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TActive Shooter Security Forces train with local off- base law enforcement agencies “Re-Blue” A 1st Sgt. reminds us about the Little Brown Book Living the Dream A Doctor finds a way to make his dream come true

Texas Air National Guard Ellington Field JRB Houston September 2014 Vol 6 Issue 8 1 3 1st Sgt. reminds us to read out little brown book

4 Active Shooter Training

8 Safety Shorts - School is back in session

9 Optometrist makes dreams come true.

10 43rd Annual National Conference and Expo of the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States

12 Family Services Working Group Programs offered at Ellington Field 13 Farewell Chief Master Sgt. Falleaf

14 CSAF Reading List Featured Book: House to House

What’s for lunch?

Cover: A member of the 147th Reconnaissance Wing 15 Security Forces Squadron subdues an adversary during an active shooter training exercise August This Month in History: Texas Guardsmen earn honors during 22, 2014 at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, the invasion of Italy Houston, Texas (National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Sean Cowher/Released)

2 Let’s “Re-Blue” Opportunity As we gather for another weekend of training and camaraderie let’s al- ways keep the task at hand in view. Each Other! If we come to UTA with a focus on, knowing our mission, taking care of the emphasis not only on rules, our people and being ready for op- regulations, and instructions, but portunity we will continue to be very culture, heritage, and traditions as successful as a unit. This UTA I want to focus on opportunities. well. This is how we re-blue one As most of you know there is a another. program sponsored yearly by the Air We are proud members of El- National Guard (ANG) called the Ex- lington Field Joint Reserve Base ceptional Promotion Program (EPP). and the Texas Air National Guard. This program allows for the promo- Every time we step foot on this tion of exceptional Senior NCOs to the rank of E-8 or E-9. The slots allot- base or any other installation while ted per state are based on that states representing who and what we are, manning. This is a program that should be our proudest moment. allows drill status guardsmen with Our traditions, customs, and 17yrs of service who otherwise would courtesies are what brought us to not attain these ranks the opportuni- our high professional standards. ty to promote. The state of Texas gets the following combinations of these 4 By Master Sgt. Jessica L. Everett Stand proud, know your AFIs, 147th ASOS First Sgt. slots annually, two E-9s and two E-8s, correct other Airman when mis- one E-9 and three E-8s or four E-8s. takes are made, and carry an inspi- I believe the 147RW & 272nd have Many of us get caught up in the rational attitude for those around these exceptional individuals in our daily grind of the squadron we are you. ranks. We as senior leaders must af- assigned to. We may not be forget- As a member of the 147th Air ford them the opportunity if they are portraying the attributes of higher ting Air Force customs and cour- Support Operation squadron, I feel leadership and responsibility. If we tesies altogether, but they are not the pride of the personnel around have members who are displaying necessarily at the forefront of our me every day. This makes it easier our core values at an exceptional level focus. We need to keep Air Force for me to hold my head high and we should be ready to support them Instruction 36-2618 (aka our little be proud right next to them. If we to the next level. For leaders who know someone doing exceptional brown book) always in our focus. walk around our squadrons with work commensurate to the next grade One common mistake I hear dress and appearance, customs please have a conversation with them all the time is addressing our se- and courtesies, and fitness not be- if you think they want to explore this nior master sergeants as senior. ing a high priority, then I can bet route. It does have its limitation of 3 Our Air Force Instructions clearly the morale is not so high either. years to retirement if a position for define we are to address a senior We pride ourselves in being the rank is not open for the mem- ber to compete for and hold. This is master sergeant as senior master detail oriented, disciplined, and a form of recognizing our members sergeant or sergeant. It is small sharp members of the Texas Air and as successful as our wing is there things such as how to address one National Guard. Now let us hold are some to be recognized. another that bring us to poor hab- one another accountable for car- I challenge senior leaders of its. In the end, becoming lazy on rying out the AFIs that help us to squadrons, units or sections to rec- other Air Force Instructions as be better Airman. Let’s make it a ognize the exceptional drill status Senior NCOs you have with this op- well affects our mission capability point to “re-blue” each other and portunity. Have a great UTA! in the Air Force. keep an attitude that will motivate. Supervisors, superintendents, You never know for whom you Senior Master Sgt, Jeffery Robinson chiefs, and fellow first sergeants, may be a mentor or an example! 147th Human Resource Advisor we are the ones that need to put

