NOVEMBER 2016

onTHE OFFICIALf MAGAZINEinal OF THE 507TH AIR REFUELING

COMMEMORATING HISTORY DEEPWATER HORIZON PAINTING UNVEILED Vol. 36, No. 11 // 2016 NOVEMBER

COVER THIS MONTH WING COMMANDER Exercise, Exercise, Exercise Col. Douglas E. Gullion DEEPWATER HORIZON 4 VICE WING COMMANDER Lt. Gen. Maryanne Miller, chief of the Air Force Reserve, Senior Master Sgt. Recruiting Team Darby Perrin, and Gen. Carlton D. Everhart III, 5 Col. Dana N. Nelson commander, unveil the painting “Deepwater Horizon” at the 48th annual Air On the Okie Radar: Important Dates Mobility Command and Airlift/Tanker Association Symposium in Nashville, 6 WING COMMAND CHIEF Tennessee. The painting, created by Perrin, is the newest addition to the Air Chief Master Sgt. Stephen A. Brown Force Art Program depicts two C-130H Hercules Modular Aerial Spray Sys- Historical Artwork tems and Citizen Airmen from the , Youngstown Air Reserve 8 Station, Ohio, in the cleanup efort following the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon PUBLIC AFFAIRS oil spill. The painting will join nearly 9,000 other works in the Air Force Art Program. These works document the history of Air Force Airmen, equipment, Closer Look: CHIEF, PUBLIC AFFAIRS locations and activities. While the 910th AW’s aerial sprays are commonly Tech. Sgt. Cristina Moreno Maj. Jon Quinlan known for insect and vegetation control, the wing has assisted the U.S. Coast 10 Guard with oil spill cleanup for almost 20 years. The cleanup mission lasted fve weeks and AF Reserve aircrews sprayed approximately 30,000 acres with SUPERINTENDENT PA wins Communications honors oil dispersanduring the cleanup efort. 13 Master Sgt. Grady Epperly PHOTOJOURNALISTS COVER PHOTO By Matthew A. Ebarb Crossing Over 16 Tech. Sgt. Lauren Gleason Tech. Sgt. Charles Taylor

Contents of On-fnal are not necessarily endorsed by or the offcial views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense, or the Department of the AF. Published by The Journal Record Publishing Company, a private frm in no way connected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract 507 ARW PUBLIC AFFAIRS with the commander or 507th Air Refueling Wing commander. This civilian enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized 7435 Reserve Rd, Suite 114 publication for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of the Tinker Take Off and On-fnal are not necessarily the offcial views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the Department of the Air Force. The appearance of advertising in this publica- , Okla. 73145 tion, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute endorsement by the Department of Defense, the Department of the Air Force or The Journal Record Publishing Company of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this publication shall be made available for Phone: (405)-734-3078 purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affliation or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. The editorial content is edited, prepared, and provided by the 507th Air Refueling Email: [email protected] Wing’s public affairs offce, which is located at 7435 Reserve Road, Suite 4, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., 73145-8726. All photographs are Air Force photographs unless otherwise indicated. URL: WWW.507ARW.AFRC.AF.MIL layout by Tech. Sgt. Lauren Gleason 2 // ON-FiNal 3 // ON-FiNal EXERCISE, EXERCISE, EXERCISE Reserve RECRUITERS Senior Master Sgt. Donald Cantrell Flight Chief Tinker AFB, OK Ofce (405) 734-5331 Cell (405) 409-4784

Master Sgt. Tech. Sgt. Derrick Mills Nickelette Parrish In-Service Recruiter Line Recruiter Tinker AFB, OK Moore, OK Cell (405) 409-5170 Cell (405) 409-6311

Tech. Sgt. Keith Hassell Line Recruiter Midwest City, OK Cell (405) 409-5811

Master Sgt. Master Sgt. Adrian Randles Armil Rucker Line Recruiter Line Recruiter Tulsa Tinker AFB, OK Cell (918) 271-,-1677 Cell (719) 243-6709 Citizen Airmen of the 507th Air Refueling Wing Command Post test communication equipment for an upcoming exercise Oct. 26, 2016, at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. (U.S. Air Force photo/Maj. Jon Quinlan)

Amber Lee enlists into the Air Force Reserve Oct. For information on opportunities in 14, 2016, and will be join- the AF Reserve, ing the 507th Medical give one of our team members a call Squadron after boot camp. (Courtesy pboto) today or click the Get 1 Now logo.

