The Cargo Courier September 2002

Promotions, retirements & separations Kentucky Air National Guard

The following individuals have been TECHNICAL SERGEANT (E-6) •Tech. Sgt. Timothy Duncan, promoted to the rank indicated 123rd Maintenance Sq. as members of the •Anthony Berold, •Senior Master Sgt. Ronald George, Kentucky Air Guard and reservists 123rd Maintenance Sq. 123rd Aerial Port Sq. of the United States Air Force: •Jeffrey Bryant, •Tech. Sgt. Larry Hill, 123rd Maintenance Sq. 123rd Aerial Port Sq. •Senior Airman Stephen Johnson, 123rd Airlift Wing, Kentucky Air National Guard, Louisville, Ky. Vol. XVIII, No. 9 • Sept. 14, 2002 SENIOR AIRMAN (E-4) •Thomas Hagan, 123rd Communications Flt. 123rd Services Flt. •Jody King, •Staff Sgt. Barbara Kolb, •Adam Barker, 123rd Airlift Control Element 123rd Airlift Wing 123rd Communications Flt. •David Nichter, •Master Sgt. David Pierce, 2 STS troops killed in MC-130 crash •Wendy Haight, 123rd Aerial Port Sq. 123rd Logistics Gp. 123rd Services Flt. •James Tongate, •Tech. Sgt. Donald Pierce, 165th Airlift Sq. 123rd Communications Flt. •Lt. Col. Christopher Reymann, Unit remembers late comrades as great men, patriots 165th Airlift Sq. By Tech. Sgt. Amy Ziegler McLane, director of operations STAFF SERGEANT (E-5) The following individuals •Tech. Sgt. James Skaggs, Cargo Courier Editor for the special tactics squadron. have retired as members of the 123rd Maintenance Sq. •Heather Boyd, Kentucky Air Guard and “It’s hard to quantify,” he 123rd Aircraft Generation Sq. reservists of the A sea of blue filled the Base Annex Aug. said. “As combat controllers, •Jonathan Coulter, United States Air Force: The following individuals 16 to remember the lives of Tech. Sgts. it’s not unusual for us to lose 123rd Aerial Port Sq. have separated from Christopher Matero and Martin Tracy, com- friends in the career field be- •Sheldon Cowley, •Lt. Col. Robert Abell, the Kentucky Air Guard: bat controllers here in the 123rd Special Tac- cause of the dangers associated KyANG State Headquarters 123rd Aerial Port Sq. tics Squadron. with the job.” •Lawrence Hamel, •Maj. Catherine Brown, •Senior Airman Brandy Allen, The men were killed Aug. 7 when the MC- What makes this more tragic, 123rd Aircraft Generation Sq. 123rd Operations Support Sq. 123rd Logistics Sq. 130H Combat Talon they were aboard McLane said, is that both men •Christopher Lockwood, •Lt. Col. Douglas Butler, •Airman 1st Class John Walton, crashed in Puerto Rico while on a training spent time in war-torn Afghani- 123rd Maintenance Sq. 123rd Medical Sq. 123rd Student Flt. mission. stan for Operation Enduring •Daniel Marks, •Senior Airman Gary Warford, •Lt. Col. Joseph Charbonneau, Freedom and survived only to 165th Weather Flt. 165th Airlift Sq. 123rd Aerial Port Sq. They will be remembered for their big smiles, senses of humor and a pursuit for come home and be killed on a physical fitness excellence, according to training mission. 123rd Airlift Wing friends and co-workers. “We’ve just lost two of our Public Affairs Office The loss is great, said 2nd Lt. Sean best operators, guys with real- Airman of the Year Kentucky Air National Guard world experience 1101 Grade Lane who have been packages due Louisville, KY 40213-2678 shot at and still did their job. That’s a October drill OFFICIAL BUSINESS rare commodity. Nominations are now being “We know they accepted for the 2002 Kentucky have courage un- Air Guard Outstanding Airmen der fire because of the Year Awards. they’ve been un- Tech. Sgt. Christopher Matero Packages for all categories— der fire.” airmen, NCOs and Senior Most of all, NCOs— are due to the 123rd McLane added, Military Personnel Flight no “we just lost two really great His friends remember him as the man they later than Oct. 5. guys.” wish they could be because of his attitude A selection board will be held Tech. Sgt. Martin Tracy, 33, and dedication to physical fitness. during the November drill. If had been in the Kentucky Air “He was everything you could ever want possible, all nominated should be Guard for nearly six years and to be in person,” said Tech. Sgt. Bill Sprake, present to meet the board. had served in the military since also a combat controller in the 123rd. More information on the 1987. “He was the most physically fit, and he program and the nomination After leaving the active-duty had the personality that nothing ever both- process can be found in Air Force as a survival school ered him. He was the most fun to be around, KyANGI 36-2801, chapter 5. instructor, he joined the unit and you could always count on his laugh to here and made a career liven things up.” For questions, contact Chief change to become a combat Tracy was, Sprake said, the kind of per- Master Sgt. Mike Mitro at ext. controller. In his new job, Tracy, son who didn’t let the little things get to him. 4465. like other Kentucky Air Guard “When things get stressful in the field, combat controllers, stayed de- Tech Sgt. Martin Tracy ployed nearly 200 days a year. See MATERO AND TRACY, Page 5 The Cargo Courier, 8 Sept. 14, 2002 COMMANDER’S CALL AIR FORCE NEWS The war is not over—stay prepared USAF officials to cancel 100,000 travel cards

