Vol. 45 No. 20 May 27, 2005 Inside Graduation
COMMENTARY: Memorial Day message, activities Page 2 NEWS: commence Avoid investment scams, page 3 By the Academy Spirit staff Base reduction answers available, page 4 Saturday Visiting faculty, page 6 A Bluebards Production of Scarlet Pimpernel is in Arnold Hall Twenty-fifth anniversary of females at Academy, Theater from 7 to 10 p.m. page 10 Sunday FEATURES: An Association of Graduates Graduates reflect, page 14 Open House is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in SPORTS: Doolittle Hall. Hall of Fame lacrosse A Class of 2005 and Families coach, page 15 Reception is in the Carlton House. Academy football news, Third Group, squadrons 19-27, 1:30 page 16 to 2:15 p.m.; Fourth Group, squadrons 28 – 36, 2:15 – 3 p.m.; First Group, squadrons 1 - 9, 3 – Armed Forces Day 3:45 p.m., and Second Group, Briefly Cadet 4th Class Cary Reeves shows off an Air Force Academy Falcon to Kyle Morgan, squadrons 10 – 18, is 3:45 – 4:30 Jasmine McClelland, and Nicolas McClelland during Armed Forces Day activities at p.m. Memorial Park Saturday. See complete coverage, Pages 12-13. Six Graduate A Bluebards production of the NCO Academy Scarlet Pimpernel is 2 – 5 p.m. in Six Academy NCOs grad- Arnold Hall Theater. uated from Peterson AFB’s Professional Military Ed- ucation College on May 19. Officials offer advice Monday Graduates included Tech. A 9:30 flight demonstration is Sergeants Gregory Brooks, at 9:30 a.m. An organizational Dawn Kottke, Juan Sagaribay, Awards Parade and Wreath Laying Keven Salvione, Karen for graduation day ceremony is 10 – 11 a.m., Stillman Stevens and Laurie Walters. Field. The NCO Academy is one of the three phases of the Air By the Academy Spirit staff coolers, large bags and any items that cannot be Individual Awards Ceremony, Force Professional Military readily inspected. Strollers are not allowed; child 1:30 – 3 p.m., Clune Arena; Gospel Education Program. The phase Base security and safety officials are offering car seats are permitted only if there is a separate Choir Concert, 4:30 – 6 p.m., Cadet the graduates completed advice to visitors arriving at the Academy for grad- ticket for the infant who occupies the seat. Chapel and a Cadet Chorale provides a comprehensive uation. “You will not be able to get to the graduation Concert, 8 – 10 p.m., Arnold Hall study of communications, “Ensure you plan to arrive early to all events,” event late since the entrances to the stadium lots Theater. profession of arms, and lead- said Lt. Col. Kit Lambert, 10th Security Forces are in the Thunderbird Show Box,” said the secu- ership to help prepare NCOs Squadron commander. “Traffic will be heavy, for increased leadership rity official. “The show box will be locked down Tuesday especially for the parades on Monday and Tuesday. not later than 10:30.a.m.” responsibilities. People attending the parades should plan to be in A 9:15 a.m. flight demon- Students come from loca- No one will be able to leave and reenter the their seats at 9 a.m., one hour prior to the parade stration; Graduation Parade, 10 - tions throughout the United stadium due to security requirements. Attendees start time each day.” 11 a.m., Stillman Field; Catholic States and represent a cross will not be able to exit Falcon Stadium until after For the graduation at Falcon Stadium, base gates Choir Concert, 3:30 – 5:10 p.m., section of specialties, providing the Thunderbird demonstration at about 12:45 p.m. will open at 6 a.m. and the stadium gates open at Cadet Chapel. an opportunity for NCOs to Tailgating and fires are not allowed. share their viewpoints and 7 a.m. “The graduation ceremony is conducted in an experiences. “Visitors are encouraged to arrive at their Wednesday outdoor stadium, and attending graduation may parking space no later than 8:30 a.m.,” said the Swearing-in ceremonies at require extensive walking and stair climbing. Financial planning colonel. “Visitors entering the North Gate will be various locations are from midnight “American Values: put Colonel Lambert said. “Guests should be prepared parked at the North side of the stadium. Visitors to 2 a.m. your money where your entering the South Gate will be parked on the for any kind of weather. Medical staff and cooling Tickets are required for entry values are” is June’s Military South Side so it is important to know where you tents will be available for individuals who may expe- to the Graduation Ceremony, 10 Association of America are going. rience illness or other medical emergencies. Program of the Pikes Peak The security forces commander said stringent “Folks may want to wear hats to protect them a.m. – 12:45 p.m., Falcon Stadium; Chapter