The Cargo Courier August 2004

KyANG NEWS

Hail to the chiefs 123rd Airlift Wing, Kentucky Air National Guard, Louisville, Ky. Vol. XX, No. 8 • Aug. 14, 2004 Kentucky wing selected as the AFA’s 2004 Outstanding ANG Flying Unit

By Tech. Sgt. Amy Mundell Cargo Courier Editor

The Air Force Association has named the ABOVE: Brig. Gen. Hank Morrow presents a chief master Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Air- sergeant certificate to Susan Sanders during her promo- lift Wing as its Outstanding Air National tion ceremony in July. Guard Flying Unit for 2004, based in part on the wing’s exceptional performance last LEFT: General Morrow presents Dwight Riggle with a year while participating in Operation Iraqi Meritorious Service Medal during his promotion to chief Freedom and the Global War on Terror. Photos by Senior Airman Phillip Speck/KyANG master sergeant in July. During the award period, which encom- passed all of 2003, the wing deployed hun- 123rd Airlift Wing dreds of aircrew members, maintenance Public Affairs Office troops and support personnel to multiple lo- Kentucky Air National Guard cations in Southwest Asia, Europe and Af- AFA award 1101 Grade Lane rica, where they flew missions into dozens Louisville, KY 40213-2678 of countries while supporting a broad range Continued from Front Page of military operations. OFFICIAL BUSINESS Col. Mark Kraus, commander of the to the hard work, dedication and 123rd Airlift Wing, said he was honored for professionalism of its troops dur- the unit to be chosen for the award. ing the extremely high operations “I’m really proud of the men and women tempo of the past few years. of the 123rd for having been named the out- “Their wartime performance standing flying unit in the Air National Guard is nothing short of stellar, and it for 2004,” he said. continues today. We haven’t The colonel attributed the wing’s success slowed down much; we’ve just changed direction — out of See AFA, Back Page Europe now and soon into South America” as the wing prepares for an upcoming Air Expedition- TOP: A Kentucky Air National Guard C- ary Forces mission to provide 130 taxies into Ramstein Air Base, Ger- airlift services from Puerto Rico. many, following an airlift sortie. Hundreds of Kentucky airmen deployed to Germany “Selection for this award only in support of the Global War on Terror last validates the dedication and year. professionalism that I see in our folks day to day, and it’s an BOTTOM: 48 members of the 123rd Civil honor to serve alongside them.” Engineers Squadron board a Kentucky The award recognizes the C-130 as they prepare to deploy to Iraq wing’s total performance in last November. The troops spent four 2003, including its support of months at Baghdad International Airport. state and local events. Photos by Senior Airman Phillip Speck/KyANG The Cargo Courier 8 Aug. 14, 2004 COMMANDER’S CALL GUARD NEWS Don’t let your guard down — We’re at war! Reserve forces taking advantage of VA home loans By Rudi Williams when they are called to active duty during troops, Mr. Pedigo said. TTENTION! UNTIL tricts in New York City and Washington, American Forces Press Service wartime. He said the best way for guardsmen and FURTHER NOTICE, D.C., are centers of gravity and logical “They’re then subject to the same eligi- reservists to find out if they qualify for a WE ARE AT WAR! terrorist targets — but Columbus, Ohio? WASHINGTON — There has been a dra- bility requirements as a regular active-duty home loan is to submit an application for a A As inter-office memos That’s a bit of an eye opener! matic increase in the amount of Department servicemember,” he said. “During wartime, certificate of eligibility to one of the two go, that’s a zinger. From a global perspective, Columbus of Veterans Affairs home loans to National you only have to serve for 90 days to be- VA Eligibility Centers. The center in Win- It’s the e-mail that will is the equivalent of three houses down the Guardsmen and reservists in recent years, a come eligible for a VA home loan.” ston-Salem, N.C., handles states east of the bring you up out of your seat to seek fi- street in the same neighborhood. top department official said. Those who are discharged with a service- Mississippi River. The Los Angeles center delity, because you know it’s going to No offense to mall shoppers in Colum- The amount would increase even more connected disability with less than 90 days’ handles states west of the Mississippi. change the way you do business. bus, but let’s be honest: That one might if they knew that being on active duty dra- service are also eligible, Mr. Pedigo said. “They should submit the application I don’t know if that memo (or one with have gotten past us — and that’s the point! matically reduces the time it takes for them During peacetime, the eligibility require- along with a copy of their service record,” words to that effect) was ever circulated Indiscriminate targeting like this really to become eligible for the loans, said Keith ment is 181 days of continuous active duty Mr. Pedigo said. The certificate of eligibil- in the past few years, but for Department makes validation possible for almost any Pedigo, director of the VA Loan Guaranty with an honorable discharge. Eligibility is ity proves eligibility for the home-loan ben- of Defense employees, both civilian and similar scenario that one could imagine, Service. also granted to those who are discharged with efit. military, it wasn’t really necessary. and for that we’ll need to form a whole He said VA officials try to get the word a service-connected disability with less than Another difference between the reserve- As we approach the third anniversary new mindset. out to all guardsmen and reservists, but it is 181 days service. component and active-duty benefit is in the of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 it As citizens we have a responsibility to difficult to reach all of them because they Mr. Pedigo said VA officials are making amount of fees paid — reservists pay a bears remembering that we’ve not yet re- respond within our ability — to be vigi- are spread out across the country. “more and more” loan guarantees for guards- slightly higher fee, he said. ceived “further notice.” lant in our surroundings, alert to unusual “I would guess that many of them are not men and reservists, and they expect that num- The fee consists of a certain percentage We must act, think and plan accordingly events or abnormal circumstances and to aware of the requirements for a home loan,” ber to continue to climb. of the loan amount: 2.75 