t has been one year since our government to protect and defend our By Master Sgt. Ron Tull The task force confirmed that the Depart- dinators will receive lists in early Septem- our nation was brutally American way of life and the citizens who Air Force Print News ment of Defense has too many cards in the ber of cards expected to be canceled. attacked and since we enjoy its freedoms. hands of people who are not using them, If anyone on the list is traveling in the started our military, eco- As military folks we are the instruments WASHINGTON—More than 100,000 of Weber said. near future, he or she can call the bank to I nomic and diplomatic re- that are used to protect and defend. the Air Force’s government travel cards will The Air Force has the largest travel card get an authorized override on the account. sponse to this attack. As Guard members and members of the be canceled in early October for lack of use, program in the Department of Defense with It will still require a phone call by the Our president told us this was going to be Thoroughbred Express we have responded according to the service’s travel card pro- approximately 532,000 travel cards issued, merchant at the point of purchase. a long and arduous struggle—that lives magnificently to the call thus far. gram manager. or 37 percent of the DOD total, according The government travel card remains an would be changed, and lives would be lost. We must not let down now. The move, said Michael Weber, is part of to Weber. integral part of the Defense Travel System Nothing has changed since then to lead I believe it is not an accident that there a service-wide effort to “clean up the books “It’s not as bad as it appears on the sur- and represents the best option for Air Force us to think this thing is over. hasn’t been another attack since Sept. 11. and will affect those people who have not face. A lot of these cards are already ex- travelers, Weber said. I’m afraid we have been lulled into a false The actions of our government, the mili- used their card for a year or more. He added pired,” he said. “I still get people who tell me they don’t sense of well-being in the past six months tary, civilian law enforcement and others that precautions are in place to ensure no “We estimate that out of the 100,000 cards like the travel card,” he said. or so and just might have forgotten what a have been the reason. one is caught empty-handed in a time of (subject to cancellation), 80,000 of them are “But I’ve yet to have someone suggest a despicable act this was. This war is far from over, and we must need. expired or unused.” more modern way to travel.” We hear the attack described as a trag- all stay prepared to once again answer the “We won’t leave anyone stranded,” We- The card cancellations, set to begin Oct. Furthermore, Weber said, the proper use edy, much the same as a hurricane or flood, call. Everyone in the 123rd is a player in ber said. 3, will help the Air Force and Bank of of the card relates to military readiness. and we call our response a “War on Terror.” this war. “If for some reason an individual didn’t America clean up their databases, Weber “If we need you to travel and you don’t Well I choose to view it differently. You may not be the guy who personally hear about this (policy) and is checking into said. have a card, your travel will have to be The actions of Sept. 11 were indeed tragic, kills the enemy, but you may fly him there. a hotel and the card is rejected, (he or she) Those who have their card canceled but handled special,” he said. but let’s call them what they were—a cold You may fix the aircraft that got him there. can always have the hotel staff call the num- still need one for Air Force travel will have “We no longer have the manpower or fa- cilities to do that for a person. blooded attack on the citizens of the United Col. Michael Harden You may order the part to fix the aircraft. ber on the back of the card to have the bank to go through a re-application process. States carried out by evil men who intended 123rd Airlift Wing Commander You may build or protect the base from override the transaction. We can force au- New applications should be available in “Gone are the days when we had people to kill as many Americans as they could in which our aircrews operate. You may cook thorize restaurants, rental cars and airline September on the Web. in uniform behind a counter, looking at your an attempt to change our foreign policies and These people believe that we subscribe to the meals or type the orders. tickets, but not automatic teller machines.” “This could inconvenience some people, orders and handing out cash. The travel card destroy our way of life. the wrong foreign policy, they want us out But you all have a vital roll, and you will The actions come as a result of a recent but we know of no easy way to do it,” he helps the Air Force to use manpower in more This should not be called a tragedy—this of the Middle East, and they believe that kill- be called upon again. task force formed in response to congres- said. pressing areas, such as the war on terror- was a blatant act of war and should be re- ing our people will convince us to do that. It is imperative that we all maximize our sional hearings on government credit cards. Commanders and agency program coor- ism.” ferred to as such. So our response is not a “War on Terror,” training. Pay a little more attention to the War is waged on people and the countries, it is a war on every person who plots or car- class, or to the briefing. or institutions, that they represent. ries out an attack on us, and against those Check out your gear and make sure it’s Anthrax shots to resume this month All specialties To call this a “War on Terror” only serves who give financial or other aid to them. in proper working order. to lessen the importance of our task and the We have to find these people, and we have Take care of your personal obligations Air Force Print News Manufacturing of the anthrax