August 2015

Combat Excellence-Always on Mission 2 Combat Excellence Always on Mission 3 From The Commander’s Desk CONTENTS THE BEACON COL. TIMOTHY J. DONNELLAN 6 FIRST HONORARY COMMANDER

DARREL T. ANDERSON, 124 ASOS HONORARY COMMANDER 8 Stay Focused, Positive To Warriors of the 124th FW, COMMAND CHIEF’S CORNER I hope you all are enjoying the summer and plan to continue to do so before we head into the fall. We have a lot of exciting things to look 10 FIRE DEPT TRAINING HEATS UP forward to--the first is the arrival of Mountain Home flying operations for three weeks in August. If you have not heard, now is a good time to keep reading! If you have heard and feel “LIVE BURN” confident you know the timeline, I may be able to offer some updates. »» p.14 12 MED GROUP & FIRE DEPT JOINT TRAINING Mountain Home Air Force Base closed their runway on July 10 to make much-needed major repairs. The LIFE FLIGHT NETWORK TOUR & VEHICLE EXTRICATION aircraft stationed there must continue to fly and their aircrew must continue to train, so they have deployed to WING COMMANDER various locations in the US until the first week of August, at which time they will arrive at Gowen Field. Col. Timothy J. Donnellan 14 Aircraft Dedicated to the Community

More than 20 Airmen from the 366th Maintenance Group have operated from our facilities, since early July, PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER “PRIDE OF COEUR D’ ALENE AND HAYDEN” UNVEILED on the east campus to conduct maintenance on their F-15E’s as they rotate in from their stateside deployed lo- Lt. Col. Gary A. Daniel cations since early July. We will eventually have up to 800 Airmen from the 366FW joining us at Gowen Field. PUBLIC AFFAIRS NCOIC [email protected] The current plan is for the 428th Fighter Squadron, Republic of Air Force (RSAF), to fly into Master Sgt. Becky Vanshur Gowen Field from Davis Monthan Air Force Base on July 31. I have attached a chart showing the ranks of the www.idaho.ang.af.mil RSAF - please take a moment to review it. PUBLIC AFFAIRS STAFF Tech. Sgt. Sarah Pokorney (editor) The 389th and 391st Fighter Squadrons are slated to fly into Gowen Field AFB from Tech. Sgt. Joshua Allmaras bit.ly/124Beacon Aug. 2-3. They will begin flying on Aug. 6 and plan to fly a full schedule Aug. 10-24. They are scheduled -rede Tech. Sgt. John Winn »» p.17 ploy to Mountain Home on Aug. 25-26. Senior Airman Cassie Morlock fb.me/124FWofficial Senior Airman Skyla Child We will continue to fly our normal schedule, and the 1/183d Aviation Battalion, which fly AH-64 Apaches and UH-60 Black hawks, will as well. It will be very busy up to the day of the 366FW’s scheduled departure. Flic.kr/ps/2tB3kf This month’s cover I’m excited and proud of the 124FW and all the work that has gone into our massive support for the 366FW. photo was taken June 7, www.twitter.com/124FighterWing Just like us, they will deploy next year to the Area Of Responsibility (AOR). Our ability to host them at Gowen 2015 by Tech. Sgt. Sarah Field allows them to come home from the various locations where they have been TDY and spend time with Pokorney during the their families before they deploy. If we were unable to host them, they would not be able to come home until the 124th Medical Group and www.instagram.com/124FighterWing runway was completed. Gowen Fire Firefighter tour of a Life Flight Net- THE BEACON is the official newsletter/magazine of the 124th Fighter Wing, work helicopter led by Idaho . It is published monthly by the wing public affairs Flight Paramedic, Gregg office. Views expressed may not be those of the U.S. Air Force, Air National (continue on pg. 4) Heller. Guard, Department of Defense or U.S. Government.

The Beacon | August 2015 The Beacon | August 2015 4 Combat Excellence Always on Mission 5 (CONTINUED FROM PG 2)

