COMMANDER’S CORNER: WARRIOR ETHOS - PAGE 2 Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado
Thursday, August 30, 2018 Vol. 62 No. 35 Medal of Honor presented to Tech. Sgt. John Chapman’s family
By Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (AFNS) — On what would have been their 26th wedding anniversary, Tech. Sgt. John Chapman’s widow, Valerie Nessel, accepted his Medal of Honor from President Donald Trump during a ceremony at the White House Aug. 22. “We are gathered together this afternoon to pay trib- ute to a fallen warrior, a great warrior…and to award him with our nation’s highest and most revered military honor,” Trump said. Fighting in the early morning hours through brisk air and deep snow, Chapman sacrificed his own life to pre- serve the lives of his teammates during the Battle of Taku Ghar, Afghanistan, on March 4, 2002. “[John] would want to recognize the other men who lost their lives,” Valerie said in a previous interview. “Even though he did something he was awarded the Medal of Honor for, he would not want the other guys to be for- gotten – they were part of the teamRECREATION together. I think he AN E ENTS would say his Medal of Honor was not just for him, but for all of the guys who were lost.” Chapman was originally awarded the Air Force Cross for his actions; however, following a review of the Air Force Cross and Silver Star recipients directed by then-Secretary of DefenseWORLDWIDE Ash Carter, Deborah James, then-Secretary of the Air Force, recommended Chapman’s Air Force Cross (U.S. Air Force photo by Wayne A. Clark) be upgraded to the Medal of Honor. WASHINGTON (AFNS) — Valerie Nessel, the spouse of Tech. Sgt. John Chapman, stands as the citation is read before receiving the “John was always selfless – it didn’t just emerge at Taku Medal of Honor from President Donald J. Trump during a ceremony at the White House in Washington, D.C., Aug. 22, 2018. Chapman was Ghar – he hadDay always been selflessof and Playhighly competent, posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for actions on Takur Ghar mountain in Afghanistan on March 4, 2002, when his elite special and thank God for all those qualities,” retired Air Force operations team was ambushed by the enemy and came under heavy fire from multiple directions. Chapman immediately charged an Come out and play with us from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Col. Ken Rodriguez, Chapman’s commander at the time enemy bunker through thigh-deep snow and killed all enemy occupants. Courageously moving from cover to assault a second machine September 29, in Patriot Park, located on the north side of the of the battle,Youth said Center. in a previousBig or little. Younginterview. or adult. “He We allcould need tohave make gun bunker, he was injured by enemy fire. Despite severe wounds, he fought relentlessly, sustaining a violent engagement with multiple time to play. TheSee event Medal is free and of open Honor to all eligible page users 11 enemy personnel before making the ultimate sacrifice. With his last actions, he saved the lives of his teammates. of Peterson AFB and their guests.
McCain’s life should serve as 21st Space Wing honors DOD-level award winner example for today’s service members, Mattis says By Jim Garamone DoD News, Defense Media Activity Playful, zany, WASHINGTON — The life of Arizona Sen. John S. McCain, who died Aug. 25, should serve screamin’ good as an example for service members today, Defense Games. Secretary James N. Mattis said here today. Mattis spoke with reporters just before wel- coming Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Happy, bouncy, Ryacudu to the Pentagon for meetings. The secretary focused on Navy Lt. Cmdr. John giant Inflatables. McCain, a naval aviator shot down over North Vietnam in 1967 and held in captivity for more Fun, laughable, than five years. joyful Activities. Mattis noted that McCain refused to be repatri- (U.S. Air Force Photo by Alethea Smock) ated out of order. The North Vietnamese sought to PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — Senior Airman Dennis Hoffman, 21st Space Wing public affairs photojournalist, received the Military Graphic make propaganda hay by releasing McCain – the Designer of the Year 2017 award from leadership at Defense Media Activity, August 20, 2018 at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. The Defense Media Learn more. Be See McCain’s life page 14 Awards program honors excellence among military and civilian broadcasters, graphic artists, journalists, photographers and videographers to foster an more. Info booths. environment of innovation and growth, leading to more effective communication programs.