vaccine was released from possible impact on our population. to eliminate them before they attack us again. and be ready. Your nation depends upon it. temporarily halted in January 1998. Terror is a feeling or state of mind. You We have to make it so miserable for them WASHINGTON—The Anthrax Vaccine The Food and Drug Administration ap- Stop-Loss don’t wage war on a feeling; you wage war that they don’t have time to plan attacks. Thanks Loads! Immunization Program, on hold since June proved renovation of the BioPort on people and nations. All they have time to do is run and hide— 2001 because of supply concerns, will likely Corporation’s Michigan-based vaccine WASHINGTON—The last There are a lot of folks out there who are and when they stick their heads up we cut resume this month for people in selected ar- manufacturing facility in December 2001, officer and enlisted specialties were trying every day to kill, maim and disrupt them off. eas overseas. and the National Academy of Sciences af- released from Stop-Loss on Sept. 1. our citizens. It is the responsibility of our president and The vaccine will initially be given to firmed the safety and efficacy of the vac- Secretary of the Air Force James people assigned or deployed to “high-threat” cine in its March report. G. Roche said the release will be areas for more than 15 days, according to Gould said the job of Air Force command- phased in during a one-month period to allow both the Air Force This funded Air Force newspaper is an authorized pub- 123rd Airlift Wing Editorial Staff the office of the assistant secretary of de- ers and senior leaders is to take care of their lished for members of the U.S. military services. Contents fense for public affairs. The message noted people, and that is what the anthrax vacci- and affected personnel time for of The Cargo Courier are not necessarily the official views Wing Commander...... Col. Michael Harden that the program will expand as supply nation program is all about. transition. of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Wing Public Affairs Officer...... Capt. Dale Greer catches up with demand. “We don’t want to send anybody into “We have arrived at a new Defense or the Air Force. Editor...... Tech. Sgt. Amy Ziegler Brig. Gen. Mike Gould, the Air Force’s harm’s way or to do a mission without the steady-state,” Roche said. “Stop- The editorial content is edited, prepared and provided Staff Writer...... Senior Airman Mark Flener director of operational plans at the Penta- full protection that we can offer,” he said. Loss most certainly helped us get by the public affairs office of the 123rd Airlift Wing, Ken- gon, said that the program is an important “A football coach isn’t going to send an here successfully, but we had tucky Air National Guard, Louisville International Airport, How to contact us: tool in the force protection arsenal. offensive lineman onto the field without the pledged all along that we wouldn’t Louisville, Ky. 40213-2678. “This is all about readiness,” he said. “It’s same protective equipment and training and hold onto anyone longer than Phone: (502) 364-9431 about taking care of our people who are conditioning as his star running back and necessary.” Our office is located in room 2118 of the Wing Head- Fax: (502) 364-9676 quarters Building. Deadline for the next issue is Sept. 23. fighting the war on terrorism. The key thing quarterback. It’s the same exact thing here. The release does not apply to E-mail: [email protected] to remember is that, first of all, the threat is “We want every member to have every airmen who are currently deployed real and, secondly, the anthrax shots…are opportunity to survive should (he or she) in support of operations Noble An electronic version of the Cargo Courier is available at the Kentucky Air Guard’s Web site — www.kyloui.ang.af.mil proven safe and effective.” encounter a threat like this.” Eagle and Enduring Freedom.

The Cargo Courier The Cargo Courier 2 Sept. 14, 2002 Sept. 14, 2002 7 KyANG NEWS KyANG NEWS 123rd APS leads 1st all-Guard Patriot Partner Story and photo by Jennifer Turner daily activities and provided 24-hour cover- 437th Airlift Wing Public Affairs age seven days a week, with three daily eight- Just hour shifts. PLANE Nearly 35 Kentucky Air Guard aerial port During Patriot Partner, approximately 75 members joined with four other Guard units to 80 percent of the active-duty unit’s activi- at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., July 21- ties were handled exclusively by the Guard Aug. 3 to hold the first all-Guard Patriot members. PULLIN’ Partner exercise. Guard units also took advantage of the op- Twenty members of the 123rd Airlift Wing gath- With Kentucky’s 123rd Aerial Port portunity to train with unfamiliar equipment. ered here Aug. 3 to participate in the Seventh- Squadron serving as the lead unit, the troops “We have been able to train with a Tunner Annual UPS Plane Pull. The event raised nearly assembled and took over aerial port facili- loader, operational software and oversized 110,000 for Special Olympics Kentucky, which ties at the active-duty base, said Chief Mas- cargo that aren’t available at our home sponsors athletic competitions for children and adults who are mentally disabled. ter Sgt. Tommy Downs, who served as su- bases,” said 1st Lt. Kevin Thornberry of the Five Air Guard units took over aerial port perintendent for the 703rd Consolidated Kentucky unit, who served as officer in operations at Charleston Air Force Base, Aerial Port Squadron during the exercise. charge of air freight for the 