4 // ON-FiNal THE 507th AIR REFUELING WING PRESENTS 2016 ANNUAL AWARDS BANQUET February 4, 2017

MARK YOUR CALENDAR WITH JANUARY UTA JAN. 7-8 Social Hour Begins at 6:30 p.m. THESE UPCOMING EVENTS: Dinner at 7:00 p.m. SUPER UTA FEBRUARY UTA FEB. 2-5 Tinker Club Ballroom 6120 Arnold Street Tinker AFB, OK 73145 NOVEMBER UTA NOV. 5-6 MARCH UTA MAR 25-26

OPERATION HOLIDAY SPIRIT @ 1800 E1 – E5 $20 DEL CITY AMERICAN LEGION & VFW POST APRIL UTA APR 1-2 E6 – E8 $30 NOV. 5 E9 and Officers $40 MAY UTA MAY 6-7 DECEMBER UTA DEC.3-4 please click here to pay via Credit/Debit Card ANNUAL AWARD PACKAGES DUE NLT 1600 Register by Dec. 30, 2016 VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR THE DEC. 4 LATEST UPDATES Military dress code: ABU / Flight Suit Civilian: Business Casual COMMANDER’S CALL @ TBD, BASE THEATER DEC. 4

6 // ON-FiNal 7 // ON-FiNal Painting unveiling helps commemorate AF Reserve history

445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs / Published Octo- States Air Force. ber 20, 2016 The painting depicts 1st Lt. Charles d’ Olive’s vic- tory over three German Fokker DVII fight planes WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- on Sept. 13, 1917. Commissioned in the U.S. Signal Celebrating 100 years of Reserve Airpower, Se- Enlisted Reserve Corps, d ’Olive was the last offi- nior Master Sgt. Darby Perrin, an Air Force artist cially recognized U.S. “Ace” of WWI. He was also from the 465th Air Refueling Squadron, Tinker Air awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. Force Base, Oklahoma, unveiled a painting at the Perrin unveiled his painting to the d’Olive’s daugh- 2016 World War I Dawn Patrol Rendezvous event ter, Susan d’Olive, and her family alongside Brig. October 1, at the National Museum of the United Gen. Vito Addabbo, Mobilization Assistant to the

Senior Master Sgt. Darby Perrin, an Air Force artist from the 465th Air Refueling Squadron, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, unveils his painting at the Dawn Patrol Rendezvous event held at the National Museum of the in Ohio, Oct. 1, 2016. The painting depicts 1st Lt. Charles d’Olive’s victory over three German fghter planes during World War I. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Joel McCullough)

Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command, There is a long tradition in the military of record- and Lt. Col. James Morris, vice commander of the ing for the experiences of soldiers and sailors in , Barksdale Air Force Base, Loui- peace and at war. siana. “In this day and age where digital media is such a “He did a wonderful job,” said Ms. d’Olive. “Paint- big thing, and it’s so much easier to grab an image ings are individual creations that come out of his- off the internet, it’s nice to see people have an ap- torical fact. He (Perrin) has done his homework on preciation for art and an actual original painting,” what everything should look like, but also it’s his said Perrin. “It really means a lot and I am glad to own creation.” be part of it.” Perrin was assigned the role of capturing the es- Not only does the painting depict an event in his- sence of the WWI event by the Air Force Reserve (left to right) Susan d’Olive, daughter of 1st Lt. Charles d’Olive, the last offcially recognized U.S. “Ace” of World War I, Brig. Gen. tory, it showcases the fact that Reserve Airpower Vito Addabbo, Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, Air Force Global Strike Command, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, Command Historian Office. He completed the is something to be appreciated. Lt. Col. James Morriss, vice commander of the 307th Bomb Wing, Barksdale AFB, and Senior Master Sgt. Darby Perrin, an Air Force painting in 18 days. Citizen Airmen have been serving our country for artist from the 465th Air Refueling Squadron, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, sign lithographs of Perrin’s artwork at the National Perrin did not base his work solely on the histori- more than 68 years and make up 20 percent of the Museum of the United States Air Force in Ohio, Oct. 1, 2016. Perrin unveiled a picture at the event depicting Susan’s father, 1st Lt. cal stories told. “I did a lot of research on the de- Air Forces workforce. Charles d’Olive’s victory over three German fghter planes during World War I. tails and the mechanics of the planes.”

