communication Signals Intelligence Craftsman with the 380th Space Control Squadron (SPCS), Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. The 380 SPCS conducts operations both in garrison and in deployed locations around the world in support of the Rapid Attack Identification, Detection and Reporting System (RAIDRS), where he is responsible for providing SIGINT expertise and technical analysis of electromagnetic interference (EMI) events in support Register Your Child Today! • (719) 391-3000 of operations. Using state-of-the-art equipment, MSgt 1820 Main Street, Colorado Springs, CO 80911 Weaver monitors high-priority satellite communications (SATCOM) networks for indications of jamming, and reports those events to higher headquarters, and takes actions to geo-locate and mitigate or terminate jamming source. Master Sergeant Weaver was born in Charleston, South Carolina. In July of 1996 he joined the Air Force under the delayed enlistment program and entered Basic Training on 3 September 1997. His first assignment was to Fort Meade, Maryland where he served as a Signals Processing Specialist with the 29th Intelligence Squadron. From there We have your he moved to Misawa AB, Japan where he quickly became certified on four separate positions within the 301st Intelligence Squadron, to include, Morse Block Controller and TIDY TIPS Control Master. While assigned as a Links and Nodes Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) Planner with the 8th Information Warfare Flight, Barksdale, Louisiana, community Master Sergeant Weaver was deployed in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. Sergeant Weaver had is second deployment in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM while assigned to the 25th Space Range Squadron where he served as a Targets Analyst until he separated from Active Duty in March 2009 and re- covered enlisted in the Air Force Reserves. He was then selected as a Communications Signals Intelligence Craftsman with the 380 SPCS, Peterson AFB, Colorado where he is awaiting his third deployment in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM, providing defensive space control to the war fighter utilizing the SILENT SENTRY weapons platform. The US Air Force Academy Community The Peterson Air Force Base and MSgt Weaver’s military decorations include the Joint The NORAD Community Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

The Fort Carson Community The Schriever Air Force Base Community

“It is fitting and proper that we devote one day each year to paying special The Legal & Financial Community The Business Community tribute to those whose constancy and courage constitute one of the bulwarks guarding the freedom of this nation Call 634-5905 to subscribe or for and the peace of the free world.” targeted advertising opportunities President Dwight D. Eisenhower May 7, 2010 Armed Forces Week www.csmng.com 9 Military installations are part of Pikes Peak Region history, community