703rd. S.C., July 21-Aug. 3 for the first all-Guard The team included, in front from left, Tech. Sgt. Valercia Mar- It’s purpose was to free up active-duty Ultimately, Patriot Partner allows guards- Patriot Partner exercise. tin, 1st Lt. Katrina Johnson, Team Captain 2nd Lt. Latonia troops for training and annual leave while men to train with other Guard units and ac- Trowell, Master Sgt. Teresa Adams, Co-captain Senior Airman providing Guard troops with additional ex- tive-duty personnel and achieve complete alize the value of cooperative training pro- Amanda Blackburn, Senior Airman Tracy Willen, Tech. Sgt. Amy perience and training, the chief said. work-force integration. grams like Patriot Partner. Ziegler, Tech. Sgt. Mary Thurman; in back from left, Senior Air- man Cameron Taylor, Airman Remiah Newton, Master Sgt. The annual exercise usually is run by both “The Air Force considers the Reserve and “Patriot Partner is based on mutual ben- Barry Wright, 1st Lt. Jason Schmidt, Staff Sgt. Tyra Allen, Se- Air Force Reserve and Guard personnel. Guard as a Total Force component,” Rose efit,” said 1st Lt. Jeff Vincent of the 123rd nior Airman Conley Moore, Alejandro Rendon, Master Sgt. Pete What made this event different is that is was said. “Distinctions are rarely made these days and 703rd. Rendon, Master Sgt. Ted Schiess, Tech. Sgt. Cedric Jones, Staff the first national exercise of its kind with all between the active duty, Reserve and Guard. “The (active-duty) personnel get a break Sgt. Nick James and Staff Sgt. Cary Mendelsohn. Guard participants, said Maj. Doug Rose, “All the gaining commander cares is that while Guard members get crucial training.” Photos courtesy of Special Olympics Kentucky commander of the 123rd Aerial Port Squad- he has a fully qualified group of aerial por- Other Guard units that participated in- ron. ters who can safely and effectively run his clude the 135th Aerial Port Squadron of Bal- “We had 144 personnel deployed from cargo, fleet, passenger and Air Terminal Op- timore, Md.; 137th Aerial Port Squadron of five units providing around-the-clock sup- erations Center operations. Oklahoma City, Okla.; 152nd Aerial Port Family Day returns to the Ky. Air Guard port for a vital strategic port,” Rose said. “Patriot Partner offers us a unique oppor- Squadron of Reno, Nev.; and 156th Aerial “I was thoroughly impressed by the pro- tunity to further refine the skills we will need Port Squadron of Carolina, Puerto Rico. fessionalism, skill level and attitude of each when we are called to duty anywhere in the By Tech. Sgt. Amy Ziegler strations and mock attacks by the 123rd of the members of the 703rd.” world.” —Cargo Courier Editor Tech. Sgt. Amy Cargo Courier Editor Security Forces Squadron. The Guard units mirrored active-duty’s Both active-duty and Guard personnel re- Ziegler contributed to this article. Visitors also will have a chance to Kentucky Air Guard Family Day re- view the unit’s Firearms Training Sys- turns to the Thoroughbred Express this tem in action. Remember to care for yourself even when caring for others year, and it’s scheduled for Oct. 6. Meanwhile, the Fire Truck Pull will The event, which was cancelled last allow members of the 123rd Civil En- “First In… That Others May Live” is the motto of Air Force —Minimize time with negative people. You’ll start to think like them. year for security reasons, promises to be gineers Squadron to defend their title special tactics personnel. —Stay with “good enough.” Do you really need a new car, boat, a fun day for everyone, said Lt. Col. Rich from Family Day 2000. The military community is expected to take care of others first. etc.? Sometimes, what you have is good enough. Frymire, event coordinator. Numerous children’s activities are But who takes care of you, the care-giver? —Take a break from media and electronics. Turn off the TV and “It’s really a splendid opportunity for planned, including a rock-climbing wall. Self-aid and buddy care includes taking care of leave it off for a week. Kentucky Air Guard members and their Finally, popular Louisville aviation yourself, especially in stressful times. —Establish routines that refresh. Enjoy breakfast families to enjoy a fun-filled and relax- artist Bob Conely will be on hand to Barney Self, a licensed therapist, warns us against haplain’s with the family weekly. ing afternoon. display his prints featuring KyANG air- burn out or compassion fatigue. C —Adjust your expectations with yourself. You are “It’s always great when family mem- craft from the past 50 years. We cannot hear other people’s pain without being affected not Superwoman or Superman. bers get a chance to come and see what Unit members are encouraged to by it in some way. olumn Avoid things that deplete you—they usually we do,” he said. bring cookies, cakes and brownies for a Some of the effects include sleep difficulties, irritability, C only make you feel worse: Caffeine, eating for “It’s even better when we have good cake-walk. depression, aggression, pessimism, cynicism, quitting the job comfort, alcohol, pornography, compulsive buying, nicotine and food and fun things to do to go along Desserts should be dropped off at the and poor work performance. workaholism are a few examples. with it.” Thoroughbred Dining Facility on Fam- Discovering how to restore your batteries is good self-aid. Here Instead, try things that replenish you—like storytelling, music, The day will be packed with events ily Day between 7 and 10:30 a.m. are some helpful tips: exercise, couples’ relationship time, hearing stories of healing, me- beginning at 11 a.m. and continuing un- For information on the event, con- —Disconnect from accessibility during your “off time.” Let some- diation, spiritual growth/Bible study/worship and connecting with til 3:30 p.m., Frymire said. tact Lt. Col. Rich Frymire at ext. 4589. one else get the phone. friends. The year’s static display will feature —Prune some activities from your “urgent” schedule. If you add the C-130 Hercules and the F-16 Fal- Lt. Col. Ken Dale of the wing’s Safety an activity, drop another. —Lt. Col. Tom Curry con aircraft. Office gets lunch with his daughter —Learn to laugh. It’s like internal jogging. Wing Chaplain Other attractions include live demon- during Family Day 2000. Master Sgt. Charlie Simpson/KyANG