percent for Na- because relatives of the thugs who brought report any suspicious activity to the proper Mr. Pedigo said. “However, I would expect “We try to promote this benefit to the re- tional Guard and reserve servicemembers, that those who are interested in buying a violence to innocents on that otherwise or- Col. Mark Kraus authorities. serves and National Guard through various 2 percent for others. These percentages can home would go to the trouble to find out means,” he said. be lowered with down payments of 5 or 10 dinary Tuesday morning are vigorously 123rd Airlift Wing Commander As members of the Guard we are re- exactly what it takes to use the home-loan Currently, about 3.5 percent of VA-backed percent. pursuing opportunities to score a repeat quired to be ready to mobilize and deploy benefit.” loans are made to those who qualified based The fee does not have to come out of the performance. if necessary, a la Operation Noble Eagle. Normally, guardsmen and reservists must on National Guard or reserve service, he said. servicemember’s pocket, Mr. Pedigo said. Their ultimate success depends on our to orange for the financial services sec- Are you ready? Shots up to date? Gear serve six years before becoming eligible for There are some differences in the basic It can be included in the loan amount. ultimate failure to recognize the potential tors in New York City and Washington cleaned and serviceable? a VA home loan, Mr. Pedigo said. But, he eligibility requirements between home loans “So if you don’t have the cash, that’s not threat, but as time passes our attention D.C. in response to credible threat intelli- Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter J. said, that requirement changes dramatically for active-duty and reserve-component a problem,” he said. tends to drift to the routine, the day-to- gence. Enemy surveillance to target spe- Schoomaker predicts the Global War on day life uninterrupted. cific buildings there had been ongoing for Terrorism will go on for generations. It would be dangerous at worst and na- years, perhaps even prior to 9/11, the re- Those of us helplessly watching on Some extended guardsmen, reservists may get GI Bill boosts ive at best to believe that all those whose ports said. television as those fuel-laden airliners purpose is to direct terror toward us are Scarcely more than a month ago a So- found their mark on that otherwise ordi- By Rudi Williams servicemembers who have completed high school. thousands of miles removed from us. mali man, living and working in Ohio, was nary Tuesday morning knew that in many American Forces Press Service “The active-duty bill is a program designed for those who enlist Attorney General John D. Ashcroft said, arrested and charged with plotting with al respects life was changing forever right in active military service for a period of two-plus years,” Mr. “We know our enemies will go to great Qaeda network operatives to set off ex- before our eyes, and we knew that it WASHINGTON — Guardsmen and reservists whose active-duty Douglass said. “If they only serve two years, they get a lesser ben- lengths to lie in wait to achieve the death plosives at a Columbus-area shopping wouldn’t be long before we would get the time is extended past the normal 12-month call-up may be eligible efit than an individual who signs up for three or more years.” and destruction they desire.” mall. Columbus, Ohio? A shopping mall? memo: ATTENTION! UNTIL FUR- for active-duty-level benefits of the Montgomery GI Bill under cer- He said the authors of the two programs never imagined that Recently the terror alert level was raised You may be thinking: The financial dis- THER NOTICE, WE ARE AT WAR! tain circumstances, said a senior Department of Veterans Affairs reservists and guardsmen would be called up to active duty for spokesman. extended periods of time as they have been in Operation Iraqi Free- Currently, people participating in the active-duty GI Bill receive dom. This funded Air Force newspaper is an authorized pub- 123rd Airlift Wing Editorial Staff $800 or $985 per month for full-time training, depending on their “I don’t think that was envisioned in the original legislation,” he lished for members of the U.S. military services. Contents length of service. But reserve-component people receive only $282 said. of The Cargo Courier are not necessarily the official views Wing Commander...... Col. Mark Kraus per month for full-time training, said Dennis Douglass, VA deputy The program for active-duty servicemembers and veterans is of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Wing Public Affairs Officer...... Capt. Dale Greer director for education service. currently paying $800 per month for full-time training for those Defense or the Air Force. Editor...... Tech. Sgt. Amy Mundell Reserve-component people are now eligible for the greater ac- who serve two years and $985 per month for those who serve three. The editorial content is edited, prepared and provided Staff Writer...... Staff Sgt. Mark Flener tive-duty benefit when their active-duty time is extended to 24 or Mr. Douglass said the $282 that reserve-component people get by the public affairs office of the 123rd Airlift Wing, Ken- more months, Mr. Douglass said. per month is a “dramatic difference” in the level of benefits. tucky Air National Guard, Louisville International Airport, How to contact us: He said the Montgomery GI Bill historically has been broken “Another interesting difference in the two programs is that in into two segments: the Montgomery GI Bill for active duty and the the Selective Reserve program, eligibility starts when the military Louisville, Ky. 40213-2678. Phone: (502) 364-9431 Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve for the reserve components. tells us to start it,” Mr. Douglass said. Our office is located in room 2118 of the Wing Head- Fax: (502) 364-9676 The reserve version is for troops assigned to the Selected Re- High-school graduates are eligible for benefits after they com- quarters Building. Deadline for the next issue is Sept. 1. E-mail: [email protected] serve of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard plete their initial period of training and have been assigned to a and the Army and Air National Guard. An electronic version of the Cargo Courier is available at the Kentucky Air Guard’s Web site — www.kyloui.ang.af.mil Reserve or Guard organization. Eligibility for active-duty people, It provides education and training opportunities for eligible however, does not begin until after they have served for two years.