By Nel Lampe Force Base in the Denver area, the temporary home of the Colorado Springs Military Newspaper Group academy. Since 1942, the military has played a large part in the lives Construction took three years. of citizens in the Pikes Peak region. The 18,000-acre campus was finished in time for the senior Just weeks after the Dec. 7 1941, Pearl Harbor attack, the year of the first class. announcement came that an Army installation was to be The first class graduated at the brand new Air Force established near Colorado Springs. Construction was start- Academy in June 1959; there were 207 graduates. ed in early 1942 on an Army camp just south of Colorado Meanwhile, the Air Defense Command moved from New Springs. York City to Ent Air Force Base in 1951. By 1943 Soldiers at Camp Carson outnumbered local North American Air Defense Command, later known citizens — 43,000 Soldiers were stationed at Camp Carson. as North American Aerospace Defense Command, was Colorado Springs at that time had a population of less than established in 1957. The bi-national command, established 40,000 people. by the U.S. and Canada, assumed the mission of providing Other military installations were destined to be built in warning and aerospace control for North America. the Pikes Peak region. Another U.S. Army installation was While construction was under way on an underground established on the east side of town in May 1942. Called facility under Cheyenne Mountain, the command was housed Colorado Springs Army Air Base, the air base took over the at Ent. Colorado Springs Airport. Later named Peterson Army Air The hardened facility was finished in 1966, and is known Base, the facility was used to train Army aviators in photo as Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station. reconnaissance. When Ent Air Force Base was closed in 1976, its units and Still a third Army installation came to Colorado Springs missions were relocated to Peterson Air Force Base, resulting in 1943, established near the corner of Boulder and Union. in growth, expansion and new construction at Peterson. The base was home to the 2nd Air Force during World War A military space systems control facility was built about II, and was later named Ent Air Force Base, after Gen. Uzal 10 miles east of Peterson Air Force Base in the early 1980s. G. Ent, the 2nd Air Force commander. It opened in 1983 as Falcon Air Force Station and became The Olympic Training Center is now housed at the former an Air Force Base in 1988. The base was renamed Schriever Air Force base. Air Force Base in 1998, in honor of retired Gen. Bernard South of Colorado Springs, another Army installation was A. Schriever, known as the father of the U.S. Air Force’s established in 1942 in just 93 days. Pueblo Army Air Base space and missile program. was a training base for B-24 crews. Air Force Space Command and U.S. Army Space and More than 43,000 soldiers were trained at Pueblo Army Missile Defense Command/U.S. Army Forces Strategic Air Base during World War II, including its most famous Command are also headquartered at Peterson Air Force trainee — movie star Clark Gable. Gable was trained as a Base. B-24 gunner. U.S. Northern Command was established in 2002 and One in three seniors is a veteran or surviving spouse of a veteran Closed at the end of World War II, Pueblo Army Air Base is housed at Peterson Air Force Base. The command pro- who may qualify for Aid & Attendance through the Veterans became the site for Pueblo’s Memorial Airport. vides command and control of Department of Defense Administration. This special program can assist eligible veterans, Ent Air Force Base was permanently closed in 1976, but homeland defense and coordinates military support to or their surviving spouses, in obtaining up to $23,388 a year Fort Carson and Peterson Air Force Base remain, joined civil authorities. toward non-medical services. Summit Home Health Care is a over time by other military installations. Over the years, several divisions have called Fort Carson licensed Medicare/Medicaid certified home health care agency, locally owned and operated. Established in 1997, SHHC serves When the U.S. Air Force became a separate branch of home: 10th Mountain Division was established at Camp the Colorado Springs community and the northern Tri-Lakes area. service in September 1947, the Army Air Forces, the Air Hale, near Leadville, but returned to Fort Carson after SPECIALIZING IN GERIATRICS Corps and the Air Force Combat Command and other air the war, where it was deactivated. units were transferred from the Army to the new service 89th Infantry Division, 31st Infantry Division, 8th Infantry ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA branch. Division, 9th Infantry Division and 5th Infantry Division 1. Veteran or surviving spouse of veteran who A few years later, a movement was started to establish an were at Fort Carson. The Fourth Infantry Division was also served 1 day during a war period. at Carson before moving to Fort Hood, Texas, in 1995. 2. Requires assistance or has a need for Air Force service school similar to Annapolis and West assistanceWho with their activities do of daily you living. trust? Point. 7th Infantry Division was deactivated at Fort Carson. 3. Meets the income to medical expense ratio President Dwight D. Eisenhower authorized the estab- Division West, First Army was at Fort Carson until relocating If you are a veteran, or spouse of a veteran, in lishment of an Air Force Academy in 1954. A commission to Fort Hood, Texas. The 2nd Infantry Division relocated need of assistance,LET please CAMP call BOW Summit WOW®, at VOTED “BEST KENNEL” searched for a permanent location, looking at 600 sites. A to Fort Carson. 719-533-0084 location north of Colorado Springs was chosen. The 4th Infantry Division returned to Fort Carson from BY READERS OF THE GAZETTE, TAKE CARE OF YOUR BEST FRIEND While the Air Force Academy was under construc- Fort Hood in July 2009. Its colors were uncased in a ceremony tion, new Air Force Academy cadets arrived at Lowry Air at the mountain post July 22, 2009. Who do you trust?WATCH YOUR DOG PLAY ON OUR LIVE CAMPER CAMS® LET CAMP BOW WOW®, VOTED “BEST KENNEL” BY READERS OF THEWho GAZETTE, TAKE do CARE OFyou YOURCERTIFIED BEST trust? CAMPFRIEND COUNSELORS® WhoWho do youTRAINED trust? IN PET FIRST AID LETLET CAMP CAMP BOW BOW WOW,WOW®, VOTED VOTED “BEST KENNEL” KENNEL” BY READERSLETLET OF CAMPCAMP THE BOWBOW GAZETTE, WOW®,WOW®, TAKE VOTED CAREAND “BEST OFC.P.R. YOUR KENNEL” BEST FRIEND BY READERSBY READERS OF THE OF INDEPENDENT, THE GAZETTE,WATCH TAKE TAKE YOUR CARE CARE OF DOG YOUR OF YOUR PLAYBEST FRIEND BEST FRIEND WhoBY READERSWho OF THEdo GAZETTE,ON doOURyou TAKE LIVECARE WATCHyou OF CAMPER YOURtrust? YOUR BEST DOG CAMS®FRIENDtrust? 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1,300 acres, that’s about a million dollars per acre of economic impact in the Pikes Peak region,” said Col. Stephen N. Whiting, 21st Space Wing commander. Jobs don’t end at the base gates; the base’s many space- related missions attract space industries to the Colorado Springs area. Peterson AFB is host to five major mission partners — including North American Aerospace Defense Command, U.S. Northern Command, Air Force Space Command, Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Strategic Command and the 302nd Airlift Wing. The Colorado Springs Economic Development Corporation estimates that in the next five years, the space industry will have a $4.5 billion impact on the Colorado Springs economy. Peterson AFB has a long and unique history, tracing its roots to the Colorado Springs Army Air Base, established in 1942 at the Colorado Springs Municipal Airport. Back then, personnel were charged with photo reconnaissance training and the Colorado Springs Army Air Base was assigned to the 2d Air Force, headquartered at Fort George Wright, Wash. In the summer of 1942, 1st Lt. Edward J. Peterson, operations officer for the 14th Photo Reconnaissance Squadron and a native of Colorado, crashed while attempting to take off from the airfield when the left engine of his twin engine F-4 failed. A base fire department crew rescued Lieutenant Peterson from the burning wreckage, but he died at the hospital. He was the first Coloradan killed in

