light the way 147th TACPs complete Army Pathfinder Course

April 2015 www.facebook.com/147RW www.147rw.ang.af.mil [email protected] Email: 281-929-2662 Phone: 77034 , TX Ellington Field Base Joint Reserve 14657 SneiderSt. Reconnaissance Wing. andmembersofthe147th Office and provided by thePublic Affairs editorial content is edited, prepared or the . The Air Force, theNational Guard Bureau, ment ofDefense, theUnited States of theU.S. Government, theDepart are not necessarily the official views Base. ContentsReserve of The Texan sance Wing at Ellington Field Joint members of the 147th Reconnais- publication that isproduced for THE TEXAN isafundedAir Force THE TEXAN - 147TH RECONNAISSANCE WING Senior Airman Chasity Lollis Chasity Airman Senior SusannaCoronel Airman Senior SergeantMindy Bloem Staff Journalists Master SergeantCowher Sean Public AffairsManager 1st Lieutenant Alicia Lacy Captain Fredy Reyes Public AffairsOfficers Lt. Colonel Shaunte Cooper Executive Officer Colonel Stan Jones Vice Commander Colonel TerenceWinkler Commander 10 08 04 Chief’s Corner: Empowerment complete Army Pathfinder’s Course Light theWay: 3147ASOS members 147 ASOS run24hoursto honorfallen the socialmediasite ofyour choice. The icons are to interactive theleft andwilltakeyou to directly current withwhat ishappeningat the Wing. Visit the 147thReconnaissance Wing socialmediasites to stay 11 13 two-week course that mirrors thecourse at Fort Benning, Georgia. Photo by 1stLt. Alicia Lacy nearBastrop,Swift Texas. Thirty-nine Texas Army andAir National Guard membersattended the naissance Wing, radios inadrop zone aArmy during Pathfinder’s MarchCourse 31,2015, at Camp A joint terminal attack Operations controller Squadron, 147thRecon- withthe147thAir Support COVER: 13 14 12 11 Recruiters awards win recruiting state at Combat InRules Dining ofEngagement First Sergeant’s Comments: Innovation Creativeness and Warrior 2015 Day 08 www.147rw.ang.af.mil 24-HOUR CHALLENGE FOR THE FALLEN 4 The Texan 147th Reconnaissance Wing www.147rw.ang.af.mil The Texan 5 “The career field is such a small, tight-knit community. It’s a family.” Story and Photos by 1st Lt. Alicia Lacy 147th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs GALVESTON, Texas -- They’re more to each other than just fellow airmen who have the same Air Force Spe- cialty Code - they’re family. For 24 hours, tactical air control party members from around the globe joined together to support each other and honor fallen comrades during the TACP Association’s fourth annual 24-hour Challenge March 26-27, 2015. While the teams, comprised of TACPs, family members and friends, ran at or near their bases throughout the U.S. and overseas, retirees, and deployed members participated in the annual challenge as a sign of unity and support for their brothers in arms. That was no different for the TACPs from the 147th Air Support Operations Squadron, 147th Reconnaissance Wing at Ellington Field in Houston. Along the sandy beaches of Galveston Island, more than 40 TACPs tagged in and out running up and down the coastline, ensuring there was always someone running during the 24-hour time period, between 1 p.m. March 26 to 1 p.m. March 27. At the end of the challenge, the members ran a total of 511.6 miles and raised $3,565, which figured into the overall total of $131,390.40. “The TACP challenge goal was to run for 24 hours straight as a team and raise as many funds as possible for the association,” said a technical sergeant with the squadron. “The TACP Association provides funding for families of those killed in action or injured.” In addition to their participation in the run, members were also able to conduct training and foster their rela- tionships with their combat and domestic operations partners. With a radio on his back, one TACP communicated with an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter from the Texas , engaging in a fly-by as a way to train and show support to their brothers in arms. The U.S. Coast Guard also demonstrated their support by conducting a fly-by as the tactical airmen ran. The TACP Association was conceived more than 15 years ago with a mission to remember the fallen, honor the living, and aid brothers in need. “It’s always there,” the technical sergeant said. “They always have your back.”