8 // ON-FiNal 9 // ON-FiNal a ClOSER November Tech. Sgt. Cristina Moreno PROMOTIONS

507TH LOGISITICS READINESS SQUADRON VEHICLE MAINTENANCE SHOP SUPERVISOR STEVEN A. SMITH, 507 MXS AS A KID, WHAT WAS YOUR DREAM JOSHUA S. GREEN, 507 MXS JOB? WHAT IS A LITTLE KNOWN FACT I wanted to be a dentist. Obvi- ABOUT YOU? ously, I’m not a dentist now, but I MASTER SERGEANT I am a hardcore science nerd. wanted to be one then. I like astrophysics and theoretical physics. I’m a full-fedged nerd, WHEN DID YOU JOIN THE not ashamed. MILITARY? 2009. At 17, I joined the JORDAN WRIGHT, 513 AMXS delayed entry program. So as soon ERIC ROBERTS, 507 SFS KATHELENE MERCADO, 507 SFS WHAT DO YOU DO FOR FUN? as I graduated, off to basic I went. I like to read a lot, and I have KEVIN GILES, 507 SFS WILLIAM DYKES, 970 AACS two puppies. So it’s always play- WHAT IS YOUR CAREER GOAL? JARRETT DUNCAN, 507 SFS time at my house. Well I’m fnally getting to retrain to MARK BURROW, 513 MXS Intelligence. Hopefully, I’ll be able TECHNICAL SERGEANT to do some fun stuff on both military and civilian side.

WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB? DAISY SMITH, 72 APS It’s rewarding to help anyone I JORGE MARTINEZ, 507 CES can with transportation needs they SPENCER COLES, 507 AMXS have. I enjoy interacting with wing members and working with leader- ship and enlisted in the unit, STAFF SERGEANT

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE CHARAC- TER IN A MOVIE? OMAR WILLIAMS, 513 AMXS Batman! Can I claim Batman? I claim Batman. SENIOR AIRMAN