FROM THE COMMANDER’S DESK We will also use this as an opportunity to train with them in the same manner we intend to conduct operations next year--a rare opportunity to be sure, and one we will make the most of. While they are at Gowen I would ask each and every one of you to help where you can and provide leadership and mentorship when necessary. Our experience is our greatest asset in the Guard. When possible, please take the opportunity to engage the 366FW, whether at the food trucks on the east campus or on the flight line. It will be busy and very active as we take on a significant increase in the pace of operations. Don’t hesitate to address concerns with your supervisors, or, if time critical, address them on the spot. I’m also happy to tell you that we are hosting Gen. Herbert J. “Hawk” Carlisle, the Commander of ACC, the second week of August. He is coming here to see Gowen Field and look at our capabilities for future missions. This is great news for the Idaho Air National Guard as we move into the future. Most of his visit will be trans- parent, but he will be conducting an all call and a windshield tour of the base. It’s a great opportunity for us to showcase our organization while performing our day-to-day mission. I’m anxious to show Gen. Carlisle our act! Col. Aebischer is moving up as the new 124FW/CV on Sep. 1 as Col. Trimble retires. We will have new com- manders for the Maintenance (MXG) and Mission Support (MSG) groups by September. The Medical Group just returned from a domestic operations exercise. The MSG is moving offices, the Operations Group is deploying to the National Training Center to support the 116th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, MXG has been sending folks all over the U.S. grabbing A-10’s on cross country sorties, and we’re on deck to support our state mission with fires if needed. We have re-structured some offices on the fighter wing staff; most noticeable is the plans shop, which is actively building the schedule for next year. With this schedule we will provide stability through a published plan, with input from every squadron, as we march toward the largest deployment the fighter wing has ever faced. It will be busy, but I promise it will be predictable. Again, thanks for all you do for our country and the great State of Idaho. I’m excited to take on these new chal- lenges together as I know we will be stronger after them!

(Photo illustration courtesy of the Republic of Sinapore Air Force Website www.mindef.gov.sg)

The Beacon | August 2015 The Beacon | August 2015 6 Combat Excellence Always on Mission 7 WELCOME HONORARY COMMANDER MR. DARREL T. ANDERSON

Idaho Power President and CEO, Darrel T. Anderson gets an up-close look at 124th Air Support Opera- tions Squadron equipment and capabilites at Gowen Field. Boise, Idaho, July 22, 2015. Anderson was sworn in earlier that day as the honorary commander of the 124 ASOS and the first honorary commander of the 124th Fighter Wing. (Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. John Winn)

Idaho Power President and CEO, Darrel T. Anderson observed while Senior Airman Jesse Vanpatten, with the 124th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS), called in A-10 Thunderbolt II close air support (CAS) in the Advanced Joint Terminal Attack Controller Training System (AAJTS) simulator at Gowen Field, Boise, Idaho, July 22, 2015. Anderson was sworn in earlier that day as the honorary commander of the 124 ASOS and the first honorary commander of the 124th Fighter Wing. The wing’s new honorary commander program is a collaborative effort designed to build long-term relationships and foster a better understanding of the 124th Fighter Wing’s units and missions. (Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Sarah Pokorney)

The Beacon | August 2015 The Beacon | August 2015 8 Combat Excellence Always on Mission 9

COMMAND CHIEF’S CORNER Stay Do you have what it Focused, takes to make it? Positive TACP CHALLENGE 2015 Do you have what it takes to pass the Air Force Physical Ability Stamina Test? This is the same test used to qualify Tactical Air Control Party Specialists and all wing members are being challenged to see if they Over the past few months, I’ve seen and heard of increadible have what it takes to keep up with our very own 124th Air Support Operations Squadron TACPs. Even Airmen doing extraordinary jobs. if you don’t think you can do it, come out and try. Our TACPs will be administering and encouraging all who face the challenge. I’m proud of our SFS defenders running through their shoot, Command Chief Master Sgt. move, communicate course, our firefighters doing their firemen’s when - september 13, 2015 0900-1000 challenge, the IDO office planning our upcoming mobilization, Tammy S. Ladley who - all male and female airmen and Lt. Baisden aiding an injured hiker with lifesaving mea- where - base track sures. I had the opportunity to go downrange and watch our Air Support Operations Squadron Joint - what is the challenge - Terminal Attack Controllers call in close air support to our A-10 pilots - INCREDIBLE! completed in this order I can recall several more examples but this message will be too long. To sum it up--SIMPLY 1.5 mile run (10:47 or less) AMAZING is what comes to mind whenever I think about the Airmen in the 124th Fighter Wing. pull ups (6 in 2 mins) You all are well aware, with our change of command in June, that the wing is going through many more changes. Two new group commanders will be named and assume command in sit ups (48 in 2 mins) September. We will have three squadron change of commands this drill. Don’t be alarmed, push ups (40 in 2 mins) scared, or apprehensive--we in the 124th are used to change and have always managed it. Just continue to stay mission focused, keep a positive attitude, and the Fighter Wing will get through all these changes together. Change is good, and we will be a better unit because of these changes. -For more information or to sign-up contact- “The secret to change is to focus all your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.” SMSgt Bill Ferrell 208-422-6118 (Socrates) Let’s starting building. [email protected] To Col. McCandless: THANK YOU! For all you have done for Idaho Guardsman. I truly ap- preciate all you have sacrificed. You have been an amazing leader, mentor, and supporter of our Airmen. Good luck on your deployment, and hurry home safe. To Airmen: Let’s get prepared to host the Airmen of Mountain Home and showcase our unit. Stay focused and let us prepare to mobilize in the spring. Thank you for all you do, and all you will continue to do to ensure the fighter wing succeeds. -Chief L. The strong shall stand, the weak will fall by the wayside

