GENERAL BERNARD A. SCHRIEVER LOS ANGELES CHAPTER 147 AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION

From The President…….

Colleagues,

Reflecting on the second quarter, I can categorically state it was full of activity all of us should be pleased with… and proud of. The main event was the Salute to Space and Missile Systems Center and associated festivities on 14-15 May.

For forty-one years, our chapter has helped to celebrate individual and team contributions made to National Security Space Pro- grams. This year the ‘Salute’ banquet went off without a hitch and was a great success. Personally, I feel this event is one of the best in our community. Not only do we highlight terrific accomplishments, but we get to meet and spend time with many dedicated Air Force personnel that deserve our full attention and sincere gratitude. The icing on the cake was to have Gen John Hyten accept the National Space Leadership award and share his thoughts. As always, Gen Hyten’s passionate remarks struck many deep chords that re-sensitized the audience about the importance of the space mission, the US Air Force and our country’s security. He is always very enlightening and a true inspiration. A big thank you to Arnie Streland and Don Tomajan for coordination of the awards and to Alison Schneider and Velvet Hooper for their exceptional work to coordinate the entire event.

Earlier in the day, our chapter hosted an Executive Forum for about fifty senior leaders in the military space business. Lt Gen Sam Greaves and his management team listened to three panel topics and then engaged in discussion. I was pleased with the full spec- trum of involvement from Industry. We had representation from large and small business, The Aerospace Corporation, the RAND Corporation, and some previous SMC Commanders. Notes are available for your review upon request. Our chapter team of Laura Pope, Jim Knauf, and Steve Pluntze pulled out all the stops and orchestrated a great forum to address some pressing issues facing our space community.

On Thursday afternoon preceding the forum and banquet, our chapter arranged for the unveiling of the second set of Schriever Wall of Honor honorees in the courtyard at LAAFB. In my mind, this was another extraordinary opportunity for us to reflect on the incredible accomplishments of the people and organizations dedicated to our nation’s military space business. I must say meeting Honoree Col Tom Haig, who managed DMSP when it transferred to LA in the early 1960s, was a real treat. Hearing about DMSP’s important role during the Cuban Missile Crisis truly gave me the chills. We must never discount the importance of history… it re- peats. As a gesture of appreciation and a reminder, commemorative coins were given to celebrants, family members, donors, for- mer Schriever Award Honorees, SMC leadership, and board members. Many thanks to Chris Kalivas for leading the Schriever Pio- neers planning committee, comprised of Ed Peura, Harry Waldron (History Office), Mitch Mitchell, Marcia Peura, and Karen Austin (History Office). Due to weather, the ceremony was moved from the Schriever Complex Courtyard into the Gordon Conference Cen- ter at the last moment. As you know, the devil is in the details, and Marcia Peura did a spectacular job making sure nothing dropped thru the cracks. Thanks, Marcia!

Forgive me if I sound redundant, but clearly we all realize the AFA is all about the peeps. And while cognizant of that, we must be constantly mindful to encourage new memberships and board involvement. AFA National has a goal to build membership to more than 150,000 within the next five years. Our chapter shares in that endeavor, especially in this time of austerity while experiencing persistent and new threats. With space playing a major security role, advocacy, education, and support of Air Force imperatives and programs is critical. On our chapter level, Steve Pluntze is working to add great folks to the board, so please contact him with your ideas.

I hope you are enjoying your summer! Steve

April, May, June 2015 1 An Independent non-profit Aerospace Organization P.O/ Box 394 El Segundo, CA 90245

Air Force Association Chapter 147 General Bernard A. Schriever Chapter Los Angeles, CA

Chairman of the Board: Thomas D. Taverney (Tav), Maj Gen (USAF Ret) 310-218-8903 [email protected]

President: Steve Scott Vice President: Steve Pluntze Office: 310-535-3504 Office: 310-653-3480 Mobile: 310-874-4288 [email protected] [email protected]

Secretary: Marcia P. Peura Treasurer: Rick Reaser 310-643-5906 Mobile: 310-227-5534 [email protected] [email protected]

Community Partners: Joe Boyle Website: http://afa147.org/

Community Partners:

Level 2

Level 1

April, May, June 2015 2 An Independent non-profit Aerospace Organization P.O/ Box 394 El Segundo, CA 90245

Schriever Wall of Honor Ceremony, 14 May 2015 Chris Kalivas & Marcia Peura

Planning began in early 2015 for the second Schriever Wall of Honor ceremony. Ed Peura and Dr. Harry Waldron of the History Office orchestrated the selection process, and a panel consisting of Ed, Harry, SMC Command Chief Craig Hall, and the presidents of the local NDIA, AFCEA, SCAPR, and AFA chapters selected the six honorees to be submitted to General Greaves for approval. Chris Kalivas headed the Schriever Pioneers planning committee, comprised of Ed and Harry, plus Mitch Mitchell, Marcia Peura, Karen Austin (History Office), Brian Polanco (SMC XP), Capt Cooper and MSgt Silas-Fuentes (SMC), and Capt Smith and Jaime Zamitiz (61 CELS). With detailed planning lists and weekly meetings, Chris put forth a phenomenal effort to keep everyone on schedule. The engraving took place May 2, with Randy Montgomery once again doing the honors. During the second rehearsal for the event, with rain a distinct possibility, Lare Austin filmed the rehearsal’s “wall unveiling,” just in case the ceremony had to be moved inside. We awoke to sunshine on the 14th of May, but it was fleeting. In drought-stricken California, rain was 100% predicted on the one day we planned to be in front of the Schriever Statue and Wall outside in the Schriever Space Complex Courtyard. When it began to rain just before noon, Plan B quickly became the order of the day, and the ceremony was moved inside. Yet, somehow it did not dampen the spirits of those who attended and, if anything, gave a more intimate feeling to the large gathering in the Gordon Conference Center. We were there to honor six men: Col Clarence L. Battle Jr. [Discoverer/Corona], Maj Gen Ben I. Funk [early missiles & space; support to NASA], Col (ret) Thomas O. Haig [DMSP], Col Edward N. Hall [early missiles, Minuteman ICBM], Mr. Joseph J. Knopow [MIDAS (Lockheed)], and Lt Gen Charles H. Terhune Jr. [early missiles & space]. Lt Gen Sam Greaves officiated at the ceremony, and Gen John Hyten and Maj Gen (ret) Tav Taverney also spoke. There were 33 family members, representing all six honorees. The only living honoree, Tom Haig, who would celebrate his 94th birthday on the 12th of June, flew from Wisconsin to attend the ceremony, and he definitely captured the hearts of everyone in attendance. Gen Hyten included Tom Haig in many of his remarks and had everyone laughing when he “confessed” that DMSP was his favorite satellite program. After the three generals spoke, the audience watched the film clip of the velvet cover slowly rising to reveal the newly engraved names on the wall. This was followed by a reading of the citations detailing what each honoree had contributed. The families seemed very touched by the honor bestowed upon the six men and by the ceremony itself. Perhaps Katherine Haig summed it up best: I just wanted to reiterate my sincere thanks for planning and facilitating such a lovely event last Thursday! We all thor- oughly enjoyed ourselves, and my dad was truly touched by the speeches (especially the one by General Hyten) and the opportunity to meet the current DMSP team. He felt celebrated and valued. To have a whole room full of people who un- derstand, respect, and admire what he and the other pioneers accomplished was a priceless and lasting experience (for us AND for him!). The U.S. Post Office forced us into a “Second Plan B” at the VIP reception following the ceremony. President Steve Scott planned to present commemorative coins to all the family members and to the representatives of the aerospace companies who originally spon- sored the Schriever Statue and Wall in 2007. Unfortunately, the coins were “lost” in the mail. They were mailed from San Diego on the 6th of May via Priority Mail and scheduled to arrive here on the 8th. Inexplicably, they were shipped out of California, going first to Salt Lake City, UT, and then to Denver, CO, before finally arriving here two days after the ceremony. Everyone was gracious about the missing coins, and we eventually were able to mail or deliver them to everyone.