The Cargo Courier The Cargo Courier 2 Aug. 14, 2004 Aug. 14, 2004 7 AIR FORCE NEWS KyANG NEWS Raptor continues USAF air superiority record Family Day returns to Ky. Air Guard By Capt. Chris Karns does the quality of pilots being produced by system, which integrates data from several 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs other nations,” he said. sources for the pilot to view on one easy- Wing brings back popular event after 3-year absence Even the most seasoned Eagle pilot will to-read display, and you have an aircraft TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — tell you that despite its impressive track which gives pilots a first-look, first-shot and By Tech. Sgt. Amy Mundell the wing’s Deployment Club meetings, Fam- With air dominance training under way here, record, the technological gap has closed, and first-kill capability, Colonel Merrell said. Cargo Courier Editor ily Day will be an opportunity to see the fa- the Air Force’s newest asset, the F/A-22 the need for the Raptor is real, said General “We’re approaching Raptor training with miliar faces that helped them through tough Highlights Raptor, is proving its worth every day as it New, an F-15 pilot with more than 3,000 fly- an open mind to fully develop its potential,” After a three-year absence, the Kentucky times, she said. nears initial operational capability. ing hours. General New said. “Realistic training, com- Air Guard will once again sponsor Family “This Family Day is good for the unit and The Raptor will eventually replace the F- “Just because the Warsaw pact dissolved bined with the best-fielded equipment our Day with a full schedule of activities on Sun- its families after the turmoil that came with 11 a.m. 15 Eagle, an aircraft with an undefeated 104- and the Cold War ended doesn’t mean threat nation can provide, gives us a capability day afternoon. the deployments,” she added. Lunch begins at units 0 combat record, according to Brig. Gen. capabilities don’t still exist, or continue to superior to the adversaries we’ve faced in The event, which was cancelled in previ- The day will be packed with events be- Larry New, former 325th Fighter Wing com- exist and advance in the future,” he said. conflict.” ous years because of the unit’s deployment ginning with unit luncheons starting at 11 mander. The general said that combat record “The Raptor brings on the next genera- Tyndall’s 43rd Fighter Squadron is train- obligations, is expected to feature plenty of a.m. Noon will continue with the addition of the Rap- tion of applying technology to war fighting, ing all future F/A-22 pilots. Since the base fun for Guard members and their families. Highlights of this year’s program include New retiree plaque dedicated tor to the Air Force team. putting our aircraft two generations ahead received its first F/A-22 in September 2003, “It’s great to have the opportunity to get a retiree plaque dedication ceremony, which While the Eagle’s record speaks for it- of any threat and removing us from our cur- Tyndall pilots have flown nearly 250 cumu- our families together again with the return will be held at noon in front of the Head- self, 30-year-old technology can only extend rent status of weapons system parity,” the lative hours and more than 253 sorties in of our Family Day celebration this UTA,” quarters Building. A Kentucky C-130 Her- 1 p.m. that record so much farther, said Col. Timo- general said. “Raptor technology combined the Raptor as the aircraft moves closer to said Col. Mark Kraus, commander of the cules also will be on display. thy Merrell, the 325th Operations Group with realistic training will provide air domi- initial operational capability. 123rd Airlift Wing. Other attractions include a live band, rides Base displays commander and a new F/A-22 pilot. nance, under which all other military actions But pilots are not the only Airmen rav- “This is really our best chance to come on the wing’s Mini C-130 and information Some foreign fighters currently match or become possible.” ing about the Raptor. Maintainers are find- together again as a Guard family in at least booths. —Children’s activities & events exceed U.S. fighter capabilities, and today’s The Raptor combines the best attributes ing the Raptor’s new technology a quantum two years and maybe longer to catch up with Numerous children’s activities are planned —C-130 Hercules open F-15s and F-16 Fighting Falcons cannot pen- of current fighter aircraft with stealth, ma- leap over the legacy systems of the past. each other and have some fun.” as well, including inflatable “moonwalk” at- —Rides available on Mini C-130 etrate the double-digit surface-to-air missile neuverability and “supercruise” — the abil- “The Raptor (contains) fourth-genera- Paula McLain, the wing family program tractions, a bike rodeo, a balloon toss and —Special Tactics displays threat without losses, Colonel Merrell said. ity to reach and sustain supersonic speeds tion stealth technology and has a fully inte- coordinator, said Sunday’s event may feel three-legged races. —Child safety seat inspections “Adversaries are not standing still and without the use of afterburners. Combine grated avionics suite, yet it remains the most like a reunion for family members whose For more information on the event, con- —Oldham County Band weapons continue to evolve and improve, as these attributes with the Raptor’s avionics maintenance-friendly airplane ever,” said loved ones deployed in recent years. tact the wing’s Family Readiness staff on base —Informational booths Capt. Rognald Christensen, the 43rd Air- For family members who met weekly for at ext. 4647. craft Maintenance Unit’s officer in charge. One maintenance-friendly feature is the portable computer that hooks directly into the aircraft. It enables maintenance crews Military service helps ensure basic freedoms to conduct operational checks on the Time’s ground, eliminating the need to get into the Military service is a high vocational calling. FDR’s speech echoed the call to freedom by our founding fathers cockpit during engine runs. It also contains When the prophets of the scriptures spoke, they were called or in the Declaration of Independence: a library of 1,300 technical orders. commissioned by God to speak a word of truth to people. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created Integrating technical orders with main- Through military service, we proclaim an undeniable truth — all equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalien- Up tenance tasks ensures fingertip access to people are created equal. able Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of information and that each step is completed We serve in the military for reasons far beyond educational and Happiness — That to secure these rights, Governments are insti- correctly before allowing the maintainer to retirement benefits. tuted among Men, deriving their just powers from the ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, proceed, Captain Christensen said. Our calling is a vocation to ensure the greatest consent of the governed.” Ga. — Chief Master Sgt. Easy access to components is another benefit God has given to every person — FREE- Thomas Jefferson believed the citizen-soldier was Cheryl Adams, left, and Col. DOM. haplain’s necessary to secure this freedom in America. Beth Grote have been feature, said Master Sgt. Richard Street, section chief of the 43rd Aircraft Mainte- President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared “four C The