3 4 Active shooter

5 The 147th Security Forces Squadron conducts active shooter training at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, Texas August 22, 2014. The airmen teamed up with the Houston Police Department to learn to work together as first responders in an actual event. During the training scenarios the security forces personnel and the police officers used modified weapons designed to shoot small paint bullets. The F.B.I. was also on hand to show the airmen how to preserve forensic evidence once the adversary has been neutralized. (National Guard Pho- tos by Tanya Lippincott)

6 The 147th Security Forces Squadron conducts active shooter training at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, Texas August 22, 2014. The airmen teamed up with the Houston Police Department to learn to work together as first responders in an actual event. During the training scenarios the security forces personnel and the police officers used modified weapons designed to shoot small paint bullets. The F.B.I. was also on hand to show the airmen how to preserve forensic evidence once the adversary has been neutralized. (National Guard Pho- tos by Tanya Lippincott)

7 Are you Col. Terence Winkler wearing Wing Commander Col. James Smith Vice Wing Commander your Lt. Col. Shaunte Cooper ? Executive Officer Capt. Fredy Reyes Public Affairs Officer 2nd Lt. Alicia Lacy Public Affairs Officer Master Sgt. Sean Cowher Public Affairs Manager Staff Sgt. David Porcelle Photojournalist Staff Sgt. Mindy Bloem Broadcast Journalist Senior Airman Chasity Lollis Photojournalist Senior Airman Susanna Coronel School’s Open - Drive Carefully Photojournalist

• Slow down. Speed limits in school zones are reduced for a reason. A pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 mph is nearly two-thirds less likely to be killed compared to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle traveling just 10 mph faster. • Come to a complete stop. Research shows that more than one-third of drivers roll through stop signs in school zones or neighborhoods. Always come to a complete stop, check- ing carefully for children on sidewalks and in crosswalks before proceeding. • Eliminate distractions. Research shows that taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles your chances of crashing. And children can be quick, crossing the road unexpectedly or emerging suddenly between two This funded Air Force publication is pro- parked cars. Reduce risk by not using your cell phone or duced for members of the 147th Recon- naissance Wing at Ellington Field. Con- eating while driving, for example. tents of The Texan are not necessarily the • Reverse responsibly. Every vehicle has blind spots. Check official views of the U.S. Government, the for children on the sidewalk, in the driveway and around Department of Defense, the Department your vehicle before slowly backing up. Teach your children of the Air Force, the National Guard Bu- to never play in, under or around vehicles. reau, or the Texas Air National Guard. The • Watch for bicycles. Children on bikes are often inexperi- editorial content is edited, prepared and enced, unsteady and unpredictable. Slow down and allow provided by the Public Affairs Office and at least three feet of passing distance between your vehicle members of the 147th Reconnaissance and a bicyclist. If your child rides a bicycle to school, Wing. require that he or she wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet 14657 Snieder Street on every ride. Find videos, expert advice and safety tips at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base ShareTheRoad.AAA.com. Houston, TX, 77034-5586 (281) 929-2662 • Talk to your teen. Car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States, and more than one in www.147rw.ang.af.mil four fatal crashes involving teen drivers occur during the www.facebook.com/147RW after-school hours of 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Get evidence-based [email protected] guidance and tips at TeenDriving.AAA.com