at the Peterson AFB security measures are in effect and stadium secu- selves from the sun and wear plenty of sun screen,” Thunderbird Demonstration, 12 – Officers’ Club. 12:45 p.m., Falcon Stadium; invi- The class hosted, by Mr. rity staff will check tickets, IDs, and hand-carried said Mr. Phil Deremer, Academy deputy safety Laurent Carrier, of Senior items and will require attendees to be scanned by director. “Please bring bottled water. Free water will tation only Air Force Assistance Financial Services, begins airport-style metal detectors. be provided in water buffalos but attendees will need Fund Luncheon, 1:15 – 3 p.m., Sunday at 7:30 a.m. Officials will not allow weapons, alcohol, to bring their own container.” Carlton House. Academy Spirit 2 COMMENTARY May 27, 2005 Air Force officials send Memorial Day message
WASHINGTON (AFPN) — The following is a Memorial Day message To all our servicemembers, from Michael L. Dominguez, acting “ secretary of the Air Force, and Air you and your families are truly among Force Chief of Staff Gen. John P. Jumper: our nation’s greatest treasures — “This Memorial Day our thoughts and prayers are with those whose we are honored to serve with you.” family members have died in service to our great nation. This day also reminds us that service to the nation, like the 60th anniversary of the end of that war. defending freedom. service of those departed, continues “We’re reminded of the pilots killed “Shortly after he took office in with today’s generation of Airmen flying in MiG Alley and the Marines April 1945, President Harry S. Truman, defending freedom and fighting the who died in the fight for the Chosin speaking of the fighting in Europe and global war on terrorism. We are Reservoir during the Korean War. the Pacific, said, ‘So that there can be reminded of the courageous sacrifices “We’re reminded of the Soldiers, no possible misunderstanding ... of hundreds of thousands of Americans. Sailors, Airmen and Marines who were America will continue the fight for “We’re reminded of the first offi- killed in the air and in the jungles of freedom until no vestige of resistance cial Memorial Day in 1868 when Vietnam. remains.’ We continue that fight for flowers were placed on the graves of “We’re reminded of those service- freedom today, carrying the legacy of Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John Union and Confederate Soldiers at members killed liberating Kuwait all those who have gone before us and Jumper. (Courtesy photo) Arlington Cemetery. during Operation Desert Storm. paid the ultimate price. and your families are truly among our “We’re reminded of the doughboys “We’re reminded daily of the ulti- “We encourage you to observe the nation’s greatest treasures — we are who died in the trenches and the Sailors mate sacrifices of men and women National Moment of Remembrance on honored to serve with you. We are also who perished in the North Atlantic spreading freedom and defeating terror May 30 at 3 p.m. local time as the greatly humbled as we remember our during World War I. in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the nation honors those who have served so now departed comrades-in-arms who “We’re reminded of the Soldiers world. honorably and bravely. Please take this gave everything they had so we could and Marines killed on the beaches of “In many other places throughout opportunity to pause for a moment of enjoy the freedom and democracy we such places as Normandy and Iwo Jima our history, men and women from all silence or other personal recognition of cherish today. May God bless you and during World War II. We especially services have sacrificed their lives for this revered day. your service to this nation, and may honor them this year as we celebrate the the noblest cause — protecting and “To all our servicemembers, you God continue to bless America.” Holiday weekend kicks off 101 Critical Days of Summer
By Phillip De Remer ties, compared to 37 in 2003. This means there was a The safety staff conducted a seat belt usage Academy Deputy Director of Safety fatal accident every three days. As in past years, survey this week at the Academy’s South Gate and the motor vehicle fatalities accounted for most of our usage rate was 99 percent. They checked 1,245 vehi- This weekend starts the 101 Critical Days of losses – 12 to private motor vehicle mishaps and 11 to cles with 1,646 driver/passengers and of those, 1,626 Summer – Memorial Day through Labor Day. It’s a motorcycle mishaps. Some of the factors in these were buckled-up, and all the children were in a child time we enjoy doing summer activities with family and mishaps included speeding, not using seatbelts or safety seat. It is a great feeling to see so many of our friends. This program was started in the early 1980 to helmets and alcohol. people buckling-up. help combat the deaths of Airmen during the summer The Academy had no fatalities during the summer Safety is a commanders’ program, but it must be months. of 2003 or 2004 and it would be great to keep this embraced by every unit member—be good wingmen Last summer the Air Force experienced 32 fatali- trend going through 2005. and look after one another throughout this summer.
