Rescuegram the RESCUEGRAM New Earned Income Credit Rules Is Published by the Public Affairs Office, 129Th Rescue Wing

The Official Information Publication of the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard April 2008

Nigerian Air Force visits 129th Rescue Wing Lives Saved 129th Public Affairs Office 558 These Things We Do... That Others May Live...

Inside This Issue: Photo by Master Sgt. Dan Kacir Group Captain Son Igwe, along with members of the Nigerian Air Force, met and toured with 129th Maintenance Group personnel during their visit to the 129th Rescue Wing. Ni- Income Tax Credit 2 geria is one of California’s military exchange countries. Professional Portrait 3 Airmen stationed here from the 129th Rescue Wing Maintenance Group put down their wrenches to help promote democracy and build Change of Command 4 relations with their Nigerian counterparts March 1-2, 2008. This visit marked the first engagement for the Nigerian Air Force with 129th SFS 5 the California Air National Guard, said Capt. Clayton Smith, California National Guard International Affairs Specialist. News and notes 6 The 5-person Nigerian delegation arrived in the United States Feb. 27 for a six-day visit in California, and during their stay, the officers briefed with maintenance personnel, toured maintenance and operations facilities, and even observed a squadron change-of-command ceremony. “We are here as part of an aircraft maintenance familiarization workshop,” said Group Captain Son Igwe. “We came to understand how your logistics and maintenance operates. We’ve seen how information technology has aided aircraft maintenance, how you continue to improve, achieve perfection and consistency.” The Nigerian Air Force benefited from the exchange due to their own work with C-130s. VISIT, cont. pg. 3 The Rescuegram THE RESCUEGRAM New earned income credit rules is published by the Public Affairs Office, 129th Rescue Wing. This lucrative for some Airmen official newsletter is an authorized by Master Sgt. Scott Wagers publication for members of the U.S. Air Force News Agency military services. Editorial content is edited, prepared, and provided by RAMSTEIN AIR one was gone to the courage people to the Public Affairs Office of the 129th BASE, Germany (AFPN) desert for a significant come to us and we’ll Rescue Wing. Its contents are not -- Filing his family’s period of time then his help them understand necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, taxes each year online, or her annual income is exactly how much they the Department of Defense, the Master Sgt. Ron Przy- going to be significantly qualify for,” she said. Department of the Air Force, or the sucha says he normally smaller which may Other mandates for California Air National Guard. receives about $3,000 better qualify him or earned income credit The mission of the 129th in tax returns. This year her for earned income qualification: Rescue Wing is to provide highly however, he was taken credit,” she said. -- You cannot file trained and well-equipped rescue by surprise when the “Your best chances of “married, filing sepa- resources, able to respond to and sustain the state mission same Web site he tradi- qualifying are if you’re a rately” to qualify for of furnishing trained personnel tionally uses calculated couple filing jointly with earned income credit. for state emergencies, such as his return at nearly two children have an Partners must file natural disasters, and to assist civil $8,000. annual income thresh- jointly. authorities in the enforcement of “I immediately old of around $39,000,” -- Both partners filing the law. thought it was a mis- Captain Payne said. jointly and all claimed When called to active duty take and I didn’t want There are six differ- children must possess with the Air Force, we provide manpower, material and equipment to owe the government ent income thresholds a U.S. issued social resources to conduct and complete money so I went to the based on the structure security number. combat and search rescue IRS Web site to verify and employment status -- If you have a for- operations world-wide. We provide the information for of each family as well as eign spouse, he or she manpower, material and equipment military members and the number of children must possess a U.S. to conduct and complete peacetime it told me that there included in the family. issued social security search operations. was a change in the The earned income number (not an “ITIN” STAFF (earned income credit credit is a law that -- Individual Tax Identi- Commander ) rules,” said Sergeant was created to give fication Number). Col. Amos Bagdasarian Przysucha, who is a tax breaks to working -- You have to have Vice Commander television broadcaster families. It’s a refund- lived in the U.S. for at Col. Wayne Albright assigned to Air Force able credit meaning least six months out of Wing Executive Officer News, Det. 4. that even if you have no the year. Lt. Col. Pete Sobrino Command Chief Master Sgt. The tax laws affecting tax liability -- in other -- Military assigned Chief Master Sgt. Liliana Ramos military taxpayers have words, you don’t owe to oversea bases qualify changed significantly taxes for the year and for 6 months U.S. oc- Public Affairs Staff over the last few years, you’re scheduled to cupancy. Public Affairs OIC said Capt. Mary Ellen receive back everything -- Civilians working Capt. Alyson M. Teeter Payne, the officer in you paid out over the at oversea bases do not NCOIC/Staff Writer charge of the tax center calendar year, you can qualify for U.S. occu- Staff Sgt. Andrew Hughan Staff Writer at Ramstein Air Base. still qualify to receive pancy. Staff Sgt. Jil Jamgochian “In the past, military earned income credit on Admin. Specialist pay allowances such as top of the money that Senior Airman Cynthia Chen variable housing allow- was withheld through- ance and cost-of-living out the year. The maxi- Photography Staff allowance were tradi- mum amount of income Master Sgt. Barbara Apkarian tionally included as part credit being paid out is Master Sgt. Dan Kacir Tech. Sgt. Ray Aquino of your earned income, $4,716. Senior Airman Kelly Hobby even though those al- “The last thing that’s Senior Airman Joshua Kauffman lowances weren’t taxed. important to know is This would put most that it’s difficult for the Contact Us military members over tax office to estimate 129th RQW/PA the annual income how much people will P.O. Box 103, Stop 20 threshold of qualifying receive on their return Moffett FAF, CA 94035 for the earned income without using a certain Telephone (650) 603-9152 credit,” Captain Payne type of software because [email protected] said. there are many vari- “Also non-taxable ables that affect what combat pay is no longer you qualify for,” Captain included in your annual Payne said. earned income. If some- “That said, we en- The Rescuegram Visit cont. from page 1 The exchange was part of a California State Partnership Program exchange between the California National Guard and Nigerian air force. According to the California National Guard Office of International Affairs’ website, the SPP brings the other partner country’s officers to the United States for information sharing to assist with its armed forces re-structuring, modernization, and strengthening principles of democracy and free market economies. The California National Guard has partnered with both Nigeria and Ukraine. “I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the American government and the commander of Photo by Master Sgt. Dan Kacir the 129 Rescue Wing for making “Everybody here was happy to help and interested in providing answers,” said Capt. Mike the tour an enlightening one,” Sampognero, 129th Maintenance Officer. “The Nigerians were very interested in the in- Group Captain Igwe said. “We’re tegrated maintenance data systems, our computerization of maintenance records.” The very grateful for this partnership Nigerians hope to acquire the same type of system through their own government. program and hope it continues.”

