Rescuegram the RESCUEGRAM Commander’S Commentary: Is Published by the Public Affairs Office, 129Th Rescue Wing

The Official Information Publication of the 129th Rescue Wing, California Air National Guard June 2009

Airmen deploy to Djibouti and Afghanistan Lives Saved Deployments range from 40 days to four months by Capt. Alyson M. Teeter Djibouti deployment, 129th Rescue Wing Public more than 65 Airmen and 602 Affairs three HH-60G Pave Hawk 129th Airmen said their helicopters deployed for two These Things We Do... goodbyes to loved ones and to four months to provide That Others May Live shipped off to Afghanistan combat search and rescue and Djibouti in April and support for Operation May. Enduring Freedom. All The first deployment told, approximately 100 to depart was the 130th servicemembers are Rescue Squadron and deploying to Afghanistan various support personnel. over the course of their four- More than 50 aircrew month tour. members, maintainers and “After a busy year of support personnel, and two saving lives during fires and MC-130P Combat Shadow hurricanes, our Airmen are aircraft deployed to Djibouti ready to perform our combat to provide combat search search and rescue mission and rescue support for overseas,” said Col. Amos Combined Joint Task Force- Bagdasarian, 129th Rescue Horn of Africa. Wing commander. Two weeks after the See DEPLOY, Page 3 Inside This Issue:

Commander’s Editorial 2

AEF Deployments 3

C-130s go digital 4

Outstanding Unit Award 5

News & Notes 6

Portrait of a Professional 7

(U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua Kauffman) Members from the 129th Rescue Wing embark on a C-17 Globemaster for their deployment to Afghanistan, May 3. The Rescuegram THE RESCUEGRAM Commander’s Commentary: is published by the Public Affairs Office, 129th Rescue Wing. This 2009 AEF deployments take off official newsletter is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. by Col. Amos Bagdasarian, 129th military services. Editorial content is Rescue Wing Commander edited, prepared, and provided by the Public Affairs Office of the 129th The 129th Rescue Wing recently Rescue Wing. Its contents are not deployed more than a 100 Airmen half- necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government, way around the world. At the end of the Department of Defense, the April we sent our aircrews, support Department of the Air Force, or the personnel and MC-130Ps to Djibouti, California Air National Guard. and a few days later we went through The mission of the 129th Rescue Wing is to provide highly the deployment process again to get trained and well-equipped rescue our HH-60G folks out the door to resources, able to respond to Afghanistan. and sustain the state mission of furnishing trained personnel for state emergencies, such as All of the deployment groups made natural disasters, and to assist civil it over to their respective areas of authorities in the enforcement of operation safe and sound, due largely the law. to our cargo and personnel deployment When called to active duty with the Air Force, we provide function staffs. We need to thank the personnel manning the manpower, material and equipment CDF and PDF, as well as the LGRDX folks for truly exceptional resources to conduct and complete service. This was no easy feat due to challenges leading up to the combat and search rescue departures of our people and equipment. operations world-wide. We provide manpower, material and equipment to conduct and complete peacetime This deployment had many variables, from multiple groups search operations. moving to different locations on different aircraft, numerous last minute personnel and equipment changes, to airlift slips. With Editorial Staff Commander this level of complexity for a deployment, it’s imperative that Col. Amos Bagdasarian everyone’s individual mobilization readiness be in order.

Public Affairs Officer Tasks and training assigned by the unit or IDO must be Capt. Alyson M. Teeter accomplished promptly in order to have a smooth deployment Staff Writer departure from the base. We need to be proactive in preparing Staff Sgt. Eric Hamilton and executing deployments so we can concentrate on the mission when called. Multimedia Staff Photo Master Sgt. Dan Kacir Whether we are involved with combat overseas, hurricanes in the Staff Sgt. Kim Ramirez Gulf Coast, or fires here in California, we must maintain a high Senior Airman Joshua Kauffman level of readiness. This means being fit, medically qualified, and Video being current in your AFSC, ancillary and war skills training, Tech. Sgt. Ray Aquino along with maintaining up to date personal information, wills, Senior Airman Shane Burke powers of attorney, etc. From top to bottom, commander to Airman, it’s everyone’s responsibility to be ready to deploy.