Correction The Action Line, 333-3900, is a forum to resolve An error on page 8 of the May 20 ine unanswered complaints. Call, write or send an e-mail to issue of Academy Spirit identified e Action L [email protected]. Items may also be faxed to 333-4094, seven captains as belonging to the Call th or mailed to: “303 Flying Training Group”. es! The correct unit is the “306th issu Directorate of Public Affairs/ACTION LINE solve Flying Training Group”. to re 2304 Cadet Drive, Suite 312 Our sincerest congratulations to 00 USAF Academy, CO 80840-5016. 333-39 the seven major selects. Provide your name and telephone number. Requests for anonymity will be respected. Before contacting the ACTION LINE, be sure to use the proper chain of command. Please Recycle
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Academy Spirit May 27, 2005 NEWS 3 DOD works to thwart insurance, investment rip-offs By Rudi Williams won’t cover those kinds of events,” Colonel not many investments, other than tax-free cial-readiness campaign about a year and American Forces Press Service Pachuta noted. bonds, that have the same kind of advan- a half ago with 28 federal and nonprofit He encourages servicemembers to tages that TSP has,” he said. private organizations that specialize in WASHINGTON – Defense Depart- seek counseling and advice for financial DoD officials are rewriting parts of the financial education, such as the Securities ment officials are working to thwart insur- matters through base family support centers department’s commercial-solicitation policy and Exchange Commission, Department ance and investment marketing practices and legal offices. to enhance enforcement. This includes a of Treasury, and National Association of that exploit military personnel. Servicemembers should be on the requirement for installations that detect Securities Dealers,” Colonel Pachuta said. “You really have to be a little bit skep- lookout for such things as something policy violations to report them to their “These are large, reputable organizations tical if somebody says if you invest a little presented as a savings plan with an insur- service headquarters, and from there to that have good information. They have bit of money with us today you’ll have a ance component to it. DoD. The aim is to keep a record of viola- great Web sites, great training tools, and great deal of money tomorrow,” warned Air That’s a red flag, he said. Before buying tions to have them available for installations they provided us information we can use Force Col. Michael Pachuta, DoD’s director insurance, servicemembers should compare to check when a new insurance agent wants in our financial-education programs.” The of morale, welfare and recreation policy. what the premium would be for a rate of to do business on the installation. official said DoD policies apply to any “Also, you should shop (for investment coverage compared to the rate for the same Colonel Pachuta said there are 14 military or civilian employees as long as opportunities) like you would for anything amount of coverage through the prohibited practices in DoD’s commercial- the transaction takes place on a military else. Don’t buy the first thing that comes Servicemen’s Group Life Insurance solicitation directive, such as soliciting installation. along. Make some comparisons.”” program. without an appointment, soliciting door-to- “That has been the problem,” he noted. Congress raised concerns last fall after About 96 percent of servicemembers door, and soliciting individuals during duty “Some people have been enticed to go off press reports documented abusive insurance have SGLI, and 92 percent of them have hours at their work places. the installation to carry out these business and investment sales practices at some opted for full SGLI coverage of $250,000. “Those are the kinds of policies that agreements. So we’re interested in working military installations, including Camp More than 160,000 servicemembers have limit where, when and how an insurance with the federal and state regulatory agen- Pendleton, Calif., and Fort Benning, Ga. military pay allotments for supplemental or investment solicitor