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2B SEPTEMBER 2018 • Visit www.21fss.com for program details and hours of operation for 21st Force Support Squadron activities • A supplement to the Space Observer SPACE OBSERVER 2 Thursday, August 30, 2018 www.peterson.af.mil 21ST SPACE WING COMMANDER’S CORNER
stand for, guiding us through difficult decisions of morality and justice. On March 16, 1968, U.S. soldiers entered the small village of My Lai and killed hundreds of civilians. While some of the soldiers did not partic- Warrior ethos ipate in the atrocities, none did anything to stop them. However, Warrant Officer Hugh Thompson, having PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — The crux of witnessed the actions from a helicopter, showed true military law is to maintain good order and discipline moral courage that day. Despite the risks of alienation in the pursuit of promoting justice and effectiveness By Lt. Col. Sterling by his superiors and derailing his professional career, in the military establishment. The Warrior’s Ethos C. Pendleton Thompson immediately confronted the perpetrators further exemplifies these principals, representing the and reported their actions. Thompson stood up for his ideals that drive military law through physical and ideals and the ideals of the military law system. moral courage. Former Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. 21st Space Wing Airmen must have equal parts physical and moral Michael Moseley stated the “Warrior’s Ethos exhibits courage. Physical courage to do what is asked of them a hardness of spirit, and moral and physical courage.” Staff Judge Advocate and fulfill their duty, even in the face of uncertainty Physical courage is a warrior’s ability to act despite their fears of consequences to their physical person, and danger. Moral courage to do what is right and hold knowing their actions are necessary and just. The Army in the end only 90 remained. The Rangers at Pointe de themselves to a higher standard of civility and disci- Rangers who scaled the cliffs at Pointe de Hoc, France Hoc courageously died for their country, for democracy pline. Without either of these principles, our military during World War II to take out German guns were and to liberate Europe from tyranny; things bigger law system would be inert. The strength of military law warriors. They scaled the cliffs, fighting on, in the face than themselves. lies in the strength of Airmen and our understanding of certain death. Indeed, 225 began the mission and Moral courage underpins who we are and what we and adherence to the Warrior’s Ethos.
The Transcript can publish your NOTICES OF GUARDIANSHIP For more info call 634-5905
The Transcript can publish your NOTICES OF GUARDIANSHIP • For more info call 634-5905 SPACE OBSERVER www.peterson.af.mil Thursday, August 30, 2018 3
Serve as an officer for in sponsor of a partisan political club Speak to a partisan political gathering to promote a par- tisan political party or candidate March or ride in a partisan political parade Display a large political sign at one’s residence on a mil- #KNOWtheRULES itary installation By Robb Lingley Do: Use contemptuous words concerning the president or 21st Space Wing Public Affairs Register to and vote Congress Express a personal opinion on political candidates and “If Airmen don't follow the political activity dos and don'ts, issues, but not as a representative of the Armed Forces they risk Uniform Code of Military Justice actions,” said PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — With an in- Encourage others to vote Fornander. creased use of social media and mobile technology, it has Make monetary contributions to a political organization If you are active duty, civilian, or a dependent of the mili- been simpler than ever to share your thoughts and opinions or political committee tary and not registered in Colorado to vote, you may request around the world. Attend political meetings or rallies as a spectator when your state's ballot by registering at www.fvap.gov. Find your Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook are just some not in uniform state, follow the directions for your state and request a ballot. of the social media platforms out there for public use. Join a political club and attend its meetings when not in The Peterson Airman & Family Readiness Center is your This past February, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel uniform point of contact should you need voting assistance. updated its guidance regarding when federal employees’ use Participate fully in the Federal Voting Assistance Program “To get election information you can Google candidate of social media violates the Hatch Act, a federal law that has Don’t: races and read local newspapers online or in print,” said been in place since 1939. Use official authority or influence to interfere with an Fornander. “The local newspapers both have extensive in- “The Hatch Act limits federal employees' political activ- election formation on candidates and issues. I recommend several ities to enforce political neutrality among the ranks,” said Solicit contributions in any federal or military offices or diverse sources on the same subject to have a larger picture Christine Fornander, 21st Force Support Squadron Airman & facilities for any partisan political candidate or cause view.” Family Readiness Center installation voting assistant officer. The Department of Defense policy is to encourage members of the Armed Forces , including members on active duty, DoD civilians, members of the Reserve Components not on active duty, members of the National Guard (even when in a non-Federal status), and retired members to carry out the obligations of citizenship. Generally speaking, all federal employees may use social media to comply with the Hatch Act so long as they abide by the following three prohibitions: Employees may not engage in political activity while on duty or in the federal workplace. Employees may not knowingly solicit, accept, or receive a political contribution for a political party, candidate in a partisan race, or partisan political group. This rule applies 24/7, not just in the workplace. Employees may not use their official authority or influence to affect the outcome of an election. This rule also applies 24/7, not just in the workplace. Whether it’s a small local election or a large national elec- tion, service members are encouraged to stay up to date and be involved in political activities. AFI 51-902 provides specific rules regarding what Air (U.S. Air Force graphic by Senior Airman Dennis Hoffman) Force members can and cannot do in the political arena. A PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — With an increased use of social media and mobile technology, it has been simpler for Airmen and civilians brief review of these important rules can keep you out of to share their thoughts and opinions around the world about the upcoming elections. Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook are just some of trouble while still being able to be a responsible, politically the social media platforms out there for public use. The Department of Defense policy encourages Airmen and civilians to carry out the obligations conscious citizen. of citizenship.