U.S. Air Force photos a flying accident at the airfield. And, on Dec. 13, 1942, Aircraft line the Peterson Field flight officials changed the name of the Colorado Springs Army line in 1943. During World War II, Air Base to Peterson Army Air Base in honor of the fallen Peterson served as a reconnais- flyer. sance, bomber, and fighter training Over the next few years, the base assumed new missions base. from heavy bomber combat crew training to fighter pilot training. In 1945, the Army inactivated the base, turn- ing the property over to the City of Colorado Springs. Peterson Air Force Base is home From 1947 to 1949 the base was activated and deactivated. to the 21st Space Wing and five Finally, in 1951, the Air Force activated Peterson Field fol- major mission partners, includ- lowing the establishment of Air Defense Command at Ent ing North American Aerospace Air Force Base, in downtown Colorado Springs. In 1958 Defense Command, U.S. Northern the 4600th achieved wing status and was designated as Command, Air Force Space the 4600th Air Base Wing. And, in 1976, Peterson Field Command, Space and Missile was renamed Peterson Air Force Base. Defense Command/Army Strategic Since then, U.S. Air Force officials activated Air Force Command and the 302nd Airlift Space Command at Peterson, followed by the activation Wing. More than 11,000 military and of the 1st Space Wing on Jan. 1, 1983. Peterson Air Force civilian employees work at the base, Base became the hub of Air Force space activity when the and in fiscal year 2009, Peterson Air 1st Space Wing assumed host unit responsibility. Force Base contributed $1.23 billion In May 1992, personnel and equipment transferred to into the local economy through jobs the 21st Space Wing which activated on May 15, 1992. and spending. Today, the 21st Space Wing is the Air Force’s most wide- spread and diverse wing, with 39 units at 27 locations in five countries around the world. Its mission is to conduct By Monica Mendoza Springs off U.S. Highway 24, packs a major financial precise and disciplined missile warning, missile defense 21st Space Wing public affairs punch to the local economy, as revealed in the recently and space control operations; professionally operate, sup- It has only been 34 years since Peterson Field was named released Peterson complex economic impact analysis. In port and protect its installations while teaming with mis- Peterson Air Force Base, and since then, no one has ever fiscal year 2009, Peterson pumped $1.23 billion into the sion partners; and develop, deploy and care for its warrior looked back. Colorado Springs and El Paso County economy through Airmen who defend America and its Allies. Peterson Air Force Base is home to the 21st Space Wing, jobs and spending, including $500 million in construc- “Military personnel love living in Colorado Springs,” where 5,484 active duty military personnel are assigned, tion services, $315 million in military payroll and $185 Colonel Whiting said. “The local community is very wel- including Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard and million in civilian payroll. And, those figures are up from coming. Of course there is a lot of retired military in the members of all military branches. fiscal year 2008. community and we always feel like we are at home when And, this mid-sized base, located in east Colorado “Now if you think about the fact that Peterson sits on we are here.”