can make contact cies to broaden our oversight.” This caused DoD to step up its efforts to commercial life insurance. The premiums and solicit someone on the installation,” he He pointed out that DoD policies cover improve oversight and enforcement of poli- they pay total over $190 million per year, said. “We’ve also been concerned about insurance and investment agents who cies. according to DoD statistics. agents having access to allotment forms and operate overseas, as well. The companies Brand-new servicemembers are some- “SGLI, to a large extent, especially for having them there for the servicemember have to apply to DoD each year for permis- times enticed to go off base to what they single servicemembers who have no to sign on the spot. And even the agent sion to operate on U.S. military installations think are investment seminars that end up dependents, should fulfill most of their taking those forms to finance to get them overseas. being insurance sales pitches, the colonel insurance needs,” the director noted. “But processed. Colonel Pachuta said he’d like to hear said. “Unfortunately, our policies don’t a lot of times, our young servicemem- “We think that really steps over the from individuals who have been taken apply off the installation,” he continued. “So bers are looking at putting away some line,” the colonel noted. “Pay is a personal advantage of by such unscrupulous prac- we have to rely on financial education, money. And some of these insurance sales decision that a member has to make and tices. People can send comments to him at which we’ve tried to improve at the first pitches are disguised as savings plans, they need to be the one to process any kind [email protected] no later than basic-training opportunities with our new although there’s an insurance aspect to it of allotment for an investment or insurance June 20. servicemembers.” that wasn’t explained clearly when they that goes through the military pay system.” He also recommended that anyone Pachuta recommended that troops signed up.” He said financial education is the key who has a problem with an insurance ensure there are no combat-exclusion The colonel suggests that service- to stopping servicemembers from being product contact the appropriate state regu- clauses in life insurance that they buy. members who want to open a savings ripped off by unscrupulous insurance agents latory agency. “They’re the ones that have “We’re going to be in harm’s way, and it account should consider the Thrift Savings and companies. a strong hammer if there has been a legal doesn’t make any sense to have a policy that Plan. “It’s a tax-deferred plan, and there are “The department kicked off a finan- or ethical violation,” he said. Academy Spirit 4 May 27, 2005 Base reduction answers become available By Jim Garamone recommendations makes it extremely difficult to pull just military surge capability, an increase in active-duty end- American Forces Press Service one base or installation out of a proposal. strengths and the DOD plan to bring about 70,000 ”The department recognizes that operating jointly servicemembers back from overseas bases. WASHINGTON — As the military confronts the reduces overhead costs, improves efficiency and facil- The chairman said the imperative is for the U.S. “new demands of the war against extremism and other itates cooperative training and research,” he said. “And military to transform to meet the challenges of today and evolving challenges in the world,” the Defense I would suggest that one must be careful about taking a those of the future. BRAC is not a “stand-alone event.” Department’s recommendations for base realignments selective look at individual components or pieces of He urged commissioners to view the process as rooted and closures are necessary, Defense Secretary Donald these recommendations without considering how these in the new National Defense Strategy and National H. Rumsfeld told the commission considering DOD’s components or pieces fit into the larger whole.” Military Strategy. The department’s Global Basing proposals May 16. People involved in the two-and-a-half-year DOD Strategy also helped inform the decision, he said. Finally, Secretary Rumsfeld and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs BRAC recommendation effort sorted through 25 million the Quadrennial Defense Review also helped DOD deci- of Staff Gen. Richard B. Myers testified before the Base bits of information in making their appraisals, Secretary sion-makers, General Myers said. Realignment and Closure Commission on May 16. Both Rumsfeld said. Since the recommendations became public, many men stressed the joint approach taken in forming this