CHRISTOPHER ELLIOT, 507 SFS AIRMAN FIRST CLASS Tech. Sgt. Cristina Moreno poses for a photo in her offce Nov. 3, 2016. (U.S. Air Force pho- to/Tech. Sgt. Charles Taylor) AUSTIN C. WATLINGTON, 513 AMXS AIRMAN 10 // ON-FiNal PUBLIC AFFAIRS SHOP WINS Yo oly live oce 2016 COMMUNICATION By Maste Sgt. Christina Hymes, 507th Medical Squadro EXCELLENCE AWARDS munication Company Grade Enrique ‘KiKi’ Camarena was born in Mexico, had ROBINS AIR FORCE tion Civilian Category II (GS- Officer (O-1 to O3) Award. been a U.S. Marine, a fire fighter, a criminal investi- BASE, Ga. -- Air Force Re- 10 to GS12 or equivalent) Major Hamilton Under- gator, and a narcotics investigator before he became serve Command Public Affairs Award. wood, 3rd Combat Camera a Special Agent for the Drug Enforcement Admin- announced the winners of the Technical Sgt. Jeremy A. Squadron, Joint Base San An- istration in 1974. Camarena was very concerned 2016 Communication Excel- about the drug problem in this country and firmly lence Awards Oct. 28. believed that even one person can make a differ- The following unit and indi- ence. But while on an assignment in 1985, he was viduals will go on to represent abducted, tortured for hours, and then murdered. AFRC in the Air Force-level To honor Camarena’s memory and his battle Public Affairs competition. against illegal drugs, angered parents and youth in The 507th Air Refueling communities across the country began wearing red Wing Public Affairs staff, Tin- ribbons as a symbol of their commitment to raise ker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, awareness of the killing and destruction caused by earned the Brig. Gen. Harry J. drugs in America. Dalton Jr., Award. Tech. Sgt. Lauren C. Glea- son, 507th ARW, won the Staff Sgt. Christopher S. Frost Out- standing Communication Non- “Red Ribbon Week is the commissioned Officer (E-5 to nation’s oldest and E6) Award. The 315th Airlift Wing largest drug prevention Public Affairs staff, , South Carolina, awareness program.” (Courtesy graphic/Redribbon.org) won the Maj. Henry “Hap” Ar- nold Award for Public Affairs Communication Effectiveness. In 1988, the National Family Partnership coor- live, and in order to make the most of your life, you The 439th AW Public Af- Citizen Airmen from the 507th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs offce, Tinker Air Force Base, fairs staff, Westover Air Re- Okla. earned the Air Force Reserve Command, Brig. Gen. Harry J. Dalton Jr., Award for 2016. dinated the first National Red Ribbon Week, with need to nurture and preserve your body and your Additionally, Tech. Sgt. Lauren Gleason won the Staff Sgt. Christopher S. Frost Outstanding President and Mrs. Reagan serving as honorary mind. You will find in life that there are many things serve Base, Massachusetts, won Communication Noncommissioned Offcer (E-5 to E6) Award. Pictured from left to right are the Best Innovative Communi- Master Sgt. Grady Epperly, Tech. Sgt. Charles Taylor, Tech. Sgt. Lauren Gleason and Maj. Jon chairpersons. Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s old- that are out of your control, but taking care of your- Quinlan. (Courtesy photo) est and largest drug prevention awareness program self is something you have full control over. cation Award. Taking drugs can put your safety, and the safety of Senior Airman Monica C. and is dedicated to educating youth and encourag- tonio-Lackland, Texas, won others, in jeopardy. Taking drugs can cause conflicts Ricci, 439th AW, Westover Roman, 301st Fighter Wing, ing participation in drug prevention activities. It is the Outstanding Communica- in relationships between friends and family. Tak- ARB, won the Outstanding Naval Air Station Joint Reserve observed annually during the last week in October tion Field Grade Officer (O-4 ing drugs negatively impacts your ability to focus, Communication Airman (E-1 Base Fort Worth, Texas, won and this year’s campaign is ‘YOLO - Be Drug Free - to O-5) Award. study, work, and pay bills. Taking drugs can trig- to E4) Award. the Airman First Class Darryl #youonlyliveonce’. Mr. Shawn J. Jones, 514th ger psychosis, anxiety, tension, paranoia, and de- Master Sgt. Andrew Biscoe, G. Winters Award for Combat But what does that mean? YOLO is an acronym for Air Mobility Wing, Joint Base pression. Taking drugs can damage the liver, brain, 439th AW Public Affairs Spe- Communication. “you only live once,” and for most people, it implies McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New lungs, throat, and stomach. Taking drugs will not cialist, Westover ARB, won the Results of the Air Force- that one should enjoy life, expressing the view that Jersey, won the Outstanding make the one life you have to live, better. Outstanding Communication level competition will be an- you must make the most of the present moment Communication Civilian (GS-5 Truly, you only live once, and tomorrow may never Senior Noncommissioned Of- nounced Dec. 5, during the without worrying about the future--even if that en- to GS-09 or equivalent) Award. come. Life is precious and should not be wasted ficer (E-7 to E8) award. Public Affairs worldwide meet- tails taking risks--as if there would not be another Ms. Carolyn J. Herrick, by worrying, complaining, being negative, or do- Captain Joseph T. Simms, ing. chance for it. 943rd Rescue , Davis- ing drugs. Cherish each moment, because life is too 927th ARW, MacDill AFB, To read more stories and But taking drugs should not be one of those risks. Monthan AFB, Arizona, won photos about the wing, please YOLO also implies that you only have this one life to short to be anything but happy. Be well. Florida, won the Capt. Bradley R. Schuldt Outstanding Com- the Outstanding Communica- visit our homepage here.