The Cargo Courier The Cargo Courier 6 Sept. 14, 2002 Sept. 14, 2002 3 KyANG NEWS KyANG NEWS TALCE completes ORI in own backyard Matero and Tracy remembered as great men By Senior Airman Mark Flener Bragg, N.C. accurately as possible, according to Nelson. Continued from Page 1 Cargo Courier Staff Writer Other Air Force units participating in the They did it in 48 hours with two 24-hour exercise were the 105th Aerial Port Squad- operations. you may not have water for a day and it’s The 123rd Tactical Airlift Control Flight ron of the New York Air National Guard and Inspectors concentrated on the command 100 degrees. You may not think you’re go- successfully completed an Operational the 452nd Aircraft Generation Squadron, an and control of the nine C-141s and the timely ing to make it through the day, but that never Readiness Inspection here Aug. 5-6, support- Air Force Reserve unit. reporting of information to the Air Mobility bothered him.” ing an Army unit in conjunc- Command/Tanker Control Sprake recalls being on mission with tion with an exercise at Fort Center, as well as the ability Tracy when things got rough. Knox, Ky. for the group to survive and “We were out for seven days and ran out The flight, which deployed operate under combat con- of water the first day. It didn’t rain. We were earlier this year for Operation ditions. being eaten alive by ticks, chiggers and flies. Enduring Freedom, pulled to- The Kentucky unit did its But Martin was joking the whole time.” gether with little advance no- job with a heat index of 108 Tracy also was remarkable for his high tice to complete the inspec- degrees and a simulated hos- standard of physical fitness. tion, proving once again that tile environment. “He was always striving to be at a higher unit members are ready to an- “They performed very fitness level, although he was already at a swer the call when needed, well,” Nelson said. level above everyone else,” Sprake said, said Lt. Col. Greg Nelson, the He also noted that the noting that Tracy would run 10 miles to the flight’s commander. working relationship be- gym and then work out. “I was in Cuba when AMC tween the KyANG unit and “It was extreme.” called and asked if we’d be the other units during the in- Staff Sgt. Josh Haney, a pararescueman willing to do an ORI in Lou- spection was very good. in the 123rd, said he admired Tracy for his Senior Airman Philip Speck/KyANG isville 30 days later,” Nelson “We’ve been working dedication. Maj. Jeremy Shoop, the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron commander, speaks to more said. with the Army and other ser- “He went above and beyond the standards Complicating matters: vices for a year now,” he than 300 people who packed into the Base Annex here Aug. 16 to say farewell to Tech. in physical fitness. He was in about the best Sgts. Christopher Matero and Martin Tracy. While Nelson was in Cuba, said. “They understand what shape of anyone in the special tactics career the rest of his personnel were Staff Sgt. Tommy Downs/KyANG we do, and we understand fields. at Fort Campbell, Ky., sup- Maj. Kevin Morris, operations officer for the 123rd Tactical Airlift Con- what they do. “He symbolized everything a combat con- were pretty uneventful. Then Sept. 11 came trollers, remembers Matero as a consummate porting the Army. trol Flight, and Senior Airman Margaret Bennett, an airfield manager, “I think we did exception- troller should be.” and changed everything. professional. The inspection involved build a tent outside the command and control center during the unit’s ally well for an exercise in Chris knew that special tactics would be “You never had to check his work because redeploying the 3rd Battal- operation readiness inspection here in August. our own back yard,” Nelson deeply involved in our country’s new war you knew it would be done right—100 per- ion, 27th Field Artillery Regi- said. “We’ve been proven in on terrorism, Rosa said. Shortly after return- cent.” ment—120 Army personnel combat and by the Air Mo- Tech. Sgt. Christopher Matero, 31, joined ing from a deployment to Africa, Chris and Hicks attributes Matero’s perfectionism to and 300,000 pounds of cargo, including a All personnel and equipment had to be bility Command Inspector General evalua- the Kentucky Air Guard in May 2001. Pre- other members of the 123rd Special Tactics his having so much heart. Mobile Rocket Launching System—to Fort loaded onto nine C-141s as quickly and tion. You can’t get any better than that.” viously he was an instructor at the combat Squadron were en route to Afghanistan. “He had the ability to reach down inside controllers’ school, where he trained many Some“ people live an entire life and won- himself to accomplish the mission. He could airmen who served in Afghanistan defend- der if they ever made a difference,” Rosa succeed where others would have quit.” Family Readiness Team volunteers now employees ing our nation. Matero, Hicks said, was not By Senior Airman Mark Flener teers,” Frymire noted. Only three weeks before his only respected by his peers but Cargo Courier Staff Writer The purpose of these positions, Frymire death, Matero was selected for was recognized by an “anti-

