Alaska Military Youth Academy Cadets Complete New Vocational Program Staff Sgt
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FREE RECYCLED an edition of the Recycled material is used in the making of our ALASKA POST newsprint The Interior Military News Connection Vol. 7, No. 14 Fort Wainwright, Alaska April 8, 2016 Eielson selected to receive operational F-35A aircraft Master Sgt. Karen J. Tomasik 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Col. Michael P. Winkler, the 354th Fighter Wing command- er, announced the Secretary of the Air Force’s signed decision to select Eielson Air Force Base as the new home for the ser- vice’s first operational overseas F-35A Lightning II fifth-gener- ation fighter aircraft base during an April 4, 2016, ceremony at Eielson. Air Force officials chose Ei- elson after a lengthy analysis of the location’s operational considerations, installation at- tributes, environmental factors and cost, which makes it the first F-35A operational base in the Pacific Air Forces’ Area of Responsibility. “Alaska combines a strate- gically important location with a world-class training environ- ment. Basing the F-35s at Ei- elson AFB will allow the Air Force the capability of using Air Force Col. Michael P. Winkler, the 354th Fighter Wing commander, announces the Secretary of the Air Force’s signed decision the Joint Pacific Alaska Range to select Eielson Air Force Base as the location of the Air Force’s first F-35A operational base in the Pacific Air Forces’ Area of Complex (JPARC) for large Responsibility during an April 4 ceremony at Eielson. Basing the F-35s at Eielson will allow the Air Force the capability of using force exercises using a multi- the largest airspace in the Air Force in the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex for large-force exercises, ensuring realistic combat training for the Department of Defense. (Photo by Master Sgt. Karen J. Tomasik, 354th Fighter Wing PAO) tude of ranges and maneuver areas in Alaska,” said Secretary ed an extensive environmental Navy, Marine, and allied F-35 are elated to see the Air Force first F-35As, which are current- of the Air Force Deborah Lee impact statement that examined forces will provide joint and place its faith in this support- ly scheduled to begin arriving in James. “This, combined with impacts on such factors as air coalition warfighters unprece- ive community, underlining the 2020. the largest airspace in the Air quality, noise, land use and so- dented survivability, lethality strategic importance of Alas- Preliminary estimates had Force, ensures realistic combat cioeconomics. and battlespace awareness in ka,” said Winkler. “The Airmen the new aircraft arriving a year training for the (Defense De- “The decision to base two contested environments. It’s an I have had the opportunity to earlier, but officials say the partment).” F-35 squadrons at Eielson AFB, exciting time for Pacific air- work with at Eielson are truly 2020 arrival will provide the Air Proximity to the JPARC will Alaska, combined with the ex- power.” among the best in the U.S. Air Force more time to grow its ac- enable the Air Force to take isting F-22 Raptors at Joint The 354th Fighter Wing is Force. I know this team will tive-duty maintenance force. advantage of approximately Base Elmendorf-Richardson, projected to receive two squad- flawlessly carry out whatever “The Air Force is facing a 65,000 square miles of available will double our fifth-genera- rons of F-35As, which will join mission the Air Force assigns shortage of experienced, ac- airspace for realistic, world- tion fighter aircraft presence the 18th Aggressor Squadron’s it.” tive-duty fighter aircraft main- class training for the Air Force’s in the Pacific Theater,” said F-16 Fighting Falcons at Eiel- On-base construction to pre- tainers as we transition from most advanced fifth-generation Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. son. pare for the aircraft is expected legacy aircraft to the F-35A,” fighter. Mark A. Welsh III. “Integrating “As members of the Fair- to start in fiscal year 2017 in The decision culminates a that fifth-generation force with banks North Star Borough we order to be ready to accept the See F-35 on page 3 three-year process that includ- Alaska Military Youth Academy cadets complete new vocational program Staff Sgt. AMYA director. “The im- Balinda O’Neal Dresel portance of this [program] Alaska National Guard is to give them a chance to be able to move forward Thirty-six Alaska Mili- and be able to support tary Youth Academy grad- themselves and sustain uates are heading home the life changing events with hands-on training taking place at the acad- and knowledge they’ll emy.” take with them for future Throughout the past careers after completing month, cadets in construc- the first ever academy’s tion trade have had the op- pre-apprenticeship pro- portunity to complete 40- Robert Bederka is an emergency