12 // ON-FiNal 13 // ON-FiNal TINKERBy April McDonald, 72nd Air Base Wing Public CELEBRATES TANKER’Stions to come that have invested their lives in the HISTORYtional mission’s here. The 507th is an Air Force Guest speakers from the Air Force Sustainment Affairs / Published October 17, 2016 Center, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, tanker fleet — contractor, civilian and military Reserve Command unit and is continuously sup- TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Members Rockwell Collins and Boeing credited the longev- personnel,” said Col. Mark Mocio, Legacy Tanker porting worldwide contingency operations and of Team Tinker were joined by mission support ity of the KC-135 fleet in large part to the skilled Division commander and program manager for U.S. Strategic Command’s national emergency partners and Reservists of the 507th Air Refuel- workforce at Tinker Air Force Base, which was in- the KC-135. “Because of your efforts, the KC-135 requirements with eight KC-135 Stratotankers. ing Wing Oct. 7 to honor an Air Force icon. strumental in putting a record 75 KC-135 aircraft has served as the backbone The KC-135 Stratotanker’s 60 years of service through programmed depot maintenance in fiscal of military were recognized during a ceremony at Dock 5 ½ 2016. for 60 years and will con- in Bldg. 3001. The KC-135’s actual anniversary “As we celebrate the birthday of a national trea- tinue for decades to come.” coincides with the first flight on Aug. 31, 1956, so sure today, we do so realizing that the 60 years The Legacy Tanker pro- the fall celebration at the home of all organic de- of success of the KC-135 is due to generations gram office at Tinker is re- pot workload was perfectly suited. that preceded us, this generation and the genera- sponsible for life cycle man- agement of the KC-135 fleet, while the maintenance, repair and overhaul is per- formed by the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex, including the 76th Aircraft Maintenance Group. They have separate or- ganizational chains and separate responsibilities, but the two groups work together to provide combat power to the Airmen. Coop- eration is the key to getting the job done, Mocio said. Col. Kenyon Bell, 76th AMXG commander, agrees. “Our strength really lies in our people,” he said. “We can’t do anything without our talented and dedicated workforce. Our collec- tive team is laser focused daily on providing safe, The Citizen Airmen of the unit are proud of their quality aircraft back to the operational forces.” contribution to the history of this airframe. Donald Thompson, deputy program executive Air Force Sustainment Center Commander Lt. officer for Tankers with the Air Force Life Cycle Gen. Lee K. Levy II said there are many more Management Center at Wright-Patterson Air chapters to be written in the history of the KC- Force Base, Ohio, said those flying the first KC-135 135 and he’s looking forward to seeing what the in 1956 probably never imagined that the same next chapter will be. aircraft would be flying 60 years later, much less “I don’t know what it will say, but I can tell you The KC-135 60th Anniversary brought a huge crowd to the programmed depot maintenance line in Bldg. 3001 continue until the 2040’s. it will be impressive,” the general said. “I know it Oct. 7. The event featured guest speakers from the Air Force Sustainment Center, Rockwell-Collins, Boeing and “None of that would be possible without you, will help the United States Air Force, the world’s the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. (Air Force photo by Kelly White) RIGHT: Col. Mark Mocio, Legacy the men and women of the Air Force and those most respected and powerful aerospace and cy- Tanker Division commander and program manager for the KC-135 was one of the featured guest speakers at the working for our mission partners,” he said. “For ber force, remain on top in its preeminent role. KC-135 60th Anniversary event Oct. 7 and spoke on the legacy of the Stratotanker. The other distinguished visi- 60 years you have been the unsung heroes on the And whatever it is that the KC-135 is called on tor guest speakers included Air Force Sustainment Center Commander Lt. Gen. Lee Levy II; Donald Thompson, KC-135.” to do next, it will be because of everyone in this deputy program executive offcer for Tanker with the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center; Ryan Roseke, In 1994, the 507th Air Refueling Wing began room and everybody that you represent. It’s an with Rockwell-Collins; and Pam Valdez, with Boeing. (Air Force photo by Kelly White) operating and maintaining the KC-135 on opera- amazing legacy.”