Air National Guard serves in that tradition. testing the proposed Air nance Unit. freedoms” for all people in his State of the Union speech Our high calling is to secure liberty, not only for Force utility uniform. The on Jan. 6, 1941: Americans, but also for any people who desire to wear-test period ended “On the Raptor, I don’t have to remove olumn July 31. one component in order to reach another,” “We look forward to a world founded upon four essen- live free. tial human freedoms. The first is freedom of speech and ex-C Freedom’s hope brought our ancestors to Sergeant Street said. Chief Adams is command “We owe it to future generations to give pression — everywhere in the world. The second is freedom of ev- America. chief master sergeant for Air them new things to work with and the op- ery person to worship God in his own way — everywhere in the Now, it sends us around the world in that same call of freedom. Force Reserve Command, portunity and responsibility to take those world. The third is freedom from want … everywhere in the world. The benefits of our service may not be seen on our watch. and Colonel Grote is AFRC’s new things and deliver effects in ways we The fourth is freedom from fear … anywhere in the world.” But, our hope lies in the high call of freedom, an unquenchable director of logistics. never thought of,” said Lt. Col. Mike That speech persuaded an isolationist Congress to support Eu- thirst in every person’s heart who longs to be free. Stapleton, 43rd Fighter Squadron director rope in its battle for freedom. Photo by Sue Sapp/USAF of operations. “The F/A-22 will do just that It furthermore became the best description of who we Americans — Lt. Col. Tom Curry and more.” are today. Wing Chaplain

The Cargo Courier The Cargo Courier 6 Aug. 14, 2004 Aug. 14, 2004 3 KyANG NEWS KyANG NEWS Ky. airmen Change return from of Ramstein AB Command Cargo Courier Staff Report Col. Bill Ketterer, commander of Seventy-seven members of the the 123rd Mission Support Group, Kentucky Air National Guard and passes command of the 123rd three Kentucky C-130 aircraft Communications Flight to Capt. returned home July 25 from a Dave Clements at a ceremony held during the July drill. deployment to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, where they were based The flight’s former commander, Lt. while flying missions in support of Col. Mary McCallie, now serves as U.S. military operations in Bosnia- Joint Force Communications Officer. Herzegovina and other locations across Europe. Photo by Master Sgt. Senior Airman Phillip Speck/KyANG Most of the airmen deployed for the mission, called Operation Joint Mark Rines/KyANG Members of the 123rd Airlift Wing use the Thoroughbred Dining Facility’s new Grab- Forge, on June 25. N-Go option to get lunch in a hurry. The new lunch option allows customers to by- They comprised the third and pass the normal hot-meal lines and receive a sandwich, chips, dessert and drink. final rotation of the Kentucky Services personnel hope the new option will boost patronage. airmen to support Joint Forge this year. Promotions, retirements & separations Kentucky Air National Guard Two Kentucky C-130s and about 70 Kentucky Air Guard members New Grab-N-Go option available were based in Germany for various The following individuals have been •Christopher Knight, •Master Sgt. Teresa Adams, lengths of time between April 15 promoted to the rank indicated 123rd Aircraft Maintenance Sq. 123rd Logistics Readiness Sq. and June 6 as part of earlier as members of the •Elizabeth Lucas, •Staff Sgt. Patti Barnes, at Thoroughbred Dining Facility rotations in support of the mission, Kentucky Air Guard 123rd Maintenance Sq. 123rd Medical Sq. which has existed under a variety and reservists •Alan Smith, •Master Sgt. Angela Haagen, 123rd Civil Engineers Sq. By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Thiery tomer satisfaction is one of the keys to that of names since the mid-1990s. of the United States Air Force: 165th Weather Flt. 123rd Services Flight goal,” he said. •Chief Master Sgt. Joel Hicks, 123rd Special Tactics Sq. “By offering a quick meal, we hope to SENIOR AIRMAN (E-4) TECHNICAL SERGEANT (E-6) •Master Sgt. Barry Steenbergen, The Thoroughbred Dining Facility is now achieve a higher level of customer satisfac- KyANG 123rd Security Forces Sq. offering a Grab-N-Go meal option during tion.” •Master Sgt. Robert Vanassen, drill weekends with hopes of increasing the Food selection for the Grab-N-Go meal transportation •Jonathon Bledsoe, •Scott Benningfield, 123rd Special Tactics Sq. facility’s patronage. initially will be limited because dining fa- 123rd Civil Engineers Sq. 123rd Maintenance Sq. •Staff Sgt. Dale Weckman, The new option allows customers to by- cility managers want to survey demand for seeks drivers •Derrick Davis, •Meghann Coffey, 123rd Civil Engineers Sq. pass the normal, hot-meal lines, sign the ap- the new option, Sergeant Goodlett explained. 123rd Aerial Port Sq. 123rd Special Tactics Sq. •Raymond Graves III, propriate form and grab their choice of sand- Once the demand is high enough, new The transportation section of the •Matthew Howard, wiches, chips, dessert and drink. items will be added to offer a variety of food 123rd Civil Engineers Sq. 123rd Maintenance Sq. The following individuals 123rd Logistics Squadron is have separated from Customers may then eat their meals at choices. •Jason Newby, •Edward McCormick, seeking six new personnel — five 123rd Logistics Readiness Sq. 123rd Aerial Port Sq. the Kentucky Air National Guard: alternate locations outside the dining facil- As always, the dining facility has a main drivers and one fleet management ity, such as their work areas. line that includes a choice of meat items, •Alejandro Rendon, •Clinton Saul, analysis technician. 123rd Security Forces Sq. The 123rd Services Flight is offering the starches and vegetables. 123rd Civil Engineers Sq. Individuals who possess a •Christopher Wathen, •Karlton White II, •Maj. Timothy Broeking, Grab-N-Go option on a trial basis, accord- The snack line consists of hamburgers, commercial driver’s license or 123rd Civil Engineers Sq. 123rd Aerial Port Sq. 165th Airlift Sq. ing to Thoroughbred Dining Facility offi- cheeseburgers, grilled chicken breasts, who have professional driving or •Frank Tallman, •Staff Sgt. Heather Hultman, cials. french fries and onion rings. A full salad bar forklift skills are especially sought- 123rd Special Tactics Sq. 123rd Medical Sq. If it proves popular, the service will be also is also offered. STAFF SERGEANT (E-5) •Senior Airman April Keen, after, but all members of the 123rd Medical Sq. continued as a regular feature. Besides the new Grab-N-Go option, Kentucky Air Guard are encour- Dining facility managers hope the new carry-out is available for all items. The following individuals •Airman 1st Class aged to apply. •Otis Broderick, have retired as members of the Gerald Murphy Jr., option will boost the customer base, said Meals are free for traditional enlisted To learn more about the open- Master Sergeant Harold Goodlett. guardsmen. All other personnel, including 123rd Civil Engineers Sq. Kentucky Air National Guard and 165th Airlift Sq. ings, contact Master Sgt. Jeff •Charles Colley, reservists of the •Staff Sgt. Chad Waters, “It is our goal to increase dining facility officers, AGRs and active-duty troops, pay Greenwood on base at ext. 4709. 165th Airlift Sq. United States Air Force: 123rd Maintenance Sq. attendance during drill weekends, and cus- $3.30 per meal.