services gram in March. hour courses in carpentry, dispatcher at Fort Wainrwight’s Dispatch Center. The four-week voca- electrical, labor, and iron- (Photo by Brian Schlumbohm, Fort Wainwright tional training course is working and welding. PAO) in addition to AMYA’s Cadets in the culinary regular 22-week residen- arts trade received their National Public Safety tial challenge program. Serve Safe certification Its three main focus areas and barista training, while Telecommunicators Week are: construction, culi- the IT cadets learned nary arts and information foundational skills across Each year, the second Bush gave the procla- technology. “What hap- a variety of devices and week of April is dedicat- mation and said “I invite pens so many times with operating systems and an ed to the men and wom- all Americans to observe cadets is that when they opportunity to take the en who serve as public this week with appropri- come to AMYA it’s a life Computing Technology safety telecommunica- ate programs and activ- changing event for them, Industry Association A+ tors. In 1991, Congress ities in honor of all the but without moving into certification test. presented legislation, emergency dispatchers a job or have something Academy graduate and Joint Resolution 284, and other communica- Alaska Military Youth Academy graduate and Anchor- Wasilla resident Isaac designating the week as tions specialists, both age resident Caitlin Duenas prepares bolts and nuts to sustain that change that they have made in their Snider took part in the “National Public Safe- professional and volun- for placement to secure a girder during the construc- ty Telecommunicator’s tion trade portion of the pre-apprenticeship program life, they have a tendency to fall back into the old Week.” In March of See TELECOM at the Iron Workers Training Center in March. (Photo See CADET 1992 President George by Roman Schara, AMYA) patterns,” said Bob Roses, on page 3 on page 3 WEEKEND WEATHER POST-WIDE YARD SALE The first 2016 post-wide yard sale will be Saturday, April 16. Post residents can sell from their homes and from the resale lot at the corner of Neely and Meridian Roads. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For all military ID cardholders who live off post but wish to sell on post during the yard sales, there is a $10 fee to be paid at the lot drop box. The general public will not be required to obtain Friday Saturday Sunday special passes to gain entrance to Fort Wainwright for the sale. Drivers will need to provide a valid Cloudy with a Partly sunny. Partly cloudy. driver’s license, proof of insurance and registration for the vehicle they are operating. All passengers chance of snow. Highs around Lows around 30. will be required to show a photo ID. Visitors should be prepared for random vehicle inspections. A Highs in the mid 50. Highs around reminder that marijuana may be legal in the State of Alaska, but it is still illegal, in any form, on 40s 50. federal installations. For more information, call 353-6612. 2 NEWS April 8, 2016 What does Army Public Health do for you? Brandy Ostanik tic Health Link, Environmental Health, and hazardous waste removal for BACH. Public Health Nursing manages the Medical Department Activity – Alas- Industrial Health Services, the Occupa- Industrial Health Services evaluates Tuberculosis, Sexually Transmitted Dis- ka PAO tional Health Clinic and Public Health workplaces on Fort Wainwright for po- eases and communicable diseases pro- Nursing. tential health hazards such as hazardous grams and serves as health consultant The phrase “Public Health” seems like Arctic Health Link’s mission is to noise levels and exposure to chemicals. for Child Youth and School Services. an easy concept to understand on the sur- educate the public and promote healthy They recommend the most appropriate They are responsible for tracking animal face but with April being National Public behaviors. This is accomplished through measures to protect employees in these bites, outbreaks and reportable medical Health Month, Bassett Army Communi- classes offered on many varied topics areas including gloves, hearing protec- conditions. Public Health Nursing is also ty Hospital is working to ensure benefi- such as tobacco use cessation, choles- tion, respirators, and ventilation systems. involved in multiple community health ciaries know exactly what that means for terol reduction, high blood pressure, dia- Industrial Hygiene works with Occupa- education programs. the Army community. betes, asthma and allergies. Classes can tional Health to record exposures into Public health in the Army plays an The Preventive Medicine Department also be tailored to meet the educational employee medical records when neces- important role in caring for Soldiers, at BACH is comprised of several spe- needs of special populations. sary and to make sure they are receiving retirees, their families and even civilian cialty areas.