said, is to help unit members with a diverse an officer position in the 123rd “ They were warriors in the truest sense Taliban” general while they

For more than 10 years Paula McLain and range of issues. These include providing Special Tactics Squadron. of the word, and I am honored and were deployed to Afghanistan. Darlene Swanner have volunteered their moral support for families affected by de- It had been his long-term extremely proud “ At one point, the chief said, time to the Kentucky Air Guard’s Family ployments, illness or tragedy. goal to attend college and then the general stood Matero up and Readiness Team. McLain and Swanner also will be instru- become an officer. According to have served with them. said, “This is a man I can trust.” Recently, however, that changed. On July mental in helping plan base activities like to friends, once he put his mind Col. Mike Harden, com- 16, both women were hired as part-time em- Family Day. to something, it was bound to —Col. Michael Harden mander of the 123rd Airlift ployees and now receive pay for roughly The resources of the Family Readiness happen. 123rd Airlift Wing Commander Wing, said he was honored to 100 hours’ work per month. Team, which was charted during Operation Master Sgt. Jon Rosa, also have had the opportunity to Lt. Col. Rich Frymire, who oversees the Desert Storm, are available to all Guard a combat controller in the serve with such outstanding in- Family Readiness Team, said the decision members and their families. 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, said Matero said. “Chris didn’t have that problem. He was dividuals as Tracy and Matero. fulfills the vision of former Air Guard Di- “We can find help for just about every Staff Sgt. Tommy Downs/KyANG left active duty to provide stability for his all about courage—the kind that can’t be pre- “Sgts. Tracy and Matero served this na- rector Maj. Gen. Paul Weaver. problem out there,” Swanner said. “Our door Darlene Swanner and Paula McLain no family. dicted, commanded or analyzed. But it damn tion and our unit with honor and dignity,” “His vision is now a reality as units across is always open, and we offer any type of fam- longer volunteer to run the Family Readi- “He said that they would never have to sure can be remembered.” Harden said. “They were warriors in the tru- the country are staffing family readiness po- ily assistance.” ness Team because they recently were move again,” Rosa recalled. Chief Master Sgt. Joel Hicks, the chief est sense of the word, and I am honored and sitions with employees rather than volun- For more information, call ext. 4180. hired as part-time KyANG employees. Matero’s first few months in Louisville enlisted manager for the unit’s combat con- extremely proud to have served with them.”

The Cargo Courier The Cargo Courier 4 Sept. 14, 2002 Sept. 14, 2002 5 KyANG NEWS KyANG NEWS TALCE completes ORI in own backyard Matero and Tracy remembered as great men By Senior Airman Mark Flener Bragg, N.C. accurately as possible, according to Nelson. Continued from Page 1 Cargo Courier Staff Writer Other Air Force units participating in the They did it in 48 hours with two 24-hour exercise were the 105th Aerial Port Squad- operations. you may not have water for a day and it’s The 123rd Tactical Airlift Control Flight ron of the New York Air National Guard and Inspectors concentrated on the command 100 degrees. You may not think you’re go- successfully completed an Operational the 452nd Aircraft Generation Squadron, an and control of the nine C-141s and the timely ing to make it through the day, but that never Readiness Inspection here Aug. 5-6, support- Air Force Reserve unit. reporting of information to the Air Mobility bothered him.” ing an Army unit in conjunc- Command/Tanker Control Sprake recalls being on mission with tion with an exercise at Fort Center, as well as the ability Tracy when things got rough. Knox, Ky. for the group to survive and “We were out for seven days and ran out The flight, which deployed operate under combat con- of water the first day. It didn’t rain. We were earlier this year for Operation ditions. being eaten alive by ticks, chiggers and flies. Enduring Freedom, pulled to- The Kentucky unit did its But Martin was joking the whole time.” gether with little advance no- job with a heat index of 108 Tracy also was remarkable for his high tice to complete the inspec- degrees and a simulated hos- standard of physical fitness. tion, proving once again that tile environment. “He was always striving to be at a higher unit members are ready to an- “They performed very fitness level, although he was already at a swer the call when needed, well,” Nelson said. level above everyone else,” Sprake said, said Lt. Col. Greg Nelson, the He also noted that the noting that Tracy would run 10 miles to the flight’s commander. working relationship be- gym and then work out. “I was in Cuba when AMC tween the KyANG unit and “It was extreme.” called and asked if we’d be the other units during the in- Staff Sgt. Josh Haney, a pararescueman willing to do an ORI in Lou- spection was very good. in the 123rd, said he admired Tracy for his Senior Airman Philip Speck/KyANG isville 30 days later,” Nelson “We’ve been working