The Beacon | August 2015 The Beacon | August 2015 10 Combat Excellence Always on Mission 11 FIRE DEPT TRAINING HEATS UP

LIVE-BURN EXERCISE

by Tech. Sgt. Sarah Pokorney 124th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

A column of flames and pitch- and vehicle extrication training, ers on the ground were dedicated black smoke rises like a skyscraper June 6 at an automotive salvage largely to rescue operations. In from a charred fuselage at a burn yard in Garden City, Idaho. They both scenarios they lit three to pit east of Gowen Field in Boise, used these opportunities to apply four separate fires, each burn- Idaho on May 6, 2015. Firefighters new techniques, use new equip- ing around 500 gallons of jet fuel. Want to see more pictures? from Gowen Field standby with ment and strengthen ties with oth- Each burn enabled around 15 fire- Visit our Flickr Album by hand hoses ready while a high- er emergency-response organiza- fighters, of their 31 traditional and clicking the logo: pressure fire engine takes aim at tions. Training as they are going 21 full-time, to complete annual Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Sarah Pokorney the base of the inferno. The op- to fight allows them to effectively training requirements. erator of the engine unleashes a respond to real-world events. that you’re acclimated to as a other first responders. Brearly “We have a lot of resourc- rush of water to dowse the flames. Staff Sgt. Jason Rogers, a fire- firefighter because you are en- said that if a big incident hap- es that the city doesn’t have As the fire subsides, two firefight- “The majority of firefighting is fighter driver operator with the tering vision obstructed areas pens we’ll all be responding. like the brush trucks that are ers charge into the mock aircraft done with a truck which is much Gowen Field Fire Department, whether it is day or night.” unique and a 4,000-gallon wa- wreckage with hand hoses to con- safer,” said Senior Master Sgt. explained the additional safety “We responded to three ac- ter tender to resupply engines duct simulated rescue operations Chris Brearley, a fire chief with precautions that they take during The department also trains tual emergencies in June: a ci- with water. When you get out and extinguish spot fires. the Gowen Field Fire Department. night burns, “Situational aware- with other organizations like vilian 737 with flight control in rural areas where there aren’t “We did pull a few hand lines and ness needs to heighten, especially the 124th Medical Group and problems, an off-base vehicle a lot of hydrants or water sup- This scenario was just one of sev- entered the fuselage to look for when it comes to moving vehicles outside organizations like Boise accident, and the mutual aid plies, it comes in handy,” said eral training events that the Gow- victims and put out spot fires.” around the fire.” Fire and Bureau of Land Man- structural fire near Locust Brearley. “We put ourselves out en Field Fire Department partici- agement with which they have Grove,” Brearley said. in the community as much as pated in during May and June. The As with the daytime burn, most Rogers also described the expe- Mutual-Aid Agreements. The we can and let them know the additional training scenarios also of the extinguishing during the rience that the firefighters on the training allows them to work The Gowen Field Fire De- National Guard is here to help. included a night burn on May 15 May 15 night burn was done with ground experience during night out the kinks before they get partment brings more than just Not just to protect the base, but at the burn pit east of Gowen Field high-pressure engines; firefight- operations, “It’s almost something on scene with other agencies trained firefighters to the fight. also to protect the local com- and develop relationships with munity.”

The Beacon | August 2015 Air National Guard photoThe by Beacon Senior Airman | August Cassidy Morlock 2015 12 Combat Excellence Always on Mission 13 Med Group & Fire Dept Joint Training More than 20 Idaho Airmen from the Gowen Field Fire De- partment and 124th Medical Group conducted vehicle extri- cation training June 7 in Garden City. The joint training exer- cise was a refresher course for many of the firemen but was the first opportunity for many of the medical personnel to handle the extraction saws and equipment. The hands-on exercise fo- cused on the proper wear of personal protective equipment and proper use of extraction tools. They identified common hazards like sharp metal, broken glass, airbags and compressed bumpers. Vehicle extraction training is conducted once every year with a hands-on portion every other year. Life Flight Tour Vehicle Extrication (photo courtesy of Tech. Sgt. Wayne Riley)

More than 20 Idaho Airmen from the Gowen Field Fire Department and 124th Medical Group tour the Life Flight Network equipment and helicopter in Boise, June 7. Pilot Robert Fredricks shows the Air- men the capabilities of the life-saving equipment and common hazards they could encounter during a response. (Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Sarah Pokorney) Med Group 2015 Pathfinder News coming soon In August, the 124th Medical Group will be participating in the annual Operation Want to see more pictures? Pathfinder, a tsunami response exercise, in Visit our Flickr Album by Coastal Oregon. View the video from 2014 clicking the logo: here and stay tuned for the 2015 coverage.