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HOLIDAY GATE HOURS AWANA KICK OFF (719) 634-5905 The North Gate will be closed the entire weekend, including Friday AWANA is a Christian program designed like boy/girl scouts and 235 South Nevada Avenue, Aug. 31 and Sept. 3. The East Gate will be open normal hours on Friday helps build strong future leaders. The first meeting will be Sept. 12 Colorado Springs, CO 80903-1246. Aug. 31 (5 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and Monday Sept. 3, (8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.). from 5 - 7:15 p.m. Dinner will be served for the entire family and ages PUBLISHER AND EXECUTIVE EDITOR COLORADO SPRINGS MILITARY NEWSPAPER GROUP The West Gate will remain open 24/7. CSMNCOLORADO SPRINGS MILITARY NEWSPAPERG GROUP CSMNG for AWANA classes are for 2 - to 12-year-olds. The meetings will be Amy Sweet BRIEFLY LEGAL filled with fun, laughter, games, and training our children to serve and [email protected] EDITOR Planning on taking advantage of a Labor Day Sale for a vehicle? lead in our community. For more information please contact Myrna Shaffer at [email protected] or 556-4442. Bryan Grossman Make sure the interest isn’t too good to be true and that the terms of [email protected]
the contract are not subject to modification by the dealer without your CSMNCOLORADO SPRINGS MILITARY NEWSPAPERG GROUP CSMNCOLORADO SPRINGS MILITARY NEWSPAPERG GROUP CSMNCOLORADO SPRINGS MILITADVERTISINGARY NEWSPAPERG GROUP CSMNCOLORADO SPRINGS MILITARY NEWSPAPERG GROUP consent! Contact the SJA’s Office for tips. CATHOLIC RELIGIOUS Advertising Director EDUCATION VOLUNTEERS Jeff Moore [email protected] WEIGHT LOSS CLASS Our Catholic Religious Education program is dependent on vol- Account Executives A 12 Week Weight Loss Class (1hr classes) starts Friday, Sept. 7 unteers for catechists (teachers), classroom assistants, and teen vol- at 9:30 a.m. on a weekly basis until Dec. 7, which will help partici- Tammy Fogall unteers. The more volunteers we have, the better our program will [email protected] pants learn to make better choices through the holiday and into the Monty Hatch New Year! Classes will be held in the Health Promotion Classroom, become. Excellent resources and support will be provided for teach- [email protected] ing positions. Teacher training will be offered Aug. 10, 6 p.m. at the second floor of Fitness Center for all DoD ID Card holders over 18 Vanessa Nagel years of age. Please register by Sept. 5 to Laura Moore at 556-5787 or Chapel. For more information, please contact Rose at 556-7971 or [email protected] [email protected]. [email protected]. ART DEPARTMENT Art Director Melissa Edwards Production Manager Jayson Peters Graphic Designers Rowdy Tompkins Elena Trapp Colorado Publishing House Chairman of the Board John Weiss Executive Editor Emeritus Ralph Routon Circulation Coordinator Tim Kranz
Staff Writer Audrey Jensen
Published by Colorado Springs Military Newspapers Group, 235 S. Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, 80903, a private firm in no way con- nected with the U.S. Air Force, under exclusive written contract with the 21st Space Wing. This commercial enterprise Air Force newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. military services. Contents of the Space Observer are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Govern- ment, the Department of Defense or the Department of the Air Force. The appearance of advertising in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not constitute en- dorsement by DoD, the Department of the Air Force, or CSMNG, of the products or services advertised. Everything advertised in this pub- lication shall be made available for purchase, use or patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affilia- tion or any other non-merit factor of the purchaser, user or patron. Editorial content is edited, prepared and provided by the 21st Space Wing Public Affairs Office, 775 Lor- ing Ave., Suite 258, Peterson AFB, Colo., 80914-1294, (719) 556-5185 or DSN 834-5185, fax (719) 556- 7848 or DSN 834-7848. All photo- graphs are Air Force photographs unless otherwise indicated. The Space Observer is published every Thursday. For advertising in- quiries, call Colorado Springs Mil- itary Newspapers, (719) 634-5905. Employees of Peterson Air Force Base who want to place a free classi- fied advertisement should call (719) 329-5210. Articles, announcements, news briefs or feedback for the Space Observer should be submitted to the 21st SW/ PA via [email protected]. For further information, call 21st SW/PA at (719) 556-5185 or DSN 834-5185 or e-mail space.observer@ us.af.mil. Deadline for article sub- mission is noon the Friday one week before publication. All articles, copy and announcements submitted will be edited to conform to AFI Series 35 and the Associated Press Stylebook and Libel Manual. For information in the event of a Peterson Air Force Base emergency, contact the Straight Talk line at (719) 556-9154. SPACE OBSERVER www.peterson.af.mil Thursday, August 30, 2018 5 Staff Sergeant selects