6 The Texan 147th Reconnaissance Wing www.147rw.ang.af.mil The Texan 7 PATHFINDERS: 147 ASOS TACPs EARN THE TORCH Story and Photos by 1st Lt. Alicia Lacy LIGHT THE WAY 147th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs

CAMP SWIFT, Texas – Three more tactical air control party mem- bers from the 147th Air Support Operations Squadron have earned the right to wear the Pathfinder badge and join the ranks of the elite force that makes up less than 1 percent of the total force. Thirty-nine Texas Air and Army National Guard members attended the rig- orous 14-day course March 20-April 3, 2015, at Camp Swift near Bastrop. “It’s one of the most academically challenging courses I’ve been to,” said a tech- nical sergeant and joint terminal attack controller with the squadron. “This is a hard course with a lot of information crammed into a short period of time.” Pathfinders’ primary task is to infiltrate areas and set up parachute drop zones and landing zones for airborne and air assault missions. The ability to establish landing and drop zones and conduct air traf- fic control for aircraft falls under the basic duties of a TACP, too, but the specialized skills learned in the course further develops those skills and can also translate to the TACPs’ domestic, stateside mission. “The war-time mission is obvious for when they establish landing zones for air assault, but the course also enhances our domestic operations readi- ness,” the JTAC said. “At any point, a hurricane can hit and we’ll be the first ones out there landing helicopters and orchestrating medical evacuation.” The course was possible due to a mobile training team from Fort Ben- ning, Georgia. The condensed course mirrors the three-week course at the Army base that tests students on sling load operations, air traffic con- trol, rigging and inspection techniques, aircraft rappelling, medical evacu- ation and calculating and establishing night and day landing zones, para- chute drop zones, computed air release system drop zones, ground marked release system drop zones, verbally-initiated release system drop zones, and providing navigational assistance to rotary wing and fixed wing aircraft. According information from the Army, the men- tally, intense course has a 45 percent attrition rate. “It’s nonstop. It’s tough. But it’s definitely doable,” he said. Chief’s Corner 147th Warrior Day EMPOWERMENT may 2015 BY CHIEF MASTER SGT. ALAN CARVAJAL Warrior Day is on and your squadron is in the spotlight. Start talking and forming your game plan to become Delegation can be good and bad. With delegation there is always the implication that someone else is re- the “fittest squadron” in the Wing. So you ask,” how do I compete with the ASOS guys?” “They are “bad @$$es”, sponsible but they are just allowing you to do their work for them. A better idea is “partnering” with team you think. But fitness is more than brute strength; it is a measure of physical and mental strength that not only members. Make sure each team member knows their role; provide the full agenda of the projects that need to incorporates personal strength, but more importantly, the skill to work as a team to achieve the greater goal. be accomplished. Consistent unnecessary hidden agendas by managers are the death of a good partnership. You don’t know everything. Identify subject matter experts and partner with them to ensure projects that are downward directed by the responsible commander, get done within the intent of the mission. Always be aware that Events you are leading the team and if something goes wrong you must take responsibility and not throw one of your sub- ordinate managers “under the bus.” Being loyal to your subordinates will foster a strong partnership that ensures TOP 1.5 MILE, TOP SIT-UPS, TOP PUSH-UPS TUG-OF-WAR goals are accomplished on time and within budget. You must foster a partnership where everyone is willing to be accountable for specific tasks, projects, goals and accomplishments. In my 30 years of experience as a manager FITNESS CHALLENGE SPADES TOURNEY of resources and leader of people, both civilian and military, I have found that more times than not, those work- ing with me as partners see themselves differently than someone who believes I am delegating my tasks to them. SOCCER 3-ON-3 BASKETBALL You will not always agree with decisions that your team makes. In fact, your team members will likely make some decisions that prove to be wrong. How you deal with this is important for future success of the mis- FLAG FOOTBALL VOLLEYBALL sion. For new leadership or management team members, in the beginning, you may find it helpful to ask GOLF (CLOSEST TO THE PIN) KICKBALL TOURNEY them to make decisions and then present those to you before implementation. This will provide an op- portunity for both of you to learn and understand how each other thinks about solving problems or de- HORSESHOES DOMINOS cision-making. This process will give you an opportunity to evaluate their thinking and guide them to- wards self-discovery of solutions that may better meet the goals along the way and eventually the mission. A good guideline is that when you empower employees to act as leaders, you should set up regular meet- SCORING ings to discuss progress and decisions being made along the way. This will allow you the opportunity to dis- For team sports - teams can make up from different areas of the Wing. However, that team must declare what cuss challenges, successes, and failures as you proceed towards mission success. As lead of a workgroup, squadron they are representing. you must allow mistakes to be made. Don’t lose your mind. Failure is how most of us learn, but you must also provide wisdom and guidance as developmental opportunities unfold, instead of trying to control what is done ahead of time. Show me someone who has learned to deal with failure and adversity by learn- Scoring is simple: ing how to avoid or workaround the situations that led to failure, and I will show you a successful person. I always tell those who work with me, I know they are going to make mistakes because I make mistakes all the time. • Each event will have its own scoring criteria. I also let them know that the expectation is that they should not make the same mistakes over and over again. Encour- • Each member and/or team will declare what squadron they represent when checking into the event. age your team to learn from their mistakes and make course corrections along the way to avoid those same mistakes. • Each event’s top three finishers will recorded. Learn and grow through a mistake. Leaders and managers should resist scolding or being critical of some- one for having initiative and exercising independence. As the team leader, you have a responsibility to coach • The top three places for all the events will be tallied to determine the overall Warrior Day winner. The subordinate team members to grow and learn from mistakes and not repeat them. There is a distinct dif- more events a squadron enters and places in the top three, the better odds of becoming the “fittest squad- ference in a style that pushes control or advances empowerment. Slight nuances regarding how you teach ron” in the Wing. your subordinates to learn from their mistakes without criticizing them can make a world of difference. As you consider each member of the team, consider how to help him or her improve their per- formance as teammates. During performance feedback sessions and reviews, ask what train- SIGN UP ing and or additional support would be helpful. Suggest mentoring sessions where they can ask how See your squadron rep for signing up for specific events, this is for individual and team events; they in turn will you do things or how they can improve. Look for teaching moments to offer constructive feedback. coordinate with the Event POCs. If your Squadron does not have a rep, piggy back on a squadron within your As a lead manager, you’re expected to remove obstacles that may be in the way. You also need to address or reallocate Group. Squadron reps are as follows: your financial resources for the funding of managerial training for all team members. This training should address ways to resolve issues with existing inadequate processes, uncooperative departments, or systems missing key-components. You must be willing to help your subordinate team with difficult customers. If you have difficult custom- SFS SrA Valerie Roberts ers, work with your team to find ways to eliminate the consistent primary aggravators. This is an ongoing pro- CES TSgt Dunham, Cole cess of customer survey and analysis. Managers must empowers their team to look for ways to do things better MDG TSgt Cortney Bosch and hold themselves accountable. The leads must hold themselves accountable for the overall work place goals. OG MSgt Dion Folley If you always try to follow these processes while building your team, it will allow you to get more done as a Comm Flt MSgt Jackie Howard team and you will gain influence and power, not lose it. It will take diligent effort and time on your part, and it will not happen overnight. It is important to understand and realize that we all make mistakes but we should LRS MSgt Jeremie Coleman continue to try to learn from those mistakes as we go through life. Try to leave a good legacy for your organiza- FSS MSgt Ward tion. No matter how you came to the opportunity to lead a group, try to keep in mind that you want to leave the ASOS TSgt Tyisha McNutt workplace you lead better than you found it.“Life is a Journey not a Destination.” Please try to enjoy the voyage. MXG SrA Bradley Smith