Welcome Home Event REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED! The 129th Rescue Wing Family Send questions to: Please provide your first and Readiness Program will participate Romeo Horvath last name, city, and the number of in a VA Homecoming Event and Event Coordinator people who will attend. you are invited! (650) 493-5000 x67285 You must bring your Driver’s [email protected] License or Military ID with you on May 10, 2008 the day of the event in order to enter 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Food & Refreshments ● Door Moffett Federal Airfield. Chase Park Prizes ● Live Music ● Bay For more information, visit Moffett Federal Airfield Area Sports Players & Alumni ● http://www.palo-alto.med.va.gov/ Children’s Entertainment WelcomeHome.asp

Professional Portrait What is your favorite memory in the AF? First High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) parachute jump at US ARMY HALO school Yuma, AZ. How has being an Airman changed your outlook on life? Becoming part of the military family has shown me how much we look out for each other. What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in the military? No matter what obstacles present themselves the mission must be accomplished. If you could deploy anywhere in the world, where would you go? Germany, I have never been there Where did you grow up? Danville, CA What is your job in the civilian world? Worked sales for a major telecommunications provider before enlisting, currently full time pararescue. What are your hobbies? Mountain biking, surfing, skiing, and softball. Photo by Senior Airman Joshua Kauffman Senior Airman Mark Finney, 131st RQS Professional portrait is a monthly profile of an outstanding Staff Sgt. and below. Nomina- tions will be routed through the squadron and group commanders.