(U.S. Air Force photo by Robb Lingley) PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. — Staff sergeant selects gather in the ballroom at The Club on Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado to celebrate the staff sergeant release party Aug. 23, 2018. The Air Force selected 15,669 senior airmen for promotion to staff sergeant out of 30,651 eligible with a selection rate of 51.12 percent in the 2018 promotion cycle.
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THE NINTH ANNUAL AWARD-WINNING more lethal, more agile’ 2018
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The Festival Where Imagination Takes Flight! DOWNTOWN (DoD photo by Jim Garamone) COLORADO WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary James N. Mattis, left, greets reporters prior to a Pentagon news con- ference, Aug. 28, 2018. Mattis and Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, SPRINGS updated reporters on the National Defense Strategy’s progress with its three lines of effort: increasing lethality, strengthening partnerships and alliances and reforming DoD business practices. WASHINGTON — The Defense Department is making significant progress along its three strategic lines of effort outlined in the National Defense Strategy issued in January, Defense Secretary James N. Mattis told reporters today. Mattis and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Marine Corps Gen. Joe Dunford updated Pentagon reporters this morning. The secretary praised the strong bipartisan support in Congress that resulted in the $717 billion budget authorization for 2019. “And our military continues to grow stronger, more lethal, more agile, and certainly more deployable than a year ago,” he said. The Fiscal Year ‘2019 National Defense Authorization Act is named for the late Sen. John S. McCain, and it meets all of DoD’s critical needs, Mattis said. “I cannot thank Congress without expressing my respect for [McCain] for his steadfast courage and his service and my deepest condolences to his family for the loss of a man 100+ Interactive FREE FUN who represented all of the ideals America stands for,” the secretary said. Experiences ! McCain was a staunch supporter of the U.S. military, he said. FOR ALL AGES ! “Our nation has lost a great patriot, and our military lost one of our most ardent sup- The Arts, porters,” Mattis said. The chairman also praised the late senator from Arizona. Engineering, Science, Enjoy 4 Festivals “[He] was a lifelong and tireless advocate for the men and women of the U.S. military,” High Tech & Low Tech Fun within The Festival… Dunford said. “While we mourn Senator McCain’s passing, we’ll be eternally grateful for his distinguished service and his courageous example.” EVERYBODY WELCOME Maintaining Military Readiness Immersive Global Portal CULTURAL Today, the United States is being challenged across the global stage, Mattis said. Ninja Course Challenges YOUTH PERFORMANCE “[We] are witnessing a world that is awash in change, and maintaining readiness in the ORGANIZATIONS face of looming threats is a responsibility that we owe the next generation,” the secretary said. COLORADO SHORT FILMS The Defense Department is working hard to meet those challenges, he said. Local Innovators “We’re going to put our activities into a strategic framework that we have provided in Chalk It Up Art Challenge CONTEMPORARY the National Defense Strategy,” Mattis said of the three lines of effort: increasing lethality, MUSIC & DANCE strengthening alliances and building new partnerships internationally, and reforming how DoD does business to achieve the best use of taxpayers’ money. Free Music Dance Film “[We] have no room for complacency in any domain, the secretary said. “We recognize ARRIVE EARLY… cyberspace and outer space as warfighting domains on par with air, land and sea. And Yummy Festival Food these two domains … were made contested domains by the actions of others, so as a result 5 PERFORMANCES we have elevated [U.S.] Cyber Command to full combatant command status and we have SCHEDULED worked with Congress and the White House to define the evolving space problem that we confront.” THANK YOU SPONSORS! TO BEGIN AT 10AM DoD is also putting into place the National Defense Authorization Act’s provision for a unified space command, in line with the president’s vision for a Space Force, while revising its vision for defending its assets in space and revising antiquated acquisition processes. “We are working now with Congress on our way ahead with