Randy removing the stencil after the sand blasting

The completed Schriever Wall of Honor

April, May, June 2015 3 An Independent non-profit Aerospace Organization P.O/ Box 394 El Segundo, CA 90245

We are grateful to the following family members for attending the 2015 ceremony:

General Hyten & Col Thomas Haig

FUNK FAMILY daughter Judy Albert, Charles Albert great-granddaughter Natalie Cale, son Chris Funk grandson Matthew Funk, Gina Soller

BATTLE FAMILY granddaughter Susan Nemar daughter Bobbi Kennedy, Ron Kennedy

HALL FAMILY HAIG FAMILY Esther Chicaferro Jeff Plansker, granddaughter Kaya Plansker daughter Sheila Hall Justin Schaefer, daughter Kathy Haig son David Hall honoree Tom Haig

TERHUNE FAMILY Doug Lynch, daughter Donna Lynch, granddaughter Debbie Grantham grandson Doug Lynch Jr. Kat Terhune granddaughter Dawn Koch, Ken Koch

April, May, June 2015 4 An Independent non-profit Aerospace Organization P.O/ Box 394 El Segundo, CA 90245

Schriever Chapter Supports French Legion of Honor Ceremony and V-E Day Event on May 8

Schriever Chapter member Lt Col (ret) Bob Johnson, USAF, served as organizer and Master of Ceremonies for the French Legion of Honor Ceremony and V-E Day Event on May 8. The event was held aboard the Battleship USS Iowa Museum in San Pedro. The ceremony honored 19 World War II veterans who were named Chevaliers in the Legion of Honor, France’s highest award, and commemorated the 70th Anniversary of the end of World War II on 8 May 1945. Despite inclement weather, the ceremony proceeded as planned, and a tent in the fantail area pro- vided by LA City Council District 15 sheltered guests numbering more than 200. After the presentation of the colors by San Pedro High School AFJROTC Unit and the singing of the an- thems, various dignitaries gave welcoming speeches. VIP’s attending included French Consul General Axel Cruau, State Sena- tor Isadore Hall, County Supervisor Don Knabe, Maj Gen Robert McMurry, SMC Vice Commander, and MAJGEN Lawrence Haskins, Commanding General of the 40th Infantry Division, CA ARNG. Schriever Chapter officials represented included Presi- dent Steve Scott, Arnold Streland, and Jerry Saunders. Among the 19 US Army and US Army Air Corps veterans honored was Chapter member Lt Col (ret) Robert Hecker, USAFR. Robert was a B-17 Bombardier in World War II and has attended several chapter mixers. He turned 93 in late May and is still active in writing musicals for off Broadway production. Robert was chosen to make some closing remarks on be- half of all the veterans being honored and received a standing ovation at the end. The ceremony concluded with a flyover by 4 aircraft of the Tiger Squadron based at Torrance Airport. On the second pass they performed the Missing Man formation. A reception followed on deck with various food selections available for a nice buffet lunch. Our chapter contributed $500 towards the sponsorship of the event and follow-on reception.

Honorees pose with the military dignitaries after the ceremony. Lt Col (ret) Robert Hecker is first row, 2nd from left.

Lt Col (ret) Robert Hecker with attendees from

left to right Steve Kram, Consul General Axel Cruau, and MC Bob Johnson.

April, May, June 2015 5 An Independent non-profit Aerospace Organization P.O/ Box 394 El Segundo, CA 90245

Pitsenbarger Scholarship at Community College of the Air Force Graduation

Forty-three Los Angeles area Airmen graduated from the Community College of the Air Force on 3 June, 2015. The ceremony took place at Los Angeles AFB’s Gordon Conference Center, where CMSgt Brian Wong, 4th Air Force Command Chief, presented the keynote address, and MGen Robert McMurry, Vice Commander of SMC, conferred degrees on the graduates. TSgt Reginald R. Avila of the 369th Re- cruiting Squadron won the Pitsenbarger scholarship ($400) to support continuing educational goals. Col (ret) Bill Harding, Scholarship Chair for Chapter 147, presented a check on behalf of AFA.

Mr. Bill Harding presenting the Pitsenbarger scholarship to TSgt Avila.