The Cargo Courier The Cargo Courier 4 Aug. 14, 2004 Aug. 14, 2004 5 KyANG NEWS KyANG NEWS Ky. airmen Change return from of Ramstein AB Command Cargo Courier Staff Report Col. Bill Ketterer, commander of Seventy-seven members of the the 123rd Mission Support Group, Kentucky Air National Guard and passes command of the 123rd three Kentucky C-130 aircraft Communications Flight to Capt. returned home July 25 from a Dave Clements at a ceremony held during the July drill. deployment to Ramstein Air Base, Germany, where they were based The flight’s former commander, Lt. while flying missions in support of Col. Mary McCallie, now serves as U.S. military operations in Bosnia- Joint Force Communications Officer. Herzegovina and other locations across Europe. Photo by Master Sgt. Senior Airman Phillip Speck/KyANG Most of the airmen deployed for the mission, called Operation Joint Mark Rines/KyANG Members of the 123rd Airlift Wing use the Thoroughbred Dining Facility’s new Grab- Forge, on June 25. N-Go option to get lunch in a hurry. The new lunch option allows customers to by- They comprised the third and pass the normal hot-meal lines and receive a sandwich, chips, dessert and drink. final rotation of the Kentucky Services personnel hope the new option will boost patronage. airmen to support Joint Forge this year. Promotions, retirements & separations Kentucky Air National Guard Two Kentucky C-130s and about 70 Kentucky Air Guard members New Grab-N-Go option available were based in Germany for various The following individuals have been •Christopher Knight, •Master Sgt. Teresa Adams, lengths of time between April 15 promoted to the rank indicated 123rd Aircraft Maintenance Sq. 123rd Logistics Readiness Sq. and June 6 as part of earlier as members of the •Elizabeth Lucas, •Staff Sgt. Patti Barnes, at Thoroughbred Dining Facility rotations in support of the mission, Kentucky Air Guard 123rd Maintenance Sq. 123rd Medical Sq. which has existed under a variety and reservists •Alan Smith, •Master Sgt. Angela Haagen, 123rd Civil Engineers Sq. By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Thiery tomer satisfaction is one of the keys to that of names since the mid-1990s. of the United States Air Force: 165th Weather Flt. 123rd Services Flight goal,” he said. •Chief Master Sgt. Joel Hicks, 123rd Special Tactics Sq. “By offering a quick meal, we hope to SENIOR AIRMAN (E-4) TECHNICAL SERGEANT (E-6) •Master Sgt. Barry Steenbergen, The Thoroughbred Dining Facility is now achieve a higher level of customer satisfac- KyANG 123rd Security Forces Sq. offering a Grab-N-Go meal option during tion.” •Master Sgt. Robert Vanassen, drill weekends with hopes of increasing the Food selection for the Grab-N-Go meal transportation •Jonathon Bledsoe, •Scott Benningfield, 123rd Special Tactics Sq. facility’s patronage. initially will be limited because dining fa- 123rd Civil Engineers Sq. 123rd Maintenance Sq. •Staff Sgt. Dale Weckman, The new option allows customers to by- cility managers want to survey demand for seeks drivers •Derrick Davis, •Meghann Coffey, 123rd Civil Engineers Sq. pass the normal, hot-meal lines, sign the ap- the new option, Sergeant Goodlett explained. 123rd Aerial Port Sq. 123rd Special Tactics Sq. •Raymond Graves III, propriate form and grab their choice of sand- Once the demand is high enough, new The transportation section of the •Matthew Howard, wiches, chips, dessert and drink. items will be added to offer a variety of food 123rd Civil Engineers Sq. 123rd Maintenance Sq. The following individuals 123rd Logistics Squadron is have separated from Customers may then eat their meals at choices. •Jason Newby, •Edward McCormick, seeking six new personnel — five 123rd Logistics Readiness Sq. 123rd Aerial Port Sq. the Kentucky Air National Guard: alternate locations outside the dining facil- As always, the dining facility has a main drivers and one fleet management ity, such as their work areas. line that includes a choice of meat items, •Alejandro Rendon, •Clinton Saul, analysis technician. 123rd Security Forces Sq. The 123rd Services Flight is offering the starches and vegetables. 123rd Civil Engineers Sq. Individuals who possess a •Christopher Wathen, •Karlton White II, •Maj. Timothy Broeking, Grab-N-Go option on a trial basis, accord- The snack line consists of hamburgers, commercial driver’s license or 123rd Civil Engineers Sq. 123rd Aerial Port Sq. 165th Airlift Sq. ing to Thoroughbred Dining Facility offi- cheeseburgers, grilled chicken breasts, who have professional driving or •Frank Tallman, •Staff Sgt. Heather Hultman, cials. french fries and onion rings. A full salad bar forklift skills are especially sought- 123rd Special Tactics Sq. 123rd Medical Sq. If it proves popular, the service will be also is also offered. STAFF SERGEANT (E-5) •Senior Airman April Keen, after, but all members of the 123rd Medical Sq. continued as a regular feature. Besides the new Grab-N-Go option, Kentucky Air Guard are encour- Dining facility managers hope the new carry-out is available for all items. The following individuals •Airman 1st Class aged to apply. •Otis Broderick, have retired as members of the Gerald Murphy Jr., option will boost the customer base, said Meals are free for traditional enlisted To learn more about the open- Master Sergeant Harold Goodlett. guardsmen. All other personnel, including 123rd Civil Engineers Sq. Kentucky Air National Guard and 165th Airlift Sq. ings, contact Master Sgt. Jeff •Charles Colley, reservists of the •Staff Sgt. Chad Waters, “It is our goal to increase dining facility officers, AGRs and active-duty troops, pay Greenwood on base at ext. 4709. 165th Airlift Sq. United States Air Force: 123rd Maintenance Sq. attendance during drill weekends, and cus- $3.30 per meal.