regard to needed legislation for a separate department,” Mattis said. “We have released our Nuclear Posture Review, outlining the necessary steps we are taking to strengthen America’s nuclear deterrents so these weapons are never used, nuclear war being a war that cannot be won and must never be fought,” he said. DoD, also has added new standards to improve deployability of its forces so they are ready to fight and win at any time across any domain, the secretary said. PRODUCED BY IMAGINATION CELEBRATION - A NONPROFIT SERVING THE PIKES PEAK REGION Alliances, Partnerships The No. 2 line of effort goal is to “improve consultation, cooperation and burden-sharing # What If Festival www.whatif-festival.org with alliances and partnerships so we can best deter … threats and competition, … because we are stronger alongside like-minded nations,” Mattis noted. “Democracy is working, and we will be continuing to work with our friends from Ottawa to the southern tip of South America, for cooperation is critical for realizing the shared vision of democracy, prosperity and security,” he said. The last NATO summit yielded tangible results with 29 partner nations, which are now spending more on defense in the organization, Mattis said “All recommitted to spending 2 percent of [gross domestic product] on defense by 2024,” he added. The secretary said DoD also gained full commitment to what’s called the four 30s: 30 air squadrons, 30 naval ships and 30 combat battalions, all available to fight within 30 See Stronger Military page 9 SPACE OBSERVER www.peterson.af.mil Thursday, August 30, 2018 7 Medics’ career development opportunities amidst AFMS changes By Chief Master Sgt. G. Steve Cum Chief, Medical Enlisted Force and Enlisted Corps Chief
FALLS CHURCH, Va. — When the Defense Health Agency assumes responsibility for delivering the health benefit in select MTFs on Oct. 1, medics will continue to have the same career development opportunities as before, if not more. It’s no secret the Surgeon General, Lt. Gen. Dorothy Hogg, and I do our fair share of traveling, especially in light of this “transition,” as some like to call it. We talk with a lot of Airmen, and for good reason some are worried about their careers. Concern is natural, as long as you do not let it consume you. When it comes to jobs, career, and family we should all have good situational awareness. But first, let me say something about this transition. In my view, this is more of a partnership. We have been working side by side with the DHA since it stood up. For years, we have worked together to ensure medical Airmen are ready for wartime missions, while at the same time ensuring a medi- cally ready Air Force. Come Oct. 1, the DHA will implement policies and instructions in MTFs, and we will partner with them to ensure beneficiaries continue receiving the Trusted Care you provide every day. The fact is increased involvement by the DHA in MTFs will offer you increased development opportunities, not fewer. We are continually evaluating and assessing programs FALLS CHURCH, Va. — When the Defense Health Agency assumes responsibility for delivering the health benefit in select MTFs on Oct. 1, medics to ensure you have the right training and skills to succeed. will continue to have the same career development opportunities as before, if not more. We are convinced more leadership and development op- portunities are exactly what we need to build future AFMS joint medical warrior teams. We have a group of people on duty stations, take part in special duty assignments, and changed, but when it does it will be for the better. We are the Surgeon’s staff, a transition cell made up of functional cross train will remain unchanged. The need for Air Force working with the DHA and sister services to develop you, the experts, which meets every day to hammer out details to medics will remain unchanged…your roles and positions joint medical enlisted leader of the future. I encourage you to ensure the best outcome possible. I can tell you they have are vitally important. Your Air Force leaders and supervi- have an open mind and assist us in making this partnership your back, as do I. with DHA a success. Together, we are better and stronger. Let’s also look at a few things that will not change as the sors on Sept. 30 will still be your leaders and supervisors on Oct. 1. And I can assure you, you are their top priority. Lt. Gen. Hogg and I will not let you down. DHA’s role in MTFs matures. Your requirement to accom- Thank you for your dedication and service! plish PME will remain unchanged. Your promotion system You always have been. See New strategy page 14 will remain unchanged. Your chance to volunteer for different For the time being, your development pyramid has not
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