dedication. Maj. Jeremy Shoop, the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron commander, speaks to more said. with the Army and other ser- “He went above and beyond the standards Complicating matters: vices for a year now,” he than 300 people who packed into the Base Annex here Aug. 16 to say farewell to Tech. in physical fitness. He was in about the best Sgts. Christopher Matero and Martin Tracy. While Nelson was in Cuba, said. “They understand what shape of anyone in the special tactics career the rest of his personnel were Staff Sgt. Tommy Downs/KyANG we do, and we understand fields. at Fort Campbell, Ky., sup- Maj. Kevin Morris, operations officer for the 123rd Tactical Airlift Con- what they do. “He symbolized everything a combat con- were pretty uneventful. Then Sept. 11 came trollers, remembers Matero as a consummate porting the Army. trol Flight, and Senior Airman Margaret Bennett, an airfield manager, “I think we did exception- troller should be.” and changed everything. professional. The inspection involved build a tent outside the command and control center during the unit’s ally well for an exercise in Chris knew that special tactics would be “You never had to check his work because redeploying the 3rd Battal- operation readiness inspection here in August. our own back yard,” Nelson deeply involved in our country’s new war you knew it would be done right—100 per- ion, 27th Field Artillery Regi- said. “We’ve been proven in on terrorism, Rosa said. Shortly after return- cent.” ment—120 Army personnel combat and by the Air Mo- Tech. Sgt. Christopher Matero, 31, joined ing from a deployment to Africa, Chris and Hicks attributes Matero’s perfectionism to and 300,000 pounds of cargo, including a All personnel and equipment had to be bility Command Inspector General evalua- the Kentucky Air Guard in May 2001. Pre- other members of the 123rd Special Tactics his having so much heart. Mobile Rocket Launching System—to Fort loaded onto nine C-141s as quickly and tion. You can’t get any better than that.” viously he was an instructor at the combat Squadron were en route to Afghanistan. “He had the ability to reach down inside controllers’ school, where he trained many Some“ people live an entire life and won- himself to accomplish the mission. He could airmen who served in Afghanistan defend- der if they ever made a difference,” Rosa succeed where others would have quit.” Family Readiness Team volunteers now employees ing our nation. Matero, Hicks said, was not By Senior Airman Mark Flener teers,” Frymire noted. Only three weeks before his only respected by his peers but Cargo Courier Staff Writer The purpose of these positions, Frymire death, Matero was selected for was recognized by an “anti-

said, is to help unit members with a diverse an officer position in the 123rd “ They were warriors in the truest sense Taliban” general while they

The Cargo Courier The Cargo Courier 4 Sept. 14, 2002 Sept. 14, 2002 5 KyANG NEWS KyANG NEWS 123rd APS leads 1st all-Guard Patriot Partner Story and photo by Jennifer Turner daily activities and provided 24-hour cover- 437th Airlift Wing Public Affairs age seven days a week, with three daily eight- Just hour shifts. PLANE Nearly 35 Kentucky Air Guard aerial port During Patriot Partner, approximately 75 members joined with four other Guard units to 80 percent of the active-duty unit’s activi- at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., July 21- ties were handled exclusively by the Guard Aug. 3 to hold the first all-Guard Patriot members. PULLIN’ Partner exercise. Guard units also took advantage of the op- Twenty members of the 123rd Airlift Wing gath- With Kentucky’s 123rd Aerial Port portunity to train with unfamiliar equipment. ered here Aug. 3 to participate in the Seventh- Squadron serving as the lead unit, the troops “We have been able to train with a Tunner Annual UPS Plane Pull. The event raised nearly assembled and took over aerial port facili- loader, operational software and oversized 110,000 for Special Olympics Kentucky, which ties at the active-duty base, said Chief Mas- cargo that aren’t available at our home sponsors athletic competitions for children and adults who are mentally disabled. ter Sgt. Tommy Downs, who served as su- bases,” said 1st Lt. Kevin Thornberry of the Five Air Guard units took over aerial port perintendent for the 703rd Consolidated Kentucky unit, who served as officer in operations at Charleston Air Force Base, Aerial Port Squadron during the exercise. charge of air freight for the 703rd. S.C., July 21-Aug. 3 for the first all-Guard The team included, in front from left, Tech. Sgt. Valercia Mar- It’s purpose was to free up active-duty Ultimately, Patriot Partner allows guards- Patriot Partner exercise. tin, 1st Lt. Katrina Johnson, Team Captain 2nd Lt. Latonia troops for training and annual leave while men to train with other Guard units and ac- Trowell, Master Sgt. Teresa Adams, Co-captain Senior Airman providing Guard troops with additional ex- tive-duty personnel and achieve complete alize the value of cooperative training pro- Amanda Blackburn, Senior Airman Tracy Willen, Tech. Sgt. Amy perience and training, the chief said. work-force integration. grams like Patriot Partner. Ziegler, Tech. Sgt. Mary Thurman; in back from left, Senior Air- man Cameron Taylor, Airman Remiah Newton, Master Sgt. The annual exercise usually is run by both “The Air Force considers the Reserve and “Patriot Partner is based on mutual ben- Barry Wright, 1st Lt. Jason Schmidt, Staff Sgt. Tyra Allen, Se- Air Force Reserve and Guard