April, May, June 2015 6 An Independent non-profit Aerospace Organization P.O/ Box 394 El Segundo, CA 90245

CAFA and AFA National Awards

The Schriever Chapter is proud to announce its California AFA (CAFA) and AFA National Awards:

General Bernard A. Schriever Chapter CAFA Chapter of the Year CAFA Best Single Program (2014 Schriever Wall of Honor Ceremony)

Ed Peura CAFA Sustained Outstanding Performance AFA National Exceptional Service Award

Marcia Peura CAFA Exceptional Service Award AFA National Medal of Merit

Alison Schneider CAFA Exceptional Service Award AFA National Medal of Merit

Arnie Streland CAFA Exceptional Service Award AFA National Medal of Merit Christina Diaz CAFA Meritorious Service Award AFA National Medal of Merit

COMMUNITY PARTNERS Joe Boyle

This year the General Bernard A. Schriever Chapter has made a concerted effort to revitalize our Community Partners (CP) program. This year we have more than doubled our fully paid-up CP members. We have also doubled our count of Level 2 Community partners. As the medallions and plaques are received from National, the Community Partners are be- ing recognized at the monthly Board of Directors meetings. The Chapter set as its goal for this year to double our Community Partners and has achieved that goal at less than half way through the year. If progress continues, the Chapter may even triple the number of paid-up Community Partners for the 2015-16 Year. At last month’s meeting our most recent renewal CPs were presented their recognition by Joe Boyle, the Chapter’s CP Chairman.

Alison Schneider accepts for Boeing

Nancy Fitzgerald accepts for Lockheed Martin

April, May, June 2015 7 An Independent non-profit Aerospace Organization P.O/ Box 394 El Segundo, CA 90245

Nancy Hodgkiss, President LA Military Charitable Fund 1129 W Capitol Dr. #36 San Pedro, CA 90732 [email protected]

Steve Scott, President Air Force Association, Bernard Schriever Chapter 147 PO Box 394 El Segundo, CA 90245 May 30, 2015 Dear Steve, LAMCF is deeply grateful for the Schriever Chapter’s support of our 2015 Scholarship program. I’m so glad you and Jerry were able to join us for the reception—it was a grand evening! Attached please find photos and biographies of the students who benefitted from your members’ generosity. They are extraordinary young men and I know we are all extremely proud of them. Thank you again for your enduring partnership and dedication to education.

Sincerely, Nancy

Gabriel Schaub, son of Retired United States Air Force Lieuten- ant Colonel Luke and Mrs. Tammy Schaub, is a senior at Valley Christian High School in Cerritos. After graduation Gabe plans on studying mechanical or aerospace engineering as he prepares for a career in the defense industry. Gabe is an accomplished musician, athlete and scholar. He is a member of the Cross Country and Track and Field teams as well as a trombone player in his schoolʼs band and orchestra. He is a member of the National Honor Society. He has been described as intrinsically motivated, a fantastic teammate who leads by example as well as a reliable, creative team player put- ting his teammatesʼ needs before his own. Outside of school, Gabe is active in his church communi- ty and volunteers at a local homeless shelter.

Henry Ripley, son of United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Randolph and Deborah Ripley, is a senior at Redondo Union High School and a cadet in the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Office Training Corps since entering high school. Henry is seeking a career about which he can be passionate and plans to use his university experience to explore his options. He has an interest in graphics and web design. Henry is a National Merit Scholar and has been described as a well-balanced individual noted for his compassion and his ability to make a friend wherev- er he goes. He completed an internship with Mattel and was an inspiration to his co-workers by his strong work ethic and skill set.