8 Optometrist proves one is never too old to By Senior Airman Suzanne Coronel make dreams come true 147th Reconnaissance Wing Public Affairs ELLINGTON FIELD, Texas (Aug. joining the military and taking the is actually the one linked up to go 7, 2014) -- As a young man, Mark job, he recommended himself. on PACANGEL, but their optom- K. Davis knew what he wanted to “I finally got to serve my coun- etrist just had a baby and couldn’t do once he finished college – join try,” said Davis. “God answers go” said Davis. “Their commander the Navy. Several family called my commander members had served in and asked if she knew of the Navy, and he wanted someone who may want to follow in their foot- t o g o.” steps. Davis wanted to Col. Rhonda M. Jahns, be an aviator and upon the147th Medical Group graduation he went to commander, recom- see a recruiter to make mended Davis for the it happen. Unfortunate- job. ly, that dream was put On July 11, Davis, aside once he was told he along with the Nevada could not be a pilot be- National Guard, started cause he was colorblind. making his way to Ton- The recruiter gave him gatapu, the main island other options, but none of Tonga for the PACAN- appealed to him. GEL mission. Not being able to serve He was one of three in the Navy as a pilot, he optometrists providing decided to go back to their services in the PA- school and become an CANGEL mission, said optometrist. After grad- Lt. Col. Mark Davis, 147th Medical Group optometrist, checks a Davis. uating, he opened his patient’s eyes during a humanitarian mission July 20, 2014, in the “We did eye exams, own practice, got mar- Kingdom of Tonga, a Polynesian sovereign state. Davis was one of treated eye infections, ried and had kids. He three optometrists participating in Operation Pacific Angel-Tonga. and did minor office sur- Photo provided by Lt. Col. Mark Davis said he thought he would gery,” said Davis. never get to serve his country and prayers.” It was a very fast-paced environ- gave up on that dream. Davis is happy because not only ment, said Davis. At age 55, Lt. Col. Mark K. Da- is he serving his country, but he “Each doctor saw about 100 pa- vis, the optometrist for the Texas gets to help others. tients a day,” said Davis. “We also Air National Guard’s 147th Medi- “I think God put you on this earth dispensed about 2,000 pairs of cal Group, 147th Reconnaissance to serve other human beings,” said glasses. All in all, we saw about Wing at Ellington Field in Houston, Davis. 1,500 patients, and we referred is proving that one is never too old In the summer of 2014, Davis about 152 for surgery.” to make their dreams come true. found himself volunteering to do Davis said he feels it is an honor Three and a half years ago Da- just that when he participated in to serve his country and do a hu- vis received a call from a friend Operation Pacific Angel-Tonga. manitarian mission at the same who was serving in the Texas Air Operation PACANGEL is a joint time. National Guard. The optometrist and combined humanitarian mis- “It was kind of wonderful that working at the wing was retiring, sion that takes place throughout I got to go,” said Davis. “I’m so and they were looking for a re- the Pacific. It has been in operation blessed. I get to serve my country placement. When Davis was asked for seven years. and serve other human beings.” if he knew of anyone interested in “The Nevada National Guard