The Rescuegram Squadrons ‘pass the flag’ in change of command ceremonies

(Left) Lt. Col. Taft Aujero accepts the guide-on from Col. Mark Sheehy, symbolizing his acceptance of his new command of the 129th OSF Commander. The tradition of pass- ing the flag dates back to the 18th century. Photo by Master Sgt. Dan Kacir

Photo by Tech. Sgt. Ray Aquino (Top) The 29th Operations Support Flight and the 129th Rescue Squadron acknowledged new commanders in a change of command ceremony March 1, 2008. Pictured are: (from left to right) Col. Mark Sheehy, 129th Operations Group commander; Lt. Col. Steve Butow; Lt. Col. Taft Aujero, new 129th OSF commander; Major Tom Roberts; Lt. Col. Daniel Lapostole, new 129th Rescue Squadron commander.

Photo by Master Sgt. Dan Kacir Photo by Tech. Sgt. Ray Aquino Col. Mark Sheehy congratulates Lt. Col. Daniel Members of the 129th Operations Group stand in formation to witness both Lapostole as the new 129th Rescue Squadron change of commands. commander.

G-RAP Program provides incentive for new ANG officers The Guard Recruiting Assistance Program is excited to announce a new Officer promotion that will allow Active Recruiting Assistants (RAs) to receive $4,000 for their qualified Officer accessions. RAs will -re ceive an initial $2,000 payment if their Potential Officer enlists on or between the promotional periods of 1 March 2008 – 30 September 2008. RAs will receive a subsequent $2,000 payment upon the completion of a Prior Service Officer’s 90-day affiliation. For Non-Prior Service Officers, a second payment of $2,000 will be made to the RA upon their nominee’s successful shipment to the Academy of Military Science (AMS)*. A nominee must have an enlistment date of 1 March 2008 – 30 September 2008 to qualify for the initial $2,000 incentive. *Non-prior Service members must ship to AMS by 31 Oct 08 to be eligible for the second $2,000 payment. Please contact a member of the G-RAP team at 866-566-2472 with any questions regarding the qualification criteria. ** Applies ONLY to new Officers joining the ANG. Current ANG Airmen commissioning as an Officer in the ANG are not eligible nominations for the promotion. Shipments occurring on or after 1 Nov 08 will not qualify for the additional incentive compensation. Enlistments that occur within the promotional time- frame but do not result in an AMS shipment by 31 Oct 08 will be considered paid in full upon the $2,000 enlistment payment. Enlistment dates are confirmed through both the AFRISS and MilPDS systems. The RA must fulfill their G-RAP obligations outlined in the training module “Responsibilities of a Recruiting Assistant” prior to the disbursement of payments. Potential Officer nominations made prior to the effective dates of the promotion are eligible provided that the enlistment occurs during the promotional time period. The Rescuegram 129th SFS Train to succeed - and they do continues their winning legacy 129th Public Affairs and 129th SFS In late January 2008, the NGB notified the 129th Security Forces they were selected as one of the two 2007 ANG Security Forces Units of the Year. As the selection committee nar- rowed the competion from over 85 eligible SFS units to 19, the 129 SFS along with Illinois’ 183rd SFS, were selected as the ANG Security Forces Units of the Year. The winning unit will compete against the Security Forces Re- serve Unit of the Year for the Air Reserve Command Unit of the Year. The National Guard Bureau named the 129th SFS Outstanding Security Forces Squadron of the Year in 2005 and 2006. Varied and numerous deploy- ments, along with constant training and outstanding leadership within their ranks, keeps this Photo by Senior Airman Kelly Hobby motivated squadron in the upper SSgt Aaron Vlasek (kneeling on left) and Senior Airman Christopher Orehek of the echelon of Air Force standards and 129th SFS apprehend ‘suspect’ Nicholas Morgan in the hall of Bld 669 March 1, 2008 spirit. during Phase 1 integration into the unit of different hand cuff techniques and tactics to apprehend compliant and non-compliant suspects.

(Pictured below) Col. Mark Allen, ANG Director of Security Forces and Chief Master Sgt. Obetz, ANG Security Forces Manager, vis- ited Moffett in March to validate the award packages submitted by the 129th SFS for the 2007 ANG Security Forces Unit of the Year.