The Beacon | August 2015 The Beacon | August 2015 14 Combat Excellence Always on Mission 15 DEDICATION TO THE COMMUNITY NOSE ART REVEALED

Coeur d’ Alene Mayor, Steve Widmyer address visitors during the nose art dedication ceremony at Couer d’ Alene Airport on July 23, 2015 during the (Photos courtesy of the Civil Air Patrol Coeur d Alene Composite Squadron) Want to see more pictures? Visit the Facebook Album by clicking the logo:

COUER D’ ALENE, Idaho - -dedicating an aircraft to each dedications to specific people, The Airmen of the Idaho Air Na- respective community. Each of the places, or concepts) to personal- tional Guard’s 124th Fighter Wing 21 Idaho Air National Guard fight- ize combat aircraft and boost unit dedicated two A-10C Thunderbolt er jets assigned to Gowen Field morale. Artwork was in high de- II aircraft to the cities of Couer will eventually honor an Idaho mand during World War II, and d’ Alene and Hayden Lake at the community. extravagant creations highlighted Couer d’ Alene Airport on July 23, This Idaho ANG community unit pride and cohesion. 2015. Mayors and city representa- recognition program acknowl- In this tradition, the United tives from both cities attended the edges the support and sacrifices States Air Force allows specialized Thursday ceremony. communities and citizens make artwork for aircraft that is distinc- The 124FW is honoring these to defend freedom at home and tive and symbolic to enhance unit two Idaho panhandle communi- abroad. morale. ties by painting community-spe- Historically, combat flying cific “nose art” on A-10C aircraft- squadrons used nose art (creative

The Beacon | August 2015 The Beacon | August 2015 16 Combat Excellence Always on Mission 17

Want to see more pictures? Students get an Idaho hosts Visit our Flickr Album by clicking the logo: up-close look ANG Band of the West

The Idaho Air National Guard wel- comed the Air National Guard Band of the West Coast, the 562nd Air Nation- al Guard Band, to Idaho as they played for an Independence-weekend audi- ence at the Idaho Botanical Gardens on July 3 in Boise. The “Patriots in Blue” ensemble section of more than musi- Ten high school algebra students from the Boise State University TRIO Upward Bound program visit Gowen Field, cians treated the lawn chair crowd to Boise, Idaho to see math related careers and applications at the 124th Fighter Wing. The students, in the final week of stirring Independence Day favorites their 6-week in-residence course on the campus of Boise State University, visit POL (petroleum, oils and lubricants) for more than two hours. also known as “fuels,” nondestructive inspection, metals and the civil engineering squadron while on base. (Air Na- tional Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Sarah Pokorney) (Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Gary Daniel)

Captain Vu Nguyen, director of the 562nd Air National Guard Band of the West Coast, leads a combined concert band of musicians from his “Patriots in Blue” ensemble mixed with members of the all-volunteer Idaho Concert Band, at the Idaho Botanical Gardens on July 3, in Boise. (Air National Guard photo by Lt. Col. Gary Daniel)

The Beacon | August 2015 The Beacon | August 2015 18 Combat Excellence Idaho State Miltary Division Education Assistance Program

Education assistance that reimburses your costs up to $2500! (until funds are exhausted)

Active drilling eligible non-technician Idaho national guard students may apply for the State Education Assistance Program (SEAP) 60 days prior to class and up to the day before class starts.

Applicants must provide proof of a C or better for authorized classes up to 30 days after class date closure or NLT 10 days from each June 30th for reimbursement to be mailed to them.

For more information on the process to start entering the state education assisantce program, contact your respective education office below:

Idaho Air National Guard Idaho Army Guard Education Office: Education Office 4150 W Cessna St, Bldg 218 3787 W Aeronca St Boise, ID 83705 Bldg 400 208-272-3549 and 3615 Boise, ID 83705 [email protected] Phone: (208) 422-5370 or 5371 Army APPLICATION steps at http:// ngid-iport/sites/jfhq/G1/Education/default.aspx

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The Beacon | August 2015