April, May, June 2015 8 An Independent non-profit Aerospace Organization P.O/ Box 394 El Segundo, CA 90245

April, May, June 2015 9 An Independent non-profit Aerospace Organization P.O/ Box 394 El Segundo, CA 90245

2015 Salute Award Winners

1st Row, L-R: Col Erik Bowman (accepting for SSgt Brent Admire, Mr. David Chow, and SY Unit of the Year), Maj Jenny Poisson, Kathleen Mroz-Barrett, Maj Gen Robert McMurry, Gen John Hyten, Lt Gen Samuel Greaves, Maj Gen (ret) Tav Taverney, Capt Rosanna Williams, 1st Lt Andrew Beckman, Steve Scott 2nd Row, L-R: Col Matthew Smitham (accepting for Brig Gen William Cooley), Dr. Walter Lauderdale, Maj Marc Fulson, Lt Col Jung Ha, Capt David Schill, Capt Kevin Pegelow, Robert Tarleton (accepting for SrA Austin Cox)

Gen John Hyten accepting Schriever Award from Maj Michael Schriever (Gen Schriever’s grandson), Tav Taverney, and Steve Scott Maj Gen Robert McMurry accepting Schriever Fellowship Award from Steve Scott and Tav Taverney

April, May, June 2015 10 An Independent non-profit Aerospace Organization P.O/ Box 394 El Segundo, CA 90245

Thank You from USC AFROTC Cadet for Scholarship

Good afternoon Colonel Odle,

My name is Johan Hsu from the University of Southern Califor- nia AFROTC Detachment 060. I am truly sorry about the late email due to the hectic finals week, graduation, and moving out. I received the American Veterans Award from the Air Force Association and nothing can express my greatest grati- tude during the Awards Dinner. I am absolutely grateful for receiving this award because it has always been my dream to put myself in the shoes of Americans in the military. Not only do I want to serve our country, but also return the favors of veter- ans who have sacrificed their time and lives for the United States. The Air Force ROTC Detachment 060 and I truly appreci- ate the awards presented by the Air Force Association at the Awards Dinner and we are excited to see what's ahead of us next year.

JOHAN HSU, C/4C, AFROTC Intercollegiate Events Adjutant, 60th AFROTC Cadet Wing University of Southern California [email protected]

Farewell to Erhart’s Catering

For several years Erhart's has been the cater- er for the Los Angeles AFB Club and has provided the Chapter with excellent service and lunches at our monthly board meetings. In May the Board gave a sad farewell to Palu Tanna (owner), Molly Waugh (catering manager), and Evan Tanna (our usual server) and thanked them for all they had done for us. We are sorry to see them go. Erhart's will still provide food service at Fort Mac until Novem- ber. In July the base will begin its own operation of the club.

Maj Gen (ret) Taverney spoke at the Military Officers Association Of America (MOAA) dinner at Costa Mesa Country Club in April. He spoke about the chang- ing nature of warfare from WWll to From left to right: Evan Tanna (server), Palu Tanna present day. (owner), Molly Waugh (catering manager).

April, May, June 2015 11 An Independent non-profit Aerospace Organization P.O/ Box 394 El Segundo, CA 90245

The Schriever Chapter once again sponsored a whale watching trip for veterans. Community Relations Chair Jerry Saun- ders worked with Tracy Learned to insure that veterans and their families enjoyed what has become an annual Whale Watching Adventure. As you can see from the cards, everyone was very appreciative!

April, May, June 2015 12 An Independent non-profit Aerospace Organization P.O/ Box 394 El Segundo, CA 90245

Committees

AFA National Liaison Wayne Kauffman, [email protected]

Airmen/Family support Brad J. Bolstad, [email protected]

Awards Arnie Streland, [email protected]

Base Scholarships Bill Harding, [email protected]

Community Relations Jery Saunders, [email protected]

CyberPatriot Mark Williams, [email protected]

Education Chris Harlambakis, [email protected]

Events Alison Schneider, [email protected]

Executive Forum Jim Knauf, [email protected] Laura Pope, [email protected]

Governance & ByLaws Bob Wickwire, [email protected]

Membership ` Nancy Insprucker, [email protected]

Public Relations Christina Diaz, [email protected]

ROTC/JROTC Nancy FitzGerald, [email protected]

Schriever Pioneers Schriever Pioneers Chris Kalivas, [email protected]

Sports Day Dave Murphy, [email protected]

Newsletter Editor & Public Affairs Chair, Christina Diaz, [email protected] Newsletter Creator & Publisher, Brenda Pluntze, [email protected]

April, May, June 2015 13 An Independent non-profit Aerospace Organization P.O/ Box 394 El Segundo, CA 90245