Thank you for your hard work and long hours. We still have a few more deployments to process and the redeployments to execute, keep up the great work.

Lastly, we are at the beginning of the “101 Days of Summer,” Contact Us: which started Memorial Day weekend and ends Labor Day 129th RQW/PA P.O. Box 103, Stop 20 weekend. This is a time of outdoor fun, but also a time where Moffett FAF, CA 94035 many accidents occur. Please be cautious as you enjoy the Telephone: 650-603-9152 longer days and warmer weather. Minimize your risks, wear [email protected] proper gear and perform personal risk assessments. Our nation, communities, families, friends and co-workers depend on your service and commitment, so please be safe in everything you do.

The Rescuegram Airmen deploy to Djibouti and Afghanistan, cont. from Page 1 “It shouldn’t be forgotten ceremony at Kandahar Air 599 to 601. that support from their Field, Afghanistan, May “On behalf of the citizens families and employers are 5. The 129th ERQS has of California, I commend also critical to the success the primary mission of the men and women of of this deployment,” Colonel performing combat search the 129th Rescue Wing Bagdasarian added. and rescue tasks. The 129th on their 600th and 601st The 129th Airmen deployed is the lead CSAR unit in saves, which demonstrates to Afghanistan hit the ground Afghanistan. their continued dedication running once they arrived in The unit surpassed to saving lives,” said country. the 600 save mark when California Governor Arnold Lt. Col. Daniel Lapostole, members from the 129th Schwarzenegger. “From fires 129th Expeditionary Rescue ERQS rescued two Afghan and hurricanes to combat Squadron commander, National Army soldiers May operations, no challenge assumed command of 15, raising the number of is too great for these the 129th ERQS during a lives saved by the unit from Guardsmen.”

(U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Ray Aquino) 129th Maintenance Group personnel direct an HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopter into a C-17 Globemaster, May 3. (Courtesy photo by Sagar Pathak) Capt. Patrick Slavin, 130th Rescue Squadron C-130 pilot, poses with his children before his

deployment to the Horn (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kim Ramirez) of Africa, April 21. Staff Sgt. Ernesto Godinez, 129th Maintenance Group HH-60G helicopter crewchief, embarks on a C-17 Globemaster for his deployment to Afghanistan, May 3.

Master Sgt. Miguel Toro, 130th Rescue (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Dan Kacir) Squadron loadmaster, spends time with his Staff Sgt. Sean Pellaton, 129th Rescue Squadron children before his deployment to the Horn aerial gunner, embarks on a C-17 Globemaster for of Africa, April 21 his deployment to Afghanistan, May 3. (Courtesy photo by Sagar Pathak)