year’s ”They considered (about) 1,000 different scenarios people have asked why the department is closing bases BRAC recommendations. The emphasis on joint warfighting “improves our or approaches, and devoted (about) 4,000 man-hours while in a time of war. efficiency and improves our warfighting capability,” their staffs devoted tens of thousands of hours more,” ”The answer is because the changes are essential in General Myers said. he said. helping us win in this conflict,” Secretary Rumsfeld He also said the recommendations that DOD offi- When the recommendations came to him for approval, said. cials delivered to the commission include an important the secretary said he approved them intact. The secretary said the changes, if adopted by the focus on the reserve components. Those recommendations would close 33 major bases commission, the president and ultimately, the Congress, ”The recommendations will help the reserve compo- and realign 29 others out of about 318 major bases in will help relieve stress on the military, will allow forces nents modernize, improve their mobilization processes the United States. to work more jointly, better protect the forces and help and transform for the 21st century security environ- ”They would close a bit less than 10 percent of to properly equip U.S. troops. ment,” General Myers said. major U.S. military facilities and realign some 9 percent ”We must do all that we can to identify and remove Finally, the recommendations take into account the if the recommendations are approved,” Secretary Rumsfeld all the excess that exists to be better able to address changed security environment that stresses the depart- said. those pressing needs to help the warfighter,” Secretary ment’s homeland defense mission and force-protection The secretary explained that the number of closures Rumsfeld said. concerns, the chairman said. and realignments is smaller than many people expected. Ultimately, the warfighter and the American taxpayer Secretary Rumsfeld said the jointness implicit in the He said this is in part because of the consideration of benefit from the BRAC process, the secretary said.
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By Staff Sgt. C. Todd Lopez policy formulation to execution,” said Lt. Air Force Print News Gen. William T. Hobbins, chief of the new organization. WASHINGTON — Air Force leaders Creating this single source for infor- marked the standup of an organization mation technology was important because designed to be the single focal point for information and communications superi- information technology policy formulation ority are critical to winning the nation’s and execution to best integrate current wars, said acting Secretary of the Air Force technologies. Michael L. Dominguez. This helps meet the Air Force chief of ”From the simple black telephone on staff’s vision of “shortening the kill chain,” everybody’s desk to the flying bundle of which refers to the series of events leading fiber optics we call the F/A-22 (Raptor), from identification of a potential target to communications and information are the ultimate destruction or “kill” of that absolutely essential to everything we do,” target. The target could be a building, a he said. “Our mission is to fight and win cave, a convoy or a communications tower. the nation’s wars as an integral part of the Three existing Air Force IT organiza- joint force, so it makes sense to merge the tions were merged May 10 to create the functions most responsible for integrating Office of Warfighting Integration and communications and information for Chief Information Officer, or SAF/XC. warfighting effects.” Those organizations included the Deputy The new organization consists of three Chief of Staff, Warfighting Integration; directorates: policy, planning and resources; In their honor Air Force Chief Information Officer and operations and support integration; and Tech. Sgt. Edward Forsberg, back left and Staff Sgt. William Allen, back the Directorate of Communications information, services and integration. right, both members of the 10th Security Forces Squadron’s mounted Operations. General Hobbins said the new orga- patrol, assist the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Patrol with a ”Clearly what you will see out of this nization brings responsibility for perfor- wreath presentation during the Peace Officers Memorial Day Service May 13 in Memorial Park. The event was held to honor fallen law enforcement organization is a single source for infor- mance of as many as 233 functional officers from the Colorado Springs region. (Courtesy photo) mation technology in the Air Force, from activities under one umbrella group.