Photo by Senior Airman Joshua Kauffman Major Thomas Venable, 129th SFS commander, presents Chief Master Sgt. Rodney Lockett with a shadow box displaying some of Chief Lockett’s many achievements during his military career. Chief Lockett guided the 129th SFS to receive the ANG award of Outstanding Security Forces Squadron in 2005 and 2006. Photo by Senior Airman Kelly Hobby The Rescuegram News and notes

Citibank wins GTC contract Operations Group Ethnic Observance Committee On January 15, 2008, the Do you think needs motivated volunteers Department of Defense (DoD) you have what it Come represent your group! awarded the tailored task order takes to be a leader, Please contact Staff Sgt. Jeannie under the General Services an example for Wong to sign up: Ms.Jeannie. Administration (GSA) SmartPay® everyone around [email protected] 2 contract to Citibank. The award you, superiors and July 2008 announcement was made by subordinates? European American Heritage Sheila M. Earle, Principal Director, The Operations Group Month Military Personnel Policy and is currently looking for an September 2008 Acting Director, Defense Travel outstanding NCO to be the 1st Sgt. Hispanic Heritage Month Management Office (DTMO). If you are interested please November 2008 The DTMO, which provides contact Command Chief Ramos Native American Heritage Month oversight of the DoD travel charge at 650.603.9202 or liliana. February 2009 card program, has been preparing [email protected] for an African American/Black History for this award for over a year. The application package. Month new travel charge cards provided March 2009 by Citibank will support the Religious Services Women’s History Month mission needs of over 1.2 million Your Chapel Program provides May 2009 travel charge cardholders in DoD. services for you and your fami- Asian Pacific Heritage Month The estimated value of the lies. We exist because of the first DoD travel card task order over amendment and your constitution- Keep OPSEC in mind, even a 10-year period is $40 billion, al right to freedom of religion. Our online based on projected travel card mission is to provide you spiritual Operational security is spending. DTMO travel card care and the opportunity for wor- important at any time. Two of program managers have been ship. Please let us know how we the most popular free social- working closely with the Services can assist you. It is our honor to networking sites are MySpace and and Agencies to ensure that serve you! FaceBook. requirements meet high DoD We provide: Worship Services, Personal information combined standards. DoD travelers will Non-denominational Sundays at with information on what you do, continue to benefit from the travel 1100 in Bldg “650, Room 135. where you do it and where you are card through ATM cash advances, Catholic Mass: call for times and going next can be very dangerous. insurance benefits, delayed late locations. Our office extension is A person who is looking for fees and the convenience of using x9140 sensitive information can piece a charge card as opposed to together small bits in order to purchasing via personal funds or ANG Bass fishing tournament complete a larger picture. credit card(s). The 13th Annual ANG Bass Any information can be Under this new task order, Tournament, hosted by the 117th sensitive, particularly information current DoD travel charge cards ARW, will be held14-17 April 2008 that relates to the mission of an issued by Bank of America will on Lake Mitchell, Alabama. active-duty member’s unit. Family deactivate on November 29, 2008 The tournament website members who have profiles on and the new travel charge cards with all the info is http://www. public Web sites should also be issued by Citibank will activate on angbasstourney.com There are careful about the information November 30, 2008. more than 40 boats registered so they post about their active-duty far, so expect this tournament to sponsors. ARPC releases 2008 Guard, be one of the best ever - we may Reserve Personnel Fact Sheets even have an entry from Alaska The 2008 Fact Sheets are (that has to be one dedicated Rescuegram Deadline a desktop reference to issues fisherman)! We want to hear from affecting all Air Reserve you! Please submit your ar- component Airman. It includes Cell phone usage ticles, notices, photographs information on such topics as EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY or story ideas to us. Retirement Benefits, Survivor Everyone must have a hands-free Please send them to an- Benefits, Activation and device when driving and talking [email protected]. Deployment Checklists, and at Moffett FAF, or subject to a af.mil and jill.jamgochian@ Retired Pay Formulas. The ticket. July 1 is the deadline for a camoff.ang.af.mil by 1000 publication is available online at hands’ free device with cell phones, Sunday of drill. The Res- www.arpc.afrc.af.mil/shared/ however cell phones can still be cuegram is edited during media/document/AFD-080205- used in emergency situations. drill one month in advance 035.pdf. of the print date.