10 The Texan 147th Reconnaissance Wing www.147rw.ang.af.mil The Texan 11 Combat Dining In Rules of Engagement

Combatants will remember the president is always right. Most New Members

Combatants will wear approved combat dress to include: DCU, BDU, ABU, and other DOD authorized combat uniform combinations. Must have current name and rank. The 147th Reconnais- Combatants are encouraged to cover ALL exposed areas of the body with CAMO paint. sance Wing was recog- nized during the Na- Combatants will infiltrate the Area of Operation NLT 10 minutes prior to start time. tional Guard Association of Texas Conference for Combatants will rise and stand fast when the president and command post members enter and exit the Demilitarized Zones. having the most new members. President Combatants will make every effort to meet all warriors. Charles Chavers presents the award to wing mem- Combatants will express approval by pounding their fists or other items on the table. Clapping of hands bers. WILL NOT be tolerated and will be viewed as a clandestine effort to contact the enemy. Pictured: Col. Kurt Leslie, NGAT President Combatants will not leave AO while assembled. Command and Control override all calls of nature. Charles Chavers, Mas- ter Sgt. Anita Blue, and Combatants will not smoke during campaign in order to prevent position detection from the enemy, viola- retired Chief Master Sgt. tors and ignition source will be extinguished by any means available. Priscilla Leger

Combatants will ONLY use the designated path to the grog bowl if called out for a violation of the mess.

Combatants will use the proper toasting procedures.