The Cargo Courier The Cargo Courier 4 Aug. 14, 2004 Aug. 14, 2004 5 AIR FORCE NEWS KyANG NEWS Raptor continues USAF air superiority record Family Day returns to Ky. Air Guard By Capt. Chris Karns does the quality of pilots being produced by system, which integrates data from several 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs other nations,” he said. sources for the pilot to view on one easy- Wing brings back popular event after 3-year absence Even the most seasoned Eagle pilot will to-read display, and you have an aircraft TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. — tell you that despite its impressive track which gives pilots a first-look, first-shot and By Tech. Sgt. Amy Mundell the wing’s Deployment Club meetings, Fam- With air dominance training under way here, record, the technological gap has closed, and first-kill capability, Colonel Merrell said. Cargo Courier Editor ily Day will be an opportunity to see the fa- the Air Force’s newest asset, the F/A-22 the need for the Raptor is real, said General “We’re approaching Raptor training with miliar faces that helped them through tough Highlights Raptor, is proving its worth every day as it New, an F-15 pilot with more than 3,000 fly- an open mind to fully develop its potential,” After a three-year absence, the Kentucky times, she said. nears initial operational capability. ing hours. General New said. “Realistic training, com- Air Guard will once again sponsor Family “This Family Day is good for the unit and The Raptor will eventually replace the F- “Just because the Warsaw pact dissolved bined with the best-fielded equipment our Day with a full schedule of activities on Sun- its families after the turmoil that came with 11 a.m. 15 Eagle, an aircraft with an undefeated 104- and the Cold War ended doesn’t mean threat nation can provide, gives us a capability day afternoon. the deployments,” she added. Lunch begins at units 0 combat record, according to Brig. Gen. capabilities don’t still exist, or continue to superior to the adversaries we’ve faced in The event, which was cancelled in previ- The day will be packed with events be- Larry New, former 325th Fighter Wing com- exist and advance in the future,” he said. conflict.” ous years because of the unit’s deployment ginning with unit luncheons starting at 11 mander. The general said that combat record “The Raptor brings on the next genera- Tyndall’s 43rd Fighter Squadron is train- obligations, is expected to feature plenty of a.m. Noon will continue with the addition of the Rap- tion of applying technology to war fighting, ing all future F/A-22 pilots. Since the base fun for Guard members and their families. Highlights of this year’s program include New retiree plaque dedicated tor to the Air Force team. putting our aircraft two generations ahead received its first F/A-22 in September 2003, “It’s great to have the opportunity to get a retiree plaque dedication ceremony, which While the Eagle’s record speaks for it- of any threat and removing us from our cur- Tyndall pilots have flown nearly 250 cumu- our families together again with the return will be held at noon in front of the Head- self, 30-year-old technology can only extend rent status of weapons system parity,” the lative hours and more than 253 sorties in of our Family Day celebration this UTA,” quarters Building. A Kentucky C-130 Her- 1 p.m. that record so much farther, said Col. Timo- general said. “Raptor technology combined the Raptor as the aircraft moves closer to said Col. Mark Kraus, commander of the cules also will be on display. thy Merrell, the 325th Operations Group with realistic training will provide air domi- initial operational capability. 123rd Airlift Wing. Other attractions include a live band, rides Base displays commander and a new F/A-22 pilot. nance, under which all other military actions But pilots are not the only Airmen rav- “This is really our best chance to come on the wing’s Mini C-130 and information Some foreign fighters currently match or become possible.” ing about the Raptor. Maintainers are find- together again as a Guard family in at least booths. —Children’s activities & events exceed U.S. fighter capabilities, and today’s The Raptor combines the best attributes ing the Raptor’s new technology a quantum two years and maybe longer to catch up with Numerous children’s activities are planned —C-130 Hercules open F-15s and F-16 Fighting Falcons cannot pen- of current fighter aircraft with stealth, ma- leap over the legacy systems of the past. each other and have some fun.” as well, including inflatable “moonwalk” at- —Rides available on Mini C-130 etrate the double-digit surface-to-air missile neuverability and “supercruise” — the abil- “The Raptor (contains) fourth-genera- Paula McLain, the wing family program tractions, a bike rodeo, a balloon toss and —Special Tactics displays threat without losses, Colonel Merrell said. ity to reach and sustain supersonic speeds tion stealth technology and has a fully inte- coordinator, said Sunday’s event may feel three-legged races. —Child safety seat inspections “Adversaries are not standing still and without the use of afterburners. Combine grated avionics suite, yet it remains the most like a reunion for family members whose For more information on the event, con- —Oldham County Band weapons continue to evolve and improve, as these attributes with the Raptor’s avionics maintenance-friendly airplane ever,” said loved ones deployed in recent years. tact the wing’s Family Readiness staff on base —Informational booths Capt. Rognald Christensen, the 43rd Air- For family members who met weekly for at ext. 4647. craft Maintenance Unit’s officer in charge. One maintenance-friendly feature is the portable computer that hooks directly into the aircraft. It enables maintenance crews Military service helps ensure basic freedoms to conduct operational checks on the Time’s ground, eliminating the need to get into the Military service is a high vocational calling. FDR’s speech echoed the call to freedom by our founding fathers cockpit during engine runs. It also contains When the prophets of the scriptures spoke, they were called or in the Declaration of Independence: a library of 1,300 technical orders. commissioned by God to speak a word of truth to people. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created Integrating technical orders with main- Through military service, we proclaim an undeniable truth — all equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalien- Up tenance tasks ensures fingertip access to people are created equal. able Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of information and that each step is completed We serve in the military for reasons far beyond educational and Happiness — That to secure these rights, Governments are insti- correctly before allowing the maintainer to retirement benefits. tuted among Men, deriving their just powers from the ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, proceed, Captain Christensen said. Our calling is a vocation to ensure the greatest consent of the governed.” Ga. — Chief Master Sgt. Easy access to components is another benefit God has given to every person — FREE- Thomas Jefferson believed the citizen-soldier was Cheryl Adams, left, and Col. DOM. haplain’s necessary to secure this freedom in America. Beth Grote have been feature, said Master Sgt. Richard Street, section chief of the 43rd Aircraft Mainte- President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared “four C The Air National Guard serves in that tradition. testing the proposed Air nance Unit. freedoms” for all people in his State of the Union speech Our high calling is to secure liberty, not only for Force utility uniform. The on Jan. 6, 1941: Americans, but also for any people who desire to wear-test period ended “On the Raptor, I don’t have to remove olumn July 31. one component in order to reach another,” “We look forward to a world founded upon four essen- live free. tial human freedoms. The first is freedom of speech and ex-C Freedom’s hope brought our ancestors to Sergeant Street said. Chief Adams is command “We owe it to future generations to give pression — everywhere in the world. The second is freedom of ev- America. chief master sergeant for Air them new things to work with and the op- ery person to worship God in his own way — everywhere in the Now, it sends us around the world in that same call of freedom. Force Reserve Command, portunity and responsibility to take those world. The third is freedom from want … everywhere in the world. The benefits of our service may not be seen on our watch. and Colonel Grote is AFRC’s new things and deliver effects in ways we The fourth is freedom from fear … anywhere in the world.” But, our hope lies in the high call of freedom, an unquenchable director of logistics. never thought of,” said Lt. Col. Mike That speech persuaded an isolationist Congress to support Eu- thirst in every person’s heart who longs to be free. Stapleton, 43rd Fighter Squadron director rope in its battle for freedom. Photo by Sue Sapp/USAF of operations. “The F/A-22 will do just that It furthermore became the best description of who we Americans — Lt. Col. Tom Curry and more.” are today. Wing Chaplain

The Cargo Courier The Cargo Courier 6 Aug. 14, 2004 Aug. 14, 2004 3 COMMANDER’S CALL GUARD NEWS Don’t let your guard down — We’re at war! Reserve forces taking advantage of VA home loans By Rudi Williams when they are called to active duty during troops, Mr. Pedigo said. TTENTION! UNTIL tricts in New York City and Washington, American Forces Press Service wartime. He said the best way for guardsmen and FURTHER NOTICE, D.C., are centers of gravity and logical “They’re then subject to the same eligi- reservists to find out if they qualify for a WE ARE AT WAR! terrorist targets — but Columbus, Ohio? WASHINGTON — There has been a dra- bility requirements as a regular active-duty home loan is to submit an application for a A As inter-office memos That’s a bit of an eye opener! matic increase in the amount of Department servicemember,” he said. “During wartime, certificate of eligibility to one of the two go, that’s a zinger. From a global perspective, Columbus of Veterans Affairs home loans to National you only have to serve for 90 days to be- VA Eligibility Centers. The center in Win- It’s the e-mail that will is the equivalent of three houses down the Guardsmen and reservists in recent years, a come eligible for a VA home loan.” ston-Salem, N.C., handles states east of the bring you up out of your seat to seek fi- street in the same neighborhood. top department official said. Those who are discharged with a service- Mississippi River. The Los Angeles center delity, because you know it’s going to No offense to mall shoppers in Colum- The amount would increase even more connected disability with less than 90 days’ handles states west of the Mississippi. change the way you do business. bus, but let’s be honest: That one might if they knew that being on active duty dra- service are also eligible, Mr. Pedigo said. “They should submit the application I don’t know if that memo (or one with have gotten past us — and that’s the point! matically reduces the time it takes for them During peacetime, the eligibility require- along with a copy of their service record,” words to that effect) was ever circulated Indiscriminate targeting like this really to become eligible for the loans, said Keith ment is 181 days of continuous active duty Mr. Pedigo said. The certificate of eligibil- in the past few years, but for Department makes validation possible for almost any Pedigo, director of the VA Loan Guaranty with an honorable discharge. Eligibility is ity proves eligibility for the home-loan ben- of Defense employees, both civilian and similar scenario that one could imagine, Service. also granted to those who are discharged with efit. military, it wasn’t really necessary. and for that we’ll need to form a whole He said VA officials try to get the word a service-connected disability with less than Another difference between the reserve- As we approach the third anniversary new mindset. out to all guardsmen and reservists, but it is 181 days service. component and active-duty benefit is in the of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 it As citizens we have a responsibility to difficult to reach all of them because they Mr. Pedigo said VA officials are making amount of fees paid — reservists pay a bears remembering that we’ve not yet re- respond within our ability — to be vigi- are spread out across the country. “more and more” loan guarantees for guards- slightly higher fee, he said. ceived “further notice.” lant in our surroundings, alert to unusual “I would guess that many of them are not men and reservists, and they expect that num- The fee consists of a certain percentage We must act, think and plan accordingly events or abnormal circumstances and to aware of the requirements for a home loan,” ber to continue to climb. of the loan amount: 2.75 percent for Na- because relatives of the thugs who brought report any suspicious activity to the proper Mr. Pedigo said. “However, I would expect “We try to promote this benefit to the re- tional Guard and reserve servicemembers, that those who are