(U.S. Air Force photo by Guillermo Rivera (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Ray Aquino) Lt. Col. Daniel Lapostole, 129th Expeditionary Rescue The C-17 Globemaster and its crews from McChord Air Force Base, Squadron commander, receives the unit guidon from Col. Wash., arrived at Moffett to pick up passengers and equipment Richard E. Donnelly, 451st Air Expeditionary Group deputy deploying to Afghanistan May 3. commander, during an assumption of command ceremony at Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan, May 5. The Rescuegram Silicon Valley rescue C-130s go digital with data link by Capt. Alyson M. Teeter 129th Rescue Wing Public Affairs Nestled in the center of the world’s technology epicenter is the 129th Rescue Wing of the California National Guard. Search and rescue is the wing’s primary mission, which often involves low-tech but courageous life-saving actions. The mission is about to get a high-tech boost from an innovative communication format called Situation Awareness Data Link, or SADL. A test version of the system was recently installed and evaluated on a 129th MC-130P Combat Shadow tanker. Similar to the Link 16 format used by other Air Force platforms, such as F-15 Eagles, SADL is a military communications system that supports the exchange of tactical information between air and land assets in near real time. Operators can The 129th, along with C-130s from the digitally access this information from command West Virginia Air National Guard’s 130th and control systems instead of receiving verbal Airlift Wing from Charleston and Air Force reports and then annotating the information on Reserve Command’s 910th Airlift Wing from paper. The system is already in use by A-10A/C Youngstown-Warren Air Reserve Station, Ohio, Thunderbolts and some F-16C Fighting Falcons. participated in an Operational Utility Evaluation “When the 129th Rescue Wing responds with AATC at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, to crises such as the California wildfires Ariz., April 13 to 17. and Hurricane Ike last year, a significant “The exercise was a huge step for not only this observation was the need for a self-contained unit but for every unit that participated,” said airborne network capability to facilitate digital Tech. Sgt. Elliott Paige, 130th Rescue Squadron communications between rescue aircraft, radio operator with the 129th Rescue Wing. He pararescue forces, and distant command was the first 130th RQS RO trained on SADL centers,” said Lt. Col. Steve Butow, 129th and coordinated the SADL channels with the Operations Group deputy commander. “These Western Air Defense Sector for training here and rescue forces will no longer be constrained to at the OUE. voice only communications in their life saving “There were Reserve and Guard units working mission.” side-by-side to prove the interoperability of Also recognizing this need for digital airborne this highly capable system, and develop TTPs communications were participants in the Guard [tactics, techniques and procedures] and a and Reserve Weapons and Tactics Conference working solution for aircrews operating this (WEPTAC), which takes place system,” Sergeant Paige said. annually at the Air National After testing SADL at Davis- Guard and Air Force Reserve “It’s only fitting that Monthan, 129th RQW operators Test Center (AATC) in came home with a sense of Tucson, Ariz. Silicon Valley’s spe- accomplishment and are excited “The Situation Awareness about the positive impact SADL Data Link was on the cialized rescue force will have on future missions at primary objective list home and abroad. during WEPTAC the past be amongst the first to “Rescue MC-130Ps will serve four years,” said Maj. Jose as a digital gateway for other Agredano, 129th Operations go digital.” military aircraft and land Group chief of tactics and forces during disaster response 2008 WEPTAC chairman. operations such as a Bay Area “We were able to bring the major players earthquake response,” Colonel Butow said. “It together last year and brainstorm a walk-on is only fitting that Silicon Valley’s specialized solution.” rescue force be amongst the first to go digital.” The service’s need for the system coupled In the coming years, HH-60G Pave Hawk with the 129th RQW’s operational experience helicopters and the Guardian Angel pararescue provided momentum for generating a solution at weapon system will also be equipped with SADL. WEPTAC. “The data link is one of the Air Force’s All three rescue weapon systems will have the highest priorities for today’s joint fight,” Colonel ability to share digital information, which will Butow added. enhance the unit’s ability to save lives. The 129th RQW was one of three units “SADL will revolutionize rescue,” Major evaluating a more permanent SADL solution. Agredano said. “The possibilities are endless.” The Rescuegram Snapshot of the unit’s star performers