personnel. Guard as a Total Force component,” Rose efit,” said 1st Lt. Jeff Vincent of the 123rd nior Airman Conley Moore, Alejandro Rendon, Master Sgt. Pete What made this event different is that is was said. “Distinctions are rarely made these days and 703rd. Rendon, Master Sgt. Ted Schiess, Tech. Sgt. Cedric Jones, Staff the first national exercise of its kind with all between the active duty, Reserve and Guard. “The (active-duty) personnel get a break Sgt. Nick James and Staff Sgt. Cary Mendelsohn. Guard participants, said Maj. Doug Rose, “All the gaining commander cares is that while Guard members get crucial training.” Photos courtesy of Special Olympics Kentucky commander of the 123rd Aerial Port Squad- he has a fully qualified group of aerial por- Other Guard units that participated in- ron. ters who can safely and effectively run his clude the 135th Aerial Port Squadron of Bal- “We had 144 personnel deployed from cargo, fleet, passenger and Air Terminal Op- timore, Md.; 137th Aerial Port Squadron of five units providing around-the-clock sup- erations Center operations. Oklahoma City, Okla.; 152nd Aerial Port Family Day returns to the Ky. Air Guard port for a vital strategic port,” Rose said. “Patriot Partner offers us a unique oppor- Squadron of Reno, Nev.; and 156th Aerial “I was thoroughly impressed by the pro- tunity to further refine the skills we will need Port Squadron of Carolina, Puerto Rico. fessionalism, skill level and attitude of each when we are called to duty anywhere in the By Tech. Sgt. Amy Ziegler strations and mock attacks by the 123rd of the members of the 703rd.” world.” —Cargo Courier Editor Tech. Sgt. Amy Cargo Courier Editor Security Forces Squadron. The Guard units mirrored active-duty’s Both active-duty and Guard personnel re- Ziegler contributed to this article. Visitors also will have a chance to Kentucky Air Guard Family Day re- view the unit’s Firearms Training Sys- turns to the Thoroughbred Express this tem in action. Remember to care for yourself even when caring for others year, and it’s scheduled for Oct. 6. Meanwhile, the Fire Truck Pull will The event, which was cancelled last allow members of the 123rd Civil En- “First In… That Others May Live” is the motto of Air Force —Minimize time with negative people. You’ll start to think like them. year for security reasons, promises to be gineers Squadron to defend their title special tactics personnel. —Stay with “good enough.” Do you really need a new car, boat, a fun day for everyone, said Lt. Col. Rich from Family Day 2000. The military community is expected to take care of others first. etc.? Sometimes, what you have is good enough. Frymire, event coordinator. Numerous children’s activities are But who takes care of you, the care-giver? —Take a break from media and electronics. Turn off the TV and “It’s really a splendid opportunity for planned, including a rock-climbing wall. Self-aid and buddy care includes taking care of leave it off for a week. Kentucky Air Guard members and their Finally, popular Louisville aviation yourself, especially in stressful times. —Establish routines that refresh. Enjoy breakfast families to enjoy a fun-filled and relax- artist Bob Conely will be on hand to Barney Self, a licensed therapist, warns us against haplain’s with the family weekly. ing afternoon. display his prints featuring KyANG air- burn out or compassion fatigue. C —Adjust your expectations with yourself. You are “It’s always great when family mem- craft from the past 50 years. We cannot hear other people’s pain without being affected not Superwoman or Superman. bers get a chance to come and see what Unit members are encouraged to by it in some way. olumn Avoid things that deplete you—they usually we do,” he said. bring cookies, cakes and brownies for a Some of the effects include sleep difficulties, irritability, C only make you feel worse: Caffeine, eating for “It’s even better when we have good cake-walk. depression, aggression, pessimism, cynicism, quitting the job comfort, alcohol, pornography, compulsive buying, nicotine and food and fun things to do to go along Desserts should be dropped off at the and poor work performance. workaholism are a few examples. with it.” Thoroughbred Dining Facility on Fam- Discovering how to restore your batteries is good self-aid. Here Instead, try things that replenish you—like storytelling, music, The day will be packed with events ily Day between 7 and 10:30 a.m. are some helpful tips: exercise, couples’ relationship time, hearing stories of healing, me- beginning at 11 a.m. and continuing un- For information on the event, con- —Disconnect from accessibility during your “off time.” Let some- diation, spiritual growth/Bible study/worship and connecting with til 3:30 p.m., Frymire said. tact Lt. Col. Rich Frymire at ext. 4589. one else get the phone. friends. The year’s static display will feature —Prune some activities from your “urgent” schedule. If you add the C-130 Hercules and the F-16 Fal- Lt. Col. Ken Dale of the wing’s Safety an activity, drop another. —Lt. Col. Tom Curry con aircraft. Office gets lunch with his daughter —Learn to laugh. It’s like internal jogging. Wing Chaplain Other attractions include live demon- during Family Day 2000. Master Sgt. Charlie Simpson/KyANG

The Cargo Courier The Cargo Courier 6 Sept. 14, 2002 Sept. 14, 2002 3 COMMANDER’S CALL AIR FORCE NEWS The war is not over—stay prepared USAF officials to cancel 100,000 travel cards

The Cargo Courier The Cargo Courier 2 Sept. 14, 2002 Sept. 14, 2002 7 Promotions, retirements & separations Kentucky Air National Guard