interested in buying a violence to innocents on that otherwise or- Col. Mark Kraus authorities. serves and National Guard through various 2 percent for others. These percentages can home would go to the trouble to find out means,” he said. be lowered with down payments of 5 or 10 dinary Tuesday morning are vigorously 123rd Airlift Wing Commander As members of the Guard we are re- exactly what it takes to use the home-loan Currently, about 3.5 percent of VA-backed percent. pursuing opportunities to score a repeat quired to be ready to mobilize and deploy benefit.” loans are made to those who qualified based The fee does not have to come out of the performance. if necessary, a la Operation Noble Eagle. Normally, guardsmen and reservists must on National Guard or reserve service, he said. servicemember’s pocket, Mr. Pedigo said. Their ultimate success depends on our to orange for the financial services sec- Are you ready? Shots up to date? Gear serve six years before becoming eligible for There are some differences in the basic It can be included in the loan amount. ultimate failure to recognize the potential tors in New York City and Washington cleaned and serviceable? a VA home loan, Mr. Pedigo said. But, he eligibility requirements between home loans “So if you don’t have the cash, that’s not threat, but as time passes our attention D.C. in response to credible threat intelli- Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter J. said, that requirement changes dramatically for active-duty and reserve-component a problem,” he said. tends to drift to the routine, the day-to- gence. Enemy surveillance to target spe- Schoomaker predicts the Global War on day life uninterrupted. cific buildings there had been ongoing for Terrorism will go on for generations. It would be dangerous at worst and na- years, perhaps even prior to 9/11, the re- Those of us helplessly watching on Some extended guardsmen, reservists may get GI Bill boosts ive at best to believe that all those whose ports said. television as those fuel-laden airliners purpose is to direct terror toward us are Scarcely more than a month ago a So- found their mark on that otherwise ordi- By Rudi Williams servicemembers who have completed high school. thousands of miles removed from us. mali man, living and working in Ohio, was nary Tuesday morning knew that in many American Forces Press Service “The active-duty bill is a program designed for those who enlist Attorney General John D. Ashcroft said, arrested and charged with plotting with al respects life was changing forever right in active military service for a period of two-plus years,” Mr. “We know our enemies will go to great Qaeda network operatives to set off ex- before our eyes, and we knew that it WASHINGTON — Guardsmen and reservists whose active-duty Douglass said. “If they only serve two years, they get a lesser ben- lengths to lie in wait to achieve the death plosives at a Columbus-area shopping wouldn’t be long before we would get the time is extended past the normal 12-month call-up may be eligible efit than an individual who signs up for three or more years.” and destruction they desire.” mall. Columbus, Ohio? A shopping mall? memo: ATTENTION! UNTIL FUR- for active-duty-level benefits of the Montgomery GI Bill under cer- He said the authors of the two programs never imagined that Recently the terror alert level was raised You may be thinking: The financial dis- THER NOTICE, WE ARE AT WAR! tain circumstances, said a senior Department of Veterans Affairs reservists and guardsmen would be called up to active duty for spokesman. extended periods of time as they have been in Operation Iraqi Free- Currently, people participating in the active-duty GI Bill receive dom. This funded Air Force newspaper is an authorized pub- 123rd Airlift Wing Editorial Staff $800 or $985 per month for full-time training, depending on their “I don’t think that was envisioned in the original legislation,” he lished for members of the U.S. military services. Contents length of service. But reserve-component people receive only $282 said. of The Cargo Courier are not necessarily the official views Wing Commander...... Col. Mark Kraus per month for full-time training, said Dennis Douglass, VA deputy The program for active-duty servicemembers and veterans is of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Wing Public Affairs Officer...... Capt. Dale Greer director for education service. currently paying $800 per month for full-time training for those Defense or the Air Force. Editor...... Tech. Sgt. Amy Mundell Reserve-component people are now eligible for the greater ac- who serve two years and $985 per month for those who serve three. The editorial content is edited, prepared and provided Staff Writer...... Staff Sgt. Mark Flener tive-duty benefit when their active-duty time is extended to 24 or Mr. Douglass said the $282 that reserve-component people get by the public affairs office of the 123rd Airlift Wing, Ken- more months, Mr. Douglass said. per month is a “dramatic difference” in the level of benefits. tucky Air National Guard, Louisville International Airport, How to contact us: He said the Montgomery GI Bill historically has been broken “Another interesting difference in the two programs is that in into two segments: the Montgomery GI Bill for active duty and the the Selective Reserve program, eligibility starts when the military Louisville, Ky. 40213-2678. Phone: (502) 364-9431 Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve for the reserve components. tells us to start it,” Mr. Douglass said. Our office is located in room 2118 of the Wing Head- Fax: (502) 364-9676 The reserve version is for troops assigned to the Selected Re- High-school graduates are eligible for benefits after they com- quarters Building. Deadline for the next issue is Sept. 1. E-mail: [email protected] serve of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard plete their initial period of training and have been assigned to a and the Army and Air National Guard. An electronic version of the Cargo Courier is available at the Kentucky Air Guard’s Web site — www.kyloui.ang.af.mil Reserve or Guard organization. Eligibility for active-duty people, It provides education and training opportunities for eligible however, does not begin until after they have served for two years.

The Cargo Courier The Cargo Courier 2 Aug. 14, 2004 Aug. 14, 2004 7 KyANG NEWS

Hail to the chiefs 123rd Airlift Wing, Kentucky Air National Guard, Louisville, Ky. Vol. XX, No. 8 • Aug. 14, 2004 Kentucky wing selected as the AFA’s 2004 Outstanding ANG Flying Unit

By Tech. Sgt. Amy Mundell Cargo Courier Editor