9 National Guard enlisted ranks hear from senior leaders during conference

PHOENIX, Ariz. (August 22, 2014) When leaders gather in one loca- master sergeant of the Air National — Roughly 1,000 members of the tion to address the enlisted ranks, Guard. National Guard gathered here Aug. attendees often get a better under- According to law, when an Air- 9-14 to attend the 43rd Annual Na- standing of what goes on behind the man is at a technical school for more tional Conference and Expo of the scenes at the national level. than 180 days, that Airman loses the Enlisted Association of the National This conference is an opportunity housing allowance for their home Guard of the United States. for Guard members to get a chance of record and receives the rate at the training loca- tion. The BAH rate change could have an adverse affect on that Airman if the TDY rate is lower than the Airman’s permanent home of record. The Army Na- tional Guard is not without its own con- cerns. Soldiers have to wait 12 months af- ter joining the Army Guard to receive tu- ition assistance, said Command Sgt. Ma- jor Brunk Conley, command sergeant Army Gen. Frank Grass, chief, National Guard Bureau, shares his views at the Enlisted Association of the major of the Army National Guard of the United States, 43rd annual conference, Aug. 11, 2014, at the Phoenix Convention National Guard, but Center. The conference allowed Grass and other senior leaders to speak directly to Guard members and the active compo- answer questions the enlisted ranks might have. (National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. David Eichaker) nent does not. The primary mission of EANGUS to see how senior Guard leaders “Our (Soldiers) want to go to is to provide a voice on Capitol Hill work at the strategic level, said Chief school right away and we want them for issues facing the enlisted force of Master Sgt. Mitch Brush, senior en- to go to school,” Conley said, adding the National Guard. listed advisor to the chief, National that the year-long waiting period can At the conference, senior leaders of Guard Bureau. have a negative impact on Soldiers. the National Guard spoke to attend- The Army and Air Guard usu- “Schooling to us is very important ees about the Guard and discussed ally have their own separate issues, … we want to make sure our young topics that affect the rank and file. which gives the leadership of each Soldiers have access to every benefit “I want to thank you all for what component an opportunity to dis- we can provide to them,” he said. you do every day; you’re .73 percent cuss them with the force. The conference also provided at- of our population,” said Army Gen. “One of the biggest issues we look tendees from the 54 states, territo- Frank Grass, chief, National Guard at on the field advisory council is ries and District of Columbia the Bureau. Grass also noted that since (the basic allowance for housing) opportunity to come together in 9/11, the National Guard has mobi- rate changes when (Airmen are) in one location and network with other lized some 760,000 Soldiers and Air- formal schools,” said Chief Master Guard members. men. Sgt. James Hotaling, command chief “You don’t make relationships

10 By Tech. Sgt. David Eichaker National Guard enlisted ranks hear from senior leaders during conference National Guard Bureau

over a (video teleconference),” Con- ley said, adding that relationships are built by face-to-face conversa- tions while sharing stories and ideas. The national conference provided a platform for senior National Guard leaders to directly answer questions from the enlisted ranks. One attendee from the 176th Wing, Alaska Air National Guard, ques- tioned the promotion process be- tween officer and enlisted ranks. The Airman voiced rumors about staffing, positions and funding that can stall enlisted promotions. “There is a difference in the en- listed and officer development pro- gram,” said Air Force Lt. Gen. Stan- Air Force Lt. Gen. Stanley E. Clarke III, Director, Air National Guard, shares his views ley Clarke III, director, Air National at the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States 43 annual confer- Guard. Clarke said the Guard is try- ence, Aug. 11, 2014, at the Phoenix Convention Center. (National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. David Eichaker) ing to create a better force develop- ment program that will help address National Guard has more meaning, concerns with National Guard se- that concern. said Army Staff Sgt. Cody Espinoza, nior leaders, said Air Force Staff Sgt. Some attendees talked about their 2nd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Libby Muller, 115th Fighter Wing, experiences during the week-long Group. Wisconsin Air National Guard. event. Guard members can make a dif- Attendees can get senior leaders’ Soldiers hearing information di- ference for one another when they position on issues that would other- rectly from senior leaders of the have the opportunity to discuss wise get lost in translation, she said.

Army Command Sgt. Maj. Brunk Conley, command sergeant major of the Army National Guard, shares his views at the En- listed Association of the National Guard of the United States 43 annual conference, Aug. 11, 2014 . (National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. David Eichaker)