14 // ON-FiNal 15// ON-FiNal CROSSING OVER SPORTS NEWS

By Staff Sgt. Giovanna Lamaes- Finally, ‘next year’ has arrived for Cubs tra , Pub- lic Affairs By Tech. Sgt. Charles Taylor “I had no idea how daunting Sports Reporter Extraordinaire it would become.” This was the surprising realization 2nd Lt. Ryan Cheney came to after he started In the world of sports, historic is a word that a dynasty. his journey toward Offcer Train- is used to describe a lot of things. Sometimes, it’s The core of the Cubs is young, talented and ing School selection. used appropriately, but perhaps loosely in on other locked in contractually for the long haul. They His decision to become an off- occasions. also have one of the best managers in the sport in cer came about two years ago. At When it comes to the Chicago Cubs, historic is Joe Maddon, and Theo Epstein is the president of the time he was known as Master the perfect word to describe what they were able baseball operations for the team. Sgt. Cheney, a Combat Arms Train- to do in the 2016 ing and Maintenance Instructor Major League with the 507th Security Forces Baseball season. Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base, With a 8-7 ex- Oklahoma. tra-inning victory over the Cleveland Indians in Game 7 of the World Series “One thing I Wednesday night, the Cubs are world did know is that champions for the frst time in 108 I love being in seasons. Think about the Air Force that for a second. That is more than and I wanted a century, far lon- ger than many of us on Earth have to stay in Secu- been in existence. Two World Wars, rity Forces.” 19 U.S. Presidents and numerous After reaching the rank of mas- culture changes in Members of the Chicago Cubs celebrate defeating the Cleveland Indians in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series ter sergeant in just fve years of Air our country have at Progressive Field on Wednesday, November 2, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Ron Vesely/Getty Images) Force Reserve duty, he found him- transpired since self at a career crossroads wonder- 1908. To put this ing what the future would hold in further context, the New York Yankees have Speaking of Epstein, is there a better front of- for him. Career decision making won 27 World Series titles during this span. fce executive in sports than this man? Combine wasn’t a new concept for him. He For the fans, there is no more talk about look- constructing this roster for Chicago with putting had previously served four years ac- Second Lt. Ryan Cheney, 507th Security Forces Squadron, earned his lieutenant ing forward to the next year. Years and years of a team together to help the Boston Red Sox break tive duty and took a two year break bars and was awarded the distinguished graduate award from Offcer Training hearing their team being called the “loveable los- their 86-year curse in 2004, and that equals a one- in service before going back into the School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Tech. Sgt. Charles ers” is washed away with this victory. Above all, way ticket to the MLB Hall-of-Fame. Epstein could reserve in 2010. Taylor) they fnally have a team that they can call champs. retire today, he still may be known as the executive “One thing I did know is that While the Cubs have gone through this uncom- in sports history. I love being in the Air Force and I sage from his commander Maj. Pat- fnish getting my bachelor’s degree.” mon drought, that’s not to say they didn’t have There is no way to sugarcoat this. The Cubs wanted to stay in Security Forces,” rick Mitchell. For the next two years, Cheney their share of good teams. Just when there was have made 108 years of heartbreak something the said Cheney “I needed to decide “In 2014, after a UTA weekend, turned his focus and energy on com- hope, it was taken away an error, or even a fan fans can look back on and laugh. This title makes what path was right for me. Did I my commander contacted me and pleting college courses, all the while just trying to catch a foul ball, which happened to tears of sadness turn into tears of joy, and if this want to go the path of becoming a asked if I’d ever given any thought balancing the roles and responsibili- interfere with a chance to get an out during the team stays together, there might be more titles chief, or was I looking for something to becoming an offcer,” said Cheney. ties of a father and husband, as well National League Championship Series in 2003. coming for the city of Chicago. That would create else?” “This was a big coincidence since my as preparing for the OTS board. All of that is forgiven with the events of Nov. another time where the word historic wouldn’t be That “something else” presented wife and I had just been discussing 2, 2016 (Nov. 3 on the East Coast), and with this taken out of context. itself in the form of an instant mes- the idea of me going back to school to SEE CROSSING, P. 18 current team, they may be on the verge of building