Carolann Wunderlin, 129th Tech. Sgt. Fernando Wilkins, Lt. Col. Jack O’Neill, 131st RQS: Staff Sgt. Sean Pellaton, 129th Family Programs: Winner of the 129th MXG: Winner of the 2009 Winner of the Silicon Valley Red RQS: Winner of the 2008 Staff 2008 TAG Award for Excellence National Image, Inc. Meritorious Cross’ Real Hero Award, Military Sgt. Henry E. “Red” Erwin in Family Readiness. Service Award. Category. Award, Airman Category. 129th receives Air Force outstanding unit award by Capt. Alyson M. Teeter Operation Enduring Freedom. 129th Rescue Wing Public Affairs - In May 2007 more than 50 Airmen, along with Members of the 129th Rescue Wing were notified two MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft, deployed April 30 that the wing was the recipient of the to Djibouti for in support of Combined Joint Task 2008 Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. Force-Horn of Africa. “It is my pleasure to notify all members of the - During the 2008 Northern California firefight, 129th RQW that we have received the Air Force Operation Lightning Strike, two HH-60G Pave Outstanding Unit Award for 2008,” said Col. Amos Hawk helicopters and aircrews were certified Bagdasarian, 129th Rescue Wing commander. to perform water bucket drops on the fires for “This is a great achievement and directly reflects the first time in unit history. Overall, the crews on the professionalism and dedication of all our dropped more than 150,000 gallons of water. members.” - Crews stationed in Redding during Operation The award was granted for meritorious service Lightning Strike landed in rugged Northern during December 2006 to November 2008. During California terrain to medevac injured firefighters. this period, the 129th Rescue Wing was credited - The unit assisted the Gulf Coast region in 2008 with saving 40 lives under extreme conditions. during Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, saving 34 From the high desert mountains of Afghanistan to people and 11 dogs. remote areas more than 500 miles off the Pacific - Along with responding to state emergencies, Coast, the safe and successful conduct of each rescue crews performed two long-range over water operation is a testament to the unit’s experience missions. The first was a June 2008 mission 550 and leadership. miles off the coast of California for a critically ill Examples of the unit’s outstanding performance crewmember aboard a cargo vessel. during the award time period: - In July 2008, while still immersed in firefighting - The wing received an overall Excellent operations, crews saved a Canadian fisherman rating during a phase two operational readiness aboard a fishing boat 600 miles off the coast. Both inspection in December 2006. With 14 areas rated patients were transported to the Regional Medical outstanding and 38 areas rated excellent, this Center of San Jose. was the highest point score awarded to a Combat This was the seventh time the wing has been Search and Rescue unit to date. awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. - More than 70 Airmen and three HH-60G “The competition was extremely keen, and each Pave Hawk helicopters deployed for 120-days winner is commended for having been selected to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan in April 2007 from an outstanding group of nominees,” said to perform combat search and rescue and joint Lt. Gen. Harry M. Wyatt, III, director of the Air personnel recovery operations in support of National Guard. The Rescuegram News & Notes FOR THE LATEST NEWS: many more! To sign up or for more info please contact Senior Airman WWW.129RQW.ANG.AF.MIL David Oakley at 559-454-5258, [email protected] Welcome new 129th members! Religious Services Schedule or Barbara Draughn at 559- Capt. Daniel Drag Services take place every 454-5383, barbara.draughn@ Staff Sgt. Adriano Dela Cruz Sunday morning of UTA drill cafres.ang.af.mil. Slots are Staff Sgt. John Nguyen Fulgar weekend in Building 650. limited so sign up now! Staff Sgt. Maria Navarez Schedule of services Staff Sgt. Brian Roshon Catholic: 10:15-10:45 LRS commander opening Senior Airman Joseph Almony Non-denominational: 11:00- Applications are now being Senior Airman Renzo Delia 11:30 accepted for the position of Senior Airman Edward Drew commander, 129th Logistics Senior Airman Howard Kim 2009 Moffett Field Readiness Squadron. All Airman 1st Class Heather Frost Commissary Sidewalk and interested personnel must Airman 1st Class Jimmy Case Lot Sales submit a resume to Lt. Panyanouvong June 5-7 - Sidewalk & Seafood Col. David Jaurique, 129th Airman 1st Class Daniel Tejera July 17-19 - Sidewalk MSG/CD, via email to david. Airman 1st Class Lynn Visitacion Aug. 14-16 - Sidewalk [email protected] no Sept. 4-6 - Case Lot later than June 6. Resumes The following member were Oct. 2-4 - Sidewalk & Seafood are heavily weighed by the recently promoted to their Nov. 6-8 - Sidewalk & Seafood appointing authority and are current rank. Congratulations! Dec. 4-6 - Sidewalk used in determining overall Chief Master Sgt. Chris Hartman eligibility. Tech. Sgt. John Anderson Moffett Field Museum free Any questions may be Tech. Sgt. Matthew Aviles for military and dependents referred to Lt. Col. Jaurique at Tech. Sgt. Walter McCaffrey The museum is open 650-603-9191. Tech. Sgt. Even Poole Wednesday through Saturday, Staff Sgt. Brett Dietz 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and is Marriage Enrichment Staff Sgt. Christopher Laynes located in Building 126 next Seminar openings available to Hangar One. Admission When: July 18-19 Academy of Military Science is free for military and Where: San Diego graduate accompanied dependents. For Who: National Guard 2nd Lt. Michael Foust more information, go to www. couples who have previously moffettfieldmuseum.org or call not attended the Marriage Community College of the Air 650-964-4024. Enrichment Seminar Force graduates How: Register at http:// Chief Master Sgt. James Alsobrook Home Community Care www.prestoregister.com/cgi- Senior Master Sgt. Forest Fernandez Program bin/order.pl?ref=Readyfamilies Master Sgt. Adan Carrillo The Home Community Care &fm=2 Master Sgt. Christopher Dattolico Program is a free UTA child Master Sgt. Nicole Jackson care service open to military AF officials announce new Master Sgt. Rosemarie Stokes members who participate in discrimination hotline Tech. Sgt. Bret Carroll a UTA weekend. For more number Staff Sgt. Theresa Hechler information and access to the The Air Force Discrimination required forms, please go to Hotline has a new toll free The following members the 129th Services CoP on the number that will serve the have retired, separated, or Air Force Portal or call Services total force, active-duty, Guard, transferred to another unit. at 603-9291. Reserve and civilian members. We wish them well and thank The hotline number will ensure them for their service. 1st annual Central Calif. all unlawful discrimination and Col. Thomas Gross Aviation Adventure Teen sexual harassment concerns Col. Lori Marion Camp are quickly identified and Capt. Waseem Iqbal Where: 144th FW ANG Base addressed. Capt. Shawn Perceful and Camp Gaines at Lake The numbers are 888-231- Capt. Charles Phillips Sequoia 4058, 210-565-5214 or DSN Master Sgt. Barbara Apkarian When: July 23-26, 2009 665-5214. The staff at equal Staff Sgt. Johnny Asbury Activities will include: opportunity operations is Senior Airman Paul Geer Paintball, Rock climbing, reminding all units to update Senior Airman Richard Kimbrel High Ropes, Kayaking, Flight their policy letters and official Senior Airman Thomas Ray Simulators, Rifle Range, and postings to reflect the new numbers. The Rescuegram News & Notes cont. conflicts with a social, veteran- 2009 Calendar centric site. VA welcomes veterans home www.oefoif.va.gov focuses on with new Web site, blog the needs and questions of June 6-7: UTA The Veterans Affairs returning veterans, featuring Department has launched a information on benefits, videos, July 11-12: UTA new “Returning Veterans” Web veterans’ stories and a blog site to welcome home veterans where veterans are encouraged Aug. 1-2: UTA of the Iraq and Afghanistan to post feedback. Sept. 12-13: UTA Oct. 3-4: UTA Do you belong to the 129th Alumni and Heritage Oct. 3: Family Picnic Association? You don’t need to be an alumni to be a member. Currently, we have only about 300 members, total! Nov. 7-8: UTA Our goal is to continue the ongoing heritage of the 129th Nov. 7: Wing Awards in through current and past members. We support the wing during deployments and homecoming and have an annual service dress scholarship for wing personnel or their families attending college. Dec. 5-6: UTA Please see your Chief for details. Continue your legacy, please support AHA.