Combatants will participate in all toasts unless the combatant or group is honored with a toast. Award Winners

Combatants will ensure their cup is always charged when toasting. Congratulations to the 147th Recruiting Office

Combatants will not murder the Queen’s English. The team was recognized for excellence at the 2015 Texas Air National Guard Recruiting and Retention Combatants will keep toasts and comments within the limits of good taste and mutual respect. However, Awards Banquet. good-nature needling is encouraged. • 2014 Recruiting Office Supervisor of the Year Combatants will not laugh at ridiculously funny comments unless the president first shows approval by laughing. Master Sgt. Mark Ward

Combatants who engage in combat will only use Government Issue weapons (water guns) and ammunition (water). • 2014 Production Recruiter of the Year Tech. Sgt. John Guidry Combatants will enjoy themselves to the fullest extent allowed by military law. • 2014 Most Accessions Combatants will not grieve the President by questioning the lawful orders proclaimed herein. Tech. Sgt. John Guidry

Combatants will refer to rule #1 in the unlikely event the President makes an error. • 2014 3rd Quarter Most Accessions Tech. Sgt. John Guidry

12 The Texan 147th Reconnaissance Wing www.147rw.ang.af.mil The Texan 13 1st Sergeant’s Comments Innovation and creativeness by SMSgt Malvin Baerga-Rivera 147th Reconnaissance Wing First Sargeant

There is always a time and place tweaked, sculpted, and shaped tempt to put the idea into practice. for innovation or creativeness. by circumstance and creativity. A great idea will never be per- There is no such thing as the perfect Always Low Prices, Always: Wal- fect and will never work perfect- idea, but there are good ideas that Mart surged ahead with its slogan ly in all phases and all seasons. reward effort. There are ideas that “Always Low Prices, Always,” us- Wal-Mart has imported its com- attract interest and inspire sup- ing its investment in state-of-the- plete blueprint to Japan, com- Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the U.S., resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year. port. There are ideas that change art technology to reduce the cost plete with an automated distri- Due to extremely hot and humid weather, your body’s ability to cool itself is challenged. When the body heats too our perception of what is possible of products from production to bution center with five miles of rapidly to cool itself properly or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, the body and what is desirable. People in- sale. Wal-Mart became the larg- conveyor belts, an in-store com- temperature rises and your may experience a heat-related illness. vest hope, time and money in at- est company in the world by puter system and low prices. It Drink before you feel thirsty. One of the first signs of dehydration is feeling thirsty, so if you wait to drink when tempting to make great ideas real. revenue before growth slowed. has also imported a certain dis- you feel thirsty, it’s already too late. Drink water before, during and after a workout or competition. You can always improve a Expect More, Pay Less: Target regard for national differences Slow down. Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of hte day. Children, senior worthwhile idea. Either the de- focused on offering high-qual- and replaced Japanese managers and anyone with health problems should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors. Dress for summer. Wear lightweight, loose fitting, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight. tail of the idea can be improved ity goods at low prices rather with American executives who Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit, or salads. or the implementation of the than cheap merchandise at dra- have no experience outside of Minimize direct exposure to the sun. Use high SPF sunscreen. Sunburn reduces the body’s ability to dissipate heat. idea can be enhanced. At the matically low prices. This has at- the American Wal-Mart family. Be a good Samaritan. Check on older, sick or frail people who may need help responding to the heat. Each year, point an idea approaches perfec- tracted younger, more affluent There are no ideas that con- dozens of children and pets are left in parked vehicles die from hyperthermia. tion, fashion and expectations customers who affectionatelyform absolutely to the descrip- surge ahead leaving the inno- refer to the store as “Tar-zhay” tion or definition of an ideal vator with considerable room with a French pronunciation em- type. There are no ideas complete What’s to find further improvements. phasis its boutique aspirations. beyond practical or theoreti- Wal-Mart, K-Mart and Target A powerful idea, well expressed cal improvement. There are no for launched in the same year with is difficult to stop over time. Inno- ideas that exactly fit everyone’s the same idea. Discount retail- vators want to deliver the promised needs or fit those needs forever. lunch? ing brought them all success but benefits of the idea. They keep try- There are no ideas entirely with- in different ways and at differ- ing until the idea becomes practi- out flaws or shortcomings. This ent times. The idea was simply cal and popular. People want what is good news for anyone who 12 April 2015 to offer big brands at discount the idea promises and are willing wants to contribute and for any 10 April 2015 prices. This idea has since been to support the latest, greatest at- organization that wants to grow. Jambalaya Baked Fish Corn on the Cob Chicken Cordon Bleu Mixed Veggies Carrots 11 April 2015 Mac-n-Cheese Spaghetti Broccoli Green Beans Creamed Corn Chicken Tenders

14 The Texan 147th Reconnaissance Wing www.147rw.ang.af.mil The Texan 15