16 // ON-FiNal 17 // ON-FiNal CROSSING, CONTINUED FROM P. 16 In short order, he completed questions. CHAPLAIN’S his Associates Degree in Enter- “The board was a little in- prise Develop ment on top of a timidating, but it’s meant to be,” Community College of the Air he said. “They ask a lot of three- Force degree in Criminal Jus- part questions focused on the Air CORNER tice, and a Bachelors in General Force, yourself and leadership.” Studies with a Minor in Business His answers were good Administration. All this hard enough to satisfy the panel of work, hours spent with his nose wing leaders, and he was off to By Ch. (Capt.) Keith Rogers buried in books, sacrifcing fam- Air University at Maxwell Air ily time and giving up all his per- Force Base, Alabama. He found sonal free time with one goal in upon arrival that it echoed with mind, the hope of just getting a familiar tones from some of his t’s hard to be- package to the eyes of a review past training. lieve it’s already board and winning their nod of “To a prior service senior non- November. That approval. commissioned offcer OTS was a means Thanks- “It was killer” said Cheney. “I blend of Basic Military Training, giving will be hereI before you know it. was taking 14-16 semester hours Airman Leadership School and at the University of Central the Noncommissioned Offcer To get ready for the Oklahoma, working full-time as Academy,” said Cheney. “Our big day of thanks, I de- a civilian on Tinker, NCOIC of class was about a 50/50 blend of cided to challenge my- self. Giving thanks isn’t STOCKINGS Combat Arms in the Reserve, priors and non priors. It was very while still keeping up with being interesting to see how the OTS just a nice idea, it actu- a husband and a step-dad. I did environment affected the differ- ally aids your health and that for three semesters, plus fall ent cadets,” he said. “The frst immune system, and can and summer classes. It was the couple of weeks you just don’t even minimize the risk & SOCK/COAT DRIVE craziest year and a half of my sleep much, but then it starts to of heart disease. life.” transition to less BMT and more Please write three sen- To benefit Children & Seniors In the end, all that hard work of a leadership school.” tences stating what you would pay off. He fnally had For those nine and a half are grateful for, then re- his bachelors, and the time had weeks of OTS he would push cord your response in as much detail as possible. ALL ITEMS DUE BY COB DECEMBER UTA come to put everything in mo- himself. Lack of sleep didn’t tion with a little help and guid- slow him down. He fought off That can provide a ance from his mentor. the distraction of homesickness, sense of comfort and Fill a stocking for a local child and/or help someone keep “When I started the OTS pro- ignored physical and mental fa- well-being as well as fos- cess, I had no idea how daunting tigue, and excelled in his stud- tering positive thought warm and dry with a pair of socks or a warm coat! and therefore health. it would become,” said Cheney. ies. On graduation day he was “Fortunately for me, Maj. Mitch- awarded the distinguished grad- Challenge accept- ell, who was at the time com- uate award and was promoted ed. Between now and Fill a stocking for a child. mander of the 507th Security to 2nd Lieutenant. Thanksgiving, I’m going Bring in a package or pair of new socks for any age. Forces Squadron, became my Cheney will soon spend to write down what I’m mentor and really helped me more than four months away grateful for every day–- Bring a new or slightly used warm coat for any age. along the way. A lot of people from home and family. Time he at least three things-- big may know of the OTS selection wouldn’t have had to give up if or small. Someone will be so happy for the warmth and comfort process in the Reserve, but very he had stayed enlisted, but he is I hope you’ll join me in few people know how the pro- passionate about what he could the Gratitude Challenge. you have provided them with this donation! cess actually works. It’s a bit of accomplish as an offcer and Day 1 of the Gratitude a mystery.” says won’t second guess the path Challenge, today, I am Mysterious as this process he has chosen. grateful for 70-degree may be, it worked, and even- “I have no regrets.” said weather in November. tually landed him in front of a Cheney. “The offcer life isn’t all I am grateful that this six-person panel of feld grade that different from the SNCO UTA I will earn money to offcers and a command chief. side of the house, just some dif- help provide for my fam- He remembers how uncomfort- ferent rules to play by, and at ily. able he felt, having to think on the end of the day I’m still just I am grateful that I al- his feet, voicing answers to what another member of the Air Force ways smile when I think seemed like a series of rapid fre team.” about my children. An aerial view of the 507th Air Refueling Wing Sept. 13, 2016, at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla. Midwest City can be seen in the distance. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Lauren Gleason