Portrait of a Professional -- Staff Sgt. Jesse Celestino, 129 LRS What is your favorite memory in the AF? While assigned as an F-16 crew chief at Luke I was awarded Airman of the Quarter and given a flight in the aircraft I worked on. After jumping in the back seat and pulling 8 plus G’s I would have to say that memory is at the top of my list. What motivated you to enlist in the AF? My father was a D.I. in the Army and continues his career training cadets in AROTC. Being around him influenced me at a very young age. I knew I wanted in, however he ultimately helped me decide to “go blue”. What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned in the military? The most important lesson I have learned in the military is the value and importance of teamwork. If you could deploy anywhere in the world, where would you go? Anywhere I am needed to support the mission. If you could choose any AF job, which would it be? Why? I wouldn’t mind taking the stick in an F-16 again. Where did you grow up? Seaside, Calif. What is your job in the civilian world? I am employed full-time at the 129th. What would people be surprised to know about you? Selected twice in the sport of wrestling to the Air Force Sports Program, coached by two-time Olympic coach and retired USAF Master Sgt. Rich Estrella. What are your hobbies? I enjoy riding my motorcycle, working on cars, (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Ray Aquino) fishing and traveling. Portrait of a Professional is a monthly profile of an outstanding Staff Sgt. and below. Nominations are routed through the squadron and group commanders. The Rescuegram Training for war (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Mat Wenthe) Staff Sgt. Joseph Kenney, a HH-60G Pave Hawk flight engineer from the 129th Rescue Squadron, carries a simulated injured Airman during the Advance Operator course near Las Vegas, Nev. in March 2009. They were put into varying levels of stressful situations that resemble what they may encounter overseas if forced to land in a non-permissive environment.

129th RQW/PA MOFFETT FAF, CA 94035

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