The Rescuegram News and notes cont.

Half-Price Sabercats tickets 2008 UTA Schedule available Awards, Separations and Dallas Desperados vs San Jose Retirements 5-6 April 6-7 September Sabercats Arena Football 3-4 May 4-5 October Meritorious Service Medals 7-8 June 1-2 November Half Price Tickets - $9.00 Lt Col Stephen Spillane 12-13 July 6-7 December MSgt Robert Anderson 2-3 August The indoor Arena Football league Maj Antonio Rodriquez MSgt Gary Flossman San Jose Sabercats is offering MSgt Liliana Ramos 129RQW members and family half 1Lt Mario Montero Kids Operation Purple Sum- price group tickets to the Saturday SMSgt Kristina Keck mer Camps-National Military March 22 game against the Dallas Family Association (NMFA) Desperados. Tickets are $9 each and Air Force Commendation Following is information to are in the lower reserved Endzone Medals provide to your families who non-club section. The San Jose Capt Timothy Tapia may be interested in signing Sabercats will be providing the same 1Lt Mario Montero their child(ren) up for a Na- offer for every home game this season. SMSgt Maria Myaskovsky tional Military Family Associa- MSgt Fred Baluyot tion (NMFA) Purple Camp this Game Dates: MSgt Michael Bowers summer. While actual enroll- MSgt Reuben Cortez March 22 ment for the camps will start MSgt Mark Gudelunas 24 March - 5 May 2008, fami- April 12 & 26 MSgt Leon Hernandez lies can sign up NOW to receive May 17 & 24 MSgt Boyd Johnston e-alerts from NMFA regarding June 14 & 21 MSgt Kevin Montgomery the camps and enrollment. To MSgt Regina Morf sign up for the alerts: The 129 Services Flight is only TSgt Michael Bannister providing distribution of the order TSgt Ernesto Godinez Go to NMFA website: http:// form and has no control or access to TSgt John Golos www.nmfa.org ticket purchases.

- Click on blue “Youth Initia- Air Medals AFA announces scholarship Capt Damon Foss tives” link on left opportunity 1Lt Douglas Lutz The Air Force Association recent- MSgt Eric Degner - Next click on red “Operation ly announced that it will award Purple link” MSgt Robert Gregg five $3,000 AFA-FCEF Air Force MSgt Michael Malloy - Sign up for alert (at bottom of Excellence Scholarships. U.S. TSgt Michael Bendle page) Air Force service members, their SSgt Darren Pon spouses and dependent children (under the age of 23) of active duty Separations / Retirements and Air Force Reserve/Air National TSgt Rebecca Dura Guard personnel may apply for the WELCOME NEW TROOPS! ETS scholarship. Capt William Gentry Applicants must be enrolled or Transfer to 149th FEBRUARY planning to enroll, full time or part ENLISTMENTS SSgt Lawrence Johnson time in the fall of 2008 in an un- Transfer to Army Guard dergraduate or graduate program SSgt Christina Matthews A1C Andrea Passmore of studies leading to an Associates, SrA Erin Gramke ETS Bachelors or Masters Degree at an 2Lt Matthew Richardson A1C Holly Durkin accredited college or university. SrA Gary Palmero Transfer to Channel Applicants must submit the Island TSgt Todd Fleming Scholarship Application Form and SrA Jonathan Whitney three essays to the Air Force As- TSgt Rachel Taylor sociation no later than April 30, SSgt Vinh Taylor 2008. The scholarship application A1C Mandy Powers can be downloaded at http://www. A1C Kayla Sather afa.org/aef/aid/afexcel.asp. TSgt Brendan O’Hara SSgt Sun Tai

The Rescuegram Photo by Senior Airman Joshua Kauffman Col. Amos Bagdasarian, 129th Commander, and Command Chief Master Sgt. Liliana Ramos present Domingo Ramos, Chief Ramos’ husband, with a Certificate of Appreciation for his support during his wife’s 30-plus years of military service at her retirement ceremony in February.

129th RQW/PA MOFFETT FAF, CA 94035

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