FALCON SCHOOL DISTRICT 49

Salutes our 1305 N. Academy Blvd. Military *Showtime: Thursday, May 13th, 8pm. Tickets are $10 Families! Friday-Saturday Shows: 8pm & 10:30pm Mike Siscoe

Thank you for your service. Come Celebrate Armed Forces Week www.d49.org - 719.495.1100 at the Laff-A-Thon! All Admission proceeds for Thursday’s show will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project *Must be 21 years old Call for reservations: 719-591-0707 May 7, 2010 Armed Forces Week www.csmng.com 11 Laughter is the best medicine; helping wounded warriors By Monica Mendoza CSMNG A few years ago standup comedian Christopher Cannon was surfi ng the Web and found a site for the Wounded Warrior Project. It got him thinking about the need military veterans have when they return from the war with injuries. He started talking about the Wounded Warrior Project with his fans, even sold a few toy soldiers at his gigs to raise a few bucks for the project. But, it didn’t seem like enough, said Mr. Cannon, who served in the U.S. Army from 1983 to 1987. He came up with Comics for Courage — comedy shows held around the country featuring national and local acts that raise money exclusively for the Wounded Warrior Project. Now, Mr. Cannon is devoted to this project. “We’ve had 35,000 people injured in the war and they need our help,” Mr. Cannon said. “I’m involved with the (Veterans Administration) and they are great, but they are overwhelmed.” Comics for Courage will host a one-night show at 8 p.m. Photo courtesy of Christopher Cannon May 13 at Loonees Comedy Corner, 1305 N. Academy Blvd. Christopher Cannon is the executive pro- Th is year, Mr. Cannon started something new with the ducer of Comics for Courage, shows that shows. He calls it “Laff -A-Th on” and the idea is for folks raises money for the Wounded Warrior to sign up as an “offi cial laff er” to collect pledges for the Project. Comics for Courage will bring its Photo courtesy of Christopher Cannon Wounded Warrior Project. It works like a walk-a-thon, show to Colorado Springs at 8 p.m. May Christopher Cannon, executive producer of Comics for Courage, served in the U.S. Army from 1983 to Mr. Cannon said. 13, at Loonees Comedy Corner, 1305 N. 1987 and was stationed in Germany and Texas. He founded Comics for Courage in 2008 to support the “You go online and register, pay 10 bucks and get 10 Academy Blvd. Tickets are $10. Wounded Warrior Project. He brings his show to Colorado Springs’ Loonees Comedy Corner May 13. friends to pledge 10 bucks,” he said. “Ten bucks is two beers or two burritos, it’s nothing to people. And, the best funds one backpack, which is fi lled into the minds of people and educate the public,” he said. part is you don’t have to walk or run, just laugh.” with toiletries and undergarments, given to wounded “Th is is not a political issue. For these people, the war Pat Hawkinson, owner of Loonees Comedy Corner, will warriors. is over and they need help. Th ey shouldn’t have to fi ght donate 100 percent of ticket sales to the Wounded Warrior Although the topic is serious, Mr. Cannon has had a another war when they come home.” Project. If they pack the house, 250 seats, that’s a $2,500 successful 20-year career as a funny man, working with If you go donation to the project. And, that’s on top of the Laff -A- such big names as Judy Tenuta, Steven Wright and Ellen Th on pledges that individuals bring in, he said. DeGeneres. He’s headlined, worked in Las Vegas and What: Comics for Courage Laff -A-Th on, starring Mike “It’s going to be a great night,” Mr. Hawkinson said. released a CD, “Funny Boy.” He will be emceeing the Sisco and Larry XL. “We are looking forward to supporting it — this is one Colorado Springs show featuring Southern California When: 8 p.m. May 13. Tickets are $10. of the best causes.” comic Mike Siscoe and Baltimore comic Larry XL. Where: Loonees Comedy Corner, 1305 N. Academy Blvd. Across the country, Mr. Cannon has met wounded “I want to pack the place,” he said. “I want to show that For directions and details, visit, loonees.com. warriors. In April he spent time with a lieutenant colonel the community is supportive.” Details: Become an “offi cial laff er”; register at comics- who has been involved in three roadside bombings in the Th e Colorado Springs Comics for Courage show co- forcourage.com and get 10 friends to pledge $10 each. war and came home with a traumatic brain injury. Th e incides with Armed Forces Week, which is May 10 to 15 All pledges go to the Wounded Warrior Project. Pledge Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofi t organization, is set and with the inaugural Wounded Warrior Games, May forms also are available at Loonees. For more information up to help these veterans with physical and mental needs, 10 to 14 at the Olympic Training Center. about the Wounded Warrior Project visit, woundedwar- Mr. Cannon said. One laff er, who collects $100 in pledges, “I want to put the plight of the wounded warrior back riorproject.org.

Character Development and Academic Excellence

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“Armed Forces Day this year should serve to emphasize the practical application of uniﬁ cation in action, and to remind us of the continued need for unity in our Armed Forces and among all of our citizens in the interests of security and peace.” Robert D. Lovett, Former Secretary of Defense 12 www.csmng.com Armed Forces Week May 7, 2010

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