11 Family Services Working Group Programs Information provided by the Airman and Family Readiness Program Manager

The Family Services Working are coming off of 180+ days Title 10 enhance unit family readiness. Group (FSWG) has been working orders, if you are separating or retir- The KVP is the commander’s tool in conjunction with each other, our ing from the service. for helping ensure the readiness of local, state, and national partners our families in preparing for and to bring you the programs that en- Transition Assistance Program coping with the demands of deploy- hance you the service member and (TAP) workshop – To provide in- ment. A Key Volunteer provides your families. formation on the Transition Assis- peer-to-peer Wingman support, in- tance Program (TAP); also known forms, and refers family members. PROGRAMS OFFERED AT as VOW (Veteran Opportunity to 147th RW Key Spouse/Volunteer ELLINGTON FIELD Work) to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 Program Manager: Mrs. Kendra (signed into law by the President Gladwill Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Pro- on 21 Nov 11) and the Veterans 272nd Key Spouse/Volunteer: gram (YRRP) – The Yellow Ribbon Employment Initiative (VEI) Task Mrs. Burdine Compton program provides information, ser- Force Report. If your family member would like vices referrals and proactive out- During the past 2 years there have to join the Key Spouse/Volunteer reach programs to service members been many changes to this program Group please have them contact the of the National Guard and Reserve and how it will be attended. Please Family Program Office at 281-929- and their families through all phases speak with the Family Program Of- 2056. of the deployment cycle, pre-, dur- fice to get more information on how ing-, and post-deployment. to attend. Wingman Project - The Wingman Through a proactive outreach Project was created in August 2007 program the Yellow Ribbon Rein- Strong Bonds - Strong Bonds by the Deputy Director of Safety tegration Program strives to assist, is a unit-based, chaplain-led pro- of the Air National Guard as a col- collaborate and partner with the Na- gram which assists commanders laborative solution, including chap- tional Guard, Reserve components, in building individual resiliency by lains, family support, medical com- and agencies serving military mem- strengthening the Air Guard fam- munity, and safety, for all Airmen bers, veterans and their families to ily. The core mission of the Strong and their families to address suicide provide them with the necessary in- Bonds program is to increase indi- intervention. formation and any needed referrals. vidual Airman and family member The Wingman Project consists of readiness through relationship, edu- courseware, training materials, and Pre-Separation briefing – Through cation, and skills training. printed outreach products. Most your service in the U. S. military, Strong Bonds is normally con- Wingman related training occurs in you have earned a lot of benefits ducted in an offsite retreat format the classroom at the various bases and services. Our objective for this in order to maximize the training where it is used. briefing is to explain those items effect. The retreat or “get away” pro- To download the Wingman Proj- to you in detail so you are aware of vides a fun, safe, and secure environ- ect Mobile Application go to: http:// each of them. Hopefully, this will ment in which to address the impact tx.wingmanproject.org/en not only answer the many questions of relocations, deployments, and For help right now call: 800-273- you have, but will enlighten you on military lifestyle stressors. There are TALK the wide array of assistance in place three types of Strong Bonds events: to help your transition. married couples events, family Department of Psychological Once completed, you can use this events and singles events. Health (DPH) - Wing Director of pre-separation counseling check- Psychological Health (WDPH) is list as a quick reference in planning Key Spouse/Volunteer Program - embedded within the wing and your transition from the military The Key Volunteer Program is a vol- available to support members and and throughout your next career. unteer resource program that oper- families for all psychological health This program is mandatory if you ates within a military framework to issues. Professional consultation,

12 referral, and case management are main areas of responsibility. Ser- Just Foliage vices are free and confidential. WDPH’s provide psycho-education- To the members of the 147th al briefings to command, members, Reconnaissance Wing: and families. They promote readi- ness, address organizational and The time has come for the Leaf individual behavioral health care to fall and new buds to form and needs, and coordinate with labor re- shine. An era of life is passing; I lations, military operations, military look closely and I see it’s mine. I health care system, and network leave the 147th, but my memories with variety of psychological health I have forever. Katrina, Rita, El programs. Salvador, Moose Jaw, Colorado, Operation Lone Star, Presidents, OTHER INFORMATION/ Governors and Generals… I al- WEBSITES TO VISIT/KNOW: ready miss them all. I owe so many leaders, both above me and below. My position, Joint Services Support (JSS) - a my achievements, my career, I owe to my mentors. No one reaches “one stop shopping” location where the top on their own. The Marine Corps gave me direction, the Air you can get important information National Guard gave me opportunity, and both organizations have my on a variety of programs that have heart. been created to support you - http:// People are the key. There are only two kinds of leaders, those who www.jointservicessupport.org are there for you, and those who are there for themselves. I urge you to look deep inside and determine why you are where you are. For, if Military One Source (MOS) - you don’t know yourself, you can never know others. helps with child care, personal fi- September will be my last drill; my retirement date is the 30th and nances, emotional support during my intentions are to make my rounds to say farewell to all. I am proud deployments, relocation informa- to be the current Chief Enlisted Manager of the Civil Engineer Squad- tion, or resources needed for special ron and will be there for UTA. I look forward to seeing you before I circumstances. Military OneSource retire. is there for military personnel and their families... 24/7/365! - https:// Chief Master Sergeant Marcus W. Falleaf www.militaryonesource.com/skins/ “Chief Leaf” MOS/home.aspx Semper Fi Military HOMEFRONT - the of- ficial Department of Defense web site for reliable Quality of Life infor- mation designed to help troops and their families, leaders and service providers. - http://www.military- homefront.dod.mil/

DoD Tap - The Transition As- sistance Program (TAP) provides information, tools, and training to ensure Service members and their spouses are prepared for the next step in civilian life whether pursu- ing additional education, finding a job in the public or private sector, or starting their own business. - https://www.DoDTAP.mil

13 Featured Book A Higher Call Published in 2013 by Adam Makos and Larry Alexander

Four days before Christmas 1943, a badly damaged American bomber strug- gled to fly over wartime Germany. At its controls was a 21-year-old pilot. Half his crew lay wounded or dead. It was their first mission. Suddenly, a sleek, dark shape pulled up on the bomber’s tail—a German Messerschmitt fighter. Worse, the German pilot was an ace, a man able to destroy the American bomber in the squeeze of a trigger. What happened next would defy imagina- tion and later be called the most incredible encounter between enemies in World War II. Ultimately, Charlie and Franz would stare across the frozen skies at one an- other. What happened between them, the American 8th Air Force would later classify as “top secret.” It was an act that Franz could never mention or else face a firing squad. It was the encounter that would haunt both Charlie and Franz for forty years until, as old men, they would search for one another, a last mission that could change their lives forever. Photo by Stewart Butterfield Stewart by Photo

What’s

6 September 2014 7 September 2014 Spaghetti for Chicken Enchiladas Baked Fish Stuffed Bell Peppers Carrots lunch? Refried Beans Green Beans Spanish Rice Mashed Potato Mixed Veggies Garlic Bread Recruiting Office Short Line Burgers Wings Corn Dogs Catfish Nuggets Steak Fries Onion Rings Egg Rolls

14 This Month in History Texas Guardsmen earn Presidential Citation in In Italy Article Courtesy of National Guard SALERNO, Italy (September 9, 1943 - As part of the Allied invasion of Ita- ly the Americans land four divisions south of Naples. Three of these were the Guard’s 34th (IA, MN, ND, SD), 36th (TX) and 45th (AZ, CO, NM, OK) in- fantry divisions. Little resistance was expected since the Italian government had surrendered just prior to the land- ings. However, strong German forces contest the invasion and inflicted heavy causalities on the Americans. During this operation the 3rd Battalion, 141st Infantry, 36th Infantry Division earns a Presidential Unit Citation for its deter- mined advance in spite of concentrated Operation AVALANCHE opens with men from Texas’ 36th in- enemy fire. The 36th and 45th divisions fantry Division wading ashore in the face of determined German would later take part in the invasion of fire. Despite high losses over the next couple of days, the 36th holds southern France and end the war deep its ground and even begins to advance as more American troops, inside of Germany, while the 34th Di- including elements of the guard’s 34th and 45th infantry divisions vision would continue fighting up the enter the battle. National Guard Heritage Series Italian “boot” securing the Po River Valley by war’s end.

Looking to become an The Official 147th RW Officer in the ANG? Facebook page is Apply now to find out what positions are available!

Recruiting Office The ANG has developed a new recruiting process for officer applicants involving a Designated Officer Recruiter (DOR). • Contact DOR for checklist Your local DOR: • Print off all records required 281.709.5183 on checklist • Single point of application • Obtain a copy of certified (DOR) transcripts with seal f • Apply to as many or as few • Turn in ALL required docu- units as you want ments to you DOR www.facebook.com/147RW • We do not know other states • DOR will submit your ap- vacancies plication for approval 15